TEA TIME!!!!

Up on top of the Queen Anne Hill, at the popular corner where Boston crosses Queen Anne Avenue, is where all the coffee shops seem to collide. You can go with the norm and default to Starbucks or decide with something local like Cafe Ladro. Standing against these famous coffee places, The Teacup may look outnumbered by these coffee giants. But don't you worry! Some times it's nice to sit back and enjoy a cup of tea instead of the beverage that's more like Seattle's staple.

The Teacup has been around the Seattle area for 15 years, buts its Queen Anne location is new. It offers teas from all over the world, from oriental oolong to exotic mango, there is definitely no shortage of product. The shop itself is just as cozy as any other coffee place, with a burning fire place and comfy couches. No wonder The Teacup is catching on with all the coffee drinkers in Queen Anne.

The store often provides tea tasting and classes. For more information, you can check out their web site at http://seattleteacup.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

The Tea Cup
Full-scree

Placement on map is approximate

2207 Queen Anne Ave N

Seattle, WA 98109-2313

Get Directions

(206) 283-5931

Photo Credit: http://seattleteacup.com

SWIMMING IN THE SHARK TANK

If you are sick of all the drama-ridden night time soaps on TV these days, ABC's got a fresh new show called The Shark Tank that will intrigue the brain and ripple up the otherwise repeating tides of your night time entertainment.

In the boardroom there are 5 sharks, in other words unbelievably successful business men and women with a lot of cash. Each week, a few contestants or entrepreneurs will present their business ideas to these sharks, hoping to spark up their interest enough to make an investment in their new business. In the end, the desirable situation is that the contestant gets the money their business needs, the shark or sharks owns a percentage of the profit - all is negotiable, of course!

So far there has been a number of really bad ideas, namely the man who wants to sell 3 socks instead of a pair. What the hell was he thinking? But then there are good ones too, like the women who created and patented a protective coat for baby cribs - genius!

I learn something new from each show, which is so refreshing from all the drama on TV lately. To read more about The Shark Tank, go here:
http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/about-the-show

Photo Credit: http://www.webtvwire.com

DIVALICIOUS: THE RACHEL ZOE PROJECT

It takes a lot to be the queen bee of fashion: attitude, raw talent, and all the venti-sized lattes in the world. But Rachel Zoe masters at her job with a consistent sense of style that's often imitated but never duplicated.

Like all other reality TV shows, the drama could go, like the catty fights between assistants Taylor and Brad - so not necessary! But I do love the fashion and Rachel Zoe's immaculate sense of style: layers of jewelry overwhelming a simple silk dress, big snow white fur top over leggings, parading in over-the-top stilettos...Rachel Zoe is bold and that's why she's the queen bee of fashion and a new diva with her show, The Rachel Zoe Project, on the Bravo Network.

Photo Credit: http://www.hulu.com

TENPACHI GETS A TEN!!!!

A lot of my friends already go there, so I better spread the word: TENPACHI gave me one of my absolute BEST haircuts!!!! After 2 years of searching furiously for good hair cut, I finally found TENPACHI through friends, who raved about their own great cuts as well as TENPACHI's attractive price.
My stylist, Erica, was extremely patient listening to my requests. But she also gave her own suggestions driven from experience. And the result turned out great.
If you are looking for a good haircut, definitely give TENPACHI a try, at:
http://www.tenpachi.com

5611 University Way NE

Seattle, WA 98105

Get Directions

(206) 985-1010

Photo Credit: http://www.contemporist.com

VICTORIA'S SECRET BIOFIT UPLIFT BRA

All girlie girls love lingerie! But one of our favorite places has GOT to be Victoria's Secret. The company makes amazing stuff like miracle bras that enhance your boobies and boy shorts that are sexied with lace.

Every time I visit Victoria's Secret, I find something to fall in love with. Today, I found one of the best lines, Victoria's Secret BioFit Uplift bra. The making of this bra took a more logical and scientific approach, where the focus is on creating a lift that is more custom-made: as the cup size increases, the padding decreases. This philosophy attempts to create a more natural look and comfortable feel.

My purchase today was the BioFit Uplift bra in "all over lace" - pretty black lace over soft beige. The fit was just as the bra was intended in design - natural, comfortable and uplifting.

Since Victoria's Secret is nearing the end of its semiannual sale, don't you think you should go get your BioFit Uplift bra too?

Photo Credit: http://www.victoriassecret.com

OVER WINE IN BRICCO

While lower Queen Anne is a busy scene, upper Queen Anne is quite and quaint. You will often find older couples strolling hand in hand and young siblings run and dance. Still, up on top of the Queen Anne hill, there are quite a few places you can have fun at. They are just a lot more relaxed, but still yuppy.

Welcome to Bricco! It's a sexy, little wine bar that resides right on Queen Anne Ave, between cross streets of Galer and Garfield.

As you walk in, you will notice a wall full of wine on the right and the bar is on the left. In addition to an extensive wine menu, Bricco also serves a selection of mixed cocktails and the best espresso I have ever had.

All my girlfriends know that I LOVE a bubbly glass of Muscato. And the Muscato D'Asti I had at Bricco was nothing less than perfect! But then I was sent to heaven when I met panna cotta - thanks to my generous friend!

Around 9, Bricco dimmed the lights and brought out the candles. And in the sexy, flickering candle light, we finished our evening in this lovely winebar on top of the Queen Anne hill. And I am definitely going back!

Photo Credit: http://www.briccoseattle.com

PORES? GONE!!!!

I know it's hard to believe, but I do like being an early thirty something better than being a twenty anything. Entering my thirties has been emotionally and mentally enlightening, because I've been around the block just long enough to get rid of quite a bit: Those skinny jeans I have kept out of vain hope? Gone! If I didn't fit in them on my twenty first birthday, I'll NEVER fit in them. And those self-absorbed, toxic friends? So gone! It's always been all about them, NEVER about me.

In my thirties, I am cleansed, refreshed and relieved.

My skin, however, does not do well as a thirty something. One problem I have noticed are enlarged pores, especially around and on top of my nose. Thank God for Marie Claire, in which I read about Clinique's pore minimizer perfector. It's a small tube of cream that you dab onto your face to make your skin smooth, matte and most of all, poreless.

As far as skin products are concerned, I've also been around the block with them, and I've tossed quite a few. But Clinique's pore minimizer perfector is one that I'll be keeping. And those pores? Gone! Gone! Gone!

Photo Credit: http://www.clinique.com

STRAP PERFECT YOUR BRA

They are popping up everywhere because they work so well. This As-Seen-On-TV item is like magic. Not only does it hold your falling bra straps in place, it gives your breasts a firm lift too. Have I tried it myself? ABSOLUTELY! And I loved not having to worry about my bra straps slipping off my shoulders, as well as the way it beautifully boosted my boobs.

THE STRAP PERFECT ULTIMATE BRA STRAP SOLUTION - A perfect recommendation from the Seattle Girlie Blog! Get yours at the nearest drug store for only $9.99.

Photo Credit: http://www.bestofasseenontv.com

BRAVING THE FRONTIER

With the busy scene in Belltown, a girl has to be brave to party there. And I must admit my skepticism about the Frontier Room (on First and Blanchard). Against all the fine dining in Belltown, the Frontier Room looked a bit less appealing.

However, my first time there last weekend totally changed my perspective. No, no one wore designer button ups or fancy dresses. Everyone there was just out to have a good time. Not only was the music fun, almost everybody was shaking it on the dance floor. Plus, unlike the snootier establishments, the Frontier Room's clients were much friendlier. I even had a real conversation with a stranger in the bath room!

Want to brave it yourself? Check out their site at www.frontierroom.com

2203 1st Ave

Seattle, WA 98121

Get Directions

(206) 956-7427
Photo Credit: www.gotime.com

EMBRACE

Growing up in the Midwest, I was always the token Asian. Of course kids made fun of me for my slanted eyes, yellow skin and imperfect English. Many times I wished I was different. But in the end, I came to embrace my "Asian-ness". Because after all, the world is a colorful place.

Recently my Chinese friend got married in our hometown of Shanghai. Her wedding pictures were full of traditional Asian themes. Her and her American husband wore Chinese Qi Paos; The banquet was decorated with double happiness lanterns; and they toasted with plum wine instead of Champagne.

Many modern day marriages are multiracial. While we all love big churches and cream-colored dresses, a little touch here and there to represent the bride or the groom's racial background is just touching.

Not only does it show us that you are proud of and embrace your culture, it represents the beauty of different people coming together. Plus, all the happy colors from different cultures create the most dazzling pictures.

Photo Credit: http://www.uniquebridal.com/

LOVE, CHAOS AND DINNER AT THE TEATRO ZINZANNI

When a dark gypsy queen can sing like an angel from heaven, you know you are in for a good time. Her caravan arrived with her beautiful voice, as well as her gypsy friends. There was the 3 "uncles" who kicked and twirled carpets, beds and the like; There was an Israeli juggler who wowed us with his fierce performance; There was the sexy French maid with glass-shattering voice; There was the lovely Natasha who performed with her flawless body; And the fearless trapeze duo flying above the crowd. Oh yeah, how can I forget the clown and the comic who stole our laughter.

Inside the Moulin Rouge of TEATRO ZIN ZANNI, guests were fed a fulfilling 4-course meal, where each course was served by song and dance. For 3 straight hours, you are never bored. And sometimes, you might have too much fun and even get pulled on stage.

If you are sick of a boring restaurant experience, give TEATRO ZIN ZANNI a try. It's a whole, new dinner experience!

TEATRO ZIN ZANNI
222 Mercer Street
Seattle, WA
(206) 802 - 0015
http://dreams.zinzanni.org/

Photo Credit: www.eastsidespin.com

THE MILLIONAIRE MATCHMAKER

When you are married to money, I guess it can be hard to find true love. No fear! Meet Patti! She's a tough lady. If you look 1/100 of a notch below perfection, she'll let you know. A straight shooter like her always makes good TV.

And the millionaires? They are pretty entertaining too. There are guys well over 50 who won't settle for any girl over 25 and sex toy designers who pole dance for fun.

I love shows on Bravo! And this one, The Millionaire Matchmaker, hits it out of the ball park.

Check it out here:
http://www.bravotv.com/the-millionaire-matchmaker

Photo Credit: www.video.tvguide.com

HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY!!!!

You don't need to wear green or shoot whiskey, but everyone could use a bit of luck from the Irish. No matter what, it's a day to celebrate. So drink up! Be merry! And wear some fun flare! Or even take a shot and kiss a stranger! It's St. Patty's Day and happy we make it!

Today I celebrated St. Patrick's Day at Contour on 1st and Columbia.
Happy St. Pat's!


Contour
807 1st Ave, Seattle, WA‎
(206) 447-7704‎
www.clubcontour.com

Photo Credit: www.clubvibes.com

GET BIZARRE ON BIARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN

From cute little critters to the smelliest fermentation, there's not a thing that Andrew Zimmern wouldn't put into his mouth. He hooked me to his show during an episode of testicle eating somewhere in India. Then he proceeded his travel to Peru where he dined on moths in banana leaves.

Not only does he know how to eat, he knows how to have fun too. Often he will join the natives to catch his meal, showing all of us the side of the world that we'd never see.

His show is not only about the food, it's also about culture, people, and learning from others.

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Bizarre_Foods

Photo Credit: www.tvguide.com

RICE 'N SPICE MAKES EVERYTHING NICE

Hidden on First Ave adjacent to Denny Way, in a mixed neighborhood between Belltown and Lower Queen Anne, there is my new Thai passion, Rice 'N Spice.

Just like how you'd never judge a book by its cover, please don't judge Rice 'N Spice by its walls. Its Thai specialties are out of this world! I had fried rice with real dungaree crabs - full of flavor! Then I topped the rice with avocado curry. Oh my gosh! It was creamy and mouth-watering. And another time I tried the pumpkin curry, which was sweet, curry and tasted like perfection.

I can't wait to go back to Rice 'N Spice to try another curry. Pad Thai? Yellow curry? Anything goes! As long as it's Rice 'N Spice, I know it'll be nice!

Rice N' Spice
101 John St, Seattle, WA‎
(206) 285-9000‎
www.igougo.com

Photo Credit: www.urbanspoon.com

WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE

It's a bit buffy, a bit twilight, but totally original. Some might have different opinions, but I can't wait until Friday nights to roll around, specifically at 9 p.m. Yes, the Dollhouse, a Fox original, is that good!

In this new fascinating show, Echo (Eliza Dushku) is an empty human template who is injected a different memory each time she is ordered by a client. From protective backup singer to sexy art robber, she's been everyone and seen everything. Yet, she can't remember a thing.

Who is Echo and where is she from? No one knows, but she keeps you coming back for more.

http://www.fox.com/dollhouse/