Root Root Root For the Home Team

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We love cheering on the Seattle Mariners throughout the summer. Heading out to Safeco Field for a night of baseball is one of the best ways to enjoy Seattle in the summer. We still have two months of baseball left before the playoffs start, and the Mariners have some great games ahead of them. Here are a few giveaways and specials that are the perfect way to enjoy the last few weeks of baseball season. 

Friday August 7th

It is girl’s night at Safeco Field. Grab your ladies from Aspira Apartments and head to the baseball game for a great Friday night out. For only $40, you can have a ticket in main or terrace club level, one drink, and a baseball cap for this game against the Texas Rangers. Space is limited and ticket prices go up the day of the game so make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. Take a selfie at the game and make sure to hashtag #GirlsNightOut!

Friday August 21st

It is the song of the summer night at Safeco Field. First head to the game to see our Mariners take on the Chicago White Sox. This great match up will be a great way to spend your Friday evening. There are more surprises for this late summer game. Stay after for fireworks night with Pyro Spectaculars. It is the last fireworks show of the season so the theme is “songs of summer”. Jam out to your favorite summer anthems while watching the gorgeous fireworks over Safeco Field. 

Tuesday August 25th

The Seattle Mariners are taking on the Oakland Athletics for this weekday 7:10pm game. However, you do not need to worry about eating before the game for this match up. You can purchase the grand slam family package for your tickets. These tickets include a seat on the Main, Terrace Club or view levels. Plus, you get a hot dog and a free Pepsi for one price. There are a few of these specials left this season so you can pick which day is best for you on the Mariners Schedule. 

These great specials are worth a night out at the ball game. Grab your Mariners jersey, a hot dog and cheer on our favorite baseball team all summer long. 

Date Night in Seattle

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Planning dates can be hard when you want to avoid the typical dinner and a movie. This summer Seattle has some great creative date nights that you must try out. As much as we love staying in and watching Netflix, we think these cute Seattle date nights will leave you with a night you will never forget. 

Yum! Chocolate

Everyone loves a great piece of chocolate. However, this involves more than picking up a box at your grocery store. You can learn to make your own delicious treats at truffle making classes hosted by The Chocolate Box. You will start the evening learning about the history of truffles before starting to craft you own unique chocolate. You can also taste wines from Washington and Oregon while improving your chocolate making skills. These classes fill up fast so make sure to book online early to get your preferred date. 

Laughter and Love

If you love to laugh until you are crying, we think we have the perfect date for you. Jet City Improv’s weekly Monday night Improv Dojo class. These comic artists of all levels exercise their humor on stage with strangers. Even if you have never set foot on a stage, these classes will have you laughing and stepping out of your comfort zone on this unique date. There are many different classes to try from storytelling boot camp to learning how to develop a character. Make sure to reserve your date night class early!

Take Your Date Night to New Heights

How would you like to climb to the top of a mountain? This might be a little too adventurous for a date night, but Stone Gardens has a similar option. Their Ballard and Bellvue locations feature 2.5 hour climbing 101 classes five evenings a week. You will learn about climbing safety and the proper way to scale the walls at any center or real mountain. You even receive a two week membership with your class so you can come back and practice your skills on the various walls they have at the facility. This is a great way to exercise and learn something new about your date at the same time. 

These unique date night ideas are sure to leave you with a memorable night. We hope that you will have a great time and come home to Aspira feeling good about a second or third or 500th date. 

Other Sources

Red Tri

Take A Day On The Links

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Seattle has some great ways to stay active throughout the city and countryside. This includes the amazing golf courses we have throughout the city. Golf can be a great way to relax and have some fun with friends and family. Take a break from your daily routine and hit a few balls at these great golf courses in Seattle. Keep reading to learn about what each course offers!

Seattle Parks and Recreation

Seattle Parks and Recreation has many different locations for you to enjoy a game this weekend. Don't worry about traveling too far from from Aspira, there are enough locations that you will never have to travel too far from home or work. There are four main golf courses in the Parks and Recreation system. These parks include Interbay, Jackson Park, Jefferson Park and West Seattle. These are all full 18 hole golf courses. You can also choose a shorter game of pitch and putt at their Green Lake location.  After you try all of these great courses, let us know which one is your favorite on our Facebook Page.

Broadmoor Golf Club

The Broadmoor Golf Club is an exclusive club just northeast of Capital Hill. This course has hosted many tournaments throughout the years including the Seattle Open and the LPGA. You can come as a guest to the Broadmoor Golf Club just make sure to check on their dress code and regulations on their website.  This amazing course is something that every golf lover must try at least once.

Tyee Golf Course

If you do not mind a bit of a drive, the Tyee Golf Course is a great course to play on. This gorgeous full length golf course is located in SeaTac Washington. This is the perfect course to have a few drinks and have fun with friends. This is also a great course to work on your game and fine tune your technique for your next big match. Grab some friends, have a drink and enjoy this golf course on your next Saturday free.

These are just seven of the many great golf courses in Seattle. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, we are sure you can have a great game at one of these great courses.

Ice Cream For Everyone

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We love to stay cool in the summer. Going to the pool, running through a sprinkler and even eating a giant ice cream cone are all great ways to keep cool in the summer heat. Seattle has many ice cream shops for us to pick from all year around. If you are craving ice cream after your long work week, we have some great shops that are close to your home at Aspira Apartments.

Gelatiamo

You are craving something cold, but maybe ice cream is not really your favorite cold treat. Gelatiamo has all the gelato you can eat within a short distance from Aspira. Gelatiamo opened in 1996 with the goal of featuring unique gelati and sorbets. However, this company has more than just your standard gelato, they also have sorbets and baked goods, made from old Italian family recipes. There are many flavors that you can choose from or take home with you from their cafe or your local grocery stores. Their cafe which includes gelato, gelato cakes, sorbets and baked goods can be found at Third and Union in downtown Seattle.

Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt

There are many yogurt shops throughout Seattle, but Ellenos stands out from the rest with their all natural fruits and toppings.  Ellenos starts with sourcing fresh milk directly from local farmers in the Seattle area, and then they combine these local ingredients with the family's secret blend of probiotic cultures. Ellenos is not limited to their cafe that is located on 1500 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101, you can also order their delicious flavors online.

Molly Moon's Ice Cream

Molly Moon's Ice Cream has one goal: They want to be the best ice cream in Seattle. Molly Moon's Ice Cream is made with milk and cream from hormone-free dairy cows that are raised at local Northwest farms. This ice cream shop uses seasonal and organic fruits and spices to make their unique flavors. If it does not grow local, they use companies that buy organic fair-trade ingredients so you can get the flavors you love like chocolate and vanilla. Molly Moon's has 14 different flavors that you can only get at their shop located at 917 E Pne St, Seattle, WA 98122.

These three restaurants will give you three different versions of that cold dessert you crave. Whether you want gelato, frozen yogurt, or ice cream, there are many places throughout Seattle for you to indulge your sweet tooth. 

Seattle Fireworks

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Are you excited to celebrate the Fourth of July this long weekend? Seattle has some great events all weekend to celebrate America! However, the event that everyone looks forward to is the Seattle fireworks. These gorgeous fireworks can be seen all over the city. However, we have a few spots that you might want to check out to watch the fireworks.

Seafair Summer Fourth at Lake Union

This is the perfect place to watch the fireworks.  This event has music, a beer garden, food, and entertainment all day throughout the event. You are also able to check out the Wooden Boat Festival. However, due to road closures getting to Lake Union could be tricky. Parking is limited, so we recommend taking a cab service like Uber for the event. For more information on parking and the event, head to Seafair's website. 

Fremont Bridge

This bridge gives you the perfect view of the Lake Union fireworks. Traffic and parking will be tough, but if you plan ahead of time this will give you a great viewpoint. Check out the viewpoint by clicking here.

Arthur Foss

If you are looking for a spot that is close to Aspira Apartments, this next event is perfect for you. You can enjoy the Seattle Fireworks on the Arthur Foss. For $73.00 a person, you can enjoy drinks and dessert while watching the gorgeous sky on the Fourth. All proceeds benefit the Maritime Heritage Center. You can purchase your tickets here. 

Bellevue Downtown

The Bellevue Downtown Association is hosting a celebration at Downtown Park this Saturday. The event will start at 2pm and is the largest celebration on the Eastside of Seattle. You can enjoy food, games, music and more before viewing the Seattle fireworks at night.

These are just four of the great spots to check out the Lake Union fireworks in Seattle. Do you know of other great places to watch the fireworks? Comment below this post on our Facebook Page.

Summer in Seattle

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What is your favorite event to attend throughout the summer in Seattle? Seattle has great events for all ages from May until September. Attractions, movies, or summer dancing are all great options in our beautiful city. Keep reading our blog to learn about all of these great events within a short drive from your home at Equinox.

Seattle’s Great Wheel is perfect for every occasion from a day out with the kids to a first date night with your new beau. Admission is $13 for adults and $8.50 for kids 11 and under. The largest observation wheel on the west coast is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM until midnight so there’s plenty of time to ride! If you’re lucky enough to be riding on a special holiday you might get to see a laser light show! Only a 10 minute drive away from the Equinox Apartments.

This summer there are 15 chances for you to Dance til Dark in one of Seattle’s beautiful parks. Have two left feet? That’s okay! Beginner’s dance lessons are offered in the first hour of the night for anyone just getting started or feeling a little rusty. The best part of it all is that all lessons and dances are free!

Sticking with the outdoors at dark theme, you can try a outdoor movie! Perfect for the kids or a date night (depending on the movie). There are so many parks and outdoor theaters offering outdoor movies. Fremont Outdoor Cinema (a 15 minute drive from Equinox), Marymore Park (Only 20 minutes away) and West Seattle Outdoor Movies are just a few examples of the places you can find to see an outdoor movie this summer. For a list of more places to see them check here.

There is no shortage of farmer’s markets around Seattle for you to visit. The fresh, local produce will help enhance any meal you make. Check out the U-District on University Way or West Seattle Farmer’s Market in West Seattle Junction. For a list of other farmer’s markets in the area go here. See what delicious fruits and veggies you can find at any one of the local farmer’s markets.

Summer is the best time to take a relaxing water taxi ride for a scenic tour of the bay before taking a stroll down Alki Beach. If the beach isn’t your thing, you can take a walk through West Seattle for a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants before window shopping through the shops and stores. The water taxi port is a short 10 minute drive away from Equinox Apartments.

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to get out and have some fun! Seattle is never dull and you can always find an outing or fun activity to do with the whole family, with a date or with a group of friends! What’s your favorite summer activity in Seattle? Tell us on our Facebook page!


Additional Sources Cited:
Seattle Farmers Markets
King County
Seattle’s Great Wheel

Seattle Concerts Are Piling Up This Summer

This summer is heating up fast but not because of the sun. The shows and musical acts coming into town in the upcoming months are going to set the city on fire. Spanning everything from comedy shows to country concerts to star studded pop shows, there is a show this summer for everyone. You better strap in because this summer is going to be a wild ride!

Ingrid Michaelson will be performing at the Paramount Theater on June 17 with guests Jukebox the Ghost and Greg Holden. Michaelson’s indie-pop tunes have given us songs like The Way I Am and Girls Chase Boys.

If you’d prefer a laugh to the sweet notes of a singer-songwriter, check out Dana Carvey at the Tacoma Dome on June 17. Along with Carvey will be Dennis Miller and Kevin Nealon.

Hot House Party 2 is taking it back to the 90’s with Bell Biv DeVoe, Coolio, Lisa, Lisa, Next, Young MC and Rob Base. The hip-hop and rap acts are not to be missed! You’ll want to throw on your denim jacket and crimp your hair.

Chicago will be rolling into Seattle on June 20th. Performing at the Chateau St. Michelle, you won’t want to miss this show!

The same night you can see Amy Schumer and some of her comedian colleagues like Judd Apatow, Dave Attell, Vanessa Bayer, Mike Birbiglia and Colin Quinn do live stand-up comedy at the Moore Theater to promote the new movie Trainwreck coming soon.

On July 11, see Zac Brown Band perform including songs from their new album Jeckyll and Hyde. Gorge Amphitheater.

July 12 brings with it J. Cole, Big Sean, YG and Jeremih to the White River Amphitheater for the Forest Hills Drive Tour.

You won’t want to miss One Direction when the boy band comes to CenturyLink Field on July 15th.

August 2nd will bring together rock and rap for one show that’s going to tear the house down. Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa are touring together this summer along with Hoodie Allen and DJ Drama.

On August 5th you can “Let It Go” with Idina Menzel at the Paramount Theater. Fans of Broadway and Frozen will love this show.

Summer is going to be musical and filled with laughs. There are no excuses for you to stay home this summer. These are all can’t miss acts and there’s something here for every music style and age and sense of humor. Don’t miss out! Most of these shows are within an hour’s drive away from Aspira, some are even within walking distance!

Sources Cited:

Seattle Times

Fun Concerts in Seattle

Image from Wikipedia

Grab a blanket and a few drinks and head to these outdoor concerts in Seattle. There are many outdoor shows all summer long in the city. You can see big headliners or even some small local bands play the stage almost every week. The best part is that all of these concerts are within a short drive from Equinox Apartments. 

Marymoor Park Concerts

Marymoor Park is located Redmond, Washington.  This gorgeous park features trails, rentals, aquatics along with their summer concert series. The summer concert series is located within the park at the 5000-capacity outdoor venue, making it the best place in Seattle for outdoor concerts. There is a five dollar concert parking fee for each show. Here are some of the great bands playing at Marymoor.

June 27 Willie Nelson and Family and Alison Krauss and Union Station
July 22 Third Eye Blind and Dashboard Confessional
Aug 9 Of Monsters and Men
Aug 28 Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick

You can check out more of the concerts at Marymoor by visiting Seattlemet.

Zootunes at Woodland Park Zoo

Head to the Woodland Zoo to see some of today's top artists at their gorgeous venue with its beautiful backdrop of the North Meadow. Woodland Park Zoo is located at 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle WA 98103.  These concerts require tickets that can be purchased ahead of time at the Woodland Park Zoo's website. Here are a few of the great bands coming to the zoo this year.

June 28 The B-52s
July 21 Melissa Etheridge and Blondie
Aug 19 Kenny Loggins

To see more of the shows coming to the zoo this summer click here!

CenturyLink Field

Finally, if you are looking for some bigger name artists to check out this summer, CenturyLink Field is the place to look. Big names come throughout the year to perform at this huge arena. There are still a few tickets left to each of these shows.

June 27 Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean
July 15 One Direction
Aug 8 Taylor Swift

You can purchase tickets for these shows at LiveNation.

These are just a few of the many shows coming to Seattle this year. We hope you get the chance to check out a few on your summer vacation.

Best Brunches Near Aspira

Image from Pixabay

Getting up early on the weekends can be hard, but we think these brunches are well worth the effort. Make sure to set your alarm to try the best brunches in Seattle. After a long weekend, getting up to french toast and a mimosa is a great way to relax. These brunches are all within a short distance of Aspira Apartments.

TanakaSan

Just a short walk from Aspira Apartments you can grab some delicious brunch at TanakaSan. This place is perfect for sharing with friends or a loved one as it’s menu is dim sum-inspired. Buttermilk pancakes with bacon, ramens, or any of their delicious cocktails and juices are all served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-2:30pm. Click here to see how to get there from Aspira. 

Terra Plata

Hop in the car for a minute or two to have brunch at Terra Plata. This local brunch spot serves savory and sweet menu items all made from fresh local ingredients. The menu is based off an earth to plate concept that they have believed in for years.  They have every brunch item you can think of all made from locally sourced fresh ingredients. 

Cafe Campagne

Get up early this weekend to try the french inspired menu at Cafe Champagne.  This local brunch spot has fans all around the city. You can enjoy their brunch Saturdays or Sundays from 8am-4pm. Sandwiches, omelettes, and french toast are just some of the many options they have for your weekend brunch.  Do not forget to pair your menu item with a delicious cocktail or drink.  It is only a short drive from Aspira, so make sure to make your reservations to try your french inspired brunch this weekend. 

These are just some of the great brunches in the city.  You can find more that are located near Aspira by checking out Seattle Eater.

Get Outside in Seattle

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Seattle is a beautiful city.  From out mountains to out beautiful ocean, we love to be outside and enjoy all of Seattle’s nature.  There are many ways to enjoy Seattle on a sunny afternoon. Trails, parks, and festivals are just some of the ways to breathe the fresh air this summer. Learn more about how you can get out and enjoy Seattle on a day trip from Aspira Apartments. 

Cycle the Burke-Gilman Trail

This trail is a perfect way to see the parks and the sea-bound nature of Seattle. This trail goes through the city and nature parks that Seattle is known for.  You will be able to see the local restaurants and sites that many overlook in their daily commutes throughout the city.  This trail is a great benefit to riders thanks to the city’s 2006 implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan. 

Do not worry this trail is not just for the professional rider. It is also for the resident that just wants a nice stroll through some of the most beautiful spots in our city.  It is a 27 mile trail in the King County Regional Trail System. It is most commonly referred to as “The Burke”. This weekend take a few hours and ride parts of the trail.  It is great for exercise and to see parts of Seattle that you may not know.

Outdoor Activities

Biking outdoors may not be your favorite thing to do. However, there are plenty of other activities that you can participate in throughout Seattle.  Seattle parks are not your typical city park with structured playgrounds and fake nature.  Seattle has wild parks that include old growth forests, interchanging ecosystems, and on occasion some animals. 

One of the most famous parks is Discovery Park that was created in 1973. It was created on the grounds of an old military installation. This park guards miles of the Puget Sound coastline.  It includes everything from forests, meadows, and coastline. You can see over 200 bird species as you explore this famous North American park.

These are just some of the ways to get out and explore Seattle this weekend. What is your favorite way to explore our beautiful coastline?

Memorial Day Events Seattle

Image From Wikimedia.

Memorial Day Weekend is almost here. It is time for parades, cookouts, and events to celebrate the unofficial first weekend of summer. It is also a time to remember those who fought and served for our country. There are many events happening around Seattle and Aspira Apartments for you to attend. Keep reading to learn more about some great Seattle Memorial Day events below.

Northwest Folklife Festival

This weekend you can head to the the 44th annual Northwest Folklife Festival. This is one of the largest free folklife festivals in the country.  The festival runs from May 22nd -25th at the Lower Queen Anne, Seattle Center. This festival lets you watch over 7,000 diverse performances including over 100 cultural dance showcases, workshops, arts vendors, food, and activities for all ages. You can learn more at their website Northwest FolkLife.

Memorial Day Weekend Fun Run

Maybe this weekend you want to get out and get some exercise. Then, this Memorial Day Weekend Fun Run is perfect for you. This run is May 23rd at 10am at Magnuson Park. Your furry friend can even have fun at the dog park after the run.  Entry fees are from $18-$28 dollars.  You can learn more at their website MagnusonSeries.

Memorial Day Ceremony

Do not forget to take a moment and remember those that have fought and served our country.  The Memorial Day Ceremony will occur at Boeing Field, Museum of Flight in Seattle. The event is free and will honor anyone who has served our military. The event will begin at 11am with music and presentations remembering our service men and women.  Also, all active and veteran military personnel will receive free admission to the museum with identification. You can learn more here. 

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day no matter how you choose to celebrate. What events are you going to this weekend? Make sure to share them on the Aspira Facebook page with your fellow residents.

Farmers' Markets in Seattle

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What fresh produce do you use to cook in the summer?  Aspira Apartments in Seattle are close to many great restaurants, but sometimes a home cooked meal is all you need.  Seattle is the place to be for the fresh ingredients you crave in a home cooked meal.  We have many farmers’ markets through the city that fit around your busy schedule.

Tuesday

On Tuesdays after work head to the 6th Avenue Farmers’ Market.  This market is held from 3pm-7pm every Tuesday. The market starts on May 5th and runs until September 29th. You can find the market at 6th Avenue and North Pine Street, Tacoma.  You can find out more information on this market by visiting tacomafarmersmarket.com

Wednesday

Do you want to go buy your fresh produce during lunch or when you are off during the day?  The Bellingham Farmers’ Market is held on Wednesdays from 12pm-5pm. This market does not kick off it’s season until June 3rd.  However, you can visit the market at 1207 10th Street, Bellingham all the way until September 30th. You can find more information here. 

Saturday

If you are more of a weekend shopper, make sure to check out Bellevue Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. This market is open from 10am to 3pm from June until November. Check out the opening day festivities for some fun additional events.  The market is located at Compass Plaza at 550 106th Ave NE - next to Barnes & Noble.  You can find more information about the market on their website. 

Sunday

Finally, this year-round Farmers’ Market is perfect for those who are planning Sunday night meals.  The market is open every Sunday from 10am-3pm.  This market is located at Ballard Avenue NW, between Vernon Place NW & 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle. You can find out more information at the Seattle Farmers’ Market Association.

There are many Farmers’ Markets all around the Seattle area.  If you are looking for more days, make sure to visit the Pugent Sound Fresh website for more information.

May in Seattle

Are you ready for spring in Seattle?  We love being able to walk outside and enjoy the fresh air.  May is a great month with many events and activities happening throughout the Seattle area.  Movies, concerts, and more are all available for you to attend this Month.  The best part about these events is that they are close to home at Aspira.  

Sasquatch! Music Festival

This Memorial Day spend your long weekend with a huge music festival. Modest Mouse, Kendrick Lamar, and Robert Plant are headlining this Seattle tradition. The event also has plenty of smaller acts for you to watch and become your new favorites. The event will be held at the Gorge Amphitheater from May 22nd-25th. 

Petpalooza

Bring your pet with you on a short road trip up to Auburn for Petpalooza on May 16th. You can start the day with a 5k/fun run with your pet in the morning. There will be live entertainment, activities for you and your furry friend, and the Skyhoundz Disc Dog Championships. You can also explore over 150 vendors to find new pet products and pet food for your four-legged loved one.

University Street Fair

The first street fair of the year will be in the University District of Seattle.  The University District Streetfair includes food, vendors, and crafts on University Way NE.  The event is free for anyone to attend.  It is only four miles NE of Seattle.  You can visit the street fair on May 16th-17th. 

These are just three of the many great events happening in the Seattle area.  We hope you get to enjoy the weather with friends and loved ones around Seattle.  Do you have any events that you are getting ready for? Comment on Facebook and we will try to help you promote your events throughout the year too. 

Seahawks Draft Day

The draft is upon us. Tomorrow, 32 NFL teams will start a weekend long process of drafting their players for next year. Many teams are hoping to land their next star that will bring their franchise the Lombardi trophy.  The Seattle Seahawks have eleven draft pics available in the 2015 draft.  This does not include any deals that are made to move positions or players.  Here are some possible scenarios for the Seahawks draft selection.

Linebacker

There is a prediction that the Seahawks will pick a linebacker in one of the first few rounds of the draft.  One player that may be a possibility is Shaq Johnson.  He is a linebacker from the Washington Huskies that shows versatility in the position.  This is something that Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is known to like.   Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions makes him a great candidate for this Seahawks team.

Secondary

Injuries and trades have led many experts to believe that the Seahawks will be focused on restocking their secondary this draft weekend. The aging secondary is something that the Seahawks need to worry about for the future.  They want many strong options for their secondary, not just one player to rely on.  Expect to see a few new faces in the secondary this season coming from the 2015 Draft.

Draft Day Deals

The Seahawks are expected to make a few draft day deals this weekend. They are equipped with eleven draft selections which is more than anyone in the NFL.  This gives them plenty of options for swaps or trades for draft positions. This team and staff is also known for finding their best players in the later rounds.  These include Russell Wilson (third round) and cornerback Richard Sherman (fifth round) in the past few years of the draft.   We will have to watch the draft to see what deals are acquired to help fill out their roster.

All of these options could be seen as the Seahawks try to make the next Super Bowl winning team. We will see how this plays out tomorrow for the 2015 NFL Draft. You can watch the draft at home at Aspira.

Weekend Events in Seattle

This weekend in Seattle you can choose to relax at beautiful Aspira or you can explore the city.  We live in a great area with many events happening throughout the week.  However, this weekend Seattle has an event for every person in your friend group.  

Wine and Chocolate in Tahoma

This Friday from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Marymount Event Center is the annual Wine and Chocolate Affair.   Guests will receive a complimentary wine glass and five wine tokens to try various wines throughout the event. This event has hand picked many chocolate and wine vendors that will be complimentary to each other.   You can buy tickets here. 

Cherry Blosson Festival

This festival is only one mile Northwest of Seattle.  The Cherry Blossom Festival explores Japan’s culture and influence through performances, art, and activities.  This festival also gives you the opportunity to explore and taste different types of Japanese food.  This festival was founded when 1,000 cherry blossom treats were gifted to Seattle by Prime Minister Takeo Miki on behalf of the Japanese government in commemoration of the nation’s bicentennial.  

Clean Comedy

Clean Comedy is performing at the Atlas Theater through July 18th.  This comedy show is an improv based show that is played like a sport.  Two teams compete against each other in various improv games until one team is declared the winner by audience reaction.  This event is great for all ages from children to business groups. You can purchase tickets here. 

All of these events will keep you busy this beautiful weekend in Seattle.  You can explore different cultures and places in the city while having fun with friends and family.  Do you want to know what other events are happening around Aspira?  You can check out this Seattle events page. 

Seattle Food Trucks

Food Trucks are becoming super popular across the United States.  Food truck days or gatherings are advertised across social media outlets for people to make their way during their lunch break to get their favorite meal.  Seattle is lucky to have many great food trucks all within a close distance of work and Aspira Apartments.  There are eleven new food trucks coming to Seattle, and we have previewed a few of them below. 

Bread and Circuses

This truck is a take on a gastropub.  They have menu items like beer can chicken and potato tornado.  Make sure to check out their website by clicking the link above.  Their locations tab shows where the truck will be and at what times. This means that you can plan your lunch break or weekend trip ahead of time. 

Luchador Taco Co.

Full Tilt Ice Cream is a huge company in Seattle.  This ice cream company is now setting up shop with a new business, a vegan taco truck.  This taco truck will be starting it’s first day tomorrow, April 16th.  You can learn more about the company and where the new truck will be located by visiting their website. 

Meat on a Mission

Carnitas or Pork Shoulder?  This is not your everyday food truck. Meat on a Mission gives you plenty of options with four homemade sauces. Do not forget about their veggie hash called What Food Eats. You can find out where they will be on any given day through their website calendar. Grab some friends and get some delicious food that is not your everyday hot dog or cheeseburger. 

There are eight more unique food trucks that are coming to Seattle.  SeattleMet has your complete list so you can start planning out next week’s lunches.  Get there early!  You do not want to miss your favorite food truck meal. 

Indulge That Sweet Tooth

We all have a sweet tooth.  You might have one all the time, or you might just have sweet tooth cravings.  No matter which category you fall under, Seattle is one of the best places to grab a sweet treat.   We searched for some of the best treats you can try in the Seattle area.  These places are all pretty close to Aspira Apartments so you do not need to go far. Chocolate, vanilla, pies, and ice cream are just ingredients that might sound good to you.  Keep reading to see where you can grab these sweet snacks.

Hello, Robin:  Hello, Robin is a bakery on E. Capital Hill.  This bakery specializes making incredible cookies that have the detail of a wedding cake or fancy dessert. There is everything from a Mexican flavor to different renditions of the traditional chocolate chip. Hello, Robin is open everyday from 9am to 10pm. They are a great bakery to remember if you or a loved one has a nut allergy. They are proud to be nut free everyday. 

Parfait: Every adult needs to feel like a kid once in a while. The ice cream is made right behind the counter.   The fresh ice cream is then made into fancy ice cream cakes or push-up pops that are for all ages.  They are open everyday from 12pm to 10pm.  Take a trip this weekend to NW 56th treat and pretend to be a kid again. 

Crumble and Flake Patisserie: This famous Seattle bakery sells out regularly, but it is still worth the wait.  This small bakery in Capital Hill sells small macaroons and shortbreads that are in high demand throughout the area.  This bakery is closed Monday and Tuesday, but they are open until 3pm Wed-Sunday unless they sell out. Get up early and make sure to try these delicious treats. 

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery: This bakery is perfect for the chocolate lovers in Seattle.  This delicious chocolate shop is on Ballard Avenue NW.  This place will crave every sweet tooth you have with their chocolate chips and caramel sauce made with rye whiskey.  Do not forget about their pastries and drinkable desserts that you must try to.  

Make sure to check out these delicious bakeries next time you have a craving for something sweet.  If you want to try a few more places, make sure to visit the SeattleMet. 

Easter Brunches In Seattle

One of our favorite activities during the weekend is brunch. This Easter weekend there are many brunches to pick from. This is the perfect time to try out something new or explore a recommendation from a friend. These brunches are being held this Sunday April 5th at various times through the morning and afternoon. You can learn more at SeattleMet.

Put on your pastel-colored pants for one of the most brunch-filled days of the year and head to any of these Easter midmorning meals Sunday, April 5. (And one Greek Easter meal April 12.)

AgrodolceSpicy salami scones, lamb sausage hash, bottomless mimosas ($25)

Barking FrogSpecial a la carte Easter brunch menu (prices vary)

Bell and WheteFig and chocolate hazelnut crepe, grilled lamb’s leg with roasted cipollini (prices vary)

Cafe FloraSpice-apple cornmeal waffle, strawberry rhubarb french toast (prices vary)

Chandler's Crabhouse
House corned beef hash with poached eggs, broiled King salmon filet ($35)

Copperleaf at Cedarbrooks LodgeBuffet of smoked salmon, snow crab, herb-roasted leg of lamb, and more ($59)

Daniel's Broiler
Prime steak with Gruyère quiche, Dungeness crab omelet with Gruyère cheese ($45)

EquesEggs benedict with shaved prosciutto, citrus-braised pork shoulder with grits ($45)

Golden BeetleScotch egg with potato latkes, braised pork shank hash, spiced donuts ($25)

Grim'sSwedish pancakes, Spanish omelet, chocolate Easter egg martini (prices vary)

Hot CakesHousemade buttery biscuit with bacon, egg, and cheese, carrot cake, rhubarb mimosa ($3–$8)

Local 360Goat’s milk yogurt with fruit and honey, rabbit sausage biscuit sandwich (prices vary)

Marc RestaurantFrosted Flakes french toast, red crab oscar benedict, hot chocolate bar ($30)

Metropolitan GrillChicken-fried Wagyu steak and eggs, brioche french toast with honey butter and Vermont maple syrup (prices vary)

Miller’s GuildButtermilk fried chicken and biscuits, steak and eggs with mustard greens, housemade maple-glazed doughnut (prices vary)

Portals Restaurant at SuncadiaLamb shepherd’s pie with rosemary potatoes, ricotta gnocchi with roasted butternut squash (prices vary)

Ray’s BoathouseFried oysters and hollandaise, challah french toast with cinnamon-vanilla custard (prices vary)

Ray’s CafeBuffet menu includes bay shrimp mac and cheese, spring lamb, eggs benedict (prices vary)

Sazerac
Grilled lamb shank with creamy grits, creole eggs benedict with smoked ham and corn cake (prices vary)

Sushi Kappo TamuraEaster brunch Japanese-style with braised Snake River Ranch wagyu skirt steak, sashimi, and udon (prices vary)

*TavolàtaSuckling pig roast, mixed salumi board, pappardelle with braised lamb ($65)

TilthCheddar biscuits with smoked chicken gravy, sourdough waffle with apple compote ($30)

Trellis
Classic brunch served from an extended 6am to 2pm; special afternoon tea, happy hour, and dinner also available (prices vary)

UrbaneOrange-Cointreau brioche French toast, grass-fed beef burger with tomato chutney, mimosas (prices vary)

VolterraDuck leg confit with potato hash and fried eggs, chestnut pancakes, chianti-braised rabbit (prices vary)

Volunteer Park Cafe
Banana brioche French toast, housemade quiche, carrot cake cupcakes; plus a family-style three-course Sunday supper at 6pm (prices vary; $45)

Willows LodgeBuffet with an omelet and crepe stations, anise-spiced cherry French toast bread pudding, and more ($60)

ADVANCE NOTICE for Greek Easter lunch at Vios on Sunday, April 12 from 2:30 to 5.
Whole rotisserie Anderson Ranch spring lamb, chicken souvlaki, and much more ($65)

*Not actually a brunch, this is part of Tavolàta's ongoing Sunday Feast dinner series and begins at 6pm on Easter Sunday.

Rain Makes Art in Seattle

Sidewalk art can be seen all over the United States. Everyone has witnessed the 3D sidewalk art that makes you think you are falling. However, there is a new kind of sidewalk art that can be seen in Seattle.  Seattle's rainy weather is perfect for the artist Peregrine Church to try his new Rainworks. You can learn more here.

Famous for its notoriously rainy weather, Seattle is the perfect home for this new series of water-activated interactive artworks, illustrations, and hidden messages that only appear when wet. Titled Rainworks, the invisible pieces by Seattle-based artist Peregrine Church started popping up last year. Each installation is made from an environmentally safe, water-repellant coating that lasts anywhere from 4 months to a year. You can see more here. (via Vandalog, Metafilter)

March Madness Seattle Moments

Do you have any luck with the NCAA Bracket? March Madness has many great memories in Seattle. These games changed the course of many brackets throughout the years. Learn about the top ten moments below and at the Seattle Times.



#10: 1987 region final
In the West Region final at the Kingdome, top-seeded UNLV rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat Iowa, 84-81, and advance to its first Final Four in 10 years. "It was a miracle the way we came back," UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian said. "I thought we were living on borrowed time. You just don't come back against a team like that."


#9: 1999 first round
An unheralded team from Ogden, Utah, pulled off a major upset at KeyArena, as Harold "The Show" Arceneaux led No. 14 seed Weber State to a 76-74 victory over No. 3 North Carolina in the West Region. It was the first time in 23 years that the Tar Heels had lost in the first round. "Ever since I got here, people have been asking me: 'Where is Weber State?'" Wildcat guard Eddie Gill said. "If you watch basketball, you're not going to ask where is Weber State anymore." Arceneaux scored 36 points on 14-of-26 shooting. "We probably messed up a lot of people's office pools, but so what?" Arceneaux said.

#8: 1956 first round
Seattle University, making its fourth consecutive NCAA tournament appearance, defeats Idaho State, 68-66, at Hec Edmundson Pavilion in the first round. (Tickets for the game were $1.) It was the final victory at Seattle U for coach Al Brightman, who in eight seasons compiled a 180-68 record for Seattle. He remains the winningest coach in program history. (Two years later, Elgin Baylor would lead Seattle U to the NCAA championship game against Kentucky.)


#7: 1989 NCAA title game
In an overtime thriller at the Kingdome, Michigan beat Seton Hall 80-79 to win the national title. Michigan sharpshooter Glen Rice had 31 points in the final and broke a handful of scoring records en route to being named the tournament's most outstanding player. "Almost indescribable," Michigan interim coach Steve Fisher said about Rice. "He has been as good as there is." Rumeal Robinson sank the winning free throws with three seconds left. Seton Hall, after two timeouts, got one last look after a full-court pass, but Daryll Walker's three-point attempt bounced off the backboard, then off the rim and into Rice's hands as time expired.
#6: 1949 NCAA title game
In the first NCAA championship game held in Seattle, Adolph Rupp coached Kentucky to its second consecutive title with a 46-36 victory over Oklahoma A&M at Hec Ed. Kentucky's 6-foot-7 All-American Alex Groza, "big, hulking bear of a man," as described by the Associated Press, scored 25 points, despite fouling out with five minutes left, and was named the tournament's most outstanding player for the second year in a row. "It was a tough game all the way," Rupp said afterward. "We had to play this one the hard way, almost to the finish. We beat a good team and we're mighty happy about it."


#5: 1952 NCAA title game
This was the first time the NCAA tournament had a true Final Four at the championship site, and it was held at Hec Ed on the UW campus. Kansas, led by 6-9 All-American Clyde Lovellette and coach Phog Allen, won its first NCAA title, knocking off St. John's 80-63 in the championship game. "I was the biggest baby ever born in Pike County (Indiana), and the record still stands," Lovellette told The Seattle Times' Georg N. Meyers on a walk in the University District the morning of the title game. "When visitors leaned over my crib, they didn't say, 'Oooh.' They said, 'Oh, no!'" Wrote Meyers: "More recently, the cries of 'Oh, no!' have been uttered by anguished opponents of the Kansas basketball team." Lovellette set a championship-game record with 33 points. Fun fact: The Jayhawks had a 5-foot-10 reserve guard named Dean Smith, who would go on to win two more national titles as the head coach at North Carolina.


#4: 2004 second round
For a day, Seattle was Upset City. On the same court where its magical march had started five years earlier, Midwest Region second seed Gonzaga was blown out in the second round by 10th-seeded Nevada, 91-72, at KeyArena. It was a shocking end for a Zags team many had pegged as a Final Four contender. "There's a cruelness to this tournament," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. "You're never ready for a season to end and then, poof, it's over." Gonzaga star Blake Stepp, one of the Bulldogs' five seniors, shot just 5 of 29 in the two subregional games. "If I make it to the NBA, I'm not going to be looking forward to coming to KeyArena." Following Gonzaga's exit, Stanford, the top seed in the West, again bounced early from the tournament in a 70-67 loss to No. 8 Alabama. For the fifth time in six years, the Cardinal was ousted in the second round. Stanford had a 30-1 record entering the game, its only regular-season loss coming two weeks earlier just a few miles away on the UW campus.


#4: 2004 second round
For a day, Seattle was Upset City. On the same court where its magical march had started five years earlier, Midwest Region second seed Gonzaga was blown out in the second round by 10th-seeded Nevada, 91-72, at KeyArena. It was a shocking end for a Zags team many had pegged as a Final Four contender. "There's a cruelness to this tournament," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said. "You're never ready for a season to end and then, poof, it's over." Gonzaga star Blake Stepp, one of the Bulldogs' five seniors, shot just 5 of 29 in the two subregional games. "If I make it to the NBA, I'm not going to be looking forward to coming to KeyArena." Following Gonzaga's exit, Stanford, the top seed in the West, again bounced early from the tournament in a 70-67 loss to No. 8 Alabama. For the fifth time in six years, the Cardinal was ousted in the second round. Stanford had a 30-1 record entering the game, its only regular-season loss coming two weeks earlier just a few miles away on the UW campus.


#3: 1995 NCAA title game
With star Tyus Edney limited by a wrist injury, UCLA's backup point guard, Cameron Dollar, was thrust into the most important position on the floor in the national title game against defending national champion Arkansas and its relentless full-court press. Before a crowd of 38,504 at the Kingdome, Dollar filled in capably to help the Bruins to an 89-78 victory. "If we were going to win," Dollar said, "it was going to be with me at the helm. Tonight it was my night." Dollar and the Bruins weren't fazed by the Arkansas trap. All-American Ed O'Bannon had 30 points and 17 rebounds, and freshman guard Toby Bailey had 26 points and nine rebounds as UCLA won its first title in 20 years. As for Dollar, he played 36 minutes — 16 more than his season average — and had six points, eight assists and four steals. Dollar, recruited to UCLA by Lorenzo Romar, is now in his sixth season as the coach at Seattle U.


#2: 1999 first and second rounds
Gonzaga, in its introduction as a mid-major power, enthralled the country while Richie Frahm, Casey Calvary and Matt Santangelo became household names. The Bulldogs' first steps toward national consciousness came at KeyArena, where they toppled seventh-seeded Minnesota and second-seeded Stanford to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time. "The Slipper Fits!" read the headline in The Seattle Times after the 10th-seeded Zags upset Stanford, a Final Four team a year earlier. The Bulldogs would advance to the Elite Eight before losing to eventual champion UConn. Two weeks later, Gonzaga coach Dan Monson and athletic director Mike Roth wrote a letter to the editor, published by The Times. "It all started in KeyArena," they wrote, "and the support the Bulldogs received made it the next best thing to a home game."



#1: 1984 NCAA title game
Ewing vs. Olajuwon. Georgetown vs. Houston. A historic night in the Kingdome. In the premier matchup of big men in NCAA tournament history, and in the first of three Final Fours held at the Kingdome, Patrick Ewing and the Hoyas topped Akeem Olajuwon's "Phi Slama Jama" Cougars, 84-75, before a crowd of 38,471. Two years after losing to Michael Jordan and North Carolina in the 1982 title game, Georgetown finished the job and made John Thompson the first African-American coach to win the national championship. The battle of the 7-foot stars didn't quite live up to the billing — Ewing (10 points, nine rebounds) and Olajuwon (15 points, nine rebounds) were both limited by foul trouble — but the difference for the Hoyas was their bench, which outscored the Cougars 43-13.

Celebrate The Irish This Friday

Everyone can be a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day.  What is your favorite event when you are dressed in green?  Seattle has some amazing parties for all ages this weekend. St. Patrick's Day may be a week away, but the celebrations will be starting this Friday.  You can learn more here.


2015 Seattle St Patrick’s Events:

All Weekend: Get Lucky Over St. Patrick’s Day Weekend on Urban Adventure Quest’s Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure! | Discover Seattle’s Hidden Mysteries

February 21: Irish Soda Bread Baking Class @ St Patrick’s Parish Hall | Bake Off, Learn About Delicious & Nutritional Traditional Treat

March 7: Irish Soda Bread Contest @ T.S. McHugh’s Irish Pub & Restaurant | Free, Irish Music, Baile Glas Irish Dancers & Uilleann Pipes

March 13: Green Stripe Laying on 4th Ave, 7PM | FREE Mini-Parade to mark the route of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (more info)

March 13: St. Patrick’s Day Lucky 2015 @ WaMu Theater | Featuring 12th Planet, Audien, Brillz & More!

March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl w/ BarCrawls.com | Get Shamrocked, No Cover, Drink Specials

March 14: Irish Flag Raising front of the King-County Administration Building, followed by the playing of the Irish and US National Anthems | 12: 20PM (more info)

March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Georgetown Art Attack | Second Saturday, Neighborhood Art Walk, Participants, Map, Free

March 14: Seattle’s 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade up 4th Avenue | Free Monorail (more info)

March 14 & 15: St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Parade & 2015 Festival Info & Pictures | Route Map, Food, Dance, Games, Free Monorail

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl w/ BarCrawls.com | Get Shamrocked, No Cover, Drink Specials

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day @ Seattle Children’s Museum | Art, Music & Dance Party, Story time

March 17: McCaw Hall Free Public Tour | Starts at noon, lasts up to 90 minutes, and is led by a McCaw Hall, Seattle Opera or Pacific Northwest Ballet staff member

March 22: Gaelic Games Open Field Day @ Magnuson Park | 12-3pm, For All to try their hand at Hurling, Gaelic Football, and Camogie (more info)

New Restaurants in Seattle

What new restaurants have you and your loved one tries?  These are some great new restaurants in Seattle that will be the perfect date night.  These restaurants have many different types of food, so there will be something for all tastes.  You can learn more at KomoNews.




Great food, great ambience, and a great dinner partner are the necessary components for an unforgettable dinner. If you’re planning your next romantic evening on the town, there are plenty of new restaurants to consider before making your reservation. Here are five of Seattle’s best new date night restaurants.

Trove. This new ambitious Korean restaurant opened its doors on Capitol Hill in late September. Owned by husband and wife team Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, the 4,000 square-foot Trove is a great way to have a food adventure. There are four components to the restaurant: Trove Parfait, Trove Noodle, Trove BBQ, and Trove Bar. I recommend doing the Korean BBQ and then finishing the night with a Snickers Parfait. If you sit in the BBQ area, make sure to check out the hand-screened wallpaper that shows Godzilla closing in on the Space Needle.

Price range: $8.00-$14.00

Trove
500 East Pike
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

Restaurant Marron. Restaurant Marron opened in July and took over the space where Olivar used to reside in the Loveless building on Capitol Hill. Despite the name of the building, Restaurant Marron is full of love, with another husband and wife team: Zarina and Eric Sakai. With carefully constructed dishes and impeccable service, Restaurant Marron is quiet, romantic, and a great place for a special occasion. This is fine dining, so you won’t find Happy Hour or tapas. Instead, you choose the number of courses you would like to try. The menu changes constantly, so check it out before making your reservation.

Price range: $52.00-$175.00/person (includes wine pairings)

Restaurant Marron
806 East Roy Street
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill

FOOD at Cortona. I can’t say enough nice things about FOOD at Cortona. It’s one of my favorite new restaurants of 2014. The food is absolutely delicious, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is fun and friendly. This is a sort-of pop-up restaurant that takes over Cortona Café on the weekends. Chef Zac Reynolds has a great sense of humor, cooks for you in an open kitchen, and is constantly searching for the best produce around to incorporate into his unique dishes. This is a great spot for both vegetarians and meat lovers. By the way, if one of the dishes come with a nori dumpling: Order it immediately! It sounds odd, but is a delectable blend of sweet and salty.

Price range: $8.00-$14.00

FOOD.
2425 East Union Street
Neighborhood: Central District

Bannister. This new wine and charcuterie bar just opened about a week ago in the Central District. It’s intimate and candle-lit, with excellent food, service, and prices. This isn’t a place to gobble down a huge bowl of pasta, instead the menu is more about sharing and tasting. I recommend the arugula salad with parmesan, the house-pickled vegetables, and the cheese board. You should also ask about their crostini of the day!

Price range: $4.00-$18.00

Bannister
1408 18th Ave
Neighborhood: Central District

Vespolina. When Jason Stratton flipped his restaurant from Aragona to Vespolina, I was excited to have yet another fantastic option for Italian food in Seattle. For your next date, try ordering the cavatelli with lamb ragu and pine nuts. The handmade pasta is tender but firm, the lamb is rich and savory, and the pine nuts add a crunch and sweetness that makes it a dish you’ll crave again and again. Ask your waiter about wine pairings for the perfect flavor combination.

Price range: $15.00-$27.00

Vespolina
96 Union Street
Neighborhood: Downtown

What's your favorite date night restaurant? Let me know in the comments!

Dine Around Seattle in March

Have you ever participated in Dine Around Seattle?  Restaurants offer special items for the entire month of March.  The courses are for a set price, and it includes over 60 restaurants in the area.  Keep reading, and you can learn more about Dine Around Seattle at Komonews.


March is my favorite month for two reasons: it's my birthday month, and it's Dine Around Seattle month.

Almost like a little birthday present especially for me, Dine Around Seattleis back all month long - and has expanded to 63 restaurants.

New to DAS? Here's the skinny:
Restaurants who are participating offer a special Dine Around Seattle Menu of their choosing for the entire month (March 1-31).
Three courses are offered for $33 for dinner, $18 for lunch
Every week DAS is served Sundays through Thursdays

New restaurants this go-round are Marjorie, RAVISH, Lucia Italian Kitchen,HECHO, Place Pigalle, Pomerol and Trellis.

But don't worry, oldies like Restaurant Zoe, Local 360, Tray Kitchen, Flying Fish, Poppy, Barking Frog, Preservation Kitchen, Stumbling Goat Bistro,Tango, Volterra, Monsoon, Cafe Lago, and Ponti Seafood are still there too.

Check out the full list online, and book your rezzie (or two, or three, or four) ASAP. The menus are offered Sunday through Thursdays, depending on the restaurant.

Enjoy!

What To Do In February 2015?

Art exhibits, musicals, and concerts are just some of the great things you can do in Seattle throughout the year.  However, what is specifically going on in February 2015.   There are events throughout the month for every interest.   Keep reading and check out Seattle Met for the event you want to go to!



Kocks Rocks

The large-scale paper creations of German artist Andreas Kocks are overwhelming, wall-covering, three-dimensional bursts of action. The walls almost seem to be violently tearing themselves apart at a molecular level. Employing lines reminiscent of paintbrush strokes, the layered pieces in his exhibit the First Round capture both a sense of structured architectural dimensionality and freeform chaos.

Thru Feb 25 Winston Wächter, ­winstonwachter.com



The Slipper Still Fits

Long before NBC revived the televised musical with The Sound of Music and Peter Pan, Rodgers and Hammerstein debuted their sole contribution to the genre, Cinderella, on CBS in 1957. Flipping the standard stage-to-screen path, the duo’s version was revived on Broadway in 2013, and now Cinderella takes a ride in her pumpkin carriage to the Paramount stage this month. Don’t worry, the show ends before midnight.

Feb 24–Mar 1 Paramount Theatre, stgpresents.org



“Women are like puzzles because prior to 1920 neither had the right to vote. Puzzles still don’t.”

—Bo Burnham

Since the clever, comedic songs he recorded in his bedroom made him a YouTube teen sensation, the 24-year-old has successfully worked to become a legitimate standup comic. His most recent special, What., is metacomedy at its finest.

Feb 25 Moore Theatre, stgpresents.org


Made-Up Nonsense


Every improv show is a one-time-only event, and that impermanence lends the medium its thrill. At the Seattle Festival of Improv Theater, each twist and turn is spontaneous and unexpected (even for the performers). More than 30 top troupes from around the country (and Canada) create comedy out of thin air for 12 electrifying and wholly unique performances over five nights.

Feb 18–22 Jet City Improv, seattleimprov.com

Romantic Getaway For Valentine's Day

Seattle has some amazing Valentine's Day trips for any couple.  The top rated hotels and restaurants in the Seattle area offer a memorable experience for any couple.   These are all top diamond rated hotels and restaurants by AAA.  Plan your Valentine's Day weekend today, and you can learn more at komonews. 


Looking for a local getaway to celebrate this Valentine’s Day? Whether you’re seeking a romantic night away or planning an adventure with friends, cruise the list of AAA’s top Diamond-rated hotels and restaurants for a memorable experience.

Two hotels in Washington were recently added to the list of local AAA Four Diamond properties: The Davenport Tower (Spokane) and Cameo Heights Mansion Bed & Breakfast (Touchet). The Vine, an on-site chef’s table style restaurant at Cameo Heights Mansion Bed & Breakfast, also earned a AAA Four Diamond award for the first time, the only new restaurant added to the list in Washington for 2015.

For those looking for a little more relaxation during their stay, the Salish Lodge and Spa (Snoqualmie) and Woodmark Hotel and Still Spa (Kirkland) offer massages, facials, body therapy treatments and more. Both recently celebrated 25 years as AAA Four Diamond lodging.

“These establishments set the standard for exceptional hospitality and attention to detail.” said Jennifer Cook, AAA Washington’s senior manager of corporate communications. “Whether you’re looking to celebrate with someone special or plan to treat yourself, these locations consistently deliver high quality service and strive to create memorable experiences for their guests.”

The Westin Seattle Hotel remains the longest running AAA Four Diamond establishment in Washington, celebrating 34 consecutive years. The Herbfarm Restaurant (Woodinville) has earned a coveted AAA Five Diamond rating for 13 consecutive years and remains the only Five Diamond establishment in the Pacific Northwest. However, known for its lavish nine-course dinners and impressive wine pairings, the Herbfarm is sure to book up quickly.

“As with any holiday, we recommend making reservations in advance, especially if you intend to dine out,” said Cook. “Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, so if you want a table, plan ahead, especially since it lands on a long weekend in recognition of President’s Day.”

What does it take to make it as a respected AAA Diamond rated establishment? AAA inspectors collectively visit 58,000 hotels and restaurants throughout the year to conduct physical, on-site evaluations. Celebrating 79 years of the AAA Diamond rating program, inspectors are able to distinguish emerging trends within the hospitality industry and identify new approaches to enhance guest comfort and satisfaction.

Make A Change This Year

Did you already forget about your New Year’s Resolution? That does not mean you’re the opportunity to improve is over. Any point in the year can be a time to restart and refresh your life. Keep reading to learn about small steps that will help you achieve the big goals of 2015. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.

Just because the calendar flips to a new number doesn't mean that January is only time all year you get to make a change in your life. In fact, learning some resolution lessons now can help you get that January-fresh feeling come Valentine's Day, July 4th or even Thanksgiving. Here's how.

Start now

If you decide you want to make a change, ride that feeling into taking action immediately. You'll never be more pumped then you are right now so, since the very first step is also the hardest, use that extra motivation to get over the hump and get going.

Have a plan

A specific goal will always get you farther than a general "I want be neater" -style sentiment. Small, manageable steps are the best way to move slowly but surely towards your big goal. Share your plan with others (supportive friends and family) so they can help keep you accountable.

But be flexible

Things will go wrong, that's a given, but the key to sticking to a new lifestyle choice is how you bounce back when you get off track. Give yourself a break and be nice to yourself. Keep things positive and upbeat, even in your own mind, to keep from letting a little slip-up lead to a spiral that will derail your efforts permanently.

Celebrate mid-point milestones

A long-term change takes time and under no circumstances should you put off rewarding yourself for getting even part of the way to success. Acknowledging and giving yourself credit for hard work will help you keep feeling motivated. Get your friends and family on board too. No doubt they're proud of your achievements so share your progress and let them celebrate you.