From the Notepad | Yakima Magazine

Master Gardeners Plant Sale

by Jill St. George on May 4, 2012

This weekend only, Master Gardeners is having their annual plant sale – and the prices are amazing! Large geraniums are $2, trailing plants are $1.50…and many more excellent prices on plants and flowers.

The sales takes place in two very large greenhouses, where the Master Gardeners have grown the plants from seedlings. In addition to perennials, annuals, herbs, and grasses, they have vegetables and over 30 varieties of tomatoes. This would be a great jump start to your spring and summer planting.

The sales takes place at 1522 S. 18th Ave. this Friday and Saturday from 8am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-2pm. While you’re there, be sure to check out “vine guy” as featured in the wine edition of Yakima Magazine. And don’t forget the art issue of Yakima magazine is on newsstands today!

Bring the outdoors in – again!

by Jill St. George on May 2, 2012

I’ve mentioned many times how much I love to bring the outdoors in – but I took it to a new level this time – a big old fallen branch.

A couple of months ago, I saw this large willow branch thrown to the side of a Yakima resident’s yard – and I just had to have it. I’m no stranger to knocking on doors and asking for something I (think I) can’t live without. And so I did. And then I begged my ex-husband to pick it up for me (I know, I know). But he kindly did it for me and later we laughed about my crazy decorating antics.

In order to get it into the house, I had to saw off about two feet from the bottom of the branch. After doing so, I dragged it in, covered it in lights, adorned it with little birds, and then admired it, much like I do each December after the Christmas tree goes up.

There’s just something about those twinkle lights.

Silver birds are hung by fishing line for added charm.

Ron’s Tacos and Burgers…and ice cream cones too!

by Jill St. George on Apr 30, 2012

Ron’s Tacos and Burgers is probably best known for, well, their ice cream cones. I’ve been eating them for as long as I can remember, and it seems my parents have said the same thing. So yesterday after my nephew’s baseball game, we all met up at Ron’s so the kids’ could have their very first cone.

They all chose good old-fashioned vanilla cones with sprinkles, but the options are almost endless. From 44oz ultimate sundaes to triple cheeseburgers, they’ve got it. And the prices are amazing. I can think of few places where you can get a hearty cheeseburger for $3.80 – but Ron’s has ‘em…and they are so yummy!

I’m pretty sure we made some memories and it wont be the last cone the kids have at Ron’s.

Ron’s Tacos and Burgers

1529 West Lincoln Ave

Yakima, WA 98902

It’s Spring Barrel weekend – finally!

by Jill St. George on Apr 27, 2012

Yakima's Cami Leonard-Corbin enjoys wine tasting at Masset Winery. Photo by Sara Gettys

With all hopes, you were able to take a peek at the most recent edition of Yakima Magazine – our very first wine issue! It includes stories about YVCC’s Vineyard and Winery Technology program, the new AVA in Naches Heights, DIY cork ideas and an excellent section giving the in’s and out’s of Spring Barrel - including a wine map. And the special wine edition couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time – with Spring Barrel right around the corner.

People come from all over for this annual tasting event…including busloads from Seattle. But of course why wouldn’t they? We have wonderful wines and a beautiful wine country.

The Spring Barrel event is held all weekend – Friday through Sunday. Hours vary depending on the winery. And although many wineries serve food or appetizers, it’s a good idea to pack yourself some goodies. And of course, have a designated driver.

For more information on where to go and what’s happening, click here.

Happy tasting!

Antiques Etc.

by Jill St. George on Apr 26, 2012

The charming entrance of Antiques Etc.

It would be hard to miss Antiques Etc. when driving up Tieton (and 57th)…especially for those of us with an eye for antiques. The cute white craftsman-style house is jam-packed with antiques from every era. But even before you walk through the front door, the grounds are adorned with thousands of outdoor antiques and accessories to browse through. In small sheds and down gravel pathways, you’ll find anything and everything from vintage window frames to rusty reproductions of yard art. It’s sort of like a shopping playground for adults.

One of my favorite ways to accessorize the interior of my home, is using outdoor items – I just love the rustic, natural feel it brings inside. Antiques Etc. sells a plethora of outdoor accessories that could also be used indoors.

Take a peek at some of the lovely things I spotted while browsing Antique Etc.’s outdoor shop…

A shabby wreath hangs from an antique bike's handlebars.

This blue birdhouse would be darling in almost any interior.

Star-shaped yard stakes - a charming touch for a flower bed or an entryway.

Even an old basket of croquet balls can be decorative.

The entrance is adorable. I could have spent an hour browsing the porch alone.

Baskets are filled with antique and reproduction handles and trinkets.

Old rusty materials are used to make eclectic decor for the outdoors (or in.)

More decorative yard art.

I love using weathered terracotta pots indoors and out.

Old equipment and signs are everywhere.

How darling are those chairs?

Rusty and weathered.

Just lovely!

More than just waffles.

by Jill St. George on Apr 23, 2012

Asparagus omelet with ham, mushrooms and hollandaise sauce.

I suppose the beautiful weather may have something to do with it, but I have been craving asparagus more than ever lately. So when I drove past the Waffles Cafe billboard – reading “asparagus omelets,” I took a u-turn that would have put a police officer in a frenzy. After all, they’re a local seasonal veggie – they deserve special attention…right?

It was about noon when I drove by, so I wasn’t even sure if the waffle house would be open for lunch – but of course they are. And with a great lunch menu to boot. The asparagus omelet was absolutely delicious. But if breakfast isn’t exactly your thing at the noon hour, you might try their chicken cordon blue or their turkey melt waffle-wich – a sandwich served between two waffle halves.

Next up…crepes! They’re one of my fav’s, but have seemed to be hard to find in Yakima…until now!