Mar 29, 2017

Iron Springs Resort
The Most Dog Friendly Resort in Washington


One of the perks of living in Seattle is the close proximity to the coast! I absolutely LOVE the ocean and being within a short drive of an instant vacation.

The only downside to planning a vacation (for me), is having a dog. Yes, I adore my pooch and am a proud pet parent (aka Instagram Stage Mom), but between finding a pet sitter or a pet friendly resort, the struggle is real.

Enter my boyfriend.

He's been an absolute dream planning dog-friendly vacations at resorts or Air BNBs that are pet friendly and allow us to explore. Our most recent trip was to Iron Springs Resort in Copalis Beach, WA and it truly blew me away.

Not only is Iron Springs Resort dog friendly, they were named the 2016 "Most Dog Friendly Destination" by KING-5 TV. Finally an award that I can get behind.

After spending 3 days and 2 nights at the beautiful resort that sits on the Pacific Ocean, my boyfriend, dog and I all left relaxed, refreshed and singing their praises.

 The best perks for dog owners:

1) Dog friendly resort where dogs are allowed in all areas of the resort and beach -- it was great staying at a resort that allowed Khaleesi to be everywhere. Not once did I ever feel like she was unwelcome, and all the other dogs at the resort were super friendly. Also, major points for having private beach access that was relatively free of cars! This is huge

2) Dog bowls, towels and washing station at every cabin -- it was amazing having dog bowls and towels ready to go in the cabin for us. I also loved having our own hose/washing station in the front of our cabin so I could give Khaleesi a quick spray down after our romps on the beach.

3) Iron Springs Resort branded tennis ball and dog treat available at check-in -- This was very clutch considering Khaleesi lost one of her dog balls on the beach. Bring your chuck-it and get ready to have some fun! The tennis balls were the perfect touch and way to remember the trip.

For more information or to book your next stay click here.




Mar 28, 2017

RN74 Seattle Executive Sous Chef John Sheffey preps Lobster for Lobster Pot Pie


Back in October of 2016, I had the pleasure of attending a Seattle Yelp Elite event hosted at RN74 in downtown Seattle. One of the perks of being Yelp Elite was being able to have access to the restaurant outside of their regular business hours, and getting to meet the staff who make it all happen.

During a tour of the kitchen, Natalie and I hit it off with Executive Sous Chef, Chef John Sheffey. Not only was he personable and a good sport about all of the Seattle Yelp Elites invading his kitchen, he also took the time to explain what goes into getting that delicious food from the kitchen to our tables.

The day we were there, Chef Sheffey was prepping lobster for the lobster pot pie that'd be on the menu that night. As you'll see in the video, he showed us the most humane way to kill.

As a lover of seafood, I think it's important to understand the way your food gets to the table... however, based on my commentary you can tell I was struggling with the entire process. I think everyone should be required to see how their food gets from "farm to table" and truly have a high regard for the life you're taking, just to consume.

On a sidenote, I appreciated the diversity in the kitchen at RN74. Seeing so many people of color, especially a black executive sous chef, made me smile. Food is something everyone has in common and has the power to unite us!

For more information on Chef Sheffey and RN74 Seattle, check out their Instagram.






Mar 27, 2017

Where to go for a Men's Haircut in Seattle
@SeattleBarber


This weekend my boyfriend obliged my desire to treat him like a real-life Ken doll and let me take him to a black barbershop for the first time! Since this was his first time going to a black barbershop, I took the lead and made his appointment with barber (and Seattle Barber owner) Glen Charles. He'd been growing out his hair and beard for the appointment, and it proved a great canvas for Glen to work his magic.

Seattle Barber is a dope shop located in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill Neighborhood and caters to ALL hair types. What impressed me most, besides Glen's skill as a barber, was the diversity in his shop. I saw a White, Black and Asian barber (not including Glen) and his clientele reflected that same diversity.

It's really cool to see a shop that mirrors the diversity of the neighborhood it's located in, as well as being able to offer men of all backgrounds a great cut. Literally ANYONE can walk in and trust that Seattle Barber is equipped to handle their hair type.

I know this isn't the biggest issue for my boyfriend, but as a black woman I know the struggle of having to call around and see if a salon can do your hair. With the constant stream of transplants moving into the city, it's nice to know Seattle Barber can take care of you.

Funny Story: While my bf was getting his hair cut, someone called the shop and asked Glen if they could cut black hair. He chuckled before saying yes. Listen folks. The struggle is real for people of color.

Cuts range between $23 to $28 with beard services being an extra $5. Walk-ins are accepted, but let's keep it real -- you're better off making an appointment with the barber of your choice. If you'd like to get in with Glen, he recommended booking your appointment a week out via text. Seattle Barber is open Tues-Sat from 12p to 7p and is CASH ONLY!!!

For more information about Seattle Barber, check out their Instagram or Yelp Page. They currently have 4.5 stars (out of 5) with over 30 reviews.







Mar 22, 2017

Side Swept Feeder Cornrows

A few weeks ago I reached a point where I was absolutely OVER doing my hair, so I scheduled an appointment with my favorite Seattle braider, Michelle of Natural Legacies Salon in Burien, WA. I knew I wanted something that would last a few weeks, so I opted for this cool cornrow style I found on Instagram. Thank God for that bookmark feature because it makes it super easy to save styles I like. I have so many hair and nail art options saved... wish I could try them all.

If you'd like to re-create this style, ask for "natural start" or "feeder" cornrows and show the design. I am a huge fan of natural start (instead of that hideous big bump cornrows sometimes have) because it seems to be easier on my edges and naturally blends in your hair with the extensions.

It took Michelle about 4 hours to do this style on me and I think we used about 4 bags of hair.


Inspiration Style from IG














Mar 16, 2017

A Rabbi + A Priest + An Athiest

As my girlfriend Natalie would say, Happy Friday Eve! It's Thursday and in a few hours I'll be bidding adieu to my corporate gig and clocking in for my fun weekend getaway with the BF's family to the Coast! The only proper way to pre-game for a vacation while you're still at work is watching YouTube videos, duh.

I've always been a believer in "LOVE" being the common thread in most religions, yet so many people tend to focus on our differences and what separates us. As someone who identifies as a connector of sorts, I tend to lead with finding similarities and ways to connect with someone before I look to separate myself.

When I saw this video of a priest, rabbi and atheist sitting down with one another to smoke some weed and chat it was right up my alley! If you have some time, take a look and let me know what you think.

I love coming together with people who may seem starkly different to me, but realizing that we truly do have so many ways to unite and not focus on exclusion. In short, more love... less hate! When is the last time you sat with someone who is different and make a genuine connection?

Weekend Challenge!




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