Local Liquor

I received a fantastic belated Xmas gift from my brother; a bottle of Sun Liquor Co. Gun Glub Gin:

This resulted in one of the best G&T's I've ever had, which of course made me research this amazing liquor.  Turns out Sun Liquor Distillery is one of the only distilleries in the US that has a full service bar  & restaurant (with Brunch!)

And lucky for us, was just up the hill (514 E. Pike, Seattle)

 We ended up with some pretty delicious Biscuits and Gravy, a damn good Moscow Mule for me and a refreshing Greyhound for Jeremy (with fresh squeezed Grapefruit - fresh squeezed really does make all the difference).  We also tasted their original Gin (Hedge Trimmer) as well as their Vodka, which we ended up purchasing (the vodka); any restaurant/bar where you can also purchase booze is a pretty good deal, really.

Not only is Washington blessed with an abundance of wineries and craft beers, but we are actually a home to quite a few local distilleries. Along with Sun Liquor, there is also Sound Spirits (Interbay), Mischief (Freemont), 2 Bar (Sodo), Oola (Cap Hill), Batch 206 (Interbay) and that's just a few of the local ones within walking/Uber distance for me.  (Let me know if I forgot any others in the DT Seattle/Cap Hill/Interbay area; I count Woodinville as a separate "distillery district").

Golden Feature:

A gold flask seems like a pretty good way to transport new distillery goods as needed, and this one's on sale on Overstock for $28.49

Golden Tidbit: "I drink Champagne when I win, to celebrate... and I drink Champagne when I lose, to console myself." - Napoleon Bonaparte

A Kitchen Sink Christmas

As a Frequent Flyer during the work week (especially after 5 straight weeks of travel or visiting managers) it's nice to start my vacation by NOT traveling and staying local.  In a time when so many people are traveling to be with their families we were lucky enough to be in town and spend some quality time with some of our best friends this weekend.  Inspired by a dance off (adults against children) at a recent dinner with friends, we decided to rent a dance game of our own using Game Fly;  "Everybody Dance!" for Playstation 3.  If you are a DDR fan, or just never played a dance game, take the next step and try it.  What an entertaining night we had and discovered our friends are incredibly talented dancers!

Today we got to see even more friends and they came bearing gifts:

Kitchen Sink white wine - what a perfect backdrop! (Picture courtesy Charles)

 We've had the Red before and I highly recommend it, I've heard the white is just as good and we can't wait to try it! What a perfectly fitting gift, thanks Stephanie & Charles!

Golden Feature:

Gold Banded Wine Glass

Is there a better way to enjoy wine that out of a gold rimmed glass? Probably not.  These are actually on sale right now at Williams Sonoma for $95.99 for a set of 4

Golden Tidbit: "Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized." - Andre Simon

Treasure this Season with your family and friends, and I hope you all enjoy a very Merry Christmas! 

A golden guide to gifts

Happy Holidays! I figured it was time to join in (yes there are a few shopping days left, don't worry!) and give you all a little gift guide. And yes, it's a Golden Themed gift guide. Some of these are items I own so I feel fully comfortable recommending them (find the Gold *) and others are just good Gold ideas.  Happy Shopping!

Golden Feature - Gifts for her:

1. Gold Scarf  - by Target $14.99

2. Gold Nail polish - Felicity by Julep $14.00*

3. Gold Lotion (with 24k gold!) - Oro Gold Body Butter $25.50 *

4. Gold Heels - by Ivanka Trump $129.95

5.Gold Wallet - by Kate Spade $100

6. Gold Druzy Necklace - on Etsy $53.00

7. Gold Earrings - by Tory Burch $78.00

8. Gold Chocolate - by Godiva $15.00

9. Gold Journal - by Grandluxe $11.47 *

Golden Feature - Gifts for him:

1. Gold Shave set - by Erbe $186.95

2. Gold Cigar Cutter - by Xikar $49.95

3. Gold Watch - by Bulova $450

4. Gold Earbuds - by Nixon $75.62

5. Gold Cufflinks - by Cufflinks.com $100.00
6. Gold Pen - Starwalker by Montblanc $470

Golden Feature - Gifts for the Home:

1. Gold Bar Cart - by Society Social $515.00

2. Gold Ornament - by  Starbucks $4.95 *

3.Gold French Press - by  Bodum $69.95

4. Cougar Gold Cheese - by WSU Creamery $20.00 *

5. Gold Champagne - by Armand de Brignac $269

6. Gold USB Drive - by Kate Spade $50.00

7. Gold Dinnerware - plates by William Sonoma $39.95

Golden Tidbit: "Anyone who believes the competitive spirit in America is dead has never been in a supermarket when the cashier opens another checkout line." - Ann Landers

Jingle Bell Dashers

When it comes to charity, a 5k is a great excuse to get up early on a Sunday with a few close friends!  Up at 5am, we got to Dash with 12,000 Seattleites for the Jingle Bell Run  (Raising money to fight Arthritis, donations can be made Here)

Obligatory group shot

Pre 5k couple shot

If you've never done one of the bigger charity runs here in Seattle, I'd highly suggest it. Yes its crowded, and if you have to drive into Seattle, the parking may be a little tough, but man do participants go all out on the theme.  I saw at least 2 Grinches, more than a few Santas, elves, reindeer, even a Christmas Unicorn, a couple of wrapped presents, about 7 different versions of Christmas Trees and every other xmas light wrapped festive outfit you can think of. (And in case you were wondering, I was going for the Snowflake theme this year).  Just getting to the start line was a bit of a struggle, but after forming a train through the crowd with our team, we found a break in the fence and went for it!

If you are looking for a list of local 5k's you can find it here. Whether you are looking for a fun run or a race to set a PR, you'll find it there.  This was the first 5k I've done that wasn't to set a time and I had such a good time; kind of nice to just enjoy the fun.

Edit: If you bring an umbrella to a 5k in Seattle, I will call you out.  

Especially since it wasn't even raining.

Golden Feature:

Hanukkah started on Saturday and since the traditional colors are silve/white and blue it's actually been pretty hard for me to find anything gold.  (If you know where I can find a nice gold Menorah with clean modern lines that isn't post-modern, let me know) In the meantime, use this Golden Dreidel ($1.99 on Amazon.com) to win yourself some Gelt!

Golden Tidbit: "My Future starts when I wake up every morning...Every day I find something creative to do with my life" - Miles Davis

iPhone goes for the Gold

After 3 very painful months of no wifi due to an unfortunate..... water incident, I am now the proud owner of a brand new iPhone 5!

I've only been wanting to upgrade since it came out (ok, not that long, but still), but I'm one of those budget conscience people who will wait until the contract upgrade rather than paying the up-front $600+ even if it killed me to have the outdated model.

I didn't notice how slow my phone was until after playing with the 5 in the Apple store.  After that, it felt like every activity took so.much.longer.   I have close to 2,000 pictures on my phone, both personal and for work purposes, so the camera speed & quality is incredibly important to me.  If you don't have an iPhone 5, find a friend or go to the Apple store and test it.  Literally burst photography, which allows me not haul around my DSLR all the time.

Golden Feature:

This is the new case I just ordered from Amazon ($12.95). Let me say there's a LOT of gold cases on Amazing, but look carefully at the close-up pics of the camera lens portion; over half of them cover it. Or the bezel comes too close to the lens which results in too much lens flare (experience garnered from a red case that made all my pics glow pink)

Golden Tidbit: "Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." - Steve Jobs 

13.1

Today I got to finish something that a year ago I couldn't even fathom..... I completed my first Half Marathon (Seattle Half Marathon):

At the finish line with my Medal

Start line for the Half

In the I90 tunnel

Final time: 3:05:09 which is about 5 min over my original aim.  I used this Half training schedule from about.com, chosen after having such success using the same type of program for 10k training.

I can honestly say that I wasn't able to give the schedule the real time necessary to train properly with the long runs in the latter part; even though the step up in mileage was manageable, the 1.5-2+ hours needed for the runs after about 8 miles is a hard one to fit into a traveling schedule.  No, that's not an excuse, I made the choice of work over the run and will admit my last 3 miles suffered immensely for that.  I know know exactly what "The Wall" feels like, and it sucks.  

I was lucky enough to have the greatest support team EVER consisting of my BF and our 2 close friends; over the course I saw them 3 times, which is pretty impressive when you think that they had to battle closed roads for the course to do it.  Seeing my bf on that last mile helped me push through one of the hardest runs of my life and get it done.  Crossing the finish line and getting that medal put on me was more emotional than I thought it would be; what a great experience... but I think that I'll be sticking with 5k's & 10k's for a while.

And really, right now, running pretty much the last thing on my mind... time for a little recovery.

Golden Feature:

Since I can't seem to get my hands on Usain Bolt's Gold Olympia shoes, I'd settle for these Gold ones by Adidas (On Sale for $95.99!)  Those wings just scream Speedy!

Golden Tidbit:" The difference between the mile and the marathon is the difference between burning your fingers with a match and being slowly roasted over hot coals."  Hal Higdon

Rules for the Marathon Shopper

Today I took a friend of mine on what was supposed to be a short shopping venture to get these Quilted Sperry Top-Sider "Pelican Too" Rainboots:

(Currently available at Nordstrom for $77.95)

What happened instead was a 3.5 hour mini-marathon (for me) shopping adventure to The Rack & Old Navy. Let me explain the marathon part.  I don't shop quickly.  I.Marathon.Shop. Ask any of my friends (or my very patient bf) if I've ever shopped (happily) for less than 2 hours at a time.  When I go shopping, I mean it. I will dig through racks, looking for exactly the right item, and am willing to spend the time to find the gem I know is there.  And of course, I have marathon shopping rules:

1.  Keep breakfast light, but protein & caffeine loaded -You don't want to be bloated when trying on clothes, it makes it harder to imagine if that fitted sheath dress will look just right.  (hint: Starbucks is a shoppers friend, before and during a shopping marathon) The protein will keep you full for a bit, but it's never a bad idea to keep a bar in your purse just in case you go longer than 5 hours.

2. Go early - Why fight mid-day or evening crowds or risk post-lunch rushed choices?  added bonus: when you arrive at opening, racks are organized & you have the first pick!  

3. Consider your purse carefully - I recommend a smallish crossbag, large enough to carry phone, wallet, lipgloss and any layer of clothing you need to shed, or even small purchases throughout your day. This will also free your hands to carry more items at a time.

4. Leave the layers at home/in the car - Even if it's raining cats & dogs outside (yes Seattle, I'm talking to you) when you get in the store and 3 racks in, that big rain jacket will take you quickly from Marathon shopper to sweaty, frustrated mess.  Layers are best when it's a flattering cami & cardi combo; easy to change in/out of 100 times.  Also an easy way to tell if your ideal outfit is right or not: if you like what you came in better, maybe your last item wasn't the right choice.

5.  Wear comfortable flats - Easy to slip on/off when in the shoe section, you'll make it through quicker than having to take boots or tennis shoes on and off at every possible shoe option.

6.If you take it off the rack for a better look, you must try it on - yes, this is the hardest and most dangerous rule.  But this happens to be one of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone, and can also result in some of the most hilarious dressing room try-ons I've ever done.  I've discovered patterns, colors and cuts I would have never thought worked for me just by virtue of this rule.  The rule can also be veto'ed by a friend in order to stop you from trying on 1993 throwbacks.

7.  When in doubt, decide in the checkout line -  Pressure.  Probably the best way to really find out if you love an item.  Carry your Maybe item around, try it on with your other selections, and let the pressure of the impending register help you find your true feelings on the deal that might just be too good to pass up.

FYI, I didn't get the boots. yet.

Golden Feature:

This Rag and Bone Gold tuxedo jacket is GORGEOUS! But I couldn't quite afford it...So I got the Chloe K version at The Rack today for a little less ($39.79)

Golden Tidbit:  Carrie: "Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping?"

                        Samantha: "I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit!"

All that Glitters is not Golden

On Saturday I conned convinced my friend Krystal to wake up at 5am and stand in like with me for the 29th Annual Glitter Sale, Seattle Goodwill's amazing annual event.  All year long they hold Designer items back and then put them all out for this 2 day sale.  We arrived at about 6:30 am and the line was already down the side of the building and around the corner.  After a quick run to Starbucks, we found out spot in line.  About 35 degrees but armed with hot coffee, we were prepared and ready to make some new line friends.

The line behind us

Coffee keeping myself & friend Krystal alert & warm

They handed out numbered Lanyards this year (286 for me & 287 for Krystal) which allowed us some time to dash back to the car and thaw our toes.  Nine am came and the doors opened.... and then we were in line again just to get back into the special Glitter Sale room. Once in, it was truly amazing to see such a frenzy from the 250+ women who had taken over the room ahead of us.  Keeping our strategy, we bee-lined for the purses - A day later and I'm finding a few bruises from the couple of careless elbows thrown in the sale induced haze.

So 4 1/2 hours total, after 3 trips through the vintage fur racks, about an hour at thejewelry counter, and more trips back through the purses than I care to count, this is my haul:

The Glitter Sale Haul

• brand new Kenneth Cole leather briefcase for the bf (really brand new, the warranty & cardboard were still in it, and the strap was still in the plastic wrapper) $49.99
• Vintage Bobby Jerome black glitch with gold hardware (the original mirror and comb are still in it, unbroken!) $6.99
• Pearl & Gold ring $19.99
• Coral & Gold bracelet $7.99 

 

I have had very few ultra-sale experiences that have exhausted me quite like that sale.  It was a great experience, we we both had a great time, but I'm not sure if the Glitter Sale will call my name for next year.  Unless a cold snap makes me think of those furs..... then I may be convinced a trip back is exactly in order.

Golden Feature:

In honor of the Glitter sale experience, I thought this would be a perfect suggestion for making sure NYE was a sparkling night.  The DKNY Sparkle Strap Watch is the perfect accessory when you want to stand out a bit.  I haven't seen it in person yet but what an eye catcher!

*The Golden Tidbits today are inspired by an important purchase I made this weekend; my very first brand new car!

Golden Tidbit: "Second Place is just the first place loser" - Dale Earnhardt

Bonus quote, for because I just can't help myself: "No, no, no. There's no such thing as cheap and cheerful. It's cheap and nasty, & expensive and cheerful." - Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear

The beginning

So this is the beginning. The beginning of many posts about....well, pretty much everything.  I've been wanting to start a blog for a while now but couldn't manage to just settle on one topic.

I tried to narrow down but ended up with a lengthy list covering fashion, fitness, food, entertaining, wine, tech, travel and just about anything in-between.  So, I decided to throw it all in (yes, into the Kitchen Sink).  I'll be covering a Golden Feature (you'll get to know my love for everything gold), fashion tips, product reviews, recipes, how to entertain, the newest gadgets, how to be the best frequent flyer, even wine recommendations. 

So here it is, I give you a golden guide to everything. 

Golden Feature:

West Elm Gold Flatware

I purchased 4 sets of these for entertaining a few weeks ago and LOVE them (I got them on sale, get them before the price goes back up!)  What's better than eating with gold flatware?  Link: West Elm Gold Flatware

Golden Tidbit: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine