I love to people watch, I like to see what the trends are I like to keep up on what's fashionable. I am especially interested in what is hot right on the Eastside. What is the look women and men are after.

In the past, we have had the reputation as the REI and Eddie B. look. But now, looking around, it's evolved into a very chic place. Gone are the days of soccer mom looks and Tevas and socks. And, rarely is there any granola crunching hippie looks. People are walking down Bellevue way in bright clothing, women in high heels, men in sport jackets and designer jeans.

In Bellevue, it's all about being functional yet fashionable. The best of both worlds. According to Rachal at La Ree Boutique in old Bellevue, we are evolving into casual chic. She more and more women are pairing designer with non designer pieces. She recommends high quality tee shirts by Monrow, Zooey, or 0039Italy put with jeans, and a piece of her hot seller; Jamie Joseph jewelry. Jamie Joseph is a local jewelry designer, and Rachal says her customers buy lots of this brand and wear it to dress up their outfits.

At Bellevue's Derek Andrew , the Twisted Heart track suit is the hottest item. Paris Hilton had just called requesting a particular design. These embellished track suits come in an array of designs. For a sophisticated look of an afternoon running errands, picking up the kids, or enjoying a shopping spree, this is a perfect choice.

Looks comfy, yet very stylish. If it's good enough for Paris, it's good enough for me.

There's a new store in Bellevue Square that caters to the baby boomer man. It features it's own in house designs and it's called Road. The finest fabrics with an organically draped cut paired with comfortable fit is what's selling here. It's business casual in a sophisticated way. Blazers paired with dress slacks and a nice shirt, no ties, no cufflinks. High end fabrics, cut to drape the body organically, that is the Eastside look for the guys. I love that old style "rat pack" look, but that must be so uncomfortable for a guy. The white starched shirt, cufflinks, fedora hat, tie, tie pin..the works...looks great, but?

What about the most important fashion accessory of all? You can be in a Chanel suit but if your hair is having a bad day, it doesn't matter. The iverted bob is seen everywhere these days, and I have heard it called a "Pob", because of Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice. Long loose, waves on longer hair have replaced stick straight mid back "do's." Flat irons for shorter hair only.
At Beaux Arts Hair in Bellevue, women are asking for, sassy bobs, multi tonal hair color in shades of caramel, sand, and toffee. Chocolate with mocha hilights and shapes that are cut to fall into place organically. Everyone's hair is different, so the hair must shaped to go with the texture of each person's hair.

There were lots of parties last night in Bellevue, two of which BF Mel and I had to choose between.
There was the John McCain Victory dinner bash...33,100. per couple at the Hyatt, and then there was the one year anniversary party for my friend Michael's Downtown Bellevue Network venture. This was at the 520 Bar and Grill.
He celebrated one year of his website which is very informative with regards to Bellevue specific real estate, happenings, businesses, and things going on in downtown Bellevue.

Which party did we go to? Not the McCain event. We weren't invited and besides, 33,000. is a bit steep ...uh..yeah...right. I don't think there is any meal that would give me 33,000 dollas worth of pleasure...anyway, not that I have that much laying around, but we did go to the Downtown Bellevue Network party. I hope the food was good at the McCain event.

It was held at Joe Brazen and his lovely wife Randi's restaurant in old Bellevue, the 520 Bar and Grill. .
Michael, events writer Lea, real estate contributor; Brian Beige, and fashion contributor; yours truly, were all on hand to celebrate his one year anniversary. Also seen at the 520 Bar and Grill were restaurant writer and media queen Eileen Mintz, Chef Dan Thiessen from the Twisted Cork Wine Bar and lots of other guests.

The website is especially useful if you are realtor and want to aquaint your clients to the Bellevue area or if you just want to go online and see where things are and what is going on right in the heart of downtown.

Who would have thunk it? The charming little Bellevue Nursery was the scene of a shopping frenzy this past weekend and it offers a Master Gardener class on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 11-3. This continues through May.
I usually work on Saturdays in my hair salon, but took the afternoon off to go with BF Mel to get some plantings for our vegetable garden. This place is happening! There was a policeman directing traffic, and people were buying plants like there was no tomorrow. Granted, it was mother's day weekend, but I think we are also all ready for some Summer.
Here's Mel in the greenhouse contemplating some lemon verbena plants.

Tuesday night, May 13th John McCain will be at the Bellevue Hyatt for a fundraiser.
In case you want to go, here is the pricing structure:
Reception $1,000
VIP Reception $2,300
Photo Reception $10,000
Victory Dinner (per couple) $33,100
Start your charge cards.

Ok then, on Wednsday evening the 14th we have Jane Porter, a Seattle award winning writer doing a reading and signing of her lastest book at the U Book Store at 990 102nd Ave. NE in Bellevue. 7 PM. Her newest book is entitled Mrs. Perfect, and it's about a successful mother, her 3 perfect kids, and perfect home in Bellevue, then devastion occurs, and the woman in the story gets to know herself in a whole new way.

On Saturday evening, it's not really in Bellevue, but local musician Jimmy Vegas

is performing in Kent on Sat May 17th 2008
* Pat's Bar and Grill
* 114 Railroad Ave N. Kent WA
If you like Rat Pack music stylings, and want to hang out with the swingin crowd babe, this action is for you. It's Vegas A GO GO complete with go go dancers, and cabaret show.
* 8:30pm

BITE AND FLIGHT your way around Bellevue.

At the Bellevue Collection Seven Bellevue Collection restaurants are coming together to offer Bite (appetizer sampling) and Flight (selected wine tastings) in an exclusive, new Bite & Flight Passport. The Passport is a two-week, limited time offer available for $25 in celebration of the upcoming Culinary & Wine Showcase (running May 26 – June 1, 2008) at The Bellevue Collection

And, Chace's Pancake Corral turns 50 this summer..stay tuned for that one!

Do you have a guilty pleasure? Something you love to do that you just can't tell people about because they would give you a funny look? Or, would think "you like to do THAT?" Well, let me tell you...who cares what others think...just do your thing. As the song goes "life is just a bowl of cherries, don't take it serious, life's too mysterious".

Ok..I will reveal my guilty pleasure. I think people who know me think I am a high maintainence girl, and I am the first to admit I like nice things. I like to spend money, and go to fancy places to eat.

But, I have a dark side: I love JUNKING! I love thrift stores, and I love diner food. I love dive bars, and I LOVE deep fried food and gin martinis. That is it...my secret is out.

I LOVE the Goodwill in Bellevue/Redmond.
Goodwill Industries
14515 Ne 20th Street
Bellevue, WA 98007
Bellevue Goodwill This place is more than a Goodwill, it's like a garage sale for people who didn't like their Pottery Barn wedding gifts and dumped them off there. I have also found designer clothing, like BeBe, Michael Stars, SEVEN jeans, Abercrombie and Fitch, and brand new Ann Taylor with tags.

I've dug around in the bins and found 14K gold jewelry, bottles of expensive perfumes, and brand new Kerastase (normally 25.00 per bottle) shampoo. (my price? 2.99)
I love the treasure hunt, the thrill of finding some great piece of clothing at a steal of a price, or a one of a kind cocktail dress.
And, the money benefits those less fortunate.

Then, there is the Children's Hospital Thrift store behind Sears in Redmond:
Children's HOSP Thrift Store
15137 Ne 24th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
I found some vintage etched glass wine goblets and martini glasses...crystal of course.
Also found a really cool print of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing in a sequence of ballroom moves. It was framed and ready to be put in my hair salon. 15.99! Two other customers were trying to wrestle it away from me at the counter.
Don't get me started on the brand new with tags Crate and Barrel jumbo love seat and sofa with neutral sage green upholstery I missed out on. They had SOLD tags on them. Some lucky soul snagged those for 75.00 each.
There's the Value Village in Kirkland
Value Village
12515 116th Avenue Northeast
Kirkland, WA 98034
This place is hit or miss. Some good clothing items, but the furniture dept. is sadly lacking. Not much in the way of electronics either.

Have you tried St. Margaret's Thrift store in Factoria?
St Margaret's Thrift Shop
4228 Factoria Boulevard Southeast
Bellevue, WA 98006
It has limited hours and days, but I have found the occasional "just what I was looking for" in there too. It's small but jam packed so you can hunt and peck to your heart's content.

The Grande Dame of them all, the Overlake Service League Thrift store in Bellevue Square is more like a haute couture fashion house.
Overlake Service League - Thrift Shop
167 Bellevue Square
Bellevue, WA 98004
This place is packed with throwaways from Medina women. I feel they price things a bit high sometimes, but if it's something you REALLY want, go for it and pay it. It will be gone if you don't.

And, if you love garage/estate sales as much as I do, check out this site for local listings.
Happy hunting!
Oh, and after all that shopping, I like to finish the day with a martini, and plate of deep fried jumbo prawns at Lil Jon's in Eastgate.
3080 148th Ave Se Ste 201, Bellevue, WA
This place has the stiffest drinks, fast service, and a menu of the guiltiest pleasure food you would ever want.
And, they don't serve "spring mix"! They have real lettuce!
BF Mel and I were weeding the backyard and I mentioned to him that the pile of weeds looked that weird designer lettuce they serve in fancy places nowadays. The stuff with bitter spikey pieces of greenery?
Anyway, feeling guilty is a waste of time.

Sex and the City will be opening in Seattle at the Big Picture in El Gaucho in downtown Seattle. It will hosted by Chat with Women radio hosts Rochelle Alhadeff and Pam Gray, which should prove to be a lively night on the town. Just like Carrie Bradshaw and her friends.

Do you know your Sex and the City fashion?
Take the quizz and see how knowledable you are.

While you are honing your fashion trivia, did you know that gentlemen prefer not blondes, but brunettes to marry? That is, wealthy men. Think Charlotte York. Bag your billionaire by dying your tresses chocolate....oh---kay.
A popular dating site did a study of wives and girlfriends of the world's top 10 billionaires. They found that 62 per cent of them were brunette. Think Melinda Gates, Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta Jones, and of course Charlotte York who, on TV married the wealthy prepster husband Trey.
According to a recent study
And, it says blondes are bad for the planet! Imagine! Redheads never marry billionaires according to this study.

While you wrap your pretty little head around these facts, let's look at the Sex and the City party happening here in our City:

El Gaucho and The Big Picture
Details please! EVENT DATE: June 5th, 2008 – Thursday – 85. per person

VENUE: El Gaucho Seattle (Pampas Room) 5:30pm – 7:45
The Big Picture - Reception 7:45pm – 8:20
Movie time: 8:30pm

And, for 85. here is what you get:Admission to show
Bag of Popcorn
One Cosmo at Big Picture
Appetizers in the Pampas Room
Crab Cakes
Fruit & Cheese Platter
Top Sirloin Steak Sandwiches
Veggie Platter
Wicked Shrimp
Coastal Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Two Grey Goose Cocktails in Pampas Room
Gift Bag – sponsored by Chat with Women
Tax and Gratuity

This is more exciting than a closet full of Manolo Blahniks and a night with Mr. Big.

Just when you think they...the powers that be, could not eek another eatery into Downtown Bellevue, think again.
The good news for us is that two new places opened up in one building! If you think you want gourmet, then change your mind..just walk a few steps.
The Bellettini on 108th avenue NE now has an upper end place to eat lunch and dinner, and a more casual place for breakfast, lunch and dinner and happy hour! That makes ME happy. Happy hour is from 3-6 Monday through Saturday with 1.99 beers. Cheers!
Don't let the fact that these places are in a retirement home... The Bellettini, they are open to the public and are ready to serve YOU. The restaurants are hip, current, and stylish.

You can enjoy a four course dinner at Toscano, or hop over to Panini's for more laid back fare.
Top price for dinner at Toscano is 40.00 and at Panini's everything is 10.00 and under.

And, did you know there is a quaint little French place in Old Bellevue? You can get crepes! It's called Cafe Pirouette. it has rather limited hours, it's mostly for lunch, but they have a good wine list, and the food is really authentic. It is situated off old Main, on 102nd..in the old fire station.
Great place to meet the gals for lunch or have a romantic dinner. Friday and Saturday's only for dinner.

And, according to Downtown Bellevue Network Michael says we are getting a Palomino restaurant in the place of Manzana.
I loved Manzana's happy hour, but Palomino works too! I wonder if they will have a good happy hour. If you think about it, it's almost more economical to hit happy hour for dinner than to go shopping for groceries to make dinner.

If you are in touch with your "inner chef" and want to cook at home, this class at Whole Foods Bellevue looks good:
Friday, May 9th
Friday Night with Friends: Make Ahead Dinner Party
6:00–8:00 p.m. $30, In Salud!
Are you tired of running back and forth into the kitchen to check on the dinner while the guests party on without you?
At your next dinner party, be your own guest. This class will show you how to prepare an elegant dinner that will keep you out of the kitchen for most of the party. On the Menu with wine pairings:
White Gazpacho
Beef Croustades with Boursin & Mushrooms
Frozen Grand Marnier Soufflés

Their Sassy Sauces class looks intriquing too..It's all about the sauce, gilding the lily, the creme de la creme, the cream rises to the top...well..you get the idea.
Tuesday, May 20th
Sassy Sauces
6:00–8:00 p.m. $30, In Salud!
Why are we so shy about sauces? Sauces are a way to turn meat, poultry or fish into a quick, tasty meal. In this class you will go over the basics of Sauté and how to make a great pan sauce. Take for example, and don't be scared.. Marsala Mushroom, Beurre Blanc, Satay Peanut Sauce, Hollandaise, Lemon Walnut, Caramelized Onion and Balsamic… Class will include a full meal with wine. Expect to get sauced.

Whether you choose to celebrate Cinco De Mayo at home or out and about, it is still about that one day of year when you can eat and drink festive food and drink with a spicy flare and the calories don't count because, well...it's a HOLIDAY!

For those of you staying home, I asked some of my friends for their most famous Mexican inspired recipes.
Get out the guac and margarita mix!

From Alexandra Hedin of 425 Magazine, their Lifestyle and entertainment expert, comes a tempting adult beverage especially for this day:
MARGARITA GRANITA
1 cup sugar
3 cups water
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup tequila
put the sugar and water into a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. When the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and let cool.
Put the lime juice, tequila, and cooled sugar syrup in the blender. Blend for about 30 to 45 seconds. Pour this liquid into a 9 by 13-inch metal cake pan and put it into the freezer. Scrape the mixture every hour with a fork to break up the ice crystals. After about 4 to 6 hours, depending on your freezer, the pan will be full of margarita ice flakes and will be done. Serve in small, cold bowls or glasses, garnished with a twist of lime and a salted rim.
Inspired by a recipe by the Food Network Kitchen

From friend, wine expert, and food blogger, and International wine tour coordinator; Ronald Holden of Cornichon dot org

Potato fritters & eggs

Boil 2 medium potatoes, peel, mash with fork.
Rough-chop 1 bell pepper (red, yellow or green), 1 small onion, 1 clove garlic, i small jalapeno (optional); sauté but don't brown in 1 TB olive oil in large skillet, add to potatoes.
Shape potato mix into three patties, brown on one side, flip; add six eggs to pan, cover, cook until eggs are set.
Serve with sour cream & salsa...too good.
Ok...now it's time for a workout?

12 oz. curls anyone?
I think this is where the Corona with lime comes in.

And, from media queen Eileen Mintz, she suggested this recipe from top executive chef at Salty's Alki, Jeremy McLachlan:
HALIBUT CHEEKS WITH PICO DE GALLO
Serves 4
Ingredients
1½ pounds halibut cheeks
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Pico de Gallo Ingredients
½ cup radishes, ¼-inch dice
½ cup English cucumber , seeded, ¼ inch dice
¼ cup onion, ¼-inch dice
½ cup watercress, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon canola oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 avocado ½-inch slice (garnish)
In medium bowl combine radishes, cucumber, onion, watercress, lime juice, oil, salt. Set aside.
Season halibut cheeks with salt and sear over medium high heat until golden brown on both sides. Arrange seared halibut cheeks on top of mashed potatoes. Crown the halibut cheeks with Pico de Gallo. Garnish with avocado.
Eileen was kind enough to pass on this recipe from chef Gabe Cabrera of Redondo Beach Salty's.
CABRERA'S HALIBUT CEVICHE OVER CORN TOSTADAS
Yields 8 servings
1 bag of corn tostadas (Los Pericos or any round corn tostadas)
2 pounds fresh halibut, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 quart clam juice or fish, vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup chablis
1 cup water
4 fl.oz lime juice
2 fl.oz of olive oil
1 clover garlic minced
3 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients above except halibut and tostadas; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the halibut and cook until the fish reaches 125 degrees (or until desired doneness). Strain the halibut and chill until cool in a shallow pan in the refrigerator. While waiting to chill prepare the marinade:
Ceviche Marinade
4 cups freshly diced tomatoes, 1/4-inch pieces
1 cup white onions-diced 1/4-inch pieces
1 bunch chopped cilantro
2 fluid oz. lime juice
6 fl. oz cocktail sauce
6 fl. oz. ketchup
2 each avocados, diced 1/2 inch pieces
2 tsp. kosher salt
Take all of the above ingredients and mix gently in a bowl with a rubber spatula including the chilled halibut. Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Scoop the ceviche onto the tostados right before they are eaten. The tostada will get soft if the ceviche is put on too early.
Buen apetito!

So, there you have it, some great ways to celebrate. And, remember, there are NO calories on holidays so enjoy!

Become someone's mother? Adopt a critter from Pasado's Safe Haven in your Mom's name or just because.
A Special Gift that will warm your Mother's heart.
Sponsor an Animal and give a Gift that Really Means Something!

Send a beautiful, full-color glossy photo card with special message from you!
Is there a better gift than one that means a second chance animals who have suffered abuse and neglect? Warm your loved ones heart with these gifts of kindness!

Go out with your gal pals: MAY 1st 5-7 PM
Girls Night Out Wine Tasting
Sponsored by The Wine Shoppe & Majesty
The Marketplace at Redmond Ridge
22320 NE Marketplace Dr. #107
425-868-4700 or 425-868-7400

Visit the Big Picture Theatre and see the Sex and the City movie

Opening Friday, May 30 at Big Picture Seattle:
The much anticipated movie!!
"SEX AND THE CITY"

Taste Wine!
Buy some tickets for Wine Notes at Marymoor Park

The concert and wine tasting series happens the weekend of July 26th and 27th (this is historically the nicest weekend of the whole year) and features some great music. Mindi Abair and Tower of Power among my personal faves.

The nectar of the Gods; DeLille Cellars is having a wine tasting for 25.00 per person.
SPRING BARREL TASTING - May 10, 2008
DeLille Cellars - May 10, 2008, 11am - 5pm
14208 Woodinville-Redmond Road, N.E.
Redmond, WA 98052
Just click here to purchase your tickets.

Washington's newest boutique winery

will be pouring this Saturday May 3rd from 12--4 PM
Check out Pondera Winery's releases and buy some of this wine! It is family run, and the process of their winemaking is all about the details and fine points. You won't be disappointed. Be one of the first to get in on this best kept secret.

The Bellevue Botanical Garden needs volunteers for the Garden D'Lights making of lighted plants. Call: 425-451-3755
Learn to make flower lights the Bellevue Botanical Garden way. Hands-on classes are taught in the Spring and Fall each year.

Grab Mom and hit the Culinary & Wine Showcase at the Bellevue Collection
An ongoing wine and culinary event with a new twist this year: the Bite and Flight.
" A passport to seven different restaurants for only $25, Bite and Flight is designed to let you sample a wide variety of culinary delights and wine throughout the Collection. "

You say you are bored? You are tired of the rain? There's no excuse. Get busy.

With the announcement that "stimulus package" monies will be shelled out this week, have you thought about where and what you will spend your money on?
I mean, it's all about stimulating the economy, and, hey..you are just doing your part to keep the economy healthy.
So, where to spend it?
How about at dinner? Live it up at these places to stimulate your palate and wallet.
Some recommendations:
Bis on Main

This place has the swankiest and smoothest bartender named Greg at Bis, and owner Joe Vilardi treats you like family.

Next up, enjoy some live music at the Vertigo Lounge. This place is a bit hidden..but you just have to go to 989 112th and take advantage of some free parking, live jazz, and no cover till 10 PM.
The place is swingin, cool, and comfortable. Impress your date!

For a more casual yet lively vibe there is the undisputed happening of happenings, the 520 Bar and Grill on Old Main where you can get a killer 520 burger and fries, or a more exotic dish from their newly updated menu. My favorite is the bacon wrapped scallops on the appetizer menu. This place is like a party in someone's living room, with lively convo's, music, and TV. Cheers!

At the 0/8 Seafood Grill you can enjoy an elegant evening with your friends or SO. This place has live music, dishes prepared by Chef Dan and a wine list to die for.

Attend a movie in style, or throw a party at the Big Picture Redmond
This place is elegant, has plush seats, and designer popcorn, appetizers, and a full bar.

Shop! In the Bellevue Square there is a new Mercer store for gals which features "Hot, Hip, Sexy, Fashionable, Contemporary, Jeans, T-Shirts, Sexy Tops, Pants, Bags, Dresses, Jewelry,& Lingerie", and for the guys there is Marqsmen the clothing co-op for men.

Join the exclusive Zino Society and enjoy exclusive events with top shelf wines, and local celebrities, while also supporting fledlging up and coming business enterprises...there is an annual fee. But, for the once in a lifetime experiences you can have, it's worth it. You never know who you will rub shoulders with at these society events.

Some ideas to get you thinking....remember, money like this is meant to be spent. Stimulate the economy..do your part.

It's sort of hard not to notice all the cranes hovering over the landscape here in downtown Bellevue. Today, at the stoplight on 8th and 112th, I counted 7 of them, and those were just the ones in that block.
BF Mel tells me that due to the fact that we have so many cranes here in Bellevue, there are other citites on waiting lists for one, or two. According to some recent cocktail chat, we are second to Dubai in the most crane usage.
At a Bizinkgathering with Joe Kennedy of Eastside Business, one Biznik-er said, "this city is like counting cranes". And, he's right.
This city definitely has some growing pains..it's like a 10 year old child growing into a 16 year old almost overnight..the bones and ligaments are squeaking and creaking.
It's good,it's exciting, but it's not perfect...
In a recent City of Bellevue newsletter, the city is working on plans to limit McMansions to a certain height and width and curtail the downing of trees. According to the article, huge "out of scale" homes were blocking sunlight, views and invading privacy to many existing homes...be they ever so modest, or just in the way of the potential McManse. There are lots of us who appreciate the tasteful modesty of a historic Bellevue rambler. Those of us who don't want stairs, who don't want to heat, and furnish a home that is on steroids. Not "green".
With that in mind...
we are going to have some very much needed and very chic condos, shopping, and entertainment in DT (Downtown) Bellevue, but what sort of impact will this have traffic wise on our streets? Are we going to choke ourselves, or is there some sort of master traffic management plan in place? Will more people walk? Very "green".

And, as far as the building revisions for single family dwellings, I am all for that. After living next to a gigantor home being built next to me for one whole year, with work starting at 7:30 AM, with all the noise, dust, extra bodies, felling of 11 trees starting at 8 AM (they were not chunked, just knocked over with a bulldozer so they could be sold) and now with the trees gone, there is the risk of other trees falling over in a windstorm, the list goes on in terms of the daily construction assaults....dont' get me started...now I have this mega house next door that has the master bath looking right down into my backyard...I hope they like pink flamingos! Just kidding. It has not sold yet. Anyway....is this sort of building "green"? Who needs 5000 sq. feet these days?
Food for thought.

If you are hanging out this weekend and have a sudden craving to see Italian cars, the Triple XXX Drive In in Issaquah is the place to do just that tomorrow, Sunday.
Starting around 11 AM you can view the "All Italian Car Show". You can also feast on great 50's fare and try the famous draft Triple X root beer.
This place is a haven for car enthusiasts and burger and root beer lovers alike. Good old all American drive in fun. Think American Graffiti.
For upcoming car show schedules click here:

Up and coming weekend diversions:
For the gardening enthusiast, the Bellevue Nursery, a Bellevue landmark since 1955 is offering classes and fun events.
Ciscoe Morris being among this offering:
May 3, Saturday @ 10:00 am
Live radio broadcast w/ Ciscoe Morris
May 3, Saturday @ 1:30 pm
Creating a Healthy Lawn w/ Gretchen Taylor
THE MASTER GARDENERS RETURN TO BELLEVUE NURSERY
Saturdays & Sundays 11:00 - 3:00 through September
Bellevue Nursery
842 104th Ave SE
Bellevue, Washington 98004
Corner of Bellevue Way SE & SE 10th St.
425-454-5531

I love the personal service this charming nursery offers. The staff know everything you would ever want to know about gardening, and they have the best plants and gifts. If you need a gift, their gift shop has some very quaint and unusual items for that hard to buy for person. Stop in and smell the roses.

This Spring and Summer promises to be a ladies who lunch and fashion forward fashionista delight .
Lunching in style is something I always have time for, and it's a great way to keep up with fashion and connect with our gal friends.
There are some events coming up where you can do all of this, but with a twist..you can raise awareness to a couple of important charities.
One being close to my heart..pardon the pun, the Go Red for Women Luncheon. My own Mom died of an undiagnosed heart problem a decade ago, before the awareness that heart disease is not just a man's disease. She was never offered a treadmill test under the assumption "women don't have heart attacks". Well, she did, shortly after her yearly check up.
Become aware, take care, and Go Red!
Go Red for Women Luncheon invites women to "live, love, give" on May 7.

Another charitable event is the DLD Foundation's first ever Toast of the Gowns
with 25 designer gowns donated by La Belle Reve of Bellevue.
The exciting details:
Toast of the Gowns Fashion Show
Cure by Design...
The Chateau St. Michelle Winery
in Woodinville, Washington
To Benefit Women's Cancers
Sunday, May 18th
Two in the Afternoon
Please RSVP by May 10th
Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
14111 Ne 145th St
Woodinville, Washington
2.00 to 3.00 Wine Tasting Reception & Silent Auction
3.15 Fashion Show & Live Auction
John Curley of Evening Magazine to Emcee
Evening, Prom and Bridal Gowns for the
Live Auction Provided by:
La Belle Reve Bridal
900 108th Ave NE Ste 104
Bellevue, WA 98004

For an afternoon of luxe, and for a sneak preview of Luly Yang's upcoming fashions mark your calendar for June 1st. Her designs are exquisite!
Spring into Summer - A Rendezvous of High Tea & Fashion Infusion
The Georgian, Fairmont Olympic Hotel
June 1, 2008, Sunday, 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Experience the debut of Luly Yang's 2009 limited edition High Tea collection, inspired by nature's elixir. Select your favorite looks for the season in a roving presentation while savoring blends of loose-leaf tea, dainty finger sandwiches, tempting sweets and delicious scones.
For tickets and info: 206-621-7889.

As we arrived in Seattle's Belltown district, the edgy, artsy historic area under the Needle , I said to BF Mel , "look, we're not in Bellevue anymore, Toto".We were not at the Residence Inn... We were at the McLeod Residence.
It is in one of those very incognito, yet very exclusive places where you can go for a drink, art showing or private party.

The McLeod Residence is now open to the public and they have a very swank cocktail bar upstairs of this old hotel. The vibe was "urban saloon" with an art gallery twist. Fanciful, kitschy chandeliers hung in the hallways, and various types of artwork hung in the different rooms.
As their mission statement states"McLeod Residence is a home for extraordinary living through art, technology, and collaboration."

We ran into Count Kody, local event stylist, and Lauren Formicola of PR Matters.
If you want a unique, very un Bellevue (is that a word?) experience, try this place out. You feel like you are in an old hotel in Europe or something. It's a nice escape. Live on the edge, try something new.

The artwork is divided between, pop art, serious paintings, and unusual "stylings". There is something for everyone.

Once upstairs, each room offers a different experience. You will have to go see for yourself!

A few months ago I wrote about my childhood home on Clyde Hill going up for sale by it's current owner.
I lived there from 1963-1980. We were the first owners, and if walls could talk..that place would be buzzing with secrets.
A couple of weeks ago, my newly slimmed down BF Mel (more on this topic in another post)
and I drove by the place and noticed it was open house!
We parked, went in, and for the first time since 1980, I stood in my family home. I felt like crying. And laughing. It was bittersweet. And, the price has an extra zero on the end of it since my Dad sold it. Not a laughing matter!

I told BF Mel that I wanted to buy it back, but there was no way I could afford it. Since it is zoned for a McMansion, I decided to whip out my camera and re-inact some shots from the 70's. My Dad was a shutter bug, and took pictures in and around that house constantly. This might be my last chance to preserve those long lost memories.
Here is a shot of me and my buddy Miki from Dec. 1971. We were planning a party under the guise of doing homework...yeah right.

And, posing in the same spot in 2008 (no, it's not Miki, it's BF Mel posing in her place).

When I grew up on Clyde Hill, it was still the country. It is a different place now, with a totally different feel, and the streets are buzzing with cars and traffic to get onto 520 during rush hours. I can recall hearing the red blinking light on our corner blinking most of the time it was so peaceful back in the day.

It was another time, and another place. At least I have my memories and all of us who grew up there in the 60's and 70's are the keepers of our cherished childhood memories.

The people of the Eastside have spoken! Or have they? Now is your chance to add your favorite places that you like but might not have gotten a vote. Bellevue Downtown Association has calculated the votes and announced the 2008 winners of fave Eastside haute haunts.

2008 Downtown Bellevue Haute Picks
Best Boutique: RAG mens style

Best Cocktail: Joeys "Super Nova"
(also voted Best Place to See and Be Seen)
Best Coffee Spot: Starbucks Coffee Company
Multiple Downtown Locations
www.starbucks.com
Best Casual Business Meeting Spot: 520 Bar & Grill
520 Bar and Grill

Best Haircut: Salon Bellezza

Best Happy Hour: Daniel's Broiler
(also voted Best Steakhouse)
Best Lunch Under $10:
Best Massage: Massage Center of Bellevue

Best Place for a First Date: The Parlor Billiards & Spirits
Best Place for a Mani/Pedi: Jennifer's Nails
Best Place to See and Be Seen: Joeys
(also voted Best Cocktail)
Best Power Lunch: Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar
(also voted Best Seafood Restaurant)
Best Romantic Dinner: Bis on Main

Best Seafood Restaurant: Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar
(also voted Best Power Lunch)
Best Steakhouse: Daniel's Broiler
(also voted Best Happy Hour)
Best Sweet Tooth Fix: Oh! Chocolate

Best Uniquely Bellevue Experience: "Snowflake Lane"
The Bellevue Collection
Best Wine List: 0/8 Seafood Grill and Twisted Cork Wine Bar

Best Wine Retailer: Pete's Wines
425-454-1100
134 105th Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98004

Best Workout Spot: Elite Fitness

What are your favorite places that were not picked? There must be some best kept secrets that did not get mentioned. What about Bake's Place in Issaquah for fine jazz and homemade dinner?
Or have you tried:
Cafe' Pirouette
14 - 102nd Ave. NE #3
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone: (425) 637-9988 This cozy hideaway in old Bellevue specializes in crepes, and has a great wine list.
And, where's the breakfast crowd to go? Post your fave place to go for a hearty breakfast and Bloody Mary. Lil Jon's anyone?