Team Psaradelis Blog

Today is a day America will never forget. As I logged into Facebook this morning I read several status updates describing where that person was when they heard about the attacks. It was interesting to read peoples stories but a common trend in all of the postings was that no matter where the person was at, whether it was home, work, school, the store, EVERYONE was glued to the TV. Some had 20 people huddled around a 13 inch screen just trying to convice themselves it wasn't real.

At the time I worked for a large insurance company and that day and the ones following were not fun. I took claims from people affected first hand by the damage. Some claims were for property damage but there were A LOT of work comp claims and sad to say they weren't injury claims.

Today my family put American flags all over our front yard to remember and honor this day. Although not a official holiday, it's not marked on any calender I've seen, it's a day we will never forget. Plus everyone driving by I'm sure know exactly why those flags are there.

The Evergreen State Fair held in Monroe, WA marks the end of summer and the start of school for most Washington State kids. This years fair will be held August 27th through September 7th to give everyone a chance to get out to the fairgrounds.

Yes it's crowded, the animals smell, it's expensive, there's nothing healthy to eat there but the kids have a blast! Our family goes every year and the kids really look forward to it. I mean, who wouldn't, you don't get to throw a ball through a hole and win a stuffed animal everyday! 

We try and go on a week day so it's not crazy busy with people. Plus we utilitze the Entertainment Book to save a little on admission. It's great family time!

When I come across something fun I like to share it with as many people as possible. Maybe you have already heard about this but if not it's worth checking into! So what's the great find, Free woodshop classes for kids.

Lowe's and Home Depot offer classes for kids to learn about construction and build something fun! Each store offers the kids a free apron and the kits are totally free and ready to assemble, you just have to sign up.

Lowe's offers their activities two times a month and Home Depot offers them one time a month. There is a limited number of kits so make sure you sign up so your child won't be left out.

For dates and project descriptions click here for Lowe's Build and Grow and here for Home Depot's Build. Learn. Create.

Enjoy!

I love fresh fruits and vegetables. What I love even more is growing them myself or getting them at a local farm. I just got some zucchini from a family member this weekend and I can't wait to cook up some Zucchini Bread.

I have a old family recipe but I think I'm going to try one highly recommended on allrecipes.com. It's called Mom's Zucchini Bread. Check it out and see if you like it.

Last year we redesigned our deck and used composite decking that we bought at Home Depot. That decking is now being recalled due to premature deterioration. Do you know how many hours went into this deck only to find out the materials are being recalled? Not a happy camper!

The recalled composite decking was sold at Home Depot (Veranda brand) and at other building stores under the brands LP WeatherBest and ABTCo. If you think you have this decking contact LP for a free inspection at 888-325-1184 or visit their website at www.deckingnotice.com

Have you been to the Woodland Park Zoo recently? There's a new exhibit for the penguins and it's geen (eco friendly, not the color). The new home for the penguins will save 3 million gallons of water a year!

We plan to go on the next semi warm, no rain, partial sun day. Ok, now for some fun video!

Do you have a bunch of TV's, computer equipment, printers, stereos, and other stuff laying around the house? If you are like me you haven't gotten rid of it because you don't know where to take it or you don't want to pay to get rid of it. Well, now you have no more excuses.

Let's face it, electronics are hard to recycle until now! There's a new service available for all Washington residents that allows you to recycle your old gadgets, for FREE! Visit e-cycle Washington and you'll be directed to a search engine that will ask what you are wanting to get rid of and the places you can take it to.

I can't wait to get rid of this old monitor that has been sitting in my closet for a few years now!

Get ready to join the world and celebrate Earth Hour, Saturday, March 28 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

This year, Earth Hour aims to have 1 billion people switch off their lights, as a global call to action and a darkening stance against global warming. Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007 when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. 

The City of Seattle will be turning off the lights and will proclaim the day “Earth Hour Day.” Join in, turn the light’s off and recognize Earth Hour with, hopefully, billions of people across the globe.

If nothing else it's a fun 1 hour to pretend we live back in the days before electricity.

It's St Patrick's Day I hope you are wearing green today. All over Facebook (yes, I'm on Facebook so is Brian so friend us!) people are showing their "green". Check out Brian's profile pic in honor of this fine holiday.

We started the morning off with Lucky Charms (they are magically delicious after all), some green milk, and of course some green beer will be enjoyed later today (it's a holiday after all)!

It's fun to celebrate even the smallest and simplest of holidays. So go have fun!

Let's be honest, just about everyone is looking for ways to spend less without sacrificing our lifestyle or having fun. Today I'll share a few ideas for families to get out have some fun for free!

Bike Ride: We have some amazing bike trails in the Seattle area. There's the Burke-Gilman trail that rides through King County or there's the mountain biking tails at St Ed's Park with lots of jumps. There's trails everywhere, get out and enjoy them!

Free Movies: You probably don't think to check your local library for new releases of movies. But you should! Yes they have movies from 1980 but they also have new release or TV shows on DVD.

Children's Museum: The 3rd Friday of the Month is free at the Everett Children's Museum from 5:30-9:00pm. Kidsquest Museum in Bellevue has free admission every Friday from 5:00-8:00pm. Normally admission to each museum is $7.00 for everyone over 1 so this is a huge savings!

Picnic: Ok, not at fun as eating out but to a 4 year old it's too fun! Make it special, do the whole blanket and picnic basket thing and really make it fun. Plus bring a soccer ball for afterwards!

Camp In Your Backyard! We love to camp but camping has gotten expensive and this year I'm really looking forward to camping in the back yard at least one time.

OK, that's all I have right now. I'll share some other fun stuff another day! Enjoy.