Please help Spike! (updated)

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*Updated Saturday 10/8/11

This is a special plea from one of the bulldog rescues I support!

This sweet little guy is Spike, a 4-year-old English bulldog. He was surrendered at the ER due to serious bladder stones that his family couldn't afford. Turns out he also had an enlarged prostate, bladder infection and needs a neuter badly.

Spike is now in the care of Bulldog Haven Northwest. He underwent surgery earlier this week, where the doctor neutered him and removed 10 stones from his urethra & 3 from his bladder. He just went home to his foster mom's after a few days recuperating at the vet.

I'm in love this little guy. He looks just like my angel baby Meaty <3

His vet bill skyrocketed to over $2000. Because this has happened in a matter of days, BHNW is putting out a call for your help in covering Spike's vet bill. Add to that the special needs for the dogs BHNW is already caring for, it's a lot to take on unexpectedly. If anyone can give to the rescue, every dollar helps!

You can donate via ChipIn on the Bulldog Haven website;

Screenshot of Bulldog Haven NW's Spike fund

Or checks via snail mail at: Bulldog Haven NW, P.O. Box 1120, Marysville, WA 98270

Seriously, anything helps. Thank you so much! 

Bulldog Haven NW is a rescue and adoption organization that provides a safe place for English and French Bulldogs, mental & physical rehabilitation, rehoming, breed specific shelter assistance and more.

One final note: these problems could've been avoided if Spike had been neutered at an early age. PLEASE, if you're thinking about getting a dog (especially bulldogs as they have many health problems), READ UP on caring for your pup! There's a lot of time, energy, care and money that go into this commitment. 

Recap: Dolce Gusto dinner at Crush

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A couple of weeks ago, Nescafe invited a few Seattle food & lifestyle bloggers out to Crush for a private dinner party to sample their new Dolce Gusto line of at-home coffee machines & flavors. For those of you who may not be familiar with Crush, it is one of Seattle's finest culinary gems. James Beard 2010 award winner Chef Jason Wilson and wife Nicole have created an absolutely top-notch experience in both venue and menu at Crush. After our first time there with dear friends Sarah & Frank (Going for Seconds), it's become my top recommendation for any intimate dinner or special occasion. So naturally when this opportunity came to me, I couldn't pass it up!

A Dolce Gusto cappuccino

NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® combines the expertise and history of NESCAFÉ® coffee making with the hallmarks of Delonghi® precision, engineering and technical perfection. Now coffee rookies like myself can make cafe-style beverages like a pro, in the comfort of our homes! For the dinner party, we enjoyed amazing appetizers and a trip to the Crush backyard garden, where Chef had us picking our own herbs for the crab cakes we'd have later. Not being a foodie on the level of some other bloggers I know - it was such a treat to have my favorite chef in the city give us his time and energy for this dinner! Our dinner was capped off with sweet sea salt caramels paired with various Dolce Gusto drinks.

Truffled chevre gougeres

Hawaiian ahi tuna crudo w/black garlic & sunchoke

In the Crush garden w/Chef Jason Wilson

He's laughing & I'm in disbelief I'm standing there!

Heirloom tomato chutney and garden basil w/ricotta

This doesn't look like a Bloody Mary but it is. And it was SCRUMPTIOUS

Crisp Berkshire pork belly with confit apples and fig mustard

Crab cake demo

Crab cakes w/garden lovage aioli

I had six different beverages that night.

nomz

Getting educated on our post-dinner cafe beverages

Alaskan pure sea salt caramels & watermelon goodness

Mine looks like a penguin! The PIccolo machine & a couple of flavors to boot

Recap: IADT's IMAGINE Fashion Show

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Last weekend, I attended the IADT IMAGINE Fashion Show at the beautiful Benaroya Hall. The sixth annual show was such an elegant, well-put together production, with music accompaniment by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra; sponsor love from Macy's, DList Magazine and more; appearances by Miss Washington and her court; and emcee duties by Teresa Gonzalez of the local Univision chapter. 

IMAGINE featured casual/daywear, cocktail and evening wear designs from IADT students. One designer was awarded the Designer of the Year in each category by a panel of Northwest fashion community representatives, including David Blackham of David Lawrence and Alison Brownrigg of NW Source.

Thanks to Jocelyn Chui and Tony Wong of the Seattle Chinese Times for some of these great photos!

Seattle Style: Laura Haithcock

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Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. 

Seattle Style is a monthly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet the iconic Laura Haithcock:

J.Crew pencil skirt / Gap blouse / H&M belt & ring

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

What do you do?

Advertising account management, web production and design, blogger, milliner, vintage inspired styling. And baking, lots of baking.

Deco Modiste blouse / Express pencil skirt / Steve Madden purse / Banana Republic cuff / vintage orange pearl earrings

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

How would you describe your style?

I enjoy gathering inspiration from all kinds of places, but love taking super feminine style cues from female Motown icons, French yé-yé girls, cute rockabilly attire and bombshells from the 60s. I lean towards fashion that works for the female shape and draws from classic, well-tailored standards.

Anthropologie dress / H&M cardigan / vintage gold and mother of pearl bracelet

Photo credit: Andy Westbrock

What are your favorite shops?

I love a good search through the Seattle vintage shops for pieces that are unique and that will have timeless appeal, but also shop at Anthropologie, Nordstrom and local shops including Meadow, Velouria, Queen Anne Dispatch and Rhinestone Rosie's.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

People in Seattle commit to their interests and that has made for a city full of individuals who are inspiring, intriguing and entrepreneurial. There is constant creative energy that is contagious and exciting. I'm repeatedly inspired by friends who are trying new experiences, creating startups and finding ways to promote community involvement.

Thanks Laura!

Find her at Birdie Royale and on Twitter.

Recap: Girl Power Hour 4th Anniversary

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Girl Power Hour kicked off Bellevue Fashion Week by celebrating its fourth anniversary last week and it definitely lived up to its Glambition name! Founder Darnell Sue and her team of Power Girls have worked super hard to make GPH one of the most popular, most consistently high-quality networking events in town. While normally for ladies only, the Anniversary Party is open to the fellas too - and both genders came lookin real fly.

Thanks Darnell for a great party! Congratulations GPH on your fourth year - and to many more!

With Tori, Morgan Carson (Rene Ropas), Jaymee & Mollie (Mollie in Seattle)

With Mary Lou (Girl's Guide to Seattle)

With Alyson (Crushing on Clothes), Mary Lou, Emily (Seattle Sota), Juli & Aleksa

Free People installation

With Girl Power Hour founder Darnell Sue

Having fun in the Seattle Met photo booth!

With Zong of the GPH team

With Tori, Mollie, Corrie of GPH, Gianmarco, Anisa & Jodie

Vintage handbag from Sustalux

Tete Couture headband / Forever 21 dress / Ann Taylor bauble bracelet / Julian Louie for Aldo wedges

Tete Couture headband

Fresh Faves: TwinSistr Vintage

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Sometimes the very best vintage shopping experiences are fleeting moments you stumble upon. In Seattle, one of the most beautiful of those moments is TwinSistr vintage. I first met Maria at BadWill Market, and since then have seen her at various other Capitol Hill flea markets, including Comet Tavern's, that empty space between Big Mario's Pizza & Caffe Vita, and her own monthly art showcase & market, ArtAche at the Vermillion. She's totally sweet and everything she sells is reasonably priced. While my girl Dana's Sustalux finds are in designer and eras before 1980, Maria fills in the gap with carefully chosen pieces from the last couple of decades. She's responsible for my Kelly Kapowski dress, sweet raincoat and a good portion of the rest of my current wardrobe favorites.

Take a look at one of her latest photoshoots, with photographer Anastasia Kiryanova. These amazing shots were styled by TwinSistr & feature some Capitol Hill hotspots:

The beautiful Maria of TwinSistr!

I loved all of Anastasia & Maria's photos so much, it was so hard to decide which ones to post - so I posted the full set on the FreshJess Facebook page! Head over there to see them all.

Fresh Eats: BOKA Kitchen + Bar featuring The Mix List

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Last week, I was invited to BOKA Kitchen + Bar's tasting for The Mix List, the restaurant's new menu of fine, handcrafted cocktails by six of its talented bartenders. While most Seattleites might look at BOKA as just the bar for Hotel 1000, the restaurant actually boasts a great American menu, with brunch, happy hour and an extensive Northwest-focused wine list. Signature to BOKA are its delicious truffle fries - which you can get for free if you check in on FourSquare!

The Mix List is a seasonal list, spearheaded by BOKA's bar manager and Seattle mixologist Mi-Suk Ahn. Mi-Suk and team delivered with six of the tastiest, unique fall/winter drinks I've ever had!  Just like we adjust our wardrobes for the colder weather, now we can easily adjust our cocktail preferences with The Mix List. Photos and more info on the drinks below:

Mi-Suk Ahn, BOKA's lead bartender, tells us about her handcrafted, aged whiskey

Le Foret ($10, by Mike)

Thyme-infused vodka, porcini stock, truffle salted rim, Manchego cheese garnish

"Le Foret is inspired by my favorite dish to cook in the fall: porcini-thyme polenta. I love the inimitable aroma of porcini mushrooms, which conjures up the imagery of a deep, wooded forest."

Leaf Erikson ($10, by Michael)

Ketel One vodka, Campari, Grand Marnier, topped w/sparkling wine & orange twist garnish

"The Leaf Erikson was inspired by a popular 1940s cocktail called The Viking. I took the original recipe and put my own luxury twist on it, topped with champagne. The champagne adds an effervescent note keeping with the change of the seasons."

Probably one of my favorite drinks of the night: The Grand Luxe

The Grand Luxe ($12, by Brittany)

Anniversario, Luxardo, Aperol, cherry bitters, strained & garnished with cherries

"Aged rums are the new bourbon & Pampero Anniversario rum is one of my favorites. Named after Hotel 1000's guest rooms, The Grand Luxe is a twist on a Manhattan emphasizing the depth & richness that I associate with the cool, drizzly weather of fall in Seattle."

Winter Rye ($9, by Brittany & mixed by Mi-Suk)

Rye whiskey, maple syrup infused with spice, topped with apple cider & cinnamon garnish

"Inspired by a cozy evening by the fireplace, this cocktail is infused with winter spices and topped with sparkling apple cider to make it crisp, just like the weather in Seattle during the fall. This drink, to me, incorporates the feeling of fall through its color, smell & taste."

This one was my favorite. Can you tell?

Not pictured:

The Benchmark ($10, by Taylor)

Brandy, Cointreau, maraschino liquor, lime juice, topped w/champagne & orange twist garnish

"In the early days of bartending, people looked to the fine hotel bars in New York and Chicago to find the best cocktail creations. Elegant & sophisticated, The Benchmark is mixed to capture the essence of Hotel 1000 & BOKA."

D-Licious ($10, by Dustin)

Beefeater gin, Dubonnet, orange juice, orange twist garnish

"Cocktail recipes do not have to be complex to achieve complex flavor. This is a simple, three-ingredient drink mixing quality liquor and fresh juice for an excellent combination that's both light and refreshing."

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The Mix List is now available with a sweet tasting passport. Check it out today!

BOKA Kitchen + Bar

www.BOKASeattle.com

Facebook / Twitter

Fresh Eats: The Walrus & The Carpenter

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My boyfriend and I are busy little bees. I know - everyone is busy - but when we're both at work all day and he goes to mixed martial arts training while I work out/blog/attend events, it can be difficult to carve time for one another. It's quite the treat, then, for us to go out somewhere great for drinks or dinner. The day the DList Magazine Young Northwest issue was released, he took me out to celebrate. I always like to choose new, interesting places, and so The Walrus & The Carpenter in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood was our destination for celebrating.

Take one look at the press page for The Walrus & The Carpenter and you'll get an idea of how easy it is to fall in love with this place. Tucked away in the Shilshole side of the Kolstrand building on Ballard Ave is this sweet gem of an oyster bar. The brainchild of Boat St. Cafe's award-winning Chef Renee Erickson, with Jeremy Price & Chad Dale, The Walrus has caught the eye of (and "best restaurant" nods from) Bon Appetit, New York Times, Mr. Porter and GQ Magazine, not to mention all of the local publications.

While you should come here simply for the most extensive oyster menu around, the cocktails here are absolutely amazing. Definitely a new favorite for the mister and I!

Recap: DList Magazine Young Northwest Party

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Here's a quick photo recap of DList Magazine's Young Northwest honoree party. I'm so grateful for all of my friends and loved ones who came across the bridge to Bellevue to support a lady! I couldn't have asked for a better group to hang with that night. Wish I'd gotten more pictures with the other great nominees like Dhruva Mikkelsen, Osiris Navarro, Casey Carter & Sasha Pasulka. 

Enjoy!

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Photo credit: Danielle Bortone-Holt

Meet the DList Magazine Young Northwest 2011 Honorees!

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You know how I said I was finally inspired to pick up blogging again in July? Well, that's because my dear friend Jen Joyce nominated me for Seattle lifestyle magazine DList's Young Northwest 2011 issue for Blogger!

For the first time, DList took to Twitter to see who might be a good candidate for the various categories in its Young Northwest honors. Although tweet votes were just one criteria in choosing each honoree, it helped the magazine find talent they might not have otherwise considered.

I have Jen and lots of dear friends to thank for putting me in the running. I write this blog to share information and personal insights with you, and I am incredibly humbled to have this year's Young Northwest honor. 

THANK YOU!!!

This sweet photo was taken in Olympic Sculpture Park by the talented Brian Oh.

Dimepiece Designs dress / Vintage bracelet / Ring from Nasty Gal / Hair & makeup by Dior Calloway

If you're in the Seattle area, I'd love to see you at the Young Northwest Party this Friday at Munchbar in Bellevue! You can meet all of this year's Young Northwest honorees. I'll be live tweeting using #DListYNW & blogging at the party, and I hear Report Shoes will be in the house! 

Band – Eldridge Gravy and the Court Supreme

Entrepreneur – Dhruva Mikkelsen, Shocking Goat

Jack of all Trades – Andy Karuza, Brand Buddee

Trail Blazers – Josh Berman & Ramel Williams, 4Evergreen Group

Blogger – Jess Estrada, Fresh Jess

Writer – Sasha Pasulka, Red Magnet Media Agency

Chef – Jason Stratton, Artusi

Mixologist – Ricardo Hoffman, Zig Zag

Photographer – Alvin Nguyen, Alvin Nguyen Photography

Socialite – Casey Carter, MissCaseyCarter.com

Artist – Adam Jackson, Adam Jackson Art

Filmographer – Zia Mohajerjasbi, Love & Shoestrings

Stylist – Osiris Navarro, Osiris the Great & Treats Club

Philanthropist – Michael Henrichsen, Play My Birthday Billy Idol

Congrats to all of the honorees, and thank you DList Magazine!

Read the issue online below!

Into the Deep

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Jotting down my thoughts! Instagram pic by Anisa

In July, I was FINALLY able to get back on a regular blogging schedule. After over a year of being extremely busy with work and life changes, with a borderline loss of interest in even continuing with the blog, I am so happy to be blogging on the regular again.

While I am still focused heavily on two big parts of my life (style and events), I want to dive more into other aspects as well. More of the restaurants I eat at, books I read, people who inspire me to be more. More of the non-profit work that stirs my heart alive and keeps handsome Meatball's memory fueling me.

Most of all, I want to be able to share thoughts and observations I'm having in this crazy life. I don't think any single post on FreshJess has resonated with people quite like when I write about my beloved Meatball. Posts like that are so easy for me to write because they come purely, truly and honestly from the heart.

While I have my focus on expanding the kinds of posts I do, I'd love to ask you, my lovely and amazing readers:

What do you want to see on Fresh Jess?

Is there a specific question or topic I should cover? More of something you've already seen? Please leave me a comment and let me know!

I can't say enough how much I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog.

Thank you!

Seattle Style: Sayra Morán

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Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. 

Seattle Style is a new weekly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet the stunning Sayra Morán:

H&M dress / Forever 21 sandals

What do you do?

I do marketing and client services for a legal support company, model for Seattle Models Guild, and direct a non-profit organization that sponsors orphaned students.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe it as comfortable, class and colorful. I wear high heels almost every day and I love pops of color!

Shirt from Nordstrom Rack / Express jeans / Steve Madden pumps

What are your favorite shops?

H&M, Express, and Nordstrom.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

I love how diverse and busy it is. There is always something going on and every neighborhood/area is different from the next.

Thanks Sayra!

Find her on Twitter.

Recap: Fashion's Night Out in Downtown Seattle

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Fashion's Night Out in Downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill were such a blast. The night was filled with special, limited edition offerings exclusively for FNO, music, cupcakes, champagne, photobooths & fun. It was the first year for the two neighborhoods, and they can only grow from here. I'm looking forward to a cohesive, concerted effort from Downtown retailers next year!

Here's my picture roundup for all of you. First up, the outfit. I kept it casual and cool, with lots of accessories to spice things up:

Hurley oversized sweater / Crochet tiered knit shorts from Strut in Austin / Julian Louie for Aldo wedges / Gold sequined vintage envelope clutch / One earring from Melrose Trading Post / Shell cuff from Philippines / Vintage bracelets

Put my hair in a bun later in the night. Vintage black sequined headband from Sustalux

Julian Louie for Aldo wedges

First stop: SPUN Sustainable Collective! With beauties Jen, Sara & Anisa

Second stop: Barneys with Seattle Met's Laura Cassidy and Mia

Third stop: Nordstrom Flagship! Look at that darling outfit on this girl in front of me. I didn't get her name :/

AlixRose & I doing what we do best!

TOMS Style Your Sole customization station

With some very stylish friends: Stephen, Sanda, Alix & Anisa

The life of Fresh Jess & Alix Rose: food, laughter, blogging, social media, agency life & general fashion shenanigans. Love her

Fourth stop: Alhambra with the lovely Osiris!

Fifth & final stop: Goorin Bros. Pike Place grand opening party. I spy Alix & Anisa!

With photographer / Goorin Bros / stylish guy A.J. Ragasa

Shoe party w/Alix & Anisa

Illin with Debra & Melenie

Seattle Style: Tiffany Southworth

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Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City.

Seattle Style is a new weekly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

This week, meet the lovely Tiffany Southworth:

All Saints Spitafields sequined top / H&M pencil skirt and skinny belt / Forever 21 leather jacket / Valentino heels

What do you do?

I'm an Adminstrative Executive at Evergreen Capital Management by day, and a freelance wardrobe stylist by night (and weekend).

Express blouse / H&M skinny jeans / Dolce Vita sandals (from Nordstrom) / Forever 21 necklace & knuckle cross ring

How would you describe your style?

If Chanel and Alexander McQueen had a fashion love child, that would be my style. I really fall for the classic and feminine look, but equally love the dark abstract and edgy look! I manage to incorporate both styles into my wardrobe. This probably has a lot to do with me growing up in Alabama and then moving to Seattle.

Thrifted dress (from Goodwill) / H&M skinny leather belt / Banana Republic clogs / Nordstrom coral necklace

What are your favorite shops?

Nasty Gal, All Saints Spitafields, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Free People, and the Fremont Vintage Mall. Aside from shops, I'm a big fan of making my own clothing and accesories (when I have extra time to burn in my day). There is something refreshing about wearing something you made yourself!

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

As far as the fashion industry goes, I love that Seattle has so much opportunity to grow and make a name for itself. There are so many talented and creative designers in this city! I believe it really is a matter of time before Seattle becomes a fashion capital.

Thanks Tiff!

Find her on Twitter

Seattle Style: Bianca Casimes

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Believe it or not, there are a lot of style mavens roaming the streets of the Emerald City. Seattle Style is a new weekly feature on FreshJess, giving you a look at some of the city's most stylish - who they are, what they do, and some of the very best out of their closet!

Our very first feature is on the incredibly stylish Bianca Casimes:

Amercian Apparel black top / Thrifted shorts / Bass oxfords / Thrifted clutch / DIY Necklace / Nixon watch 

What do you do?

By profession I'm an Interactive Designer at the social media agency, Banyan Branch. Side ventures include arts, blogging, graphic design and even front end development (when I'm feeling super nerdy).

Forever 21 hat / Urban Outfitters shirt / Zara skirt & shoes / Vintage purse (from Mom!)

How would you describe your style?

Generally on trend despite being scummy by nature. I'm definitely inspired by mixing styles as well as anything seventies-esque.

H&M skirt / Zara top / Thrifted purse / Shoes from a street shop in NYC / Gap belt

What are your favorite shops?

If I could own anything from one store it would be Aritzia. Other favorite store would be Zara, when I lived in Brooklyn it was my weekend destination.

What's your favorite thing about Seattle?

It's the only place I know that I can see the ocean, mountains, and still be in a city. I'm also a creative nerd and being surrounded by people who love tech and love art is the perfect catalyst to own growth. I can't imagine growing up anywhere else.

Thanks Bianca!

Find her at 7Pine.com

Love & Meatball

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I lost my baby a year ago today.

A friend of mine recently asked if anyone believed in love anymore. I said, "I do." I absolutely do. Love is an overwhelming, unconditional, unyielding motivation to care and be there for someone. Simply put, they somehow have the power to make you do things for them even if you don't want to! Most people experience this when they have their first human child. Mine just happened to come in the form of the most handsome bulldog of all time:

Love is the memories I'll hold onto forever, so that even if Meatball isn't physically here with me, I can go to them when I'm tired, having a bad day or just want to channel comfort, peace and warmth. I'll remember the tickle of his fur when I snuggled him, the sound of his snoring and the smell he protruded whenever he needed a bath. It's like corn chips and soy sauce I swear. These are things that stay with me every moment of my life. This is love.

Love is also the sound of my friends and family's voices when I called them in a blind shock that day. I didn't know what to do or what to say, and I'm sure they didn't either. But I needed them and they sat with me, sharing their own loss, words of comfort, or just silence while I sobbed and tried to process what was happening. Love is being there for me while we hibernated from the world that week, doing what we could to cope.

Finally, love is the drive that Meatball fuels within me. His spirit is laced in everything I do. When I am totally stressed out, doing too many things and find it difficult to focus, I know I am never alone. It might sound weird, but I just remember how I used to come home each day to his loving, often sleepy face. The look in his eyes and the feeling of coming home to that big ol' face is like a sea of calm to me. Everything is better already.

I tell people that we probably won't get another bulldog until we have a house. Since his passing, I've devoted most of my philanthropic efforts to animal safety and rights. I donate to ASPCA monthly, volunteer with Bullldog Haven NW & Cascade Bulldog Rescue, and contribute my time, money and energy to PAWS on a regular basis (including participating in PAWSwalk, a tradition started when Meaty was 3.)

More than anything, love is knowing that Meatball's passing will never be something to get over. Rather, Meatball's spirit, light and amazing presence courses through my veins and will illuminate the rest of my life.

xo

Jess

Fresh Snapshots: Tina Kirkpatrick, Curator, Gilt City Seattle

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Fresh Snapshots is a feature at FreshJess.com highlighting some of the best and brightest talents that I've encountered here in Seattle and beyond. In a few brief questions, you'll find out a little more about what makes these fabulous people tick - what lights the fire that inspires them to pursue their passions.

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Do you ever meet someone & understand immediately why you're drawn to them? That's how I felt upon meeting Tina Kirkpatrick, curator for Gilt City Seattle. Tina's got the entrepreneurial spirit and passion for life that I admire in a lot of women, from CRAVE's Melody Biringer and Darcey Howard to Queen Rania and more. I had the chance to interview Tina over a morning coffee date at Bauhaus, and really got to know the lady behind the already popular Gilt City Seattle.

A native of the Seattle area, Tina moved home from Chicago just a few weeks before the Gilt Groupe tapped her to head up their Seattle initiative. After a successful stint in the television industry as well as in directing business at a small floral shop in the Windy City, something was calling for Kirkpatrick to move home. Her work in turning the floral shop into a destination boutique with faithful clientele led to a partnership for the boutique with Gilt City Chicago, where she offered floral design classes with champagne & chocolates at a special package price. Her success as a boutique partner for Gilt City Chicago would lead to the offer to head up Gilt City Seattle upon her move home. Talk about things coming full circle!

I can't think of anyone who is more perfect for this role than Tina. She truly lives and breathes the Gilt City motto of "Love your city more." Having been on the business side of partnering with Gilt City, she carefully curates businesses who resonate with that motto, and features a fantastic diversity of Seattle establishments and experiences.

Tina works with each business to craft a unique Gilt City Seattle deal that's highly coveted but accessible to Gilt members. Each experience offer on Gilt City is the result of Tina's ability to showcase the best of a business while thinking outside of the box. It's really wonderful to see that Gilt City puts a lot of time and care into making sure each business they partner with will benefit from being included.

Kirkpatrick hit the ground running with Gilt City Seattle, assembling offers and experiences from some of Seattle's finest establishments. She launched the initiative in the city with lots of style, creating a Parisian garden pre-launch soiree with Chef Thierry Rautureau for Seattle influencers and a big launch party concert with Best Coast. She promises even more amazing offers from Gilt City Seattle in the weeks to come!

As far as her own favorite Seattle experiences, she says:

"Waking up, going for a jog to the top of Capitol Hill then back down to Pike Place Market. Watching the vendors unpack and set up their goods for the day, then having a coffee at Victor Steinbrueck Park while watching the sun come up over West Seattle."

and

"Spending time at my family's home (which is also part llama farm!) Drinking wine, savoring the mossy grass and the views of the Cascades."

and finally:

"The foam on the coffee at Uptown Espresso!"

I'd call that Northwest Urban Elegance at its finest :) I'm really looking forward to Tina's work in helping the Seattle small business community thrive through Gilt City.

Thanks for your time Tina!