The forecast is calling for rain—and possibly some snow showers—for the next 15 days. Whether you’re a native Seattleite or a transplant, you’ve probably learned that you need some serious inner happiness (and maybe the assistance of a happy light and vitamin D) to get through Seattle’s soggy winters. Another strategy is to plan warm-weather getaways while we less than patiently await Seattle’s gorgeous summers.
Author: Jennifer Liu
Having great hair can make any day better.
If you’re not familiar, “blowouts” are simple treatments that include a wash and style. Stylists can make your hair wavy, voluminous, or straight. Blow dry bars in Seattle haven’t caught on the way they have in Los Angeles and New York and we’re not sure why—it is a lovely experience having someone wash, dry, and style your hair. At 30% of what a haircut would cost, it leaves you feeling glamorous with event-ready hair that you didn’t have to do yourself!
Bramling Cross is the newest edition to Ethan Stowell’s restaurant empire, clocking in at number twelve.
This American gastropub opened in October and is located in the heart of Ballard. Bramling Cross offers over 50 bottled beers and ciders and 8 draught selections that are always local, some from down the street. We came for brunch on a chilly Saturday morning, about 15 minutes after they opened. No reservations were needed at 10:15 am, but by 11:30 am, it had started to fill up.
Bell + Whete welcomes Jenny Izaguirre (ease-uh-ghee-ray) as their new Executive Chef.
Jenny is replacing Stew Navarre, who will be focusing on sister restaurant Local 360, with occasional collaborations at Bell + Whete. On top of being a talented chef, Jenny has a dynamic, warm personality and a fierce passion for food. She hails from Honduras and is a CIA graduate with nearly 10 years under her belt at various Four Seasons properties around the country. She speaks fluent Spanish, English and basic French and Turkish. We had the pleasure to hang out with Jenny and try some of her dishes last week.
Shiro’s new place is open and it’s better than ever.
It’s 4:43 pm on a Wednesday and there are already nine people lined up outside of Sushi Kashiba. The rain decided to take a break, but it’s dark and cold and there’s another 17 minutes to wait. Promptly at 5:00 pm, the hostess opens the door and we patiently wait as each party in front of us asks for the sushi bar. We’re nervous; will there be any sushi bar seats for us? If no, should we wait until the next seating or should we come back another day? Luckily, we snagged the last two sushi bar seats.
5 fun things to do while visiting Victoria this winter.
Victoria, BC is known for being a popular summer destination and it’s positively wonderful and festive during the winter months too. The holiday cheer is abound. We rode the Victoria Clipper, the most luxurious ferry we’ve ever been on with comfy reclining seats, tasty snacks, and alcohol. Upon arriving two hours and 45-minutes later, we experienced a lovely weekend of relaxation and escape from the big city.
Scroll down to the bottom for your chance to win a pair of round trip tickets on the Victoria Clipper. Winner will be announced on Monday, December 28!
Modern Korean fusion at Pike Place Market.
In this edition of Food Porn, we visited Chan Seattle in the Market, featuring a twist on traditional Korean cuisine. We’ve stopped in for happy hour before a show several times, but hadn’t had the chance to experience the full dinner menu. From ahi tuna and painted hills tenderloin to seafood pancakes, deep fried oysters, and kimchi pork belly, it’s an elevated Korean food experience.
Get glamorous lashes at Seattle’s pioneer lash lounge.
In this edition of Treat Yo Self, we feature Eye Candy, a lash boutique, lash training center, and product distribution center established by two women, Jaymie and Athena. Combined, they have 16 years of experience in the spa industry. Eye Candy was the first Lash Boutique to specialize solely in eyelash extensions in Washington! From firsthand experience, their lash product line is superior in quality and offered an an exceptional value.
A luxurious spa right in the heart of downtown Seattle.
In this edition of Treat Yo Self, we feature Elaia Spa at Hyatt at Olive 8 in downtown Seattle. Located on the second floor of Olive 8, Seattle’s first certified LEED hotel, this day spa is dedicated to eco-friendly practices that minimize impact on the earth. They have sourced the very best organic products from here and around the globe to deliver a truly results-oriented experience. From facial to massages, they have many services to choose from with a knowledgeable and highly-trained staff.
Take an urban retreat in a luxury hotel downtown.
Once you step into the modern and extravagant Grand Hyatt Seattle, it feels like the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are great views of the Pacific Northwest, including of Lake Union, Puget Sound, and Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges. Conveniently located in the heart of Seattle’s thriving retail and theater district with access to downtown shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. For out-of-towners, it’s just blocks from Pike’s Place Market, the Seattle Waterfront and Seattle Great Wheel, and the Space Needle.
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