The Beauty of Off-Broadway

Since I started my NYC travel kick with my last blog post…where I chatted about my love for M&M World…I decided to continue the New York travel theme. There’s a reason why Broadway shows are such a draw, and I love them just as much as anyone. But today, I want to take a trip to Off-Broadway. Kirk Theatre, where …

Tourist in New York

On my last business trip to New York, I decided to slip in adventures that were the epitome of touristy. Don’t get me wrong… I’m all for experiencing a city just like a local, but there’s a reason why tourists do, in fact, love going to tourist attractions. They’re fun, interesting, filled with people who are traveling and, therefore, often …

Seattle’s “Six Seven”

The first time I went to this restaurant was on a first date during the summer a few years back. When I was asked if I wanted to have dinner at “Six Seven in Seattle,” I though he meant at 6:07 pm. I really wanted to make a good impression, so I played it cool and said, “That’s an interesting …

Bachata Bliss

When I decided to get courageous and take my first Bachata lesson in a Boot Camp, I never dreamt that it would be taught by the famous Salsa and Bachata World Champion, Grizzly Hidriago. Afterwards, we filmed this video dancing the routine together. Grizzly isn’t just a champion, he is the owner/director of a renowned dance company that regularly racks …

Travel Talk: NYC Sugar Fix

The pȃtisserie, Baked by Melissa, was such a regular stop during my Manhattan stay that the ladies who worked there became treasured friends! If you are in that city and love sweets, this is a great place to put on your to-do list. Melissa’s macarons will keep you coming back for more. And in case you’re wondering, I have it …

Guide to Salsa & Bachata Festivals Around the World

For those of you who love to dance – whether you’re an expert or a novice ̶ I have just the event for you! I was a ballet dancer growing up, so the current social dance craze has opened up a whole new world to me. As some of you know, for about a year, I’ve done a little social Salsa …

Salish Lodge’s Country Breakfast

During this enchanting holiday season, when family and friends take top priority, I know just the place for a landmark country breakfast. The Salish Lodge in the Seattle area is an unsurpassed memory-maker! Come with those you love, and a large appetite. I mean it! As my mom said, “I was full before the first course was finished!” But don’t …

One of the World’s Top Holiday Towns

For today’s Travel Talk, we’re returning to Toronto’s Distillery District. I was in town for the premiere of my short film, “In Memory Of,” at the Carlton Cinema. Steve Veale, the director of the Toronto Independent Film Festival, orchestrated the tour. Then we all got to chatting about the Distillery District…a national historic site. From November 18 through December 22, …

Straight Off the Press

The Bellevue Reporter asked me to write an article about the recent world premiere of my short film in Toronto. If you’d like to learn the story behind “In Memory Of,” how it came together, and my secret to pulling late-night editing sessions, read this brief memoir… It was a privilege to be featured in the Bellevue Reporter. I have …

Matching the Flowers

We were on our way to a Toronto garden party when we were stopped by the sight of this magnificent cathedral with a beautiful garden in full bloom. It seemed to me like Toronto had a stunning cathedral on practically every corner. The people there were so welcoming. They did not mind one bit when we wanted to stop and …

My Sold-out Premiere

Last weekend, my short film, In Memory Of, premiered at the Carlton Cinema in Downtown Toronto. It completely sold out! The manager set up all the metal chairs he had in the back, and that wasn’t enough. So many more people clamored for tickets that he let some of them watch while standing, squeezed into corners, and even sitting on …

Toronto Film Festival Talk

The countdown has come to an end!!! Tonight my short film, In Memory Of, is premiering in Downtown Toronto at 7:45 pm. If you’re in town, I’d love to see you there. You can get tickets at Imagine Cinemas. If you’ve never been to Toronto at festival time, come with me on a private tour of the city’s transformation. Hollywood …

Seattle Theater Scene

If you live in the Seattle area, or if you’re visiting any time from now until August 13th, do yourself a favor and see The Crossing. This is a fabulous, original musical making its debut at Theater Schmeater in ultra-hip Belltown. Yes, that’s the real name!! Those in the know just call it “The Schme.” Before divulging the charms of …

Japanese Garden Soirée

“One of the most celebrated Japanese gardens outside of Japan.” That’s what the Seattle Arboretum Foundation says about its famous Japanese Garden, and I believe every word. I’ve been a member of the Arboretum Foundation since I was a teen. While in high school, my home garden won their Golden Scoop Award at the Pacific Northwest Flower and Garden Show, …

Pillow Talk Series

Are you a smooth operator when it comes to dating? Or, are you the queen of mishaps? I’d like to say that I’m the former, but the truth is that there’ve been plenty of times when I wished for a dating do-over. With college girls getting ready to go back to school, I was thinking about one of my funniest …