Renaissance Faire

So I've never been to a Renaissance Faire (yes it's with an "E"), but there's a first for everything! I've got to admit that I was a tad afraid of what I would find there, but what I found were the funniest and most creative people that I've met in a long time.

In my first segment I learned how to levitate a table with Magician Matthew ZanZee. I seriously have no idea how we did it, but we really did. It was very cool.

With magician Matthew ZanZee

Dressed as a peasant

The 2nd segment was with the most amazing equestrians. They could do backflips off of the horses, make the horses bow, lie down, and march. IT WAS AMAZING! These horses were the smartest I've ever seen. My little guy's name was Guido - and noooooo not from the Jersey Shore, this one wasn't obnoxious.

Dressed as a gypsy

With my main man Guido

The funny thing about a Renaissance Faire is that they are ALL in character. I met Mary Queen of Scots and was so nervous...lol. I didn't know if I should curtsey, bow, or say what's up :-) The funniest thing about my costume was the "BUM-ROLL" - yes you ladies heard me right. THEY WORE BUM ROLLS TO MAKE THEIR BOTTOMS BIGGER!! Who would do that? Every woman I know is doing everything in her power to make it smaller and these girls were trying to enhance it. I would have fit in better in Renaissance times ... hee hee :-)

With the Queen and her man-servant (I need one of those!) Check out my backside!

So during our final segment I was dressed as a pirate - arrrghhh!

I was with the amazing Trey Cromwell, a professional showoff, who showed me how to juggle. First we learned with fire sticks and then moved on to knives. Are you kidding me? I don't know who thought it was a good idea to give me giant knives and let me throw them, but someone gave the o-k and I took full advantage (when else will I ever have permission to throw sharp objects?)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ME JUGGLE KNIVES!

Before the infamous knive incident :-)

It was a great time and thousands of people came out to take part in the Faire! Make sure you get tickets for next year!

Uncorking for the kids

All I hear is "Christie, would you like to go and taste wine in Woodinville for your segments?" My ears start ringing and my mouth starts to water. I'm thinking ... hmmm ... let me think about that. Well OKAY, twist my rubber arm!

So off we went to Sparkman Cellars to hang out with Chris Sparkman and learn how he makes, bottles, and enjoys his wine. The guy is hilarious! He's a Tennessee transplant and has the best sense of humor ... GO VOLS - unless you ever come face-to-face with a Husky! The best thing about this entire situation is that it's all for kids....seriously. The Washington Wine Commission is hosting a Barrel Auction and Picnic & Black Tie Gala with proceeds benefiting Seattle Children's Hospital.

Chris has a beautiful facility and graciously hosted us at 5am. CLICK HERE TO WATCH Chris teaching me how to taste wine!

Chris Sparkman and I checking out his awards!

Chris teaching me how to 'top-up' the barrels ... I was tempted to sip from the bucket but refrained :-)

Ryan Pennington from the Washington Wine Commission

** I was lucky enough to attend the Barrel Auction and Picnic at Chateau Ste. Michelle and it was beautiful! It was a gorgeous night and thousands of people turned out to support Seattle Children's by bidding on exclusive wine and buying mementos in the silent auction. Great job Washington Wine Commission - well done!!

Taste of Edmonds!

EATING MY WAY THROUGH EDMONDS!

What a great morning! A huge THANK YOU to the crew out at The Taste of Edmonds, my photog Jim and I had a great morning!

From how many porta-potties they bring in (now there's info that everyone needs!) to how much power it takes to run an event like this, we learned everything about the logistics of putting on an event of this magnitude. But the best part by far was the eating. We hung with the folks from Epulo Bistro in Edmonds and they fed us up a storm. Epulo means "a guest with a sumptuous feast" and boy wasn't that the truth! We cooked up some lamb skewers and ate pan de carmelo and truffle popcorn - it was all delish!

CLICK HERE to watch Shubert Ho (the executive chef) teach me how to grill up the kabobs!

"The crew" - Shubert, Tim, me, & Stesha

The crazy good pan de carmelo

I also got to pretend that I was on a Nascar pit-crew. Okay, so I'm not good at lug nuts...whatever. It took me over 10 seconds to "change" the tire... would've totally cost him the race...lol. I also had a tough time getting into the car - the Verizon Dodge 12. Who makes a girl in heels and tight shorts climb through the window? Geez :-) In all seriousness, Jason Huddlestun was awesome and I had a great time...thanks a bunch!

I successfully made it through the window!

Here's the 411 on the Taste of Edmonds:

1. August 13-15th


2. Times: 11am - 10pm (Fri & Sat) and 11am - 7pm (Sun)


3. Civic Playfield, Edmonds


4. $3 to get in. Beer will cost ya extra!!
   

Swimming in Lake Washington

SWIM FOR LIFE

Have you ever swam in Lake Washington at 5:30am? Today I can officially say that I HAVE along with several other hardcore swimmers training for the Swim for Life fundraiser next Wednesday, August 18th. These incredible people are going to swim 2.5 miles (that's 4000 meters) across the lake from Medina Beach to Madison Park Beach to raise money and awareness for the Puget Sound Blood Center's "Be-the-Match" bone marrow donation program.

CLICK HERE TO SEE US IN LAKE WASHINTON

Here's the thing, almost everyone I know has been touched by cancer in some fashion and this is a pretty simple way to help raise money for this amazing program. Just sign-up, throw on your suit (I had a dry-suit on but I took it off because it's not cold in the lake, I promise!), ask your friends and fam for donations, and come on out and have a blast! It's a win-win ... you get a great workout and you could be saving a life - nothing better than that.

Here's the 411 on how you can be part of this:

• WHEN: August 18, 2010 (today is the last day to sign-up)
• WHERE: Medina Beach
• HOW: http://www.psbc.org/
• WHO: Everyone
• WHY: Because it's the right thing to do!

My awesome photog Jim grabbed a "dry-suit" for me so that I wouldn't be cold. A huge shout-out to Desiree for lending this to us...THANKS!

'King Mike' at Medina Beach

Make it a great day and get out there and sign-up for SWIM FOR LIFE!

KING MIKE

I've spent the last week telling you what's happening around Seattle ... and now it's time to get back to telling you what's FABULOUS! I went to Canada over the weekend for some R&R and when I returned I found this little guy waiting for me at my house.

My very own 'King Mike' bobblehead!

My friend Jake Riddell (a producer at Northwest Cable News) bought him for me and I love him! I will post pics of 'King Mike' around town at all of the fun places I get to go with the morning news. If you would like to see him somewhere fun in the city, LET ME KNOW!

'King Mike' in the newsroom

Make it a great day!

Seafair's Albert Lee Cup

The most anticipated weekend of the summer is finally here! Seafair's Albert Lee Cup goes this weekend and I was lucky enough to get up close and personal with some of the boats and drivers this morning. A huge shout out to the brother and sister team of Brian and Kayleigh Perkins who are both prominent racers on the circuit. Kayleigh currently races an Unlimited Light boat but has a tryout on Saturday at 9am to hopefully join the Unlimited rank. Good luck Kayliegh - get out there tomorrow morning and cheer her on!

The hydroplane pits

Brian Perkins

Two of the cutest racers out there bright and early this morning were Gunnar (12 yrs old) and Makenna O'Farrell (14 yrs old). They're die hards that built their own boats that go as fast as 50 mph - NO SEAT BELT in these boats either! It just proves that this sport is for any age that's willing to learn and try.

On Gunnar's sweet ride

Gunnar and Mackenna

In the cockpit on Steve David's boat

2-time National Champion, Steve David, joined me for that last two segments and taught us all about the engines on board. A lot of people asked me if they are the same as a jet engine, they are not. They are the same engines as used on some helicopters - fascinating! Did you know that the propeller costs $15,000 - FOR ONE - and each boat generally has around three. It was a flurry of activity this morning - a bee hive of men and women in 'flight suits', firefighters escorting the gas tanker that was filling up all of the boats, cranes lifting the boats into the water, and lots of nervous energy! Good luck to all involved this weekend...have a safe race!

Seafair's Albert Lee Cup

August 6th-8th

Times will vary throughout the weekend so check the webiste for schedules

seafair.com

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?

How many people can say that they have flown at 7 G's? I CAN! Get your ear-plugs out cause you're gonna need 'em this weekend! All eyes will be on the sky in the next couple of days as Seafair comes to a culmination with the Air Show over Lake Washington! The Blue Angels landed in town on Tuesday night, but earlier that day I was lucky enough to fly with Lieutenant Colonel John Klatt of the Air National Guard (he is an F-16 pilot as well) and he took me for an awesome spin....literally.

Classified Info:

1. Callsign: Blondie

2. 4: the number of times I got sick

My new best friend, John Klatt

My sweet 'lid' for the flight

The amazing aerobatic plane

I must admit that I was pretty cocky when I got there. I thought "I've been on a ton of roller coasters in my life, this should be a piece of cake." I just thought it would be a fun and exciting ride. I told him not to give me the 'reporter treatment' - I wanted a real ride...really give it to me. So he did. Then I got sick...4 TIMES! It was worth it though as I don't think that I will ever again experience something so thrilling. John has the best job in the world and I think that I have the second best job for getting to go up with him.



CLICK HERE to see video of my flight - it's AWESOME!!

Get down to Seafair's Air Show over Lake Washington this weekend and check out all of the high-flying action! The Blue Angels are here, John Klatt will be nose-diving toward earth, and I will be safely on the ground cheering for all of them.

Over and out

Blondie

FLEET WEEK

Seafair's Fleet Week kicked off today with a huge parade of ships through Elliot Harbor here in Seattle. There were several different ships from both the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Canada floating out there for all of us to see - AND the good news is that they'll be here through the weekend!

The USS Green Bay

Can you spot the Green Bay decals?

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live aboard a huge Navy vessel, or what it would be like to serve your country? Even if you're just curious about what one of those big ships looks like on the inside, you're in luck! During Seafair's Fleet Week there will be free tours for the public where you'll be able to, FOR FREE, go on board and check things out. I was lucky enough to be on the USS Green Bay this morning and the awesome crew made us feel very welcome!

In front of the BIG SHIP!

I got to spend time with Commanding Officer, Kevin Meyers, who showed me the "pilot house" where they steer, drive, and navigate the ship from. He filled me in on all sorts of classified info like how they park such a big ship, how much a ship like the USS Green Bay would cost you (just in case you were in the market for one), and why the hallways in the ship were named things like: "Vince Lombardi Way", and "Bart Starr Avenue" - you know, all the important stuff! A huge shout out to CO Meyers who let me wear his special "Green Bay" jersey and even gave me a rare navy ball cap to keep - thanks for your hospitality!

The Captain & I

In the Captain's special jersey

Quite possibly the most intense moment of the morning was when I was "taught" how to properly stand at attention and salute. It's funny that they think I have discipline... I've been trying to lose 10lbs for almost a year ... I have NO discipline!

CLICK HERE to watch a clip of the drill sargent screaming at me - hilarious!

Also, a huge shout out to Pilot Seth McCullough who gave me an awesome tour of the "Frog" Helicopter and also sent me home with his "Call Badge" - I had a great time thanks!

"Frog" Helicopter

Be Well Washington

How fit and healthy are we Washington? It seems like everywhere you turn these days people are talking about healthy eating, exercise, and balance in your life. It can be overwhelming can't it? I know that I have trouble sometimes deciphering what information is credible and what's just a fad that will be outdated next week. Well have I got good news for you and your family. This week in the Puget Sound area the folks over at Be Well Washington are putting on a Family Health Week! It's an entire week dedicated to FREE family activities, screenings, and educational opportunities aiming to give you and your family the ingredients you need for living a healthy and happy lifestyle! Check out the website at http://www.bewellwashington.net/ for a list of all the activities and locations around the city this week. The entire thing culminates this Saturday, August 7th at Qwest Field from 10am-2pm with a health fair - and FYI - there will be some former Seahawks and the Sea Gals in attendance!

Here's some of the awesome info we got this morning:

1. Dr.Catherine Potts, Chief of Primary Care: Women's Health
- get regular sleep (really hard to do but super important)
- get your blood pressure checked regularly
- eat healthy

2. Chef Tselani Richmond: Healthy Cooking

'Chef Tse' teaching me how to make healthy but yummy chicken

Crispy Chicken Strips (Makes 12 strips)
-2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-2 large eggs
-1/2 medium clove garlic, peeled and grated
-1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
-1 cup whole-wheat or regular Panko (Japanese) breadcrumbs
-4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
-fresh lemon juice
-salt & pepper

Remove any extra fat from chicken breasts and cut into 6 strips each. Sprinkle strips with salt, pepper, and paprika on all sides. Pour flour into a shallow dish and season with salt & pepper. Whisk together eggs and garlic; pour into second shallow dish. Pour breadcrumbs into third shallow dish and season if necessary.

Preheat oven to 350. Take one strip and dredge in flour, shaking off excess. Dip strip in egg wash and then dredge in breadcrumbs. Place on plate and repeat with remaining strips.

Heat oil in an oven-safe, nonstick pan over medium heat. When oil is hot, add strips and saute until breadcrumbs are crispy and brown, about 2 mins. Do not crowd pan. Flip strips and saute on second side, 1 minute. Place pan in oven and bake until strips are cooked through, about 5-7 mins. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and serve hot.

Log on at myRegence.com for healthy recipes!!

3. Sea Gals: the importance of stretching and cardio

With the beauties from the Sea Gals!

4. Dr. Kim Schrier, Pediatrician: Your kids' health

-get regular check-ups and Sports Physicals before your kids play sports

-keep up-to-date on vaccines (check out the HPV vaccine for girls)

-KEEP KIDS ACTIVE! Limit "screen" time to 1 hour per day - them send them outside to play

Dr. Kim Schrier and I

BE AT QWEST FIELD ON SATUDAY, AUDGUST 7th FROM 10am-2pm

Thanks for stopping by the blog and Make it a great day!

Make it a great day!

HAPPY MONDAY!! Are you ready to make this the best week of your life??

Monday mornings can be hard sometimes can't they? Have you ever heard someone say "I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning"? I know that I've said that a time or two in my life...lol. I learned awhile ago though that it's all in my approach - it's all about the attitude I choose to have. When I first met my husband he told me he was a "positologist" - I know you're thinking...um Christie, that's not even a real word. I had no idea what it meant either and thought... "is that some kind of disease? Or is it like Scientology?" He told me that no, he wasn't sick, it was a word he made up to describe how he thinks. He explained that positology means 'if I think good thoughts, great things happen.' I thought, yea I'm all for a positive attitude, but this sounds ridiculous. Well, as ridiculous as it sounds, IT WORKS! My husband was a professional athlete (he's retired now) and in the NFL your 'mental game' is just as important as the weights you lift in the gym - so I thought that he might be on to something or have learned something through his years in football that I didn't know and thought I could at least give it a try. Changed my life, seriously.

I have to get up at 1:30am to be on KING5's awesome morning show - and you might think that someone who has to get up at that hour would be in a horrible mood all the time. I'm not going to lie, sometimes it's hard to pull myself out from underneath my warm, comfy covers, but I choose to be happy when I get up (after my coffee of course:-) because I love my job and get to interact with the most amazing people. Don't get me wrong though, I've faced a lot of tough things in my life (as we all have) and have thought many times that I didn't know how I would ever get through it. No matter how bad things seem to be going for you or what kind of crisis you are facing, you have the ability to choose how you react to it and deal with whatever may come your way. You don't just have a good day - you MAKE it a great day!

If this little guy doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will :-)

I'm not going to wish you a good day this Monday, I'm going to tell you to get yourself out there and make this the best day of your life!!

C