Pike's Place, Fish In Hand

We are now in Seattle, spending some time on business and pleasure- truly a delight. Above is a gorgeous view from the plane; you can actually see snow blowing off the top of the mountain, too. Very pretty.

So, a visit to Seattle to me also means a must visit to Pike's Place! The oh so famous fish market is even greater in person- too delicious also- sooooo yummy, wow the size of some of those beauties.

Soooo, we are having an absolute great time here. They even let me go behind the counter- too cool. They are all very nice and you can tell they have fun doing what they do.

Here are some photos from Pike's Place ;) More to come, soon!

Yellow Frilly Fashion Look

I love the delightful look and feel of a soft yellow- it is such a cheerful color and I do love to wear it. Add a little delicate texture and it is even greater.

I felt like being girlie and playful with a bit of cheer, and yellow always performs so well- so I matched up this fun frilly scarf with a simple yellow skirt of the same shade.

It is a subtle match but it does so much that way- for such a soft color it makes a bold and loud statement. It is impossible to not smile wearing it as well, which makes me love it even more.

The color itself is a very spring look, but when combined with the black I think it can pull of the winter look just fine- you are seeing more pastels come out as it is. I say if you love it and you are feeling it- then wear it. That is what counts after all.

A Very Special Memory And Tribute

Here he is, Mr. Jake- the sweetest sleep in your lap kitty I know, unless of course you happen to be one of my other kitties- in which case he is the cat that beats you up, lol.

This is my fiance's tough little guy, named Jake (brother to Elwood, also a fond and great memory). At the age of seventeen, upon meeting my two young cats, he promptly smacked them in the head letting them know who is indeed the boss. He loved to remind them every chance he got, the bully. But he loved it. He loved being in charge and then relaxing on our laps. What a character.

About a year ago we discovered a lump that we chose to have removed, it was quite the procedure and he recovered very well- in fact, so well that upon coming home the first day, cast/bandage and all, he smacked the kitties as good as ever. It is his favorite game, seriously a tough guy! But also the sweetest mellow guy.

This afternoon we had to put Mr Jake to sleep as the tumor has returned and has become incredibly large distracting to his quality of life; I think we did this just in time so never had to endure the hardships and damages of the tumor- it would get to terrible and I would never allow a creature to have to endure that. He is one lucky cat, his best buddy- my fiance, gave him an incredible life I am very proud of for both of them.

So even though we had to say goodbye this afternoon, we are fortunate to have more wonderful memories and happy thoughts than having to ever had endure a kitty in deep pain (a kitty going in pain is something that should never have to happen). He is a lucky kitty and am sure he is more than anxious to thump more kitties than he can imagine- all in good fun of course. There will be a nice warm lap to keep him cozy as well. He's a good kitty.

He will never be forgotten either, he is still around in memory and that is a beautiful and happy thing :) Thank you, Jake- we love you!

Alexander McQueen And Target Love

A man of design genius, the name alone makes my heart anxious. I adore the designs, the creativity, the feminine fantasies concocted by Alexander McQueen. Absolutely beautiful and heavenly.

So when I heard that he is to participate with a collection for the International line at TARGET, you can imagine my excitement- wow!

I don't know if I can handle waiting, though I suppose I do not have the choice. Simply, I am pleased to know I will have a choice to purchase his designs and the oh so wonderful TARGET store! Yet another reason to love that place.

I haven't seen any of the designs for this venture just yet, though I do believe a skinny jean is involved- yum, I know whatever he will do will be fantastic. I am looking for some beautiful sleeves and dreamy dresses. In the mean time I felt it appropriate to bask in some of his other more luxurious designs.

Oh how much do I love these designs- they are gorgeous! So dreamy and luxurious! I cannot wait until the TARGET line is officially revealed and available, you can be certain I will be there early and ready. More to come soon on this gem of a discovery.

Marvelous Margarita Perfection

Yum! So the other day we had an unexpected and delightful brunch with some friends. It kind of came together at the last minute but worked out beautifully.

It was such a gorgeous day- sunny with a nice cool breeze, the kind of weather you dream about, and we enjoyed ourselves sitting outside on the patio. We kept seeing tables nearby order these delicious looking drinks and so we could not help but also indulge. When we saw the description about it on the menu as part of a review, we were instantly sold.

"The perfect blend with the perfect ingredients, Herradura Silver, Cointreau & fresh lime juice, served straight up, or on the rocks."

Within one taste we were in love and ordered more for the table. The balance with the lime was just perfect, especially for an early afternoon drink. It made the day even more pleasant.

They call it "The Perfect" and it is perfectly delightful. No nonsense, just yummy.

Izze, A Yummy Little Drink

I have seen the name and brightly colored box for some time now, but always avoided it thinking it to be one of the many energy drinks. After all, the can size matches them and even with its bright colors it blends in with the others.

Now I know, though! While grocery shopping, I noticed them with their own little side display and picked it up when I saw the "Clementine" flavor. It caught my curiosity, and I wanted to see what it was all about.

Looking at the ingredients, I was pleasantly surprised and had to give it a try- I love it! It is so refreshing and absolutely delicious. Not to mention it is the perfect size- not too much, just a great taste.

We have since tried three other flavors from them and continue to look for more. So far the sparkling grapefruit is probably my favorite, and the sparkling clementine a close second.

I am curious to try the apple and blueberry next! I have been very pleased with all of them so far. What a delightfully unexpected treat!

On another note- I bet it would taste GREAT mixed with vodka, especially the sparkling grapefruit. Will be trying that sometime soon, too! This could definitely lead to some great cocktails. Yummy.

Little Miss Aveline

It was only a matter of time before I introduced her, and so here she is: little miss Aveline. Wherever there are new shoes to be found, a new purse or other fashion accessory, even a new shopping bag- there you will find her.

Ever since she was a teeny tiny kitten, she has loved all things fashion (actually making my hat box into her bed, mushed hat included). Watching me do my make up with the brushes is something she has always loved, it is her favorite thing to do in the morning still to this day.

She is my little girl with the spotted belly and I call her Aveline. Very cat like, unlike her brother Ulric- she never knocks over anything- no matter how crowded a bookshelf may be, and is so quiet and quick you may never even see her. When her brother tries to mimic her moves, he knocks over items in the other room- not even close to her grace, though I still love him, too.

Kitties can be funny, and these two are constantly entertaining and keeping me happy. They know when a snuggle is in order or when to play, and they are always there in times of need. You've met Ulric in a previous post, now you have met my little Aveline as well.

She likes to nap with her little stuffed puppy toy, funny little thing.

She does love her belly rubs, as well. Such a cutie.

Wii Fit Glamorous Discovery

I first bought the wii when it originally came out- somehow without any waiting in line or scheduling my day, I simply walked casually in and was able to get my name on the last available wii during the pre-order.

Just worked out lovely, no complaints- and loved the system. Very fun and very unique as it made you truly interact with the games (yes, it involves actual movement). Well, time has passed and I heard of the Wii Fit, but honestly it didn't really draw me in. I was curious, of course, but not really motivated.

Well, we have come across two of them now as they are quite difficult to find, and we decided to go ahead and give it a go- see what it is all about.

Wow, I never expected so much from it. I thought sure, maybe it will be cute or darling with "some exercise" involvement, but never this. It is very Real.

It is so sensitive to the slightest shift change of your weight- you actually do have to control your posture and center of balance. No cheating in any of the exercises- it knows!

Even when it checks your BMI, it looks like you are standing still, but you do tend to shake or drift just a bit when you stand and it reads it perfectly to see where your balance is and how off or on you are to it.

With the yoga poses, it makes you not only do the pose- but keep your balance in this little circle, in reality which means keeping your posture correct as you do the pose. Seriously no cheating, and you really feel the stretch even more. Same goes with the push ups and so on. Breathing is important and it even agrees- combining my fearless breathing techniques with the wii fit games has helped me master them quickly and feel so much better for it!

The balance games are my favorite, I am quite proud at my success with them now (took a little practice, but I own them now! Next is to own the advanced levels).

I actually enjoy doing this every day which is key- I want to unlock more games and beat my last time or increase my quality of routine. Most importantly, it isn't the slightest bit boring at all. You're competing against yourself more than anything, but you can also compete against others if you wish to.

I absolutely love it- definitely worth the try to see if it is for you. I didn't think it would be but sure enough it absolutely is!

Vodka And Caviar

With a name like "Vodka & Caviar" I almost don't care what color it is, I have to have it. Nail polish colors have such unique and playful names, normally I may smile or laugh and then forget about it, focusing only on the color, but this time the name came first.

As part of the O.P.I. Russian Collection, one of their colors is beautifully titled "Vodka & Caviar"- how great is that? It is a rich crimson, which I love, too- and I am determined to get it. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect in the color when my dear friend phoned me about it (she knew I would love it, the words made her think instantly of me as it was). I am pleased it is such a rich and gorgeous color- my heart would have been broken if it was anything but gorgeous.

Vodka and Caviar... what a great thing, I am going to have to use that somewhere I just know it. Much love!