Empty Nest Life

Late Summer Update – An Exhilarating August

Summer sunset on Lake Washington

August Adventures! Out of the gate, we started the month of August on a full run. The summer flew by this year! August was especially wonderful as our twin grandchildren celebrated their fourth birthday. Their Mom baked a three-tier “Funfetti” and chocolate cake topped with a ring of sprinkles (Josie’s favorite). They were joined by …

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Mid-Summer Update: Garden Abundance, A Wine Weekend & More!

summer

It’s the middle of summer and it is going by too fast! Do you feel that too? Here’s to a mid-summer check-in. How’s your summer going? Is it going by far too fast? The weather in the Pacific Northwest has been spectacular! We traveled to Southern California, and although it is always beautiful, it was HOT! …

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Spring Travel News, Favorite Bits & Bites

spring travel

travel news

Travel News for Spring

Spring is in full bloom in the Northwest. Blue skies, tulips popping up, and wild daffodils sprouting everywhere. It feels good!

I decided to write a short “newsy” letter to all of you, catching you up and keeping you in the loop. I don’t know about you, but social media can be exhausting and frustrating, and I never seem to see what I am looking for. Frankly, I am too busy to go searching, but I would love to learn about new things from inside my inbox and not have them disappear (like an Instagram Story) in 24 hours! So here we go!

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The Wonderful Smells of Life in the Pacific Northwest & Other Observations

smells of life in the Northwest

life in the Pacific Northwest

What are the smells of life that evoke an emotional response? I have so many, do you?

Ah, the wholly different and wonderful smells of my new life in the Northwest.  

Back in 2014 when I began Adventures of Empty Nesters, I wrote a post called, “Do certain smells trigger a rush of memories for you? and it was all about smell memories and my family. 

I have always associated certain smells with people, places, and experiences. Maybe it was a perfume my teacher wore, or the aroma of a glorious meal while traveling, or the familiar scents of the holidays. Do you associate meaningful smells with exceptional memories?

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A Juicy Springtime Cocktail & Savory Appetizer with Melissa’s Produce

Springtime cocktails

Springtime cocktail

Just for you! A Springtime cocktail for toasting friendship & family!

Spring is the perfect time for a new cocktail adventure! I just love bright new beginnings, sunshine, handcrafted cocktails, and a beautiful asparagus appetizer to accompany the tasty beverage.

We have been raising our cocktail game and consistently trying to include the very best organic ingredients and search for empty nester-friendly recipes. I found a gorgeous Blood Orange Margarita on Instagram, created by The Bitter Fairy. We have made it two other times already and thought it was time to share it with you!

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