DailyCandy Seattle

Heart Parts Eating Utensils

2012-02-13T09:00:00Z

Sweet Tools Meant for Sharing

Dear Cupid,

My only complaint about my beau is that he hogs the grub when we go splitsville. How can I make sure I get my fair share of mac ’n’ cheese?

Yours,
Starving in SF

’Sup Starving,

The answer is simple: Become a heartbreaker with Heart Parts eating utensils.

The florescent, palm-size tools are meant to be cracked in half, then used to stab, scoop, or even cut your nosh of choice. Product designer Fatima Fazal created them to bring the love back to sharing a meal.

Heart Parts come in boxes of ten, so they’re great for parties. Because they’re dishwasher safe, made with 66 percent less plastic than similar wares, and are completely biodegradable, you can enjoy your supper without guilt.

Even if you’re fed up with him, at least you’ll be properly fed.

Xo,
The Guy with the Arrow

Available online at iheart-this.com, $10.

Photo: Courtesy of Heart Parts

Spring 2012 Hair Trends

2012-02-13T07:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Beauty Trends

2012-02-13T07:00:00Z

(Not So) Bitter, Party of One

2012-02-10T08:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Stripes

2012-02-10T07:00:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T12:00:00Z

Seattle Events and Diversions

Get on island time.

DAYDREAM
Gauguin and Polynesia: an Elusive Paradise
What: Vibrant Paul Gauguin paintings and more than 60 Polynesian artifacts (carved bowls, woven fans, sculptures) bring a tropical vibe to the Seattle Art Museum.
Why: Sea-town is the only U.S. stop on the Art Centre Basel-organized exhibition’s international tour.
When: Thru Apr. 29.
Where: 1300 1st Ave. (206-654-3100).

BLOOM
Northwest Flower & Garden Show
What: Inspiration gardens, shopping, and how-to advice from green-thumbed experts.
Why: More than 100 seminars on topics like gardening in small spaces and urban edibles.
When: Wed.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl. Tickets ($20) online at gardenshow.com and at the door.

CRUNCH
Ma’ono Fried Chicken & Whisky
What: Following the insane success of its Monday fried-chicken dinners, West Seattle’s revered Spring Hill Restaurant & Bar permanently transforms into Ma’ono.
Why: The new name comes with a tasty new focus on casual Hawaiian cuisine.
When: Now, people.
Where: 4437 California Ave. SW (206-935-1075).

ABIDE
The Dudefest 2012: Big Lebowski Movie Party
What: Gather for a screening of the cult classic Coen Brothers film.
Why: A performance by The Staxx Brothers, burlesque, and White Russians are on the agenda.
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Neumos, 925 E. Pike St. (206-709-9467). Tickets ($13) online at etix.com.

Photo: Paul Gauguin, The Bathers, 1897. Courtesy of Seattle Art Museum, Seattle

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-09T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

V-Day isn’t just for lovers.

EAT
Cakeslider Creations
What: Redefined push-up pops ($22 for a basket of four) layered with cake and frosting. Treat yourself to inspired flavors (French toast, latte, Double Fudge Diamond) that arrive in festive packaging and allow you to (finally) eat cake hands free.
Why: They’re utterly moist. Yeah, we said it.
Where: Online at cakeslidercreations.com.

WEAR
Milly for Sperry
What: All aboard. The NY-based designer brings her colorful, playful prints to the famous Top-Sider brand ($90-$225).
Why: Vibrant patent leather yellow flats or navy wedges, as well as rose-print, laceless canvas sneakers.
Where: Online at sperrytopsider.com.

COLLECT
The Good Machinery Animal Figurines
What: We’re wild about the collectibles ($59-$69) painted by an Italian artist. Gift them to others or stash them in nooks and crannies for a splash of color.
Why: A howling silver wolf, hippo with fuchsia polka dots, and lion in magenta and gold are just part of the herd.
Where: Online at etsy.com.

SUPPORT
Spanx Lace Bra-llelujah
What: The best boulder holder ($68) in the world just got sexy. It smooths your back and lifts the ladies the same as before, but now with lace cups (in nude or black).
Why: The bra may have had a little work done; you’ll just look like you did.
Where: Online at spanx.com.

SWEAT
Electric Yoga Sportswear
What: French-born tanks, stretch pants, and zip-ups ($24-$198) from Bisou Bisou designer-turned-master yogi Michele Bohbot.
Why: Neon colors activate specified chakras. Light-as-air bubble coats pack down into mini carrying cases and use your own body heat to keep you toasty.
Where: Online at electric-yoga.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cakeslider Creations

New and Noteworthy: Reading Notes Book Inserts

2012-02-08T09:00:00Z

A Cure for Digital Fatigue

Patient Name: E. Post

Symptoms: Digital fatigue. Indecipherable shorthand. Attempts to touch-screen activate all shiny surfaces within reach.

Diagnosis: Pen-to-paper withdrawal.

Treatment: Reading Notes palm-size notebooks.

Modeled after old-fashioned library cards, the self-adhering pamphlets stick to the insides of book covers, ensuring they’ll never be lost, forgotten, or deleted in the wake of a Words with Friends bender. The mini journals can lend clarity to random margin scrawlings, gravity to tawdry beach reads, and relief to texting thumbs.

Front and back flaps cover the basics (where the book was read, a one-to-five-star rating system). Thirty-two tiny pages can be filled with any other ramblings, rants, or rave reviews that are too private to share on a Twitter feed, Tumblr post, or Facebook page.

Dosage: Whenever it feels novel.

Available online at pleasetakenotes.com, $16 for three.

Photo: Matthew Latkiewicz / Courtesy of Reading Notes

Spring 2012 Trends: Into the Ocean

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

Spring 2012 Trends: Metallics

2012-02-08T07:00:00Z

2012 Valentine's Day Gift Guide

2012-02-07T12:00:00Z

For Couplets Everywhere

You’ve got tingles and butterflies
From that sparkle in your sweetie’s eyes.
Will it last? Only time will tell,
But here are some ways to say, “You’re swell.”

Big future plans? Let your love flow.
Just don’t forget to save some dough.

Staying in too often gets quite lame.
To spice things up, just fan the flame.

A chill makes not for a smitten kitten,
So warm her hands with retro mittens.

Prove your devotion? It’s not hard.
Proclaim it with a kick-ass card.

If you need a prezzie on the fly,
Wear something slinky to catch his eye.

Think your crush is really neat?
Hook him up with happy feet.

You knew it was love from the start,
And to this day you have her heart.

Read on for more Valentine’s Day ideas that make us weak in the knees.

Photo: Courtesy of Ladies & Gentlemen

Valentine's Day Heart Stealers

2012-02-07T06:30:00Z

Painted Shoes with Sole

2012-02-06T09:00:00Z

The Office of Angela Scott Footwear

From the OkCupider who stood you up for bocce (classic body snatch) to your go-to brow lady (who’s also “kinda psychic”), everybody’s got a story.

A tale actually worth spreading? That of The Office of Angela Scott.

This week the designer launches an online boutique full of Italian-crafted shoes with personae as colorful as their painted uppers and soles.

Mrs. and Mr. Smith (her, a proper heel; him, a flat oxford) are a traditional-looking pair — until you read into their flaming pink stripes.

Prim Miss Wright lace-ups and Mrs. Seymour saddle shoes tell a saucier saga than their traditional counterparts, and Mr. Oliver equestrian boots are finished in quirky canvas. (Here’s hoping the red, white, and blue Americana edition becomes a permanent fixture.)

Whatever she’s selling, we’re buying.

Available online at theofficeofangelascott.com, $350-$825.

Photo: Jessica Watts / Courtesy of The Office of Angela Scott

Screen Play: February's Must-See Movies

2012-02-03T08:30:00Z

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-02T12:00:00Z

Seattle Events and Diversions

Martini shaken, not stirred.

LISTEN
Bond and Beyond: Music from the James Bond Films
What: Seattle Symphony celebrates the 50th anniversary of the spy film franchise.
Why: Scores from Diamonds Are Forever, You Only Live Twice, Casino Royale, Goldfinger, The World Is Not Enough, and From Russia with Love.
When: Today, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall, 200 University St. (206-215-4747). Tickets ($17-$93) online at seattlesymphony.org.

COMMIT
I Am My Own Wife
What: A real-life German transvestite survives the Nazi regime by living as a woman.
Why: Nick Garrison (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) plays 30 characters in this one-man, Tony Award-winning play.
When: Thru Mar. 4. Previews start Fri. Opens Feb. 8.
Where: Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St. (206-443-2222). Tickets ($12-$59) online at seattlerep.org.

DOWNLOAD
Yakima Valley Wine Tour App
What: Plan your spring barrel-tasting tour with the help of this new freebie.
Why: Get the skinny on local tasting rooms and wineries. Soon to come: insider info on hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shopping, and more.
When: Wine waits for no woman.
Where: Online at wineyakimavalley.org.

MOVE
Shen Wei Dance Arts
What: The NYC dance company performs its latest work, Limited States.
Why: Startling choreography and a brilliant use of film combine in this forward-thinking piece.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: Meany Theater, 15th Ave. NE, at NE 40th St. (206-543-4880). Tickets ($42) online at meany.org.

Photo: Warner Brothers / Courtesy of Everett Collection

The Weekend Guide

2012-02-02T09:00:00Z

Online Finds, Fashions, and Fodder

Low-impact weekending.

PLAN
Low-Commitment Projects
What: There’s no need to DTR here. Two cute, bicoastal BFFs post lazy-day projects each Monday to please even the most flighty DIYers.
Why: Serve Mondrian-inspired sandwiches, fashion fake self-help book covers (Eat Your Way Thin), and more.
Where: Online at lowcommitmentprojects.com.

SHOP
Eaton Trading Company
What: Men’s and women’s fashions, bags, jewelry and accessories from the likes of A.P.C., Band of Outsiders, Steven Alan, Rag & Bone, and Rachel Comey.
Why: DC readers get 30 percent off site-wide (and an additional 30 percent off sale items) with code VALENTINE thru Sun.
Where: Online at stores.eatontradingcompany.com.

SET
Palace Dinnerware
What: Unfortunately, Will and Kate can’t make it to supper. Save face by serving your meal with black and white plates, cups, bowls, and platters that, when assembled, transform into classic palaces ($75-$529).
Why: Seven-piece sets stack up like Russian dolls for eye-catching storage or display.
Where: Online at shop.thefutureperfect.com.

EAT
Typocolate
What: Milk and dark chocolate bars ($20 for two) engraved with irreverent typographic messages (Best Day Ever, Oui? Oui.) that spell out your feelings.
Why: Food should always be art.
Where: Available for preorder at shop.godynamo.com.

SUPPORT
Mulu
What: A new social sharing site with a charitable twist. Post what you like (clothing, toys, gadgets), and when people buy your picks, a percentage of the proceeds goes to your choice cause.
Why: Join the cerebral-ebrity ranks of Jonathan Franzen (for the American Bird Conservancy) and Toni Collette (Doctors Without Borders).
Where: Online at mulu.me.

Photo: Courtesy of Low-Commitment Projects

How to Massage Your Dog

2012-02-01T09:00:00Z

Buddha Dog's Canine Masseuse Shows Us the Proper Technique

Dear Mom,

You think it’s easy dozing most of the day, begging for biscuits, nipping at your heels, and barking at squirrels?

Okay, it is. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want a massage, like the one certified animal masseuse Pam Holt gives to our L.A. editor’s best friend, Agnes, in today’s video.

All it takes is a little kneading and gentle stretching on your part to give me improved flexibility, energy, and overall happiness. Plus, it’ll help my anxiety. (I know I sometimes get a little cray cray when you leave.)

Also, can I have a treat? Please and thanks.

Love,

Spartacus Brownie Von Lickety Jones Jr.

P.S. I accidentally humped the cat yesterday.

For more information about Pam Holt and dog massage, go to buddhadog.com.

The Wurst Place Opens

2012-01-31T12:00:00Z

Join the Sausage Party

Dearest DC,

This whole women laughing alone with salads thing has got to stop.

Step away from the dressing and sink your teeth into something meaty at The Wurst Place, opening in South Lake Union on Thursday.

Owner Bob Liptak blind-tasted more than 700 sausages (it’s a tough job) before deciding on the 40 varieties on the rotating menu at his cafe and deli. Among them are traditional brats and exotic options like rattlesnake, Northwest bison, and smoked elk with jalapeno and cheese. Also up for grabs: irresistibly crispy Belgian frites and more than two dozen microbrews.

Take your links to go or pull up a chair to devour your dog in a wily public display of affection.

And leaf the lettuce alone.

Love always,
Bratwurst

The Wurst Place, 510 Westlake Avenue (206-223-5528 or thewurstplace.com).

Photo: Marcos Ojeda / Flickr

Lingerie Show and Tell

2012-01-31T09:00:00Z

Underpinnings You'll Want to Show Off

Unmentionables worth mentioning.

	Treasure Chest Forgo the over-the-top, enhanced-cleavage look and display your true assets in an Only Hearts translucent bralette ($55).

	Show Off Peeping undies are acceptable when they’re as cute as VPL’s glam boy shorts ($115). Make them the statement piece of your outfit.

	Romp and Roll The T-strap halter and sheer detailing flirt with the drawstring waist and full-coverage bottom of Good Night Gilda’s silk romper ($180).

	Dressing Gown After a bath or just lounging about, Josie Natori’s Eastern-inspired floral number ($35) makes us feel even more relaxed.

	She’s Tricky Ask and you shall deceive: Easy-on sheer tights ($20) have all the wow of a complex thigh-highs-and-garter combo.

Now that we’ve got you in the mood, click for more lovely lingerie.

A Three-Day Getaway to Vieques

2012-01-30T08:45:00Z