June 30, 2014

#Seattle: Meet Winegarden, Happiness Delivered

June 30, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Today I'd like to welcome back one of my contributors, Titus Kimbowa. A junior at the University of Washington at the time, Titus first approached me after a talk and asked me how to grow a network on Twitter, balancing the line between professionalism while building your personal brand. His drive and curiosity have taken him far in the last two years I've known him, and I'm honored that Fresh Jess is the first to bring you his new venture. Read on to discover Winegarden!

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As a student at UW, one of the best experiences I was lucky enough to get involved with was building startups. Being immersed in startups gave me an opportunity to meet interesting people. As a kid from a little town in Uganda, the only place I could think to meet such wonderful people was in my dreams. During these meetings, a consistent social connector was wine. Aside from wine being an acquired taste that was lost on me, I knew nothing of its intricacies. After multiple attempts, I was finally able to grasp the basics of wine. There’s clearly a big learning curve.

Soon after I finished school, I was burned out! Working three jobs to pay for school while being a full time student took a toll on me. I decided to break from the stresses of work and school, and absorb more of the unique culture Seattle had to offer that I couldn’t properly appreciate in the past. To my surprise, I find that wine is again at the center of my cultural experience. I realized in order to fully appreciate what Seattle had to offer, I would have to uncork this wonder and learn firsthand what makes it so intriguing.

As I discovered and learned about the diverse selection of great wines, I noticed that wine is not well-cultivated here. Specifically, locally-sourced wines have yet to take a crack at Seattle’s eclectic culture. Wines made in Washington have won numerous awards on the global scale, yet Seattleites know more about California wines than Washington wines. Either we just don’t like Washington wines or the marketing sucks.

I’m with the latter.

The Seattleite in me wouldn’t allow me to give the city a pass on enjoying an inferior wine that’s not from Washington. I got in touch with a friend, Thomas Winegarden who had talked about a wine delivery service that he wanted to build. We discussed different ways in which the technology could be built and settled on a platform, to which local wine shops and wineries would market and sell their wine then have it delivered to consumers on-demand or at a set time that day. The challenge lies between the seamless communication between the customer, driver, and winery/shop. The delivery charge starts at $10 and $6, respectively.

We set forth on the journey to create a service that puts the customer at the center of every transaction. At Winegarden, it's now our mission:

We believe that shopping for wine should be an unforgettable, fun, and delightful experience.

Winegarden not only puts Washington wines at your disposal, but leaves little to no time between you and the perfect glass. Additionally, we put the guesswork out of wine by making it easy to search and discover wines that best fit your taste preference and budget. Washington wines are world-class and are slowly making waves across the globe. We want to accelerate this trend by providing the best service to every Winegarden customer.

With this goal in mind, we set out to land our first set of customers. Knocking on doors, and using referrals has been the only way we’ve delivered wine. During this period, we’ve learned a lot about the nuances of delivering wine. We are now ready to announce it to Seattle and take on more orders!

Join the revolution at www.JoinWinegarden.com.

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Titus Kimbowa is a young entrepreneur living in Seattle, WA. He was born in Kampala, Uganda & moved to the States when he was 12. He’s currently a senior at the University of Washington and serves as vice-president of the UW American Marketing Association, and he's interning as the product marketing analyst for stealthy start-up Webtuner. He’s got past experience as part of the Zagat team at Google, Crown Social, TEDxYouth Seattle, and starting up an enterprise travel company. In his spare time (which he rarely gets) he likes to play basketball, read, and hang out around Seattle.

Find Titus on Twitter, and view all of his posts here.

June 20, 2014

Short Summer Hair by RL Salon (+ Seattle Event!)

June 20, 2014/ Jess Estrada

I actually met Becca Stordahl and Cara Hellings, owner and stylist (respectively) at Robert Leonard Salon & Day Spa awhile ago, and now we work out together almost every weekday at 6:00a.m. They say people do business with people they like, and I started going to see Cara for blowouts and as of today, a sweet short cut for the summer! Besides being a ten-minute walk away, I've loved everything about RL Salon.

Robert Leonard Salon & Day Spa - Seattle - Fresh Jess

Founded in 1976 by salon visionaries John Martin and Robert Salmons, Robert Leonard was the first of its kind to offer salon and spa services under the same roof. Over 30 years later, it remains one of the leading salons in the Downtown Seattle area. RL Salon's experienced hair designers and colorists train continuously to bring the benefits of the newest techniques, products and technologies to its customers.

Whether you're looking for a whole new look, quick blow-out, expert color, up-dos for a special event or the royal treatment for your bridal party on your big day, Robert Leonard's caring, attentive artists will make sure you walk out the door feeling wonderful. Above and below are two blowouts I got for my birthday and other special events!

I woke up this morning and said, "I feel like a short messy 'do." Here it is! I'm so happy with my new summer cut!

Oh and if you're looking to restock your army of hair products, might I suggest these for those perfectly tousled waves:

Oribe Apres Beach - Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Thanks RL Salon! Find them online, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Disclosure: Products and services provided by RL Salon. Opinions expressed are all mine!

June 18, 2014

2014 Summer Style Picks w/ Courtney Liu

June 18, 2014/ Jess Estrada

FJ Summer ’14: What I’m obsessed with for summer!

Fresh Jess Courtney Liu Summer Style 2014

Short hair & light tones

– Last year I rocked bold ombré locks (really long locks) and although I enjoyed the black, reddish-brown and blond tones in my hair, I have recently graduated so I thought I needed a change. I decided to opt for a shoulder-length cut and as for the color; I went for a balyage/ombré technique with honey brownish-blonde tones. Now that summer is approaching and the heat is creeping upon us I’m loving the liberty of having short hair!

Color me pink…and purple…and red

– It’s almost summertime so get ready for the vivid hues for your lips. One of my faves and staples is my “Rouge Shine” from Sephora because if you apply a light coat it creates a faint magenta color for day, however; if you’re going for more of a pop of color at night, you can apply a few more layers and your lips will be a gleaming violet. When I want a vibrant hot pink lip I go for my “Rouge Artist Intense” lipstick by Make Up For Ever. I also recently picked up two lipsticks from the “Kate” line of Rimmel London – a classic red and mauve (inspired by Kylie Jenner).

Bralettes are the new push-up

– Totally obsessed with the lightweight, lacey undergarment. Not only are they comfortable, but also they’re so cute slash sexy and may be worn to be seen too – for example, under a loose or sheer top.

Crazy but fun florals

– Be daring and don’t be afraid to wear lots of bright colors in the summer; it’s the time to shine anyways! I recently found a peplum top with a colorful bird-of-paradise floral design and I also have a crop top with a vibrant tropical flower print. I love that both tops have mesh inlays, which could allow the breeze to flow through– awesome for this sizzling season!

Be bold, with colors

– CHARTREUSE. It’s my favorite color for summer. I own an H&M skirt and an Urban Outfitters top (decorated with French lace) both in this color. I love how bold this color is and paired with subtle colors, it just stands out and can pull an outfit together.

Pretty in powder blue

– One of the trendy colors of the season is powder blue! This pastel color, reminiscent of summer skies, is a soft hue that’s looks very crisp paired with white or black. I recently purchased a crop button-down top in powder blue, with white polka dots.

Xx,

Courtney

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Courtney Liu is a Hawaii native in the journalism program at the University of Washington. She loves clothes and styling herself and her friends. She hopes to pursue a career in public relations or in the fashion industry.

Find Courtney on Twitter, and view all of her posts here.

June 14, 2014

Lookbook Love: Alive & Well's 'Roses & Razor Blades' Collection

June 14, 2014/ Jess Estrada

A&W's Roses & Razor Blades collection:

June 13, 2014

Fresh Ride: Chevy Volt

June 13, 2014/ Jess Estrada

While my Toyota Highlander adventures brought me to central California, I also had the opportunity to experience the Chevy Volt right here at home for a few days. The Volt is right up my alley; as a current hybrid driver, I was curious to see how its battery power, low emissions and overall power improved on what I've already got. I drove it around during a typical week, to and from meetings, workouts, errands and special events.

The Volt definitely has some power in it! It drives electric-only for 38 miles then goes into hybrid mode from there, but the transition is seamless and while it's quiet, it doesn't feel like it's lacking speed or power.

The driver's console of this particular Volt is two-toned and really driver-friendly. There are USB ports in the middle console that allow you to charge your phone and access the car's bluetooth capability for music and more. The first thing I do when I get in the car is figure out what I'm going to listen to, so this was super-handy and simple; no fussing around with it while driving! The driver's panel was really straightforward for a newer hybrid; I say this because I feel like there's almost too many options and buttons in some of the newer models. The Volt's panel wasn't distracting or overwhelming at all - in fact, it's almost too easy to get settled and ready to go. I don't know if I'll ever get used to starting a car by pushing a button instead of putting the key into the steering column!

Majah Layzah

Probably my favorite part of the Volt was its excess of legroom and space. For a car that looks seemingly compact on the outside, there's a LOT of storage and room to move on the inside! Peep the backseat, whose middle console can clearly hold plenty, still stash your Big Gulps and leave way for the roomy trunk! I packed a lot of groceries in there and if he could've, my dog would have been bouncing all around back there (dogs not allowed in test drive loaner cars :))

Thanks for keeping me fly while driving through my city, Chevy Volt!

For details and pricing, visit the Chevy Volt site.

June 11, 2014

On the Grief Process: Saying Goodbye to Bernie

June 11, 2014/ Jess Estrada

It's been just over two weeks since our dear friend Bernie passed away unexpectedly. What an emotional rollercoaster it's been. The grief process is a truly strange experience; of it I know two things for sure. It's not a linear process, and everyone's experience is unique to them. I've learned that I'm not much of a crier. Aside from very moving parts of his funeral (the viewing, seeing his closest friends and family break down in heartbreaking sobs), I didn't cry much after learning he passed and through the funeral. It's funny - now that the events are over, his passing hits me in the moments I have alone in my own thoughts. My thoughts quickly progress, and in those moments I shed a tear.

How could you not be here, cracking a joke somewhere at someone's expense? How is it possible I'll never see you out and about? How will Jacob's and my eventual wedding look if you're not the life of the party? I felt like I wasn't showing enough grief by not crying, but it hits us all at different times. While I still don't really feel like it's sunken in (will I ever?), thoughts of his irreplaceable presence bring the tears. Releasing the expectations of what the grief process should look like make it a lot easier to recognize your grief is just as valid as everyone else's.

Bernie had a way of touching so many different kinds of people, and so hundreds turned out for his funeral. Grateful to work through tough times with my second family.

A remembrance tee by Bernie's friend Ricardo.

The most incredible thing to witness was the strength of Bernie's closest family and friends. His mom. Noah, his son and Noah's mom Val. His girlfriend, Alex. His 'tripod', BB and Mike. His brother Daniel. His best friend Saul. In the midst of their heartbreak and sadness, they were able to draw so much strength to celebrate his life the day of his funeral. Laughs as they fondly remembered how he touched their lives. Their smiles as they greeted us and so many others who turned out for his burial. The amazing signs they saw Bernie give them the day of his funeral (rainbows, a bald eagle flying over his gravesite and a cloud forming a huge angel that cast over his reception.) I felt empty and sad, and here they were drawing strength from Bernie's spirit and in the others around them. Their inspiration brought me to tears too.

Reunited with my Niketown family! Saul and big head Bernie in the middle.

LOL

Bernie, through his spirit and through those closest to him, would want us to live our life every day to the fullest.

Live. Love. Life.

tatted across his clavicle. And so I'll carry you with me in spirit, as we all will. It's nice to know there's a fiesty angel up there taking care of my Meatball.

Thank you to all of you kind souls who've offered your condolences and support. I've had a couple of you ask where you can donate to for his memorial fund. You can make donations at your local Bank of America to The Noah Horcajo Trust / The Bernie Horcajo Memorial Fund. Thanks again!

June 10, 2014

U Mad Bro? A Lesson In Internet Mean Girls

June 10, 2014/ Jess Estrada

"Words have vibrations." - Danielle LaPorte

I was going about my Friday morning, in the first of a day full of meetings, when I stopped for a hot second to check Twitter. I've turned off all push notifications for social media, so I was surprised to see so much activity in maybe two hours since I'd last checked. "What's happening? Why are my mentions blowing up?" I thought to myself. As it turns out, everyone's favorite outspoken athlete, Richard Sherman of our Super Bowl Champion Seahawks, tweeted this photo out:

AHHH! I posted this Instagram (and here on the blog) months ago, and I was stoked to see his team decided to use it for a #FanFriday post. I'd seen tons of other fans' sporting their Richard Sherman gear in past weeks, and I was so excited to see my own face there among them. I shared it with my own Twitter and Facebook friends, and just sat for a second in amazement. I love the Seahawks and I'd had fun styling different tees all season, and Richard Sherman noticed! How cool!

My excitement brought me over to his Facebook page, where he'd also posted the photo. What was a big smile faded back a bit as I started to read some of the comments underneath the Facebook photo.

My friend Howie posted this for me :)

I know, I know. Never read the comments. Easy advice to take when the post in question isn't about you. Since this post was all me, I couldn't help myself, and took in each and every comment one by one. The tee says "You Mad Bro?" (Sherman's infamous phrase) and so most of the comments were from guys saying something to the effect of "Not anymore!" Honestly, the guys' comments overall weren't disrespectful. What really got to me was that the meanest, most critical comments were coming from other women. They tore apart everything from my body size and type, my outfit choices, my intelligence, my lifestyle and called me all kinds of names. I was labeled an desperate attention-seeker and a bad example for said women's daughters. All from this one photo!

Even the strongest and most self-confident might not be immune to all of this shit-talking. I certainly wasn't. As a blogger and someone who's active in social media, I put a lot of thought and care to how I put myself out there. I want to be inspiring and exemplary; a strong, powerful female who's gracious, conscious and purposeful with a thirst for knowledge and opinions of her own. How funny is that a single photo could shake that foundation. I started to doubt myself for posting that photo, and for tagging Sherman in it all those months ago. I even thought about asking his team to take the picture down just so I wouldn't have to read all these stupid comments anymore. The rest of that day, I'd get a pit in my stomach every time I logged into Facebook.

I felt the need to explain myself. That I'd taken that photo because I was feeling in great shape; that I was feeling particularly flossy that day; that the shirt looked better with boyshorts than full pants; that I took it in the comfort of my own home, where I watched the game (that I didn't go anywhere looking like that.) Then I decided, "You know what? These losers don't deserve an explanation. I'm proud of the way I look, I'm not naked and I would take that picture again!" I planned on just not saying anything further, but my family was sharpening their teeth and claws ready to get into wars of words with these haters. I told them not to waste their time, and ended up posting this response with as much grace and poise as I could muster:

I closed the book on my curiosity for their opinions then, and I haven't checked back for any new comments since.

I don't encourage getting into it with trolls, because that's what they want. After spending way too much of my Friday thinking about them, I knew deep down that their opinion had nothing to do with me, and everything to do with them. Their words were criticism rooted in wells of insecurity, jealousy and negativity. It was their choice to put that negative energy out there, as if deflecting it onto me would somehow make them feel better. I know for sure I would never want to function on their level, so why stoop to it? I didn't do anything wrong, and he chose my photo. I don't know him personally, and while he's easy on the eyes, I have a boyfriend who I happen to think is quite handsome and irreplaceable.

I will never apologize to anyone for how I look, how hard I work on my body and what or how I decide to put it out there.

via Danielle LaPorte's Pinterest

They tell you not to even acknowledge or engage haters like the ones I encountered on Friday, but I felt the need to speak up to my fellow ladies. I wanted to encourage them to stop and think about why they needed to cut down other women, and how so easily. To take responsibility for the words (and actions) they put out there, whether that's in the digital space, in front of their children and other Facebook friends and to people they may end up meeting one day. I wanted to remind them that all women are beautiful, and they would be too if they didn't put out so much hateful energy out there. It's annoying that I even had to say these kinds of things to grown women, but you can't teach maturity. I won't stand for women bringing each other down when we have much bigger fish to fry out there. I encourage all of you to think positively, and be conscious of how you treat others in real life or in the digital space. It's all a reflection of you and how you think of yourself. It's way easier to turn that negative energy into fuel to work on bettering yourself through health, fitness or just positive thinking than to try and make others feel bad.

Lastly, I want to say thanks to each and every woman who had something critical or negative to say about my Richard Sherman photo. You make me work that much harder on my 6am workouts and superfood eatin' right each day.

GO HAWKS!

June 02, 2014

Fresh Life: Philly Adventures with Courtney Liu

June 02, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Philly Adventures with Courtney Liu

May 30, 2014

My Favorite (Free!) Things to Do In Seattle

May 30, 2014/ Jess Estrada

The weather's warming up, people are out for the school year, others are visiting or have relatives coming to visit. Whatever the case, emails asking for suggestions on things to do always seem to pick up in the summer time. Everyone knows to head to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Waterfront and maybe even the Fremont Troll - but what else do locals like to do? I thought it'd be fun to share some of my favorite free things to do around the city, for those who need fun, quick suggestions.

Getting ready for some musubi, kahlua pork, lau lau & shave ice at Live Aloha 2013.

Seattle Center Festál Cultural Festivals

The crowds flock to Seattle Center for the Bite of Seattle and Folklife - but did you know there's a year-round calendar of cultural festivals that are also free to attend? I love Festál events for some great food, dance, music and cultural wares in much less chaotic festival experiences than the Bite or Folklife. Peep the full Festál calendar here. I'll see you at the Center for Pagdiriwang, Live Aloha and probably more!

Can't complain when this is our morning workout view.

Olympic Sculpture Park

If I'm honored enough to have you as an Instagram follower, you've seen many 'grams of early morning workouts at the Olympic Sculpture Park. The park is always free to walk through, and full of really inspirational works of art set amidst a perfectly Northwest 'urban trail' with pristine views of Elliott Bay. If you're early enough, you might even get to see some fine ladies powering through some burpees! :)

Testing my muscles out at the Gates Visitor Center. Gained a new level of respect for the women in Africa who haul buckets of this size & weight for miles to bring clean water to their families!

Gates Visitor Center

First Thursdays and/or Saturdays will get you in free to almost every museum in Seattle, but for complimentary admission every day, the Gates Foundation Visitor Center awaits. Follow my Gates Visitor Center ongoing series for everything I love about the Gates VC. More than anything, it's a quiet gem hidden right next to the bustling EMP & Seattle Center, perfect for some solid reflection on giving back to the world!

Layered up at Art Ache monthly art market

Art Ache

I love a good flea market, but unfortunately we have very slim pickings here in the city. Art Ache is a monthly art, music & style market hosted in some of the most Capitol Hill bars on the Hill. Lately, Art Ache has called Chop Suey home, and has been housed in Vermillion and Comet Tavern in the past. Catch the next Art Ache market on June 8th.

Keeping cool with Spike baby at the Ballard Farmer's Market

Ballard Farmer's Market

We are so fortunate to have multiple farmer's markets year-round in Seattle, and one of my favorites is the Ballard farmer's market. 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m. every Sunday, they've got such an awesome collective of organic farmers from around the state. Make sure to head to the Alvarez Organic Farms stand for the most delicious cherry tomatoes you've ever tasted.

They see me rollin... (Photo credit Sarah Lovrien)

Alki

Typical Seattleites might avoid Alki in the summer because of the crazy crowds, but it's one of my favorite places in the city all year round. Alki feels faraway from the city with it actually being just a short jaunt over the West Seattle bridge. You can run or walk along the water; hold a bonfire; people watch for longboarders, paddleboarders, kayakers, dog-walkers and other fun characters; or grab a meal or drink right along the water. I also love Coastal, the little surf boutique that's open March - December.

Who knows? Maybe this'll parlay itself into a series of its own :) For weekly recommendations on stuff to do in the city, peep my top Seattle events picks post every Thursday (except for yesterday, as I was at a wake for our dear friend Bernie.)

Feel free to chime in on some of your favorite free things to do in Seattle in the comments below!

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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center.

May 29, 2014

Summer Style Refresh w/Bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee (Sponsored)

May 29, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Summer's right around the corner! We've been getting teases of sunshine and 80-degree weather already, and I can't wait until my day-to-day wardrobe consists mostly of shorts, tanks, light layers and flowy fabrics. This year, I've made a resolution of sorts to really cut down on clutter - including what's in my closet. While I'll mix new staples and finds in for the current and upcoming season, I try to do regular closet cleanses and donate or Poshmark things I don't need. With warmer weather approaching, it's time for another wardrobe refresh. Here are some of my favorite tips on how to edit, add and remix your closet:

Keep it real

I'm a big fan of the rule, "If you haven't worn it in over a year, it's got to go." If you're holding onto something with the hopes of one day fitting it again (but you haven't in years), let it go like Frozen. I picked up a great tip a few years ago to flip a hanger around if you wear the piece of clothing that goes on it. After six months, those whose hangers haven't been flipped are up for review (to keep or toss.) I still have a hard time parting with pieces that bring nostalgia and nothing else; keeping it real with myself has made it a lot easier to begrudgingly break up with the tangibles of old memories.

Play dress up

Probably the best part of closet cleansing is trying on all the stuff you want to keep! I always have a lot of fun creating new outfit combinations or trying out new trends by mixing together what I've already got in my closet. Sometimes the things you haven't worn in awhile have to go, and other times they just need a good dress-up session to bring it back into your current rotation.

Dolce Vita jumpsuit / Zara strappy stilettos / earrings from Moksha / denim jacket from Urban Outfitters (old)

Incorporate statement pieces wisely

A lot of my wardrobe is neutral so I can layer up, but I'll take liberties in statement pieces to create different looks. I love vintage, estate sale and sample sale shopping for standout outerwear, and for summer I love bringing in lightweight fabrics in prints and patterns. I love a good romper and jumpsuit when I can find them!

Take care of your basics

If you're anything like me, you live in tanks, tees and other glorious cotton comforts that go with everything. Over time, I've learned that it can be worth it to indulge a bit in a higher-quality tank or tee that will last for ages. I also can't resist a good deal, so I'll also buy more affordable basics in multiple colors, then restock on ones I've worn holes or tears into.

Accessorize!

When you don't want to spend too much updating your wardrobe for the season, the quickest way to refresh is in accessories! Winter's all about scarves, while summer is solely for stocking up on sunnies. Accessories are also a great way to explore trends for the season; I snagged a bunch of trendy cat eye and mirrored sunglasses in a recent sale.

Happy summer style refresh y'all! Special shoutout to Bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee for fueling my recent closet cleanses and subsequent shopping sessions.

Bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee

beverages are the perfect blend of premium Starbucks coffee and 2 percent milk. Available in four delicious offerings: Coffee + Milk, Low Calorie Coffee + Milk, Vanilla, and Caramel, Bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee ready-to-drink beverages are the perfect on-the-go refreshment to get you through the daily commute, big projects such as spring cleaning, or an exciting road trip with friends. Look for it at major grocery and convenience stores, available nationwide.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Starbucks Coffee Company via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Starbucks Coffee Company.

May 26, 2014

Remembering Bernie

May 26, 2014/ Jess Estrada

On this Memorial Day, give thanks to those who have served our country, past, present and future.

This Memorial Day is a lot more somber for me, some of my close friends, and many friends around us. Our dear friend Bernie passed away suddenly on Friday morning, and we've all been in an unshakeable state of shock since.

I met Bernie while working at Niketown together almost a decade ago. Niketown was my college life; I spent more time there than I did on campus. It paid the bills, but it also gave me a second family full of the most colorful and unforgettable people I still care deeply for today. Bernie was no exception. In our Nike family, Bernie was our jokester. He was impossible to miss for how short he was; what he lacked in height, he sure made up for in his wildly off-color jokes and loud, boisterous laugh. Man I'll miss that laugh. Whether he meant to or not, he made his presence known wherever he was. From his Nike coworkers to the people he met at nightclubs, no one was safe from his jokes and no matter how bad of a day you were having, you had to crack a smile when he was around. It was harder not to!

I remember the first time he told me he was going to be a dad, alongside a beautiful girl named Val. He was nervous but so, so excited to be a dad. Bernie was so popular, they had their baby shower at The War Room, which was the club everyone kicked it at back in the day. The day Noah came into the world, Bernie's life changed forever. He became the most devoted dad you'd ever meet, focusing damn near all of his efforts on creating the best life possible for his son. Noah and Bernie were - are - best of friends. Parenthood is tough, but as Noah's grown, Bernie and Val have made sure he's surrounded by love and positivity. I don't think I've ever seen Noah without a big grin on his face.

Bernie was just getting settled back in Seattle after being in Hawaii for a bit. We didn't see him much, but that didn't matter. Every time was just like the last; full of laughs, reminiscing about all the trouble we've gotten in and looking forward to a bright future. He was restoring an old sour apple green VW bug that's every bit as loud and colorful as he was. He wanted to get back into jiu-jitsu and get some rolling in with my boyfriend. Ugh. I know this sounds cliche, but in this moment I have to wonder why life is so unfair. Why Bernie? Why so young?

This young father was such a great friend to everyone he met. He leaves behind a son. His devastated parents, band of brothers and extended family. A heartbroken girlfriend. An entire city or three stunned and in disbelief. What do we do now?

I'm not sure that it's sunken in for me yet. I can't comprehend not running into him at a party, like we haven't seen each other for awhile but will pick right back up as if it was yesterday. We are celebrating his life this week, and I know I'll find solace surrounded by all the people whose lives he lit up just as brightly as he did mine. Thank you Bernie. Take care of my Meatball up there. Love you.

May 09, 2014

Lookbook Love: Nike Tech Pack: Hyperfuse Collection

May 09, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Hyper fun with Nike's new Hyperfuse collection:

May 05, 2014

Fitness Fresh: A Different Kind of Birthday Party

May 05, 2014/ Jess Estrada

A long way from birthday shots in the club:

April 26, 2014

Reflections on 30 (and a birthday giveaway!)

April 26, 2014/ Jess Estrada

I'm 31 today!

My first year in my thirties are behind me, and I'm thoroughly convinced this phase of my life is going to be the best yet. I've been reflecting over this past year lately, and while to some age might just be a number, 30 has had so much significance to me. I love being in my thirties; I embraced it wholeheartedly last year with 30 Fresh and since then, have lived every day like I never had before.

First off, some birthday barre at Pure Barre!

Love my girls

Probably my favorite thing about being 30 is my heightened sense of confidence. I don't know why or where it came from, but I feel it for sure.

Confidence sometimes has a negative connotation, but it's an essential trait in self-esteem and going after our dreams. More than ever, I know who/what I am, who I'm not, and what I'm capable of. Even if I'm wrong about something, I'm confident enough to accept that, learn from my experience, and charge forward. I have never cared less about what people think of me. Zero fucks. Most of them don't have an impact on my life as it is; while sometimes I get caught up on someone's actions or feelings, ultimately I work to spend as little time as possible on it and channel compassion to see where they're coming from. Your opinion and judgment of me has nothing to do with me, and everything to do with where you're at.

*Annual family birthday brunch at Kona Kitchen*

I think a lot about dedication. It's something I try hard to put into practice everyday. There's a lot of stuff we don't want to do, but have to. I always want to do the best I possibly can, and when it's something I'd rather not be doing, there's a lot more motivation that goes into that effort. I don't like waking up at 5a.m. to make my workout - but I do it because I love everything I get out of being there, including starting my day that much earlier.

Persistence and loyalty are two words related to dedication that also swim in my thoughts often. If I want something to truly change in my life, I have to keep working at it to make it happen. So I stay loyal to positive thoughts and people who are constantly in support of me and my dreams.

*A very special 6am Glow Flow class with all the Beyonce & booty sculpt <3*

Focus is another big theme of life in my thirties. Focus in practice can be so elusive! I get distracted easily in every sense of the word, so focus is another thing I try to practice every day. I think of my goals and what's important to me - and those are the only things I want to fill my day. This year has been a lot about 'trimming the fat', so to speak. I try only to write about things I really care about. Keep only the friends who are genuine and true about themselves, about me and about life around me. Cutting down on the number of blogs and sites I keep up with on Feedly. Cleaning out my closet every month and donating what doesn't appeal to me anymore (my closet is so much more sparse nowadays!)

*A kale bouquet from Marie and more bee-themed birthday fare from Jenn*

Energy is yet another thing that's important to me. The energy you put out there is so strong, so work to always keep it positive! Why do so many people use social media to talk about all the bad in their lives - most of the time with little balance of any good that's happening too? I have bad days and struggles just as often as everyone else, but I try always to stick to my rule of just stepping away from the computer/smartphone instead of blasting negativity out there. Just like focus, I want to expend my energy only on the people and goals that are important to me. When it feels like someone's only in the house for what they can get out of me, they gotta see their way immediately out the door.

*Ube cheesecake from Food & Sh_t! courtesy of my Ate Madeline*

Finally, taking care of myself has been a huge theme in my thirties, in case you haven't noticed :) I like to think of it as "hustling differently." There's a lot of actions and traits associated with hustle, productivity and working hard that just aren't me - and yet, here I am on my grind every moment of every day.

Hustle different to me means:

getting enough sleep (Team Naptime, not Team No Sleep)
working out or getting active every day
listening to my body (and brain) when it needs rest
making good choices at the grocery store, making meals or at restaurants as much as possible
drinking hella water (I'm not a coffee drinker)
bye alcohol (not all the time, but most of the time)
making solid time for enjoying life (not working all the damn time)

More than anything, gratitude is the attitude I approach everything with nowadays. I'm so thankful for the amazing souls who are in my life who've made my world so rich with opportunities, exciting challenges and honest friendship. No one ever gets anywhere by themselves, and for each of you, I'm eternally grateful!

Alright, enough waxing poetic about my reflections on 30! I've got giveaways from TCBY Bellevue in celebration of my birthday! Their grand opening is next Tuesday, April 29th, and while they've got A LOT planned for the big day, I've got some treats to whet your sweet palate in the meantime. One winner will receive a TCBY red velvet mousse cake, and five will be treated to a frozen yogurt w/toppings at TCBY.

Seattle/Bellevue and surrounding areas only, please!

Giveaway closes on Monday night, 11:59p.m. Good luck & have a wonderful weekend!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

April 23, 2014

Aces Interview: Davida Ingram, Gates Foundation Visitor Center

April 23, 2014/ Jess Estrada

No matter where you go or what you do, your experiences are always punctuated with the memories of the people who left an impact on you. Whenever I go to the Gates Foundation Visitor Center, I make sure to catch up with my friend and one of Seattle's culture savants, Davida Ingram. Davida is an educator at the Gates Visitor Center, meaning her days there are filled with meeting people from all walks of life, taking them on tours and providing them with the richest experience they can possibly have there. Davida and I met way back in our careers, and I'd say the Gates Visitor Center is the perfect place not only to meet Davida, but to get a true sense of her passion for educating others. Definitely take a tour with Davida next time you're at the Gates Visitor Center, and today, get a peek into her life:

What's on your playlist right now?

Lake Street Dive (I love their cover of the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back)
NighTrain (go see them live)
Thee Satisfaction
Meklit Hadero (Abbay Mado)

Who is your biggest inspiration today?

Oh, dang. That is really hard. Right now, I am inspired by actors like Harry Belafonte and Danny Glover for their commitments to social justice. I also love that we live in city that is constantly making connections between civic life and social justice.

Describe your style.

How would I describe my style? Fashion-wise—eclectic. I love mixing and matching vintage and contemporary. I was raised by women with style—I have my own and it’s very different but it’s my way of honoring them. People-wise, in terms of style, I love making connections so understanding what’s important to others and what motivates them really matters to me. Like a lot of educators, I think it’s important to keep learning, so I often think about my learning style. I am definitely the person who’s computer is slow because too many things are open.

What's your favorite way to unplug after a busy day of tours?

I am a not-quite-closeted introvert. So, one-on-one conversations really help me unwind. But Thursdays and Sundays are all about Scandal or Game of Thrones. One of my favorite Scandal times is gathering with other community workers who like to bug out about the latest plot twists.

What are you reading?

Honestly. Facebook. In the sense that I curate my “current events” content based on what my friends are posting. Their links take me to places for news. Crunk Feminist Collective, Impatient Optimists, Salon are regular reads for me. I am also a (proud) nerd so I am usually reading more than one book at a time. My new books are Singing Plants and a book of poetry called Twerk. Anything by Toni Morrison or Toni Cade Bambara is a good stand by book for me.

What's your favorite meal & beverage?

My favorite meal changes—right now it’s all about smoked salmon, wakame and white rice topped with sesame oil and chili flakes. And I loves cherry Kombucha with chia seeds.

What are you most excited about in the coming months?

We have a teen action fair coming up on May 10 at the Visitor Center and two teen workshops. I see our programs as passports to a global context with an emphasis on young people as change makers. So those two things have me really excited.

Can you tell us a little about the Gates Foundation Visitor Center from your perspective?

On my tours I often share that the best part of my job is that I have learned about so many issues that existed under the radar for me, until I got here. If you walk into our bathrooms, you will see photos of different toilets from around the world, along with info about the over 2.5 billion people who don’t have toilets. I’ve seen myself as a global citizen for many years in terms of my interest in cross-cultural dialog, art, design, music, fashion and more. But my job, and the conversations I have here with staff and especially our visitors, helps me see ways of building affinity with mothers who want to raise their children’s standard of living because they live on less than $2 a day.

What's your favorite thing about the Gates Foundation Visitor Center?

The people. Buildings are nothing without the people. The vision for this place was to inspire our visitors to share and discuss the things that they want to consciously do to make a better world. Now, I almost said the Visitor Center’s public programs were my favorite thing—but *surprise* they are all about people too, whether it’s visitors or our partners from the community. Our recent work parties, family days and teen events are people-centered things that I love about my job, aside from touring.

Is there a specific Gates Foundation Visitor Center visitor/group who's inspired you?

One of my biggest joys comes from working with our teens. We have workshop and special teen committees, and they are filled with really remarkable young leaders who want to make a difference now and as they grow into adulthood. I just had to sit down and tell one of our participants Malaya that I was so proud of her for her recent volunteerism with a group called Birthday Dreams. She’s been helping to organize birthday parties for children in families and foster care that struggle. Birthdays are always big for me so when she mentioned that it really moved me, like I teared up. She and other amazing youth will be presenting at our May 10 Teen Action Fair, and I would encourage anybody to come and check their stories out. They will inspire you.

Any events coming up at the Gates Foundation Visitor Center you're excited for?

Well, if you could not tell, the May 10 Teen Action Fair has me pretty psyched. I love giving young people an opportunity to shine. And it’s incredibly powerful when they have their communities surrounding them and cheering them on. We have a range of different topics that teens will be tackling at the teen action fair—health care in poor countries, education, arts & culture—but at the heart of each of these issues is a young person who sees his or her part in turning the tide. And that is definitely something to get excited about. It’s boring to be cynical.

Thank you!

Find Davida at the Gates Visitor Center.

Read all of my Aces interviews here.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center is open Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. at 440 5th Ave. N. Street and garage parking are aplenty.

Check out their events calendar for upcoming special programs.

Join the dialogue! Follow the Visitor Center on Twitter and Facebook.

April 16, 2014

Fresh Ride: Toyota Highlander in Carmel Valley & Monterey

April 16, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Test driving the Toyota Highlander in the beautiful central California coast.

April 14, 2014

Fresh Life: Strolling Around San Francisco with Emilee Goo

April 14, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Strolling Around San Francisco with Emilee Goo

April 11, 2014

Listening to Your Body is Easier Said Than Done

April 11, 2014/ Jess Estrada

On slowing down to listen to your body.

April 08, 2014

Luly Yang's Crescendo collection: Prelude

April 08, 2014/ Jess Estrada

Music can evoke so much emotion, piercing our memories with the kinds of feelings that come rushing back when we reflect on the good, the bad, the passionate and the important stories that shape our lives. For Luly Yang, music has manifested itself in her newest collection, Crescendo.

Drawing upon the musical tastes that have spanned her life - from the classical piano training she picked up during childhood to the sweet sonatas that provided ambience for her time in Vienna - the pieces in Luly's Cresendo collection come together like notes, rhythms and melodies to create cohesive, solid songs of style.

Luly & team were kind enough to invite me to experience the Prelude set of the Crescendo collection last Sunday. Never one to overlook the tiny details that create an unforgettable experience, Luly and team took over The Capital Grille across from her boutique in the Fairmont Olympic for a luncheon runway show. We enjoyed mimosas, lobster cakes and petite lamb chops as models walked the Crescendo Prelude set down the restaurant's aisles. I can only imagine what the Sonata set in Vienna or the finale set in San Francisco will look like!

Thanks so much to Luly Yang and her team for having us this weekend. Enjoy some of my favorite looks below:

Visit the Luly Yang boutique in the Fairmont Olympic for a look at the entire collection, or schedule an appointment for a custom fitting for your favorite dress. LulyYang.com.

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