My mom recently spent a week visiting here in Seattle. It was all the excuse I needed for another Savor Seattle tour.

Since taking the Pikes Place Market food tour in 2008, Angela and company at Savor Seattle have introduced a Chocolate Indulgence Tour. Apparently, along with coffee and fresh seafood, Seattle has developed a reputation for great Chocolate.  It’s no secret that the sweet tooth runs in our family, so choosing this 2 hour walking tour was a no brainer.

We invited my siblings and their spouses to join us. We met up with our spunky guide, Amy, and the 8 other guests, put on our cool wireless headsets and were on our way.

We started off at Oliver’s Lounge at the Mayflower Hotel, where the bartender created a chocolate cocktail for everyone… except us.

Since we’re non-drinkers, we opted in advance for hot cocoa.  But after hearing him talk about what goes into the cocktail and watching him create it, I really wish I’d tried it (even with the likelihood that I wouldn’t like it).

Next time I take the tour – and believe me, there will be a next time – no substitutions for me.

Next stop was The Dahlia bakery – owned by renown Seattle chef Tom Douglas.

There we sampled his famous Triple Coconut Cream Pie and a completely decadent chocolate truffle cookie – which  Seattle Magazine named as one of Seattle’s best desserts.   So moist, so delicious! Mmmmm…

I want one right now.

And we’re walking….. we’re walking….

We made our way to The Chocolate Box to sample gelato, sweet mini cupcakes and absolutely TO DIE FOR Chocolate Enrobed Brownies.

Enrobed.

Doesn’t that sound decadent? Moist brownies enrobed in chocolate.  So moist they were almost like fudge (but better).  I think that was my favorite taste of the day.  And we came back here after dinner (at Machiavelli’s, of course) to pick up more brownies (and tried both the Walnut and Rocky Road varieties – both delicious).

After that we wandered on over to Pikes Place Market for a stop at The Confectional.

There we enjoyed delicious, rich Colombian Sipping Chocolate so thick you could use it as a topping. It had a bit of spice added, and tasted a lot like I imagine Juliette Binoche’s character, Vianne, served in the wonderful movie Chocolat, also starring Johnny Depp. One of my favorite movies – you should really see it if you haven’t.

But I digress…

An even bigger hit was the White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. This shop is another ‘must visit’ stop if you’re ever in Seattle.

All of their cheesecakes are made in individual serving sizes – so perfect for on the go. And lots of delicious flavors to choose from.

From there we walked to Kukuruza Gourmet Popcorn where not only did we get to sample yummy chocolate coated popcorn, but we were entertained by a dancing employee. Awesome. Some of us also tried the cheddar and caramel popcorn mix, as well as a lavender lemonade variety (which smelled like lavender, but tasted like lemonade, imo).  All quite delicious.

Our last stop was Fran’s Chocolates. Three luscious treats awaited us:

• a dark chocolate truffle (my favorite)
• a raspberry truffle (Kristin’s favorite?)
• a salted caramel (President Obama’s favorite – as well as many of the people on the tour)

And then our tour of deliciousness was at an end, sweet tooth satisfied.

All along the way we learned fascinating information about the history of chocolate, how it is made, as well as chocolate’s unique place in Seattle culture. 

If you like chocolate, I recommend this tour highly – and suggest that if you take it while visiting Seattle, do so near the beginning of your stay so you can take advantage of the merchant discount card you’ll receive at the end of the tour. It’s good for 10 days at ALL of the businesses where Savor Seattle tours – not just those on the chocolate tour.

So, who’s going to come visit me next so we can take this tour together??

Now, where’s my chocolate….

When I purchased my Dell Inspiron 1520 Notebook over two years ago, I did something rather atypical – bought an extended warranty.

I usually don’t ‘waste’ my money, since rarely have I ever had to use one. But for some reason (maybe because my livelihood depends on my functioning computer), I bit the bullet and added a 3 year warranty to the order.

Over all, this has been a great computer – and no need to use the warranty. I did break one of the USB ports (connector broke off while still inside – my fault, not covered by warranty), and I’ve completely worn the letters E, R, N and M off the keyboard. But aside from that no problems.

But a couple of months ago, the screen started doing something weird. It was pink when I turned it on, though would become white quite quickly. Over time, the pink has gotten darker and lasted longer. And yesterday, the screen just went black.

OK, I figured that warranted a call to Dell Tech support – surely that would be covered by my warranty. Fortunately, I purchased an external monitor I could hook up to, went to the Dell website and started an online chat with tech support.

It was one of the easiest, most satisfying tech support sessions I’d had. He didn’t just want to know about the screen – he also asked me all about the condition of the notebook – did it have all its screws, rubber feet, condition of the keyboard, if I had any concerns at all.

Because I mentioned it sometimes gets hot, he asked if I’d use compressed air to clean out the air vents. I hadn’t. He asked me to that, (which required me buying a can of compressed air), and that he’d call me the next day (today) to see how it worked – and based on that, he’d put in an order for replacement parts. He confirmed that the USB port wasn’t covered by the warranty – but I figure I’ve lived without that 4th port for a year, I can manage.

So today I get a call at the appointed hour. I’m told that not only will my screen be replaced, so will my keyboard, my touchpad – AND my motherboard, so I will have 4 working USB ports (they made a special exception for me). Basically a new computer.

And the best part of all this is that I don’t have to ship my computer off to be fixed – they’ll send a technician TO MY HOUSE to swap out all the parts…. no charge. Well, I guess there was a charge – the warranty. But today I’m thinking it’s worth every penny. So thank you Dell.

I’d buy another Dell in a heartbeat (and an extended warranty).

Do you have any warranty (or lack there of) happy or horror stories to share?

Well, I’m back on my HCG diet, trying to undo the damage inflicted by the holidays. That means my food choices are extremely limited (but I’m getting smaller…)

Since I can’t eat the food I love, I’ll write about it and make you hungry for it too.

Here is my current list of “bests”
(subject to change at any time):
.

• Best Burger - Red Robin
• Best Creme Brule – tie: The Keg & Ruth’s Chris
  and they both serve a fantastic filet mignon
• Best Tostada Salad - Cafe Rio
• Best Girl Scout Cookie - Tie: Thin Mints (frozen) or Tagalongs
• Best Italian food – Machiavelli’s
• Best Chinese food (esp. Schezwan Beef) – Asian Star



• Best Comfort food – there are so many, but today I’ll say Chicken Pillows
• Best Ice Cream – Haagendaz Rocky Road
• Best Cheesecake – Craig Cottle’s
• Best Brownie – Judge Cafe
• Best Chocolate Chip Cookies – J’Neil’s
• Best Carne Asada – Azul
• Best Pie – Tie: Soda Cracker or Lemon Meringue

Best Mint Truffle: I’m on a quest here. I’ve tried (and enjoyed) Kara, Boehms, and Seattle Chocolates. All are very good, but I haven’t been able to determine a “best.” Any suggestions?

Any “bests” you’d like to challenge or add?

Have you ever received a natal report?

To be honest, I have never really been into astrology, other than finding the descriptions of the astrological birth signs interesting. I am definitely a Pisces.

My son and mother both have strong Taurus traits. My ex husband was the epitome of a Gemini. In fact, the only person in my life who’s birth sign does not describe her at all is my daughter Ashley who has nearly NO traits of Scorpio. Her birth sign is “Sunshine”

Several years ago I discovered The Sky Within natal report.    And although I don’t follow my horoscope or live my life by the stars,  I found the sample report very interesting so ordered one for myself.  I was really quite shocked at how accurate it was – and how insightful.  It was almost like the person writing it knew me on a deep level.

I found it so intriguing that I ended up giving them as gifts to friends that year for Christmas, and have done so for other friends on their birthdays. And virtually every person (Ashley excepted) has had the same reaction – amazement at the accuracy, and appreciation for the personal insight offered.

While reorganizing my bookshelf, I just came upon my report again and reread it. Still amazing, and a really good read as I spend the weekend envisioning what I would like to do, be, and become in 2010.

If you have a Sky Within birth chart – pull it out and read it again. If you don’t – I recommend you give yourself (or someone else) the report as a gift for the New Year… .

Get your report here.

When you read it, I’d love to know what you think!

This is a completely non-Christmasy post. It is about cold sores. Or, rather, a remedy for them.

I am one of the chosen ones. The ones special enough to carry the virus that blesses us with an outbreak of fever blisters or cold sores at least once a year. I’ve enjoyed this blessing since I was a child. Lucky me.

They start as a little tingle or itch…. but they become very itchy, quite painful, and rather embarrassing. A mild case may heal up in less than a week, but a bad one can go on for 2 – 3.

Over the years I’ve tried a multitude of remedies for these obnoxious blisters on my lip with very little success. I have found that ice very temporarily helps reduce the itching. Tea Tree essential oil (which is a staple of my medicine chest) can help with the itching, plus I know that it is anti bacterial, anti viral, etc. Lysine supplements are supposed to help… don’t know if they have.

But last year I discovered Abreva. It promised to shorten the healing time – and for the price of that tiny little tube (I paid $15.99 with a coupon – normally $17.99), I thought “it better!”

To my surprise and delight, Abreva actually worked! I felt the tell-tale signs of an outbreak about 5 days ago, and started applying Abreva 4 – 5 times a day.

It is now nearly completely healed. I had only 2 days of noticeable itching, and the cold sore never swelled up large like it usually does. In fact, if you’d seen me you probably wouldn’t have even noticed the little blister on my lip.

So I’m giving Abreva 4 clams.

I would give it 5, but the tube is quite expensive and very easy to misplace, because it is so tiny.

But if you, like me, suffer from cold sores – Abreva is a must have remedy for your medicine cabinet. But be smarter than I was… buy it at Amazon for less!

Today I went to see the movie The Blindside with Sandra Bullock. Here is my brief review:

It’s very, very good – even if you’re not a fan of football.

Go see it.

The end.

What did you do for Thanksgiving?

Since I’m still living out of a hotel (though, thankfully, at the much more comfortable Hampton Inn now), I’ve been eating out a lot. Here is my exciting recap and review of my meals (possible 5 clams).

Panera Bread I really like this cafe and have eaten here several times. I usually get the “Pick 2″ special, where I get a bowl of soup or a salad with 1/2 a Panini (and i always get the same Panini… first one I ever tried. It was so good, I’ve never wanted to try another).

Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Creamy Tomato Soup
French Onion Soup
Fuji Apple Chicken Salad
Chicken Bacon Dijon Panini

Claim Jumper – always has something good on the menu.

Organic Spinach Salad
followed by Whiskey Apple Glazed Pork Loin
Leftovers the next night…

Applebees – Ultimate Trio (appetizers). Totally unmemorable. 

In Utah, it seems like there is a hamburger joint on every corner. Here, it’s Teriyaki joints – with names like Sunny Teriyaki, Yummy Teriyaki, Joy Teriyaki, etc. Sometimes there is more than one on the same corner.

In fact, you can see by this map that there are 12 teriyaki places within a mile of my condo. Some of these little restaurants are better than others – and Yummy Teriyaki never disappoints.

Yummy Teriyaki (“I” on the map)
Beef Teriyaki with rice & salad

I’ve also partaken of a Subway sandwich, a chicken breast from KFC, tacos from Taco Bell, and a burger from Wendys. Nothing to write home (or a review) about.

What are some of your favorite restaurants/meals out?

I just watched the first episode of a wonderful new PBS series called

National Parks – America’s Best Idea

Did you see it?

If not, I highly recommend catching it as it replays this week – and tuning in for future installments.

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea is a six-episode series filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature’s most spectacular locales – from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska.

It is also a story of people: people from every conceivable background – rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy.

The scenery is spectacular and will make you want to pack up and visit every single national park in this beautiful country. And the history and stories behind the parks’ creation is inspirational.

What are your favorite national park(s)?

Any great memories from the first time you saw Old Faithful, a giant Sequoia, glacier or waterfall in a national park??

I enjoyed my last Frost doughnut (or 4) on Tuesday.

You see, after taking the summer off of my hcg diet, and having put on a few more pounds than I’d like (due, in no small part to Frost, I might add), I am back to my very restrictive eating plan again.

The good news is I’ve already lost over 2 lbs. The sad news is no more Frost Doughnuts.

What is a Frost Doughnut you ask?

A charming new, locally owned doughnut shop opened in Mill Creek Town Center this summer. Doughnuts are not my usual treat of choice (though I would never pass up an offer of a warm Krispy Kreme) – but this place has a special charm and I decided to try them out.

I started with a maple bar (my favorite). OMG, it was the best – I mean the THE BEST, melt-in-your-mouth maple bar I’d ever eaten. I knew right away that Frost was going to be trouble.

I made the mistake of joining Frost’s Facebook page – and began receiving daily updates on what deliciousness was being served up.  I saw the most intriguing names, such as Southern Red Velvet, White Chocolate Truffle, Aztec Chocolate, Tropical Storm, and many, many more.   They called to me……

Hannah got to know me pretty well over the next month or so…. I’d walk in and she’d tell me immediately if they were out of maple bars. Sometimes I could turn around and walk right back out.

Other times, I couldn’t resist the temptation to try other flavors. She was exceedingly evil and gave me a sample of the Smoky Bacon Maple Bar, pictured above.   Yes, that’s bacon on the top.  Sounds strange but it’s delicious.

I should mention that the same week Frost opened, Top Pot Doughnuts (who claim to be “the best”) opened in the University Book Store – literally just a walk across the parking lot from Frost. Top had a “free doughnut” coupon in the local paper so I decided to try and compare. I got a maple bar, of course, and it was HUGE. But it was dry and cakey – not at all like my melty, sweet Frost maple bar.  No comparison – Frost wins, hands down.

The traditional Maple Bar is my favorite, but I also tried and enjoyed Southern Red Velvet (with cream cheese frosting), and found myself craving the moist Cherry Bomb now and then.  The Aztec Chocolate were sinful.  The Wedding Cake doughnut tasted just like white wedding cake topped with buttercream frosting.  Lots more varieties to be sampled, but the maple bars usually win out.

But now, sadly, my love affair with Frost has ended – at least for 2009. I’m sure one day I will again walk in and indulge in another yummy maple bar…. but not for awhile.

Until then, I encourage you to stop in at Frost Doughnuts next time you’re in Mill Creek. The ambiance is charming, the staff friendly and the culinary offerings delicious. And they offer free wi-fi. It’s a “feel good” kind of place owned by three friends who live just up the street.

Last night as I drove by, I noticed the store was filled with happy customers, sitting up to the bar chatting happily and enjoying their coffee and doughnuts. It warmed my heart.

What is your favorite doughnut flavor?

I rarely see a movie at the theater anymore, preferring the convenience, comfort and affordability of Netflix.  However, I do make exceptions.    Saw Angels & Demons with Kathleen while in Salt Lake (really enjoyed it) and took in Star Trek yesterday.  Loved it.   Some films just have to be seen on the big screen.   And one of the benefits of a movie at the theater is upcoming previews.

Here were the movies  I previewed at the theatre last night – along with my desire, or lack thereof, to see them.

Public Enemies.    I love Johnny Depp – and Christian Bale ain’t too shabby. This looks like it will be pretty good, though violent. It’s a “wait for Netflix” movie.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.     Definite theatre movie.  Can’t wait.

Transformers:  Revenge of the Fallen  -  meh.  No interest in seeing this at the theater or at home.

Year One.    LOL…  This looks like it will be a really dumb movie – typical Jack Black fare (and Mike Cera), but the previews made me laugh despite myself.   I think I’ll wait for netflix.

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Ummm.  Not sure I’ll want to see this…

Are you looking forward to any of these movies?   Seen any previews that made you really want to see the movie – or really want to stay away from it??