New Blue Bottle Coffee Makes Back to School Better

by jolie loebSeptember 2, 2015

Blue Bottle Coffee, the Oakland import with a fevered following, opens up on Beverly Boulevard in Mid-City just in time to salvage the summer to school transition. Get our tips on what to get when you’re commuting solo and need a wake-up call, or when you’re heading home with little non-java junkies who want a cuppa something and an after school snack.

True Blue
Clearly we’re not short on boutique breweries in LA, but Blue Bottle has a legions of devoted fans, and there’s a reason. This is not where you line up for your fall pumpkin latte; this brew speaks to the coffee purist, patented by a time stamped vow. Nothing served, nothing sold, more than 48 hours out of the roaster. Pure coffee, the kids that wakes you up for that morning carpool. The new spot is most welcome to coffee purists, since the only other outposts in LA are tucked away downtown and in Venice Beach. Great spots, but not on your way anywhere, the way this new Mid-City locale is. And your coffee need is easy to feed with two-hour residential parking on nearby Sweetzer Ave.; clutch for toddler toting types, or anyone who’s trying to get ahead of those irksome tardy slips.

Cocoa for Kiddos
If you stop on the way to or from school with kids, there’s a beverage for them that will turn kids into Blue Bottle fans as well. TCHO Ganache plus Clover milk makes for a cocoa that is taken as seriously as their coffee. Swirly foam art and everything, so their drink looks just like yours. If your offspring are hard wired to inherit your java jonesing genes, you can cultivate the crafted obsession young, starting with this cocoa.

If you’ve got a small sipper who doesn’t favor chocolate (they’re out there), the almond milk steamer is made from sprouted almonds, pure cane syrup, and a dash of Himalayan sea salt. Not nearly as sweet as what’s steaming at some other chains, but so tasty they won’t miss the sugar that’s missing.

Summer Sippers
When the weather is warm, seasonably or un, there’s are a couple of addictive chilled drink for you to choose from. NOLA is their New Orleans iced coffee (comes in that cute little carton) made with Clover milk and organic chicory and it’s a little bit sugar, a little spice, and in one mini made for one carton, everything nice.

The Cascara Fizz is a lot of fun if you’ve already maxed out your caffeine card for the day. Made from Cascara syrup (it’s a tea concentrate), lemon syrup and simple syrup with a bit of sparkling H2O, it’s a slightly less caffeinated alternative when the September temps are behaving like mid-July (they do that).

To Counterbalance The Caffeine (Or Cocoa) Buzz
This café is the first Blue Bottle in LA to offer prepared food akin to the stuff served at the Mint Plaza café in SF. Tartine talent Caitlin Freeman (Blue Bottle bought the bakery last spring) helms the kitchen. While parents thrill to the sophisticated flavors of just about everything, kids tell us that the Peanut Rocher is a perfect complement to the cocoa, and the Fresh Ricotta & Apricot Jam (there’s a toast menu, natch) makes a great breakfast or afternoon snack. That’s if you’re trying to steer them away from the double chocolate cookies, which everyone loves, any time of the day.

Take that Buzz Down the Block
Beverly Boulevard provides a bevy of Blue Bottle adjacent kid friendly hangs for when the coffee or sugar kicks in and everyone needs a place to play. Pan Pacific Park’s but a few blocks down at Gardner and Beverly, and if the java has you and the kiddo amped to get some shopping on, The Grove and Farmer’s Market await you at Fairfax and 3^rd.

Echo That
In addition to one on Abbot Kinney and one in the Art’s District, there’s another Blue Bottle just opening in Echo Park. And they’ve got plans for more. Meanwhile, if you’re heading back to school and need a pure jolt of caffeine to make those early mornings more manageable, this mid-city blue is for you.

Open weekdays from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Blue Bottle
8301 Beverly Blvd.
Mid-City
Online: bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes/beverly-grove

Where do you get your morning cup to keep your peepers peeled during the carpool commute? Let us know your favorite coffee stop in the comment section.

—written and photographed by Jolie Loeb

Ready to Roll: 11 Rad Skate Parks for Pint-Sized Daredevils

by Allison RasmussenOctober 25, 2014

Since the 50s, little daredevils have taken to the sport of sidewalk surfing. And though the design of the board has changed over the years, the thrill of landing a 1080 has not. If practicing on homemade ramps in the driveway is no longer cutting it, we’ve rounded up our area’s best skate parks. From parks with ramps and ledges to ones with half-pipes and stairs, your tyke will be mastering some sick tricks in no time and you may just find a killer new hangout.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Seattle

Seattle Center
Known as “Seask8” to local skaters, this 10,000 square foot skate park has ledges, stairs, and transitions for all skill levels. Even if your cruiser isn’t comfortable showing off their kickflips, they can sit on the sidelines and watch the older crowd perform some killer moves. Bonus: With so much to do at the Seattle Center you can make a day of it. Check out the International Fountain and the Seattle Children’s Museum or grab a bite to eat at the Armory.

305 Harrison St.
Seattle, Wa 98109
Online: seattlecenter.com/skatepark

photo: Nancy at Skate Like a Girl

Ballard Commons Park
Located across the street from the Ballard library and a block from the main Ballard drag, this park offers a huge skate bowl, fit for riders of all abilities. With plenty of grass and benches, all you have to do is pick a spot and cheer from the sidelines. When your little skater gets tired, let the skills and tricks of the older crowd entertain you.

5701 22nd Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98107
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park

photo: Brian W. via Yelp

Lower Woodland Park
With 9 separate skate areas, your little boarders are sure to find something that strikes their fancy. If they are still learning the basics, the 4-sided clover bowl is an awesome place to start. There are no scooters or bikes allowed on the track, but there are several dirt jumps located right next to the park. Hint: The skate park can be a bit hard to locate, so just look for the tennis courts and baseball fields and you’ll run right into it.

1000 N. 50th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park

photo: Will P. via Yelp

Jefferson Park
You really can’t go wrong at a park that offers a huge skate park with twists and turns, perfect for the Littles to work on their nosegrinds and fakies. In addition to this super fly skatepark, the park boasts a playground suitable for the small and big crowd, two ziplines, two long slides, and a view of the city to boot. Pack a lunch and plan on staying for the afternoon.

3801 Beacon Ave. S.
Seattle, Wa 98108
Online: seattle.gov/parks

photo: Allison Rasmussen

Delridge Playfield
This sweet skate park, located in West Seattle, has a skating bowl that’s worth the trip. Aspiring skaters can sit along the edge and watch some radical moves, after trying some of their own. After skating, take a break at the playground or pack a lunch and enjoy a bite to eat before you do some more grinding and carving.

4458 Delridge Way S.W.
Seattle Wa 98106
Online: seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=450

photo: Terry Reed for Seattle Parks and Recreation

Judkins Park & Playfield
Located in Rainier Valley, this skate park offers plenty of grassy areas and even a nicely paved trail for your kiddos to ride if they get tired of the ramps and ravines. The skate park is located in the South portion of the park. To get there, simply turn west off 23rd S. at Day St.

2150 S. Norman St.
Seattle, Wa 98144
Online: seattle.gov/parks

photo: Isaac Bruh via Flickr

Paramount School Park
A skate park, swings, two playgrounds, covered picnic tables, and a paved track circling the park will make for a day packed full of fun at Paramount School Park. This park also offers adult-sized fitness equipment so you can work on your pecs while your skater carves and grinds his way around the park. With all these amenities, it’s easy to see why this park is a Seattle fave!

15300 8th Ave. N.E.
Shoreline, Wa 98155
Online: cosweb.ci.shoreline.wa.us

photo: Joe S. via Yelp

Roxhill Park
Roxhill Park (aka Castle Park) received a new skate park last year and it’s definitely worth mentioning since it’s perfect for little ones just learning how to ride. There are smaller ramps for newbies and larger more intense ramps for pros. Bring your scooter along to mix things up. Once your skater grows tired of riding, head to the playground complete with swings, a climbing feature, a sandbox, and a castle playground. Bonus: There is plenty of parking and shade, two wins in our book!

2850 S.W. Roxbury St.
Seattle, Wa 98126
Online: seattle.gov/parks

photo: Seattle Parks & Recreation

Eastside

Peter Kirk Skatepark
If you’re looking for a one-stop park that really has everything, look no further than Peter Kirk Park. The Park Place Shopping Center is nearby, along with the Kirkland Library, and Kirkland Community Center. The playfield itself has a playground and swimming pool, but it’s the state-of-the-art skate park with ample space that keeps little daredevils coming back to perfect their alley-oops and 360 kickflips.

202 3rd St.
Kirkland, Wa 98083
Online: parkstrails.myparksandrecreation.com

photo: Björn Söderqvist via Flickr

The Edge Skate Park
This skate park has all the ramps and rails bound to please any skate pro. If you have a little one who would rather scoot than board, bring the scooter along because there’s plenty of space for that too. This park is sure to provide hours of entertainment for your little Tony Hawk or Lyn-Z Pastrana wannabes. Psst! Don’t miss the graffiti wall, it’s city approved and welcomed.

Corner of N.E. 83rd St. & 161st Ave. N.E.
Redmond, Wa 98052
Online: redmond.gov/cms/one

photo: Ran Yaniv Hartstein via Flickr

Liberty Park
Your kids will be stoked to try out this course! Renton’s skate park offers skateboarders of all ages an ideal skate area full of quarter pipes, half pipes and bowls, plus skateable artwork which is not only cool to look at, but even better to skate on. The park is full of what skaters call whoop-de-doos (or hump-like ramps to us non-skaters). Don’t forget helmets and knee pads and of course, all your best sick tricks.

1101 Bronson Way N.
Renton, Wa 98057
Online: rentonwa.gov/living

photo: Incase via Flickr

Do you have a budding skater in your house? Which skate parks are your family’s favorite? Let us know in the Comments below.

-Allison Rasmussen

Related Stories:
Just Opened: Seattle’s Only Indoor Skate Park

Shop Local: Five Indie Toy Stores for Imaginative Birthday Gifts

by Sara BillupsOctober 23, 2014

Seattle families like to play local. We have our favorite neighborhood playground, bouncy houses and covered play spaces for rainy days. And we can choose to buy marble runs, art supplies, wacky tracks and bubble machines from any of several independently-owned toy sellers offering the best birthday presents in town. If you’re ready to give the mom-and-pop stores a try, we’ve rounded up five one-of-a kind stores that sell durable, green and (above all) imaginative toys for kids age zero… to adult.

Clover Toys

A toy boutique in the heart of Ballard, Clover is a favorite stop for kids, especially on Sundays during the Ballard Farmers Market. Creaky wood floors and big front windows surround a slew of giftable toys, games and costumes. Clover displays pint-sized instruments little ones are welcome to shake and strum, as well as a large selection of natural items like colorful stacking shapes from Wooden Wagon.

5333 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98107
206-782-0715
Online: clovertoys.com

Don’t see your favorite indie toy store on our list? Tell us about it in a comment below.

-Sara Billups

Photo credits: Clover Toys Facebook page, Curious Kidstuff Facebook page, Retroactive Kids Store Facebook page, Planet Happy Toys website, Top Ten Toys Facebook page & Wee Tots Facebook page

6 Bee Farms Worth a Day Trip

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyApril 28, 2014

There’s no better way to introduce kids to the importance of honeybees (FYI: those little buggers pollinate around 80 percent of food crops so that we can…well…eat!) than to take a day trip to a bee farm. Bug enthusiasts can check out active hives and get some one-on-one time with a real life beekeeper. Fly by one of these cool local farms that offer tours, talks, and educational programs that will keep your busy bee buzzing with excitement days after.

Rock Hill Honey Bee Farm
This 5-acre bee yard is located just 40 miles southeast of D.C., and offers everything the amateur and professional beekeeper needs to start a backyard apiary. If that’s a little too intense for you, they also offer super-interesting talks and family programs. But the best part? You can purchase yummy, pure raw honey from their 150+ hives, including clover and wildflower varieties. That might be just what the doctor ordered for your springtime allergies.

45 Pinto Ln. (Stafford, Va)
703-595-1179

Ticonderoga Farm
This expansive and full-service farm is located just outside of the District and features festivals and activities designed to give you a fun farm experience full of recreation and learning. They offer seasonal celebrations, garden picking, community garden spots, a farmers market with live bamboo, fig groves, and a gorgeous botanical garden scheduled to open in 2015. And, yes, they have bees. Call the farm to schedule an educational bee talk and demonstration for you and your kids. Sounds like the makings of a memorable birthday party (hint, hint).

26469 Ticonderoga Rd. (Chantilly, Va)
703-327-4424
Online: http://www.ticonderoga.com/

Virginia Beekeeping Supply and Andralyn Farm
Less than two hours from D.C. in Virginia’s Fauquier country, Andralyn Farm specializes in beekeeping and harvesting pure, local wildflower honey. They also love what they do and love to teach it. They offer a range of popular and inexpensive classes on everything beginner wannabe beekeepers need to know.

101 W. Marshall St. (Remington, Va)
540-905-5563

DC Beekeepers
Who says you have to live on a farm to be a beekeeper? The DC Beekeepers is an alliance of urban beekeepers that live and operate in the District. It is at the center of a lively community of beekeeping organizations—including clubs, businesses, government labs and university researchers—throughout the Mid-Atlantic region whose primary mission is to educate the public about the importance of bees. Their beekeepers offer educational courses and give talks to clubs, schools, community garden groups, churches and environmental organizations. Your scout troop needs to earn a nature badge? Check this group out!

Online: dcbeekeepers.org

The Little Bee Farm
This first generation beekeeping family started keeping bees as a hobby in 2006, but it quickly turned into a passion and then into a business. Their fascination with managing hives and studying bee behavior keeps them growing bigger every year. Currently, The Little Bee Farm has 20 bee colonies. They welcome visits from local schools and children. Contact them directly to schedule a day and time.

Damascus, Md
Online: http://thelittlebeefarm.com/home

Boyle Bee Farm
David and Gwen Boyle know a thing or two about bees and lucky for us they are willing to share. Their bee farm currently has 100 working beehives. In addition to providing pollination for fruits and vegetables to area farmers and selling their raw honey at local markets and produce stands, this beekeeping couple enjoy doing educational shows for children at local fairs. Their show features a two-frame observation beehive so kids and adults can learn about the many different duties of a honeybee. It’s the closest you’ll get to a bee without getting stung. Whew!

471 Owens Rd. (Queen Anne, Md)
410-758-6864
Online: http://www.boylebeefarm.com

Have you ever hung out at a bee farm? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

—Jamy Bond

Photos courtesy of vastateparksstaff via Creative Commons, Mats Hagwall via Creative Commons, julochka via Creative Commons

More S’mores Please: 3 Make-Your-Own S’mores Spots

by sarah choiJanuary 11, 2013

You’ve used hot chocolate as a bribe one too many times this winter and the charm is starting to fade. It’s time for the big guns. What else can satisfy a sweet tooth and provide a much needed indoor activity when it’s cold outside? Making s’mores, of course. While s’mores cupcakes are all the rage these days, you can still find a few places to make your own s’mores with a real (tabletop) fire and all. Here’s the go-to list of where to go when a camp fire is out of reach but you’re looking for a warming culinary adventure.

Visit the Downtown Chocolate Factory
Just steps from Union Square sits Max Brenner, the famous chocolate emporium that makes Willy Wonka look like a lightweight. Gourmands will love the pure melted chocolate and banana toffee that accompanies the Urban S’mores here. A miniature grill is also brought tableside to toast the marshmallows and make your s’mores experience authentic. Afterwards, visit Union Square Park Playground to get that sugar energy out so the commute home is a quiet one.

Max Brenner
841 Broadway
(Greenwich Village)
New York, Ny
Online: maxbrenner.com

A Cozy Experience at Così
We love a place that has a specially designed tray just for making s’mores! Così is known for delicious flatbread sandwiches, but did you know they have some killer desserts too? The s’mores platter comes with bamboo skewers and a tiny hibachi for grilling your marshmallows. Portions are generous so your gang won’t need to fight over who gets what. The best news yet – you can order the entire s’mores kit with hibachi grill, wooden tray and fixings online to replicate the cozy experience home.

Così, 27 locations throughout NYC Metropolitan Area
NY: 12 Manhattan locations, Laguardia Airport, Rye, Mount Kisco, Larchmont, and New Rochelle
NJ: 2 Jersey City locations, Morristown, Livingston, Hackensack, and Secaucus
CT: 2 Stamford locations, Greenwich, and Avon
Online: getcosi.com

S’mores Delivered to Your Door
If leaving your pad in the middle of winter and trekking to the perfect s’mores experience feels like too much work, bring the party home with S’more Bakery. Local s’more aficionado Sarah Warren will deliver handmade gourmet s’mores from Brooklyn right to your door. Try the S’morgasm – when a bourbon-Madagascar vanilla bean marshmallow meets cinnamon sugar and clover honey graham crackers and is spread with a layer of Callebaut semisweet chocolate ganache.

If you’re feeling fiery, turn your gas stove on or light a Sterno and roast an earl grey marshmallow to place on top of a cocoa sugar graham cracker spread with chocolate espresso ganache. Warren’s ingredients are sold separately so you can try your hand at the perfect s’mores combination at home.

S’more Bakery
Look out for S’more Bakery at Smorgasburg (April 2013)
Online: smorebakery.com

Where do you take your kiddo when he or she want smores?

— Sarah Choi

Photo credit:
BK Bakery – S’more Bakery blog
Cosi – Cosi web site
Max Brenner – Emma H
Kid eating s’more – Oakley Originals

Sweet Boutiques Just for Moms, East Side Style

by Erin LemNovember 6, 2012

Tired of going to the mall and buying clothes from chain stores? Well mamas, you’re going to want to check out the East Side, which has become quite the hip and happening spot in Los Angeles. The East Side is chock full of small, sophisticated boutiques in Los Feliz, Silverlake, and Echo Park where you can find unique and fashionable clothing. The stores are all mommy/baby friendly, and many of them even sell items for your little ones. One in particular has a changing station for your baby. Score!

Vamp Shoe Store
The 411: Vamp, located in Los Feliz, is owned by Florence Gan and has been in business for 7 years.

The vibe: relaxed, simple and clean

The designers they carry: Frye, Kork Ease, Swedish Hasbeens, Jeffrey Campbell, many more!

Other products they carry: Hosiery/socks from Bleu Foret, handbags from Liebskind Berlin, RGB nail polish and Voluspa candles

What makes Vamp special: They specialize in beautiful, stylish, and comfortable shoes – perfect for moms!

1951 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca
323-662-1150
Online: vampshoesshop.com

Clover
The 411: Clover, located in Silverlake, is owned by Nicole Lopez and Danny Galindo and has been in business since 2001.

The vibe: Laid back and eclectic; a little bohemian and a little modern, just like Silverlake.

The designers they carry: Citizens of Humanity, JBrand, Paige Denim, Groceries Apparel, LAVUK and many more!

Other products they carry: They are a one stop shop for the entire family carrying baby items, men’s clothing, accessories, candles, apothecary, books, housewares, teas and much more!

What makes Clover special: They work closely with the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC), an organization serving and housing homeless women. They donate their gift wrapping fees along with clothing and accessories from past seasons. The clothing is sold in DWC’s new boutique MADE that trains and employs the women of the DWC.

2756 Rowena Ave Los Angeles, Ca
323-661-4142
Online: cloversilverlake.com

Lake
The 411: Lake, located in Silverlake, is owned by Melissa Lovoy and has been in business since 2007.

The vibe: a California feel with a little French thrown in – earthy, colorful and relaxed.

Designers they carry: Etoile by Isabel Marant, Humanoid, Rag&Bone, Current Elliott, Matta, By Malene Birger, Closed, Maison Scotch and many more.

Other products they carry: jewelry, handbags, housewares, candles and apothecary – something for everyone.

What makes them special: Many of their customers are mothers and working mothers so they sell clothing that make a mom feel effortlessly stylish and comfortable. The salesgirls are amazing at helping each customer find just what they need whether it’s an entire outfit or a gift for someone special.

1618-1/2 Silver Lake Boulevard
Los Angeles, Ca
323-664-6522
Online: lakeboutique.com

Bee Free Boutique
The 411: Bee Free Boutique, located in Silverlake, is owned by Angie Freeman and has been in business since March, 2012.

The vibe: Bohemian meets glam because you can buy anything from a sundress to evening wear.

The designers they carry: local designers like Lovers+ Friends, Naven, Amanda Uprichard and Australian designers like Keepsake and many more.

Other products they carry: shoes and soon a small men’s line

What makes Bee Free Boutique special: The owner, Angie, is from the south, and therefore offers her southern hospitality! So friendly, she always makes sure what you buy looks right on your body type. She wants each of her customers leaving with an outfit that makes them look great!

1699 Silverlake Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca
323-663-0629
Online: beefreeboutique.com

Pull My Daisy
The 411: Pull My Daisy, located in Silverlake, is owned by Sarah Dale and has been in business for 12 years.

The vibe: Very eclectic and the styles are classic, fun and wearable.

The designers they carry: They carry a lot of made in Los Angeles designers including Deborah Viereck and their own in house Pull My Daisy Label.

Other products they carry: amazing jewelry, accessories and great gifts such as logography cameras, books, mustaches and art.

What makes Pull My Daisy special: The neighborhood makes them special as they are a big part of their community. Their friendly, personable staff and owner make Pull My Daisy a great place to shop, not to mention they have a changing and nursing station for moms!

3908 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca
323-663-0608
Online: ilovepullmydaisy.com

Myrtle
The 411: Myrtle, located in Echo Park, is owned by Whitney Bickers and has been in business since in 2011.

The vibe: Accessible–both in terms of clothes that are wearable/flattering and the ability to “play with everything”. Whitney strives for this to be a place that’s enjoyable to look, touch and try things on, whether you’re going on a big wardrobe restock or looking for one special thing to save for.

Designers they carry: Curator, Gretchen Jones, Dusen Dusen, Ermie, Rachel Rose, Ilana Kohn, Kain Label, Samantha Pleet, In God We Trust and vintage clothing.

Other products they carry: jewelry, handbags and they are starting to carry a small selection of baby clothing

What makes Myrtle special: Other than their collection of vintage clothing, everything is produced by independent female and local designers. The clothing at Myrtle is of high quality and thoughtfully designed. The owner, Whitney, is very personable and helpful with each of her customers.

2213 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, Ca
213-413-0004
Online: shopmyrtle.tumblr.com

Where do you stylish mamas go to shop on the East Side? Let us know in the comment section below!

Leslie Newton, founder of timi & leslie diaper bags, created her company in 1999 when she realized there was a huge void in the marketplace for stylish, functional diaper bags. Besides creating fashionable diaper bags, Leslie loves doing crafts with her 4 year old daughter, and going on lots of family outings. Leslie loves anything vintage or mid-century modern – clothes, furniture, jewelry, fabric – all which have a big influence on the timi & leslie aesthetic.

Downtown Ballard

by Jacqui BolandSeptember 23, 2009

Explore Seattle kids, things to do with kids in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond
This is a new weekly feature from the RT staff, just in time to combat the winter doldrums. Let’s face it, sometimes you’re itching to get the kiddos out of the house but you’re just not up for a crowded event. We’ll be exploring a new neighborhood, park, hiking trail or other Get Out adventure each week in our new Explore column. We’ll be covering destinations throughout the Puget Sound area and you can expect to find insider tips on great restaurants, activities and other kid-friendly suggestions for each area. The best part? These tips don’t expire after the weekend, so you can visit this page anytime your little monkeys are climbing the walls and you need ideas for a field trip.

Downtown Ballard

If you’re looking for a place to hang out and explore with the fam for the day, it’s hard to beat Ballard. There’s so much to see and do, we’ll focus on just a few blocks surrounding Market St. and Ballard Ave. Visit the farmers’ market every Sunday, all year, rain or shine. Head to Ballard Commons Park for a skate bowl, plenty of green grass for lounging, and a fun-to-run-through water feature. Stop by the library for a great kiddo section and frequent events sponsored by the hood’s awesome family bookstore, Secret Garden Bookshop. Shop for quality toys and kiddo clothes at Clover, and kitsch galore at Archie McPhee’s. Get inspired to bake at Cookies. Take in a flick at Majestic Bay. And the food! There’s soups and sandwiches at Great Harvest Bread Co, yummies at Cupcake Royale, healthy frozen yogurt at mooberry, and amazing date night food at La Carta de Oaxaca.

More to Explore:

Downtown Woodinville

Downtown Bellevue During Magic Season

34th Street in Madrona

Downtown Magnolia

Downtown Ballard

Wallingford’s 45th St.

Bainbridge Island/Downtown Winslow

Kate Quinn Organics: Baby & Kids Clothes in Seattle

by writerredtriDecember 17, 2008

Upon entering the elegant Kirkland showroom of Kate Quinn Organics, you are enveloped by color. There are racks of kids and baby clothes in blue (twilight, storm, sky) and stacks of green (basil, clover); another area brings purple and pink. Even the walls and fixtures wear vibrant paint. The hue explosion gives you pause: Is this really what organic looks like?

It does in the world of Kate Quinn, a former Hollywood stylist who started her line of organic baby and kids clothes in Seattle in 2005. Four years later and Quinn has a loyal customer following, a burgeoning e-business and two storefronts — the main one in Kirkland and a Columbia City loft that’s open for weekend sample sales.

Quinn’s vision was always to create apparel that’s certified organic kids clothes from seed to packaging. The clothes are super soft and ever-so-stylish, with inventive designs like the infant sacque and the kimono-style onesie. But while most organic cotton baby clothes come in muted, earthy colors, Quinn’s line is a rainbow of nature-inspired colors and prints. In addition to babies, Kate Quinn Organics outfits toddlers and youth. There’s also a new women’s line of basics like yoga pants and tunics. In her years of designing, and now as a mother of a toddler, Quinn has become well-versed in what parents want for their kids: clothes that look as good as they feel. And if you can contribute to a cleaner kinder earth at the same time, well, why wouldn’t you?

Kate Quinn Organics
431 6th Street South
Kirkland, WA 98033 and

5609-B Rainier Ave. S
(btwn Findlay and Orcas)
Seattle, WA 98118

888-952-4206
www.katequinnorganics.com

Kate Quinn Organics

by Jacqui BolandDecember 17, 2008

Upon entering the elegant Kirkland showroom of Kate Quinn Organics, you are enveloped by color. There are racks of blues (twilight, storm, sky) and stacks of greens (basil, clover); another area brings purples and pinks. Even the walls and fixtures wear vibrant paint. The hue explosion gives you pause: Is this really what organic looks like?

Kate Quinn Organics
431 6th Street South
Kirkland, WA 98033 and

5609-B Rainier Ave. S
(btwn Findlay and Orcas)
Seattle, WA 98118

888-952-4206
www.katequinnorganics.com

Adorable Organics

by Jacqui BolandMarch 27, 2007

Give the earth a big hug. It’s possible with a little help from earth-friendly Kate Quinn Organics, the Seattle-based clothing company with beautifully simple — and simply beautiful — designs for Baby and Junior (to six years). Kate Quinn’s colorful showroom is now open in South Seattle, and so worth the trip. All of the 100% certified organic items, from onesies and jumpsuits to puff-sleeve blouses and football shirts, come in an array of colors inspired by nature. Our favorites for spring are peony pink, pomegranate, orchid, clover green, and sunshine. Lots of items, including the popular infant sacque ($29.00) and kimono dress ($28.00), come with cool contrasting color trim. You can mix and match, too; the kimono dress is too cute layered with pants ($24.00 – $32.00) and a hoodie ($26.00). Launched in July 2006 (formerly Earth Organic Baby Basics), the business has taken Kate around the world in search of fair trade and sustainable farming practices to support her “vision and hope of a cleaner, kinder earth.” Blankets, bath towels, and bedding complete the line, and skin-care products and a women’s line are in the works. You’ll feel like the Earth is hugging back.

Kate Quinn Organics
5609-B Rainier Avenue South
206.760.2997

Editors note: Kate Quinn Organics has recently opened a Kirkland showroom too! http://www.katequinnorganics.com/eshop/cart.php?page=showroom

ML Interest Tag: clover

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