For Your Scantily Clad Walls – 20% off Mantle Art

Tags

20 Years, Anniversaries, art, Coupons, Kid Art, Mantle Art, Marriage, Wall decor

Even though it has been a couple of weeks, it seems like just yesterday that I was in New Orleans for Mardi Gras celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary. Oh what a trip it was! And the food? Oh! The food! More on that later – I promise 🙂

In reflecting on our big day, I spent some time re-reading some of the anniversary posts I have shared with you all here on KristinPotPie. In this popular post, honoring our 17^th, I shared the 17 things I love about my husband. This one is still my favorite. We were just kids when we met! And I just love those rainbow suspenders!

Then, on our 18^th anniversary, I wrote about marriage longevity, compromise and our blank walls.

That year I made this as an anniversary gift for the hubs.

It’s a nice representation of the places that have been pivotal in our relationship – where we met, where we got engaged, where we got married and where we make our home now.

Two years later and we do have a few more things on the walls – thanks to my husband’s stepmother who is an amazing photographer and has gifted us with some beautiful prints.

Like this one above our half wall. Can you guess where in Seattle this photograph was taken?

But compromise can be slow going in this house and our walls are still sorely lacking.

Lately we have been cleaning out and organizing our attic – and by “we”, I mean my husband. I know I am crazy – I do not save too many things, but when it comes to my kids – yep, I am so nostalgic. I am definitely a saver when it comes to memories.

These boxes were pulled down from the attic and have been sitting in our living room for a while. The boys are teenagers now, but their kid art is still too much fun. And I am falling in love with some of these pieces all over again.

More kid art on the walls? Why not!

This one would be great for spring!

Such perfect timing to be introduced to a new mobile app, Mantle Art.

It just may come in handy as we work to fill our walls.

Mantle Art is the first mobile app developed specifically for custom framing your art – modern framing made easy. And even better? Mantle Art is generously offering YOU – my readers – 20% off to try it out.

The Mantle Art app offers a simple and fast way for consumers to select, preview and purchase custom framing for your art, whether you are at home (perfect for kid art!) or perhaps at a gallery, shop, or art fair. With the touch of a button, customers can determine exactly how the art will look and how much it will cost to frame. No more waiting around the frame shop or second guessing the expensive cost of framing, as Mantle Art does all of the work within seconds.

Simply download the free app, select the size of your image and then snap a photo of it. Within seconds, Mantle Art will make suggestions for what looks best. Pricing will be made available each step of the way.

Once a customer has made their framing selection, Mantle Art will send either a tube or envelope to collect the artwork.

Shipping is included and the art is insured. The entire process takes up to two weeks. Once the custom framed piece is received, all that is left is to hang it and enjoy.

The Mantle Art app is available through the iPhone app store and can also be used on an iPad.

To get your 20% off, use this CODE: SEVENTS20. Expires in 90 days

Now my husband and I just have to come to an agreement about which wall to fill first!

To find out more about Mantle Art, check out their website or follow along on their social channels here:

http://www.mantleart.com/

@MantleArt (Twitter)

https://www.facebook.com/MantleArt

http://mantleartco.tumblr.com/ (blog)

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The 2nd Annual Edible Book Festival

Tags

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

The Edible Book Festival presented by the Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council is back!

Last year I told you about this fun local event where I had the privilege of being a judge. Well, I will be returning to judge the entries again this year and want to encourage you to join me for all the deliciousness!

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, March 29 at 11 am at the Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park.

To enter the contest, all you have to do is create an edible book inspired by a book of your choice but made from edible ingredients – sweet or savory. Entries are open to all non-professional cooks and bakers.

“Books” are displayed, photographed, judged and awarded prizes donated by Third Place Books, then eaten by all!

This event is FREE to enter, as well as to attend! So even if you are not feeling bold enough to enter the contest, you can come on by and view (and taste!) the wonderful creativity!

There are three age groups for entries, grades K-6, grades 7-12 and Adults. Kids will be judged for “Best Edible Artist”. Adult categories represented are, “Most PUNderful”, “Most Appealing”, “Most 3-dimensional/Architectural”, and “Most Literal Depiction of the Book Title”.

I will be joined by other guest judges: Kaylee Shearer, Childrens Librarian, Emily Browne, Food Stylist, Patricia Byrnes, Pastry Chef and Susan Jones, Fine Artist. Everyone present has the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

To enter your creation, simply register your entry by emailing your name, age group, and edible book title to sifp.ediblebooks@gmail.com by March 25th or just show up by 11 am to check in and display your entry.

I hope to see you there!

Land of the Sweets – The Burlesque Nutcracker

Tags

burlesque, Burlesque Nutcracker, dinner theatre, Groupon Seattle, holidays, Land of the Sweets, Lilly Verlaine & Jasper McCann, Seattle, Triple Door

This season I feel like I have had very little time for enjoying the full holiday experience. But last night I slowed down just long enough to drive around and see some Christmas lights, and last week I attended the one holiday show that I just could not miss.

I recently wrote about local dinner theatre options on Groupon and made mention of Lily Verlaine & Jasper McCann Presents’ great production, Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker, performing at the Triple Door in Seattle.

What a fun alternative to your traditional holiday excursion! If you want something a little different this holiday season you must go! (It just might become a new tradition for you!)

But hurry! Tickets are going fast and many performances are selling out.

WHAT:

Lily Verlaine & Jasper McCann Presents…

Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker

Lily Verlaine and Jasper McCann return to Seattle’s illustrious Triple Door for their 8th annual installment of Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker. A spectacle of pageantry, this year’s production will delight the newcomer and surprise return visitors to the Land of the Sweets. New cast members formerly of Spectrum Dance Theater and Ballet Bellevue make the dancing even hotter, and fashion enthusiasts will get a chance to see the famous “Stargazer” Dress created for Lily Verlaine’s performance at The Burlesque Hall of Fame.

WHERE:

The Triple Door

126 Union Street, Seattle

WHEN:

Through December 28, 2013:

Select Monday, 7:00pm (17+) and 10:00pm (21+)

Select Tuesdays, 7:00pm (17+) and 10:00pm (21+)

Select Tuesday, 5:00pm (17+) – Christmas Eve

Wednesday, 7:00pm (17+) and 10:00pm (21+)

Thursdays, 7:00pm (17+) and 10:00pm (21+)

Fridays, 7:00pm (17+) and 10:30pm (21+)

Saturdays, 7:00pm (17+) and 10:30pm (21+)

Sundays, 2:00pm (17+), 6:00pm (17+), 9:00pm (21+)

TICKETS:

$32.50-$57.50

General – $32.50-$47.50

VIP Seating – $42.50-$57.50

Box Office: 206-838-4333

Online Box Office here (www.LandoftheSweets.com)

The Hound of the Baskervilles at the Seattle Rep

Tags

Dogs, Hound of the Baskervilles, Night out, Seattle, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Sherlock Holmes, Ten Mercer, Theatre

I was recently invited by The Seattle Repertory Theatre for an evening out to see their latest show, The Hound of the Baskervilles.

The Seattle Rep was so generous and really spoiled us for the night!

First, we ate like chow “hounds” with dinner at Ten Mercer on them!

My choice was the Seared Petite Tenderloin Medallions (Creekstone Farms Premium Black Angus Beef) – shoulder tender medallions, wine demi glace, gorgonzola, mushrooms, sun-dried tomato, served over garlic mashers with seasonal vegetable.

Oh so, comfort-food-delicious!

Just look at that perfectly cooked meat – so tender!

My date (my 13 year old son) enjoyed the Washington Chicken – garlic-crusted pan-roasted Washington chicken, rosemary garlic fingerlings, pan jus.

After dinner we headed over to the theatre for a private backstage tour.

It was fun to see the monster scene shop where they built the incredible set for “Hound”.

We also got a tiny peek at the set for the next show. 🙂

We toured the costume shop where all of the period costumes were made for the show.

I studied drama in college and worked in local theatres for several years after that – it was so much fun to be backstage again!

They even let us watch the pre-show fight call – there are quite a few choreographed fight scenes in this show.

After the tour, my son and I enjoyed pre-theatre drinks in the lobby, under the Rotunda, before settling into our seats. (Of course the 13 year old had a coke – in a bottle! So classy!)

They even hosted a private little reception for us at intermission with drinks and these sweet little desserts. What hospitality! I felt so pampered!

Brash Canadian Henry Baskerville has inherited a British manor…and a mystery. Strange things are happening on the moor and someone is trying to kill him. Could it be tied to the legend of a fearsome diabolical hound? This classic Victorian whodunit, based on the original story by Arthur Conan Doyle – adapted by David Pichette and R. Hamilton Wright and directed by Allison Narver, solves the case with the help of the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes.

The show only plays until December 15, so hurry and get your tickets! The limited remaining performances are this Wednesday through Sunday and, trust me, you do not want to miss it!

The Seattle Rep is also partnering with the Seattle Humane Society to sponsor a pet food drive during The Hound of the Baskervilles. Bring pet food with you when you go see the show and it will be donated to the Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank. Donations benefit low-income, sick and elderly pet owners.

And for all you dog owners out there – In conjunction with the world premiere adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles, the theatre is bringing back Dog’s Night Out!

Bring your canine pal to this pooch-friendly special added performance on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are $25 per dog and $50 per human. How much fun is that?

Hotel Ballard – A Vacation Destination

Tags

art, Ballard, Ginny Ruffner, Hospitality, Hotel Ballard, James and Debera Riggle, Seattle, Vacation

I don’t take a vacation nearly as often as I should.

Recently, after taking a tour of the new Hotel Ballard, I realized just how much I am craving one!

Sometimes, with lives full of day-to-day stress and to-do lists, we just need to get away and I can think of no better place to relax and re-charge.

From the moment I entered the opulent lobby the cares of the outside world slipped away and I was ready to check myself in for a mini vacation.

Surrounded by cute little shops and an array of great restaurants, Hotel Ballard is located in one of Seattle’s most charming little neighborhoods.

Ballard was originally settled by Scandinavians taking advantage of the proximity to the water for their seafaring way of life. Nowadays, a mix of old world charm and hip new businesses has made Ballard a destination for locals and travelers alike.

Also owners of the Olympic Health Club attached to the hotel, and the quaint boutique hotel the Ballard Inn across the street, and as native Ballardites, Hotel Ballard owners Debera and James Riggle truly have Ballard in their blood.

The intention behind the interior design of Hotel Ballard is to pay homage to the Scandinavian heritage of the neighborhood with a diverse collection of art on each floor and books collected by the owners.

The focal point of the hotel’s grand lobby is this stunning late 19th Century oil painting.

The décor is filled with a warmth of natural materials including travertine, brick, wood, and wall coverings in shades of gold and cream.

Custom chandeliers and sconces surrounded by large arches and beautiful posts make the lobby both impressive and inviting.

A warm library with bookshelves that wrap a stone fireplace welcomes guests who are looking for a place to relax and perhaps enjoy a morning cup of coffee or catch up at the days end.

Over the fireplace in the library is this stunning brass and glass floral piece, commissioned by world renowned local glass artist Ginny Ruffner, who created the piece special to adorn the mantle where all guests could enjoy it and that would be reminiscent of their stay in Seattle.

Each guestroom floor pays homage to the neighborhood’s Scandinavian
heritage with artwork depicting the different country’s national anthems.

The guest rooms, which range in size from 400 to 630 square feet, are the epitome of luxury with complementary wi-fi and in-room entertainment on HD plasma screen televisions.

The attention to detail – even down to the fabric on every upholstered piece – is incredible.

photo by Alberto Blanchard

Gold wall panels surround the luxurious head boards of each bed that are outfitted with 600 thread count linens and premium down comforters!

The spacious, subway-tiled bathrooms are exquisite, and suites feature a soaking bathtub.

But the crowning glory on Hotel Ballard is a sweeping rooftop pavilion with a private event space, outdoor fire pits and these sweet little outdoor seating nooks for guests.

As a Seattle native, I truly believe that on a sunny day there is no place more beautiful to be than in Seattle, and the rooftop at Hotel Ballard highlights this by featuring magnificent panoramic views overlooking the Olympic Mountains.

Photo by Carilyn Platt

Okay, I’m ready for my vacation now. How about you?

 

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?

Shoreline – Lake Forest Park Arts Council: Edible Book Festival

Tags

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

I love books!

And of course, as you know, I love food!

That is why I was so excited when I was invited to participate in this fun event.

On Saturday, March 30th, 11 am, at Third Place Commons in Lake Forest Park (17171 Bothell Way NE,) the Shoreline – Lake Forest Park Arts Council is hosting its first Edible Book Festival.

And I have been asked to be a judge for this fabulous event! Someone pinch me!

What is the Edible Book Festival?

An “edible book” is a dessert, main dish, side dish, or appetizer, that is inspired by a book. It can look like a book, scroll or tablet. It can be inspired by the book title, a scene or a character.

The idea is to have fun, and create something good to eat, and share.

In 2000, Edible Book Festivals started in many places around the world. During the festival, the edible books are displayed, admired by the public, and photographed.

Prizes are awarded, and then we eat the books. (The best part!) 🙂

This is a FREE event for all!

How can you participate?

Come join us on the day of the event to admire the books, and eat.

Or if you are a creative type, you can enter your edible book creation.

Prizes are awarded in each of three age groups (Grades K-6, Grades 7-12, and Adult) in these categories:

1. Most “good enough to eat”
2. Most punderful
3. Most three-dimensional/architectural
4. Most literal depiction of the book title

Everyone present may vote for the “ People’s choice” award

How to enter:

Email your name, age group, edible book entry title, and the book that inspired you. Send to: slfp.ediblebooks@gmail.com

The organizers of this event would love it if you pre-register before March 25th so that they have an idea of how many entrants to expect.

But you are also welcome to register after the 25th, or even just also show up on the day of the event by 11:00 am with your creation.

For inspiration go to:

Seattle Edible Books frybooks.blogspot.com
International Edible Books colophon.com/ediblebooks

Do you have a favorite book? If you were going to pick a book to depict, what would it be? If you could choose any book to eat, which book would be most delicious?

I hope to see you there so that we can share a good book together!

Teatro ZinZanni – Dinner With My Ancestors’ Gods

Tags

Dinner at Wotan's, dinner theatre, performance, Seattle arts, Teatro Zinzanni

So many exciting things have been happening lately that I have been meaning to share with you all, but the byproduct of all this flurry of activity is that I haven’t had as much time to actually write about them as I would like.

And then I got sick (another byproduct of living life in a hurry? Maybe.) Really sick – I was down for the count all of last week. I usually get one good flu/cold a year but this one really knocked me out!

So, sorry if I have been AWOL –  but there is one experience I have been dying to tell you about!

A couple of weeks ago I got a wonderful invitation to a very special performance of Teatro ZinZanni’s new show!

If you have never been, Teatro ZinZanni is a local dinner show that combines European cirque, cabaret, comedy and live music – all served up with a delicious five-course feast. Part improv, part scripted, beautifully choreographed, and always fresh! One will never see the same show twice as they also change out the production every several weeks to do at least three different shows per year.

This latest production, Dinner at Wotan’s, invites you on an epic adventure to the world of the Norse Gods to celebrate the end of the world as they know it!

My great-grandparents on my mother’s side came here from Norway, so I am a huge fan of the Norse mythology. And when I realized my mother (who had never seen a ZinZanni show!) was going to be in town, I knew she would be my perfect plus one!

Nothing else in Seattle can compare to a night in the tent!

A ZinZanni show transports you for three hours into another place and time. Leaving your everyday, ordinary life behind (along with your cell phone – as they are banned in the performance tent!) the experience begins the moment you enter the lobby of the gorgeous, climate-controlled antique cabaret spiegeltent(mirror tent) Imported from Belgium; the Seattle spiegeltent is nicknamed the Moulin Rouge. Built in 1910, it boasts stained glass, handcarved wooden interior columns, polished crystal and vintage mirrors.

Guests are seated at shared tables, restaurant-style in this unique venue, and the action of the show surrounds (and includes!) the guests throughout the circular structure.

Music (a mix of classical and rock – yes! It works! Wagner’s The Ring and modern-day Queen – who knew?), jaw-dropping acrobatic acts, stunning dance numbers, and a bit of bawdy comedy swirls around you as the guests become part of the action.

There is something to stimulate every one of the senses here! Even your taste buds 🙂

A fit-for-any-king five course wine pairing dinner is highlighted as yet another character in the show and its serving is choreographed beautifully featuring melt-in-your-mouth Hard Cider Slow Braised Pork Belly, hearty Smoked Gouda and White Cheddar Soup, salad, your choice of three incredible entrees (I had the Beef Short Rib and was not disappointed – it just fell off the bone – so moist and meaty! Mom tried the Crab Stuffed Salmon and it was amazing too!) and Golden Apple Tart dessert.

This show is such a delight in every way! Don’t miss it! It runs from now until May 12th.

WHERE:      

Teatro ZinZanni

222 Mercer Street, Seattle

 

WHEN:          

Now – May 12, 2013

Thursday-Saturday, 6:30pm

Sundays, 5:30pm

Select Sunday matinees, 11:30am

Select Wednesdays, 6:30pm

TICKETS:      

Dinner Show tickets start at $108 (All Ages)

Matinee Show tickets start at $50 youth / $86 adults

Discounts available for seniors, military, and students

Box Office: (206) 802-0015

dreams.zinzanni.org

Photos used courtesy of Teatro ZinZanni.

J’Adore – A Burlesque Valentine

Tags

Atomic Bombshells, burlesque, J'Adore, Perfromances, Seattle, Valentine's Day

Are you looking for something a little different to do with your Valentine this week?

Why not show your love for “the city’s most dazzling Burlesque troupe,” The Atomic Bombshells, as they deliver a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE to Seattle, and celebrate the fifth year anniversary of their smash holiday extravaganza, J’ADORE!

Recently I attended my first burlesque show and was so impressed with this fun art form! Not only is it sexy in a very tasteful way, it celebrates sensuality and the human body no matter the shape or size.

What a perfect way to spend the day of LOVE!

Revamped each year, and featuring a parade of exhilarating new and classic acts, J’ADORE! is a burlesque, drag, and dance spectacular that highlights romance with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle!

The dashing Jasper McCann hosts with high-style and charm, and the help of the very first Atomic BOYshell, Lou Henry Hoover.

Featuring special guest stars BEN DELACREME (Homo For The Holidays, Freedom Fantasia), and gender-blending boylesque sensation WAXIE MOON (Fallen Jewel).

For more information on the show, visit online here.

 

Performance information:

WHERE:

Triple Door

216 Union Street, Seattle

WHEN:

February 14-16, 2013

7pm and 10pm

TICKETS:

Call the Box Office (206) 838-4333

Online Box Office here.

Guest Post: A Paint Party

Tags

MyPartyPlanner, Paint, Paint Party, Party ideas, Party Planning

This week is a bit harried for me with school starting, a couple of birthdays in the household, a huge event at work and getting new flooring installed in our house!

I will be be back next week with more fun parties and posts but in the meantime, please enjoy this guest post from MyPartyPlanner.com, “a FREE website created especially for you, the visitor, searching for an entertainment service for your event in your area, and all your party planning needs.”

A paint party is perfect for a fall celebration while the weather is still warm but not too hot to be outside!

It takes a certain amount of bravery to host a party, especially if you are inviting the closest of friends. People will rate, and later talk about the party, so it is important to make sure they are well entertained.

With all of the usual party themes having been worn out, finding a new theme, a unique theme, perhaps even a crazy theme can be difficult. Thankfully exciting new party themes such as paint parties can help a host throw parties that will be remembered for years.

A paint party theme is one of the hottest new themes to hit the party scene in a long time. Party goers absolutely love an opportunity to be free from worries, and will have a blast throwing and rubbing paint on each other, and everything else. Is it messy?

Well of course it is, it is delightfully messy!

When combined with a DJ spinning tunes, party lights, and a group of great friends, it is certain that not one guest will leave paint free, or disappointed.

When planning a paint party there are a few things a host must do to ensure all who enter the ‘carefree paint zone’ will have a great evening:

• Planning the number of guests, the space needed, and the amount of paint to supply guests, are the hardest parts of hosting a paint party. (Actually, these really are not difficult things to do, most likely finding a DJ who will show up on time, and of course with all the latest hits may be the worst part of any party planning.)
• Once the number of guests is determined the paint can be purchased. Getting colors that will pop under party lights is definitely important.
• Having enough paint is also important, so be sure to carefully plan it out.
• Just how enthusiastic will the guests likely be? Are they going to go crazy and make certain the entire party zone is covered? If so, it is wise to have some extra paint to make certain guests never run out, that is until the plug is pulled and the party is over.
•  An important thing to do is ask guests to wear white or light colors and bring a change of clothes. After all, a host could not possibly loan out all of their clean clothes, now could they?
• When throwing such a messy party it is wise to make sure there is an area for guests to clean up, it might not be a bad idea to invite a few of them to help clean up.

Though paint parties are messy, the fond memories of making the colorful mess will live on for years.