Sometimes a little really can go a long way. Since the season of giving is upon us, I wanted to share with you a story about a group of eastside women that team up to make a big impact.
In 2007 Kirkland [...]
Sometimes a little really can go a long way. Since the season of giving is upon us, I wanted to share with you a story about a group of eastside women that team up to make a big impact.
In 2007 Kirkland [...]
Finally! Some development is on its way in downtown Kirkland and I think it's something to get excited about. I sat down with Stuart McLeod, 55 year Kirkland resident and owner of the property spanning from Hector's to Ben & [...]
Everyone is talking about getting their vaccines! I shouldn't mention that my one child that has had one is the one who had 103 fever this weekend. I know there's no correlation, but I swear it happens to us every time. Still, better [...]
Once we are past Halloween, it seems like a sudden landslide of holidays rush in at us (along with the unrelenting rain). Yes, we are already talking about the tree lighting ceremony! Catch that and handful of other things here:
Kirkland Tree Lighting- [...]
As I walked around the neighborhood this evening with my kids racing from door to door filling their bags of loot- I thought, "Isn't it amazing that so many people buy into this Spooktacular holiday?" I mean, really, who convinced everyone on [...]
The Woodmark Hotel's Bin Vivant has gone out on its own and moved upstairs to the space previously occupied by Yarrow Bay Grill at 1270 Carillon Point. The new wine bar and restaurant is called 'bin on the [...]
Really, that's what it's called! "The Best Kept Secret" has been hiding from me up at 503 6th Street South (just north of Google's new campus) for the past year and a half. Despite its discreet location, the contents of this store [...]
I do. But I'm not telling. Well, maybe if you called me (just kidding, I won't pick up). Here's an opportunity to get informed: Kirkland City Council Candidate Forum, Monday Oct 12th @ 7pm, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church Sanctuary (10021 NE 124th [...]
Be sure to tune in to the Food Network THIS SUNDAY October 4th at 9pm for the premiere of The Next Iron Chef. As if we didn't already love Excecutive Chef and Owner Holly Smith for her Cafe Juanita cuisine, now she's [...]
I know we're all super busy and time is of the essence. So- this week I decided to find an hour in my day and make MY hour YOUR hour. I walked the streets of downtown Kirkland to catch myself (and therefore you) up on what's coming and going and [...]
American flags line our downtown flower pots and medians to honor the memory of those lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. A day that will never be forgotten. This is the first year I had [...]
Touchstone Development's ParkPlace project, which has stirred much controversy in the past, is now in front of the Design Review Board (next mtg 9/21, 7pm , City Hall). For some reason I can't get the old camera flash cubes out of my mind. [...]
Alright, you got me--I'm attempting to empty my email inbox in one big post here. Here's everything you need to know for the moment- quick and dirty style. If you are savvy enough to be reading this blog, you're smart enough to pick which links you like. :-)
-KOMO News starts [...]
Everyone is asking if it was a pedestrian/crosswalk fatality over by Juanita Village....but it was not. It was also definitely not a memorial laying to rest the extreme dysfunction of our city council. That controversy is clearly in full throttle.
Sadly, there was [...]
Chuck Morgan, aka "Mr. Kirkland", will be celebrating his 98th birthday on Saturday September 5th from 5-7pm at Merrill Gardens and you are invited.
He's back in town, so put on a party hat and go congratulate him! I can tell from the red [...]
Lately we've been watching many restaurants come and go in downtown Kirkland, but you should be sure to remember one of our favorite deliciously-reliable local spots, The Third Floor Fish Cafe on Lake Street. Always a solid choice. With sweeping views, fabulous [...]
After a fun evening of cocktails, happy hour and appetizers with friends we suddenly noticed the new Golden Touch herbal foot massage shop was open right next to VoVina ( 15 Lake St. Mall Ste 104). Perfect timing! I could use a [...]
About 15 mins ago my kids said they saw fire and lots of smoke. So, as I began freaking out and searching our house, they then informed me that it was out the window. If you live on [...]
Get ready for the fun this Thursday night when the merchants of Park Lane host another "Second Thursday" celebration. This means you should head on down there between 6-9pm for live music, artists, sidewalk sales and late-night shopping. Park Lane closes to thru-traffic, so no cruising- park your [...]
Hats off to Kirkland's newest resident, Melissa D'Arabian, for taking the crown on "The Next Food Network Star." Besides being the number one rated show on cable TV this past Sunday night with 4.7 million viewers,it was also the highest-rated most-watched telecast in [...]
Congratulations! We have survived the hottest day here E-V-E-R. We broke the record high temperature for Seattle today at 102 degrees at SeaTac. I had to take a photo (left) of the thermometer reading as I was leaving the gym today- it says [...]
The Sterling Bank at 230 Main Street (next to Taco Del Mar) in downtown Kirkland just got robbed this morning. That would explain the helicopters and sirens!! The thug is about 6 feet tall, 185 pound white male wearing a hat, [...]
Let's rally to support a very new Kirkland resident (she just moved here this week!) named Melissa d'Arabian who is one of the remaining three finalists on season five of "The Next Food Network Star." (photo left courtesy of Food Network)
Wow-our city is [...]
Check your mailbox this week for the latest issue of Kirkland Hometown Values. This is one of my favorite coupon mailers because there are really useful ones that I use such as $3 off a Zeek's Pizza, 10% off classes at [...]
Kirkland's first canine festival, "Go Dog, Go!" will be on July 25th at Crestwoods Park from 10-3. The City of Kirkland, Kirkland Off Leash Dog Group (KDOG) and WOOFD2 are throwing this event to raise money for the Mutt Mitts in [...]
On a random drive-by the old Costco Home , we discovered a new wholesale store opened last week. For those of you that didn't already know, Costco Home that was located on 120th Ave NE, [...]
What a great day we had for the fourth! My kids decided they didn't want to ride their bikes in the parade because that would prohibit them from picking up candy - a very critical and strategic move on their [...]
I have been computer-less for about a month now. I'm sorry if you haven't heard from me, but now you know why. We THOUGHT my hard drive was fried. This is a little embarrassing, but I am going to take one for the team [...]
After teetering on the verge of not being able to pull the fireworks together for this year, things have really turned around for us. Not only are the fireworks covered, but the fireworks company is kicking in an extra $2K towards our finale because they [...]
It's one of the things everyone loves about our city- the lakeside!! And with things heating up around here, I thought there were a few things you'd like to know ......
Kirkland has just launched a free online business directory for Kirkland-based businesses in an effort to promote local spending. You can check it out at www.kirklandfirst.org . It's just like a hyper-local yellow pages getting underway, so if you or someone you know owns [...]
Stop in opening weekend, June 6th and 7th, for some complimentary tastings and 10% off all wines. The new tasting room is located at 11909 124th Avenue NE just across from the Ford dealership. It will be open on Saturday and Sundays noon to 5pm and was designed as [...]
There's a guy/girl team of purse snatchers that have been scoring some loot around the eastside lately. Here's their M.O.- You're grocery shopping at QFC, Safeway or Fred Meyer, perhaps, with your purse in your cart. Just as you go to check [...]
Just kidding-there's no promise. Darn. You've got to do the work yourself, but it's helpful to know that local chain establishments are giving us the information we need to make healthy choices. Let's face it, kids like to eat at places like McDonalds, for [...]
KA-BOOM! I love that sound. The deep rumblings, shrill screeches and explosive lights show that is Independence Day. There's a big effort going on right now by Celebrate Kirkland to raise funding to save Kirkland's 4th of July fireworks. This group is very high [...]
Don't forget to pick up some local produce this Wednesday (and every Weds thru Oct 14th) at the Kirkland Wednesday Market which has MOVED to Marina Park this year and is open from 2-7pm. Great venue- especially when the weather cooperates! ~j
[...]Kirkland author, Karen Burns, has recently published her first book, "The Amazing Adventures of working girl." It's a fabulous, quick and entertaining read with many work situations we can all relate to and practical career advice. Her matter-of-fact humor and short chapters make it [...]
Don't miss Ben & Jerry's "Free Cone Day" this Tuesday, April 21st, at 176 Lake Street South from 12-8pm. Yes, it's true, you're not dreaming-FREE ICE CREAM. It's Ben & Jerry's way of thanking its customers for 31 years. You'll also have an [...]
There have been a few incidents in Kirkland parks recently where a man impersonating an enforcement officer has approached dog owners with their off-leash pets and threatened them with a fine. It's true that there are leash laws and that we have a real [...]
No nodding off over there. Because if you aren't paying attention, City Council plans to just sneak annexation right on by us this time. Last year there was a very long and public campaign around the feasibility of Kirkland annexing the "PAA" (proposed annexation area) which consists of North Juanita, [...]
Go grab five friends and your bowling bags for this fun annual fundraiser. Sleep Country USA's "Pajama Bowl" at Tech City Bowl is coming up on Sunday 4/19 with start times running from 11-2. Each team needs to raise or donate a [...]
Just when you were feeling sad about the closing of Trenditions, Costco Home and Yarrow Bay Grill we've got an opening for you! We just happened to pop in at BeachHouse Bar + Grill on Thursday night which was their [...]
This place open and closes faster than I can read the signs. But they are definitely open again because we had lunch there today. And I've got to say, they have really good burgers. The menu has been completely simplified and there's nothing over [...]
They've done it again. Just when we have figured out where all the free parking spots are and when/where we need to pay for them, they change their minds again. I don't know who 'they' actually is. Probably the parking advisory board or a [...]
Marcus and Jamie, co-owners of Vovina (Vo=Vodka Vina=wine) at 15 Lake Street, are getting really excited for their quickly-approaching opening day. And so are you! I could tell because when I was in there chatting with them on Friday night (as they unpacked [...]
The Wilde Rover Irish Pub & Restaurant has outdone themselves this year. Instead of celebrating St. Patty's Day in one measly day, they are declaring it a 2-day event! And of course you'd expect nothing less than live music and traditional Irish fare!
Monday March [...]
For those of you that don't know about Amazon Fresh, it's a great online grocery service. Everything is fast and fresh and delivered to your door. They have all sorts of organic and local items too. You can order online until 10pm and have [...]
I've been festering over this whole thing since I watched "The Bachelor" finale and more importantly the 'after the rose' ceremony last night. There's Jason crying (photo left)- BOOHOOO! I didn't want to be hasty and write a nasty-gram blog post right when [...]
Don't even pretend you don't watch the show!! I know you do. And in honor of all of us that do, Brian McCarty, the General Manager of The Third Floor Fish Cafe, has decided to invite us to his bar to watch Jason Mesnick give out the final [...]
I attended my first Citizens Academy Class last night at the Kirkland Police Dept and had a great time. So, I'm going to start by dedicating this post to all of the fine officers in this city that SWEAR to us that [...]
I attended a meeting the other day where Dave Ramsay, our City Manager, gave an overview of the development that is (or was) happening around town and its current status. There were some interesting nuggets of information that I thought I would share with you. In my own words, [...]
The holiday de-decorating party is happening this weekend!! Take a break from trying to balance your checkbook and get a breath of fresh air with some fellow Kirklanders. Bring your helpful hands to the Kirkland Downtown Association (111 Park Lane) at 9:45 am [...]
Well, maybe not literally, but for 12 weeks I'm going to go through some behind-the-scenes training. And you can too! The Kirkland Police Dept Citizens Academy runs every Weds between Feb 4 and April 22nd from 6-9pm and they're taking applications now (it's free!). [...]
The J-Bay Bar & Grill, formerly Juanita Bay Pub on NE 120th, is open and their bar is attracting a consistent crowd already. The parking lot looks jammed every night! The first thing they did right was that they got the s-t-i-n-k [...]
OK Jason fans. It's the moment you've been waiting for since last fall. Local heartthrob Jason Mesnick is back on ABC kicking off a 2-hour premiere for his debut on "The Bachelor" starting at 8pm pacific time on Monday. He finds love again (and gets engaged!) so [...]
There was quite a turnout this morning for Kirkland's Polar Plunge 2009, despite 45 degree lake temperatures. In previous years, I thought you had to submerge your head for it to count, but today when I registered they advised me to only [...]
That's why it's polar, right? Last year's event happened to be on a pretty balmy day considering it was January 1st in the Northwest (photo left), but after our recent weather, I'm mentally preparing myself for some seriously cold water and air this time [...]
It might have been chilly on Saturday morning, but the snow held off so that 30 magical volunteer elves could hang all of our donated lights around Kirkland's downtown. It was really amazing having all of these good-spirited citizens, business [...]
The Market Street Cafe is having an open house to welcome their new Chef--Scott Shampine! The festivities are on Wednesday, December 17th, from 6pm - 9pm. The restaurant will have a complimentary selection of wines and free samplings of Chef Shampine's nationally acclaimed creations.
We [...]
This Saturday December 13th, 9am at The Grape Choice. Remember that. 
Because that is when you're going to come help us hang some lights in downtown Kirkland!! Puget Sound Energy has ever-so-kindly donated six cases of colorful energy efficient LED lights and we have [...]
Feeling a little overstuffed from Thanksgiving? Here's just the exercise for you- the 6th Annual "12 K's of Christmas" Holiday Run Event is coming up on Sunday December 14th at at 9:30 am in Marina Park. That should do the trick! No doubt that [...]
On recent evenings when I'm driving into downtown Kirkland I can't help but feel like something is missing. Yes, I know, a lot of storefronts are papered up but I'm talking about something else this time. It's the lights. You know that special feeling you [...]
This is the 5th year of the Kirkland Downtown Association's Tree Lighting Ceremony, so get ready to put on your holiday cheer! Come downtown on Saturday, November 29th between 5:00 and 7:30 PM to enjoy the official start to the holiday season. Reindeer, soup [...]
There are so many businesses coming and going right now that my little pea brain can barely hold them all. I keep writing them down on scraps of paper in my car and snapping pictures as I drive which is not all that organized (at least I'm not texting). In [...]
Great turnout today at the Turkey Trot for Hopelink. We made it a girls' day so I brought my two 5 1/2 year olds down and we hoofed it the ENTIRE 3 miles. There may have been some [...]
Start trotting turkeys! Hopelink's 8th Annual Turkey Trot is coming up on Sunday Nov 16th. It starts at 1:00 at Marina Pavilion and your tailfeathers will be walking the 5K (3mi) waterfront route to Carillon Point. It's $20 per person or $15/person if you [...]
Here is a picture of my 2000 BMW 323 getting detailed at Autobahn in Carillon Point (an awesome detailing shop BTW). I try to take care of my car--it has less than 60k miles on it--I don't drive it too hard, get the regular tune-ups, [...]
Cafe Harlequin at 107 Lake Street is ready for some discerning palates to pay them a visit. I met with Larry Stepek, the General Manager, who has been looking for over four years for a place to open this restaurant (he moved here [...]
It's here again! Help fight prostate cancer by signing up for the Pace Race at Marina Park in Kirkland (photo left from last year). The event is on Sunday, November 2nd at 9am. There's a menu of 'paces' for everyone- run or [...]
If you've been curious about that wide expanse of land on State Street, expect to see construction starting shortly on 24 new CamWest Development homes. That is, 24 new condominium-style homes and one grand white-columned mansion with plenty of Kirkland history. The Nettleton [...]
Save yourself the flight to Vegas and get married right here in Kirkland this Valentine's Day! Heritage Hall on Market Street will be churning out some lovebirds when wedding ceremonies are held each hour for 24 hours on Saturday Feb 14, 2009. Tie [...]
The Kirkland Downtown Association is hosting a "Fall Ball" event on October 11th on the Argosy MV Kirkland. Enjoy great food from Lake Street Catering, mix and mingle, bid on some fabulous auction items and dance the night away to cover-band Middleman Bob while [...]
I am SO SO sad to let you know that The Bath Bar will be closing its doors at 128 Park Lane this Friday, Sept 26th. I'm sure you've all noticed that I am a raving fan of this store as evidenced by [...]
If you were a fan of the "Paint Box Co" that was located at 227 Kirkland Ave (now Merrill Gardens), it has re-invented itself as "Pure Home" and nested in at 140 Central Way. Teresa Tullio, owner and architectural colorist, has developed [...]
Holy moly- what's going on around here? I just saw this moratorium update. Seems to me that times are tough enough on business and development so this is a gutsy move. Hopefully the brains down on 5th Ave are moving swiftly and thoughtfully.
On a happier note, Kirkland's [...]
The 3-day Breast Cancer Walk proudly made its way through Kirkland yesterday. The 60 mile trekkers (approx 20 miles per day) were easy to spot with pink tents and many participants in fun and outrageous pink costumes, laughing and waving at bypassers along the [...]
American flags lined the medians and flowers pots of downtown Kirkland today to honor the anniversary of those loved and lost in the tragedy of Sept 11, 2001.
Head to downtown Kirkland this weekend for a little shopping! From this Friday 9/5 through Sun 9/7 many of the retailers will be setting up with some screaming deals. Look for Liberty 123, Tria Moda, Champagne Taste, Linda's Designer Consignment, [...]
It's time! School is back in session for Lake Washington schools next week. Summer is winding to a close (in case you couldn't tell by looking out your window) and routine will set back in. This year is special for us, though, as [...]
The chatter is all around us-in January 2009's 13th season, Jason is slated to be ABC's next "Bachelor." This is no big surprise- he was clearly a favorite with the fans as he took the runner-up spot for bachelorette DeAnna Pappas's [...]
There's a new banner over the Sushiya sign on the corner of 98th and Juanita Drive that says, mysteriously enough, "Casual Dining." My three year old son noticed it first because he saw the picture on the sign and shrieked, "Cheeseburgers! Cheeseburgers!" Actually, [...]
A friend of mine lives not far from the house at 1942 Market Street (photo left) that got raided on Friday night. She said she had been noticing more traffic in and out of the house, along with some unfamiliar cars parked at [...]
......because I'll be sitting at their bar tasting some fabulous wines. The Woodmark just opened a new restaurant, bin vivant, that should not be missed. This is a spot where wine was born first and the f
ood, created by Chef Lisa Nakamura, was [...]
I received an email last week from a concerned reader that I wanted to try to get addressed (you guys are so on the ball- I love that!) To compliment all of the car break-in's around town, it appears that some graffiti 'artists' or 'taggers' have taken a liking to [...]
We've enjoyed some nice meals and lots of fabulous drinks (real lemon drops!) at Trellis in the Heathman Hotel in Kirkland since it's opening, but hadn't yet spent a night there. We were really looking forward to the opportunity and I was [...]
Ladies, your laser vision is spot on. You never know how much of those shows are Hollywood hype, and I'm kinda nosy, so I had to find out for myself. But after spending an hour talking with Kirkland resident Jason Mesnick, from this season's "[...]
Wanted to share this cool photo with you (you can click on it to enlarge). Thanks to Aaron McCaughan for sharing. ~j
