Origami artist Cindy Ng, who built her business, Finger Magic, on whimsical, three-dimensional forms made out of paper, has now upgraded from paper to fine metals with her new line, Origami Bijou. With deft and delicate fingers, Ng transforms thin sheets of silver into everything from frogs and bunnies to fortune cookies and castles.
By Natalie Bow | December 24, 2007
Sleeping beauties will love Essenza's new collection of pretty PJs. The eponymous line from the Fremont boutique was designed by owner Becky Buford and her sister, Wendy Fink. After selling luxury nightwear for years, the sisters knew what women wanted. "We've had so much feedback on sleepwear from our customers, and incorporated that into our designs," says Buford. "We paid particular attention to comfort, fit, length and the weight of fabric."
By Kathy Schultz | December 18, 2007
Before you buy another squeaking busy bee or hand-knit puppy vest, consider, for a moment, the other end of the leash. There stands a perfectly generous human, who regularly showers her pup with the best treats and toys money can buy. While she would not begrudge her furry sidekick a thing, the sight of his holiday payload -- plush bed, bakery-fresh cookies, couture luggage -- is apt to make her feel a little left out.
By Lisa Wogan | December 17, 2007
An astonishing number of new food-related books kindled my interest this year. I read — and reveled in — a stack that melded entertainment with enlightenment, offering an extra-big helping of history, geography and cookery. Among the highlights were the following giftables that delved into everything from food politics to food snobbery, kabocha squash to kumamotos.
By Nancy Leson | December 12, 2007
Ballard's latest and greatest concept in shopping is Pulp Lab, a small, gallerylike space that hosts limited-run shopping events. At any given time, Pulp Lab may showcase sale items from local boutiques, artwork, clothing and jewelry from independent designers, or any other cool consumable that strikes the proprietors' fancy.
By Marika McElroy Cain | December 11, 2007
Let's begin with the disclaimers. First and foremost: Your favorite album of 2007 is probably not on this list. These "top albums" lists are silly and subjective, and they exist only so music snobs can skim them with pursed lips, shake their heads and mutter derisively, "This guy's an (expletive) idiot." Let's just do that now, to get it out of the way.
By Geoff Carter | December 10, 2007
The most celebratory of all beverages, champagne and sparkling wine shine during the holidays, whether they hail from France, Napa Valley or just across the bridge in Woodinville. We've compiled (and taste-tested) some of the best bubbly available locally, to serve at your next party, give to your favorite hostess or order at your preferred watering hole.
By Natalie Bow | December 7, 2007
If you have an outdoors enthusiast on your gift list, you need help. This is an unusual breed with strange ideas of what makes a good gift. After months of poring over catalogs, testing out demo units and prodding countless products on store racks and shelves from Seattle to Salt Lake City, we've zeroed in on some suggestions for peak-experience gift-giving.
By Dan A. Nelson | December 6, 2007
We've always thought locally, ever since we were tiny and Seattle was just a hick port town with no tall buildings and no recognition beyond the little company that made flying craft. Now it's known for coffee, software, raging real estate, dead rockers -- and the great outdoors.
By Greg Johnston | December 6, 2007
Got fanatical foodies on your gift list? Here's what to get them.
By Nancy Leson | December 5, 2007
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