Seattle Weekend

This past weekend David and I enjoyed a little trip to Seattle.  We stayed at the 11th Avenue Inn, a "charming 1906 bed and breakfast" according to their website - it was everything they claimed and more.  The hospitality was great - breakfast, one of my main requirements, was delicious, and the room was perfect.  Location was super convenient - an easy and interesting walk to Pike's Place Market along vibrant Pine or Pike Street.  If you're going to Seattle and need a cozy and convenient place to stay, I definitely recommend staying at the 11th Avenue Inn.  If you're a practical person, just the amount of money you will save on parking should be enough reason to stay here. 

It was a typical Seattle day in February, cold, windy and wet, but it was beautiful.  Seattle has some amazing architecture, futuristic, gothic, Victorian you name it, they have it.  Their library was definitely something special - never seen anything quite like it.

Our adventures included the obvious - Pike's Place and the Space Needle.  But we also found some pretty awesome local treats, including Area 51, a modern furniture store, and Pinto Bistro, an ambient + delicious Thai and Japanese restaurant.  Of course we found ourselves in the middle of a protest, but that made for some interesting people watching moments.

All in all, great weekend and definitely made me realize just how many treasures there are so close to home.  Rich history, culture, and discovery may be in our own backyard.  Fairy Doors and Wanderlust knows what I'm talking about.  I'm looking forward to discovering the gems in Oregon and the Northwest in the coming years.

Rainbow Cake

My beautiful cousin Marina is a phenomenal baker.  Even at fifteen, she is a much better baker than I. She makes all kinds of baked goodness, I especially love her delicious brownies from scratch. So it made sense that when I came across this Rainbow Cake on Love and Olive Oil's blog, I immediately contacted Marina and asked her if she wanted to take on the challenge. Without hesitation she took on the challenge and baked it for her 15th birthday party.  I think she did a mighty awesome job, don't you?

Married for a Mission

"One of the missing ingredients of couples today is they do not have a mission; they do not have a sense of God having called them together to do something as a couple." - Dennis Rainey, marriage expert


I recently came across an article that attempts to answer the question: What's the Point of Marriage?  The article follows the story of a couple and their marriage journey.  They soon realize that it is when they looked outside of themselves, and worked together in ministry to God did they became stronger as a couple.  


I totally agree with this point, especially reflecting on the bonding David and I shared in ministry with Night Strike and Compassion Connect - those were pivotal building blocks in our relationship.  The reminder of course is to never stop working together in ministry, even when it isn't so obvious what the work God is calling us to is.


Counselor James H. Olthuis writes, “To try to keep love just for us ... is to kill it slowly .... We are not made just for each other; we are called to a ministry of love to everyone we meet and in all we do. In marriage, too, Jesus' words hold true: in saving our lives we lose them, and in losing our lives in love to others, we drink of life more deeply."


Now that we are in a less defined context for ministry, we must prayerfully be conscious of the many opportunities to serve that exist all around.  Such a good reminder:


"He has placed you in your home, your family, your work, your church, your neighborhood and has said, in essence: "All this is yours. I'm giving you a mission together to care for the people around you. It's a big job, and you'll need each other. Together, join hands and make a difference."

Book Review: These Is My Words

Historical fiction was never my favorite genre, and when my grandpa would watch his western movies I would usually yawn and get distracted with something else - but Nancy E Turner definitely kept my attention through to the end.  This fictional diary is an action, drama, love story and historical account that is anything but predictable.  Sarah is a smart, witty, and tough girl who I quickly fell in love with and rooted for throughout the story.  Her journey to the Arizona Territories was much more complex than what we were ever taught in 6th grade or by playing the Oregon Trail game, although some of those themes and challenges were definitely present.  Overall, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a gripping story that is full of love, adventure and thought-provoking moments. This one may even come pretty close to my favorite, which come to think of is also historical fiction about women - Thousand Splendid Suns. Perhaps I have a thing for this genre after all.  Thanks Kirsten for recommending this one! 

Smoothie + Coupon = Awesome

I love smoothies and I love good deals.  When I saw this ad in the paper, I didn't even look for scissors.  Instantly, this deal was ripped out and ready to go.   Thank you Jamba for the $1 Pomegranate Paradise - I really enjoyed it!  

Raspberry Mousse Brownies & Steak

What's cooking this week? 

Cuban Flank Steak w/ rice - use leftovers to make burritos later in the week for lunch

White Chili w/ cornbread

Raspberry Mousse Brownies

Our apartments are having a pizza party on Friday.  We love our bi-monthly gatherings the management puts on.  Looking forward to spending some time with our neighbors!  

Love: Warmth

I absolutely love the color of these handwarmers.  I used to have a problem with my hands always being cold.  Then, I started running and occasionally eating crystallized ginger (actually I only ate the ginger 2 or 3 times), and now no longer have that problem.  There are times (especially when running) that my hands get really hot.  Strange how that completely changed.  But I would still wear these handwarmers.