Game Changer: Elhana Healing

So far, this year has been a big one for transformation of mind, body and soul. Maybe it's because I am turning the big 3-0. Maybe it's because I yearn for what many of us do - focus & clarity. By a series of happenstance, three ladies have been instrumental in helping me on that journey. I am supremely grateful my world includes such compassionate women who are stunningly beautiful inside and out. I don't know that I can ever thank them enough for enriching my life, but I can forever try. Thank you for changing the game for me for the better!

The first game changer I'd like to introduce you is Rachel and Elhana Healing.

Rachel and I met through mutual friends and social media. Life brought bikram yoga into her life, and eventually led her to explore reiki healing. For those who aren't familiar, reiki healing helps move and balance energy, removing blocks and restoring your inner well-being. After exploring it for herself, Rachel decide to share her knowledge with the world, starting with a small workshop for a few ladies she knew. I immediately jumped at the chance to take it.

The past couple of years have been quite the ride for me. Through many situations and circumstances good and bad, I got to a place in my life where it always felt like there was a fog in my head. It was hard to focus and even more difficult to keep my goals in sight. At my worst, I'd seek out distractions from the self-care and responsibilities I should have been focused on.

Rachel's 6-week workshop really helped me understand how our quieting our body and mind can really restore all of that within me. I am not just saying that because she said my spirit guide reminded her of Beyonce, but Filipino and older. :) Through meditation, various exercises and a deep-dive into each of our seven chakras, I've really learned how tuning into my self can really bring some focus and clarity back in my life. The workshop sometimes made us confront things we'd gotten used to not addressing - harboring negative energy and the art of forgiveness for starters. I feel like our time together was way too short, but Rachel's workshop really gave me the insight I need to take control when too much noise, chaos and overall 'busyness' tries to dominate my life. We are all busy, but we also have the power to make sure we don't lose ourselves.

Rachel is starting Friday healing sessions on an individual basis this month. Email her at elhanahealing@gmail.com if you'd like to explore some reiki healing for yourself!

30Fresh30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

Fresh Jess at Lucky FABB West 2013!

I'm in L.A. for the next couple of days for my third Lucky FABB conference! 

A year ago this month, I was fresh into my freelance life when I attended this conference for the first time. With so many tumultuous thoughts on my life and career floating around in my head at the time, I decided to head to Santa Monica with a clear mind. 

No live-tweeting, no incessantly checking work email, no client fires I'd have to put out during a talk, no uncomfortable drinking with co-workers I'd otherwise never share a drink with. I would absorb Lucky FABB for what it was, and just soak up every moment. 

And it was wonderful. I can't tell you the last time I'd attended a conference and truly just enjoyed it. For being there at such a crucial turning point in my life, Lucky FABB will always have a special place in my heart. I'm looking forward to another round of excellent speaking panels and keynotes, workshops and parties!

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for all the action!

30Fresh30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

Spike Rules Everything Around Me

Oh Spike, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

When Jacob and I first talked about getting a dog, I wanted one that'd fit in a purse. Luckily, Jacob talked me out of it and we got our first bulldog, your brother Meatball. Sadly, sweet Meaty passed away suddenly in 2010 (read that story here.) A year and a half of grief passed and I swear I couldn't define who I was anymore. Then you, handsome Spike, came waltzing into our lives via emergency rescue by Bulldog Haven NW. Though Jacob and I had been supporting BHNW, PAWS, The Humane Society and other animal-related non-profits since Meaty passed, we'd never owned or fostered a rescue before. But when I saw your face, Spike, it was game over - Gatorade, wet towel. You had to be mine. 

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

Words can't really express what it's like to be a bulldog mom. I tell people I went freelance to focus on my blog, but a big part of it is so I could spend more time with you. Our schedules are built around you, Spike. No matter how much mom & dad have on our plates, you are absolutely number one over everything.

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

I love your personality boo. You are so full of life and love to meet other doggies wherever you go. You love meeting other humans too. Like, a lot. We like to joke that you're plotting to leave us for richer and better-looking parents :) I am convinced you are the leader of the pack at doggie daycare and that you flirt with every lady you meet. Such a little Romeo you are. (Don't worry - I won't tell the ladies you chase around lasers like a cat.) You're the perfect co-pilot for all of our adventures.

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

I wrote this letter so everyone could meet one of the biggest pieces of my life. I also wrote this as a little thank you to you, Spike. I'm meant to be your mama and life feels like it has a lot more definition with you in it. Bulldog Haven NW sent you off to a new home, but what they really gave me was one of the greatest gifts life has ever brought me. You were the key to bringing me back to life post-Meaty. I love you boo bear!

Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog
Spike the English bulldog

A list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

30Fresh Aces: David Hoang

Each week during 30Fresh, I'll introduce you to a couple of incredible people whose soul, energy, humor, talent, intellect and dreams light up my life. I think the world of them and hope you do too!

Next up in the Aces series - David Hoang!

David and I met how I meet most people nowadays - through Twitter. He'd gone to college with my then-colleague and forever 'work wife', Nikki and her husband Paul, but David and I didn't meet IRL (in real life) until he'd moved out to Brooklyn in New York. We met up for tacos and Mexican Cokes at Brooklyn Flea and the rest is history.

We're not at Brooklyn Flea, but we are at Outpost Coffee, down the street from the Flea's location in Ft. Greene. Outpost is owned by a Pacific NW native!

David is one of the nicest, most supportive people I've ever met. All of my Aces are, really, but David is an incredible friend who goes the extra mile to make sure his friends succeed. He lays it all out in his tweets, so you can follow him on Twitter or peep his website.

What's on your playlist right now?

I love any music that brings positive energy—might make you want to get up and dance or work on some designs. Two Indie artist I am loving right now are Man Without Country (from Wales) and Data Romance (from Vancouver, BC.)

This is my current mix I listen to at work:

  • 'Harder Better Faster Stronger' by Daft Punk: This is my theme song when I work.

  • 'Drive It Like You Stole It' by The Glitch Mob

  • 'No Sleep Till Brooklyn' by The Beastie Boys: I dreamed of living in Brooklyn as a kid because of this song, and I now live a few blocks from where Adam Yauch grew up in Downtown Brooklyn (#RIPMCA)

  • 'Act Too (The Love of My Life)' by The Roots

  • 'Jay's Game' by Run DMC: I could listen to this jam on repeat all day. My dream would be to hear Jam Master Jay (RIP) and Mix Master Mike battle it out on the turntables.

  • 'Bonafied Lovin' by Chromeo: This song makes any dude feel like a slab of man—so much swagger.

  • 'Hippie Priest Bum-Out' by LCD Soundsystem

  • 'Touch the Sky' by Kanye West: I can't tell you how much I love Kanye. This is my fight song when it comes to making dreams happen.

  • 'The Fragile' by Nine Inch Nails

Describe your style.

I think my style for life is high craftsmanship. I don't necessarily mean expensive. When I mean craftsmanship, I mean time, care, and passion put into something, whether it is a painting, blog post or material. This applies to life in general. With my friends, I like to surround myself of passionate practitioners of life, in whatever they do. I love intricate details and consideration.

My favorite clothing line is All Saints. The fact that you are surrounded by sewing machines as you walk in is really appealing to me. There is a lot of care and consideration for aesthetics, i their clothing and how they ship it.

Who inspires you?

My mom. She's my best friend. I am always reminded by her to do what I truly love, be there for your family, friends, be humble and to love everyone. She never complains about what she doesn't have or didn't get to do, but feels blessed to have what she has in her life.

In terms of professional role models, I really look up to Jonathan Ive (Senior VP of Industrial Design) and Jack Dorsey (Creator of Twitter and Co-Founder of Square). Both these men really love the work they do and really push design. Though people pay a lot of attention to them, their focus is on the work vs. receiving fame or notoriety.

And of course, my close friends. They work hard, care, but most importantly, call you out when you need to be called out—that's why I love them.

Wilson aka MegaKitty

Wilson aka MegaKitty

David forgot to mention his biggest inspiration - Wilson aka MegaKitty

What are you reading?

I like using Pocket to read articles my friends have posted on Twitter. Pocket all the things and read it later at a coffee shop after work. I've been really into reading interviews of entrepreneurs. Most of the people I am interested in don't blog but they often do interviews.

For books, I've been reading a lot of fiction related to the city of New York. Since I'm not from here I like to read narratives based on the mystic of it. I'm currently reading The Saint in New York by Leslie Charteris. Simon Templar is such a bad ass. Think James Bond meets The Scarlet Pimpernel. I always have time for reading the classics. I also read the Iliad at least once a year. It is literally epic.

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

Every day is a gift and I'm so excited to take advantage of each one I get. Our company Xhatch has started doing our own apps and I'm really thrilled about this direction. In addition we still get to work with some of the best clients anyone can ask for. One of them is a very cool iPhone app with someone in Seattle who I really admire. You'll see!

I'm also happy to announce that I will be living on the West Coast part time to establish our presence there. I love New York and will never leave it, but that doesn't mean I can't live anywhere else. My number is still 206. Always West Coast at heart.

Thank you!

30Fresh. 30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

30Fresh Aces: Carrie

If there's anything during 30Fresh I'm most stoked to share with you, it's my Aces series. Each week, I'll introduce you to a couple of incredible people whose soul, energy, humor, talent, intellect and dreams light up my life. I think the world of them and hope you do too!

First up, meet Carrie. This Puerto Rican Brooklyn beauty came into my life during the first workshop I took time out of my busy schedule for - Stratejoy's Lifestyle Design course. We're all busy, right? I'd reached a point where I was busy, yes, but doing things I wasn't sure I wanted to be doing five years from that point. Carrie and I poured our hearts and lives out for Molly and the other women in our workshop. We've been friends ever since!

I have always admired Carrie's tenacity and spirit. She's been through several big life changes since we've met, and she puts it all out there as she evolves. She's created a supportive community through Twitter - if you're there, follow her at @GirlAndCoconut

What's on your playlist right now?

I have all kinds of stuff, but I tend to put these on repeat:

  • Miguel - Adorn: because well, he is le sexy. I just saw him in concert last Friday and yes, yes, yes!! Also I'm girl crushing hard on his girlfriend.

  • Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire: Miguel opened for her and she put on an incredible show, the girl has got it better than a lot of em and at the beginning of this year I decided this was my theme song for the year.

  • Kev702 - Breakin a Sweat: This is a friend of a friend here in Vegas and the guy has talent, as does the drummer (also a new friend) on the track. This song always makes me take it up a serious notch in the gym.

  • Beastie Boys - No Sleep Til Brooklyn: no explanation needed

  • Nero/Skrillex - Promises - This track gets me through my early morning cardio sessions

  • Irene Cara - What a Feeling (Flashdance): Because, well, I'm old.

  • Rihanna - Stay: The song gets me in my emo place and I love it

  • Sabi - Wild Heart: This song just feels like me.

  • Kaskade - Live at Coachella: I'm just in love with this set, over and over and over again.

Describe your style.

Ummm, what style? Jess, can you like style me? Can you, like, make me have style? Right now I would call my style "I work out a lot and live in workout clothes but I try to dress up yoga capris to not look like I live in workout clothes."

Who inspires you?

Laura OlsonSara Seumae, Jess Estrada :) I also find inspiration from so many people in little things, anytime someone says something or posts a pic that makes me think, makes me reflect on myself and want to do better..

What are you reading?

My book reading life took a serious downward turn at the onset of my Twitter life. It hasn't recovered. I mostly end up reading nutrition and health articles online. If I want information about something, I will research endlessly until I feel like I have all of the important information.

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

I'm excited about some travel I have planned this year. So far the Bahamas and a big trip to Australia are on the agenda. I'm also SO excited about and looking forward to having my Seattle besties come to Vegas in May!! I'm really excited about just taking advantage of the summer here in Vegas and really get out and enjoy myself. I'm also excited about tackling some seriously huge things that have been holding me back, this is the year I'm going to get them resolved and move onward.

Thank you!

30Fresh30 days of posts celebrating 30 years - and 5 of Fresh Jess!

Announcing 30Fresh!

April is here! I alluded to it last week, but this month on Fresh Jess shall henceforth be known as 30Fresh. I am turning 30 this month, and will also be celebrating five years of blogging! Fresh Jess is technically already five (if you look at the archives, they'll date back to February 2008), but I kept this blog on the low for a couple of months until I felt comfortable telling everyone I was blogging. I've never celebrated blog birthdays before, but five years blogging and thirty years overall felt like a good milestone for cupcakes, balloons and some extra, extra-special posts.

This is what I looked like when I started Fresh Jess! Still eatin them cupcakes though

So what can you expect to see this month? 

A deeper look at me and my life than ever before. After years of simply sharing cool things I learned about, I've slowly started to incorporate more of my self and what's currently taking precedence in my life in more posts (see my Resolution Challenge ones for example.) Every single post this month will have exceptional significance to me. I've interviewed my best friends, have special features in the queue on my family & dog, rundowns of my favorite people, places and things, and so much more. I've enlisted the creative talents of a couple of my friends to bring you some new and fresh photos, imagery and sounds. During 30Fresh, you'll also see the introduction of five new contributors to Fresh Jess. These amazing young talents are the natural evolution of this blog as I take on and explore more projects in the name of FJ.

There'll be one post every day this month dedicated to 30Fresh, so it's pretty straightforward - but if you need to, look for this photo in my sidebar & at the bottom of each post to find all related posts.

So let's get it! 

Let's start this off with ten simple facts about me. If this is your first time here, or first time paying attention, whatever - this is a good list to start from. 

  1. I was born & raised in Seattle - a rarity in the city nowadays. I've had a string of great opportunities that have kept me here. It's not totally out of the question to see me living elsewhere, but for now I'm having a blast in the 206.
  2. I'm 100% Filipina-American. My family speaks Tagalog & Ilocano.
  3. My boyfriend is a professional mixed martial arts fighter. That's not his primary full-time job (yet), but it's awesome and I'm immensely proud of him.
  4. We are the proud parents of Spike, the english bulldog. We adopted Spike in November 2011 from Bulldog Haven NW, a local rescue we've both supported regularly since our first boy, Meatball, passed away in 2010.
  5. I'm an information junkie. I love to read. My Twitter faves, Pocket saves, Google Reader (sorry - Feedly) & email are all filled with gems of articles and I make it a point to read through them at least once a week.
  6. If you ever need to get a hold of me, send me a tweet.
  7. This year I've started to incorporate more of a superfood diet into my life. However, I cannot resist a good Mexican Coke when the time is right.
  8. I have a love/hate relationship with working out. Who doesn't, right? I call any kind of working out I do Gym Jones, after the 300 workout. I am not actually doing the 300 workout when I mention Gym Jones.
  9. I'm a freelance independent consultant focused on social media strategy for a diverse range of clients. I do this to have more control over my schedule, to devote to working on Fresh Jess!
  10. I'm extremely loyal and devoted to my best friends. I'm introducing you to them during 30Fresh, and I can't wait for you to meet them!

I'm so hyped to bring you 30 days of fun posts! Thank you so much for five years of your readership. I cannot thank you enough!

DJ Jazzy Jeff, Z-Trip & the Red Bull 3Style Competition (Interview)

You work hard for years on growing a blog, and you get to do things you never imagined you'd get to do. For me, one of those opportunities happened last month, when I had the chance to interview DJ Jazzy Jeff and Z-Trip, who were in town to judge the Red Bull 3Style DJ West Regional competition. I was under the weather but rallied for the interview and competition. 

With only a few minutes, I asked them both about their thoughts on Seattle, the 3Style competition, the evolution of DJing, and social media's impact on the industry.

What are your favorite things about Seattle?

Jazzy Jeff (JJ): I love the air here. The beautiful weather. Seattle has a rich music culture from DV (One), Jake One, all the rock acts, etc.

Z-Trip (ZT): I love the climate. People front on the rain! The people here are cool. The music.

What are your thoughts on the 3Style competition so far?

JJ: We've been doing this for 3-4 years now, and it's the best DJ competition out there. Just seeing the overall progression of the DJs - track selection, mixing, creativity. We're watching the future.

ZT: There are clear winners, and others need to learn fundamentals. Overall I think they push further each year. Articulate better. The nature is friendly competition, but they pay attention to the criticism too.

(2012 3Style winner) FourColorZack is from Seattle. How has he impacted this year's competition?

JJ: FCZ is incredible. His music knowledge, diversity, intelligence. His style is so clean. You can see people emulating him.

 

How has social media changed the industry? Are you active in it?

JJ: Yeah, I've been active in it for awhile. I've had a good team around me to keep me active on it. MySpace, Instagram, Twitter. It's cool to keep yourself around younger people and take people along in your journey. Some of my most popular (Instagram) posts have been random, like what's in my cart when I'm grocery shopping. I lost my mixer in Miami once, and I tweeted that I lost it. A fan drove out and brought me his, and he sat in the booth with me. That was awesome.

ZT: When DJ P and I released the Uneasy Listening Volume 1 mix, we made a thousand copies on CD. When you opened the case, it said "Best CD I own" on the front. That way, when someone was flipping through their friends' CDs in the car looking for something to play, they'd play that one first because it literally said, "This is the best CD I own." That shit went viral. After a year, it had so many downloads on Napster. Rolling Stone and Spin covered it. That was probably my first experience with "social." It was awesome.

(I also asked Jazzy Jeff about how the Fresh Prince show has affected him. Did it help or hurt his credibility?)

JJ: TV made me known, and that's cool. If I'm spinning, and someone remembers me from the show and is like, "Whoa, you DJ too?" it only helps me. It's cool seeing the show stick around and reach new  audiences - younger, international.

Thank you so much, gentlemen!

It's always captivating to watch someone masterfully weave together song after song. Few DJs have the style, creativity, song selection ability and finesse to truly keep the crowd moving all night long. The five DJs who competed for the West regional spot definitely had it, but it was Seattle-bred, Las Vegas-based DJ Scene who came out on top. Listen to his winning mix below:

Last year's winner, Seattle's own FourColorZack spun a short set while we awaited the results. Fool's Gold's A-Trak closed the night with an amazing dance party that was definitely worth forcing my sick body to stay for.

Who'll win the national finals? Find out this Friday! If you're in L.A., check it out live.

Details here.

Cleaning Out the Clutter (Sponsored)

In my quest this year for some improvement in my home's decor and design, simplify and organize seem to be the name of the game. From the lessons learned in my Resolution Challenge to the reiki healing workshops I've been taking (more on that later), the phrase "cleaning out the clutter" has made its presence known in many ways in my life. There's a lot I've been holding on to that just needs to go! We've made a lot of strides in our home by sprucing it up a bit with the throw pillows, rug and table you saw in last week's post. Here are a few ways I've been cutting down and cleaning out the clutter:

The storage room

By moving our work table into the living room, we turned our office/den area into a storage space. My boyfriend and I built these racks to keep old files, snowboard gear & other random stuff. These are so affordable and easy to put together, but we can do so much with them (the racks are adjustable.) These racks go well with the industrial feel of our loft, but if we move, these can easily go into a garage, pantry or storage space.

Obviously not its final home. I was just super stoked after I built it :)

The closet

Spring cleaning is manifesting itself fully in my closet! I've gone through my closet several times this season, re-organizing and finally being very strict on myself in what I kept and what's been cleared out. It's hard breaking up with clothes and things that have sentimental value! Though a lot of my stuff have fond memories tied to them, I know I'll never wear them again. I've donated a lot of my stuff to Goodwill, but for some of my trendy pieces in good condition, I've been using the Poshmark app to sell from my closet & buy fun new pieces from others. Peep my love for Poshmark here.

The fitness

Nothing clears out the mental clutter like a good run around Greenlake! My best friend Sara gave me a Nike FuelBand recently and it's already changed the way I look at my fitness. By adding a gamification angle with setting daily point goals, I'm so much more motivated to figure out ways to get active during the day. I'm choosing the stairs over the elevators more. Walking places instead of driving or taking public transportation. It's funny how a bracelet and a few points can totally kickstart my workout routine, but it's working!

My FuelBand, family and I at The Big Climb last Sunday!

How have you been cleaning out the clutter in your life?

Dyson Digital Slim™ vacuums have a detachable long-reach wand for floor to ceiling cordless cleaning. Powered by the Dyson digital motor, they’re the most powerful cordless vacuums. Learn more at www.dyson.com/digitalslim.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dyson via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dyson.

Moves & News from Fresh Jess

Hey everyone!

I had a good cadence of daily posts going for awhile but have been st-st-stuttering lately. What's up with that?!? Just working on a few fun projects that I want to share with you!

I'm delighted to be a contributor to the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB)'s site once a week. Every Wednesday afternoon, you'll see an article from me waxing poetic on social media as it pertains to bloggers. My first post went up last week, on Balancing Your Social Media Plate.

Holy shh! Props from a (legitimate) social media guru, Mari Smith!

I was INCREDIBLY nervous to put this post out there. I'm not sure where all the nerves came from, but I haven't really written about social media since I left my job at a social media agency last year. I wrote about social all the time on their blog, and for some reason, never really picked it up on Fresh Jess although it's something I live, breathe, and have built a career on. I have a lot to say and I'm glad to have IFB as the forum to share that. If there's a topic you want to see, leave me a comment & let me know!

One of the cornerstones of Fresh Jess is being able to share with you all of my favorite people, places and things in Seattle. I've partnered with Gilt City for the next couple of weeks to highlight some of my favorite 206 businesses. Check out Grim's and Sugar Plum Spa in today's email, and enjoy a sweet deal from them too!

Shop my closet! This Thursday night, I'm hosting a virtual Posh Party with AlixRose. We'll be sharing our favorite Poshmark finds in our Fresh Fashion Party. Peep our closets here and here - and if you haven't signed up for Poshmark yet, use my code HUWKM for a $5 shopping credit!

As for this little blog, Fresh Jess is almost five years old (!) To celebrate this and my 30th birthday, I'm cooking up 30 Fresh, a whole month of extra-special posts for you. Every day in April will feature the people, places and things that are nearest and dearest to my heart. In addition to that, I'll be introducing five fresh new voices who'll be contributing to Fresh Jess at least once a month. They are five of the coolest young Seattleites I know, and I can't wait for you to meet them!

Fresh Jess is (mostly) a labor of love, and I've loved sharing events, music, style and other things with you that light up my life. I'm eternally grateful for your readership, and if you've got anything you'd like to see or ask me on Fresh Jess, leave me a comment or email me at jess(at)freshjess(dot)com. I'd love to hear from you!

Advertise

Fresh Jess was created in May 2008 to share all that's fresh in style/fashion, food, design, hip-hop, philanthropy & events through the eyes of a young Seattleite.

Advertising on Fresh Jess is a great way to reach a stylish, tech-savvy, forward-thinking audience (specifically female, 18-35 years old, living in the Pacific Northwest, New York and Los Angeles.)

Would you like to be featured on Fresh Jess? 

Here are some ways your brand can advertise here:

  • Banner ads 
  • Giveaways & contests 
  • Product reviews 
  • Sponsored posts 
  • Featured posts 
  • Text Links 

Please contact me at info@freshjess.com for more information on pricing and for a copy of my media kit.

My readers are incredibly important to me. For integrity's sake, I reserve the right to full editorial authority over all content posted on Fresh Jess and will always disclose my relationships with any advertisers. I will never accept money or goods in exchange for writing about something in a positive light but regardless of my opinion.


Editorial Policy 

FreshJess.com is a personal blog written and edited by me, Jess Estrada. Editorial integrity is of utmost importance to me. I write about the clothes, food, music and other things I love, support and covet. I do work with brands, artists and establishments on sponsorships, advertising, affiliate links and collaborations. I ONLY work with brands, artists and establishments I'd buy, listen to, attend or support regardless. I am always transparent about my relationships with these companies, and I maintain full editorial authority over what I post. All content that involves these relationships will be clearly marked (i.e. "Sponsored post," "Courtesy of..." etc.) If you don't see this verbiage in a post, then you know it's just something I'm absolutely crazy about. I will never accept money or goods in exchange for writing about something in a positive light but regardless of my opinion. Simple as that.

Reviews 
Any and all music, services, and other products submitted to Fresh Jess are "For Consideration Only." In other words, I do not guarantee a review post for anything that's sent to me. My integrity can't be compromised. There's no benefit to me, my readers or to your brand from a dishonest review.

Warranty 
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the Author’s own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

Commenting 
Be respectful of the people/brands you're commenting about, and of other comments left here on this blog. As owner and sole arbiter of FreshJess.com, I reserve the right to edit or delete comments deemed hateful, disrespectful or otherwise inappropriate. This blog represents me, and I take ALL of its content seriously!

Do you have any other questions? Feel free to contact me at info@freshjess.com.


Home, Let Me Upgrade You (Sponsored)

One of my major goals this year is to show a little more love to my home. From decor to design, my abode had always been one of uncoordinated aesthetic. A rug I got on sale here, a sweet table I scored at a garage sale there, etc. While that eclectic approach might've suited me in my early twenties, it feels like a messy afterthought now. It's past time I take the steps to make it feel like a home (slash office!)

We've been making conscious changes here and there, with attention to overall color palette (black, white & grey with pops of primary color) and materials (reclaimed wood, concrete, metal, natural or organic fibers.) We once favored functionality over design, but now they're equally important. I need things that make my life easier or that take little to no maintenance while still making my place look good.

Here are a couple of ways I've done that, and a couple of things on my wish list to simplify life even further.

Fancy up the walls

We've collected tons of art over the years that just need to go up! One piece I put up immediately was a Brooklyn Flea find, by a Washington state native who beautifully portrays quotes on recycled pieces of wood.

Mixing patterns

My couch has always sat bare, with just a couple of random throw pillows I'd use as cushions for my laptop. A few new pillows of varying shapes, textures and sizes made for a quick but visually-appealing upgrade!

Reclaimed and vintage

One of the hottest trends lately is the use of reclaimed materials and vintage furniture. We traded in our non-descript computer desk for a tall, reclaimed wood, steel-enforced long table. 

Multi-tasking

If you're anything like me, you've got your phone near you at all times. I got this little iPhone charger / speaker dock that looks like an old phonogram. It's so cute, and kills two birds with one stone - charging my phone while playing music for me to sing along with in the shower!

Organization booster

The one major thing I haven't cemented in this home is a good place for the random but important stuff. You know - car keys, mail, grocery list, reminders, bills and such. I'm in the market for a good organizer, and am leaning toward this bamboo wall panel by Seattle-based Three by Three.

Tidy town

We are in dire need of a new vacuum. We've got two huge, clunky ones that are on their last legs and just taking up space in the closet. The holy grail of vacuums, of course, is Dyson's entire line, and I'm hoping to make one the next vacuum in my life.

Dyson Digital Slim™ vacuums have a detachable long-reach wand for floor to ceiling cordless cleaning. Powered by the Dyson digital motor, they’re the most powerful cordless vacuums. Learn more at www.dyson.com/digitalslim.

What tips or upgrades have you made to simplify or spruce up your home lately? Let me know in a comment below!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Dyson via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Dyson.

Freshest Sounds: Gyptian, Juicy J & French Montana

These three songs are getting the heaviest rotation right now. These videos are not too shabby visuals to accompany them either!

My bestie Paula and I found out that reggae superstar Gyptian was in town and had to make our way to the show. I've had Nah Let Go on repeat since then! The show was so much fun. I need more small shows in my life!

Nicki is absolutely coming all the way correct in French Montana's "Freaks." I am in love with the sample of Chaka Demus & Pliers' "Murder She Wrote" bass line. If Sean Paul's "Like Glue" and Nicki's "Beez in da Trap" videos had a baby, it'd be this one. If only I could express how much I love both of those songs & videos, then you could understand the extremity of how I feel about this one! The dance club atmosphere in this video is the kind of party I live for. Last time I experienced something like it was at Webster Hall in NYC for their Halloween party. Bums me out there isn't much like it here in Seattle.

Juicy J & Young Jeezy together over some Big Sean ad-libs? YES PLEASE

What's in your playlist right now? Tell me in a comment below!

Fresh Style: Cherry Bomb

When the sun is out in Seattle, we do not take it for granted. It almost feels as if the entire city's mood is lifted when the clouds part! I took the opportunity to take some outfit shots during one of said sunny days last week. The anticipation of spring is creeping up on me, and was the inspiration behind this outfit.

This is basically what I look like when I'm out meeting with clients or working out of their offices. I'm a big fan of light, sheer shirts of all flowy shapes and patterns. I've always wanted a pair of waxed jeans, and what better color than in the perfect shade of cherry red. Simple but fresh! I'm accessorized with an amazing pair of sunnies I found at Beacon's Closet in Williamsburg, vintage heels and Europe's George, Gina & Lucy (GG&L)'s Felicitas satchel.  I can fit everything in that bag, including my tablet or laptop! 

There's a little music video for you at the end of this post, which this post is titled after. Enjoy a little Hawaiian music for your Thursday!

Cropped 3/4 trench (old, similar here) /  Quiksilver Women sheer printed topBig Star 'Scarlette Wax' jean, and George, Gina & Lucy (GG&L) 'Felicitas' satchel c/o Bollare / vintage heels / sunnies from Beacon's Closet / Stella & Dot 'Love & Light' bracelet

Fresh Faves: Poshmark Rules Everything Around Me

In keeping with the true essence of Fresh Jess - which is to share with you what I'm interested in - I feel obliged to tell you how obsessed I am with Poshmark right now. The amount of time I've spent on there since co-hosting their Winter Essentials Party in Seattle in January is insane. For those who aren't familiar with Poshmark, it's an app that allows you to sell from  your closet and buy from others. I have many reasons why I'm so taken by Poshmark right now, so I've packaged them neatly into a top 10 list:

1) The app is clean and simple to use. I like to keep my iPhone screens simple so I only use a few apps, and they've made it far to easy to log on and peep the latest listings from people I'm following, hot items  being shared in their Posh Parties, and comments, likes & new follows from my fellow Poshmarkers. The thrill of the find is always there at my fingertips!

2) The faces behind it are super-friendly and are willing to start dance parties with us at events when no one else is dancing and great music is on:

3) This AMAZING blush pink tunic with raw edges and chains dangling off of it:

From @SheelaGoh's closet. Now in my closet!

4) This score of an Opening Ceremony varsity jacket:

From @MeganPierce's closet

5) Whenever you sell something on Poshmark, you can get PM credits or redeem the balance (PM takes 20% of each sale.) I only spend as much as I sell, so basically it's like a clothing swap with stylish ladies around the country!

6) These elbow patches on this sweet knit Zara sweater

From @JoannaLord's closet

7) You can play negotiator and score even better deals by bundling several pieces from a seller's closet at once. I've been looking for the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans for awhile, and got another pair of pants too.

From @Nemon's closet

8) With the ability to comment, like and follow people on Poshmark, it's inherently a shopping social network. I've met a lot of cool girls who I already know have amazing fashion sense. Shoutout to @Jojo who's shopped with me. She's awesome! Shop her closet here.

9) Dolce Vita booties on the come up! Such a deal on these.

From @IAmCameron's closet

10) They're growing! It's always fun seeing a start-up find success with the masses. It recently launched an iPad app, secured a $12 million funding round and saw 10x increase in growth over the last 100 days. Insane! (source: VentureBeat)

I feel like I should say that Poshmark did not pay me in any way to write this post. I just felt compelled to write it since I've been spending so much of my time on there lately. All of the items featured in this post are now part of my closet, like treasured finds from hours of thrift or consignment shopping, only from the comfort of my phone!

If you want to join me on Poshmark, use my code "HUWKM" when you download the app, so you can get a $5 credit to start shopping! See you on PM!

Fresh Jess Loves Room & Board: #RoomToOutfit Giveaway!

There's nothing like a statement piece to really make an outfit stand out, right? 

The same can be said for a stellar piece of furniture to bring an entire room together. One of my goals this year (part of my 2013 theme, "Be Responsible") is to get more comfortable in the space I'm in. That includes my physical space, and dressing up my home a bit more. I am a tragic victim of a busy lifestyle in that my place doesn't have any kind of thoughtful decor theme to it. That's why I was delighted to work with Room & Board on a fun project to feature the 13 new products in their 2013 collection.

First off, a tour of their University Village location to see all of the new collection pieces up close and personal. I love walking through the store vignettes and seeing how certain pieces can come together. I may know my way around a closet, but I have no idea how to style a room quite like these!

So, what is this fun project Room & Board and I are doing? Well, Room & Board is partnering with bloggers on a #RoomToOutfit Pinterest board collection. After the tour, I went home and used the 13 new collection pieces as inspiration for the various outfits and fashion pieces featured on my board. 

Peep the full Fresh Jess Loves Room & Board #RoomToOutfit board on Pinterest!

Some of the new 2013 collection. See them all on my Pinterest board!

All of the outfits!

Now you know I always look out for my readers. Room & Board and I are giving you a chance to spice up your abode with a $500 gift card!  How do you enter?

1) Head to Pinterest and follow me: Jess Estrada

2) Like, repin or comment on one of my #RoomToOutfit pins - one entry per action!

3) Not on Pinterest? Just leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite piece is from Room & Board's 2013 collection!

It's that simple! Contest closes

Monday, March 4th at 11:59p.m. PDT

This is probably the sweetest prize I've given away so far. $500 to spend at Room & Board? Are you kidding me? You'd be crazy NOT to enter! Multiple times!

Follow Room & Board on PinterestTwitter and Facebook.

Valentine's Day: Ode to the Real Ones

Happy Valentine's Day!

I wanted to dedicate today's post to everyone who's putting hard work into their relationships, whether that's with your significant other or your friends and family. Like with many holidays, sometimes V-Day seems to have an emphasis on its commercialization or the unhappy perspectives on the relationships you have or don't have in your life (i.e. Singles' Awareness Day :)) Instead of focusing on what you don't like or don't have, take some time today to reflect on the people in your life who've made you that much more whole. Or even better, take some time to treat yourself to something nice!

I'm eternally grateful for the love, support and inspiration from my best friend and boyfriend Jacob. He holds down a demanding job at one of the largest non-profits in the world and still makes it a priority to further his professional MMA career by training at one of his four gyms every single day. He's a great bulldog dad! Together, we support PAWS, Bulldog Haven NW (from which we adopted our Spike) and other non-profits.

Together, we keep each other on the healthy eating tip daily - he on Paleo, me on my superfood Resolution Challenge diet. Living near both of our families means making time for Filipino family parties (a.k.a. all-day fiesta siestas) or weekends down at his family's farm. With all of that, he remains my biggest supporter in everything I'm doing, from starting my own business to blogging all the time to speaking gigs and my various projects for Fresh Jess. Our lives aren't easy, but we both work to maintain a good balance as a duo while pursuing our individual dreams.

I'm just trying to stay on his level! :)

Who are you grateful for on this day of love? Tell me in the comments!

New York Photo Recap

I come out to New York at least twice a year, coinciding with Fashion Week. I come here to attend the blogger conferences (IFBcon, Lucky FABB) that happen right before Fashion Week, take meetings and occasionally attend a NYFW show or two. My readers have never responded much to Fashion Week recaps, so it's not a huge deal for me to cover them. 

They do, however, respond to my perspective on personal style, inspiration, and local culture. So that's the main reason I like to come out to NYC. Here's a photo diary of restaurants we tried, time spent with phenomenal friends, and a healthy dose of networking and shopping worked in :) 

This is how I do NYC!

There is nothing like catching up with friends you consider family. I spent most of my week with AlixRose & David. We got some work done (here atWeWork Labs coworking space) and some play too!

Feelin' on top of the world! At the Top of the Standard for Poshmark's happy hour.

So many new Poshmarker friends! (L) with Jessica of Domesticated Me & Naty of A Love Affair with Fashion

I love Maria of Poshmark & Kitties + Couture! Alix and I had fun dressing up at the Bollare showroom with Maria and Paulina :)

A sneak peek of our dress-up fun at Bollare! Haute Hippie & Marchesa

Planning some awesomeness with Gilt Groupe!

Nemo didn't ruin any of our fun!

Hanging out in Williamsburg and losing our minds thrifting at Beacon's Closet

Took a small break from the Resolution Challenge. Clockwise from top left: Totto Ramen, Banana Nutella crepe & mimosa at Station in Williamsburg; Maison Laduree macarons; the Nelly bathroom at VYNL (where I had the 'Beyonce' drink :))

An NYC must for me! Brooklyn Flea with my girls and David rounded out a wonderful Sunday.

Jordana of Clutch 22 was our lovely hostess!

IFB Conference Photo Diary

The Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) team put on another great conference last week, kicking off New York Fashion Week at the Altman Building in Chelsea. IFBcon is a great anchor for my week-long Fashion Week visits to NYC for so many reasons. It's a way for me to support IFB in one more way, giving thanks for the invaluable resource they provide us with this community. 

I always meet new amazing bloggers, catch up with other blogging friends and discover new fashion startups or up-and-coming bloggers when I attend. IFBcon's content is great if you are a casual or beginning blogger, with a variety of topics ranging from affiliate marketing, the future of blogging, social media and the business of blogging as a career.

Day 1 outfit: Crooks & Castles varsity jacket (similar) / Madewell Heartstripe sweater / Zara corduroy trousers & boots / Barney's Co-op collared sleeveless blouse

Seattle in full effect at IFB! Andrea of SkinnyPurseAlixRose and Sydney of Sydney Loves Fashion

Blogger bestie Alix and I had so much fun in the Alex & Ani photo booth :)

I was so excited to meet one of my favorite bloggers in the game! Rachel Seville of Pizza Rulez & Four Pins

With my NYC blogger bestie Vintage Vandalizm; the lovely Poshmark girls and Jennine, founder of IFB

More fun in the photobooth

Oh hey Tyson Beckford!

Day 2 outfit: Thrifted ASOS romper (similar) / Uniqlo Heat-Tech tights (fleece tights were a must this week! Similar here) / Zara boots

Couldn't resist :)