My Favorite Holiday Tradition

My favorite Christmas memory growing up was our annual Christmas pinata. Filled with goodies and gifts and goodies it was a great way to tide the kids over until the "big" presents were opened after dinner on Christmas eve. In my family the pinata was made with an entire roll of wrapping paper made into a large bag, filled with presents and attached to a curtain rod.

Gifts typically included socks, calendars, t-shirts, books, gift certificates and other things. Each family member got one of each gift and the gifts inside were individually wrapped and were usually specific for the individual. With the exception of the one year we all ended up in a similar type of athletic sweatshirts - made for a good family photo! Kids and adults alike would take turns taking blindfolded whacks at the pinata until it came crashing down to a chorus of loud cheers and enthusiastic hoorahs!



The majority of the cousins in my family have grown up and the pinata tradition has come to an end but it is a tradition I will greatly miss and hope to begin again when I start my own family some day. My families style of pinata required a large amount of wrapping paper and tape and wasn't very estetically pleasing. So in the interest of design and being eco-friendly below are instructions for a DIY Christmas Pinata couresty of Craftbits.com.

Materials needed are PaperMache, Balloon, Christmas tinsel, decorative bows, and a bag of mixed wrapped sweets. (I figure you could probably use small gifts or trinkets as well for the filling).



1. Start by blowing up your Balloon and tie it off to secure.

2. Now make a paper mache mix. (paper mache mix is White wood glue with small amount of water or flour and water to make a gluing paste)

3. Cut some brown paper or newspaper into strips. Dip it into the glue then place it down onto the balloon. Keep doing this in single layers until the balloon is covered then allow that layer to dry before adding another layer. Keep doing this until it is around 3-4 layers thick.

4. Once it has dried using a large pin push a hole through the paper mache to pop the balloon inside.

5. Use a blade to cut a flap into the bottom of the paper mache pinata. It needs to be big enough to add the sweets. Place your sweets in then sticky tape the whole closed.

6. Tie some string to the top and then coat the whole ball with spray paint and allow to dry before decorating with tinsel and bows.

Viola! You have a Christmas pinata! A tradition I have enjoyed for years and I hope your family enjoys just as much! :)

Dreaming of Disney

I'm dreaming of Disney this Christmas, particularly the awesome Disney Dreams collection by Annie Leibovitz. Featuring a incredible collection of award winning celebrities including Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, Jessica Biel, Roger Federer, Mikhail Baryshinikov, Tina Fey, Gisele Bundchen, David Beckham, Julie Andrews, Abigail Breslin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Beyonce, Lyle Lovett, Oliver Platt and Whoopi Goldberg. The stars were photographed recreating epic scenes from Disney Classics like Aladdin, Peter Pan, Pocahontas and Cinderella.

"Where Every Cinderella Story Comes True"
Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella



Annie Leibovitz was able to capture moments and portray the infamous Disney magic in a way that only she could resulting in a truly remarkable and timeless collection of photographs - not to mention a killer advertising campaign for the Disney Parks. I've been dreaming of a Disney vacation since I came home from my last trip about six years ago. Unfortunately due to finances and other limitations a trip is not in my future, so for now I'll just get lost in the magic of the Disney Dreams photographs and hope they hold me over until I can make the journey to "never, neverland." I'm dreaming of Disney this Christmas, how about you?

Below are a couple of my favorite photos from the series courtesy of Miss Geeky's blog - for a complete look and more information on the at photograph series check out the article in USA Today.

"Where Wonderland is Your Destiny"
Beyonce as Alice, Lyle Lovett as the March Hare & Olive Platt as the Mad Hatter

Radio Show Sign-Off

On Saturday night my parents and I snuggled up by the Christmas tree and fire and watched what is sure to become an instant holiday classic - Terminator Salvation. Okay so maybe it won't be on the list with The Holiday, Love Actually and White Christmas in terms of feel good holiday movies but it definitely had character.

So the basic plot line is that John Connor (played by the fabulous Christian Bale) is leading the "Resistance" against SkyNet and the Terminator machines. The "Resistance" is made up of surviving humans all over the globe who will unite together to take down SkyNet. About half way into the movie John Connor conducts a radio broadcast and launches call to arms for "Resistance" fighters across the globe. At the end of the scene John utters a line that has stood out to me since the first time I saw this movie in the theater - "This is John Connor, if your listening to this you are the resistance."



After viewing this again it got me thinking - this totally awesome phrase could be used for a lot of things. "Resistance" could mean/be different things for different people. Whatever your believe in or your fighting for or whatever your passionate about could be your "resistance".

So I started thinking about how I would use it in my life - I thought about using it if I became a radio DJ or TV Show host. Walter Cronkite had "That's the way it is." - Edward R. Murrow used "Good night and good luck" - and Al Roker has definitely coined "That's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods." So if I were a newscaster or had my own radio show I think my sign-off would be "This is Jade Sepolen, if your listening to this you are the resistance." I think it could definitely catch on. What phrase would you use to sign-off?

As always, thanks for listening! ;)

Holiday Dresses - PDX Style

Two weekends ago I was in Portland visiting friends and catching the So You Think You Can Dance tour. My short weekend visit was filled with non-profit volunteering and incredible dancing - but my typical Portland trips usually consist of intensive shopping therapy including a trip to Mabel & Zora in Portland's Pearl District.



The fabulous Mabel & Zora features items from fabulous designers like Trina Turk, Ella Moss and Michael Stars and items from local organizations and designers. With items like clothing, accessories, luggage and more they offer a little bit of everything with a range of price tags that match any pocketbook.

In anticipation of the holiday season and the parties and celebrations that go along with it - this weeks post highlight some fabulous options for the season. Whether your celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or New Years you are sure to look fabulous in these Mabel & Zora styles.

LA MADE BELTED WRAP DRESS


MAX AND CLEO LACE BUST 2FER DRESS











ISAAC HERS LINDY DRESS

Timeless Elegance for the Modern Sophisticate

Spotted: an elegant penthouse on the Upper Eastside. The Serena Van Der Woodsen bedroom set from Gossip Girl is our Inspirational Room of the Week. This room inspires my inner Audrey Hepburn with vintage chic and trendy sophistication. Perfect for the “on-the-go” socialite or practical professional this room is a triple threat combining comfort, function and design.

Classic and elegant base colors against stylish patterns and metallic accents make a bold statement without going over the top. Vintage pieces with luxe patterns provide warmth but can be pricey and difficult to find. As an alternative, less expensive furniture can be “antiqued” by applying elegantly patterned wallpaper.





Photos courtesy of Christina Tonkin Interiors - property of Malchus Janocko.

A contrasting retro polka-dot pattern is used in the headboard and wall covering, tying together major elements in the room. Tufted headboards are chic design elements that provide unbeatable comfort. Headboards featuring accent colors and patterns can be easily created using plywood, batting, upholstery foam, fabric and buttons. (See the Kelley Moore D.I.Y. Headboard project for “how-to” and design details)

Artistic pieces like the wooden credenza provide storage and deliver a winning combination of fashion and function. Individualized art pieces and accessories provide a subtle finish. Whether living on the Upper Eastside or Lower Queen Anne, silver and gold materials throughout give the room touches of “bling” fit for any urban socialite!

D.I.Y Tip of the Week: Use trendy prints, bold fabric patterns, and vibrant accent pillows to give your bedroom an updated look while allowing for easy re-covering and adapting as trends change.

Cap & GOWN (Literally)

Just finished a Skype video chat with my dear friend Katarina who is getting her Master's Degree in War Studies at King's College in London (yes I'm bragging a little because I'm SOOO PROUD!!). Anyways, she informed me today that she will be wearing a "designer" gown to graduation in May. And she wasn't kidding! This year the King's College Graduation Gowns will be designed by the English designer Vivienne Westwood. Apparently in 2008 Vivienne designed 20 new gowns and hoods designed to reflect the academic excellence and legacy of the university.


As a student in the School of Social Science & Public Policy Katarina will be sporting a gold hood to graduation in May. Not many of us can say we wore designer to graduation...very exciting! :)

The Noisettes - HOT HOT HOT!

While watching last week's One Tree Hill episode I was exposed to what is sure to be one of my favorite new musical groups -
The Noisettes.



The Noisettes - who released their second album Wild Young Hearts in April - are an "indie rock" band out of London. Recognized by SPIN Magazine as one of The 30 Best Albums of 2009...So Far, this group is sure to be making "noise" in the coming months. Their chart toping single "Don't Upset the Rhythm (Go Baby Go)" - feature on last week's episode of One Tree Hill - is a high energy tune with similarities to Lady GaGa and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

My favorite tune from their sophomore album "Never Forgot You" recreates the rhythms and vocal skills of the Motown and American Bandstand era - effortlessly combing Amy Winehouse and Diana Ross. Although comparisons can be made and there are definitely similarities but what caught my ear was truly the originality of this group - there is nothing else out there like it - and they have AMAZNG fashion to boot. So on this Fall Music Monday DEFINITELY check out the NOISETTES, you'll be very glad you did.

Wishpot and Avelle Kate Spade Giveaway!

Two awesome companies have teamed up to present a Kate Spade designer handbag giveaway. Wishpot and Avelle the New Bag Borrow Steal - right out of Sex and the City - offer an amazing chance to win a fun red handbag that retails at $429.



There are three ways to enter:

Tell or show how you want to carry in your Kate Spade Designer Bag!

For instance - I just finished up an incredible internship at the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and I preparing to embark on my next big adventure. I want to carry this awesome red bag wherever I go on what is sure to be an amazing ride! :)

For each response on the Wishpot blog, Avelle FB Fan Page, or on Twitter RT #Avelle receive 1 entry.

Post a pic of what you want to carry on Avelle FB Fan Page or Twitter receive 2 entries

Sign up at Avelle, follow Avelle on Twitter or blog about this giveaway and get 3 entries.

Winner will be drawn on Monday Oct 5th.

VOTE FOR IGLU & HARTLY

Help support an awesome band! Vote now and vote often!



To vote click here!

Bumbershoot Music Preview

Get ready Seattle! Coming up on Labor Day Weekend - September 5th to 7th - at the Seattle Center is the annual Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival. And this year there are several musical acts that should not be missed;

Iglu & Hartly -


Jason Mraz -


Modest Mouse -


& AND &

Handful of Luvin' -


If you are a music lover or just need something to do for the holiday weekend definitely check out the festival music lineup. I'm going all three days, hope to see you all there!

Let's Get Fired Up!

Let's Get Fired Up: So it may be a corny phrase chanted by hundreds of cheerleaders across the globe, including myself, but it has this unparalleled ability to "get you fired up."

For me there are a handful of songs that have the same effect. "So Far So Great" by Demi Lovato; "I Believe" from the Honey Soundtrack; "Revolution" by the Beatles; "In this City" by Iglu & Hartly; and the list could go on and on...

But this week on particular song is really revving me up and keeping me going -->

"I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross:



Love this clip cause her entrance is epic and there is even a little shout out to MJ thrown in there...RIP

What song get's you "fired up?"

If I were a movie star...

So I went to see Terminator Salvation this weekend with my Dad. It was an action packed flick with very little plot line but high levels of entertainment and Christian Bale so I have very few complaints. There was a woman in the movie who "kicked butt" in one scene and it got me thinking about women's roles in action movies. 

There have been some fabulous women "butt kickers" over the years. Renee Russo in Lethal Weapon 3; Angelina Jolie (although I'm not her biggest fan) she definitely kicks butt in Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Tomb Raider and Wanted; Jennifer Lopez in Enough; Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz in Charlie's Angels; Uma Thurman in Kill Bill; and finally Moon Bloodgood in Terminator Salvation. 

The list could go on forever but the bottom-line is if I were a movie star I'd "kick butt" in action movies! What would you do? Who would you be? 

Ode to the Skinny Pants Suit

There is nothing more attractive right now than a man in a skinny pants suit so this is a shout out to some of the guys who I think wear it very well. 

The question remains...who wears it best? 

The Jonas Brothers - - 

Adam Brody - -  

Zac Efron - - 

OR

The Men of the 2009 Star Trek - -

You be the judge???

"Somewhere in Between"

"I can't be loosing sleep over this no I can't and now I cannot stop pacing. Give me a few hours and I'll have this all sorted out, if my mind will just stop racing. Cause I cannot stand still, I can't be this un-sturdy, this cannot be happening...I'm waiting for tonight, been waiting for tomorrow, I'm SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN, what is real and just a dream."

So much has been going on the last few weeks both at work and in life, so I am looking so forward to getting away from it all for a few days in June. From June 11th to June 14th I will be heading down to SUNNY San Diego to visit a few dear friends. I'm looking SOOO forward to it. If anyone has any suggestions for sights and sounds that I should check out while I'm down there please comment!

"San Diego...which of course means a whale's vagina." - Anchorman

"In daylights, in sunsets!"

"In midnights, in cups of coffee..."
"How do you measure a year in the life??"

HOW ABOUT RENT??

Just purchased tickets for the June 20th, matinee of
RENT at the Parmount Theater in Seattle.

A group of my girlfriends and I are going in celebration of my birthday and I could not imagine celebrating any other way!


Tickets go on sale to the general public May 1st, 2009.

"Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and film adaptation of RENT, reprise the roles they made famous in this exciting new tour! Don't miss the show that transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture. Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, it's time you checked out RENT!"

Tickets go on sale to the general public May 1st, 2009. Log on to: http://www.siteforrent.com for more info!

I suggest everyone try to go, it really will change your life!

Iconic Shades

What do JFK, Holly Golightly, Bob Dylan and Edward Cullen have in common?

RAY BAN WAYFARERS --->


Kennedy made them diplomatic...
Audrey Hepburn made them classic and sophisticated...
Dylan made them epic...
And Edward Cullen makes them REALLY sexy!

THIS SPRING...coming to a face near me!! :)

"Something" That Makes You "Smile Out Loud"

Do you ever have those moments when everything just seems perfect, moments when if given the choice you would just stop time and stay in that feeling?

I had one of those last Spring Break while visiting San Franciso, I was in a little hippie shop in Haight Ashbury when "Something" by the Beatles came on and everything just felt right. I smiled and laughed out loud in the middle of the store!

Well today my iPod was shuffling and this song came on. I "smiled out loud" and remembered the smell of that store and that moment.



Here's to those little moments that make us "smile out loud!"

Everything's Alright

one of my favorite songs to play to avoid or reduce stress, and appropriate for today. happy easter.



"try not to get worried, try not to tune on to problems that upset you. don't you know everything's alright, yes everything's fine."