Kirkland Weblog

Try a "Workout Flight" at Happy Hour by Marisa

It kind of makes you thirsty when you read the name, but I assure you there are no cocktails and lounging at this happy hour.  Marisa Mancke has been whipping Kirklanders into shape for over 16 years at places like 24 Hour Fitness and Element 5 Fitness until she recently opened up her own gym, Happy Hour by Marisa,  in Totem Lake.  I mentioned her name in a previous post and received a flurry of emails from readers that have taken her classes before and are super excited to know where she is now.  This woman has a cult following!

So you are in for a treat.  You know I won't pass up the opportunity for a new workout, so I went and tried a Body Pump class last week (she just opened 2 weeks ago).  You'll find Happy Hour by Marisa off of 124th in a commercial park with plenty of parking.  Marisa is upbeat and motivating and makes it a point to know everyone's name.  The wall is covered with phrases that clients have told her she uses often: "You can do anything for a minute," "one workout at a time," "strong is the new skinny."  The warehouse-feeling space has been thoughtfully built out to have plenty of room for class and various workout paraphanelia like bars, weights, mats, balls, etc.  Body Pump class was a real burner- each song that comes on correlates to working out a different muscle group to fatigue.  But Marisa does it with a smile, reminding you the whole way through how to keep proper form and  stick with it til the end.  She also has a very cool Stevie Nicks voice so I found it a treat to hear her sing along sometimes.  This class was a great workout.  It was very clear by the end that I need to work on my lunges and skull crushers a bit more as I quivered into a plushy seat in the lounge after class. 

Marisa is big on the mental component of working out and loves her clients to feel supported, encouraged and inspired.  It is a very friendly environment where there are no judgments and all sizes and shapes are welcome. When asked about how she felt about going out on her own after all this time, she said, " I tell my cleints to have no fear and  go after what they want, so I figured I should practice what I preach."  She has always referred to her hour long classes as 'happy hour' with a good sweat and endorphins instead of cocktails, so the name for her business came easily.  

The May schedule is full of a fun mix of classes:   Bootcamp on the Rocks, Cardio Chisel with a Twist, Straight-Up Circuit, ABS-olute Booty, Morning Buzz, Step 151, Stepjam, Bodypump.  She even does a cardio striptease class (I think I would need a cocktail before that one)!   Marisa instructs all of the classes and would love for you to get a taste of a few so you can find the one that you love. ** For the month of May, mention the Kirkland Weblog and get a flight of 3 classes for $30 (normally $22/each).**  This is a great addition to the workout scene in Kirkland.  And I just ate a cheeseburger tonight so you will definitely see me in there next week. Tell us about your 'flight' and which classes were your faves.  425-466-7276  or you can email Marisa with questions. ~j

Kirkland Events- Mark Your Calendar!

First things first- grab at least $10 and head down to Simplicity Decor on Weds 4/11 at NOON for the 'cash mob.'  It's a fun and thoughtful way to support local business and this community effort will be the first of its kind in Kirkland.  Find a fun gift for someone and stimulate the local economy while you are at it!

Captain Jack's 8K is Sun 4/15 at 8:30 am at Juanita Beach Park.  Proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Everyone gets a prize!  Free kids dash too.  Register in person at Everyday Athlete.  425-821-4301. 

On Friday 4/20 the band, Wickerman, is going to be rockin' out at the Kirkland Eagles Aerie #2681 at 258 Central Way.  Just $5 at the door is entry/donation to help support "Celebrate Kirkland" which puts on our 4th of July festivities.  Those fireworks aren't cheap.  And notably, the FOE makes some stiff drinks, so you might be seeing fireworks that night anyway.

Canvas Paint & Sip, at 122 Central Way,  is holding a benefit to raise money for the Kirkland Summer Concert Series on Thursday 4/26 7-9:30pm.  For $45 per person,  you will enjoy complimentary appetizers and a wine tasting and will walk out with your own masterpiece and maybe even a door prize (a stay at the Heathman Hotel perhaps??).  Register here or call 425-822-2266.

All out of money to share for this array of good causes? No worries.  Donate your time.  The 7 Hills of Kirkland Bike Event needs lots of volunteers still for 5/28.  Contact Marylue Gutow if you'd like to learn more about what jobs are available (I saw one was to 'chat' with the riders, c'mon, even you can do that!). 425-821-5553.

 

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.

 

Kirkland Family Raises Funds for FSH Research

Terry Colella has lived in the same Kirkland home since 1980.  But in 2004, everything changed when her son, Brian, was diagnosed with FSH (Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy) and they turned from your typical Kirkland family looking forward to college and grandchildren, into one of fundraisers.  What they discovered was that very few researchers were studying this condition due to lack of funds and its complexity.  This family does not sit and ponder.  Now they head up a non-profit charity, Friends of FSH Research, and raise money for research.

They have raised more than $1.5M from their home-based charity with a volunteer crew.  Today, researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Research Center and the University of WA are leaders in FSH research and are working in collaboration with researchers in the Netherlands and Rochester, NY as a result of their funding and support. 

Please consider joining the Colellas for the 8th annual gala auction event to benefit FSH on January 28th at 5pm/Bellevue Hyatt.  There will be a silent auction, champagne/appetizers, 4 course gourmet dinner with wine and a live auction led by auctioneer David Silverman.  1976 Gold Medalist Wendy Boglioli will be emcee for the evening.  And local band The Offenders will be playing after the auction so don't forget your dancing shoes!  Tickets are $110/per person and parking is free.  100% of the proceeds from the event go towards supporting FSH research.  Purchase online or call 425-827-8954.

Kirkland Holiday Guide: Beauty!

Mirror mirror on the wall................

Let me just say that you MEN have it easy.  As a matter of fact- guys, just delete this post. Unless you want to win some prizes for your significant other, which of course is really sweet and will score you big points.  We ladies don't  want you to know that we have to work this hard for our good looks.  We wake up looking like this. With holiday parties in full swing and New Year's Eve just around the corner, we're about to talk primping, toning, extending, curling, brushing, whitening, tanning, polishing and poofing.  What is poofing? I don't know but at 39 yrs old I'm sure I need to be doing that too.

So many cool deals in this post.  I told all of the shop owners that we want to be super pretty but we don't want to be broke. They're making it happen for all of you Kirkland Blog readers so get out there and support our local businesses and thank them for participating!

Haute Philosophy Salon- 118 Central Way-HOLIDAY BLOWOUT BASH on Friday 12/16 5-9pm.  This new salon is offering FREE shampoo/blow-dry-styles and makeup applications all evening.  Drinks and appetizers too.  Score- get there early- first come first served! There will also be additional services that evening at special prices, such as : $8 paraffin hand treatments, $10 styles w/curling iron or smoothing iron, $20 Awapuhi Keratin treatments (usually $40).

All day long they will have holiday gift packages for 50% off that day.  Men's cut/hair treatment valued at $41 for $20, women's haircut/Keratin treatment valued at $78 for $35, color glosses, full foils and more. 425-828-4247

Penterra Spa at The Heathman Hotel- 220 Kirkland Ave-The holidays are stressful so don't forget to relax and indulge YOURSELF in the relaxing safehaven of Penterra Spa. So many awesome services to choose from like a seasonal Pumpkin Spice Facial or their signature massage with Chakra gemstones, which are a few of their December specials. 

 *Do you need a spa treatment? Head to theHeathman's Facebook page and tell them why you need to be pampered this holiday season.*  One lucky reader will win a complimentary treatment at Penterra! Which of these sounds most heavenly to you? 

If you're feeling too guilty to buy for yourself, you should know that thru 12/24 if you buy $250 in gift certificates, you receive a $50 gift card.  425-284-5855. Thank you Penterra Santa. ;-)

EyeCandy-200 Central Way- You can have the lashes that can knock over an elf with one swift wink.  And say farewell to those annoying tubes of mascara and hello to some eyelash extensions. Bonus-Eyecandy also does make-up applications- *mention the Kirkland Blog* when you book and get half off your make-up for the fun events on your calendar between now and the end of the year. Just $20 ($40 value). 425-587-1133

Rock Star Tan Bar- 216 Park Lane- Did you think all you could do was tan here? Think again. If you are feeling pale and crackle-skinned from our winter weather, you're going to love this special package.  A red light therapy bed helps the body product collagen and elastin. Typically you go for 20 minute sessions three times a week. This Kirkland Blog deal is $99 for one month unlimited and also includes use of the hydration station and spray tanning.  You'll be feeling supple but looking hot for the New Year's parties for sure.  Waxing and tanning bed services are offered as well. No appt necessary.

My Flawless Tan-123 Lake St Ste 103-You don't have to airbrush your photos-just airbrush yourself! Lots of unique and customized services to take advantage of here- sugaring, threading, airbrush tanning and airbrush make-up application to name a few- and they are open 7 days a week so you can be fabulous any time you want.  So- here are the deals! *Mention the Kirkland Blog* and get.... $30 single airbrush make-up application (airbrush foundation, traditional MAC make-up, false lashes if desired). Get a full-body personalized airbrush tan for $20 (single session) for your upcoming event. You can also get a single area threading service for $10.  Threading? Yes- it is an ancient Indian form of hair removal using cotton thread that does not pull or damage skin and is safe for any age or skin type (available Sun/Mon only). With purchase of $50 or more you will score a free Pure Illumination lip gloss. Call for appt 425-208-2284

Tiffany St. John SkinCare-143 Park Lane, Suite 204-Tiffany does my facials and I've always been scared to tell you about her. I was worried because she's awesome and if you all found out, then you might book her calendar up and she won't have time to fit me in anymore.  Trust me, you will be relaxed with healthy glowing skin when you walk out.  Here's the deal: Enjoy a seasonal Gingerbread Exfoliating Facial for 70 minutes! This exfoliating treatment is customized for your skin- it refines texture and follicle size while leaving you radiant, thanks to glycolic acid, proteolytic enzymes and unique spherical dissolving beads. A relaxing face, neck and shoulder massage with antioxidant serums restore your youthful glow. Also includes a hand massage with warm sugarcane lotion followed by a hand paraffin dip to soothe and hydrate dry winter hands. Holiday special $80.

*Mention the Kirkland Blog* when you book your appt and receive one full sized cleanser for your skin type and 2 free samples of your choice (Vitamin C, Glycolic, Retinol, etc). Just don't take MY appt time! 206-261-2022.  These offers are good thru 1/15/12.

Fly Fitness- Beauty is about taking care of your whole body.  I know you may not be able to get in shape by that party Saturday night, but it's never too late to start trying. Traci at Fly is a professional kick-your-butt-into-shape warrior (ever so kindly).  Here are some holiday gift packages that you can give and get some freebies for yourself too! EVERYONE who purchases a gift package and *mentions the Kirkland Blog* receives 2 FREE classes. Shabam! Get on it. 425-522-4408

Basic Package w/t-shirts: 1 class/1 tee shirt $45, 5 classes/1 tee shirt $120, 10 classes/1 tee shirt $210, 20 classes/1 tee $375.  Fly Packages: 5 classes, 5 1/2 hr pvt sessions and a fly t-shirt $330, 10 classes, 10 1/2 hr pvt sessions and fly t-shirt $625     Superfly Package: 20 classes, 20 personal training sessions, Fly sweatshirt, Fly t-shirt, water bottle, yoga mat $1200.

Mermaid Extensions- 14 Lakeshore Plaza- Ready for some thick fabulous holiday hair? Mermaid is the onlyhair extension salon in Washington. They use real hair and have two different kinds of techniques. Fusion which is done strand by stand and takes a few hours, or the "Instant Mermaid" which takes less than an hour so you can make it to all the other appts you have to make from this post.  :-) Consults are free.  And if you *mention the Kirkland Blog*, you can get one free 'bling' extension- a piece of tinsel in your hair! How cool (feathers are so yesterday...) Closed Sun & Mon.  Call ahead for your tinsel to make sure they can get you in. My girls just got some and think it is the coolest! (photo) 425-827-5664

Trendz Nail Bar- 7 Lake Street- Shellac it, baby! You want your hands to look good while gracefully gripping your peppermint martinis this season, so they need to be able to withstand the harshest conditions.  Trendz was one of the first in Kirkland to offer this popular service that promotes nail growth, strengthens nails and lasts at least 14 days.  No chipping, cracking or splitting- and they guarantee the service.  *Mention the Kirkland Weblog* and get a shellac manicure (solid color) and a pina colada pedicure for just $55. Expires 12/31. 48 hr cancellation req'd. 425-968-5078

Spa Krista- 10 Lakeshore Plaza-A yellow smile is never a pretty one.  But modern technology can fix that too! In addition to lashes, massage, airbrush tanning, facials/peels, waxing/tinting, you can also get your teeth whitened at SpaKrista.  After much research, they carefully selected the DaVinci teeth whitening system for their clients to enjoy a gentle treatment with exceptional results in just 60 minutes.  A little organic plant and mineral based gel combined with a whitening light and a licensed technician will erase those pesky coffee stains in a jif.  *Mention the Kirkland Weblog* and you will get this $249 service for $99 thru 12/31. 425-298-4575

Herban Wellness- 103 Lake St. South- There are all-natural ways to beautify yourself too. Katya over at Herban Wellness was telling me about her Fabulous Facial Oil ($10) that combines the most nourishing hydrating anti-aging oils, jojoba oil and rosehip seed oil, for dry and sensitive skin. Or how about some Healthy SkinTea that is gently detoxifying and mineralizing? This helps support all of the organs of detoxification, the skin being the largest organ, and lessens inflammatory responses. The first person to go into Herban Wellness and *mention the Kirkland Weblog* will win a FREE package of healthy skin tea ($5.50 value). 206-330-2171.

I hope you guys enjoy all of your pampering services and are feeling your best this holiday season!  Special thanks to all of the local businesses that helped make this fun and also to Lacie of Posh by Lacie Powell for teaming with me on this holiday series of posts.  She is an awesome resource for all of your personal styling needs so don't forget her when you need a little help. She has a great blog too! Please make a point to keep it local as you are finishing up your shopping and primping and poofing. Merries to you all. xoxo j

Kirkland Holiday Guide: Gifts!

Happy Turkey day to all my Kirkland friends! Now that you'll soon be done stuffing turkey down your gullets, I'm excited to bring you our next feature in the Kirkland Holiday Guide--gifts! That's right, now I'm stuffing you full of something else...the pressure to get your shopping done. The good news is, you needn't go far so pull on your sweats (because I know your jeans ain't fitting quit right the day after Thanksgiving) and let's get crackin'! To those of you goodie two-shoes who are finished shopping--I curse you, but for those of you who haven't, here is a little treat from me to you...a holiday wrap-up (pun totally intended) of Kirkland's finest.  No, not policeman (although I'm sure some of you wouldn't mind finding a hunky one of those in your stocking)...I'm talking about PRESENTS!

What's that? You hate shopping for presents? Well you're in luck my friend because that's just one of the many things in which POSH by Lacie Powell specializes. Take a guess at what item and store the below close-up picture comes from, and you could win three complimentary hours of service. We wrap too! Post your guess on my facebook page and on December 1st, all correct guesses (must have both item and store) will be put into a drawing to win! Good luck!

 

 

And now, what you've all been waiting for...

 

THE METRO

THE MAN CARD at WELDON BARBER

For the man in your life who likes to be polished. Buy a Man Card and receive twelve haircuts for the year plus 10% off product and additional services services. They carry Aveda, Jack Black and American Crew and feature fine services such as cuts, colors, waxing, grooming, and specialty shaving.

 

 

THE BABY LOVE

BOOTIE & HAT SET at PROMESSE

If precious came in a box, this would be it. A delightfully cozy hat and booties, this set makes the perfect gift for wee ones. It will keep them warm the whole winter through. Vist Promesse on Black Friday for 15% off all full-priced merchandise.

 

 

THE GREEN THUMB

TERRARIUM AND HOW-TO CLASS at RAVENNA GARDENS

I can't keep a plant alive to save my life but undoubtedly you have a gardener in your life as slick as Mary Mary Quite Contrary. Give Miss Mary a special treat with a How-To Terrarium class that not only includes all the tips and tricks to get started but an entire Terrarium kit with all the trimmings!

 

 

THE HOMEBODY

BURLAP & BARN WOOD CANDLE at BELLA TESORI

I'm pretty sure this is literally one of the best candles I've ever smelled. It's a breath of fresh air (literally) from all the uber sweet nastiness that is packed into candles these days--its woodsy without being too overpowering. The bonus is, when you're done burning the candle, you can freeze it, chip the remaining wax out, then throw the container in the dishwasher to be used later as a vase. 

 

 

THE SAILOR

BOAT RENTAL at YARROW BAY

Treat that Skipper in your life to a day on the water. With all the rain we'll be getting this season, it'll be a welcome treat to dream of sunny skies and the Lake Washington wind in your hair. All Bayliners come equipped with life jackets and all the other safety gear you'll need for a day on the water. Picnic lunch not included.

 

 

THE FASHIONISTA

 FUR VEST at SEDUCE BOUTIQUE

The epitome of comfort and chic, this vest makes the perfect gift. It's a piece any fashion-savvy gal would hope to add to her wardrobe. It's great for layering and dressing up or down. While you're there, pick up a few stockings stuffers for the lady in your life including Butter Nail Polish and Melange Solid Perfume. Shop on Black Friday and recieve $25 off $150 and $50 off $300.

 

 

THE JOCK

PERSONAL TRAINING at X GYM

For a leg up in training or just a change of routine, consider a membership to X Gym. Their no-nonsense approach gets you the results you want, and fast. Memberships include two reserved appointments a week, body composition testing, before and after pics, and unlimited cardio machine use. Caution: Not for sissies.

 

 

THE FOODIE

GIZMOS AND GADGETS at SUR LA TABLE

Helen Hunt made Jack Nicholson want to be a better man (As Good as it Gets). Sur La Table makes me want to be a better cook. Between their friendly staff and aisles of gadgets, you'll never want to leave. Among my top picks for the chef in your house? An Epicurean Cutting Board that won't dull knives, is dishwasher safe, and doesn't harbor bacteria and a Garlic Rocker that is easy to use, easy to clean and because it's stainless steel, helps deoderize your hands!

 

 

THE PAMPERED

SPA TREATMENT at PENTERRA SPA at THE HEATHMAN

Penterra services are top notch as is The Heathman. Their Black Friday deal is to die for. Just bring in a receipt from any Black Friday purchase (dated 11/25/11) and receive 40% off of any spa service. To make your holidays even brighter, Penterra Spa will gift wrap your purchases free of charge while you are being pampered in one of Seattle’s most elegant spas.

 

 

THE FURRY FRIEND

CUSTOM DOG BED at BARKZ

 We can't forget our beloved furry friends this season. Instead of your pup being banished to his old towel in the laundry room, you can make naptime just that much sweeter with a comfy (yet beautiful) custom bed. Fido will have sweet dreams on one of many custom fabrics and designs. 

 

 

THE DO GOODER

DONATION or FAIR TRADE GIFTS at KIRKLAND INTERFAITH NETWORK ALTERNATIVE GIFT FAIR

Believe it or not, there are people out there who are less fortunuate than yourself. For the do-gooder type who would probably forgo a gift, I suggest attending this great event where you can make a donation to one of many local, national and international non-profits in someone else's name or purchase fair trade and handmade gifts from around the world.

 

 

THE GIRLY GIRL

LUCIOUS LOCKS at MERMAID HAIR EXTENSIONS

Remember when your wife or daughter came home with that hideous haircut and it was all they could do not to leave the house with a paper bag over their head? Now's your chance to swoop in and be the hero. You may not get it pops but hair is a big deal to a girl. Give her the head of hair she's always wanted with these rapunzel-like locks.

 

 

THE YOUNGIN'

THE NOSE THAT DIDN'T FIT PLUSH & BOOK at BELLA TESORI

If you haven't been living under a rock you know how tough kids have it these days. Gift a gift and teach  a meaningful life lesson all at the same time. A la "Whip My Hair", this book and companion plush toy encourages kids to love themselves just the way they are.

 

 

THE HEALTH NUT

REBALANCING CLEANSE SUPPORT TEA at HERBAN WELLNESS

This tea comprised of dandelion root, licorice root, red clover blossoms and peppermint is meant to gently stimulate elimination organs. This makes a perfect add-on to a gift certificate for one of their many classes or a yoga package at Soul Ease or Hot Yoga of Kirkland.

 

There were a few other stops and shops I wanted to include but I'm afraid some were less than thrilled to share about their loot. A lady never disses and tells but to them I say, "Bah! Humbug!" 

As far as Black Friday hours go, the motto around here seems to be "We'll be open if we're busy and we'll close if we're not," I suggest calling ahead to your Kirkland shops to see if they'll be there to take your money.

AND don't forget, SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! This takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving on November 26th. This is a growing movement all across the nation to support the little guy so get out there and do your part. For more information visit their site www.smallbusinesssaturday.com! Also, be the first of 100 customers to visit Simplicity Decor on Small Business Saturday and recieve a limited edition reusable bag that you can bring in on every 5th Saturday of the month to receive 20% off on anything you can fit in the bag!

 XX,

Lacie

Meet Lacie Powell of POSH by Lacie Powell—your expert on all things style. Lifestyle that is! Lacie’s passion is providing one-of-a-kind inspiration tailored to life’s most intimate and creative moments. POSH offers fashion, event and home styling services to the discerning clientele whose crazed "rock star" lifestyle is matched only by the desire for quality and resistance to sacrificing beauty and class just because life gets busy!  Simply put, she makes things beautiful. Join her as she explores everything from fashion to foyers to fanciful fêtes. www.poshbylaciepowell.com

 

Kirkland Triathlon and PACE Race 2011

 <---- a little treat for the ladies, thank you MM :-)

Luckily, there's been plenty of training time for you with this sunny weather we've been having.  It's sneaking up fast- don't forget to register if you haven't already for these two fun events:

Kirkland Triathlon-Saturday 9/17

Sprint Triathlon* - .5mi Swim, 12mi Bike, 3mi Run
(8:00 am - Waves)
Tri-iT - 1/4mi Swim, 12mi Bike, 3mi Run
Duathlon* (Bike & Run only) - 12mi Bike, 3mi Run (8:00 am)

You'll be starting in MARINA PARK this year and the route has changed from last year.  Now it goes by our house, so you may see our kids at their own water station. :-)  $80-90, register here

There is also a Kids Triathlon (6-12 year olds) which  is timed but not competitive (haha- tell my children that) on Sunday 9/18.  50yd Swim, 1mi Bike .25mi Run (10:00 am). register here

Set the PACE for Prostate Cancer- Sunday 10/2

Marina Park Kirkland: 10K Run (9am), 5k Run/Walk (9:10), 1 Mile Family Fitness Walk (9:15) & FREE Kids Dash (10:00). Entry is $20-40.  Register here.

A Superfly deal.....

...if you hurry!

Fly Fitness is doing this great offer til 3pm on Friday for us.  If you haven’t tried this new workout spot (bootcamps and spin classes are awesome!) at Carillon Point this is the perfect opportunity! See my review here.

$45 for 5 classes of your choice (sched attached)

One year to use it, 90 days once you start your first class

Call the studio to book the deal at 425-522-4408

Fly Fitness Lands at Carillon Point

 

There is a brand new super-fly fitness spot in Kirkland that just opened on January 3rd.  Traci Bartee, Fly Fitnessowner (photographed w/pooch Bozeman, left), has been running bootcamps at parks and people's homes and finally found the perfect spot to open up her studio. Kirkland, of course!  You wouldn't recognize the former clothing shop (Mainsail), at 2225 Carillon Point, which now has dark hardwoods, crisp white walls punched with bright leaf green contrast and a brigade of spin bikes. As delicious as this setting may sound, do not get ready to relax.

 
I pried my eyes open for a 6:15am bootcamp called "Organized Chaos," whose name synchs with my lifestyle so I thought I'd give it a shot.  Traci kicked her tunes on the Sonossystem and had all 6 of us warm up on the bikes together, letting us know where our RPM's should be.  Then we grabbed some weights and an UGI ball (photo). The 8 pound beanbag-like Ugislook like the product of a physioball mom and medicine ball dad.  Much of our workout incorporated the Ugis which got used in many different ways, both for weight  (ie, holding it in front of us while doing squats) and balance (ie, resting one foot behind you on the ugi while lunging on other leg).  We worked many muscle groups as we went through 3 different exercises in each set, typically for a minute each, so you'd really be feeling the burn. There were definitely times when I wanted to collapse on the floor but powered through so I didn't embarrass myself in front of new friends.  To keep our heart rate up, we did things like burpees and also some "Tabata" training on the bikes. Tabata is a type of high-intensity interval training that only takes 4 minutes and delivers amazing results.  You basically go all-out for 20 seconds and then rest for 10, repeating this process 8 times. There are special timers, like Gymboss,  if you want to incorporate this fat-burning technique into your own workouts.  By the time we did some floorwork and cooled down I was wondering if I could crawl back into my bed when I got home.  It was the good kind of hurt though, the one that means you actually had a great workout and my legs weren't shy about reminding me the next day as well.

There's no reason not to try Fly Fitness- your first class is FREE!  I loved how it felt like a small group training session.  And Traci has some really fun ideas that make it interesting and social too.  Like their Flashdance Festival, Pedaling to Prince, Sporty Soiree Sleepover (partnering with The Woodmark).  And when the sun comes out (cue the sun, pls!) they pull the bikes out onto the patio and use the dock, stairs and plaza for the workouts.  When I asked Traci what she's known for she said, "We're known to be tough.  This is where fit people come to get more fit.  You can get your bootie kicked. "  I like that. But fear not-there are classes for all, and even moms with strollers. Parking is free with your 1 1/2 hr validation. No membership is required and pricing info is on here. So check out the schedule, spread your wings, and fly on over! 425-522-4408 ~j