You can stay in your apartment in Federal Way and watch the festivities from home or you can get on your coat, mittens, and hats and jump in the car to be a part of these great New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

The first activity we are going to recommend has become a holiday tradition and you can catch it on the last day of its 2016 tour!  The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is performing at the Key Arena with two shows on New Year’s Eve (3:00 PM and 9:00 PM).  This holiday spectacular combines Christmas classics, with rock, a laser and light show and a full orchestra.  It is the perfect way to end 2016.

Tickets

Seattle Center

Head out early to get a great spot at the Seattle Center for Washington’s largest New Year’s Eve Celebration to catch the fireworks display and ball drop at the Space Needle.

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Who says the holidays are just for kids?  Not us! Check out these fun, adult friendly holiday activities near your Federal Way apartment.

You have heard of Comic Con, but did you know that each year Seattle plays host to Santa Con?  This fun event is a Christmas lover’s fantasy come true!  Dress in costume (Santa, Mrs. Claus, a reindeer or elf) and head to Seattle for this truly unique event.  The event is free, but food and drinks are extra.  Eat, drink, and be Merry at Santa Con.

For tickets and more information, visit their website.

While we are talking about costumes and fun, why not check out the 12Ks of Christmas Run and Festival in nearby Kirkland.  Run with friends for a good cause, have fun at the festival with local vendors and reward your efforts at the beer and wine garden.

‘Tis the season for Christmas lights, holiday shopping, company parties and family gatherings!  To help ease the stress of the season, why not arrange a Christmas movie party at your Federal Way apartment or just snuggle up on the couch in your pjs and watch these holiday classics!

It’s a Wonderful Life

This 1946 classic is one of the best holiday movies EVER and never gets old!

Home Alone

This 1990 movie is a childhood favorite where 8-year old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left at home by his family on their Christmas vacation!

Miracle on 34th Street

Another classic this 1944 movie restores a young girl’s belief in Santa Claus.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

This hilarious Christmas movie will have you thankful for your own family!

So you have been asked to bring a side dish this Thanksgiving and you have opted to bring green bean casserole.  You can always make it the “classic” way with condensed soup and canned beans or you can try one of these alternative recipes for green bean casserole.

Gourmet Green Bean Casserole

Instead of using canned soup, use heavy cream, fresh mushrooms, chopped red peppers, and Parmesan cheese.

Green Bean and Artichoke Casserole

Add drained, chopped artichokes and cheese to your traditional recipe for a delicious twist!

Panko-Crusted Green Bean Casserole

Personally the fried onions are the best part of green bean casserole, but if onions aren’t your thing, substitute panko bread crumbs instead.

Very likely you chose to rent an apartment the Lodge at Peasley Canyon in Federal Way for its convenience and relaxing style, but you may have also chosen it for its health focused amenities.  The recreation center the pool, the indoor basketball court and the fitness studio are all great ways to get or stay in shape.  Here are a few more tips to live a healthy life style.

1. Trade out elevators for stairs, or jumping in the car to get coffee for a bike ride, jog or walk.   Walking for 15 minutes can burn up to 66 calories and is a great low-impact way to get exercise.
2. Stand up rather than sit down when on the phone or in a remote meeting or take a short walk every hour.
3. Hydrate often.  While you may not need 8 glasses of water a day, adding water to your day has enormous health benefits, try making fruit infused water and bringing it to work.  If drinking more water means more trips to the bathroom, rather than going to the closest one, head to one up a flight of stairs or down the hallway!
4. Park far away from the store or mall. Don’t always go for the closest spot, when safe, park a distance from the store, this can add several steps to your day.
5. Housework can be boring unless you blast music and dance and have fun.  Dusting those hard to reach spots is good for your waist line and gives you beneficial stretching.  Vacuuming with a little extra umph can burn a few more calories and make this chore fun!