Category: Washington

Touring Washington

~ Crystle ~ 11 Comments
This week my husband and I picked up a new addition to the family. We finally got ourselves the Subaru Forester we’ve been drooling over. Fortunately, the weather was nice this weekend so we were able to take it out to Capitol State Forest in Thurston, WA and then over to Steilacoom, WA for some small town tourism. It was wonderful fun, and a great way to break in our new (ok, used) wagon. 

We spoke to a few museum curators who advised us of several great day trip options in the area. Our agenda is now full of sights to see and towns to tour. 
If you’re ever in the area, Steilacoom is a great little seaside town to visit. We’ll be back again for their Salmon Bake later this year. 

Hope you all had an equally adventurous weekend! 

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival 2012

~ Crystle ~ 4 Comments
Today my husband and I drove upstate to Skagit Valley to tour this year’s Tulip Festival. While we were a week early on the tulip blooms during this month-long celebration, we were right on time for the daffodils. I really cannot articulate how beautiful these yellow fields were against the mountainous backdrop except to say, now I know; heaven is real. And it’s located at the Roozen Gaarde in Mt. Vernon, WA. 
Although I took photos to share, they still don’t do the experience justice. If you ever find yourself in the area this time of year, I highly recommend stopping by these gardens for a visit.  

It was a lovely day. I’m thankful that the weather cooperated so we could enjoy these endless yellow fields. What a great way to start the holiday weekend. 
Happy Easter!

PNW Playlist Spring 2012

~ Crystle ~ 5 Comments

Prior to and after the road trip out here to the Pacific Northwest, I purchased several albums to start the new PNW era.

If you are anything like me then you store your memories along with scents, sounds and tastes.
Each new phase in my life brings forth a new catalog of music, food, fashion and literature. This new period in my life in Washington is no different. I’ve listed a few albums that I’ve been listening to lately to share with you, in case you hadn’t had the chance to check these artists/albums out.

1. Tanlines – Mixed Emotions

One word to describe this album: catchy.

These guys captured a synth heavy afro-pop feel on this album. It’s my current go-to record for all present progressive verbs (i.e. cooking, cleaning, living room dancing).

2. Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials 

I know this album dropped late last year, but that hasn’t stopped me from including it in the Springtime library. This album is empowering. The powerful vocals help me dig deep on particularly difficult runs and the track ‘Shake it Out’ has been the perfect backdrop for Tacoma exploration. I’m a fan. 
3. Gotye – Making Mirrors
This is my most recent purchase. My rainy days are filled with multitasking around the house so I love listening to this album while running up and down the stairs herding laundry, books and my dog to their respective places. It’s also fairly mellow at times too, which makes cozying up to my laptop equally pleasant. 
4. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar
Ladies, we finally have ourselves a Joni Mitchell / Carole King style duet. These girls come to us from Sweden but have a distinctly Pacific Northwestern sound. Think girl-folk Fleet Foxes tracks. I listened to this album a lot before moving and on the way out. 
5. Y La Bamba – Court the Storm
This album is a beautiful blend of Devendra Banhart and Joanna Newsom stylings. Hello bilingual folk album of my dreams! I believe Joanna Newsom (a Tacoma, WA native, woohoo!) also collaborated on the title track of this album. 
I’ve included reviews of these albums. I really pay no mind to the ‘ratings’ they receive by music critics. Music is not just something you listen to and critically analyze. It’s an accessory to life, a soundtrack to pace your experiences. Music is the score of our sentience, and the score is exactly what we make of it. 
Enjoy the tunes, and Happy Spring!