Going away party basket

My good friend moved away from Seattle this Summer, so I found it to be a great excuse to throw her a going away luncheon. I created these little baskets for each guest with some of my favorite edible treats that are made in Seattle.

Check out what I put inside:

A weekend on Orcas Island

We planned a kayaking trip with friends to Orcas Island several months ago and just recently returned from our much anticipated trip. I walked away from the weekend with a newfound love for Orcas Island.

The power of womanhood

There is no greater way to get outside yourself and devoid of worries than be serving others. A couple weeks ago, I had the honor and privilege to spend my time working with the youth and these fine women of our church at Fort Flagler. Each one of these women is an example to me for a variety of reasons. One tirelessly mothers six children, one effortlessly goes back and forth between multiple languages, one took to the dance floor with reckless abandonment and all of them demonstrate amazing inner strength, perseverance and love for others.

Snoqualmie Ice Cream's Ice Cream Social

This year for our fourth annual Ice Cream Social we teamed up with Snoqualmie Ice Cream. We were spoiled with an array of unique flavors from Honey Cinnamon to French Lavender and Blueberry Cheesecake. The custards and ice creams were delicious by themselves, but just for the fun of it we offered toppings galore. There were caramels, hot fudge, sprinkles, crumbled cookies, marshmallows and fruit just to name a few.  

A happy discovery: Arboretum Plant Sale

My friend and I met up for a picnic last week at the Arboretum. We both had not been there in an embarrassing long time and after a wonderful afternoon we both left wondering why this was the case. After our picnic lunch we stumbled upon a plant sale and each ended up making our way home with a plant in hand. According to the women working the sale they are open each Wednesday and the second Saturday for business. Members of the Arboretum Foundation donate plants and then they spruce them up and sell them. All proceeds from the plant sales benefit the park and their prices are incredibly low. Talk about a win/win for everyone!! There will definitely be more picnics and plant sales in my future at the Arboretum. 

Ten on Ten

When the Ravenna Girls asked me to participate in their Ten on Ten, I was thrilled. I take so many photographs throughout my day I knew it would be no problem to capture ten. As I went about my day and was conscientious to snap a photo or two every hour, I was reminded of what a beautiful life I lead. Thanks Ravenna Girls for reminding me to take time to enjoy the beauty which surrounds me on a daily basis. Although everyday is not perfect, it is easy to make everyday look picture perfect.

"Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.”  –Pearl S. Buck

Mariner's Game: King's Court

When I think of spring time, it makes me think of the start of baseball season. Unlike many sports, baseball season lasts a good long time. It is fun to attend a Mariner's game when they are playing well and the weather is nice, but sometimes you just have to layer up and venture out anyway. When Felix Hernandez pitches they have a special cheering section you can purchase tickets for to a be a part of. It is called the King's Court. For $30 you will receive a t-shirt, a pretty good seat and a cheer card. A couple weeks ago our friend Tana, Cameron and I headed out to a game. As usual when the three of us get together, a good time was had by all.

Easter: A glorious day

Easter morning we awoke to the loveliest sight, our cherry blossom decided to spring forth in the night and join us for our Easter celebration. One of the biggest thrills I have enjoyed while living in this house is seeing all the flowers bud and then burst open before my very eyes. This year, we were fortunate enough to have spectacular weather all weekend long which not only remind us why we love living here, but put a little color on our cheeks.

$25 well spent

When typically plan trips to the beach in the warmer Spring and Summer months. Memorial day usually kick starts our beach time as we spend a long weekend camping along the coast. This year, we decided to mix things up and head to the beach earlier than normal. Before we went, Cameron thought it would be a good idea to buy some rubber boots. I had visions of bright yellow or red Hunter boots, but Cameron wanted to focus on function rather than fashion. A trip to Cabela's (I had never been there before) proved fruitful and we walked away with two pairs of rubber boots. Nothing fancy, nothing flashy, but good functional rubber boots that matched! Bonus.

Once at the beach these rubber boots worked like a dream. No sand to deal with afterwards all over our favorite shoes, nor freezing cold feet, or walks cut short because the water was too high. Rubber boots just made exploring the beach a ton more fun. One of the unexpected best parts was we did not have to walk around with our shoes in our hands which meant our hands were free to touch and explore the beach.

Boots for him and her. They might just change your life and if not they will definitely make you feel like a kid again.

Long weekend: Seabrook, WA

There exists a certain hierarchy with friends. There are church friends, work friends, school friends, neighborhood friends, couple friends, childhood friends and travel friends. As much as you adore certain friends it is with hesitation you might commit to a day trip or an overnight adventure, uncertain how that much time together might pan out. What will you talk about? What will you do? Then there are friends who are laid back, conversation flows with ease, time has no relevance and you just feel better about yourself after spending time with them. This weekend we were honored to spend time with two of our favorite people. Two people who like us for us, make no judgements of us and celebrate not only our joys, but do everything in their power to ease our sorrows.

The weekend was spent together at the loveliest beach house in Seabrook, WA. We walked along the beach, caught every possible ray of sunshine, ate delicious food, played games and even snuck a nap into the equation. We came back feeling rejuvenated and reminded of how lucky we are to have them as friends and live in such a beautiful place.

Open shelving in the kitchen.

Seattle Blogger Meet up: Craft and Chat with Assemble

I have been blogging for almost five years now, but it has not been until recently I have really embraced the title of blogger. Last night, I had the privilege of attending my first Seattle Bloggers Unite Meet Up. This morning, I am still buzzing from both the sugar and the inspiration. The blogger meet up was a Craft and Chat by Andie and Emily from Assemble Shop in which we learned how to make these adorable granny squares all while eating cupcakes and chatting. There was an abundance of brains, beauty and blog talk which pretty much means it was an awesome evening.

Trophy cupcakes as fuel for crocheting.

The more birthdays the merrier

I have made it a tradition of throwing a little party for Cameron's birthday the past several years. We not only embark on a long stretch without too many birthdays around here, but I like to take the opportunity to exhibit my appreciation for having him in my life. While making the invite list I noticed that several of the attendees either will have or have just had their birthday. I thought it would be fun to celebrate all the birthdays with a rousing round of happy birthday and the cake. Here I present five wonderful people, five birthdays and one great excuse to get together.

The simple things in life.....like a peacock feather

I snapped this photo a couple of weeks ago, but I have been getting a lot of mileage out of this little peacock number ever since I first put it on. A dear friend gave me this unique piece of jewelry and I have been finding reasons to wear it ever since. This quick iphone photo does not quite do it justice, but wearing it not only makes me think of my friend, but wearing a feather actually makes me giddy. It really is the little things in life which make me oh so very happy. Happy weekend!!

Pie Party

We hosted our Third Annual Pie Party last week. Each year the competition gets more fierce and the entries more delectable. We had a spectacular array of pies and each one was delicious in its own right. We enjoyed two different berry pies, strawberry pie, pumpkin cheesecake pie, cinnamon pie, chocolate pie, grasshopper pie, peanut butter pie, pecan pie and key lime pie. I think it is safe to say, everyone went home a little stuffed full of pie and I am reminded what awesome bakers our friends are.

Service night

Our first Service Night was a grand success. We had an excellent turn out and everyone worked hard well into the evening. I think it is safe to say an enjoyable time was had by all, but most importantly we were able to make some great headway on our donation goal for December 25th. We decided to tackle diaper, hat, blanket and gown making all in one night. Whew! We quickly learned which projects are the most time consuming and did our best to divide and conquer given our individual skill sets. Almost everyone left with a project to take home and I know many hands will be busy over the coming months in Asher's behalf. I left that evening with a heart full of gratitude and a bag full of goodies to donate to other families in need.

With the help of Cameron's tracing and cutting and my Mom's sewing abilities we were able to pin, stuff with cards and ready 100 diapers to be delivered to the hospital.

His and hers: Happy Halloween!!

Hosting a pumpkin carving party is something I have done for the past twelve years. This year it was a pretty last minute decision to throw a party, so we kept it very simple: homemade cupcakes and pumpkins. Unfortunately, I did not get my act together and decorate like usual, but we had fun nonetheless. I think it is pretty easy to tell which one is his and which one is hers.

Deep in the heart of Texas

Over the past six months I have had the privilege of being a personal trainer/coach to a young man in our ward to help him loose weight. Forty plus pounds later he is slimmer, trimmer and most importantly healthier. Last week he left on a mission for our church to Texas. I knew I wanted to make something special for his farewell and I got in my head I was going to make Texas shaped cookies. Lo and behold the first kitchen store I went to had two state cookie cutters- Washington and Texas. Go figure???? but I love it when things work out so easily.

When I asked him what lessons he has learned from this experience he told me the following, "I now know I am able to push myself and do things I never thought I could do" My heart simultaneously skipped a beat and soared because this is priceless knowledge. I am so proud of him, all his hard work and that I was able to be the catalyst for change he needed.

Strawberry Festival

Our good friends, Chelsie and Jay, reside on Vashon Island. As a result, we had the opportunity to meet up with them last Saturday for the Vashon Strawberry Festival. I have never seen Vashon so bustling, nor so many people descend onto the streets of downtown at once. We enjoyed some good food, the parade and a beautiful morning to catch up with them. Their son is the sweetest little guy I have ever met, he likes to be held and his eyes light up when he sees you.

Fittingly we partook in Strawberry Shortcake.

Little interesting fact: snow cones are even better when shared. Here Charlie gets serious and went with a spoon as opposed to a straw.

Good to the last drop.

The LDS youth group was selling Tiger tails, so we stopped by to pick up a few.

We enjoyed the day with our friends and are grateful for sunny Saturdays and good company.

Time to party!!

 

On a cold, rainy, Sunday afternoon I mixed, chopped and stirred the hours away in the kitchen. There is nothing more rewarding than the ability to create something with my own two hands. Whether it be a bowl of ingredients, a heap of trimmings or paper I enjoy working with my hands. The old adage goes "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" I would agree nothing quite satisfies the soul like a good meal. I am still very much a novice in the kitchen, but my fearless approach to tackling new recipes (especially when guests are to arrive in mere hours) helps to increase my repertoire. On this particular day I tried my hand at a two tiered Chocolate Cake with Swiss Chocolate Meringue Buttercream frosting and homemade whole wheat pizza. 

These tall, skinny, rainbow candles are my favorite. 

They just happened to compliment the salad just perfectly.

On the menu: whole wheat individual pizzas, a variety of toppings, salad and chocolate birthday cake.

We spent a lovely evening by the fire with good conversation, tasty food and most importantly a good reminder to Cameron just how much he is adored by me and the people in his life.

Divide and conquer

The week we were moving, I also happened to be co hosting a baby shower for my dear friend. I felt guilty I did not have more time to give for this particular event, but wanted to co host nonetheless. My friend suggested we try a divide and conquer approach to this shower. She said she would do the food, if I would do the decorations.

I hate to admit it, but I feel like I had the easy part. She made all these amazing treats and my only contribution was my handiwork. I have always done pink for girl showers, so I appreciated using colors I do not normally work with. I had fun creating these button flower napkin rings, crepe paper flowers and garland. I still feel guilty I did not do more, but then again I have a good excuse I was moving.