Calgel again. by orange

So I went back to en-Salon for a Calgel refresh.  I tried the American version of Calgel - Shellac the week prior, but it didn't work out as well (started chipping in less than a week) and had a lot less colors to choose from.

 

This time I did things a bit different.  Instead of getting the normal bright polish, I decided to try the "reverse french."  Check out the pictures below.  The nail technician assured me "it's huge in Japan."  :)

I'm excited because with the reverse french, the nail grow out will be much less noticeable, thus the Calgel might really last a full 3 weeks.  We shall see...

Maybe I'll do this next time...not sure what it's called...reverse french fade-out?  :)

orange in Puma 'Imani' Slip-On Sneaker

Quinn's. by violet

Sometimes the variety of choices on Capitol Hill can be a bit overwhelming. Not only are there a stunning amount of choices so much of it is so good.

I recently discovered Quinn’s. The interior is full of dark rich wood and exposed brick. Much for the front wall is large windows which mean great people watching. With J.P.’s parents in town last week we decided it would be a good stop.

The menu with my Hot Lava beer

The sun finally came out last week in Seattle the place was bathed in beautiful evening light. The last time we were at Quinn’s our server was incredibly helpful and funny, this time was no different. Even with the hipster edge the staff was all friendly and welcoming.  In fact, Mrs. P even got a "first prize" ribbon for her pronunciation of asparagus. (I think it's a midwest thing...)

We didn’t get any pictures of the food because, well, we were too busy eating it (bad blogger). But the selections included, devils on horseback (or cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon), wild boar sloppy joe with crisp sage leaves and frites fontina fonduta. It was all delicious, way above your typical pub grub, even though the beer list formidable.

Decisions, decisions

The next time you find yourself wandering around Capitol Hill not sure where to eat, I suggest Quinn’s.

Violet in Jessica Simpson "Jessica" pump in ivory patent

cotton anniversary! by orange

2 years ago...

The two year anniversary celebration has been amazing thus far.  The agenda:

• Sleeping in
  
• Brunch at Jak's - The Greek Scramble and MANmosas - (aka large glass mimosas :))
• Walk around the Junction in W. Seattle and the Farmer's Market
• Coffee from Uptown Espresso (sorry sbux)
• Trip to downtown Nordstrom for my present (anything under $150 and has some cotton component - husband's rules)
• Nap-time
• Dinner at La Rustica
• After dinner drinks at Beveridge Place Pub to play some board games like we did on our very first date

Perfection.

Now you may be wondering - what did I buy with my Nordstrom guidelines? As you know from previous posts I've been shopping for some wedges. Well these are definitely some high wedges, and I think will be perfect with capris, dresses and more. The shocking thing - they seem to be very, very comfortable.

Jeffrey Campbell Slingback Wooden Wedges

The Fever. Part 2. by violet

As I talked about back in February, I have a crazy obsession with the Olympics. One could venture to guess that I would also feel the same way about the World Cup. And they would be correct. My 9 to 5 schedule keeps me from watching most games in real time. And, unlike the Olympics NBC, ESPN doesn’t hold the games hostage until primetime, so I’m mostly relegated to the weekends and watching my twitter feed during the day.
Soccer is an interesting sport in the US. Our history has been in baseball, American football and basketball. The rest of the world however is obsessed with football.

But a funny thing is starting to happen. Here is Seattle, Sounders tickets are the hottest in town. Traffic is worse than Mariner’s traffic which I would assume means attendance is at similar levels. Of course, Seattle is an ideal market for Major League Soccer. It’s full of a bunch of hippies that probably grew up playing it and certainly their children are playing currently. Plus, it’s full of hipsters that love the European association it has to it. There’s nothing more a hipster loves more than to say, “you don’t enjoy soccer because you don’t understand soccer.”

But I think this just might be the World Cup that finally pushes American soccer over the edge and into mainstream popularity. Not only has the MLS found it footing be there is also:

- The world views this team as a merry bunch of misfits that don’t really belong on their level only adds to whole appeal. We love and underdog don’t we?

- Landon Donovan, who has struggled mightily to meet expectation, is finally playing like the super star of American soccer he has been billed to be.

- Our first match was against England. Nothing like a little Revolutionary War rivalry to get the blood flowing.

- Questionable disallowed goals – rage is also easy to get behind.

- A come from behind tie (should have been a victory).

AND THEN. THEN, yesterday happened. On the brink of elimination, after what seemed like a million chances and another questionable disallowed goal, that former, chronic underachiever Landon Donovan found the back of the net in STOPPAGE time - a concept that for some here in the US still baffles the mind. And all of America cheered. Literally, I heard it. And then, it broke the internet. I’m not kidding – right after Landon’s goal marks the 2nd largest internet traffic of all time – surpassing the 2008 presidential elections. Second only to?

That’s right – a week earlier when the US tied England.

Violet in Seychelles gold flats

take me out to the ball game. by orange

A few items that made my day on Tuesday:

fantastic Seattle evening.

Summer Solstice. by violet

Seattle has a long tradition of celebrating the Summer Solstice – with naked bikers. I should explain. Fremont is a hippie neighborhood that has a funky vibe to it. And every year there is a parade down the main street and part of this parade includes a group of body-painted naked bike riders.

Parade route

I’ve lived in Seattle for 5 years now and for the first time I saw this parade live and in person.

oragne and husband

Our friends Shelby and Nick now live in Fremont and had a few people over for a breakfast feast and a little get together pre parade.

I love this photo of Shelby and Nick

Then we hiked down the hill to watch the parade and giggle like school children at the naked bike riders.

Oh, and eat. A lot of food.

Matt and me eating pulled pork at Nectar

There are entirely too many pictures of me eating out there.

Shelby, me and Taiece at the street fair

So even though the weather didn’t cooperate we still had a summer-like time. And I’m anxiously awaiting the summer like weather to arrive.

Violet in flat black Born boots

p.s. p.s. My little digital camera broke over the weekend. I had wanted to tell you all about my excellent date night dinner at Mama Melina with J.P. but my little guy tweaked out as we were walking up to the restaurant. So, dear 7 readers, I ask in advance for you forgiveness over the next few weeks while it gets fixed.

a wedge. by orange

I'm on the search for some summer wedges.  This started when I was trying on some white capris.  Needless to say, I quickly realized I needed to add some height.  Here are some of my favorites I found while searching shopstyle:

1) KORS Michael Kors Vivian Wedge Sandal $195 – Neiman Marcus

2) Dorian wedges $238 – J.Crew

3) Alberto Fermani Ankle-Wrap Cutout Wedge Sandal $395 – Neiman Marcus

4) Michael michael kors "sycamore" wedge sandal $125 – Dillard's

5) Vince Camuto Women's Maven Wedge Sandal $109.95 – Endless.com

6) Kelsi Dagger Ivy Wedge $98 – The Shoe Box

7) Tory Burch Nelson Studded Open-Toe Wedge Sandals $295 – Saks Fifth Avenue

8) Report Women's Abielle Dress Wedge Sandal $60.90 – Endless.com

9) Jessica Simpson Women's Glorie Wedge $58.96–65.50 – Endless.com  

10) MICHAEL Michael Kors - Warren Wedge $111.65 – Zappos

11) Steve Madden Women's Tuscaan T-Strap Wedge $78–88.95 – Endless.com

12) Franco Sarto Artsy Leather Slingback Sandals $59.99 – Lord & Taylor  

13) Calvin Klein Elise Leather Espadrille Platform Wedge Sandals $99 – Lord & Taylor

14) Me Too Studded Wedges - Lord & Taylor