These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Have you ever been to a blow dry bar?  I finally took the plunge and tried this hot new hair trend while in Santa Monica for my sister's *surprise* engagement party.  In case you've never heard of this, the gist: $35 for a shampoo, scalp massage, blow dry, and style.  No cuts, no color.  I tried to study their blow drying habits to emulate at home (no such luck), but regardless, my hair looked fantastic for 3 days straight. In other words, I'm sold!  Dry Bar was where we went for this particular visit, but there are many other boutiques and chains that offer similar services.  In Seattle, Swink Style Bar and Obadiah Salon, just to name a few. 

Might this be one of your favorite things as well?  If you've never tried one before, I highly recommend you treat yourself.  It is the perfect quick pick-me-up, or an ideal way to primp and look smashing before a special event!

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Elf the Musical

Last night I went and saw Elf the Musical with two of my college girlfriends.  All three of us are HUGE fans of the movie, and were quoting all of Will Ferrell's hilarious one liners non stop throughout happy hour up until the moment the curtain opened.

Now, we all know Will Ferrell's character Buddy makes Elf the movie.  His child-like awe, enthusiasm, and ridiculous behavior is the best part.  So... we weren't sure how that would translate to theater, with a different character playing the lead, Buddy the Elf.  Plus, the addition of song and dance numbers, something that isn't really present in the movie.

The verdict: the play was hilarious!!!  The play followed the same storyline as the movie, with entertaining and jazzy song and dance numbers peppered throughout.  There was a particularly funny Santa number with a slough of drunk Santas marooning at a bar - amazing!  And Buddy the stage version - hilarious!  So funny!  My friends and I were laughing out loud, and talking about the play all the way home (always a good sign in my opinion).

It's only playing in Seattle or NYC, if you live close by, I highly recommend it!

Ethiopian Cooking Class

This has been my week of cooking classes! Last Thursday I took an Indian cooking class and ate wonderful curries and such, and Monday night, my friend and I ventured to an Ethiopian cooking class in Pike Place Market.

This particular class was vegetarian class, and together we made shiro wot, timatim selata, gomen, yatakilt wot, misser wot, all served with fresh injera. The best part of the class in my humble opinion was that the instructor's family was from Ethiopia. As such, he had many personal stories and anecdotes to share that accompanied the food and truly brought it to life.

I forgot my camera but took a few photos on my iphone, so please excuse the sub-par quality.

The final product...

This was a very flavorful, hearty meal, with a kick of spice.

myphotos

Shortcut to Nirvana

Last night my friend and I took an Indian cooking class, with the clever name "Shortcut to Nirvana." I've always enjoyed Indian food, the bright colors, exotic spices, and of course, the sweet, sour, salty, and sweet blends of flavors.

Here's what we made last night; veggie samosas; papadums with mango chutney, raita, and chile-cilantro sauce; saag paneer; spicy fish curry; chicken tikka masala; and mango lassis to drink. Everything was sooo good!

The best part, unlike other cooking classes I've taken, most of these recipes used dry ingredients, so I'm *hoping* I'll be able to remake most at home. Anyone feel like an Indian dinner party ??

image/gourmet magazine

Date at the Museum

Picasso is in town...(well, the exhibit that is). I'm an art history major and always eager to scope out new museum exhibits. When I heard that a collection of Picasso's works from the Musée National Picasso in Paris were coming to Seattle, I jumped at the chance to see this monumental artist's works in person.

My boyfriend and I headed to the SAM (Seattle Art Museum) for a day date. The exhibition was really interesting, they did a nice job at covering the span the art he created throughout the span of his life rather than just focusing on pieces from his most famous period - Cubism. After our day at the museum, we cruised Pike Place Market, and had lunch at one of it's finest bakeries, Le Panier. What a fun Saturday!

Garnet Yams

My CSA organic produce box arrives today with bunches of edible goodness, including a vegetable that is a mystery to me...garnet yams.

In an effort to use all of the bounty that arrives in my bi-weekly box, I'm determined to actually use these...somehow. Does anyone know what to do with garnet yams? Right now, my only glimmer of an idea is usual yam-marshmallow-brown sugar Thanksgiving dish, but I'd love other ideas if you have any!

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Soon to be Delivered

I joined a CSA! A few of my friends convinced me to make the switch, and I'm now a proud soon-to-be recipient of local organic produce, delivered to my doorstep! How fabulous is that?! I ended up going with this local Seattle company - New Roots Organics, per some great reviews.

My first box is set to include cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, sweet peppers, heirloom fingerling potatoes, broccoli, spinach, dapple fire pluots, ginger gold apples, and local peaches. It was also slated to include rainbow chard and fennel - but I subbed those out for avocados and nectarines. Can't wait to start cooking!

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Glassybaby

In case you haven't heard of glassybaby, these little glass votives are all the rage (at least in Seattle). They're hand blown glass sold in a few locations around the Seattle area. But twice a year they have a seconds sale, where votives that are not considered "perfect" are marked down considerably, and on sale in an all-you-can-grab free for all.

This is what I did Saturday morning. My friend Makaela and I grabbed coffee, and went to the store to find a line that spanned 3-city blocks. The craziest thing was, the people in front of us drove 2 hours South from Bellingham to wait in line! We heard rumors of others driving in from Puyallup, and a rumored visitor from Alaska! Kind of crazy all this madness for glass!

Once we crept up the long line slowly, we realized the line was nothing compared to the warehouse - inside was a mad house! An all out glass brawl if you will, no holding back! We elbowed our way through the crowds and came out victorious, a few glassybaby's each. Success! All in all, it was a very exciting morning, and I was home by 11:30 AM!

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Buy Local

I really like this print by Claudia G. Pearson on etsy. I'm trying to make an effort to buy locally, and made the realization that up until now, I haven't bought much locally out of convenience. I would prefer to buy all of my fresh produce and meats from local butchers and farmers market, but honestly a lot of the time I just don't have the time, and it's easier to swing into a local Safeway or grocery store on the way home.

Thus, I'm entertaining the idea of a CSA box. A few of my friends use this local producer - Full Circle Farms, and have had great success. I'm liking the idea of fresh local veggies magically appearing on my doorstep. I'm intrigued by the idea, but curious if it's worth the money. I'd hate to have too much produce and be forced to throw food away. Do any of you use a CSA box? Reviews?

image/etsy
via designsponge

Red Cups

While I typically would rather support the java underdog, I find Starbucks' red cups irresistible. Gingerbread, peppermint, and egg nog lattes - oh my! Well actually, nonfat gingerbread lattes and peppermint mochas are my drinks du jour, and since the season of red cups is short lived, 'tis the season to indulge!

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Deep Blue

On our mutual day off during Spring Break, my guy and I decided to be tourists and venture to Pike Place Market and then the Seattle Aquarium. I am simultaneously fascinated and petrified by deep water, or more what lurks within the deep water. While our aquarium excursion lovely, it was nothing quite like this!
Check out this fantastic aquarium! The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, Japan. This aquarium features the Kuroshio Seas, a 7,500-cubic meter tank (1,981,290 gallons of water) featuring an underwater deep of whale sharks and manta rays.

images/web-japan

Giraffes in Love

When my students ask me what my favorite animal is I usually say "giraffe." In reality, if I had to make a list of favorite animals, giraffe would actually be in my top 5, rather than my #1, but who's counting? The answer of "giraffes!" happily satisfies 7 & 8-year olds, because giraffes are such odd, visually intriguing animals. Unique, awkward, yet utterly lovable. Upon our recent class field trip to the zoo, the Savannah (home to lions, ostriches, zebras, and giraffes) was the place topping every students "We have to see this!" list.

I thought this giraffes in love card by turtlepapers was super cute. A lovey-dovey card perfect for an equally quirky, occasionally awkward, but lovable, someone special.

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Green on Green

You know I love glassybaby. This vase is featured on their website, can't wait until these babies hit the market. I love the green on green look, it is quintessential Spring.

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Photogenic Pooch

Meet Erin Vey: dog photographer extraordinaire! I came across this Seattle photographer via Daily Candy. Ideal for that canine lover who invests in flair for their beloved pooch...A portfolio of candid prints would definitely complete that subtle tribute to the unparalleled member of the brood - the family dog.

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Don't Forget the Clutch

When sustainable materials meets attractive accessory, you know you've encountered a winning pair. Meet Heather Heron, handbag and clutch designer whose products boast organic, durable waterproof material, sturdy with a finish that resembles linen. Even I did a double-take upon viewing Heather Heron's intro on Daily Candy - "Wait what?? These are organic??" What do you know - they are!

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Spring Lights

Festive, spring shades of glassybaby votives are in. While these glass-blown votives are a tad pricy, the website's tag line sums up their longevity pretty well: Flowers wilt, chocolates melt, glassybaby forever...

I concur. Check out my previous shout out...

image/glassybaby

Hello...who is it?

I love the look of rotary dial phones. They just have a classic look about them, an old fashioned elegance that might just inspire you to pick up the phone instead of sending that quick, oh-so-convenient e-mail.

I'd been searching for an affordable rotary phone of my own to add some vintage flair to my new place, when I came across these darling Russell Johnson Imports phones on Daily Candy. This baby blue one is my absolute favorite!

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Glow

My aunt happens to be next-door-neighbors with the founder of glassybaby. These glass candle votives are hand blown from different shaded color rods to create a mix of opaque, translucent, and deeply colored glasses. When lit they produce a warm, inviting glow. There are 53 rich colors to choose from, to compliment your room of choice. My aunt prefers the loud reds, yellows, and vibrant greens, while my Mom is a fan of the pastel collection. Either way, they are a beautiful way to lighten up a room.