Blog Posts

8 Great Waterfall Hikes

5/1/2014

Our rainy climate and mountainous terrain produces beautiful waterfalls! May is a great month to visit the waterfalls in our region because they are flowing at their peak, as the snow melts in the surrounding mountains.

If hiking is not your idea of fun, you can drive right up to the roaring and gushing 270 foot Snoqualmie Falls. The falls are very impressive and you can park your car easily in their parking lot, then walk to a viewing area. It takes about 25-30 minutes to drive to Snoqualmie Falls from Bellevue.

If you like to hike, you can find hundreds of waterfalls to visit in our region.
Here 8 great hikes you might enjoy:
(Note: for some of the hikes you will need a Discover Pass or a Northwest Forest Pass to park your car in the lot. Passes can be purchased online or at REI or Big 5 Sporting Goods stores.)

1) Twin Falls- This is a beautiful hike through a lush green forest that leads to a beautiful waterfall. It's located in the North Bend area, so not too far from Seattle/Bellevue. The hike is about 3 miles round-trip and not too steep or difficult, so it's good for children.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-falls-state-park (Discover Pass required)

2) Franklin Falls- This waterfall is impressive because you view it from the bottom looking upward, and it is tall, high, and narrow. It's a great hike for young children because the trail is not difficult and not too long, just 2 miles round-trip. Plus, the trailhead is only about 45 minutes drive from Bellevue area.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasonal-hikes/hikes/franklin-falls
(Northwest Forest Pass required)

3) Wallace Falls- If you're willing to hike a bit longer, you will be rewarded with these spectacular falls. Wallace Falls is a series of several waterfalls. This hike is located off Highway 2 in the Goldbar area (about 1 hour drive from Bellevue/Seattle area) The hike is 5.5 miles round-trip. You hike through beautiful old-growth forest and catch some great mountain views.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasonal-hikes/hikes/wallace-falls (Discover Pass required)

4) Bridal Veil Falls- These gorgeous misty falls are located in the Stevens Pass area. You view them from below as they cascade down a seemingly sky-high wall of dark rock. The hike is about 4 miles round trip, and good for kids, as it's not too steep.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/bridal-veil-falls
(Northwest Forest Pass Required)

5) Otter and Big Creek Falls- If you want a longer hike, this one is 10 miles round trip. It's more peaceful than some of the other hikes because you will find fewer hikers on this trail. The trail is called Taylor River Trail. In early spring, you might still find snow on the trail, so dress appropriately.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/taylor-river
(Northwest Forest Pass required)

6) Sol Duc Falls- This hike is in the Olympic National Park, so it's much farther away, but Olympic park has some of the most well-preserved forests, which makes it well-worth the drive. The hike to Sol Duc Falls leads through a beautiful, mossy, old-growth forest and winds its way to the falls. A wood bridge crosses over the falls, making for a very pretty picture!
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sol-duc-falls-loop
(National Park entrance fee required)

7) Palouse Falls- If you take a driving trip out to Eastern Washington, you will want to make a stop at our official "State Waterfall", Palouse Falls (approximately 3.5 hours drive from Bellevue). Its size and spendor make it one of the most impressive waterfalls in all of washington. It cuts through the surrounding rock and drops into a deep, wide, circular canyon. You can park nearby and walk to a viewing area to view the falls, and if you want more adventure, you can hike 2 miles round-trip to view the Snake River above the falls as it winds its way to the dropping off point.
http://www.wta.org/action/go-hiking/hikes/palouse-falls (Discover Pass Required)

8) Denny Creek Slippery Rocks- While it's not exactly a waterfall, more like a waterslide, this is one of my favorite hikes to do with kids in July or August. The hike is about 2 miles through a pretty forest, and then you reach a spot where the water runs over big, flat granite rocks and makes a natural waterslide. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the shallow water here on a hot summer day!
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/denny-creek (Northwest Forest Pass required)

Many, many more waterfall hikes can be found at the Washington Trails Association website: http://www.wta.org/

Happy hiking!
--Suzanne

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20 Tips on How to Protect Yourself from Scams, Fraud, and Identity Theft

3/2/2014

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Lately I've noticed several fraudulent emails in my inbox, trying to get my personal information! I thought it might be a good idea to post a few reminders about how to protect ourselves against these scams. Here are 20 tips from the Police Department of Bellevue:

1) Make sure you have updated your virus, firewall, and/or spyware protection on your computer.

2) Beware of email scams that ask you to update your account information. Do not follow a link to another site that asks you for a log-in or PIN. It’s better to manually type in the http address or URL that you know is legitimate to confirm if there is any issue or update needed.

3) Beware of email scams from people who say they are in trouble and need help.   Do not send money to people in other countries asking for help via email. (Hackers & thieves can make it appear that the email is coming from someone you know, even when it is not!)

4) Be careful when you use WI-FI in unsecured hotspots. Do not enter personal information in an unsecured hotspot.

5) When you dispose of your old computer, wipe the hard drive or destroy it so that no one can get your information off of it.

6) Use a locking mailbox. (Identity Theft can happen when your mail is stolen and personal information is found.) If you don’t have a locking mailbox, be sure to pick up your mail each day and don’t let it stay in the mailbox too long.

7) Never leave outgoing mail in an unsecured area or container.

8) Know the dates when you usually receive bills so that you can determine if your mail has been stolen.

9) Shred all documents that have any personal information about you.

10) Never give out personal information (maiden names, Social Security number (SSN), account numbers) to anyone who contacts you by phone or internet. If a caller says they need the information, contact the company directly, using a phone number that you know is good and make sure they are really who they say they are.

11) When you receive a sales call, say no thank-you and hang up as quickly as possible.

12) Do not give to charities by phone.

13) Use a black gel-ink pen (NOT a ballpoint pen) when you write checks. These pens are more permanent and cannot be “washed” off with check-washing chemicals.

14) Do not give checks to unknown people.

15) Carry only a few credit cards with you.

16) Do not keep your PIN code or passwords in your wallet. Never tell anyone your PIN.

17) Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it in a secure place at home. Also keep passports, birth certificates, and other important documents in a secure, preferably locked, place at home.

18) If someone asks you for your Social Security Number (SSN), you may ask:
            Why do you need my SSN?
            How will my SSN be used?
            What will happen if I do not give you my SSN?
(Then decide if you want to give them your number. In many cases, it is necessary, but in some cases it is not necessary.)

19) Do not leave credit cards, checks, or other identifying information in a gym locker. Keep these with you at all times. Gym lockers are a common place for theft to occur.

20) Review your bank and credit card statements frequently and check your credit history at least 2 times a year to make sure there is no fraudulent activity. You can get a free credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com or  call 1-877-322-8228

Did you know…?
You can stop phone solicitors from calling you by signing up for the national “Do Not Call” registry at www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

Receiving too much Junk Mail?
You can stop pre-approved credit offers from coming in the mail by removing your name from the 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by going to www.optoutprescreen.com or by calling them at 1-888-567-8688.

**Detective Richard Chinn at Bellevue Police Department handles issues of Fraud & Identity Theft.
Feel free to contact him if you have concerns or questions:
(425) 452-6915
rchinn@bellevuewa.gov

If you are a victim of fraud:
        1) Contact the police and file a police report (call 9-1-1 and report a non-emergency)
        2) Contact the fraud department of each of the 3 major credit bureaus:
                        1) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
                        2) Experian: 1-888- 397-3742
                        3) TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
        3) Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened

Other resources:
www.consumer.gov (click on Scams and Identity Theft)
www.ftc.gov
www.atg.wa.gov

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Winter Fun in the Mountains

1/10/2014

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The return of rain and wet weather in our area means SNOW in the mountains! There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the mountains during this time of year. Just because it's rainy and grey doesn't mean we can't get outside and have some fun. Put on some warm clothes, grab your waterproof gloves, and head to the higher elevations for some great outdoor activities in the snow.

Not far from our area is terrific downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even snow-tubing. Don't worry if you don't own any equipment-- you can rent almost everything you'll need!

If you are a beginner, you might want to read this "Beginner's Guide" that includes what to wear and what to bring: http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Plan-Your-Trip/Helpful-Hints/Beginners-Guide

Here are some favorite spots for some fun in the snow:

1) Snoqualmie Pass:

Downhill Skiing & Boarding--
If you are a beginner, you'll want to start by taking a lesson.  Snoqualmie Pass is the closest ski resort to the Seattle and Eastside area, less than an hour's drive. It is a great hill for beginners. You can rent equipment there and take a lesson. There is also terrain for more advanced skiers, particularly at theAlpental area of Snoqualmie.
Website:  http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Lessons-and-Rentals
** Lift ticket price= $62 adult full-day or $54 adult half-day (1pm-5pm), Children $12; Night skiing under the lights- $40 (4pm-10pm)
** Rental equipment prices vary. Check the website.

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing--
Snoqualmie Pass offers great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on weekends only (Fri- Sun). They have plenty of beautiful and well-marked trails. You can take a lesson, if you are a beginner. It's lots of fun and great exercise, too!
Website: http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Activities/Nordic-Skiing-And-Snowshoeing
** Nordic Trail pass= $20 adult full-day or $16 adult half-day
** Cross-country (Nordic) ski rental= $28 full-day or $24 half-day
** Snowshoe rental= $24 full-day or $18 half-day

Snow-Tubing--
Have you ever tried snow-tubing? Coast down the mountain on an inflated tube! It's fun for kids and adults. Even little kids and toddlers can sit in a parent's lap and enjoy the ride.  Weekends only. Reserve your tickets and session time online, in advance.
Website:  http://www.summitatsnoqualmie.com/Activities/Tubing

2) Crystal Mountain:

If you are an experienced skier or boarder, you might want to try some of the larger ski areas that offer more terrain. They are not quite as close as Snoqualmie Pass, but you can drive to these areas in around 2 hours or less. My family's favorite is Crystal Mountain.

Downhill Skiing & Boarding--
Crystal Mountain is a large ski area with a lot of terrain for all levels and stunning views of Mt. Rainier on a clear day! Crystal is the only local resort with a gondola, which allows for late-season skiing in high elevations and downloading on the gondola. The gondola is also perfect for non-skiers, so that they can experience the top of the mountain without having to ski back down. Lessons are available for all levels.
Website: http://crystalmountainresort.com/The-Mountain/Hours-of-Operation
**Lift ticket price= $61 adult full-day (when purchased online on a reload-able "GoCard"); Kids 10 and under ski for $5
**Rental equipment= Board or Skis, Poles, and Boots are approximately $35-$39; Helmet rental= $10

**Guided Snowshoe Tour and Fondue Dinner--
Crystal Mountain offers a really fun Alpine Wilderness Snowshoe Tour, followed by dinner. The 2.5 hour guided tour takes you up the mountain by gondola, where you'll strap on your snowshoes and hike along the ridge line for some wonderfully scenic views. The tour ends with a traditional fondue dinner back at the base of the mountain!
Website: http://crystalmountainresort.com/Activities/Guided-Snowshoe-Tours
**Saturdays only.
**Tour cost $49, includes gondola ride, snowshoe rental, guided tour, and fondue dinner. Reservations required.

3) Steven's Pass:

Downhill Skiing & Boarding--
Steven's Pass is another family favorite of ours. It offers great terrain for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers and boarders. Lessons are available for all skill levels.

Website: http://www.stevenspass.com/Stevens/the-mountain/hours.aspx
**Lift ticket price= $62 adult 4-hour pass or $67 adult 8-hour pass; Kids 6 and under ski free
**Rental equipment= $39 ski or board package; Helmet rental= $11
**Rental snow jackets and pants are also available.

Snowshoeing & Cross-Country (Nordic) skiing--
Steven's Pass is a really beautiful area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, on Thursdays thru Sundays. Miles of scenic trails are there to explore. And you can take a lesson if you are a beginner.
Website: http://www.stevenspass.com/Stevens/nordic/nordic.aspx
** Nordic Trail pass= $20 adult pass
** Cross-country (Nordic) ski rental= $34 full-day or $20 half-day
** Snowshoe rental= $25 full-day or $15 half-day

Hope you have some fun in the snow! Enjoy!

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Holiday Events and Fun Stuff for the Season!

11/22/2013

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It's holiday season, and there are many fun things to do around the area at this time of year! Even though our days are getting shorter and the skies are often grey, we can find many wonderful ways to get out and enjoy some bright and cheerful festivities. Below are some links and information about holiday favorites:

Macy's Holiday Parade: This is Seattle's biggest parade! It's the morning after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. in downtown Seattle. Later that evening there will be a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks. Check the website for the parade route. http://www.macys.com/store/event/index.ognc?action=search&storeId=411

Christmas Ships Festival: Each night decorated ships and boats sail to different areas around Puget Sound and Lake Washington. On board the Argosy ships, choirs sing. On shore, people gather around bonfires to watch the ships and listen to the choir. You can choose to sail on the Argosy boat (tickets and reservations required) or watch from the shore (no charge). November 29-December 23. Check the website for the schedule and locations:
http://www.argosycruises.com/dining-cruises/christmas-ship-festival/

Redmond Lights: A wonderful winter walk full of fun and surprises. ONE DAY ONLY! Saturday, December 7. Start at Redmond City Hall with live music, kids' activities, and a holiday tree-lighting ceremony. Then walk along a beautifully lit West Sammamish Trail and enjoy music, carolers, lights, decorations, hot chocolate, and festivities along the way. End up at Redmond Town Center for a celebration with music, food, and entertainment!
http://www.redmondlights.com/

Garden D'Lights: Stroll through a beautiful light display at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. Every evening from 5-9:30 p.m., November 30, 2013 - January 4, 2014. $5, ages 10 and younger are free.
http://www.magicseason.com/events/garden.html

Santa Train 2013: All aboard! Catch the train in North Bend and take a 20 minute ride to the historic Snoqualmie train depot where kids will get to meet Santa! Each child will receive a small gift from Santa and hot chocolate & cookies will be served. Cost is $20 per person, children under 2 are free. Limited dates: Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & 8, Dec. 14 & 15, Dec. 20 & 21. Visit the website to reserve tickets in advance.
www.trainmuseum.org

The Nutcracker Ballet: Pacific Northwest Ballet's unique production of this famous ballet has sets designed by the famed children's illustrator, Maurice Sendak. Performances run November 29- December 29.
www.pnb.org/Season/13-14/Nutcracker/

Meydenbauer Theater: The downtown Bellevue theater also boasts a beautiful and traditional Nutcracker ballet and hosts many other holiday musical performances will be shown throughout the month of December. Check the website for performance schedules.
http://www.magicseason.com/events/theatre.html

Zoolights in Tacoma and Wildlights in Seattle: See sparkling light displays of animals and other landmarks as you stroll through these zoos. November 29- January 4, every evening. Zoolights is at the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma. Wildlights is at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.
Zoolights: http://www.pdza.org/calendar?cid=363
Wildlights: http://www.zoo.org/wildlights

Snowflake Lane: Every night live "Toy Soldiers" drum on Bellevue Way as "snow" falls from above. Shows are at 7:00 p.m. every evening along the sidewalks of Bellevue Way and NE 8th Street. November 29-December 31
http://www.magicseason.com/events/snowflake.html

Ice Skating in Bellevue Downtown Park: Enjoy ice skating outdoors, in the park! $12, includes skate rental. $8, children 6 & under. November 29-January 12, check the website for hours. http://www.magicseason.com/events/icearena.html

Gingerbread Village in Seattle: Local architecture firms design and bake incredible gingerbread creations that are on display at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel from November 26-January 1.
http://www.sheratonseattle.com/gingerbreadvillage

Gingerbread Lane in Bellevue: See creative gingerbread houses on display at the Hilton Hotel in Bellevue. Kids can take a class and make their own gingerbread house!
http://www.magicseason.com/events/gingerbreadlane.html

Festival of Trees and Teddy Bear Suite in Seattle: A display of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each with its own theme and style. Each tree is dedicated to a patient at Seattle Children's Hospital. You can see these beautiful trees in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel for a short time from November 23- December 4. And from November 24- December 24, you can visit an adorable display of teddy bears in a suite at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Street.
http://seattlefestivaloftrees.com/3/quiz.htm

There are many more theater events, shows, festivals, train rides, and more all around Seattle and surrounding areas. This link lists many more activities:
http://www.seattle-fun.com/seattle-christmas.html

Enjoy the holidays! Keep warm and safe. Best wishes to you all.
--Suzanne

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Halloween in the U.S.

10/13/2013

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It's autumn! The leaves on the trees are beginning to change colors, and pumpkins and apple cider have appeared in the grocery stores. You've probably also noticed a lot of candy, spooky decorations, and costumes of all sorts appearing on the shelves, as well. Halloween in the U.S. has grown into quite a celebration of sweets and spooks. I thought I'd take a few minutes to explain some of the traditions for those of you who are new to the U.S.

Halloween is always on October 31. The roots of the holiday are thought to be from Europe, as a celebration of "All Saints Day", a day when people honor and pray for those who have died. It was thought to be a day when souls of the dead roamed in search of their resting place, which is perhaps where the "spooky" traditions of today came from.

These days, in the U.S., it is more about carving Jack-O-Lanterns, dressing up in costumes, going to costume parties, and Trick-or-Treating for candy.

Traditions:

1) Carving a Jack-O-Lantern: When you take a pumpkin and carve a face onto it, it becomes a Jack-O-Lantern! This is a really fun tradition. People light the Jack-O-Lantern on the night of Halloween, and this is a sign that your house welcomes kids to Trick-Or-Treat (more about that later). You can find instructions online about how to carve a Jack-O-Lantern.
Here is one link: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Carve-a-Jacko-lantern/

2) Costumes: Children enjoy dressing up in costumes and most elementary schools will have a party in the classroom where kids can wear their costumes and celebrate with games, crafts, and treats. Older kids in middle school and high school are sometimes allowed to wear costumes to school, as well. Schools will discourage any bloody or violent costumes (although the kids seem to love the bloody stuff for some reason!!)

Adults can also enjoy dressing up in costumes (fun to feel like a kid again!) and often friends will host a Halloween party and encourage everyone to wear a costume.

3) Trick-Or-Treat: On the evening of Halloween, kids will go "Trick-or-Treating". This is a fun tradition. They knock on the door of houses in their neighborhood and say, "Trick-Or-Treat!" They will receive candy or treats from each house. Make sure that you only visit
homes in a neighborhood that you know and trust. Check all candy to make sure it is safely wrapped (do not let your kids eat anything that looks unsafe or unwrapped).

If you would like to have Trick-Or-Treaters come to your house for candy, you should light a Jack-O-Lantern outside your home and turn on your outdoor lights. If there are a lot of children who live near your home, you may get a lot of Trick-or-Treaters! If you do not have many kids in your neighborhood, then you might not get any visitors.

If you do NOT want to have Trick-or-Treaters come to your house, be sure to turn off all your lights and do not put a Jack-O-Lantern out. Most kids know not to visit houses where all the lights are off.

4) Spooky Stuff: Because of its roots, Halloween has
a tradition of being a spooky holiday! Ghosts, witches,
vampires, and zombies are common costume traditions. You will also see a lot of spooky decorations, such as graveyards, tombstones, spider webs, skeletons and more. Some kids really love to dress up as scary creatures, and even fake blood and guts are common sights to see on this day. Don't be surprised if you see some crazy things on the day and night of Halloween!

There are many fun things to do all around the Eastside and Seattle during
Halloween. You can do an online search and find pumpkin patches, festivals, haunted houses, and more.
Here is one link to some events around the eastside:
http://bellevue.com/halloween.php

When my kids were little, we enjoyed going to Remlinger Farms Pumpkin Patch, with
rides, animals, food, and a corn maze:
http://www.remlingerfarms.com/remlinger_fall_harvest_festival.htm

Other Pumpkin Patch Farms offer similar themes and fun--
Dr. Maze's Farm in Redmond:
http://www.drmazesfarm.com/Pumpkin_Patch_Tour.html
Trinity Tree Farm in Issaquah:
http://trinitytreefarm.com/pumpkin-patch/

As my kids got older, they preferred scarier things, such as the KUBE Haunted House in downtown Seattle (older kids and adults ONLY... it's scary!!):
http://www.kube93.com/pages/haunted_house.html

There is fun for all in the fall season. Let me know if you have questions. Enjoy!

--Suzanne

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Exploring the Restaurants of Seattle & the Eastside

9/8/2013

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I often get asked what Americans eat besides burgers and hot dogs. The truth is that American cuisine is actually a mix from all the immigrant cultures that make up the U.S. It's actually quite difficult to find a dish that is uniquely "American", without the influence of another country. Our cooking style has a lot of French and Italian influences, and when I cook at home I mix in Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Hungarian, Mediterranean, Middle-eastern, and other styles of cooking.

Eating out is a great way to explore the variety of cuisines that are offered in our area. We are really lucky to live in an area with such great cultural diversity and so many great restaurants.

In the U.S. there are many chain restaurants such as Cheesecake Factory, Olive Garden, Maggianos, PF Changs, and many more. These restaurants can be found in every state and major city in the U.S. Often the quality of the food is not so great, and the portion size is HUGE!! Too big for the average eater!!

I prefer to try the smaller, locally owned restaurants, which typically have more limited menus, with more carefully prepared food, and smaller portions.
I'll list some of my favorites here, and I hope readers will add their favorites to the comments section of this blog.

Heirloom Tomatoes at Tilth

Some of my favorite "New American-Style" restaurants in Seattle & Bellevue:
Small Plates Restaurants--
These restaurants offer small plates of food that are meant to be shared at the table. The idea is to order many small plates to try a nice variety of food. They use fresh, local ingredients. This is one of my favorite types of restaurants.

My Seattle favorites: Pair, Tilth, and Lark. These three are worth a special trip into Seattle!

In Bellevue, there is one 'small plates' restaurant called Black Bottle (no children allowed at this restaurant/bar)

Steak is a typical dish in the U.S. and steakhouses are popular restaurants. Steakhouses can be very expensive, and the portions are quite large, so it's often a good idea to share a meal.
In Bellevue & Seattle: Daniel's Broiler and El Gaucho
In Seattle: Metropolitan Grill
In Kirkland: The Keg

The roasted beet & blue cheese salad at Canlis

If you want a really special meal to celebrate an anniversary or special occasion, there are a couple of amazing restaurants that are nationally known. Be prepared to spend an arm and a leg for a meal at these restaurants ;-) They are both extremely expensive, but both are exceptional and worth the splurge for a special occasion:
Canlis in Seattle
and
The Herb Farm in Woodinville

We are lucky to have a tremendous variety of ethnic and international restaurants. Please share your favorites with us!
Here are some of my favorites for International Cuisine:

Chinese:
Golden Chopsticks in Redmond Town Center. It's owned by a local family from Hong Kong.

Italian:
In Bellevue- Cantinetta and Mercato Stellina. Both are owned by the same family and have delicious handmade pastas and pizzas.
In Seattle- Spinasse and Tavolata for handmade pastas, and Delancey for handmade, wood-fired pizza.
In Kirkland- Volterra for handmade pastas, and Cafe Juanita for fine dining.

Taiwanese-
In Bellevue- Din Tai Fung dumpling house, and our own ELLA member Winnie's 101 Yess Taiwanese bakery

Persian:
In Bellevue- Caspian

Vietnamese:
In Bellevue & Seattle- Monsoon
In Kirkland & Seattle- Bahn Mi sandwiches at Plume

French:
In Seattle- Bastille, Cafe Campagne, RN74, Maximilien, and Luc

Thai:
In Bellevue- Chantanee

Indian:
In Bellevue- Taj Palace

Moroccan:
In Seattle- Marrakesh

Mediterranean:
In Seattle- Lola

Japanese:
In Bellevue- Flo

Mexican Grill:
In Bellevue, Redmond, and Woodinville- Ooba Tooba's

So, these are my suggestions. What are yours? Let us know your favorites!
Bon Appetit!
--Suzanne

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Ideas for Summer Day-trips and Weekenders

7/22/2013

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Summertime is wonderful in the Pacific Northwest. We experience many hours of daylight, blue skies, sunshine, and beautiful scenery. Here are some ideas for summer day- trips and weekenders-- short trips to places you can visit in a day or stay overnight and make it a mini-vacation.... a "weekender"!

Let's start with the San Juan Islands:

The San Juan Islands are a group of islands, including Orcas Island, Lopez Island, San Juan Island, Shaw Island, and several other smaller islands. The islands are very natural and beautiful with plenty of opportunities for exploring the outdoors, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, whale watching, and more.

Friday Harbor is a great place to visit on San Juan Island. There are cute shops, whale watching boats, kayak rentals, and more, all within walking distance of the ferry landing. There are many
great B&B's (Bed & Breakfast Inns), if you plan to spend the night. You can also explore the island by car or by shuttle bus and visit the lavender farm, Alpaca farm, or perhaps try zip-lining!

My personal favorite spot on San Juan Island is Roche Harbor. It's a historic lime kiln from the late 1800's that has been converted into a rustic resort. The buildings are unique, and you can learn about the history of the area by reading placards around the resort. Be sure to peek in the Hotel de Haro lobby for a photo-history of the area. There is also kayak rental, paddle-board rental, scooter rental, a whale-watching charter, and an outdoor sculpture park to visit.

Roche Harbor Resort

Roche Harbor

If you visit Roche Harbor, be sure to go to the Lime Kiln Cafe for the BEST American-style breakfast in all of Washington state (in my opinion)!! They serve breakfast from 7 a.m.- 11 a.m.

Orcas Island also has great history, charming boutiques, kayak rental, whale-watching, and plenty of hiking and other outdoor activities.

Lopez and Shaw Islands are popular for bicyclists because of their flatter terrain and less populated nature.

Ferry landing at Orcas Island

Getting there: You can get to the San Juan Islands by taking a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes (1 hour and 45 minutes drive north of Seattle). You can either drive your car on the ferry or park your car in the lot and walk-on the ferry. In the summer, the car lines can be really long, so leave plenty of extra time if you plan to drive on the ferry.
If you walk-on, you won't have to wait in line with the cars, so it's less worry about getting on the ferry, but remember that you won't have a car when you get to the islands, so you'll need to plan to walk, bike, or take taxis when you get there! You can bring your bike on the ferry, if you like.

If you want to splurge and have a fun adventure, you can take a Kenmore Air float plane to the islands. It leaves from Lake Union and lands right at the dock on San Juan or Orcas Island, in just 45 minutes. It's the fastest way to get to the islands, and it's a really cool experience!

You can find more information about all of the islands here:
http://www.visitsanjuans.com/the-islands/overview
Link to ferry info: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
Link to Kenmore Air float planes: http://www.kenmoreair.com/

**********

Just across the water from the San Juan Islands is another fabulous place for a day-trip or a weekender: Victoria, BC in Canada.

I absolutely love visiting Victoria. It's a like getting a small taste of Europe, right here in North America. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, and there is quite a bit of British influence. The architecture is beautiful, and the old streets feel very European. You can even have a "proper English Tea" in the afternoon at the historic Empress Hotel at the center of Victoria harbor.
There are so many things to do in Victoria: museums, shopping, dining, whale-watching tours, kayak rentals, harbor tours, street performers, and more.

You don't need a car in Victoria because most things are walking distance from the inner harbor and there is excellent public transportation if you'd like to make an excursion to Craigdarroch Castle or the famous Butchart Gardens.

Here are some photos of charming Victoria:

The historic Empress Hotel

Parliament building at night

The Inner Harbor of Victoria

Getting there: The fastest and easiest way to get to Victoria is on the Victoria Clipper. It's a passenger ferry that leaves from downtown Seattle and gets you directly to the Inner Harbor of
Victoria in 3 hours: http://www.clippervacations.com/clipper-ferry/.
You can also take a Kenmore Air float plane directly to Victoria.
Or, if you prefer to have your car in Victoria, you can take a Washington State ferry from Anacortes to Sydney, BC, then drive 30 minutes south to Victoria.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or Greencard holder, you might need a Visa from the Canadian consulate to visit Victoria. You can find more information about whether you need a travel visa here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
http://www.immigrationdirect.ca/countries-and-territories-requiring-visas-for-canada/
Canadian Consulate in Seattle: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/seattle/index.aspx?view=d

**********

Below are several more links to fun summer weekenders and day-trips:

Vancouver, BC - A fabulous city. My favorite thing to do there is rent a bicycle at Spokes and ride through Stanley park, then explore the city by bike. Be sure to visit Granville Market on Granville Island and spend some time exploring and eating!
(If you are not a U.S. citizen or Greencard holder, you might need a Visa from the Canadian consulate. See the info above.)

Vancouver at dusk

Whistler, BC - While most people think of Whistler during the winter, as a ski resort, they have tons and tons of fun things to do in the summer! You can hike, bike, zip-line, take a ride on the mountain coaster, go on a bear-watching tour, and much, much more. It's perfect for kids, too, with a kid-fun park at the base of Blackcomb mountain.
(If you are not a U.S. citizen or Greencard holder, you might need a Visa from the Canadian consulate. See the info above.)

You can take an ecology tour and see black bears during the summer at Whistler.

Mt. Rainier National Park- Every Seattleite's favorite mountain! Great hikes, camping, historic lodges, and beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer.

Paradise Lodge at Mt Rainier

Olympic National Park- Beautiful hikes, mountains, scenery, camping, historic park lodges, hot springs, and a rain forest. Perfect for a day-trip or an overnight stay.

The Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic Park

Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument- This active volcano is fascinating to visit, especially on a clear day. It's a 3 and a half hour drive, so you can do it as a day-trip.

Mount St. Helens

Lake Chelan- Mountain lake in the Cascades that's a combination of natural beauty and tourist activities, such as boating, water-parks, mini-golf, hiking, biking, and more.

Lake Chelan

Winthrop- A charming, historic, western-style town in the beautiful Methow Valley. Plenty of hiking and other outdoor activities in the area. It's a really neat place to visit and see what the "old west" looked like!

Downtown Winthrop looks like something straight out of a Wild West movie!

Of course there are many, many wonderful places to visit all around the Puget Sound area. I've only listed a few. Please feel free to share your favorites with us!

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4th of July Events!

6/19/2013

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Thursday, July 4 is Independence Day, also known as The 4th of July! It's a federal holiday in the U.S., celebrating the day the U.S. adopted the Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, and declared independence from Britain.

This is our biggest national holiday of the year! There will be celebrations all day and fireworks at night. Each city plans their own celebration. Check out the links below to decide where you would like to celebrate:

Seattle:
Seafair Summer 4th
Noon- 11:00 p.m.
Gas Works Park & Lake Union Park
Live music, refreshments, and a huge fireworks display.
Website: http://www.seafair.com/AnEvent.aspx?ID=24&SecID=1018

Bellevue:
Bellevue Family 4th
2 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.
Bellevue Downtown Park
Live music, entertainment, free kids' activities, and a great fireworks display over the park, set to music played live by the Bellevue Youth Symphony.
Website: http://www.bellevuedowntown.org/events/familyfourth/index.html

Kirkland:
Celebrate Kirkland
10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Marina Park
Parade, live music, food, and fireworks over Lake Washington.
Website: http://www.celebratekirkland.org/eventschedule.htm

Sammamish:
Fourth on the Plateau
6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sammamish Commons
Food, live music, kids' activities, fireworks.

Issaquah:
Down Home 4th of July and Heritage Day Celebration
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Veteran's Memorial Park
(Parade route is on NW Gilman Blvd)
Old fashioned games and races, "Slug Speed Race" contest, pie-eating contest, kids bike and pet parade, Jazz music, and more. (no fireworks)
Website: http://www.downhome4th.org/

More celebrations, fun runs, and fireworks displays are happening all throughout the region.
Here is a link to information: http://www.seattle-fun.com/seattle-fourth-of-july.html

Have a wonderful 4th of July!
--Suzanne

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Springtime Waterfall Hikes

4/27/2013

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Our moist climate and mountainous terrain produces beautiful waterfalls! Spring is a great time to visit the many waterfalls in our region because they are flowing at their peak, as the snow melts in the surrounding mountains.

If you like to hike, you can find hundreds of waterfalls to visit in our area. Here are some hikes you might enjoy:
(Note: for some of the hikes you will need a Discover Pass or a Northwest Forest Pass.)

2) Franklin Falls- This waterfall is impressive because you view it from the bottom looking upward, and it is tall, high, and narrow. It's a great hike for young children because the trail is not difficult and not too long, just 2 miles round-trip.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasonal-hikes/hikes/franklin-falls
(Northwest Forest Pass required)

3) Wallace Falls- If you're willing to drive a bit farther and hike a bit longer, you can find some of the most spectacular falls in the state. Wallace Falls is a series of several waterfalls. This hike is located off Highway 2 in the Goldbar area (about 1 hour drive from Bellevue/Seattle area) The hike is 5.5 miles round-trip. You hike through beautiful old-growth forest and catch some great mountain views.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasonal-hikes/hikes/wallace-falls
(Discover Pass required)

4) Otter and Big Creek Falls- If you want a long hike, this one is 10 miles round trip. It's more peaceful than some of the other hikes because you will find fewer hikers on this trail. The trail is called Taylor River Trail. In early spring, you might still find snow on the trail, so dress appropriately.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/taylor-river (Northwest Forest Pass required)

5) Sol Duc Falls- This hike is in the Olympic National Park, so it's much farther away, but Olympic park has some of the most well-preserved forests. It's a really beautiful hike through mossy old-growth forest that leads to the falls. A wood bridge crosses over the falls, making for a pretty picture!
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sol-duc-falls-loop
(National Park entrance fee required)

6) Denny Creek Slippery Rocks- This is one of my favorite summer-time hikes to do with kids. The hike is about 2 miles through a pretty forest, and then you reach a spot where the water runs over big, flat granite rocks and makes a natural waterslide. Kids and adults alike love to splash in the shallow water here on a hot summer day!
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/denny-creek (Northwest Forest Pass required)

Many, many more waterfall hikes can be found at the Washington Trails Association website: http://www.wta.org/
Enjoy!
--Suzanne

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How to Protect Yourself against Fraud, Scams, and Identity Theft

10/24/2012

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Today ELLA hosted a workshop organized by Kevin Henry of the City of Bellevue. We heard from three guest speakers: Detective Richard Chinn from the Bellevue Police Department, Attorney Judith Shoshana of Eastside Legal Assistance Program, and Special Agent Robert Kierstead of the U.S. Secret Service Department.

In case you were unable to attend, I've summarized their tips in the post below. And special thanks again to Kevin Henry for organizing this event for us!

20 Tips on How to Protect Yourself from Fraud, Scams, and Identity Theft

1) Use a Locking Mailbox.

2) Never leave outgoing mail in an unsecured area or container

3) Know the dates when you usually receive bills so that you can determine if your mail has been stolen.

4) Shred all documents that have any personal information about you. (preferably into tiny pieces instead of strips)

5) Never give out personal information (maiden names, Social Security number (SSN), account numbers) to anyone who contacts you by phone or internet. If a caller says they need the information, contact the company directly, using a phone number that you know is good and make sure they are really who they say they are.

6) When you receive a sales call, say no thank-you and hang up as quickly as possible.

7) Do not give to charities by phone.

8) Use a black gel-ink pen (NOT a ballpoint pen) when you write checks. These pens are more permanent and cannot be “washed” off with check-washing chemicals.

9) Do not give checks to unknown people.

10) Carry only a few credit cards with you.

11) Do not keep your PIN code or passwords in your wallet. Never tell anyone your PIN.

12) Do not carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it in a secure place at home. Also keep passports, birth certificates, and other important documents in a secure, preferably locked, place at home.

13) If someone asks you for your Social Security Number (SSN) or any part of your SSN, ask:
            Why do you need my SSN?
            How will my SSN be used?
            What law requires me to give you my SSN?
            What will happen if I do not give you my SSN?
(Then decide if you want to give them your number. In some cases, it is necessary, but in many cases it is not necessary.)

14) Do not leave credit cards, checks, or other identifying information in a gym locker. Keep these with you at all times. Gym lockers are a common place for theft to occur.

15) Beware of internet scams and never send money directly. Make sure you are on the actual website before you trust a site. Do not send money to people in other countries asking for help.

16) Make sure you have updated your virus, firewall, and/or spyware protection on your computer.

17) When you dispose of your old computer, wipe the hard drive or destroy it so that no one can get your information off of it.

18) Be careful when you use WI-FI in unsecured hotspots. Do not enter personal information in an unsecured hotspot.

19) Be cautious when following any link to another site that requires a log-in. It’s better to manually type in the http address.

20) Review your bank and credit card statements frequently and check your credit history at least 2 times a year to make sure there is no fraudulent activity:
             **You can get a free credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com or  call 1-877-322-8228

You can stop pre-approved credit offers from coming in the mail by removing your name from the 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by going to www.optoutprescreen.com or by calling them at 1-888-567-8688.

You can stop phone solicitors from calling you by signing up for the national “Do Not Call” registry at www.donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.

Other good resources:
www.consumer.gov (click on Scams and Identity Theft)
www.ftc.gov
www.atg.wa.gov

Detective Richard Chinn at Bellevue Police Department:
(425) 452-6915
rchinn@bellevuewa.gov

If you are a victim of fraud:
        1) Contact the police and file a police report (call 9-1-1 and report a non-emergency)
        2) Contact the fraud department of each of the 3 major credit bureaus:
                        1) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
                        2) Experian: 1-888- 397-3742
                        3) TransUnion: 1-800-916-8800
        3) Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened

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8 Great Waterfall Hikes

20 Tips on How to Protect Yourself from Scams, Fraud, and Identity Theft

Winter Fun in the Mountains

Holiday Events and Fun Stuff for the Season!

Halloween in the U.S.

Exploring the Restaurants of Seattle & the Eastside

Ideas for Summer Day-trips and Weekenders

4th of July Events!

Springtime Waterfall Hikes

How to Protect Yourself against Fraud, Scams, and Identity Theft

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