Volunteer Park

Located in the heart of the city Volunteer Park offers 48 acres of parkland and tons of variety! The City of Seattle acquired the land in 1876 and hired the Olmstead Brothers to design the park in 1901. Named in honor of the volunteers who fought in the Spanish-American War. A few of the highlights of the park are the Conservatory, the water tower, 1969 Black Sun sculpture, and the Asian Art Museum. The park is full of amazing landscaping and has been designated as a Seattle Historic Landmark and National Historic District.

Burke Museum

There is no better time to explore our amazing museums. The Burke Museum is Washington States oldest museum established in 1899. Attracting over 100,000 visitors annually they have a collection of more than 16 million artifacts. Located on the University of Washington campus their specialty is natural history and Native American collections. I love their dinosaur collection! The Burke offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month and stays open until 8:00pm that evening. www.burkemuseum.org

Seattle’s Great Wheel

If you have not been on the Wheel give it a try! When my sister and her family were in town we jumped on and we enjoyed it more than I expected to! Opened in 2012 and reaching a height of 175 feet it is one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the country. The 12 minute ride seems longer and part of the fun is actually standing in line on the Seattle waterfront. Enjoy the experience!!

Time For New Tires?

Take some time this month to walk around your car, paying special attention to the tires, to stay safe on the road this fall and winter. • Tread: Take a penny with President Lincoln’s head facing down. Place it into each tire’s tread. If you can still see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. If not, you’re good to go! • Pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly. If your tires are losing more than one pound per square inch (PSI) a month, it may be time to have them checked out.

House Plants

Put your green thumb to work and get these plants growing where they serve you best! In the living room:  The peace lily removes mold spores in the air and is relatively low maintenance. Though it can adapt to low light, placing it in a well-lit area will keep it flowering almost nonstop.  Colorful or striking-looking plants like cacti or bird of paradise can add a fun touch to this lively space. In the bedroom:  Weeping figs remove airborne toxins and increase oxygen levels, allowing for better sleeping conditions.  French lavender promotes calm and serenity.  If you have ample sunlight, add aloe, which purifies the air. In the bathroom:  Chinese evergreen is durable and the soil should be kept moist – perfect for a humid room!  Ferns thrive in environments with low light and high humidity. In the kitchen and dining room:  Golden pothos are good hanging plants, so they don’t take up precious counter space.  Bamboo is simple to care for and makes for an interesting table centerpiece.  From rosemary to mint, any sort of herb is welcome in the kitchen.

La Conner Day Trip

The drive to La Conner is worth the trip in itself! On a sunny day the views of the Cascade Mountain Range above the fields in Skagit Valley are amazing. La Conner was first settled in 1867 as a fishing village and safe harbor for ships but today it is almost entirely dependent on tourism. They have a beautiful downtown core with historic buildings right on the Swinomish Channel. La Conner is listed on the National Registry of Historic places so this town will be preserved for the next generations. There is a good reason La Conner is so often voted as the perfect Washington State romantic getaways. While you are there consider checking out the Skagit County Historical Museum, Museum of Northwest Art, or the Pacific Northwest Quilt Arts Museum. Of course there are some fabulous restaurants to enjoy. One of the most popular places to stay is the charming boutique Wild Iris Inn that offers elegant accommodations!

Work Relationships

1. Respect time. Avoid hovering around your colleagues’ work areas if they’re on the phone or speaking with someone else, and respect their professional/personal life balance by keeping work issues at work. 2. Avoid gossip. Office politics and the rumor mill can run rampant, and the best thing you can do is to avoid any conversation that is irrelevant to your job. You never know whom you will have to work with – or for – in the future, so do your best to remain professional to everyone. 3. Be polite. The Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you goes a long way in a professional setting. Say hello and thank you, smile, hold doors open for others, and clean up after yourself. 4. Show concern. It is not your job to solve personal problems, but keep in mind your co-workers are people too. Be mindful that others may be having a bad day or issues beyond the boardroom. If you feel comfortable, it’s okay to check in to make sure everything is alright. 5. Welcome the newcomers. Do you remember your first awkward day of work? Make someone else’s first day on the job easier by smiling and introducing yourself. 6. Follow up and communicate. Simple communication goes a long way in helping to facilitate good relations and clear up misunderstandings. Make yourself approachable so others feel they can discuss work-related projects with you. Managers need to set clear expectations with their employees so there is no question about what is expected from each person.

Maintain Strong Bones

How to maintain strong bones? First, while bone weakness is evident in older Americans, strong bones begin in childhood. Here are four steps you can take today to prevent osteoporosis and maintain strong, healthy bones: 1. Get the recommended amount of daily calcium by drinking milk and eating green leafy vegetables, soybeans, yogurt, and cheese. (1,000 mg of calcium per day). 2. Exercise 30 minutes per day for adults; 60 minutes a day for children. This can be walking, running, or any weight-baring exercise. 3. Get Vitamin D (200 IU), which is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun. It’s also found in fortified milk and cereals 4. Your doctor can order a bone density test (DEXA), which measures bone density at the spine, hip, and wrist where most fractures occur. For more information on osteoporosis, call 1-866-718-BONE, or go to www.surgeongeneral.gov.

6 Ways to Build Stronger Family Bonds

Here are 6 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.

Snoqualmie Falls

This is a wonderful time to visit one of Washington State’s most popular scenic attractions. Big storms with some snowmelt will get this 268-foot waterfall raging! This time of year you will basically have the place to yourself. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the falls every year to enjoy the park, observation decks, and the gift shop. If you have time enjoy a meal in the Salish Lodge. You will appreciate the history boards talking about the hydroelectric plant that began operation in 1899 at the base of the falls. Plant 2 was the world’s first completely underground facility that opened in 1910 and was further expanded in 1957. PSE still produces electricity at the plants today. Hope you can plan a day trip up there soon! Enjoy

4 Parks to Explore on a Nice Spring Day

Here are a few ideas to explore on a nice spring day! • Washington Park Arboretum – The Arboretum is a welcome oasis on the shores of Lake Washington jointly managed by Seattle Parks and the UW. 230 Acres of trees and plants found nowhere else in the NW. • Kubota Gardens – A work of art that will awaken a feeling of serenity, humility, and gratitude. Largest Japanese Garden in the region. 20 acres, 9 ponds, 2 red bridges and 140 maple varieties. • Lake Wilderness Park – Lake Wilderness Park is the crown jewel of Maple Valley. Enjoy their 117 acres with two creek systems, three wetlands, extensive wildlife and outstanding views of Maple Tree forests. • Discovery Park – 534 acre park in Magnolia with a lighthouse on the westernmost point. Amazing views and lots of native trees with a 11.8 mile trail system.

Stop Procrastinating

Procrastinating is a learned behavior. The good news is that it can be combated, as long as you’re focused on how to prevent it. Here are 5 steps to help you stop procrastinating and get in gear this New Year. 1. Get Rid of Distractions – Turn off the phone, shut the door, put on headphones, whatever it takes to drown out tempting diversions. 2. Break Tasks Into Chunks – Things like “wash dishes, do laundry, and vacuum” are more specific, and chances are you’ll be more apt to tackle those tasks than the gargantuan-sounding “clean the house.” 3. Do Your Hardest Task First – The sense of accomplishment when you complete the biggest item on your list first will help propel you forward toward crossing off more things on your list. 4. Perfect is the Enemy of Done – Keep in mind that if you’re only striving for perfection, you’re less likely to even start a project. 5. Reward Yourself – Give yourself a pat on the back for getting stuff done, whether the reward is a night out or simply a favorite treat.

Pricing a Home to Sell

In a hot real estate market, an overpriced home may sell easily. However in a softer market, an overpriced home may sit on the market for months. How long is too long? Well, it depends on the specific market. In general, if a home is on the market more than 2 months with no serious buyer interest, it’s usually a sign of an overpriced home. The first buzz of activity usually occurs in the first month a home is on the market. During that time, there’s lots of activity: scheduled showings, and open houses. If agent activity is slow, it may indicate that agents think the home is overpriced and not worth showing to their clients. If your home is on the market longer than 3 months, and you have no buyer interest, there is either something wrong with the home, or it’s overpriced. What are the tell-tale signs that your home is overpriced? The first thing to examine is other properties in the neighborhood. If your home is priced well above these properties without some specific reason, it may signal a problem. Second, how long has your home been on the market? If it’s longer than 1 month with no buyer interest, it’s time to think about a serious price reduction. Finally, if you priced your home by taking your purchase price and added the cost of any remodeling, you may be disappointed. The value of your home is not determined by how much you have invested into it, but what the market is willing to pay. Be careful not to get “upside down” on your home by spending beyond its market limit with remodeling improvements. If you’re thinking of buying or selling soon, and require competent and caring representation, please call me at 206-226-0565.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Keeping your home in tip-top shape requires regular maintenance. Keep this list handy for tasks that should be done every spring.  Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors. If the alarm doesn’t sound, change the batteries.  Let water run in unused sinks and flush unused toilets. This helps flush out built-up grime.  Clean out gutters. Removing leaves and other blockages keeps build-up from molding and allows water run-off to flow properly.  Check missing or peeling paint. Walk around your house and look for any places that need touchups or repainting.  Trim trees and bushes. Keep hanging branches clear from house walls, the roof, and the window ledges.

Charitable Giving Tips

Use these handy tips to ensure you’re making the best decisions when it comes to doling out charitable gifts. □ Seek out an established charity. Especially in times of crisis or disasters, charities seem to pop up out of nowhere in response. A good check that an organization is established is that it has at least been approved for tax purposes as a non-profit. Ensure charities are registered as tax-exempt with 501(c)(3) status (check IRS.gov for “EO Select Check” to verify that an organization is registered as exempt). □ Research the charity in question. Consider your gift a financial investment and conduct due diligence before deciding how to invest it. Check out sites like charitynavigator.org and guidestar.org, which have done a lot of the work by vetting organizations based on criteria like financial stability, funding, transparency, and ethical practices. □ Give an unrestricted donation. Once you’ve established the organization handles its funds well, consider giving money that isn’t earmarked for a specific effort. This gives the charity freedom to decide how to use the gift (and lets it decide what is most helpful). □ Look for a matching gift. Find out if your place of employment, church, social club, or a neighborhood business is currently offering to match financial gifts to certain charities. Taking advantage of a matching effort helps the donation go even further.

Good Credit Score

Obtaining a decent financing rate and snagging a good deal on big-ticket items like cars and a home often depends on the quality of your credit score. There are a lot of things you can do to keep yours high.  Get a copy of your credit report. You can review your credit report for free once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com, so take advantage! This is your opportunity to make sure your data hasn’t been compromised and inaccuracies haven’t slipped through since you last reviewed. Look for variations of your name, unfamiliar addresses, and accounts you didn’t open. Your information may have gotten mixed up with someone else’s, or you may have caught an identity thief in the act.  Dispute errors. If there is inaccurate information on your credit report, file disputes with the lender and bureau(s) reporting the error(s). If you have documentation proving your case but the creditor believes the notation is accurate, a credit bureau agent will review the documentation instead of simply siding with the creditor.  Pay more and charge less. Paying off debt is one of the best things you can do to improve your credit score. Keep any credit balances you have to a minimum. Don’t close unused accounts if you don’t need to (especially if you’ve had the credit account for more than 3 years).  Always pay the bills. Payment history makes up a significant amount of your score. Pay all of your bills on time and, even if you can’t pay something off completely, at least make the minimum payment.

UW Cherry Blossoms

The Yoshino Cherry Trees that are set in the heart of the University of Washington campus were originally planted in the Arboretum over 90 years ago. In 1964 the trees were transplanted at the Quad bringing thousands of visitors to campus each spring to witness their beautiful rosy bloom. Every year they reach peak bloom for about two weeks as early as mid-March to as late as mid-April. This is a great time to plan a trip and think about alternatives to congested parking. Think about jumping on the Link Light Rail and walking about ½ mile. Enjoy!

Mariners 2024

Seattle Mariners have begun their 47th season in hopes of making it into the playoffs once again. Dave Niehaus always had a positive attitude that this year was the year! Last season the Mariners came up short winning 88 games and finishing 2 games out of the race. Every year changes are made, some of our favorite players get traded and new players come to take their place but that’s baseball. The Mariners have one of the best pitching staffs especially the starting rotation. Can we avoid striking out so much? Some of the big names that will be missed are players like: Marco Gonzales, Robbie Ray, Eugenio Suarez, Teoscar Hernandez, and Jarred Kelenic. Some of these players will shine on other teams and that’s how it goes. We must wish them the best! Welcome home Mitch Haniger who was a player we considered a star who just needs to stay healthy. We have a solid 2nd baseman in Jorge Polanco that has 112 career home runs and has been an All-Star. We will finally have a full-time designated hitter in Mitch Garver. Also keep an eye on hard-throwing reliever Gregory Santos. Santos is just 24 years old and has the potential to be a shutdown late inning star. Seattle has one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country and a loyal fanbase to root on the boys of summer! Make plans soon to attend a game or two this season and Go Mariners!

Improve Your Posture

There’s something you can do right now to look better and prevent years of backaches, headaches and other painful symptoms as you get older: Pay attention to your posture. • Take the wall test. Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching a wall with your heels 2-4 inches away from it. Slide your hand behind the curve in your lower back. You'll feel about one hand's thickness of space between your back and the wall. If there's too much space, tighten your abdominal muscles. If there's too little space, arch your back. Walk away from the wall and maintain this posture. • Keep your body in alignment when sitting. Rest both feet flat on the floor while keeping your knees level with your hips. Sit with your back against the chair, using a cushion if you need support. Stretch your head toward the ceiling and tuck your chin in slightly. Keep your upper back and neck straight and shoulders relaxed (not rounded or pulled backward). • Exercise to strengthen your core. Start with easy stretches and exercises (check out www.aarp.org/fitness). Work up to taking classes in Pilates, yoga and strength training. If you already have back or other physical problems, talk to your doctor before you start a program, and work with a physical therapist or personal trainer. • Keep your bones strong. Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. To prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), do weight bearing exercises such as walking, jogging and climbing stairs.

Mary’s Place Luncheon

Ensuring that no child sleeps outside Mary’s Place provided 270,173 overnight stays and 836,937 meals served in 2023. Take part in their annual dream big luncheon on April 18th at the Seattle Center Pavilion. Gifts will be matched up to 1M dollars thanks to the generosity of Amazon. Come learn about their work and impact goals. Experience the joy and power of keeping vulnerable families housed and fed in their time of need. marysplaceseattle.org

Visit Langley “The Village by the Sea”

Winter is finally behind us and having a fun destination for a daytrip is always appreciated. Langley is a postcard kind of town about 30 minutes from the Clinton Ferry docks on Whidbey Island. My dad lived in Freeland for 20yrs, and we would often take the drive into Langley to hangout and shop. There are some great restaurants and locally owned stores on main street. Explore the Langley Whale Center, enjoy the Whidbey Art Gallery, learn a lot at the Whidbey Historical Museum, and look for orcas and gray whales from Seawall Park. If you want to make a weekend out of it there are some very nice accommodations in Langley! The Inn at Langley is first class with 28 rooms built on the bluff to the waters edge. Enjoy a day away from the city!

People Who Walk Live Longer

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted an 11-year study of 2,896 adults in their late 50’s who had been diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers found those subjects who walked just two hours a week had a 39 percent lower death rate from all causes! They speculate that if every healthy person in the United States walked briskly just 30 minutes a day, the incidence of many chronic diseases would go down 30 to 40 percent. So grab your shoes and get walking…your body will be glad you did!

Chambers Bay Loop

Spring is here so it’s time to get outdoors. Chambers is more than golf, enjoy amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains while walking the paved 3.5-mile roundtrip loop. There is some serious incline from the bluff near the clubhouse down to the waters edge! When Pierce County developed Chambers, they required non golfers have access to the beautiful and unique property. Enjoy the walk at Chambers Loop!

Get Back on Track

One of the best ways to stay fit is to have at least one athletic hobby: walking, swimming, bowling, tennis, golf, skiing, bicycling or even dancing. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll stick with it. Second, a workout partner can make the time go by more quickly, and you can have fun at the same time. Whether it’s a family member, friend or co-worker, a workout partner will encourage you on the days you may want to slide. Third, hire a trainer if you have trouble maintaining an exercise program. A trainer can guide you through a program that works for you. Remember to vary your workouts. This prevents overworking certain muscle groups, and it will keep you motivated.

Home Inspections

A home inspection is not mandatory when you purchase a house, but I recommend that you have any home you’re planning on buying inspected by a licensed inspector. In fact, I’d insist upon it. A home inspector has the training and expertise to provide an objective opinion about the condition of the home. The inspector will carefully examine the home’s structure, roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, heating and cooling system, and appliances. He or she will provide a written assessment of the house’s condition. The inspection will tell you what repairs might need to be made before buying. The inspection can alert you to any serious problems the house may have—before you buy the house. There’s a period after a contract is accepted when you can have the inspection completed. Fees are paid to the inspector by the buyer. If there are problems or repairs that need to made, you can request in writing during the specified period that these repairs be made as a condition of the sale.

Carnegie Quote to Live By

You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world’s happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely or discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime. Dale Carnegie

Free trials and Free Subscriptions

The next time you sign up for a free trial offer, be sure to read the fine print. While these offers can be a great way to try out a product, you might be agreeing to buy additional products and services if you don’t cancel within a specified time. It’s called the “negative option feature,” and it requires the customer to cancel or opt-out of a recurring charge for future products. While it’s not illegal, some questionable online merchants pre-check the consent box or bury the details under terms and conditions, making returns difficult. If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. A Visa survey showed 29 percent of American consumers have been victims of this option. The Better Business Bureau says it has received thousands of complaints from people who learned the hard way by signing up for online trial offers for acai berry supplements, detox products, teeth whiteners, free government grants and debt consolidation services. Best advice? Before you buy or subscribe, read the offer carefully, pay attention to pre-checked boxes and check out the business at www.bbb.org.

Cleaning With Cola

Did you know the cola in your fridge is also a great household cleaner? Here are some everyday uses for it: • Remove rust stains by scrubbing with cola using aluminum foil, then wipe clean. • Remove oil stains from pavement by soaking them in cola for 15 minutes, then scrubbing. • Remove gum from surfaces by soaking it with cola for a few minutes, then scraping it with a blunt knife.

Money Habits

We all want our kids to do well in life...and not make some of the mistakes we might have made. Here are seven important money strategies to teach your kids that will serve them well throughout their lives: 1) Don’t carry debt. Avoid credit card debt. It’s expensive money! In fact, about 30% of college graduates will enter the workforce with $10,000 to $25,000 in credit card debt and other loans. 2) Pay yourself first. Have your children open an investment account and regularly have them put away money for goals and emergencies. 3) Set up a budget and track your expenses. Help your children set up their own budget, and teach them how to track their income (from allowances, gifts, money earned) and expenses. 4) Don’t compare yourself with others. A friend may drive a fancy car and wear expensive clothing, but they actually may be deeply in debt. 5) Don’t trust anyone with your money. No one cares as much about your money as you do. 6) Invest in a Roth IRA, and/or a market index when you start earning money. To reach long-term goals investing is a must. 7) Money doesn’t buy happiness. Money can make life easier when you don’t have to struggle financially to make ends meet. But money can’t buy love or happiness.

Bottled Water

You’ve likely heard that bottled water has major environmental consequences, but how bad is the problem? Here are a few facts from thewaterproject.org that illustrate the severity of the situation: • Approximately 80% of single-use water bottles in the U.S. become “litter,” and one bottle takes more than 1,000 years to bio-degrade. • U.S. landfills have two million tons of discarded water bottles in them. • It takes three liters of water to package one liter of bottled water. In response to the bottled water problem, some cities and businesses have banned it, but what can you do? • Skip the single-use water bottle, and invest in a reusable water bottle. If you forget it, buy multiples to keep in vehicles, the office, and your gym bag. • Drink tap water. Several studies have been done to show municipal tap water is usually just as safe as bottled water. • Refrigerate water. Cooling tap water helps remove the chlorine taste many people feel is in tap water. • Boil water if you are concerned water might be contaminated.

Garage Tips

A garage may seem like the space to dump miscellaneous items, tools, and garbage/recycling. “It’s not cluttering up the house, so why does it matter?!” you might think to yourself. Here’s the thing, though: you could be losing an opportunity to use it for storage and a new functional space. Some good ways to make it a dual-purpose room include: • Install an attic lift to gain additional storage for items you only use one season a year, like camping stuff. • Store bikes on hanging racks that are flush with the wall. • Consider installing a livable floor coating, like epoxy or polished concrete. Then you could portion off a part of the garage to use as a media room, den, or creative space. • Speak to your electrician about adding outlets and lighting so that the space can be used at all times of day. • Add drywall and insulation to keep the space warm in winter time and give it a more home-like feeling. • Use storage systems like shelving racks and give each rack a job. For example, store similar items together like tools, which you can keep separate from gardening stuff, or use a rack for overflow storage for the kitchen.

Visit Butchart Garden This Spring

The Butchart Gardens are worth seeing any time of year but if you have never visited in spring, you haven’t seen the gardens at their peak. The 120-year-old gardens welcome over 1 million visitors per year and is still privately owned and operated by the family. Located close to Victoria BC the Butchart’s employ 50 fulltime gardeners to maintain 55 acres of grounds. One woman’s vision transformed a limestone quarry into a world-famous attraction. As the limestone deposits were exhausted Jennie envisioned a grand garden to take its place and began transferring topsoil by horse and cart. Today, The Butchart Gardens is a National Historic Site in Canada. I remember visiting with my parents in the 70’s and have been back many times over the years. The gardens await but plan your visit now because there is no time like spring to enjoy the amazing variety and beauty!

Teach Kids to Save for a Rainy Day

1. Bank it. Encourage kids to decorate four separate piggy banks – one each for Saving, Spending, Investing, and Giving – to help teach about setting money-related goals. Investing money will be used for future investments and Giving money can be donated to a charity of the kids’ choice. 2. Offer an allowance. Assuming you are helping your own children save money, provide a small allowance so there is something to put into the piggy banks. Give the allowance in small bills or coins so kids can physically hold and drop equal amounts of cash into each piggy bank. 3. Make goals. If there are certain things kids want to buy, or if they are expected to save a certain amount of money toward larger items such as bikes, explain that they’ll need to use the Saving piggy bank to collect the needed money. And, if they choose not to spend money out of the Spending piggy bank right away, they’ll be able to buy the items they’re saving for faster. 4. Go shopping. When you go to the store, let the kids take their Spending money with them. If they want to buy something, count out change in the store. Feel free to remind them that, if there is something more expensive they’d like to buy, they’ll have to continue to save for it – and they’ll reach their goals faster by moving Spending money into the Saving piggy bank. However, if they want to buy something, that is their choice as this is their money.

Organized Kitchen

From that first bowl of cereal to the final midnight snack, kitchens are among the most used rooms in the house. Organize it now to make it easy to get around and find what you need later.  Separate dedicated areas. Keep areas for prepping, cooking, and storing food, and then keep similar items – such as baking equipment – together within each of these places.  Store items in clear containers. Small items like tea bags and gravy mixes should be stored with like items in a storage unit that can be easily identified with a quick peek.  Invest in risers and drawer dividers. It’s much easier to access cookware and dishes in cabinets if they’re sorted and stacked on risers. Ditto for small items separated using drawer dividers.  Think seasonally. If you don’t use that crock pot in the summer or the ice tea container in the winter, tuck them out of sight and out of mind until the proper season rolls back around.  Look for a lazy Susan. On countertops, they can be used for oils, spices, and other ingredients you might need at a moment’s notice. And in the pantry, use them to store cans, jars, and condiments.

Unlikeable People

Despite your best intentions to get along with the people you meet, occasionally you’ll encounter someone you simply do not like. If this happens to you, here are a few tips on how to proceed with tact.  Focus on the positive. Even though this person has habits or characteristics that drive you crazy, don’t focus too much on these negative attributes. Try to find something positive to focus on instead. Though this might be difficult, it will likely help you tolerate this person a bit better.  Be kind. It’s true what they say: Act the way you would like to be treated. You don’t need to go out of your way to be friends with an unlikeable person, but at least be nice. If you are polite and kind to him, perhaps his actions will eventually reflect yours. Also, don’t talk badly about him behind his back. Try to be truly kind. This is to help you stay positive and perhaps let go of the negative feelings completely. Love your neighbor as yourself!

Beat Stress

When we’re stressed, we’re less able to focus and we’re doing damage to our overall health. Here are some science-based methods for de-stressing quickly. • Breathe – Stress makes us take short breaths. Concentrate on deep breaths through the nose, exhaling through the mouth, for several minutes to increase oxygen flow and reduce tension. • Pattern Reset – Forcing your brain to focus on something else, such as the repetitive task of doing dishes or knitting, can help get your mind off whatever’s bothering you. • Go for a Walk – Not only will a 10-minute walk physically remove you from any stressful situation, the exercise releases stress-relieving endorphins in your brain. Dancing to your favorite song works, too. • Take an e-Break – We love technology, but it can also cause a huge amount of stress. Turn off your phone or computer to increase your ability to relax, and don’t leave your email inbox open all day. • Have a Snack – It’s important to be mindful about snacking (stress eating is nobody’s friend), but some nibbles can be helpful. Potassium can help modulate blood pressure, which can in turn reduce stress levels, so have a banana. Something like a handful of nuts offers a satisfying crunch and the energy your brain needs to get past the stress.

The Perfect Handshake

• Offer your hand early (shows confidence) and tilt your fingers down so you can get palm-to-palm contact. • Use pressure, but in sync with the other person. If someone’s crushing your hand, shift your weight to your right foot. Your hand will move forward, which will loosen the grip. • Maintain eye contact – but not for longer than 3 seconds. • Don’t forget the closing shake. If your first one was wimpy, you can redeem yourself.

Computer Pain

If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer, you may be experiencing fatigue, as well as aches and pains in your neck, back, shoulders, eyes, wrists, and legs. Relieve the discomfort by following these tips: STEP #1: Give your body support to avoid aches and pains: • Invest in a good lumbar chair and adjust it so your feet rest comfortably on the floor. Press your bottom against the back of the chair and use a lumbar cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly. Keep your knees in line with your hips or raised slightly above them. Never slump or slouch forward. • Sit close to the desk so your upper arms are parallel to your spine and your elbows are at a 90-degree angle to the keyboard. Put the mouse close to the keyboard to keep your arm from being fully extended. Give your wrists proper support so they rest in a neutral position. • Place the monitor so your gaze is aimed at the center of the screen, which should be 15 to 25 inches away from your eyes. STEP #2: Move regularly to avoid stiffness and eye strain: • Stand, stretch, and walk at least a minute or two every half hour. To stretch, reach both arms above your head. Grasp each elbow and lean gently to each side and feel the side of your body release tension. • Avoid “computer vision syndrome” (headaches and eye strain are symptoms) by using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. STEP #3: Stay hydrated and nourished to avoid fatigue: • Drink water (or other fluids) to flush out some of the mineral build-up that occurs in inactive muscles. • Eat healthy snacks like fruit and nuts at your desk to maintain your energy and productivity.

Invest As You Age

During your 30s and 40s: These are years of increasing income and increasing demands for your money, particularly providing for your children. • Life insurance is relatively inexpensive at this stage of your life. Buying a policy also is a way of providing for your family’s future. • 529 plans offer tax-advantaged savings for your children’s education. For details, which vary by state, go to www.savingforcollege.com. • Annuities can be a good addition to an IRA or 401k retirement account, and usually have tax-deferred options and guaranteed life income. During your 50s: Prepare for a well-funded retirement during these years. • Remove all risks from your retirement plan. Think about a retirement date and your ability to meet that date. Reduce investments in such things as your employer’s company. • Take advantage of slowing expenses. You are at the top of your earning power, and big expenses, like children living at home, are likely reduced. Consider paying off your mortgage or increasing your investments. During your 60s and beyond: This is a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. • Test living on projected income before stopping work. If your expected retirement income will be 70 percent of your current paycheck, set aside 30 percent now and see what it’s like to live on the rest. Apply for Social Security and Medicare. Visit these sites to help you make important decisions about these programs: www.socialsecurity.gov and www.medicare.gov.

Get Organized and Get Things Done

The key idea is to start with a “mind sweep” ─ get everything out of your head and down on paper (or other written form). Once your mind is cleared, your productivity goes up and you can focus on creative action. His five basic stages of mastering your personal or professional “workflow” are: 1) Collect. Capture anything and everything that is on your mind. 2) Process. Decide what each thing means. Is it something you should do? Do it now or later? Can you delegate it (and track on a “Waiting For” list)? 3) Organize. Place the items in categories, such as Projects, Calendar, Next Actions and Waiting For, and sub-categories of your choice. (To help you visualize this, he includes a diagram for navigating through the processing and organizing phases of your workflow.) 4) Review. Go over Calendar and Action lists daily and do a weekly customized review to get clean and current. 5) Do. Make choices about your actions based on what you can do, how much time and energy you have and your priorities. Another one of his most popular methods is the “two minute rule.” If any task can be completed in less than two minutes (for example, a quick email response), do it immediately. Stop putting those little things off.

Money Coach?

When it comes to money, most people can benefit greatly from a little bit of guidance. You probably know what a financial advisor or financial planner does. But there’s another professional you may want to add to your finance team: a money coach. Whereas financial advisors help clients manage and invest their money wisely, money coaches look at a client’s overall financial situation and help set financial goals— like creating a family budget, figuring out a debt payment schedule, or building a nest egg. Unlike financial advisors, financial coaches don’t need any official certification—many are social media influencers. Still, they can be helpful for people who want to have a better understanding of personal finance but don’t necessarily learn best by reading. Money coaches can turn the theoretical into practical advice focused on your specific situation. A money coach may be a good option for you if: • Thinking about money overwhelms you or gives you anxiety. • You’re going through a finance-changing life event. • You’re worried you won’t achieve goals (like buying a house).

Travel Planning

Vacations should be stress-free, so let technology help with the planning! TripIt: This single app keeps all travel itineraries, tickets, booking details, reservations, and confirmations in one place. Even better, it is simple to share travel plans with anyone who needs to know specific details. Waze: Make the most of your road trip with this constantly updated app that tracks interstate delays, speed traps, and road construction that might impede drive times. Travefy: Group travel is made easy with this app, which lets users pull details like hotel reservations and attraction reviews into a single shared space. A chat feature with a poll option lets group members plan together prior to travel. TripAdvisor: The popular traveler review website has its own app, letting users browse reviews, ratings, photos, and other relevant information before making decisions about where to visit, eat, and stay.

Grocery Shopping Tips

Here are some supermarket tips and secrets that will make you a savvy shopper.  Approach grocery shopping like a job. You need to have a plan (take a list) and a budget to make the best use of your time and money.  Stick to a time schedule. Shop for what you need and get out. It is said that if you’re in the store more than 30 minutes, you’ll spend an extra 50 cents to $1 per minute as you walk the aisles.  Shop alone. Real Simple Magazine says parents will spend 10-40 percent more if they take their kids along. It might be worth it to hire a babysitter!  Only buy “food” at a grocery store. Generally, you’re better off buying toiletries, cleaning supplies and pet food at a big-box discount store.  Know the floor plan. Shop the perimeter first for fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and milk. You’ll find some good buys in the center aisles, but you’ll also be tempted by items like frozen convenience foods.  Don’t assume everything on sale is a bargain. Stores often display “sale” items at the end of the aisles. Manufacturers pay to have their products put there so they aren’t necessarily a good deal.  Check “price per unit.” Sometimes it’s cheaper per unit to buy two smaller items than it is to buy one supersize package.  Look high and low. Stores often place higher-priced items at eye level (brands pay for the space). Check prices on the top and bottom shelves.  Pay attention at checkout. Shoppers lose up to $3 billion a year on scanner mistakes (current sale prices not reflected).

Power of Sleep

How do you know if you’re getting enough sleep? Most people should get eight hours, experts say. If you fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow, if you’re frequently tired, irritable, or if you have trouble getting up in the morning, you need more sleep. What can you do? Here are seven important strategies to help you get a better night’s sleep: 1. Maintain A Regular Sleep Schedule. Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time every day; allow for at least 8 hours per night. 2. Keep Your Bedroom Dark and Quiet. Your body’s response to darkness is to produce an increase in the naturally-occurring hormone, melatonin – proven to produce a deeper, more restful sleep. 3. Exercise Daily. Exercising daily relieves stress and improves your overall health; however, avoid exercising right before bedtime. 4. Avoid Alcohol and Stimulants. If you have any trouble sleeping, avoid alcohol, coffee, caffeinated drinks, tea, chocolate, and nicotine. 5. Make Sure Your Bed And Pillow Are Comfortable. Choose the right bed (and pillow) for you. If you’re having trouble sleeping you may want to shop around for a new bed or pillow. 6. Put Your Worries In Jar. Write down any worries, put them in a jar, and let them go for the night. You can set aside time the next day to handle them. 7. Sleep Alone If Your Partner Keeps You Awake. If your mate is keeping you up with his/her snoring, sleep in another room.

Maintain Strong Bones

One of the most common myths, he says, is that only women need to worry about bone health. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races. By age 75, osteoporosis is as common in men as it is in women! Are you at risk? The first symptom of osteoporosis is a bone fracture. Other risk factors include: low calcium/vitamin D intake, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, body weight less than 125 lbs, long-term steroid medication like prednisone or cortisone, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, and early menopause. How to maintain strong bones? First, while bone weakness is evident in older Americans, strong bones begin in childhood. Here are four steps you can take today to prevent osteoporosis and maintain strong, healthy bones: 1. Get the recommended amount of daily calcium by drinking milk and eating green leafy vegetables, soybeans, yogurt, and cheese. (1,000 mg of calcium per day). 2. Exercise 30 minutes per day for adults; 60 minutes a day for children. This can be walking, running, or any weight-baring exercise. 3. Get Vitamin D (200 IU), which is produced in the skin by exposure to the sun. It’s also found in fortified milk and cereals 4. Your doctor can order a bone density test (DEXA), which measures bone density at the spine, hip, and wrist where most fractures occur.

Likeability

• Like yourself first. Be confident in your strengths. Your likability increases as you increase your ability to like yourself. Smiling and sharing your positivity will bring out the same in others. • Maintain eye contact during conversations but keep it in balance (about 60 percent of the time). Nod your head when you’re speaking and people will be inclined to agree with you. • Demonstrate that you like people. Remember their names and use them. (One trick to remembering names is to say the name to someone else.) If you ask a question, give the person time to respond. Remaining silent and waiting for an answer can be especially useful in negotiations. • Learn active listening. Do this by a) paying attention; b) using body language to show you’re interested; c) giving feedback, such as rephrasing what a person says to you to show that you understood them; d) asking questions, but not interrupting; and e) giving your opinion respectfully. If you disagree with someone, look for ways to find common ground. • Don’t overdo it. You don’t need everyone to like you to be successful. Aim to increase your likability factor to the people who matter to you (and your success) most.

Jefferson Park

The City of Seattle has 381 parks, but none offer the amazing variety of activities that are available at Jefferson Park. Jefferson Park has 52 acres of space making it the 6th largest park in the city. The parkland was set aside in 1892 and the city hired the Olmstead Brothers to come up with a comprehensive plan for the space. In 1915 the 18 hole and adjacent 9-hole golf courses were opened for play. Today the public can enjoy the Jefferson Park Community Center, Lawn Bowling Green, tennis courts and basketball courts, walking paths, gardens, a new gymnasium, skate park, playfields and 7 acres of volunteer run Beacon Food Forest. Enjoy the views!

Three-Minute Meditation

One extremely refreshing getaway is meditation – and best of all, you don't have to pack for it. Research from the University of California, Davis, suggests that regular mindfulness meditation may slow the rate of cellular aging – potentially giving you more precious time than you ever dreamed of. Here’s how to mediate in 3-minutes: 1. Find a peaceful place where you won’t be interrupted. 2. Gently rest your palm over your heart. Concentrate on a person, place, song, or memory you cherish. The idea is to feel love and to concentrate it as energy in your mid-chest. 3. Visualize any thoughts as clouds drifting in the sky. Let them float by and out of your awareness. 4. Observe the sensations in your heart area: heat, coolness, bliss, compassion, release of pressure, vibration. Over time and with practice, you’ll feel the positive energy in your chest that will flow into your body.

Relieve Eye Pain In Seconds

Do you spend much of the day staring at a computer, sending text messages on your phone, and ending the evening by watching a movie on a high-definition TV? No wonder your eyes are tired! Here are four exercises to relieve eye pain and make them not feel dry, itchy, blurred, and strained:  Eye Roll: While keeping your eyes open and head still, roll your eyes up to look at the ceiling, roll around clockwise slowly five times. Repeat the motion counter clockwise.  Palming: Rub the palms of your hands together until they are warm. Cover your eyes and concentrate on your breath until your palms cool.  Massage: Place your fingertips on your eyelids and gently move them in a circular motion for 60 seconds.  Temple Turning: Place the knuckles of your thumbs on the sides of your eyes near the temples. Massage by circling the temples three times. Do the same above the midpoint of your eyebrows and both sides of the bridge of your nose. It’s also a good idea to give your eyes a rest every 25 minutes spent reading or sitting in front of back-lit screen (computer, tablet, phone, TV). Simply get up and look around the room at other objects for 5 minutes.

Giant Trolls in Seattle Area

Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo with funding from the Paul G. Allen Foundation has been busy filling parks with 20-foot-tall wooden trolls. The trolls are constructed with recycled materials such as wooden pallets and are meant to tell a tale of protecting nature. No two are alike partly because of the supply of scrap lumber and it encourages visits to the next wooded site. There are currently five giant trolls, and many people are going out of their way to see them all. Go Troll Hunting! www.trollmap.com / www.nwtrolls.org

Aging Parents?

Have you thought about how you would handle an emergency if your parent became injured or ill? Here are four ways to prepare: 1. Get access to important medical records and contacts. Your parents will rest easier knowing you have information on their medical history, doctors, pharmacies, medications, and insurance policies. 2. Automate deposits. Set up social security and any other retirement income to be automatically deposited into the bank. 3. Automate bills. Set up utilities to be automatically withdrawn each month, and keep a list of recurring charges to avoid late fees. 4. Assemble a care team. Enlist a team of people (including their friends and neighbors) who are willing to call you if anything happens. Talk to your parents’ health care providers to let them know you want to be involved in their care.

New Year Exercise Programs

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.