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  life + style to you: every Friday
November 13th, 2009

Alright, that’s it. We have had it with this week. We are done—we are going to burrow underneath our covers and go to sleep. Wake us up when it’s spring.

Karma certainly had it out for us this week. There was heartache, there were broken computers (after struggling with this one for weeks, it’s about to be chucked out our second-story window for sure), near car accidents, we ripped our new favorite shirt, and a job we were excited about turned out to be nothing like it was supposed to be. It was enough to send us into the loony bin, snugly outfitted in a (pink) straight-jacket.

And we would be typing this from said loony bin if it weren’t for our girls. They rallied around us with words of encouragement, hugs, cocktails, displays of solidarity, and plenty of girl-talk and giggling. Thank heaven for our sisters and best gal-pals—sometimes they are the only things that keep us from hibernating until it’s all over. Things may not be ideal, but at least there is plenty of laughter and cocktails.

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

Working Out the Kinks

We don’t know about the rest of you, but those everyday aches and pains from running in heels to work, or sitting idly in front of the computer all day can really get on our nerves.  And more often than not, our boyfriend don’t really feel like transforming into a masseuse each and every time we need a good back rub.

When we need to straighten out our backs—and inner chi—it’s time for a little bit of yoga. Rain City Yoga is our latest haunt—an inspired expression of Sutra, Hot, Vinyasa, and other practices of yoga that we really can’t pronounce. The entrance to the New York-ish loft-style studio is complete with a narrow, almost secret staircase, at the top of which we were greeted by a large wooden-floored room.  One wall was completely windowed, peering out onto the busy world below. And with a host of incredibly knowledgeable and patient instructors, we found our inner yogi with a room full of students—from the novice to über-experienced. 

Thus, recharged, we went home and gave our boyfriend the massage we thought we needed!

Rain City Yoga
5014 Roosevelt Way N.E., Suite B
Seattle, WA 98105
206.729.YOGA
www.raincityyoga.com

       
  2

Gimme a Piece of That! 

With the fall chill in the air and a pumpkin-spice latte in hand, we’re thinking of our favorite things about this season. Long cashmere scarves, tall calf-skin boots, skinny jeans with extra-long cozy cardigans, and pie. Yes, pie. There’s something about this time of year that makes us want one of Granny’s handcrafted apple pies. Honestly, when faced with one of those delicious delights, it’s hard not to eat the whole thing.  

Thankfully, we can have our fill of pie—in all flavors and varieties—at Seattle Pie Company. The owners are also the chefs, so they put their all into every turn of the rolling pin. We’re telling you, the smell of fresh baking pie is enough to make you forget all about the pile of paperwork sitting on your desk. One slice of the apple crumb pie and you’ll be transported to paradise, and if you want a little something before you dive into dessert, they have a menu full of savory sandwiches and other eats.  

Believe us, we are picky about our pies, and this place makes us want to come back every single day.  
 
Seattle Pie Company 
3111 W. McGraw St., Suite 101  
Seattle, WA 98199 
206.718.8591
www.seattlepiecompany.com

       
  3

Thread Cred

Back in college we studied abroad in South America during the summer quarter. Argentina, to be specific. We pictured sunny, sandy beaches, horseback riding in the Pampas, and lots of skirt-wearing action. Not so much. They don’t tell you in the brochures that it’s winter in the southern hemisphere from June to late September. No big deal. Have you heard about Argentina leather and Peruvian wools?

Probably, thanks to Beyond Threads in downtown. Yes, we know Beyond Threads from their line of adorably cozy-chic sweaters, coats and wraps, sold in places like Nordies and local boutiques, but more recently from their own store at the Inn at the Market. Beyond Threads is feminine, classic, and comfortable—and really is beyond threads because the entire line is made from the finest alpaca and Pima cottons produced and imported from Peruvian cottage-industry craftsman. 

We Seattle girls know how to wear a sweater—and we wear them well. But as often as we have to sport them during our nine-month-long rainy season, it’s safe to say that we’re winter-wear professionals with the help of Beyond Threads.

Beyond Threads
1603 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
206.326.5557
www.beyondthreads.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

Oh… My… Goodness

How did something so cute appear before us? Imagine two of your favorite things—dresses, and supersoft sweatshirt fleece—joined as one in something you can actually wear out of the house.

Snuggies, we banish you. This Gathered Hoodie Dress by Portland designer Emily Ryan is so freakin adorable (and chic! and cool!)—we plan on living in it. Available in sizes small, medium, and large at emilyryan.etsy.com.

Gathered Hoodie Dress

       
  2

So I Smell

There’s nothing that makes us feel sexier than perfume. Stilettos and garters be damned… it’s the smelling nice that gets our man’s motor running. 

So you can only imagine our excitement over the sweet scents from Olympia’s Wiggle Perfume Oils, which range from sugary Speakeasy Vanilla to musky Anjali. The dozens of varieties might seem overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong. Whether it’s earthy Annabelle or floral Valdosta, a little Wiggle definitely makes our world go 'round. 

www.wiggleperfume.etsy.com

       
  3

Put it in Writing

With all the tweeting and Facebooking, we’ve had a yen to get back to more personal communication. And for us, that means whipping out a pen and some flirty, feminine paper from Heidi K. 

Customized with your name or initials, stationery is the perfect way to remind your friends and followers that you can still manage the personal touch. Invites, calling cards or labels, Heidi K. offers a fabulous way to stay connected… even when you’re offline. 

www.heidikpapers.com

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Pampered in Portland

One of Portland’s most glamorous hotels has three amazing holiday packages right now: “Holiday Sip ’N Slippers” has wine tasting, “Shop the Pearl” has the Pearl Pass (with discounts at more than 100 Pearl businesses!) and the granddaddy of them all—the “Suite Gathering” —is perfect for a private party in the Grand or Presidential Suite. We’re booking all three!

What: Holiday Packages at the Benson Hotel
When: Now through Jan. 3, 2010
Where: The Benson Hotel, 309 SW Broadway, Portland
Call: 503.228.2000
Visit: www.bensonhotel.com

       
  2

A Different Kind of Christmas Story

One of our favorite things to do during the Christmas season is to soak up all the holiday shows. On our list this year is definitely Sister’s Christmas Catechism. This holiday mystery extravaganza is complete with audience participation, local choirs at every performance, and lots of laughs. Gets us in the spirit!

What: Sister’s Christmas Catechism
When:  Nov. 27 through Jan. 3, 2010
Where: ACT Theatre, 700 Union St.
Call: 206.292.7660
Visit: www.acttheatre.org

       
  3

Happy Anniversary, Indeed!

It’s the first anniversary for Mountain Hardwear’s Seattle store, and we’re totally pumped. With the wind, rain and chill here to stay for the next eight months, we’re ready to stock up on cozy polar fleece, rain jackets and more for all our outdoor escapades this winter. Plus, Elevated Rewards members get freebies! Bring on the great outdoors.

What: Mountain Hardwear’s One Year Anniversary
When: Tuesday, Nov. 25–Monday, Nov. 30
Where: 250 Pine St.
Call: 206.441.2639
Visit: www.mountainhardwear.com

       
 

So much good stuff, so little time!  You better print this puppy out so you don’t miss any of the goodness. And don’t forget to tell everyone that Seattle Picks hooked you up with the info! (Sign up a friend for free at www.SeattlePicks.com!)  

       
       
 

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