Wacoal’s Fit For the Cure Event

Tags

bra shopping, Breast cancer, Fit For the Cure, intimate apparel, Seattle, Wacoal

Let’s talk candidly today.

I am wondering how you all feel about bra shopping.

It is the one thing that most I dread doing (except for maybe going to the dentist,) and put off as long as possible. Are you as phobic about it as I am? Or is it just me?

Trying to get the right fit can be mind-numbing. Unless you have help.

Research shows that 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong sized bra. Women should be professionally fitted for a bra once a year to make sure that their bra size has not changed as a result of fluctuations in their body.

You can get the help you need to find your correct size today and tomorrow at a very special event hosted by Wacoal. And as a bonus, you will help Wacoal knockout breast cancer at their Fit for the Cure™ event!

Participate in any Fit for the Cure event to receive a complimentary bra fitting, in Wacoal or b.tempt’d intimate apparel, from a Wacoal fit specialist and sign up to receive a monthly email reminder to do a self breast exam. For every woman that participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for breast cancer research and community health programs. Wacoal will also donate an additional $2 for every Wacoal bra, shapewear piece or b.tempt’d bra purchased at these events.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women and accounts for 26% of all cancers among women.  Conducting monthly breast self-examination is an important way to detect abnormalities at an early stage. Take 15 minutes to meet with a Wacoal fit expert while contributing to an important cause and sign up for a reminder that could ultimately save your life.

I think that maybe getting some help in finding the right fit, supporting breast cancer research and taking better care of myself could be just the right incentives I need to get out there and buy the new bras that I desperately need!

These local stores are participating:

Thursday, May 16^th, 2013

10AM-5PM

Macy’s – Alderwood

2909 Alderwood Mall Blvd., Lynnwood, WA

425-712-6850

 

Friday, May 17^th, 2013

10AM-5PM

Macy’s – Bellevue

400 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA

425-688-6240

Super Glam Bride Sash Giveaway From RhinestoneSash.com

Tags

custom, girlie, giveaway, Mother's Day, Party ideas, rhinestones, RhinestoneSash.com, sashes, sparkly, weddings

Recently I was introduced to a fun new party resource and today I am thrilled to share it with you in a big way!

RhinestoneSash.com, specializing in quality rhinestone sashes, apparel, and gifts for any occasion, has launched their new site and whether you’re throwing a birthday party, graduation party, bridal or baby shower, RhinestoneSash.com can make it even more special!

With the biggest selection and the best prices, this is the ultimate source for rhinestone sashes, tank tops, tshirts & more. From Homecoming & Prom Sashes to Bridal Party Tank Tops & Tshirts, from Birthday Party to Divorce Party, they’re the place to shop for that sparkle that makes a party special!

Plus, they have amazing prices on custom and personalized sashes, t-shirts, tank tops, tote bags, hoodies and more!

Wouldn’t this be just perfect for the upcoming Mother’s Day holiday – or even a baby shower?

Here’s the best part! Now that it is May it means that wedding season will soon be in full force. I am so excited to announce that RhinestoneSash.com is giving me one of these Super Glam Bride Rhinestone Sashes (in your choice of red or black) to give away to one of my readers!

Your bride-to-be will definitely stand out as the guest of honor in this sash at your upcoming bridal shower or gallivanting around town at the bachelorette party!

To enter the giveaway: Simply go to RhinestoneSash.com, have a look around, then come back to this blog and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is.

Extra Entries – (You must leave a comment on this blog for each one that you do.)

• Like KristinPotPie on Facebook
• Follow KristinPotPie on Twitter
• Like RhinestoneSash.com on Facebook
• Follow RhinestoneSash.com on Twitter
• Follow RhinestoneSash.com on Pinterest

This giveaway will end Midnight Pacific Time, Wednesday, May 8. I will choose one winner from the comments on my blog Thursday morning and will email the winner. Winner will have 24 hours to respond before I choose an alternate winner.

Good luck!

I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes only. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

Free Scoop Day at Cupcake Royale!

Tags

Celebrity appearances, Cupcake Royale, Event, Free Scoop Day, ice cream, Seattle, summer

Can you believe that it will be May already tomorrow? The first four months of this year have just flown by!

To celebrate May Day and the promise of warmer weather ahead (was that snow we had this morning? I guess it was just hail…) the local sweets experts, Cupcake Royale, is having a very special event!

Did you know that Cupcake Royale has some pretty wonderful ice cream? (Perfect, right? – what goes better with cake than ice cream?) And who doesn’t think of ice cream as the weather starts to get nice? (Have you seen the extended forecast for this week?! YES!)

Cupcake Royale ice cream is different from many of the local popular brands. It’s a super-premium ice cream, meaning less air is churned into the ice cream. Less air makes a more dense, delicious, creamy ice cream. 

Just as customers have come to expect and love with the cupcakes, Cupcake Royale’s ‘Bakeshop Inspired’ ice cream flavors are handmade in house and contain only fresh, all natural, local and premium ingredients – no corn syrup and less sugar compared to other ice creams, which is especially important because Cupcake Royale adds so many interesting homemade inclusions, like fudgy brownie in the Roasted Banana ice cream, or red velvet cupcake chunks in the Red Velvet. 

May 1 is FREE scoop day at Cupcake Royale cafes (with free ice cream sammies at West Seattle and Madrona) from 2-8 pm. Stop on by your favorite Cupcake Royale store to try any flavor you like and ice cream is on the house!

Expect some local celebs to make an appearance and scoop for customers! Including yours truly.

Yep! I was asked to be a “Celebrity Scooper” for the event – I almost fell off my chair when I read that. “Celebrity”. Thanks Cupcake Royale.

Not sure about the “Celebrity” part but I will definitely bring it where the “Scooper” part is concerned

Come see me tomorrow between 3 pm – 4 pm at the beautiful flagship cafe in the heart of Capitol Hill.

The weather for this weekend looks like summer so come on down tomorrow and get your first taste of the season.

What’s your favorite flavor?

FlorAbundance Plant Sale This Weekend

Tags

Ciscoe Morris, events, FlorAbundance, gardening, Plant sale, Seattle, Washington Park Arboretum

With the beautiful weather we are having here in Seattle this week, it is the perfect time to plant!

And wouldn’t you know it! The area’s biggest plant sale is happening this weekend at the Arboretum! Perfect timing!

If you have been meaning to get that vegetable garden growing or finally create your backyard oasis, this sale has something for everyone. The best part? Proceeds from this sale go to support the maintenance and education programs at the beautiful Arboretum.

Hope to see you there!

FlorAbundance

Saturday, April 27, 10 am- 5 pm

Sunday, April 28, 10 am – 2 pm

 

Washington Park Arboretum – near the Graham Visitors Center

2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle WA

Free parking & admission

This magnificent sale, the region’s largest and best plant sale, helps to support the Foundation’s mission. Dozens of specialty nurseries will be on-hand selling a wonderful selection of locally grown trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. This year will also feature a stronger focus on edible plants. Langley Fine Gardens will be there, selling the best selection of vegetable starts around, including heirloom tomatoes and there will be lots of tasty herbs, berries, and edible flowers for sale.

Benefit from the advice of gardening experts, who’ll be roving through the vendor tables (in yellow aprons) to help with plant selections. And look for the colored flags, which will mark the favorite plants of Ciscoe Morris and Bob Lilly at the sale!

Member Pre-Sale Party (Buy tickets!)

Friday, April 26, 5 pm – 7:30 pm

Washington Park Arboretum – Graham Visitors Center

2300 Arboretum Drive E, Seattle WA

Open to Arboretum members and their guests the FlorAbundance Member Pre-Sale & Party will be held on the Friday evening before the main weekend sale. Get the first pick of plants at the sale while enjoying delicious finger foods from Skillet Street Food, wines from Chateau Ste Michelle, and dessert from some very talented volunteer bakers.

Tickets: Tickets are $40 each. Advance ticketing ends at 4:30 pm on April 25. You can PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE, over the counter at the Graham Visitors Center, or by calling the Foundation office at 206-325-4510. Become a member and reserve your spot soon for this fun party! A limited number of tickets are available and they are going fast!

Some Most “Pun-derful” Edible Books

Tags

art, Books, Edible Book Festival, Edible Books, Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council, Third Place Books

Recently I was honored to serve as a judge at the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s first ever annual Edible Book Festival. I was asked to choose the top entrant in the category “Most Pun-derful”.

I was so amazed by the entries from talented everyday folk and though I’ve been a bit slow about it, Iwanted to share with you all a few photos of some of my faves from the event:

Some of the entries were very literal, such as this perfect re-creation of the book cover of Little Bee and this beautiful portrayal of Alice going down the rabbit hole.

This depiction of The Secret Garden was definitely a crowd favorite.

Have you always wanted to see the inner workings of a bee hive?

This artist reveals to us what really goes on inside! Imported honey! Oh no!

The kids were not to be outdone by the grown-ups – this contest had a place for all ages. My favorite in the kid category – very whimsical! (And it was Yummy!)

One of my favorite books is The Giving Tree and this creation was so artfully done by some very talented teens!

And adults didn’t shy away from child’s play – this “Curious Gourgere” was gorgeous and I could have gorged on the gourgeres! De-lish!

Prizes were awarded for “Most Good Enough To Eat”, “Best 3-D/Architectural”, and “Most Literal Depiction”. All of the categories were tough to call but I felt like mine was the most difficult to choose a winner!

“A Separate Pizza” was one of my top picks for “Most Pun-derful” as the artist used several puns – even using “peace” signs as toppings!

I just love the edible knife on this Cutting for Stone interpretation.

This artist was very clever in her use of puns for The Grapes of Wrath.

“Ella Minnow Pea” made me smile and her cookies were so moist and tasty!

I wasn’t sure without tasting this but “Valley of the Dills” looked like chocolate with pickles – but gross factor aside, I really enjoyed the playfulness of it! (I did later taste it and IT was chocolate! Bold choice!)

The Game of Thrones theme is very hot right now on the party scene. This artfully arranged plate of scones would make a great addition to the buffet table.

But my top pick for “Most Pun-derful” was Ann Sauer’s “Canary Row”. It was so smartly done! Several layers of play on words!

I couldn’t not post this one – being a local girl who loves her burgers and the Pacific Northwest – this ode to Seattle’s best burger gave me a whale sized smile.

Which one is your favorite?

Dishcrawl Seattle – Experience Neighborfood on Capital Hill!

Tags

Capital Hill, Discount tickets, Dishcrawl, Humane Society, Neighborfood, Seattle

You all know how much I love events.

And food.

So it makes sense that food events are my very favorite of all!

Today I am pleased to announce a new partnership with Dishcrawl Seattle on KristinPotPie.

Dishcrawl started off as a simple idea to explore different foods, restaurants, and neighborhoods in our local area and has blossomed into who they are today, a company that is dedicated to re-imagining the way people experience food, drink, and their local communities.

To kick off this partnership, Dishcrawl has generously given me the opportunity to offer my readers (that’s you!) 5% off your ticket purchases to the upcoming Dishcrawl event, Neighborfood!

Neighborfood is an afternoon celebration to food, family, and community.

Strong bonds between community members lead to a happy, sustainable neighborhood. So, for one afternoon, this event invites neighbors to live, love, and eat their way through the neighborhood!

Date: Sunday, April 28, 2013

Time: 2 – 5 pm

Location: 8 different restaurants in Capitol Hill, all within walking distance

Tickets: The regular advanced ticket cost is $40 – BUT for my fabulous readers, here is your special code to get 5% off your ticket price: potpie5

Enter this code when purchasing tickets online (Click here to purchase tickets.)

Your ticket will include food at each participating location, with drink specials to be offered.

How does it work?: A ticket is your invitation to dine at all 8 participating locations. During check-in, on the day of, you will receive a dinner map, which shows you all the places you will try and love.

Current Featured Restaurants:

• Manhattan – Shrimp with cheesy grits and braised pork belly
• Marination Station – Spicy pork tacos
• Ayutthaya Thai Restaurant- Panang Curry Chicken with rice
• 95 Slider – Chicken and Waffles
• Sam’s Tavern – 50/50 Sliders
• Plum Bistro – Spicy Cajun Mac ‘n’ Yease (vegan)
• Capitol Club – Banderillas
• Cupcake Royale – Cupcake Surprise

(There may be vegetarian dishes at various places, but, they cannot guarantee vegetarian options or any other dietary restrictions.)

All Dishcrawl events are rain or shine.

Bonus: A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Seattle Humane Society. Helping your community never tasted so good!

Photos supplied by and used with permission of Dishcrawl Seattle.

Comforting Slow-Cooker Ham & Lentil Soup

Tags

family, Grandma Nina, ham bone, lentils, loss, meals, slow cooker, soup

Last week was a whirlwind – I started the Bar Method 60-day challenge (more to come about my progress on that soon!) and with busy days at work, as well as at home, I was physically beat each evening. In a good way

It’s times like these that the slow cooker is my best friend!

I had a leftover small portion of the ham bone from Easter and decided that it was a good week for a nice pot of soup. I also happened to have some lentils in the cupboard that I have been wanting to use. So, instead of a split pea soup which I would normally make with a ham bone, I thought I would try a lentil version of my ham soup this time.

What a comfort to come home to a steaming hot bowl of soup in the evening after a long, busy day – just load up the slow cooker in the morning before heading off, and by the time you get home from work the cooking is done for you. Less time spent preparing a meal and more time to sit down and enjoy dinner with the family.

Speaking of family, I started this post yesterday morning. Last night I was greeted at the door by my husband with some very sad news. My grandmother, who would have turned 89 this Saturday, had passed away in her sleep the night before.

I had not spent much time with her in the last couple of years, but for several years I worked just down the street from her home so I would regularly go and have lunch with her. She would prepare a nice table and we would sit and visit – she had the most amazing stories to tell about her life and all of the people she had known over the years.

What a gift I had in those lunch hours. I knew that at the time and feel it even more keenly today.

In recent years she grew increasingly fuzzy and would sometimes forget that I was even coming to see her. As I moved on to another job, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and was moved (at least an hour away) into a very nice senior home where someone could always be available to keep an eye on her.

I so missed her and our lunches.

I never knew what kind of sandwiches Grandma Nina would serve – sometimes it was turkey, sometimes ham, many times it would be liverwurst (never forgetting the bread and butter pickles that are so popular with her age group.)

But she always had soup.

I think of her as I post this recipe. Sharing a big bowl of soup can warm the heart as well as the body. A wonderful way to gather those you love closer around the table and just be together – talking, sharing memories, sometimes crying, mostly laughing and loving each other – while you can.

Slow-Cooker Ham & Lentil Soup

• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves minced garlic
  
• 1-1/2 cups white lentils
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  
• 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
• 2 Bay leaves
  
• Fresh ground pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 Roma tomatoes cut in half
• Ham bone (you could also use a big chunk of boneless ham)
  
• 6 cups water
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 bag spinach – rough chopped
• Sour cream
• Crunchy bread & salted butter

Place in crock pot carrots, onion, celery, garlic, lentils, bay leaves, herbs, ham, tomatoes and ground pepper.

Pour water over these ingredients and cook in slow cooker 10-12 hours on low.

Pull out ham bone and set aside to cool. Remove tomato skins (which have come off the tomatoes during cooking,) bay leaves and any ham fat, rind, or bone pieces and discard.

Use the back of a wooden spoon to break up any tomato pieces in the pot that are still whole.

Once cooled so that you can handle, separate meat from the bone and add the meat back into pot. Add spinach and chicken stock as needed (to thin out the broth) and cook for 1/2 hour more. Salt to taste.

Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream and crunchy bread with butter.

What is your favorite memory of sharing a meal around the table with your family?

What do you serve to bring everyone together?

Spring Arcade Lights Event

Tags

Arcade Lights, artisans, Event, food, Local products, pike place market, Seattle

One of my favorite food events in Seattle (held at one of my favorite places!) is coming again soon and I promise you won’t want to miss it!

Pike Place Market presents Arcade Lights, a semiannual celebration of artisan foods, craft beers and wine on April 19. Dedicated to promoting independent producers, Pike Place Market has invited 60 purveyors of finely crafted sweet and savory foods, local breweries and regional wineries to participate in this wonderful after-hours festival.

Attendees at the event will have the opportunity to discover the season’s newest flavors. You will sample delicious artisan foods and beverages while you meet and chat with emerging (and some of your favorites!) vendors of brews and bites.

I attended Arcade Lights last fall and was delighted to find several new favorites!

Held in the Market’s historic North Arcade, Arcade Lights is made even more of a magical experience with the ambiance and views of Pike Place Market at night.

A nice mix of sweet and savory food vendors include:

• Firefly Kitchens
• Mt. Townsend Creamery
• Pampeana Empanadas
• Uli’s Sausage
• Roving Pizzaioli
• Zaccagni’s
• The Yellow Leaf Cupcake Co.
• Six Strawberries
• Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company
• Mighty-O Donuts
• Coffee and A Specialty Bakery will offer tastes of their 100% gluten free baked goods
• And many others!

Local participating breweries:

• Elysian Brewing Company
• Odin Brewing Company
• Pike Brewing Company
• Fremont Brewing
• Reuben’s Brews
• And so much more!

Wine enthusiasts will delight in a sparkling wine from Bellingham vineyard Masquerade Wine while cider fans will enjoy tasting cider from The Methow Valley Ciderhouse and Eaglemount Wine and Cider.

For a complete list of participating vendors visit: http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/news_events/arcadelights

Event Details:

Date: Friday, April 19, 2013

Time: 7 – 10 pm*

*Advance ticket holders receive early entry to the event at 6:30 pm. 

Tickets: $28 advance purchase / $35 day of the event

Purchase tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/346316

Includes: 10 tokens to be redeemed for food and beverages and keepsake glass. Additional tokens may be purchased at the event for $2.50 each.

The best part? Arcade Lights benefits the Market Foundation, a not-for-profit organization supporting human service agencies at the Pike Place Market: Pike Market Child Care and Preschool, Pike Market Medical Clinic, Pike Market Senior Center and Downtown Food Bank. To learn more, visit www.pikeplacemarketfoundation.org.

Raising the Bar – Joining the 60 Day Challenge

Tags

60 Day Get Bathing Suit Ready Challenge, Ariana Kukors, Ben Towne Foundation, Catherine Giudici, Darcy Camden, Deborah Enos, Health, Lindzi Cox, The Bachelor, The Bar Method Seattle-Eastside, wellness, working out

One of my guilty pleasures is watching the Bachelor (and the Bachelorette) reality show. I am a huge fan (and a true romantic at heart!) and have been hooked since the first season.

You probably already know that one of my other big passions is supporting the work of non-profits doing great things. So when I heard about The Bar Method’s (I previously told you about this revolutionary workout, known for creating long firm thighs, a lifted seat and flat abs, here) upcoming spring challenge, and realized that it combined these two wonderful things, I knew I had to share it with you.

I am so excited to announce that for the next two months I will be committing to healthier choices by participating in the Bar Method’s 60 Day ‘Get Bathing Suit Ready’ Challenge and sharing my journey with you!

What is the 60-Day ‘Get Bathing Suit Ready’ Challenge:

• Commitment to taking Bar Method a minimum of three days per week during the months of April and May
• Commitment to clean eating and a healthy lifestyle
• Bar Method will donate $10 on behalf of each person who completes 24+ classes and $20 on behalf of each person who completes 48+ classes to Ben Towne Foundation

The Ben Towne Foundation works in conjunction with Seattle Children’s Research Institute in the field of childhood cancer research. It is so exciting to me to see The Bar Method giving back to this incredible local charity that supports finding a cure for pediatric cancer.

“We chose Ben Towne Foundation as our benefactor for the challenge, because we are both inspired by the story of Ben Towne and strongly believe in their mission to accelerate the pace of pediatric cancer research – changing the way childhood cancers are treated and cured,” said Bar Method co-owner Luke Currier. “During last year’s challenge, we were able to donate $4,150 on behalf of our clients to the Foundation. One hundred percent of all funds donated go directly to research and this year we hope to more than double our fundraising efforts.”

And I’ll be doing the challenge in some really great company!

Bar Method enthusiasts Lindzi Cox (last year’s Bachelor runner-up) and Catherine Giudici, winner of this season’s The Bachelor, who is getting ready for her summer wedding, will also be taking the 60-Day ‘Get Bathing Suit Ready’ Challenge!

In addition, Bar devotee, Team USA Olympic swimmer and world record holder Ariana Kukors (someone who is no stranger to fitness or wearing a bathing suit) will be taking the Challenge, as well as local stylist Darcy Camden who is offering a prize of a 90-minute consultation for one lucky winner at the end.

Nationally known Certified Nutritionist Deborah Enos ‘The One-Minute Wellness Coach’ will also be supporting Challenge participants during the 60-Days by offering One-Minute Wellness tips, nutritional support and guidance via social media. Deborah is known for offering advice on achieving ‘Health in a Hurry.’

You can participate too!

Get those bodies in shape for clothes that show a bit more skin! Even if you don’t think you’re brave enough to don a bikini (you never know after this challenge!) think fewer layers, bare arms, tank tops, short shorts and possibly a peek of the midriff – whatever your summer dress code is, the shape of your body is much more exposed during the warmer weather and I intend to get ready so that I feel more healthy and comfortable in a sundress at those summer parties! All the while giving back to a great cause!

On Monday, April 1, Bar Method will host a kick-off to the 60-Day ‘Get Bathing Suit Ready’ Challenge at its South Lake Union studio at 6:30pm and at 7:45pm.
The kick-off will provide a special opportunity to meet Lindzi and Ariana to find out what gets them excited about The Bar Method and hear their insights, humor and motivational tips.

Jeff and Carin Towne will be on hand to share their story and talk about the innovative work being done by Ben Towne Foundation at the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research at Seattle Children’s Research Institute. You are guaranteed to be inspired!

Bar Method is offering some incredible health and beauty prizes at the end of the Challenge:

•  Activewear from Prima Studios, Lucy, Zella and Athleta
• 90-minute wardrobe styling session with fashion expert Darcy Camden
• Nutrition consultation with Certified Nutritionist Deborah Enos
• Customized facial from Esthetician Reini Greene
• Blowout and makeup session at Swink Style Bar
• Cut and color from Coupe Rokei
• Manicure and pedicure from Julep
• Spray tanning from Seattle Sun Tan
• Massage from Vida Spa
• FREE Bar Swag Bags and FREE month of unlimited Bar classes

HOW TO WIN:

• Take 24+ classes and get one entry in to the drawing
• Take 48+ classes and get two entries into the drawing
• Bonus entry in drawing for submitting a transformation story at the end of the Challenge (before and after pictures are encouraged)

And, finally, what would a Challenge be without a celebration at the end. On June 8, a party for all participants will be held (location TBD).

Will you join me in raising the Bar for health and charity? Hope I’ll see you at the Bar!

Simple Easter Tulip Centerpiece

Tags

centerpieice, Easter, Easy entertaining, Flowers, green, Pink, Purple, spring, Tablescape, Tulips, Yellow

With Easter coming up fast on us this next Sunday, I thought I would spend this last weekend finally getting out my Easter decorations.

Big fail! The boxes are still in the attic (but I did manage to make some coffee cake, do some thrifting, and hem one pair of the two of my husband’s sweatpants that have been sitting in my mending pile for several weeks. Thank goodness for small victories!)

At some point this week I may end up getting those Easter boxes down and throwing up a few quickie decorations (that’s just how we roll around here I guess) and dig out some plastic eggs and baskets for the boys.

But in the meantime I was able to Easter-up the place just by changing out my Simple Spring Daffodil Centerpiece (see what I did here originally) and updating the look to reflect the colors of the coming holiday.

All I did to change it up was turn over the tapestry that was underneath the flower arrangement to show a more floral pattern and then replace the daffodils with various colors of cut tulips. I used pink, yellow and purple flowers mixed together.

Are you all ready for the big holiday this Sunday? How much or how little do you decorate for Easter?