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Interview with Jane Park from Julep Nail Parlor

January 30, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Jane Park is the owner of Julep Nail Parlor. Julep offers the best in natural care in a hip, social environment. They welcome bridal showers, birthday parties, corporate gatherings and all celebrations big and small. At Julep, they have developed their own nail vernis and moisturizers that are gentle and free of toxins. And they proudly guarantee all of the Parlor treatments – touch-ups are complimentary five days for Parlor manicures and three weeks for Parlor Pedicures.

How would you describe your business in three words or less?
Girlfriends, natural, engaging.

What are the most popular or best selling products or services?
The Girlfriends’ Glycolic Manicure and The Pure Decadence Chocolate Pedicure.

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
After several failed attempts at getting pedicures together, I decided I’d had enough. So I created Julep so women would have an amazing, fun space where they can connect over the best natural nail treatments. Also, I’m passionate about creating a great work environment that is free of harsh chemicals.

Who is your role model or mentor?
Oprah Winfrey. Doesn’t she make you want to “live your best life now?”

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Sleeping less and less to try to do more and more.

How do you spend your free time? What is your indulgence?
Kissing my children until they beg me to stop.

What is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Julep for pedicures with a glass of wine.

Favorites and Why?

Best place to get a pedicure? Julep for the Julep Parlor Pedicure

Best place to get a manicure? Julep for the Anti-Aging Handcial

Best place to find gifts? Sthulberg’s in Queen Anne

Favorite Salon? Seven – Cher is awesome (fabulous stylist, and you can’t beat the name!).

Best place to buy shoes? Nothing beats Nordstrom’s, because I can try on the Manolos but take home the BPs all in the same trip!

Best place to buy clothes? Sway and Cake

Best local designer? Victoria Simons (That’s why I asked her to design our Julep smocks!)

Best gym, fitness club? I love the Pro Club.

Where to find:
University District
5001 25th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206.985.6644

Downtown
1427 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101
206.985.0088

Gig Harbor
4701 Point Fosdick Drive
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
253.269.9554

www.myjulep.com

Twitter @myjulep

Best of Resort and Cruise Wear

January 27, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Well the month of February is upon us, which means we are almost half way through winter and spring is just around the corner. So it’s time to get ready for those spring break trips and overdue vacations. If you CRAVE sun, surf, sand, smoothies and sunglasses listen up!

Whether you are heading to the south pacific, south of the border, hitting the high seas or simply heading out for a weekend on the coast this week’s blog provides you with the Best of Cruise & Resort Wear.

Start your exotic journey right by packing your swimsuit and the Goddis India (Coral Fade) dress from Sway & Cake into your carry-on bag. That way when you land or dock in your first destination you are ready to hit the beach or lay by the pool. Need a stylish bag to carry-on to pack it all in? Arrive in style toting it all in the Brown & Blue Polka Dot luggage from Icon Chic Online.

Spend your day exploring the town, lounging by the pool or hanging ten in this fabulous Nick & Mo Madeline Maxi Dress from Kennedy & Kate. Match it with a pair Danielle Scutt Metal Frame sunglasses from Totokaelo.

Lay by the pool in stylish swim wear from one of many Seattle vendors like Heidi Fish Swimwear, Tiniha’s or Bikini Beach in Kirkland. Or try Coastal Surf Boutique and bring some local flair with you wherever you roam.

As the sun sets over the ocean you can dance the night away in this gorgeous green dress from Retail Therapy, shimmy and sway and let the elegant fabric do the rest. Dancing not your style? Arrive fashionably late to formal dinner in this amazing Free People Floral Ruffle Dress from Kennedy & Kate – looking so stunning you might even score yourself a seat at the Captain’s table.

No matter where you travel this spring – near, far or just to your backyard – do it in style! Bon Voyage travelers!

Coming to Seattle: C’mon, Get Happy!

January 26, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Gretchen Rubin author of The Happiness Project will be in Seattle on January 27th. The Good Life: books for better living series presented by Kim Ricketts Book Events, will be held Wednesday at 6:30pm. Admission is $35/person and includes appetizers and a copy of the book. Location: Tom Douglas’ Palace Ballroom. 2030 5th Ave (at Lenora) Seattle, 98121. For complete event details click here.

This blog was originally posted January 11th, 2010. For the original post click here.

With the arrival of each new year, we once again have a chance to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. What is it that you want this year? So many of us seem to be constantly searching for happiness in our lives – we want to be happy in our job, our family life, our friendships – we are continually striving to reach the point in our lives where we are finally happy – with all of it. Maybe this is the year – to finally discover what it is that makes you happy, find out what brings you joy, and go after it.

Writer, wife, and mother of two, Gretchen Rubin, recently took her own journey to happiness and wrote about it all in her new book, “The Happiness Project”. Full of practical advice, humor and charm, her memoir chronicles the year that she spent learning to be happy by test-driving different studies, theories and lessons. She consulted poets, novelists, philosophers, scientists and psychologists. She drew from history, analysis, real-life experience, research and pop-culture. From Oprah to Thoreau, she used it all to gain insight into this feeling we call happiness.

What she found was that you can be happier simply by taking small, concrete steps in your daily life. The Happiness Project is an approach to changing your life.

Step One: Identify what makes you happy. Spend time to really discover what things in life bring you joy.

Step Two: Make resolutions. Just like New Year’s, put together a plan and concrete actions that you can take, that will bring you to the happiness you are searching for.

Step Three: Now this is where, as Rubin says, “it gets interesting”. You have to keep those resolutions.

Since her book arrived on shelves, groups all over the country have started their own Happiness Projects – not to mention the hundreds of blogs that have popped up of people sharing their journeys towards lives filled with more joy. So, why not start your own Happiness Project in 2010? A few tips from the woman herself to get you started:

Be You.
Let It Go.
Do it Now.
Enjoy the Process.
Lighten Up.
Act the way you want to feel.

Sounds like a good plan to us. This book and life-philosophy will definitely make you smile and think. Get to it ladies! Find out what makes YOU happy in 2010

Elizabeth Bowman: How Your iPhone Can Support 2010 Resolutions

January 22, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Elizabeth Bowman from Innovatively Organized will be speaking at our January 24th, Business Chat event. Below is a brief except for her blog iOrganized. For more organizational tips from Elizabeth join us for the Business Chat event.

Since we live our days on the go and use our mobile device for tracking everything from our shopping list to meetings to addresses, it’s a no-brainer to have some handy applications loaded onto your iPod touch or iPhone to help you monitor your new year’s resolutions!

Here are five that can keep you motivated and organized:

• Runkeeper – Using the iPhone’s GPS, this application maps where and how far you ran, your calories burned and average speed marked, and it can be searchable and/or synced to the RunKeeper web site.
• Weightbot – This nifty tool graphs your day-by-day progress against a goal weight, auto-calculates body mass index, and can be password protected from prying eyes. Learn more.
• Remember the Milk – This application reinvents the to-do list for your mobile device. Making lists and actually crossing off items will help increase your task management and boost productivity! And you won’t forget the milk ever again. See what else you can do.
• iOwn – Do you find yourself constantly buying things that you end up already owning? iOwn was designed to create detailed itemized lists of anything you own or to keep track of the stuff you always tend to buy more of. This is an awesome way to stop the clutter in its tracks!
• Mint – Carry a banker in your pocket with this application that lets you check your balances, browse your last few days’ cash flow, and peek at multiple budgets. Check out all the features.

Content provided by Elizabeth Bowman of Innovatively Organized

Best of Evening Wear Boutiques

January 20, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Last Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards signaled the start of the awards ceremony season. People around the country are now gearing up for the SAG Awards this weekend, the Grammy Awards at the end of the month and then finally the ultimate in award shows – the Oscars in early March. This week’s Best of Evening Wear Boutiques – pays homage to the boutiques around the area that will get you red carpet ready no matter your budget or style.

EVENING GOWNS

Luly Yang
The ultimate evening gown and couture experience. Luly Yang is celebrate for her elegant and timeless evening ensembles created with the most luxurious silks and the finest fabrics. No matter the look you are sure to stun on the red carpet in any one-of-a-kind Luly Yang gown.

Sway & Cake
For the more budget friendly shopping Sway & Cake has some fabulous red carpet worthy gown options. By infusing passion into their selection, service and style Sway & Cake is the perfect shopping destination for the well traveled trend savvy customer. Red Carpet Worthy: The Taffeta Poppy Dress by Eva Franco is the perfect combination of fashion, function and fun.

Pretty Parlor
If vintage chic is more your style try one of the many fabulous vintage gowns offered at Pretty Parlor on Capitol Hill. The Pretty Parlor combines charm, wit and frilly funk in their fashion and in the store where their showcase vintage and indie designer fashions, jewelry and accessories for men and women.

ACCESSORIES

Clutch
No red carpet outfit is complete without a fabulous clutch. Located in the heart of downtown Clutch is Seattle’s only handbag boutique and has a wide variety of handbags from independent designers. Red Carpet Worthy: The Sabrina Love Barcelona in Gray Croc is the perfect accent and combines fashion and functionality.

POSH on Main
Finally, to polish off the evening look try POSH on Main for fabulous designer shoes, handbags and accessories. The amazing selection of fabulous designer products is sure to make any woman feel like a princess. Red Carpet Worthy: The Valentino “Gemme” OT Pump in Black Suede takes “bling” to a whole new level.

Interview with Nina Ummel from Ummelina Day Spa

January 15, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Nina Ummel is the owner of Ummelina International Day Spa, a day spa with locations in the heart of downtown Seattle on Fourth Ave. and in Yakima, WA. Ummelina is committed to making the time you spend with them an interlude to be remembered and treasured. Each of the of the global rituals offered is a journey in hour of your health and balance.

Describe your business in three words or less:
Global, Herbal, Rejuvenated

What are the most popular or best selling products or services?
Products: Ummelina Spa Formula – Botanical Cleanser 1 and Essence of Ummelina – Aromatic Mist
Services: Body Renewal Ritual

People may be surprised to know…
I grew up on a farm in rural Indiana in the Mennonite, Old Order Mennonite, and Amish community.

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Lack of education for the Aesthetics profession in this country.  Found a niche to utilize my education degree at a when teachers were being laid-off.

Who is your role model or mentor?
My grand mother who was a healer and herbalist in our community.  And my father, a farmer that taught me the skills of being an entrepreneur and trusting that you can make it happen.

What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Drinking wine and purchasing too much jewelry for the spa!

How do you spend your free time? What is your indulgence?
Free Time: nature is what calls me
Indulgence: dark chocolate and red wine

What is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
To our homes.

Favorites and Why?
Best place to find gifts? Click in West Seattle

Best place to buy shoes? Denyse’s Shoes in Yakima

Best place to buy clothes? Tria Mona in Edmonds & Kirkland

Best local designer? Nubia…a Seattle legend and I miss her!

Best gym or fitness club? All Star Fitness in West Seattle

Where to find:
1525 Fourth Avenue,
Seattle, WA  98101
206.624.1370

399 East Yakima Avenue #183
Yakima, WA  98901
509.225.4772

www.ummelina.com

Best of Personal Trainers: Fitness Tips

January 13, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Best of Personal Trainers: Fitness Tips

As resolution-setters of all kinds flood the gyms and yoga studios around the area, it is clear that many people are resolving to be fit in 2010. However, making fitness and exercise a habit and a joy instead of a obligation can be a very difficult task. This often results in exercise boredom and lethargy. Problem solved! In this week’s Best of we asked Personal Trainers from around Seattle to give us their top three Fitness Tips to encourage you and help you reach your 2010 Fitness Goals!

Traci Bartee of FLY FITNESS
Three Tips on How to Stay Motivated During the Winter Months

• Enlist a friend or group of friends and exercise together. Once you have them committed, do the following 1)Pick how many days you both/all can commit to exercising each week. 2)Pick days and times you can meet 3)Place a person in charge of one weeks of exercise. Draft a written schedule accounting for various types of exercise and off days.
• Check out lululemon’s FREE classes! Each month every lululemon store highlights a local studio or gym and that studio or gym offers FREE classes inside of the store before opening on Sundays.
• Make exercising fun! Yes, FUN! Check some of these classes out….FlySkyHigh; Trapeze Class; My Best Friend’s Work Out

Bri Cooper of SASSY FIT
Three Tips to Help Busy Women Squeeze in the Most Efficient Workout

• Lift heavy. The heavier the weight, the more calories your body will burn during your workout, and then hours afterward as it repairs the muscles you just fatigued. Recommended: 8 – 12 repetitions.
• Workout in your heart-rate zone. Wear a heart rate monitor to ensure you are working-out in your target hear rate (220-age x 75-85% for intermediate/advanced fitness levels) so you improve your cardiovascular health.
• Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

Meghan Werner of ROAR YOGA
Three Tips for Mind and Body Fitness

• Establish a Truce (With Yourself). Try to identify some of the ways you sabotage yourself with negative thoughts every day. Then practice letting go of those self-punishing habits so you can free up some of your mental and emotional energy for things that make you happier.
• Visualize Happiness. Our thoughts are powerful. Although it’s not always easy, we have the ability to frame every experience positively
• Stop Breathing. Now inhale –deeply–and remind yourself not to take it for granted. Mindful breathing isn’t just for yogis. Improving lung capacity and breath rhythm can make a huge difference for athletes as well as for the everyday desk jockey simply trying to keep herself alert, focused, and calm.

Kjersten Salzman of ELEV8 FITNESS
Three Tips for Creating a Fitness Program that Works for You

• Find a friend. Friends act like an accountability partner to help get you to the gym on those tough days, keep going when you want to sop and cheer for you when you both accomplish your goals.
• Do what you can. A walk around the block is better than nothing. Pain and extensive soreness makes it hard to stick to the plan, so take it slow and do what you can. It may take 4-6 weeks to start seeing changes so hang in there.
• Set reasonable goals. We have to be realistic about what our own bodies look like. Be aware of your BMI. Focus on eating healthier whole foods, exercising at least 3 times a week and drinking plenty of water is a healthy way to get you BMI to the optimal number.

Jen Waak of MOVE FIT FUN
Three Fundamental Fitness Tips

• Don’t focus on daily caloric totals. Instead, track your food daily, but focus on the weekly and monthly caloric averages — if those numbers average out over time to your magical daily number, then you will have success.
• Sleep your way smart and thin. Studies show that 7-9 hours of sleep is optimal for weight management. Additionally, sleep is when we form our memories and process most of the information from the day.
• You are like the company you keep. Surround yourself with like minded people. Studies indicate that you want to be like the people you hang out with because you fit in better, feel less threatened and don’t feel the need to defend your behaviors.

Interview with Dana Smith from Hip Zephyr

January 8, 2010 by Jade S. | Comments (0)

Dana Smith is the owner of Hip Zephyr a women’s clothing boutique that focuses on intimate customer service with clothing from independent American and European designers. Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Hip Zephyr believes in classic style with modern innovative twists that bring out a woman’s core sense of style and uniqueness.

Describe your business in three words or less:
Ageless, reinvented classics (a rare find)

What are the most popular or best selling products or services?
Dresses, both casual and dressy

People would be surprise to know…
That I still work as a RN part-time

What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Being in control of my own destiny, and following my dream

Who is your role model or mentor?
My mom – she has been loving, devoted and endured good and bad without faltering.

How do you spend your free time? What is your indulgence?
I love to play sports, especially basketball and I also enjoy hanging out with my friends.

Favorites and Why?
Best place to get a manicure/pedicure? ProNails on Queen Anne – very professional and clean

Best place to find gifts? Hip Zephyr!!

Best place to buy clothes? NYC – before Hip Zephyr opened!

Best local designer? Jamie Joseph jewelry – beautiful and yet simple.

Where to find:
6421 Phinney Ave. N.,
Seattle, WA 98103

Phone: 206.905.6069

www.hipzephyr.com
Hip Zephyr on Twitter