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  life + style to you: every Friday
February 19th, 2010

We seem to have—quite unexpectedly—developed an adventurous streak a mile wide. Ok, well, maybe not a mile, but it’s bigger than it used to be… which was pretty much non-existent. Not sure what our new lust for life is all about or where, exactly, it came from, but it has resulted in some truly fantastic and hilarious experiences. First, we took a flying trapeze class at Emerald City Trapeze (you need to try this, it’s AH-MAY-ZING) that was terrifying—but in an intensely fun kind of way.

After that, we signed up for Zumba classes. Usually the prospect of making total fools of ourselves in front of people while trying to learn Latin dance moves would keep us from ever venturing into the studio, but again, we dove right in and it, too, was ridiculously fun. We’re now addicted and plan on going at least twice a week. 

It may not sound like a lot, but we’re proud and we’re expecting more exciting adventures on the near horizon. Stay tuned! 

       
 

Seattle Picks:

 
  1

Pretty Please, with a Cherry on Top? 

Just last week we were fighting back tears as we noticed the impossible-to-ignore-any-longer signs of wear and tear on our favorite pumps. So adorable, so comfortable, so us, but also… so 2005. Not in a bad way, just that, well, we can’t find them anymore.

Shopping on Craigslist and Ebay is okay for concert tickets and end tables, but we’re not so sure about putting our feet and other precious parts in the same place where the eclectic crowd of cyberspace put theirs. 

Cherry Consignment in West Seattle has the perfect solution to all of these woes. In a charming little store bedecked with cherries, they offer a very thorough selection of gently used clothing, shoes and accessories (menswear, too, so bring your hombre). Consignment business is currently booming, so expect to find everything from Coach shoes and handbags to BCBG blouses and everything else you might find at the most glamorous of shopping malls—including those pumps we thought we were going to have to live without. In the words of Lady Gaga, “Cherry cherry boom boom.”  

Cherry Consignment
4142 California Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98116
206.933.7479
www.cherryconsign.com 

       
  2

We’ll Drink to That

Lately we’ve been feeling very… well, positive. Life is great! … okay, so it has it’s moments, but we can’t help but see the upside in everything. When it rains, it means there has to be sun not too far on the horizon, right? And when we’re swamped with work, it means our boss loves us and trusts us so much that she can’t help but toss more responsibility our way. Whatever comes our way, we’re trying hard to have the glass half-full mentality.   
  
And if we’re honest, we’re pretty sure it might have something to do with our new fave after-work hangout. No matter what the day brings, there’s always Portalis to come home to, where a good, no—great—glass of wine always awaits. A wine shop, wine bar and tasting room, Portalis is classic and elegant with a casual, almost homey feel.  Plus with more than 450 wines in stock, you’re sure to find one that fits your palate and your wallet.   
Not to mention the occasional free tasting—yes, free! Maybe that’s why we can’t stop smiling—or drinking.   

Plus with more than 450 wines in stock, you’re sure to find one that fits your palate and your wallet. Not to mention the occasional free tasting—yes, free! Maybe that’s why we can’t stop smiling—or drinking.  
  
Portalis  
5205 Ballard Ave. NW 
Seattle, WA 98107 
206.783.2007 
www.portaliswines.com

       
  3

Travel Through Time

Imagine yourself in a Toulouse-Lautrec painting, depicting the underground world of a smoky, Parisian bar… slightly scandalous entertainment by burlesque and cabaret performers… and of course, Absinthe pouring freely. Too bad we were born 110 years too late! But we can still capture a taste of it at the Can Can.

Tucked beneath the sidewalk at 1st Avenue and Pike Street is a dimly lit, secretive little watering hole, with a setting akin to something you’d read about in a turn-of-the-century novel. Spotting the flamboyantly dressed Maitre’d is the best way to find it—along with the spirited patrons. Once inside, you’ll be treated to a rotating roster of entertainment, as well as their own dance troupe, The Castaways. Can Can is Seattle’s only Absinthe bar (so you must try it!), and the French/Italian-inspired menu features ingredients fresh from the Market. (They also have Happy Hour, Sunday–Thursday, 4:30–close, if you’re in the mood for some early-evening atmosphere.)

As passerby, tourists and wanderers stroll the Seattle streets above, we’ll stay put—below—in Paris. 

Can-Can, Kitchen & Cabaret
94 Pike St. 
Seattle, WA 98101 
206.652.0832
www.thecancan.com

       
  Chick Picks:  
  1

You’re Not Fickle, You’re Fabulous!

We like what we like when we like it—and that “like” may not last. So our recent obsession with vinyl wall art is the perfect way for us to make a noncommittal relationship work in our favor.

And Seattle’s own Tacky Smack offers up the cutest and easiest-to-apply (and remove!) decals we’ve seen. They even feature designs by guest artists, so you can have original art on your walls, tabletop, shower doors… it’s totally genius and totally adorable!

www.tackysmack.com

       
  2

Get Knotty

Texture is a big deal to us. If our food is the wrong consistency, we turn up our noses. If our hair doesn’t have that slept-in piecey look, we wear a hat. If sheets are too rough, we cringe. 

Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly parlay our OCD into another avenue, we found a textured ring that we can’t live without. This lust-worthy little bauble is hand-knit—that’s right, knit—from pure silver wire, and made to order for a perfect fit.

www.mikandesigns.com

       
  3

Bird Is the Word

We kinda sorta adore it when visitors admire something extra-swank that we’ve acquired. We know it’s a little dorky on our part, but it is what it is. Lately we’ve been garnering kudos right and left over our kitschy new coat hangers from Beyond The Valley.

Made from painted wood and shaped like a bird, these hangers are both cool and functional. Plus this online purveyor boasts a ton of totally unique must-haves that include hot heels, jewelry, and crazy wallpaper. 

www.beyondthevalley.com 

       
 

Hip Happenings:

 
  1

Willamette Wines Block Party 

Willamette Valley Wineries are coming to Seattle! Don’t miss a rare opportunity to taste the exceptional wines of the Willamette Valley. More than 50 Oregon winemakers will be pouring current releases of Pinot Noir and many other varietals, so make sure to stop by and imbibe. Did we mention there’s food too? See you there! 

What: Willamette Valley Wineries Block Party
When: Thursday, March 11, 5:30–8:30 pm 
Where: Sodo Park by Herban Feast, 3200 First Ave. S 
Call: 503.297.2962
Cost: $45 per person before March 1, $55 after 
Tickets: www.willamettewines.com

       
  2

A Fond Farewell 

Really, the madness must stop! If we have to say goodbye to one more fabulous independent boutique here in Seattle, we’re going to just sit down and cry. This time, it’s Tableau that’s closing the doors. Through March, save 25% or more on all stock—and discounts will get deeper as the closing date approaches. 

What: Closing Sale at Tableau
When: Now through March 15
Where: 2220 NW Market St.
Call: 206.782.5846
Visit: www.tableaugifts.com

       
  3

For Book Worms

The Seattle institution known as Elliott Bay Book Company is moving in March, and to our delight, that means they are slashing prices on used books until then. All used books are 40% off, and if you’re smart, you’ll get there sooner rather than later—we’re on our way as you read this! 

What: Moving Sale at Elliott Bay Book Company
When: Now through Feb. 28
Where: 101 S. Main St.
Call: 206.624.6600
Visit: www.elliottbaybook.com

       
 

There you have it... another week of great ideas for places to go and things to do! Tell a friend! Or better yet, sign them up at www.SeattlePicks.com

       
       
 

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