September 15, 2013

Chinook Book-Seattle and Puget Sound 2014 Giveaway

We love getting out and about in our city. We also love saving money. One of the things that helps us do both is our trusty Chinook Book. We’ve purchased and used the Chinook Book and Mobile App for the past two years now and have never been disappointed with the savings it’s provided us. The possibilities are endless from 2 for 1 deals at local restaurants, free admission to museums, parks and attractions, and even deals at the local stores we love.

It’s not unusual for an entire day (or at least morning or afternoon) to be planned around the coupons we find in “the book”, as we lovingly call it. For Father’s Day, we explored Bainbridge Island, the book recently made an evening at Green Lake even sweeter, and we also think it’s a great gift idea for the holidays. We often discover new coffee shops, restaurants, and dessert spots just by flipping through the book or mobile app.

Thanks to the awesome people at Chinook Book-Seattle & Puget Sound, we’re giving away 3 Chinook Books (Print Version) and 4 Chinook Book Mobile Coupon Packs! Both include coupons and deals available throughout Seattle and the Puget Sound, so if you live in the area or happen to be planning a visit within the year, you’ll really benefit and should enter!

How We Use it and Why We Love Chinook Book Print Version:

We keep our book in the car, so it’s always ready and waiting when we are out and about. Sometimes we plan ahead and have a chosen restaurant or outing in mind, while more often than not, we refer to the book’s neighborhood maps to help us find deals wherever we happen to be in the region.

Beautiful color pages to flip through in order to plan a shopping trip, local adventure or restaurant outing.
In the front of the book, you’ll find handy neighborhood maps, so if you know where you’re headed, you’ll know where you can save!
Coupons are divided into easy to follow categories. Some categories include: Local Grocery, Dining, and Entertainment & Family.
The index in the front of the book makes it easy to look-up and track down coupons.

How We Use it and Why We Love Chinook Book Mobile Version:

While we’ve used the print version of the book for longer, I’m starting to grow accustomed to the convenience of the mobile version. I’ve downloaded the app to my iPod touch and constantly refer to it when I’m on-the-go. Before I grab a cup of coffee or choose a restaurant, I always check the app. Once at the business, I show the cashier the coupon on my device, and with a few touches/clicks, the coupon is redeemed.

The app is easy to download and available for android or iOS systems.
As long as you have your mobile device with you, you don’t have to worry about remembering to bring the book or grabbing the coupon. This is also handy because sometimes we rip out a coupon with all intentions of using it, but for some reason or another change our minds. Then the coupon can get lost, damaged, etc. The mobile app eliminates all of that.
The “near me” feature makes it incredibly easy to find deals where ever you happen to be standing!
A wi-fi or network connection is NOT necessary for the application to work.

More to Love:

Coupons included in the print and app version are from local companies and businesses that do “good”. You can read all about it on their criteria page. We love how we can always feel great about supporting the businesses featured because the Chinook Book does all that hard work for us!

Notes:

We are not giving away books and mobile packs from these regions, but both versions are also available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Denver & Boulder, Portland, and Minneapolis/St. Paul.
When using a coupon, unless you know for sure that the business is up-and-running and open, call ahead! You never know when a business might close or change hands thus ruining your coupon experience!
Chinook Book Print Version is valued at $20. Most coupons in the book expire 10/31/14. Chinook Book Mobile Pack is valued at $15. Most coupons in the mobile pack expire 8/31/14.

To Enter The Giveaway:

Easy: Leave a comment here on the blog telling us which version you’d like to win (print or mobile pack).
Bonus Entries-Your name will be entered again depending on how many bonus entries you submit thus increasing your chances of winning (make sure to tell us in your comment which of these you did or already do!):
- “Like” Wild Tales of… on facebook
- “Follow” Wild Tales of… on twitter
- Share this post by tweeting or sharing on your facebook wall or page. Make sure to tag @WildTalesof in your post.

Winner Winner…

3 Chinook Book Print Versions & 4 Chinook Book Mobile Packs will be given away for a total of 7 winners! Contest ends and all entries must be received by Friday, 9/27/13 at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time. Winners will be chosen at random and notified on Monday, 9/30/13. Giveaway open to U.S. residents 18 years or older. After notification, winners have 3 days to connect. Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me!

Many thanks to Chinook Book-Seattle & Puget Sound for providing print and mobile packs for giveaway and review. All opinions about the books and app are my own.

Thanks to everyone who entered! Winners have been chosen and this giveaway contest is now closed.

September 12, 2013

Seattle Area Adventure: Play and Eat (and save!) in Green Lake

Who doesn’t love a lake? Here in Seattle we have a few good ones, but there’s one in particular that’s just kind of perfect, and it’s got a nice little neighborhood to go along with it. Green Lake has always been a part of our Seattle life.

Before Bergen, our 2 year old son, (and even our dog) came along, Slaed and I would meet here for a walk after work or on the weekends. I attribute much of my half marathon success to it’s wonderful 2.8 mile loop trail. And now, with Bergen along for the ride, the possibilities are endless with it’s awesome playground, rock throwing spots, lawns to romp and play, and even a wading pool and paddle boats. We hope one day soon, we’ll get to walk the loop while he scoots around on his little bike.

Walk, run, bike, push a stroller, roller blade (I’ve even seen a lady roller blading while pushing a stroller), skate board, you name it, people flock here whether or not the sun is shining. And those are just the ways they get around the lake. Others fish, row, swim, paddle, read, or just catch up with a friend within the park’s borders.

This week we visited the area before hitting up the Woodland Park Zoo for their member appreciation night, and thanks to the Chinook Book, we save managed to save at 2 local spots.

Dinner…Coupon #1: $10 off $30 at Duke’s Chowder House:

Duke’s has many delicious seafood options, and obviously given their name, they are famous for their tasty chowder. The clam chowder is award winning (they even share the recipe!) and what we always go for as our appetizer. From there, we look to their specials and often gravitate toward a sandwich to save money. This time, I chose the blackened halibut sandwich while Slaed couldn’t resist the Dungeness crab melt. Bergen was happy to share off both of our plates, and couldn’t get enough of their locally made sourdough bread.

Duke’s is just north of the lake, so with a seat on a patio we could enjoy the view as well as keep track of the action happening along the loop. We’re grateful for the coupon as prices can be a bit steep for this type of family friendly dining.

Dessert…Coupon #2: FREE cupcake when you purchase a 2nd cupcake of equal or greater value at Cake Envy.

When we settled on Duke’s for dinner, I vaguely recalled there being a cake shop nearby. Sure enough when I did some checking, I found Cake Envy was just a few steps away making it the perfect spot for an after dinner treat.

Not only were the cupcakes pretty to look at, but they were also proved to be just as tasty to eat. I particularly loved the subtlety of the lavender frosting on top of the chocolate cupcake. I’m pretty sure Bergen preferred the vanilla strawberry judging his lip smacks and thoroughness; he made sure he didn’t miss even one tiny bit of frosting from his fingers. Don’t worry though, just like his ice cream intake, we are watching his cupcake consumption carefully and he still only gets to share morsels from each of ours.

Activity…Bonus Coupon: $2 off general admission to the Woodland Park Zoo

Just up the hill from Green Lake is Seattle’s own Woodland Park Zoo and was our reason for getting out on this particular evening. Since we’re members (Thanks, Gramma!), there is no need for us to use the coupon, but it’s a great option for non-members, and can be used for a group of up to 4 people.

Info to Know:

Green Lake (and the surrounding neighborhood) is located north of downtown Seattle:
- 7201 E Greenlake Dr N, 98115
- Open 24 hours/day
You’ll find free and paid parking options depending on the location around the lake and popularity of the spot. We always manage to find nonpaid spots when we’re patient.
Duke’s is on the north side of the lake: 7850 Green Lake Drive North
Cake Envy is less than a block away: 7900 East Green Lake drive North

Do you have a favorite recreation spot in your hometown? Tell us about your go-to place in the comments!

Come join the conversation! You can keep up to date with each and every post by subscribing to the blog via email. We’d also love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

September 11, 2013

Making our Way to Door County, Wisconsin: Algoma and It’s Murals

When we began planning our trip to Wisconsin, anyone we talked to (who knew anything about Wisconsin) would mention Door County. I’ll admit, I’d never heard of the place. Maybe it’s my East Coast/West Coast bias of just not paying attention to the stuff in the middle.

Door County is located on the northern tip of the Door Peninsula on the northeast side of the state. To the west is Green Bay (the bay, not the city), and to the east is Lake Michigan.

From our hub in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, it would take about an hour to get to what most consider just the gateway of Door County: Sturgeon Bay. With just a day to explore, and a toddler in tow plus a planned date night starting in the early evening, we had to be mindful of our time.

Instead of rushing up to “true door county” we took our time driving up to the peninsula, and decided to stop in the little towns along the way.

Algoma was where we decided to hop out of the car for our morning coffee. On recommendation from our guide book, we wandered into Caffe Tlazo, an Italian inspired eatery featuring delicious coffees and teas. We thought we’d order our typical stand-bys, but were intrigued by the cafe’s selection of what I call “fancy drinks”. Combinations of flavors and concoctions that I’d never heard of before had us studying the menu longer than usual. I finally decided on some sort of peanut butter latte while Slaed went with a beachy sounding mocha drink.

Once hitting the road to explore, we immediately noticed a beautiful mural welcoming us to the town, and showing some of what makes the location special.

Then we continued on and I realized there was not just one mural, but at least 10 works of art showcased throughout their downtown area on the sides of buildings. For a town of just over 3,000 residents, that’s a lot! Some are painted directly on the wall while others are painted and designed elsewhere, and then attached. These murals show important pieces of Algoma’s history, and are now part of the small town’s “claim-to-fame”.

We didn’t get to see every single mural, but we came close, and for the little time we had to see the town (the time it takes to finish one’s coffee), we sure learned a lot about how this place came to be. And speaking of those coffee drinks—what a fun way to change up the routine and treat yourself!-

Have you traveled to or explored a town famous for it’s murals? Tell us about the place in the comments!

September 4, 2013

To Nap or To Explore: Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach

While on our camping trip in the Olympic National Park last month we were faced with an important decision: To Nap or Not to Nap? After an early lunch on our first full day, we had to decide with whether to try putting Bergen (2 years old) down for a nap or to press on and explore more of the coastal area beyond the boarders of our campground.

We feared it may have been too early for him to go down, and since Bergen had such a good night’s sleep, we decided on the latter. We made the short 15 minute drive north from our base at Kalaloch to Ruby Beach (with a detour at the Big Cedar Tree). When we arrived and turned the corner on the short trail down to the beach, I was immediately thankful that we scratched the nap idea.

Who knows if he would have napped? Who knows for how long the nap would have lasted? And who knows if we would have ventured back out of camp after all? Also, we could just try for a nap when we returned.

Instead of napping in his tent, Bergen took a break and rested in the backpack carrier. As we walked along the beach full of sea stacks, driftwood, and silky smooth rocks worn down by the constant ebb and flow of the sea, we actually got a break ourselves. Bergen was content taking in everything from above while we relaxed into our walk without a worry of chasing after a pair of mini (but quick) legs.

Ruby Beach is popular even on foggy, misty day like this one. While it might look like spring or fall, we were visiting in what I think of as the middle of summer here in Western Washington, early August. High travel season. After talking to the ranger, it turns out though that the coastal areas in which we were visiting have their best sunny-clear-blue-sky weather in June and July. We were just a week or so shy of those glorious sunsets we’d heard about.

To break free from the crowds, we only needed to walk a short distance from the immediate entrance area and then we felt like we had the beach to ourselves with just a few fishermen and other meandering visitors.

We definitely had to be mindful of the tides here. As the water climbed higher and higher and with so many large rocks and obstacles in the way, we realized at one point, it would be pretty tricky to get back if we didn’t act quickly. This turned into a natural end to our little Ruby Beach exploration.

And if you’re wondering whether or not a later nap worked out, just like the early nap…it didn’t happen. We apparently missed that sweet-spot, and the little guy was not at all interested in sleep. We were okay with that. It just meant we could get back to the beach, and then back to camp for an early bedtime!

How do you handle naps (for your little ones or YOU!) while traveling?

August 30, 2013

Getting His Trail Legs: The Swamp Monster Trail in Issaquah, WA

Bergen (2 years) is in the in-between phase in his hiking abilities. For me this is a nice stage to be in: Able to hike a good way on his own 2 feet, but still manageable enough to tote around in the carrier when his legs grow tired.

Another built-in adventure opportunity came along on a recent Saturday morning. We had a few items to shop for that were necessary for our upcoming camping trip, so we planned our shopping destinations around a hike I’ve been meaning to try out with Bergen.

I heard about the hike, the Swamp Monster Trail in Issaquah, WA near Tiger Mountain, from another Seattle area blogger, Joy Fitness and Style. When I learned that the trail was flat, relatively short, and included a delightful little story that unfolded along the way, I was sold. What a perfect place for Bergen to get some hiking experience under his belt!

While I know we aren’t going to exclusively switch to shorter more kid-friendly hikes, they do have their benefits and an important place in helping little ones gain confidence and experience with hiking. Here’s what we really loved about the pint-sized trail hike:

A Short Trail Slows Us Down. The hike is low-key without any big destination to reach like a view point or special natural phenomenon, so that allowed us to take our time, and enjoy the scenery even more. We felt okay when Bergen wanted to stop every 5 minutes (or 2 minutes, or 1 minute…) to point out a spider, leaf or piece of dirt because we weren’t in a big hurry to get anywhere.

Less is More. Because of Bergen and his toddler-sized perspective we got to discover things that we usually just pass on by. We let him lead the way, and he guided us to slugs, snails, special rocks, and even a robin’s egg. Sure we didn’t cover a lot of ground on this particular hike, but sometimes quality is better than quantity.

Easier on Little Legs. This hike was a complete success for Bergen because of it’s lack of steep climbs and tricky terrain to maneuver around. Not having to worry about these aspects allowed him to focus and concentrate on the more important parts of hiking, like bounding down the trail full speed ahead!

Less Crowded. Maybe we were just lucky, but from what I can see, these types of trails aren’t as popular with the “regular, kid-less” folks, so we got to explore free from the masses of people that tend to descend upon the I-90 corridor on the weekends.

Info to Know:

The Swamp Monster Trail is located just off I-90 in Issaquah, Washington near the Tiger Mountain at the Tradition Lake:
- Directions from the Washington Trails Association
- Discover Pass (only $30 annually) or $10 day pass required for parking
- Out and back is about 2 miles.
No strollers
Check out the map at the trailhead and follow signs for the Swamp Monster Trail carefully. We ended up making a “wrong turn”, and didn’t get to read the end of the story!
Trailhead has non-flushing toilets.

Do you have an easy, introductory hike near you? We’d love to hear all about it!

Looking for more Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hikes?

Grab our Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hiking Guide!

August 27, 2013

Sleep for Camping Toddlers

Before our camping trip to Washington’s Olympic National Park earlier this month, we had some concerns with how a few things would work logistically with a toddler in tow.

Ruby Beach: Olympic National Park | WildTalesof.com

We wanted our meals to work well. They didn’t need to be gourmet, but we also wanted to do more than heat up a can of chili.

We also wanted to make sure we packed the right supplies. We didn’t want to bring too much, but we also didn’t want to be lacking in anything.

We wanted to set-up camp in the most efficient way possible. We wondered how we would get everything done while still making sure Bergen was safe, and Norman (the dog) wasn’t running amok or barking his head off.

What weighed most heavily on both of our minds though was sleep: Not so much for ourselves (though that’s great too), but for our soon-to-be 2 year old. Visions of Bergen screaming in the middle of the night waking the entire campground, and worries of him not falling asleep in the first place because of the foreign environment kept us up in the nights leading up to our trip.

To try and ease our minds, we thought logically. He sleeps well at home and he sleeps well when we travel to non-camping destinations. We simply had to do our best to ensure that all his usual sleep routines, comforts and associations were somehow represented in this outdoor situation.

Sleep for your Camping Toddler

Tip: Analyze your child’s sleeping arrangement at home, then plan and figure out how to replicate the set-up at your camp site.

Here’s what worked for our little guy who at home sleeps in his own room (right next to ours) in a crib:

1. Supplies

His usual comfort items: special “lovies” and blanket
Fleece footed pajamas and a fleece sleep sack for extra warmth (temperatures got to 50 degrees F at night)
Battery operated Sound Machine for white noise
Sleeping bag
Go-Crib Adventure Crib
Tent (Kelty 2-person)

2. Set-up

Since Bergen sleeps in his own room at home, we felt that our sleeping situation while camping should be no different. We are lucky to have 2 tents, so we set up both side by side at the campsite. His portable crib fit perfectly in our 2-person Kelty tent.

3. Routine

With modifications respective to our camping situation, we followed Bergen’s normal bedtime routine. After dinner, he gets into his pajamas, we read stories while he drinks a little cup of milk, then we put him in his sleep sack, brush his teeth & say good night. He sees all of these activities as sleep associations, so I feel like he really understood that it was time for bed and time to sleep. It was important for me to go through this routine meticulously in my mind before our trip so that I didn’t forget anything integral to the process!

4. Flexibility

While we were very serious with our planning, we also went into the whole sleeping situation with an open mind. Bergen usually goes to bed around 7:30 pm, but on the first night we were worried that he might not feel like it was truly time to sleep until it was dark (he has blackout curtains at home). Instead of being strict, we waited until about 9pm to ease some of that worry. For the second night, since he went without a nap that day he was more than ready to go down before the sun. I also knew that he wouldn’t wake up at his usual time, and expected an earlier wake up.

We hoped for the best, but knew that one of us might need to go in to comfort and reassure him. In the end, he was a champion sleeper! We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome with him falling asleep easily at bedtime, and giving us a reasonable wake-up call at 7:00 am. Our only sleep hiccup was that we missed his sleep window for an afternoon nap on our first full day at camp. We merely waited too long, and it was too late for him to get to sleep. It turned out alright though because it made it that much more easy to get him to bed that night!

Sleep for the Camping Toddler | WildTalesof.com

Have you gone camping with children? What was the sleep set-up like? How did it go?

More of our camping adventures:

Chinook Book-Seattle and Puget Sound 2014 Giveaway

How We Use it and Why We Love Chinook Book Print Version:

How We Use it and Why We Love Chinook Book Mobile Version:

More to Love:

Notes:

To Enter The Giveaway:

Winner Winner…

Thanks to everyone who entered! Winners have been chosen and this giveaway contest is now closed.

Seattle Area Adventure: Play and Eat (and save!) in Green Lake

Do you have a favorite recreation spot in your hometown? Tell us about your go-to place in the comments!

Making our Way to Door County, Wisconsin: Algoma and It’s Murals

Have you traveled to or explored a town famous for it’s murals? Tell us about the place in the comments!

To Nap or To Explore: Olympic National Park’s Ruby Beach

How do you handle naps (for your little ones or YOU!) while traveling?

Getting His Trail Legs: The Swamp Monster Trail in Issaquah, WA

Do you have an easy, introductory hike near you? We’d love to hear all about it!

Looking for more Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hikes?

Sleep for Camping Toddlers

Facebook

Pinterest

How We Use it and Why We Love Chinook Book Print Version:

How We Use it and Why We Love Chinook Book Mobile Version:

More to Love:

Notes:

To Enter The Giveaway:

Winner Winner…

Thanks to everyone who entered! Winners have been chosen and this giveaway contest is now closed.

Related Posts

Do you have a favorite recreation spot in your hometown? Tell us about your go-to place in the comments!

Related Posts

Have you traveled to or explored a town famous for it’s murals? Tell us about the place in the comments!

Related Posts

How do you handle naps (for your little ones or YOU!) while traveling?

Related Posts

Do you have an easy, introductory hike near you? We’d love to hear all about it!

Looking for more Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hikes?

Related Posts

Related Posts

Pinterest