good bye seattle!

Tee: Everlane
Cardigan: Gap [similarish]
Shorts: Gap Outlet [similar]
Purse: Coach [current style]
Sandals: Target [exact]

On Wednesday I was off by myself as both Bri and Kimmie had to be working/mothering adults that day. I loved having both act as my tour guide, but it was also nice to go off and be a bit more touristy by myself. I felt I had a bit of a handle on down town Seattle so I went off to go exploring. I started off by taking the monorail down to the Seattle Center. I just walked around the grounds for a little bit when I ran into the purple wall of the EMP Museum. I had a flashback to this post Kimmie wrote (I had read through all of her archives and remember thinking how cool it was) so I had to recreate it. I like how my cardigan kind of matches the wall - not planned ;)

^^from Bri's favorite espresso "cart" (the world's first!)

After my little selfie photography, I walked down to check out the international fountain and waited for the show...which never started. I texted Bri asking why nothing was happening and it turns out, that day was the day it was down for maintenace! boo. Next time (because there WILL be a next time!). I had wasted just enough time for the Space Needle to open. It was actually pretty awesome being there so early. I got a discounted ticket, I rode up the elevator by myself, and had the whole observation deck to myself besides one other couple.

^^the lake we rode on the ducks & paddle boarded in!

Afterwards I rode the monorail back and headed down to Pike Place Market to buy an OMG Peach, a coffee mug for Chris from the original Starbucks (it wasn't as busy at 8:30 AM on a Wednesday as it had been at 10 AM on a Saturday), and flowers for Bri. I waited for Nordstrom Rack to open, and then went looking around for the third time on my five day vacation. I almost walked out with nothing but then I found these jeans (finally!! I've always wanted a white pair, and especially after seeing how great Bri's always look), this shirt as a complete Bri copycat (mine's grey though), and a bright orange (who am I?!) silk tee thing. Yay, Seattle souvenirs! ;)

Then I headed over to Nordstrom and it was ccrrrrrrraaaaaazzzy. We don't have a Nordstrom in Wisconsin, so I'm not used to 1. all of the expensive stuff and 2. the craziness that is the semi-annual sale. I used this time to figure out what size trench coat I wear, to go look at my future Chanel bag (in 4-5 years), and to try on this dress for size. Now that I know what size I would wear, I'm going to stalk eBay so I can find one for 1/4 of that price! Keep your fingers crossed for me. 

I went and got Bri from work, and we headed back to Nordstrom to eat at the cafe (we also don't have department stores in Wisconsin that have cafes - I feel we are missing out). So much good people watching! The food was delicious and I suppose the company was alright too ;)

Then, because I'm a HUGE Grey's Anatomy fan, I insisted that I needed to go ride the ferry boats.

I don't think that if you go visit Seattle that this is necessarily something you need to do, because after the initial views of the skyline it's kinda boring, but I'm still happy I went. It was pretty beautiful out there.

That night Bri and I walked around Green Lake again, had sushi as a farewell dinner, and then she dropped me off at the airport. You guys, it sounds so silly when you say it out loud, but this stranger that picked me up from the airport and let me stay in her beautiful home has become such a good friend to me by the end of my stay. Bri is like the definition of good people - warm, welcoming, excited to show you her city, and kind. We had so many laughs and like it honestly pains me that I don't get to spend every day with her. Bri, thank you for the best vacation of my life. Can't wait for the next one :)

via Bri's instagram

fran and kimmie ride the segways

Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet

Jeans: Madewell [exact]

Necklace: c/o Apple of My Eye

Purse: Coach [current style]

Shoes: Target [exact - may be on sale in stores]

On Tuesday, Kimmie and I had purchased a groupon to go ride on Segways around West Seattle (that Kimmie, she's a thinker!), but first we stopped at Bakery Nouveau for lunch. We both had sandwiches (mine was turkey havarti, hers was the california) and then also both had the almond crescents which were aaaaamazing. On top of that feast, I also had to try my first macaron. It was cute to look at and tasted alright, but I don't think it's my favorite dessert of all time. That prize goes to tiramisu, followed closely by apple pie.

After that we walked around the neighborhood, and then it was time for segwaying. Here's Kimmie getting on for the first time (oh you want it in video? I have that too) and here I am my first time. HA. Just kidding, this was after about 10 minutes of getting used to that beast.

and then we scooted around for next hour with our tour guide and this cute litle Danish family.

Afterwards we again rescued Bri and her co-worker Ash from work, and went to happy hour at Sazerac. We shared a bunch of delicious apps - stuffed dates, little pizzas, sweet potato fries, and beet salad - and drank sangria with a view of the public library.

After that, we had a fun little experience with riding the bus, went home to change, and then went to the Brave Horse Tavern for drinks with Katrina and Amber. On the way to the restaurant we had to take a minute to capture this moment - Fran, the Space Needle, and the SLUT (seriously, I love any city that names their trolley system that).

I really loved hanging out with these girls. This was all of our first time meeting Amber, but it really didn't feel like it. We talked so much about our jobs, our past and current relationships, traveling - it was awesome. I've mentioned a few times that I don't have many girlfriends left in Madison as so many moved after we graduated, so it really just made me so happy to feel like I had girls to talk to again. I think that is what made this trip - connecting with the ladies in real life.

^^ pretzels with pimento cheeese dip, sour cream and crispy onion dip, and peanut butter with bacon!

Katrina, Bri, Fran, Amber

P.S. clicky -click? also make sure you help out my girl Bri!

madewell afternoon dress and paddle boarding!

On Monday, Bri had to go back to being a responsible adult and go to work, so Kimmie became my official tour guide. I wore my new dress because I kind of forgot that we were going shopping - I was just so excited to wear it! It's just short enough that it's playful for day, but with the proper hose/shoes/cardigan and or blazer, it'll be great for school. We went to Northgate Mall to go to Nordstrom Rack - I didn't have any luck (again!), but Kimmie found a cute sweater and sunglasses. 

Dress: Madewell [exact]

Belt: Gap [same style]

Bracelet: c/o Apple of My Eye [exact]

Shoes: Gap Outlet [similar]

Afterwards we went back to the international district to pick up some banh mi and more bubble tea (what have you girls done to me?!). We drove over to a small park and had lunch overlooking the water. It was beautiful!

Then we drove down town to free Bri from work so that we could go paddle boarding! I wish there was a way I could have brought my camera (I really should have put my cell phone into a plastic baggy and kept it in my life vest) because our view was amazing. The whole sky line, beautiful homes, and friends paddling around the water. It was awesome and so much fun. 

via Kimmie's instagram

Afterwards we made sure to go say hello to the Fremont Troll, and picked up a little snack from Dick's (apparently the sauce is famous, har har), and then ended the night at El Chupacabra where we had ciders and dinner.

love Seattle.

via my instagram

#frandoesbubbletea and other adventures

Kimmie, Fran, Bri, Katrina, Lindsay

After shopping Sunday afternoon, Bri and I headed out to the international district to have dinner at Tamarind Tree with a few Seattle bloggers - Kimmie of course from Blue Paper Lanterns, Katrina from The Demure Muse, and Lindsay from Lindsay Living. I've been following all of their blogs for some time now, and meeting them was one of my biggest hopes when I started planning my trip. Dinner was delicious - we all had some sort of noodle dish (mine was a beef noodle) which all came in huge bowls and were so good. I had a great time getting to know the girls - we discussed our lives, blogs, jobs, and just had a great time bonding over the strangeness that is blogging. 

Afterwards, once everyone discovered that bubble tea was a foreign thing to me, we hunted down the nearest location. I was honestly a bit nervous about the whole experience - what flavor do I get? why are there balls in my drink? how do I get my straw in there? how do I not choke on the sticky balls? Bri made sure to document the whole experience here, and Katrina started a fun little hashtag #frandoesubbletea as a play on my current #frandoesunemployement. Turns out...I really like bubble tea.

I really did have such a wonderful time with these ladies. Kimmie and I have been internet friends for quite some time so I was so happy to spend real time with her. She's one of those girls that you just want to have them like you, ya know? She's just so dang pretty in real life, and so sweet. Katrina is exactly how she is on her blog - tall, thin, GORGEOUS, flawless skin, and brilliant in real life. Seriously, this girl is stunning and smart - if she wasn't so nice, it would be super intimidating. Lindsay has the teacher charm - she's very reassuring and comforting, and so easy to talk to. Plus her hair is amazing and I wish I knew how to get such volume. I really wish that I lived here just so I could see everyone more often.

After dinner and #bubbletea, Bri drove us quickly up to Kerry Park to catch the last of the light. What a view from up there. Can you imagine having this be your view from your front window every day? 

Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet [similar and cuter]

Jeans: Madewell [exact]

Necklace: Vera Moda Germany

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Lipstick: Too Faced So Berry Sexy [exact]

I'm the Space Needle!

^^ this girl has been the best thing that ever happened to this trip. see her amazing outfit here.

P.S. Remember how last month I won $100 from the Chippmunk contest? Well they are having another one so make sure you sign up, and if you are feeling generous, vote for me here :) Let me know if you do participate so I can send lots of clicks your way!

Linking up with the pleated poppy!

seattle!

Hello from Seattle! I got in on Friday with no flight delays and only minor technical difficulties (I somehow became confused by arrival times when I thought that Seattle was only an hour behind instead of the two it actual is. derp). Bri picked me up from the airport, and we went straight to Ray's to meet with Kimmie for drinks and dinner. We enjoyed the view (seen below! whoa), shared calimari, and had dinner (Bri and I both had the fish and chips, Kimmie had the salmon burger). It was so great to finally meet everyone in person! Both ladies are as sweet and gorgeous in person as they are on their blogs.

Afterwards, Kimmie went home to her adorable children, and Bri and I walked around Green Lake enjoying the views and snacking on frozen yogurt.

How cute are Bri's shorts? Super cute. I was a little bit more boring but I'm glad that my sandals were comfortable enough for the three mile loop. Afterwards we went to a little dive bar where we shared a pitcher of cider with Bri's friend Ash and had an all around great first night.

The next morning, we started the day with doughnuts from Top Pot - I had an apple fritter and Bri had a maple bar. We spent part of the morning walking around Pike Place Market. It is crazy in there! Fish are flying, and all sorts of flowers, vegetables, and fruits are being sold. Bri and I picked up some local cherries - they were so so good.

We went down to the gum wall and made sure to add our DNA as well ;) Afterwards I went to go get a little ride from Rachel, and see the original Starbucks. The line to get a drink went around the building so we didn't go inside as I'm sure a drink there tastes the same as every single other Starbucks in the world.

Shirt: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Skirt: J.Crew Factory [same style]

Purse: Coach [current style]

Sandals: Target [exact]

Afterwards, we boarded the ducks. I was so excited! When Chris and I were up in the Wisconsin Dells last week, we both were discussing how much fun it would be to ride on them, so I was happy Bri suggested we go (apparently even as a native Seattleite she loves riding on them). As touristy as it is, it was a great way to see a lot of the sights, plus the weather was beautiful so what better way to enjoy it than on a boat!

^^when I win the lottery, I'm buying a floating house. and a yacht to park next to it.

We then tried on some glasses at the Warby Parker pop up shop, and had lunch at Mod Pizza (SO GOOD). We did some digging at Nordstrom Rack, and then perused the denim section at Nordstrom. I have several goals for shopping this trip - a dark wash pair of skinny jeans that aren't jegging tight, and a bag for school. I tried on these jeans at Nordstrom. They were on sale for around $110 but I didn't want to spend a large portion of my budget the first day so I put them on hold to just see if I found something I liked even more. For dinner we went to Bri's parents' home for dinner. They are such great people and so welcoming. We hung out by the pool, had a great dinner of steak and salad made from Bri's garden, and watched the amazing sunset from their back porch.

^^ work it girl. such a model :)

This morning we woke up bright and early (...9 AM) and met up with Emily, a reader and soon to be consistent blogger ;) We ate at The Burgundian - Bri had the delicious chicken and waffles, I had a french toast/ gruyere /ham / jam sandwich, and Emily had the strawberry french toast. Brunch may be the best thing that has ever been invented. I'm so glad Emily contacted us - she's a real doll and an avid thrifter. She even found her amazing purse on the street. THE STREET! Now that's being resourceful.

From there we went and drove through this city's UW, and then went and did a little bit of shopping in U Village. We specifically went there to go to Madewell, which was having a 40% off sale selection promotion. I tried on this dress but in a dark grey, but as always, it was too short when it was sitting correctly at my waist. I did get super lucky when I found these jeans in the sale section, marked down to $60, plus another 40% off! After some initial consultation with Bri, I also purchased this dress at full price. I've really wanted a simple and very comfortable dress I can wear to school in numerous ways, and this one felt really great on. I had about $160 left in my school budget, so with the purchase of the dress, I would have just enough money to buy these pants the next time Banana Republic has a 40% off full priced items promotion. We also stopped at J.Crew to try on a few things as they were also having a 40% off sale items. Bri found some amazing printed jeans you'll see on her blog in a few days, and although I really liked this jacket, I may see if I can't wait it out to go just a bit lower. Afterwards we had to stop at Fran's Chocolates because duh.

And those were my first 48 hours in Seattle :D