happy friday.

                                                            Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Amanda B. on Pinterest

Wise words to start my morning - reminding me to live each day to its fullest.

Life is short. Make it sweet. You only live once, so make it worthwhile. Breathe like it's your last breath. Take joy in each moment. Find success in every opportunity.

Waste not your time nor energy with negativity - optimism brings motivation and hope. Emotions and attitude leave a stronger and lasting impression than shoes on your feet and the designer labels in your closet. There is never a repercussion for smiling or being positive - rather, it is one of the most powerful acts of kindness. It is highly contagious, bringing life into a day of repetition.

happy friday, my dear friends. remember that in the end, it's only one life - so live accordingly. 

Seattleite in Training: All my adventures begin with "R"

Notes from your Seattleite-in-Training: Apologies for the lack of posts due to my busy work days and nonexistent social life.. puh-leeze... there are no excuses for my negligence to you my dear friends. Personally, I blame it on the oh-so-dreadful weather and the fact that I have been waking up before light hits the sky... curse you winter. BUT I'm starting to get back in the groove. Expect more posts to come.... thus, I bring you my latest entry: "All My Adventures Begin With 'R'"
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running, riesling and red lipstick...dessert?

Okay maybe not everything I love or do begins with R, but that letter has made quite a few recent appearances - mainly, rain. Typical Seattle weather has been a torrential downpour these past few days, and best believe that I am, now, more than ready for some sweet sunshine. One would think that the first day of spring would scream sun, pastels and wedges. However, in the Pacific Northwest, we beg to differ. Bust out the Hunter wellies and brightly printed trenches - we're going puddle-jumping.

[1] the front of re:public, on the corner of Republican and Westlake

Despite the cold winds and slight drizzle, Wednesday night's after-work adventure led me to a newly-found favorite: re:public, a little trendy restaurant and bar in the heart of South Lake Union. Oh, and of course, no adventure would be complete without one of my best friends: Robert. (Robert is the instigator for all my adventures; I believe this blog title suits our friendship quite well.)

Upon arrival, we were seated quickly at a booth adjacent to the bar and greeted by our hostess, who noted that we only had ten minutes before happy hour ended. [Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m.] If only she knew that happy hour never really ends when I'm with Robert, that kid is a hoot and a half.

[2, photo courtesy of Robert] Tequila Sprite and a Chardonnay

A tequila sprite ($4 well drinks during HH) for the bestie and a glass of the house Chardonnay ($5 /gl) for myself.

After sifting through the HH and dinner menu, our hostess recommended the HH Fish N' Chips ($7) - three pieces of beer-battered, fresh Halibut, served on a bed of garlic, parmesan fries, homemade tartar sauce with a hint of dill and a lemon wedge.

Robert and I glanced at each other, and without hesitation, we both ordered it. Oh of course, since it's a HH dish, we thought the portion would be smaller - so the menu stayed with us, as I eyed the crisp pork belly sandwich with local rhubarb ($8) and the braised beef short rib with tomato conserva and green onion ($7). choices. choices. choices...

[3, photo courtesy of Robert] The most filling Happy Hour appetizer I ever had.

But when our fish came out, boy, we were glad that we hadn't ordered anything else. The three pieces were huge - we definitely got our money's worth. Crispy batter and delicate Halibut, it was cooked exquisitely. I absolutely loved the homemade tartar sauce - it was lighter than most others because of the fresh dill.

[4, photo courtesy of Robert] Blood Orange Pear sorbet with toasted graham cracker crumbs for garnish

To end our meal on a sweet note, Robert and I had the blood orange, pear sorbet ($2) for dessert. Tart, sweet and refreshing - it was the perfect way to end our dinner. At first bite, the blood orange sweetness  tickles your taste-buds, but the faint aftertaste of pear leaves your palette wanting more. Needless to say, I'm obsessed with the sorbet; it's my new favorite flavor... maybe playing second to lavender ice cream.

Folks, if you haven't tried re:public, I highly suggest it for your next date or to celebrate the happiest of hours with a friend/bestie/co-worker. Best believe this won't be my last 'venture there... re:public was a winner in my book.

re:public

429 Westlake Ave N.

Seattle, WA 98109

(206) 467-5300

www.republicseattle.com

Transitioning into Spring with Cuffed Denim

[1] cuffed denim

As the weather gets warmer (keep 'em fingers crossed), I'm beginning to transition my wardrobe into the next season. In a previous post, I raved about the brights and neons - must haves for spring. No worries, if you haven't picked up a pair of cobalt blue pants or red trousers! Another trend I'm currently digging is one that you don't have to go spending a dime. Spruce up an outfit by cuffing a pair of your favorite skinnys. Dark wash, skinny jeans - cuffed at the bottom and paired with ballet flats or pumps can dress up or down your outfit. Comfy casual or chic, roll' em up. 

Below are some of my favorite ways to wear cuffed denim [inspired by Pinterest]:

[2] cuffed bright blue denim, nude pumps, oversized belt, boyfriend v-neck tee,
black blazer and a bright clutch; comfy and perfect for casual fridays

[3] cuffed skinnys for date night
paired with ruby red pointed-toe patent pumps,
polka-dotted silk button-up blouse and an embellished clutch

[4] cuffed and paired with oxfords
ideal upper half of outfit
oversized creme oxford, belted in a knot
oversized cable-knit cardigan and slouchy satchel

[5] distressed, boyfriend fit denim
casual, striped knit sweater with
an over-the-shoulder vintage crossbody
pops of purple, T-strapped pumps

March is finally here! It's time to trade some of those heavy, down-puffer jackets for bright colored denims, chiffon blouses and a pair of wedges.

To kick-off spring, here are 10 of my favorite 2012 looks inspired by my Style Me Pretty pinterest board:

[1] bright cobalt blue with big bird yellow, primary colors

[2] chambray shirt and pink denim, bright colored denim is all the rage
pink, reds, kelly green and bright blue... I want them all.

                                          

[3] sock buns, the knot, casual and chic

[5] hot pink, scallop edged, high-waisted shorts


[6] bright yellow, chiffon, pleated maxi skirt

Unfortunately, Seattle weather makes it hard for us fashionistas to sport the latest looks such as scallop-edged shorts and flowy chiffon maxis.

In the meantime while we wait for some sunshine, cute ways to transition the wardrobe include mixing up neon accessories with that fur vest, pairing bright colored jeans with a neutral turtleneck and cardi combo... and my favorite, a floral print skirt with a chunky oversized knit sweater, belted and finished with tights and boots.

Check out these great looks for ways to transition into spring:

[7] bright crewneck sweater with fur and layered necklaces
classy, trendy and embraces the season

[8] all-season nautical stripes with multi-colored scarf

brush-stroke washed scarves give a soft look to the bold, dark stripes

[9] rolled up denim, nude pumps, bright yellow button up with camel tweed jacket

classic and chic, work attire, saturday afternoon, let's grab lunch outfit

[10] coral lips, red lips, pink lips
brightly colored lips are all the rage. loves.
another reason why I just absolutely adore lipstick.

Rye Rye takes the stage at Dell and Intel's Special Engagements

image via

 A couple days ago was a #happymonday... The biz cards arrived. I was productive. Did I mention, it was sunny?! And last but certainly not least, props to my friend Zach aka Zapan who got me on the list for a concert hosted by Dell and Intel's Special Engagements featuring Rye Rye, M.I.A.'s little project - a star in the making. Her beats are sick, and she can definitely bust a move.

I would say she's a mix of Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and M.I.A. Definitely a good blend. 
My favorite jams from Rye Rye: "Never Will Be Mine" feat. Robyn and "Sunshine" feat. M.I.A.

Be on the lookout for this girl, because she's making strides.

Here are some photos from the evening:
Sorry they are in bad quality... these were taken via my blackberry.

Rye Rye wowing the crowds with her song "Sunshine."

Favorite photo of the night.

Had a great evening with close friends (Robert and Tida made it out) and made some new ones (Mayuri, glad we could finally meet). Can't wait for the next Special Engagement!

Be sure to check out Tida's photography. It is absolutely breathtaking!


Missed the concert? Noisey posted a video highlighting the best moments of the night. #swagon