Seattle weekend trip: Semiahmoo by the sea

Have you heard of Semiahmoo before? It’s a little slice of heaven that is jJust 45 minutes south of Vancouver, B.C. and 90 minutes north of Seattle. See why this is one of our favorite Washington beach towns and why it brings us back to Blaine, WA over and over again.

Seattle: get your Santa pictures at Northgate Mall

Are you in the Seattle area? If so, you are definitely going to want to head to Northgate Mall, part of the Simon family of shopping centers, before the holiday season is over. While you’re there, find your way to their holiday display by Kay Jewelers to get your pictures taken with Santa. This year … Read more

Where we were: Country Village in Bothell, WA

Country Village puppy

Have you been to Country Village in Bothell, WA? I grew up going to Country Village with my mom and my aunts, and I have vivid memories of going to Harvest parties each fall and watching Santa ride in each winter. My favorite store there closed years ago when the owners retired, but there are … Read more

Seattle Premium Outlets last-minute gift guide

Are you worried there isn't enough time left to pick up thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list? Never fear, Seattle Premium Outlets is here to help and no one will ever have to know that you shopped last minute! 

I'm sharing with you our gift guide for every age on your list. Every item was found at Seattle Premium Outlets this past week and is perfect for gifting this holiday season.  HGG for parents and grandparentsSPO holiday picks for womenFlannel: Eddie Bauer, Boot Cuffs and Socks: Timberland, Bracelet and Bag: Coach OutletSPO Practical gifts for girlsFlannel: (r) Eddie Bauer (l) Timberland, Socks: TimberlandSPO holiday picks for womenPajama Pants for Women: Hanna, Pajamas for Baby: HannaSPO holiday picks for womenStar Wars Shirt and Bow: Hot Topic

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Skagit Valley Tulip Festival with Washington Shoe Company {coupon codes included}

Sponsored postTulip fields with familyEvery year we celebrate the arrival of spring with two big events: the purchase of new rain boots and then a visit to the tulip fields. Western Chief at tulip fieldsThis year was extra exciting for me because it was my turn for new boots. I was realizing that it had been nearly 7 years since my last new rain boots, so it seemed like kismet when I got an email from one of my very favorite boot brands, Washington Shoe Company {known to consumers as Western Chief and Chooka Boots} offered to send me a pair specifically for visiting the tulips this spring.Chooka boots wirh tulipsThey sent me these little cuties, which I have found are not only awesome for tulip visits, but also are great for gardening, pressure washing, and even backyard spring parties. I love that they are the perfect height for wearing in mud and water, but more shoe-like so I could potentially wear them all day long. Oh, and did I mention how comfortable they are? WP_20160402_09_09_39_Rich_LI

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Seattle Day Trip: Anacortes, WA

Anacortes WashingtonSometimes I get so involved in the day to day that I forget to really see the beauty that’s around me. And then sometimes the kids and I are on a walk and I take a minute to look around and I see the morning fog creating a mist through the trees surrounding us. It’s times like this that I absolutely love living in the Puget Sound with forests everywhere and surrounded by water and island towns. WP_20160120_09_25_54_Rich_LI

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12+ things to do in Blaine, Washington

Things to do in Blaine, WA

We share the best tips, tricks, and insider info for all the many activities in Blaine, Washington. There’s something for everyone all year long, from water fun to hitting the trails or shopping in town.

Super easy chicken fajitas with Foster Farms Simply Raised

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Super Easy Chicken FajitasI don’t know about you, but there’s a direct correlation between the amount of summer sun and the amount of time I don’t want to spend cooking. Basically, my goal each weeknight is to get everyone fed and happy so we can get outside and play as soon as possible to enjoy time as a family after work. So, when Foster Farms contacted me about trying out some of their Simply Raised antibiotic free chicken to create an easy weeknight recipe post, I jumped at the chance.

Why Foster Farms chicken?

Because there are no antibiotics administered, they are produced with no added sodium, given 100% vegetarian feed, American Humane Certified, and 100%  natural {minimally processed, no additives or preservatives, steroids or hormones} and they are locally grown throughout CA, OR, and WA. Oh, and the kids love the commercials with the talking chickens.

My summertime meal criteria includes the following: 1) no oven use because it turns the downstairs into a sauna 2) as few pots and pans as I can manage 3) cook extra whenever possible to enjoy leftovers for multiple nights 4) quick and easy meals are preferred and 5) healthy is a must

One of my favorite easy weeknight meals that satisfies all of these criteria is chicken fajitas because they are full of veggies and goodness, can be cooked in one pan, and they are super quick to make and enjoy for multiple nights.

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