Rock the Vote

Your opinion matters, so let your voice be heard. In Washington state, October 4 is the last day to register to vote. Visit Rock the Vote to register. It's also very important to make an informed decision. Often it's hard to see through the media haze, so do your research. Check out websites like CNN's Election Center that break down the issues and clearly show you what the candidates believe and their past voting record.

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -John Quincy Adams

Travel Gear Must Haves

With only a week until Adam and I leave for our trip to New England, the planning is in full swing. We have a basic agenda planned, but I'm mostly excited for the adventures that we'll just stumble into. As for packing...well to be honest I'll probably tackle that the night before we leave. However, I have come across a few items that no traveler should leave home without.

1. GPS Navigator: We are borrowing my in-law's gps navigator for our trip. This is good since we'll be driving everywhere. If you have a TomTom navigator you can now have Mr. T ride shotgun. With NavTones, you can download celebrity voices such as Burt Reynolds, Kim Cattrall, and yes Mr. T. Make sure you don't miss your turn because you might make him mad! "If you were payin' attention to what I was tellin' you we woulda got there on time!"

2. City Walks: "Ditch the usual tourist traps and vacation like a native...on foot!" Choose from 50 different adventure cards and let the fun begin. Each card has a map of a walking adventure on one side, with site information on the other. There are a variety of city's to choose from for your next vacation, or use the deck for your own city to discover new terrain and see your home town from a new perspective. Also check out city walks for kids and get your kids involved in the fun.

3. fabMAP: If you don't have a GPS navigator and are relying on good old fashioned maps, you can relate to the frustration of maps that are impossible to refold and end up in a crinkled mess shoved in the glove compartment. Rand McNally has solved that problem with microfiber maps called fabMAPs. No more smudge spots from your spilled lattes and no more need to master the art of map folding.

4. Hidden Compartment Sandals: Although I won't be able to use these on our trip, they were just too cool not to show you. Reef has created these flip flops appropriately named Stash with a hidden compartment in the sole. It's just big enough to fit your room key, debit card or a little cash. You'll never have to worry about misplacing your room key or carrying your wallet to the beach again.

5. Pashmina: A travel must have for me is a pashmina wrap. I always love bringing pieces of clothing that can serve dual purpose. A pashmina does just that. In the plane or car it's used as a blanket, to a dinner it's an elegant wrap, and on a cold day it's a warm scarf. If you don't want to splurge on cashmere, Target is a great place for realistic knockoffs.

6. Travel Sheets: When trying to travel light, toiletries can often weigh you down. Irv's has created travel toiletry soap sheets for shampoo to hand soap to laundry soap. You simply pull out one sheet with a dry hand, add water and lather. I wish I had thought of this!

Words of Wisdom

At my Grandpa's memorial service tomorrow guests will be able to take home strips of paper with words of wisdom that he was known for saying. I thought you might appreciate reading a few of them:

-Humming soothes the soul.
-No one will ever love you quite like your family does or with the same depth.
-The right answer, regardless of the question has been given us in the bible.
-I like you. I love you. You cannot be replaced.
-So, have a HAPPY day, a SUPER year and a GREAT rest of your life.
-The best part of going away is coming home.
-You can be what you want to be. You will be what you think you are.
-Education should never stop. There are so many interesting things to learn and enjoy.

He was a very wise and loving man. Thank you for all of your support. Have a great weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday.

Wordless Wednesday - Dinner and Dessert With Family

The Passing of an Admirable Man

I have been m.i.a. this past week because my grandpa passed away. He was more than a great man. He was a Papa, Great-Grandpa, Dad, father-in-law, son, brother, friend, leader, community cultivator, record-breaking golfer, lover of God, family, horses, music and nature. He was always humming, whistling or singing a tune. His love of nature and music, and his words of wisdom were passed on throughout our family. In his last days I was able to spend some very sweet and special moments with him. The family gathered around his bed in prayer, tears, laughter and song. Because of his faith, my family is one that is full of believers.

While pulling pictures for a slide show, we came across this poem that perfectly articulates who he was...

An Admirable Man

If a man is honest with other
and with himself...
If he received gratefully and gives quietly...
If he is gentle enough to feel
and strong enough to show his feelings...
If he is slow to see the faults of others
but quick to discover their goodness...
If he is cheerful in difficult times
and modest in success...
If he does his best to be true to his beliefs...
then he is truly an admirable man.

I love you Papa and I miss you, but I know right now you're dancing around the throne.

The First Day of Fall

My Top 10 Favorite Things About Fall

(in no particular order)

1. The leaves changing color. My favorite are the ones that turn reddish orange like the inside of a blood orange.

2. Pumpkin anything. Pumpkin pie, iced pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin spice lattes...oh yum!

3. Crisp air. Just cold enough that you want to put on a sweater. It's always so refreshing.

4. A cup of hot cocoa and a movie in the evenings.

5. Picking out a pumpkin at a farm and having a carving contest.

6. Knitting. With so many new babies in my family, this season will be all about knitting baby blankets for me.

7. Going for walks and hikes that turn your cheeks rosy pink.

8. Cozy fires. Preferable sitting in front of one munching on previously mentioned pumpkin goodies.

9. Sitting outside at the cabin in front of the lake, wrapped in a blanket and reading a good book.

10. Breaking out all of my winter clothes. Pulling out all of my sweaters that have been packed away for the summer season is like getting a whole new wardrobe.

Wordless Wednesday - Fall Is In The Air

Modern Pooch Palace

Those of you who are dog owners can probably relate to the dilemma of where to keep your dog's eyesore of a kennel. They are big, they are bulky and they don't have an ounce of style...until now. The creators of the Bellevue, Wa. based company, DenHaus, have designed kennels that are made to blend right in with your personal home decor. Since my pup likes to sleep in our room, I would use the TownHaus to serve the dual purpose as kennel and nightstand.

The Loss of a Friend

Yesterday we received the news that a good friend, Nic Madrazo, was killed in combat while serving in Afghanistan. We were shocked by the news, and I cannot put into words the loss that is felt. I have experienced so many emotions in the last 24 hours from shock to anger to sadness. There have been tears, smiles and laughter in my house as we remember Nic. He was one of few people I know that truly had nothing but good things to say about others. He was genuine, sincere, and constantly had a shining smile on his face. He was filled with passion for life, people, God and his country. He touched so many lives and I am honored to have known him. He is a hero that served our country for justice with dedication and pride. I know I will see him again in heaven, but until then he will be greatly missed.

While trying to process all of this, I began to think about the people that mean most to me. Have I told them just how special they are? Do I tell them enough? All too often things like this go unsaid because we just assume people know how great we think they are. And often it’s not until they are gone that we put into words our true feelings of love, honor and respect for that person. I encourage you to try and break this pattern. Take the time to tell those in your life how precious they are to you. Write it down in a card, tell them over the phone or in person, but don’t let another year go by without telling them.

Here Come the In-Laws!

This weekend we'll be having my mother-in-law staying with us. I must say that I have been blessed with wonderful in-laws that I love very much. Ever since I can remember I have loved entertaining and having opportunities to have them stay overnight. I always want people to genuinely feel "at home", to feel welcome, loved and special. You can achieve this by adding a few special touches to your guest room.

Welcome Basket

Fill a container with goods your guest may need during their stay (i.e. travel size shampoo and soap, gum, nutrition bar, etc.) Make your guests feel extra special by including a map of the area or facts about sites their be visiting. When my in-laws were going to be visiting Sun Mountain Lodge, I put together a booklet that included information about the area and a list of recommended hikes.

Scented Sheets

Put a few drops of lavender essential oil on an unscented dryer sheet, and put it into the dryer with your guestroom bedding. When guests lie in bed the soothing scent of lavender will help them drift off to sleep. Note: Make sure the essential oil you choose is not colored.

A similar idea is featured in Martha Stewart this month. Fill a small spritz bottle with distilled water and add a few drops of essential oil. Guests can use this to spray the sheets, or spray on their face to freshen their skin.

Bedside Manner

Make sure your guests have everything they need right at their fingertips...including water. I love this idea from Martha to keep water cold on ice in a decorative container. Also keep the room stocked with magazines, fresh towels and maybe a fresh flower or two.

Wordless Wednesday - My Labor Day Weekend In Pictures