to the ballard locks we go

Last weekend the weather was amazing and we couldn't just waste the day running errands. So we decided to hit up the Ballard Locks for a little bit of hometown tourism, sunshine and live music. It was so enjoyable to just wander around the park with Solei, listen to the jazz band, watch the boats and see a few salmon travel through the fish ladder. For those that don't know, the Ballard Locks is the place boats, barges, yachts, and other floating vehicles come to safely travel from salt to fresh water or vice versa. Cheers to playing tourist (again)! 

The water level has been adjusted and the boat parade is ready to exit... 

Solei & I enjoying the warm weather...

Happy weekend everyone! 

soy ginger cedar wrapped salmon

Sometimes after a week of indulgent foods, all I crave something light and fresh. I was at the market racking my brain as to what to make for dinner when I saw these cedar wraps and the light bulb went on. Its a simple dish with a subtle cedar smokey flavor. I served it over a bed of mixed greens dressed with Newman's Own Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing. It was a perfect light summer time meal.

Soy Ginger Cedar Wrapped Salmon

Marinade: 

1/2 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground ginger

4 6-ounce salmon fillets

1/2 onion sliced, optional

Pepper, sprinkle a little to finish, optional  

4 cedar wraps and string

Soak cedar wraps & string according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Then mix marinade ingredients together then add salmon. Let marinade for 30 minuets to an hour.

Remove cedar wraps from water and begin assembling salmon pouches. I placed a little bed of onions down before placing the salmon, but this step is optional. Repeat until all four pouches are made.

Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 10 minuets. Open your pouch and serve with a mixed green salad.

happy anniversary sale

Every year when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale rolls around, I can't help but get excited. I'm not sure if it's just a Pacific Northwest thing but it always seems to be the buzz in July. When I was younger, I remember getting so giddy when my aunt (whom worked for Nordstrom) would bring the Anniversary catalog over as soon as it was released. I would circle every other item in anticipation of going back-to-school shopping. Then when the sale finally arrived I'd select my favorites and wait eagerly until the fall to pull out my new clothes. 

This year I presaled with my favorite co-blogger Lica & my friend Nick. We made a trip of it and ventured to Portland for some tax-free shopping and did a bit of damage. Here's a little look at what I snagged at the sale. 

 

I would have linked what I got but since the sale didn't officially start until today, I wasn't allowed. Here's a list of what:

1. Tulle removable hood wool coat

2. Hudson Collin Skinny Jeans

3. Rubbish Yellow Cardigan

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

5. Frye Melissa Boots in "Grey" 

Happy Anniversary Sale!

banana bread & muffins

Here in Seattle people say summer officially starts on July 5th and just as promised we hit our first 80+ degree weather this week. With temperatures rising, our bananas felt the warmth. And when life gives you ripe bananas...make banana bread. Here's to something a little sweet to kick off your weekend. 

Banana Bread (& Muffins)

(courtesy of Epicurious.com)

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs at room temperature for 30 minutes

2 1/3 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

3 cups coarsely mashed very ripe bananas (6 large)

1/4 cup crème fraîche (I used non-fat yogurt instead)

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/3 cups walnuts (4 ounces), toasted and chopped

¾ cups chocolate chunks (optional) 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 2 (9- by 5- by 3-inch) metal loaf pans, then dust with flour, knocking out excess. I didn’t have two loaf pans so I used one loaf pan & a muffin pan (makes 18 muffins).

Sift together 3 1/4 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl.

Beat together eggs and sugar in bowl of electric mixer at medium-high speed until very thick and pale and mixture forms a ribbon when beater is lifted, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed to low and add oil in a slow stream, mixing, then mix in bananas, yogurt, and vanilla. Remove bowl from mixer and fold in flour mixture, walnuts and chocolate gently but thoroughly.

Divide batter between pans, spreading evenly, and bake in middle of oven until golden brown and a wooden pick or skewer comes out clean, 30 minutes for the muffins and 1 hour for the loaf.

Cool in pans on a rack for 10 minutes, then turn out onto rack. Turn loaves right side up and cool completely.

 

tourists for a day

One sunny afternoon, J and I decided to venture down to Pike Place Market and be tourist in our own city. It was so refreshing to take in Seattle and enjoy it for all it's beauty. For lunch we tried the Gourmet Dog Japon hot dog stand. We got the Yakisoba, Matsuri & Kabuki (pictured below from left to right). All in all it was delicious, but I still prefer Japa Dog in Vancouver. We snagged a few more treats along the way- La Panier croissants, Korean BBQ pork sticks, and gelato from Gelatiamo- however, I forgot to take photos before we ate them up. This was a rare occasion as we had no friends visiting to show around, no event to attend, just us, enjoying the famous marketplace.