Sun in Seattle

Colors and prints

Thanks for the photo LH!

This outfit is a product of practicality. Last week was so hot, yes hot, and I'm the only girl in the world without a maxi dress so I opted for a fun print bodycon skirt (hand-me-down from N) and a ruffled tank top I bought at F21 years and years ago.

Problem: The building I work in is cold. Solution: A bright-colored shrug.

Boom. I love when I can pull together a cute outfit with things I've had forever.

For accessories, I wore a belt from a shirt I bought at JC Penny a long time ago but never wear anymore, a Simply Vera by Vera Wang necklace via Kohl's, and three special bracelets.

Little bit of bling

Let me tell you about my bracelets. The first, the snake one, I bought at Buffalo Exchange in Ballard two weekends ago. It broke not long after I took this picture. One of the snake heads popped right off. What the heck, Buffalo Exchange?

In the middle is a "strength" bracelet given to me by one of my dearest friends. I wore it while testifying at a trial, when I was secretly terrified but refused to let the defense attorney see any sign of weakness. I wore it to a job interview. I wore it to my first day at work. In general, I tend to wear it when I need a little reminder that I'm strong.

The third is in memory of a friend of mine who passed away during heart surgery two days before my birthday in 2012. It says, "Friendship is the thread that ties us together." Sometimes it's nice to see the bracelet on my wrist and think of her, her infectious smile, fun-loving personality and tenaciousness.

It looks like today will be another day of sunshine! I hope you enjoy it.

10 songs stuck in my head

Wanna get inside my head?

My musical taste is on the random side. For example, first thing this morning I was singing the theme song from "Saved by the Bell" and quickly switched over to Sesame Street songs (I'm currently hanging out with my 1-year-old niece). I haven't written about it much here, aside from professing my love of Kate Nash, so I thought I'd give you a glimpse of what plays in my head throughout the day. 

Here are 10 songs that were stuck in my head on Wednesday:

*warning: song contains potentially offensive lyrics so listen with adult ears only

1. Dark Horse by Katy Perry

Stuck in my head while I brush my teeth

2. Just Askin' by Iggy Azalea

Stuck in my head while I walk to the bus stop and wait for my bus to arrive*

3. They Want You by Lissie

Stuck in my head while I plug things into a spreadsheet at work

4. West Coast by Lana Del Ray

Stuck in my head while I eat strawberries at my desk

5. Uptown Anthem by Naughty by Nature

Stuck in my head while I write a report (p.s. this is one of my favorite songs ever)*

6. Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar

Stuck in my head while I read emails

7. Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Stuck in my head while I ride the bus home

8. I Wanna Be Bad by Willa Ford

Stuck in my head while I get ready to head out to Woodsky's to watch the Mariners game

9. Talk Dirty to Me by Jason Derulo

Stuck in my head while I sit at Woodsky's watching basketball after the M's game ended*

10. Foundations by Kate Nash

Stuck in my head while I play around on my phone before going to bed

What's stuck in your head?

Linking up for Musical Mondays!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Looking local

If you're like me, this Mother's Day snuck up on you and you may be looking to find a gift that feels special -- maybe even exotic or luxurious -- but can be found close to home and at a great price. Go no further! Below are some great Mother's Day gift ideas you can find right here in Seattle.

(P.S. Mom, Your present isn't included on this list. Didn't want to spoil the surprise!)

Photo credit: JJ Caprices

First up, Kirkland-based online boutique JJ Caprices. Jennifer Jedda, of JJ Caprices, traveled to more than 35 countries and launched the online boutique to showcase the work of the amazing artists she met during her journey. JJ Caprices features jewelry like the gorgeous earrings to the left, accessories, fragrances and home accents from countries including Israel, France, Costa Rica, India and Italy. In a fun twist, Jennifer shares the backstory of how she discovered each piece as part of the product description on the website. My favorite feature of the website is the ability to shop by country.

Prices range from $25 - $495 so there is something for every budget and from now until May 11, get $25 off a purchase of $100 using promo code LOVEMOM.

Photo credit: JoeyBra

My sister is a new mom who always lived an active lifestyle. I can see this next gift idea being a great one for her as she juggles being a working mom and finding time to exercise and focus on herself. The $39.99 JoeyBra is an essential for moms on the go with dual zip pockets large enough to store keys, ID cards, mp3 players and more. Leave the diaper bag behind and only carry what you need when you head to the gym or out on a run. 

This Friday, May 9, JoeyBra will be on-site at the Queen Anne Dispatch Friends and Family Event from 6 - 10 p.m. giving a 20 percent discount with everyone in attendance. You can also buy the JoeyBra at West Seattle Runner.

Photo credit: Luxury on Demand

You all know how much I love finding high quality items at great prices. That's why I'm excited to share Luxury on Demand with you. If your mother has high-end taste, you can find consigned designer items by brands including Prada, Versace, Miu Miu and Jimmy Choo online or in the showroom by appointment at Luxury on Demand. Jessica Milton helps women in Seattle reduce, reuse and restyle the designer apparel and accessories through consignment.

Prices vary by designer. Also, Luxury on Demand is running a giveaway for these Prada sunglasses on MomTrends.com that ends June 5 so enter now here.

Photo credit: Mere Basics

Based in Seattle, Mere Basics is a gorgeous collection of light weight cashmere pieces perfect for layering without adding bulk. Living in the Pacific Northwest, layering and comfort are key to our wacky weather and with Mere Basics, mom doesn't have to sacrifice style for some extra warmth. The line features multiple colors and styles so there is something to fit every mother's personal style.

Prices run from $188-$298. For Mother's Day, Mere Basics is offering a special gift set featuring an essential cashmere top and matching shorts for $298. Shop online here!

Photo credit: SEE Eyewear

OK, this next line has the best slogan ever, "Hip without the rip." SEE Eyewear is full of stylish sunglasses for $99. With the sunshine we've had lately and all the time that passed in between, there's a good chance mom misplaced her sunglasses or could simply use another pair. The frames are fresh, fun and the selection diverse. To shop, go to the SEE Eyewear store at 1429 Fifth Avenue in Seattle or online.