Sweets & Sweats at The Village at Totem Lake

Sees1  Sees2  Sees2<--James Cox (district sales) & Cindy Hodo (Lynnwood See's Mgr)

 Sees2  Sees2 <--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).

Run and Flow Event_Photo Credit Kaleb Coleman (002) 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. 

 


The 20,000 Foot View

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.
  • EarthDayKU2023
    Earth Day at Kirkland Urban i
    s 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. 
  • IMG_4738(1)
    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.

Exhale at Butter Massage Spa

 
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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.


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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

 

 


Citrus in June (or January)

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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!

CitrusinJunesucculents CitrusinJunegifts CitrusinJunecactus


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


Now We Have a "Side Hustle"

SideHustleSharonJames2022 SideHustleSnoopDogg

Is there family in town for the holidays? Perhaps you need a place to hide from your kids or in-laws with a cold local beer to unwind? I've got you covered! Check out this little gem and take an extended stroll (bring the dog!) down to Side Hustle on Lake Street where you can enjoy a crisp local brewsky and relax.  Nestled in the space formerly occupied by Asher, you will find beers that have been sourced directly from nearby breweries and kegged the same day.  And the vibe is comfortable, approachable, and non-pretentious. 

Owner James Whittaker and his wife Sharon (photo) are cutting out the middleman and bringing fresh craft beer varieties directly to their welcoming Kirkland location.  James explained how true local craft beers are usually found in out-of-the-way or uninspiring locations, while walkable downtowns typically offer industrial beer disguised as a true craft.  His goal is to bring a great ambiance AND super fresh craft beer to one place. Side Hustle is only for the 21+ crowd, so you'll be leaving the kids home for this one.   There are currently about 9-10 breweries in their co-op, most of which don't distribute broadly, so check out the taplist and pricing here.  The Stout from Watts Brewery has been a best seller.  In addition to beer, there are also ciders, and wine from Morgan Lee and 425 Cellars.  I tried the pineapple hard seltzer ( alas, I'm not a beer girl) which was crisp fruity and refreshing.  And the Two Vintners Cab Sav was also right up my alley. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, there are unique options for you too, such as Lolo Hop water (sparkling water made with hops) or Zentopia CBD seltzer (nighty night!).

SideHustleBar        SideHustleBar
Side Hustle is a spot where you could bring your laptop and work all day or meet up with Friends, in an unofficial "Cheers" of Kirkland type of way.  Mind and board games are stacked by the tables.  The staff is super friendly and they even have a reclaimed wood bar with a resin pour in the shape of Lake Washington!   Once a month they will host events such as comedy performances (Andrew Rivers on January 19th!), or the infamous Kirkland Wine Walks.  There's no food at Side Hustle, but you are welcome to order or pick up from elsewhere and bring it in.  Reach out directly  if you'd like to host lectures or private parties (max 66 ppl) in this excellent space. Hours are M-F 3-10 and Sat 1-10 and Sun 1-9. Ohhh, and don't forget Happy Hour which is $1 off any drink 3-6pm. They also have a "Mug Club" for your mug... $100/ year that gets you free special event admission, 20 oz pours, and other fun perks. 

Contact 425-898-4136 or [email protected]. Insta: @sidehustletaps  

Since I'm admittedly not a beer connoisseur, I'll rely on you all to ''brew' up some feedback to share.

 


Sweet Serenity Blossoms on Park Lane

SweetSerenity2          SweetSerenity2

Sweet Serenity,  formerly located in The Village at Totem Lake (they still have a flower cart at the Village!), is now permanently moved into their space at 140 Park Lane.  This adorable plant/flower/candle shop feels fresh, and airy, and gives happy vibes when you breeze through.  Light splashes through the big corner windows where the plants soak it all in.  Sweet Serenity has fabulous plants in many shapes, sizes, and presentations. They also do flower arrangements and custom-made bouquets, along with soy wax candles that they make and pour every few days in-house.  


SweetSerenity2        

The interior is organized by scent, with each awning having its own featured smell.  Their most popular scent is "Happy Hour" (that sounds about right to me), followed by "Winter's Night" which is cozier. There are plenty of great hostess gifts and creative foliage pick-me-ups to make someone's day.  Sweet Serenity also offers classes, such as their wreath-making class that is coming up on 12/16, which looks like it even has a few spots left! 

Sweet Serenity hours are Mon-Thurs 11 am- 6 pm and Fri/Sat 11 am- 7 pm. 425-588-8575.  Go pop in and 'buy local.' 


Adrish: A Zero Waste Natural Organic Lifestyle Store Arrives in Kirkland

Adrishflyer    Adrishflyer
Sai and her husband Phani are locals that recently opened Adrish in the previous Everyday Athlete spot (264 Central Way, which has it's own parking). Adrish is a popular franchise in India, and this is the first international store right here in Kirkland.  This couple is so genuine and enthusiastic about striving to be plastic-free, zero-waste, and having great offerings of organic-certified goods.  Even their pillars, beams, and shelves are 150-year-old reclaimed wood from Pondicherry India! 

Adrish3   Adrish3    Adrish3
You can bring your own containers or use their bags to weigh bulk food staples such as pastas, rice/dry goods, beans, sugars, flours, and teas (no refined sugars, flours, or oils).  All of their oils are wood or cold-pressed so there is no heat generated and all of the nutrients are preserved. This is good for your bones.  They also have eight different kinds of millet.   One of Adrish's best sellers is the 'khichdi mix' which includes brown rice, lentils, red rice, millet, quinoa, and moringa powder.   Most items are sourced from their indigenous location in India, and some are very rare here, such as the white almost (delish!).  Phani's sister, Roja, will be managing the store and offering cold-pressed juices with no ice/water/sweeteners, organic teas, and tastings.  Recipe suggestions will also soon be available. 

Adrish6    Adrish6
I had an opportunity to try bhakarwardi, an Indian snack popular in Maharastra which was delightfully crunchy with a spicy finish.  And the dried apricots are the softest and freshest I've ever tasted.  In addition to food items, Adrish also has handmade goods such as caneware and brassware, along with children's wooden toys that are made with organic vegetable dyes.  Adrish is open from 11-7 every day, and they're looking forward to welcoming you and answering all of your questions about their new zero-waste natural organic lifestyle store. Pop in and say hello.  Gift boxes will soon be ready for the holidays too! 

Follow Adrish on socials here: Facebook, Insta.  Questions:  [email protected] 

Bonus, you will be supporting a veteran (she is in the army reserve!), woman, bipoc owned business. :-)


Farewell to Beach Café

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The Beach Café at Carillon Point will be closing on September 3rd.  But fear not! You have a couple of days left to dine there.  The space is in good hands with the new owners who are working on something exciting and new for us.  We will have to be patient and wait for the unveiling in Spring 2023, but 
I'll get you more inside scoop as it becomes available. 


Lakeside & Fireside at the Woodmark Hotel

Woodmark4         Woodmark4

Steve and I were lucky enough to attend a lakeside event last week at  The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa in Carillon Point.  This classic Kirkland mainstay has done an amazing job reimagining its outdoor living space that shows off five custom firepits with surrounding Adirondack chairs on their sweeping waterfront lawn.  And don't forget the vino! Clearly, they know us well and have recently launched a wine program to accompany the firepits, which guests will receive information about upon check-in via QR code.  Expect to see bottles such as Treveri bubbles, Delille, Betz, and Patterson whites and reds to accompany the disposable fireside wine tumblers. Whether it's summertime views where you are watching the boats, kayaks, paddlers, and sunsets, or wintertime where you can snuggle up under one of their Pendleton blankets and watch the stars, this is an epic location to experience Lake Washington's shoreline.   The fire pits are available daily from 6-10 pm (weather permitting). 

Woodmark4   Woodmarkreno2022 (photo cred: The Woodmark)

The Woodmark has also renovated its lobby to represent a luxurious residential comfort where guests can lounge and relax in the color palette that emulates a timeless Pacific Northwest mood.  Don't forget about this long-standing lakeside gem the next time you have an event or visitors in town that want to experience the best of Kirkland.  


Behind Google's Doors in Kirkland Urban

Google22urbanexterior  Google22urbanexterior
I was lucky enough to score an invite to tour Google's 'officially open' Phase 1 on the Kirkland Urban Campus.  Check out these photos that hopefully help demystify what is behind the doors of that fancy new building.  Not only did I witness an incredible sustainability-focused build and unmatched creativity on each floor, but I also hobnobbed (ie; shuffled around on the opposite side of the same big room where they had no idea I was there) with Governor Jay Inslee,  Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Mayor Penny Sweet, local reps, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai who all praised Google's leadership, innovation, community partnerships, philanthropy, and investment in our region. Google plans to invest $100 M in WA state in 2022. Boom!
Google22airlineottoman  Google22Airlinefloor  <--the wall of playing cards  Google22AirlinefloorGoogle22airlineottoman                      Google22Airlinefloor

    
Facilities manager Frederico Olmedo walked me around the Central Building which I entered on the second floor of Kirkland Urban (near Evergreens). He has been working on this project for 4 years, and clearly, it is a labor of love with a laser focus on the details.  Each floor of the building has a different WA State theme.  On the 7th floor, the fishing industry is represented with a bright orange fishing net across the ceiling in central spaces.  There's also a full sound studio, so if you want to go jam on a guitar or sing in a soundproof room, why wouldn't you?  The 6th floor was a nod to the shipping industry and UPS, where you find 'brown' barcodes next to doorways and stacked moving blankets as chair ottomans.  My favorite was the 5th floor which recognizes flight/Boeing with a sitting area that feels like a retro airport lounge, and another room whose wallpaper is made completely out of real old playing cards that used to be handed out by airlines during flights, complete with an airline roller cart full of board games.  There's also an in-flight mini-theatre that can be utilized for games or movies.  On the 4th floor, you'll find a nod to REI/tourism/nature and the outdoors with backpacks on the walls in their stocked self-serve mini cafe where you can grab a handful of snacks before bringing your pooch to hang out at the doggie lounge with indoor and outdoor patio spaces. This would be an awesome #doglife.  


Google22BigroomGoogle22Airlinefloor   Google22Airlinefloor <-- furry friends welcome at work

I think I need to work here. It just feels like a fun place to be, especially once the office fills up with people again. But I'd never get anything done, I'd just eat free snacks and play with everyone's dogs all day while dreaming of being in a 1978 airport lounge.  And then after work, I'd be a fixture at the QFC bar and eat too many Plantiful Acai Bowls.  It could be problematic on second thought. But good news if you're looking...turns out you can job search Google roles out of Kirkland, WA and there appear to be  1104 open jobs here.  They currently have 7200 full-time employees in the Puget Sound region

The North Google Building is also complete and hosts wellness and fitness centers, but I didn't get to stroll that side of campus.  The South building is expected to open in 2023, and the East tower in 2025, which will bring the total of these four buildings of Google office space to 760,000 square feet.  But they aren't stopping there, Google is proceeding with development and design planning for its additional planned campus on the former site of the Lee Johnson Chevrolet dealership, whose acquisition deal is expected to close in phases over the next several years.  Kudos to Google for pushing the envelope in both coolness and investment in our city, all while being on track for LEED Gold Certification in sustainability.