PNW Hikes: Lake Twenty-two

You know those hikes in the Pacific Northwest that make you feel like you are in some sort of theme park that perfected the experience? Lake Twentytwo is one of those hikes. It is incredible. 

This time of year is a really nice time to head over. The trail starts near Granite Falls, WA, in the North Cascades and is classified as "moderate" for hikers, which we would agree with primarily because it is a bit longer, but it isn't actually very steep or strenuous. You can take it at your own pace, but if you are like us you will want to make sure you don't forget snacks (snacks should just be a constant every day in life). The trail to the top has waterfalls, it has dense moss and greenery, it has rock fields (is there a technical term for this? probably), and ample plants to identify for all you botanists out there. Once you arrive at the top you have a stunning view of Lake Twentytwo and Mount Pilchuk. We recommend giving yourself a pat on the back when you arrive with some Bandit boxed wine (yup, classy ladies writing this blog).

Don't forget: Northwest Forest Pass required. If you don't have one and you are planning to hike a lot, definitely invest in one. You can find more info here.

Last tip, we LOVE Washington Trail Association's hike summaries. We usually just skip to the bottom and read the trip summaries by hikers who have been out in the last week or two. That will give you the most up to date, accurate information about trail conditions, etc. 

Recap: Arcade Lights

Every attendee gets a souvenir glass to take home.

Any opportunity we have to eat food in excess and drink a variety of alcohol is an opportunity we don't miss. Enter Arcade Lights.

Every year Pike Place Market hosts this amazing event in the main arcade to raise money for the Pike Place Market Foundation. The Pike Place Market Foundation is a non-profit located in the market that supports a number of different initiatives like the Market Food Bank, the senior living located in the market, and the preschool. It is a great organization, so it made the $60 ticket price for the event much easier to stomach. 

After the market closes for the day tons of vendors come out to serve guests sweet and savory food as well as alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages (34 food vendors and 30 drink vendors to be exact).

We fasted all day Friday to make sure our stomachs were fully prepared for the amount of calories we were going to consume (by fasted I mean ate slightly smaller meals, we can't not eat all day, are you crazy?!). When we arrived it was already packed and the lines were long for each stall, but with some serious dedication (for the research!) we visited every stall and tried something from everyone (it was tough, good thing we fasted).

Our favorites: The Malbec wine from Wildridge Winery, the meatballs from Some Like It Hot, and the BBQ Salmon from Etta's.

Our advice for future attendees: Invest in the early entry ticket or the VIP ticket. The only negative from our night was the shoulder to shoulder crowds. If you pay a little extra you can get in early and snag the goodies sans lines.

Etta's BBQ'd salmon with mushrooms.

Mini cupcakes from Cupcake Royale (Salted Caramel FTW!)

Orange white wine spritzer from Storyville.

Serious prepping.

Lots of long lines.

Grilling in the street has never tasted so good.

A PNW Guide to Sustainable Shopping

We are not preachy people here at Rain or Shine Guides. We know when it comes to sustainability it takes some discipline, and we are all human. We have been known to eat crappy processed food (Read: we break down and eat goldfish crackers all the time), and to drive when riding the bus or walking would be better for the environment (Read: Only when it rains...). 

Lately though, like the rest of the world, we have been trying to take notice and support businesses who think about the health of the planet when producing their goods. Since there is only one known planet we can live on in this universe, and it's the one we are on, we should probably take care of it. That is unless Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk figure out how to move to another planet, which in that case we can all take hour long showers and burn our trash in the backyard.

Since successful billionaire space projects are still a bit doubtful at this point we have put together a list of places you can shop locally (support small business!) that are also sustainable (save the planet!). 

Home and Office

Good and Well Supply Co. creates small batch, soy candles with 100% natural ingredients. Plus they smell like you are sitting in a forest filled with lavender and rainbows.

Coco Beza makes natural and organic skin care products. We particularly enjoy the Rain City soaps. 

Tirto Furniture uses mostly salvaged materials to construct their uniquely stunning furniture. If it isn't recycled materials, then they use sustainable wood.

Pike Street Press is an awesome shop beneath Pike Place Market that creates stellar prints with environmentally friendly methods. And it smells cool.

Food and Drink 

Theo Chocolate is one of the world leaders in promoting organic cocoa beans and Fair Trade practices for the bean farmers. In addition they also do a lot to give back to developing communities that are involved in their growing process.

Pike Place Fish Market is the only fish market in Pike Place Market that is 100% sustainable. Head down and get the guys to throw your fish over the counter and know it is the highest quality.

Ballard Bee Company places beehives around the urban and rural Seattle area and then farms fresh honey from them. You could be eating honey that was from a hive in your neighborhood!

Wei Kitchen specializes in Vietnamese cooking and all their products are 100% homemade, all natural, and use organic and local ingredients whenever possible. Add some serious awesome to your dinner.

Clothing and Beauty

NUBE Green boasts they make "going green a little easier." All products sold in their store are repurposed and organic materials. 

El Sage Designs follows quality and ethical manufacturing practices and also donates 1% of all their profits to various non-profits working to better the planet.

Prairie Underground has comfortable collections with cool lines and unique cuts. Best part? Everything is made from organic materials. Hi-ya!

Proper Northwest wants quality, not quantity when compiling their goods, so they use ethical, local, and sustainable products. 

Specks and Keepings lets you wear your art, with every garment hand sewn and beautifully designed. All textiles are ethically sourced.

Handmade La Conner is a small beauty and skincare shop in the PNW that uses all natural ingredients to make their heavenly-smelling goodies! 

Make It Good is a Portland shop that uses only high quality materials from the good ole U-S-of-A. Bonus? Their stuff is super cute.

For The Family

Adventure Day Treats makes all natural treats as well as toys made from recycled goods. Maggie is a big fan.

Snooterdoots is this strange and amazing company that has made up an entire species to entertain your kids to no end (imagination not included). The felt toys are made in a way that is easy on the environment.

Bootyland Kids says it the best themselves, they are a kids toy and clothing company giving consumers a "space to access products created in a variety of sustainable ways. Including organics, hemp, fair trade, PVC free, locally made, reconstructed, and vintage all with an urban appeal." Nice. 

The Pacific Northwest is FULL of amazing producers who work in a way to minimize their impact on the planet and bring us sustainable products. We know we couldn't name them all in a single post and there are probably a million we don't even know about, so share your favorites with us in the comments! 

How To Do Mother's Day Like A Boss

How great are Moms? They deserve a lot more than one day a year to celebrate their amazing-ness, but alas, there is only one day. One day in May for you to show the person who gave birth to you how much you love her. Do you want to mess this up? You only get one shot, people. Lucky for you we have built a comprehensive guide for you to follow that will ensure your mother/mom/mum/mommy feels loved and appreciated. 

Best Brunch Spots

First things first, get her a delicious meal that will kickstart the day in the best way! Full disclosure Seattle restaurants will use this holiday to double the price of food and make you wait hours for a table, but remember, she gave birth to you so you have to do it.

Palisades: For the mom that likes a classic, beautiful restaurant. Palisades has a giant buffet and is located at an amazing location in Seattle with awesome views. Bonus? Everyone who dines on Mother's Day gets a free gift. Surprises are the best so call ASAP for reservations. 206-285-1000

Insider Tip: If the dining room is booked ask about the second buffet happening in the Alani Room.

Toulouse Petit: For the mom that wants a cool breakfast spot with some Southern charm. Toulouse Petit definitely shines in the breakfast department. Our recommendations are the Spicy Creole Hash and make sure Mom has a Katie Mae! Only downside? They don't accept reservations so you will want to plan to wait a bit. 206-432-9069

Salty's on Alki: For the mom that wants a traditional Pacific Northwest brunch. Salty's is such a great place to eat any meal, but they are famous for their brunch. We particularly love it for the fact that it is upscale dining with amazing food, but it is non-pretentious (think oversized fishing tackles and giant nets hanging from the ceiling). $75 for the full buffet. Call for reservations before they run out! 206-937-1600

Cutter's: For the mom that wants a hearty menu to chose from. Cutter's is located near Pike Place Market and has a view of Puget Sound with a great ambiance. The best part about this place is they don't skimp on the seafood. Bring your appetites and don't miss their crab cakes. Mmm good. Reservations available. 206-448-4884

Great Gift Ideas

Photos from Clay in Motion and Joanna Morgan respectively.

Next up you have to get the perfect gift. Homemade cards are encouraged, no matter how old you are.

Home Garden and Art is located in Greenwood and has all this unique and fun garden art made from metal. They have everything from roosters to goats to birdhouses. They are locally-owned and do custom requests! 

Clay in Motion makes these great "Handwarmer Coffee Mugs." They are beautiful and functional! Mom will love! You can also find them in the Made in Washington stores around Seattle. 

Market Spice has a lot of great items for moms who love to cook, but they also have an amazing tea collection and our favorite is the Cinnamon Orange Tea. Hint: It goes well with the Handwarmer mugs above. :)

Joanna Morgan makes beautiful, classic jewelry that she creates in her Seattle studio. We especially like her Signature Collection. 

Don't Forget the Flowers

Flowers at Pike Place are a cheap, but beautiful bouquet choice!

Young Flowers has gorgeous, modern, and artistic flower arrangements. They cost a pretty penny but are seriously worth it. Call to have them design your mom a custom, one of a kind arrangement!

Pike Place Market has amazing bouquets made from flowers grown from local farmers in Washington. They will definitely be on their best game on Mother's Day and their bouquets run on average $10 a pop. 

Juniper Flowers creates the most beautiful and unique arrangements, each stem carefully selected by the owner of the shop, Jean Louise. They also offer flower arranging classes, which are a fun, creative, and functional gift for a mom who enjoys gardening. 

And if you want to ice the cake and get her some sweets...

Salted Caramels from Fran's Chocolate say I LOVEEEEE you!

Fran's does stunning chocolates. We recommend the salted caramels.

Bakery Nouveau's macaroons will make your stomach angry you haven't been eating them every day.