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.