They say it's gonna be a House Party!

I always look forward February because this is the time when Winter is starting to wane and the buds on the trees are starting to push their way out! It is also the month of the year when the Seattle Home Show starts. This year it is set to run from Feb 18-26th. Your Innkeepers at the Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast always makes it a point of attending because of all the wonderful ideas that we leave with. We have to admit that there were years when we spent alittle too much money! But hey this is the perfect place for "one stop shopping". This year the theme is  "We're having a House Party" and will features such things as  free appraisals of your antiques, Outdoor living & Wine tasting. I am looking forward to seeing the New Products Pavilion and seeing the top trends and new products. Who knows we might leave with some idea for the New Oleans bathroom! With the Sleeping Bulldog B&B just 1.2 miles away from Century Link Field Event Center we are in the perfect location to be close to the festivities. Why not make it a weekend and use the free return admission ticket you get when you purchase your ticket?

Get out of the rain and enjoy the Northwest Flower and Garden Show

The Seattle's Northwest Flower and Garden Show is set to begin on Feb 8-12 at the Washington State Convention Center. Since 1989 Seattle has been blessed with this huge event. It couldn't come at a better time for the weary weathered Seattlites. It is such a breath of fresh air to step inside the Convention Center and see Gardens created by some of the most respected garden designers and landscapers in the Business. The Marketplace offers over 300 Vendors to find that special garden tool that you might be looking for or a special plant for your garden. Or maybe you might want to take one of the many Seminars that will be offered during the show. Anyway you look at it, it's a great way to get some new ideas for your own garden at home as well as leave with a smile knowing that Spring is just around the corner.

The nice thing about staying at the Sleeping Bulldog B&B is that is located on a busline that stops right at the front door of the Convention Center! No transferring of busses needed. Why not make it a two day stay and purchase the2-day discounted pass that they offer at the show? Your Innkeepers will even throw in the bus fare to and from the show with your reservation at the Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast!

Gauguin and Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise is exclusive to SAM

The Seattle Art Museum is excited to bring French Post Impressionist Paul Gauguin art to Seattle from Feb9-April 29th. Gauguin was profoundly influenced by the local art and culture when he arrived in Tahiti. He expressed a desire to create "only simple art" and his experiences in the South Pacific were the inspirations for many of his best-known paintings.

From Feb 9 - April 29th the SAM was able to be chosen as the only US city to display 50 paintings, sculptures and works on paper that were created by Gauguin during his travels in Polynesia. Iconic pieces, such as Tahitian woman with a Flower and Melancholic, are displayed alongside 60 major expamples of Polynesian culture, including sculptures, jewelry and functonal objects.

The Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast is happy to be able participate with the Seattle Art Museum by offering discounted tickets with each stay at their Seattle B&B. Just mention that you would like to reserve some tickets to the Exhibit when you book your room and they will be provided to you. And remember we are just 1.5 miles from the SAM. You can either take a leisurely walk through the International District maybe stopping along the way and catching some lunch or a snack, or catch one of the two local busses that will drop you off just one block from the Museum. Either way you will be sure to be treated to a great day in Seattle.

Enjoy the holiday cheer at the Sleeping Bulldog B&B

With the high season now behind us the Innkeepers at the Sleeping Bulldog B&B have been busy getting the house ready for the holiday season. With lots of lights hung outside and a beautiful flocked tree in the front window I think that we have the most attractive house on the block!  Seattle still has alot of things to do in the winter months. You are just 30 min from the ski slopes. You can find all types of courses from the novice to expert. As a kid I enjoyed the slopes of Alpental. I started on the bunny ropes and ended up being able to ski down the Meister slope. I have many fond memories of spending the whole day on Saturday with friends playing in the snow. They also have many groomed trails for Cross Country Sking. Downtown Seattle is all decked out for the holiday. Westlake has it's Merry-go Round along with Santa's house at Nordstroms.  Get your picture with Santa or have fun watching the kids all dressed in their Sunday's best getting their picture taken with Santa. Macy's has it's annual window decoration with a classic train and mountain scene. Watch the kids set the trains in motion when they put their hand onto the window.  Why not check out the Gingerbread houses in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. Every year local Chef and their crews design and decorate elaborate Gingerbread houses. A suggestion donation of $5 goes to a childrens charity. Or maybe the teddy bear exhibit at the Fairmont Hotel. Then their is the daily snowflake "snowstorm" at Pacific Place.  Anyway you look at it the Seattle is the place to be during the Winter months.

Seattle's Xmas Scene offers loads of options

With the month of November already in double digits it's time to think about all the Christmas Show possibilities. Your Innkeepers at Seattle's Sleeping Bulldog B&B always make it a tradition to see the Seattle Men's Chorus to start off the season. We always head into town early to make it a full evening of fun. Last year we chose to eat dinner at Wild Ginger. Located directly across the street from Benaroya Hall it's the perfect stop to have dinner. This year, Megan Hilty will be joining the Chorus for two concerts. Raised in Bellevue Megan made her Broadway debut as Glinda in Wicked and then went on to perform that role in the National tour and in Los Angeles. Another favorite during the month of December is the Nutcracker. Performed by the Pacific Northwest Ballet this show is always a favorite with the kids. ACT will be staging A Chrismas Carol and Cinerella will be at the 5th Ave Theatre.  We plan on heading to the Best of the Northwest Art & Fine Craft Show too. This is where we were fortunate enough to meet Artist Sarah Angst who created the art which is now our logo. Sarah lives in Montana and heads to Seattle to show her works. This is a great place to find that one of a kind gift. The best thing about all these events and the many more that will be in Seattle is the fact the the Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast is located just minutes  from all these venues. Why not make it a "staycation" and enjoy the comforts that  our inn and Innkeepers can offer you.

Your Innkeeper shares a few secrets!

As the Innkeeper/Cook  of Seattle's Sleeping Bulldog Bed and Breakfast I am always reading cookbooks to come up with new ideas for breakfast. I found a very easy fruit dish that I served alot of my Guests this Summer and  was always given a resounding WOW whenever I served it! Although it wasn't my recipe I'd like to share it with everyone. It is called Honey Fruit Compote
Here is what you will need:
2 C fresh cut up Pineapple
2C fresh cut up Mango
2 C fresh melons of your choice
2TBS diced fresh mint
2TBS diced basil leaves

Mix all the fruit and herbs together. Set aside.

Dressing:
1/4c honey
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
2TBS lime juice

Mix together and pour over the fruit. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. Serve and Enjoy!


Another tip that I got while attending the NW PAII Convention was an easy way to make your own Creme Fraiche. Here's that recipe:

1/2C sour cream
2TBS dark brown sugar
2TBS heavy whipping cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Mix all together and serve with assorted fruit on a platter.  You can easily double or reduce this recipe to suit your needs.

Both these recipes are a sure fire way to wow your Guests. I hope that you will try them and enjoy them too!

Seattle's Japanese Garden is worth a visit

Your Innkeepers at Seattle's Sleeping Bulldog B&B had the good fortune to have Randal's Aunt and Uncle visit us recently. They expressed an interest in visiting the Japanese Gardens in Seattle's Arboretum. With  neither one of us having been their either we figured it would be the perfect opportunity for us to see the Gardens so that we could recommend them to our Guests. I must say that I wish that I had seen them sooner! What a beautiful garden tucked in the Seattle's Arboretum. Built in the span of less than a year the Seattle's Japanese Garden is truly a gem to see.  On just four acres the Seattle's Japanese Garden is home to hundreds of trees and shrubs native to Japan.  There are 10 hand-carved stone lanterns and a pagoda imported from Japan, a traditional stone washing basin is adjacent to the tea house with a hand-made bamboo dipper for the "owners use". There are many events throughout the year. On the day that we went there it happened to be Elders Appreciaton Day so Randal's Aunt and Uncle got in for free. But the nominal $6 fee is well worth the price of admission.  Every August on the first full moon the Garden stays open late. They adorn little boats with lanterns and set them out on the lake as well as light lantern amongst the trees. Then everyone waits for the Full Moon to rise over the trees. I hear it is quite spectacular. We hope to return again soon as well as in August to see the Full moon come out!