Duchess of Downtown Tacoma

Is there anything more rewarding than a project to improve the home paired with a newly learned craft? Like when you invest yourself into it and lo and behold, there is an actual finished product? Not to mention the sense of pride that comes with a job well done. Who doesn't love that feeling? Well done you!   In my pursuit of local courses and workshops I came across Throwing Mud Gallery. Located in the heart of Old Town on North 30th. They have hand-made goods from all over the Pacific Northwest including jewelery, teapots, goblets and other stylish home accessories. Whether you want to spend $10 or have thousands to splurge - plenty to choose from. Amongst all of these gorgeous wares there happens to also be a pottery studio that provides classes! Throwing Mud Gallery 2212 N. 30th St. Tacoma, 253.254.7961 Connect on Facebook Website Recognize the window front? Here we see pottery wheels lined by stools - enough seats for 7 people per class. Classes in...

This week I wanted to eat cherries with Sherry's. Unfortunately the Sherry's I know are very busy ladies! I wasn't able to coordinate scheduling with most of them but my good friend Shari Hart took time out of her busy schedule and we invited some of our other favorite people to join us for dinner. This time we decided to make our own dinner using only things we bought at the Tacoma Farmers Market. It was great food and great company. Two of my friends live in Sky Terrace Condo's and they have a rooftop gathering space with a couple of BBQ grills, a seating area, a swimming pool and a gorgeous view of downtown Tacoma and the waterfront. They were kind enough to let us use this as the venue for our dinner. Not only that, they also contributed food and helped us cook! It was perfection. Even the weather cooperated and we had a sunny warm dinner with the perfect breeze. It just shows you that sometimes plan B works out even better that plan A. My dinner companions were...

Do you like shopping? Do you like blogging? Are you passionate about keeping Tacoma unique and vibrant? We are currently seeking someone to take over this fashion blog supporting local independent stores in Tacoma. It doesn't pay a whole lot but it does come with a cool title. Would you like to become a Lord or Lady?  :) For more information, contact angela.jossy@gmail.com.

Hello my lovelies~ Sometimes you just need a little help finding those accessories that set your house apart from all else. Here's are some fun, unique finds from our own Gaudy Girl Sales and artist Julie Luke. Gaudy Girl Sales Visit Ruby Lane Shop on Craigslist Or Connect on Facebook for all the updates on items sales and more! Little girl lamp. Kitschy goodness. Leopard print cocktail glasses. Why does this bring to mind a bar a la Austin Powers? Groovy baby, yea! Picasso Pillows.  I love this cabinet. It can easily be up-cycled for a more modern look.  Julie Luke Connect on Facebook LukeArts manages to leave me with a sense of awe after every viewing. She weaves epic stories and creates divine characters. AND right now she's having a sale on her prints! For only $10 you can get a 5x7 and when you buy two you receive a third for free. Yes, you heard me. FREE. This includes shipping. Cirque and the Duellum  Petunia  Helmet of Faith ...

Sunshine! Don't you just love summer in Tacoma? Just enough sun to give us a warm glow but not so strong that you have to hide out inside air conditioned spaces. And it doesn't stick around so long that we ever take it for granted. When the sun comes out in Tacoma people feel almost obligated to do something outdoors. Don't we? This weekend is ripe for backyard barbeques, festivals and spending time in any of our terrific local parks. I love to get out there and take an evening stroll through downtown. My advice to you is to get outside this week and consciously appreciate the trees, the flowers and all the greenery that makes Washington Washington. I'm a walker but if you like to run, here are a few tips from runners about running: http://www.runreviews.com/running-tips/ I'm also seeing a lot of people out there on bicycles and I'm reminded of my youth when I had my little pink bicycle (that I named "Spider" for some reason!) and how much I loved ...