Fun and Funky

We all love shopping, and we know where to go to get the usual gifts. But when we want to find a perfect gift that is out of the ordinary, something not typical, there is only one place to go.

Located in its new digs in Fremont, Not a Number is definitely quirky, right down to its name. The fun, funky goods range from bacon-flavored popcorn to hilarious cards for all occasions. Need a Salvador Dali-style melting clock? They have it here. Do you need a funky bumper sticker to show your wild, funny and witty side? They have more than 700 to choose from. Need a hand when you’re sitting down? They have all different colors and sizes of hand-shaped chairs. A girl could get lost in all the fun stuff.

Not a Number’s goal is to showcase “items that make us smile, laugh and think,” and it has time & again proved to be the go-to spot for finding a creative gift that will surprise and delight… and maybe a little something-somethin for yourself.

Not a Number
720 N. 35th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
206.784.0965
www.notanumbergifts.com

Hot to Trot

If you’re like us, you sometimes forget to frequent parts of town labeled as “touristy.” But locals too benefit from an evening gallop down Pike Place’s Post Alley.

Last Friday, at tucked-away gem White Horse Trading Company, the amiable owner met us at the Dutch door and welcomed us into the charming space, its walls chock-a-block with quirky British paraphernalia. (He then proceeded to chit-chat with patrons throughout the night, in between serving beers and washing glasses. We get the sense that this is one of those places “where everybody knows your name.”)

With 1970s hits streaming overhead, photos of cuddly dogs gracing the walls and old books lining the shelves, the dark and charming decor is a throwback to a rural British pub. Though the menu mainly consists of wine and beer, Samuel Smith cider proved to be a solid choice. We warmed up over tasty brews and shared conversations with fellow pub-goers from near and far before calling it a night. But something tells us we’ll be trotting back to this Post Alley nook soon. Tourists, shmourists!

White Horse Trading Company
1908 Post Alley
Seattle, WA 98101
206.441.7767
www.whitehorseseattle.com

Konichiwa

Just when we think we’re starting to grasp Seattle’s many distinctive neighborhoods, we find pockets of goodness that further surprise. On an uncharacteristically quiet corner of Capitol Hill, there’s a charming, brick, Revivalist Tudor-style building by local architect Arthur Loveless. Today this space is home to a collection of unique Seattle businesses. Among them? The Japanese-inspired artisan gallery KOBO, a perfect spot to load up on gifts and goodies that bring warmth to the giver and receiver.

KOBO, which translates as “artist’s workspace,” stocks Japanese and Northwest fine crafts—traditional and contemporary works done in clay, fiber, metal, wood, bamboo, textile and paper. The store hosts exhibits six times a year and is a year-round trove of treasures like Japanese-character pottery, Asian still-life photos, graphite olive-branch pieces, Kimonomono baby wear, anime posters and NAMU’s tees..

(Also on our to-visit list: KOBO at Higo, a sister shop and gallery space located in Seattle’s historic Japantown and housed in the former Higo Variety Store, run by the Murakami family continuously for 75 years.) KOBO, we’re so happy to meet you.

KOBO Capitol Hill
814 E Roy
Seattle, WA 98102
206.726.0704
www.koboseattle.com

Cancel Those Plane Tickets!

If we designed a spa, we’d make it just like the brand-new Yuan Spa in downtown Bellevue. This Asian-inspired, 8,000-square-foot space offers massage, holistic healing and spa therapies, from bathing pools to a eucalyptus steam room and exfoliating sea-salt bar, plus Reflexology, Acupuncture, even mani/pedis and blow-outs. Who needs a vacation? Everything you need to relax is here.

What: Yuan Spa Now Open
Where: 1032 106th Avenue NE, Bellevue
Call:  425.449.8788
Visit: www.yuanspa.com

Valentine’s Dinner at Volunteer Park Café

Take your sweetie, mom, sister, or BFF out on Valentine’s Day for a special dinner at Volunteer Park Café! It’s $75 per person for a gorgeous menu including Fondue for Two, Meyer Lemon Risotto with Sea Scallop, Lamb Rack with Minty White Beans and Pomegranate Greek Yogurt, and Chocolate Raspberry Tart. We’re in love!

What: V-Day Dinner at Volunteer Park Café
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 pm
Where: 1501 17th Avenue East 
Reservations: 206.328.3155
Visit: www.alwaysfreshgoodness.com

Pretties on Sale!

It’s time for the Winter Sale by local jeweler Joanna Morgan Designs. Pick up something pretty to add the finishing touch to an outfit, or to make an outfit! You’ll want to dress around her jewelry—not vice versa! We’re especially fond of the silver & pearl earrings pictured here. Perfect.

What: Winter Sale at Joanna Morgan Designs
When: Happening now!
Visit: www.joannamorgandesigns.com