A day in Seattle...

For Stephen's birthday this year, I asked my parents if they would watch the girls so that Stephen and I could spend the day in Seattle. It was so nice to have a day away together. We started our morning off by going to Bakery Nouveau, (I think I've mentioned this bakery before.) We tried some of their fresh pizza which was delicious! Then we purchased some pastries and headed to Vivace, a coffee roaster on Capitol Hill in Seattle. There we got to sit and enjoy our coffees while devouring a raspberry almond pastry. The ambiance at this coffee shop is quite fun. We visited Stumptown in Queen Anne and then explored the area a bit. Of course, I was drawn towards the children's shops, bookstores and this divine chocolate shop- Chocolopolis. Although I enjoyed the Queen Anne area, I still prefer Ballard.
We also went to one of Stephen's favorite grocery stores, Uwajimaya. If you know Stephen, you know he loves Asian food and if you love to cook Asian food, there are certain ingredients required that you just can't find in a normal grocery store.

For dinner, we decided to venture past Tom Douglas, (owner of Dahlia Lounge, Lola's, Etta's, Serious Pie and Palace Kitchen- some of our favorite eats in Seattle,) and try Pasta Bella which serves authentic Italian food and handmade pastas in the middle of Queen Anne for a very reasonable price. We found their food to be good, authentic and worth the price. The service was good although it seemed to be a little like the cake shop comedy act. There was one man there to be host, waiter, answer phones and tend the bar. He came up to us several times only to run back to the counter to answer the phone. We found it entertaining. Oh, if you do ever go here I'd recommend you skip the dessert or at least don't get the canolli. The filling was so-so. The canolli shell, okay. But then they ruined it with fake whipped cream and Hershey's chocolate syrup. I have a big sweet tooth but Stephen and I left most of that dessert on the plate.
With satisfied stomachs we went to the Imax showing of Avatar in Southcenter. Stephen and I saw the preview to this movie several months ago and both agreed it looked extremely stupid. But, we gave into the hype everyone has given it and decided to trust the majority of reviews that this movie is great and to many, not just great but the best movie ever! We got there early which is not like us. We hardly ever go to the movies but if and when we do, we don't wait in line for hours before! How ridiculous. Yet, there we stood. The time finally arrived, we got our glasses and went to sit down and we actually got decent seats even though there were maybe 100 people in front of us in line. The movie was pathetic. Okay, maybe not horrible, but certainly not the greatest movie ever! I thought the story line was poor. The effects were cool. Although I wasn't amazed by the 3D experience, it was enjoyable. I don't know, I left thinking, "what? That's it?"

We had a wonderful time being us. I was Paige and Stephen was Stephen. We had a full day without being "mommy" and "daddy". Ah. A breath of fresh air.

My new wheels...

Aren't we stylin' with our new set of wheels? After braving the zoo, the mall, the sidewalks, Seattle and more with a single stroller and two little girls that don't want to walk, I decided I needed a stroller that both girls could sit in. After researching, I found the Joovy Caboose Ultralight was my best option. It weighs in at 21lb, folds relatively compact, has a tray for the child, cup holder/organizer for me, a bench for the toddler to sit on or they can stand and hold onto the handles, a nice sunshade and to top it off, I think it's rather fashionable! I waited patiently until I found one on Craigslist for 1/3 of the retail price and viola! I love it!

Seattle

I have lived in Washington all of my life. I have always thoroughly enjoyed shopping downtown Seattle. I enjoy such shops as JCrew, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Gap, Old Navy and of course, no shopping trip is complete without a jot into Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. For so many years, I thought this was what made up downtown Seattle. Until I discovered that there are also so many fun boutiques, gift shops, furniture shops, etc. if you walk closer to the waterfront on 1st and 2nd Avenue.

This last year I discovered Ballard. Now, it is a different type of shopping. Your big stores are not in Ballard. But, if you are looking for that special something that you have no idea what it is, and if you are looking for a little more of a quaint area to shop in than the vast downtown, go to Ballard. The other wonderful thing about it is that Cafe Besalu's delicious pastries are just up the street from the shopping.

If you are interested in seeing the different boutiques, restaurants, bookshops and more in Ballard, click here.

I love Seattle!

Pretty in Blue

Jovie finally fits into the adorable hat Great Grandma Memee purchased for her at the Puyallup fair this last year. I think it is one of the cutest hats I've ever seen. Thank you Memee!
This hat was handcrafted by Sherri Grubbs of Small Fries in Elma, WA. You can see some of her products here.

Shopping tips:

I checked out a fun book from the library, InStyle instant style, which has a lot of fun tips and pointers for finding clothes that work for you, organizing your closet and shopping. Here are a few quick pointers on shopping.

1. Shop for the here and now. "Never shop thinking, I'll lose a little and it will fit," says Tracey Ross of the Tracey Ross Boutique in Los Angeles. "Buy for the moment you're in."
2. Test drive. Squat and sit in pants. Swing arms front and back when trying on a jacket. Arch your back slightly to judge a fitted blouse. And stroll in shoes on a hard surface and carpet.
3. Know your price. When you find a miracle worker, like the work pants that make you look two inches taller, buy at full price. As for the sale rack: it's not a bargain if you won't wear it.
4. Don't give in. Ask yourself five key questions about the item you're trying on, recommends New York stylist Dayna Spitz: Do I love it? Do I feel great in it? Does it fit me well? Does it flatter me? Do I have at least two things to wear with it?

Must Haves For New Moms

As a new mom for the second time, I feel I'm beginning to understand which luxuries I need for mothering. If you are looking for a great baby shower gift or if you're expecting and want some tips on items that will make your life easier as a mom, look no further!

1. Nursing Cover by Hooter Hiders
This has saved me countless embarrassing moments. It is stylish, comfortable and very practical.

2. Baby Sling by Hotslings
I have this sling in black and it is comfortable, trendy and not a monstrosity when you wear it. I love it!

3. Baby Blanket by Dust Bunnies
A friend bought one of these blankets (different design) for Pear and it was the most practical blanket while still being gorgeous and oh so soft and comfy. It washes up perfectly and wraps around the baby like a glove. I've vowed to get every one of my children one.

4. BabyLegs
I discovered BabyLegs when Pear was only a few months old. I instantly fell in love with them! They are so cute and practical. Beyond that, she has worn them now for a year and half and they still have lots of life and they'll fit her for a few more years!

5. Butt Paste by Boudreaux's
My mom has nine children and has handled countless diaper rashes. She says this is the way to go. I've tried it and proved she's right.

6. Swaddling Receiving Blankets
Nice receiving blankets for swaddling are a must. Something about being wrapped up tight in a nice soft blanket is soothing for a baby.

7. Colic Calm
Everybody has a gassy baby at some point or another. I don't know why more people don't know about gripe water. It was a life-saver for us with Pear. I haven't had to use it yet with Jovie but I have it on hand just in case!

8. Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg

This is my favorite baby guide book. I've read On Becoming Babywise, Dr. Sears' books and The Happiest Baby on the Block. This one fits my lifestyle best! I highly recommend reading it, if for no other reason, simply to help you understand your baby better.

9. Rocking Chair
Stephen's grandparents gave us a rocker when we had Pear. What a blessing! I probably wouldn't have bought one otherwise but now I know, don't try to go without one. When you're too tired to walk or need a comfy spot to nurse, the rocker is there.

10. Infant Bouncer
When you have to go to the bathroom, finish making that cake you started or anything else you might need to do and you need to put that precious baby down, this is a good spot.

A day in Seattle

Stephen and I celebrated our 4th anniversary over the weekend. Our actual anniversary isn't until Thursday, July 31st. I can't believe it's been 4 years! And, at the same time, it seems like forever. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful husband. I grow to love him more and more every day.



My parents offered to watch Pear over the weekend so that we could get away and have some alone time. This was the first time we've ever done that! It was so nice. We started off by going to Cafe Besalu in the Ballard district of Seattle, (the best bakery around,) for pastries and coffee. I enjoyed a pain du chocolat and cocoa. Stephen enjoyed a pain du chocolat, an apricot pastry with cream and a cappuccino. We ate leisurely and enjoyed watching people and the master chef in the back perform his work of art in forming more fresh pastries. It was so delightful.
While in Ballard, we walked around and browsed through a few shops. I found that I really enjoy the Ballard area. It is my new favorite spot. There are all sorts of boutiques, restaurants, art shops, coffee shops and a little bit of anything else you can think of. It was great fun!
Ray's Boathouse is right there in the Ballard area as well and we found that to be a lovely spot for lunch. We were impressed with their food and service. I chose to have Ling Cod & Chips and Stephen had the Sable Fish. Yum!
I have been wanting to explore the Fremont area of Seattle, so this was our next stop. I found it to be nice but I don't like it as much as Ballard. There are more eccentric shops and a lot of vintage shops in this area.

We had dinner reservations at 5:30 at Crush; a restaurant that has great reviews and is supposed to be a nice, romantic spot. We were not disappointed. The food was amazing! A bit expensive but amazing. I had Lobster Tails with Gnocchi as an appetizer. Stephen chose Octopus with Pork Belly. Both were delicious. For our entrees, I chose Rare Seared Scallops with an aged cheese risotto. Stephen chose Lamb Rib eye with Lamb Belly and Mashed Potatoes. Again both dishes were delightful. We shared a Light Corn Cake with Fresh Ice Cream and Blueberry Sauce for dessert. Oh, what great food. This meal was one of the best I've ever experienced!





What a day! This was a true celebration. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, was very refreshed and missed Pear by the end of it. We didn't pick her up until the following morning though as we got in too late. Praise the Lord and thank you Stephen for 4 wonderful years of marriage!

Fun with "The Girls!"

Stephen was away on a hike this past weekend so Pear and I decided to keep busy and have fun with the girls in the family.

Thursday Pear had a special day with "the girls." There are so many ways to describe "the girls"; they are my sisters, Pear's aunts, silly, fun, adorable, energetic- Taffi, Libbi and Aspen, but to Pear, they are "the girls." We started out by going to the craft store and buying a canvas for each of the girls to paint. We then went and picked out a movie from Blockbuster to watch later in the day. We splurged and got a real treat by going to McDonald's for lunch and each of them got a Happy Meal which we took to the park and ate and then played on the playground.




We went home and each of the girls got to make their own individual pudding topped off with as many or few toppings as they chose. We put those in the refrigerator to chill as we went outside to paint our canvases. I put aprons on the little girls and let them go at it with the paint. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of this as I was a little preoccupied trying to keep Pear out of the paint and helping the other girls keep the paint off of themselves. After we finished the canvases, we set them out to dry and went inside to enjoy our pudding while watching a movie. After this, it was time to go home. My mom picked them up and I would say we had a fun day well spent!




Friday, The Backholm and Corrigan girls came up along with Jia Tai and made a delicious salmon dinner with yummy risotto and a cherry pie for dessert. They all spent the night and we had a great time. Chase's wife, Rebecca, and my sister, Piper, joined us in the morning and met us at The Bread Peddler for pastries and coffee. My nonfat latte and few bites of coffee cake were quite tasty. We then headed to Hot Toddy, (one of my favorite shops in Olympia,) where I found a cute dress that fits me perfectly while pregnant! I was so excited. And to top it of, it was 75% off! Of course, I purchased it. Then we browsed around for a bit, some of the group went to the Farmer's Market and others went back to the house to get ready for lunch. We had some fresh veggies from the market, a baguette and some meat for lunch. Then we picked, cleaned and pitted cherries. We got enough for 6 pies. So each family got to keep some. Claire and Candice went to Lattin's Farms and purchased fresh donuts for us all to enjoy as a late afternoon snack. And then we pretty much called it a day! Everyone departed shortly after that and Pear and I were on our own again for a little while.

Sunday morning we went to my mothers to spend the day with them, (my dad and Hutton were on the hike with Stephen as well.) We went to a lily farm near Westport and the girls had fun putting on their aprons and picking flowers. Libbi seemed to think the dandelions were some of the prettiest ones out there! Then we went back to the house to enjoy the sunshine and play in the swimming pools. We made yummy french dip sandwiches for dinner, ate a bunch of watermelon and headed home to wait for Stephen to come home. He made it home safely shortly after midnight and unfortunately, after my busy weekend I was so tired, I fell asleep before his arrival. Pear and I are so glad to have him back though. No matter how busy we try to keep, nothing replaces his presence.