Eye on Seattle

I am heading to the west coast soon and look forward to a stop in Seattle.  It is a city which has inspired greatness over and over.  This includes many facets of life that excite me: nature, coffee, books and food. When in Seattle I will be sure to check out the REI flagship store. www.rei.com/seattle , I will also be doing my part to stay highly caffeinated each and every day that I'm there. I will definitely hit the Starbucks original store http://www.starbucks.com/seattle.  This site has local offers supported by Starbucks.  The actual store is located near Pikes Market which is famed for the throwing of the fish and is a foodies nirvana.  I will be taking the Savour the Flavor tour of the Market www.savorseattletours.com 

Seattle is also known for fresh air and fresh ideas. When looking into charities and not for profits I found the best link ever.  I think every city should have a network to list "wish lists" for local organizations.  It is the perfect mix for low cash flow and a generous heart.  Plus it keeps viable goods out of closets, basements and worse than anything landfills.  Here goes it is http://www.alchemlist.org/browse_by_city_state.php?city=Seattle&state=WA    The wonderful thing about the site is that is gives info about the NFP and has a printable wish list, it also allows you to just enter in an item you have to get rid of and see it there is a match on any of the 29 listed not for profits.

I would suggest googling "donation wish lists + your city" and see what you come up with.  Your old frig or tires could go to a zoo, blankets and stuffed animals to the SPCA, old braces or crutches to a medical mission and overflow of produce from your garden to a city mission or food bank.  My favorite suggestion is overflow of flowers from your garden to a women and children's shelter or to the Ronald McDonald house.  I guess I'm just happy to finally see some flowers after all the April AND May showers!!!