Boston, we stand with you

I've been thinking all weekend what to post today and I think that the only appropriate thing is this.

Boston, we stand with you.

Turning the finish line of such a momentous achievement into a horrific event is beyond comprehension. I feared that runners would be scared, not want to congregate, but have happily seen the opposite happen day after day. I have seen running group after running group posting on Facebook and Twitter this week, running together for those who can't, running in solidarity, or running/walking a symbolic 26.2 minutes.  

We are a nation that always gets back up, stronger and more determined.  America keeps going.

Thank you to all the first responders out there, I admire your courage and bravery every day.

Golden Feature:

Giving is golden.  

If you are able, please make a donation to the Red Cross, or think about donating blood.
You local blood banks will always need your help, and god forbid they need it. Please be on the watch for scams, donate directly to the Red Cross here.

Golden Tidbit: "I always loved running.. it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." - Jesse Owens

Gilded Entertaining

Spring is here and that means it's just about events season.  Graduation, weddings, engagements, etc. I'm lucky enough to be both attending and hosting a little of everything.  Thanks to Pinterest I get to have all kinds of ideas at my fingertips, so I thought I'd share some gold table top ideas with all of you.

Fill a tall clear glass vase or even wine glasses with gold wrapped candy (Rolo's pictured here, but any gold wrapped candy works) for an easy centerpiece.

Gold confetti can be used as a table runner (on white or black tablecloth) as a great accent; keep the the rest of the decor monochromatic for maximum impact!

Make a splash with this gorgeous gold pitcher, it could be a centerpiece in it's own! ($240 on Wantful)

Pair gold with pink and white and you'll get a pretty spring feel. Add some cream flowers and apricot tones and you've got the perfect brunch table.

Gold and white with ghost chairs keep the table elegant but still perfect for an everyday dinner party.

Black & gold makes a classic combo; a dessert table is featured here, but you could do the same for appetizers, presents or use it as a guest book table. (I would have done gold glitter balloons but that's just my preference)

Gold and crystal with white accents! I love how rich this feels, add a tall vase overflowing with baby's breath and you've got a finished look!

Golden Tidbit:

My friend Krystal singlehandedly reminds me of how awesome a hostess gift can be (see here for the what/why of a Hostess Gift).  For a recent event, she brought me the newest addition to the Kardashian Empire. Khroma is their new makeup line, and this primer gelee will "instantly smooth and add radiance" to your complexion.  Obviously, anything with gold in it I have to try, and I did actually notice a little glow pre-concealer application. This is best used for a summer look when a little shimmer is best and no concealer/powder is necessary.  Available locally at Fred Meyer and Bartells from $16-19

Golden Quote: "That's the secret of entertaining. You make your guests feel welcome and at home. If you do that honestly, the rest takes care of itself." - Barbara Hall

Pebble Time

I can finally say it: I own a Pebble.

Old school watchface option

Ok, technically I was able to say that when we became Kickstarter backers on May 9th, 2012 (one of 68,927 backers). Yes, almost exactly a year ago, so I have been waiting extremely patiently to get this package of Pebble Perfection:

Pebble packaging - 2 pack

the only instructions: go to website

You are probably wondering 1 - why I waited so long to get a Watch and 2 - what the heck is a Pebble?
The answer to the first question is because it isn't just any watch, it's an e-paper tech geek's dream come true, and the first next step into smart watches (maybe not the first technically, but the best so far in my opinion).  The second question, what the heck is a Pebble and what can it do, besides tell time:

• control my music
• caller ID
• water resistant
• Email notification
• Text messages 
• vibrating timer & alarm
• and more coming; everything I hear indicated RunKeeper integration goes live in the next few weeks (yes, I can check my watch to see how far/long I've run)

Basically, most of you know I love tech and gadgets and I'm really an early adopter.  So when I heard about Pebble last year, I convinced told by bf about it and we quickly became backers (if you think I love tech, he's twice as excited as me about this stuff)

Here's the Pebble website if you need more info, or want to pre-order your own (yes, a little plug, but so far I'm impressed enough to recommend it!)

Pebble became one of the most funded Kickstarter Projects when it reached $4.7 mil, ($500,000 in the first day of funding crushing their initial goal of $100,000) and it actually ended up raising over $10 million.  Here's where I'll also recommend you check out Kickstarter, a great crowd funding site.

Kickstarter Edition Pebble - worth the wait!

So far the best reaction has been when buying my watchband today. I was texting back and forth and she happened to be handing my watch back to me when it vibrated with a text while in her hand.  She looked down at the message, then at me and asked "um, is this connected to your phone??" I said yes, and she just got this huge grin, "That's so cool!" Yes, yes it is.

Now I'll be honest in the cons:

• no battery life indicator (but after a 2 hour charging, it should be ready to go for 5 days)
• calls show a number rather than a contact name, but I believe that's being addressed currently (texts do show the name)

I don't want to be called a fan girl, but truly, it really has worked as advertised or I'd list more cons. The SDK (software development kit) should be released shortly, which means more integration, i.e. more links to apps for notifications. This is where I think Pebble will really continue to set the standard for smartwatches.  I know many of my fellow Kickstarters still don't have their Pebbles and attitudes have turned negative on the product and the company:

1. Kickstarter is not a sales site, but a backing site, and the company is supposed to do their best to deliver a product.  If the Pebbles being produced didn't meet the right standards, I would be happy to wait longer to make sure my product was perfect when it reached my hands, that's what I paid for.  
2. For any company to go from Proof of Concept to mass production in 9 months and produce a consistent, quality technical product for the first time is really impressive. I have a professional familiarity with sourcing (enough to be dangerous) and I'm incredibly impressed with this timeline and the resulting product.

Golden Tidbit:

Obviously the black rubber strap that came with my Pebble, while good for all-weather conditions and an outdoor workout, is just not.... well, gold enough.  I visited Express Jewelers in Westlake Center today and picked up this amazing Gold Hadley Roma Mens watch band with clasp, which they installed and sized for me within 10 minutes (great for those who need a little instant gratification) for just $56.00.  I found it on Amazon Prime for $60.70.

Golden Quote: "Time is more valuable than Money.  You can get more money, but you cannot get more time."  - Jim Rohn

Matzo Roca

Happy Passover/Happy Easter!  I can imagine that most of you are recovering from chocolate bunny and Peep induced comas, or resting after exhausting egg hunts.  Or maybe you are sick of eating Matzoh.  If you are, may I suggest one of my favorite ways to make Matzo palatable: Matzo Roca!

This is the delicious combination of chocolate and caramely goodness that masks a bland but crispy Matzo Cracker.

These are actually fairly easy to make, you just need 5 ingredients:
1 package Matzo crackers (avail at your local grocery store in the Kosher section)
1 package Chocolate chips/ 1-2 bars baking chocolate
1 C. brown sugar (packed)
1 C. butter (yes, I know, but it's worth it, trust me)
Slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line sheet pan with foil, spray with non-stick spray and lay out matzo crackers.  In small pot bring butter & brown sugar to a slow boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

 Pour over Matzo crackers, spread so the caramel fully covers the cracker, and place in the oven for 5 minutes.  Remove and sprinkle chocolate over the matzo, allow to melt for a minute or two and then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate over the Matzo.

 Sprinkle slivered almonds across the top.  Place pans in the freezer/fridge and allow to harden, then break and enjoy!

Golden Tidbit:

If you had the chance to enjoy a Passover Seder this week, you drank some wine (4 cups, to be precise!).  So of course, I'd like to suggest a Gold Corkscrew for all your wine opening needs! ($5.99 from Amazon)

Golden Quote: "Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offered a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation that, possibly, any other purely sensory thing." - Ernest Hemingway

Downtown Living

Spring in our household means moving season; this is the life of a renter.  You sign a lease for 6, 12, 18 months, and at some point, it's up and you either love it and stay, or start the search one more time.  I understand the allure of the suburbs; the lawn, the garden, more square footage, a neighbor that hopefully doesn't share a wall with you, let alone a floor and a ceiling. But there's something about urban living that we can't won't give up.  A lot of somethings, really.

Most popular FAQ's about our downtown life:

Q: Where you do get gas?

A: Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, SoDo, and in a pinch, Denny Way.

Q:Where do you buy groceries?

A: Within walking distance- Whole Foods, C-Stores, Target (long walk/bus), IGA (long walk/bus), Safeway or QFC when in the car, or the best option ever invented: Amazon Fresh Delivery.

Q: Isn't it loud?

A: Yes, but you get used to it.  After a while, if the city is quiet, you know something is really wrong

Q: Where do guests/friends park or Isn't driving in downtown horrible?

A: We are lucky enough to have an open air lot next door to our building with reasonable rates, street parking if you are willing to look/walk a bit. And yes, driving in downtown sucks, which is why we recommend parking on the edges and walking everywhere.  We don't drive unless we have to.

Advantages: 

• Our power will probably never go out.  If it does, I'm willing to bet that we're looking at a Zombie Apocalypse. 
• Landscaping/upkeep - I don't spend my weekends gardening/mowing/painting.  Lightbulb goes out?  That's a phone call to replace.  My building's roof deck & entry is always immaculate.
• We can walk/Cab/Uber/Lightrail to SoDo for any sporting event and not worry about parking. Ever
• We have our choice of 50+ restaurants within a 10 block radius of where we live. We could eat somewhere different every week for a year and easily never repeat.
• Same day delivery - Nordstrom & Amazon both offer it, in Downtown.
• All the major Seattle tourist attractions are within walking distance (Space Needle, Seattle Center, EMP, Pike Place Market, Seattle Underground, Columbia Tower, International District, etc)
• Major city events (4th of July, NYE, Torchlight) are just a stroll away, or in one case, a view out the window.
• Snow days (when they actually do happen) are awesome instead of the worst headache ever. I can still walk to everything I need.
• Starbucks. Yes there really is one on every block. Sometimes two or three.
• Space.  Limited space means you get more efficient/creative, and are less likely to develop a clutter problem. You can't hide clutter well in 900 sq ft.
• I don't have to get into a car to go do the things I want to do.
• The views.  I can see Elliot Bay, South Lake Union, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, the Olympics, the Cascades, the Space Needle, etc. depending on where I am in my building or downtown. You truly can't get tired of how amazing the place we live is when you see the most fantastic views every day.
• There is a vibrancy, a buzz, a pace, even a mood to a city that makes it feel alive all the time.  And unless you've lived in one, it's hard to understand.

Disadvantages: 

• If the elevator is unavailable/broken, it's a 17 story walk.  It's happened. Once.
• Homeless people.  You'll never be asked for more spare change in your life than you will in the city.  If you concentrate social services within a 4x5 block radius, that's what's going to happen. 
• Taking the dog out means getting in an elevator. To a pet walk or truly outside, but not as easy as just opening a door.
• Space. Ever worried about fitting your couch into a room?  We do. Every time the lease is up.
• Higher cost of living.  Which is pretty much offset by all the advantages listed above.

Golden Tidbit:

A necessity for every city-dweller; the Starbucks Gold card.  Register any Starbucks card and you can be on your way to GOLD. (more info here ) 

Golden Quote: "I have an affection for a great city.  I feel safe in the neighborhood of man, and enjoy the sweet security of the streets." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

St. Paddy's Day Spring

Happy Wear-Green Day! In looking for something to wear today I did realize I had a lot more vibrant emerald Green to wear than I thought (blazer, crop pants, cardigan, silk shirt and 3-5 necklaces - although I have always loved jewel tones, so maybe this shouldn't surprise me). It truly is a gorgeous day out for St. Paddy's Day, so we decided a little brunch and cigar walk was in order (walk for me, Cigar for Jeremy)  We stopped at Blueacre (really, go if you haven't been, I'm serious that this is one of the best restaurants in Seattle) for a breakfast bite to energize and catch up with our favorite bartender, the shaggy ne'er-do-well we know as Neil. Then off on a walk filled with as much sun & nature as we could find within a mile or so of our apartment.  From the flowers we found, you'd think it was already spring, but I believe some great gardeners and city facility owners should get the credit.

And trying something new, an experimental B&W with Birch trees at the Federal Courthouse

Golden Tidbit:

Since it's St. Patrick's Day, I figured it was only fair to make sure the Golden Tidbit had some Green in it.  Also, Emerald is the Pantone color of the year, so really you should already be taking advantage. This Cabachon Kelly Green Bib necklace from Piperlime is $38 (free shipping!) 

Golden Quote: "The First day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month." -Henry Van Dyke

Marathon Support Crew

We had the chance to cheer on my friend Stephanie on her first Half Marathon on Saturday.  If you've ever run a Half or entire Marathon, you know that those silly signs that people hold up can be the encouragement you need to get up the hill, keep running, or just get you over the wall.  I decided to have some fun with it:

@Approx 3 miles: Run Now, Wine Later

@ Approx 5 Miles: Hey Girl, keep running! This guy will be waiting for you at the Finish Line (her fiance)

@ Approx 8 miles: Don't worry, tomorrow you won't feel your feet at all!

We also ran into another friend (Jessie) right off the start line, who was very excited to see us:

"Hey, I know you!!"

We weren't the only ones with the motivational sign idea, we saw this around the 8 mile mark:

But most importantly, Steph finished her Half Marathon, and she was greeted with her Half Medal and of course, roses (what girl doesn't love getting flowers?!) Welcome to the Half Crazy club, Steph!

Golden Tidbit:

We had some chase music as the Mobile Support team and Charles introduced me to the song "Gold".  Clink the word Gold and it will link you to iTunes, the song is just $1.29! (doesn't hurt that Macklemore is a local Seattle Artist, too!)

Golden Quote: "You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can't know what's coming." -Frank Shorter