Kitty's Scratch Pad

Terrain - Another Terribly Tasteful Shopping Experience

I have this fun and local gardening blog I keep up on called Diggin' Food where I discover all kinds of fun things about Northwest Gardening. Browsing one day, I was thrilled to discover a link to a wonderful website called Terrain where I picked up a few things I had drooled over.  I was super excited to see my treasures arrived today carefully packed and ready for me to use!
 

Something's missing...

I have covetted the Audi Allroad for years now.  It has been the perfect car for me.  Really it is my car on crack.  I have an Outback.  Very similar except...  The Allroad has a built in 4-position variable height pneumatic suspension and it starts at a 2.7l engine vs. my 2.5l plus it has a lot of other neat stuff.  I paid off my car loan a while ago and have been determined to figure out how to buy my very own Allroad.  I am not super quick to act on such big purchases.  It requires a certain amount of analysis, a certain amount of time to write down my pros and cons and then of course, a certain amount of time to actually save money for the damn thing. 

Audi just released the new Q7.  Guess what they are no longer offering in their line of vehicles...  WTF???  How come no one at Audi called me?  What are they thinking?  I want a sporty wagon and now I have the option of the A4 or A6...  Such crap!  Alex's theory is that I can finally get my Allroad for even less.  My theory is, I need to do more research on why they pulled the model from their line.  Until then, I will keep saving and perhaps I need to find a new vehicle to covet.

Our new formal wear

I just bought a big girl dress.  Alex just bought a tuxedo!  hehe  We are going to Vegas next weekend and we have a black tie dinner.  I guess I never imagined buying a tux could be so difficult.  Let's see if I can break it down:

Step one - What are my options? 

The lapel: 

You can also choose the Mandarin (high collar)

The buttons:  One, Two, Three or even Four

Single or Double Breasted?

The pants: Pleated or not?

Step Two - Start Shopping

We began our search at "The Tux Shop".  There were plenty of options for lapels and jacket styles if you wanted to rent but they only had a very limited selection for purchase.  We walked to the Men's Warehouse where Alex was immediately measured.  Before we knew it they had four tuxedos laid out for him to try.  It was sort of overwhelming considering we were just there to look.  We found one that seemed reasonable.  The jacket seemed nice enough but the pants were not that great.  What I found is that a lot of formal wear (or suits for that matter) are sold in sets.  You really couldn't get away with this in women's fashion.  We are just too complicated.  So the pants were these really cheesy, un-lined, two pleated ugly things.  The price was under $400 but they wanted to charge for tailoring.  We put the suit on hold and walked out.  Alex headed to Nordstrom and found a very nice Hugo Boss three button, notch for $900.  Of course Nordstrom tailors (the cost is built into the price) but he wasn't sure what to do.  That was a lot more expensive and he hadn't even talked about the accessories.  The next day I went to Brooks Brothers and there we found separates.  He was able to find a three button, notch and plain front pants for around $700.  They charged for the tailoring but not much at all. 

Now we just have to find the accessories.  I think I will dig around online before forking out crazy money in a store.  I bet Nordstrom Rack has some great deals on cuff links and studs.  Same goes for the shirt and vest.

As for me!  I bought this little number...

J Crew has a wedding collection and the dresses there aren't half bad.  I need to get it hemmed so I don't look like Elvira but I love the cut.  I might also change the straps.  They are doing some sort of funky knot thing in the back and I would rather have a traditional criss cross instead.  I just hope there is enough fabric to do so.  I just have to figure out what shoes and accessories to wear.  I think a cute pearl bracelet and earrings might go nice.

Insiders' Guide to Seattle

Last Tuesday, KUOW's "The Works", had a show about your favorite spots in Seattle that people don't normally know about.  I thought this was a cool idea.  Sure Seattle is known for the Space Needle and the Pike Place Market but really, unless it is your first time here, there is no need to waste a second visit unless you actually live here.  I can't say I frequent the Space Needle, but we certainly patron the Pike Place Market often.  Actually, one of my favorite meals is at the market...  Humbow from Mee Sum which is in the Triangle Market and for dessert, donuts from Daily Dozen.  mmmmmm....delicious!!!  But what about the really cool places?  I like the idea of visiting a town and having a local, birds-eye view of the place.  The insiders' guide to Seattle if you will.  I would rather avoid the tourist trap altogether and see the places that are truly amazing.  I have put together a list and it is in no particular order.  Maybe you readers would like to add to it?  What are your favorite spots?

Sunset and BBQ at Golden Gardens

Burgers and Shakes at Red Mill

Hike up Little or Big Si

Eat yummy Cupcakes at Verite

Flea Market Shopping in Fremont

Bike Riding on the Burke Gilman

Fly a Kite at Gasworks Park

Go kayaking and then have dinner and margaritas at Agua Verde

See a show at the Showbox

Go climbing at exit 38

Drive through the Mt Rainier National Forest

Drive over the North Cascades Highway and stay a night in Winthrop

Check out the new Library

Walk, Shop and Eat in Belltown

Catch a film at the Big Picture

Catch a film at the Seattle Outdoor Cinema

Eat Belgian Fries from Frites

Spend a couple of hours checking out one of the cooler bookstores Elliot Bay Book Co.

Alex added these to the list:

Fly or Drive to Orcas Island & Spend an afternoon inside the galleries in Pioneer Square

Best Women's Sportswear

Best Women's Sportswear

Review of: lucy

By: Kat Korab

Rating: 5

Read review on Judy's Book.

I like to think that having a lot of cool workout clothes will inspire me to workout more :) Although that is still up for debate, there is no debate about how great Lucy is at U-Village. I check in every few months to see what new arrivals they have and each time I get the BEST service. The girls there know me well and aren't afraid to give me their honest opinions. If it doesn't look good, they aren't going to sell it to me. Many of their pants come in short, regular & tall. In addition, they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. The prices are a little steep but not to worry - just get on their mailing list and you will get your monthly coupon which is usually good for up to 35% off depending on how much you spend. They also have an awesome sales rack where the initial mark-down is always 50%. I have had a couple of problems with the quality of construction but was able to return it/exchange it without any hassle at all. As well as their own brand, they also carry Nike, Adidas, Puma, Prana and a few more. I would highly recommend this shop to any girl looking for some super comfy threads.