Top Pot.

From what I gathered being in Seattle, Top Pot Doughnuts is an authentic area tradition. And, after going there, I can understand why. As pictured above, I got the chocolate with raspberry glaze and it was by far the best doughnut I've ever tasted. The only thing that could have made it any better, was a small glass of milk to go with it.

Micah got the maple bar, and as you can see, it was huge.

And, to add to the doughnut experience, the cafe atmosphere was pretty cool. It seemed almost sophisticated, which who knew that was even possible when doughnuts are involved.

Have I mentioned I'm ready to go back?

seattle.

{This here is post no. 9 in the month of july. Wahoo, that's a personal record for me this year.}

Saturday (7.17) was sightseeing day, and a lot was packed into a 24 hour time period. Some how we conned our way into getting a ride into the city from Micah's uncle (who actually grew up there). He took us to a park in the Queen Ann that showed an amazing view.

And, the zoom on my camera isn't too shabby.

Some friends, Jon & Elisa, picked us up and we were off. First stop was brunch. I don't have any pictures, but it was good, greasy breakfast food in humongous portions. I'm sure you can imagine what it looked like.

From there we went to the Fremont neighborhood, shopped around. I bought a watch, a real, big girl watch. Ok, well maybe not too big girl, it does have a picture of a cat on it. But it's not plastic, which is a large improvement since the last time I owned a watch.

We visited the Fremont troll. He hides out under a bridge. He looked lonely and sad, so Micah and I took our picture taken with him.

Jon and Elisa got there's taken too.

From there we got on a boat. Well, a large ferry to be exact.

It's a beautiful and relaxing ride over to Bainbridge Island.

And, Bainbridge is just as cute and seaside village like as it could possibly be. I took a lot of pictures of the boats in the harbor.

For some reason, this lopsided one is my favorite.

And, we actually got a group shot, even if Jon's expression is ridiculously absurd.

There's always a couple photo shoot too, right?

And, then I guess some lady felt sorry for us, so she came and took our picture.

Soon enough everyone was hungry, so we headed back on the ferry to Seattle. We did the touristy thing and had dinner at one of the seafood restaurants on the pier. We had to wait awhile, but we were just in time to watch the sunset.

snoqualmie falls.

One of the most beautiful places I've been.

After trekking up to Seattle and meeting up with Melissa and Andrew (who were passing through on their summer road trip), Micah and I headed out to his aunt and uncle's house a little outside the city. Micah's uncle played tour guide, taking us to dinner, around some of the area's wineries, and finally to a well-visited little spot called snoqualmie falls.

Just the drive up there was absolutely mesmerizing. The green forests seem enchanted.

When Micah's uncle said he was taking us to see a waterfall, what came to mind were all the pretty (and small) ones I had been to before. I had no idea that this waterfall would be breathtaking. That the power of the water would be visible as it rushed over the rocks' ledge. And yet, there would be a gentleness to it, felt as its mist rose to meet the onlookers.

I can't even accurately describe the beauty and the pictures don't come close to doing it justice.

Nature often seems simplistic, but really, I think it is more detailed than one could recount.

I tried to soak in those moments of tranquility as I stood there overlooking the strength and goodness of nature. Even though I know deep down inside I will probably always be a city person, there's something inspiring about being far removed.

We stayed there as the sun set, and the dusk added yet another layer of whimsical attraction.

It got a little cold, so I was glad Micah's uncle came prepared with a blanket.

I'm ready to go back. And lucky for everyone (and by everyone, I mean really rich people), there's a spa/hotel right above the falls and who wouldn't want to relax and wake up to that sight in the morning?

Have you ever sat in the pilot seat of an army blackhawk helicopter?

It's a pretty cool experience.

One of Micah's best friends from growing up is a pilot for the army, so when we stayed with him and his wife the first few nights we were in Washington, we were privileged to get a little tour of the base. Included in that was an up close experience with a blackhawk.

They are big, really big. And I would not want to fly one. I probably wouldn't even want to be in one when it was in the air. But, they are impressive.

Spending time on the base and with friends that are a part of the army, I can't imagine what it really means to be a military family. The time people spend apart. The restlessness of knowing that you can't settle down in one place for very long. The exploitative nature of the army in that your life belongs to them and (more than) often they could care less about you. It's a rough life, one that I wouldn't wish upon anyone really.

But if I had to be in the army and could choose which base I worked at, I wouldn't mind having this as the backdrop.

Mt. Rainier

emily + chris.

On 7.11.2010 in a small little town nestled in the mountains of Colorado, I got to see Emily and Chris become newlyweds!

And she looked gorgeous.

You know how sometimes you go to a wedding and the location and ambiance just simply and perfectly reflect the couple? Well, this was one of those times.

And, I just love this picture of them. It's almost like it's just the two of them sharing their own moment, instead of standing in front of a crowd of their family and friends.

Love this one too!

I've known Emily for six years, when we met studying abroad in Spain. And, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that we both learned a lot during those 5 months. And, I'm so thankful that Emily was there to experience all those changes and questions with me, even more so that our friendship has continued since we left. Emily, you are such a unique and strong person, and a beautiful friend.

The father/daughter dance was quite possibly the cutest one I've ever seen. Emily's dad had been taking dance lessons with her mom and it was just so sweet!

(bad picture, I know, but the only one of the 4 of us).

Congratulations Emily & Chris! I'm so happy for the two of you and I wish you all the happiness as you embark on this new adventure!

chicken, green beans, potatoes, and bell pepper salad.

Obviously, I'm not quite sure what to call this salad, so I just listed its ingredients. I got the recipe from a Real Simple magazine that I picked up a year ago on my honeymoon, and just recently gave it a try. I thought it was pretty good and also easy to make.

The ingredients:

-small red new potatoes, cut in half. (I used 4 total for the 2 of us...2 potatoes each and it was enough)

-green beans. (I just grabbed a bunch)

-1 yellow bell pepper, sliced lengthwise in strips.

-chicken, shredded. (The recipe says rotisserie chicken, but I just baked 2 chicken breasts with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and then shredded those).

-3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

-2 tsp dijon mustard

-1 tbsp white wine vinegar

-kosher salt

-black pepper

Directions:

-Cook the potatoes in a steamer basket over simmering water, covered, for about 10 minutes.

-Add the green beans and cook, covered, until both are tender.

-Run under cold water to cool.

-In a bowl, whisk the oil, mustard, vinegar, and 1/4 tsp of both salt & pepper.

-Arrange the chicken, potatoes, green beans, and peppers on plates and drizzle with the dressing.**

Here's a picture of how mine turned out.

**Note: the dressing is pretty strong, so I'd suggest tasting it first to see how much you want drizzled on.

Chicago: the Ice Cream Experience.

On the last day in Chicago, neighborhood exploring was on my mind. So, after watching the end of the U.S. soccer team win against Algeria, Greek Town was our first stop. We didn't stay too much longer than enough to eat some food, since restaurants are basically the only thing we observed that really made up the neighborhood. Oh well, little did we know the grand experience that was awaiting us in the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods.

Amidst the expanse of vintage stores and cute cafes, there was a little place called iCream.

By the looks of the inside, it is almost more like a chemistry lab than an ice cream shop. They literally make the ice cream or frozen yogurt or sorbet when you order it! It was intriguing, so we had to give it a shot. Basically how it works is, you pick the type of frozen treat you want, the flavor(s) you want it in, and whatever added candy or fruit you want in it. And then, this guy mixes it up for you.

They use dry ice to make it freeze up quick. Fresh, chemically-enhanced ice cream in 5-10 minutes? Pure brilliance. I mean they've rigged up some crazy chemistry contraption using kitchen aid mixers. It is a sight to see. All they have to do is throw in the ingredients and let it work its magic.

And it goes...

And goes...

And goes...

And goes some more...

Until Walla! You get ice cream.

Ours was cream soda flavor. And to be honest, I liked it, but it tasted very plain jane vanilla to me. I think it would have been better with some add in, like oreo cookie or some kind of chocolate. But overall, it was a unique and fun ice cream experience. I would definitely suggest going there if you live in Chicago or go visit.