Story & Photos by Scott Schaefer

If you happen to catch a whiff of some sweet, potent-smelling herbs or teas next time you’re near the Seahurst Post Office, don’t worry, you’re not losing your mind, you’re merely smelling the latest new business next door – Cascadia Herb n’Tea.

After dropping some mail off, our nose led us over the other day, and we met Owner Vicki Winston, who told us that, even thought they’re already open, they’re holding a Grand Opening celebration on Thursday, March 17th.

“Everything we sell here is organic and sustainably grown,” Vicki said. “And a lot of the herbs are grown locally, right here in Seahurst.”

Owner Vicki Winston stands in front of her herb-filled cabinets, which were made by her husband.

Vicki said that many of the herbs she sells are grown on the roof of her house, which is located just down the hill, within walking distance. Cascadia sells medicinal herbal remedies and teas, and will be offering outdoor seating once the weather clears up. Oh, and Vicki’s also currently offering FREE tea tastings.

A retired Boeing Engineer, Vicki has lived in the Seahurst area for 19 years, and this is her first retail business. Vicki has deep roots in the northwest – so deep in fact that the cities of Winston, OR and Winston, WA were named after her ancestors! She is studying to be a Naturopath, and when talk turned to this Reporter’s hayfever problems, Vicki naturally offered this one-word nugget of advice:

“Nettles!”

“N-n-nettles???” I gulped.

“Yes, freeze-dried, fresh nettles!”

Growing up near Schimitz Park in West Seattle, I am much more familiar with nettles than any normal human being should be. Just the thought of the stinging and resulting painful welts brought back many an unpleasant childhood memory.

“I’ve fallen in many a nettle patch,” I explained to Vicki with a wince.

“Oh – that’s another way you can beat allergies,” Vicki said with the hint of a smile. “Many hayfever sufferers actually beat their naked bodies with nettle branches as treatment. And it apparently works for many – one treatment and you’re good for the year!”

“Wait. Did you say they ‘beat their naked bodies with nettle branches’?”

Cascadia Herb n'Tea is located at 2118 SW 152nd, next to the Seahurst Post Office.

“Yes.”

Apparently the nettle beating self-torture therapy causes the body to build up immunity against hayfever.

I think I’ll pass on that idea, but will certainly look into taking the freeze-dried variety.

Cascadia Herb n’Tea is located at 2118 SW 152nd, next to the Seahurst Post Office.

Don’t forget to drop by and sample a free cup of tea and say hi to Vicki.

Oh, and be sure to tell Vicki you read about ‘em on The B-Town Blog.

by Gina Bourdage

You been to all of the big box stores, gotten Timmy his newest electronic fad that he just had to have. The sister-in-law is getting the hat and scarf set and your boss is getting the novelty trophy with “world’s greatest” across the front. Okay so here’s the advice that will save you from looking like you put more thought into your shoes today than what to give the important people in your life.

We’ve scoured Burien, and lo and behold we gotta say – we’ve got some pretty awesome businesses…and none of them are hard to find. And what is more caring than a thoughtful gift that you can not only give to a loved one but back to your community by shopping locally?

We put some thought into this so that you can take all the credit…here ya go:

For the person who has everything stop by Glass Expressions. They have unique stocking stuffers and personal gifts like cheese spreaders, bottle openers and candle holders, and they’re all handmade, with lots of different colors and all for less than $20. If your gift recipient is more crafty check out the long list of classes they offer on stained glass and other projects. Better yet sign up together and enjoy the creating art experience together:

Glass Expressions
648 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-2213
(206) 242-2860
www.glassexpressions.com

For that someone special in your life…and your shower…we found a shower head that makes it seem like you are standing in a warn rain fall at McClendon’s Hardware in White Center for less than $30. They also have stocking stuffers for the foodie on your list like a garlic peeler called Garlic Zoom, which peels garlic without making a mess for just $10. For the person with a sense of humor that hates the slamming sound of toilet seats you can pick up a Whisper Close Designer Toilet Seat and Lid for around $30.

McLendon’s Hardware
10210 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98146-1432
(206) 762-4090

For that hard to buy for co-worker, stop by Hans Deli in Burien, or as I grew up knowing it – “The German Store.” I would dare to say they have the largest selection of imported German Beers this side of Seattle, and they’re all for under $10 a pint! Never indulged in a fine German pastry? Then you are missing out! Pick up a hostess gift of Stollen (it’s a cake that comes in a variety of flavors including rum) for $12-$20 or try one of the assorted cookies in beautiful tins and all imported from dare I say the best chocolate in the world for $15-$30.

Hans Deli
717 SW 148th Street (between 7th Ave SW & 8th Ave SW)
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 244-4978

Every woman loves to feel beautiful and one of the best places to help her do that in every sense is at Skin Perfect Aesthetics in Olde Burien. Darla, the owner, knows her stuff and has passed it on to her super-friendly staff. The ladies in your life will feel like they are at a friend’s house getting honest beauty tips and some of the best lines of product including a full line of Bare Essentials and designer fragrances. Giving something from Skin Perfect makes you look like a true B-Town insider.

Skin Perfect Aesthetics
901 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166
(206) 439-7546
www.skinperfectinseattle.com

Who doesn’t love a designer chotchke or handmade designer jewelry? You’re missing out if you don’t stop by Zizia Gifts in Olde Burien. There is so much to pick from that you can’t go wrong and it all has a story. From designer eggs to hand-stamped leather bags and jewelry. To say everything is handcrafted with love from different artists is an understatement. Every line has a story behind it and if you can’t find something for the most difficult to buy for friend at Zizia then I dare say they can’t be bought for.

Zizia Gifts
827 SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166-1841
(206) 242-2646

If you’re looking for that favorite aunt that can be found in her garden you’ll need to stop by Herr Backyard Garden Center (BTB Advertiser). They have huge selection of gardening necessities and unique gifts for the person with a green thumb or even some that don’t. From garden tools to furniture, hard to find plants and handcrafted gifts this place will help you check off more than one person left on that list.

Herr Backyard Garden Center
107 SW 160th
Burien, WA 98166
Ph: 206-242-2014

There are plenty more unique stores and restaurants in Burien and the local area, so avoid the mess at the mall and shop local…yule not be sorry you did.