Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Being A Houseguest at the Holidays

Are you traveling for the holidays? If you are staying with a friend or family member, it is very important to be a respectful houseguest. Hosting guests is very stressful, but you can help make it easier for your loved one. Read over these tips, and you can comment below with some tips of your own. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.



Keep your belongings, neatly, in your room.

As someone who aspires, at least, to keep her house in order, I really appreciate it when my guests do their best to keep their suitcases and extra belongings in their designated areas. Of course, items like coats and shoes (which we don't wear in the house), are left out, and I am happy when guests take it upon themselves to notice where they belong and put them there.


Take care of your own special needs.

If your hostess asks about things you can't (or prefer not to) eat, it's okay to be honest— to a point. But if you have specific dietary or health needs, it's nice to take care of them yourself rather than expecting your hostess to learn about and provide for your needs. For instance, before I was more familiar with gluten-free diets and before gluten-free alternatives were ubiquitous, a houseguest of mine brought her own gluten-free pasta. I appreciated her foresight and consideration — and that, for the sake of my preparations, she told me she would do this beforehand.


Fit in.

Try to notice the rhythms and rituals of your hosts. If their habit is to sit and eat around the table together, join them rather than grazing, even if that's what you're used to. If your hosts enjoy conversation once all the kids are down, spend some time with them even if all you want to do is go to bed yourself! On the other hand, if you know your hosts go to bed earlier than you do, assure them that you're fine up on your own or even retreat to your space so your hosts feel comfortable leaving the common area as well.


Strip the sheets.

This could depend on how well you know your hosts, but this act, to me, shows a thoughtfulness about the practical side of having houseguests and a willingness to help however possible — and this means a lot. If you're not on a do-my-laundry-in-your-washer level of familiarity, leave the bed linens and towels in a tidy pile. Otherwise, if you can swing it, do the sheets and put them back on the bed. My mother always does this, and recent houseguests did this for me and what a relief! How nice to leave your host's place even better than when you got there.

How To Use Leftover Coffee Grounds

Do you know those coffee grounds that you thought you could not use?  There are five ways that you can re-purpose spent coffee grounds.  Keep reading this blog to learn how you can use them for cleaning, compost, and other various home solutions.  You can learn more at The Kitchn.




5 Ways to Use Spent Coffee Grounds
1. Compost

The great thing about sticking to simple brew methods that use only a paper filter and coffee grounds is that both are compostable. Used coffee grounds happen to be rich in nitrogen, which makes them great for composting. (Worms love coffee almost as much as you do!) In a compost pile, aim for a ratio of one part leaves to one part fresh grass clippings to one part coffee grounds. Keep in mind that freshly brewed coffee grounds won't have the same effect on your garden; you need to be sure that they have broken down and composted first.

2. Clean dishes

Because of the rough texture of coffee grounds, they work great as an abrasive, which means you can use them to clean tough-to-wash dishes. Simply place some grounds into a cleaning rag and twist the ends with a rubber band to secure them in place. Then you have an excellent DIY coffee sponge to clean with.

3. Exfoliate

Just like coffee grounds are a good abrasive for cleaning your dishes and kitchenware, they can also serve as an exfoliant for your skin. Simply mix with equal parts olive oil and massage into your skin. The coffee grounds exfoliate, while the olive oil serves as a moisturizer.

4. Fix furniture scratches

Have a kitchen table that needs a little love? Mixed with warm water and vinegar, coffee can be rubbed into scratches to keep your furniture looking good as new.

5. Keep your refrigerator fresh

Similar to baking soda, coffee grounds can serve as a deodorizer. Simply place a bowl of grounds in your refrigerator to suck up all the bad smells.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Keep Warm This Winter

We wish that we could have warm weather throughout the year. However, we have found 25 great tips to keep you warm this winter through the harshest storms.  It may be cold outside, but with these tips you will feel it is summer. Apartment Therapy has some great ideas that will help you stay nice and toasty through the cold winter months.


The battle with winter is a long one, fraught with snow and cold. If you need a couple more arrows in your quiver, check out these 25 household practices that help you keep you warm as the temperatures drop, save time in the freezing mornings before work, and hopefully conserve energy during the dark months. Individually they don't sound like much, but collectively they help you kick winter's butt to the curb.

1. Cover your windshield wipers with old socks before storms. Ice won’t build up and make it hard to use them. Similarly, cover rearview mirrors with plastic bags.
2. Park your car facing east to take full advantage of the sun.
3. Make your own windshield washer fluid from 1 quart alcohol, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon regular dish detergent.
4. After taking off wet shoes and boots, stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture quickly.
5. To take advantage of passive solar, open up curtains during the day to let the sunshine and heat in.
6. Prevent drafts by installing foam cutouts behind outlet covers on the walls.
7. Make your own hand warmers with resealable plastic bags and ice-melt pellets.
8. Cover your windows with bubble wrap for added insulation.
9. Reverse your ceiling fan to keep warm air at floor level versus in your stairwell or ceilings.
10. Pre-warm your bed with either a hot water bottle or electric blanket. Stick your pjs in there to get them all toasty before you get changed for bed.
11. Wrap foam pipe insulation around the bottom of exterior doors to prevent drafts.
12. Fill a shallow plastic tray with rocks to store your boots when you come in from the snow.
13. Spray pipe exterior and joints with WD-40 during the winter to help prevent them from bursting.
14. Use tin foil behind your radiator or heating vents to reflect heat back into the house.
15. Use a disposable razor to get rid of your sweater pills.
16. Make DIY boot toppers out of old sweaters.
17. Make homemade sidewalk and driveway de-icers.
18. Rig some thermal curtains to temporarily install over your windows.
19. Make your own fire starters.
20. Skewer a dryer sheet with the bristles of your hairbrush, and leave it on to get rid of static while you brush your hair.
21. Spray your shovel with nonstick cooking spray, or WD-40, before you use it so snow doesn't stick to it.
22. Attach mitten clips to your cuffs (and loop around your insole) to keep your pants down while wearing boots.
23. Save money by closing the heater vents in rooms you aren’t using.
24. When faced with a frozen lock, use heat rub intended for sore muscles. Hand sanitizer (with 60% alcohol) or a key heated by a lighter, is also rumored to do the trick.
25. Keep moisture in the area with a teakettle or saucepan of water boiling on the range or wood stove. Add mulling spices for a nice scent in addition to the more humid air.

Prepare for A Future Sick Day

The fall and winter are approaching fast.  We hope everyone stays healthy and happy.  However, it never hurts to be prepared for the cold and flu.  Here are some items to stock up on for the future.  These are all great to have in your kitchen for a sick day that you or a family member have this year.  You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.


The Drink Essentials

Herbal Tea: Make sure your stash is well-stocked, as herbal tea is probably the #1 go-to drink for most of us when we get sick. Black and green teas are nice too, but don't soothe the throat quite as well.

Honey: Tea by itself is fine, but tea with honey is extra soothing...

Lemons: ... and even more so if you add a squeeze of lemon. In fact, why not just go ahead and make this ginger honey and lemon tonic? The shot of whiskey in the recipe is optional, but highly recommended. (Trust me.)

Ginger and/or High-Quality Ginger Ale: You'll want fresh ginger for the tonic above, or to make any one of these stomach-soothing teas. You may also want to pick up a bottle or two of high-quality ginger ale — the kind made with real ginger, not just ginger flavoring and sugar — when you're 
feeling like a little light carbonation would be helpful.

Orange juice or oranges: Give yourself an extra shot of vitamin C with a glass of orange juice, even better if it's freshly-squeezed. (But hey, you're sick! Do whatever is easiest.)



The Food Essentials

Chicken soup: It's not all in your head; there's scientific proof that chicken soup really does help soothe cold symptoms, so buy a few cans for your pantry, or make and freeze a big homemade batch. 

Looking for the perfect soup recipe? Try one of these → 5 Soups to Soothe a Cold and From Chicken Noodle to Egg Drop: 10 Soothing Broth-Based Soups.

Applesauce: An essential part of the BRAT diet, applesauce is low in fiber but has lots of calories, so it's easy on a delicate stomach.

Bread for toast: Keep a loaf of sliced bread in your freezer, and you'll be so glad you have some bread around when you can't keep anything else down.

Quick-prep frozen meals: If your stomach isn't the problem and you're just wallowing in a head cold, quick-prep frozen meals (like these Trader Joe's recommendations) mean you can get some food in 

your system fast. You can also reheat one of these excellent freezer meals.

Your favorite comfort foods: This is different for everyone. What makes you feel good when you're sick? Maybe it's something from childhood, like mashed potatoes or a bowl of ramen noodles. Whatever it is, pick it (or the ingredients to make it) up the next time you go to the grocery store.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Fun Facts: The movie "Halloween" was made in only 21 days in 1978 on a very limited budget. You can learn more here. 

Halloween Shortbread

We all our busy with costumes, work, and other commitments during this fun holiday week.  However, we have found a quick easy recipe to make for your Halloween party.  This recipe is simple to make and it tastes delicious.  You can learn more here. 

Sunday Seahawks Brunch

This Sunday from 10am- Noon will be a Sunday Seahawks Brunch!  The event will take place in the Bailey Farms community. Make sure to join us!  You can see the menu below.

Menu

Bacon

Sausage patty

Scrambled eggs

waffles

Whip cream

Fruit toppings

Chocolate chips

Syrup

Plain yogurt

Fruit

Granola

Orange juice

5 Tips For Moving to a New City

Did you just move to Bothell, or are you looking to move here?  We are very happy to have you.  We know moving to a new city can be hard.  However, with a few good connections new friends could be right around the corner.  Here are five great tips for moving to a new city.  You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.

Say yes to everything. You need either all or some of the following life essentials in your new city: friends, a BFF, a boyfriend/ girlfriend, and a job. You won't find these by sitting at home and ordering delivery while watching Bravo. Get out there! Go to everything people invite you to. Remind yourself that you are on a mission to find these life essentials!

Ask to be set up on friend dates... or date dates. Welcome to the way grown-ups make friends. We're not in college anymore. Ask your BFFs in your current city if they know anyone in your new city. Ask your family if they know anyone who might be a nice friend for you. Scour Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and whatever other social media you're on and find out who from your network lives in town. You might be surprised.

Join organized groups. From nonprofit volunteering to kickball leagues, even if you don't normally consider yourself a joiner, joining something is a way to meet new peeps. Start with a hobby and find a group. Even better: find something you've never done before. Being a beginner is a great way to connect with other people who are also beginning; you feel awkward, they feel awkward, bingo: new friend.

For your first 6 months, stay somewhere comfortable. You are in a new city, it's all strange and unfamiliar. You don't know where CVS or the grocery store are or who your BFF will be. You don't know the good neighborhoods from the okay neighborhoods from the bad neighborhoods. You don't know the secret side streets to cut around traffic. You don't know the cool bars, the cool restaurants or where the best farmer's market is. So instead of adding to the stress, I encourage you to stay somewhere comfortable for your first chunk of time... while you get used to your surroundings. "Comfortable" means something different to everyone. For me it meant splurging on a temporary apartment in a pricey area where I feel really safe and free to explore my surroundings. For you it might mean living with a friend or relative temporarily even though you know that long-term you want to be living alone.

Give yourself a year to acclimate. Anytime you start thinking "OMG, this was a huge mistake!," "I was so stupid for thinking this was a good idea!" or "I'm never going to like living here and I'm going to die alone!" — and, trust me, it will happen — remind yourself that things are still in transition, moving is hard, and you are giving yourself until you have a year under your belt before making any overarching judgements on the move.

Don't forget about your friends and your network from your former city. You have it easier — you left. I've always believed that the "mover" has it easier than the person left behind. You're out exploring a new city, having new adventures, learning new things. Your old pals are in their same routine and probably missing you. Don't forget about them. Make an effort to keep in touch and to go back and visit from time to time. Yes, it will be hard — you're not sharing all of their day to day adventures and even a small time difference call be awkward — but soon enough things will fall into place.

Bothell Beer Festival

The Bothell Beer Festival is in a few weeks, and we are very excited.  The festival will be held October 18th from 12pm-5pm.  This is the first ever Beer Festival in Bothell, and we hope it will continue for many more years.  You can buy tickets here.

Salmon for Dinner

There are so many ways that you can enjoy salmon.  Sides, toppings, and breading are just some of the different recipes that we have found below.  Salmon is a great healthy choice for dinner, and it is very easy to make special.  You can learn more at The Kitchn.


Salmon is full of good fats and is easy and quick to cook, making it a great choice to have in your regular dinner rotation. But just having a plain piece of seared, baked, or grilled salmon can get

boring quickly, so here are five easy ways to jazz it up!


1. Herbs

Herbs add a ton of fresh flavor that enhance the fish without overpowering it. Toss whatever herbs you have on hand with a little oil and citrus juice and you're golden. Don't have the time? A store-bought pesto is just fine too.


Recipe: Quick Salmon & Couscous with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Recipe: Chimichurri Sauce
Recipe: Baked Salmon with Herbs & Lemon
How To Make Classic Italian Gremolata
How To Make Perfect Pesto Every Time

2. Breadcrumbs

A coating of crunchy breadcrumbs instantly makes salmon more like those guilty-pleasure frozen fish sticks. Dip salmon fillets in beaten egg or brush with a mustard-mayo mixture before coating in fresh breadcrumbs or panko, then pan fry or bake until golden brown. Feel free to add some of your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumbs too.


3. Compound Butter

Is there anything that butter doesn't make better? Mix butter with lemon zest and black pepper or some Creole seasoning and place a pat on the salmon fillet after it's cooked. This flavorful butter will melt and mingle with the salmon juices, creating an instant sauce to sop up with some bread or rice. In fact, make extra compound butter and freeze it in small portions to make life even easier.
Recipe: Broiled Salmon with Spiced Butter
Recipe: Maple-Bourbon Butter
Recipe: Herb Butter


4. Yogurt or Crème Fraîche Sauce

A creamy but slightly tangy sauce works really well with salmon, and it's why sour cream-dill sauce over salmon is such a classic. Try mixing in curry powder, Sriracha, or scallions into yogurt or crème fraîche for an easy, elegant salmon topper.
Salmon in Parchment with Curried Yogurt Sauce
3-Ingredient Recipe: Magic Summer Sauce
Recipe: Smoked Salmon Potato Cakes with Herb Crème Fraîche


5. Glaze or Marinade

Finally, a glaze or marinade made with condiments you probably already have in the fridge is a simple way to infuse the salmon with different flavors. If the glaze or marinade has sugar, it'll help the salmon caramelize on the outside even more as it's cooking.


Recipe: Simple Salmon Teriyaki
Recipe: Mustard-Glazed Salmon

How do you like to make your salmon more tasty? We'd love to know in the comments!

Harvest Weekend in Bothell

What are you doing in October? Make sure to mark the Harvest Weekend on your calendar for October 11th.  This harvest weekend in Bothell will take place at the Country Village Shops.  It is a great event for all ages, and it will get you ready for fall.  You can learn more at the Country Village Shops website.

Come celebrate the fall season on the weekend of October 11th & 12th! The festival will run from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.


Stroll the grounds decorated with corn stalks and pumpkins while you enjoy unique craft booths featuring one-of-a-kind items made by local artisans. Paint a pumpkin! Pumpkins and paints are included. Also, face painting, pony rides, train rides and much more!


The Eclectic Cloggers will be performing on Saturday in addition to other live entertainment throughout the weekend!

If you would like to be a craft vendor, fill out the attached application below.

Take Your Pick! Apple Orchards Near and Far

Whether you're known for your delicious homemade apple pies or you simply enjoy apples are a healthy snack, you live in one of the best places to enjoy them. Washington's many you-pick apple orchards are now open for the fall season. So we wanted to pass along these 10 orchards close to (and not so close to) the Bothell area that let you pick your own apples, go on orchard tours, and host festivals. So get your bags ready and make your pick!

Apple Creek OrchardAs of October 3, 2014 Apple Creek Orchard is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pick-your-own Jonagold, Mutsu and Snowsweet apples for $15 a bushel. The farm provides buckets and carts, but remember to bring boxes to transport the fruit of your labors home.

5367 Barr Rd.
Ferndale, Wa 98248
360-384-0915
Online: applecreekorchard.com or on Facebook

Jones Creek FarmsJones Creek Farms offers u-pick apples from September to November. This year’s annual Harvest Festival will be taking a hiatus, but you can still enjoy the popular hay rides every Sunday in October.

32260 Burrese Rd.
Sedro Woolley, Wa 98284
360-391-3904
Online: skagitvalleyfruit.com

The Farm at Swan’s Trail
The Farm at Swan’s Trail in Snohomish includes an acre of Jonagold and Honeycrisp apple trees. You can take the kids on a wagon ride out to the u-pick orchard. But the season only lasts for a few weeks, so be sure to call before you go. Good to know: The orchard’s Honeycrisp apples begin to ripen in early September.

7301 Rivershore Rd.
Snohomish, Wa 98290
425-334-4124
Online: thefarm1.com or on Facebook

BelleWood AcresBelleWood Acres is a working farm that offers pick-your-own apples in one of the largest apple orchards in western Washington. They also offer tours for families aboard the Apple Bin Express and lessons for kids on best practices for picking. Watch the packing line, visit the cider press and peek into the bakery, then stop in the on-site store and bring some apple goodies home with you. Choose from 20 delicious apple varieties including Jonagold, Sansa, HoneyCrisp and Golden Supreme. Harvest season begins in late August and runs through early November; check their ripening calendar for more details.

6140 Guide Meridian Dr.
Bellingham, Wa 98264
360-318-7720
Online: bellewoodapples.com or on Facebook

Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm
If the kiddos are craving fresh cider, look no further than Lattin’s Country Mill. Lattin’s is open year-round and holds an Apple Festival every weekend in October with games, a maze and demonstrations for the whole fam. While they don’t offer U-pick, you can sample the farm’s award-winning cider, visit with animals, and bring home a pie or two.

9402 Rich Rd. S.E.
Olympia, Wa 98501
360-491-7328
Online: lattinscider.com or on Facebook

Wilson Banner Ranch
Wilson Banner Ranch uses natural growing practices and has apples, apricots, blackberries, cherries, cucumbers, flowers, nectarines, pears, peaches, plums, pumpkins, tomatoes, honey from hives on the farm and a cider mill! Are you excited yet? They also have a petting zoo. This farm is well worth the drive and is open on Fridays and Saturdays.

16397 Highway 12
Clarkston, Wa 99403
509-758-2664
Online: wilsonbannerranch.com or on Facebook

Stutzman Ranch
Open daily through October, Stutzman Ranch is a fourth generation orchard and farm stand in Wenatchee. Galas are ready to pick first, with Fuji following in mid-September. Remember that Stutzman Ranch is cash-only and staff suggests that pickers wear closed-toe shoes and leave pets at home.

2226 Easy St.
Wenatchee, Wa 98801
509-667-1664
Online: thestutzmanranch.com

Johnson OrchardsThis family owned and operated orchard has been in business since 1904, offering several varieties of cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, pears, plums and apples. U-pick apples (including Gala) are available August through December, but call ahead to check which varieties are available before you make the trip. Fruit is sold by the pound, box or bin; gift boxes are available in season.

4906 Summitview Ave.
Yakima, Wa
509-966-7479
Online: johnsonorchardsfruit.com

Becerra GardensBecerra Gardens is a great place to grab lunch: You can get most of what you need right there. Becerra grows asparagus, cucumbers, flowers, herbs, melons, peppers, pumpkins, winter squash, tomatoes and some already-picked produce. There’s also a picnic area and a concessions/refreshment stand. And starting on Saturdays and Sundays in October, you can enjoy the mazes, games, pumpkin painting and activities.

9074 Rd. K N.W.
Quincy, Wa
509-989-1298
Online: becerragardens.com and on Facebook

High Country OrchardGreen Bluff High Country Orchard is stocked with pre-picked cherries, peaches, raspberries, apricots, pears and apples. You’ll also find a country store with gifts and antiques. Save room for something sweet, the orchard serves fresh baked pies, pastries and ice cream. And starting in late September, enjoy the orchard’s annual Apple Festival offering a large variety of cooking apples, fresh pressed cider and other produce as well as live music, craft booths, corn and straw mazes, pony rides and more.

8518 E. Green Bluff Rd.
Colbert, Wa
509-238-9545
Online: highcountryorchard.com

How to Fall-ify Your Apartment's Decor

With the start of fall on the horizon (starting on September 23), it's time to transition into that "cooler" mindset. As the leave start to change color and the weather gets a tad cooler, it's a great opportunity to give yourself a fresh start and a change of scenery. After all, the decreased daylight hours can be a real bummer sometimes!

Here are some tips we found on ApartmentGuide.com on how to transition your apartment from a summer style to a fall theme: 

Fall Cleaning
Before you settle onto your couch for the remainder of fall and winter, clear out the cobwebs and dust so you have a fresh, clean space to relax in throughout the cooler months.

Focus on Color

In the warmer months, we tend to decorate with bright colors like turquoise and yellow while using lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton. When autumn hits, update your apartment’s décor by swapping out these accents for darker, fall-appropriate earth tones. If you have a neutral-colored couch, add throw pillows in colors like burnt orange, deep red and olive green. Switch your gauzy window treatments with heavier ones that will still let light in while keeping warmth inside your home.

Scentsational

Create your own home fragrance to fill up your apartment with a warm and cozy aroma. Bring a cup of apple cider and a cup of water to a simmer in a small saucepan on your stove. Toss in a tablespoon of ground cinnamon and a few cloves and before you know it, your home will be filled with a spicy, apple pie fragrance.

Lighten Up

With the daylight hours getting shorter and shorter every day, you’ll want to keep things bright inside your apartment by turning up the lighting. Setting up mood lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your apartment feel warm and cozy, whether you’re having a dinner party with friends and neighbors or just settling in for a night of reading. To brighten up a small space like a bathroom sink or a fireplace mantle, a row of tea lights, either placed individually or contained in a trough, can really go a long way. If you have more room to work with, like a dining room table or an end table, a cluster of lanterns makes a great centerpiece.

Click here to read the full article on ApartmentGuide.com!

At Woodapalooza, You Can Look AND Touch

Ever wish you could go to a museum where you could touch every exhibit?

Not all art is just for looking. And at a new festival this weekend in South Whidbey Community Park, you'll be able to see--and touch--for yourself.

This weekend kicks of Woodapalooza, a weekend long celebration of woodworking in the region hosted by the Whidbey Island Woodworkers Guild. Featuring 20 artists over the course of the three-day event, the event is a great chance to meet some local artists and get to know their work on an intimate level.

This is a particularly unique opportunity because woodworkers are notoriously known for their privacy. “Most of the world doesn't know we exist,” guild spokesman Gary A. Leake said in an article on HeraldNet.com.

“My son's friends come over and they say, ‘Wow, your dad does this?' And they want to know all about it and he says, ‘Let's go play video games,'” said Pat McVay, one of the artists. “Same thing from my wife. Oh, just another sculpture.”

Here are just a few examples of pieces you might find at Woodapalooza:

A sculpture of man dining at a table wipes his face with a napkin. Two statues in a wine garden gossip. The life-sized carving of Babe Ruth is posed ready to slam a ball, right down to the action wrinkles in his uniform.

A man thrown backward by a tsunami of junkmail from a mailbox is a whimsical favorite in Clinton. It's by the post office.

“Woodpalooza” is noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with a reception 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Zech Hall, 565 Camano Ave., Langley.

Admission is free.

For more information: www.woodpalooza.com.

King County Metro Testing Green Buses

If you use public transportation to get to work in King County and you care about the environment, we have good news! Thanks to a $4.7 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration, King County Metro will be replacing two of its older buses with 40-foot, heavy duty battery powered electric buses.

Although two thirds of the county's buses are already fully or partially electric, the new fleet to be tested is even greener. Metro hopes that the entire fleet will look like this by 2018.

Said King County Executive Dow Constantine:

"Ten years after King Country began replacing older buses with hybrid-electric models, we now have technology that holds the promise of an even cleaner and more energy-efficient fleet."
Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond said:

"This testing will allow us to understand where these electric buses can best be used and what their performance will be like within our real-world operating environment...These answers, combined with ongoing federal support and growing interest, will be key in moving this technology into the mainstream."
These new buses will begin testing in June 2015.

Click here to read more about this in the Bothell Reporter!

Remembering Robin Williams' Impact on Seattle

Robin Williams meant something different to every one of us, whether you knew him for his movie roles, standup comedy, or his ability to improvise. But as residents of the Bothell/Seattle area, let's take some time to remember what he meant to our region, particularly for those less fortunate.

In particular, back in 2004, Williams performed stand-up at the Showbox nightclub in Seattle--and to everyone's surprise, he donated all of the show's proceeds to the West Seattle Food Bank.

KING5 news recently covered this story, and the Seattle Food Bank's executive director, Fran Yeatts, recalls: "I was just astounded...Robin Williams is the type of person who really understands there are a lot of people who are really, really struggling."

Another volunteer that night recalled Williams' down-to-earth personality:

"He was this real guy, this regular Joe that had the same issues," said Ellis. "He said it was an honor for him to be able to do these things, to give back...That meant the world to me. It solidified my sobriety to this day."
Said another food bank volunteer, who was inspired by Williams:

"In spite of the problems that some people have, they can still to great things," he said. "I think Robin Williams is a classic example of that."

Click here to learn more about the West Seattle Food Bank, including how to donate or volunteer.


Click here to learn more about Robin Williams' life on KING5.com.


Click here for suicide prevention resources in Washington state.

Washington Wine Month & Woodinville Wine Walk!

Did you know that August is Washington Wine Month, sponsored by the Washington Wine Commission? It is! And yes, we did get started a little early in late July with our wine and cheese event, but there's no reason to stop celebrating through August!

One perfect opportunity to celebrate is the First Thursday Wine-Mead-Spirit Walks in the Hollywood District of Woodinville. At this weekly event, wineries, distilleries, and a meadery will open their tasting rooms for a flat price of $20 in advance (or $25 the day of), so you can taste all the award winning wine, mead, and beer.

And remember, the event is BYOG! (Bring Your Own Glass!)

Here are some more details on the event:

PARTICIPATING TASTING ROOMS

• J Bookwalter (Main Ticket Station)
• Otis Kenyon (Ticket Station)
• Zerba Cellars
• Trust Cellars (Ticket Station)
• Dusted Valley
• Brian Carter
• Sky River Mead (Ticket Station)
• And more to come…..

DETAILS

• Bring your own glass ($5 if you need a basic glass)
• $25, CASH ONLY, the night of the event
• Ticket sales end at 7:00pm
• Check in for tickets and wristband at any ticket station (locations listed online)

Hollywood District of Woodinville
14810 NE 145th ST
Woodinville, WA 98072

Click here to read more about the the First Thursday Wine-Mead-Spirit Walks in the Hollywood District of Woodinville!

So About that Spare Bedroom...

Your roommate moves out early. You just wanted a little bit extra space. Your kid goes away to college or moves out. There are lots of reasons why you might have a spare bedroom in your apartment. But regardless of the reason, having a spare bedroom is a great opportunity!

Have a hobby or passion you'd like to dedicate a room to? Do you work from home? Have a pet you'd like to pamper? A spare bedroom is essentially a spare multi-purpose room, and you'd be remiss not to put some work into it. ApartmentGuide.com's blog had some great ideas for repurposing that spare bedroom, including:

Get Crafty

If you love to spend your down time getting creative, an extra bedroom is the perfect place to put your hobby to good use. A sewing machine table, a drafting table for drawing or scrapbooking, or a canvas for your latest painting could be the centerpiece of your spare room. And with all that space, you’ll have plenty of room for art supply storage.

Create a Workspace

If you work from home, it’s nice to have a dedicated workspace that you can leave at the end of each day. A spare bedroom is the perfect place for a home office or, if you’re a student, a studying nook. Even if you’re hunting for a job, having a special space that’s organized just the way you like it, with all your necessities within easy reach, will make the process go a lot more smoothly.

Give Your Pets Their Own Playroom

If you’ve got a dog that loves his toys, or a cat that just wants to be left alone, your spare bedroom is a good place to create a pet paradise. If you’re the type to buy your pet a lot of toys to chew on or pillows to lie on, this is a good way to get that stuff out of your living space and tucked away for when guests come over.

Get Fit

If you like to work out in the privacy of your own home, it can be hard to do it in your living room – maybe your coffee table always needs to be moved out of the way, or you’re always dodging furniture. Using a spare bedroom as your workout room will give you all the space you need to get in shape, without having to worry about knocking into stuff.

Click here to read the full article on ApartmentGuide.com!

Bothell Food Trucks Can Keep on Trucking!

One of the best parts of living in Bothell is its proximity to the amenities of Seattle. But of course, there are some things you really do need to travel into the city for--Mariners or Seahawks games, nightlife, food trucks...

Actually, we can now scratch that one. Earlier this week, the Bothell City Council voted to allow food trucks in Bothell. And although food trucks have been on premises at UW Bothell, Cascadia Community College, and North Creek Business Park, now the city will formally license them. According to The Woodinville Weekly, this will offer locals more options, particularly for people with food allergies.

“I am allergic to gluten and dairy, so my food options were limited, before the food trucks, [to} trail mix, gluten-free brownies and bananas — sometimes. If I stayed at the school for a long time, I just wouldn’t have any food, and I’d go hungry,” he said. “...But when the food trucks arrived, they provided a lot more variety in our food, and this variety came up with options that were available for people with allergies. So it would be very nice if you could keep the food trucks on campus so we could keep on eating and not be hungry.”
The City Council was vocal in its support of food trucks, particularly the fact that they no longer have to be licensed under a primitive section of the code that regulates "peddlers." Now, they will develop specific regulations for food trucks.

“I think that food trucks are actually a great trend in cuisine. They’re something that’s moving across America,” Councilmember Mark Lamb said. “...They bring great options to our city that we wouldn’t otherwise have, and they provide a great variety of cuisine that enhances the quality of life in the city of Bothell. So I don’t think we should be afraid. I don’t think we should try to clamp down on these things; I think we ought to encourage them.”

Click here to read the full article in The Woodinville Weekly!

How to Settle Decor Disagreements

Having a roommate is a great way to save money on daily apartment expenses and to keep you company while at home. But having a roommate can also be a source of stress at times and communication is vitally important in settling disputes or disagreements.

One of the most exciting parts of moving into an apartment is making it your own, and decorating is a big part of that. But what happens when you and your new roomie disagree on how to decorate? ApartmentGuides.com's blog had some great tips we wanted to share:

Flip a Coin

When it comes to common areas like the living room, kitchen, dining room or a shared bathroom, let an old school solution settle the disagreement. Flip a coin. It’s fair and completely unbiased.

Shop Together

This way you can settle disagreements before any money is spent. Not only will it help you to get a better feel of your roommate’s likes and dislikes, it’ll also stop hideous purchases from being made.

Talk About It!

Don’t go moving that sofa to the other side of the living room without first checking with your roomie. You don’t necessarily need to ask for permission, but soliciting their opinion is a common courtesy. How would you feel if you walked into your apartment and the entire living room was suddenly rearranged? Not cool.

Just Give Up

Why bother fighting over a room that you know you won’t be spending time in? The dining room is generally a very formal space for enjoying meals. If you have zero interest in hanging out there much, let your bedfellow spruce it up.

Click here to read the full article on ApartmentGuides.com!

Moisture Ants and You (and Your Apartment)

With the wetlands so close to our humble abode in Bothell, moisture ants can be a real nuisance. They're about the size of a normal ant, dark brown or yellow in color, with a characteristic "notch" on its back.

Although they're tiny, they can cause quite a bit of damage if they're not dealt with. Fortunately, PestNet.com has a great review of precautions and steps to take to get rid of those pesky moisture ants. Here are some of them:

Clean up shop: Moisture ants will forage indoors for food, especially if they are nesting in or near homes. Especially attracted to sweet things, they will find a spill or left out food faster than you can say “Ant!” Keep food in the kitchen in airtight containers and clean up all spills immediately. Dispose of food-contaminated rubbish in an outdoor trash receptacle.

Outside: Moisture ants love moisture! Go figure. Keep wet and loose soil, mulch, grass, and other debris away from your floor and windows. Immediately identify and report any rotting or moist wood to Bailey Farm Management. Seal off any cracks or openings through which the ant may enter with caulking, urethane foam, or lumber.

Sweet poisoned baits are a bit of a paradox, but are perhaps the best way to locate the nest of a moisture ant. Place baits around areas you think may be near nesting sites. This will trap many ants, but until the nest is located widespread eradication isn’t likely.

Liquid Insecticides should most often be applied by professional pest control companies, and is not necessarily a “green” solution but many natural or organic solutions can be purchased at garden stores. If you know positively where the nest is, try drenching it in insecticides. You should only use chemicals labeled for Moisture ants, though, or you could cause a rebound in population.

Click here to read the full article on PestNet.com.

Pets for Adoption at Everett Animal Shelter

Bailey Farm prides itself on being a pet-friendly community, and there are certainly no shortages of opportunities to find the perfect pet in our area. Between our friends at Paddywack in Mill Creek and all the great animal shelters in the region, if you're looking for a dog, cat, or other critter, you're in luck.

The Everett Animal Shelter is one of them, and they house thousands of stray or unwanted pets every year. Although some are adopted immediately, others may wait weeks or even months before finding a home. The shelter has dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds--and all animals are vaccinated, spayed, neutered and microchipped before they are adopted.

Here are some of the pets currently up for adoption, courtesy of HeraldNet:

AVAILABLE: No one’s quite like Gaston, a Manchester Terrier and Beagle mix. He has boundless energy and is usually ​a perfect gentleman. Cats beware! (Jon Annis / Everett Animal Shelter)

AVAILABLE: As young cats go, Cedric is wonderfully mellow. His previous owners thought he was the sweetest boy, and he gets along well with other cats. (Jon Annis / Everett Animal Shelter)

AVAILABLE: Athena is a large gal looking for a spacious home. She’s a Great Pyrenees and Kuvasz mix. She’s also young and will chase smaller critters or livestock. She loves to go on walks and be brushed. (Jon Annis / Everett Animal Shelter)

Click here to see all the animals currently available at the Everett Animal Shelter! For more information, call 425-257-6000. 

A Quick Guide to Summer Wine Pairing

With July 4 coming up (not to mention the rest of the summer), it's prime time for wine and grilling here in Washington. Grilled meat and wine is such a classic pairing and we admit, it's hard to mess up.

But if you're not exactly a wine expert, your wino neighbors will tell you that some wines pair better with certain dishes than others. So if you're planning a nice summer dinner party or if you plan on hitting up one of the many great restaurants this summer, here are some helpful tips on pairing wines with food, courtesy of About.com's wine section:

Zinfandels will be able to handle a wide variety of red meats. This bold red wine bellies up to meaty, smokey flavors – allowing the varietal’s black pepper spice, acidity and ripe tannins to carry the meat’s fats and texture to a new dimension. A Zin will also work well with barbeque sauce, steak sauce and mild salsas – if there is too much spice in the sauce the two will compete and both the wine and the sauce end up as losers.

Merlot is the spicy sauce answer to the above dilemma. With the characteristic fruit-forward flavor profile, this varietal will support the spice and not aggravate it. Grilled pork chops, chicken and garden-variety salads with lighter dressings also mingle well with Merlot.

Shiraz/Syrah another varietal that makes the grill-friendly wine list. This varietal is delicious with just about any red meat. Offering dynamic, somewhat aggressive fruit flavors, balanced with more mellow tannins and a softer-fuller body – this wine’s place to shine is definitely at a barbecue gathering! Rhone Syrahs tend to have a smokier flavor characteristic and lend themselves extremely well to smoked brisket.

Cabernet Sauvignon is made for steaks with a higher fat content and burgers of beef or turkey will pair equally well. The tighter tannins are significantly mellowed by the meat’s fat, producing a palate pleaser to remember! Top your burgers with bold cheeses, like blue or sharp cheddar and this varietal gets even better!

Pinot Noir a flexible varietal that is known for being extremely food-friendly. Can go from grilled fish to a juicy burger in a single sip! Pinot Noir is an ideal candidate for grilled fish – especially salmon, burgers and chicken both bare their best in the presence of Pinot Noir. If you aren’t sure if what wine will work with your grilled dinner, Pinot Noir will likely be your best bet.

Click here to read the full article!

How to Throw a July 4 Party in Your Apartment!

You don't need to have a big backyard and a barbecue pit in order to throw a successful party for July 4. Yes, even in your apartment here at Bailey Farm, you can throw an Independence Day bash that your friends, family, and neighbors will remember for years to come.

After all, what good is all the great local food, farmers markets, beer, and wine in the Bothell area if you're not going to celebrate America with it?

Apartments.com offered up some very helpful tips for throwing a July 4 party at your apartment - here are some of our favorites:

Plan ahead: Many people travel around the 4th of July, so it’s important to get your party on their calendars early. With the holiday falling on a Thursday this year, you may consider hosting your party Wednesday night so no one has to worry about going into work the next day. Or, if your friends are making it a long weekend at home, Friday could be the perfect day. Check with your VIP guests about their schedules and plan around that.

Request RSVPs: Whether you invite your friends via Facebook, Evite or email, ask them to RSVP and let you know if they’re bringing anyone else. Having a general headcount will help you plan how much food and drinks to buy. Especially if your party is on the 4th, many stores may be closed, so if you run out of grub, you may be out of luck.

Go shopping: Stock up on everything you’ll need for your party as far ahead as possible, including food, drinks, paper plates, plastic silverware, disposable cups and grill supplies. That way, if you forget something, you have more time to go to the store again before the big day. For drinks, the rule of thumb is to have enough for three drinks per person (one bottle of wine holds 4-5 drinks). For food, decide whether you want guests to bring anything, and if so, ask them to tell you what they’re bringing when they RSVP so you don’t double up.

Set the scene: You’ve got the food, the drinks and the guests, now it’s time for the ambiance. Make a playlist on your iPhone or on Spotify and test out your speakers to make sure they’re loud enough. Get into the spirit of the holiday and throw in some patriotic songs. And you can’t go wrong with some red, white and blue – pick up some streamers and American flags, and don’t forget the sparklers and (legal) fireworks!

Tell the neighbors: When living in an apartment, it’s common courtesy to let your neighbors know you’ll be having a party, especially if you’re using the shared yard or rooftop deck. Although it’s not required, it’s also a nice gesture to invite them to stop by. It’s a good opportunity to get to know them, and they can’t get mad about the noise if they’re among those making it!

Have fun! When hosting a party, it can be easy to get stressed about whether there will be enough food, if people like the music, and if everyone’s having fun. Enlist as much help as you can from your roommates or closest friends to help set up/refill snacks, then sit back and enjoy yourself!

Click here to read the full article at Apartments.com.

Barbecue Benefit this Saturday

One of the most well regarded food establishments in the area, Carolina Smoke doesn't just make great barbecue - they also give back to the community in the form of charitable giving. 

Last summer, one of the restaurant's workers, David Hayward suffered a heart attack and nearly passed away. But staff at the cardiac care unit at Evergreen Hospital were able to return him to good health. So in return, this Saturday, June 14 from 11 AM to 8 PM, Carolina Smoke will be hosting a "Rib Day" to benefit the hospital and all their hardworking employees. 

Mr. Hayward and team will be smoking four different types of ribs, beef ribs, baby back ribs, spare ribs, and beef short ribs, all served on a platter with two sides. And all proceeds will go to the Evergreen Hospital Cardiac Care Unit, along with those that come into the donation jar, which they'll have on hand. Local blues band, The Chester Dennis Jones Band, will also be on hand from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Over at the restaurants website, Mr. Hayward shared his heartfelt thoughts about the folks who saved his life. He writes:

I want to thank my family and friends, Evergreen Hospital and the staff that took such good care of me, and the medics who came to my house and their excellent care.  I am very blessed to still be here.

I want to give back to the folks who have given me this second chance, Evergreen hospital. So, on June 14th from 11am-8pm Carolina Smoke will have a Rib Day to benefit Evergreen Hospital. On Rib Day I will not only be smoking up my babyback ribs, but I will also be smoking up some spare ribs and beef ribs. I will be donating the profits for the day to Evergreen Hospital as well as providing a jar to donate. I have also asked my good friend, Chester Dennis Jones to come play some blues for everyone (thanks Chet!). So please come out and help support Evergreen Hospital, I owe them my life.

Click here to learn more about this great event for a great cause!

Tips for a Successful Housewarming Party

If you've recently moved in to our humble Bothell abode, you've probably got a lot on your plate. But once things settle down, one of the best ways to integrate yourself into the community and "break in" your new apartment is by throwing a housewarming party.

After all, what good is your beautiful new Bailey Farm Apartment if you don't show it off to your friends and your new neighbors? (Hint: Your neighbors are invaluable resources for getting to know the building, community, and surrounding area. And they love wine.)

ApartmentGuides.com offered up some helpful tips for throwing a successful housewarming party. Here are some of our favorites:

Tip #1: Don’t do it right after you move in.
Getting your apartment in show-off shape takes time. You want your place to be organized, decorated nicely and above all else, clean. Although your friends will be dying to see your apartment right away, give yourself two or three weeks to unpack, settle in and get the place in tip-top shape.

Tip #2: Figure out how many people your apartment can comfortably hold.
If you live in a studio or a one-bedroom apartment, chances are you don’t have a ton of extra space. In this case, a small party will be much more fun for everyone, so limit your guest list to your closest friends only. On the other hand, if you’ve got plenty of extra space? Go nuts. Just make sure you’ve got lots of seating and remember to keep the noise level under contr

Tip #3: Use Facebook to invite people.
Yes, written invitations are super classy. But do you really want to go through the trouble of having them printed, mailing them out and waiting on responses? That takes time, not to mention money, and you can accomplish the same thing through Facebook’s event feature. Just create the event, be specific about the time and place, and invite the friends you want to be there. Don’t be afraid to lean on that one person who annoyingly responds “maybe” – you need to know how many people are coming, so get an accurate head count however you can.

Tip #4: Keep the refreshments simple.
Will your housewarming party include dinner for your guests? It doesn’t have to – if you start the party at 8 p.m., for instance, your guests will have eaten dinner before they arrive – but if you want to serve a meal, keep it simple. Grilling out is always a winner, and supplying burgers or hot dogs for a small group of people won’t be too hard on your wallet. If you’re not serving dinner, a simple spread of chips and dip, cookies or small hors d’oeuvres will do the trick.

Tip #5: Have an activity in mind.
At most parties, conversation is king. Let your guests mingle, chat and catch up with each other, and that’ll be great entertainment for the evening. But if the conversation starts to wane, have a group activity in mind as a backup plan. If your friends enjoy board games or parlor games such as Charades, you could have a tournament. If you’d rather play a new game, just Google “housewarming party games” and you’ll find all sorts of ways to entertain your guests. But remember: Don’t force people to play a game if they’re already having a good time. If your guests are entertained simply by each other’s company, your party will be an effortless success.

Click here to read the full article on ApartmentGuide.com!

Bothell Area Farmers Markets for 2014

Farmers markets are a great way to get fresh, delicious food and support your community. And we've got lots within short driving distance that'll be opening up in the coming weeks and months.

So go grab those re-usable bags and start brainstorming recipes! Here are all the great farmers markets in the area, courtesy of HeraldNet:

Arlington Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, July 5 to Sept. 27, Legion Park, 200 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington; 425-330-6105;www.arlingtonfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

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Bayview Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 25, Bayview Corner, Highway 525 and Bayview Road, Whidbey Island; 360-321-4302; www.bayviewfarmersmarket.com.

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Biringer Farm Arlington: Strawberry and raspberry sales and U-pick berries daily, mid-June through July, 21412 59th Ave. NE, Arlington; 425-259-0255. See www.biringerfarm.com for updates and satellite berry sale locations.

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Bothell Farmers Market: Noon to 6 p.m. Fridays, June 6 through Oct. 3, 23718 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell; 425-483-2250;www.countryvillagebothell.com.

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Bryant Blueberry Farm: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays during harvest season, July 8 through late August, 5628 Grandview Road, Arlington; 360-474-8424;www.bryantblueberries.com.

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Burien Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 30, 427 SW 152nd St., Burien; www.discoverburien.com.

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Carleton Farm Produce: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Oct. 31, 630 Sunnyside Blvd. SE, Everett; 425-334-2297; www.carletonfarm.com.

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Clinton Farmers Market: 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, July 3 through Aug. 28; Clinton Community Hall, 6411 Central Ave; 425-341-3929; www.discoverclintonwa.org.

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Edmonds Museum Garden Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through June 21 Fifth Avenue and Bell Street in the public safety parking lot; 425-776-7201; www.historicedmonds.org.

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Edmonds Museum Summer Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, June 28 through Oct. 4 (except Aug. 9 during Taste of Edmonds), Fifth Avenue and Main Street in downtown Edmonds; 425-776-7201;www.historicedmonds.org.

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Everett Friday Farmers Market: 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays, July 13 to Sept. 26, in the Everett Mall Sears parking lot; 425-422-5656;fridayfarmersmarket@gmail.com orwww.fridayfarmersmarketeverettmall.com.

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Everett Sunday Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 5, 1600 W. Marine View Drive; www.everettfarmersmarket.net.

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Foster's Country Market: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, June through October, at 5818 Highway 530 NE, Arlington; 360-435-6516;www.fosterscornmaze.com/summer.html.

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Greenbank Farm Sunday Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, June through September, Greenbank Farm, 765 Wonn Road, Whidbey Island; 360-678-7710; www.greenbankfarm.biz/sunday-market.

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Lake Forest Park Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 12, Highway 522 and Highway 104, Lake Forest Park; 206-366-3302; www.thirdplacecommons.org/farmers-market.

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Lynnwood Farmers Market: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays beginning June 12, Wilcox Park, 5215 196th St. SW; live entertainment and children's activities; www.lynnwoodfarmersmarket.com.

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Mukilteo Farmers Market: 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June through September, 609 Front St., Mukilteo; 425-320-3586;www.mukilteofarmersmarket.org.

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Port Susan Farmers Market: 2 to 7 p.m. June 20 to Aug. 29, and 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 5 to Oct. 17, 8825 Viking Way, Stanwood; 360-202-3932.

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Sedro-Woolley Farmers Market: 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 15, Hammer Heritage Park, Metcalf and Ferry streets, Sedro-Woolley; 360-202-7311; www.sedrowoolleyfarmersmarket.com.

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Snohomish Farmers Market: Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. through June 26, 3 to 7:30 p.m. July 3 to Aug. 21, and 3 p.m. until sunset from Aug. 28 to Sept. 25 at Cedar Avenue between First and Pearl streets, in downtown Snohomish; 425-366-1171; www.snohomishfarmersmarket.com.

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South Whidbey Farmers Market: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 26, South Whidbey Tilth's Sustainable Agriculture Center, 2812 Thompson Road, Highway 525 and Thompson Road, 6.7 miles north of the Clinton ferry landing; 360-632-4451; www.southwhidbeytilth.org.

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Willis Tucker Farmers Market: 3 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, June 6 through Aug. 29, Willis Tucker Park, 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish, three miles east of Mill Creek; www.marketatwillistucker.wordpress.com.