Friday, July 31, 2009

Blog Redesign - Rainy City Style

Thought I would take the chance this quiet (and cool, finally!) Friday night to share some of my recent blog design work with you. A friend of mine, Ashley, has an adorable blog called Rainy City Style. As I am trying out some new graphic design classes in my free time, Ashley was kind enough to let me revamp her blog and here's how it turned out:


Like it? Make sure to visit her blog for a better look at the design and take some time to read her entertaining posts. I am very happy with the way it turned out and think she is too! Just so you know, I designed the background layout, header image and several widgets, including her blog badge. So much fun!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Tully's Has Air Conditioning...And It's Packed!

I just had to share this. My co-worker Kaitlin (yes, there are two K(C)aitlins in our small office of six) and I couldn't take the heat at work anymore and headed to Tully's for some air conditioning. Apparently, the rest of Seattle had the same idea. It's really not even that cool in here because there are SO many people, but I can't complain. It's definitely better.

Record Breaking Temperatures in Seattle

As you know, I am from the Midwest where temperatures in the 90s are normal and no one complains TOO much. Everyone has air conditioning at home, at work...in literally every building. Last summer, which was my first summer here, I laughed when people were freaking out when it hit 90. Reporters were down at Greenlake warning people about heat stroke, there was a run on fans at Target and this was all for two days of above 90 temps. I just didn't get it.

Well this summer, the situation is a little different. For the past four days, temperatures have been in the 90-100 degree temperature range and they don't see it letting up until Friday. In Minnesota, this would be no big deal. You just don't go outside for more than an hour. But in Seattle, almost no one has air conditioning, including myself. No air conditioner at work or home (plus we're on the top floor of our building) makes for a dreadful day.

Today, temperatures soared into three digits, hitting a record 102 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport before 3 p.m. It was do different in downtown Seattle as you can see by the sign outside of The Seattle Times building in South Lake Union. Yikes.

We've resorted to restaurants, coffee shops and the movie theater to keep cool. Hoping for relief sometime soon!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Outdoor Movies Make for Fun Summer Memories

I know I shouldn't be thinking about the weekend already, but it's hot and I work in an office without air conditioning. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. Either way, I was forwarded a fun 'girls night out' event today and thought I would share. On Satuday, August 1, the Fremont Outdoor Cinema is showing Legally Blonde at 7:30 p.m.! I admit, it's a dumb movie, but funny movie at that. I wouldn't bring a guy to this movie, but I bet it would be fun with some girlfriends. Plus, it's only $5.


Now I've never been to the Fremont Outdoor Cinema before, but from what I've heard, the parking lot takes on a festival sort of atmosphere with vendors, games costumes and more. People are encouraged to bring their own food, as well as folding chairs. For more information or other upcoming movies, check out their website at http://www.fremontoutdoormovies.com/!


Sunday, July 26, 2009

Gourmet Popcorn is an Addiction

On our impromptu Seattle adventure yesterday, we kept coming across people selling gourmet popcorn. Now I love carmel corn, but the popcorn we saw was on a whole new level. Of course, we ended up buying some (ok. maybe a lot) along the way. How can you not when Kukurza (located on 2nd and Pike downtown) is selling Buffalo Wing & Cheese flavored popcorn!?!


Here's a closeup so you can see what it looks like (too bad you can't taste it - so good!). It's a very yummy mix of sweetness, Ranch and a little spice. You're just going to have to take my word on it and go down to their store to try it out. They'll let you try any of their popcorn varieties which include Jalapeno Cheese, Rocky Road and more. Check out their selection at http://www.kukuruza.com/.


The second purchase was from a vendor at the Ballard Seafood Fest. Killian Korn reeled me in with free samples and then sealed the deal when they had me try their Huckleberry flavored popcorn. Yum! There other samples included Vanilla and Classic, but they also have quite a few varieties to pick from online at http://www.killiankorn.com/.

Enjoy and let me know if you find any others!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

My Busy Saturday in Seattle

Jon is out of town climbing Mt. Olympus, so Jen and I decided to hit up all the Seattle activites going on in town. First stop, Ballard Seafood Festival...

Next...Two Beers Brewing Company Grand Opening. Such yummy beer! www.twobeersbrewing.com

On our way to the monorail, we saw everyone getting ready for the Torch Light parade. I have to tell you, seeing it all lined up while everyone practices is the way to see the parade. Definitely beats sitting on a side walk downtown Seattle for four hours waiting for the parade to start.
And then, my first ride on the Seattle monorail. So convinient!

I love Seattle.

Urban Gardening

Thought I would share what I feel is my slightly impressive urban garden. First picture is a strawberry plant which already gave its fruit, so now it's just a pretty green plant. Second photo is of a pepper plant...which is supposed to be a yellow pepper plant, but they are coming in green. Hmmm. Lastly, my most impressive of gardening endeavors, is my tomoato plant. There are about ten tomatoes growing, and as you can see, one that's just about ripe!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Two Beers Brewing Company - Grand Opening

Love this microbrewery! They are opening up their first brewhouse in Sodo tomorrow. I will be heading down there at 2 p.m and suggest you check it out.


Camping in Oregon - Horsetail Falls & Mirror Lake



The Columbia Gorge

I headed down to the Columbia Gorge last weekend (no...not 'The Gorge' concert venue) and I cannot tell you how much I love the area. If you've never been there, you need to visit. Jon and I jumped in the car on Friday afternoon and drove the 3 hours to a winery in the area to enjoy a concert in their huge outdoor amphitheather. Think amazing views of the Coumbia River and entire Gorge area. The Counting Crows were playing, the Rose was cold and the weather was perfect. We couldn't have asked for more. If you're looking for something to do in August, I would suggest checking out the winery for the Jackson Brown concert (August 22) or John Legend concert (August 29). http://www.maryhillwinery.com/


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Testing Out the Font

Yay! I figured out how to change the font for my date line, post title and widget headers. Nifty, huh? Now to figure out the dimensions needed for a three-column blog layout...