Spokane, WA

I discovered Beyond Beads. Beyond Beads (north) definitely goes BEYOND just selling beads. In addition to thousands upon thousands of beads sold in a wide variety, they also sell gift items, such as clothing and soaps, as well as showing a gallery of pieces that have been created by other beading artists. This is a shop that I have enjoyed visiting just to look though everything they have and view all of the items in the display cases without ever having to buy anything. But if I do need to make a purchase, they have everything I need from beads to findings right there. Beyond Beads North is located at 7452 N. Division St. They also have a location in the valley located at 12021 E. Sprague Ave., if you live closer to that area instead.

I’m a sucker for discount shopping. I once vowed for a whole year to only buy my clothes at thrift stores. Needless to say, the consumer in me overcame and I ended the vow; however what has remained with me is the desire to be thrifty. Spokane has a great deal of thrift stores that [...]

The YMCA Spokane Valley has one of the best aquatic centers around. In addition to a lap pool, they have a wonderful activity pool. There is a zero depth entry, a section where kids can play and swim, 2 water features and a large slide.

For some people who take it very seriously: coffee is a way of life. My boyfriend’s father is very much this kind of person. He possesses a genuine passion for coffee and espresso beverages. With Christmas gifts on my mind, I immediately thought of him while walking past 4 Seasons Coffee & Gift Shop (222 [...]

My latest obsession however, has little to do with the grocery side of the store, and more to do with my anxious taste buds. Within the store’s grocery and floral department is 9th Street Bistro. The bistro, voted by “The Inlanders’” top three places to eat in Spokane for vegetarians, is truly a delight. Both grocery and bistro prices are toward the higher scale of things, but when buying organic, this is to be both respected and understood.

There’s not much that can beat the enjoyment of getting wrapped up in a good book. Reading is one of my most favorite past-times. I like to read during breaks at work, and later in the evening as I’m winding down for bed. There’s something a little more intriguing about absorbing written pages versus watching television.

A common misconception is that the coined term “arts and crafts” refers to gift items of a lesser quality because they are handmade. Artisan Wares is a gallery that is sure to prove any thinking along those lines as false. The immediate sense I felt upon entering the place was their sophisticated ambiance. There are hundred of items on display, but they are displayed in an orderly, correct manner.

I love the Sweeny Todd Musical. I listen to the Broadway soundtrack daily. I saw the Tim Burton movie twice in theaters and bought the DVD as soon as it was released. I went to the Civic Theater production in the beginning of November, but as good as that was, I still had not had enough of the musical thriller. When I found out that the touring Broadway show was coming to the Martin Woldson Fox Theatre in downtown Spokane, I jumped at the opportunity and bought 4 tickets at $38 a piece.

Cyrus O’ Leary’s beautiful building is located at 516 W. Main Ave. in downtown Spokane. My favorite thing about this restaurant is its decorative set-up. The walls are covered with miscellaneous items from all different time eras.

Nutcracker ballet here in Spokane at the INB Performing arts center. The entire ballet was completely redone, everything from the dances and costumes, to the story itself. The INB chose to show the original Russian version of the ballet, and obviously, the theater budget had increased since last time. We all sat at the edges of our seats mesmerized by the beauty on the stage before us. Even the small children in the audience, usually more on the squirmy side, gasped “wow” with each changing set and dance. Even they were breathless.