Duchess of Downtown Tacoma

Sunshine! Don't you just love summer in Tacoma? Just enough sun to give us a warm glow but not so strong that you have to hide out inside air conditioned spaces. And it doesn't stick around so long that we ever take it for granted. When the sun comes out in Tacoma people feel almost obligated to do something outdoors. Don't we? This weekend is ripe for backyard barbeques, festivals and spending time in any of our terrific local parks. I love to get out there and take an evening stroll through downtown. My advice to you is to get outside this week and consciously appreciate the trees, the flowers and all the greenery that makes Washington Washington. I'm a walker but if you like to run, here are a few tips from runners about running: http://www.runreviews.com/running-tips/ I'm also seeing a lot of people out there on bicycles and I'm reminded of my youth when I had my little pink bicycle (that I named "Spider" for some reason!) and how much I loved ...

As you might know, this blog is about helping you deal with life and more than that, it's about taking really good care of your mind body and spirit so you can achieve your goals and be the most awesome you possible. You may  think pampering yourself is a luxury but I'm here to tell you that taking time out to sharpen your saw can help you go from ordinary to extraordinary no matter who you are. Here are a few hints on how to get started ... Earth Elements Consulting (at Good Karma Center for Joy) 711 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402 www.LoreeBell.com Would you like to learn simple energy healing techniques to relax, restore, and balance yourself and your family? Are you a bodyworker wanting to compliment your services? Register for Reiki I & II classes to learn about Energy Healing and the benefits of healing touch. Classes provide lecture, Reiki attunements. discussion, meditation, and practice time. Reiki I Class- May 12, 2012, from 12-5pm Reiki II Clas...

Menu Item of the Day  The BLTTA crescent sandwich (Bacon, Lettuce, Turkey, Tomato and Avocado)  with the Tomato Bisque soup from: The Villa Caffe & Imbibery. 1328 Market Street, Tacoma, WA (253) 222-4184 http://www.thevillacaffe.com Connect on Facebook   Home Decor Item of the  Day    According to Wikipedia, neon is the chemical element that has the symbol Ne and an atomic number of 10. Although a very common element in the universe, it is rare on Earth. I found this super cute pink and blue neon radio at: Broadway's Best Antiques. 742 Broadway St, Tacoma WA Connect on Facebook PH#253.617.3509 http://www.broadwaysbestantiques.com Fashion Item of the Day  Amazing gold shoes! Renee Shea Fashion 751 St Helens Ave. Tacoma WA (253) 507-9349 Move of the Day I'm still looking for a Yoga business that I can feature in this spot once a week. In the mean time, here's something I found online: Woman in tree position...

On Day 11 we visit St. Helen's Street between 9th and 7th. A few of the stores I intended to pop into were closed by the time I arrived (around 4:30 pm). I don't blame them. Its the holidays and it was already dark at that early hour. They probably had halls to deck, presents to wrap and cookies to bake. I'll go back and see them some other time. I did get to stop by several really great places and I know you're going to enjoy this trip. And if you're like me and you still have a few gifts to pick out, I encourage you to go back through these last 11 days of shopping and virtually browse. You can always phone the store if you see something you like and ask them to hold it for you. Here are some quick links: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 OK, now onto Day 11. First stop is ....  Rene Shea Designs This cute little boutique has upcycled fashion, jewelry, hats, scarves and purses. The store is very clean and organized,...