I'll Meet You in Seattle!: Part 2

Welcome back! I'm excited to share with you the rest of my super quick and super fun Seattle adventure!

After roomie and I left the original Starbucks, we continued walking down Pike Street searching for some gluten-free goodies ( a "monster" cookie the size of your face) for her and taking in the rest of the marketplace. We even stopped to sample some jams and other sweet sauces at a quaint little shop. The salted caramel sauce was one of those "I could stick my face in this jar" kind of delicious moments. It's true. 

Soon after, we stumbled upon this lovely place. Crepe de France. Yes and Okay! We wandered in, evaluated/battled between our sweet and savory choices for a long time for a bit, and then decided to come back when we would be hungry enough to eat one. After sampling food all afternoon at the market, we were kind of stuffed! I was at least, and these crepes were rather large!

We finally decided on just a savory crepe to tide us over. Our hunt for a cupcake place was next on the agenda. We ended up ordering the Crepe De Dande A Lail (Gluten Free) which contained turkey, green onion, spinach, and mozzarellla. Overall the flavors were good, but the crepe itself was a bit on the crispy/dry side for me. I'm still glad we tried one, though!

Also around this time, a local suggested that we visit the "gum wall". What? I wasn't fully sure what it was about, but was definitely up for hunting it down. Thanks to roomie, she spotted the way and this is what we found...

A huge wall walls COVERED in gum?! Gross upon first approach, but kind of pretty when I stood back to look at all the colors. 

After doing some research, I have learned that the Market Theater Gum Wall is a local landmark and tourist attraction located in Post Alley. Apparently, the tradition began around 1993 when patrons of the theater began sticking gum to the walls. Theater workers supposedly engaged in a few attempts to scrape off the sticky stuff, but eventually gave up. Thus, the gum wall has lived on. 

Quite the "sticky" situation, but why not? We grabbed a few pieces of gum, chewed them up, and then perused the wall for the perfect landing spot. Let's just say that we contributed, and then quickly pulled out the hand sanitizer! Obviously. It was weird and fun, nonetheless. 

We ventured on from here to fine a cupcake shop that I had spotted on our tourist map.  It's one of my favorite things to do in any city that I visit! I will gladly hunt down cupcakes!! Here in downtown Seattle, The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co. was our target. After a brief stop asking for directions, we managed to find it! 

Don't they look pretty?!

Cupcakes always make this girl happy!!!

I chose to give the Belgian Chocolate and the Pancakes & Bacon a try! 

As a cupcake lover and connoisseur I take cupcake sampling pretty seriously. Overall, I would give this place a "9" for appearance and about a "5" for taste. The cake was okay, but the frosting was pretty lacking (as in not much flavor and a kind of odd softened butter-like consistency). 

Next stop, the SkyView Observatory at Columbia Center. Did I mention that this building was on the complete opposite side of downtown? Ha, we didn't care though. We ventured on quickly, because according to our information it closed soon and we had like 20 minutes to get there?! Luckily we made it and then found out once we got there that we didn't have to rush at all. At least the speed walking was good cardio, right?

Stopped to hug a giant cherry red popsicle on the way!

We made it to the tower and this is the view that welcomed us as we stepped onto the 73rd floor. Hello, Seattle!

The view from 932 ft. above!

We ended up choosing to do Columbia Center instead of the Space Needle for two reasons: 1) It was less expensive, and 2) we would still be able to see the Space Needle. It was worth it. The nearly 360 degree view of Seattle from above was breathtakingly beautiful!

As our day began to wind down, we found ourselves having a little extra time. Roomie and I ventured back the way we came from and did some shopping and people watching. You never know what you'll see on a street corner or in the middle of the sidewalk!

Like a life-sized chess match...

A beautiful waterfall...

Or a street band complete with cello, guitar, drums, oboe and a violin!

So there it is, my one day journey through downtown Seattle with roomie! We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to explore! I had a blast exploring the city with Bri! The extra looonnnnggg day of travel the day after was completely worth it, after having enjoyed an awesome and spontaneous trip! 

My take-aways from Seattle:

1) The weather is amazing! (Those people that complain about "rain"...that's just silliness.)

2) Again, there is a Starbucks on every corner. Enough said. 

3) Touring the city via bicycle would be crazy fun!

4) I would gladly go back! Any time! 

I may not be a flight attendant, but I at least got to feel somewhat like one even if only for a day! Until next time and next adventure!

I'll Meet You in Seattle!: Part 1

My roomie is a flight attendant. She often has lay-overs in various cities around the country/world. Well, last week she had a 24 hour lay-over in Seattle! After several requests to meet her in Seattle, I gave in. I did. I tried to resist, but I just couldn't any longer! Why, not?! Seattle is just beautiful and so incredibly fun! I have been once before, but it was about 14 years ago. Needless to say, I was super excited to go back and share some of my favorite places (Pike Place Market) with roomie! So, 12 hours before I needed to get up to catch a 5 a.m. flight, we made plans and booked my flight. Talk about short notice! 

Wednesday morning after a 4 a.m. wake-up call, and two flights I landed just in time to greet roomie as the flight she was working arrived at SEA-TAC airport! Shortly after, thanks to the very nice members of her crew, I was able to hitch a ride with them to the hotel. Little did I know, that the hotel was right in downtown Seattle and literally only about 2-3 blocks away from everything! 

The pictures will give a visual to all the crazy and fun adventures we had that day! Here goes...

Breakfast on the plane...a lovely fruit and cheese plate! Yum!!

View of Mt. Ranier from my seat... Beautiful!

The hotel.

photo courtesy of http://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/seattle/seadt/hoteldetail/photos-tours

Roomie brought us snacks!

View of Mars Hill Church from the hotel room. 

And now for the sights we saw as we walked in and around downtown for almost an entire day! Fun things ahead!

First stop, the first ever Starbucks!! (As a side note, how could I not like downtown Seattle for the lone reason that there is literally a Starbucks on almost every single corner. For real! Amazing!)

Come to find out...this was not the Original! Buh. Never fear though, we found it. It'll make an appearance soon!

My favorite place in Seattle: Pike Place Market! Food, spices, entertainment, people-watching, beautiful views of the bay...you can do it all here!

They have THE BEST fresh flowers, fruit and seafood! (if you're a seafood person...I'm not! More to come on that in a minute.)

The fruit samples we tried we're dripping as we ate them, they were so juicy! Mmm mm! So good!

So the fish thing...well, I don't eat it. Ever. Can't stand the smell, the texture, the taste. I just all around prefer not to consume seafood of any kind. EXCEPT, for smoked salmon in Seattle. I told roomie before I arrived that "Seattle may be the one place you will ever see me eat seafood. If I do it, it will be at the market and it will be salmon." Well, y'all....I did it.

How I felt right before consumption (yes, I was actually a bit terrified/nervous/hesitant!)

How I felt right after the first bite of smoked salmon on a stick! It was delicious! (And no, it doesn't change my mind about eating seafood again. This was the first time in years, and it will probably not happen again any time soon. Oh, and excuse the crazy hair!)

Now back to the Market...

We ran into a really cool dude (and his pup) playing some awesome soul, funk, not really sure what genre, music on his harmonica and banjo! He really was great!

Ever seen or heard of the famous "fish-throwing" that takes place at Pike Place? This is where that happens. 

Next stop, Market Spice. It was established as a small spice and tea shop way back in 1911.They have a huge selection! I made sure to grab some of the Steak Seasoning that I remembered from my trip years ago.You can't beat it. The spices here are incredible!

And last but not least for today, the main event...

THE ORIGINAL STARBUCKS!!! It's worth shouting, because that is precisely how excited I was!! Right in the heart of the Pike Place district, stood this beauty!

Maybe this will help you picture just how I felt...

The line was fairly long, but the employees had it down to a science. Trust me, it was worth the wait! 

Roomie and I got our usual drinks (a classic mocha for me, and a passion tea lemonade w/ peach for Bri!) Additionally, we both purchased mugs to document this moment and place in our lives, and took a snapshot for the memory books!

As slightly dramatic as it may seem to some of you, as I previously said on an Instagram photo of this place, "My heart is happy, and my life a little more complete!" I really do LOVE Starbucks, and I really, really can't explain how fun it was! 

Tired yet? We're not even through, but I'll give you a break. Come back tomorrow for more photos (as requested) and the rest of our Seattle adventures!

Favorite Finds: July Edition

Here's a look at what I've been loving, this month...

1: Living Proof Full Shampoo & Conditioner (here)

I had been looking for some new haircare products to try out and Living Proof (co-owned by Jennifer Anniston) was one of my top options. Being as it is a bit pricey, I decided to "test' it out by purchasing the smaller trial size bottles. I have straight, normal texture hair and thought that a little volume would do a sister some good! Turns out, I love it! My hair feels super clean and really light both right out of the shower and once it's dry. I definitely would recommend giving it a try, if you're in the market!

2: Montagne Jeunesse Green Tea Peel Off Face Masque (here)

This green tea mask is one of my favorite face masks, and it's one that I use probably about 2-3 times a month! 

3: Hubert's Lemonade in Limeade (here)

I found this product during my last trip to Whole Foods, and became instantly obsessed after one sip! Perfectly sweet and tart, and really refreshing! (Thank goodness, I don't live super close to either a Fresh Market or Whole Foods store, otherwise I would have a refrigerator full of these!)

4: FEED for Target Scented Jar Candle in Linen (here)

1) It's a FEED project, and it's Target. 2) The smell is clean and lovely. 3) The product packaging is stunning! Love the jar! 

5: Candie's Retro Pyramid Stud Square Sunglasses (here)

Who doesn't need another cute pair of sunnies for summer? I loved the slightly off-white creamy color and small stud detailing on these! (I may have a slight obsession huge love for sunglasses, and these were automatically added to the collection!)

We stop...for Ice Cream!

I spent a brief afternoon in Atlanta this past week with Roomie. We had made a similar trip about a week before this one, and had seen a super cute sign for an ice cream shop along the way. I was sold. Little shop, in a cute Georgia town? Um, yes! So, this time around we finished appointments and then made a quick pit stop at Scoops before I dropped her off at the airport! Can't complain when the driver "makes" us stop for ice cream. (Thanks!)

Scoops was simply Southern on the exterior, and simply sweet and fun on the interior. Once we ventured in, I quickly noticed that not only did "scoops" apply to the ice cream counter, but to the multiple walls of assorted candies as well! Think a mall candy store, like Candyopolis or Mr. Bulky's, meets you're favorite ice cream counter. It was fun, and just the perfect treat!

There were many tantalizing flavor options and it was a difficult decision, but I ended up with a scoop of Snickers ice cream! It was seriously, so SO good! 

A little road trip time with the bestie and a sweet treat to top it off! It was a great day! 

(I couldn't resist testing out one of the lovely butter yellow rocking chairs on the way out! Adorbs!)

Wishing you a happy ice cream adventure of your own this summer! Happy eats!

Whole Foods Haul: Favorites & Finds!

photo courtesy of eatingalabama.com

Whole Foods...the place where you fall in love with foods (or at least the idea of foods) that you never would've thought of and/or never knew existed! I was introduced to Whole Foods when I moved to good 'ol Alabama a few years ago. People would always tell me that it was an "experience" or even a "great place for date night"....well, they were right. The product selection (including organic and gluten free), the samples, the buffet, live cooking demos, the gorgeous flower section, and more; they have it all.  Really, it is just down right Awesome! (A little on the pricey side too, but there are ways to watch that.)

Nonetheless, I always manage to grab some "favorites" and some "finds" each time I go! The goal is to try to walk out with a mix of things I know that I love, and hopefully delicious new things to try. On this trip with Roomie,  I found an especially good mix!

I'll start with the "Favorites": 

(As you can see, my favorites tend to come from the bakery section!)

*Blueberry Streussel Muffins: fresh from the bakery daily and uber delicious...like seriously, the best blueberry muffins ever! They come in the smaller size muffins in a 6-pack or the jumbo size in a 4-pack. Usually, I buy a single jumbo muffin if they are available. 

*The Everything Bagel: my go-to choice for the perfect turkey bagel sandwich. Sesame seeds, garlic, onion, poppy seeds, basically the works!

*Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookie: chocolate and coffee in a cookie, there is nothing wrong with that combo! Even Whole Foods understands...

"Cookie love fest" is absolutely right!!!

Now onto, the "Finds"!

*Reusable Totes: The new Spring designs were available, and I automatically fell in love with these two! At $.99 a bag, who can resist?! Additional designs include an asparagus bag and a grapefruit bag. 

*Hubert's Half & Half in Green Tea Lemonade

*Hubert's Lemonade in Limeade

*Santa Cruz Organic Cherry Lemonade

*Santa Cruz Organic Mango Lemonade

(If you can't tell, I really, really love lemonades! So, I am super excited to try these! As a bonus, the glass jars will make really cute vases, once emptied...can't wait for that!)

*Late July Organic Mild Green Mojo Multigrain Snack Chips: these caught my eye because of their ingredients: green chiles, jalapenos, cheese, and lime. Yum!

*Tomato Spinach Fusilli Pasta: this wasn't so much of a "find" as an "I just need noodles for pasta salad" choice. I've never had this brand, but I'm sure that the noodles will be great. Props to my madre, for always making pasta salad with the veggie spiral pasta growing up!

*Clif Mojo bars in White Chocolate Macadamia & Peanut Butter Pretzel: I usually grab a few protein/energy bars every trip. I eat them sparingly, but do enjoy having them as a quick on-the-go snack or breakfast option. I decided to try a few of these newer cliff bars, which kind of combine trail mix and a granola bars together!

*Artisana Cashew Butter: I love cashews and love peanut butter. I figured that this perfect little sample sized package would be a nice little treat paired with a Granny Smith Apple!

*Baby Bananas imported from Puerto Rico! (I may have first experienced baby bananas on a trip to Africa, and have been obsessed ever since. Unfortunately, most of the ones I've had in the U.S. haven't compared. I'm hoping that these will!)

*Zucchini

*Plantains (Again, fell in love with plantain chips in Africa, and will attempt to use these to make my own at home!)

(Fyi, the blue cartons pictured above came from the produce section in the store. I grabbed a few empty ones, hoping that they would let me have the cuties to take home, and they did! All I had to do was ask at the register to make sure that it was okay!)

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As you can see, I found quite the haul on this trip! I was also quite happy to walk out with a nice amount of food and drink for around $30! Not bad. 

I'm excited to taste and enjoy the products from this round, and am already looking forward to my next trip!