Check out the Edgewater!

The Edgewater is located on Pier67 it’s the only over-water hotel in Seattle. Zoning changes will never allow anything like this to be built again! It was built for the opening of the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962. It has hosted famous guests including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, President Clinton and many more. It allowed guests in the North wing to fish from your room. I was recently invited to share in my friend’s anniversary dinner and really enjoyed the food, service and being right on the water overlooking Elliott Bay and West Seattle. If you want to go out for a special event you should give it a try. Prices are high and in the summer months I was told it is extremely busy and you need to make reservations. ENJOY

Outdoor Adventure Websites

Why sit inside when a world of adventure waits out your front door? www.rei.com – In addition to selling gear, REI offers an array of classes (many of them free) to help prepare you for everything from cycling and hiking to camping and climbing. www.geartrade.com – Gear can be pricey, but you can buy it used for a fraction of the price at this site. www.nps.gov – Find a U.S. National Park near you to begin exploring today.

Efficient House Cleaning

Get yourself in the right mindset and clean your home more efficiently. 1. Schedule cleaning as a job. 2. Wear comfortable, washable clothing. Have aprons, goggles, and cleaning gloves handy, if needed. 3. Invest in well-made cleaning tools. 4. Pick up clutter before cleaning.

Try a New Exercise Routine

If you’re going to maintain an exercise routine, you need to enjoy it. You can, if you find the exercise that fits your personality. There are several quizzes you can take online (try the one at exercise.about.com, and search for “exercise quiz”), but here are some quick tips:  Personality: “I get bored easily.” Sign up for Zumba, an aerobic dance class that will get you moving. A dance studio or sports club usually offers these classes.  Personality: “I am a competitive person.” Try CrossFit. Go to www.crossfit.com to learn about these timed, intense exercises in which participants compete against one another. Then search the local area for a CrossFit gym.  Personality: “I want to relax.” Yoga may be for you. Researchers say doing even 15 minutes a day can lower stress in your body. Search for a yoga studio.  Personality: “I prefer to exercise alone.” You can get a total body workout in minutes by swimming a few laps at a recreation center or YMCA. Plus, it’s better on your joints.  Personality: “I love to socialize.” Join a team (softball or volleyball, for example) or start a running club with friends. You’ll have fun and hold each other accountable.  Personality: “I love to get my heart pumping.” Sign up for Spinning at a local fitness club. It’s fast-paced indoor cycling that includes lights and music to make it a fun adventure.

Teaching Kids Life Skills

Teaching kids how to approach and solve life’s challenges is one of the biggest jobs parents face. Here are a few tips to help your children (or grandchildren) grow into self-sufficient and responsible adults: • Teach Kids To Look For Solutions. When kids are faced with a problem, have them identify several options and solutions. Then you can help them choose which solution works best. • Teach Kids Responsibility: Let kids know they are responsible for their actions. They have to do their homework, but you can offer them two “positive choice” options: Do you want to do it in 15 minutes or 30 minutes? Teach them how to organize, and give them the tools to stay organized (calendar, palm pilot, notebook). • Teach Kids How To Make Good Choices. Giving kids choices empowers them to make their own decisions. Have them weigh the pros and cons of their choice, and let them make the decisions. • Teach Kids How To Deal with Failure. Teach your children that failure is not personal, permanent, or pervasive (i.e. losing a soccer game doesn’t mean you’re bad at other things as well). Developing a positive explanatory style early in life will help your children live a happier, healthier and more successful adult life.

Hobbies And Your Health

Doctors at Harvard Medical School found people who have hobbies are able to handle stress better. Hobbies like painting, wood working, knitting, or making pottery, have a calming effect on people and distract them from everyday worries. And they can give you a sense of satisfaction. Research suggests it strengthens your immunity, and studies show that men with hobbies were less likely to die of stroke or heart disease.

Find a Hidden Gem at Schmitz Preserve Park

Have you ever wondered what the Seattle forests looked like? Well the last of our untouched old growth forest is located in West Seattle! Former parks commissioner Ferdinand Schmitz was watching our forest rapidly disappear and decided to act. His 1908 donation allowed a small piece of it to remain as nature intended. Enjoy!

How to Say No (Nicely)

Saying “no” to friends, family, and coworkers often means you get to say “yes” to your own needs. Doing so politely means people still like you! Here are ways to say no that won’t alienate others:  When your boss gives you a new assignment: “That project sounds interesting. I already have a lot on my plate, what should I put on the back burner to accommodate this?”  When you’re asked to give to a charity: “I’ve already donated my planned amount this month (or year), but tell me more about this charity for my next charitable round of giving.”  When you’re asked to lend your truck for a move: “I’m sorry, I don’t loan out my vehicle, but let’s talk about the date – maybe I can do the driving myself.”  When you’re asked to run the school bake sale – again: “You know, I think I’ve done the last two. Why don’t we see if someone else can take a turn?”

landscaping will attract buyers to my home

Here are some ideas to get more offers on your property.  Consider a low-maintenance landscaping concept. Having little or no natural grass (try rock gardens) is perfect for busy professionals and retirees looking at your home. Also, consider using native plants because they are colorful, require little fertilizer, and need no additional water or special attention.  Keep your foundation plants pruned. Make sure plants are low enough against the windows and railings. This keeps a well-maintained appearance and makes your home look more secure.  If you are short on time, hire a professional. A professional landscaper can rid your lawn of weeds and dead spots. This ensures a healthy-looking yard.

Hurricane Ridge Viewpoint

Located 18 miles from Port Angeles in the Olympic National Park you can drive to the visitor center at an elevation of 5,242 feet. A 1.6 mile paved trail is perfect for non-hikers. Hikers have moderate to severe trials that descend to subalpine lakes. The visitor center has a gift-shop, snack bar, picnic areas and visitor tips. The mountain views along with views of Victoria and Mount Baker will astound you! Be prepared for strong winds (hence the name) and the possibility of snow even in the summer. It is rare to have a well maintained road lead this high into the mountains. Enjoy!

Improve Your Vision With Berries!

The Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University has discovered that the humble blueberry and its European cousin, the bilberry are a uniquely rich source of the powerful antioxidant, anthocyanin. Anthocyanin gives grapes, blackberries, and blueberries their deep blue-violet coloring. Bilberry extract has been used in Europe and Japan as a natural vision-enhancer for years. Beta-carotene combined with 400 mgs. of bilberry have been shown to significantly improve the ability to see in dim light, especially at night. Bilberry extract appears to strengthen the tiny blood vessels behind the eye and prevent macular degeneration. There is strong research-backed evidence that anthocyanin may protect the brain cells from the wear and tear of extended life. They shield the neurotransmitters from age-related changes in the brain. The antioxidants in blueberries could help preserve our memory, as we get older. The Nutrition Research Center suggests eating fresh blueberries for the maximum benefit, or substitute a good bilberry extract from the health food store.

Kenmore Air – Seattle Scenic Tour

I have flown Kenmore Air to Victoria and it was an amazing experience. They are currently offering a seaplane flight tour of the Emerald City that you will love! Everyone gets a window seat on this 30 minute sightseeing flight from Lake Union. Book a trip Thursday – Sunday and they operate daily this summer. Soar over the University of Washington campus, Elliott Bay, West Seattle and the houseboat community. The flight is just $99. with a two person limit which isn’t cheap but it will not be forgotten! Out of town guests will be really impressed. Kenmore Air was established in 1946 and operates a fleet of 23 aircraft. www.kenmoreair.com / 425-486-1257

Golf Instruction

The golf industry has undergone a significant resurgence this last year. Tee times are hard to come by on weekends. I really noticed the change on rainy days when courses were usually empty, now tee boxes are still full. As a lifetime golfer I am very pleased to see so many new golfers and more rounds being played. The fall / winter of 2005-2006 I took over 20 lessons to improve my game and it stuck. GOLFTEC is the nations recognized leader in golf improvement with over 9 million lessons given and a 96% satisfaction rate. Their training program will start you on a path to a lifetime of better golf. They begin with a swing evaluation; confirm proper club fitting, provide instant video feedback, technology in the training bays, and a personal coach. The dedicated personal coach understands your success is their success and will stand by you to help you achieve your personal goals. They also offer enhanced putting lessons, short game clinics, and on the course personal instruction. They offer a wide variety of pricing packages starting at $100. www.golftec.com

Youth on the Course

Growing the game is always a top priority and there is no better place to add participants than with the next generation. Washington Golf was founded in 1922 and has grown into one of the largest amateur associations in the United States. They provide support to over 70,000 golfers and 650 member golf facilities. Youth ages 6-18 can join YOC for only $20. giving them access to dozens of top courses for only a $5. green fee. Chambers Bay, Suncadia, Gold Mountain, McCormic Woods, and (my old home course) Jackson for only $5.00 per round. I wish I had something like that available when I was young. Go play!! wagolf.org/yoc

Be Kind To Your Teeth

Do you want to spend more time at the dentist’s office? Change these bad “teeth habits.” And see your dentist for regular checkups. Avoid: Chewing on ice. Ice cubes can chip or crack teeth. Fix: Drink ice-less beverages or drink through a straw. Chew sugarless gum instead if you need an alternate “chewing” activity. Avoid: Using teeth as tools. They’re meant for chewing, not opening small packages. Fix: Find the right tool to get the job done. Avoid: Nail-biting. It causes stress on your jaw from holding it in an unnatural position. Fix: Use bitter-tasting nail polishes and keep your hands busy. Avoid: Grinding or clenching teeth, which wears them down. Fix: Wear a mouth-guard to bed.

Practice Positivity

Positive people tend to have fewer health problems and live longer lives than pessimists. The good news is if you’re not typically the bubbly type, you can learn an optimist’s skills to help improve your health and how you feel. How to do it: First, determine the things that make you feel the happiest. It might be spending time with positive friends or favorite family members, walking the dog, or watching a funny TV show. Helping others tends to help you feel better too. Next, schedule one of those things in every day’s agenda. Make it a necessary part of your day. Focus on positive thoughts. When a negative thought arises, pause and find a way to spin it to the positive. Even if you don’t believe it at first, just thinking it or saying it aloud can affect your outlook. For example, change “No one wants to talk to me” to “I’ll find a way to talk to others at least once today.” Make being healthier a priority. Exercise boosts your mood and has been proven to reduce stress, which can increase negativity in your life. A healthy diet makes your body and mind feel better, making it easier to be positive. Avoid negative people. Nothing sidetracks a positive day like someone who always has something negative to say. It won’t happen overnight, but after practicing positivity for a few weeks you’re sure to have a better outlook.

Sleep On it: Dreams May Help You Solve Problems

Did you know Paul McCartney composed “Yesterday” in a dream? Studies show that when you dream, you’re more open-minded and may see things from a different perspective. Here are two different approaches you might try to solve a problem or increase your creativity: 1. Clear your mind before you go to sleep. Read a book, talk about something else, go to sleep, and trust your subconscious. 2. Focus on the problem you want to resolve. Form it into a question (for example, “What should I say to have a successful meeting?”), write it down, and visualize a positive outcome. With either method, write down what you remember about your dreams when you wake up. They may be illogical, but the imagery or events could be a metaphor for a solution that relates to your problem. These techniques require a positive attitude and lots of practice, but they can help you! For further information, look up the work of dream psychologists, such as author Deirdre Barrett.

10 Ways to Strengthen Your Family

Here are 10 positive key strategies that you can use today to improve and strengthen your family now…and for years to come. 1. Make Family Your First Priority. Strong families spend lots of quality time together. We’ve all heard the well-known quote, “How do kids spell love?” T-I-M-E! Strong families spend lots of positive time working on family projects and playing together. And they enjoy being together too. 2. Appreciate One Other. Strong families appreciate each other’s unique qualities and contributions and express their feelings openly. Make a commitment to compliment each other at least once each day. 3. Foster Communication. Strong families listen to each other, respect each other’s opinions, and avoid interrupting. One of the most valuable ways to foster communication is by having at least one meal together each day. During the meal, make it a point to engage everyone on their daily experiences, discoveries, challenges and goals. 4. Strengthen Commitment. Strong families work together to solve their problems. They may not always agree, but they are willing and able to bring things out into the open and to talk about them. 5. Create Traditions. Strong families stay connected – another reason for having at least one meal together each day. Also, give your children the gift of friendship with their cousins, aunts, and uncles by keeping in touch regularly. You’ll be giving them happy memories and friendships to last a lifetime. 6. Set Rules and Expectations. Strong families set and put into practice clear guidelines and limitations. Family members take responsibility for their actions. 7. Support Each Other. Strong families support one another during challenging times. When family members feel valued by one another, they know they have someone they can turn to for support. 8. Identify Your Family’s Strengths. Have each family member write down something he/she likes about each family member (animals included!). Put them up on a bulletin board or refrigerator magnets for everyone to see. 9. Set Achievable Family Goals. Setting and achieving family goals, even if they are small, cultivates success and creates unity. Set goals together whether it’s saving for a family trip, a car, or a new home. The ideas are endless. 10. Strong Families Love Unconditionally. Strong families love with unconditional acceptance that builds strong heart and faith connections.

Landscaping as an Investment

Good landscaping can increase your home’s resale value by 14 percent, according to the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Better curb appeal may speed up the sale by as much as six weeks. Professionals recommend that you invest 10 percent of your home’s value in landscaping. More than just plantings, this includes structural features such as lighting, outdoor rooms, fences and pools. Here are some helpful tips: • Determine what you need. Are you landscaping to sell your home or to enjoy the property yourself for the longer term. • Get professional guidance. Depending on the scope of your project and budget, consider hiring an arborist, a landscape designer or a certified landscape architect. Ask friends for recommendations or search web sites such as the one for The American Society of Landscape Architects. • Develop a plan. Set your priorities ─ what needs to be done (have you solved that drainage problem?) versus what you’d like to do (put in an outdoor entertainment area). If you take a piecemeal approach, the result will look disorganized and cost you more money in the long run.

Pike Place Market Recovery

The Pike Place Market Foundation has raised $2.9 million so far to support small businesses, a community safety net, and social services for those affected by the crisis. The Market is open with safety protocols in place daily from 9-5 but traffic is a fraction of normal. Our favorite vendors need your help. www.marketfoundation.org

Good Friendships = Health and Happiness

Good friendships are good for your health and happiness, but you need to nurture them. Here are three reminders of small things you can do to be a better friend. Be there for your friends, in good times and bad. The most valuable thing you have to give is your time. Let friends know you care about and appreciate them. When was the last time you made a simple gesture, like a phone call or personal visit instead of an email or text? If a friend needs to talk, it’s your turn to listen. Give advice or offer your opinion, but only if your friend asks for it. Of course, keep your conversations private. Be ready to share when you need to get advice; keep it real. Keep it fresh and dynamic. Introduce your friends to other friends. One-on-one is wonderful, but adding new friends to your circle can bring different viewpoints, interests and personalities. Be open to trying new things and letting your friends take the lead.

Signs Your Parents Need Help

The elderly population is expected to double by 2025. It’s a fact of life we have to face sooner or later: At some point, one or both of your parents, as independent as they seem to be, are going to need extra help at home. Approach the situation carefully, but keep an eye out for these early signs you may notice when you visit them.  Difficulty getting around. Are they having trouble with the stairs or getting in the shower or bathtub? There are adjustments you can make to their home to make it safer, such as removing small area rugs, installing grab bars in the shower and using nightlights to light the path to the bathroom.  Physical health issues. Are they making their doctor appointments? They may be limiting their social activities because they can’t hear or see as well as they should. Do they keep a list of their medications? Some older people are, in fact, over-medicated. Offer to go with them on one of their next appointments.  Forgetfulness. Do they remember things you talked about? Do you see unpaid bills on the table? Is the house clean and is the dirty laundry under control? Is there food in the refrigerator? Work with them on solutions, such as hiring a cleaning service or considering a meal delivery option. There are many resources available to help you help them. Check out sites such as the National Council on Aging (www.ncoa.org), www.care.com and www.agingcare.com. To engage their minds and keep them (or anyone over 50) up-to-date on aging issues, take a look at www.aarp.org.