Travel | What Jenn Wore

Double Date Night in Seattle

October 25, 2018

I frequently get asked about where to eat in Seattle. And truth-be-told, often times I’m stumped. While I do get out (admittedly, it’s often a “work” event); it can be a challenge to find some place, especially if you are going as a group, arranging sitters, coordinating schedules, etc. And with the Seattle food scene, reservations can be required weeks in advance. I mean, who has time for that??

This weekend, Kirsty and I finally made plans for a long-overdue couples night out…sans kids. And, after promising to have our respective middle school-age babysitters home before 10:00, we agreed that a visit to Henry’s Tavern was the perfect double date destination. A casual evening filled with waffle fries and shuffle board was just what these four small business owning, soccer coaching, field trip chaperoning, style blogging parents were looking for.

I ordered off the “special menu” recommended by our waitress – a fried chicken sandwich topped with jalapeños and drizzled with honey. John was impressed by the variety of beers on tap, and Nick ordered the margarita special. And lucky for us, the chili ladened waffle fries arrived just in time to defuse the intensity of our shuffle board game (for what we lack in skill, we make-up for in competitive spirit).

Cheers to double date night! It’s not too late to hire that sitter and visit one of Henry’s Tavern’s 3 Seattle locations this weekend. When you tell them that Jenn and Kirsty sent you, you’ll receive your second appetizer for free (buy one, get one appetizer is good thru October 31st with code “WHATJEN”). We recommend the waffle fries!

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn (John, Kirsty and Nick too)

Thank you to Henry’s Tavern for partnering on this post.

The Best of Seattle {Part 1}

September 12, 2018

I admit that this post was a lofty goal. There are simply far too many places to choose just a few to highlight as “must visit” Seattle stops. Instead, I’m narrowing my list by choosing finds close to my neighborhood of Queen Anne. So…Seattlites and tourists alike, take note that this is not an exhaustive list of places to visit while in Seattle. And, I apologize in advance if I fail to mention your favorite spot. If so inspired, I will write subsequent installments featuring other neighborhood highlights (you can influence this by leaving me feedback!)

I must also beg your forgiveness for the delinquency in this post…or any post for that matter! I have gotten so many requests (probably weekly) asking where to shop and eat while in Seattle. You may have noticed that I took a small hiatus from blogging over the summer months. Not to fear, I’m back at it after taking time off to enjoy spending Seattle’s finest months (in my sun-loving opinion) with my family. I have a blog post prepped for later this month sharing our Pacific Northwest adventures!

Queen Anne & Fremont

Where to Eat:
There are just so many good choices in these two adjoining neighborhoods! Seattle has quite a food scene and this area will not disappoint. There are several excellent restaurants on Stone Way in Fremont alone. Manolin (pronounced “maan-o-lee”) is a restaurant indicative of the Seattle food scene – deliciously fresh and interesting seafood dishes, shareable plates, and instagram worthy, mouth-watering cocktails. I also love Joule (said “jewel”) which has amazingly unique dishes that are characteristic of Korean fusion cuisine. Start with the sticky rice cakes but be sure to leave room for the short ribs. Side note on Joule, I also love Trouvé noodle bar in Capitol Hill and Revel, now found in South Lake Union – all of these restaurants are from Seattle chef, Rachel Yang. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention The Whale Wins, another Seattle dining institution know for creative and amazingly fresh seafood preparation and do not pass up on the bread and butter service…salted, whipped butter is definitely not to be missed!

Heading up the hill to Queen Anne, my favorite haunts include Bounty Kitchen for delectable yet healthy fare. I’m obsessed with the veggie tacos which, sadly, are seasonal. If you make it in before they exit the menu, add a poached egg! I also love the Spicy Southern Not-Fried chicken salad, which is full of fresh, crispy veggies and made even better with the addition of maple roasted pecans. I also love the toasts; avocado is a staple but look to the daily menu for unique additions, and the fresh juices are a must too! Head further south down Queen Anne Avenue to Betty for dinner. The menu is classic American comfort food; the burger is one of the best in Seattle (not to mention those fries?!) and the roasted chicken is a crowd favorite. I also love the mussels and their pours are amazing – I always order a glass of bubbly here…and it’s filled to the very top!

Coffee:
I have two favorites in Queen Anne (Seattlites love their coffee, after all). The first is Storyville – their house made cashew/coconut milk is amazing and, if you’re lucky, you may just be there for the daily free-cake offering. Daily. And free. All of their homemade pastries are also amazing. If you find yourself at Pike Market, that Storyville location has stunning views from an old exposed brick space above the vendors. The other Queen Anne haunt you can find me frequenting is El Diablo Coffee Company. While I miss their original location, their new spot on Queen Anne Avenue is beautiful and their cuban-inspired coffee offerings are such a treat! However, I usually stick with my almond milk latte (always done just right). Finally, I like Milstead & Co. in Fremont. If you are a true coffee connoisseur, this is the place to go for really great coffee knowledge and craftsmanship. These baristas take coffee very seriously, and the proof is in your cup!

Where to Shop:
Oh, so many to choose from but for the sake of keeping your attention, and fitting this into one post, I am narrowing my list down to three tried-and-true favorites. Up in Queen Anne, be sure to stop in to Queen Anne Frame and Gift. Aside from custom framing, the gift shop is definitely worth a browse for unique and often locally-made home accessories, not-to-mention a stellar jewelry selection made by various Pacific Northwest designers. Very well-curated; if you’re looking for one of a kind, handcrafted accessories this is a great shop (I may be a bit biased!). Head further north up “the ave” and pop-in to Foundation for of-the-moment, yet classic and sophisticated women’s apparel. It’s amazing the finds in this small boutique; in particular, I love discovering small indy brands here that you can’t seem to find elsewhere. If you’re thirsty, pop-in to Diablo for a pick-me-up (just next door).

My favorite shop in Fremont is Pipe & Row. Absolutely do not miss this one! Modern and chic, minimalist lines with just the right attention to detail and tailoring. I get my AGoldeE denim fix here and I’m obsessed with the LACAUSA line (I literally want everything from them). Great jewelry and shoes too!

Ballard

Where to Eat:
We often skip across the drawbridge to eat in Ballard. Honestly, there are far too many terrific choices for dinner and dessert here to narrow it down to just a handful. I am literally just scratching the surface listing drool-worthy restaurants in this former working-class Seattle neighborhood. And be warned, it is happening on Old Ballard Avenue in the evenings (especially the weekends). Reservations are often recommended and take an Uber to avoid the minimal street parking situation.

The Walrus and the Carpenter is not to be missed. A true Seattle gem hidden in the back of an old hardware store on the south end of Old Ballard Avenue; everything is done just right! Seafood is the star of the show here, with an oyster bar and numerous fresh seafood offerings. The tartar is also amazing and, of course, the drink menu is off the charts! This is a quintessential restaurant showcasing Ballard’s charm and Seattle’s seafood. Further up Ballard Ave, I love Bastille, which has been a neighborhood staple since 2009. French bistro fare with fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients, they even have a rooftop garden that produces much of the herbs and vegetables served in their dishes. Oh, and there’s a back bar worthy of a late night nightcap! The ambiance is totally charming and the food is equally stunning.

Heading further north up 15th Avenue, Delancey is a gem. Their wood-fired pizzas are second-to-none, really. Don’t believe me? Check out all of the people in line in front of you (and no, they don’t take reservations). While you’re up there, stop in to Frankie & Jo’s for vegan ice cream. I know, record-skip…what? You heard right and it is truly amaaaaazing! Their charcoal salted caramel is a menu standard (and is a flavor you must at least sample). All plant-based, I love their Tahini Chocolate but their Chocolate Mint Brownie is a crowd-pleaser for those less adventurous. Really want to try something wild? Their California Cabin flavor combines smoked vanilla with pine needles (and it’s actually good). Looking for more standard yet artisanal ice cream, Portland chain Salt and Straw is on Old Ballard Ave…right across the street from Hot Cakes (mini molten chocolate cakes). I take my desserts seriously.

Coffee:
Need to refuel in Ballard? Then look no further than Anchored Ship Coffee. A charming hole in the wall with equally good coffee; no frills simply great espresso.

Where to Shop:
Again, there are far too many gems to mention in one post. To simply highlight my favorites, I would first mention Horseshoe (in fact, all of the pieces I am wearing in these photos were found there). The women in this shop know what they are doing – aside from selecting great pieces from unique brands, their friendly sales staff can help you choose the perfect attire for any occasion and an update to your fall wardrobe. Mother Denim, Veronica M, Chaser, and Velvet by Graham and Spencer, are a few of my favorite brands found there. Oh, and the owner Jill also sells her handmade jewelry line (little known fact). Further up the street, I’m loving the eclectic mix of hipster-chic pieces found at Tides & Pines. Great moody florals, native-inspired jewelry, and lots of cute jumpsuits and dresses to choose from there. Also a well-curated selection of home decor perfect for your Pacific Northwest-inspired home. Close to the end of Old Ballard Avenue, you will also find Lucky Vintage. Their selection of perfectly worn Levi’s is off the charts. Scouring the racks is also worth your time, you never know what retro gems you may find among their collection! And finally, continue north to stop in at Anders for a fine selection of home accessories, inspiring cook books, organic beauty products, and beautiful jewelry. I am obsessed with all of her baskets…oh, and pillows. And I love the jewelry line Merewif – I have several of her pieces including the signet ring I had engraved with my initial. You can also find these Dutch + Bow earrings there, as I did (this is also another Seattle designer).

{outfit details} denim: Levi’s | bodysuit: AmuseSociety | blazer: Level 99 | loafers: New Day (Target) | sunnies: Quay | earrings: Dutch+Bow (Seattle designer)

Denim, bodysuit, and blazer were all found at Horseshoe in Ballard.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for sticking with me.

Did I miss your favorite spots? Enlighten me. Suggestions for future Seattle posts? Leave me a comment with all of your thoughts and feedback. I listen, truly.

photos by Sarah Wolfe

Travel Guide: Visit Sedona (with Kids)

May 1, 2018

Does spring break seem like a distant memory? I agree. Last month we had the pleasure of returning to the beautiful state of Arizona. We have family in Scottsdale, so we travel to the desert each year during the spring. This is one of my most favorite places to visit and a trip our family looks forward to year after year.

As we take different short trips each year, we have discovered that Arizona has plenty to offer both kids and parents alike. While we definitely enjoy a lot of down time, which includes swimming, sunshine, and Grandma babysitting, we also try to get out to explore more of the Scottsdale area and other parts of this beautiful state. This year, we drove north to Sedona to spend 3 days exploring ancient Native American ruins, touring the Red Rocks via a Pink Jeep tour, and swimming in a natural water slide. Below I offer some inspiration for your next (or first) trip to America’s Southwest:

In and Around Sedona

Driving from Scottsdale up 17 N through the Tonto National Forest, the scenery is breathtaking. As soon as you leave the “Valley of the Sun,” the saguaros fade away quickly and the landscape changes to low shrub. While it’s a short drive from Phoenix and Scottsdale (ideal for young families – around 2 hours), there was so much to see on the way.

Montezuma Castle & Well
On the very top of my list, Montezumas Castle is an absolute must-see. We were awestruck by the amazing engineering of this well-preserved dwelling built into the cliff side above Beaver Creek in the Verde River Valley. A very easy hike along a paved path leads visitors directly underneath the dwelling, which was built approximately between 1110 and 1425 AD. The kids were hot and their attention spans waned, but they enjoyed imagining themselves in the cliff dwelling as they toured the grounds and viewed the diarama which recreates daily life in this Singua village.

It’s also worth the drive to view Montezumas Well, a natural limestone sinkhole with a near constant flow of natural spring water. The well has been used for irrigation since the 8th century and you can see some of the original canal systems that are still in use today.

Pink Jeep Tours
Hands down, the Pink Jeep Tour was the family’s favorite activity of our entire trip! What a blast we all had traversing boulders and rocking our way thru the Red Rock Valley! This tour is not only filled with fun, roller coaster-like thrills sure to please squirmy kids but also takes you onto the Red Rocks without having to hike in (key when you have small children). Our tour guide, Mike, was very knowledgeable showing us geographical points of interest and educating us on the history of the valley, all the meanwhile taking us on the most thrilling of adventures. We took the 2 hour tour, which is the most popular, and choose a mid-morning time to avoid the afternoon heat. Although we didn’t spy any wildlife, we did see a flowering agave plant (which flowers only once during their 10-25 year lifetime and right before it dies), learned that the rocks get their red color from iron deposits, and we saw examples of the fault line running through the valley to the Colorado Plateau.

Slide Rock
Not for the faint of heart, Slide Rock is a natural “waterslide” with rocks and deep pools perfect for water play. To note, the water is very cold. It was refreshing on a warm Arizona afternoon but it definitely took your breath away at first splash! Also, the slides are pretty rough and can move small kids quickly, so you would definitely only want your swimmers to partake. The park was filled with other families all having a great time (it was crowded but didn’t encroach on your fun time). Aside from a shaded picnic area, there are plenty of places along the river to soak in the heat on the rocks (and dry off) or seek shade on the banks.

Tuzigoot
Leaving Sedona on our way back to Scottsdale, we planned several stops. We first drove thru the very quant town of Cottonwood with plenty of antique shops and an amazing gem store. We then stopped at another site of an ancient Singua pueblo, Tuzigoot. Termed “crooked water” in Apache, the remains of a 110 room pueblo overlook the Verde River flood plain. You can buy a multi-day pass that allows you to visit all three sites (Montezumas Castle and Well, and Tuzigoot) and I would recommend stopping in at the ranger station. The kids got National Park passports which allows them to place unique stamps for each national park and monument we visit. We plan to fill them with more stamps soon…if only we can remember where we stored them upon our return home?!

Jerome
Our final stop was a the old mining town of Jerome. Once a booming copper mine, Jerome is now a “ghost town” with a dwindling population due to the close of the mine in the mid-1950’s and the fact that it is slipping down the mountainside. The town boasts lots of fun history and spectacular views. We ate an outstanding lunch at Bobby D’s BBQ (a former Chinese restaurant originally built in 1899, supposedly still haunted by it’s owner). John and I found the Jerome history museum to be filled with interesting artifacts but it didn’t hold the kids’ attention. Instead we bribed them with ice cream.

Planning your own trip to Sedona? Want to learn more about Scottsdale or traveling to the Grand Canyon with kids? Shoot me a message with inquiries, as I’m happy to share more. Or leave a comment. Your questions and feedback could inspire more Arizona travel posts!

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn (and the Lovin fam)

This post was done in collaboration with Pink Jeep Tours. As you can always expect, all opinions shared on this blog are entirely my own.

Big White, A Winter Wonderland

March 2, 2018

As the weather continues to be varying degrees of frigid here in the Pacific Northwest, I seriously began to question our plans to spend the week of mid-winter break skiing in Canada. Not even Whistler, which seems like a simple straight shot from Seattle (I mean, they have snow but isn’t their climate similar to Seattle?)…but the Canadian Rockies. As I was anxiously watching the forecast hover near 0 degrees (double and triple checking that I was in Fahrenheit and not Celsius), I was thinking that we were crazy for these plans! I mean, our neighbors were off to soak up the sun in Hawaii, Mexico, and Florida.

We packed and repacked the car. Do we need hand and foot warmers? Do we put the rocket box on top of the car? We did and then we took it off. Yet no sooner did we set off, it was the beginning of an epic adventure. Isn’t this the nature of a family road trip, after all??

Driving north towards the Canadian border was a beautiful journey and we got more and more excited as we started spotting snow. Granted, there was some bickering (let’s be real, the three kids were packed among our snow gear in the back seat), and we had to close-up the iPads so that we could count the bald eagles. But the gradual climb after Kelowna, BC (Dairy Queen cones in hand), was full of wonder and anticipation. What could Big White have in store for us? We could not have anticipated the wonderful surprise we had ahead of us.

“Snow Ghosts”Our condo right off the ‘Easy Street’ run, through the village

This photo taken from our window. Celebrating local Olympian, Kelsey Serwa’s gold medal ski cross win

Where We Stayed
Our condo? I mean the description couldn’t have been more acurate when they stated it is “ski in, ski out.” One reviewer described handing a cup of coffee out the window to a passing skier. In fact, the entire village seems to be surrounded by blue and green runs with easy access to the lifts and gondola that weave in and out of the center of the village. For a family ski vacation, the easy access to our condo was key. We stopped in for potty breaks and snacks and lunch. The kids got on their ski clothes (no easy feat!), shoveled in some breakfast, and trudged with skis in their father’s hands up to the ski school each morning. We didn’t drive our car our entire stay! Which again, as novice snow drivers, was key.

We found our condo on HomeAway; however, you can also find accommodations to fit your needs through the Big White central reservation system, which offers additional discounts and packages.

The girls loved their instructor, Amy

It’s The Snow

Big White’s claim to fame is it’s “Okanagan Champaign Powder.” While I know that I love champagne, I wasn’t sure what this meant until I truly experienced this phenomenal snow! Especially coming from Western Washington, where I’m used to the scratching noise my board makes on the icy conditions. The snow at Big White was truly aaaaamazing! Not too heavy, thick or even fluffy…but just right.

But the best part of the mountain? You can get take any lift to the top and take several blue and green runs down. From the very top. Unlike other resorts, where I have felt stuck on the same few lifts where all 3 of my kids can ski, we were able to explore the entire mountain without fear of getting stuck going down a run outside of our comfort zone.

The kids enjoyed two full day of lessons at Big White (a reasonable 9:30 am-3:15 pm, including lunch). The ski school is hard to miss, located in the center of the village. The kids explored the entire mountain and couldn’t wait to show us the “bumpy alley,” Winnie the Pooh’s house, and other fun courses hidden among the runs. And what a treat it is to ski with adults, like a double date. By 3:15, you’re ready to rejoin your rowdy clan and ski several runs together before turning in the skis for the remainder of the day. And, after 2 days of lessons, we felt confident skiing the third day as a family of 5. There was even a 6-person chair that we were all able to ride up together!

Family Fun

The play didn’t stop mid-afternoon…with two families including 5 kids between us, does it ever?? Big White offers numerous family activities after the lifts close. The kids enjoyed free popcorn and hot cocoa each afternoon after a short Gondola ride down the the Happy Valley lodge. Meanwhile, exhausted adults toasted to another fabulous day of tiring each other out. Nachos and live music completed the perfect day.

As if skiing and boarding were not enough, we got out on the ice rink one morning. Jack rented his first pair of hockey skates…who knew they were different than figure skates?? Ok, every Canadian. You can also rent a hockey stick. We stuck with the walkers.

And tubing. Not just for kids! The husbands were first reluctant to participate but the entire crew agreed that this may have been our most favorite activity. And with a magic carpet and lights, you can go up again and again (and again) for endless fun. Or until you get hungry. Too exhausted to make our meal, we took the gondola back up to the village for pizza.

And one of the most special coincidences was that the winter Olympics in Pyeong Chang coincided with our trip. While sipping cocoa after a day on the slopes, the kids were glued to the tv watching down hill skiing, hockey…and curling. In the mornings, they were inspired to build half pipes out of lego, complete with a medal stand. In fact, hometown athlete Kelsey Serwa won a gold medal in the women’s ski cross while we were visiting. It was so exciting to partake in the celebration!

Check out all of the “after-run” activities Big White has to offer. Ice climbing? And snow mobiling for kids? Clearly we need to go back.

We’re Going Back!

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Not ready to return to reality, we spent an extra night in Kelowna (an hour outside of Big White). There we caught a Kelowna Rockets hockey game against the Seattle Thunderbirds. I’m a new hockey fan! The music, the energy (they give out cow bells), the beer, and the fast-paced games…we loved it all! So much so, we came home and signed-up for the waiting list for Seattle’s pending NHL team. Really. Perhaps I just love everything about Canada?!

We’re already planning our return trip. To note, lift tickets are free this April 1-8 when you book your accommodations through the Big White central reservation system. And, Alaska flies directly from Seattle to Kelowna (you can skip the 6-7 hour road trip adventure), and your lift ticket is free the day of your flight (for any date)!

Join us! Sunny weather, beach vacations pale in comparison to the family fun to be had in Big White’s snow. Thanks for reading. ~Jenn

This post was done in collaboration with Ski Big White resort. As always, you can expect all opinions on this blog to be entirely my own.

Thank you to Sam Deighton of Big White for the beautiful family photos of our tubing adventures.

Charleston Travel Guide

February 4, 2018

I’ve got vacation on my mind lately – but really, who doesn’t this time of year?? I actually travel a bit (surprisingly often for a Seattle working mom). Both my husband and I are California natives and, with our families spread out between the Golden State (I am from Northern California – there is a distinction) and Arizona, we travel to these two beautiful states several times a year. However, last year I had the pleasure of vacationing in several seriously lovely locales including Santa Barbara (I know, California), London, and Charleston.

Charleston was seriously one of my most favorite destinations…EVER. I know, bold statement. The food, the history, the culture, the beach, the food…it’s all amazing and definitely worthy of a trip down to Dixie. Below I am sharing a quick sampling of where we stayed, what we ate, and what we did on our extended girl’s weekend last May (simply the perfect time to go – not too hot and without any threat of hurricane season).

Where To Stay
Accommodations are aplenty; from charming B&B’s to beachfront rentals, you are sure to find something to please you in Charleston. I was traveling with 8 college girlfriends, so we found a place large enough to fit all of us comfortably on Home Away. Many of us were traveling from the Pacific Northwest ( with easy direct flights from Seattle available on Alaska), so we were interested in some chill, beach time in the sunshine. Charleston offers so many opportunities to be near the water – we choose to stay south of the city at Folly Beach on James Island. A very easy drive (about 20 minutes) into Charleston proper, but laid back and relaxing right on a flat, sandy beach with the gentle Atlantic outside

Home Away: Folly Beach

Where To Eat
Not the shrimp n’ grits or fried fare you may imagine when you think of Southern cuisine, Charleston is a mecca to delight your tastebuds with fresh ingredients, modern fusions, and, of course, off-the-charts fresh seafood.

High Cotton Fine dining, this was our special night out celebrating our “milestone birthday”

Poogan’s Porch We ate here for brunch, I had the fried chicken and sweet potato waffle…delish!

Butcher and Bee Farm-to-table fresh and healthy fare. Nursing a hangover, I had green juice and a brown rice bowl that was tdf.

Lewis BBQ Fantastically messy Austin-style BBQ in a beautiful outdoor/indoor setting.

McCrady’s Tavern Hard to choose a favorite, but this was one for the record books. The delicious fare and craft cocktails combined with the cellar-like brick and hardwood ambiance made for a perfect meal.

Cru Cafe Quintessential modern Souther dining, we had an amazing lunch here among many locals.

Also highly recommended (planning for my return trip): The Ordinary, FIG, Husk

What To Do
Charleston has a so much to offer; which is the very reason we choose this city to vacation with a large party. From the aforementioned beaches to the amazing historic architecture, there is something for everyone! While the natural beauty of Charleston harbor is a major draw, the history of the “holy city” (named for the number of churches) is something you must explore.

Boone Hall There are several plantation tours available. We chose Boone Hall for it’s proximity to Charleston and the fact that so much of the property has been restored. We took a guided tour, which I highly recommend, and there were also several programs that were interesting to witness. The slave tour was particularly moving.

Walking Tour The walking tour was one of my favorite things that we did while on our trip. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, and the walking tour is a really great way to get a sense of the Charleston’s rich history. You meander down cobblestone streets and learn interesting facts like how these “front doors” on the street lead to an interior porch and a second door that leads to the home. These porches fave lush gardens with plenty of huge live oaks providing shade on humid afternoons. Seriously, Charleston is a architecture treasure trove!

Where To Shop
King Street offers your shops aplenty from your Anthropologie and J.Crew to more local finds. Although more touristy, there are plenty of good coffee, home interior gems, and food (not to mention people watching). Antique shopping is also amazing in Charleston. Because of the nature of our trip, we didn’t spend a lot of time exploring antique shops but this is on the top of my list when we return.

Two Cumberland This small boutique in an upstairs space off of King Street. Fun, local jewelry, and unique resort wear favoring the southern climate.

Maris Dehart This beautiful store is located near the waterfront. Offering fun accessories (I bought the flat-brimmed straw hat I wore throughout the trip) and a great selection of apparel, this store is definitely worth perusing.

Find out more about what I packed for our trip to Charleston in my previous post.

Want to see more travel content? I’m hoping to share our trip to London soon. Leave me a comment with any suggestions. Thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Newer Posts >

< Older Posts