While we are in Capital Hill

It's not a secret to anyone that knows me how much I adore Capital Hill. When I moved to Seattle in 2004 I found the apartment of my dreams off of Broadway and grew out of ignorance under it's roof. I learned so many things from many people because I invited that change.
Nikki and Sara from The Vajra encouraged my passion for knowledge and healing. The Vajra is located off of Broadway East. I have had many wonderful conversations and learned a lot about essential oils and stones. Sara is a super talented henna artist with impeccable holistic knowledge. Nikki is a compassionate and positively patient woman with who gives tarot readings and is happy to share all her knowledge with you. Just ask and they can point you in the right direction; with candles, inscents, oils or stones. Have faith, don't be ashamed to ask for a little help, if there is something nagging you and you need to find a balance get a reading.
I usually hit up The Vajra after having pho at the Than Brothers which is next door. Service at the Than Bros. is swift, tasty and fulfilling. They don't play around. Walk in, take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere. You are served a yummy cream puff before you ever get to order your pho. I am not a big fan of tripe but I've had the chicken, brisket and the veggie. Have some Ginseng tea or Iced coffee. So good.
The cream puff at Than Bros. is yummy and I like to have mine after I'm all done with my noodles. I've gotta tell you though, I have a bit of a sweet tooth and that little cream puff just doesn't do it for me. Dilettante Mocha Cafe's Dark Emphemere truffle sure does! Dilettante is on the same block, just a few feet away. If I were to choose a box of truffles for you I would choose Madame X, Dark Belgian Marzipan, Kahlua Truffle, Butter Pecan Toffee Rheingold, Cointreau, Hazelnut Gianduia and a few Oregon Hazelnuts. The Mocha Cafe has delicious cakes and other treats. I love the chocolate dipped ginger biscotti but give the Tiramisu or Chocolate Mousse a try. The more you bring the merrier. It gives you the opportunity to all order something different and share :)
I'm sure it's a beautiful day out, just kidding, it's Seattle. But anyway, it could be and it is if you believe. It is Summer. After all the wonderful experiences indoors, a walk down Broadway would be nice. Head over to Volunteer Park. Volunteer Park is located on 1247 15th Ave. E. It has amazing views of the Sound, the mountains and downtown. A walk up 106 steps gets you to the top of the Water Tower observation deck to get some of these spectacular views. While you are walking these gorgeous paths, take a walk through the Conservatory and check out their collection of tropical plants. Admission is free. Volunteer Park is also the home of the Seattle Asian Art Museum. The first Thursday is free. Regular suggested admission is $7 for adults and 12 & under is free.

Wow, there you have it. One of my favorite ways to spend my afternoon.

Here is a link to get you around Seattle. Take the bus.

King County Metro Trip Planner

Time for a nap.

A Few of My Favorite Things

I was listening to one of my most favorite albums ever, Houses of the Holy (by Led Zeppelin, if ya didn't know) and it reminded me of the rituals I've created that make me feel so comfortable and wonderful in my skin. Like putting on Rodrigo y Gabriela and having my first cup of Don Fransisco Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee while I cook breakfast in the morning. Going to the market to stock up on Sandalwood and Sweet Grass and checking out all my favorite places in my own preferred, particular fashion. This weekend I will devote my posts to a few of my favorite things in hopes of you going out and telling me about your experience with my faves.

One of the things that has always made me happy is to spend time in the park. Soaking in the warmth, the laughter and reading a few pages of my book. It's a little hard to concentrate when there is so much happiness happening. I just can't help but to stare with a smile and share all the wonderful energy.

In 2006 Cal Anderson Park was redesigned and transformed into one of the most beautiful parks in Capital Hill. I moved into the neighborhood when it was under construction and used to watch baseball games. It's a great place for the kids to play or cool off in the wading pool on those hot summer days. Take a soccer ball to kick around on the athletic field or take advantage of all the open space to sit, read or play some Frisbee. There is a QFC, Tully's and The Pita Pit is right up the street. It is located off of Broadway Ave on E. Pine and 11Th Ave. I'd recommend checking out The Hugo House across the street. It's a writer's retreat. The Richard Hugo House offers workshops and holds events featuring Local Writers.

http://www.hugohouse.org/

Downtown Seattle is such a good place to get lost. With all the great food, coffee and art, why not? Pike Place Market never lets me down. This all-embracing flavor of quality is a part of me and it couldn't have happened with out the people who represent the market and their yummy invitations.

Cinnamon Works has the most fabulous breads, cookies and cinnamon squares. My favorite is Zucchini bread but they have Carrot too. They have Snicker doodle cookies and Pumpkin too. Oh, yum, yum, yummy, yum, yum! Have a vegan, sugar free or a gluten free cookie, or maybe a muffin or a scone. One of these giants feeds two people. No Joke! It a great grab and go kind of joy. Cafe Vita is another treat you can find and this lovely waterfront bakery.

If you are down for a supreme sweet treat try Le Panier. This french bakery has a grand assortment of pastries; creamy, tart and melt in your mouth buttery. Mm mm... and they serve up a delicious Americano. Unlike Cinnamon works you can sit and enjoy your after lunch or dinner treat or just order up a baguette sandwich, they have lunch too! You may find a seat depending on how busy they are and they usually are. ; )

http://www.lepanier.com/

Enjoy the Weekend and please leave a comment if you have a recommendation for any of my readers. If you'd like me to suggest a fantasy tour of Seattle for you, I would be glad to do that. In fact, I will be including that in my blog next week.