#prayexploredine

[withgodslovexoxo]

We scream, you scream...

...we all scream for ice cream! Exploring Seattle for the sweet creamery treat.

After reading an article about a parent who takes her kids on walks through her town exploring ice cream shops, I knew I wanted to adventure around greater Seattle. Thinking our list would be about 5-10 shops, we ended up with over 25 ice cream shops on our list and still growing. Ice cream is my favorite dessert and I can eat it year-round, even in a cold climate. When I realized we hadn’t even put a dent in our list as Summer ended, I had no complaints about extending the ice cream journey, that could go well into the holidays. Mainly because Seattle has a lot to offer in the world of ice cream with new businesses venturing to town like Salt & Straw and Cloud Nine Creamery, plus new local spots like Seattle Freeze. Also shops change out their menu’s every month, so it truly keeps you returning for the latest flavor. 

An ice cream shop I had wrote off previously, now has become my newest favorite ice cream shop. Just goes to show, that one month may not have flavors to your liking, but just wait a month, because they will introduce something new. The downside to that is that your new favorite flavor is limited, and will be exiting soon. Which is why I enjoy shops that offer pints. 

Cupcake Royal offers pints where I tend to buy my groceries, but one item I will not find at my local Metropolitan Market is their Choco-Taco. It was limited edition this Summer for a week, taking scoops of their triple vanilla ice cream inside of a taco shaped waffle cone, dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles. It was amazing, but also something I won’t experience anytime soon until they open the vault. 

My son experimented with vegan ice cream for the first time at Sweet Bumpas and instantly fell in love. Though we don’t mind chasing down their cart around local farmers markets, it’s a convenience to buy scoops at their facility through the ice cream window on select days. Our family partook in the Daniel Fast this Summer, which is strictly plant based, so discovering plant-based ice cream shops, such as our visit to Sugar Plum was a special treat. Still on our list is Frankie & Jo’s, per so many recommendations.

Featured below is the bubble waffle cone from Blank Space. They make their waffles on a griddle instantly, so your cone is served warm. You choose your flavors of ice cream and toppings of your choice, which include sauces, chopped candies, and so much more. We have similar bubble waffle cone ice cream shops on our list that we are still seeking to experience, such as The Moo Bar. 

We still have close to 10 more ice cream shops to explore, granted if nobody recommends anymore to add to our list. If you find yourself on an ice cream tour with your family, it’s such a fun way to spend quality time and explore new places in your city. I can’t wait to update you with my favorite ice cream above all after we complete the Seattle Playdate ice cream tour. 

With God’s Love, XOXO 

[withgodslovexoxo]

When Jesus invites you...

to breakfast, what will your response be? Date, time, location?

It was during my morning devotion when I came across John 21:12 and it truly spoke to my heart. God was giving me the answer to what so many ladies had recently shared with me in their search for community at church and overall in life. From that moment, God breathed “Breakfast in the City” and what followed has been a blessed journey of fellowship and togetherness. 

Now in it’s 4th month, Breakfast in the City meets every month at various restaurants around Seattle and surrounding areas. It’s the first subscription club of it’s kind, with a gift that keeps on giving, as you meet new people to grow into friendships and gather in community as Jesus calls us to do. 

When you sign up for Breakfast in the City, you immediately fill out a questionnaire of your breakfast likes as well as other details about your favorite things. You may wonder what does a list of favorite things have to do with breakfast? As you can see below, you walk away from the table with more than just a meal. Lovely sponsors have blessed each lady attending each month, with lavish gifts that I feature in their swag bags and on the blog. 

As the founder of Breakfast in the City, it is my prayer that you are fulfilled from attending our monthly gatherings. Increasing in your faith, exploring new faith filled friendships, all in addition to walking away full from a gourmet breakfast at the featured restaurant.  As part of Breakfast in the City, which I often refer to it as the John 21:12 Project, from how it originated through the bible verse, I can’t forget to talk about the charitable aspect. Jesus calls us to serve and be His hands and feet, and the John 21:12 Project allows me to do so by working with certain restaurants to donate a percentage of our breakfast tab to give back to local pantries or organizations. 

If you are interested in joining Breakfast in the City or seeking more information, please do not hesitate to contact me on Instagram at @seattleplaydate. Restaurants seeking to host our breakfast club are always welcomed to contact me. Jesus said to them “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. - John 21:12 With Gods Love, XOXO

[withgodslovexoxo]

Christmas in Seattle...

...is a special time for the rainy city, and thankfully often dry, so you can explore the town and all it has in store.  

You will have quite the bucket list for activities around Seattle, with quite the amount time to get mostly everything accomplished before children go back to school or before vacation time is over at the workplace if you plan accordingly. 

Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel kicks off the same week as Thanksgiving, usually a couple days prior. This year with their hotel remodel going on, they transferred the exhibit across the street featuring a Seattle theme of displays. You can always check them out along with other happenings in downtown Seattle to get a few things accomplished on your holiday bucket list. Such as the Teddy Bear Suites or Festival of Trees occurring at Fairmont Hotel, which you can also check out their Holiday Afternoon Tea. 

Westlake Park also has a lot to offer during the holidays with their Holiday Carousel and games of giant Jenga or Chess for fun, while taking in all the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers passing by. There’s a Fisher’s Scones food truck, just to give you that nostalgic feeling that you are at the fair when you ride the carousel, so pick up a scone or two.  Across the way from Westlake Park, both Santa at Nordstrom or Santa at Macy’s will not disappoint. Cross holiday pictures off your task list and even write a letter at the Macy’s Believe station, don’t forget postage. 

Tired of downtown Seattle yet? Or maybe overwhelmed because it’s so much to do. Well venture over to Bellevue for more holiday fun. Everything isn’t close together like downtown Seattle, which I will share another post with more Seattle happenings.  Snowflake Lane outside of Bellevue Square Mall is such a favorite for all. The new extended route made the nightly parade so much more fun and enjoyable, and takes place at 7pm through Christmas Eve, before they close out with Celebration Lane starting the day after Christmas, through New Years Eve. Friendly characters, parade floats, and of course all the dancers and entertainers, not to mention the falling snow. 

My ultimate favorite holiday finding in Bellevue is the live nativity called Road to Bethlehem at Calvary Chapel Eastside. Last year we ventured through via car, but this year we walked through which made the experience that more memorable. Traveling the journey with my son and following the story of the coming of Baby Jesus is so special. The church that puts this together each year, truly gets into character and makes it surreal. But it only occurs for one week only in December, so make sure you get it on your bucket list and if possible visit at the early part of the week. 

There is so much to share that occurs around the holidays in Seattle, and I don’t want to jam everything into one post. So I will share more in another blog post, but I share so much more on my Instagram @seattleplaydate, and via Instagram stories.  Throughout the holiday season, I love to make sure my son understands the reason for the season. It’s not about the gifts and the presents or about Santa and his reindeer. It’s truly about the birth of Christ and how He came to save us. It’s about holiday cheer, and while my son will have gifts underneath the tree, it’s important for him to know about Jesus and also family memories, by spending quality time together through the aforementioned events.  Through the holidays appreciate your loved ones and spend time with them, and remember the true reason for the season.  With Gods Love, XOXO

[withgodslovexoxo]

The City’s Deluxe Sweet Spot

comes to the Eastside, joining the likes of Jimmy Choo, Gucci, and Neiman Marcus in The Bravern.

Also located on Ocean Drive, the Las Vegas strip, and in New York City, the celebrity iconic restaurant Sugar Factory premiered in Bellevue, WA earlier this month. The grand opening featured the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey herself, who debuted her line of treats for the upcoming holiday season. Judging from my blog, you can tell I am all about my sweets, so it’s no surprise that my friends and I found ourselves dining at the trendy sweet spot one Friday evening. As you can see, everything is bright and colorful and might I add tasty. Unlike other restaurants, you are tempted to start off with desserts first. I mean hello, the menu is 46 pages with the first half featuring their signature 60 oz Goblets and their Insane Milkshakes.  

I surely didn’t have to think twice about ordering a milkshake, but with so many options and flavors, it did take time to ponder over which shake I was ready to conquer. The Dulce De Leche won, with all it’s caramel goodness delivered all over the tall mug, coated with milk chocolate and popcorn. The unicorn lollipop and candy bracelet was a nice added touch to the caramel shake.  My friend conquered the Campfire S’mores chocolate milkshake with layers of dark chocolate and gold graham cracker cookie pieces on the outside of the tall mug, and a brownie and stacks of S’mores flowing out of the mug. More drinks and beverages circulated, but these two were the most insane. 

When I first learned of Sugar Factory’s arrival, I began following them on social media where I immediately fell in love with the signature rubbery duck in their posts. So there was no question that their rainbow sliders was my appetizer of choice, which they had made with chicken instead of beef due to my allergy. These lovely burgers arrive on your table with the adorable duckie to take home.  Despite all the sweets, I did order a caesar salad and fettuccine alfredo, which came home with me because after eating desserts first, there just isn’t any room for much more. I’m already planning my next visit, because they have quite an impressive breakfast menu that I can’t wait to check out, along with a chocolate lounge that serves up special chocolate desserts. Be sure you visit their candy store inside, which is like a cute souvenir shop with bulk candy, gelato ice cream, and specialty desserts you grab to go, like their doughnuts and cupcakes.  

Let me know when you visit and what you enjoyed off the never ending menu.  With Gods Love, XOXO

[withgodslovexoxo]

Seattle Chocolates Goes Beyond...

If you haven’t visited Seattle Chocolates then you are missing out. Not only have they opened their doors for factory tours earlier this year, but they have even entered the world of ice cream and so much more. 

After visiting their shop on Mother’s Day for a chocolate and champagne experience, I knew I had to return for their one day ice cream venture this Summer. They partnered with Olympic Mountain ice cream and introduced 8 different flavors based upon their popular chocolate truffles and bars. 

My favorite was the Lemon White Chocolate (pictured below), which I had the candy bar at home in my private stash, but had yet to try it. My son had the salted caramel (pictured above) which was equally delicious.The marriage was a partnership in heaven, even for just one day. Which a percentage of the proceeds going to charity, Northwest Harvest.  

Inside the store, factory tours were taking place with one of my favorite tour guides, Chris. Seattle Chocolates had beautiful displays of chocolates, including their Jcoco brand. But just when you thought you knew all there was to know about Seattle Chocolates, they throw in a twist with displays of chocolate and wine pairings. I was intrigued! 

So of course being a newbie to the wine scene I had to know more. They weren’t ready to unleash all the details, even with the teasing of perfectly paired chocolate and wine displays all over the store, but one of retail reps did say it’s a new venture they are working on with local wine companies.  Seattle Chocolates continues to be innovative with all they are introducing to the market, beyond just chocolate. One can easily avoid Seattle city traffic by venturing over to Tukwila and taking in a chocolate tour, unique events, and fun with friends or family. Plus I’ve ventured there three times in the course of 3 months, and it was a different experience each time. That is saying a lot! Be sure to add Seattle Chocolates to your list of year-around fun in Seattle. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the upcoming holiday season. With Gods Love, XOXO