Western Wanderlust // Michaela in Seattle

Today, I'm ecstatic to introduce you to Michaela, of Michaela Noelle Designs. Michaela is one of the very first bloggers I started following (before I even had a blog of my own). Her passion for pretty things is only surpassed by her passion for her faith -- a truly beautiful soul.

Michaela has lived on the Western seaboard her whole life, so I knew she'd be the perfect girl to kick off our new series, Western Wanderlust, featuring fellow bloggers who live or travel in this great country's beautiful West, which we are so blessed to call home.

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Hello! I'm so thrilled to be at See You There today sharing some of my favorite places in Seattle. I simply adore Katie's heart for people, her family and beauty. If we haven't met, I'm Michaela. A designer, lavender-obsessed, puppy-loving, girly girl who loves houses, people, fashion and entertaining.  

Although I was born and raised in the Bay Area of California, I received my bachelor's degree in interior design from Seattle Pacific University, so I had the chance to live in good 'ole rainy Seattle for a few years.  While there, I found a few places I truly adored going and couldn't help but share them with you today. I've broken them up into three categories: Shop, Eat & Do!

SHOP:

Downtown Seattle is a great place to start! Favorite stores: Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, H&M, Victoria Secret, Francesca's, J.Crew, Coach, Kate Spade and of course, the very first Nordstrom.  My typical weekend while in college comprised of a little shopping and my favorite tomato soup at the Nordstrom Cafe. {$5 off the kids menu = college student's dream come true!}

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Next up is Pike Market, also downtown. This iconic market is stuffed full of fruits, veggies, flowers for miles, and the famous fish-throwing attraction!

  

I may be biased because I worked here, but my favorite boutique on Queen Anne Hill is Meadow Boutique, and my time in Seattle wouldn't be the same without it ... {neither would my closet, let's face it!}

EAT:

My very favorite place to eat is Serious Pie, located in down town Seattle.  It's the best pizza I've ever tasted and the atmosphere is even better.

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Next is Cupcake Royale. I'm a picky cupcake girl, but these cupcakes are to.die.for.

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DO: 

90% of the time, it's raining in Seattle, but I learned that can't stop you from getting out and seeing some of the most beautiful places the city has to offer.

In the Spring, the tulip fields are blooming like crazy and it's flowers galore at the Tulip Festival!

Gas Works Park has one of the best views of water and city:

And my favorite lookout, Kerry Park, has the best view of the Space Needle in town. Here I am sitting on the bench, looking at the Space Needle. You'll have to go to the city to see for yourself!

If you've never been, going up in the Space Needle is also a must. Even if you don't go for dinner, the view is worth it...especially on a clear evening. We had brunch for my birthday up there one year, and boy was it delicious!

I hope this has inspired you to visit Seattle! Despite the rain, it's a beautiful city with so many wonderful things to do. I am forever grateful I was able to spend 3 years of my life there while in school. I can't wait to visit every once and a while. I will never forget all the good food and sudden downpours. :)

Thanks for having me today, Katie!
xo