Rock climbing

Cheap dates

Sat Sports, facility tours including new Mountaineers building, climbing wall, learn to sail or kayak, work parties, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle; free (206-684-8020 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Check out the images on flickr

A bicycle built for two

Tandem 101 Workshop

PLAN AHEAD Beginners class to learn how to ride a tandem bicycle, 10 a.m. May 2, Cascade Bicycle Club office, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Building 30, Seattle; $25 (425-275-3425 orwww.EvergreenTandemClub.org).

Holiday Date

Christmas is the perfect time to snuggle, sip hot chocolate and hold mittened hands. Gilman's Village is an adorable specialty mall in Issaquah (35 minutes from Seattle) with about 40 unique boutiques that are fun to poke around in. Including a toy shop from other countries, art galleries of local artists and a yummy YUMMY bakery!! During Christmas time they decorate with lights and have carolers (see Schedule). Click here for directions.

Burn the Floor

This is a blatant and unapologetic plea to my husband:

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! This is possibly the best show in the entire world!!! (in my opinion, obviously)

Burn The Floor

Jan 24, 2009 (Sat)

Tacoma Dome Arena

A sexy sophisticated dance extravaganza combining the sensual and physical chemistry of Ballroom and Latin dancing with a 21st Century edge that has international critics and audiences swooning!

Tickets

Buy Tickets

Tickets on sale now!

$64.50 - $29.50

Groups 12+ call (253) 593-7617

More info website

Burn The Floor Website

Also is playing in San Francisco & Vancouver, Cananda . . . Oh and Germany.

Date-a-rama!

I taught a workshop last night to the older youth about the importance of group dates. While we don't have to group date anymore (unless we want to) I did some research and Shauna helped me come up with a pretty snazzy list. I think you all should pick some of these dates to do!

The best dates are planned yet casual, inexpensive yet fun. Be creative!

Artsy Dates

- First Thursday Free Museums (Seattle Art Museum, EMP, Science Fiction Museum, The Burke Museum, Museum of History and Industry, Museum of Flight and Seattle Asian Art Museum) - First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square (Similar gallery walks happen in Kirkland, Ballard, Fremont and Capitol Hill) – Frye Art Museum (always free) - Free Shakespeare, concerts & movies at Seattle Parks (summer) - Seattle Sculpture Park - Hear the Compline Choir perform every Sunday at 9:30 p.m. at St. Mark's Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E

Seattleite Dates

- Pike's Place Market (goes well with a picture treasure hunt) - Mix-it-up Ice cream on the Ave - Take a tour of Theo Chocolate factory - Folklife Festival, Bite of Seattle, SeaFair - Laser show at the Seattle Science Center - Ferry ride to Bremerton or Bainbridge - Woodland Park Zoo, Aquarium, Pacific Science Center - $5 to go up the Columbia Tower Observation Deck - Feed the Ducks or ride bikes at Greenlake - Watch ships pass through the canal and salmon swim through the "fish ladder" at the Chittenden Locks - Fremont Troll (N 36th St, Seattle, WA)

Sporty Dates

- Cross-country skiing or tubing - River rafting on the Skagit - Miniature golf at Interbay - Canoeing at the UW Arboretum - Driving range at UW - Rollerskating/Iceskating at Highland Ice Arena in Shoreline - Ice Skating at the Seattle Center (winter) - Cheap bowling/pool/DDR at the UW Hub even for non-UW students - Go for a swim at Matthews Beach, Madison Park & Madrona Beach - Kickball, capture the flag or fly kites at any Seattle Park - Hike at Snoqualmie Falls - Batting cages - Rollerblading/biking/or fire pit at Alki Beach -

Just for Fun Dates

- $5 swing or salsa dancing with free lesson ($7 on weekends) at Century Ballroom - Board game, puzzle challenge or charades night - Organize a potluck dinner, and assign people to bring certain dishes or ingredients – Surprise sidewalk chalk someone's driveway (nice things only!) - Wii, DDR, Rock Band or Guitar Hero night at someone's house - Cheap Eats: Dicks & Ivars – $3 movies at Crest Theatre in Shoreline - The Fair (get tickets from school) - A service date (rake a neighbor's leaves, wash windows etc) - Have a contest to find the best/funniest book at a used book store (Twice Sold Tales 905 E John St usually has a $1 rack in front) - Creative Story (write/say one or two lines of a story, the next person continues with another line or two) - St a dollar limit and go to a thrift shop. Then go somewhere wearing the outfits you bought. - Dessert contest (making or eating) - Homemade pizza party - Progressive Dinner - Go berry picking -

Holiday Dates

- Gilman's Village in Issaquah - Snoqualmie Santa Train - Visit a pumpkin patch or corn maze - Christmas lights and hot cocoa - Candycane lane in Ravenna – Bellevue Square's Snowflake Lane

For more ideas, check the newspaperor Internet for free or discounted tickets. Or check out some Seattle events websites for current activities, concerts, festivals and holiday activities!

Unleashing your inner temptress

Ever want to unleash your inner temptress? Urban Striptease Aerobics takes some of the basic moves of a striptease and combines them with aerobic elements to create a fun, energizing and sexy workout. The classes are women only and nobody takes off their clothes. ;) It's just a fun way to get some exercise and who knows? It could even spice up your love life. Needless to say, I don't think your husband will complain.

Several gyms offer these classes in the Seattle area as well as Federal Way, Kirkland, and Edmonds (check into paying for individual classes instead of buying a membership). And if you are out of state- TX, NM, MA, IL, NC, VA, OH, FL, ID, and Vancouver, BC also have classes. Click on this site for more info and specific locations. I took one of these classes near the college I attended and LOVED it!!

If taking a class is COMPLETELY out of your comfort zone, consider buying a DVD you can get a sexy workout in your own living room. Pretty sure you can find DVDs on amazon or ebay. I hear Carmen Electra also has a striptease workout DVD.

Might have a hard time ending this date . . .

Theo Chocolate, The Factory is an organic chocolate factory in Fremont. I haven't been yet but it sounds pretty interesting and very yummy, lots of taste testing. Thanks to Keri (& Zoram) for the great date idea, hope you guys get to go soon.

Retail store is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Public tours are available 7 days a week at 10 am, 12 pm, 2pm and 4pm. The tour is $5 per person ages 1 and older.

**PLEASE CALL (206)632-5100 TO MAKE A RESERVATION and for information on extended tour schedule during the holidays.

Click here for link to site.

Sandy beach getaway

Sometimes don't your toes just crave the sand? Jetty Island in Everett is just the perfect fix! It's a 2 mile long man-made sandy island with a 3 minute ferry ride . . . for FREE! Lay out your beach towels and soak up the sun with a romantic little picnic and make sure you bring a swimsuit and a kite! Last time we brought card games and water guns. Here's a link to their brochure w/ directions and calender.

New Secret Hole in the Wall

Bizarro Italian Cafe

(206) 632-7277

1307 N 46th St
Seattle, WA 98103

Located in Wallingford, off Stoneway and 46th, I'm finding hard to find words to describe how fabulous I think this restaurant is. The decor is very appropriately bizarre, every time I go, I find a million new things on the ceiling or tucked away in a corner. The atmosphere is romantic and it feels like you've stumbled on a secret treasure. All of their ingredients are bought within 300 miles. The dishes that I've tried have been wonderful. The menu is a little pricey, $14-$22 but for a special occasion- WORTH IT!!! I've also read some poor reviews regarding staff but I'm happy to say that every waiter we've had has been delightful. Also, for dessert, Gelati is a MUST - I love chocolate hazelnut. I can't wait to go back!

Krua: Thai Family Kitchen

Don't be turned off by the awful mustard yellow sign...we found our fabulous take-out restaurant!! Krua Thai Family Kitchen delivers some of the most delicious Thai food I have ever eaten. They are located right by Kidd Valley on 25th. They offer free delivery within the U-District on orders over $15. The service was awesome - they were really friendly and we had our food delivered to our door within 30 minutes. I highly recommend the yellow curry fried rice and the "cashew delight." I've been craving the fried rice ever since...and no, I'm not pregnant.

I have never stepped foot inside the restaurant and judging from the outside, I wouldn't have expected it to be this cute. Rob and I wondered if these pictures are for real. :) So let me know if you've been there!



So put the kids to bed early and enjoy a fabulous, inexpensive ($7-11/dish) dinner delivered to your door!

Hours:
Monday - Thursday 11:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 11:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 12:00pm - 9:30pm
Sunday 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Lunch is served daily until 3:00pm. Dinner Menu is available all day.

Greek for the whole family

So this is my first Married and Still Dating posting which I know is long over-due but I do have a good recommendation. Scott and I try and go out every week but for several reasons we always have Eve with us. Therefore our criteria of a good place to eat is a little different. Good food is an obvious. I'm a vegetarian so that limits our choices even more. We tend to like privately owned places where the ambiance is unique and the help is nice and child-friendly. And if it's relatively close by that's a definite plus as well.

We've found several places that we like but one of our favorites is a Greek cafe (Montlake area) called Vios. Mediterranean food is my absolute favorite so I'm partial from the get-go. I would definitely recommend Vios for diner rather than lunch as the dinner menu is more varied. It is a little pricey for the amount of food that you get so don't go there if you're ravenous. But the quality of the food and especially of the experience is wonderful. Much better than the more popular Greek restaurant Costas Opa in Ballard. The best dinner (family-style) we've had there was:

Trio Sampler w/pita (hummus, babaganoush and tzatziki) - $10.25
Roasted Eggplant Salad - $9.00
and the Cheese Plate - $9.25

But the best thing about Vios isn't the food, the ambiance (old wood tables and Greek flags) or the waitress that looks and acts like the aunt on My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It's the play area. One corner of the restaurant is walled off and is filled with toys and books. There is even a bar along the wall so you can eat while you watch your kids play. It is so nice, especially compared to our usual restaurant circus, I mean experience.

Play Area/Parent's Salvation

Greek Orthodox Church right by Vios;
a nice authentic touch

Take-Out, Anyone?

Today is our anniversary and we thought it would be fun to order take-out and watch a movie after the kids are in bed. However, when I started brainstorming restaurants, I realized that I don't know of that many! Do you have any recommendations for fabulous take-out? Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, or anything other cuisine? Do they deliver? This is making me hungry!!!

A Romantic boat ride

A picnic lunch and pair of sunglasses are all you need for this active and romantic date. Rent a canoe or rowboat at the University of Washington Water Activities Center and row around Washington Park to little islands with trails and perfect picnic/makeout spots. Also, bring a camera for the beautiful wildlife and cute pictures for blogging!

UW Students	$4.00/hour
UW Faculty/Staff	$5.50/hour
UW Alumni	$7.00/hour
General Public	$7.50/hour

They only accept check or cash.

Is your lady a chocolate lover?

I have always been disgusted with men who think that a box of chocolates and a little stuffed animal is a permissible gesture of love. To me it screams- "I put off something I've known has been coming for months and so fortunately the drugstore opened in time this morning for you to think I put a lot of thought into my gift." We, women are not deceived! Has anyone had those chocolates before? The assorted ones in the yellow or red box with a rose imprinted on the front- that taste so waxy that for all you know they could have been sitting on the shelf since Valentine's day 1983.

Well, yesterday while I was window shopping at U-Village (the only thing I can afford to do there) and happened to wonder into Fran's Chocolates. The chocolate aroma overwhelmed my senses and I entered a highly euphoric wonderland! I ordered the dark hot cocoa (the best I've EVER had) and the hazelnut crunch chocolate truffle plus they threw in a complementary bittersweet truffle with a flick of gold paint the top. I now understand why chocolate considered an aphrodisiac, and I happy to say that if my husband ever got me Fran's chocolates for Valentine's, Anniversary or Mother's day it would exceed all of my expectations!!! or even if he just got me one for the heck of it, he would be well rewarded. :) So find a specialty Chocolate store near you.

Qazis Indian Curry House

Well it isn't Cedars (we haven't been there yet) but we did find this cute little spot in Fremont. The food was great!

473 N 36th St
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (206) 632-3575

Price: $

Cross Street:Dayton Avenue

Hours: Daily 11am-10pm

The best of India in Seattle

I dare you to find a better Indian restaurant than Cedars Restaurant on Brooklyn in the U-district (seriously, let me know). I grew up with good old fashioned mormon casseroles and butter and salt added to each item on the menu. My Dad tried his best to get us kids to branch out and try things like Tom-kah (sp?) soup and curry but we shot him down every time, too scared to try something "spicey." These days, I'm trying to do my Dad proud, after all his efforts and I now try new food and mostly I like it, but I especially LOVE Indian food. Nothing better than warm naan and Chicken Tikka Masala. Pretty sure this place has won awards but if not, I give them my own, Shauna LOVES you Award. Check out their menu here.

Chile Pepper

In my time in Seattle, I have not been very impressed with the Mexican restaurants in Seattle..... until now. Chile Pepper is located on 45th just before Stone (in Wallingford). You can't miss it, just look for the bright orange house as seen in the picture. I loved their food. I had the tostadas and they were delicious. We took our whole family and our girls loved it also. (Caitlin raved about the delicious food all evening.) There was probably about a dozen tables in the whole restaurant and we were served by what appeared to be the owner and his wife. For any Mexican food lovers, this is a must try restaurant. Oh, I can't forget, the prices were also very reasonable. Most dishes were under $10.

Monorail oh monorail!

For some reason the monorail is fascinating to me. The monorail leaves every 10 minutes for a few dollars from the Seattle Center (attached to the Center House) and goes to West lake center. Have dinner at P.F. Chang's (located in the shopping center) for the delectable Chicken Lettuce wraps ( Quickly cooked spiced chicken served with cool lettuce cups) and Fried Banana spring rolls (Six warm, crispy bites with coconut pineapple ice cream and drizzled with caramel and vanilla sauces. Delicious!). Then ride the elevator up to the Sweet Factory to get some refreshment for the monorail returning you to the Seattle Center house (which has Salt Water Taffy and frozen bananas dipped in chocolate)

Is there a Tiger living in your house?

If your husband loves to spend hours at the local range but its just not your thing may I suggest a compromise that also counts as a date?
The University of Washington has a driving range thats open to the public. And its cheap! Plus if you've never golfed before he can unleash his tiger skills and teach you a few things. (as long as this sort of thing doesn't usually lead to an argument). :)

Click here for details!

Arts discounts

Are you a student or under 25? Click here for great deals in the art community (ex: Seattle Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Repertory Theatre)


Click here for discounts to the 5th Avenue Theatre.