Category: Review

Hotel, pnw, Review, travel

Hotel Leavenworth ~ Cascade Mountain Lodging

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Hotel Leavenworth is the perfect place to soak in some relaxation vibes . We planned to stay here after hiking in the Cascade Mountain Range and it was such a blessing! It is on the Main Street in Leavenworth , has parking that is included, and is convenient to so many restaurants! One of our favs .. Gustav’s , is located directly across the street.


The hotel could be described modern ski lodge . We loved the common area in the hallway between rooms. There were places to read or grab a drink and just hang out.


The room was so spacious! We had a jet tub in the room ,but in a seperate area, a huge walk in space to unload our gear , and a beautiful sitting area with a fireplace. It was the perfect room after a long day of hiking.Check out our full video tour of our room below ⬇️


There is also a beautiful patio area that was one of our favorite places to hang out.


And if that’s not enough reasons to stay here , they also offer a romance package with wine, flowers and chocolate so perfect for a getaway ❤️

Book, coffee, Review, travel

The Sword and Shovel Coffeehouse & Bookstore

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

The Sword and Shovel Coffeehouse & Bookstore in Moscow , ID is one of my top 10 Bookstores in all of the United States .

It is the New Saint Andrew’s College bookstore and is beautifully appointed. You can find just about any book from literature to law, natural sciences, theology, and rhetoric.



They offer a stunning study area that makes you feel like you just stepped off the streets of London into a cozy bookstore and you can imagine Lewis and Tolkien in deep conversation in the cozy space.


One reviewer says it best.. Walking into Sword & Shovel feels like stepping into a storybook — one where warmth, wisdom, and wonder come together under one roof. This coffee house bookstore isn’t just a place to grab a cup of perfectly brewed coffee or pick up a thought-provoking book — it’s a haven for the soul.-Michael

Check out our video of this amazing Bookstore & Coffeehouse ⬇️

history, pnw, Review, travel

Charm of Historic Fairhaven ~Bellingham , Wa

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Visiting Fairhaven feels like you have just stepped into a hallmark movie. Unique shops and twinkle lights everywhere pulls you into the magic of this beautiful town.
.
With its charm also comes history .Fairhaven was settled in 1853, and started out as a booming manufacturing hub , it has since been designated as a National Historic District.


It is also host to the annual Ski to Sea race which takes place on Memorial Day weekend. The Ski to Sea race is accompanied by the Historic Fairhaven Festival, a street festival in Fairhaven to celebrate participants completing the relay race.

If you find yourself in Washington State , this is definitely a stop to add to your itinerary⭐️

pnw, reading, Review, travel

Powell’s city of Books ~Bookstore

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Powell’s City of Books in downtown Portland has just about any kind of book you are looking for. There are so many floors of books! You could stay there for a whole day and still want to go back the next day to see more.
.
Located in downtown Portland ,the store pretty much fills up a city block . That’s kinda cool to think about….a city block of multiple floors of books. Wow! A book lovers dream.
.
So grab your list of books you are looking for and go.. you are sure to mark a few off your list .If you have been there , let me know what you love in the comments ⭐️

Book, reading, Review

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah ~ Book Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Are you ready to read a book you can’t put down? Kristin Hannah The Nightingale is it!
.
This historical fiction follows two very different sisters throughout their lives. Both sisters navigate their worlds very differently as they grapple with WW2 and the Nazi occupation of France and as they soon learn they are stronger than they could have ever imagined.
.
There are a few parts of the book that were extremely difficult to read so please be aware of that if you are sensitive. They are short but important to the story. I’m glad my friends encouraged me to finish it and skip over the one section because it was so worth it!
.
Kristin did a great job of really developing each sisters story and following them in their journey of healing as a family , fighting for others even when it meant they had to let go and bringing it all together in the end.Such a good book!!

coffee, family adventures, hiking, Review, travel

Espresso Chalet

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Espresso Chalet has one of the best views of Mount Index . It was the perfect stop to grab coffee after hiking Wallace Falls & Heybrook Lookout. Both hikes are within a few miles of each other with the Espresso Chalet between them. Look for the Bigfoot and you will know you are there.


We ordered our drinks and then went to soak in some more Mountain views… amazing! Perfect place to stretch your legs and grab some drinks or snacks before heading home .


A fun fact : this was an official location from the movie Harry and the Hendersons … anyone remember that movie?

Check out our reel below ⬇️

coffee, pnw, Review, travel

Unique Starbucks in Bavarian Town of Leavenworth ~ Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

One of our favorite @starbucks is in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth . The decor is a modern ski lodge vibe which we absolutely loved!

Looking out the window you can easily access Aasgard without the grueling workout or magic portal 😉


If you’re wanting a fun weekend adventure , Leavenworth is a great place to explore. Hike, shop , eat , and enjoy feeling like you traveled to a different country. Grab your favorite book and grab coffee as you soak it all in at this unique Starbucks.

Book, Book Club, faith, reading, Review

Once A Queen ~ Book Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Our March Book Club pick was Once a Queen by Sarah Arthur.
.
Once a Queen is a fairytale fantasy that weaves real life family dynamics with magic portals , secret gatherings and magic woven tapestries. You meet 14 year Evie as she travels to England to meet a grandmother she has never met before who lives in a beautiful estate that has an intriguing staff. The staff is one we would all want if we were as privileged.
.
It starts off slow but then quickly starts to wrap you into the story as it unfolds. As the characters unfold , and the story is weaved ,and you get glimpses of the white stag, you can’t help but to start to step into the magic of the story . Definate Narnia vibes throughout that awakened my childlike faith in reading this.
.
Our bookclub enjoyed reading this and several of us are adding the other books to our list!

Disneyland, Review, Starwars, travel

Ronto Roasters ~ Galaxy’s Edge ~ Disneyland

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures


Ronto Roasters is one of our favorite places to grab a quick dinner or lunch when we are in Galaxy’s Edge @disneyland . Here you can find pita wraps filled with spicy grilled sausage and roasted pork that are delicious .

⭐️ Keto option.. ditch the pita bread .

➡️ Fun fact: A droid named 8D-J8 does the cooking here, turning alien meats on a rotating spit that roast under a recycled podracing engine.


You can also pick up the Paddy Frog Sipper at around $17 which includes a drink.What in the world is a patty frog? You know those things Jabba the Hut eats ? Yep thats them!


This sipper was a blessing on our last trip because it entertained our little for hours..and that is priceless!
.
Mobile Ordering is Available .. another win!

Hotel, pnw, Review

Salish Lodge & Spa ~ Review

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Salish lodge is one of our new favs! Oohh this hotel made us feel like VIPs !We can’t wait to return.


The rooms are beautiful,spacious, clean and offered a beautiful view over the falls. We loved the decor and the coziness of the room. My favorite moments were having coffee snuggled up in the fur blanket on the couch in the mornings.


A few special perks that come with your stay :
Complimentary welcome seasonal drink at checkin before 6
six different types of pillows to chose from to improve your rest and relaxation.
Terrycloth robes
Daily newspaper
Morning coffee and afternoon tea in the lobby
Trail mix station to fuel up with snacks
Copper kettle and pour-over coffee service in room


We also added the Club 268 package which included several upgrades including the Spa.The spa services were exceptional ! We enjoyed the pools and the sauna. Fresh lemon water was available and the relaxation room was the perfect ending. The eucalyptus shower spray is one of our new favs from the spa so we had to pick up a bottle of it to bring home.
.
The food at the Lodge is impressive. We loved how they knew it was our Anniversary and set up the table with rose petals. Such an amazing surprise! Everything was perfectly cooked and delicious.
.
After dinner we hiked down to the falls and it was wonderful. The views are breathtaking! You can do the short hike to the overlook or go to the lower falls which is a little bit of a climb to get back up but it’s super short and worth it.
.
There are so many more hikes in this area if you’re feeling adventurous. We did Poo Poo Point on the day of checkout and were able to see the paragliders which was a cool experience. Some other hikes in the area are :
Mailbox Peak
Mt.Si
Little Si
Twin Falls
Rattlesnake Ridge
.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with incredible views ,lots of nearby trails to hike and amazing food, Salish Lodge & Spa is the perfect place for your next getaway.