Love Yourself in 2016

Every January, the gyms are packed with people, nutrition stores are stocked with fat-burning supplements, and veggies are in abundance. So in the spirit of the month, I’m doing a Victoria’s Secret model workout. If you’d like to join me, here it is. We can all suffer together;) And if you missed my ME & MY GIRLS dance tutorial to …

How to Savor a Buffet Dinner

The holiday season is the perfect time to catch up with family and friends, and one of my favorite ways is at a dinner buffet with a beautiful view. Over the years, my family has refined this art. As you can see, we stayed from daylight, through sunset and nightfall. There was hardly a dish that we didn’t try….some of …

Seattle Winter Getaway

When it comes to a winter holiday, my heart belongs to Seattle! Everywhere you look, the city is glowing. When I was little, I pretended that each lighted tree was twirling. Regardless of whether it’s rainy, windy or snowy, people are out and about. Here are some of their favorite haunts… Downtown Holiday Carousel. Riding the ponies isn’t just for …

Merry Christmas

…from the Pacific Northwest, the emerald land of fir trees, islands, mountains, and Seahawks! I have loved everything leading up to today…the lights, wreaths on front doors, happy crowds, swags along fences, decorations, packages wrapped with care, shimmering bows, people calling out season’s greetings, reuniting with old friends, and making new ones… But most of all, I have loved the meaning …

New Pacific Northwest Nutcracker

When I heard that Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) was switching from Kent Stowell’s beloved adaptation of Balanchine’s famous Nutcracker to the 1954 original, I felt like I had lost a close friend. Don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of Balanchine. He is the king of ballet choreography. But I grew up with the excitement of Kent’s creation. I …

Flattering Victoria’s Secret Workout Attire

After watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, I somehow thought that if I threw on clothes from the store, my physique would resemble Gigi Hadid’s. But that’s so not what happened! I still looked like the average girl. Honestly, though, I think every girl should be happy with the body she was given, so instead of lamenting my lack of …

Enjoying Everything Holiday

Yesterday, I overheard someone say that, for her, the holiday season had no sparkle because she was new to the area, wasn’t near her family, and only had a modest income. I wanted to hug her and whisper that none of these factors should cause anyone to miss out on this enchanting season. There are holiday lights, decorated neighborhoods and anyone can …

Rockettes’ Christmas Choreography

It wouldn’t feel like the holiday season without a little of the Rockettes’ Radio City Christmas Spectacular in the mix! With my video, you can learn their choreography to “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Your friends will definitely have a Merry Christmas if you and some BFF’s perform it for them. To see the Rockettes do this dance, go …

12 Days of Christmas–Seahawks Style

You’ve probably heard of Seattle’s historic landmark, the stunning Fairmont Olympic Hotel. The circa 1924 Italian Renaissance structure is a quick ride to CenturyLink Field, home of the Seahawks. It’s also within walking distance of world class theaters, shopping, restaurants, and Pike Place Market overlooking the sea. A short hop from there is hip, young Belltown and the Space Needle. …

Dancing to “Jingle Bell Rock”

…Mean Girls’ style. If you’ve seen the movie, you know exactly what dance I’m referring to. And even though it came out years ago, it’s a classic. So if you want to learn the moves and up the fun factor at your holiday parties, here you go! To see the dance from the movie… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h81UOjlFmMs I’m doing the choreography to …

Shopping Spree for Candy Lovers

Everywhere I look, I spy people doing their holiday shopping—whether they’re dashing down the street on a lunch break or hitting the mall in the evening. In my dad’s mind, no matter where he is, holiday shopping involves heading straight for the candy store. Mom wanted him to try on some new clothes for events they’re attending. On his list …

The Festivities Have Begun

With holiday decorations emerging, parades gracing city streets, and carolers starting their serenades, it’s no secret that the magical season is here! For me, one of the highlights of the Thanksgiving weekend was seeing beautifully-decorated trees about to be auctioned off for Children’s Hospital… …and another was shopping. I had so much fun joining the happy crowds converging on Main …

Dancing to Justin Bieber

This song is begging you to dance along. The beat is contagious and the lyrics catchy. So here, I’m teaching the choreography from Justin’s live performance on Jimmy Fallon. The link to that performance is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbBzK7OXE4A I taught the section from 2:27-2:47. To see me dancing the choreography to music, check out these links on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/-mdEjPifPQ/ https://www.instagram.com/p/-mvQCmCfFq/  

Thanksgiving Week

As the official day of gratitude draws near, I share the sentiment of Henry David Thoreau, “I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.” Top by Current/Elliott from Nordstrom.

Flashback

With Thanksgiving approaching, I’ve been thinking about all the things I’m thankful for. One of them is, of course, all of you and the other is those who have so graciously jumped in to help me with this blog. Since it is what I call “homegrown,” my “photographers” are always those close to me who so graciously offer to take …