November 30, 2017

Play for the Young Traveler and Outdoor Adventurer: 2017 Gift Guide

Play for the Young Traveler and Outdoor Adventurer

November 29, 2017

Mount Baker Chalet Rental: Rustic Retreat for Families

When is the last time you put together a jigsaw puzzle? We’re not counting those under 100 pieces completed with your kids. After our experience renting a Mount Baker Chalet, the jigsaw puzzle (500 pieces or more) will forever be the reference upon which I measure our level of relaxation. Opportunities to read entire books or take a certain amount of naps may come in close second or third.

We only stayed in the chalet for 2 nights, but the feeling of truly being able to getaway from the noise, busyness, and stress of our everyday life was remarkable. There were several factors that led to this restful state:

Space–We had more than enough room (probably too much) for our family to spread out.
Small town–Friendly people with just the right amount of shops, restaurants, and services.
Adventure at our finger tips–Quick drives (or even just walking out the door) to amazing hikes and outdoor experiences.
No cell service–We appreciated the forced break from our phones and other electronic devices due to spotty service.

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November 27, 2017

Cold Weather Activity Guide Inspired by the Holidays

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NatureMadeVitaminD #CollectiveBias

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The to-do lists, the parties and activities, and shopping can have us thinking there isn’t much time for anything else. However, with a little planning and creativity, we can also focus on what’s most important, Our health!

We can have a joyous (and productive) holiday season if we are intentional with our time and choices. Getting outside connects us to the natural world, provides us with fresh air and sunshine, and in turn bolsters our immune system helping us to stay healthy. Then we have the energy and strength to live our lives with exuberance!

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November 23, 2017

Seattle’s Bike Playground: Practice Bike Safety in White Center Traffic Garden

Have you ever heard of a bike playground? A pump track, yes, but I hadn’t heard of a bike playground until last summer when we visited Seattle’s Cascade Bicycle Club headquarters. Cascade has a small learning course used for classes and camps, but recommended we visit the larger version located in White Center/Southwest Seattle at Dick Thurnau Memorial Park.

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November 14, 2017

Fall Nature Walks: Tips for Fun and Enjoyment with Dr. Scholls®

#advertisement I received compensation from Dr. Scholl’s® to write this post. All opinions are entirely my own. #CustomFitRelief #DrScholls

Every time of year is appropriate for a nature walk, but our family particularly loves fall as a chance to get outside, and enjoy the fresh, crisp air. Here in Seattle, we’re experiencing the perfect scenario. Bright, vibrant autumn leaves remain on the trees, but those leaves of yellow, red, and orange are also falling to the ground. There’s something so satisfying and magical about walking through a trail or sidewalk filled with leaves listening to them crunch with each step.

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November 8, 2017

Mother-Daughter Getaway: A Fall Visit to the Charlotte, NC Area

Georgia and I recently ventured back east to visit family in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Before I dive into the details of our trip, I thought I’d explain first how we got there. Instead of flying directly to Charlotte, we opted to fly to the Raleigh-Durham airport. We then rented a car, and drove the rest of the way, about 3 hours, to our ultimate destination just south of Charlotte.

I outline why we love this option when flying (especially with kids) in our “No Layovers!” post, but basically, we are loyal to Alaska Airlines, and our air carrier of choice does not yet have a direct flight to Charlotte. Sure we could fly to another city and connect to Charlotte all through the Alaska Airlines interface, but when it comes down to it, another flight would add more time, more variables for delays, baggage issues, and other possible headaches. Especially when a car rental is necessary anyway, flying direct to an airport that isn’t necessarily the closest is a great option.

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