Every 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. 
This 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.
They 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? 
Washington
Seattle Day Trip: Anacortes, WA
Sometimes 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. 
Travel: 12 reasons to visit Leavenworth, WA in winter {+ 3 things to know before you go}
Willkommen in Leavenworth, WA
It’s been a pretty hectic holiday season already and I’ve been working a ton recently while running from event to event. So, when we found out hubby had a few extra days off work, I wanted to make the most of them. We needed to get out of town and get somewhere where we could just relax and have some good family time before all the festivities next week, and I knew just where to go.
Located just a few hours outside of Seattle at the base of the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains, very near the geographical center of Washington State, is the cutest little town called Leavenworth, WA. It’s been one of my favorite spots in Washington since I was a girl, and I love that it’s basically unchanged in the past three decades.
A little history: In 1962, Project LIFE {Leavenworth Improvement For Everyone} Committee was formed to transform the city into a mock Bavarian village to revitalize its economy. From the architecture to the specialty shops and retail, it truly feels like you are strolling through a quaint German town instead of a tiny town nestled in the mountains in Washington State.
Here are just some of the reasons why you should check out Leavenworth in the winter:
Seattle getaway: La Conner, Washington in the fall
I was talking to a Seattle resident a few weeks ago and I mentioned that I was taking a roadtrip to La Conner, WA to sightsee. She admitted that she had never been further north than Lynnwood, and I don’t think I hid my shock very well. How could you possibly limit yourself to just … Read more
Where we were: the new See’s Candies in Woodinville, WA
This past week we took a break from our crazy busy summer schedules to hang out with some of our local blogging friends at the opening of See's Candies in Woodnville. While they had me at "candy", I was also excited to see behind the scenes, sample some treats, and let the little ones learn how to pack chocolate boxes like a pro. 
See's Candies stores feature a candy counter where you can try a sample and create your very own custom mixed box of chocolates and candies. Along with the delicious candies that they are famous for like boxed chocolates, truffles, nuts and chews, lollypops, and sugar free candy, they also have seasonal favorites and new recipes to try.
We've been fans of See's Candies for as long as I remember, introduced to the brand at a very young age by an aunt who couldn't visit Washington without leaving with a sampler or two, but it's only been recently that the kids have fallen in love with the brand. It *may* have something to do with the fact that their Kidgit's Club membership gets them free lollypops. 
Seattle getaway: Lake Chelan, Washington in spring
Lake Chelan is one of my absolute favorite places. You know when someone says to close your eyes and go to your happy place? For me, that’s Chelan. It’s got an average of 300 days of sunshine {!!}, a gorgeous lake, water sports galore, a fun downtown, and it’s one of the best sandy beaches in Washington. 
My family has been going to Lake Chelan since I was little, so I’ve been to the lake over 25 times in my lifetime, which includes 15 times with my husband. We’re now continuing the tradition with our own children by making Chelan our extended family vacation with cousins and grandparents. At this point it holds so many memories and good times that it truly feels like my home away from home. 
The Head and the Heart – back in Seattle at last
My love of The Head and the Heart started with a single song. A song I loved so much that I would listen to the radio just to catch it playing. We bought the album after only hearing that one song, and it was quickly added to our daily playlist. And, it never came off.
These songs quickly became the soundtrack to the last few years, and I’ve found that the more I’ve listened to it, the more I love it. But, it's not just me. In this house, we're all fans of The Head and the Heart. I figure the kids can listen to crappy music when they can pay for it themselves, so until then they can choose from our music libraries. And, it just so happens that they chose The Head and the Heart. Good choice, kiddos. 
Upgrading my wardrobe with a Simon Malls shopping trip at Northgate Mall Seattle
A few months ago I realized that almost every single pair of jeans I wear was either badly worn or had a gaping hole on the right knee. The exception to this rule was my two pairs of “good” jeans, which I only wear a few times a month. But, my pile of holey jeans … Read more