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!