I originally posted this back in 2021 and we still love these little mailboxes โค๏ธ . They are one of our favorite Valentineโs traditions. We put little treats or notes leading up to Valentineโs in them . They create excitement in sharing and showing love to each other . . We are also still loving how these wool balls from @strandcreativeco they add a whimsical touch to our fireplace mantle and look great with our mailboxes๐They are still in great shape and definitely a favorite . . Do you have any Valentines traditions? Share them below. Iโd love to hear!
The husband and I were able to getaway for a few days to @skamanialodge for a romantic getaway right before Christmas which at first I thought was terrible timing but turned out to be just what we neededโค๏ธ . Skamania Lodge has so many things to offer not just for the two of us but for the whole family. There are two restaurants on property , coffee and tea service that is complimentary, Spa , game room set up with games ,adventures like zip lining , on property trails and their Holiday Walk during our stay.
Fireside w/view King
We were able to hike on our way to the lodge and then enjoy the hot tub once we checked in , which was so nice! There is an indoor and outdoor one .. the outdoor was our favorite!
Playing chess
. While we waited for our dinner reservations , we headed to the game room to play a game of chess. After dinner, we grabbed a complimentary umbrella and headed out for the Holiday Light Walk. It was an added treat and we enjoyed it . The best part was hearing an owl throughout the walk โฆso cool!
Itโs no secret we love the Columbia Gorge area and Skamania Lodge is located in a great location to access so many different adventures . There are so many trails in this area to hike , so much history to immerse yourself in , and gorgeous views every where you look!
From our window
Have you ever visited the Columbia Gorge area? If so , whatโs your favorite thing to do there?
Beautiful LobbyViewsโค๏ธLooking ahead to the New Year
Check out this hidden gem @thirsty_coffeebar in the Cascade locks area. It was such a sweet reward of coffee after we finished hiking the Colombia Gorge area.
We loved so much about this adorable coffee shop ,like the puzzle that was set out to build , chess boards throughout, photo ops with the joy wall and seating areas ,the adorable water station ,and ofcourse the coffee โค๏ธ We could have spent our whole day here.
Sign in book
One of the other special touches that we really loved was the Bible verse on the floor, such a sweet touchโค๏ธ
โWhen the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.โ โญโญPsalmโฌ โญ94โฌ:โญ19โฌ โญESVโฌโฌ
They also have a punchcard to get a free drink ..yay! More coffeeโค๏ธ . If you are in the Colombia Gorge area, stop by and support this small businessโค๏ธโค๏ธ
Fika at Farm 12 is a fun experience. The building and property are beautiful. Trendy and inviting. You will often have a line extending out the front door with those waiting to order their fav coffee and treat.
The prices are comparable to the main chain coffee shops with an exception.. the profits go to help train and educate mothers as part of the Step by Step Program. A great way to enjoy coffee and help someone โค๏ธ . One of the elements that makes Fika super inviting is there are lots of comfy spots to chat with a friend,have a meeting or just have some time to yourself. Everywhere you look , you are welcomed with seating inside and outside. They have picnic tables , chairs around a fire pit and several couches and tables throughout .
The drawback is the mugs. We love having a mug in hand to enjoy our espresso with froth art as we meet with others but we have found that we get a mug 1 out of 3 times and the other visits have been disposable. So be prepared you may not get a mug .
Oh and did I mention the pastries? They have some of the best pastries around and all between the 3-5$ range .
Happy April and National Sourdough Bread Day โฆ and ofcourse April Fools Day! . I am still trying to master the beauty of making Sourdough but I havenโt given up . Thatโs progress right? And we have managed keeping our starter alive so another victory! Yay! . There is something wonderful to the whole process so I keep trying and every time I make it I get a little bit better. What about you? Have you tried a sourdough starter before? Love it or leave it? . . . . . . .
We have a day off from our normal routine today and so I am soaking in the lazy morning ,enjoying coffee in one of my fav coffee mugs,cozied up in a favorite wool throw ๐
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Whatever you have happening this weekend , take time to enjoy a warm cup of your favorite drink and soak in the moments that will most likely never be repeated โค๏ธ
Having an inviting table doesnโt have to be super fancy . You can take a few things to make a beautiful setting that is practical and inviting. . The memories , conversations , plans, school work and sharing of life that happens around a table is immeasurable. It is essentially the hub of a home. A place to gather , cry , work out life and laugh โค๏ธ . I do wonder if every grain in the wood of this table could contain all of it. Would the grain lines of the wood be darker when there were years scorched by fire or hardships ,would the grain have lines wider in years being well watered and flourishing in love or have thinner lines in years of drought ? Interesting to think about what it would hold. . What ever season you are in , remember itโs just that a season. Take time to enjoy your family or a friend around your table. Invite them to linger and stay a little bit longer. Savor the grain lines that are forming ๐
โshe prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.โ โญโญProverbsโฌ โญ6:8โฌ โญESVโฌโฌ
