Poke (pronounced POH-kay) is a popular meal in Hawaii. Freshly caught ahi tuna is cut into cubes, seasoned with shoyu (soy sauce), garlic, onions, and maybe another ingredient or two at most, then served over sticky white rice. That's right, raw fish and rice. It sounds very simple and it is, simplicity at its most delicious.

Of course, you can have other types of poke: octopus, tofu, and shrimp, just to name a few. Do you like things spicy? You got it! Poke is lunchtime perfection and makes a great beach snack. Swing by your local Foodland and don't forget the chop sticks, you're ready to go beach! 

Poke used to be unheard of in Seattle, but it is now rapidly taking over Seattle and other parts of the mainland. There are poke restaurants opening here almost every month and we've even got a poke food truck, thanks to Sam Choy! Shoooots. 

Last Saturday I was perusing Instagram when I discovered Go Poke in Seattle's International District. Not only did they serve poke, they also have Dole Whip! I had to go. My girl, Lilah, is from the Big Island and we went to Go Poke dinner on that very same day.  

We're so close now, friends! Yesterday we went shopping at Pike Place Market and to a show.

I'd never been to Pike Place so close to Christmas before and it's even more charming than usual. The market was heavily crowded with people, locals and tourists alike, from what I can tell. The holiday bouquets were beautiful!

While I do love summer, the transition to fall brings a new set of things to look forward to. This fall I'm all about (hot) matcha green tea lattes and a new pair of booties (see photos). Every fall I welcome the changing leaves, soft scarves, and frequent festival weekends. Just two weeks after the San Gennaro Festival, Seattle welcomes the Festa Italiana.

My protocol for festivals is as follows:

• Wear comfy shoes
• Pay in cash, it's faster and some items are just a few dollars
• Arrive hungry and never get too full
• ​Bring friends, more people = more food items to try

This weekend we visited Seattle's San Gennaro festival for the second consecutive year. The festival, in honor of Saint Gennaro, is held in the neighborhood of Georgetown and celebrates all things Italian: food, music, wine, and shopping. Our friends Jay and Michelle joined us this year and we enjoyed the props and selfie booth immensely!

Summer has always been my favorite season. As a kid it's a celebration of warm months free from school or bedtimes. As an adult the weather is still stellar, especially in Seattle. It doesn't get too hot here in the Pacific Northwest and the daylight is never ending. The difference, as a "grown up," is the lightheartedness that creeps into the office on Fridays. Some days it begins earlier than others and Friday of this past week was one of those lovely days.

The Bite of Seattle kicked off Friday at Seattle Center so a lunchtime adventure was a requirement. I treated myself to a large waffle cone of chocolate & vanilla twist with rainbow jimmies! Who says kids have all of the fun?