Royal Wedding

How cute are they!!!

I may be one of the only in America to admit this,

but as of this afternoon I really could care less about the Royal Wedding.

Am I your typical girlie girl ... yes!

Do I love weddings ... yes!

Do I love staying up on what's going on in the world ... yes!

It's so odd though because I had so many friends say, "Of all people who I assumed would be interested and intrigued by the Royal Wedding ... it would be you." But, nope not me.  I never once considered setting an alarm for 1am or even setting the Tivo for the all-day events.  Heck, I didn't know the agenda .... BUT of course I got lured in this afternoon when I turned it on to catch a glimpse.  I assumed this would happen though.

I cannot imagine the pressure of being raised a commoner and joining the Royal Family, but boy is Kate the perfect gal to fill those shoes.  She carries herself with grace and is absolutely beautiful in every aspect of her life (that we get to see)!!!  I personally wasn't wowed by her Alexander McQueen gown or the dress for the reception, but what does my opinion matter :)  I for some reason expected something more unique that couldn't be fathomed, but with the restrictions she had it really was pretty.

Did you love her dress?  

Is it everything you expected?

Did you want more from their kiss on the balcony?

Mothers Day Giveaway

I was just informed from one of my sponsors, SkinCareRX, is hosting a "Beautiful Mom" Mother's Day giveaway.  Visit this link, and click on the comment tab, to enter the giveaway and post a comment on why your mom deserves a $250 gift card.  SkinCareRX will be selecting the winner as well as runner ups get prizes too, how easy is that and who doesn't love free beauty products.

So go check it out and win something for your mommas!!

Submissions close May 5th!

344 sq ft

Seriously, how cool is that with such a small amount of space!
It makes you realize Americans overindulge in almost.every.thing.

I thought this was only possible at IKEA :)
Could you picture yourself ever living in 344 sq ft?

Happy Easter

weheartit.com

How Great Thou Art Hymn

Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the works thy hand hath made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed;

Refrain:

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When through the woods and forest glades I wander

and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;

when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,

and hear the brook, and feel he gentle breeze;

Refrain

And when I think that God his son not sparing,

Sent him to die - I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin:

Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home- what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration

And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

*Thanks Meghan for posting this as Carrie Underwood gives the song justice for sure!

Hearing a traditional hymn brings me back to my Church of Christ roots, and How Great Thou Art is one of my all time favorites.  My dad and I share a special love for music, particularly heartfelt or praise and worship variety, and I cannot count the hours the two of us have spent listening to music with a big box of tissues nearby.  Cherished moments for sure!!

                     Today was spent glorifying my God 

He has RISEN!!

earth day @ stbx

Free Coffee or Tea at Starbucks on Earth Day

Today, April 22 ... you can get a free coffee or tea at Starbucks when you bring in a reusable mug.  

So go ahead and get on it!! I am catching a ferry as the sun rises from Seattle to Bremerton, traveling north to Silverdale, Poulsbo, wayyyy out to Port Angeles, and then backtrack home hitting clinics in Sequim, Port Townsend, and lastly Kingston.  *I put a square around all the cities I will be hitting - Just for the grandparents as they like to track my travels  :)

Boy oh boy, I will be exhausted covering so much of the Olympic Peninsula and thankful for multiple free cups of coffee.  Thanks Starbucks!!!

Technology

The Seattle Smith's are now proud owners of the iPad2.  This toy has kept us up for hours on end and we've had more fun just playing on this gadget that we ever imagined.  The saddest thing is how many times I have tried to FaceTime with my fellow friends and family members with iPhones ... and you have to be on WiFi, which is really lame.  BUT, I finally got to with Arrie, Abby, Mollie, and Gaylen!!  Pretty amazing considering it feels like I am right there with them.  Abby answered in the dark, in bed, with her earpiece in, quite sexy if you ask me!

I maybe should be embarrassed to admit this, but I didn't grow up playing Scrabble.  I seriously played in twice in my younger (and older) years!  AND, I will say, Words with Friends has taken over my life.  I play it during all my spare time in doctors offices, while watching reality TV, in bed, etc..  Although, this app is so beyond glitchy on my current Droid phone, which brings me to my next decision.  I upgraded from the Blackberry to the Android operating system, which I have L.O.V.E.D!!  But, knowing how my version of the Droid is older (got it for a lovely price tag of free!), I have an upgrade available (and have for many months now), certain things drive me bonkers on the Eris (like dialing people), and I think it's time for an upgrade.  

Should I take the plunge and get the iPhone4 now that it is available on Verizon??  AND, that would mean I get to play Words with Friends without having to check every few minutes to see if someone played since I don't get a notification for it.  That seems like a perfectly good reason in itself :)

What is your recommendation!
Are you addicted to the iPhone and does it get a 10 out of 10?

Brooks Brothers BlogSale

After viewing numerous successful "Blog Sales" ... 

I thought I'd give it a whirl!  

I cannot bring myself to view this beauty just "hanging out" in my closet any longer.  It is in absolutely perfect condition, only worn 3 or 4 times, and unfortunately it no longer fits me.  I am kicking myself for buying it slightly big in the first place as it is hands down the most gorgeous suit I own.  It's 100% wool with viscose rayon lining.  If you can't tell from the photos, it's gray with subtle tan pinstripe - a classic beauty!

ALL THREE PIECES ***SOLD!

Brooks Brothers "Novelty" Suit Jacket - Size 4

I will take BEST OFFER - Originally $199!

  

Brooks Brothers "Novelty" Suit Skirt - Size 6

I will take BEST OFFER - Originally $99!

Brooks Brothers "Novelty" Suit Jacket - Size 6

I will take BEST OFFER - Originally $119!

(hard to get it to lay flat, but is a nice wide leg pant with cuff)

It was just dry cleaned and ready for a new owner!

Email me at SeattleSmithsBlog@gmail.com

Left Lane Violator

This is priceless!

*Please ignore the cussing from the random YouTube video ....

If only people in WA used the left lane "as a passing lane" like the TX law!

People driving at or under the speed limit in left lane make my blood boil.

Am I the only one?!

Retract

We just got word this morning that the LAKE HOUSE IS STILL STANDING!! I couldn't be happier to retract the awful news last night. A miracle considering every house including the direct neighbor to my aunt and uncle in Hells Gate lost their home on the water. Such joy in the fact that God spared ours, but a nightmare for all the residents at Possum Kingdom and the ones getting the devastating news.

Thanks again for the prayers and sincere thoughts.

Wildfires Destroy PK

Thank you all for your kind words and prayers, 

my family thanks you!!

This was taken this afternoon as we tracked the wildfires.

My aunt and uncles lakehouse is (now was) on the water on the far right :(

It was sad enough that the ranch-house and 300 acres burned 40 hours ago, but I just got the news that the lakehouse in Hells Gate got caught by the wildfires.  Burned.  Forever gone.

We have been so blessed to have memories after memories from the last glorious 16 years at Possum Kingdom.  My aunt and uncle made this place a home for all of us .... 4wheel rides in the dark, mud fights in the lake, boating galore, biscuits and gravy, 4th of July shenanigans (one being when Gabe got bit by a copperhead snake and ended up in the ER), chili dogs, rockin' the jet skis and telling people we were triplets, cinnamon candies, movie marathons, playing on the rocks, trips to the mini-airport, and more and more.  These are only 100th of them all.

All of us went out with a bang at the surprise party last month - 

All 22 of us (minus Gabe) and we were blessed to be there.

It's time like these that make you realize how things can change in a heartbeat.  AND, don't get me wrong as it's not necessary the "things" that matter although it's a hard pill to swallow with them being taken away from you.  I hate this for the Glasscocks, but all those memories will forever be cherished and thankful for everyones safety.

Continue to pray for all the families affected in this horrendous tragedy.  The flames are about 200 feet high, and rain isn't coming until tomorrow night ... ahh make it stop!!!

Personal Record

It's been a week since I last blogged, 

so let's just say this will be a random post in itself.  

I am running on lack of sleep and exhaustion, but it's all in good fun because we had an action packed week and amazing weekend with dear friends.  Even with all the craziness, I made time for crossfit and ended up actually going 5 days in a row.  I normally do 3 days on, 1 off, 2 days on, 1 day off ... then repeat.  For the first time ever, I lifted 95 lbs overhead - and the clean and jerk and I can be friends if we have to :)  

Yay for setting new personal records - my huge grin ha!

The last time I lifted 85lbs a few weeks ago, it scarred me because I 

bruised my clavicle from the 80+ push press in a WOD.  Painful! 

*I added links in there mom so you can see what I was doing!

Another first for me was The Fremont Troll Stroll in Seattle.  Hopped around to a dozen bars in support of raising funds for Cystic Fibrosis:  From Norm's, Revel, Nectar, LTD, The Ballroom, Red Door, High Dive, and more!  Then had the pleasure of grabbing a yummy dinner at my girlfriends dad's restaurant Rialto Italian Bar and Grill in Fremont and making our way to Tom Douglas' new spot Brave Horse Tavern, which opened just over a week ago.  Three words Brick.Oven.Pretzels!!

***********************

Last but not least, please pray for the wildfires in West Texas.  My aunt and uncle own 300 acres in Possum Kingdom and the ranch house burned to the ground.  They said it looks like a bomb went off as everything is just destroyed.  Breaks my heart for all the families affected as it is just a helpless feeling knowing there is nothing you can do.

Darn Monday

Ohhh nail head that spiked my tire and left me aimlessly on the side of the road ... We're not friends!  Roadside assistance came to the rescue as I clearly don't know how to put on a spare.  Pretty sure this is only the second flat I've had, which isn't too shabby. 

I starred out my window and passed time by capturing my new shades from Nordys.  This past weekend consisted of a shopping spree with my bestie (we are a dangerous duo together) ... 

Played countless hours of the new Tiger Woods Masters with Gabe ...

Read Nicholas Sparks book Safe Haven ...

And enjoyed double movie date at the movie theatre ...

I just looked last night and it was supposed to be cloudy and rainy all week, which was depressing after just buying two new pairs of shades on a whim that I couldn't live without.  KOMO4 doesn't show a 5day forecast to look this good, so I am hoping KING5 is accurate!!  That means I get to rock the new shades EVERY.DAY!

Here's to my day getting better as I dreadfully wait for all four tires to be replaced since it's AWD!  I am beyond thankful for my company and company car to cover the cost of the day to day joys that come with the job of being in outside sales.

Happy Monday!!!

Last chance for SA

Don't forget to enter the

SHABBY APPLE GIVEAWAY!

(click here)

*it ends tonight at 10 PST

36 hours in Seattle

A fellow Seattle blogger, Mrs. Bliss, just posted about The New York Times publishing an article last week on 36 hours in Seattle, which I just LOVED reading.  I gets emails regularly asking for the "must-sees" for people visiting ... and to be honest, there is just SO much to do in this city that the list is never ending.

Photo found on NYTimes.com

When to go to Seattle:

"Let's face it, Seattle's weather has a bad reputation. As they say out here, "The rain in Spain stays mainly in Seattle." I wish I could tell you that it isn't so, but I can't. It rains in Seattle -- and rains and rains and rains. However, when December 31 rolls around each year, a funny thing happens: They total up the year's precipitation, and Seattle almost always comes out behind such cities as Washington, Boston, New York, and Atlanta. So it isn't the amount of rain here that's the problem -- it's the number of rainy or cloudy days, which far outnumber those of any of those rainy East Coast cities.  


Most of Seattle's rain falls between October and April, so if you visit in the summer, you might not see a drop the entire time. But just in case, you should bring a rain jacket or at least an umbrella. Also, no matter what time of year you plan to visit Seattle, be sure to pack at least a sweater or light jacket. Summer nights can be quite cool, and daytime temperatures rarely climb above the low 80s (upper 20s Celsius). Winters are not as cold as they are in the East, but snow does fall in Seattle.


Because of the pronounced seasonality of the weather here, people spend as much time outdoors during the summer as they can, and, accordingly, summer is when the city stages all its big festivals. Because it stays light until 10pm in the middle of summer, it's difficult to get Seattleites indoors to theater or music performances. But when the weather turns wet, Seattleites head for the theaters and performance halls in droves."   - NYTimes Travel 

What to do in Seattle ...Where to eat in Seattle ...Where to stay in Seattle ... 

and the list goes on and on.  Click the links above to read more.

*I've been meaning to write a post reaching out to all the Seattle bloggers to leave a comment so I can be sure to follow you!  I just love seeing how others soak up Seattle, so if you live in the Greater Seattle Area ... be sure to add it your comment!!  Xoxo

12 inches GONE

Remember that one time I had really.really.long stringy hair?!?!

I am now 12inches shorter ... wowzers, when did my hair get so long.

I am the worst person at making big decisions, absolutely horrible, but my poll was for 92% chopping 4% for keeping it long and 4% for shoulder length.  I took the advice of the ones closest to me, cut it short and styled it for a day, AND then went back to get more "layers."   Now, I loveeeee it.

If only I could have sent it to Locks of Love, but the bleach did me in.

It is very "springy" if I say so myself~!

Shabby Apple: NOW CLOSED

Let me introduce you to my newest sponsor .... eeeek, soo excited!!
SHABBY APPLE

They have the most beautiful on-line collection of vintage inspired womens dresses that would be perfect for any occasion.  They specialize in flattering dresses for women, maternity dresses, preteens, little girls, and babies – as well as shoes, handbags, and jewelry.  They have been featured in magazines such as Lucky, Marie, Claire, and Redbook.  In addition, many appreciate the fact that Shabby Apple donates 5% of its net dress sales to help women worldwide.

Let me introduce you to the dress:  The North Shore

  

Two pleated, spiraling rosettes adorn the bodice of the surf-colored North Shore dress, while the simple, elastic-drawn waist gives a perfect fit to every shape.  Falling just below the knee, the straight skirt has a retro feel.  Pull it on over your bikini for a day at the beach, or doll it up with heels and a clutch for a night out under the stars. 

Now onto the giveaway ...

How to enter:

This giveaway is open to followers of The Seattle Smiths (US residents only).  With Spring finally here and since Shabby Apple is all about bringing classic and stylish dresses back to everyday wear, feel free to share your 'go-to' wardrobe spring staples!

For an additional entry:

"Like" - Shabby Apple on Facebook to get specials promotions 

and exclusive discounts

Giveaway ends April 10th at 10pm PST

I will announce the winner using Random.Org and she has 48hrs to claim!

Don't worry, if you are not the winner, Shabby Apple is now 

also offering a 10% discount to readers of The Seattle Smith's.  

Just use discount code seattlesmiths10off at checkout!


This giveaway is now closed
Congrats Bekah!