Good Night Nocturnal House

Come 2010 Woodland Park Zoo will be closing the Nocturnal House due to budget restrictions. In the Annual Plan presented by the Zoological Society they state "The zoo will close the Night Exhibit portion of the Day and Night exhibits. That exhibit was chosen because of its operating costs – it is the zoo’s most expensive user of energy – and there will be an evaluation of how to renovate and retrofit the building to be more energy efficient." The specific date has not been announced but take in the exhibit once more while you can. Remember the longer you let your eyes adjust the better you'll see all the creatures.

Update- the nocturnal house will close on March 1st. Most of the animals will be relocated to other exhibits in the zoo.

Merry Christmas

Gifting Season: Infused Vodka II

Apparently I have more alcohol loving friends then I knew and had to make some reinforcements. Creamsicle vodka was the perfect answer. The vodka can infuse in the bottle for a few weeks, so long as my thirsty friends can wait. It also makes a gorgeous presentation. 1/4 of a Mexican vanilla bean and 1/2 an orange worth of zest per 6 oz bottle. Continue reading about infused vodkas here.

Birthday fete

Always one for a decadent Birthdays, this year I am hosting a caviar and champagne pairing for my closest friends at Seattle Caviar Co. before we go out for the evening.

For $25 you get a glass of champers and tastings of all varieties of their caviar, paired with blinis and creme fraiche. Bring on the beluga!

Gifting Season: Infused Vodka

Continuing in the spirit of a homemade holiday, infused vodkas make for an easy well received gift. This batch is flavored with organic cranberries and Mexican vanilla bean but the combinations and limitless. To make: Infuse 1 cup of fruit per bottle of mid grade vodka, for two weeks or more. Use a Ball jar to store the displaced vodka. If the fruit gets dark and lifeless, swap it out with fresh. Enjoy!
Flavor suggestions: citrus zests, lemongrass, sweet tea, rosemary, pomegranate, coffee.

Check out the house-made infusions at Chapel for additional inspiration.

Best of Seattle: Resturants 2009

It's that time of the year again to vote for your favorite haunts for the Best Restaurants issue of Seattle Magazine. Polls close December 18th. The winners will be revealed next April. Fill out your ballot here.

Fashion Forcast: Turquoise

Pantone predicts turquoise to be the top color for 2010. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says in her mind "people crave escapism and freshness after a tough year." Read the full Associated Press article for insight into how this color will transpose itself in fashion, interiors, and cosmetics.

Women's Wear Silhouettes

With Winter at our door, your jacket is your last line of defense from the weather. This season stay on trend with silhouettes as fierce as the elements.

Illustrations by: Graham Thomas

Exaggerated shoulders: Balmain made it, Rihanna made it hot, now make it your own.

Cape it coming: Nothing like a passe' poncho, this seasons cape(lets) are quite structured, with accents of traditional outerwear.

The Swing coat: Taking inspiration from '60's glamour, this silhouette transitions easily from day to evening.

Classic trench: Masculine military detailing makes the trench the 'power suit' of the season.

Mini Facial to the Max

Having stumbled upon the Qiora boutique on Madison Ave. in New York, I was delighted to find the predecessor to the Spa Mask DH, the Eye Mask. Oh the serenity! This aroma therapeutic, calming, and revitalizing mask was my go-to when feeling exhausted or stressed. The new and improved spa mask is two pieces one for your eyeas and one for your face. The cool gel medium soothes while the felted backing adds a luxurious quality. Qiora is a scientifically inspired skin care line by Shiseido, offered exclusivly at independant boutiques. In Seattle the full line of products can be found at Savvy Cosmetics in Uwajimaya Village. Next time you need a cocktail after a long day, try this mask instead. Your skin will thank you for it.

World AIDS Day

Today is the 22nd annual Worlds AIDS day. An estimated 33 million people are living with AIDS world wide, over 1 million in the United States. In President Obama's Proclamation he states "On World AIDS Day, we rededicate ourselves to developing a national AIDS strategy that will establish the priorities necessary to combat this devastating epidemic at home, and to renewing our leadership role and commitments abroad."

Donate, volunteer, and get involved locally through Lifelong AIDS Alliance.


Shop (RED) for your Holiday gifts and make a difference.