October 28, 2015
Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Seattle
Breakfast:
Moore Coffee
1930 2nd Ave. Seattle, WA
This is another must stop for all coffee lovers...and waffles enthusiast. They have unique mocha flavors like Mexican Mocha and Nutella Mocha, plus they do the most impressive milk art I have ever seen. Hungry? Get one of their delicious waffles. The husband and I love Nutella so he got the Nutella Banana, while I got just got the Nutella Waffle. What is so special about this? Well it's not like they just blob on Nutella, o no. It's almost like a Nutella syrup that is drizzled on. Not overly sweet for breakfast.
Explore:
Seattle's Waterfront
After breakfast head down to Seattle's Waterfront. This is where you'll find beautiful views of West Seattle, Seattle's Great Wheel, and catch the ferries to nearby islands and towns. You'll also find the aquarium down here.
Pike Place Market
Head to the Pike Place Market to take in some local crafts and food. It's a total bummer that we didn't have a kitchen and couldn't try any of the fresh fish at the market. Make sure to find Starbuck's first ever location. They even still have their original logo up. While down in the area stop by The Pike Brewery for lunch!
Lunch:
The Pike Brewery
1415 1st Ave Seattle, WA
pikebrewing.com
Whenever the husband and I go away somewhere we always want to try and find some local brews. And it's doesn't get any more local then The Pike Brewery. They brew their own beers right there, you can even take a tour of their facility. If you are a beer lover like us try their flights. We did their seasonal flight and was not disappointed. We ordered some nachos with pulled pork to go along with it. After the flight I ended up ordering their pumpkin beer called Harlot's Harvest and the husband got their amber ale.
Explore:
Ballard
Take a 15 minute cab ride up to the neighborhood of Ballard. This is a small sweet neighborhood north of Downtown. Don't be fooled by Ballard's quiet town feel. There are plenty of small shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to check out. Honestly, I could easily move to Ballard. It reminds me of Brooklyn in it's own way. Two of my favorite stores were Lucca Great Finds (5332 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle WA) and Camelion Design (5330 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle WA). After taking a stroll through Ballard stop by The Walrus and the Carpenter for an early dinner.
Dinner:
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4739 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle WA
www.thewalrusbar.com
Make sure to get to The Walrus and the Carpenter early, esp. on the weekends. They open at 4pm, so the husband and I got there right before they opened, and thank god we did. By the time it was 4pm there was a line down the hall for this place. It's a small cute little space with yummy seafood bites. My husband really loved their clams and enjoyed their oysters. As I'm not a raw seafood person I opted for the Fried Oysters and we shared the cured pork loin. Also you must order the bread and butter. I know that sounds bizarre, but the butter is so good. It's whipped to creamy light perfection.
Coffee & Desserts:
Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting
1124 Pike St. Seattle, WA
roastery.starbucks.com
Enjoy some after dinner coffee back in Downtown. The Starbucks Reserve is unlike any other Starbucks you have been too. It's big and beautiful, with two different ordering bars. Here you can see them roast their Reserve coffee beans, taste flights of their reserve coffee or try special drinks that are only found at the Reserve. I had tried the Autumn Latte the first time we went and then the second day I tried the Shakerato Bianco. Yes, we went twice. I could have went more to be honest.
Drinks and Late Snacks:
McMenamins Six Arms
300 E. Pike Street Seattle, WA
Another local brewery found in Downtown Seattle, nestled on a corner of Pike and Melrose. This place is two stories, big space and good crowd. The best is that it's not overly loud and a great place to grab some brews and cocktails. Since the husband and I had an early dinner we wanted something to snack on and this place had truffle fries and wings, which we dug into without hesitation.
DAY 2
Breakfast:
OddeFellows Cafe + Bar
1525 10th Ave Seattle, WA
www.oddfellowscafe.com
By far this was my favorite place we ate at. Brunch was beyond amazing. Their coffee was smooth and endless. If you stop here you MUST get the beignets. You get 5 small freshly made beignets COVERED in powered sugar with a side of strawberry jam. The jam taste just like the inside of a jelly doughnut but better. We both got the biscuit sandwich and ate ourselves into a food coma. The biscuit was so fresh and the scrambled eggs were light and fluffy. We got there early and by the time we left (10:30ish am) there was a bit of a wait for a table. So I recommend getting their early to start your day off right! And FULL.
Explore:
The Space Needle
www.spaceneedle.com
Okay totally touristy but it's something I think you should go and take in. You get a beautiful view of the city. Unfortunately Saturday morning was a bit hazy, and started to drizzle but I still appreciated going. I feel like if this is the first time to the city, this is a tourist must. Sort of like how people come to NYC and go to the Empire State Building. Right next store is the Chihuly Garden and Glass, if you so choose to check it out.
Pacific Place Mall
Okay so the real reason we ended up at Pacific Place was to stop by Trophy Cupcakes (the small kisko is downstairs in the main mall entrance. And if you love cupcakes like us you should go checkout this place. We got the Apple Caramel Cupcake and it was almost too pretty too eat!) But since we don't have any Nordstorms in NYC (plus it's a Seattle based company) I dragged the husband in. I'm so in love with Nordstorm and so jealous of those who have local stores. They had every brand that I could ever want in one location, Topshop, Madewell, Miss Selfridge, etc. I could have spent all afternoon there browsing the racks. But I felt bad enough dragging the husband in that I only spent an hour or so oogling over their goods.
Lunch:
Lunchbox Laboratory
1253 Thomas St Seattle, WA
lunchboxlaboratory.com
If you are looking for a fun funky place...this is it. Lunchbox Laboratory serves up some yummy burger options and shakes (including adult shakes). After you chow down on some tater tots and burgers head upstairs where you'll find some old school arcade games.
Explore:
Downtown Seattle
There are so many little shops, bars, and coffee places to stop by on both East Pike and Pine Streets. Checkout Melrose Market for more local crafts and eats. It was hard not to buy everything from Butter Home. There's another cupcake place which we didn't stop into but now I'm kicking myself for, Cupcake Royale. Stop into Quinn's Pub for a cold one.
Dinner:
Re:Public
429 Westlake Ave N Seattle, WA
republicseattle.com
One thing I noticed about Seattle was the amazing happy hours and happy hour food specials. That are DAILY! If your into sharing small plates get to Re:Public early to take part in their happy hour menu from 4pm to 6pm. Their sliders and fries (with the alioli trio) were banging. But the husband and I also split the Wild Boar Bolognese. Which was the 3rd best thing he ate in Seattle (he was there longer then me since he was out there for work).
Drinks and Late Snacks:
Barrio
1420 12th Ave Seattle, WA
I love me a good margarita. So when I come across one as delicious as theirs...I need to have at least two. Barrio is a cute Mexican Restaurant off of East Pike street. First off all you are greeted by two huge wooden doors, then you walk into a gorgeous space with lit candles everywhere. Their Ghost Chili Margarita is one of the best margs that I have ever had. The Ghost Chili wasn't over powering but had a nice hinted kick to it. Barrio also has a late night menu as well from apps to desserts. Don't pass on the guca and chips!
48 hours for me flew by. There is so much to see, do, and eat in Seattle. I didn't have one bad meal while there! Everyone we met was super friendly, and there were so many pups! I love dog friendly cities. I absolutely want to go back...and 2 hours from Portland or just 2 hours from Vancouver!
October 21, 2015
Style Guide: How to Wear a Sleeveless Sweater
Sweater: Adam Lippes for Target | Jeans: Zara | Boots: Aldo (similar style here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff |
Sunglasses: Feathers Boutique
Sunglasses: Feathers Boutique
1. Layered. For the cooler days layer it with a long sleeve shirt underneath. If it's a multi-colored top like the one I'm wearing. Try a neutral color that matches the palette (white, off white, beige, black). Or throw on a jacket over it, motorjackets will toughen up the look.
2. Over the Knee Boots. Over the knee boots work well with short sleeveless sweaters as well as long ones. Just keep in mind lengths, if doing a long sweater vest do a heeled over the knee boot. By picking black boots and black jeans it tricks the appearance of longer legs.
3. Neutral Bottoms. I love keeping things simple and clean...especially when my top is busy. Patterns and fringe and a cowl neck makes for a busy top. To keep things uncluttered, do a neutral paired bottom (black, white, beige).
October 19, 2015
Inspirational Monday: Choose Your Mood
Sweater: Forever21 | Shirt: c/o Lifetherapy | Jeans: Forever21 | Boots: Olukai | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff |
Sunglasses: Feathers Boutique
We've all had those days (weeks or even month) where we are in a funk that we can't shake. Lately I've been feeling like there is never enough time to get everything done. Work...school...homework...gym...LIFE. It's been hard, so stress has been an easy mood to slip into. For me when I'm in a mood I try to do things that I enjoy...or just take 5 minutes for myself. Whether it's buying a yummy pastry from my favorite cafe (Nutella Beignets from Maman) or taking a stroll in the park. When your in a funk take a breather...go do some yoga, drink some coffee, and just relax your mind. Your mood is within you...you just need to find out ways to search for it.
Lifetherapy creates scents that help create positive vibes. Fill your life with positivity and create an atmosphere that will exude happiness. Let Lifetherapy help curate your mood with their scents. They have everything you need to create your vibe, from body lotions to fragrances. #ChooseYourMood
October 14, 2015
Outfit Post: A Blue Fall
Sweater, Dress & Hat: Urban Outfitters | Boots: c/o Ted & Muffy | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Don't mind me I'm just having a blue hue moment. I gave you all fair warning that I'll be wearing these Ted & Muffy boots all fall long. I had picked this UO dress up last month and have been waiting for the perfect day to wear this whole look. It's so mod, and I love it.
October 12, 2015
Weekend Wear: Post Card from Cold Spring, NY
Jacket: Zara | Sweater: H&M | Jeans: Madewell | Shoes: ASOS | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: Feathers Boutique
If you want to visit a place that is postcard perfect then you need to take a ferry ride up to Cold Spring, NY. For my birthday my husband bought us a ferry trip to Cold Spring. No this isn't the only way to get up there, you can take MetroNorth, but this is the most scenic way to get there. We are talking about breath taking views of the Hudson River Valley. My favorite part was the Hudson Highlands and the view of Cold Spring. We got to take in the quite town of Cold Spring as well. We stopped to eat at a little cafe that had Pumpkin Spice Pancakes (which were amazing) and stopped in a small coffee shop for a Hot Spiced Apples Cider. We also did a little shopping. I'm so in love with this town. The tiny shops were so adorable. If you ever go visit please stop by The Silver Spoon Cafe, The General Store, The Gift Hut, and this tiny pet shop that has adoptable kittens in the window. You will not be disappointed.
How was your weekend?
October 9, 2015
Foodie Friday: Chewy Apple Oatmeal Pie Cookies
There is nothing more delectable in the fall then apple pie, hot lattes, and pumpkin spice everything. The new Laura Geller Delectable eyeshadow palette totally inspired me to get into the kitchen and start baking again. Her new nude eyeshadow palette is the perfect shades to create bronze smokey eyes or a barely there look. These colors are so pretty that you can almost eat them. The shades of nudes reminded me of fall baked goods like apple pies and pumpkin whoopie pies...but I wanted to try something new. So I tried out a Apple Oatmeal Pie Cookie recipe from Amy's Healthy Baking...which I adapted into my own recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup instant oats
3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
5 tbsp milk (I used 2%)
1/2 light brown sugar
1 cup finely diced rep apple (or green apple...I used a grannysmith for tart taste)
STEPS:
1. Whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl
2. In a separate bowl whisk together butter, egg and vanilla. Then add in the light brown sugar and milk. Whisk together.
3. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
4. Fold in the apples
5. Chill for 30 minutes
6. Pre-heat oven at 325 degrees
7. Drop cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops onto a cookie sheet (use parchment paper or oil spray) and slightly flatten.
8. Bake at 325 degrees for 13-15 minutes.
9. Cool on pan for 10 minutes until transferring on wire rack
10. Enjoy with a latte or spiked apple cider.
These came out nice and chewy but for me they need a little something extra...just an extra bit of sweetness. I added some cinnamon sugar on top (1 tbsp of cinnamon and 1 tbsp of sugar mixed together). I'm a huge cinnamon fan so next time I do make these I will add extra cinnamon to the batter but the cinnamon sugar adds the sweetness that I felt like these cookies were missing. My husband and I enjoyed these Saturday night while watching movies and drinking some homemade hot spiked apple cider.
October 7, 2015
Weekend Wear: Cozy Sundays
There are two pieces I will be living in this fall/winter...My Ted & Muffy boots (seen here) and these vegan leather leggings from Aritzia. I've been wanting a pair of "leather" leggings for ever now. Last weekend I saw a girl on the train rocking a pair with a sweater and that was the moment I knew I couldn't wait any longer. During my lunch break I took a trip to Aritzia and found these amazing pair of vegan leather leggings. They fit like a dream and the price point was perfect. I love pairing these up with a chunky sweater or cardigan and a pair of flats or sneakers. I also can't wait to dress them up with a pair of heels.
Cardigan: Forever21 | Shirt: Madewell | Leggings: Aritzia | Shoes: Steve Madden via Burlington Coat |
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
What are some of your fall favorites this season?
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