Morning at the Ballard Market

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Morning at the Ballard Market

Last week, in anticipation of Thanksgiving, I spent a morning at the outdoor Ballard Farmer's Market with my daughter Tiffany. We happily wandered, browsing stalls that were packed with veggies and bursting with color.

As we filled our bags, Tiffany so aptly described how we both felt--that we were very much a part of a community. All coming together in a loving spirit, sharing, conversing and connecting.

Here's a look at this wonderful market.

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Start your week with a day off

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Start your week with a day off

It's like getting a brand new outfit for the party. It's way better than driving to work a new way. And the anticipation is sweeter than your daily nibble of chocolate. You'll look forward to it all weekend.

Monday. (Or, whatever day begins your week.) A day to yourself. No kids. No work. No obligations. Freedom.

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A 10-minute backyard nature practice you'll love

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A 10-minute backyard nature practice you'll love

"Study nature, love nature, and stay close to nature, it will never fail you." -Frank Lloyd Wright

I used to think that I had to take a vacation and travel great distances to experience the beauty and benefits of nature. Visiting a national park or some other type of natural area seemed like the only way. It was a big misconception on my part.

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20 inspirational writing tips for your travel journal

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20 inspirational writing tips for your travel journal

"Women have always yearned for faraway places. It was no accident that a woman financed the first package tour of the New World, and you can bet Isabella would have taken the trip herself, only Ferdinand wouldn't let her go." -Roslyn Friedman, 1924, American Writer.

Today, we no longer yearn for those faraway places, we just get up and go. And like Isabella, according to travel expert Marybeth Bond of the Gutsy Traveler, women are still "fueling an explosive growth in the travel industry." We make 80 percent of the travel decisions, regardless of who we are travelling with, and spend billions of dollars on travel each year.

So since we are powerful women travelers spending all that money, we absolutely want to get the most out of our travels. Photographs aside, keeping a travel journal is one of the best ways to do this. 

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What is an important part of happiness?

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What is an important part of happiness?
Awhile back I was in a coffee shop eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation between a man and woman who seemed to have just met. The sixty-something man who looked very wise, asked, "What is the most important component of happiness?" I held my breath. That has long been the million dollar question for many of us.
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7 fall activities Northwest style (but good anywhere)

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7 fall activities Northwest style (but good anywhere)
The fall season is upon us, but don't head inside yet. It's still mild enough for an outdoor adventure. Gorgeous colors, earthy scents, crunchy leaves and watchable wildlife are all part of the autumn show. Here are a few ideas to get you going.
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