Made in Washington Hires Kristin Frossmo as President and CEO

Made in Washington made news earlier this month when it appointed former Nordstrom VP Kristin Frossmo to lead the company as President and CEO. Previously executive vice president and general merchandise manager of Nordstrom's shoe division, Kristin will bring a wealth of retail knowledge and customer service experience to the role as the company prepares for a busy tourism season ahead. 

Since 1984, Made in Washington has been a place for locals and tourists alike to shop for a wide array of products that are designed and produced in Washington state. In her new role, Kristin will help bring the stories of local artists and makers to life as the company continues to expand its presence in the region and differentiate itself in the market as a diverse place for local shopping and discovery. 

With locations in four very different settings (Pike Place Market, Alderwood Mall, Bellevue Square Mall, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport), Frossmo sees an opportunity to personalize the experience at each location and give consumers a unique, hyper-local shopping experience. She's also excited about the possibilities that lie ahead when it comes to increased consumer engagement through interactive events, product demos, and specialty shopping nights where customers can learn more about the emerging and established brands carried by Made in Washington. 

As part of the transition, Kristin will replace current President and CEO Mike Mondello, who also serves as President and CEO of SeaBear Smokehouse. Made in Washington carries products from over 250 local vendors across a range of categories including food, art, home goods, gifts, glassware, and more.

As a long-time shopper of Made in Washington, I love the fact that customers can design their own gift baskets or choose from a wide selection of pre-made gift sets. It makes shopping for the holidays, or any occasion, fun and easy. We have a lot of relatives that live out of state, so having the opportunity to send them a little piece of "Washington" is always a welcome gift. 

Here are 5 of my favorite gifts available at Made in Washington: 

Seabear Smoked Salmon - An iconic Pacific Northwest gift that is handcrafted in small batches and smoked using traditional smokehouse techniques. 

SaltWorks Dead Sea Bath Salt - This relaxing bath soak has 10x more minerals than ordinary sea salt and features USDA-certified organic eucalyptus essential oil to soothe skin and reduce stress. 

Handblown Glass Paperweight - This handcrafted, Mercury-inspired paperweight glows in the dark and contains ash from the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. Perfect as a standalone piece of art or a stylish office accessory. 

Market Spice Huckleberry Tea - I've been a fan of the Market Spice teas for a long time and the signature Huckleberry flavor makes a great gift!

Chalo Boarding Pass Tote - This Seattle-inspired tote bag is spacious, durable, and great for carrying around all your must-haves. There's even an interior zip pocket to safely carry around smaller items like a wallet or keys. 

Whether you need an easy way to support local makers or you're looking for a great gift, you'll find it at Made in Washington. Visit one of the stores or learn more about Made in Washington, here. 

2022 #ShopLocalSeattle Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8th and in the spirit of supporting the amazing local businesses in our community, I came up with a list of 55 great gift ideas to help celebrate the moms in your life. As a mom of two fabulous kids and one very spoiled fur baby, I know that motherhood is a constant juggling act and that even during the toughest of times, the moments are fleeting. This year I want to send a big thank you to the fellow mamas out there who are working hard each day to raise kids that are kind, caring, curious, empathetic, and resilient. I see you, I support you, and I’m here for you when you need a kind word, a long walk, or a glass of wine. Happy Mother’s Day!

55 Mother's Day Gift Ideas that support Seattle businesses

1. The AstroTwins Momstrology book helps parents understand the astrological charts of their little ones. It’s beautifully written and deeply insightful.
2. A sapphire and diamond ring from House of Hitchcock.
3. An overnight stay at The Woodmark Hotel so that she can wake up on the water in Kirkland.
4. Gift cards to local boutiques on Capitol Hill including Sway and Cake and Glasswing.
5. A signature massage from Yuan Spa. Don’t miss the unique hydrotherapy experiences available in Bellevue and Kirkland.
6. An electric boat ride on South Lake Union.
7. An old-school Igloo cooler for picnics and playdates at the park.
8. A beautiful, ethically-made necklace that she’ll cherish forever from Boma Jewelry’s Treasured Collection.
9. A signature Monarch tee from Luly Yang.
10. A figure-flattering mock neck top from Oiselle.
11. Vegan nail polish from local brand Veque.
12. One-of-a-kind, custom dinner napkins from Set the Table by Lisa Cole.
13. An Astrological Self-Care book by local author Stephanie Gailing.
14. An annual membership to the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). Don’t miss the Behind the Seams event and Spring Fling at the Mohai Mercantile taking place on Mother’s Day weekend. More info can be found here.
15. A sunset dinner at Goldfinch Tavern overlooking the Puget Sound at Four Seasons Seattle.
16. A bottle of soothing, single-sourced CBD oil from Two Cranes Botanicals. I got my own mom a bottle last year and she LOVES it.
17. A dinner date at Bamboo Sushi.
18. A gift card to SkinSpirit that she can use on facials, Botox, skin care products, and more.
19. A gift certificate for a blow out at Drybar.
20. An intuitive life coaching session with Erika Lynn.
21. A Dyson Supersonic blow dryer that will cut her drying time in half. My husband got me one last year and it cuts down my dry time from 20 minutes to 8 minutes flat.
22. An athletic-inspired skort from Girlfriend Collective that can be dressed up or down during classic Pacific Northwest summers, available locally at Prism in Ballard.
23. A hilarious candle from Malicious Women Co. in Snohomish.
24. A utility canvas bag for overnight weekend trips from Seattle boutique Flora & Henri.
25. An Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Box from Trophy Cupcakes.
26. A bottle of perfume from 86 West fragrances, available locally at Corre.
27. A wine club membership to XOBC Cellars that benefits Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation.
28. Tickets for a ride on the Victoria Clipper from the Seattle Waterfront to Victoria, B.C.
29. A cooking class for adults at FrogLegs Cooking School.
30. Modern handmade ceramics from Orphan Ten.
31. A gift certificate for a session with a professional wardrobe stylist from Styled Seattle.
32. A University Village gift card that can be used on an epic fashion field trip.
33. A weekend trip to Suncadia so that she can escape the city and be one with nature.
34. An all-natural skincare gift set from Kari Gran Skincare.
35. A PNW gift set from Seattle Chocolate.
36. A seafood-inspired gift basket from Made in Washington.
37. A beautiful crystal diffuser from Antica Farmacista.
38. A cool swimsuit from Tomboy X.
39. A new pair of shoes from Brooks Running.
40. A delicious and easy to prepare dinner kit from Kitchen & Market.
41. A lightweight, jersey-knit beanie from Coal.
42. Colorful hair accessory clips from Chunks.
43. An architecturally-inspired tote bag from Ampersand as Apostrophe.
44. A dinner date at Canlis.
45. A gift card to Queen Anne Dispatch so that she can shop for whatever she wants. (They have apparel, accessories, gifts, jewelry, home accessories, beauty products, and more!)
46. A glassybaby she’ll cherish forever.
47. Gorgeous microbladed brows from Sula.
48. A new raincoat from Eddie Bauer.
49. An ethically-made midi-dress by The Cura Co.
50. A Union Jack throw blanket, available locally from Watson Kennedy.
51. A sushi-inspired tea towel, available locally at Morning Siren.
52. A pair of eco-friendly cellulose acetate earrings from Baleen.
53. A lavender-scented, aromatic, mousse-like ultra-moisturizer from Alaffia.
54. A gift card to Purpose boutique to shop for a new summer dress.
55. A gift certificate to Apollo Nails for a well-deserved mani/pedi.

TOP IT OFF

Don’t forget to send mom a memorable message using a Tokki bow card.

Seattle Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2022

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it's the perfect occasion to shop local and support Seattle's best designers, brands, and boutiques. From cards to candy, fashion, beauty products, and experiences, this round-up has something for everyone on your list. 

For the ladies in your life, this beautiful Boma Jewelry Rose Quartz Pendant from the Treasured Collection makes a great gift. Featuring upcycled bi-disc stones, this necklace is available in 14k gold plated and sterling silver. Last year, the brand celebrated 40 years in business with a series of Seattle pop-ups featuring local AAPI brands. Learn more about Boma's backstory here. Shop online and don't forget to offset your carbon at check-out using CarbonClick. 

The Beloved Beanie by Sskein originally made its debut last fall and it's a classic gift that gives back. For every beanie sold, a new beanie is donated to Seattle non-profit Mary's Place. The Beloved Beanie by Sskein is available in 9 colors including Cameo Pink (shown above). 

Seattle brand Lulumiére makes beautiful, hand-poured candles using plant-derived ingredients that are good for you and the planet. Available in a variety of scents, the Chai & Cinnamon candle is perfect for Valentine's Day. 

If you're been curious about trying the Lip Blush beauty trend, look no further than local make-up artist and beauty expert Heidi Nymark. She offers a service called the "Sula Lip" that customizes the perfect lip shade for each client, creating a natural look that beauty fans will love. Gift the service to a friend or book a treatment for yourself. Check out the results on my lips, above. Book during the month of February and get $50 off your service by mentioning promo code SYDNEY. 

For those on your list who are currently binge-watching Yellowstone on Paramout+, chances are they've been admiring the fashion worn by lead character Beth Dutton. Her low-cut floral dresses and cowboy boots are epic and these pink Lydia boots by Rachel Comey, available at Corre, are a total vibe. 

I love Seattle brand The Cura Co. because they make it easy to shop for Valentine's Day with your values in mind by curating an amazing mix of ethical brands. Their Black-Owned Gift Set features a Clarifying Face Mask by Ilera Apothecary, loose-leaf herbal tea by QBIPOC brand Aesthete Tea, and a fine art print by Marsha Robinson of Strange Dirt. Pick up this great gift set from the store or have the box shipped directly to your Valentine. 

This "Satin Mood" French fragrance by Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a great gift for beauty fans. Featuring notes of geranium, cinnamon, roses, and violet blossoms, a spritz of this parfum will definitely put romance in the air. Available locally at Nordstrom. 

Australian brand Frankie4 recently opened a beautiful new storefront in Seattle and their Mim II Blush Braid sneaker makes a beautiful gift for Valentine's Day. Podiatrist-designed to be stylish and good for your feet, this lightweight shoe features adjustable heel, arch, and foot support. Also available in white. 

I didn't understand all the fuss about the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer until my husband suprised me with one last year. I can honestly tell you, it's a TOTAL game changer. I have long, thick hair and this dryer saves me so much time. It used to take me 20-25 minutes to blow dry my hair in sections. With this dryer, I can dry my hair (without putting it into sections) in 7 minutes flat. Totally worth the splurge for your VIP Valentine. 

Help your Valentine relax and unwind with CBD oil by Seattle brand Two Cranes. The Attune 

Full Spectum CBD oil in 300+ mg is fast-absorbing and helps with stress, anxiety, and inflammation. Two Cranes CBD oils are made without herbicides, solvents, preservatives or fillers. They are also non-psychoactive and contain less than .3% THC. 

The Knours Komplete Kit from K Banana contains all my favorite k-beauty essentials and makes a great Galentine's Day gift.  This set features One Perfect Youth Cream, Your Only Cleanser, Double Duty Mist, and a pair of Sweet Enough Rescue Masks all packaged in an eco-friendly, biodegradable pouch that is great for travel. 

Cute notebooks, blank pages, endless possibilities. This trio of notebooks from Chez Gagné, available at Seattle boutique Foundation on Queen Anne, makes a gift for great Valentine's Day. They're small enough to tuck into a jacket pocket or handbag and perfectly sized for capturing moments of inspiration. 

It's a Golden Galentines, no but really. This adorable card available locally at Paper Source is exactly the kind of snail mail I want to give and receive on Valentine's Day. We miss you, Betty White! 

Set the mood for a romantic night in with this delicate incense burner from L'Objet, available locally at Flora & Henri. Scent has the power to transport us to another place and time and while we may not be able to travel as often as we used to, this incense burner is a great gift that can help recapture those precious memories. Made from porcelain and presented in a luxury gift box, this is the perfect Valentine's Day gift for a night in. Don't forget the incense sticks. 

You can't go wrong on Valentine's Day with a classic Red Velvet cupcake. Trophy Cupcakes masters this best-selling treat with traditional buttermilk cake paired with a hint of cocoa and topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting. Shop the full assortment of Valentine's Day treats from Trophy Cupcakes here. 

Low key and perfect for a cozy Valentine's Day snuggle session, this crewneck sweatshirt featuring a lipstick kiss is available at Emry boutique and makes a great gift. Like many people, I've been living in sweatshirts during the pandemic and this one is SUPER cute. 

A spa day is always a good idea, especially when it's at the new Yuan Spa location at The Village at Totem Lake. Savvy spa fans will enjoy the new range of Ultraceutical Facials while purists will enjoy a Yuan Chinese signature massage. Stop by the spa to purchase a gift card in person or shop online and send a gift card via email. 

If you're looking for something fun to do around town to celebrate Valentine's Day, don't miss the Lipsology event at W Seattle featuring certified lipsologist Deni Luna. The event is taking place on Thursday, Feb. 10 from 5-8 p.m. in the Living Room bar. Register here. 

W Seattle is also offering a special Skyline Valentine hotel package now through the end of February that includes a room, 2 cocktails, an in-room dining experience, and an intimacy kit.  During your visit, don't miss the Indi-gogo cocktail featuring a fashionable twist on a classic gin and tonic, inspired by Pantone's 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri (shown below). 

What's New at Pacific Place

 

After a two-and-a-half-year renovation, Pacific Place, Seattle's downtown shopping center, quietly opened its doors last summer at the height of the pandemic. The big reveal unveiled a modern new look for the property but ultimately left fashion fans underwhelmed when it came to the actual shopping experience because only a fraction of the original retailers remained. After all, we were in the midst of a global pandemic and many of the retailers that had once called Pacific Place home had closed up shop or moved on to other locations that were foot traffic-friendly. 

During its lengthy renovation, Pacific Place embraced a pop-in strategy, allowing indie retailers to utilize short-term, temporary spaces. As a result, a variety of Seattle retailers including The Handmade Showroom, JNBY, and Bezel & Kiln, made use of the space and added newness to the property while testing out retail concepts that would otherwise have been cost-prohibitive. Art galleries including Gallery Onyx and Ghost Gallery also opened their doors at Pacific Place, giving shoppers a fun and easy way to experience local art. The WOW Gallery is scheduled to open on June 18th. More info on the opening party can be found here. 

In addition to art and indie retailers, Pacific Place is also still home to national brands like lululemon, Tiffany & Co., Aveda, and AT&T. And of course, there's still plenty of great dining options including Thai Ginger, Johnny Rockets, Pike Place Chowder, Haidilao Hot Pot, and Din Tai Fung. 

Other noteworthy updates:

+ During COVID, AMC Pacific Place is offering guests the ability to rent out a theater for private parties. For $249+ tax you can host up to 20 guests and enjoy a private movie experience. Learn more. 

+ Din Tai Fung is now offering vegan menu items including Vegan Wontons with House Spicy Sauce, Vegan Noodles with Sesame Sauce, Vegan Noodle Soup, and Vegan Wonton Soup. 

+ You can now visit Dress for Success at Pacific Place on Level 3. Dress for Success helps empower women to achieve economic independence by providing support, development tools, and professional attire. By appointment only. Save the date! The virtual Summer Soiree is scheduled for June 24th. 

Pacific Place 

600 Pine Street

Seattle, WA 98101

Find Pacific Place on Instagram @Pacific_Place

I Know A Place: Seattle Fashion Edition

As a long-time Seattleite who loves exploring, I know many places around town that truly make this city a magical place to live. We have gorgeous bodies of water surrounding us, clear skies, clean air, and innovative ideas. My friends frequently come to me to ask for recommendations on hidden gems around town like must-visit boutiques and great places to dine with kids. I constantly find myself saying the phrase, "I Know A Place", so it's only fitting that Visit Seattle asked to highlight a few of my favorite places for their spring campaign. Long-time readers may remember that I partnered with them last fall on a series of posts about where (and how) to shop locally during the holiday season. You can view those posts here, here, and here. 

For our latest collab, I explored the city through a fashion lens by visiting beloved book stores, new pop-ups, and indie shops that are too good to miss. My family and I capped the day with a delicious dinner at Goldfinch Tavern before turning in for the night at the Four Seasons. Here's an overview of our itinerary filled with insider tips for safely exploring the city in style. 

I know a place....that curates a gorgeous assortment of global fashion brands. 

Flora & Henri has been locally owned and operated since 1998. The Seattle concept shop located on the corner of First and Jackson in Pioneer Square is visually stunning and perfectly curated with beautiful products for the entire family. At Flora & Henri, you'll find a mix of local favorites like handbags from Ampersand as Apostrophe merchandised next to dreamy, global favorites like dresses from Italian brand Loretta Caponi. View a round-up of my favorite spring must-haves here. 

I know a place...where you can shop local for ethically made clothing and shoes.

Clementine's in Pioneer Square offers fashion fans a unique place to shop from small brands who value slow fashion. Owner Linda Walsh is passionate about providing an inclusive space for people to make conscious fashion choices. Featured brands include Paloma Wool, People Tree, and Prairie Underground. The store is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

I know a place...where you can shop an amazing selection of local authors. 

If the pandemic was good for anything, it was simply to remind us that we're always just one book away from a great escape. Elliott Bay Book Co. on Capitol Hill is a full-service, locally owned bookstore home to over 150,000 titles. As a lifelong bookworm and #ShopLocal fan, I love the fact that they give valuable shelf space to local authors including astrologer Stephanie Gailing, who released not one, but TWO books during quarantine. Stephanie's latest books, The Complete Book of Dreams and The Complete Guide to Astrological Self-Care offer readers a holistic approach to everyday wellness. As a Virgo, I'm a big fan of astrological insight and after devouring Stephanie's dream book, I'm really excited to dive into her self-care guide that features sections for each of the twelve zodiac signs. 

* Elliott Bay Book Co. also carries the Seattle Style: Fashion/Function book by MOHAI curator Clara Berg, which originally accompanied the 2019 Seattle fashion exhibit.  

I know a place...where you can shop one of Seattle's best heritage brands. 

Filson has been around since 1897, originally outfitting prospectors passing through the city on their way to the Klondike gold rush. The Seattle flagship is a fun place to experience the roots of the brand and witness its evolution. In addition to shopping in person, customers can opt for curbside pick-up for orders made over the phone. Same day delivery services are also being offered from the flagship store within a specific radius. Visit the store later this month and you'll be among the first to experience new arrivals to Filson's limited-edition Smokey Bear Collection, a continued partnership designed to communicate the importance of wildfire prevention. New products from this special collection will be available at the Flagship starting on May 28. The product mix includes a variety of must-have items including a Smokey Bear enamelwear camp set, authentic ranger hat, and full zip hoodie. 

I know a place...where you can shop an incredible selection of international fashion magazines.

Earlier this year, Big Little News quietly opened up shop on Capitol Hill. Woman-owned and operated, this hidden gem is brimming with specialty magazines like British Vogue, Elle UK, Paris Vogue, and more. In addition, you'll also find indie magazines that cover a variety of interests and must-have items to accompany your reading material, like bottles of champagne and giant boxes of candy. 

I know a place...where you can shop a limited time pop-up featuring amazing brands. 

Seattle's beloved Baby & Co. boutique closed its doors locally last summer due to the pandemic but they're back in town for a limited time only as part of the 10th Ave Collective Pop-Up happening now through June 6. Located on Capitol Hill in the old Totokaelo space, the 10th Ave Collective features apparel and accessories from Baby & Co., art from Robin Layton, and home goods from Susan Wheeler. I picked up a bottle of the Poets of Berlin perfume by Vilhelm while I was at the shop this weekend and it has quickly become my new favorite fragrance. 

I know a place...where you can shop a great mix of local designers that handmake their goods in Seattle.

Located in Belltown, Sassafras is a retail shop and fashion studio home to a variety of local brands including Stone Crow Designs, Bartle B., and La Macón by Shari Noble. The shop is a hub for independent fashion designers from around the city and offers a great way for fashion fans to shop a selection of local brands all under one roof. Personal shopping appointments are available and can easily be booked online.  

I know a place...where you can enjoy an amazing dinner complete with sweeping views of the Puget Sound. 

Goldfinch Tavern, located at the Four Seasons, serves up Pacific Northwest-inspired cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients. From the drinks menu, start with the Smoked Manhattan and then move on to my favorite main course: Cedar Plank King Salmon served with vegetables from Pike Place Market. As a side dish, you have to try the Goldfinch Lobster Mashers. I'm still dreaming about the decadence of this acclaimed side dish.  Insider tip: Flat rate parking is available when dining at the restaurant. 

I know a place...where you can escape the ordinary and enjoy a staycation in the heart of the city. 

Four Seasons Seattle is the perfect place to visit when you need to recharge but want to stay in the city. We loved the views from our room of the Washington State Ferries and of the iconic Seattle Great Wheel. Room service is a must for breakfast (my daughter highly recommends the blueberry pancakes) and if you have time, the spa is a magically rejuvenating place that is good for both the body and soul. The Infinity Pool overlooking Puget Sound is also open daily for guests from 6  a.m. to 9 p.m. 

What are your favorite places to shop around town? I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email or leave me a comment on this post and tell me your favorite shops to explore around town. 

* This post was written in partnership with Visit Seattle.