All in Seattle

Spring time at Pike Place Market

Spring time at Pike Place Market

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

On any given day, Pike Place Market is swarming with tourists. However, I always manage to walk away feeling inspired by its endless array of sights, sounds and colors. When I visit Pike Place Market, I like to treat to myself to a bunch of fresh flowers for our home. There usually are a large array of bouquets to choose from for five, ten or fifteen dollars. I realize some people view fresh flowers as a waste of money, but the amount of joy they provide me far surpasses their monetary cost. The fresher the flowers the longer they will last, a little tip is to ask what they received on that particular day.

Washington State Ferries

Washington State Ferries

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel, Seattle

Ferries are not only useful in getting us from Point A to Point B, but they are also extremely scenic. One of the best ways to experience first hand all the beauty of Washington state has to offer is by getting out on the water. From a ferry you can enjoy sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, witness sea life galore or cruise between tree covered islands. Although I enjoy going anywhere on a ferry, my favorite ferry ride will always be through the San Juan Islands. In the past, I used to dread having to wait in line for hours in the Summer, but Reservations are now available for Washington State Ferries which makes waiting hours in lines a thing of the past. 

Port Townsend

Port Townsend

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Travel, Seattle

This past weekend we wanted to go on a little family adventure for the day, so we hopped on the Southworth Ferry and drove up to Port Townsend. Port Townsend makes for a great day trip from Seattle because there are cute shops, a few fun places to eat and gorgeous views of the Puget Sound and ferries breezing by. Whenever we hop aboard a ferry we always feel like we have gone somewhere exciting!

Tulips, tulips, and more more tulips

Tulips, tulips, and more more tulips

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Outdoor adventures

The tulips were so beautiful that when my parents invited us to go back up to see them for my Mom's birthday we jumped at the chance. It was a rare treat to spend the day with them. Watching them interact with Jasper and seeing how much they love him makes my heart swell. Once again the sun was shining and it was a perfect Spring day. Half joking I asked my Dad if he wanted to strap on the Ergo carrier and carry around Jasper and eagerly he obliged. It was fun to see how happy and proud he was to carry him around the tulips.   

Easter weekend

Easter weekend

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Parenting

If there is one thing you can never count on around here it is the weather report. The forecast called for gloomy weather over Easter weekend and it ended up being the exact opposite- it was glorious! As a result we spent almost the entire weekend outside; drinking in the fresh air, going on long walks, visiting the new Top Pot that opened in our neighborhood and eating a delicious meal at Chandler's. My advice to anyone who says you cannot take an infant to a nice restaurant; is dress them up. Instead of getting dirty looks people go crazy for them and comment on how adorable they look. Easter was also the perfect excuse to get dressed up and take a few family photos in the backyard. 

Hiking with a little one

Hiking with a little one

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Seattle, Parenting, Outdoor adventures

As a parent I often daydream of sharing certain experiences with my children. From the moment I was pregnant with our first son, Asher, I could hardly wait for all the hiking and camping we would eventually do with him. Flash forward three years and my dreams of hiking with my child have finally come true.

Although this is not the first time we have taken Jasper hiking this is the first time he was wide awake and attentive for the entire experience. In the event he was cranky or unhappy we decided to do one of our favorite short hikes- Rattlesnake Ridge. On the ascent up the mountain Jasper was so quiet I kept checking on him to see if he was asleep. He wasn't asleep, rather keenly interested in every bird tweeting and tree branch blowing in the wind. Since Jasper is still so young and relatively light, we were able to carry him in our Ergobaby. For our hike we tried to keep things simple; we packed a few extra layers in case the weather took a turn for the worst, a change of clothes and a hat for him. We also brought along our baby essentials- diapers, wipes, burp cloth and pacifier. This wonderful Saturday morning spent hiking has made me eager for warmer weather and more hikes as a family.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Weekend, Seattle

The Chihuly Garden and Glass has been around for a couple years now, but we finally made it over there to check it. Although we are very familiar with Chihuly's work it was fun to be able to see it so artfully staged. We have seen his work previously at the Tacoma Glass Museum, the Bellagio hotel and have even had the privilege of visiting his Lake Union home. At the Chihuly Garden and Glass you are able to witness a variety of his work from spheres to chandeliers and more free flowing pieces. I am always impressed with the uniqueness Chihuly is able to create with glass as his medium and I have never seen his work so beautifully lit.

Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington

Cherry blossoms at the University of Washington

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle, Weekend

Each Spring we make it a point to head over to the University of Washington to view the spectacular cherry blossoms in the Quad. And each year just like clockwork I have the same thought- why don't we come here more often. With the days getting longer and warmer weather upon us it seems like the perfect place to allow your child to explore and run free on a beautiful Spring day. These particular trees are over eighty years old and are well maintained and loved by students and Seattle residents alike. Here is a little Q & A about these particular cherry blossoms. 

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

2014 was a wonderful year, no doubt it had its share of hard days, but overall 2014 showed me who I am and what I am capable of. On New Year's Eve we went over to our friend's house for a low key celebration. They have a killer view of downtown Seattle from their condo, so we knew it would be the perfect spot to see the fireworks off the Space Needle. As we rang in the new year and I watched my husband so lovingly holding our son I am reminded of what a big year 2014 was. 2014 I liked you!

Christmas Ships 2014

Christmas Ships 2014

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

Over the past nine years we have made it an annual tradition to go on the Argosy Christmas ships. This was not only the first year for Jasper, but the first year we invited friends along. I will be the first to admit it was a little more challenging having a baby along this year however most of the evening's highlights included him. Some of the highlights of the evening include Jasper meeting Santa for the first time, clear skies and unseasonably warm temperatures which made being outside on the deck of the ship quite lovely and Jasper wearing the cutest little Santa hat and down suit looking like he just arrived from the North Pole. 

Lake Union Park

Lake Union Park

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

With mild temperatures much of the year, Seattle is the perfect place to live if you enjoy spending time outdoors. The South Lake Union neighborhood has seen rapid growth in the past few years, one of our favorite places being Lake Union Park. The park provides easy access to both green space and the water from the downtown core and celebrates the cultural, maritime, and industrial heritage of the city and region. Included within Lake Union Park is the Center for Wooden Boats,MOHAI, a boat launch, a picnic area, a splash area in the Summer and a pond for sailing miniature wooden boats.

Christmas Tree Shopping

Christmas Tree Shopping

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

Since Jasper joined our family we have experienced a resurgence in Christmas cheer. As many of you know Asher's due date was Christmas day, so the past couple of Christmases have been downright hard. It has been easy to allow disappointment and sadness to linger throughout the season instead of peace and joy. Now that we have another little one in our family, we thought it was high time to get back into the swing of things. The funny thing with grief is how it bubbles up in the form of sadness, frustration, jealousy or anger especially during the holidays. After taking the past couple of years off this year we had our tree purchased and decorated the day before Thanksgiving. Although I am not one to typically rush Thanksgiving out, it just happened to work best with our schedule. 

Walking around Greenlake

Walking around Greenlake

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

These past few weeks since Jasper was born have been a blur. Between the enormous departure from our previous schedules and sleep deprivation it is easy for each day to blur into the other. "What did we do yesterday?" is a common question around our house these days.  While we have been out and about people usually inquire about how old our child is. Once they realize how young he is, they usually exclaim how they are surprised we are out and about.

As we adjust to our new life, one thing we have tried to do every single day is leave the house. Some days it might just be a run to Target or the grocery store while other days it could be going out to lunch, going on a walk or visiting a friend. Something I realized early on is how much work is associated with leaving the house with a newborn, but also how much better I feel when I make the effort and leave the house. 

Matt's in the Market

Matt's in the Market

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

I realize I am probably the last person in Seattle to dine at Matt's in the Market, but in the event there are others of you out there might I convince you it is worth the hype. On my birthday after work we went to Matt's in the Market for an early dinner. I really enjoy getting to a restaurant once they open or being able to get an early seating time because there is nothing I despise more than going somewhere nice and not being able to hear my handsome date talk to me. 

We started the meal with beet salads and then enjoyed seafood stew and halibut. The seafood stew had a ginger based broth and I simply raved about the unique flavor combination throughout the rest of the meal. We ended dinner with dessert which is something we rarely ever do and enjoyed an inventive candy bar square. There is something so satisfying about delicious food and wonderful company, it is the perfect combination for any occasion. 

Totokaelo

Totokaelo

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

There are some spaces so fresh, organized and calming you desire to stay in them all day, Totokaelo is one of those spaces. I find when shopping if you want to stop, touch and pick up everything then chances are you have found a store which speaks to you. From their housewares to their shoe wall I could envision owning most of what was in their store. Unfortunately, on the day I was visiting my feet were a bit swollen from being pregnant and none of the shoes were fitting to my liking. Venturing back here post baby is high up on my to do list. 

Oddfellows Cafe + Bar, Seattle WA

Oddfellows Cafe + Bar, Seattle WA

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

On my birthday I hoped for two things: I wanted there to be sunshine at some point in the day and I wanted to have brunch somewhere I had never been. I am happy to report, both of these things came to pass and were the perfect start to my special day. I decided to meet my friend, Kristi, at Oddfellows for brunch because I continuously hear good things about it. The weather that morning was so bright and sunny we were able to sit outside and enjoy our brunch al fresco. Sunshine and seventy degree weather in the middle of October is pretty much the best birthday present I could possibly ask for. 

Mamnoon

Mamnoon

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

Last year, Seattle Met voted Mamnoon the best restaurant in Seattle. Ever since we read the reviews we have been meaning to head over and check it out. Mamnoon summarizes its food as a modern union of middle eastern cuisines.  A year later we finally made it and all I can say is WOW! The flavor combinations were dynamite and the food left you feeling satisfied, but not overly stuffed. 

One of my absolute favorite things to do is try new restaurants where the food created is stuff I would never think to make on my own. Pair the adventure of a new place with an evening out with friends and you have yourself the perfect night out in my book.  

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

The Seattle Japanese Garden is a wonderful place this time of year. The maple trees have started to turn from green to fiery oranges and reds. The large pond in the center of the garden, is a fun place to spend some time watching the koi fish and turtles laze about. When planning your visit to the Japanese Garden, if you go early in the day you can have the place to yourselves even on the weekends. 

Spooked in Seattle Tour

Spooked in Seattle Tour

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

If you are looking for something festive, unique and spooky for Halloween then may I suggest taking a Spooked in Seattle Tour. Whether you really believe in ghosts or spirits is beside the point, this evening tour guides you through the heart of Pioneer Square as they speak of Seattle's sordid past. Did you know Pioneer Square is believed to hold some of the most haunted places in Seattle? The Spooked in Seattle Tours are given by real life ghost hunters and their enthusiasm for the topic shines through during the entire tour. Grab a group of friends, dress is something ghoulish and head out for a bite to eat followed by a nighttime walk through the streets of Seattle with a Spooked in Seattle Tour. 

An evening at Glasswing with Seattle Bloggers Unite

An evening at Glasswing with Seattle Bloggers Unite

Lisette Wolter-McKinley
Seattle

I have loved everything about Glasswing from the moment they opened their brick and mortar store on Capitol Hill. The owners, Forest and Lisa, are amongst the most genuine and eager shop owners you will encounter. Their passion for both their brand and their products radiates in everything they do. I have known for awhile I have wanted to team up with them for an evening with Seattle Bloggers Unite.

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