There’s a new game in town and it’s called Phat Hoops! Phat Hoops are weighted Hula Hoops used for exercising to firm, tone and burn body fat (sounds fun, I know ) and is fast becoming the new exercise craze.

I had heard of them, but didn’t know much about them, so I went right to the source. Trina makes and sells Phat Hoops right here in Vancouver USA, so we met at Applebee’s and she gave me the skinny on Phat Hoops.

“One of the best benefits of hula hooping is that it is just plain fun. Using a hula hoop is a great way for adults to reconnect with their inner child and play. You can hoop to music or with others to make it even more enjoyable. Hula hoop contests and classes are also available to show off your hooping skills and meet others who enjoy the activity.

Because your muscles must be in constant motion to keep the hoop moving, hula hooping is an easy way to tone and strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, hips and legs. Larger, weighted hula hoops are available with more resistance to strengthen muscles faster.”

I wasn’t sure I could do it, but Trina guaranteed me she could get me hooping, and she was right. The Phat Hoops are larger and heavier than regular hoops, which actually makes it easier (or, in my case, possible) to keep it going. I brought one home to sample and it is fun, and a workout, and has an added bonus of impressing my kids with my skills!

Phat Hoops are $20 each, with up to 2 colors, and are customizable in a huge assortment of colors. Interested in finding out more? Give Trina a call at 360.597.8453, or email PhatHoops@gmail.com, or visit them on Facebook; and while you are on Facebook, stop by and visit us, too!

Face to Face with Mayor Leavitt and the Vancouver City Council is an opportunity for you and your neighbors to chat informally with the Mayor and City Council members, as well as get your questions answered, about topics of interest to you and the Vancouver community. The fourth and final forum of the year will be held Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Wy East Middle School Auditorium (1112 SE 136th Ave.) between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.

“We appreciate the chance to talk with Vancouver’s citizens about what is on their minds in a more casual setting”, said the Mayor. What do people talk about at these events? Everything from Accountability to Zoning; visit Face to Face with Mayor Leavitt and City Council for a summary of past topics discussed and responses.

Everyone is welcome, there is no fee to attend, and no RSVP required.

This post: “Face to Face with the Mayor and Vancouver City Council Members” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Pizza Night (or day) at the Wayside Market in Salmon Creek.

Every Tuesday, for as long as I can remember, it’s Pizza Two-fer Tuesday at the Wayside Market.  Two Pizzas for $5.  And that’s two pizzas with anything you want on them.  Today was “Everything” and “Canadian Bacon”.

Walk in (1309 NE 134th Street) or call ahead (574-0155).  My teenage son has them on speed-dial on his phone so they must be good! 

If you like a cold brew with your pizza, be sure to check out their “Beer Cave”.  They claim to have the coldest beer in town.  What do you think?

Just when you thought Clark County government had realized its full potential to alienate and aggrieve its own constituents, they pull a new trick out of their back pocket… you know, that same pocket developers are usually in.

As recently as July 20, a County Staff report requested approvals to apply for grants for five parks, including Sorenson Park and the Cougar Creek Community Park in Felida. At the 11th hour (on July 27), the staff report to the Clark County Board of Commissioners (per direction) did NOT contain any reference to the Cougar Creek Community Park grant. Initial research by the Felida Neighborhood Association uncovered information showing Clark County intends to “swap” this land with a parcel owned by a developer.  No big deal, right?

Well, a couple of things to consider.

1) The existing park land (10 acres) had a recent purchase price of almost $1 million, while the “swap” parcel (at just over 6 acres) has a recent appraised value of $225,000.  With deals like that, who wouldn’t want to do business with the county, I mean besides taxpayers.

2) The existing park land was purchased by Clark/Vancouver Parks with Park Impact Fees collected for Park District #9 (which includes the Felida area).  The proposed swap parcel is well outside of Park District 9 and the Felida Neighborhood boundary.

Let’s just assume there is some nugget of benefit for the Felida neighborhood hidden in here.  Yes, it’s a stretch, but lets go with that.  Where was the opportunity for public input on this matter?

WELL HERE IS SOME OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD.

There is an urgent neighborhood meeting on this topic this Saturday, July 31, at 7:30 at the Felida Park, NW 122nd Street, just west of NW 36th Avenue.

Come be heard. Before the County acts “on your behalf” without your input.  (See the attached image for more details).

Almost-two-year-old Bridger wasn’t waiting for Santa to make his Christmas wishes at the Crystal Plum Bazaar at Alki Middle School in Salmon Creek.

Some of my favorite items at the Crystal Plum Bazaar were handbags made out of recycled plastic bags by Shellie Sews (shelliepc@hotmail.com), Dirt Soap by Country Memories Soap, Photography by Jodi Tripp, and glass art by A Glass Act.

There are lots of talented local artists and local vendors in Clark County.  For unique gifts for your family, friends, or yourself, check out some of the upcoming Bazaars in our area.

Hope your wishes come true, and Happy Birthday Bridger!

New Discount Coupon:  The Papa Murphys Pizza in Salmon Creek is having Customer Appreciation Days September 9th and 10th, 2009.  Any Pizza, Any Size $10.

Now, if you normally order a small cheese pizza, well, this deal isn’t going to help you much.  But, for our “usual” order (which changes every week, but is always “Family Size”, with multiple toppings) this can be quite a savings  (and gives me another excuse to have Papa Murphy’s for dinner!)

The Salmon Creek Papa Murphy’s number is 576-9670, and they are located by the Salmon Creek Fred Meyer.  No coupon needed, just let them know you want the “Customer Appreciation Special”.

Hmmm, what should I order?

Thanks Northside Barber in Salmon Creek for saving my son from himself.

Our family has been going to Northside Barber for quite some time now.  So when they decided to move their business to Salmon Creek (behind the Wayside Market), I was thrilled.

So thrilled, that today I let my two sons ride their bikes there to get a haircut.  Alone. “Use your best judgment”, I said; to an eleven year old and a thirteen year old on summer vacation.   I confidently gave them a check, tip included, and money for a Slushie at the Wayside after the haircut.

Then, I get the call.

“Mom, Josh (11 year old) got a mullet but Marci (hair stylist) made me call you to make sure it’s OK.” Uh, NO.  (And thanks for taking the picture).

So thanks Marci, for two things.  One, you actually listened to my 11 year old and gave him the mullet cut he was looking for.  Two, you had my 13 year old call me before you let the mullet-man out of your chair.

You guys rock!

Along with all the other responsibilities of being a parent, “Weatherman” is now one of them too, it seems. Every morning, sometimes even before, “Good Morning”, it’s “What’s the weather going to be today?”  Guess that says something about the Pacific Northwest weather!

So, after a quick weather check on-line,  July 1 in Salmon Creek is going to be HOT!  Plentiful sunshine and 90 degrees.  (Gotta love www.weather.com).

Now the question becomes what to do when it is that hot.  Apparently kids do not feel the first  “Sunny and 90″ of summer vacation is best spend weeding, or even washing the car.

The solution? Klineline Pond at Salmon Creek Park.   Roped swimming areas, Lifeguards on duty from 11 am to 7 pm daily, concessions are open, and the sprayground is spraying.  I just better not forget the sunscreen!