Our dads can be pretty cool. They taught us how to drive a car, kick a ball and throw a punch. Dads (almost) always take “our” side and have a knack for playing good cop when you’re trying to get permission for that impromptu road trip or crazy piercing.
Well it’s time to thank good ole’ dad for all the hard work he has put into raising you. Sound like an incredibly daunting task? Have no idea where to start? Don’t worry. We’ve developed a few ideas to help you out. Here’s our 2013 “Father’s Day Gift Guide” for every type of father there is.
1. The Outdoorsy Dad:
This is the dad that dragged you and your family on annual camping trips, subscribes to Field and Stream magazine, and doesn’t understand the point of indoor plumbing.
If all of the above are true (or maybe all except the third one), then get your father a gift he’ll get some good use out of. We suggest checking out Eddie Bauer for their impeccable selection of outdoor apparel. All of their gear is durable, weather-resistant and will make your dad the most fashionable mountain man that ever lived.
2. The Desk Dad:
This is for those dads that work at a desk job, aren’t too passionate about leaving the comfort of the air conditioned indoors and are always hip on the latest pieces of technology. If your dad is like this, finding a present should be extremely straightforward.
Your one-stop-shop is Barnes and Noble. You could get him a book – yes we’re sure he would love to add another great novel to his collection. However if you really want to be the favorite child, get him one of the awesome electronics that Barnes and Noble has to offer.
Our personal favorites? We’re glad you asked:
The brand new Nook Tablet is definitely on our wish list. It’s the perfect tablet to satisfy even the geekiest of fathers with easy web access, thousands of movies and books to choose from, and over 700,000 Android apps and games. What more is there to life?
Next up, iHome Stereo Headphones. The headphones are beautiful, stunning, chic, and – best of all – they are only twenty dollars. Getting your dad these headphones solidifies your position as the favorite child without totally draining your bank account.
If you wish to go the sentimental route, get your dad the: Behind Every Good Kid is a Great Dad White Wood Box Sign. He can showcase the sign on his desk at work and everyday be reminded of A) How good his kid is, and B) What a great Dad he is. Now that’s living the dream.
3. The Classy Dad:
This is the father who doesn’t need help shopping, doesn’t need help picking out electronics, and is arguably one of the hardest people to buy presents for on the planet.
Don’t give up yet! We’ve got some great ideas:
Try the Mid-Size Kit Unscented or the Mid-Size Kit Sandalwood from The Art of Shaving. Facial hair is an omnipresent concept in any man’s life and I can guarantee even the classiest of dads will appreciate the intricate and practical appliances from The Art of Shaving.
Not what you had in mind? That’s ok. We have a final foolproof option. Head to Barneys New York for the hippest and fancy accessories. Get your dad the pinnacle of all classy accessories: a watch.
The Luminox Atacama Field is our personal favorite. The leather band is easy on dad’s skin and the watch face is big enough for far-sighted readers, but not so big it dominates the eye.
The most important man in your life deserves only the best. Spend the day with him! Whether it’s an outdoor excursion, a video game session, or dinner at an expensive restaurant – treat him to the best and surprise him with any one of these amazing presents.
Happy Father’s Day!
Every month, Il Fornaio takes us on a culinary journey through the fabulous flavors of a different region of Italy. From now through June 16th, this celebration of Italian cuisine, aptly titled Festa Regionale, will take us on a flavorful tour of a little region along the northwest coast of Italy called Liguria. Liguria is famous for its close relationship with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and for Seattleites, this means one thing: seafood!
From shrimp to scallops to sea bass, the special Liguria inspired menu is packed full of the fresh seafood flavors we in the Northwest know and love!
Take the Risotto Di Camogli, for example. We might not be able to pronounce the name, but we’re in love with this shrimp and artichoke risotto with pesto that’s topped with grilled scallops and tiger shrimp. Pair that with a glass (or bottle, if that’s your style) of fresh and complex Vermentino wine and we swear you’ll want to pick up and move to Liguria.
If you’re not in the mood for Risotto, then try the Sea bass sautéed with Ligurian Taggiasche olives, tomato and pine nuts; served with mashed potatoes. These rich Italian flavors combine to create one of our favorite dishes on the Il Fornaio menu.
Remember, no classic Italian meal is complete without dessert! Top things off with fresh berry tart loaded with blackberries, blueberries and raspberries; served with crème anglaise and chocolate sauce.
Be sure to check out the entire Ligurian menu here.
Buon appetito!
The Seattle International Film Festival claims to have “something to satisfy every movie lover,” and after checking out their movie listings we couldn’t agree more!
From now through June 9th, SIFF continues to bring people together through film. With hundreds of films from all over the world, deciding which movies to see can be daunting. To help you narrow down your search, we chose a few that we think will stand out in the crowd.
The Girl with Nine Wigs- Pacific Place AMC, June 5, 6:30 p.m.
Based on a bestselling novel, this inspiring tale tells the story of Sophie, a 21-year old girl who is diagnosed with life-threatening cancer shortly after beginning college. The story follows Sophie as she uses nine different wigs to help her find happiness and peace during this uncertain time in her life. This film is based on an incredible true story and is sure to make you both laugh and cry. Don’t forget the tissues!
Putzel – AMC Pacific Place AMC, June 7, 1 p.m.
This quirky, romantic comedy takes you into the world of Walter “Putzel” Himmelstein. Easily pleased working at his family’s smoked fish emporium in Manhattan, Putzel is completely content never leaving the upper West side. That is until he meets Sally and his plans get turned upside down. This bittersweet romantic comedy is packed full of charm and hilarious characters, and will keep you smiling until the credits roll.
Two Lives- AMC Pacific Place AMC, June 8, 1 p.m.
This political thriller tells the story of a former East German spy who managed to build a happy family life for herself in Norway. However, her peaceful existence comes to a grinding halt when her past catches up with her. This thriller has enough espionage, plot twists, and intense drama to keep you on the edge of your seat!
If any of these – or the hundreds of other SIFF films – sound interesting, be sure to swing by and purchase SIFF tickets at their box office at Pacific Place on Level 2.
Happy viewing!
Ladies and gentlemen! Now that the Seattle sunshine has decided to appear here and there, we think it’s time to start preparing for summer. To us this means one thing: swimwear shopping at Pacific Place!
Here are some of our favorite swimsuits and accessories to help you to embrace the new season.
For the Ladies:
1. Two-Piece Swimsuits
We’re pretty sure every woman on the face of the planet has had a love/hate relationship with the bikini. Our advice? Pick a swimsuit that is so unbelievably cute you can’t help but love how you look in it.
Victoria’s Secret has a nearly endless selection of two-pieces to choose from. Mix and match? Pick a set? Whatever you like!
2. One-Piece Swimsuits
No one said more skin is more fashionable. There is absolutely no shame in preferring a more conservative look at the pool. We hear one-piece swimsuits are making a comeback, and we have some adorable one-piece options for you!
In addition to Victoria’s Secret’s amazing selection, Soma Intimates has a trendy collection of one-piece suits for those looking for a more sophisticated beach look.
3. Sunglasses
Sunny days always bring out Seattle’s finest, as everyone is always trying to show off their hard-earned beach bodies. Enjoy the view through a pair of trendy and effective sunglasses from Solstice Sunglasses Boutique. They have a pair of shades for every face type, every outfit, every occasion, and are an absolute must have swim accessory this summer!
4. Shoes
Swimwear fashion doesn’t stop with swimsuits. A true summertime fashionista needs to be decked out from head to toe in gorgeous attire in order to fully embrace the sun’s awakening. You know what that means?
Shoes. And we mean cute ones. Really cute ones. Flip flops, sandals, wedges: ‘tis the season to show off the perfect pedicure through a pair of summer’s finest.
Express has a fantastic selection of shoes that are a fun, durable, and completely affordable addition to any poolside ensemble.
5. Cover-ups
Last, but certainly not least, you’re going to need a classy cover-up to complete your perfect swim ready outfit. We can’t have you walking around in nothing but your bathing suit all day. A cover-up has all the perks of flaunting your summer curves, but is still socially acceptable.
J. Crew is our cover-up hot spot destination. They have a versatile selection of beach cover-ups that can transform even the most scantily clad beachwear into a completely public presentable outfit.
Our favorite? We love the Embroidered Rope Tunic. It’s intricate design and flirty front opening combine to make the cover-up an adorable beach slip-on or even a casual summer dress. The options are endless.
For the Gentlemen:
Ladies aren’t the only ones who can get creative and express their personal style with unique swimwear. In the last few years, men’s swimwear has become a fashion statement all on its own.
Take these wildly colorful board shorts from J. Crew for example.
With an assortment of bold pastel colors and patterns, and available 5”, 7” and 9” lengths, there is bound to be a pair of classic board shorts to fit every guy’s poolside style. We’re partial to the 7” board shorts with the navy blue anchor pattern, but we always love to mix it up!
If you’re looking to really experiment with some unique patterns, head on over to Barneys New York on Levels one and two.
Barneys New York is known for their classic, sharp style and these unique patterned swim trunks are no exception. We can’t get enough of the vibrant colors and elastic waistband look!
If you’re looking for something a little more rugged and functional we recommend the First Ascent Send shorts from Eddie Bauer.
The name of the game with the Send shorts is versatility. Made with a special spandex/polyester blend, these useful shorts air dry quickly and avoid chlorine damage. They’re the perfect companion for a dip in a lake while hiking or a summer dunk in the Puget Sound (if you can brave the cold water)!
So what are you waiting for? It’s Seattle for crying out loud. Cherish the sun while you can, because before you know it, the only water we’ll be enjoying will be pouring from the sky.
Summer is right around the corner, so get ready to peel off all those layers to show off what you’ve been working on all winter long. Whether you’re a Pilates guru, a gym junky, or even just a casual yo-yo dieter, bikini season is finally here and now is the time to strut your stuff.
Not feeling strut-ready yet? Don’t worry. We’ve got some more work to do, too. But just because your body isn’t quite ready to hit the beaches, doesn’t mean you can’t still show off what you’ve got. The key is too look good while working out too.
Sound too good to be true?
Here are our favorite tips for summer quality fitness fashion:
The main difference between spring and summer fitness versus winter fitness is temperature. Sweat is good, but you want to be sweating from your workout and not from overheating. The trick is less fabric and lighter fabric. We think Bebe’s Sport collection does just that.
Not only does their Printed Sports Bra have good support and durability, the gear also adds a little flair to your fitness. Bebe’s wide variety of shorts come in a huge selection of prints and fabrics that are comfortable, flexible, and will be an absolute essential on those long summer runs.
The absolute must-have for spring and summer fitness fashion is a good quality workout tank. Lose the sleeves and love the additional mobility you have in these form fitting work out tank tops. It’s hard not to look good in a flirty tennis match, or an intense bout of hot yoga in the Sweetheart Halter Tank, which is practical for your workout and shows off your curves in all the right ways.
An eternal fitness essential, regardless of the weather, is yoga pants. They come cropped, fitted, bootlegged, patterned, plain, and best of all, you can wear them even when you’re not working out. Our favorite spot to browse is Victoria’s Secret. Their Yoga collection is fun, cute, affordable, and totally wearable in and out of the gym.
Last, but certainly not least, the queen of all fitness fashion is of course, our love, lululemon. Ladies, we know you’re familiar with their unparalleled selection of workout attire. Guys? Never stepped inside lulu? You’re missing out. Big time. Their male workout apparel combines the practical and comfortable side of male athletic apparel and adds the fashionable flare that all girls can appreciate.
Their Pace Breaker Short is an absolute must for any male workout enthusiast because not only is the short lightweight, comfortable, stretchy and moisture wicking, but the short comes in seven gorgeous colors that can show off your body and your fashion sense.
Looking for something to wear on top? Look no further. lululemon’s Ease Singlet is the absolute perfect workout shirt. The Ease Singlet has chafe-resistant seams, an athletic fit, and also comes in a variety of colors and sizes to flatter any body type.
Now you have everything you need to know to look good while maintaining your fitness this spring and summer. So get out there! Impress someone. We’ll be sure to keep our eyes out for you.
Keeping up with hundreds of new, shiny tech items being released monthly is an advanced feat, unless you’re a writer for Geekwire or you are just genuinely interested in what’s hot in tech. Most of us, however, are not. We picked out a few simply awesome tech gadgets that can be found here at Pacific Place that are definitely worth your attention!
Williams-Sonoma Smart Tools for iPad® Sets
This smart tool is a wonderful combination of convenience and entertainment. If you normally use your iPad/tablet as a recipe book, give this chef tool a try. The Smart Tool’s Kitchen Stand is designed for your iPad to sit perfectly at an ideal viewing angle. This makes it easier for you to look at recipes, watch videos, or listen to music while you cook.
The set consists of a Bluetooth speaker, kitchen stand and removable screen shield so your screen stays glare and splatter-free!
HD Video Pen
We love Brookstone so much because we know that we can always find the most useful and unique household electronics. Take this HD Video Pen, for example, which we daresay is the coolest thing ever. Not only is the pen for our inner ninja, but we can now record just about anything we come across without missing a moment. There’s even a full two hours on a single charge! It is equipped with a high-definition CMOS camera that can record full-color video, 4GB flash memory (approximately 1.5 hours of video) and crystal clear 720 x 480 resolution which can be displayed on a computer via USB connection. Not bad for a ballpoint pen, eh? Oh, and one more thing; this bad boy turns on with just a click of a button!
Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer
This friendly gadget will never let you ruin a good BBQ party by burning the meat left on the grill. This is how it works: Simply change the settings on Brookstone’s Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer to the preferred cooking temperature and preferred meat doneness, close the lid, walk away, and join the party without having to keep an eye on the grill. A kind voice will alert you when the meat is almost done. All that’s left is for you to impress everyone with the perfect grilled BBQ!
SoundLink® Bluetooth® Mobile speaker II
Were you one of those teenagers who needed to have their iPods hooked to a speaker ritually? Did you think to yourself, “Wow, I wish someone would invent wireless speakers so I don’t have to deal with the wires all the time.” Your wish has come true! This compact and lightweight speaker will solve the problems that we had to deal with previously, such as annoying wires. Bose’s SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker can connect to any Bluetooth device and play music anywhere within a 30-foot wireless range. This means you can take the device anywhere indoors or outdoors regardless of whether there is an outlet. Whether you’re at a picnic, a park, or even your bedroom where all the plugs are occupied by other electronic devices, you can pair the speaker to your Bluetooth device and start a party!
What do you think of our list? Please be sure to check out more items from the featured Pacific Place stores: Brookstone, Bose and Williams-Sonoma!
Please don’t misinterpret this post because we love shopping! Shopping is one hobby that is both exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time. Hunting high and low for the best offers, sifting through racks of clothes for the newest spring trends and hopping from store to store to assemble a stylish and coordinated outfit can drain the energy of even the most experienced shopper.
There is no shame in having to take a quick refresher break to reboot and refuel your shopping engines. Here are three of our favorite Pacific Place destinations for a quick mid-shopping pit stop before diving back into the race:
1. Starbucks
Starbucks is a classic go-to destination for a refreshing beverage and tasty pastry. If you have a little time to kill, we highly suggest ordering one of Starbucks’ patented
Tazo Green Tea Lattes. Research on the health benefits of green tea has concluded that the beverage decreases the risk of both cancer and heart disease. Not to mention the icy beverage tastes great and is a perfect smooth and creamy pick-me-up when you’re starting to feel sluggish. 
If you’re pressed for time, pick up a Starbucks Refreshers and enjoy the satisfying taste and quality of a Starbucks drink without the wait in line. These conveniently canned drinks are only 60 calories and include several vitamins and antioxidants that make you feel just as good as the drink tastes.
If you’re hungering for something a little more filling, we urge you to try some of the delicious baked goods Starbucks has to offer. Their Morning Glory Muffins are made with carrots, raisins, pineapple, and pecans and are a delicious and nutritious snack to fuel you through your day. For a little extra indulgence, their new Cheesecake Brownies taste just as good as they sound, and are the perfect way to treat yourself after a great day of shopping.
2. Red Mango
Frozen yogurt is the classic spring and summer snack, and its cold, refreshing and endless toppings make this sweet treat scrumptiously versatile. Red Mango’s All-Natural Frozen Yogurt comes in many delectable flavors to choose from. Our personal favorite is the Original Tart. A small serving is only 120 calories and, paired with some seasonally fresh berries and crunchy granola, this is the kind of mid-shopping refresher that will maintain your pants size too.
If you’re in dire need of a little caffeine boost, we suggest trying one of Red Mango’s Frozen Coffee Chillers. These non-fat beverages blend together coffee and Red Mango yogurt to make a delightfully icy treat. They come in a variety of flavors including vanilla, caramel, mocha and natural coffee, and combine the perfect amount of flavor and caffeine to get you back on your feet, fully equipped with shopping bags in hand.
Let’s say you’re not in the mood for a drink but you do want to reward your long day of shopping with a mouth-watering treat. Look no further than Trophy Cupcakes! Their everyday cupcake flavors range from red velvet to triple chocolate (our personal favorite), and with each day of the week they have a different selection of cupcakes to choose from. Gluten-free? Yes, Trophy Cupcakes offers an insanely delicious variety of GF cupcakes for those who need to avoid wheat. So no matter what days you shop, what Pacific Place stores you hit or what sales you score, a new Trophy Cupcake you haven’t tasted yet will always be waiting for you.
Shopping is basically a sport. Any good athlete will tell you that you need to keep hydrated and fueled during any big sporting event. So get out there and shop until you drop, then reboot on some of these delicious refreshers, and shop some more!
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Nicole Logan
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