Archive for the ‘Local businesses’ Category
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Feb
14
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Need a little Spring break or a little Valentine’s day cheer. Squak Mt Nursery is having a “Design with New Roses Seminar”, Saturday Feb 14th at 10:30 AM and again Feb 18th Wednesday at 10:00AM. There is a lot more at the Nursery that will delight you. This is a place to go not just for flowers and trees but for unique unusual gifts, even a Weeping Pussy Willow. Like the one above, there are many free seminars through out the year, taught by their experts.
In the Garden Shed & Shop at Squak Mt Nursery
- Valentines at Squak Mt Nursery
Below is a SLIDE SHOW of Beautiful Things at the Nursery. 7600 Renton-Issaquah Road SE, Issaquah, WA 98029……….CLICK ANYWHERE ON THE SET TO START THE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jan
29
Posted by Larry Cragun
All the businesses in Gilman Square: Leathers, Casual Dining, West Coast Armory, Sisters Antiques, Gilman Antique Gallery are now open after cleaning up from their diasterous flood. Last to open, but amazingly quick considering the damage is Lombardi’s Restaurant. We are smiling to be able to announce they are BACK in Business.
Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant 695 NW Gilman Blvd in Issaquah, WA 980927 is having a GRAND RE-OPENING Friday Jan 30, 2009. Open at 4PM
Come celebrate with them. They are back in business after the flood and mud and a lot of hard work.
We are glad you are open again!
Originally uploaded by Trish Mayo
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Jan
28
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Would you believe they have a Cardio Theater where you can watch a movie on a large screen while you work out! These change daily. There is also no excuse to not work out if you have kids. They have a Kids Klub where kids can have their own gym experience while you have yours. It is reasonable in price.
Gold's Gym in Issaquah WA 98027
Many of the machines have their own TV screen with over a hundred channels to choose from. There are exercise classes, personal trainers, yoga, pilates, racket ball courts, and in a few months an aquatic center with a salt purified pool will become a reality. Gold’s is at 1025 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027.
It is a very pleasant atmosphere which I will try to show you in a few pictures. You may want to check it out.
There is fitness for every BODY.
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Dec
13
Posted by Larry Cragun
Who would believe it? Bears sure. Tigers of course. In the Cougar Mountain Zoo. But Lions no. Lionheads yes. What is a Lionhead you ask? I didn’t know until I visited the Issaquah Grange Supply. There I saw a Lionhead. He was cute. He was friendly. I discovered that there is a breed of rabbit named Lionhead. They have one there to see. He was really a neat discovery. Go take a look. He is in a cage near the front. Unlike the two tigers at the zoo, you can put your hand in this cage.
PS: I also found out there is belief the the Naples the Staples Rooster is an escapee from the Issaquah Grange Supply. Lar
PSS: For your education and satisfaction – from WikiPedia:
Lionhead rabbit is one of the newest breed of domesticated rabbits. It has particularly long hair surrounding the face, reminiscent of the mane of a male lion, hence the name. Other characteristic traits of the lionhead include a rounded head and small size, usually between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. It also tends to have slightly shorter ears than most breeds.
The Lionhead rabbit originated in Belgium. It is reported to have been produced by breeders trying to breed a long coated dwarf rabbit by crossing a miniature Swiss Fox and a Belgian dwarf. The Lionhead seemed to have been more popular than the long coated dwarf, and so breeders carried on this trend in breeding them intentionally, and so came what we know today as the Lionhead rabbit.
Click here for the rest from Wikipedia
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Nov
19
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Doesn’t sound like a hard thing. I put off mending for months (maybe years, often the item goes out of style before I get it fixed)! It used to be no problem when Pacific Fabrics was in the Sammamish Mall. Yes, a few grocery stores have black, white and maybe grey. Sometimes you need a perfect match of a different color. Going all the way to Bellevue for thread is ridiculous!
Yes, there is a place! Issaquah Sewing and Vacuum, 1440 NW Gilman Blvd #5 Issaquah, WA 98027. It is in the same mall as QFC. They have lots and lots of colors as well as sewing machine needles, etc. This may be a strange post for a blog, but if anyone is as frustrated as I was trying to find a place for thread, you’ve got it!
Now, if they just had fabric too. 
Photo by Shannon Archuleta
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Sep
26
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Eastside Job Fair, Thursday Oct 16, 2008 Noon to 5:00pm at the Pickering Barn, Vendors have until Oct 8 to reserve space. Questions: alibenson@issaquahchamber.com
Business Matters
Issaquah Chamber of Commerce has been working hard for its members. They have launched a series of “Business Matters” workshops for the benefit of Chamber members FREE, but non-members can also paticipate for $25.00 Both need to register either online at www.issaquahchamber.com or call 425-392-7024. These are the classes available.
All are given twice on the scheduled day 8:30 – 9:30AM and 5:30 – 6:30PM. The morning classes are at Meadow Creek Professional Center, 22525 SE 64th Place #210, the evening classes will be at Issaquah Community Bank, 1375 NW Mall St
How To Create Raving Fans – Chad Rudolph Sept 23 ( Sorry you have already missed this one)! We went and found it very worthwhile.
5 Hiring Best Practices of top performing companies – Grant Robinson Oct 14
Leveraging FREE Internet Technologies - Denny Andrews Oct 28
Stop Wasting Your Marketing Dollars! - Steve MacDonald Nov 11
How to Systematize Your Business - Chad Rudolph Nov 25
What is your Unique Selling Proposition? - Chad Rudolph Dec 9
It is a good idea to go to the Chambers website to check as locations could change. www.issaquahchamber.com
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Sep
06
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Do you need things for animals, not just cats and dogs, but horses, goats, bunnies and then some. The Issaquah Grange Supply has much more, fencing, home and garden products, gasoline, tack & gear, boots, and outback clothing.Today, The Grange hosted a day of celebration for their customers. Free Hot Dogs, Pony Rides, Popcorn, Lemonade even raffle tickets for hourly drawings plus discounts on merchandize.And they had music
And a bag of free treats for my cats
A giant rabbit named Bagel
Free food and Pony Rides
A store full of things you won’t find anywhere else in Issaquah, Saddle Blankets and Tack and Rugged Clothing
Food and Products for people too. It is easy to become a member of the Grange, but you don’t have to be one to be able to shop there, but there are advantages. www.GrangeSupply.com The Grange is located at 145 NE Gilman BLVD, Issaquah, WA 98027
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Aug
20
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
We posted an article about our soon-to-be Central Market grocery in Issaquah Highlands on our www.issaquahhighlandsundressed.com titled “Central Market in Issaquah Highlands – a Good Choice” You may want to go to that as well, because this post will be different. There is more to show and tell!
In addition to the produce, the bulk foods, the Asian market, the meat, the cheeses, the live shell fish, Vegetarian Food Bar, the Antipasto Bar, the Culinary Resource Center etc., here are a few other benefits we will enjoy.
Crops of fresh fruits and vegetables from our local Washington farms will make their appearance at Central Market locations. We can eat good healthy foods and support our local farmers as well.
While shopping at Central Market if you get hungry you can fix that in many ways, by any of the many food bars or as a custom sandwich, food hot off the grill, and even Fish & Chips or Fried Chicken from The Frequent Fryer Station!
Grab a few Dungeness Crab Cakes for dinner. They looked yummy.
There is much information about gluten-free foods at Central Market. And not just information but many of these foods are available here. We know how hard that is because our daughter’s husband has Celiac disease and it is a real challenge to learn to fix foods the fit the bill and still taste good.
Central Foods has all the common ordinary foods you find at regular markets and the organic and natural foods as well. In case you are worried, a friend that lives in Mill Creek and shops at Central Foods said they are also comparable in price to other grocers.
Friday Night at the Market – Dinner and Music – Mill Creek Central Market has this special outside event every Friday night (summer we presume) Music and dinner from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. I hope they include Music & Dinner in Issaquah.
Town and Country Markets are part of Central Market or is it the other way around?
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Jul
31
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
If you have a hankering to get your picture taken next to a NASCAR racing car, Mike Wallace’s No. 7 Car, here is your chance. It will be in Issaquah at Sports Clips 775 NW Gilman Blvd, Friday August 1 (that’s tommorrow) from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. In Issaquah Commons by Target and 12th Street Cafe.
Sports Clips is a relatively new Salon in Issaquah and delivers a different kind of hair cut experience for men including scalp massage, steamed towels, neck and shoulder massage. Check out their website www.sportsclips.com
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Jul
23
Posted by Larry Cragun
No we don’t get the NASCAR track you have been hoping for, but we do get The Mike Wallace #7.
A good friend and colleague Jill Jenson is co-owner of the super cool mens and boys haircut shop, Sports Clips. The store has a fun concept check it out at www.SportsClips.com
They get the Mike Wallace #7 on August 1st. Come one come all for this fun event. They will be doing give aways and raffles. It should be something fun to talk about. Kathleen and I plan on being there to take photos, we might get you.
I am going in for a haircut with all of the ‘bells & whistles’. It includes scalp massage, steam towel, and a neck & shoulder massage.
The event is at the Issaquah Commons. That is where Target is and next to the famous 12th Street Cafe. 775 NW Gilman Blvd
Tags: nascar, issaquah, sportsclips
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Apr
25
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
MK Ballet has recently opened their doors after much hard work and effort to provide a beautiful studio for their students. Owners are Robert and Michiko Black. Pictured here is a photograph of Michiko. Michiko is a beautiful and gracious woman. She will undoubtedly cause her students to idealize her as she is extremely professional, kind and yet firm. I watched her teach a class of ten little girls, ages from 3 to 5 years. I couldn’t stop smiling as I observed even the very littlest try so hard to follow Michiko’s instructions.
Michiko has much to teach as she performed professionally for the Tokyo Ballet, and has had ballet studios in Tokyo and in Washington for many years. It is a pleasure to watch her dance.
One thing I noticed was how each child received individual attention. That is not easy with ten small fry. Her husband said that is not done by many ballet schools.
Follow the rest of our pictures and see if they don’t put a smile on your face.
After the beginning of class the students were told in class they needed to stand and no talking.
Sabrina, Michikos daughter, gives a fine example performance.
Class is over, Moms can come in now. There is a large viewing area for them to watch their daughters during classes.
MK Ballet would like you to know the following information, even some free classes!
1) We would like to offer free classes the week of May 5th for kids 10 yrs to 16 yrs old with and without experience. Monday, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm, Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, Thursday from 5:30 to 7:00pm, and Friday from 4:00 to 5:30pm.
2) We started a referral program where you get a free class for every referral that joins MK Ballet, 4 referrals gives a free month membership.
3) Our memberships are month to month allowing customers to try us without having an initial long term commitment.
4) We have tried to build a beautiful studio supported by an excellent curriculum. Michiko is a professional performer and a National Champion. Her instruction technique allows individual attention to students in a class setting. What makes Michiko a great instructor is her ability to relate her own experiences to her students. Michiko feels she had to struggle to master her art since she feels her body is not “the perfect body for Ballet”. Since most people would feel the same way, Michiko can show them that, through technique, presentation, and love of the Art, anybody can feel success in Ballet. Michiko wants very much to develop the students that want to advance to compete in International competitions.
5) We are hiring a professional installation company to finalize the floor. Laying the vinyl coating is tricky to optimize it’s performance. It is an engineered coating specifically for Ballet. We have hired the best installer in America to come here and finish the project.
Studio 425-427-8701, Michiko Black 425-442-3226, Robert Black 425-442-442-6520
2520 NE Park Drive Suite A, Issaquah WA 98029 in Issaquah Highlands
For Class information and Pilates Classes go to http://www.heidimarten.com/
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Apr
07
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
April 7th and 8th MK Ballet opens with an offering of free classes. The classes will be from 4:oopm to 5:30pm. Michiko Black is the Art Director, a former soloist performer with the Tokyo Ballet. Ballet is Michiko’s passion. She has had her own ballet studio in Tokyo and in Kitsap and now moved her studio to Issaquah Highlands. Here is your chance to visit the studio, meet Michiko and bring anyone interested in a free lesson with you, this Monday and Tuesday. MK Ballet is located at the corner of Park and 25th, the north Starpoint building. Issaquah, WA 98029
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Feb
28
Posted by Larry Cragun
Weekend Adventure…………
Click the button to view a charming exhibit from the NW Flower and Garden show. Issaquah’s Steve Haizlip was the creator. His website is www.newleafcreations.com and the phone number is 425-766-2277. email steve@newleafcreations.com.
This is a very natural inspiring design that makes me want to go camping, almost! If I could just find a place like that, and had one of those teardrop trailers.
I guess places like that have to be created not found. Steve can do that.
Tags: new+leaf+creations
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Feb
21
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
YYYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
This is not your Mom’s Pies. This is Pies as in PIZZA! This is not your ordinary, boring pizza ( If pizza can be boring). These are World Class Pizza’s. We had been waiting for this restaurant to open, checking each day as we knew it was close. Last night was the first night open to the public, and we went early with some friends. This was really strategic (accidently) because we got to sample a number of pizzas since we ordered different ones.
We were guided in our choices by Kyra Witt, a very knowledgeable about food waitperson, (we suspect she’s a chef in disguise) Larry was in an adventurous mood (with a little prodding from me) and ordered the Marrakesh Express, which is embellished with Moroccan spiced lamb sausage, cumin-scented tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, garbanzo beans, currants and green olives. Drizzled with a sprightly Harissa-Yogurt sauce. He was glad he ordered it, and is ready to go back for more and for the Italiano Supremo, a supreme meat lovers pie.
Our friend Frank, ordered the Caribbean Jerk, described on the menu as…Ya, mahn..you’re no jerk for loving this islander gem. Roast chicken arranged on a smear of tangy-sweet jerk tomato sauce and accompanied by oven-roasted pineapple and onion slivers, green bell pepper and tomato. Served with Mango Chutney for spreading and dipping. I loved it.
The Italian Queen is similar to a classic Margherita but different, fresh tomato, mozzarella, basil, dollops of basil pesto. Sprinkled with Parmesan. This was my favorite (so far).
Other pizza offering are numerous and include Chicken Curry, Formaggi Bianco, El Greco, Falafel, Oaxacan Mole, etc, etc, ideas from all over the world.
The Pizza Piccola is for the less adventurous and kids, Red Roma sauce and cheese. There were lots of kids that seemed to be enjoying the food.
They have two house soups every day plus a variety of good salad choices and Made-To-Order Flatbread.
Last but not least, was the dessert menu. We were all so stuffed we shared one, the Lemon Riviera, it was superb both in its presentation and its taste. A very unusual dessert. And they do have chocolate!
Owner Matt Snook has garnered the necessary assistance, expertise and spent nearly a year developing the excellent menu and the concept of his World Pies. It promises to be a great success.
World Pies is located in Issaquah Highlands at 2525 NE Park Dr #A, the south Starpoint Building. 425-392-6099. Hours are 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The adjoining 9 Bar Espresso is open 7:00am to 10:00pm.
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Feb
18
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Want to know more, see an article on a unique idea in Issaquah Highlands Click on it.
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Jan
31
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
La Chic Pet Boutique and Spa will open their doors Monday Feb 3rd. They are located in the Starpoint South building in Issaquah Highlands, 2525 #B Park Drive. This is not just for dogs but for all kinds of pets, but dogs have something very special at La Chic Pet. Do it Yourself Doggie baths! It will be easy to keep your dog very sweet smelling.
We don’t have dogs, we are cat people. Portia is a slightly flawed Siamese and Pucci is all black. They are sisters, but they sure don’t look it. Their mother was a pure Siamese and their father was from a good neighborhood. Here is Portia and Sweet Addition Cook Book.
We are looking forward to being able to walk to get our kitty supplies.
La Chic Pet telephone number is coming monday………………
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Jan
22
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
We would like to welcome Alice Abercrombie as she opens her salon in Issaquah Highlands. This will be a real convenience for our residents. Alice comes highly recommended! I walked in to see the salon and a lady leaving could hardly contain her excitment about her hair coloring that Alice had just finished. It did look really good. I decided to try her for a haircut. I was not disappointed.
Alice is also a delightful person and a very stylish one too.
It is obvious that much effort went in to making her salon attractive and comfortable. Alice will be joined by 2 other stylists soon. Alice’s Beauty Salon is located on the main level of Starpoint (North) 1882 25th Ave NE. The telephone number is 425-996-8846.
Larry must have liked my haircut because he informed me he is having his cut by Alice tommorrow.
Kathleen Cragun
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Dec
15
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Are you tired of shopping malls where the stores all look alike, the merchandise looks like a repeat of the last place you were at and it is crowded and unfriendly. GO TO GILMAN VILLAGE. The village in Issaquah WA 98027, has a charming, refreshing atmosphere. There are over 40 plus shops and at least 6 good restaurants.
They have Gifts & Crafts, Home & Garden, Fashion & Jewelry, Children’s shops. Names are as creative as the shops, such as Spoiled by Nana, Girl’s Night Out, Buddha Belly Interiors, Anglomania, Sweet Addition. There is a full service spa, Pelage Spa & Skin Center. A Pilates place, Active Body Pilates. For particular information go to www.gilmanvillage.com.
The planners of this retail area have achieved their goal of a haven for independent shops and restaurants, and a distinctive shopping experience. It is truly a charming and convenient place to shop. You will also support local owners and not the big impersonal mega stores. They are all decked out for the Holidays. Come and see!
Good-By, I hope you enjoyed your tour through Gilman Village.
COME VISIT US IN PERSON SOON! YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!
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Nov
28
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
This Holiday Season include Sweet Addtion in your quest for something new and unique for your favorite people. Sweet Addition offers gourmet food in their restaurant at Gilman Village, special event catering, High teas and have just released a cookbook with many of their signature recipes, ” A Few of Our Favorite Things”. Author and chef are Linda Kowalsky. Owner is Jonelle Kowalsky. Food is their passion and favorite thing and you can tell.
Sweet Edition is not just sweets, but they do have one shop right next to the restaurant that is all about candy. You will not find anything like this at the mall. The candy canes which are all hand made are thick and delightful. There is even a raspberry one! Truffles of every kind, of course. The selection to choose from of all things is amasing.
Here is one of my favorite things, Portia pictured with the Sweet Addition cook book, which I am sure will become one of my favorite cook books. (Yeah, Portia looks cute but she comes with an attitude.)
If you are hunting for a special outfit for the season check out GIRL’S NIGHT OUT, also run by the Kowalsky’s. It is right close by.
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Sep
14
Posted by Larry Cragun
We have been advocates of blogs as research tools. Within hours this article will be sent by RSS to blog readers around the world. Google search now has an option to search blogs. We recommend you search this way on important purchases, like hiring movers.
Well we did it, sold in 32 days, moved in 14 days. As I wrote in the Seattle P I blog, we almost got full price, even though the robbers were out. We took an offer based on being out in 14 days and that was tough. Here are the major things we did to make the move happen successfully. 1- When we listed the home for sale we began moving things into a mini storage. This made it a better show house and there are loads of stuff in storage that went there a jeep load at a time rather than all in one day. 2- (this takes a bit of time to accomplish) We had the volunteer help from many of our 6 kids and 33 grandkids. The greats, were too little and refused to help. -3-
(here is the consumer satisfaction story) We lucked out on our pick of a mover. Having had a terrible view of a friends experience major mover we decided to go the local route. We searched the yellow pages for moving companies in King County. We were ready for a great move as we have nice stuff. We found Miracle Movers. Their advertisements list numerous references. We paid $122.00 per hour for a large truck and three men, strong young men. They were personal, did everything we asked with a smile, did no damage, worked hard, and were a great experience. Now we just have to unpack it all.
Coming soon: how did we sell in half the time on market that is the average for our area and price, what are all the things we did to market our home.
Larry
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