There are times when nothing else will do, and then it's better not to fight it. Put on something newish, something that goes with your favorite shoes, and a little flair. Check to make sure you have your credit card. And head out to Bellevue Square for some serious shopping.

We hear it's Vibrant, Urban, Sophisticated and Adventurous. I tend to agree. Not only is there Everything, but there is room and time to enjoy it. The mix works. The levels and the spaces are up down and sideways, like an amusement park for adults. Every conceivable fashion choice is available in it's 180 stores, anchored by Macy's and Nordstroms, and including Mercer, Tiffany and Co, the Apple Store, LEGO, Armani Exchange, Williams-Sonoma, Lascoste, to name only a few. Restaurants like P.F. Chang's China Bistro, The Cheesecake Facotry, Red Robin, and Ruth's Cris Steak House are scattered throughout. Bellevue Square also has concierge services, valet parking, a local shuttle bus, children's play areas, and miles of tiled indoor shopping streets, staircases, elevators, and shiny shiny artlike plate glass windows into your future...if you buy and bring home some of the goodies.

Don't let me forget to mention the huge covered parking garage...yes, it's free...which will get you in and out without getting wet, even on the wetest of Northwest days. And if you get tired of blatent materialism, there's always the Bellevue Art Museum just across the street which invites you into the eternal world of images and smoky memories found only in the museum experience.

Once you have begun to wish you'd worn your other favorite shoes, the ones that are good for walking, it may be time to cross the bridge to Lincoln Square and settle down in the three story atrium in front of one of the gigantic fireplaces with a cup of some coffee beverage from one of the nearby venues, open up your laptop, and zone for a while. Or at least check your email before you take your first load of packages to the car and head back for another round, passing under the wiggly fun humungous glass sculpture that is the crown jewel of the vaulted space at the east end of the bridge. Some may say it's not quirky enough to be as fun as the Seattle shopping, but for those days when you know what you want, it's nice to know where to get it.

Labels: Belleve Square, Bellevue Art Museum, Bellevue Shopping, Lincoln Square

Look out California! For some time now, Napa and Sonoma have a history of being known for their wines... Other competing regions also produce nice wines which don't break the pocket book - countries such as Australia, Chile and some within Africa. If I'm not mistaken, they are still relatively young in the industry (or else recently went international or became popular) as is our very own Washington state.

Perhaps you are one who appreciates good wine and would be interested in doing something different one day.... with a friend, a spouse, or family visiting from out of town. Let me suggest spending some time in Woodinville visiting various wineries and engaging in some tasting. Woodinville is located within 30 minutes of Seattle and unless one is a true regional connoisseur, I am willing to bet most are unawares 40 wineries have taken up residence here. Most of these wineries have hours limited to weekends or by appointment only. Those which are open daily (some holidays excluded) include Silver Lake Winery, Januik, Edmonds Winery, Matthews Estate, Novelty Hill, Colombia and Chateau Ste Michelle. Due to the proximity of location to each other and my experience, I will focus on Colombia and Chateau Ste Michelle.

Chateau Ste Michelle provides complimentary 35 minute group tours of their winery which concludes with a wine sampling. If doing the group thing isn't your "thang" but tasting wine is, for $10 four wines are available to be sampled at the wine bar. For the past few years during Memorial Day weekend, Chateau Ste Michelle has hosted a great culinary with wine pairing event called "The Washington Wine Highway." Several gigantic tents were set up to provide cover for chefs (and those assisting them), winery representatives from the area, as well as guests. Various upscale restaurants throughout the state were featured, and each was allotted space for an "action station" in which preparation and samples of a Chef's chosen culinary delectable were served. With several wineries and vendors present to pour tastings of featured wines (with hopes of selling bottles or cases), this was a great way to sample food and experiment with wine pairings. Cost per couple was approximately $150 for one day, and included two wine glasses which were utilized during tasting. My husband and I very much enjoyed it, having attended last year (2008). In addition, there was live music and several different samples of packaged items to take home and enjoy (for example - spice rubs, chocolates etc). Chateau Ste Michelle is open daily from 10 - 5 (again with the exception of some holidays).

Colombia Winery is open daily from 10 - 6pm (some holidays excluded). In contrasting Colombia with Chateau Ste Michelle, having gone for tastings with out of town guests myself, my experience and opinion is the atmosphere at Colombia feels a little more casual and down to earth with friendlier staff. The wines were every bit as good or better. Although I humbly admit I'm not as sophisticated about wine as some connoisseur's, I personally enjoy a variety of wines; my favorites include Merlots, Petite Syrahs, Cabs, Chardonnays', some Pinot Grigio's and some Sauvignon Blancs. If memory serves correctly, Colombia provides an additional tasting for the same amount of money.

So after engaging in some wine tasting, it may be time for a meal and The Redhook Brewery and Forecasters Pub is in close proximity, right next door to Colombia. The atmosphere is casual and the food is good and inexpensive. The pub features mainly burgers, sandwiches, a few salads, nachos...that sort of fare. Although my husband is an incredible Chef (the food being why he so enjoyed The Washington Wine Highway) he does not appreciate a nice, medium - full bodied red (even though smooth), like I do. The man likes his beer. If you can identify with that, you will love The Redhook Brewery (*they have live music and dancing on the weekends too!). They also conduct tours which include tastings for $1. They have a special six beer sampler you can enjoy at the bar or while dining, which is very reasonably priced.


If Redhook Brewery and The Forecasters Pub sounds unappealing and one's desire is to visit a more upscale restaurant where exclusive enjoyment of wine can continue and pairing can occur, may I suggest Purple Cafe....it too is not far from these wineries, located off Hwy 202. The food is good with various pasta dishes as well as meat protein entrees to choose from (my personal favorite being The Seared Ahi Tuna served with Jasmine Rice and Seasonal Vegetable). The prices are reasonable. If budget is not an issue, perhaps for dinner what may be of interest can be found at The Barking Frog Restaurant located at The Willows Lodge; again these are just down the street from the two wineries, next door to Colombia and Redhook Brewery. The Herb Farm is also located within The Willows Lodge property and there one can experience a five course plated dinner, with each course being paired with wine for approximately $150 per person.

As a little footnote in case anyone is wondering...yes, those are snowflakes in the photographs; just when many thought we'd see Spring early this 2009 since we experienced great weather in February....some things are just unpredictable. I'm inclined to believe these geese are temporary residents of
Chateau Ste Michelle, realizing a "rest stop" was in order before continuing on in their journey north to Canada.

Submitted by Christine Viernes - Real Estate Professional
christine@seattlepowersearch.com
(425) 286 -3779

Labels: Woodinville and Washington Wine Country

This sweet rambler was built in 1979 and has 3 bedrooms, one full main bathroom and the master has it's own private 3/4 bath. Although the living space is a little under 1400 square feet, this home has a living room, family room and formal dining room. It very well could be the perfect fit for first time home buyers, or those who have considered downsizing now that the children are grown and out on their own.












Although the top picture doesn't reflect it, this home does have a two car garage and no, it's not tandem. The lot size is 15,000 square feet (not a dinky postage stamp!) and the rear yard is fully fenced and contains fruit trees and raised gardening beds in addition to a level lawn. Imagine come spring how beautiful this yard will be with some of the mature landscaping it contains!

The roof on this home was replaced in 2007 and some updating to the interior has been done. The carpet is in good shape, the family room has hardwood floors, and the utility/mudroom is large.

One of the best things about the community of Lake Marcel is the home owners and their guests are the only ones with beach rights and lake privilege's. Each year, an Easter egg hunt, a fishing derby and a fourth of July party is enjoyed by residents. The location of this home is a Carnation address but in actuality feels closer to Duvall. Redmond, Woodinville, Snoqualmie and Monroe are all less than thirty minutes away.



For more information or to schedule a showing, contact Christine
christine@seattlepowersearch.com
or (425) 286 - 3779

On January 8 my family and I finally made our way through out the door and into the car on a long trip to Westport, WA after numerous attempts. We had been planning to make this trip for months but something would always prevent us from getting there, like a job, technical problems with the car, baby sickness, etc.

Labels: Eastside flooding, flood detours, floor damage, Seattle flood relief

Sometimes you want a break from the high energy shopping taking place nonstop at Bellevue Square, and that's the day you head for Old Main, only just a block away but taking you away from the rush into the eternal. This is shopping as it used to be, and as it always should be, both dreamy and sparkley, timeless and very now.

This was a low key day weather wise, but the streets felt dressed up and holiday excitement was in the air as I browsed my way down Main Street in the Bellevue downtown, known for it's ambiance and flair. Old Main is a two block prominade between Bellevue Way and 100th Avenue NE. There are quaint, delightful shops and upscale eateries, as well as day spas, Shakti East Yoga Studio (Vinyasa), and even creative energy bodywork (at Health Wise), in fact more than 40 business's signs bedeck the streets. (Anyone who knows where the apostrophe goes in that, don't hold back, by all means let me know at your first opportunity!)

Ladies, you will want to stop in Posh on Main for shoes, especially if you like fluffy pink trees and yummy accessories. The rich perfume scented air will transport you to a distinct fashion flash and that is, as you know, often better than a 10 day vacation, especially at this time of year when no one can leave anyway, as we're all too busy wrapping packages. But wait, what about Christi's on Main, La Ree Boutique where you find.beautiful.style, Newport House for "more mature attitudes and figures," or Title 9 where Sporty is so seductive you'll fill your entire closet with chocolate-and-leaf-green or misty-blue outerwear with an edge and the ultimate running-around running shoes, mandatory to go with your SUV, and equally at home with your lime green superbeetle. And don't forget Ottica, eyewear was never this delicious on other streets, and I love their little snowmen gazing wistfully through the glass onto the wet streets (but wait, I'm told we'll have snow tomorrow...).

And speaking of delicious, there's restaurants you won't want to miss. Like Bis on Main, Salute of Bellevue Restaurante, 520 Bar and Grill, and the popular La Cocina del Puerco (try the carnitas) with the amazing colorfulful flags, streamers, signs, and fun stuff hanging in the ceiling space...how to chose? I guess it's what you're in the mood for. Or for coffee and desert it could be Belle Pastry with a scrumptious selection in a bakery case, or it could be Amore Chocolate for Italian coffee and the best Espresso Dark Truffles I'VE personally ever had. The propriator explained that the freshness makes the difference...wow! This calls for some serious Christmas shopping NOW. They will soon have a website where you can order these goodies, too, I'm told.

You may also want to consider your table's desire to be elegant and drop in at The Sophisticated Swine for silver, antiques and collectables. Next door is Patina Collections (for the home) with amazing can't-leave-without-it everythings. Or Veritables Decor...fantastic furniture. Or Ming's Asian Gallery. Or Villa for "fine kitchen and bath cabinets." Or the Oriental Rug Gallery. And you will certainly spend time at the windows of several fine jewelry stores...ok, you get the idea! Let me know how you like it...

Labels: Bellevue, Old Main, restaurants, shopping

Labels: Bellevue mortgage companies, interest rates

Something that never fails to amaze me is the sheer amount of fantastic museums and other intriguing venues available here for both adults and children. Just seeing all the museums, parks, play areas, and other exciting exhibits in this city (if we went to one every weekend) would take us far into 2009! Not really a problem, since my 7 year old loves the kids activities and the things for adults give my friends and I a chance to get together once in a while and still enjoy something special at the same time. Here are four that I'm going to visit ASAP!
1.
Bellevue Art Museum
Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-8pm, Sun 12pm-5pm
Admission: Adults $6, seniors/students $4 Children $4 Under 6, free
510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, Phone: (425) 519-0770

Right near Bellevue Square so you can actually do both in one day if you have to :-) The museum has been said to "want you to explore and think." Thanks, sounds perfect! One reviewer for Museum.com says "The models in Houses x Artists were a blast to play with as was the interactive game. Bread & Puppet is one of the most visually stunning installations I have seen in quite some time." OK, this is first on my list, stand by for a full report and photos! The current exhibit is John Grade, DISIntegration (Sculpture Through Landscape) and Tip Toland, MELT (The Figure in Clay).

But wait! Check out these upcoming events:

• BAM-O-WEEN, free Family Day, holloween oriented crafty activities, musical performances, and a haunted auditorium (Oct 24 3:30-7:30, costumes encouraged)...
• Get Crafty Saturdays! Free, ages 4+, 1-3 every Saturday...
• EASTSIDE JAZZ EXTRAVAGANZA presented by the Eastside Jazz Club ...Featuring San Francisco jazz vocalist Madeline Eastman and the ever-popular The Bill Ramsay Nonet, as well as other great musicians! Don't mis the concert of the year!2:30 pm 10/26...
• FINALLY FRIDAYS...sip wine and stroll through the galleries seeing art and meeting intersting people the last Friday of each month...
• POLYMER CLAY ART JEWELRY WORKSHOP with Instructor Ronna Sarvas WeltmanNorthwest artist Ronna Sarvas Weltman will help you find your voice in this workshop that introduces you to the properties and possibilities of polymer clay.
• and more! check out their web site.

2.

Kids Quest Children's Museum
4091 Factoria Square Mall SE, Bellevue, WA 98006, (425) 637-8100
Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 10-5 Fri: 10-8
Admission: Members: Free, Under 1 year: Free, Ages 1-100: $7, Friday 5-8 Free

"By far the best children's musum in the state of Washington" according to one reviewer.

Their October Activities Calander is awesome...what is this great Fetch Lab? Kids are asked to solve challenges issued by canine host Ruff Ruffman, and "You may be asked to experiment with wind or water, build like an engineer or think like a mathematician."...Each lab is a single day event but they have them multiple times in a month...sounds like great fun!

3.
Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main StBellevue, WA 98005, (425) 452-2750

Known for it's magnificant landscaping and the Yao Japanese Garden, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is an "oasis on a quiet side street" in Bellevue. One reviewer noted she had lived in the city for years before she visited, now she goes several times a month. The exquisite varieties of rhododendrons (Washington's State Flower), the peonies in summer, the fuscias near the entrance, the ground cover garden, and at the holidays, the Garden d'Lights (a "must" according to past visitors) all add up to a place to go over and over through the year. And best of all it is totally free, even the abundant parking! There are docent led tours for a donation, gardens are open dawn till dusk.

4.

Eastside Heritage Center
"Discover, Share, Participate."
425-450-1049, or email education@eastsideheritagecenter.org

...check website for details on these & other activities:

• History of the Bellevue Police Department (10/16, 7 pm)
• Coal Creek Park History Hikes (11/2, 2-4 pm)
• Cabin Heritage Programs (10/11 & 10/12, 11-3 pm)
• Heritage Harvest Teas (10/18, seatings at 1 & 3, $15)
  
  The Center "is committed to preserving the past as it builds community and connects people with their heritage. It maintains and preserves the largest collection of artifacts, photos and archival material related to East King County, Washington, and it "focuses on sharing this collection with the community through exhibits, books, presentations and a wide variety of education programs." It's on my list!

Labels: museums