Creativity Takes Courage- Henri Matisse

With over 30 stores opened across the United States, Artist and Craftsman Supply is a employee owned business that has brought color to Tacoma, Located on St Helens Ave. 

Staffed with knowledgeable, experienced local artists, or enthusiasts, who can guide you through this quirky, tie dyed art shop! 

This store caters to all, whether your a professional artist, crafter or kid. I walked in not knowing what to expect, with crafts for every type of art to trinkets and goodies. This shop is brightly colored and makes your imagination wander, with how much inventory they have I wouldn't be surprised when I go back if I see new things ever time.  

My faves...

Colored Changing Pencils 

Big Foot Air Freshener

Colored Pencils In Every Shade Imaginable 

A Beautiful Wall of Handmade Paper

So if your an artist, a DIYer, or looking for a funky shop to peruse. I definitely recommend Artist and Craftsman Supply 

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW!

Brittney 

Tacoma's Wharf

Sometimes I forget how big Tacoma is... I could literally take you to a new place each day and share with you years of cool places to frequent. One things gets in the way of that...Haha work!!! It's no secret the waterfront is getting a facelift, from extending the trails to adding in some pretty awesome places to hang. 

 What I love most, is that this portion of Tacoma has been around as long as the city has been in existence dating back to the 1800's. From an old mining town to a path with panoramic views of the Commencement Bay, with food and recreation along the way. 

Just below the hill from my house lays this beautiful area, Fallyn and I decided to go check out the new haps down at Point Ruston.  Which is BOOMING with new restaurants, shopping, and events

. 

SUMMER MUST DO AT POINT RUSTON:

- Four Words... Farrelli's Roof Top Deck 

- Grab a scoop at Ice Cream Socials New location (it opened Wednesday and its BIG! hopefully this relieves some wait time at the 6th ave location...it's sooo good I don't mind the wait HAHA

- Play date at the Spray Park/ Play Ground
open 12pm-10pm, they also have a colorful LED fountain light show from dusk-10pm
This will be the closest thing I get to Disneys California Adventures World Of Color till November!!!! 

- Rent Bikes or Surreys and cruise alongside the water.  

- Grand Plaza - which has a mural being painted that looks smokin good!!! This space holds special events such as Summer Concerts, free and family friendly. They say this space will also home  a ice rink during the holiday season!

Well that's my Local Summer Bucket-list! Go check out the new digs at Point Ruston! Enjoy!!!

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW!!!

Brittney 

City Of Dreams

Port Townsend is a small town full of history. Presumed to be what Seattle is today. It didn't quite make it to that expectation. The town homes the most beautiful Victorian buildings I have ever seen and sits above the Puget Sound.

We go to Port Townsend once a year, and every time I pester Anthony about staying the night. If you've learned anything about Anthony at this point, you know he's consistent with his "No's" 

It's about an hour and forty-five minute drive from Tacoma. The drive is beautiful crossing the hood canal bridge, awesome views of the Olympic Mountains, and driving alongside the Chimacum Valley. -We have a thing for Valleys.

We arrived around 10:30 downtown, the streets are lined with boutiques and good eats. You could easily spend an afternoon here.

Favorite Eats: Waterfront Pizza

Favorite Espresso: Ground to Perfection Espresso

The architecture is breathtaking. If you love a good background for your photos. You will find one every step you take!

Once we finished downtown we headed up the hill to Fort Worden. I will never forget the first time Anthony took me here, it was in the beginning of our relationship and it's one of my favorite memories of us.

Fort Worden was once a military base. It has evolved into a state park. You are able to go down for the day, camp, or attend events in the park. You will need a Discovery Pass or 10.00 for park entry.

The old bunkers are our favorite part. Consisting of maze like tunnels that are dark and a little creepy
- every young kids hide and seek dream.
 You are able to walk through the bunkers, with multiply staircases to chose from that will lead you to the top, where it overlooks high above the  Puget Sound. There are also paths that lead down to the beach.  Besides Battery Kinzie which is the bunker directly on the water there are numerous others up on the hillside, with trails that lead to each one. We let Fallyn direct us through the forest trails and we got lost... no biggie, we got to see everything.  HAHA

I highly recommend Port Townsend and Fort Worden for your next day trip. If you have any questions on this spectacular destination you can comment or email me at:

brittneydolce@gmail.com

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney

Lost In A World Of Books

Probably the coolest part about being a parent I've discovered is taking your kids to places you loved as a child.  It's summer time now, besides lounging on the sofa or running around outside tossing water balloons, jumping in pools and enjoy popsicicles, we  as parents have to keep the learning going. For Fallyn her lessons for the summer consists of a work book page from the grade she will be entering -you can find good ones at Costco, as well as reading 20 minutes each day! 

Sometimes reading can be a challenge for some kids, from lack of interest.  There are incentives across the internet for summer reading challenges.  Fallyn loves to read, finding her genre helped in motivating her to want to read.  This year her school sent home a brochure from Real Dawgs Read! A University of Washington reading incentive for kids to read all summer. At the end they will be rewarded with a official UW hat! Fallyn has future plans on attending UW so she was all over this challenge!

To kick off this challenge I decided to take her to one of my favorite childhood memory spots the Tacoma Book Center. My mom use to take my brother and I there when we were younger. We would run around and get lost in the floor to ceiling shelves of books.  They have everything!!! From Gardening to Travel, old childerens book series to New York Times recent bestsellers. All for a great price plus your supporting a local business that has been around for at least 20 years! Fallyn picked out her book and once she has read it. We will go back for another.  If your trying to track down a book, you must check out this gem located Downtown Tacoma!

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW!

Brittney

It's A Small World After All

Yes, this is my favorite ride at Disneyland

No, this post has nothing to do with it HAHA

Since creating Postcards From The PNW and marketing myself on social media networks. I have made relationships with some pretty talented individuals!!! 

One in particular I want to share with you today! Katrina Lepp a former Tacoma resident, and owner of In The Rough Co. a mobile boutique -local to Colorado Springs- which offers stylish second hand pieces, whether it's fashion or for your home.

It all started with a follow on Instagram! Of course when I have a follow I check out who it is! I saw In The Rough Co. feed and knew instantly I wanted to to get in contact with them.  

I love what the brand stands for

- promoting sustainability in style through quality sourcing of secondhand materials. 

I asked Katrina the meaning of the brand...

"As it stands, there is a serious lack of education in highlighting the current conditions of global manufacturing industry and I hope to help fill the void"

This was a wake up call to me.

I need this jumpsuit!!!

Katrina's goal is to help empower others to take steps to cut down on waste in their homes, including and especially in their closets. All of her items are sourced from second hand charity shops.  Which saves unique items as well as supports the organizations who run the stores. 

Yet again local to Colorado Springs touring local pop ups/events in the area. You can also check out their Instagram Shop and Online Shop!

 In The Rough Co. also donates 3% of their sales to The Nature Conservatory  who's mission is...

- Conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Which is awesome!!! I love that my future purchases are all around bettering the environment.

Knowing myself I would want to keep every treasure I found.  So I asked Katrina, What is her favorite piece she has sold so far, and is it hard to let things go? 

"A handmade vintage stained glass box with a mirror base. It was gorgeous! Some items are difficult for me to let go of but I always remind myself that the buyer will appreciate it just as much if not more than me."

With that being said In The Rough Co. is giving away a beautiful black leather backpack perfect for running around or a carrying your day trip essentials!

 -totally in trend and I want it!!!!! HAHA

One lucky Postcard From The PNW reader will receive this treasure. All you have to do is follow me on Instagram at Brit_pnw as well as InTheRoughCo once you have followed both come on back to my Instagram page and on the giveaway picture comment Done to be entered.

The winner will be announced Thursday on Instagram!!!

Look out for the next Postcard From The PNW! 

Brittney

Experience Cuba

When Anthony and I first started dating dinners consisted of going out to eat. Eating at local spots and chatting the night away was a fun way of getting to know one another. After being together for awhile we started doing more cooking at home. Now almost four years later, we treat ourselves about once a month to a date night.   

Since we didn't have Fallyn for the Fourth we decided to head out for cocktails and appetizers, at one of our favorite local  breakfast spots, to try out their dinner menu...Cooks Tavern, located in Proctor,  a neighborhood in North Tacoma. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu showcases food and beverages from different cultural regions of North, Central and South Americas. Changing every four months, with a new destination to enjoy.  

Tonight's travel spot Cuba. As soon as you open the door you are welcomed with large painted illustrations that protray some of Cubas roots. 

We sat at a table by the window, which are open wide giving you the feeling you are eating outdoors. My Cuban Cocktail of choice The Mojito- made with vodka instead of rum 

Our Small Plates we shared:

Monterey Bay Calamari:

-fried with pickled peppers and thin sliced lemon 

Indian Candy Fry Bread:

-house smoked wild caught local salmon, goat cheese, pickled onion, arugula, lemon citronette 

Both were life changing!
We both agreed we will be back before the Cuban inspired dishes go away!

If your local in the Tacoma area or visiting, Cooks Tavern is a must stop whether it be for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner 

Look out for the Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney 

"City Of Roses"

I'm so thankful it's... Summer!!!

Fallyn and I have dedicated Wednesdays as, Mini Adventure Days, while Anthony is at work. This weeks mini adventure has been marked on our calendar for awhile... The Rose Garden at Point Defiance Park. The reason why? The flowers are in full bloom. 

This rose garden dates back to 1895 and draws 1,000's of visitors each year. Reaching more than an acre you will see a variety of the most beautiful roses.  From lavender to cream, rows to arbors. The roses are gorgeous to stand by or under. The space is free to enter -great for photos! Spaces are also available to rent for big events such as weddings...Anthony!!! HAHA

As we were walking back to the car Fallyn noticed a limo, then a couple of guys carrying professional camera equipment. She was insisting someone famous was at the gardens, when a beautiful bride became visible.

Look Out For The Next Postcard From The PNW

Brittney