Be prepared for winter weather

let the festivities begin

some of my favorite things ....

Nov 25-Dec 28

THE NUTCRACKER

Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of this classic tale
to Tchaikovsky's score features sets designed by Ian Falconer
McCaw Hall, 206-441-2424, pnb.org
AAA member discounts available on select tickets

Nov 25-Jan 1

WILD LIGHTS

Guests are transported to a festive winter wonderland
complete with lights, animals, treats and more
Woodland Park Zoo, 206-548-2500, zoo.org/wildlights

Nov 25-Jan 1

ZOOLIGHTS

During the holidays, the Point Defiance Zoo glows with more than

half-a-million lights every night; a vintage carousel and reindeer add fun

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 253-591-5337, pdza.org

Nov 25-Jan 8

BELLEVUE MAGIC SEASON

The magic includes an open-air ice rink in Bellevue Downtown Park,
a nightly Snowflake Lane parade at Bellevue Way & NE 8th St,
and holiday film classics at Meydenbauer Center

Bellevue, 425-453-1223, bellevuedowntown.org

Nov 26-Dec 31

GARDEN D'LIGHTS

More than a half-a-million lights bring the botanical garden
into a winter "bloom" of brilliant illuminations.
Bellevue Botanical Garden, 425-452-2750, gardendlights.org

Dec 1-28

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 

Warm Beach Camp sparkles with a million lights during the holidays.

Nightly dinner theater, horseback rides, even overnight stays

thelightsofchristmas.com, 800-228-6724

AAA member discounts available 

Dec 2-18

CHRISTMAS LIGHT FESTIVAL

Ole St. Nick leads the festivities on Fridays, while caroling and a

lighting ceremony at dusk cap events on Saturdays and Sundays

509-548-5807, leavenworth.org

Dec 1-23

THE CHRISTMAS SHIP FESTIVAL

Argosy Christmas Ships set sail to different waterfront communities
and choirs on board give 20-minute performances to the
thousands gathered around roaring bonfires on shore
888-623-1445, argosycruises.com

Dec 11

DARCY'S ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Every year Santa pulls up a chair and spends the morning with friends,
family and clients while we enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast
206-915-0916, darcy@windermere.com
I hope you can join me!

'tis the season for pancakes, Santa and good cheer!

Every year Santa pulls up his chair and we whip up some pancakes for this festive holiday event - I hope you can join us!

so cute - a few photos from previous Santa Breakfasts!

Pop me an email if you and your family can join us! We can't wait to see you on the 11th!

Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot and Kids Run

If you're looking for a fun way to spend time with family and friends and build up a healthy appetite this Thanksgiving then join us at Montlake's first annual 5K Turkey Trot and Kids Run.

The 5K course will begin and end in the Montlake Business District near Fuel Coffee Shop and make a loop through scenic Washington Park Arboretum.  A race map will be published closer to the event at montlake.net.  

The 5K will start promptly at 9 am and will be followed with a kids run at 10:30 am. Walkers and strollers welcome. Dogs are not allowed to participate in the race, but are welcome to attend as leashed spectators.

• Net proceeds will be donated to the University District Food Bank. You can donate food before or race day at local Montlake businesses.
• Online registration is open on RaceWire.
• Price is $25 for the 5K and $15 for the Kids Run (prices increase by $10 for those registering after November 15th).
• Registration includes a t-shirt designed by Jonathan Bridgman.
• Online registration closes November 23rd.
• Same day registration will be accepted, but t-shirts can't be guaranteed.
• Visit Montlake.net for additional, and updated information.

Hope to see you on the course! 

working to make our communities stronger

Windermere and the Seattle Seahawks have teamed up to tackle homelessness.

Now through November 14th, we are collecting new hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, and warm socks for YouthCare, a non-profit that provides services to homeless youth in the Puget Sound. I invite you to drop any of the above items at my office (4015 E Madison Street) Monday-Sunday between 9am-5pm. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

And now, for every Seahawks home game tackle, the Windermere Foundation will donate $100 to YouthCare. Go Hawks

I am very proud of my past and ongoing support to help the homeless in our community find shelter - whether that is for one night, or, hopefully, a longer term through my commitment and participation in the Windermere Foundation. The Windermere Foundation has donated over $30 million to programs and organizations that provide shelter and services to low-income and homeless families. Every time I sell a home, a portion of my commission goes toward this important cause - together, we can find a solution that will shelter our homeless and keep our communities strong. 

Go Hawks!

Pumpkin Patch and Cider Fest

We had such a great time at our first annual pumpkin patch and cider fest. My front yard was transformed into a charlie brown pumpkin patch - filled with over 200 sugar pie pumpkins free to the community and clients. We hosted an apple cider station with hot spiced cider and cold pressed cider, yummy glazed donuts, and, for a healthier choice, honey crisp apples by the bushel!

Over 200 Sugar Pie Pumpkins rolled into my front yard!

Baby pumpkins ripe for the pickin'

Cider, fall treats and a pumpkin for all

Even the dogs had a good time

Some found two - perfect

We can't wait  for our second annual pumpkin patch and cider fest!

Happy Fall!

Until next time,

la chasse au bonheur

Welcoming fall into your home

To say we are spoiled in the northwest is an understatement. Our Indian Summers, with clear skies, crisp air, and orange and yellow blaze create the backdrop to the most gorgeous days!

Crisp fall days in the Apple State!

Yesterday was one such day, and I couldn't help but spend the day unpacking our plaid throws, blankets and autumnal items from storage. 

Just like your wardrobe, interiors can change to reflect the season. If you're thinking of bringing fall indoors, consider adding any (or all) of these tried and true autumnal elements!

no. 1     PLAID

no. 2     THROWS AND BLANKETS

no. 3     GOURDS, PINECONES, BRANCHES, WOOD

no. 4     RATTAN AND WICKER

no. 5     FOWL AND ANTLERS

no. 6     CANDLELIGHT

no. 7     BAKE

no. 1 PLAID - I grew up in a suburb of Portland, Oregon and Pendelton Woolen Mills (just across the Columbia River from us) was everywhere in our home - from coat to throw, pillow to blanket, we were covered. I have inherited some from my mom, found more at vintage stores, and even purchased some new. 

When I traveled to Scotland a number of years ago, I fell in love with the lambswool and cashmere plaids I found in Elgin. To say I am slightly addicted to plaid is an understatement. 

Johnstons of Elgin - Reversible Tweed Lambswool Throw

There are lots of ways to use plaid in your home -

Stacked like art

as upholstery fabric

as a tablecloth

in the kitchen - plaid dish towels from The Weed Patch Country Store

tossed about

fabric for throw pillows

and bedding

no. 2 THROWS AND BLANKETS - I love the idea of 'killing two birds with one stone' by utilizing plaid with throws and blankets, but sometimes you want cozy without the impact of a plaid. 

Chunky Cotton -

Chunky Throws and Blankets scream COZY!

Chunky cotton used for bedding

Oh my! I would sleep all day!

Reversible cable knit and fleece make ideal throws in our TV room.

Adding a vibrant orange throw (with a pillow that nods to the girls' Canadian background)
offers so much punch, that there's little need for anything else!

and of course - soft, creamy neutrals can often make a
bigger statement then its brighter hued brothers!

Quilts - I'm not sure there is anything that says 'American Harvest' like a vintage quilt. My sister-in-law, Sharon quilts, as did my Grandma Fannie - I treasure their works!

Gorgeous American and European Quilts

Squash Blossom Pattern - such beautiful colors to build around!

Quilts used as bedding add warmth and charm!

Fur - A fur throw adds instant warmth to any interior decor - it is one item that can read rustic AND glamorous, making it an ideal element for any interior. 

Found just about everywhere, fur throws and blankets add cozy glamour!

no. 3 GOURDS, PINECONES, BRANCHES, WOOD

Gourds - they are so 'fall obvious' that I tend to overlook them most year. I don't love bright orange so I use the muted, more neutral colored gourds and ghost pumpkins - they work better in my decor. There is no question, however, that a vibrant orange pumpkin screams Fall! So, I use orange sugar pumpkins on my porch the week leading up to Halloween - making sure to chuck them at midnight. 

I prefer to decorate with the more muted gourds.

You cannot deny the impact of the traditional bright orange pumpkin,
especially when mixed, as in nature with the more muted one!

Pinecones - last weekend, my daughter and I drove over to the Roslyn Cemetery. If you haven't explored that cemetery, I highly recommend a trip over (it is on the list of National Historic Cemeteries). I digress, we went over because that's where you can find the most gorgeous sugar cones two layers thick. We were a bit early this year, but we did come home with two baskets full, including a few critters still hiding in my car - eew!

a fun DIY craft project - fall inspired ribbon (plaid of course),
sugar cones, berries and leaves - tada! A happy greeting

Tossed in a wooden bowl with a candle - so simple!
(use faux candles or place in a glass/ceramic container and never unattended)

Three pinecones and a few fallen leaves dresses up this vintage milk pitcher -
usually used for spring blossoms!

Branches - such a versatile element - branches add height, fill in corners and bring rustic nature to a room. 

Bring fall color in with snips from your garden

Add a subtle fall feeling with branches 

Branches add the perfect touch in a guest bedroom -
fills in the corner and adds impact to a minimalist room. 

Wood - my oldest brother was a sawyer (yes, he wore plaid) and is an avid hunter (he lives in Northern Idaho and before you say anything, his hunting is like us going to the grocery store). I spend a weekend in October hunting with David and the best group of guys you can imagine. I admit, I hike - they hunt. While hiking the backwoods of Northern Idaho, I come across birch bark and old wood that makes fall decorating a piece of cake. 

Wood cut into chargers is perfect for a fall table. 

Floral arrangements I created for an annual dinner for the homeless
using birch bark my brother sent.

Any one of these wooden items, or all, make a great addition to fall decorating!

no. 4 RATTAN AND WICKER

Whether used outside or in, nothing says rustic charm quite like rattan and wicker. It is my 'go-to' item because it adds texture and interest.

Use outside, instead of a pot.

Charming with brunches and berries tucked inside.

Where else are you going to stack those throws?

Not everyone loves this look (I certainly do!), but it definitely adds rustic warmth
and can easily shift to summers at the beach!

My theory - 'you can never have too many baskets' - they work hard in my home -
in fact, my trash can happens to be a wicker basket!

No. 5 FOWL AND ANTLERS

If you want to add some authenticity to your decor, try using hunting elements. Some people are turned off by the subject, I love it. Here are some ideas -

BIRDS AND FOWL -
Prints

Audubon Turkey

Vignettes using china, ceramics and other details like feathers 

A pretty china pattern.

Love the ceramic birds mixed with the green Majolica plates.

Love this simple arrangement using feathers, bird seed and nuts - cleaver!

ANTLERS -

Not everyone is into the recent antler movement, and honestly, I'm not sure how I feel, but I did pick up some beautiful antlers while shopping in Port Townsend a few weeks ago. I am excited to use them in my Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece!

Whatever side of the fence you are on (remember, antlers are shed by the male and regrow the following year), these ideas convey the outdoorsy side of fall.  

Used with pumpkins, nuts and pinecones!

A proper fall welcome.

Spray painted and tucked on a shelf!

Love the muted color palette.

Love this simple vignette!

Neat idea to use tree branches as antlers.

and of course, using china with a hunting theme!'

I love this Woodland pattern - every animal is bordered in an acorn design. 

no. 6 CANDLELIGHT
Whether using pillars or tapers, real or faux, candlelight is like the icing of any cake - it creates a warm, cozy atmosphere like nothing else can.

Adding nuts (acorns are my favorite) to a glass container
makes decorating with candles a breeze. 

Fun to use cake stands and tiered serving pieces in the kitchen. 

Use apples, mini pumpkins, and gourds to create a glowing centerpiece!

Soft white tapers makes this vignette glow!

Wrapping burlap and plaid around a mason jar
creates the perfect outdoorsy candleholder!

no. 7 BAKE

Noting can be more welcoming than filling your home with the smells and flavors of fall. This recipe for Pumpkin Bread is truly the best. It fills the house, and its inhabitants, with love!

I hope this post has provided some inspiration - here's to welcoming friends and family into your home over a cozy and delicious meal!

Until next time,

la chasse au bonheur