Seattle: Brunch

Coastal Kitchen
I'm so happy that I listened to my friend about going to this place. I'm also happy that I was able to go on a weekday to avoid the infamous lines that happen at this popular spot.

My choice of the Dungeness Crab Cake breakfast was the best decision I made that day. I can't remember if I've ever had poached eggs before, but no previous experience even matters before this one. These were good enough to make me obsessed. The contrast of the texture over the crispy crab cake topped with the mornay sauce created a happy sensation in my mouth. I liked the idea of the spicy hash browns more than I actually enjoyed them, but with some black pepper, hot sauce and ketchup they were good too. The fruit topped the meal off nicely. I was seriously sad and genuinely disappointed when it was over. I also enjoyed the orange/pineapple mate (a tea-like drink) that I tried.

I went a second time for Hazelnut Cinnamon pancakes, which were a dream come true. In my dream, it was actually waffles but they definitely did the trick.

The staff was very friendly, and I enjoyed the Argentina inspired theme that created a cozy ambiance. The funny, witty menu was a nice touch.

The Crumpet Shop
This cheap treat definitely delivered a bang for my buck. It was so cute to see the operation happening right behind the counter. I was impressed by how the order taker memorized the list of orders and switched into crumpet making mode. Even though I was a bit overwhelmed by the options, torn between the different combinations of meats, cheeses and jams, I am so happy with my choice of green eggs (eggs with pesto) and ham. My crumpet was warm and fresh and buttered, and I savored every bite of my yummy little treat.

CJ's Eatery
The Country Fried Steak was just what the doctor ordered after a night out. The breading was well seasoned, which left a nice after taste. I can't say that I loved the entire meal or the entire experience, but it certainly did the trick for the moment.


Julia's
I didn't love Julia's but I enjoyed it. Check out my Yelp review to see what I thought.

Next stop: Seattle (again)

Guess who's on the road again. Yup it's me Miss Journey, of course. This time I'm headed back to Seattle, and I've got a one-way ticket. A lot of people have asked why I would return to Seattle after just visiting about a month ago. My answer is "why not?" Honestly, I like Seattle. I've enjoyed myself on my last few visits, and I'm so curious about what else it has to offer. It didn't take much convincing when my friend proposed the idea of me accompanying her 8-year-old niece on the flight for her annual summer visit.

I swear that my friend secretly gets commission checks from Seattle's Tourism Development board because she is so determined to bring everyone to Seattle (and make them stay). I do have to admit that she does show me so much of what Seattle has to offer (probably all part of her tourism training lol) Now that she has convinced me to return with no return date for home, it's only true Miss Journey style to turn this into an adventure. Stay tuned!

Photo: I've always loved those HSBC ads that show the same picture with (as they call it) "Different Points of Value. "As we boarded the plane I saw the one seen here and said yup that's me.

Happy Hour for Happy Homes

I knew I liked Katwalk Lounge before, after hosting a Her Journey event there last summer and a girls night there before that. I've always been drawn to their cute and sexy theme, reminiscent of Sex and the City, which they used to play episodes of on Ladies' Nights.

I recently discovered that they have a guest bartending program, where you can guest bartend to raise money for a charity. Not only is it a fun way to fundraise, but Katwalk will donate a portion of your sales to your charity of choice.

To support my friend's mission trip to Nicaragua, I jumped on the opportunity to guest bartend. I'll admit that I was a bit nervous to have my first experience at a lounge in the city, but it was so much fun. The staff was so nice and helpful, and the owner was the coolest I've ever met, especially in the city. After guest bartending there, I love it there even more.

I often complain about how establishments in New York City give off the impression that they do not need your business, and are usually not very nice. But this is not true at Katwalk. From the bouncer at the door all the way up to the owner, I felt welcomed by everyone who I encountered. I will certainly be back, and will host more events there.

I'm so excited that the event went well. We had a good turnout, and it was so much fun. I cannot wait to hear updates from the ladies going on the trip. If you want to see what they're doing, follow their blog.

YOU Run the World

Today I'm reminded of my favorite Marianne Williamson quote, specifically the line: "Your playing small does not serve the world." (It was referenced in 86400: Manage Your Purpose to Make Every Second of Each Day Count in the faithfulness chapter, which talked about having faith in one's self.)

I have big dreams of what I want to do in my lifetime because I wholeheartedly believe that that is my purpose. In sharing those big dreams with one of my closest friends one day, she said "Dani, I appreciate the big dreams you have, but I want to be a regular person." Even though I completely understood that she meant that she doesn't envy the limelight that some people live in, I think that others say similar statements and feel as if a person who is not an entrepreneur or not famous is less than someone who chooses either of those lifestyle. And I believe quite the contrary.

The Big Leap talks about one's Zone of Genius, the zone of being in which you are doing exactly what it is you are meant to do. My friend is in one of the country's top graduate school programs in her field and is a student athlete tutor. From her stories I've gathered that she has the ability to have 200 pound athletes open up and candidly share their life's stories in ways that they don't with other people. She has gotten feedback that she has what one might call it "teacher's talent."

I often joke with her and compare her to characters from movies like Lean On Me and The Blind Side. Those are examples of "regular" people living in their zone of genius and doing powerful things. And I truly believe that she is on that list.

We can all think of examples of that teacher or coach that changed our lives, or that bus driver that made our commute special, or that flight attendant that inspired our love for travel. These are regular people loving what they do and leaving extraordinary marks on our lives. They are no less significant than someone who chooses to start a business or live a life in front of the world's eyes.

The Marianne Williamson quote continues "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." I know I am inspired by people loving what they do, and it is my hope that I inspire others by doing what I love as well. I encourage and challenge you to do whatever it is you love to do with all your heart. And: Dream bigger!

This is just too appropriate to not include:




Photo credit: http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/62952/62952,1185307586,1/stock-vector-man-holding-a-globe-overhead-4092034.jpg

Foto Friday: I Love My Life

Is it crazy to say that have an "I love my life" moment almost every time I eat? Don't judge me. I enjoy eating, and I love sweets. During my 2009 trip to Minneapolis, I slipped momentarily into heaven with my first taste of Sebastian Joe's ice cream. A-MA-ZING!

P.S. Please believe I LOVED my life when my friend surprised me with two pints of Sebastian Joe's when she came to NY later that year. OMG!

June events!

Summer is here! There are so many events to keep summer exciting!

YOU'RE INVITED to the Her Journey event:

June 30
Happy Hour at Katwalk = Happy Homes in Nicaragua
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=208575089177907

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Other events you will love:

June 10

Girls Who Rock Concert to benefit She's the First featuring Jojo, Nina Sky and more

http://girlswhorock2011.eventbrite.com/

June 15

Leah Smith at 14th St Apple Store

http://www.apple.com/retail/west14thstreet/

June 21

Lifestyle and Charity's Mag Summer Kick-Off Party

http://ht.ly/57RUw

June 28

Mother's Against Human Trafficking Benefit (produced by Mahogany Communications)

http://maht2011.eventbrite.com/

What other events should be on the social calendar?

Travel Tuesday: Go Solo

How many times have you wanted to do something but couldn't find anyone to do it with you? I have been there so many times that it has been my inspiration for creating the Her Journey Girls meetup. Although it can be frustrating at times, I have grown to appreciate how doing things alone has pushed me outside of my comfort zone of a number of occasions. I now have no problem doing things alone. I actually prefer it that way sometimes. Doing things alone can certainly open you up to a completely different experience.

In a recent article The Lost Girls address the topic of traveling alone as a woman. Although there are safety precautions that should be taken, solo travel can certainly be ultimately rewarding. The article shares some safety tips and tricks as well as resources for solo travelers. I enjoyed it so much that I thought I'd share. Click here to read the article.

Photo credit: http://us.cdn4.123rf.com/168nwm/paolo77/paolo771009/paolo77100900029/7793846-silhouette-of-a-stylish-girl-with-luggage-talk-on-her-mobile-phone--isolated-vector-illustration.jpg