I Marched in Seattle: What's Next?

Jenny took this photo of me nursing Fiona at the Womxn's March on Seattle last Saturday. If you haven't already, check out her thoughtful reflections on the march.

Last Saturday was an inspiring day for me. I marched with two of my best friends, my mom, my aunt, and my baby daughter. We wore our 30/30 Project "Healthcare is Human Right" t-shirts and gave away a bag full of them to fellow marchers with healthcare signs along the route. We arrived at Judkins Park in south Seattle at 9:30am and didn't start marching until nearly 1:00. By the time we reached the end of the route at the Seattle Center we were literally in the last 50 people (out of 130,000) to finish the march. It was a long day, Fiona was in her stroller for nearly 8 hours outside. I nursed her sitting cross legged on the lawn at Judkins Park on top of the stroller rain cover and then sitting on 4th Avenue with my back against the wall at Starbucks. And yet being a part of the march was energizing. Talking with fellow marchers, hearing the reasons people were out there, reading the empowering and clever signs that people had put together, joining with other Seattleites in song and cheers. It left me full of hope and enthusiasm.

But as I reflect back this week, and read several articles that gave me a lot of food for thought (here, here and here) I think the most important thing that I will take away from the experience is a drive to take that energy and continue to be engaged, using my voice, money and privilege to make a difference.

I want to be able to tell that little girl that I nursed on the side of the road that her mom stood up for what was right. That in the one of the darkest hours of our country's history, my children were there with me making a difference in our community, in our country, and in this world. I have been too much of a bystander already in the struggle for equality in this country.

Tonight I'm headed to my friend Brittany's house to sign postcards with friends to mail off to our representatives. Patrick and I are in the midst of deciding what additional organizations we want send monthly donations to that will be able to hold our government accountable or step in where services are no longer being offered. Our family will be marching again this year for causes we believe in. I am joining Jenny and others in educating ourselves about the intersection of race and feminism, and about practical steps we can take to recognize our privilege and stand with people of color in our community.

Now is the time to take action.

Marching in Seattle

I was blown away to know that MILLIONS of people around the world were marching on Saturday- as far away as Africa and Antartica! Teresa and I joined the march in Seattle, along with Teresa's mom, aunt, a couple of dear friends and FIONA!

After I got home from the march, I spent a couple of hours scrolling through social media, and was amazed to see the range of people from all different parts of my life who had been marching with me. One of my first babysitters was there, so was a young woman I babysat when I was in college! There were people I'd grown up with, women who have mentored me, friends who brought their mothers and grandmothers, pastors, church groups, doctors and nurses, stay at home moms, cancer survivors, sexual assault survivors, and so many kids! Just within the sampling of people I personally know who marched, I can tell you they represent a variety of voices and opinions, politics and religious views but regardless, they were all there together.

I marched as a way to recognize my privilege, and to stand strong with people who don't have the same privileges that I do. I marched to point out these inequalities. I marched because I can, because I'm thankful to live in a country where peaceful protesting is a protected right. And I marched wearing my "Healthcare is a human right" shirt, because that is something I wholeheartedly believe.

To the people who are reading this with curiosity or opposition, who voted for Trump, or just don't think American women have anything to complain about, I encourage you to read this. I also encourage you to reach out to me, or someone you know who participated and have a conversation. Really, you are part of the reason I marched, so people would see me and ask why I was there. To be completely honest, not too long ago, I would have been right there with you, wondering what people were complaining about and maybe even a little fearful of this thing that I didn't understand. As I've traveled across the country, and even to other parts of the city I live in, my understanding continues to change and my compassion continues to grow as I hear and see how America is a very different place for people who weren't born with the same privileges as me.

Like I said above, so many different views were represented in the massive sea of people marching. One of my friends who marched shared this on her social media today and many people I know who were at the march in D.C. have voiced that they didn't agree with everything that was being said by speakers there.

Here's a smattering of some of my favorite signs I saw along the way.

Of all the signs, this was my favorite and the most important. We can't just march and say we made a difference. We have to keep going.

"Many White Women Marched. Now What?" This is exactly what we should be asking ourselves, and answering.

Here's what march organizers suggest.


PS.  Shoutout to our amazing friend Brittany who knitted hats for us!

Seattle Spotlight: Antiquing

Big Daddy Antiques

So I've been on a quest to find some new furniture for my house that's not insanely expensive and is somewhat original. Enter: antiquing. I've gone with a mid-century/industrial/boho look (sort of) with the new place so I'm aiming for an eclectic mix of pieces that somehow create a cohesive vibe. Seattle has some fun spots that I hadn't ever been to, makes a fun day if you're on the hunt for unique stuff!

Here are a few I went to:

Homestead Seattle: LOVE this little store on Capital Hill. Particularly love their selection of amazing vintage rugs. Check it out.

Big Daddy: HUGE warehouse of awesome and eclectic furniture.  Some of it is a bit out of my price range but it's worth going in just for a fun experience scouting different styles and chatting with their awesome staff/owners.

Georgetown Antiques: There is a whole strip of antique furniture stores in Georgetown that are so fun to check out. Kirk Albert and Susan Wheeler Home are both out of my price range but oh so fun to walk through. District Georgetown had some pieces that sparked my interest!

Ballard Consignment: Love this huge consignment furniture store in Ballard. I found the most pieces here that I could afford and would look great in my place. Headed back this weekend to pick up a sideboard!

Happy Shopping Seattle!

Seattle Spotlight: Nordstrom Nail Bar!

I discovered something wonderful quite by accident the other day while wandering downtown on a Sunday morning. The newly remodeled flagship Nordstrom store has a "Nail Bar" right next to their coffee shop on the main floor. What's so special about that? Well let me tell you.

When you get there you can go wander the entire cosmetics and skincare floor and pick ANYTHING you want to use during your mani/pedi. That's right, any nail polish, any lotion or scrub...on the whole floor. I choose super fancy Dior nail polish and this fabulous champagne scented lotion from Fresh. It was luxurious, affordable and fun. Check it out.

52 Lists Journal

I am FINALLY healthy again after being knocked out for nearly a month by that nasty cold. It's amazing how feeling healthy and getting to the second trimester of this pregnancy has me feeling like a whole new person. I actually cleaned my house this weekend. And I might open a book and read for once. I'm getting into the "nesting" mood and motivated to get organized, both on a mental level and a physical one. I've been thinking about trying to adopt some meditation and journaling to be a bit more centered for the second half of this pregnancy.

One of our favorite local stores, Morea Seal, has created an awesome new journal called 52 Lists: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration which I'm dying to get my hands on. It's meant to not only inspire "self exploration" but also inspire creativity and progress toward personal goals. Not to mention it's filled with gorgeous photos from Seattle photographer Julia Manchik. I think I need it.

Seattle Spotlight: Yoga By The Falls

For my friend Alicia's birthday she invited us to join her for a yoga class, spa soak and lunch at Salish Lodge at Snoqualmie Falls, about 45 minutes east of Seattle. I've stayed at the lodge before but the new yoga studio with views of the falls is a welcome addition! We had a blast at the yoga class (which even the beginners in the group enjoyed), soaking in the sea salt spa, and eating a delicious lunch in The Attic (this pregnant lady indulged in the Beecher's Grilled Cheese, TO DIE FOR). Overall, I left the day feeling refreshed and pampered, what a great way to spend a birthday. Cheers to you, Alicia!

PS. Remember these AMAZING photos Jenny and Jason took at Snoqualmie Falls?

Seattle Spotlight: Treehouse Hotel

Do you guys ever read Sunset Magazine? I used to think it was more targeted toward my grandma but turns out it's one of my favorite's to leaf through these days. The one you buy in Seattle is focused on the west coast and features all sorts of great local vacation spots, hikes, gardening, cooking, etc.

In the July issue they featured a TREEHOUSE HOTEL in Issaquah, WA (30 min from Seattle). It's only a ten minute drive from Snoqualmie Falls, sits next to a river, and features giant hammocks, built in cedar beds, and handmade quilts. So fun, right?

Anniversary Weekend in Eastern Washington

Last weekend Patrick, Mylo and I headed over the mountains to stay near Cle Elum for the weekend. I finally bought a child carrier for hiking (should have done this a year ago!) used online and we were able to go for two fun hikes as a family. It was so nice to get out of the city and into nature, Mylo loved it. We stayed at my family cabin and found this wedding picture of us SEVEN years ago on the refrigerator. It was great to sit outside, drink some wine, and laugh about how young we were and how much we've grown up. What a great start to our summer!

 Mylo is obsessed with holding our hands and jumping, swinging or being tossed in the air. Pure bliss.

Mylo's First Mariner's Game!

A few weeks ago Jenny and Jason gave us their Marnier's tickets and Mylo got to experience his first baseball game! We took Patrick's mom and Nana so it was a special experience for us all. I usually hesitate to bring him to thing like this that I think I would enjoy more without a squirming toddler but he was actually great (through all 11 innings!). He loved the Mariner Moose, eating all the stadium food, and walking up and down all the stairs. 

Seattle Spotlight: Date Night

Two weekends ago Patrick and I got a sitter and went out for a rare date. The weather in Seattle has been glorious so we sat outside on the rooftop deck at Terra Plata on Capital Hill and took in the fresh air. We got lucky and ended up at the bar table near the end that had it's own built in fireplace on the counter. I would definitely recommend this restaurant, I can't believe we hadn't been there before. In particular their roasted brussels sprouts were to DIE for and we loved the dessert as well.

After that we headed to see Lord Huron play at the Showbox. It's been WAY too long since we've gone to a concert together -- we had a blast.

What do you like to do on date nights? Would love any creative recommendations!

PS My lipgloss is from YSL and I LOVE it.

(Terra Plata rooftop photo)

Seattle Spotlight: Discovery Park

Seattle has a lot of great urban nature spaces but few can compete with Discovery Park in Magnolia. The three-mile loop within the park passes through forest, fields, sand, and cliffs along the Puget Sound. We LOVE going there with Mylo because it’s never overcrowded and he can run wild on the trails. Here are a few pictures of our walk there last Saturday, it was so nice to get outside and enjoy the fresh air after having been cooped up sick for a few weeks. Happy spring everyone!

My Cooking Secret - Wei Shallot Oil

I haven't had it in me lately to cook anything fancy. Mostly we've been eating some sort of baked or steamed veggies, chicken, and rice or bread. BUT my favorite flavor booster for otherwise boring meals lately is this amazing Shallot Oil that I use on everything from chicken to brussels sprouts. Shallot oil is a staple in Vietnamese cuisine but it's so versatile it tastes great on almost everything. They sell it in big sizes or conveniently wrapped gift packages, perfect for a hostess gift.

And bonus, it's made by a cute couple from Seattle! Love it!

Our New Studio!

So after YEARS of talking about it, and then not being in town enough the last two years to justify it, Jason and I have finally gotten a studio space for JKoe!

Here's one little corner, a "before" shot if you will...

At this point, it's a bit overwhelming as we're painting and doing a bit of work on the space AND in the process of remodeling part of our basement at home at the same time. So my life is a chaotic mess at this point, half of of gear is in our dining room, the rest is in boxes. I'm trying to focus on how EXCITED I am to have our work separate from our home, to have this new space to go to and I'm really looking forward how much more space for living this will open up in our home.

Shout out to my parents (below) who came to help clean! And also to Jason's parents who have gone above and beyond on our basement remodel AND we already have a list of things for Jason's dad, who is a contractor, to help us with in the new studio.

Also, I'm thrilled about the location. Our new spot is right on the edge of Pioneer Square and Sodo, there are tons of great restaurants, shops and food trucks within walking distance as well as Mariners, Seahawks and Sounders games :).

Get ready for lots of Seattle Spotlight posts recommending all of my favorite spots and of course the "after" photos of what things look like once we're all moved in, hopefully soon! 

Munchery Food Delivery

Hey Seattleites! Have you tried out Munchery food delivery yet? They started in San Francisco and recently opened up delivery in the Seattle area. Patrick and I tried it out last week and I have to say we were really impressed. Local chefs design the menu and each day you can go online or use their app to choose one of about 10 entrees and 5 sides to have delivered directly to your house or work. They are all under $10 and the portion sizes were big enough to feed us and Mylo. There are tons of healthy options and for every meal purchased they donate a meal to those in need. Win-win.

If you want to try it out, use this link for $10 off your first purchase. I think we are going to do it again this week!

Toddler Tunes: Caspar Babypants

Did you know that the lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America, Chris Ballew, now makes baby/toddler music?! He lives in Seattle and goes by the stage name Caspar Babypants. His songs are so much more tolerable, and even enjoyable, than other "baby music." Myles is OBSESSED with his songs and will sit quietly in the car listening or dancing for an hour or so (win!) when we play Caspar. Patrick and I are a little ashamed to admit that we get pretty into some of the songs ourselves, My Flea Has Dogs, is one of our favorites.

If you are in Seattle check him out in concert, he seems to play most weekends!

Seattle Spotlight: Yoga in the park!

All summer our favorite yoga studio, 8 Limbs, is teaching FREE yoga classes in the sculpture park on Saturdays! It's been one of my goals of the summer to make it to a class and I finally did last week. 

Doing yoga outdoors is super refreshing. Although, I have to say, a yoga mat on top of grass is a little more challenging than hardwood. 

The class is every Saturday from 10:30-11:30,  goes through the end of September and everyone is welcome. They suggest arriving 15 minutes prior to sign in, but if you're going with friends and want to be next to each other, I suggest getting there a bit before that. The classes are geared toward all levels, but a base understanding of yoga poses is definitely helpful, as it's hard to see the instructor demonstrating unless your in the very front. 

More info here.

Who wants to come with me? 

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Our Summer So Far

We are having a great summer so far. Loving this warm weather and having a "big boy" who can participate in some of the fun summer activities like swimming and playing outside. Now just keeping my finger's crossed for no rain on Sunday for his birthday!  Here are some pics of our summer baby.

Look who finally has a tooth! After waiting for 11 months Mylo has sprouted to little teeth.

Summer swim baby 

Cousins on the 4th 

Patrick and Kenedee having a laugh on the 4th

Crawling around at Gas Works Park

 Never want to forget those rolls!!

Family Selfie at Golden Gardens

Mama and Mylo at Golden Gardens

Uxibal in Seattle

If you're in Seattle, do yourself a favor and stop by Moorea Seal in Belltown. Britini Port, designer of Uxibal is in town and she's brought lots of fun things to sell!

Uxibal is a brand that I love, because it combines beautiful hobo-chic styles with a mission to provide employment and opportunity for underprivileged people, something I'm passionate about.

Britini started Uxibal in Guatemala after working int he Peace Corps there as a way to create jobs for Guatemalans. Britini says, "We focus on employing Mayan women because they are traditionally the most underprivileged in Guatemala. They have limited access to education, are married at a young age, and have high birth rates—all of which add up to a striking social and economical disadvantage."

Uxibal draws inspiration from traditional hand-weaving, incorporating the bright colors and patterns into the designs, bringing traditional indigenous craft and design to a wider audience.

Come shopping with me!

The Uxibal pop up shop will be at Moorea Seal, on 3rd and Vine, kicking off Wednesday June 25th from 5-8pm. Uxibal products will be available in store through July 12th.

PS. If you aren't in Seattle, check out Uxibal online. 

Seattle Spotlight: Book Bindery

On Saturday Patrick and I celebrated our six year wedding anniversary by hiring a babysitter and going out on a date (which we both decided we need to do more often!). We got all spruced up and hit the town in the rain. We started with cocktails at one of our favorite cozy restaurants on the southern bank of the ship canal, Book Bindery. Being there reminded me that I wanted to do a post about this special little restaurant.

Parking is simple, the views are lovely and reminded us of European canals, the food and cocktails are top notch and the ambiance in general is perfect for a date or intimate dinner gathering. You can actually hear yourselves talk! (Yes, I'm turning into an old lady). My favorite part is that about half of the dinning area is in a greenhouse-style atrium so you feel like you're eating al fresco even when it's cold and rainy, which let's face it, this is Seattle. Patrick and I shared the truffle fries this time (ATTN: Jenny!) and they were a tasty compliment to our fancy cocktails. Bon appetite! 

Baby Got Back at the Symphony

Here's a video to make you smile this Tuesday morning. Seattle's own Sir Mix-A-Lot performed with the Seattle Symphony (yes, you heard that right) on Friday night and invited any ladies from the audience to join him on stage to dance along to his performance of Baby Got Back. If that's not enough to hook you, Seattle superfan Shawn Bounds's amazing dance moves have made the video go viral. She was interviewed on the local news, ummm can we please be friends?? Happy Tuesday everyone!