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Quick Trip to Portland in a Mazda (Wedding Planning Update #2)

March 17, 2019 Filed Under: life

A few weeks ago, I planned to head south to visit my parents and run some wedding errands. My parents live in a city right across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon so we do all of our shopping there. (Hello, no sales tax!) Whenever I plan to go visit my parents I always have to get creative about my transportation. It’s not so close that I can just take public transportation – but there are definitely options, like taking a bus, train, or even plane. They’re not very flexible options though and when I get to my parents’ house, I never have a car to drive! (For those of you that don’t know, I got rid of my own car when I moved near downtown Seattle.)

While I was planning this trip, I was thinking just how convenient it would be if I could drive myself down so I could make my own schedule. Plus it would give me the freedom to drive around town once I got to my parents’ house. I ended up having the awesome opportunity to drive a 2018 Mazda6 Signature for my trip! To be honest, since I don’t have a car and don’t drive often I was a little nervous to drive a new car but it was so easy to get used to. I immediately felt comfortable after driving it for a few minutes and driving from Seattle to Portland was easy peasy.

Disclaimer: I got to drive the Mazda6 for a week thanks to Mazda USA in exchange for posts. All opinions are 100% my thoughts and I was not asked to share anything in particular. I believe in being completely honest with you, all the time.

My Favorite Mazda6 Features

My absolute favorite feature had to be the 360 camera. Basically the Mazda6 has four cameras that show the entire surroundings around the vehicle to help you safely back out of your garage, parallel park, etc. As someone who isn’t a master-level parker, this is super helpful. Gone are the days of having to open your car door to see if you’re over the line, friends. I also loved the heads-up display on the windshield. It shows if you’re too close to the car in front of you, your current driving speed, and the speed limit.

Aside from a lot of tech features, the car itself is quite roomy in the front and has a very large trunk which came in handy while we shopped! The backseat isn’t extremely large but it is still comfortable for me, although I’m on the petite side. We enjoyed the leather seats and they have heated and ventilated front seats so for those living in both cooler or hotter climates, these would work for you. Overall the car was extremely comfortable and just really smooth. I also felt like it wasn’t too large for someone more petite like myself yet big enough to fit my passengers and our luggage. I am honestly so impressed with my first Mazda I’ve ever driven that I would absolutely consider getting one when I’m ready to be a car owner again!

Wedding Planning Update #2

In my first wedding planning update post here I talked briefly about wedding dress shopping. The next step after picking your dress is to lock down alterations. Even if your dress is your exact size, it will need some adjustments to ensure it fits your body perfectly. Alterations can also take a long time and require several fittings so finding someone you trust AND who has the availability can be tricky. I knew that I wanted to secure an alteration spot ASAP so that was my main mission for the weekend. My mom and I made an appointment for a fashion designer who doubles as an alterations specialist and met at her studio in downtown Portland. In just the consultation I learned so much about what can be altered in a dress! I am soo excited to see the final outcome!

We also booked a wedding coordinator! A coordinator handles all details the day of your wedding so instead of having to answer questions from family and friends, they are the point of contact. They also help ensure vendors are prompt, manage the timeline, review contracts, and help oversee the whole event. Many coordinators help with some planning aspects leading up to the wedding as well. So there are just a few more vendors we’ll need to book then it’s just focusing on allllll the little details like decor.

I’ve also picked the dress color for my bridesmaids, walked through my venue on a sunny day (thank you Seattle for cooperating!!), and picked out a style for my wedding band. This weekend we’re probably going to some jewelry stores to try bands on in case anything needs to be custom ordered. Also a bit of a silly errand but I can’t seem to find good shoes for the wedding so I am on the hunt for some comfortable heels – do they exist??

I can’t wait to share more details soon and hopefully drive another Mazda in the future as well! Thank you Mazda for lending me this car, it was seriously so fun to drive and helped me run errands so much easier!

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I Tried Classpass for a Month and This Happened…

March 11, 2019 Filed Under: fitness

To preface this post, this is completely not sponsored. That would be super awesome but nope, I am a regular paying customer! I wanted to also share a little about myself before I tell you about my experience with Classpass. If you’re not here for any personal deets, I totally get it, scroll down to the next heading below! I’ve almost always been less-than-average at being active. I didn’t grow up consistently playing a sport so other than dabbling in swim lessons and playing one horrible season of high school tennis, I just didn’t exercise often. As a result, my body wasn’t strong and my endurance was really mediocre. The cycle of not trying to get better at a sport or working on my endurance turned into me disliking any activity because I wasn’t good at it then that turned into me being bored by exercise.

College was the very first time I actually went to the gym but it was occasional at best. I remember how accomplished I would feel afterwards but my goodness, it was just so boring. My saving grace is that I would bring my phone and watch Netflix while on some awful cardio machine. Looking back at that now, I’m laughing so hard at myself. (It could also be that I’m watching Ellen’s Netflix special.) Anyway, my only motivation in college to drag myself to the gym was to obtain this image of what a nice body looked like in my head. College was the first time in my life that my metabolism seemed to slow and I couldn’t just eat whatever I wanted without my body showing it.

Fast forwarding to now, I started 2019 with this big goal for myself to just learn. I wanted to learn how to be better to my body with the food I eat (still a tough lesson, guys) and how to be stronger. I no longer want to exercise to just shed fat, I’m trying to find activities that are fun, good for my mental health, and help me be healthier. There certainly is the benefit of being more toned so I won’t pretend that isn’t a motivator. I am getting married in five months, after all..so, I joined Classpass and now I am hooked. I love the ease of it and I’m having a lot of fun working out. Who. Am. I.

Link to Teddy Jacket | Leggings | Shoes (Review of shoes here)

How Classpass Works

Classpass is a monthly subscription that gives you access to hundreds of fitness studios. You purchase a number of credits per month that you can redeem at studios to take different classes! The credits vary per studio and can range depending on the popularity of that time slot, what day of the week, etc. Additional credits can be purchased if you run out and you can rollover up to 10 credits per month. Occasionally you’ll find wellness activities like facials and cryotherapy (and more!) to redeem your credits for as well. You can book classes on the app or on the website. Cancel a reservation more than 12 hours in advance and there are no fees. It really could not be easier.

How Much Does Classpass Cost in Seattle?

Classpass membership rates vary based on the city. Since I know many of you also live in Seattle, I figured it could be helpful to give you an idea of what the pricing is. My current plan is $39 a month for 21 credits. Other plans cost $59 per month for 33 credits and $119 per month for 72 credits. I would recommend starting with the 21 or 33 credit plan because you can easily purchase add on credits as needed. In Seattle, the types of classes I prefer are usually 4-7 credits a class soI can take 3-4 classes a month. There are often some sales where I can get a more expensive class for 50% off! I have booked classes for 2-4 credits and am so excited when I find those “deals”!

Who is Classpass Good For?

I love my Classpass membership and have recommended it to so many friends, but I recognize it’s not necessarily the right solution for everyone. Here are some things I personally think are a sign that Classpass might be a good fit for you:
– You live or work in the city or a neighborhood that has a variety of fitness studios. (If you live in Capitol Hill like me or work downtown, there are literally so many options on Classpass.)
-You aren’t motivated at the gym and like having an instructor keeping you accountable.
-You are new to exercising and aren’t sure what workouts you’ll like. This is like speed dating for workouts! No commitment!
-Paying for classes is out of your monthly budget. (If you didn’t know, paying for one class at a time at a fitness studio is usually $20-30 each time so you do save by joining Classpass.)

Why I’ve Been Loving Classpass

Classpass introduced me to different studios and types of activity. It revealed to me that I much prefer fitness classes to working out myself at the gym. The motivation from the instructor and going through the same thing with others is so much more appealing to me than feeling lost at the gym by myself, where it can feel very isolating. I love the flexibility of booking classes in one place in a matter of seconds. I can read reviews of instructors and classes right within the app and exploring classes in new neighborhoods or even cities is so, so easy. The cost of my monthly subscription is such a good value to me and I’m definitely considering upping my subscription for months that I know I can commit to going to more classes. (Around four classes a month is perfect for me because I also supplement by having weekly yoga classes at my work! I also live in a building with a large gym so I may start strength training….maybe.)

If you want $40 off your Classpass plan, sign up here! Full disclosure that is my referral link which will also give me credit at no cost to you :) If you’re not sure about Classpass, let me know and I’ll even try to go with a class with you if you’re local and invite you to try a trial.

I am super excited about the possibilities and this newfound interest of mine. I will be writing another post later about some of the classes that I have taken. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions!

Taking the Clipper to Victoria B.C. & Travel Guide!

February 27, 2019 Filed Under: travel

Years ago, I went to Victoria B.C. with my family in the summertime and we loved it. The summers are so mild and the city has so much history. When I moved to Seattle for college I went back to Canada multiple times with friends because it was just a short drive away. Now that I’m graduated and have settled into Seattle as my permanent home, Jared and I still want to travel to Canada since it’s so close. We talked about visiting Victoria several times but never did it because it seemed like a lot of effort to get there, being that Victoria is at the southern tip of an island. Finally at the end of 2018 when we talked more about where we’d like to travel in the new year, I decided to surprise Jared with a trip to Victoria! My surprise was made super easy with the help of Clipper Vacations. I am so glad that we chose to take the Clipper to Victoria and am excited to share more about out trip with you!

Why I Recommend Clipper Vacations

Clipper Vacations runs a passenger-only ferry service between Seattle and Victoria. You’ll depart from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle’s waterfront which is a quick ride from where we live in CapHill. The journey takes just under three hours each way and is so relaxing. Skip the traffic and border crossing lines to sit back while enjoying gorgeous views and amazing food and beverage service. For those that like to stretch their legs, you won’t be disappointed by the roomy seats but if you’re willing to brave some winds, check out the upper level deck at the back of the ship.

For only a $25 upgrade per leg of the trip, you can book Comfort Class on the Clipper. Comfort Class is a private cabin on the upper deck with comfortable seats that each have a large table in front, panoramic views, and complimentary snacks and beverages! Attendants are super helpful and will also come take food orders at your seat. Something I really appreciate is the support of local businesses and artists. From the gifts you can buy on board to the menu and even the coffee served, local businesses from around Seattle around highlighted. Speaking of gifts, we took advantage of the Duty Free shopping on board and got some liquor because it’s a really good deal!

Since Jared and I live right in the city and often prefer trips that allow us to go carless, taking the Victoria Clipper was a dream. We didn’t have to deal with the stress of driving and parking from start to finish on our trip. I can’t recommend this mode of transportation enough for those of you who also live in the city or might not have a car. And even if you do have a car or are coming from further outside of downtown, this is still the best way to explore Victoria. Fun fact: you can also take the Clipper to the San Juan Islands, book vacation packages to other destinations, and tons of day trips and excursions through Clipper.

What to Do in Victoria

There are tons of things to do in Victoria even in the colder months. If you are needing tips on what to do, check out what we did below or make sure to visit Tourism Victoria’s visitor center or website. It’s in a prime location in the harbor area so you won’t miss it. They are so friendly and helpful! We were able to visit a lot of these destinations with their help, thank you Tourism Victoria!

Royal BC Museum – There is a lot of rich history in Victoria and if you are a museum fan like we are, you have to pay this spot a visit. The museum is a mix of natural history and human history so there’s a little bit of something for everyone. One of my favorite parts was the wildlife photographer of the year exhibit. The mini version of Victoria’s Chinatown was also fun to walk through. If you like IMAX films, you can also view a variety of films at the theater here.

Craigdarroch Castle – As you can tell from Jared and I’s past travels, we also love castles if we can find them in a city. We visited a bunch during our last trip to Europe at the end of 2018 so we were excited to visit Craigdarroch. There is so much history in this one building! I loved seeing the decorations all throughout as well. Sadly the castle is going under some work because they are filming a movie there soon but it’s totally worth visiting.

Gray Line Tours – If you’re also traveling on foot in Victoria, consider booking a Gray Line hop on/hop off tour for a day. It’s a great way to see a few areas of Victoria and it’ll get you to the previously mentioned castle, for instance. I have no problem traveling like a true tourist and don’t worry, there are blankets if you choose to brave the cold and sit on the top deck. It is so fun! The shuttle drops off near most big hotels so it was really convenient for us. We timed it perfectly and got to see a beautiful sunset right before getting dropped off right at our hotel. Remember, Canada does not allow the use of rideshare apps like Lyft so this is a great way to explore the city without having to call taxis at each landmark. (Check out Chinatown and specifically Fan Tan Alley!)

Shopping in Old Town – There is only one spot in Victoria you need to visit for shopping and that’s Old Town. Easily my favorite area for the beautiful old buildings that have had interior restoration to house hip, independent designers and makers. Some shops I recommend: Salt Pure Goods, Ollie Quinn (Market Square in general is a cute spot), and Little Gold. If you like to shop small there are tons of amazing things to buy here. You can also find your familiar brands like lululemon, New Balance, etc. Book lovers, you have to check out Munro’s Books!

Walk the harbor/downtown area – As soon as you walk off the Clipper ferry you’ll be in the middle of the bustling downtown area. I personally love being in this area by the harbor. Luckily there are tons of things to see in just this small, walkable area. You can walk along the waterfront and usually hear performers, like the man playing the bagpipes all weekend! You can also visit the Empress hotel which is an amazing hotel from just the exterior! The Parliament Buildings are also so grand and beautiful to walk around. We didn’t have enough time to do a tour but we did walk by several times. You have to see them a night as well, they are lit up! We saw an epic sunset on the harbor area as well.

There are tons of other activities, especially outdoors, that you can do in Victoria. We came at a pretty cold time of year and there was still snow on the ground. In the spring and summer, you can go on whale watching tours, go on a seaplane, go kayaking, and there are plenty of hikes if you drive a bit outside of the city. We’ll come back and try ziplining sometime too!

Where to Eat in Victoria

Everyone can agree that eating is the best part of vacations, right? Okay second to experiencing new sights and landmarks maybe..but it’s definitely a priority to me on all trips! The food scene in Victoria really impressed me actually. It has been several years since I last visited and I don’t remember much about the food. We learned that there is a little bit of everything in Victoria and we were never hungry on this trip! There are so many other spots to eat at but here are a few highlights from our trip.

Fishhook is so unique – this intimate (note: not a lot of seats!) spot has a mix of seafood, Indian and French flavors. So if you love those things, you have to check out their menu. I was pleasantly surprised by the food and all our neighbors at the communal table shared in our excitement about their food. Trust me, we all talked about it! I recommend getting a tartine (we got the tuna melt, which actually had pieces of tuna) and the biryani that had the softest pieces of squid and a delicious piece of salmon on top.

Jam Cafe was easily our favorite meal I think. We had to wait almost an hour outside but luckily it was sunny and not too cold during our wait for brunch! I wanted everything but we ended up getting a tator tot bowl and a buffalo chicken benedict. They do some fun twists on normal brunch classics, at a really reasonable price point.

Some spots I recommend for dinner are Gozen for Japanese food. This is a casual spot that’d be great if not everyone in your party wants the same type of food. The menu is extensive and has everything from curry to sushi to ramen. You can get it all here. Tapa Bar is another nice spot for dinner – it’s a lively, dim lit restaurant that’s perfect for a date. Aside from tapas, they also have really delicious pasta dishes. Jared and I both got seafood pastas and were absolutely stuffed. You will definitely have leftovers! Irish Times pub is also a fun spot but really you can go here for just a drink or any meal. We stopped in for a cup of soup and beer during the day to warm up and got to enjoy the live band!

For all your drink needs, here are a few spots we went to. 10 Acres Commons is right next to the harbor area and is a lively spot for a bite to eat or drinks – we came here for a pre-dinner happy hour. Little Jumbo came highly recommended to me for cocktails but unfortunately we didn’t have enough time for this. Hey Happy is a cute little coffee shop in Old Town. They have a lot of milk alternative drinks – I had an iced cashew milk latte and Jared had a hot cashew honey latte. Bubble Tea Shop in Chinatown is also an interesting spot that offers (you guessed it) bubble tea and apparently, Thai massages. They have a ginormous list of traditional bubble tea flavors and then a bunch of fun, unique ones too.

Lastly, you must get high tea! There are tons of options. We had our eye on multiple places but it’s not offered everyday at all locations. We went to the Venus Sophia Tea Room that’s also in Chinatown for afternoon tea. Since we weren’t very hungry, we went with a smaller portion. If you prefer savory over sweet, this tea is perfect for you because it’s mostly savory!

We had such a fun time in Victoria and it’s a perfect getaway from Seattle. Huge thank you to Clipper Vacations for providing us with such a great ferry experience which made our vacation stress free and enjoyable!