Layered

I have always been a fan of layering... tanks under tees under shirts under cardigans under jackets... the more layers the more intriguing the outfit.

I have been looking for ways to make a few of my collared shirts a little more interesting and I found the best way to do that is to layer collared shirts. I typically stay with shirts that have the same color tone but a few times vary with complimentary colors.

How do you make your most basic pieces stand out? Always looking for new suggestions!

(In case you love the J'adore necklace as much as I do)

March Family Dinner

Another month of family dinner, another month that I didn't practice the recipe prior to making it for guests. My mother would so disapprove. But one thing she did instill in me is: you won't learn to be a good host until you start hosting.

This month I made an Indian dish of chicken biryani and served it with naan, zucchini and Whitehaven sauvignon blanc. The flavor was good but a little over cooked. Although the main course may have been a bit dry no one walked away with salmonella so we are calling this month a win. Thankfully, Elyse saved the night with crumble berry bars and ice cream.

I have no pictures of the food as you can see. Normally, I would be so disappointed by this miss but it was only because I forgot. Company and conversation were so enjoyable that time flew by before it even came on my radar.

Until next month....

Here & There: Melrose Market

In Seattle, you can find many things to fill your fancy all within the same blocks of each other. Here & There is just that... sharing locations in close proximity that will give you a little variety in your exploration.

First up: Sitka & Spruce and Marigold & Mint
Location: Melrose Market, Capitol Hill Seattle

Sitka & Spruce is not a new restaurant to Andbubblegum. As one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle I have shared it with you here and here. It shares new american cuisine with an always revolving/evolving menu. I recently had their Monday taco night and have heard rave reviews on their Sunday brunch. They accept reservations online which is recommended over drop ins unless you don't mind waiting.

Marigold & Mint is a flower shop that is just next door to Sitka & Spruce. You will find gorgeous fresh flowers in the brightest of blooms and little gifts to accompany a bouquet. The shop owner is personable and can help even the most clueless put together a stunning arrangement.

Still unsure? Go with my favorite, peonies with dianthus barbathus (green trick) seen here.

Baking Dawn

Jessika had the brilliant idea of Baking Dawn; an afternoon of baking and watching Twilight's Breaking Dawn finale. Let's be real here.... baking isn't really the Noah girls greatest strength so Ashley and I opted for a just add water mix while the other girls baked pies and mousses.

Have you seen the movie?

I have been tracking the series since the get go when my roommate at the time made me read the books and have since seen all the movies at midnight showings... except the finale.

Baking Dawn was my first viewing of Breaking Dawn finale and had I not been with a group of girls, I would have cried like a big baby when I thought they had completely changed the ending... I am a stickler for accuracy when it comes to movies changing the book. But let's be honest, was making the final book into two movies even necessary?

RIP Google Reader

When I learned that my beloved Google Reader was on its death bed I was deeply saddened. He had been my friend for so long. Through good and bad, long and short, we had experienced so many posts together.

I am allowing for time to move on and get over this loss by slowly dipping my toes into other readers. This week I have focused on Feedly, next week, who knows...

As you find ways to read your favorite blogs and news sources, I am hoping to make it as easy as possible for you to stay connect to AndBubblegum. Directly coming here and BlogLovin are still the same but now I'm connected on your two of your possible favorite social sites too: Facebook and Google+

Thoreau

Story: Quieting the Butterflies

I saw him walk in and immediately my stomach turned into a knot. I hadn't seen him for quite a long time but I was immediately transported to our first meeting and short tryst over a year ago.

We sat down for coffee and I had to fold my hands tight under the table to stop the shaking. I thought he may be able to see the butterflies jumping from my body as I begged them to quiet.

For 1 hour we sat together. For 60 minutes we caught up on life. For 3,600 seconds I reminded myself to breath.

I knew that nothing would come from the other side of my coffee cup but after the recent heartbreak it was nice to know I could feel again.

It showed me it was time to begin again.

New Savvy Trends

Have you heard? Nordstrom's Savvy department went through a major rebranding and is now fast fashion at a price. Think Asos.com. Think Nasty Gal. Think ModCloth with a bit of edge.

You can shop online or in your local Nordstrom but you will have to come back often. Our buyers buy in low quantity so not every girl will be wearing your same killer dress. But don't worry, if you miss your chance, new product arrives weekly.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

Shop Now: Printed Top, Skater Skirt

Shop Now: Boyfriend Jeans

 Shop Now: Blouse, Skater Skirt

Shop Now: Jacket

Malafacha At Sitka & Spruce

Monday's at Sitka and Spruce are host to a traditional foods from Malafacha.

Traditional comidas Mexicanas from our talented family member Alvaro Candela-Najera, inspired from his birthplace and travels throughout Mexico.

Simple, delicious, and passionate.

Tacos, including the infamous Al Pastor & Suadero (milk soaked beef belly)

It was a gorgeous Seattle day so I took off of work early to get a cup of coffee from Bar Ferdinand and enjoy a book prior to meeting Emily for taco night. By the time the doors opened, there was a line of people waiting to get in and our promptness was a blessing.

The magaritas were strong and delicious.
The guacamole had a perfect balance of smooth, salty and hint of spice that complimented the flakey chips perfectly.
And the tacos were full of flavor. We shared the Suadero Tacos and Papas con Chorizo tacos which were both delightful.

I am already looking forward to my return visit and if you want a friend to join you, you won't have to ask twice!

Love & Waiting for Godot

Quote by Stefany Anne Golberg on 'Waiting for Godet" & Love found here

Dress A Day

In the past, I have been known for my dress collection. I own more dresses than Carrie Bradshaw had shoes but since cutting my hair my wardrobe staple has been denim all day. Short hair and casual dress code has left me feeling unfeminine and boyish.

Which is why for March I am challenging myself to wear a dress every day and getting back in to the habit of being the uber girly dorky girl most people know me as.

Week one was easy(ish)... but I am jonesing for a pair of jeans and may have to cave.

Friendly Competition

I am very lucky to have a roommate who believes in a little healthy competition...

I like to make anything I can into a competition or bet... it isn't quite as healthy...

But alas, she puts up with me which is why for March we have two competitions going on:

1. Who can drink the most water (100oz capped per day).
2. Who can bike the most miles.

Initially the the second competition was for run/walking but since I walk home from work (and to work on nice days) I get an automatic 6 miles which Elyse said gave an unfair advantage. (read: sore loser)

Winner of #1 gets to plan a night out that the other person must join and cannot complain. (Get your fancy clothes, Elyse, cause we are going dancing!)

Winner of #2 gets to plan day/weekend trip that the other person must join and cannot complain. (I have aptly named this competition "Biking for Jesus" since my roadtrip is a visit to Portland and includes Church on Sunday)

Do you like a little healthy competition? I'll bet you $5 I like it more than you...

Story: Time Slows Down

When I stand in the center of where these two paths meet; time slows down. Work fades away and worries cease to exist.

It is in this moment that the only thing that matters is your hand in mine, the white lights overhead, and the hope of all that is yet to be.

Knot Yourself

You can often tell when something is made specifically for the male or female audience. It can be so agreeable to one gender that it complete alienates the other. Knot Yourself for Alexander Olch was made for a man but enjoyable for women.

A simple "how to" that has a woman playing Alexander Olch as the lead. The casting is perfect. She has a Parisian air and mystery about her. Although she is very sexy, her look/attitude/air feels within in reach. On top of that, her acting fits the tone and influx of Alexander's words so perfectly I had to watch twice.

I will admit, I spend most of my work day around lingerie and optimizing digital experiences for it, so perhaps my fellow female counterparts would find her walking around in panties as unnecessary. But for me, it is a superb juxtaposition and play to what the voiceover is saying. And to be perfectly honest... her intimates are tasteful. Had this been Victoria Secret you would have seen a garter belt, thigh highs and ten inch heels.

Watch again. Enjoy it. Most importantly, wear ties and bowties.

For my lady friends: A feminine bow tie - Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 
Or my personal favorite (and one I wear weekly): The Metal Bowtie

Update: I just learned the lead is, in fact, French.

Coffee Date Attire

Clothing: Skater Dress from Asos | Red Striped Flats | Bow Earrings | Clutch
Stacked Wrist: Bangles | Pyramid Bracelet | Bow bracelet

The only thing I love more than a day date is a skater fit and flare dress. Now I just need an excuse to combine both... Any takers?

Wine Tasting & JM Cellars

Ashley, Jessika, and their husbands had ready-to-expire living social deals to try three wineries in Woodenville and since the weather was gorgeous (read: not raining) I joined.

I don't remember the names of the three wineries... I don't remember the wine.

BUT THEN we went to my favorite Washington winery, JM Cellars. Before I moved to Seattle, I came to town to visit/interview with my current company and, in the meantime, discovered this winery. After a our first tasting the J in JM Cellars started talking with us and eventually took us on a tour with some barrel tasting.

Returning over a year later and John was still out in his busy tasting room talking with all his guests and giving tours and additional pours. Their location is cozy, romantic, and warm. Also, their wine is outstanding, especially the Carmenere or Margaret's Vineyard Estate Red.

Tasting is $10 and open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be warned, you may be compelled to buy a bottle or two and they range in price from $38 - $48. You are welcome to use my excuse as, "it's a special occasion bottle!" when justifying a purchase.

Cheers.