8 minute read
Creating Special Moments and Lasting Memories
Surprise a loved one with a lavish picnic
by Jillian Chandler
Aseed was planted in the summer of 2022, and today, that idea has blossomed and is beginning to flourish.
Posie Picnics, the brainchild of Hannah Allshouse, is a luxury picnic business, perfect for any event—whether it’s a proposal, anniversary, birthday party, bachelorette party, elopement or date night. Big or small. Outside or indoors. Hannah uses her talents to create an alluring oasis for her clients. She has it all! Teepee, rugs, floor tables, pillows and cushions, tableware, lanterns, candles, flowers … and of course, the food! Hannah takes care of all the details.
“All you have to do is show up and surprise your party with an experience they’ll never forget,” she smiles. “You enjoy your time and then I come and clean it all up!”
Hannah shares that she has always been creative and sought to do something with that creativity. She was ambitious … but without an idea she was passionate about—which led to the start of various business ventures or projects that would then die out. “But then I saw this idea of a luxury picnic setup, and it seemed to fit what I love perfectly,” she remembers. “I love that I can still be a full-time mom but have this creative outlet that allows me to be a part of amazing, special moments in people’s lives and make their dreams come true. I really want to capture your heart’s desire for your special moment.”
To achieve this for each client she serves, Hannah strives to go above and beyond, providing the highest quality service and experience.
When booking one of these specialty picnics with Hannah, you’ll share a bit about your event, and depending on how elaborate it is, Hannah will give you a call to go over the specifics in more detail. “Some events fit the packages I have already created perfectly, while I can also customize a package just for you!” she smiles. Picnics can be customized to serve anywhere from two to 30 people! Hannah has partnered with the Peppered Mercantile, located in downtown Sandpoint, to do the catering. They have specially created a few different menus from which the client can choose.
When it comes to location, the sky’s the limit! As Hannah notes, “I can set up really anywhere! I once had a proposal that was on the side of a cliff! I hiked out the stuff and set up, and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. A birthday party at City Beach, a bachelorette party at an Airbnb, a girls’ night in your dining room, a surprise date in your backyard! It’s amazing what a Posie Picnic setup can do to transform a space.”
Add-ons include twinkle lights, cornhole, a mini photo shoot with a local photographer, a Polaroid camera with film. “Here’s the thing with me,” Hannah adds, “you oftentimes won’t only get the things listed here, as I’m a dreamer and have lots of ideas, so things will probably escalate in the best way!”
What truly brings Hannah joy is seeing the look on the faces of her clients and those special people in their lives who have been blessed with a Posie Picnic. “There’s nothing like seeing a girl’s face walking up to a proposal like she hit the jackpot with her man. And really, that’s what I love so much. These events bring so much intentionality to a marriage or dating/engaged relationship. It’s so special to see someone feel so loved.”
Hannah has been part of the Sandpoint community for the past eight years; her family relocating here to start a church— Regeneration Calvary Chapel. Soon after, she met “the most amazing man”—her best friend and now husband, Jason, whom she married three years ago. Together, they have their beautiful daughter, Rosie. When not leading worship at their church or creating the next dream picnic for a client, you will most likely find Hannah, Jason and Rosie taking in the beauty of Sandpoint at the beach, playing volleyball, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. They also make the time to play music whenever they can.
Currently, Posie Picnics is a seasonal offering during the warmer summer months, though a Posie Picnic can be done indoors any time of year. If you’re looking to surprise someone special with a beautiful and memorable experience this summer, let Hannah at Posie Picnics create a one-of-akind picnic that won’t soon be forgotten. Those interested in scheduling a picnic, call Hannah at 530.210.8812 or email Hannah@PosiePicnics.com.
530.210.8812
Hannah@PosiePicnics.com
PosiePicnics.com
(Re)Discover the Outdoors
by ALLISON POLLOCK-PUGH
Summer is when the Northwest takes center stage and shines like the sun on the sea. There’s nothing quite like a summer day spent outdoors, enjoying the picturesque views of glistening rivers and lakes surrounded by evergreen trees, only falling into shadow when the sun sets behind the beautifully steadfast mountain ranges.
The warm summer weather creates an idyllic time for outdoor activities. Access to some of the greatest rivers in the country, hundreds of campsites, thousands of trails and lakes provide abundant opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Whether you’re ready for extreme whitewater rafting, planning a family camping trip, or outdoor wine tasting tours are more your thing, here are some outdoor adventures to try based on your interests and personality.
If you like an outdoor walk in nature
It may be the fresh air, the serenity, or the forced disconnect that comes with no cell service in the mountains, but hiking has a way of clearing your mind and making you feel calm and refreshed. Whether you’re traversing a steep grade to a panoramic mountain peak, overnight backpacking through the Cascade or Rocky Mountain Ranges, or just taking a quiet walk in the forest, the benefits of hiking are as vast as the mountains themselves.
Hiking has many advantages and is even medically prescribed as “ecotherapy” for the mental health benefits it provides. It can improve your overall fitness and stamina while also offering options for any skill and ability level. Looking for an easy hike close to home? Or, maybe something more challenging that ends at a hot spring? In the Northwest, you don’t have to go far to find a beautiful spot to suit your needs. Plus, there are numerous websites that provide details and difficulty levels of hiking trails so you can be well-prepared before setting out on your adventure.
If your ideal outdoor experience includes charcuterie and tastings
One of the best parts of having so many wineries in the Northwest are the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful scenery that comes with vast sprawling vineyards. And, with all the amazing vineyards clustered together throughout the region, who says you can’t experience the outdoors while tasting some of the award-winning wines?
Valleys adorned with thousands of rows of grapevines surrounded by rolling hills, mountains and rivers provide panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere not to be rivaled. Since they’re also a hotspot for travelers, there is often a wide variety of restaurants and outdoor activities nearby. Some ways to get more time in nature while exploring the vineyards are walking tours, bike rentals, or golf courses—there are even wineries where you can have a tasting with your feet in a river. Whether you prefer crisp whites, sparkling bubbly or bold reds, you’ll find plenty of outdoor experience while sipping your tasting flight at one of the region’s wineries.
If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for action
Have you ever wondered what life is like for the birds? Parasailing from a boat is a great family activity and gives an aerial view from 500 feet while paragliding lets the wind take you over water. Maybe being high up amongst the trees is more your style. The whole family can take in the view as you glide through the treetops while ziplining down a mountain.
Looking for adventure but want to stay out of the sky? Whitewater rafting is an experience the whole family can enjoy, with each river providing a different current and challenge. If you want an endurance-filled activity, the forests, deserts and backcountry trails make the Northwest one of the country’s best locations for mountain biking. Whichever activity you choose, just make sure you find a reputable guide before heading out.
If you’re a water-lover (don’t forget your life vest!)
There is simply nothing better than a summer day on the water in the Northwest, which makes it one of the top water sport destinations in the US. Whether you want to kayak on the sound searching for seals, go fly fishing for trout in the Snake River, or load up your kids and floaties for a day at the beach, the opportunities to spend a day (or week) on the water are endless.
Boating is a great way to get on the water, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding across the water on water skis, a wakeboard or innertube. But, being
UNIQUE brings the quality you deserve to wherever you call home.
Refrigerators * Freezers * Ranges beautiful adventure.
If you find the idea of living off the grid appealing
Camping is one of the most common outdoor activities in the world, and for good reason. Disconnecting from everyday stressors while being engulfed in nature and sleeping underneath the stars is revitalizing— allowing you to slow down, focus on relationships and learn valuable life skills.
Camping is also very flexible, so depending on whether you’ll be truly roughing it or are looking for more of a Troop Beverly Hills experience, there are options for you to choose what works best for you and your you spend your camping days and nights. Just remember that many campgrounds require reservations, and some book up quickly!
The Northwest’s proximity to water, mountains and desert make it one of the most appealing places to spend the summer. While some activities require training or expensive equipment (boats/RVs), spending time outdoors doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant—there’s a reason country songs have been written about simply floating a river.
Lifelong memories are made during the little moments of togetherness. So, load up the life vests, water toys, sunscreen and snacks, and wherever you’re headed, you’ll be set for a great adventure.
If you’re in the market to find a home to store your boat and PWCs, RV and cars, ATVs and UTVs, as well as an investment opportunity, Big Toy Condos—the brainchild of Todd Kaufman, Craig Cozad and Derick Driggs—is the perfect solution.
Todd, Craig and Derick all grew up in North Idaho. Todd and Craig, both entrepreneurs, are the owners of a large asphalt and concrete company in Coeur d’Alene, while Derick’s background is in banking and finance. Together, the three formed the CDA Development team, acquiring several pieces of land throughout North Idaho, with numerous projects underway in various phases—from apartments, storage facilities and commercial properties to a riverfront RV park. In 2022, they established Big Toy Condos, located in Sandpoint on Schweitzer Cutoff Road. “Given the unique communities within the area, such as Schweitzer, Dover and the Idaho Club, we felt that people living in those areas needed their own space to accommodate their toys, projects and storage needs,” shares Derick. Thus, Big Toy Condos was born.
This upscale storage facility is unlike any other in the area, primarily due to its ownership aspect, as each unit can be individually purchased as an investment, and the owners have the right to customize their units how they choose to best meet their needs— add a loft, floor coating, ceiling fan, car lift, smart technology, shelving, and for the premier units, the option of adding a bathroom and even a kitchenette! In addition, all units are heated and insulated with 60-amp power, and the property features security cameras and 24/7 gated access.
And there’s more! Owners can also take advantage of the private clubhouse (with Wi-Fi) featuring a living room with big-screen TV, kitchen/bar, bathrooms, showers, workout room, and meeting room to host gatherings or business meetings. Other site amenities include basketball and pickleball courts, outdoor covered seating with a gas fireplace, and a wash pad.
With a total of 107 condos, 60 units are currently still available, with varying unit types and pricing.
“Anyone can benefit from ownership in Big Toy Condos—from the person who needs to store their toys to a business that needs warehouse space,” affirms Derick. “Big Toy Condos is a long-term real-estate investment with the ability for future capital growth.” Why rent when you can own the ultimate storage space? Contact Big Toy Condos to reserve your unit today.