Kirkland Weblog

Boomerang Kids Consignment Opens

After finally admitting that nobody needs to go to a store to rent a movie anymore, Blockbuster vacated the space that is now occupied by Boomerang Kids Consignment at 11634 98th Ave NE. Owner Shannon Barnes (photo) is a Kirkland resident with a background in retail management that has taken the exciting plunge in opening her own shop.  She is working on building her inventory and is currently accepting children's clothes from newborn to size 16, sportswear, special occasion maternity, books for toddlers/preschoolers, games/puzzles/toys, and handmade children's items from crafters and artisans.  You can bring your items in anytime- current hours are M-F 10-6 and Sat/Sun 11-4.  There will be extra evening hours offered soon.  There is an 8 week sales cycle with a 50/50 split- here are the details on how to consign.  Or just head in and shop! Everything is really reasonably priced- I'd say under $10 per item.  I found an extra pair of white softball pants for my daughter and I paid $2.74.  Well worth not having to scrub the dirt stains out in time for the next day's game!  Call or email Shannon with questions 425-820-7763. 

Mother's Day Ideas

I know my sister is doing the Kirkland Half Marathon on Sunday 5/13, but I am still deciding if Mother's Day will include sleeping in or not.  Tough choices.  It does sound like a great way to get a day started. Here's the link for all you moms that won't be enjoying breakfast in bed at that time (or those that choose to celebrate in their running shoes).

A few local restaurants are doing something special too.  Check out Purple's Mother's Day menu- they are opening early (10am), featuring sparkling wine and mimosa flights, and of course fun specials for the kids.  Bin on the Lake's new chef, Dylan Giordan, has carefully crafted a Mother’s Day brunch, with unique seasonal offerings for the occasion from 10-2.  Beach Café will offer a  Mother’s Day breakfast buffet in the morning and then brunch buffet until  3 p.m.  Adults are $39 (plus tax and gratuity), and children 5-12 years old are $20. Brix is doing a Mother's Day brunch from 10-2 (call for reservations!) with special scrambles, crepes and delights for the adults and the kids.

I've noticed some good conversation going on about a previous post re: the two new frozen yogurt shops in Juanita Village.  Maybe you should take your mom to both of those on Sunday so you can do a taste test and report back to us with your review.  Cherry de Pon vs. Chilly Wave .  We like them both for different reasons-hopefully there are enough fro-yo eaters in Juanita to keep them both around!

And spoiler alert- LOVED  Happy Hour by Marisa, the new gym in Totem Lake where you can take some killer classes.  Review is coming with all the juicy details- but wanted to share this asap since you will be eating brunch and frozen yogurt with your mom, you should go work it off with her too.  Marisa is offering our readers a "flight of classes" to try out-- for the month of May you can buy 3 classes for $30  (normally $22/ea).  Get in there- you'll be glad you did!

And Happy Day to all of you Mudders out there ;-)

Elite Treasures in Downtown Kirkland

I stopped in to meet Taylor Benin, one of the owners of Elite Treasures, that just opened at 108 Central Way .  You will find an array of American-made and European clocks, Hermle grandfather clocks, watches, jewelry and sunglasses.  In case you were worried like me- he has the clocks set at staggering times so they don't all charm at once.  Elite Treasures  also provides services and cleanings on clocks and jewelry and they buy gold.  This is a larger retail space than it appears from the street, and when you wander into the back portion, you'll find paintings, china and statues for sale that are there on consignment. 

The Grand Opening is this Monday 4/16, but the doors are open now if you are out meandering.  Hours will be Mon-Sun 10-6pm.  425-576-0021, elite.treasures@yahoo.com .

Join us THIS Friday 3/9: A Really Fun Way to do Something Good....

 

<---Sydney at the AG Doll Show 2011

Our daughters would like to invite you  to a Kirkland event to help them raise money for uncompensated care at Seattle Children's Hospital.  We love Simplicity Decor, so having a % of our purchases go towards a great cause is just a bonus!   Please come by and say hello.  

  Riley is already in bed, but here is a note from Sydney ( a budding blogger?):

Hi my name is sydney I am 8 years old and almost 9 and I am doing the  Amarican girl doll fashon show. I think you should come visit me at the store on friday because there are some really cool things at the store like uguly dolls or coffe mugs and there is also some really cool lights with dimonds om them and stuff! we are raising money for seattles childrens hospitil because parents might not be able to aford to have there kid get surgery or get anything that you might need if you get sick so we just raise money for that. So I hope you praticipate in it. So thank you so much.                                                     

Simplicity Décor + American Girl Fashion Show =

donations for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

 

                                                         ________________________________ 

Friday March 9, 2012

4-8pm

 _____________________________

Simplicity Décor * 126 Park Lane * Kirkland

Join us on Friday, March 9th between 4-8pm to get a sneak peak at the arrival of new Simplicity spring treasures. 

Come sip and snack  while

20% of  the proceeds from your purchases will be donated towards uncompensated care.   

American Girl Fashion Show models, Sydney & Riley,  will be at the event to personally thank you for your support.

 Plan to have happy hour,  dinner, or enjoy an art walk  in downtown Kirkland and then  swing by Simplicity to pick out a few gifts or spring  items for your home.  The American Girl Fashion Show, hosted by Star Guild and benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital will be held on March 17 and 18 at the Bellevue Hilton. For tickets or more information, please visit : www.americangirlfashionshow.org

 

 

LA Fitness Coming to Kirkland

The old GI Joe's in Totem Lake will be going in for an extreme make-over to be an LA Fitness.  Construction is tentatively slated to start sometime this summer with no completion date determined yet.  A typical LA Fitness is 50,000 sf so this will be a big addition to our local workout line-up. Get your running shoes ready...

Penterra Spa Through the Eyes of a Winner...

We ran all sort of fun contests and prizes as part of the Kirkland Blog's holiday series at the end of year.  Don't you  wonder if anyone ever really wins those things?  And darn it, how come it wasn't you?  If you don't try, you don't win (and it's not calculus proofs we're asking of you!)  For the sake of follow up and squashing your feeling of bewilderment, I wanted to share this nice note from Rachel Buchan who won a free treatment at The Heathman's Penterra Spa.  The challenge was to write about why you thought you deserved a free  treatment.  Here's her giving us a behind the scenes of her spa experience.  Many thanks to Penterra and all of the other local businesses (George's, Anthony's, Lucia, Purple, Vovina,Herban Wellness) that donated prizes for those posts!

Rachel Buchan, Kirkland Blog Prize Winner Extraordinaire:

 Your holiday series was especially great and I was so thrilled when I read about the spa giveaway. I had just been complaining to my husband about my sore shoulders from working at a computer all day mixed in with the stress of the holiday season. My husband and I were just married in August, so this was our first Christmas as a married couple and hosting Christmas day brunch for our friends and family. Really exciting, but also a little sad as my beloved Aunt who normally hosts is sick this year and sounds like we'll be taking over. So I wrote in to the Penterra Spa and told them my whole story. How I was recently married, will be hosting our first Christmas as a married couple, how I commute on the bus everyday to a highly stressful job routing 911 calls for cellular companies. And how this amazing spa treatment was just what I needed to de-stress and treat myself after all my hard work to make this holiday season special and wonderful.

Low and behold, I got an email on Friday the 13th (who says that day is bad luck???) saying that I had won! The spa package included a 25 minute hydrotherapy treatment, a 60 minute facial and 60 minute massage. I felt like I had won the lottery! This was the real deal super fancy spa day I had been dreaming about. I was so excited I emailed back right away to inquire about what they might have available that weekend and just my luck...they had a Saturday 1pm appointment just waiting for me. Apparently it was just one of those days where everything works out, lucky me indeed!

It was snowing a little Saturday morning, but that didn't deter me from venturing out. I only live a couple miles away and  it was barely sticking. As I arrived in the spa I was greeted by a very friendly reception staff and taken on a tour of their facilities. The spa is actually located beneath the hotel, which was nice because it kept it quiet and dark. Our first stop was the locker room. Everything was in those light beige relaxing spa colors and I couldn't wait to jump in the eucalyptus steam room. The she showed me their relaxing room and the various teas and waters they offer. There was a beautiful fountain, some nice artwork, comfortable chairs and mellow music. Everything you could hope for in a cozy luxurious spa.

The steam room is absolutely heavenly. Especially on a cold winter snowing day! After sitting in there for a good 20 minutes, I swaddled myself in one of their delicious robes and made my way over to the relaxing room. The tropical green tea I sipped on was delicious and I perused a few magazines until I was escorted to the hydrotherapy room. I am not a big "bath" person, but this takes bathing to a whole new level. There had to be about 8 jets and I was instructed to turn them on and then add the sea salts that were mixed with essential oils. The result was heavenly. I could feel my dry winter skin softening as I soaked.

Next was a little break in the relaxing room with some more tea and then off to my facial and massage. I have pretty sensitive skin and my esthetician Michelle listened to my skin concerns and had some wonderful suggestions. She used the Phytomer line on me, which I happen to have used before and love. It is a European line based on sea minerals and my sensitive cranky skin just loves it. Everything smells wonderful and fresh too without being perfumed. The facial was perfect. She used a couple different exfoliants, as my winter skin needed it. Mixed with steaming and some extractions, my skin was glowing by the time I was done. I also loved how she did a thorough hand, arm and neck massage while my mask was on. Such a nice treat, especially if you were only going in for the facial.

I was basically butter by the time we switched rooms for my massage. If it was even possible, Michelle managed to relax me even more. She used some wonderful aromatherapy oils, even pressure and covered all my trouble issues. She even noted some especially tight spots and suggested stretches I could do at home to help out. How amazing is that?

After my massage, I indulged in the spa showers and lotion they had available. I noticed they even had hair styling products, blow dryers and styling tools available to use. So if you wanted and had extra time, you could get pretty close to ready there after your treatment. Pretty nice to know.

Of course this spa isn't cheap, but it is wonderful. My suggestions would be to go a little early to your appt so you can indulge in the steam room and they even have a nice looking workout facility available. I had already squeezed in a morning workout with my workout buddy or I would have loved to check that out! Perhaps next time, as there will definitely be a next time.

 

Things I Love.....

It's that time of year again-hearts, Valentines, flowers and chocolate.  So I thought I would share with you some things that I love in the order that they randomly pop into my brain.  We'll skip the obvious, which are things like my husband,  family/friends, waterskiing, Kirkland, sleeping in and tropical vacations.

I LOVE:

1. My kids' adorable Valentines! Photo above. Katie, the head photographer from  Classic Kids Photography , is a gem that really captures their essence in black and white.

2. The Lighting Universe Warehouse Sale.  10930 116th Ave NE (NOT the showroom near the Old Costco Home , it's the warehouse at the end of Forbes Creek Drive) I've been there at least 5 out of the last 7 days.  If you follow me on Twitter, you'd already know this, but they are clearing out tons of stuff for crazy dirt cheap garage sale prices.  Many things are new in the box. They have lighting, furniture, knobs/pulls, vanities, mirrors, sinks, faucets, bulbs and strangely enough, some shoes.  Someone needs to report me to that hoarders show soon b/c I can't stay away.  Tell all of my new friends that work there I said hello: JJ, Corey, Terry, Chip, Todd, and Henry.   

3. ....that Susanne Park of Sweet Cakes in on the front page of the Kirkland Reporter this week!  Way to go-a super fabulous local woman and fellow mom with her own business centered around cupcakes.  Who doesn't love a good cupcake? This month's special gluten-free cupcakes are White Chocolate Raspberry and Pink Champagne.  Cheesecake flavor of the month is Cherry Chip. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

4. Price Brothers Garage-  Was just there yesterday and I love that they never BS me. Been going here for a few years now.  Honest and professionally run place that deserves some kudos.  My poor kiddie delivery SUV has over 100K miles on it now and still going strong without having to endure a list of things to fix every time I go.  And on the occasion that it does need some work- they give you options, explanations and competitive pricing. 

5. Dave at West Coast Paint Supply- Why make yourself crazy picking paint when there are color geniuses like Dave in the world?  Not only is  Benjamin Moore  great paint, Dave is awesome at brainstorming on different ideas and helping match paint to other materials you are working with.  My mom is an artist and even she-who questions how many drops of red are in a particular brown- is a die hard Dave fan. Thank you, Dave, for dealing with all of us crazy ladies (dudes too, just not as outwardly crazy) trying to figure out our paint.

 6. The shops of downtown Kirkland that get excited for Valentine's Day despite most of us that are closely guarding our wallets these days.  Thank you! Love ya! Look at the fun window displays.  (photo from Life is Good) Get out there and buy something locally for your sweetie.  Take him or her to a great meal at one of our many restaurants. They can't do it without you.

 

7. Kirkland's camaraderie-- there is a flash auction on Sunday Feb 19th from 5-8pm at the old TGIF location in Kirkland Park Place  (above Rikki Rikki) to raise money for this year's 4th of July celebration.  Drink some wine and support this community event-those fireworks are not cheap! Call with your questions.425-686-0164.  Can't make it? You can always write a check to the KDA or procure an item to be auctioned.

Feel free to share what YOU love about Kirkland this Valentine's Day.

 

 

Ravenna Gardens Kirkland: CLOSED

Bummer.  I always really liked Ravenna Gardens but admittedly forgot to go in there often enough.  Don't fret, they're still in University Village.  When I checked in the window at Park Place, there were some really cute red clearance items inside, but I called and they already had their sale and the doors are CLOSED. boo. ~j

Hearts and Shamrocks

First I want to say thank you for all of the comments and emails I have received on my recent PSE post.  I am now able to sleep at night knowing I am not the only person getting these nasty report cards from the power company.  The PSE marketing dept must have some anger mgmt issues.  Apparently they compare you to 100 neighbors with proximity and a home size  similar to yours.  Yet nobody has stepped forward as getting a positive report.  If you are up for it, I heard that PSE provides a free service of coming to your home and checking where you may be able to be more efficient in your energy usage (call the number on your bill).  Might want to wait til they are done getting everyone's power restored from the storms and wind first.  They have some tips on their site too.

Need a last minute Valentine's Idea? I get hungry just thinking about this one.

Northwest Face Spa at the Woodmark 

Be My Chocolate Valentine Couple’s Chocolate Treatment

A one-of-a-kind chocolate lover’s experience. Cocoa inducts the production of endorphins in the body and stimulates the senses, releases tension and produces wellbeing. The treatment includes: chocolate mask, side-by-side hydrating body wraps, relaxing massages using organic chocolate, signature chocolate martinis and executive chocolate pedicure. Package price is $330 per couple. To schedule your appointment, please call 425-803-9000.

Super Cute Valentine Card Idea...xoxoxoxo....

A mini photo shoot at Classic Kids Photography and 25 cards for $135.  Hurry- ends Jan 27th! Call: 425-739-9761

 

Kirkland's First Shamrock 5K Race and Family Fun Run on Saturday 3/17.  Sign up by Feb 1st to get a shirt! Costumes are encouraged so don't be shy for this fun run around scenic downtown Kirkland.  Post race festivities at the Wilde Rover.  Fee is $35.  Volunteers are still needed so if you'd like to register or just sign up to help, click here.

Juanita Village: Frozen Yogurt Twins Arriving Soon

This  must be a closet eaters dream! Two new frozen yogurt places are "opening soon" in Juanita Village. Signs have gone up recently for Cherry de Pon (next to Noppakao) and Chilly Wave Yogurt (near Bala Yoga).  It appears that Cherry is opening this spring and Chilly is opening in a few weeks.  Isn't that cute... Cherry and Chilly?  Like twins separated at birth.  Both appear to be a concept with self-serve frozen yogurt flavors that you can add a fun array of toppings to.   And- fantastic-they are walking distance from our house which could prove to be problematic during the summer months.   That's all I know right now- comment below if you have some  SCOOP. :-) j