The Seattle Spring Skincare Guide

Spring has finally arrived and spas around Seattle are offering up a great mix of seasonal treatments and signature favorites. Treating yourself to a spa day is a true form of self-care in my book. Here’s a round-up of the 5 best treatments for spring available at spas around town, plus a bonus recommendation for those of you who are craving a mini road trip.

Peachy Keen Mangosteen Scrub, Yuan Spa

To celebrate spring, Yuan Spa is on a mission to help guests get the ultimate glow with their new "Peachy Keen Mangosteen Scrub" designed to slough away dead skin and boost circulation. Guests will then be treated to a generous application of 'Peachy Keen' whipped sugar scrub by Lalicious followed up a quick rinse and liberal application of Mangosteen moisturizer by Eminence Organics. Fun fact: Yuan Spa is open every day until 10 p.m. so if you're crazy busy and prefer a late night at the spa, you're in luck. 60 min./$140

Circadian Rhythm Detoxifying Facial, Still Spa

Still Spa at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland is now offering a luxurious and detoxifying facial that helps to rejuvenate skin and enhance the body's natural cellular repair system. The Circadian Rhythm Detoxifying Facial helps repair skin from free radical damage while adding antioxidant support with natural Kaolin Clay. The service is finished with a moisture boost from natural honey. 60 min./$150

Microneedling, Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa

Microneedling treatments have been a true game-changer for my skin. I used to suffer from terrible acne scarring on my cheeks but microneedling has offered me a natural approach to skin rejuvenation. The results have been amazing and my skin continues to get better with each treatment. The service is similar to a facial but involved using microscopic needles to create micro-injuries designed to trigger cellular turnover and repair skin from the inside out. Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa on Queen Anne offers a variety of microneedling packages that can be customized to fit your specific skincare concerns. Single treatment, $375

Botox, Skin Spirit

If last year's constant Zoom calls highlighted the frown lines on your face, you're not alone. The spring season is a great time of year to get a boost of Botox. I'm a big fan of this treatment and swear by it for relaxing frown lines and preventing new ones from forming in the first place. When getting Botox, it's important to find an experienced injector who can assess your specific needs and customize a treatment plan for you. I'm a regular at Skin Spirit and highly recommend their amazing team for a variety of services including Botox, and injectables (Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra, etc.). If you end up booking a service, please tell them I sent you!

Thermogenic Mud Cocoon, Four Seasons Spa

One of the things I missed the most during the pandemic was visiting The Spa at the Four Seasons. As a mom of two, I take self-care seriously. "In the before", a.k.a. pre-pandemic, I used to sneak away at least once or twice a year for a massage at the spa and a visit to the Eucalyptus steam room. One of my favorite things about the Spa at the Four Seasons is that you can easily valet park and head straight up to the spa making the entire experience truly seamless. For a unique experience, try the Thermogenic Mud Cocoon service. It's a purifying wrap that deeply cleanses the skin and helps detoxify sore muscles and stiff joints. 80 min./$285

CBD massage, Glade Spring Spa at Suncadia

Located just 90-minutes East of Seattle, Glade Spring Spa at Suncadia is a great place to visit when you want to get out of the city and recharge at the spa. I recently experienced my first CBD massage and walked away feeling incredibly relaxed. In fact, I don't know how I'll ever enjoy another massage without the natural benefits of CBD oil. You can add CBD to any massage at Glade Spring Spa for an additional $35. I highly recommend it!

What spring skincare services are you excited about this season? I'd love to hear from you! Send me an email or leave me a comment below.

10 Must-Have Spring items from Flora & Henri

Spring has finally arrived in Seattle and when it comes to seasonal essentials that transcend the test of time, Seattle boutique Flora & Henri in Pioneer Square has you covered. From easy accessories to summer hats and apparel, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 

Aisley Hat by Janessa Leone - The easiest way to finish off a spring outfit is with a stylish hat. This one by Janessa Leone is lightweight and comes in a neutral color that looks great with just about everything.  Handwoven with Panama straw. Made in the USA. 

Flora & Henri Silk Satin Floral Dress - This delicate dress is made from 100% silk and features an elastic waist, self-tie belt, and adjustable straps. Perfect for breezy summer days and long summer nights. Pair with a white sneaker and classic denim jacket. 

The Great College Sweatshirt - During the pandemic, sweatshirts became like a second-skin to me. I lived in them and loved the warm embrace.  These pieces will transition well into summer when paired with shorts or jeans on a cool summer day. The Great College sweatshirt is based on a vintage style and features double-washed terry for a soft hand feel. 

Alumnae Knotted Sandal - Made in Italy, these comfortable leather sandals will be a staple in your spring wardrobe. Hand-knotted and featuring covered elastic, the Alumnae Nappa Luna Sandal will quickly become the go-to shoe in your wardrobe this season. 

Sydney Evan Cherry Necklace - Easy accessories are the PERFECT way to transition your wardrobe into spring. I love this cherry necklace by Sydney Evan. It's made from 14k yellow gold and has pavé black diamonds and gorgeous green emeralds. This necklace makes a great gift, too!

Veja Kid Sneakers - We can't forget about the "littles" in our life when it comes to spring fashion. I love these Veja Kid velcro sneakers available at Flora & Henri. These eco-friendly shoes are made in Brazil using wild rubber from the Amazonian forest. Fashion mamas can get themselves matching shoes, too. 

Tensira Apron - I didn't suddenly start baking sourdough bread during quarantine, but I did start cooking more and found myself constantly reaching for a durable apron. I love this one from Tensira, which is named after a small village in the Republic of Guinea known for its specialization in dyeing with indigo. 

Brass Watering Can - "Watering Wednesdays" is a thing at my house and since it's official, I've decided that I might as well water my plants with the most stylish watering vessel I can find. Thankfully, flora & henri stocks a brass watering can by Ilse Crawford for Skultuna that I am obsessed with. Not only does it elevate a tedious task, but it also brings joy with repeated use. Take my word for it. 

Yves Saint Laurent Book - Flora & Henri curates a great selection of books for every type of reader. I'm particularly drawn to books about fashion, like the Yves Saint Laurent biography, available in hardcover. It's a beautiful coffee table book filled with interesting insight on the French fashion designer. 

Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirits - Raise your hand if you're guilty of drinking a little too much during COVID. (If you're not raising your hand, you are either under 21 or you're lying). Made in my favorite city in the world, London, these spirits are non-alcoholic and perfect for those who want to partake in the festivities without drinking actual alcohol. Sugar-free, calorie-free, and perfect for sipping, this one tastes like Allspice and cardamom with a fresh citrus top note. 

If you've been craving a fashion field trip lately, I highly encourage you to visit Flora & Henri in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. Street parking is readily available and if you come during the day (Monday through Friday) you can stop by General Porpoise for a freshly baked donut on the way out. 

Flora & Henri is located on the corner of 1st and Jackson at 401 First Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98104. Shop online or visit the Seattle store. Head over to their website for current operating hours. 

Boma Celebrates AAPI Heritage with Treasured Collection

Boma Jewelry has announced the launch of a new collection designed to celebrate and advocate for underrepresented voices in the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The 10-piece Treasured Collection will debut on May 1, 2021 and 100% of the profits through the end of May will be donated to the AAPI Community Fund. Dedicated to CEO Suzanne Vetillart’s late grandmother, Loy Tee, the Treasured Collection was sustainably designed with circularity in mind, using a mix of deadstock green stones including Jade, Agate, and Aventurine, each stone symbolizing valued virtues including protection, self-confidence, and good luck.

“Jewelry is meant to represent and remind us of who we are,” said Suzanne Vetillart, second-generation owner of Boma Jewelry, “As I wear my necklace designed in honor of my grandmother, I reflect on the connection and courage I feel wearing something that fully reflects who I am. The result is something that is based in cultural symbolism yet remains unique, like me. The Treasured Collection is a representation of that sentiment. Today we are facing a continued rise in racism and violence against Asians. This collection pays tribute to the past and stands as a call to action for the future.”

Highlights from the collection include a signature Agate Bi-Disc necklace, Jade pendants available in sterling silver and 14k gold, and stud earrings featuring Aventurine beads. All items from the collection were ethically produced in-house at the Boma factory in Bangkok, Thailand using deadstock gemstones and recycled metals.

During the month of May, 100% of profits from the Treasured Collection will be donated to the AAPI Community Fund which aims to address urgent issues in the AAPI community as well as broader, systemic problems. Donations are being received through GoFundMe.org and grants from the fund are being allocated to various AAPI organizations and partners working to address racial inequalities.

Prices for the Treasured Collection range from $50 for the ‘Opportunity’ Aventurine stud earrings to $125 for the ‘Assurance’ Agate pendant necklace. Shop now. 

About Boma Jewelry

Boma Jewelry is a leading social purpose corporation focused on using fashion as a force for good. Specializing in high-quality, ethically-made jewelry, Boma offers unparalleled quality and true transparency to customers and valued partners. Through its vertically integrated supply chain and 40 years of experience creating fine jewelry, Seattle-based Boma Jewelry demonstrates that being good to people, conscious of the planet, and prosperous as a family-owned company is achievable when long-term goals are prioritized over short-term gains.

10th Ave Collective Hosts May Popup Featuring 6 Seattle Businesses

In an effort to bring back a sense of community to Capitol Hill, a small collective of local businesses will band together under one roof to host a month-long pop-up shop in the space formerly occupied by Seattle boutique Totokaelo. Starting on Friday, May 7th, and running through June 6, 2021, a multifaceted pop-up will emerge featuring book signings, designer features, shopping, and a listening lounge. Participating businesses include Baby & Co. (men's and women's fashion), Tune Hi-Fi (home audio), Fleurish (floral design studio), Robin Layton (artist and photographer), Susan Wheeler Home (housewares and decor), and Easy Street Records. 

"After a year of hardship and separation, we want to create a vibrant environment that enhances the 10th avenue restaurant and street scene to revive a feeling of community," says Baby & Company owner Jill Donnelly. Due to the pandemic, Baby & Co. was forced to close its First Avenue storefront and transition into a new space in Sun Valley, Idaho. The Donnelly's are excited to be back in Seattle for this special pop-up to reconnect with friends and fellow fashion fans. The gallery-inspired retail space will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will also host weekly open house events on Friday evenings. 

Line-up of events:

● Friday, May 7: Welcome Back, Baby! Mother’s Day gift ideas featuring fragrances from Vilhlelm Parfumerie, bouquets from Fleurish, and a signing of Robin Layton’s photography book The Lake.

● Friday, May 14: At Home showcase featuring Susan Wheeler Home, flowers from Fleurish, and a listening lounge with Tune Hi-Fi sponsored by Easy Street Records.

● Friday, May 21: Made in LA designer capsule event featuring Los Angeles–based designers sold at Baby & Company, including Jaga, Esquivel Shoes, Louiza Babouryan, and MATiAS Denim.

Pop Up Details

What: 10th Ave Collective Pop-Up 

When: May 7 - June 6, 2021

Where: 1523 10th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122

The popup will follow the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines and city mandates requiring the wearing of face masks, limiting capacity, and requesting that shoppers maintain six feet of social distance.

Grab your friends and come #ShopLocal at this fun Seattle pop-up that's around for a limited time only. 

The Cura Co. partners with Boma Jewelry on 'This Matters' Collection

In the immediate aftermath of George Floyd’s death in May of 2020, long-time friends and business associates Akiko Waters of The Cura Co. and Suzanne Vetillart of Boma Jewelry knew it was time to use their business platforms to dismantle systems of racism and redistribute wealth.

Six months later, the duo has released their first gender-inclusive “This Matters” sustainable jewelry collection designed to recognize and redistribute funding for community organizations in support of Black lives. The collection includes a BLM “Power Pendant” featuring a raised fist, a “Say Their Names” slogan necklace, and a raised fist “Power Signet” ring. All items are available in sterling silver and 14k gold.

"As a company, we are continually looking inward and finding new ways to listen and lend support,” says Suzanne Vetillart, CEO of Boma Jewelry, “Learning about Delanie and Izzy inspired Akiko and I to look at the ways in which our brands could be used as a force for good to help make meaningful change.”

100% of the profits from the capsule collection will support the Black College Matters fund by Save Your VI, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “This Matters” proceeds will be directly donated to support the college education funds for BIPOC activists Delanie Seals and Izzy Miller. Future collections will benefit a rotating list of grassroots organizations dedicated to supporting and empowering Black communities.

Delanie Seals and Izzy Miller made national headlines last spring when they fought to change a discriminatory school policy barring African head wraps from being worn at school. These courageous young women led a grassroots campaign that got them suspended from school for wanting to express their cultural heritage. Eventually, they won the right for all BIPOC students to wear cultural head wraps at school and attend schools free from discrimination and harassment, as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guarantees. In addition, Izzy and Delanie organized multiple Black Lives Matter protests in their community and continue to urge the city council in Byng, Oklahoma to designate Juneteenth as a paid holiday. Cura Co. & Boma are honored to support these remarkable young leaders in their pursuit of the higher education they deserve.

The “This Matters” collection is available for purchase exclusively through Cura Co. and Boma Jewelry. Prices start at $50 for pendant necklaces and range up to $130 for signet rings. Shop the collection here.

About The Cura Co.

From fashion to home goods and health, The Cura Co. creates an intentional connection between producer and consumer in pursuit of a more equitable, beautiful world. Female- forward with social impact at its core, The Cura Co. is more than a brand- it’s a conscious lifestyle.

About Boma Jewelry

Boma Jewelry is a leading social purpose corporation that is focused on providing unparalleled quality and transparency for its customers and partners. Through its vertically-integrated supply chain and 40 years of experience creating fine jewelry and cultivating artisanship among its employees, Boma demonstrates that being profitable, respectful of its people, and conscious of its environmental impact is achievable when long-term goals are prioritized over short-term gains.

Black-Owned Brands I love

Black History Month may be over, but I still want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on some of my favorite Black-owned businesses. These brands are doing amazing things to make the world a better place and I am proud to support their work. I encourage you to vote with your dollars and make a personal impact this year by taking the 15% Pledge.

Apparel

BELLO|EDU

BROTHER VELLIES

CHELSEA BRAVO

CULTRO CLOTHING

DAILY PAPER

EMRY BOUTIQUE

GUSTAVO APITI COUTURE

HANIFA

HOPE FOR FLOWERS

HOUSE OF AAMA

ISLAND TRIBE

LIKA LOVE

LAQUAN SMITH

LEMLEM

LISOU

MANNISH BOY

OFFWHITE

PLEMUNS

PYER MOSS

RABECCA ONASSIS BOUTIQUE

ROMEO HUNTE

ROSSARIO GEORGE

SATORI BOUTIQUE

THE OULA COMPANY

THE K LABEL

TONGORO

WALES BONNER

ZELIE FOR SHE

Accessories

AAKS

ASHYA

KATE MENSAH

KINTU

LACE & PEARLS JEWELRY

MAC HOUSE FASHION

MRS. ROBINSON’S AFFAIR JEWELRY

NUCIANO

TELFAR

VALERIE MADISON JEWELRY

VAVVOUNE

Beauty/Wellness

ALAFFIA

LAMAIN BEAUTY

PEAK + VALLEY

Creatives

LAEISHA HOWARD

MARABOU DESIGN

MIKE GARRETT

STYLISHLY MADE

THE BRIGHT REPORT

Authors

BRIT BENNET

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE

YAA GYASI

Community

ETHICAL STYLE JOURNAL

FASHION & RACE DATABASE

SUSTAINABLE FASHION FORUM

WOMEN OF COLOR WORLDWIDE

We can all do our part to make a difference. Learn more about Aurora James and the 15% Pledge here. 

London's Photoshoot for Boma Jewelry

 

Last fall my daughter London had the chance to model in Boma Jewelry's holiday campaign. This local brand has quickly become one of her favorites because the earrings are fun and they don't irritate her sensitive ears.  Boma is sustainably-minded and uses recycled silver to make its products. In addition, all Boma Jewelry is non-toxic and nickel-free making it a great pick for sensitive ears. My daughter absolutely adores her collection of Boma Jewelry and really enjoyed working with the brand. 

Here are 5 things to know about Seattle brand Boma Jewelry:

1 - CEO Suzanne Vetillart is a 2nd generation owner and mom of 4. 

2 - The kids collection of earrings includes cats, dogs, unicorns, and rainbows. 

3 - Boma Jewelry customers can offset the carbon from their purchase by using CarbonClick at check-out.

4 - London's favorite pair of earrings from Boma Jewelry are these fox earrings. 

5 -  Boma has developed a process to recycle stones and set them into new pieces of jewelry as a way of keeping unused materials out of landfills. They plan to launch a new zero-waste collection in May, just in time for Mother's Day. 

View Boma Jewelry's collections for kids here:

Boma Jewelry for Girls + Teens

Boma Jewelry Animal Earrings 

Photos by Demri Rayanne Photography

The Blow Dryer That Changed My Life

Haircare is not something I take lightly. In fact, as someone with a lot of hair, the process of washing, drying, and styling my hair, is something that often takes up to two hours. I wish that I had the type of hair that would allow me to shower at night and wake up the next morning with dry hair. But sadly, I'm not. I've tried and my experiments always end with a sad, soggy pillow and soaking wet hair. Over the years I've come to terms with this reality and scheduled "wash days" accordingly but always found the entire operation quite frustrating. And then one day, everything changed. 

For Christmas this year, my husband surprised me with the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. I had seen ads for it and watched as other influencers posted about it, but honestly, I didn't understand what the buzz was about. For starters, the blow dryer is nearly $400, which is a far cry from the $40 dryer I had been using from Revlon for years. And secondly, I had never used a dryer with a hole in the middle and had no idea how it worked. 

Turns out, this blow dryer can dry my hair in 8 minutes flat and I'm telling you, it's worth every dollar. It used to take me 25-35 minutes to thoroughly dry my hair and I would have to dry it in layers because my hair is so thick. With the Dyson, I can dry my hair quickly and move on to styling in a record amount of time. My entire "get ready routine" has become much more efficient and I feel like I've been given my valuable time back. The best part is, that in addition to rapid dry time, the Dyson protects hair from heat damage and visibly deceases frizz and flyaways, which is MAJOR for my naturally wavy hair. 

So how does it work? Well, for starters, the dryer is powered by a motor that propels 13 liters of air up to the amplifier every second. The airflow then produces a controlled, high-velocity jet of air designed to dry hair quickly. The airflow is temperature measured over 40 times to prevent heat damage, which helps make hair shiny. 

This blowdryer has honestly changed my life and streamlined my morning routine. I feel more efficient when I use it and love that it no longer takes me nearly 90 minutes to get ready when I need to wash my hair. Thank you, Dyson. 

ps. This post is not sponsored. We purchased the dryer with our own money and I'm telling you, it was worth every penny. 

Lead photo credit: Demri Rayanne Photography 

Travel Inspiration from Pacific Northwest Bloggers

The Port of Seattle recently published a round-up of BIPOC travel influencers to follow for travel inspiration and they kindly included me in their list. I'm in great company, alongside Andrew Hoge, Antonio Smith, Carolyn Yuen Marino, Jennifer George, Mariame Sanoh, Sahily Perez, and more. If you're experiencing cabin fever and need some safe staycation ideas, go through the list and follow these amazing content creators. 

View the entire post here. 

5 Of My Favorite Book Club Picks

Last spring, my friend Amanda invited me to join her book club. Looking back, saying "yes" seemed like a small moment in time, but fast forward nearly nine months later and I now realize how big of an impact that decision has had on my life, in the best way possible. The goal of the group was simple: read books by women of color, celebrate their work, and see the world from their perspective. Little did we know at the time that COVID would cause chaos around the world, halt travel, and fuel a social justice movement that was long overdue. Many of the topics we were reading about in our monthly book club would carry over to what was happening in real life and facing those hard truths became unavoidable. 

I've always loved to read. My grandma taught me to read when I was very young and my family has old photos of me sitting on my grandma's couch, surrounded by piles of books. As I got older, I stopped reading for fun and only consumed trade journals and business books. Every once in a while if I was about to board a long flight, I would pick up a book to read on the plane, but only then could I justify the time spent reading. Saying yes to book club meant that I suddenly had an excuse to carve out time to read and our monthly (virtual) meet-ups held me accountable so that I would actually finish the books lingering on my nightstand. I've read more books in the past 9 months than I have in the past 9 years and I've fallen in love with reading again, which I know would make my grandma very proud. 

Here are my 5 favorite book picks from 2020 written by a wide range of authors. I hope you love them as much as I did!

Half Of A Yellow Sun - This book by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is essential reading as far as I'm concerned. In fact, this book was so incredibly well-written that once I finished it, I ordered every other title by the author that I could get my hands on. The book centers around two sisters who experience the Biafran conflict, sometimes known as the Nigerian Civil War. The story is well developed and shines a light on the situation and the tragic consequences that ultimately unfolded. If you like this book, I also encourage you to check out Americanah. 

Vanishing Half - Brit Bennet is an incredible author and her epic storytelling abilities come to life in this beautiful book. Vanishing Half is about twin sisters who grow up in a small town and construct a plan to escape the monotony of their lives. The book explores topics of sisterhood, personal identity, and the implications of being Black in America. 

Homegoing - This book by Yaa Gyasi was my personal pick for the group and one that I find myself recommending to people again and again. It made me realize that while we talk about slavery in this country, we fail to come to terms with the origins of slavery and its generational impact. Homegoing is the story of two half-sisters who are both born in Ghana but in separate villages. One goes on to marry an Englishman and the other is sold into the Transatlantic slave trade. The story is devastating and illuminating, making you deeply appreciate how the past ultimately shapes us all. 

Photo credit: Knopf/Cody Pickens 

Born a Crime - I stumbled upon this book over the holidays and what I thought might be a fun, easy book to read when I had pockets of time quickly became a book that I couldn't put down. I read the entire thing in two days and found myself completely captivated by the story. Trevor Noah's path from South Africa to present-day at The Daily Show is remarkable. Prior to reading this book, I didn't know about apartheid, which meant I couldn't appreciate how deeply it impacted communities of color. I found myself laughing, crying, and loving Trevor Noah even more by reading this book. 

Everything Is Beautiful In Its Time - 2020 has been a year of loss for so many of us and this book couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Over the summer one of my best friends lost her father after a long battle with cancer and several months later, my husband lost his grandmother, his last living grandparent. This book truly helped heal my heart and deepen the appreciation I have for my family. Author Jenna Bush Hager lost 3 of her 4 grandparents in the span of just one year and shares personal family stories and photos, allowing readers an intimate look at what it's like to grow up in not one, but two presidential families. This book was like therapy for me and I've since purchased it for friends who are going through heartbreak. I highly recommend it!

Reading is a love that I hope to pass along to my children. Several years ago while spending time in London I took my daughter to high tea sponsored by Daunt Books at the Langham Hotel and each child got to pick out a book to read and take home. My daughter (also named London), picked out Oi Frog!, a book she now knows by heart and reads out loud with joy. What are your favorite books for kids? Leave a comment down below. Oh, and if you love Oi Frog, you might also want to check out London's new favorite, Oi Dog. 

Shop Local

For convenience, I've linked the above titles to Amazon, but if you can, please consider shopping locally at your neighborhood book store. Here are a few of my favorites:

Elliot Bay Books

Queen Anne Book Company

Phinney Books

Three Trees Books