You’ve got to give to get into the holidays. So for every gift you unwrap this season (or have already unwrapped—cheaters!), try to find a small way to give back…or give forward. Here’s just a few ideas to help get you started (some of them don’t cost a thing): ONE WARM COAT This national nonprofit…

As a kid, you tend to overlook stocking stuffers in favor of those big wrapped presents lurking under the tree, but as an adult, a new discovery awaits: The smallest gifts in stature can often pack the biggest punch (jewelry, tickets to a ballgame, cufflinks). I’m declaring the following list as proof to my point-…

You didn’t think we’d go through twelve whole days of gift guides without one devoted to our fair city, did you? Strap in for the second-to-last (and last second) guide to gifts that scream Seattle: $15 Grandma’s Wooden Tooth Seattle skyline iPhone skin (pictured above) Available in cherry, mahogany or walnut wood, sport Seattle love…

MUST SOIREEBonsoir Liliane at Teatro ZinZanni Runs through 1/29/2012  Teatro ZinZanni’s newest production, Bonsoir Liliane! was directed by towering Broadway star (and nine-time Tony Award winner) Tommy Tune. But it’s flamboyant emcee Kevin Kent who steals the show, with his hilarious shenanigans and improvisational genius. Also keep an eye out for Ariana Lallone, beloved former…

Since my toes are still thawing out from my walk to the office this morning, I think it’s safe to state, “Baby it’s cold outside.” And since it is that glorious time of year to snuggle up by the fire and get warm and cozy with a book, I’m devoting today’s gift lineup to all…

We could all use a bit of R & R right about now as we all scramble to finish off those last minutes gifts and baked goodies for co-workers, am I right? Thus I am not going to sit here and pontificate: Boys, your ladies will love these sweet beauty items and pampering memberships. Ladies,…

In the January issue, I review the charming and very delicious Travelers Thali House on Beacon Hill. It’s a bittersweet review for me because the restaurant is so good, so welcoming, and the food is lovely in so many ways. But where is everyone? Travelers was virtually empty on each of my three visits. Great restaurants…

                            Bag up that holiday shopping list with one of these locally made bags, which run the style scale from sporty to luxuriously slick:    $42 Bike/hip bag, Nube Green This sweet, petite bag from Capitol Hill’s Nube Green is perfect for…

Lamb Chops with Fenugreek Cream Curry This recipe is a lighter version of Vij’s incredibly decadent lamb “popsicles” dish. For the lamb: 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/3 cup grainy mustard 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 racks of lamb chops, separated into individual chops 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil   Curry…

It is quite tempting to intro this spirits-, brews- and beer-related post with big exclamation points following a drawn-out exclamation: “Booze!” But I will try to keep things classy and restrain myself. However, thanks to a boom in local distiller and craft brewery products in our fair city, I can’t guarantee your recipient will be…

                            It is a lot of work to throw a holiday shindig (hey, those cookies don’t frost themselves) and even more work to host relatives (hey, those bathrooms don’t clean themselves either), so show your appreciation for the host or hostess with…

MUST QUOTE Princess Bride Quote Along Friday–Sunday (12/16–12/18) Fans of cult-classic movie The Princess Bride can quote Inigo Montoya by heart (“Prepare to die!”). Now, SIFF offers the chance for groupies to take their skills to the big screen. As the film rolls, the audience recites the movie’s best-loved lines—all while waving toy swords given out…