Monday, June 18, 2012

Fremont Fair and Fabulous Fashionable Finds!

Project 36Smile!
Sat - Sun, June 16-17

Fremont Fair and Summer Solstice Saturday 
The Fremont area of Seattle prides its self on being quirky, creative and funky with unconventional entertainment. Cue the Fremont Fair and Summer Solstice Parade. It was definitely an unconventional site to see for sure. Described as a "non commercial, no logo" parade, visitors those baring it all, literally! Paraders rode bikes, ran, and walked, covered entirely in body paint or just in their good ole birthday suit. Why, you ask? Well the question remains unanswerable by me. But my husband and I had a blast trying to figure it out. Oh Seattle, you never cease to amaze me.

We did however manage to find a great local restaurant, called Pete's Fremont Firepit. Their menu does boast mainly barbecue items, so these Texan's felt at home. Chris tried their waffle fries with the works. It was the perfect combo of crispy waffle fries—is there anything better?—beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese and salsa. I indulged in the pulled pork quesadillas. The moist and tender pulled pork was right up there with some that we tried in Maui. This local Firepit won the hearts of two Texans.

Sunday Shopping
Now, one of the perks—or maybe curses, still haven't decided which—of working at U Village, is that I know when all the stores are having some great sales. And that just happened to be the case on Sunday. It was calling our names, and we just had to answer. Of course, we ended up at H&M perusing everything. But, honestly when do you not need to update your wardrobe? Summer is upon us, albeit sans the sun and bathing suits here in Seattle, but none the less, it's time for a Summer update. Here are some of the pieces I bought:

 I love this light green color. It goes great with any skin tone. Pair these kind of loose tops with high-waisted shorts or some fun, printed skinny jeans or tights. Add a colorful necklace to keep it simple and clean.
 This is one of my fav tops. I love how light the fabric feels and how the fabric lays longer in the back—perfect for tights. Pair with some coral skinny jeans and black tank underneath for the perfect Summer outfit. Feeling extra bold? Wear the shirt with just a black bra and a blazer with dark denim for that extra chicness.

Every stylista needs a perfectly, fitted and tailored blazer. And when it's on sale? Even better. This navy blue blazer retails at H&M for $54.00 and I bought it for $20! It fits perfectly!

I love these pieces because I already see myself wearing them a variety of different ways and with many accessories. Fashion wise, I'm ready. Now c'mon on weather!



36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year. 


Run for Your Mind, Body And Soul

Project 36Smile!

Wednesday found me running 4 miles in 27 mins! I normally don't put a time limit on my runs, which you shouldn't really do unless you're training for a marathon. I just run for mind, body and spirit. I do it to keep me healthy mentally, emotionally and physically. And it's the best feeling ever. I recommend that for anyone starting a running program to anyone who wants to start a healthy lifestyle. Just run for yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

Read my Thursday Fashion Find Here.


After almost a year of living here, I am still continuing to make great networking connections. A lot of it has to do with the power of Twitter, and of course some mutual friends. Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Murrow and Heather Harrington of Julep Nails. Thanks so much for the great meeting. I am beyond excited about this connection! 


If you don't know about Julep Nails, you must find out now. It's hard not to be excited about an environmentally-friendly and HEALTHY nail parlor where you and your girlfriends can relax the stresses away. Their Powered by Girlfriends program is so exciting because it's a female owned and operated company which continues to pay it forward by donating $1 of every Julep Nail Vernis to organizations that empower women. Sign me up!



36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year. 




Denim, Espadrilles and Maxi's Oh My

Project 36Smile!

As if my love of fashion and blogging about some of my fav trends wasn't enough to satiate me fashion palate, I began working at Madewell on Thursday. Here are some of my favorite pieces:



Denim on denim is H-U-G-E right now and I love these pieces! You can pair this denim shirt with everything under the sun for the casual vibe. And these are my favorite dark denim skinny jeans. Roll the ends twice for a super, clean look. 

I have tried this one in black and white and love both of them! I use to shy away from shirts like this thinking "It looks so grandma-ish." But paired with a white tank, a neon necklace or some vintage beads, you're ready for your Summer debut. Sling on a blazer for your work days. 

Being a vertically challenged person (I'm 5'3''), you will most likely always find me in some kind of heels, wedges or espadrilles. These Streetside Sandals are perfect for that fancy brunch or even running errands. 

I am IN LOVE with this Hammock Maxidress. It is so hard to find maxi dresses for me since I am so short. But this was the perfect length! Accessorize with a fun scarf or vintage chunky necklace or earrings. 



36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year. 



Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Madewell with Mary Kay

Project 36Smile!

Yesterday, I started orientation at Madewell in U Village! I'm actually kind of excited because I am beyond obsessed with their clothes and accessories. They are owned by J. Crew so you know their quality is of the highest caliber and customer service is the best. I love how chic yet casual their fashion is with the perfect accessories to add that something special to your outfit. 

Today, I found out I won a Mary Kay raffle receiving over $100 worth of products! I am excited to try their new Botanicals Effects Skin Care Line with all natural ingredients containing a hypoallergenic, antioxidant-rich complex free of synthetic dyes or added fragrance. Their Art of Nature Collection is perfect for Spring. I can't wait to try the limited edition Mary Kay Pearl Eye Color, Limited Edition Mary Kay Dual Lip Glaze: Glistening Sand and the Limited Edition Mary Kay Nail Lacquer, Lava. And every girl needs new mascara so I got the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara. You're also never too young to continue taking care of your eyes, so I'm trying the Soothing Eye Gel with Calm Influence.  Always a good feeling when you win new products! Can't wait to try them out. Stay tune for my reviews! 







36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year. 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Little Pleasures in Life

Project 36Smile!

Friday: I love when I am able to meet my husband for an early lunch down town. We grubbed on some great fish tacos at Jacks Fish House at Pike Place Market. It is a very unasuming place, but the fish is moist, tender and flaky with the perfect compliment to their tasty aioli sauce. The long lines are worth the wait for sure. We also indulged in a home made cinnamon roll. There is nothing like the smell of freshly baked cinnamon roll. It got us and we loved it! Oh, the simple pleasures in life :) 

We also watched Prometheus in 3D. It's definitely worth seeing in 3D being visually appealing and the acting was decent. It was a little to sci-fi for me, but over all it was good. 

I also had a great meeting with Laura Gonia of Weber Shandwick. It is a great global, PR agency with a high caliber of clients. It was wonderful to meet another passionate, motivated PR lady here in Seattle. 

Saturday greeted us with amazing sunny weather. As we were walking the dog we saw a red Radio Flyer wagon. Who didn't have one of these as a kid! It reminded me of me and my sister pulling each other in it up and down our drive way. We also used it to help our dad in the yard to bring extra dirt when he was building the fountain or moving bricks. It reminded Chris of pulling his sisters in it too while riding bikes around the neighborhood. 

We also stopped at the local basketball court and shot some hoops. Chris used to play basketball and I used to play with my brother all the time. It was great to get out of the house while exercising too. 

The sunny weather always gets me in the mood to run. Once again, I tried to get my hubby to run, but to no avail. But Sunday did find me running, a visit to the dog park and riding our bikes down to Kerry Park. Chris was excited to cruise around though—whatever gets you excited and off the couch—do it! This is the view that greeted us at Kerry Park that Chris took from his iPhone:



We definitely take advantage of the wonderful weather—as seldom as it is—and get out as much as possible! 

Relish the little pleasures in life: time with your loved ones, smells of the local bakery that entices you to indulge in your favorite treat, reminisce in your childhood memories, meet your significant other for lunch, dust off that old bike in the garage and enjoy the weather!


36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year. 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

BTW Your Pants Are BadA**

Project 36Smile!

Never underestimate the kindness of strangers here in Seattle. Which is generally known for the "Seattle Freeze/Chill."

I was out walking my dog and as we past another fellow dog owner, we stopped to let them say hello. And she makes some comments about the dogs and then says:

"By the way, your pants are bad ass! Where did you get them? They are great!"

Why thank you kind stranger! Here is a picture of what got her attention:



Right now, I am beyond obsessed with my colored skinny jeans. I have them in red, neon blue, jean, and black. I am thinking about getting fuchsia as well, and maybe yellow. They are great here in Seattle because you can pair them with flats—which doesn't always look great with the flared jean look—for a casual day or dress them up with statement heels and blazer on top.

Don't be afraid to wear red, coral, pink, magenta, yellow or any colors in the neon family. They are huge right now, especially for the Spring. And trust me when you put them on rather then the same boring jeans, you'll have a little more pep in your step—literally :)

Be bold! What's the next color of jeans you'll step out in?


36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year. 




Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Belief In Yourself

Project 36Smile!

I will be honest: today was a little hard to find something to make me smile. It's been gloomy, rainy and basically crappy all day. On top of receiving some not to happy news about this ongoing job search; I didn't get my run in but I did mange a workout inside, which isn't my favorite. But working out when you don't want to is probably the best thing. So just get up and move.

But an inspirational quote came at the right time today:

"Belief in yourself gives you the GREATEST power!"

My mentor and former boss—Laura Pennino of Pennino and Partners— sent this to me very recently and I happened to fall upon it today for some reason. Not having a job is a tough pill to swallow. Especially if you have a hard-working, award-winning art director of a husband whom you want to make proud, as well as your parents.

But believing in my self is something Laura and my mom continue to tell me. If you don't believe in yourself, than no one else will. If you don't love yourself, than no one will. I continue to live with that in mind everyday, especially during this tough job search and interviews I go on.

It definitely has the power to do some great things.

Next time you don't feel you can make that project deadline, your kid had a rough day at school, you're too self conscience to wear the color red, you think you're too short to wear the popular maxi dress, think someone else deserved the promotion, remember:


"Belief in yourself gives you the GREATEST power!"  

Now, where's my glass of vino?



36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year. 




Monday, June 4, 2012

Road Trippin', Food Eatin', Family Fun Kind of Week

Project 36Smile!

May 26 - June 4

The past week has been kind of busy and crazy with some family time and great opportunities for me in the future.

Chris and I had the pleasure of his mom and sister visiting us for 10 days so I've been playing hostest :) Anyone who knows me, knows that family is one of the most important things to me and we had such a great time showing them around the Emerald City. Just some of the many things we did that made me smile:

Took a weekend road trip up to Olympic National Park stopping at Port Townsend on the way. This is one of my favorite small towns to visited! The food is great, especially Public Grill House, shopping is wonderful with some cute antique shops and one of my favorite Nautical stores to peruse. 
Stayed in the Twilight-happy town of Forks, Washington. Had some great pizza in this little mom and pop place and breakfast at their local "Denny's"
Made a pit stop at Lake Crescent—so beautiful! 
Our second night we stayed at Ocean Shores, Wa. Talk about a little tourist town if I'd ever seen one! We thought the stores in Port Aransas and South Padre were touristy, but this definitely held it's own. 
We imbibed at the hotel lounge on some fancy cocktails and bowled the night away at their local bowling alley—that was about all the town had to offer. 
The beach of course was nice, for a beach in Wa. 
We visited Olympia and toured the state Capitol building. Rich in history—it's worth a visit. 
We took a chocolate factory tour at Theo Chocolate, one of only 20 chocolate factories in the world with only about five ingredients in its chocolate—the way it should be. 
Witnessed Shear Madness playing at the Moore Theater. OMG this was by far the funniest play I have seen in a long time! It is embarking on it's first national tour and I am telling you if you have a chance to see it, don't miss out! You will be rollin' on the floor and LOL the entire time! Great acting and comedic timing by the cast. A must see!
Visited the Ballard Locks, shopped at U Village and Westlake Center
We took them over to Gas Works and Kerry Park to get some amazing views of the city. 
We of course took them to some of our favorite restaurants and eateries: Five Spot, Burgermaster, Homegrown (love their turkey, bacon and avacado), Top Pot Donuts, Athina Grill (the best Greek food I've tried here in Seattle). 

Overall, I'd say we had a fantastic time! We love showing our friends and family who come visit us, our little home and the places that make living away from them, just a little better. 

Would love to hear what made you smile today or this past weekend. Whether it was just reading a good book, playing with your kids in the yard, catching up with an old friend or seeing a movie you've been dying to see—take time to relish in the moments that make us smile :)

36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about, sharing memories, anecdotes and much more that make her smile 365 days of this year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it! The "S" in 36Smile resembles the "5" in 365 days a year.