Rooting in Style with the Seattle Storm!

Seattle does not have a great track record when it comes to Championship winning sports teams.  Whenever a team gets close Seattle sports fan’s hearts are promptly broken by a loss followed by many more years of losing. Perhaps it’s the weather….or a curse.  There is one shining light though and that is in our Womens National Basketball association (WNBA) team the Seattle Storm.  Created in 2000, the Storm have won 2 league titles in 2004 and just last season in 2010.  I have never been a big fan of basketball but after attending a home game at Key Arena in style against the Minnesota Lynx this past Friday I discovered that I am just not a fan of men’s basketball but a HUGE fan of the Storm and in supporting women’s sports!

We were invited by John’s boss (thank you Brett!) to sit in the prestigious (and very large) South Suite to enjoy the game.  It happened to be star forward Lauren Jackson bobblehead night  and we were treated to a private tour of the facility including walking on the court and standing right outside the locker room of the Storm and cheering the players on as they ran out right past us onto the court.  At halftime we were greeted by Storm CEO Karen Bryant who spoke to us about leadership and thanked us for supporting women’s sports. 

 While I watched the second half of the game (and John encouraged me to network instead) I found myself really enjoying the quick action and technical skills of these talented female athletes.  There was none of the trash talking, larger than life bad attitudes or egos that turn me off of the men’s game.  After the game we were treated to player autographs which capped off the very special evening.   As a fellow female athlete, I quickly realized this is a team, and women’s sports a cause, I need to get behind and support wholeheartedly! 

As I write this post, the 2011 Women’s soccer World Cup is about to begin and the #1 ranked US women’s team is looking strong to win the cup…the time for women’s sports to shine has arrived.

Columbia Tower Club 25th Anniversary Gala

Last night we celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of the Columbia Tower Club in style at their wonderful black tie gala to mark the occasion.  Most citizens of Seattle know the Columbia Tower building well as the tallest building of the Seattle skyline at an impressive 932 feet and housing 76 floors which was completed in 1985.  The 75^th and 76^th floors are home to the Columbia Tower Club- a well established private business, networking and fine dining club.  John and I recently became members as part of the club’s Tower 39 club which looks to expand the club demographic by catering to young professionals.  Today, Tower 39 makes up about 40% of the club’s membership!  We were drawn by all of the social and professional benefits and activities on offer such as business and networking events centered on various topics, art gallery tours, wine and scotch tastings, Easter brunch, and so much more which will allow us to connect with great professionals from around the city and make new friends.  And of course one of the best perks is enjoying the sweeping views of the city from 76 floors up!

Last night’s gala certainly showcased Columbia Tower Club’s best and was a night to remember!  Everyone was dressed in their black tie best and danced the night away to the live band playing hits from the 80’s and enjoying drinks at 1980’s pricing near the gorgeous up-lit ice sculpture of the tower.  As we nibbled on fresh oysters and pasta from one of the club’s many spreads of food we chatted with one of the founding members who reminisced about contributing funds to the creation of the club and visiting it even before the construction of the building was complete!

The Columbia Tower club certainly put on a class event and we absolutely cannot wait for upcoming events such as a meet and greet with the pilots of the Blue Angels and future black tie events.  A big thank you to the staff of CTC for putting on such a special and memorable evening.

Celebrating one very happy year at the Willows Lodge

It is hard to believe that it has now been one year since John and I became married at the Willows Lodge in Woodinville, Washington….and what a wonderful year it has been!  With trips to South Africa, St. Martin and Las Vegas and with 2 very busy careers we couldn’t think of a more special spot to celebrate our anniversary than back at the Willows.  Nestled centrally in the valley of Woodinville Wine Country, about 30 minutes east of Seattle, the lodge welcomes you with relaxed VIP service from the second you pull into the driveway and ensures that every detail of your stay exceeds your expectations.  We were greeted with a lovely glass of wine from a local winery which we sipped next to the welcoming fireplace in the lobby until our room was ready.   We watched as another couple was married right where we were one year ago and it brought back all the emotions that come with that very special day!

Our room, like most others at the lodge, was very spacious and featured a fireplace and jetted spa tub…perfect for a romantic night away!  We enjoyed happy hour drinks and snacks in the Fireside Cellars lobby bar and then a romantic dinner on the grounds at the Barking Frog restaurant.  We chose to stay in but others may enjoy one of the over 20 local wineries, including the world famous Chateau Ste Michelle, within walking distance and the concierge will work with guests to create the perfect tasting trip for them!

We chose to be married at the Willows Lodge because of the gorgeous location and grounds, their ability to make each guest feel special and their attention to detail.  This is why we returned for our anniversary, had a wonderful time, and will continue to return for many more happily married years to come!

Experience the magic of the Willows Lodge: www.willowslodge.com

For more information on Woodinville Wine Country: www.woodinvillewinecountry.com