Kirkland Weblog

Kirkland Holiday Guide: Events!

Hello my Kirkland Peeps..... and dare I say it.....HAPPY HOLIDAYS! I am just tickled pink (or should I said red and green??) that Janis and I are joining forces to bring you the best of the best when it comes to celebrating the season in beautiful waterfront Kirkland. I have lived here since 2007 and fall in love with this sweet little city more and more every day. Now that I'm here I'm pretty sure I'll never leave.

Before I launch into all the hot holiday happenings, let's talk goodies.  I just got off the horn with the very kind and generous Bob Gassen from Humanature Photography and he wants to offer you, our loyal Kirklanders, A GIFT!  The first person to comment on this post will get a complimentary Santa session that includes some one on one time with THE MAN himself and a 5x7 print! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment so we can arrange for you to get your prize.

Now, on with the show! First up in this fantabulous holiday series is your guide to EVENTS for the season! We have everything from snapshots with santa to merry music to Christmas cruises.  Are you ready?! Hold on to your reindeer because away we GO!

P.S. If we've left anything out of mention, feel free to leave it in the comments below!

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

 

 

 

Sleep Country Toy Drive

Thru 12.11

12558 Totem Lake Blvd.

Put on your Santa hat and lend a helping hand to make sure Washington and Oregon’s 20,000 foster children enjoy a bright holiday season with a gift from Santa under the tree.www.sleepcountry.com

 

 

Howard/Mandville Gallery Holiday Showcase

 11.11-12.31

120 Park Ln., Ste. D

Howard/Mandville Gallery kicks off the season with a showcase of new works by gallery artists. This show will feature two guest artists, Sueellen Ross and Teresa Saia, at an opening reception on Friday, November 11th from 6-9pm. This show is part of 2nd Fridays in Kirkland and the Kirkland Art Walk. www.howardmandville.com/Pages/shows.html

 

 

Kirkland Interfaith Network Alternative Gift Fair 

11.12

10 am-4 pm

Holy Family Catholic Church, 7045 120th Ave. NE

The KIN Alternative Gift Fair is a holiday fair where each gift you buy provides a better life for someone who needs it, here or abroad. It's a fair where you can do some holiday shopping and feel good about doing it! kirklandinterfaith.net

 

 

Holiday Craft & Gift Spectacular

11.19

10 am-4 pm

Madison House Retirement Community, 12215 NE 128th St.

Madison House Retirement and Assisted Living Community presents our 1st annual Holiday Craft & Gift Spectacularto. Walker and wheelchair accessible. Arts, Crafts, Baked Goods, Jewelry, Décor, Make-up, Purses, Clothing, and more. www.mhretirement.com/default.aspx

 

 

Joy Fischer Santa Photos

11.20, 11.26, 12.4

15 Central Wy.

Don't wait in line at the mall, come to Joy Fischer Photography for your photos! The $59 package includes 1-8x10, 2-5x7,16 wallets, and a digital image for holiday cards. Call for your reservation, 425-822-1731. www.joyfischerphoto­graphy.com

 

 

11.20

10 am

Marina Park

Turkey Trot proceeds help Hopelink provide emergency services for low-income families in our community during a time when they face added seasonal pressures - such as higher home heating costs and additional food needs. www.hope-link.org/events/turkey_trot/

 

 

Dooley’s Pet Photos with Santa

11.25-11.26, 12.3-12.4

10am – 5pm

1421 Market St.

Bring your pets, family & yourself for a photo with Santa. Your $20 sitting fee includes the 5x7 of your choice. Traditional Father Christmas will be available on 11/25-26 and Hawaiian Santa on 12/3-4. All proceeds go to Pasado Safe Haven. Sign up sheets are available in the store or you can book your time by calling (425) 889-2200. www.kirklandviews.com

 

 

Holiday Craft Show

11.26, 11.27

12-6 pm, 12-4 pm

Peter Kirk Community Center, 325 Kirkland Ave.

Featuring the work of local artists and master craftsmen. The Holiday Craft Show promises a shopping treasure trove of one-of-a-kind gifts, fine jewelry, gourmet treats, holiday décor and more. www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/parks/SpecialEvents/2011_Holiday_Craft_Show.htm

 

Kiwanis Holiday Tree Sale

Beginning 11.25 

Across from Juanita Beach Park-NEW LOCATION!!!

Join Kiwanis for our largest annual event in our effort to raise money for needy children in our community. Remember,100% of the proceeds will go to organizations like Adopt-A-Highway, Camp Casey, Eastside Baby Corner, Kirkland Teen Union, KITH (Homeless Housing), March of Dimes, Support Our Troops, Student Scholarships and Special Olympics. Come and select from our always fresh and beautiful Christmas Trees and fresh fragrant Wreaths! http://kirkland.kiwanis.org/Default.aspx 

 

Holiday Tree Lighting

11.26

4-8 pm (tree lighting at 6 pm)

Marina Park

Includes Gingerbread contest at Merrill Gardens, bonfires, choirs, music, non-profit booths, kids activities and more. www.kirklanddowntown.org/calendar.html

 

 

Argosy Christmas Ship™ Festival

11.26-11.27, 12.1-12.23

Kirkland City Dock

The Argosy Christmas Ship™ festival is a holiday celebration that has been a Northwest tradition for 62 years. Its main purpose is to bring communities together to celebrate the holiday season. From our flotilla of ships to the crowds of people who gather onshore, this celebration is one of the gems of the holiday season. Preview cruises available 11.26 and 11.27. Check the schedule for various shoreline celebrations where you can watch the ships go by. Opening night is 12.1 at Marina Park featuring Con Brio Women’s Choir. www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm

 

 

Karolyn Grimes Reading

11.27

The Woodmark, 1200 Carillon Point 

Karolyn Grimes is probably best known for her famous line, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” Once upon a time in a magical place called Bedford Falls, ZuZu Baily and her petals won the hearts of millions in the classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life. Kick off the holiday season at the Woodmark where Karolyn will be doing two readings of every child’s favorite holiday tale, The Night Before Christmas, followed by Q and A, and autograph signing.  Enjoy complimentary holiday beverages, appetizers, festive treats, and a cash bar.  It’s the perfect family event that both children and adults will remember for years to come. Purchase tickets at http://itsawonderfulwoodmarkzuzu.eventbrite.com/

 

Great Santa Portraits at Humanature Photography

11.30, 12.3, 12.7, 12.8, 12.10, 12.14, 12.20

730 Market St.

Capturing the spirit of Christmas without the hassle and stress of the Mall. Come share our family tradition of an annual portrait with Santa Claus this holiday season. Portrait packages start at $49. Call for your reservation, 425-822-3868. http://www.humanaturephoto.com/santa.html

 

 

MEOW Holiday Open House Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale

12.3 and 12.4

Hougton Village, 10600 NE 68th

A wide variety of handcrafted items, delicious baked goods for sale, MEOW merchandise, a raffle, refreshments, visit with Santa (kids and pets), and a pet food drive to benefit Hopelink-Kirkland (dry and canned food). All proceeds go toward MEOW, a Kirkland no-kill shelter. www.meowcatrescue.org

 

 

Bronn Journey's 30th Annual Christmas Concert

12.4

2 pm and 7 pm

Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.

Bronn & Katherine Journey return to KPC with their annual Christmas concert for the whole family. Tickets are $24. www.kpcenter.org/performances/bronn-journeys-30th-annual-christmas-concert

 

 

 

Kirkland Artwalk

12.9

6-9 pm

Various Galleries

The Kirkland Artwalk is a free, self-guided, public art phenomenon known as KAW which brings together art lovers and community friends to the ever evolving downtown Kirkland waterfront neighborhood. With exciting and unique offerings around every corner, downtown celebrates each and every month on the 2nd Friday. www.kirklandartwalk.org

 

 

Celebrations Holiday Home Tour

12.9

10 am-7 pm

Various Kirkland Homes and Sur La Table

A tour of six Fabulously Unique Homes in Kirkland and a not-to-be-missed holiday raffle. Sips and Bites After Party at Sur La Table 6-9 pm. Raffle Drawing at 8 pm. $30 per person. For tickets: call 425-556-5106. www.eastside.assistanceleague.org/ps.fundraising.cfm?ID=659

 

 

Geoffrey Castle's Celtic Christmas 

12.9

8 pm

Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.

World renowned electric violinist Geoffrey Castle brings his hugely popular Celtic Christmas spectacular back to the Kirkland Performance Center for the fourth year in a row. Adult: $25  |  Senior: $20  |  Youth: $15 www.kpcenter.org/performances/geoffrey-castles-celtic-christmas

 

 

Santa Tea

12.10

11 am-1 pm

The Woodmark, 1200 Carillon Point 

Join us for the Woodmark’s 3rd annual holiday tea, one of Kirkland’s favorite traditions. Savor tasty treats and scrumptious holiday sweets, while sipping an assortment of teas and hot cocoa, while enjoying live holiday music provided by Cheryl Serio and Hans Brimmer (courtesy of the Kirkland Performance Center). Little ones will love our holiday cookie decorating station, and of course, visiting with Santa.Adults $45, Children $20.http://santatea.eventbrite.com/

 

 

 

The Many Worlds of Christmas

12.11

3-5 pm

Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.

Circle the globe with Master Chorus Eastside as they sample the myriad sounds and customs of Christmas around the world. Familiar carols from Europe and the United States round out the program. Adults $20, Seniors and Youth $15. www.masterchoruseastside.org

 

 

KPC’s Old-Time Holiday Show

12.16-12.18

2 pm and 7pm

Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave.

KPC's annual sell-out variety show is a true holiday classic, featuring comedians, live music, choirs, specialty acts and surprise guest artists. A perfect dose of entertainment for visiting friends and family of all ages. Youth: $15  |  Choice: $24  |  Prime: $27 www.kpcenter.org/performances/kpcs-old-time-holiday-show-0

 

 

 

Holiday Art Studio

12.19-12.21

10 am-2 pm

Kirkland Art Center, Ceramics Studio, 620 Market St.

Taught by Aaron Murray. Ages 6-10. Member: $135 and Nonmember: $155. www.kirklandartscenter.org/education/YouthTeenArtClassesKirklandArtsCenter.php

 

Unofficial Polar Plunge

1.1

1 pm

Marina Park

Brrr! Join in the freezing fun and jump in Lake Washington!

Deck the Halls of Kirkland: 11/19

Congrats to all of the prize winners from last week-we love your feedback! I sent out a free appetizer/dessert card for Brix Wine Cafe to all of our quickest responders (13 of them!).  Thank you to Brixfor joining in the fun of giving.  Here are the local holiday happenings our readers were raving about: Argosy ships, Houghton Bonfire, eggnog lattes, shopping for unique gifts, driving around looking at Christmas lights, the music, the 12k's of Christmas, and decorating downtown Kirkland with garland.  Which brings us to....

We need 100 people!  November 19th 8am-1pm meet at Merrill Gardens (201 Kirkland Ave) to decorate downtown Kirkland with some holiday cheer. The stores have donated money for the garland, and now we just need able-bodied people to help.  Bring your gear (work gloves, pliers, maybe a ladder if you're Handy Manny) and come hungry b/c Merrill Gardens will have hot cider, coffee and cookies and George's will be serving breakfast sandwiches at the 8am check-in at MG.  This is a super way to meet some locals and feel some pride in community. They even feed you lunch when you're done with your job. Please RSVP to Patty Tucker  at pattyjustloveskirkland@kirkland.net so there will be enough food.

Then home for a nap.  Then head on over...

...to the Kirkland Boys & Girls Club 3rd Annual Texas Hold 'Em Tournament.  Sat 11/19 4-5 is learning hour, 5pm start time. 10805 124th Ave NE.  All skill levels welcome. $100 buy in gets you $3,000 in chips- half the proceeds go to KB&G Club and the other half will be paid to winners! Call or email Meg Diemer to reserve a spot 425-587-0132.

And yes, I know there was an election recently, but I try to stay out of the politics around here. Congrats to Bob Sternoff, Toby Nixon and Dave Asher.  And thank you to the three people that wrote me in-very funny. I'm off to Costco for some vodka now....j

Kirkland Holiday Guide 2011

Once you have finished eating all of your Halloween candy and checked all the election results, you will realize that the holidays are quickly approaching (grinches, insert cringe here).  The darkness at 4:30 is a good indicator too.  I've decided that this is the season I am going to stay ahead of the curve and shop early.  For 2011 I will be a whirring machine of both thoughtfulness and efficiency that will be unmatched. By the way,I am addressing holiday cards with my toes as I type this post. 

 So, let's kick off this season with a gift for you! Tell me  your favorite thing to do in Kirkland during the holidays.  First five responses get a free prize!  aaahhh- giving feels so good.  Include your address b/c I will mail it to you. :-)

My next gift to share with all of you is my friend, Lacie Powell, who will be guest blogging with me through November and December.  We will team up and do a "Kirkland Holiday Series" of posts that will run every Thursday through the season. Don't worry, you'll still get my usual banter in between there too.  I wanted to be sure to be polite and introduce you to Lacie.... 

Lacie, these are the Kirkland Weblog readers.  They are smart and funny and like a good laugh and don't even mind my Jersey humor.  They ALL love Kirkland and they love to be in the know. They are also savvy and insightful andsometimes correct my spelling and grammar and send funny notes.   They are loyal and kind and will often reach out to share stories and info of their own.  You will really like them- I just know it.  A few of them even advertise with me which makes me feel like I'm appreciated (thank you!)

Kirkland Weblog readers, Lacie is a local lifestyling expert whose company, POSH by Lacie Powell, was born out of a passion for all things chic; fashion, events and home.  Lacie offers styling services to a discerning clientele whose crazed "rock star" lifestyle is matched by the desire for quality and resistance to sacrificing beauty and class just because life gets busy.  She also wrote some of the yoga guests posts last year which you all had a chance to check out.  She lives here and loves Kirkland too. I think you'll enjoy her style and holiday tips!  We can learn a lot from her. I can hardly wait to see what great events, gifts/sales and decor she is going to discover in downtown Kirkland for us.

Together, Lacie and I will bring you festive events (11/10), hot happy hours (11/17), go-to gifts (11/24),  decor to die for ( 12/1), seasonal dining (12/8),  and beauty tips (12/15).  Each post will include a fun giveaway that you didn't know you could live without.  Oh my gosh.   Look at all of those deadlines.  I have got to get to work.  Enjoy this series- and Lacie, thanks in advance for being part of the Kirkland Weblog this holiday season!! ~j

The Other White Meat

Get your gobblers (and your wallets) ready- it's that time of year...

~Turkey Trot-  Hopelink's 11th Annual on Sunday 11/20/11 at Marina Park.  There's a 5K run at 11am and a Family Fun Walk at 11:05.  Cost is $30 now or $40 if you procrastinate. Either way it benefits homeless and low income families in our area so go get some exercise before your tryptophan overload kicks in. All 5 Rabuchins are signing up from what I hear my 8 eight year olds chatting about it.

~John Muir Elementary has their own student turkey trotters that need your support.  Did you know that John Muir is a Title 1 school in Kirkland with nearly half of their students receiving free lunches? The students in each grade who run the most laps around their school during recess on 11/7-11/10 will earn a turkey to share with their family.  They need turkeys!  You can either donate a frozen turkey or make a monetary donation-turkeys are approx $25/ea- and your contribution is completely tax deductible. You can mail checks made out to John Muir PTSA and note "Turkey Trot": John Muir Elementary, 14012 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034.  Turkeys get distributed the week of Nov 14th. 

For additional info contact their Head Turkey, Danielle Davis-Christmas.  This could be a great holiday lesson about helping others locally- I feel a family field trip coming on....

Trick or Treat. Smell my Feet.

So childish but even as an adult it still kinda feels good to say it. 

Things have changed a few times so here's the scoop on where to find your treats in Kirkland.  Participating downtown businesses will have an orange spider webby flyer in their window and be handing out treats on Sun 10/30 3-5pm and Mon 10/31 3-5pm.  Park Place is doing theirs on Mon 10/31 from 12-4pm.

Here are the current participating businesses downtown as of this posting:

Sunday and Monday: Asher, Bella Tesori, Bombaii Cutters, Cafe Happy, Cafe Ladro, Canvas!, Classic Kids Photography, Georges, The Grape Choice, Hallmark Realty, Heathman Hotel, Hectors, Herban Wellness, Jake's Kirkland, Lakeshore Gallery, Mi Mexico, Qdoba, Serendipity, Simplicity Decor, Sirena Gelato, Starbucks, Studio 150 Salon, Taco Del Mar, Tully's, Unique Plus, Via Lago, Zoka.

Sunday only: Park Lane Gallery, Soul Ease, SpaKrista, , Sweet Cakes, The Minus Shop

Monday only: Bank of America, Banner Bank, Barkz, Chase Bank, Kirkland Bicycle, Lake Street Diamond Company, McLeod Insurance, Merrill Gardens, Ragamoffyn's, Salon Saida, Union Bank, WA Federal Bank.

Are your car tabs expired???

Take a look.  Budget cuts = no more reminder letters about renewing your tabs.  You are ON YOUR OWN-- cold turkey! Therefore, you could be unknowingly driving around town with an expired registration.  And we all know the Kirkland PD finds joy in running every license plate of every vehicle that passes their laser-hawk eyeballs so don't make this preventable $216 mistake (yes, the ticket costs more than your tabs, my friend). 

The good news is that you can renew online.  You can also enter your info/plates on the DOL site to have them send you an email reminder before your tabs expire.  Take a second and do it.  I can think of lots of better ways to spend $216.

My Walk Around Town...

Here's what I've got.  I'm a little hungry and cranky so forgive me. And please help  fill in the blanks....

K-Pub  is getting ready to open really soon in 21 Central's old spot.  They took down the paper and were washing the windows last night. 

Haute Philosophy Salon- 118 Central Way they have sign up that it's coming soon.  Now there will be 412 choices of where to get your hair done downtown. :-)

Remedies Pharmacy- I've never been in this store before (140 Central), so can someone please explain it to me?  I walked by expecting to see a pharmacy set-up, but noticed a counter w/cakes and treats and ice creams and shoes and cards and a sign about espresso and sandwiches.  Huh?

Two Twelve on Central- Yes, we ate there but haven't done a post b/c I don't really have anything exciting to tell you one way or the other.  Food was pretty good- not a lot of paleo choices so I nibbled on a hearty meatball and some salad.  Our waitress got very confused and had given another table our check which they so kindly paid for and left. It all got sorted out.  Need to go again to form an opinion. LMK your experience. I heard Lynn from Lynn's Bistro is a silent partner.

Bob Sternoff- can people cut the guy a break?  This is why I would never be in politics.  Getting sick of the smear signs.  Kinda feels a little bit like the drama of high school. Play nice.

Overlake Primary Care Clinic- at 290 Central Way- Grand Opening Thurs 10/27 4-7pm.  Same-day access. Bring your sick and weary.

Jake's Kirkland "Life is Good"- 125 Lake Street, opening mid-November.

Thank You Twice consignment shop (formerly Linda Lu's)-  A reader tipped me that they went by to collect a check and "poof, they were gone." Anyone know what is up?  I haven't seen Jason outside pacing and chain smoking lately.

One month countdown until Stavros of Santorini leaves for his annual trip home to Greece.  So get your gyro craving fulfilled ( I love the gyro salad!)  asap before the handwritten "closed" signed goes up til January. I spent some time sitting with Stavros in front of his restaurant watching the cars go by, waving at all of his friends, and I swear he knows every customer by name (and there are many!).  After 18 yrs in business in Kirklnad he's got it dialed in. 

Bat Some Big Lashes for $100

Look- I'm Groupon!  Maybe not.  But this is a great deal and perfect timing for the holidays.  Kirkland Weblog readers can get a full set of eyelash extensions at EyeCandy through 12/31/11 for just $100  (normally $150).  Just tell 'em you like to read my dribble and *shabam* two hours later you are super-glam and ready to go.  Ladies, you can throw your Latisse out the window and LOVE not having to wear mascara.  ;)

Come Craft w/Me at the Splendid Grand Opening

 
Admittedly, this shin-dig is not in Kirkland.  But since I am helping host the event I wanted to make sure to invite all of my friends (that's you)!  Splendid is opening their first store in the PNW at Bellevue Square (where Svarovski Crystals used to be) and they will be celebrating their arrival with an event that is in the true spirit of their company..  It's about a fun and family- focused afternoon and it's called "Crafting Community for Splendid." 

Saturday, October 22^nd 1-3pm

Bellevue Square, Center Court

 RSVP: Bellevue@splendid.com

Kids and parents will do crafts that focus on re-using and re-purposing natural materials.  Imagine ultra-soft Splendid fabric swatches that you can mix/match to put together a custom Splendid scarf. There’s also a fabric and beading workshop where you can create original necklaces and bracelets.  So many fun things to do and it’s FREE . Here's a video so you can see what it is about.  And, of course, there is a facebook page. Four lucky guests will win a $250 shopping spree at the Splendid store.  I’m sure it will be raining by then so bring the whole family!  And please don’t forget to RSVP so you are guaranteed to get in: Bellevue@splendid.com.  Send me an email too if you are planning to attend so I will know to look for you and say hello.

 

The Fruit Fly Death Pool

 
Steve wanted me to post this.  He's been complaining that my posts have been vanilla lately and he misses my old funny, sometimes personal and off-the-cuff, and occasionally controversial blogging.   This comes from the guy that hasn't added any content to this site in the last 3 years.  Not that fruit flies are exciting, but I get it, it's just random info from me........so anyway.....

I thought it was just my house with fruit flies swarming my eyeballs this week but a bunch of friends were complaining they have them too.  How's a girl supposed to drink a glass of wine in peace?  I'll tell you.  First- it helps to get all perishables off the counter.  I am really missing my banana fix and the avocados and tomatoes just don't taste right refrigerated, but do what you must.  So, here's the remedy: take a plastic cup filled 1/4 full of apple cider vinegar and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.  Swirl.  Leave it on your counter.    Magically these micro-brained (and seemingly impossible to fist clench?!) fruit flies line up on the rim of the cup and plunge into their beautiful pool of death.  Rinse and repeat daily until fruit fly season is over. Then you can pour your wine without having to drape a napkin over it. :-)