Are You Afraid Of Your Dentist?

Going to the dentist is one of my least favorite things to do. It’s the drilling and the needles isn’t it? It starts in your childhood. My mother would have to dragged me screaming and yelling down the street.  This won’t happen if you bring your kids to Highlands Kids Dentistry. They use lasers instead. I knew their must be a better way. Highlands Kids Dentistry recently opened in the Starpoint building in Issaquah Highlands.

As you walk in the door you know it is a special place. Their office is beautiful and kid friendly but not kiddish. There is a little house that kids can explore and put in a token for something out of a “gum ball machine” lookalike.  It’s not gum though, not at a dentist office!

Dr. Shadi Araghi is a Certified Pediatric Dentist.  Her calm and friendly manner will put kids at ease.

You may want to come in just to see the door above.  The tree, in the glass,  gradually changes through a variety of colors. It is not just dentistry that is state of the art in this office.

Highlands Kids Dentistry is located at 2520 NE Park Dr Suite C, Issaquah WA 98029  425-996-0457  www.highlandskidsdentistry.com

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At Blakely Hall – VIS Kick-Off Social/Coffee Jan 15th Friday

Get ready for the school levy that we will vote on Feb 9. Be informed.

Learn more about important school levy packages that will be on the February 9th ballot! Join district members for coffee and treats to discuss the renewal of these levies and how you can get involved. Click here to learn more.

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Starpoint Residents Grab the Christmas Spirit

Starpoint is the next best thing in Issaquah to a high rise condo. It consists of 2 buildings at the corner of Park Ave, and 25th. On the commercial side it boasts Zeeks Pizza, Le Chic Pet, MK Ballet. Alices Beauty Salon, Luna’s Nails and coming soon a dentist office that is kid friendly. That is good because there are a lot of kids in the Highlands.

Starpoint is a choice place to live. Troubles from the developers financial troubles are at an end. Resident’s spirits are high and they especially enjoy the Christmas season. They have a progressive dinner for all residents and in the summer have events in the atrium.

Many residents decorate the halls for Christmas outside their doors, since they don’t have yards (and don’t have to take care of them) It feels very festive and bright.

Starpoint doesn’t have the usual Real Estate flyer posts out front, but there are a number of units for sale.

Starpoint may be the best kept secret in Issaquah for easy livin’. Some units have underground parking. Elevators mean you don’t have to lug stuff up any stairs.

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Happy Halloween, Tasty Trick or Treating!

Careful of this guy if you trick or treat at this house! Very Scary!

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Agave Cocina in Issaquah Highlands

2/9/10: We just added Agave to Our Blog Network: CLick here:

I posted an article about the Agave restaurant in Issaquah Highlands. At the time, I had not tried it yet, but now I have. I give it a big thumbs up. The link to that article is below.

http://issaquah.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2009/09/25/have-you-tried-agave-concina-tequilas-yet/

I am not a professional restaurant reviewer, just an Issaquah citizen who likes good food. Agave is not your run of the mill Mexican Restaurant. The things we tried were delicious, I would like to have tried more but it is hard on the waistline. My choice was Enchiladas Verdes, with grilled asparagus, garlic spinach, roasted wild mushrooms, crema blanca, salsa verde, cotija. I loved the grilled asparagus and would go back just for that. Their sauces are a cut above the rest, very tasty. Even the rice and beans were just a little different. I hear the Sweet Potatoe Fries are good, I resisted for caloric reasons. We also had the Guava Flan.

We had a comment on the blog, folks that were upset that Agave charged for Chips and Salsa. This was because of (bad) advice from a business consultant and is no longer the case. Chips and Salsa are FREE when you are seated for your meal.

Pictured above at the Highlands Green Halloween last Saturday are some of the Agave staff. Left to right are Ricardo, Julian (owner), Armando, and Angel. Our service was friendly and timely. We can’t tell you about the tequila. You will have to find out for yourself.

Let us know how you like Agave.

Agave Cocina & Tequilas is at 1048 Park Street, Issaquah Highlands, WA 98029  425-369-9829

WEBSITE   http://agavecocinaandtequilas.com/  Hours are 11am-10pm Sun-Thurs and 11am-12pm Friday and Sat

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Issaquah’s Halloween

Each year Issaquah Highlands has a fun event for all ages around Halloween. This year the celebration was at the Shops at High Street Retail Center. Participants put on their best costume duds, adding flavor to the occasion.

Judy at the Home Center in IH

Teresa with Vicki Stier

Kids could win a prize for the best costume

Young Kim of Highlands Cleaner, a good place to go

Even Dracula likes Zeeks Pizza

Anyone recognize this guy?

Agave booth was a tasty stop

At the Agave booth left to right are: Ricardo, Julian (owner), Armando, and Angel, all ready to serve you.

It is now 3PM. It lasts until 4PM, you can still make it and you don’t even need a raincoat.

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Video of Swedish Hospital Groundbreaking in Issaquah

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Have You Tried Agave Cocina & Tequilas Yet?

Agave Cocina and Tequilas opened late July in Issaquah Highlands. Agave is a complete redo of Marcellas from the concept to the menu. As you step inside, you would not recognize this restaurant as having once been Marcellas. The interiors have been completely redone. Even the strange noise problems that once existed are gone.

Julian Ramos is the owner and very graciously welcomes and serves his patrons. Agave as the menu states “serves contemporary Mexican Food. Hand-crafted using fresh, natural ingredients, no preservatives, trans fats or lard. Sustainable seafood, free-range, hormone-free chicken & beef. Organic eggs, rice & beans.”

 Best of all it is a fun place, especially on a warm fall evening. The outside courtyard beckons. We might just have a few more days to enjoy this good weather at lunch or dinner on Agave’s courtyard.

CLICK For VIDEO  CLICK For VIDEO  CLICK For VIDEO  CLICK For VIDEO

I have not eaten at Agave yet, but I certainly intend to. Julian said one of his favorites is Echiladas Verdas, grilled asparagus, garlic spinach, roasted wild mushrooms, crema blanca, salsa verde, cotija. The menu has many choices of appetizers, tacos, salads, buritos, and special entrees. Should I have the Grilled Natural Flank Steak, grilled flank steak asada, crispy red potatos, grilled asparagus, salsa Mexicana, frizzled onions with warm tortillas? OR maybe Crispy Halibut tacos with lemon scallion aioli, and cilantro-jicama slaw. They also have sweet potatoe fries!

Tonight it is sunny, still warm. It would be a good night, don’t you think? YES, I have talked myself into it………and then there is Passion Fruit Flan.

I will write more about Agave on www.issaquahhighlandsundressed.com after I try it out.

Agave Cocina & Tequilas is at 1048 Park Street, Issaquah Highlands, WA 98029  425-369-9829

WEBSITE   http://agavecocinaandtequilas.com/  Hours are 11am-10pm Sun-Thurs and 11am-12pm Friday and Sat

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The Best Garage Sale in Issaquah-Saturday 9am to 4pm

Hopefully it will be a good sunny day for Issaquah Highland’s Fall Garage Sale. This Saturday, Sept 19th 2009. We have often made it a day to rally our family members, who don’t live in IH,  to come an see what treasures they can find. We have enticed them with hamburgers, hotdogs, chili and the like. Before, or after their search they can stop by for eats and visiting. We like seeing the bargains they get.

IH Garage Sale is especially good for those with young children. Bargains are the norm for toys and clothes even strollers and more. Most are like new.  

One son-in-law once found a quality set of stainless steel cookware because the owners were moving out of the country. You can find almost anything.

THE ARE NUMEROUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE HIGHLANDS OF HOMES THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE SALE. 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM SATURDAY.

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Vista Park – New Playground Now Open

As the Vista Park development nears completion, the long awaited Vista Park playground is now open and inviting. Yes, it does have a Vista, large grassy areas and a fun playground. Take a look.

You can enter on Jacaranda and 11th or 12th, on the east side. Or from 10th coming from High Street.

Bring the kids, sunbath, play frisbee, relax, that’s what parks are for.

Vista Park in Issaquah Highlands

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Whoa There Nellie, Issaquah Had An Increase In Sold Homes

NEW ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS LISTING BY LARRY – SCOTT AND I ARE WORKING IT TOGETHER: CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE INFO, WEBSITE, VIRTUAL TOUR

Yes,  Issaquah homes for sale had some buyers in May. Closed homes that were listed for sale numbered 35. That isn’t in the 60’s we used to see but it sure beats the heck out of the 15 homes that sold in April.

The price ranges are as follows:

charts courtesy of Northwest Multiple List

Look at the statistics chart above and ask – do you want to sell your home in 0 to 7 days? If the answer is yes, price it under $300,000. The stats are bad news if you are in the $500,00 to $550,000 range as the days on market averaged 588 days.

How about condos, condominiums, or condo, condominium? The answer: 25 sold in May versus 11 condos sold in April. Again, we used to hit over 60, but this news would be settling if it continued.

We close tomorrow on a condo we had listed. The sellers were serious sellers. They priced their condominium to be the best deal of its size in Issaquah Highlands. The buyers were tough but our sellers were serious.

We did everything we could besides price to capture the interest of the buyers: this included planning ahead on wall colors, what new carpet to put in, what it needed in accessories, etc. Once we had an offer our sellers responded as a serious seller would. There a lot of homes for sale, lots of condominiums. If you have your home listed and not sold, speak to your REALTOR on what it takes to be competitive.

Here is the breakdown of the condos that sold in may:

Almost a third of the condos sold in Issaquah were in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. Days on market were pretty decent statistics: 58.

So how many homes and condominiums are currently listed for sale in Issaquah at this time? The answer is scarry:  357 homes with an average day on market of 112 and 222 condominiums are listed in the MLS with an average days on market of 96.

Truly, it is still a buyers market when it comes to Issaquah Real Estate.

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WS Dot Pond in Bloom

Blooms in Issaquah Highlands

If you haven’t walked the trail around WS Dot Pond in Issaquah Highlands lately, you are missing a beautiful treat. The pond is south of Park Drive across from the retail center. Spring flowers don’t last forever. Don’t wait too long.

The blooms don't look that great from Park Ave. You have to walk the trail. WOW!

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Spring Field in Issaquah Highlands

This is a happy suprise, we were driving north on Highlands Drive and WOW. There is a field bursting with color. Take a look, they probably won’t last long. It is between Highlands Drive and 10th, south of High Street. A vacant lot never looked so good.

What is the name of this flower? Do you know? Leave a comment.

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7 Homes 2 Condominiums and 4 Condo Projects Open In Issaquah This Weekend

I would say the open house volume is low. Why? Simple. Agents feel it is a waste of time as not many of you are looking now. Why? You say. Here are the mapped locations of those agents who placed their homes as open in the MLS. By The way – it is a great way to enjoy the fall weather and do a little dreaming. Click here or the photo to go to the map.

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A Little More About Central Market

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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Issaquah Highlands Hosts Highlands Days

Even if you don’t live in Issaquah Highlands, you can come to Highlands Days, and by the look of things many of you did. You don’t even have to live in Issaquah. I know people from Covington, Woodinville, Seattle and Bellevue who joined the folks having fun yesterday. Take a look. There is also a post on www.IssaquahHighlandsUndressed.com.

There was a Kids Parade, Food Booths, Entertainment, Vendors, Carnival Fun to name a few things. Ashley and Sara take a spin. Alexia, Chase, Kayla and others swing through the air with the greatest of ease. But things got a little tramatic when Chase had to get off! He was not happy!

Tootsie Pops can make you forget a big disapointment, at least when you are two. Or how about a Goldfish toss.

The Fabulous Roof Shakers

Poasted Pig anyone?

Bubbleman gets ready……………………..  www.bubbleman.com

PLEASE don’t touch the BIG BUBBLES, or the Bubbleman. And don’t cross the purple line!

There was Pizza, Pork, Hotdogs, Mexican Food, PCC Food, Snow Cones, Popcorn, Root Beer, Beer, etc. Was it a little too pricey?

Sarah rides in the parade, as does this electric car, plus ballerinas and bears.

Not everything was just for kids, if you didn’t stick around or come back for the last 3 hours or so, you missed a lot.

The Seattle Matsuri Taiko Drummers

and the Te Fare O Tamatoa Tahitian Dancers

I missed the following presentations:

The Sabha India Dance Troupe…You can find out about them at www.FromWithinAcademy.org.

Dance Heads…looks like fun www.danceheads.com.

Panduo Steel Drum Duo www.leapfrog-entertainment.com

MK Ballet…..Check out our post on this delightful ballet studio http://issaquah.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2008/04/25/mk-ballet-an-exciting-addition-to-issaquah/

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MK Ballet Opens Doors Today With Free Classes!

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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Man’s Best Friend in Issaquah

There are many dogs in Issaquah, some are residents, some are just visiting against their will, like the poor poochies below. There are many regulations about dogs in Issaquah Highlands and Issaquah, as you might expect. As great as our best friend is, sometimes their masters are not responsible and they cause problems for everyone. Issaquah Highlands has a park just for dogs (Bark Park) and stations in strategic area with baggies to pick up after your dog and dispose of it. It is required to do so.

Rules and Regulations in Issaquah Highlands regarding dogs: Dogs are not allowed to roam free, make objectionable noises, endanger health or safety or constitute a nuisance or inconvenience to the occupants of other residences. There are even more stringent rules prohibiting pitt bulls, unless grandfathered in, and even those have extemely tough rules. Thank goodness.

All pets are required to be innoculated and licensed as required by law. This also helps you find your pet if it becomes lost and saves you a broken heart.

The dogs pictured above would probably have loved to visit the Pet Spa at Le Chic Pet and Spa. I don’t think they had that opportunity. I assume that, since they cried and barked incessantly. Please be a responsible pet owners and we will all love your dogs.

PS: There is a great dog video on Gig Harbor Undressed

Larry

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9 Bar Espresso Open in Issaquah Highlands

Things are beginning to take shape in the retail area of IH. 9 Bar Espresso is OPEN.

They were very generous the day they opened. The pastries they expected didn’t arrive so the espresso was free! There will be many delicious items to grab for breakfast, some unusual ones.

9 Bar Espresso is in the Starpoint South building. 25th Ave NE & Park Ave Issaquah, WA 98029

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Selling Your Home In Issaquah Is More Competitive Now

When Your home is worth a million it will probably look like a million. The trouble with that is homes selling for over a million have really slowed down. In Issaquah two homes sold above 1 million in January. There are 2 additional in pending sales. With the pending sales closing this marks a big upturn over recent monhs. Still 4 sales in Issaquah, not that great. FYI 3 of the homes are in Issaquah Highlands, one on Lake Sammamish.

The inventory on homes for sale in Issaquah has skyrocketed to 220 under 1 million in price.

To follow my theme, with heavy competition it is important to prepare your home for sale. Too many people take this lightly. Your home must make a knock out good impression when home buyers drop in. This means staging your home for sale properly. It also means that it is inconvenience time for you. The right buyer might want to see your home in 30 minutes. Your home must be prepared and you must be prepared to get right out.

Part of my secret weapon is Kathleen. A high end designer, published in magazines and winner of many Street of Dreams, she is also practical. She is a Certified ASP stager with the know how on how to make that home sell fast and for the highest price.

Last summer Kathleen wrote a series of articles on the subject of preparing your home for sale. I reccommend them to you, click here.

Tags: staging, issaquah, homes, for+sale

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