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Color the Year Viva Magenta
Screenshot taken from PANTONE website
2023 Pantone Color of the Year Viva Magenta
I remember seeing articles in 2022 about how the world was slowly losing color. When I stopped and thought about it, I realized there was some truth to that. Even I find myself drawn to neutral tones lately. While corporate machines and influencers have muted the world monochromatic, Pantone decided to burst into 2023 with a loud bang! They announced that their Pantone Color of 2023 is Viva Magenta.
What is Viva Magenta?
According to the PANTONE website:
How to encorporate Viva Magenta in 2023
While Viva Magenta can be an intimidating color, there are a lot of fun and temporary ways to add the color into your space in 2023. Whether you choose to bring it into your home or wear it, I believe you will be able to make this color as subtle or as loud as you would like it to be.
Pick a Color Palette with Viva Magenta
A great way to incorporate this trend into your home is to pick a picture with a pop of magenta and build your color story from it. A great color combination to start out with is Windermere blue and Viva Magenta. However, if you were looking for a different color palette I recommend using Photoshop or Canva to build your palette. If you have access to photoshop, simply upload the photo and drag the eyedropper tool across the photo to find your desired color story. If you do not have access to photoshop, programs like Canva (which has a free access version) also will pick out colors from a photo automatically. Have fun playing with colorful combinations!
Go Bold with A Statement Wall
Another easy way to make a big statement in your home is to paint a focal wall with a hue of Viva Magenta.
Purchase Accent Items
I wouldn’t say that Viva Magenta is a color that easily translates into most people’s spaces. However, if you want to try out the trend you could easily pick out a few accent items like pillows, artwork, and dinnerware, that would be easy to change out.
Wear It!
If adding Viva Magenta into your home is too bold for you another way to try the trend out is to add it into your wardrobe. I personally would go this route, with a nice magenta lipstick or nail polish. But magenta would also look great on a tie! Even exchanging “I do’s” would be a fun time to feature the color.
Will You Ring in Your New Year with Bold Colors?
Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of pink tones. Ever since I came home from university to find that my sister had painted our room, HER room, essentially a shade of Viva Magenta, it has not been a color I gravitate toward. But I could see a time and place to try this trend out coming up in my near future. Will you be bold enough to give it a try?
Kerriann Jenkins
Winter Reading List
Winter is here, and with a vengeance! Wow snow already twice this year and we haven’t even gotten through December yet….need a good book to read? Good thing I’ve got you covered. Here are my picks for you, one is inspiring and the other is a thriller. As always let us know what you think!
We Are The Light, by Quick, Matthew
From Matthew Quick, the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Linings Playbook –made into the Academy Award-winning movie starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper–comes a poignant and hopeful novel about a widower who takes in a grieving teenager and inspires a magical revival in their small town.
Lucas Goodgame lives in Majestic, Pennsylvania, a quaint suburb that has been torn apart by a recent tragedy. Everyone in Majestic sees Lucas as a hero–everyone, that is, except Lucas himself. Insisting that his deceased wife, Darcy, visits him every night in the form of an angel, Lucas spends his time writing letters to his former Jungian analyst, Karl. It is only when Eli, an eighteen-year-old young man whom the community has ostracized, begins camping out in Lucas’s backyard that an unlikely alliance takes shape and the two embark on a journey to heal their neighbors and, most importantly, themselves.
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six, by Unger, Lisa
“What could be more restful, more restorative, than a weekend getaway with family and friends? An isolated luxury cabin in the woods, complete with spectacular views, a hot tub and a personal chef. Hannah’s loving and generous tech-mogul brother found the listing online. The reviews are stellar. It’s his birthday gift to Hannah and includes their spouses and another couple. The six friends need this trip with good food, good company and lots of R & R, far from the chatter and pressures of modern life. But the dreamy weekend is about to turn into a nightmare. A deadly storm is brewing. The rental host seems just a little too present. The personal chef reveals that their beautiful house has a spine-tingling history. And the friends have their own complicated past, with secrets that run blood deep. How well does Hannah know her brother, her own husband? Can she trust her best friend? And who is the new boyfriend, crashing their party? Meanwhile, someone is determined to ruin the weekend, looking to exact a payback for deeds long buried. Who is the stranger among them?”–Dust jacket flap.
Enjoy my reading choices!
blog written by Chasity Rodriguez
Social Media Director
Naches Heights Vineyard Wine Tasting
Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop #9
Our ninth stop of the evening led us to Expedia CruiseShipCenters to taste wine by Naches Heights Vineyard. I remembered having their Crooked Red Blend at a prior wine walk and I enjoyed that. So naturally, I was looking forward to branching out and trying another wine by them.
Naches Heights Vineyard hosted by Expedia CruiseShipCenters
I was equally as excited to try another wine as I was excited to visit Expedia CruiseShipCenters. At a previous tasting event they had live music, food, and drinks. This time they extended the same hospitality. It was a nice spot to linger and grab a small bite to eat while watching their live performance with Aidan Rufer. Check him out, he is a Singer/Songwriter and guitarist from Seattle WA currently studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Now that I’ve made note of the top-notch hospitality, let’s get into the wine!
Brief Background on Naches Heights Vineyard
Again, this was another Winery that I have previously written on so I will insert a brief history from that blog here:
Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on the 2019 Two Dancers (Syrah Blend):
I remember this wine being a bolder red blend. It smelled of red fruits and had an earthy component to it. It tasted of full-flavored fruit profiles, like blackberry and cherry. It was dry and yet acidic. While I found this wine to be fruit presenting, there were also undercurrents of spices present. Overall, it was a good wine.
Chasity’s Tasting Notes on 2019 Can Can (White Blend):
The 2019 Can Can is a blend of Riesling, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, and Gewurztraminer. I really enjoyed the smell of this white wine blend, it was sweet and crisp in smell. I was super excited to taste it! My first taste was dry which I didn’t mind because it quickly turned as I was able to grab hints of pear, green apple, then later discovered apricot and peach. A surprising twist at the end as it had a slightly spicy bite mid-way but finishing with a citrus melon taste. It was yummy to the palate and I really enjoyed this one and would try it again!
Two More Stops To Go
If you’ve been following along, we only have two wine tastings left to post! Keep checking in because I will be updating the links below as we post them!
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
Dahlman Cellars
Mill Creek Town Center wine walk stop #8
We traveled to familiar territory for stop number eight on our creative team’s wine walk. Our very own Windermere Mill Creek Town Center office was hosting Dahlman Cellars. I was excited to try their wine because I had missed out on tasting them at the last wine walk.
Brief Background on Dahlman Cellars
Since I have already written a brief background on Dahlman Cellars in a prior blog post, I will insert the excerpt from that here:
Dahlman Cellars hosted by Windermere Mill Creek
At this point in the evening, I was ready to go back to familiar tastes. I chatted with our agent on duty and then I headed toward the wine table. I ended up choosing the 2020 The Actuary Cab Sauv Blend, which I was told had won double gold and gold awards.
Credit: Dahlman Cellars The Actuary wine review by Windermere Mill Creek
Kerriann’s tasting notes on the 2020 The Actuary Cab Sauv Blend
The first thing I noted about this wine was that it smelled delicious, like a mix of cocoa, coffee, and vanilla. Which may sound overwhelming but smelled very even on the nose. As far as taste is concerned, this wine managed to be bold and even. The flavors of dark fruit, cocoa and coffee presented themselves very velvety on the tongue. I tend to really enjoy red blends and this one was great!
Chasity’s tasting notes on the 2020 The Actuary Cab Sauv Blend
This red blend was very pleasing to the pallet as the first taste was sweet but quickly offered subtle hints of a dark chocolate. You can also taste hints of fruit like blackberry and cherry which I really enjoyed. The smell presented a deep dark sweet smell with vanilla. It went down very smoothly. I enjoy red blends and this one was really good.
Three More to Go!
This was only stop eight of our wine-walk and there are still three more to go. I’ll be updating the links below as we post our tastings so stay tuned for the next one!
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
10 Christmas Décor Boards
It’s Christmas Time!
Alright, enough time has passed from Thanksgiving that I feel comfortable announcing- IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME! Whether you have been naughty or nice, the holiday season is upon us! Since Christmas decorations started twinkling their way into shopping aisles long before Halloween even began, I have had plenty of time to look at more Christmas items than any one person should. For this reason, I have compiled 10 Christmas décor boards and where to find the items from them.
Homemade Christmas
I figured I would start with this board since as the Grinch said, ” Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Christmas decorations only have to be as costly as you are willing to spend. Some of the most treasured ornaments from my childhood were cut up, glue and glitter spackled toilet paper rolls that my siblings and I had made during my mom’s infamous 24 nights of Christmas crafting events. With this notion in mind, check out some ideas for homemade Christmas decorations. I will include the links to the creators and their tutorials below as well.
Credit: Images used belong to the Creators linked below
- Paper Star Tutorial by The Grit and Polish
- Toilet Paper Tube Snowflake Ornament Tutorial by Refresh Living
- Do It Yourself Cardboard Gingerbread Ornaments by Hello Little Home
- DIY Cardboard Christmas Tree Tutorial by Chelle and Jenn
- Cardboard Barn Star Tutorial by The Shabby Tree
- DIY Snow Covered Pinecones Tutorial by South Lumina Style
- Frosty Pinecones Tutorial by Kids Craftroom
- Toilet Paper Tube Christmas Wreath Tutorial by Money Saving Mom
A Very Merry Grinchmas
Speaking of the Grinch, as usual he is having his holiday moment at this time of year. He has slink, slank, slunked his way into stores everywhere and is ready to occupy the holiday spotlight in your home. Below you will find a few Grinchy items I adore. I will also link where you can buy them.
Credit: Images belong to the Retailers linked below.
- Max’s Sleigh Rides Framed Wall Decor- Hobby Lobby
- Grinch Sleigh Ride Wall Decor- Hobby Lobby
- Grinch’s Gift Wrapping Framed Wall Decor- Hobby Lobby
- Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch Quilt & Shams – Pottery Barn Kids
- Earado Christmas Green Big Monster Santa Costume for Men 7 PCS Deluxe Furry Adult Santa Suit Xmas Holiday Outfit Set – Amazon
- Grinch Max Wood Wall Decor – Hobby Lobby
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas! Book – TJ MAXX
- Grinch Heart Wood Wall Decor – Hobby Lobby
Disney Christmas
While I’ve got beloved Characters on my mind, I’ll go ahead and post up this next board. Just like the Grinch, Disney characters are dazzling their way into Christmas displays this year. While Hobby Lobby owned the last board, Costco finds will dominate this one. As the trend continues, below you will find the Disney Christmas board and where to find the items.
Credit: The images used belong to the retailers linked below
- Disney 8-Count 7-ft Twinkling White LED Plug-In Christmas String Lights – Lowes
- Disney 5′ Mickey Nutcracker with Music and LED Lights – Costco
- Mickey Disney 8-Count 7-ft Twinkling White LED Battery-operated Indoor Christmas String Lights
- Animated Disney Holiday Tree With Music – Costco
- Winnie the Pooh Presents Cookie Jar – TJ MAXX
- Disney Mickey Mouse Percale Comforter – Pottery Barn
- Disney Mickey & Goofy Holiday Nutcrackers, 2 Piece Set – Costco
- Animated Disney Holiday House with Lights and Music – Costco
- Christmas Chip and Dale Salt and Pepper Shakers – TJ MAXX
- Mickey Mouse and Friends Christmas Sketchbook Ornament Set – Shop Disney
A Charlie Brown Christmas
My Mom played A Charlie Brown Christmas on repeat in my childhood home. Understandably, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and their gang of peanuts became a signifier of the Christmas season for me. That’s why I had a blast making this Christmas Décor Board.
Credit: the images used belong to the retailers linked below
- Peanuts Snoopy & Woodstock Holiday Dog House – Costco
- Peanuts-Gang Ice Skating Musical Tabletop Figurine with Motion – Hallmark
- 18-Inch Peanuts Charlie Brown Christmas Tree with Linus’ Blanket – Walmart
- Snoopy and Woodstock Christmas Warms the Heart Figurine with Light – Hallmark
- Peanuts Crewel Stocking, Snoopy, Medium – Pottery Barn
- Winter Snoopy and Woodstock Doormat – Pottery Barn
- Berkshire Blanket Velvet Soft Holiday Snoopy Throw – QVC
- Snoopy and Doghouse Salt and Pepper Shaker – Marshalls
- Made in India 72×72 Peanuts Christmas Shower Curtain – HomeGoods
Rankin Bass Christmas
I am probably unnecessarily aging myself with my Christmas fandoms of choice. But, here we go with another Christmas Classic favorite, a Rankin Bass Christmas. If you have no idea what I am talking about hopefully this imagery will spark your memory. I used to play these movies so often that my Mom hid the VHS tape from me after a solid year of me playing Christmas movies non-stop.
Credit: the images used belong to the retailers linked below
- Gemmy Bumble Abominable Snowman 12-foot Christmas Airblown Inflatable – Overstock
- The Year Without a Santa Claus Heat Miser Vinyl Soda Figure by Funko Pop – Amazon
- Kurt Adler 10″ Frosty the Snowman Nutcracker – JCPenney
- Light Up Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Ornaments – Pottery Barn Kids
- The Year Without a Santa Claus Spinning Snow Miser Ornament – Hallmark
- The 18′ Frosty The Snowman Lightshow – Hammacher Schlemmer
Nutcracker Ballet Christmas
Fun fact, or at least fun for me. I was once a Snowflake in a production of the Nutcracker Ballet. I have always been enchanted by the way different ballet productions choose to marry their body movements to music. The set production always takes everything up a notch too. For me it’s not Christmas time until I’ve played the Grand pas de deux (Nutcracker) in every rendition I can find. Of course this theme can be approached from many different ways; but I chose to find generalized Nutcracker themed items.
Credit: The Images used belong to the retailers linked below
- Hollywoood Nutcrackers Suite Nutcracker, 18 Inch, Multicolored by Kurt Adler – Amazon
- Kurt Adler Hollywood Drosselmeier 12 Inch Nutcracker – Amazon
- Resin Kurt Adler Nutcracker Suite Ornaments – Amazon
- Ivenf Christmas Tree Skirt, 30 inches Small Tulle 6-Layer Ruffled Skirt, White Elegant Xmas Tree Holiday Decorations – Amazon
- Snow Queen Ballerina Ornament – Amazon
- OuMuaMua 15pcs Winter Christmas Hanging Snowflake Decorations, 3D Holographic Snowflakes for Christmas Winter Wonderland Decorations Frozen Birthday New Year Party Home Decorations- Amazon
- Kurt Adler Resin International Dancer Ornament Set Of 4 – Amazon
- Mr. Christmas Nutcracker Suite Christmas Décor, Brown – Amazon
- Kurt S. Adler Nutcracker Suite Sugar Plum Fairy Christmas Tree Ornament C9255 New – Amazon
- Kurt Adler 2″ Cupcake Ornament Set of 6
- Kurt S. Adler Pink Glitter Ballet Shoes Christmas Tree Ornament T1483 New
Gingerbread Christmas
I feel like Gingerbread is having it’s moment this Christmas. Everywhere I look there seems to be some sort of delectable looking decoration baked and frosted gingerbread style. Whether you are a fan of neutrals or color, gingerbread can easily make it’s way into your Christmas display this year. If you can’t find one you like, you can always just purchase a gingerbread kit and do it yourself!
Credit: images used belong to the retailers linked below
- Gingerbread Garland – Hobby Lobby
- 13 Inch Gingerbread Tree (Lights Up) – TJ MAXX
- 8″ Snowy Tabletop Gingerbread House by Ashland® – Michaels
- Gingerbread House Holiday Coir Doormat – World Market
- Light Up Glitter Gingerbread House – Hobby Lobby
- Christmas Metal Antique Wall Décor, 18-in. – Dollar Tree
- Cozy Teddy Gingerbread Shaped Pillow – Pottery Barn
- Cozy Teddy Gingerbread House Shaped Pillow – Pottery Barn
- Mini House Gingerbread Kit – Favorite Day™ – Target
A Touch of Evergreen Christmas
The world seems increasingly to be less colorful these days. Neutral has become the preference. Still, I think there are ways to go a classier route and still have a little pop of color. A neutral trend that I am currently liking for Christmas is neutral tones with a pop of evergreen greenery.
Credit: the images used belong to the retailers linked below
- 9″ Flocked Sitting Deer Decorative Figurine Green – Wondershop™ – Target
- LED Ceramic Christmas Trees, Set of 5 – Crate & Barrel
- 12″ Zinc Christmas Nutcracker – Crate & Barrel
- Faux Potted Hemlock Small Pre-Lit LED Christmas Tree with White Lights 4′ – Crate & Barrel
- Aspen Pine Tree Knit Throw- TJ MAXX
- CHERISHED TRADITIONS 13in Metal Letters To Santa Mailbox – TJ MAXX
- BELLA LUX 10.75in Porcelain Tree With Electro Plating Table – TJ MAXX
- Small Wooden Snowman Holiday Decoration – Crate & Barrel
- 12.5″ Flocked Standing Deer Decorative Figurine Green – Wondershop™ – Target
Rustic Glam Christmas
Again, this Christmas décor board will lean into that neutral tone aesthetic I have been seeing all over. The thing that really sets this board apart is the textures of fur, snow, wood, metal and glass. If I didn’t love everything Christmas and if I didn’t have a decade worth of random things I’ve purchased over the years, I would lean into this Christmas style.
Credit: images used belong to the retailers linked below
- ARCTIC HOLIDAY 24in Wood Tree Collar With Metal Accents – HomeGoods
- MADE IN INDIA 19in Antique Tree – Marshalls
- MADE IN INDIA Light Burnt Wooden Decor Snowflake – Marshalls
- 5′ Pre-Lit LED Downswept Flocked Alpine Balsam Artificial Christmas Tree Dewdrop Warm White Lights – Wondershop™ – Target
- Holiday Living 9-ft Albany Pine Pre-lit Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree with LED Lights – Lowes
- 18″ Pre-Lit Battery Operated LED Flocked Glitter Artificial Christmas Tree White Lights – Wondershop™ – Target
- ARTELIER NICOLE MILLER Cozy Feather Yarn Cable Knit Throw – Marshalls
- Faux Fur Christmas Stocking Cream – Wondershop™ – Target
- 15″ Battery Operated Pre-Lit Glass Christmas Tree Silver – Wondershop™ – Target
Classic Christmas
Last, but certainly not least, I feel like you can never gone wrong investing in classic Christmas decorations. This is a style that transcends trends and will be here to stay forever.
Credit: images used belong to the the retailers linked below
- Vintage Snowman LED Blow Mold Decor By Winter Wonder Lane – Big Lots
- Christmas Bubble Lights – Amazon
- Valery Madelyn 35ct 70mm Traditional Red Green Gold Christmas Ball Ornaments Decor, Shatterproof Christmas Tree Ornaments for Xmas Decoration – Amazon
- 8.5″ Battery Operated Lit House Decorative Figurine Red – Wondershop™ – Amazon
- Kurt Adler 2-Piece Musical Santa with 8 Reindeers, 24-Inch – Amazon
- Red & White C7 LED Plastic Candy Cane With Gold Ribbon – Big Lots
- Plush Faux Fur Christmas Stocking Red – Wondershop™ – Target
- 21 in Red Silk Poinsettia – Home Depot
- 6.875″ Battery Operated Lit Ceramic Christmas Tree Green – Wondershop™ – Target
Now It’s Time To Deck Your Halls With Christmas Décor
Alright, hopefully somewhere along the way you found something that sparked some inspiration in you! It’s time to get out there and deck your halls Clark Griswold style. Maybe minus the electric shock though. Happy Holidays!
Kerriann Jenkins
Free Christmas Events
Free Christmas Events
There are a lot of cool things happening this Christmas season. But the rising cost of EVERYTHING these days has put the financial freeze on many of us. Meaning, many will not be able to afford unnecessary holiday events this year. To keep your holly jolly vibes going strong throughout the holiday season, I have compiled a list of FREE Christmas Events worth checking out!
Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village
Sheraton Grand Seattle | 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 | November 22nd – January 1st | Sunday-Thursday from 9:00 am – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday from 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Credit: Sheraton Grand Seattle
THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I repeat, this is not a drill! For the first time since the pandemic, the iconic Sheraton Grand Gingerbread Village is returning! Their theme this year is “Buzzing Back in 2022.” The gingerbread village is free for all ages and opens on November 22nd. If you miss out on this one “you are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.”
I should also add that while this event is free, they will be accepting donations at the door that will directly benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter. So, if you can give, it goes toward a worthy cause.
Bellevue Snowflake Lane
Bellevue Square | On the sidewalks between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Street | November 25th – December 24th | Nightly at 7:00 pm
Credit: @SnowflakeLaneBellevue Facebook
Snowflake Lane’s magical parade is returning this year! Along with it, free complimentary sights from character performances to floats, to lights and nightly snowfall. If you get there early enough, you can use one of the free parking garages nearby. You’ll also want to get there early enough to grab a front row spot on the sidewalk.
Green Lake Pathway of Lights
Green Lake Community Center | 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115 | December 10th from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Credit: Seattle.gov
Attending the annual Green Lake Pathway of Lights is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. At this event, the crowd is a big part of creating the magic in the atmosphere. When I went years ago there were people, pets, strollers, wagons, and even umbrellas bedazzled in twinkling Christmas lights. Apart from being around people in high spirits, there was complimentary refreshments and live holiday music near the Community Center. I saw on their Facebook page that “The hot air balloon glow will only be from 4:30- 5:30 and is weather dependent. The main events are rain or shine!” So, plan to get there early if you want to be part of the lighting up Green Lake!
Evergreen Christmas Light Show hosted by Evergreen Church
3429 240th St SE, Bothell, WA 98021 | December 2nd – 24th from 6:00-9:00 pm
The Evergreen Christmas Light show is the perfect setting to drive out the Washington winter darkness. Eat Evergreen’s FREE famous chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies, while you warm yourself from a heated viewing area. The music choreographed light show lasts for 30 minutes and runs back-to-back from 6:00-9:00pm; from a tunnel light with a snowstorm that dusts every 30 minutes to a heated indoor train and village display there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. For more information on the event please visit their website at Christmas at Evergreen.
Holiday Light Drive (GPS Mapped)
All over Washington | Check their map for confirmation lights are up and operational
Credit: Pacific NW Christmas Lights & Google Maps
In my family we usually just drive around until we happen upon a home. Unfortunately, gas prices have risen astronomically this year. Which puts a real damper on our normal Christmas light display quest. Luckily, Pacific NW Christmas Lights has put together a map of locations with drive worthy displays. They are still accepting submissions to add displays to their map at Pacific NW Christmas Lights.
Winter Porch Light Parade – Communities Shining Bright (Virtual Map launches Dec 1st)
Bothell | Kenmore | Lake Forest Park | Shoreline | Map Launches Dec 1st and they are still accepting submissions to have your display featured
Credit: Winter Porch Light Parade Web Page
“Join the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline, WA to celebrate communities shining bright with the 2022 Winter Porch Light Parade from December 1 – 31! Create light displays that will become part of a virtual map, marking the many holidays and traditions celebrated during the winter season. From porches to patios, balconies to banisters, windows or even cars, anyone can participate and help our communities transform into a magical wonderland of lights.” For more information please visit their website at Winter Porch Light Parade.
Festival of Trees
Mill Creek Town Center | Main Street Merchants | 15310 Main St, Mill Creek WA 98012 | November 25- January 2nd | Grand Prize Announced on January 3rd 2023
Credit: City of Mill Creek & The Mill Creek Town Center
The Festival of Trees is brand new for 2022. Go hunt down four cute holiday critters along the windows of the Mill Creek Town Center Main Street. Find them all and submit their locations to be entered to win a prize! For more detailed information on the event please visit the event page.
Santa Parade
Mill Creek Town Center Main Street from LA Fitness to City Hall| Windermere Mill Creek 15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek, WA 98012 | Parade Starts at 3:30 pm
Credit: Mill Creek Town Center & the City of Mill Creek
Santa is coming to town! That’s right! For the first time since the pandemic, the Santa Parade will be returning to main street at the Mill Creek Town Center. There will be free train rides offered from 2-6pm. The Santa Parade will start at 3:30 and the tree lighting will be at 4:00 at City Hall. There will also be an appearance from the jolly man himself, Santa!
Meet and Greet with the Grinch hosted by Windermere Mill Creek
15418 Main St, Suite M103 Mill Creek WA 98012 | Windermere Mill Creek |2:00 – 6:00
Come see us to meet the Grinch!
After the Santa Parade on December 3rd stop by our Windermere office to meet none-other than the Grinch! Remember to bring your own phone to snap off your own portrait! We can’t wait to see you there!
Holiday on the Bay
Port of Everett | Pacific Rim Plaza, 1028 13th Street, Everett, WA 98201 | December 3rd from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Credit: Port of Everett
“Rain or shine, guests will gather in and around the Port’s Pacific Rim Plaza, near Hotel Indigo, for the day’s outdoor festivities including a holiday pop-up market, free kids’ activities from cookie decorating, crafts and face painting to touch-a-truck, fire truck rides and character meet-and-greets, a tree-lighting ceremony and visit from Santa, lighted boats on parade, holiday drive-in movies (reservation required), and festive music and lighting displays.”
Check out Your Local Tree Lighting Event!
All over Washington State | Dates Vary
Credit: City of Mill Creek Tourism Page
Many of these tree lighting ceremonies have events attached to them. I would recommend following the hyperlink to the city pages to confirm dates, times and activities.
- November 25 Everett from 4-7 at on Colby & Hewitt
- November 26th Snohomish from 12:00 pm-7:30 pm at Historic Downtown Snohomish
- Nov 26 Arlington from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm on Olympic Ave
- Nov 26 Edmonds from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm at Centennial Plaza
- Nov 27th Monroe from 4:30-7pm at Travelers park
- Dec 2nd Mount Lake Terrace at 6:30 pm at City Hall
- December 3rd Everett from 11:00 am-7:00 pm at the Port of Everett Waterfront.
- December 3rd Marysville from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Delta Plaza
- December 3rd Lake Stevens from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at North Cove Park
- December 3rd Mill Creek 4:00 pm at city hall
- December 3rd Woodinville from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm in DeYoung Park
- Dec 3 Camano Island & Stanwood 4:00 pm -5:00 pm at Camano Commons
- Dec 3 Mukilteo from 3:00 pm-6:30 pm at Rosehill Community Center
- Dec 3 Granite Falls 4:30p.m. in front of the museum at 109 E. Union Street, behind the Granite Falls Civic Center
- December 4th Lynnwood from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at Silver Creek Family Church
Free Christmas Events Are Here to Help Make Your Holidays Brighter!
I am sure there are many other free Christmas Events events to check out. These were just a few that I was aware of and chose to highlight. I know that I will be going to several of these activities because they really do help to make my season brighter! I hope you found something in this list to help make your holiday season merrier!
Kerriann Jenkins
Drum Roll Wine
Stop # 7 of the Mill Creek Summer Wine Walk
I was really excited for stop number 7 of the Mill Creek Summer Wine Walk. We were more than halfway through our event and at our last wine walk I had LOVED the 2016 Drum Roll Red wine I tried by Drum Roll Wine; so much so, that I was already planning to buy two bottles if they had them available for purchase this time around. Not to mention, I knew I was going to purchase a sweet treat from Frost as well.
Drum Roll History
I had previously written a background on Drum Roll Wine that I will repost from the spring wine walk tasting.
Drum Roll Wine hosted by Frost
Unfortunately, the 2016 Drum Roll Red evaded my grasp again. Since it was unavailable, I opted to try the 2020 Drum Roll White. And I’m so glad that I did.
Drum Roll Wine White reviewed by Windermere Mill Creek
Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on the 2020 Drum Roll White Wine
This white poured near close to clear. Almost as if it had just the smallest hint of something dropped into it to add color. It smelled like peaches and pineapple, and it tasted delicious. The flavors of peaches, pineapple and strawberry were all present but harmoniously soft on my taste buds. It was one of those dangerous drinks that was SO easy to drink you could easily finish a bottle before knowing what you had done. I wanted an encore, so I purchased a bottle to taste on a clean palette later.
Kerriann’s 2nd Tasting of the 2020 Drum Roll White
Luckily, this one tasted just as good the second time around. I noted that it still poured out a very pale color. Almost an ethereal whitened peach. The Drum Roll White smelled light and fresh and tasted even lighter. It was very refreshing like a cool glass of water on a hot summer’s day. It was still fruit forward but very softly so. I turned the bottle to see that the flavor profiles noted were yellow grapefruit, peach and pineapple. The Drum Roll White ended up being my favorite of the tasting.
Chasity’s Notes
I really loved the color and the smell of this 2020 Drum Roll White Wine. It poured almost clear with a hint of pear, I could tell that’s what gave it it’s color. I really really enjoyed this wine. Straight complete happiness is all I have to describe it and I give this five stars. It was also my favorite of the wine tasting.
Chasity’s Notes on the 2020 Drum Roll White
The second tasting was even better than the first I think. It reminded me of a sweet summer day. It offers a very nice sweet smell that I remembered so well the first time around. It went down very smooth with no bitter taste whatsoever. Again this is still my favorite of the wine tasting we did.
Always Ready for an Encore of Drum Roll Wine
Before the Mill Creek Town Center’s Spring Wine Walk, I had never even heard of Drum Roll Wine. Now I greedily scan the aisles of shelves hoping that they make it into stores sometime soon. I have had their Seurat Syrah, their Drum Roll Red and their Drum Roll White and every variety has left me wanting to go back and purchase more.
This was only stop seven of our wine-walk and there are still four more to go. I’ll be updating the links below as we post our tastings so stay tuned for the next one!
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
Martedi Cellars Tasting
Mill Creek Town Center Summer Wine Walk Stop #6
If you have been reading along you know that for the most part, our wine walk had gone very favorably; but at stop number 6 I got a little too adventurous with my drink choice. Martedi Cellars had several wines I had never heard of before to taste and I went all in on one of them.
Brief Background on Martedi Cellars
Since I have already previously written a short piece on the background of Martedi Cellars I’m going to insert the excerpt from a previous blog below.
Martedi Cellars hosted by Kafe Neo
I must admit, I chose my drink at this stop because our sommelier told Chasity that their 2019 Dolcetto was straight out of Italy and not something that we had available in Washington State. She said she was going to try it and like a sheep I baa-ed “me too!”
Credit: The Office
Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on Martedi Cellars 2019 Dolcetto
I don’t believe that I have had many Italian wines before. But this experience may have been a case of being too American to enjoy it. I don’t remember this wine having a distinctive scent, but I do remember the distinctive alcoholic taste that enveloped my mouth when I took my first sip. That astringent taste remained present all the way through the tasting. Our Graphic Designer Scott summed this drink up in the perfect phrase; “night-night.” It was strong. But I think it would be enjoyed by somebody who is more into liquor then wine. This one just wasn’t for me.
Chasity’s Tasting Notes on Martedi Cellars 2019 Dolcetto
Well I cannot say too much about this wine, I do remember it was not my favorite! It was a special wine from Italy that was not available to purchase here in Washington so of course I had to try it! I am a fan of Italian wines, this one though provided a very alcohol taste and smell. It’s like a sipper hard alcohol drink. I have tried 2018 the Nebbiolo from Martedi Cellars and I did enjoy that one. I guess that’s why they call it wine tasting so you know what you like and don’t like. If you enjoy a little more of a robust alcohol flavor I would suggest the 2019 Dolcetto.
Don’t Let One Drink Stop You from Trying Another Variety!
I had previously tried a Cabernet by Martedi Cellars and loved it. It just goes to show individual tastes also hold weight on what makes wine a great wine. My taste is individual to me. This wine may not have been for me, but I know I would enjoy some of their other offerings, because I have before.
There are still five more tastings to go so keep following along to see what we thought of the other wines we tried at the Mill Creek Town Center Summer Wine Walk!
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
Navarre Coulee Wine Tasting
Mill Creek Wine Walk Stop #5
At stop number five of our wine walk we sampled wines by Navarre Coulee at Artisan Custom Framing. Apart from attending events at the Mill Creek Town Center, I haven’t ever been inside of Artisan Custom Framing long enough to take in all their stock. However, this time around we stayed awhile and browsed all the art that they had displayed in their store while we sipped on our wine. As somebody who enjoys painting, photography and creating, I can appreciate a store that chooses to display artists’ work; and there was art EVERYWHERE! Even the frames they offer lined the wall like a traditional to ornate work of art.
Navarre Coulee hosted by Artisan Custom Framing
Navarre Coulee is a family owned and operated winery and vineyard in Lake Chelan Valley. According to their website, they planted their 40 acres of grapes in 2002, making them the oldest in the valley. From their 40 acres of grapes, the Leslie family and co-owner and winemaker Paul Taylor craft handmade boutique-style wines. After trying the Unicorn Rose Bubbles Limited Edition release by 14 Hands I realized I enjoy sparkling bubbly wine. As a result, I decided to try Navarre Coulee’s 2019 Riesling Bubbles.
Kerriann’s Tasting Notes on Navarre Coulee’s 2019 Riesling Bubbles:
After my first sip my immediate thought was: I should have waited to purchase a bottle because I would have purchased this one instead. Alas, you can’t have them all. This wine was off-dry. It was lightly tarte and sweet with a lingering minerality to it. The bubbles were uplifting and lightly brilliant. It was crisp but juicy. It was different from the Unicorn wine but easily held the shine of its own spotlight.
Chasity’s Tasting Notes on Navarre Coulee’s 2019 Riesling Bubbles:
I’m a huge fan of a bubbly white wine that is not champagne so when I noticed they had a Bubbly Riesling I absolutely had to give it a try! The first taste is a bit tart but quickly turned into a smooth crisp yummy mouth full of bubbly….so good. I am also not a fan of Riesling but this one surprised me yet again. I would have to agree with Kerriann about the Unicorn wine we tasted previously, these two are different but similar. This one is definitely on my list of favorites.
Navarre Coulee Holds Fun Events
If you’re ever in the Chelan neighborhood stop by Navarre Coulee Vineyards. Maybe you’ll get lucky, and you will be there on one of their event nights. I know wood fired pizza and the prospect of trying their other wines not offered at the wine walk, like their 2014 Pinot Noir named Horny Goat, would be enough to draw me in.
This was only stop five of our wine-walk and there are still six more to go. I’ll be updating the links below as we post them so stay tuned!
Wine Tasting Notes to Come!
♦Harbinator Wines♦ ♦Drum Roll Wine♦ ♦Naches Heights Vineyard♦ ♦Kerloo Cellars♦ ♦Wandering Wolf Cellars♦ ♦Dahlman Cellars♦ ♦Martedi Cellars♦ ♦Navarre Coulee♦ ♦Bayernmoor♦ ♦Julian Margot♦ ♦Michael Florentino Cellars♦
Blog Written by Kerriann Jenkins
Blog Feature Chasity Rodriguez
Halloween Movie Road Trip
Washington Halloween Movie Road Trip
In the fall Washington state dusts off its veil of fog and wears it on and off like a child who can’t wait for Halloween throughout the fall months. In my opinion, Washington’s dark, damp, and chilly nature creates the perfect amount of spooky atmospheric ambiance. This makes Washington the ideal place to be during the spooky season. Even Hollywood agrees. The have used our state as the backdrop for many movies throughout the years. Films such as the cult classic Practical Magic, The Ring and Twilight have been made here (among many others). Bringing me to the point of this blog. Instead of sitting on the couch watching Halloween movies, you should take a Halloween Movie Road Trip!
Practical Magic was filmed in Coupeville on Whidbey Island
I was 10 when this movie released and stirred up some excitement on the quiet little island I called home. Practical Magic was filmed in Coupeville on the south end of Whidbey Island. It was strange and exciting to see the streets that I had walked on the big screen. Set design had whitewashed all the buildings on Front Street but to me, it was clear that Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman) were walking through Coupeville. The buildings have been returned to their colorful origin, but the magic remains.
Credit: Coupeville Chamber of Commerce and Warner Bros.
Coupeville Chamber of Commerce has done a great job putting together a map of all the filming locations on Front Street. Whoever put together this brainchild did so meticulously. If you visit their website, you will find a list of every building on Front Street listed alongside the name it housed in the film and when it appeared in the movie timeline. The street isn’t overwhelming long, so it is a great Halloween movie road trip for fans and those with little ones!
The Ring was filmed throughout Washington Including Whidbey Island
If you take a ferry ride over from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island, you’re in for a spookier adventure. This location was used for the infamous horse incident from The Ring. If you’re up for terror this trip is wrought with it. The Ring used many locations throughout the state to lend Pacific Northwest chills to their story. You can visit a second filming location on Whidbey Island by visiting Deception Pass Bridge where Rachel (Naomi Watt) and Noah (Martin Henderson) traveled.
Credit: Seattle Curbed, Google Maps, DreamWorks Pictures
If you’re not up for a trip to Whidbey, there are more land locked locations to visit from Monroe all the way to Seattle. I highly recommend visiting Seattle Curbed’s article titled “Relive ‘The Ring’ in these spooky Seattle-area locations.” They have put together a google map with pinpointed The Ring filming locations along with details of the scenes shot in the location. Scary isn’t my thing but if it’s yours make this Halloween movie road trip!
The Twilight Saga was Filmed in Forks and La Push
Alright. I know this one isn’t inherently a Halloween movie. But there are vampires and wolves and unexplained magic, so it made the list. I have lived in Washington my entire life and never heard of Forks until Stephen Meyers released her Twilight Series and I fell Twi-hard for it. I made my way to Forks and La Push (it’s La Push Baby!) this summer. It didn’t matter that it was August. I was still treated to an eerie fog filled day where the roadway disappeared into the mist and trees jumped out at us on twisting turning roads while we journeyed around to filming spots.
Credit: Forks Chamber of Commerce & Summit Entertainment
Forks is small but the area surrounding it is BEAUTIFUL! If you go, start at the Forks Visitor Information Center to grab a Twilight map, and pose with Bella’s Truck from the movie and the book. There is also a GIANT Welcome to Forks sign in the parking lot for you to take pictures with. Whether you’re into paws or fangs if you like Twilight this one is a good Halloween movie road trip to make!
Washington is Home to Horrors, Haunts, Magic and Halloween Movie Road Trips!
All of Washington’s bad weather is good for something; because of it, there is no place better to be during Halloween then Washington State. If you take one of our recommended Washington Halloween Movie Road Trips tag us in your adventures!
Written by Kerriann Jenkins
