Extreme Cubicle Makeover

Recently my office held an "Extreme Cubicle Makeover" contest. The rule was you couldn't put up anything permanent; e.g. paint or nails... Here are some of the creative and beautiful outcomes. Color, pattern, and plants were the major elements across the board.

Before:

After:

Bonsai Garden

Chococat Cafe

Others

Utilizing wrapping paper as wall paper, sticking with a tight color palette, and scouring discount stores like, Ross, Joann's, and Lowe's for decorative accessories is an easy way to create a unique environment. These tips are especially valuable for renters, who want to add impact without losing their security deposit.

Dine Around Seattle

March 1st kicked off this Springs Dine Around Seattle. Through the end of the month, you can score 3 courses at amazing restaurants for only $30.00. This is a great opportunity to check out restaurants you might not normally try. I always thought Steelhead Diner was a touristy jump-off until the last D.A.S. in November. They exceeded my expectations with a phenomenal truffled razor clam chowder, and a killer pork chop. This time around I think I'll check out Hunt Club. They are featuring an 8 oz filet mignon! Or maybe Palisade, or Monsoon, or Bastille???

Wine Taste

This Saturday was the Phinney Neighborhood Association's 20th Annual Wine Taste. With 21 different Washington vineyards and over 50 wines to choose from, there is something for everyone. Two of my favorites were the Lini Lambrusco rosso, from Picnic, and a 2007 Meritage from Hestia Cellars. Delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts from Bill Drummond Catering paired beautifully with the different wines. All in all a wonderful evening. Next year I'll post prior to the event so everyone can get their tickets and partake in the festivities.

Shaving Savior

There is nothing I hate more in the mornings then shaving. But I've been using LAB 3-in-1 Post Shave for the past month or so and let me tell you, it's not a chore anymore. As the name attests there are three major benefits: it prevents ingrown hairs, stops razor bumps, and (best of all) slows hair growth. In just 30 days I've noticed I'm shaving less frequently (I only shave when I have more then a 5 o'clock shadow), my skin is not as irritated after a shave, and those annoying red bumps under my chin have gone away. LAB Series is NOT a sponsor of this blog, but I wouldn't mind! Hint hint.

Ladies, it might be a little expensive to use on your legs at $25 a bottle but if you have sensitive skin like me, it may be worth it.

LAB is available in stores at Nordstrom, Macy's and Sephora.

Crafts: Antique it!

I had envisioned a globe for a design project I'm working on, however the one I found at a local second hand shop looked too new for the aesthetic I was going for. After feeling the topographic surfacing on the globe I instantly knew how I could distress it.

( I used black to give a sooty appearance, but a whiskey brown would emulate a natural patina)

Applying shoe polish to the surface pulled out all the scratches and chips accumulated over the years, it also helped to add dimension. You wouldn't know the mountain ranges were raised from the surface until the polish filled in some valleys and built up against the gradation.

(Left: untouched - Right: finished.)

Once you've finished with the polish you may want to apply a glossy or matte spray varnish if the item is going to be handled as the waxy polish will rub off on hands or fabrics.

Cooking Seafood at Home

I had always been hesitant to cook seafood in my small kitchen as I'd often be left with that unpleasant fishy smell, sometimes lingering for days. I stuck to grilling my seafood until a chef friend of mine showed me some wonderful fish options and preparations.

Above, we sauteed lobster tail with a vinaigrette of, lemon, tomatoes, and herbs. Served with a flavorful saffron rice, this simple preparation allowed the sweet flavor of the Maine lobster to come through. We didn't even need drawn butter.

This second meal showcased bearnaise, something else I never tried to make at home. Using farm fresh eggs and clarified Tillamook butter (my favorite), we whisked the hollandaise together over a makeshift double boiler, added tarragon, and in a twist on the classic, clementine zest and juice .

Pan seared rainbow trout is so light in flavor that it paired beautifully with the sauce. Dinner was served with braised cipollini onions, fried fingerlings, and roasted heirloom grape tomatoes (not pictured).

I implore you to take advantage of the amazing seafood the North West has to offer, but please be conscious of your choices. Here is a great seafood guide that helps you determine the best seafood for you and the environment.

"So how 'bout this weather"

So the past week we've had just amazing weather her in Seattle. While the rest of the country has been shoveling snow we've been taking advantage of all the great parks and beaches.

These are pictures of an afternoon spent at Golden Gardens recently. You would hardly recognize this place in the summer months when it's jam packed with children, volleyballers, and barbequers.

Take advantage of your favorite city park now and appreciate the natural beauty before you can't find parking in May! The next two weekends look gorgeous!

Vegan Brunch

I was recently invited to a vegan brunch. While the ingredients were simple the flavors were powerful. What's more the food was made with love. These friends are self proclaimed foragers, or as some have dubbed "freegans". She assured me, though that all foods were legally acquired for this meal. We feasted on a pumpkin,coconut milk curry, organic wild brown rice, and a salad of kale, romaine, winter veg and mizithra cheese.

Out of all the amazing food finds in this vegan kitchen, were these gorgeous dried onions.

The colors are so stunning right? Want to eat veagan out on the town? Try Carmelita on Phinney Ridge or Sutra in Wallingford.

Seattle Stationary

I've been nagging my architect friend who makes these amazing skyline cards to do a Seattle series, and guess what? They just launched! I'm so all about them! I have several other sets from her skyline series and everyone I send them to just loves them. Not only are they a great way to rep your city, there's something nostalgic about receiving a beautifully illustrated card in the mail. We're so cyber orientated these days it's nice to have something tangible.

Alexander Mc Queen: a fairwell

It breaks my heart that someone at the core of Today's fashion industry, with an avante-guard eye, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation is no longer with us. McQueen's 2000 couture show for Givenchy was my first exposure to him. Since then he has continued to amaze me each season creating cohesive yet elaborately out there collections. It's not just shock and awe which made McQueen a success it is is amazing tailoring, cultivated on Savile Row. His talent will be greatly missed. Below I've posted some of my favorite looks from through out his career.

Food Trend: Short Ribs

Short ribs have been popping up at a lot of local restaurants recently. Last night we indulged in the charbroiled caramelization at Umi Sake House. The night before Brasserie Margaux filled our craving with their sweet and delicate version. Apparently their recipe is a family staple of one of their Korean employees. For a Mediterranean take try Lola's anise and ouzo short ribs.

Have you seen these guys on other menus? Let us know in the comments section.

Manic Meal

So maybe I'm the only one this happens to, but as per a voice mail received this morning I now have 24 hours to prepare an amazing feast for two East Coast foodies, one chef and one sommelier.

Criteria: Simple to prep (I have work tomorrow), huge flavor, signature 'west coast' cuisine, low maintenance cooking (I have to pick them up while the foods cooking).

Menu:
-Smoked king salmon from Ballard Fish Market & Beecher's cheeses.
-Field greens salad with aged balsamic/dijon dressing, honey crisp apples, candied walnuts, and gorgonzola.
-Thomas Keller's brined chicken, stuffed with CasCioppo Brothers Italian sausage cornbread dressing.
-Roasted asparagus.
-Red Velvet Cake c/o Larson's Bakery

Fingers crossed! Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

Sustainable Living

Last night my Alma Mater, Pratt Institute, held a panel discussion dedicated to sustainability in the fashion industry. Barney's fashion director was present as well as several designers creating sustainable clothing. Here in Seattle this may be old hat, but it is great to see an industry that creates about 20% of the worlds water pollution, making some changes to better the environment.

Below are several resources for living a more sustainable life in Seattle:

Haberdash for Humanity- a fine living guide for the sustainably inclined gentleman.

Sustainable Seattle- A nonprofit which lobbies industry and individuals towards a sustainable future

Monster Art & Clothing- A Ballard boutique offering great apparel and accessories featuring organic and recycled material.

Green Loop and Green Source- Both Northwest e-commerce companies selling organic fair trade clothing.

Earthues- A natural dye company working with both cottage and large industry to create beautiful color with no impact on the environment.

Do you have more sustainable resources? Share in the comments!

Valentine's date

While we're still three weeks out, now is the time to start planning the perfect Valentine's date for your honey. Last year I had V-day dinner at Kasbah Moroccon Restaurant. We made our reservations months out and were not disappointed. Intimate seating in draped and cushioned enclaves, seductively seasoned dishes, and great wine made that evening amazing.

This year I'm still undecided but there are several contenders. Oliver's Twist is always a great place to start out or end an evening. The dim lighting, lustful amuse bouche, and jazzy music really set the mood.

As far as dinner, El Gaucho fits the bill if you are trying to impress, after the best steaks in Seattle, start a fire with table side Bananas Foster. For something a little more low key, I always find Italian romantic (think Lady & the Tramp) . Sarafina and La Fontana offer a beautiful settings and stunning cuisine.

We all know that it's not the venue or the gifts that make Valentine's day special but the person you share it with. On that note I would really love a box of ghost chili caramels from Theo and a bottle of Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose.

City Chickens

Urban chicken raising has become a popular hobby in Seattle recently. In my neighborhood alone there are at least four homes with avian occupants. Chickens are relatively easy to care for, act as natural fertilizers and pest control in your garden. Best of all they supply beautiful, hormone free, humane eggs, which are naturally higher in vitamins and lower in bad cholesterol. To learn more about how to start your own coop check out SeattleTilth.com. There are several upcoming workshops available here.

Cuisine of the Decade: Indain?

A recent salon.com article predicts Indian food will be the foreign food trend of the 2010's, like Japanese was in the '80's and Thai in the '90's. Why is this you ask? Krishnendu Ray, an assistant professor of nutrition and food studies at NYU, believes it is based on the immigration curve. More and more Indians and Bangladeshis are moving to the States, with the capital and education to open businesses. The US Indian community has been thriving for several generations, helping to elevate their culture from 'immigrant' status, and creating an immersion into the mainstream.

Last year Poppy sprung up as the first chic nouveau Indian restaurant in Seattle, but we've had both, white linen and chain, Indian restaurants for years (think India Bistro). We all know Seattle foodies are ahead of the game. Personally, I find Indian food comforting and casual, spooning warm curries on my naan and eating with my fingers while I sip my Kingfisher lager. The unusual spices and balance of sweet, savory, and spicy gives me a food high every time I eat it.

Milan Mens F/W 2010

(Burberry Prorsum)

Whether it is the slow economy or not, Milan is pumping out wearable collections during the Fall Winter 2010 shows. Emphasis fell on a generally slim silhouette. Tapered pants tucked into combat boots were featured at Bottega Veneta, well tailored jackets in supple velvets and brocades at Ferragamo. Chunky knits in variegated jewel tones dominated at Gucci and Prada. Great top coats with power lapels with oversized buttons and toggles (circa 1970's) were a repeating theme at many shows, while Dolce and Gabbana opted for 1880's, Sherlock Holmes, inspiration. Showcasing long underwear, page boy caps, and frayed edges. Distressed leather and denim were right out of the mills of Cheapside.

Sushi Steal

This Thursday, 1/21, Seastar restaurant is offering $1.27 sushi all day to celebrate the 1st Birthday of the restaurant on 1/27. There are special events going on all week, but for me, this nights event is tops! Check out their website here for all the great deals!

Trend Finder: 'Nerd Glasses'

Seen all over the Pre-Fall '10 shows, and dubbed 'nerd glasses' by WWD, these secretary chic glasses are making their way off Mad Men and into boutiques. Check out amazing collections from Paul Smith and Oliver Peoples, avaialble locally at Seattle Sunglass Co.

Seattle Caviar Co. Tasting

In a small shop nestled into the condos overlooking East Lake Union, you will find some of the most luxurious epicurean delights your palate has ever tasted. A wide variety of Caviar, truffles, fois gras and fine champagne await your fancy. After tasting seven varieties of caviar I came upon my favorite, Baerii, a Siberian Sturgeon. The flavor is earthy and creamy, without a fishy or salty taste to it. When paired with pan fried blinis and creme fraiche, it is absolutely heavenly. So much so that I purchased an ounce (which didn't last the evening!) for $70.00.
The owners are a font of knowledge on all things caviar and are very down to earth and willing to answer even the most elementary questions. For your own course in Caviar 101 contact Seattle Caviar Co.

Whim W’Him

The highly anticipated debut of Olivier Wever's dance company Whim W'Him, premieres next Friday the 15th. The website states that the "goal is to open the world of dance to a wider audience by combining the talents of dancers, choreographers, composers, singers, actors, and other artists in unorthodox forms/ways". The company is made up of young dancers with pedigrees from the School of American Ballet and Alvin Ailey. Seattle Metropolitan published a glowing review in their January issue and tickets are now hard to come by. Call On the Boards box office for Saturday and Sunday tickets while you still can!

Happy Birthday to me!

Thank you Amazon.com for your amazing service and same day delivery! I am so excited to start carrying around my new toy and start snapping great fashion on the streets of Seattle! Here's to 26 and an amazing year!

"No More Wire Hangers"

While I discard of wire hangers as soon as the dry cleaning is in the door, not being lucky enough to have a custom California Closet, I decided to give my modular closet a refined face lift. We have all accumulated hangers through out the years from department stores, college days and random places. I had such a variety of plastic, wood, padded, straight, and curved hangers it was like a popularity contest for my clothes. Enter Bed Bath and Beyond, for a few shekels I have democratized my closet. Every thing not only looks cleaner and hangs better its like walking in to my own little boutique every time I get dressed. I chose BB&B because they always carry the same products at every location; so next week or next year, in any city in the nation, I can add new hangers as I add clothing.

Happy New Year

New Year's Resolution:

To develop SCS into a Street Fashion blog while incorporating the concepts and articles already familiar with our readers.

Happy New Year's everyone! Wishing you all the best in 2010!