Some of you have been asking, so I wanted to make it official...

The time has come to wind down the Kirkland Blog and leave you alone to explore our amazing little community.  I started this idea about 18 years ago, and it's been an awesome ride of trying fabulous foods, exploring new shops, attending action-packed events, and meeting so many citizens and business owners who love Kirkland just as much as I do.  It feels like we've grown up together (heck, we even survived a pandemic together!) and I appreciate you.  You always kept it classy with your comments and curiosity.  I think I just lost my blogging mojo.  And honestly, it's 2024, who blogs anymore?! Now that I'm officially an empty-nester, you'll more easily find me on a pickleball court or chasing sunshine rather than sitting at my desk attempting to wordsmith some local humor.  I'll keep the URL since it's a fun walk down memory lane ( go scroll, it's amazing to see the changes in Kirkland over the years).  And you can still email me at [email protected] if you need anything since we are now forever friends.

Thanks for the great run, Kirkland.  You guys have fun..... I'm sure I will see you around town. 

   <--James Cox (district sales) & Cindy Hodo (Lynnwood See's Mgr)

    <--Teeniest See's fan Elliana & mom Hayley

Did you go to See's Candies' Grand Opening last Saturday? They have quite an enthusiastic following! Even after having their soft opening a few weeks ago, people lined up down the block to get in the door for the free-flowing tasty treats and goody bags.  The LWHS Kangs cheerleaders were there energizing the crowd under the balloon arch along with some of our city council members, See's Candies' management from all over, and sweet-toothed citizens.  It was definitely one of the most fun openings I have been to, and I'm still thinking about that dark raspberry creme chocolate.  Doesn't chocolate put everyone in a good mood? I love the 'answer key' to the flavors you can find here. Go check them out, their hours are 10-7 Mon-Sat and Sunday is 11-5.  Don't forget Mother's Day is just around the corner! Speaking of the mamas, you should also check out the Mom's Escape packages at Still Spa at the Woodmark (you're welcome ladies).

photo cred: The Village at Totem Lake 
As I come down from my sugar high, in the back of my mind I start thinking I should probably hit the gym.  Maybe? Those chocolates aren't going to work themselves off my thighs. Don't worry, The Village has you covered there too! On Saturday 5/20 the Totem Lake Run Club and lululemon are hosting a FREE "Run & Flow" event at 9 am. Everyone will meet in the plaza in front of lululemon and embark on a 30-minute run (or walk if you prefer) together on the flat trails near Totem Lake followed by a 30-minute "Yoga for Runners" class that is appropriate for all levels.  Just show up with your yoga mat and enter to win some awesome raffle prizes too!  Reward yourself with a fresh juice at Pressed or perhaps brunch at Hanoon afterward. 

Ready?  Here we go, rapid-fire bullet points, my fave:

• Arleana's at 312 Central Way is open! I haven't been to experience this Carribean-style cuisine yet, so please share your experience if you've been. Only a few Yelp reviews so far.
• L and L Animal Urgent Care opened in Houghton across from Met Market, and Veterinarian/Owner Stephanie Stoegbauer is focused on helping pets and supporting vets by bridging the gap between general practice and emergency rooms. More on her story here.
• 
  Earth Day at Kirkland Urban is 4/19 from 4-6 pm (free) where you can recycle your electronics and styrofoam and also learn about ForestNation and enjoy a free tree planting kit. #PlantwithKU. 
• 
  See's Candies is open at the Village at Totem Lake. Their grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting starts Sat 4/22 at 10:30am.  Expect FREE SAMPLES, raffles and special gifts with purchases.  Sweet!
• After 40 amazing years, Penny Sweet and Larry Springer have transitioned ownership of The Grape Choice to longtime manager Desirae Ballard.  A sendoff and celebration will be at The Grape on 4/29.  Follow here for updates and congrats to Des, Penny, and Larry ...you're always a fave place for a glass of wine on the patio!
• A "Pedestrian Scramble" will transform our main intersection at Lake St and Kirkland Ave with a required 8-week closure expected in late July (yes you read that correctly). Questions? There's a meeting on 4/24 at 9am in City Hall's Council Chambers to chime in and learn more.

Butter Massage Spa at 1320 Market St is ready to sweep you away for some much-needed "me" time.  Owner Michelle Wedel's goal is for everyone to leave her new business relaxed.  And she didn't have to twist my arm to give it a try!  I love the interior updates to this classic building we've all cruised by a million times.  It feels clean and organized (which calms me) and also professional while quiet and private.   You can park on the street or in the little lot in the back.   Michelle will greet you for check-in, so get there early because not only should you never ever be even 3 seconds late for a massage, but the lobby has an interesting array of products that are all from women-owned and US-based brands and you'll want to have time to check them out. There's fabulous smelling non-drying hand sanitizer, jewelry that she creates (her former job), candles, lotions, oils, and more.  Michelle got into this business because she was hit by a semi-truck in her 20s and experienced chronic neck pain. The only thing that helped was massage, and she enjoys working with her hands and being one-on-one with people, so she wanted to be able to help others this way too.

My treatment really hit the spot in a comfortable room where she expertly delivered a 90-minute deep-tissue massage and discovered many rocks that have apparently been living rent-free in my upper back. Specialty oils and hot towels made it complete.  Michelle has a quiet demeanor, which I appreciate in this environment, and I shared how I always wished there was an option to pay a little extra at the end of a massage so I could just fall asleep for 30 minutes instead of having to re-dress and face the world again so immediately.   LOL- is this just me? Her full list of services can be found here and include luxuries such as hot stones, warm bamboo, cryotherapy, cupping, dry brush, and more.  Pricing is really reasonable starting at $100.  And of course, there's something special for Kirkland Blog readers..... a 90-minute hot stone massage, seasonal sugar scrub for back and feet, plus a paraffin foot treatment all for $185.  Text 206-402-1978 to book before 9/1/2023 and tell Michelle you heard about it here.  Alternatively, there is a first-time client discount of $15 off a service of your choice.

Other providers rent space in the building  that offer services such as permanent make-up, skincare, acupuncture, and naturopathy.  They will soon be expanding into the downstairs also.  And Michelle will have another room where there will eventually be couples massages offered.  Check back at buttermassagespa.com and their Insta page often for updates, promos, and monthly offers.  Go treat yourself to a 90-minute massage at Butter Massage Spa (60 is never quite enough..), you deserve it! ~j

<--mushroom burger on The Slip's new patio

I hope not! But maybe?  ARGH!  I'm having some technical issues with the blog and contact mgmt platform which is super frustrating. I've also been traveling a bit lately and maybe I'm old and tired too?  You guys are so sweet, though, I really appreciate the notes I've received asking what's happened or where I went and encouraging me to keep blogging.  I haven't forgotten you, I promise.  

I do have bunches of things to share................like the fact that Forge Pizza delivery/takeout just launched inside Coastline Burgers on Central (and hello handcrafted canned cocktails too!).  And Arleana's on Central is working hard to open soon and there's a menu posted already.  After being closed for 3 months,  The Slip has re-opened with its new patio offering 50% more seating.   Sparrow just announced their full menu will be available for lunch too, starting at 11am,, and happy hour is 3-5.  And yes, our beloved Stavros sold Santorini Greek Grill ( we all miss that big smile!), but you shouldn't notice much change in the restaurant.  He left it in the capable hands of his good friend that owns other Greek eateries in Seattle, and of course, Hector and the guys making those amazing gyro salads I crave will keep the food experience consistent.

On the events side of things, there's a Kirkland Job Fair coming up on April 1st that will help get our teens out of our hair this summer. Hooray! The (free!) Kirkland  Easter Egg hunt is April 9th. And we can almost start thinking about Wednesday Market and what's new there this year.  Spring/summer programs through the City of Kirkland open on 3/22 at 7am and Aquatics reg opens 3/29 at 7am on KirklandParks.net (this is when 4082 Kirkland moms all try to sign their kids up for swim lessons at the very same time). Better be logging in at 6:59!

Lucky me, I just had a treatment at Butter Massage Spa and an upcoming post will tell you all about it and share a special offer for readers.  And there's also a new animal urgent care in Houghton I have some scoop on.  It looks like the sales office for the new Continental Property apartments called Vela  (old Hector's spot) is open.  I'm so curious, anyone been in? 

Sorry, that's a lot of info.  That's what happens when I don't share for a month or two, I'm all pent up with Kirkland gossip.  Be sure you are following KirklandWeblog's Facebook and Insta, it's way easier for me to post quick updates there as they're happening.  

PS- what is with all of the new pay parking signs at Juanita Village? #superannoying

You can still squeeze a few more things on your calendar in these upcoming weeks, right?  Here we go..

Before we get to the fun stuff, we'll start with a little 'biz' about Park Lane, because if you have opinions to share, now is your chance to do so.  The debate of whether to close this award-winning street permanently to vehicles and parking is back on the front burner.  There's plenty of history to catch you up on right here, and I welcome you to get involved in upcoming meetings on January 26th and 27th.  There are consultants doing a study right now, and results and decisions will be made in the coming months.  

Sat Jan 28th, 12-2 pm in the Fountain Court at Kirkland Urban: “Come Together” to Kirkland Urban for the second annual (free and public) musical celebration inspired by the original surprise Beatles Rooftop concert in 1969. The event will feature a musical performance by one of Seattle’s favorite Beatles music experiences, Good Day Sunshine, who will perform every song from the original Beatles Rooftop Concert. Attendees will enjoy photo moments with Beatles-inspired costumed characters, themed Instagram-able moments, and groovy giveaways (while supplies last.) 

Aprés-Ski Patio Pop-Up at The Heathman's Hearth Mon-Sat 5-9pm through Jan 28th- Experience Aspen vibes in downtown Kirkland with alpine fare and comfort classics paired with hot cocktails.  It's like a little staycation- crab deviled eggs, hot toddies, table-top smores and even a shot-ski for you adventurous peeps! Reservations recommended 425-284-5900.

Feb 10th 5-9 pm is the Downtown Kirkland Wine Walk: It's 90's themed, so get your half shirts and mullets ready (which weirdly are sort of back in style). Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.  This is always a fun stumble around town to see what's new with your favorite friends, or just meet new ones there.

If you haven't booked your Valentine's Day adventure yet, you'd better hurry!  How about a little relaxing? The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa is doing a "Love is in the Air" package that includes luxury accommodations, $250 credit towards a 60 min couples massage w/aromoatherapy, a bottle of sparkling wine, and rose petals with signature Bath Butler (that would be a little strange if that were actually a person?! LOL) Promo code: LOVE23 to find out. 

Citrus in June recently opened in Kirkland Urban to bring you joy in all of your plant, flower, and gift-giving needs. You should know this adorable shop exists because it's not super obvious.   You'll find Citrus in June on the second floor of Urban, right next to Dough Zone, which happens to be one of my favorite lunch spots at the moment. As a matter of fact, that is what you should do.  Apologies, I'm getting a little off-topic here, but grab a friend and go to Dough Zone.  I used to really struggle with the word 'dough' in its name because I'm feeling doughy enough as it is.  But you can get an excellent not-so-doughy lunch for two people for about $28. I'll even tell you what to order to share: A-choy w/sesame dressing (ask for light dressing), broccoli (it's always perfectly prepared), chicken soup dumplings, chicken & vegetable wontons with chili sauce.  You're welcome!

After lunch, then stroll next door to Citrus in June (#220).  A rainy afternoon pairs nicely with a belly of warm soup and some plant shopping.  This shop is the 'little sister' to their full-service shops, Columbia City Bouquet and South Lake Union Bouquet in Seattle.    You'll find fresh flowers in the case each day and plenty of plant varietals in every size and shape, or you can always order a custom arrangement for pickup or delivery.  Poke around a little more to discover glassware, cards, candles, journals/pens, stickers, and plenty of other treasures and gifts.  I was pretty excited they carry my favorite super soft/absorbent dishtowels by Geometry that come in great patterns I always had to buy online, but now I can get them locally (a great hostess gift!).   They will be in this space until at least June, so let's show them some love. And check your mailbox, there was a recent local mailer with a "25% off any one item" coupon in it.  

500 Uptown Court, Suite 220,  425-577-1485, @citrusinjune

It doesn't feel like that many years ago that I was chipping ice off the boat's windshield to waterski in early December.  I must have been crazy. Just like all of you polar plungers!  The City of Kirkland's official "January Jump" scheduled for  January 7th was canceled due to a lack of sign-ups.  But I have a feeling you die-hards don't want to plan that far ahead and pay $15 to jump in a public lake.  So go ahead and do what you always do, the ole regulars and the newbies can all bond in their skivvies as they charge into 2023 AND Lake Washington at Marina Park at 1pm on January 1st.   A bathing suit/towel, hat, shoes that can get wet, and your defibrillator is all you'll need for this unsanctioned and invigorating Kirkland tradition.  The water temp of Lake WA is around 40 degrees now, which seems balmy compared to this crazy lady in Antarctica.  Stay warm friends, and happy new year!