Shows that welcome 2016: Music to our ears.

If you’re like us, you appreciate having New Year’s Eve options that don’t break the bank and that incorporate entertainment aside from simply guzzling so-so drinks in a chock-a-block bar. This holiday seems to carry loaded expectations for many, so we’ve come up with a few low-pressure ideas that promise to start off the next calendar year on a great musical note. 

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! 

Is dog clothing really necessary?

In this edition of Dog Days, we seek the answer to the common question, ‘Is dog clothing really necessary?’ Having a small dog, I buy clothing to keep her warm on walks outside during the cold winter months. When my husband first met my dog he asked, “Is the pink, puffy jacket really necessary?” The answer is yes! Minus the pink and puffy, many dogs need to be bundled up during Seattle’s cold weather.

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JINGLE BELL RUN/WALK 5K | DECEMBER 13, 2015

The cut-off to register online for this event is TOMORROW, December 10th, so grab your crew and sign up ASAP! We’ve done this race several times and it’s one of the most spirited and fun holiday events in Seattle! Plus, you get a little exercise in, which really just means you get to order that side of french toast with your eggs benedict. The run/walk benefits the Arthritis Foundation.

Treat your people right this holiday season

‘Tis that festive, twinkling season when hot toddies warm our bodies and the spirit of giving warms our souls. If you’re like us, you’re probably over presenting generic gifts that merely get the job done. That’s why we’ve gathered some unique, local treasures we think will make the perfect present for someone (or someones) you love.

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URBAN CRAFT UPRISING | SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5-6

Seattle’s largest indie craft fair will be Saturday and Sunday December 5th – 6th. This is the perfect opportunity to pick out handmade goods for your friends and family this holiday season.

This highly popular event has been running in Seattle since 1995 and currently happens twice a year. The show is carefully curated with over 150 vendors. More than 16,000 fans will attend the event over the course of the weekend.

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.