Best find of 2021

Best Find of 2021

In a little B&B, in a little town in Rhode Island … was a little miracle.

During our family trip to the East Coast this past summer, I really wanted to spend a few days in a typical New England town near the ocean. We ended up in Cranston, near Pawtuxet Villiage, just sound of Providence. Technically on the Pawtuxet River, host Greer had a beautiful little 2 story remodeled home. We fell in love with all the amenities, as small as they were. It was a beautiful 1-bedroom, 2nd story apartment across the street from a marina and within walking distance to a small street of shops.

This is where we were first introduced to the framed smart TV. Initially we thought it was a beautiful painting above the small fireplace, until we wondered what the remote on the coffee table was for! The screen shot to life with a variety of options! The decor and colors were calming and spa-like. Greer had apparently thought of everything, including robes in the bathroom, free standing closets to put clothes away, maps of the village, and the the cleverest little disposable towels for her guests.

When looking around for washrags, we checked in the small drawers beneath the bathroom sink. In a glass jar were these small white circle things with a little sign that read “Please use these disposable wash cloths to help me keep my white towels clean.” I couldn’t believe how ingenious these were!

I immediately jumped on Amazon and ordered some sent to our home in Washington. I loaded up my bathroom, the guest bathroom and our bathroom at Crescent Bar. Run them under a bit of warm water and you can easily take off all of your makeup. They are thick enough to rinse and reuse, and soft enough not to be harmful to your skin. Biodegradable, they are safer for the environment then washing your washrags with bleach or sending them off to the landfill or Goodwill when they become old and unusable.

I kept some in my purse and close by during the hot days of summer in Eastern Washington. A little cool water on a cloth on the neck felt like a dream.

My family has not yet made it through the 1000 that I ordered in July, but I’ve got another box In my Amazon cart ready for summer.

So, if you haven’t tried them, I would encourage you to do a little something wonderful for your skin, your laundry and your environment. You’ll thank me later!

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Looking for Inspiration in 2022

Looking for Inspiration in 2022

Reconnecting after 16 months

Who else feels like their life has been on hold since the beginning of COVID? My last blog post was in August of 2020 - a year after I started my new job and 5 months following the start of COVID. I suppose I hadn’t found very much to inspire following so much disappointment. Cancelled plans. Missing friends. Loneliness. All in the hope of avoiding COVID in our home.

COVID caught up to us in the end, and I really mean the end, as in the end of 2021. On December 14th, I started feeling like I had a cold starting. I stayed home from work since I had a jury and co-workers with suppressed immune systems. Even if it was just a cold, I didn’t want to start an epidemic right before the holidays. I received a negative COVID test that Thursday and was miserable all weekend. That following Monday I went to work, mainly to pick up my laptop to work remotely while my boss was on vacation. I wore my mask, kept my distance and sanitized everything. That afternoon I checked in with an urgent care doctor who suggested I get retested. The following morning, December 21st, my 50th birthday, I received a positive test for COVID. Since the new Omnicron strain was so infectious, the doctor said that we should assume the entire house is infected. Symptoms showed up a few days later in both my husband and my eldest daughter. Neither of whom had quite the severity of symptoms as I had. My father-in-law, who had a booster about a month ago, only had a runny nose for a day. My youngest, who contracted COVID in March 2021, was spared this time around.

I believe everyone in our family was suffering from depression and lack of excitement. Despite having taken a vacation to the East Coast in June, we still felt a sense of separation. For most of 2021, my Judge and I were working either remotely or in a virtual courtroom with little to no contact with people throughout the day. My husband, albeit relaxed retired schedule, was in isolation much of his days with only his dad or our eldest daughter for company. Likewise, my eldest daughter lost her volunteer program at the start of the pandemic and while we attempted to keep her active in the community, most programs were cancelled. My youngest was successful in keeping herself busy with full time remote school and a couple of long-term film production jobs. She was working 60-70 hours per week, doing full time remote classes and catching up with her college friends in the evenings playing Minecraft.

Our saving grace was being able to run away to our Crescent Bar vacation home whenever we could. Of course, my husband and the kids more than me, but it was nice knowing that my husband was finally getting some well-deserved relaxation. A highlight of the year was the nearly full remodel of our vacation home. New floors, painted walls, shiplap, new cabinetry, new hallway, new bedroom, and complete kitchen remodel (WITH a new dishwasher!) All of these changes I will post in a separate blog - it definitely deserves it’s own introduction.

As the last week of 2021 rolled around, I started thinking about new beginnings, as I do every time this year. Gaining inspiration from Instagram Bloggers that I follow. @lizmariegalvan started cleaning up Christmas this past Sunday, changing up her beautiful farmhouse to “winter” rather than Christmas. Being snowed in and the court having decided to close today, I took advantage of the long day by removing 80% of my Christmas decor. Leaving only the lighted trees to help ring in the new year. It’s time for a fresh start.

I spent time creating and designing a new planning system this morning, and one of the options I chose was a blogging worksheet each month. It’s time for me to start getting inspired and maybe even inspiring others. And while COVID may still be up front in the news - keeping us hidden behind masks and protecting our families - we should all find things to get a bit of pre-COVID selves back.

I would love to hear from you - so maybe tell me how you are getting organized or inspired in 2022. Maybe we should start a book club, or a ladies group. I’m game!!

How will you be inspired?

OMG seriously?!?

You must get one of these shirts!

Sseko has seriously outdone themselves with this t-shirt. 95% cotton and 5% spandex, it is soft and thick which I didn’t even think was possible! It’s a gorgeous wine color with embroidery made by hand by our artisans in India. And this time around, they made them in sizes S - XXL!

I know I talk a lot about how wonderful Sseko is and how I love everything - well this is certainly risen to #1 on my list! I have a feeling this baby is going to join me on many Adventures.

Only $44.99.

Sseko Fall Collection 2020

Travel “Beyond” with Sseko

At Sseko, we’re doing what we can to help you look Beyond the current crisis and witness women make the world a better place

I am excited to announce the launch of the Sseko Fall “Beyond” Collection launching today. at 11am PST.

Bring on darker shades, luxurious layers and all the patterned prints. The Fall 2020 'Beyond' Collection has a gorgeous array of versatile apparel pieces, stunning bags, handcrafted statement jewelry, and eye-catching footwear– You’re sure to find everything you need to complete your perfect fall wardrobe.

Because of the current climate, it is just Beyond incredible that Sseko was able to launch a collection this Fall. COVID-19 has hit the fashion industry hard and we all have seen stores closing and big, chain companies are cancelling orders. Fashion industry workers are not getting paid for work they’ve already done. The workers who are most vulnerable are now even more so.

Sseko believes in a larger mission. We believe that it’s not always about the bottom line, but by building a business together, and being true to all of the employees, we create a model that works and supports everyone. At Sseko, many of our pieces are being made by women employed by Sseko, those that are not Sseko employees are part of the Fair Trade Movement. It is because of this collective ambition and commitment, our family isn’t just surviving - we’re thriving.

Our CEOs, Ben and Liz Bohannan are launching the collection LIVE on Facebook at 5pm PST. Let them explain just how much work went into launching this Collection during COVID and how Sseko is helping to keep the women who create these beautiful products in Uganda, Ethiopia and India safe and employed during this global pandemic.

Something Sseko cannot predict is how quickly the items will sell out. Keeping our Sisters safe overseas during the pandemic means lower inventory and slower shipping. If there is something from the new collection you can’t live without, I would encourage you to click that “Purchase” button quickly!

If that “can’t live without” item is a struggle financially, you can schedule a Facebook Trunk Show with me and I’m sure your friends would love to get together on a Zoom party with a little wine and their credit cards. You could earn those big ticket wish list items quickly. Contact me for details ….

In the meantime, I will be getting ready to click my own “Purchase” button for the things I can’t live without and provide a little support to my Sseko Sisters globally.

A few things to point out:

• “Like a Girl” black tee is back with limited quantities in sizes 2-20.

• The new “Say Yes to Adventure” tee is our latest t-shirt in a beautiful wine color.

• The Kawa print is back by popular demand in gorgeous bags, clothing and accessories.

• We’re introducing the short black kaftan for those extra COVID pounds to wear for all your holiday gatherings, but also to show off those gorgeous legs! Add a little heel or sandals and your favorite bling and you’re ready for anything.

Watch my IG posts for items I purchased today …

Getting it right

Sometimes waiting is the best idea

We took down the master bathroom door when we remodeled about 4 years ago. The door actually opened in and If someone was using the toilet, or the shower, they were stuck in the bathroom. We always knew we needed a sliding door, but after seeing the pains it took to install a pocket door, we just weren’t ready to take that on. So we stalled … a long time.

We looked into the barn doors previously, but the “barn style” just didn’t match our home decor style. We also find it exciting to use recycled products in our remodeling.

About a month ago, we came upon this old door at a recycled building products store in Seattle. Our bathroom doesn’t have any windows, so I really was loving the idea of a door with a window - to bring a little light in. This door was quite a find and exactly what I’d been looking for. We splurged on the barn door kit and because my husband is the building bomb, it works like a charm!

The point of the door is to allow for some privacy right? The window film is perfect and it looks just a gorgeous stained glass window - add the pipe door handle and we’ve got a trendy, stained glass sliding door that matches our bathroom decor beautifully!

Sometimes it pays to wait and let the great ideas develop naturally.

• door from Second Used in Seattle

• barn door kit from Lowes

• film from Lowes

• wall color Light French Grey from Sherwin Williams

Miracle

June 2020 marks the 23rd year we’ve managed to keep our miracle baby alive. No small feat even after her release from the hospital in September of 1997. The first 3 months were a breeze because she was constantly being monitored by highly trained nurses and a bajillion machines. Right about the end of September that year, we were on our own, trained by the NICU nurses and my pediatrician’s number on speed dial. Not so unlike many other parents who have gone before and after us. The problem was, this kid came with a HUGE instruction manual due to complications and diagnosis.

Is she dizzy?

Who can tell? She just lays there all day. Is it shunt related? Is her head swelling?

Is she throwing up?

Like projectile vomiting or are we talking spit up?

Is she eating every 2 hours?

Yes, but when do I start counting? If it takes her an hour to eat 2 ounces in the middle of the night, do I start counting from when I started or when she finished? Because if I start again from when she finished, I’m getting about 45 min of sleep every 3 hours.

Through all the surgeries, therapies, specialists and advocating, we did it. She’s our Miracle.

As much as she really hates me talking about her birth story, her disabilities or making any overtures about how much she means to me … she’s my Miracle.

So, in honor of my Miracle this month turning 23, I purchased a special Glassy Baby … welcome Miracle to our home.

Following in her Footsteps

Following in her footsteps

When theater is in your blood

My mom was about my age when she took me to see my first play at the Fifth Avenue Theater. It was my second year of the community theater summer stock program and the Fifth Avenue Theater invited us kids and parents to one of their shows. I’ll never forget seeing Annie for the first time with my friends. My mom even let me borrow her glasses because from where I was sitting, I couldn’t see a thing!

When I was in high school, after my dad passed away, my mom bought season tickets to both the Fifth Avenue and the Paramount Theater. We saw multiple shows per year and she popped for really good 1st mezzanine seats. We had really great memories, going to dinner, dressing up and we even celebrated her 75th birthday by seeing Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. One of her favorites! That night, I gifted her the blue sapphire and opal ring that came back to me when she died. It was something we really enjoyed sharing together.

Coronavirus cut the current season short, but I’m excited to say I signed up for my second season yesterday! I think about her when things like this happen, and I’m fortunate to be able to share this with my girls, and my husband who enjoys a good play now and then. (And since he’s a “dad of theater girls” he’s well versed on the struggle and hard work of being in the theater.) I also popped for good aisle seats, but this time on the main floor to accommodate my disabled daughter (and my diminished eye sight). I can’t wait to see Evita, Shrek - The Musical, Godspell and Les Miserable over the next 12 months.

Keeping traditions alive is the least I can do to keep her memory alive. She’d be proud of my contribution to the arts in Seattle and passing these memories onto my girls.

Enjoy the show!

Gabby

First name basis with the delivery drivers?

My husband just quit asking …

At this point, my husband just quit asking. Drivers show up at the door, sometimes multiple times per day, but being champion of the working class, he supports my online shopping to help keep businesses (and delivery companies) afloat. We’re both fortunate to be working remotely, saving money on gas, eating out, Starbucks that it seems the least we can do to support the economy. And no, with the exception to the UPS guy who’s been with us for years, I don’t know all their first names.

I received a few things that I’m especially happy about! I thought I’d give you a little “review” of how I’m enjoying these purchases.

My good buddy, who is a former Chloe + Isabel Merchie, is names Edlin Escobar. She lives in sunny California and is oh so fashionably fabulous! She has a great social media following because of her fashion and makeup knowledge. I am kinda envious of her apartment decor too - she has the perfect California Boho vibe. She recently started repping Beauty Counter so I immediately sat up and took notice.

Edlin is particular so I know to trust her intuition. She shared on social media about the All Bright C Serum and how wonderfully it was working for her. The serum purports to lighten the skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and defend the skin against environmental stressors. That all sounded like something I needed to try!

Ever since the blasted 45 hit me, I’ve been struggling with some serious dark spots on my face. No, these aren’t cute freckles caused by the sun, but the large dark areas neglected in large part and exacerbated by no sunscreen during my formative convertible vehicle years. I’ve been using a regimen for the last few years, and while it definitely lightened my spots, sans makeup, my daughters still comment that they can see the dark lines on my face.

After using the All Bright C Serum and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel for about 2 weeks, I have to say I’m really seeing a difference, and it feels lovely. Sometimes the other regimen dried out my skin - but this feels soft and gives me a glow. Truly! When I put it on, I feel like I could walk out of the house with a bit of a sunshine on my face. The Overnight Peel is used a few times per week, dries in 15 minutes and simply washes off with your morning face ritual. Between the two, I’ve been really happy.

If you’d like to shop Beauty Counter (and I’m really considering adding to my collection) try Edlin’s website. She’s down to earth, friendly and budget friendly. I just received an email today informing me the All Bright C Serum was out of stock, but they’re taking pre-orders.

And tell Edlin I said hello!

My favorite hand soap

Oh Aveda … take me away

Waaaaay back, even pre kids I think, my sister in law Yvonne bought me some of this Avenda Rosemary Mint hand and body wash for my birthday. Once I started using it, I fell in love with the scent and softness of my skin. Since then, it’s always been on my “must have beauty requirements” list. I carefully guard the bottles against overuse on stuff like my husband’s greasy hands and let people know “a little goes a long way”. I buy the BIG bottles for body soap in the shower and love bubblebaths with the lovely scent.

After running out of hand soap at our vacation home, I returned home to find our own home supply diminished as well. Who figured it would be so difficult to find hand soap? I searched Amazon and checked to see if Bath and Body Works was open. I couldn’t find any at Target, Safeway or even Costco. So I spoiled my household a bit and placed an order (getting some lovely Aveda points along the way) for 2 of the 8.5 fl oz bottles to fill the shortfall. I can continue to refill these with my BIG guy and I’m loving having it at my fingertips once again.

I would encourage anyone needing some hand soap to give Aveda a try. It’s pricey, but one small pump will fill your hands with a lovely lather and spa like smell. All available at Aveda.com.

Much love from a fellow shopper!!

Gabby

For All My Ladies

Mom should be here

She would’ve been in her happy place

As I sit here in the cool dawn at our vacation home on Mother’s Day, with the new lilac scent in my nose, the warm Red Rose tea in my cup and the quiet with only the birds chirping, I just know mom is wishing for just one more day with me.
Today marks 7 Mother’s Days without her. Life moves on after our parents are gone, that’s just how life goes. I take all the wonderful things mom taught me and the time we spent together, I wrap up all that love and share them with my two beautiful daughters. Someday, they too will carry on the same relationship with their children.
My mom will never be forgotten, by me, my kids and all the people she touched. She was just a small town farm girl from Eastern Washington. Born during the depression in 1933. She wasn’t destined to be anything great, but she smile changed the world for many people, most especially me.
Happy Mother’s Day to all my very special moms, the ones who give me courage everyday, my friends who make my life whole, my daughters who make being a mom the joy of my life and the very special women who have taken over caring for me as their child when my mom no longer could.
God bless this day and all the joys in my life!

Gabby

What are you carrying this summer?

Well, hello summer …

time to break out my Sseko jute summer tote

Sseko’s Summer Capsule launched and I have been loving the items I pre-ordered. A favorite is this Jute Ring Handle Tote. I’m all about stripes this year - I can’t get enough! The size of this is awesome and it has enough room to fit all my essentials (including my MacBook!) I was pretty surprised!!

As many of you already know, Sseko employs 61 full-time workers in Uganda. Our Sseko Scholars complete a nine-month employment program that enables them to continue on to college. After your purchase, you can read about their dreams and ambitions and get an update on Sseko graduates! In addition to our university-bound class, we employ women from all walks of life. Moms, daughters, designers, and cooks all working together to make the world a little brighter. Meet the women of Sseko Designs! My beautiful bag was made by Binika … from beginning to end … she created this beautiful piece.

$79.99

This Jute Ring Handle Tote is perfect for all your summer essentials. The jute and cotton are locally sourced from our partners in India and are handcrafted with sustainability in mind.

• 13" (H) x 16" (W) x 5" (D)

• Cotton, Jute & Wood Lined with Internal Pockets and Top Zipper Closure 4 1⁄2" Inner Ring Diameter

• Made in India

What’s in your Summer Bag?

Due to the COVID-craziness, I’ve been working remotely. On the days I go into a courtroom to support my judge directly, I am toting my necessities from home. Additionally, when I’m moving my remote office to other locations, it’s nice to be able to carry them all in style. You could say this is my “Apple Picking Basket” (MacBook, iPad Pro, iPhone, AirPods … lol)

• Sseko Zippered Wallet

• MacBook

• iPad Pro

• iPhone

• Airpods

• Sseko Zippered Medium Moon bag (lipstick, chapstick, apple cords, pen, hand sanitizer, business cards, etc)

When our Stay-at-Home order relaxes and we return to regular outings my bag contents will take a turn …

• iPhone

• Sunscreen

• water bottle

• Sseko Zippered Wallet

• Airpods

• iPad Pro (downloaded books in the sunshine)

• Readers (for reading books … because blind!)

• Sseko Zippered Medium Moon bag (for all small catch all things)

• Keys to our vacation home

• Sunglasses

What would you carry in your new Sseko Jute bag?

Paper Bead artistry

Single strand paper bead bracelet in rainbow

Looking for a fun summer everyday bracelet? This lovely goes just perfectly with my Mexican bracelets for everyday.

$19.99

The colors of our Single Strand Bracelet in Rainbow are bright, celebratory, and joyful. The mix of yellows, teals, and pinks create a modern twist on a classic Ugandan paper bead. This handcrafted statement piece will brighten any outfit in all the best ways. 

• Paper Beads + Elastic

• 2 1⁄2" Inner Diameter

• Made in Uganda

… and if you think this is cool, you should check out the earrings and necklace! The earrings are now a new favorite everyday piece for me. Delicate and trendy.

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Enjoy our beautiful summer day wherever you are. Stay healthy, follow all the COVID Stay at Home requirements and I hope to see you again very soon.

Love,

Gabby