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August 7th, 2009
Holy heat wave! Personally, we’ve been loving this hot weather, but what we are not loving is all the complaining we have heard this week. It was like everyone’s status updates on Facebook were suddenly weather blogs—and minute-by-minute, whiny ones at that. Ok, so we understand that some of y’all don’t have air conditioning (neither do we) but really, if Seattleites complain about the cold and gray, and then complain about the sun and heat, eventually, Mother Nature is going to just punish our picky, complaining ways and we’ll never see the sun again. Karma, baby. We say, embrace the heat wave. Have a Popsicle for breakfast. Run through the sprinkler with your kids. Go night-swimming. Sleep in a tent under the stars. Take the day off from working out because it’s too dangerous (heat stroke, you know). We only get a few short weeks of this kind of weather every year, so learn to love it, people. Even if your makeup is dripping down your face and you need a total body anti-perspirant—at least we’re all in the same boat! |
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Seattle Picks: |
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| 1 | Let the Sun Shine In All this strange bright light shining in the windows has us all discombobulated. It’s also shown us that we need to dust more often. But more than that, it has highlighted the need for something special to spruce up our décor. On a tip from a friend, we trekked over to Whimsy Home Décor on Capitol Hill and were wowed. Whimsy is just that—packed to the gills with whimsy. Contemporary shapes, fun accents, unique lighting—you’ll find a mix of inventory you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. And while not everyone can pull off an orange suede Lexis chair, you might go for a fabulous mirrored cabinet or opt for some new dishes or mod glassware to give your space some zing. You could even choose those old standbys (throw pillows), but these have fun details like oversize metal grommets, fish appliqués or even mini-shells. There’s absolutely nothing boring at Whimsy. We snagged a red Milano accent table and it truly makes our living room shine. Maybe next time we’ll splurge on a custom floor rug—red cowhide might be just the thing. Whimsy Home Décor & Unique Furnishings |
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| 2 | Homemade Heaven With the recent heat wave, we have had to fight hard not to eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now, we know pretty much everyone likes ice cream, but we love it. We even use the kid that lives next door as an excuse to run after the ice-cream truck. So when we heard people gushing over Molly Moons, we thought, could it really be that amazing? We pondered it for a while and then it started popping up everywhere. It seems that all our friends on Facebook found this treasure last year (where have we been?) and have been enjoying the delights for months already. And truly, this place is incredible. Molly creates handmade flavors from that rotate with the seasons (salted caramel, anyone?), and she’s always making use of the freshest ingredients. One lick and we were in love. Platforms sandals may not be the best for heading to this gem since the lines can be long, but nothing has ever been more worth it. Especially on a hot day. Molly Moons |
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| 3 | Under the Boardwalk Seeking refuge from the Seattle summer blaze (no, we’re not complaining!), we’re all about taking full advantage of our opulent resources for outdoor activities and enjoying beautiful scenery. One of our faves—Ballard—is where we get a little bit of everything: shopping, dining, culture (Scandinavian, that is) art and boats… lots of boats. But in heat waves like these, we’re looking for spots where we can lounge and relax with no demands, stresses or sunburns. Enter the Balmar. Located in the center of all the Ballard action, the Balmar’s got a little bit of everything. Totally urban chic, this spot offers late happy hours from 5–7 pm, and again from 10 pm–midnight, featuring dishes all under $5! The Balmar also supports local farmers and suppliers, including Ballard-based Tall Grass Bakery, Better Meat Company, and Full Circle Farms in Carnation, and features local celebrity artists like Ethan Jack Harrington, known for his surrealistic Seattle landscapes and sultry portraits. A little bit of nosh? Check! A little bit of art and culture? Check! Swanky, air-conditioned venue and delish cocktails, double check! The BalMar |
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| Chick Picks: | |||
| 1 | Bette Davis Eyes We’ve been pretty up front with you about our mascara addiction. We’ve tried them all, from drugstore bargains to designer “investment mascaras,” and frankly we’re not sure there’s that much of a difference. So we decided to try something else—actually renewing our lashes instead of glooping them up. neuLash to the rescue! It’s an active eyelash technology™ that can naturally improve the appearance of your lashes and brows… in as little as two weeks! It conditions and protects them, so they’re fuller and healthier. Love! |
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| 2 | Here Comes the Sun Had enough yet? If you’re still brave enough to peek a toe outside, we recommend you wear sunblock on your face, neck and hands. Lots of it. And Keys Solar RX sunblock has been rated the safest cosmetic sunblock you can buy! It’s true! Zinc-based with a fantastic moisturizer, it’s all-natural, chemical-free, and can even treat redness, rosacea, age spots and melasma. Genius. Find Keys Solar RX at Fez Studio, Camellia Pure Beauty, and Market of Choice in West Linn! |
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| 3 | What a Sham! Modern bedding is basic—two pillowcases, two sheets and that’s all you need, right? But remember how nice shams look on a bed? From Palm Springs to Parsippany, the chicest beds are bringing back this forgotten favorite. A sham is such an easy way to add a pop of pattern and color to a room, and we are in total lurv with Rubie Green’s small selection, especially the bright, retro-inspired Tillinghast print in 300-thread-count organic cotton percale and eco-friendly inks. Heaven! |
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Hip Happenings: |
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| 1 | Here’s To You! If you love handbags, then you know the only place to find exactly what you’re looking for is Clutch. Like you, we’re also Clutch devotees. Next week they are celebrating their 2-year anniversary with a swanky party, complete with gift bags, champagne, food and of course, discounts. Come help us celebrate their fabulousness! What: Clutch’s Two-Year Anniversary Party |
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| 2 | Love Your Genes Buying jeans can be harrowing experience – unless you do it right. Make it an enjoyable experience by attending the Great Denim Event at Redmond Town Center. With a denim fashion show, denim fit experts to guide you, and more, you are sure to find the perfect pair to complement your body type. What: Great Denim Event |
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| 3 | Does it Get Any Better? It’s the last week to save up to 70% off on brands like Annelore, Chie Mihara and James Perse at the Promesse sale. We found an effortlessly chic dress from Mint by Jody Arnold for a steal! Plus, update your denim to this season’s hottest looks with a special buy-one-get-one-free deal. Woot woot! What: Promesse Sale and Denim Promotion |
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| 4 | Wax On, Wax Off Ahh—the season of waxing. Waxing is never more crucial than during summer when itty bitty bikinis are a wardrobe staple. Save some cash and check out the waxing happy hour at Gary Manuel Salon downtown—during August, all waxing services are 20% off. At least that part doesn’t hurt! What: Gary Manuel Salon Waxing Happy Hour |
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| 5 | Sidewalk Sale There is a little-known treasure hiding on the Eastside that you must check out immediately. Gilman Village is hosting their 5th Annual Sidewalk Sale this weekend with up to 65% off on fashions, home accessories, décor, gifts and more. Don’t forget to check out Lizzie Parker’s new boutique while you’re there! What: Gilman Village Sidewalk Sale |
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Know what we can’t get enough of? Making new friends, so go ahead and tweet your heads off about Seattle Picks, or sign up a friend for her own free subscription at www.SeattlePicks.com. Xoxo! |
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