Studio in the Elektra for Rent

My friend is looking to rent his Studio in the Elektra.
1400 Hubbell Place Seattle
One Year Lease
$850 a month
Everything but Cable & Electricity is Included
If your interested just shoot me an email

Win a signed first edition of Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone

Shelfari is hosting a Harry Potter Contest. All you have to do is review Harry Potter 7 on Shelfari.com within a week of its release, and you will be entered to win all kinds of prizes (from broomsticks to movie tickets) including the Grand Prize: a signed copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

For more information check out
http://shelfari.com/HarryPotter

Beautiful Columbia City 3 Bedroom House for Sale

3511 S Hudson St Seattle
List Price $449,000
Listing# 27129071
Beds 3/ Baths 1.50/ Fireplaces 1
Appx. SQFT 1990
Listed by Bunny & Karen of Keller Williams Realty

Beautiful Columbia City Craftsman. Extra large lot w/street to street. 3 bedrooms upstairs w/ a large bathroom that has skylight. Main floor offers large living room & extra large dining room w/ extra bonus room that KCR has as 4th bedroom. Basement has plenty of storage & an extra toilet! New furnace & hot water heater 2005. New roof & exterior painting 2006. Great location blocks from the new Light Rail station, wonderful Columbia City eateries, Farmers Market, & off-leash dog park.

Contact Me, Your Agent or Bunny & Karen to see this condo

Time for me to lose some Weight

Well my daily routine of working 10 hours a day on my computer have slowly started to take its toll. After trying to find a work out partner and failing, I finally decided to hire a Personal Trainer on Capitol Hill.

The goal is 15% body fat in one Month, down from my current 22%. I will be posting my progress over the course of the next month.

Anyone else working on something similar?

Seattle - One of the Most Beautiful Cities in the World

From the SeattlePI

Calling the city's new Olympic Sculpture Park "brilliant," the American Society of Landscape Architects named its designers one of three 2007 award winners for projects in the Seattle area.

Other projects honored were Washington Mutual's 17th-floor green roof, and greening-of-Seattle concepts developed for the next century.

In addition, Richard Haag of Seattle will receive the society's Design Medal for his work at Gas Works Park on Lake Union and at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island.

"Seattle is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and this is reflected in the number of projects and landscape architects receiving top honors year after year," said society president Patrick W. Caughey.

Sugar Bakery Cafe coming soon to First Hill/Capitol Hill

You might have noticed the pink paper and coming soon signs for the Sugar Bakery which is coming to 1014 Madison Street (between Boren & Terry). Here is a little question and answer session I had with Stephanie Crocker (owner of the new bakery.

When are you scheduled to open?
We are scheduled to open October 2007. Hopefully sooner, depending on how quick the permitting process goes.

What made you decide on First Hill?
I think our decision on First Hill happened by chance. We had been looking at Capitol Hill almost exclusively, but then the prices just started to go up like crazy. I've written a little bit about our process on my blog, http://sugarshop.blogspot.com. We did, however, spend a lot of time on First Hill during my husband's cancer treatment at Swedish, so we became used to that area, and we sort of like how it's between Downtown and Capitol Hill. We want to make it a Seattle destination.

Are you local to First Hill or Capitol Hill?
We're actually West Seattle-ites which was sort of the only place we could afford 5 years back. We recently seriously entertained selling the house and moving into a condo as near as possible in Cap Hill, but the market is really booming there and prices are jacked up right now for very low quality buildings. We aren't quite ready to give up our awesome backyard and barbeque, and plus, my husband has an audio mastering studio at our house so we'd potentially have to rebuild that in a new location which would be hard to do in the midst of trying to open a bakery.

What kind of baked goods can we expect to come from Sugar?
What kind of coffee will you be serving?
Sugar's been around for nearly 4 years, selling mostly wholesale to catering companies, grocery stores, and coffee shops. We've done a decent retail business without a shop through our web site, but delivering so many desserts can be very tiring, especially with traffic these days. We specialize in mini desserts like petit fours and little tarts, although people have been known to shed a tear with our cinnamon brioche. We also do cakes and tarts and weddings on a limited basis, and have plans to offer pre-made sandwiches and salads, as well as homemade sodas without that pesky high fructose corn syrup. We haven't decided on a coffee yet, but my personal favorite in Seattle is Pegasus; however there's also an organic coffee from Hawaii I'd be interested in pursuing, can't remember the name. I also really like Raven's Brew from Alaska, but it's quite bold and manly.

Expected hours to be open during the week?
Will there be WiFi?
We'll likely be open 7am-7pm, and potentially be closed Sunday, just to make sure I get a day off in the beginning. We are unsure about unleashing WIFI, since how many seats we offer will impact how many regulations the health department will make us follow. Our intention is for the shop to be mostly grab & go, since the space is really quite small and bakery production will occupy a substantial portion of the space. We're trying to get as many seats in there as possible, but erring on a smaller seating area.

The bakery is still a few months a way but in the mean time check out their blog
http://sugarshop.blogspot.com/. They will be documenting the progress of the bakery/cafe.

Update: Price Drop - Studio on Capitol Hill for $189,999

Unit 404) 505 E Denny Way Seattle
Listing# 27059860
List Price $189,999
Appx. SQFT 406

Seller pays $2400 credit for parking=2 yrs.New paint in kitchen!Charming condo on Capitol Hill, blocks from Downtown&Broadway and yet quiet/facing the courtyard.Kitchen w/new Granite Counter.Beautiful,like new hardwood floors,white six panel doors throughout.Remodeled bath,w/tiles.Additional storage/above the water heater in coat closet.Pet friendly.Parking spots available for rent in garage.Common area improvements scheduled. Nice courtyard to enjoy coffee&your favorite book.

(Posted via permission of the listing agent Sylva Lisko of RE2K.com)

Scissors For Lefty Contest

Scissors For Lefty Contest

Enter Here

Seattle ready to increase recycling and reduce waste

The Seattle Council voted unanimously move to a Zero Waste Strategy.

The zero waste strategy’s main components include:
• The implementation of a new program in 2009 which will provide all single-family residences with food waste pick-up for composting.
• Plans to increase the recycling of Construction & Demolition waste.
• The renovation of the existing two transfer stations for improved recycling
• By December 2007, Seattle Public Utilities will have recommendations on whether to ban or discourage through taxation non-compostable plastic shopping bags and Styrofoam food containers.
• A $100,000 annual Waste Reduction/Recycling Matching Fund for community recycling/waste reduction initiatives
• A cap on the amount of waste Seattle will send to landfills—440,000 tons annually, the amount of trash disposed of in 2006.

Councilmember Conlin said, “With today’s vote, Seattle is once again on the cutting edge when it comes to actually walking the talk of our environmental values.”

Taking Care Of Your Credit

Some advice on taking care of your Credit Score by Samantha Kunkel-Gonzalez from Casa Linda Mortgage

Did you know that the interest rate you receive when you purchase a car or a home is directly related to your credit score? Did you know that the average person does not even know what his/her credit score is? It seems that for something as important as credit is today, people would have figured out the tricks of the credit bureaus by now! Well, I have news for you! There are no tricks-there a few simple things you can keep in mind when trying to build or raise your credit score:Make sure you pay your credit card payments on time!!! If you own a home, the mortgage is even more important to pay on time!

1. Make sure all your credit cards carry a balance of less than 50% of your credit limit.
2. Do not close accounts that you are not using. Accounts with a zero balance can only help you!
3. Make sure you check your credit report at freecreditreport.com once a year, to make sure that there are not any errors on your report! It is more common than you think to have an error on your report!
4. The credit bureaus look at the length of time you have with established credit. The longer the time, the better. Remember, credit cards are part of the credit game—pay off your balance each month, and use it to help your credit, not the credit card company’s pocket! Even if you never have the need to use a credit card, it is still important to have 2-3 good credit cards to establish your credit.
5. Do everything in your power to make sure a bill never goes to collections-once it is there, it is much more difficult to remove!!!

Finally, remember, your credit is an alive entity! Interact with it and take the reins of your financial future and remember, your credit score is in your control!!! Ultimately, managing responsibly your credit will increase your standard of living and save you money!

Last chance to see Teatro ZinZanni in Belltown

Last show in Belltown August 5th
Re-Opens at 222 Mercer St. in November

8 Seattle Events that will cause some major traffic this weekend

Weekend Traffic Advisory

(Seattle) - This weekend several Seattle neighborhoods are hosting street fairs/festivals for Seattleites to enjoy. Drivers should plan ahead for a few closed streets and expect traffic congestion in some areas.

In addition, the Mariners will play the Detroit Tigers on Safeco Field for evening games on Friday and Saturday, both beginning at 7:05 p.m., and a Sunday game a 1:05 p.m.

West Seattle Summer Fest will take place Friday thru Sunday. As a result, California Avenue SW will close between SW Edmunds and SW Genesee Streets. 42nd Avenue SW will also be closed 42nd and 44th Streets. Roads will close Thursday at 6 p.m. and will re-open Sunday at 11 p.m.

The Chinatown-International District Summer Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday. From 10 p.m. on Friday to 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, the following streets will be closed: King Street between 6th and 8th Avenue South; Maynard Avenue South between South Jackson and South Weller; 7th Avenue South between South Jackson and South Weller.

Madison Park Days Children’s Parade will begin at noon on Saturday. The parade will start at on Madison Street at 40th Avenue and will continue east to Madison Park at 43rd Avenue. Cross streets will be closed while the parade continues on Madison Street. The parade is expected to last approximately 30 minutes

The Seafair Triathlon Expo will be held this Saturday on Ninth Avenue between Seneca and University Streets. This segment of Ninth Avenue will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3p.m.

The Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic will begin early Saturday morning from the University of Washington E-1 North Lot. Thousands on bicyclist will travel from the University of Washington via Montlake Boulevard to SR 520. Expect delays between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m.

The Seafair Triathlon will be held this Saturday. Expect delays in the Seward Park, Genesee Park and Mount Baker neighborhoods and in I-90 between 6:30 and 11 a.m. as segment of Lake Washington Boulevard and I-90 will be closed.

Viaduct Lane Closures

(Seattle) - The Alaskan Way Viaduct will undergo guardrail repair this Saturday, July 14th. As a result, the far right, northbound lane will be closed between Washington and Columbia Streets from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The far left, southbound lane between Marion and Cherry will also be closed at this time as a precaution.

Washington - The Best State For Business

Washington made Forbes Top 5 States for Business. Washington was the biggest mover this year jumping from the 12th place to 5th place.

From Forbes
"The biggest mover, rising from 12th to fifth place, Washington is also the only state to finish in the top five in three main categories (labor, regulatory environment and growth). And Washington's numbers are up across the board when you look both backward and at projections into the future."

Seattle loves to Volunteer

from the Seattlepi

Seattle has the nation's fifth-highest rate of volunteerism, with 36.3 percent of the adult population saying they volunteered in the previous year, according to a report being released Monday by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency.

2 bed 2 bath condo in Lynnwood under $225k

click for larger image




Unit: A203 / 15415 35th Ave W Lynnwood

List Price $221,950
Listing# 27039658
Beds 2 / Baths 2 /Fireplaces 1
Appx. SQFT 950
Listed by Sherri M Leach of Keller Williams North Seattle

Affordable luxury... Completely remodeled. Contemporary, urban condo with all the amenities! This was the model unit. Designer paint and wall coverings, stainless steel appliances, full size washer/dryer, upgraded lighting. LIKE NEW!! Lots of extra special touches! Media room, pool, workout room, the list goes on! Close to Alderwood Mall, I-5 & I-405.

To view this listing feel free to contact Me, Sherri or your Agent.

Seattle Loft for sale - Across from Pike Place Market

click for larger image



Unit: 203 / 1507 Western Ave Seattle

List Price $375,000
Listing# 27026457
Beds 1 / Baths 1
Year Built 1910
Appx. SQFT 815
Listed by Melissa Hovey of Keller Williams Seattle Metro

One of a kind opportunity to live downtown! The Fix/Madore building is one of Seattle's most sought-after 1900's historic brick lofts. Right across the street from Pike Place Market and smack dab in the heart of this incredible urban community. Go green and WALK to work, restaurants, and shopping. Interior of space features exposed brick walls, thick fir beam ceilings, new windows, freshly painted, and laminate hardwood floors. Views of Puget Sound and the Olympics.

To view this listing feel free to contact Me, Melissa or your Agent.

Some ideas for escaping the heat

Tomorrow thru Saturday it will range from 95 degrees to 82 degrees. Here are some places you can go to escape the Heat.

Local Swimming Pools

Lowery C. "Pop" Mounger Pool
2535 32nd Avenue W 206-684-4708

Colman Pool
8603 Fauntleroy Way SW 206-684-7494

Swimming Beaches


West Green Lake, 7312 W Green Lake Drive
Madison, 1900 43rd Avenue E
Matthews, 9300 51st Avenue NE
Mt Baker, 2301 Lake Washington Boulevard S
Seward, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard S
East Green Lake, 7201 E Green Lake Drive N
Magnuson, 7400 Sand Point Way NE
Madrona, 853 Lake Washington Boulevard
Pritchard Beach, 8400 55th Avenue S

For the little ones a list of wading pools

Finally...you can always go and play in the fountain at the Seattle Center


photo by matthew browning

Stars: Ageless Beauty

ShinkaTea is coming to Capitol Hill

One of the only things I miss from the U District is Shinka Tea. Best Tea in Seattle.
Average of 4 and half stars on Yelp
Serves: "tea diversified", herbal and non-herbal teas, espresso and coffee from Caffe Fiore, smoothies, Bubble Tea, and seasonal drinks

What's on your book shelf? (books I'm currently reading)

Books I am currently reading - Via Shelfari



Shelfari is a local Seattle Company that allows users to display the books they are currently reading, want, or just the books that you have on your shelf.

www.Shelfari.com

SeaFair 1/2 Marathon This Sunday

1/2 Marathon Run & Walk
Sunday, July 8 2007
Bellevue Downtown Park
7:15 AM Run
7:30 AM Walk

http://www.seafairmarathon.com/race/halfmarathon.asp

SEAFAIR PIRATES LANDING - This Saturday

Date:	Saturday, July 7, 2007
Time:	11:00am - 5:00pm
Location:	Alki Beach
Street:	http://www.seafairpirates.com/PiratesLanding/
City/Town:	West Seattle, WA

“Seattle Music for Climate Protection” Event at Spitfire

SEATTLE - In support of Friends of Live Earth, the Mayor’s Office of Film + Music presents “Seattle Music for Climate Protection”, a daylong screening of the Live Earth concerts on Saturday, July 7th, from 11 AM - Midnight at Belltown’s Spitfire Restaurant and Bar.

“This event brings together two of Seattle’s most important characteristics: our love for music and our proactive stance on climate protection,” said Mayor Nickels of the concert screening.

Live Earth sponsor MSN features Seattle as one of the top 10 Greenest cities in the U.S., citing Mayor Greg Nickels’ leadership on the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Mayor Nickels has not only been at the forefront of the climate crisis around the country, he has led Seattle in its own climate protection initiatives.

“There are a lot of steps being taken among Seattle musicians and businesses to be a greener industry and this event will continue that momentum,” says James Keblas, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Film + Music.

“Spitfire often holds public screenings of political and cultural events on its 22 screens and is an ideal space for the Seattle Music for Climate Protection event,” said Spitfire owner Jerry Everard. “We love it when Spitfire can be a place for public discourse, and while screening the Live Earth concerts, we trust it will become just that.”

Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on July 7th that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis.

The concerts, held in eight cities and featuring musical acts from around the world, including Snow Patrol, Shakira, Dave Matthews Band and the Beastie Boys, hope to use the global reach of music to both engage and inform.

For more information about Live Earth and tips on how to get involved with climate protection, visit www.liveearth.org.

For more information on the Mayor’s climate protection campaign, visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor and the Office of Sustainability and Environment’s web site at http://www.seattle.gov/environment/.

Cedar River Watershed Discovery Tours

NEAR NORTH BEND, Wash. — Invite your family, friends, neighbors and community to discover the source of the greater Seattle area's drinking water!

Join Seattle Public Utilities naturalists this summer for a unique public tour of the Cedar River Watershed, the source of 70 percent of the Seattle area's drinking water.

This 2 ½-hour interpretive journey by bus and by foot into the 91,000-acre protected watershed (which is closed to unauthorized public access) is an unparalleled opportunity to experience a very special place.

Who: Adults/Families (age 10+).

When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from July 13 through September 9, 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: The Cedar River Watershed Education Center, just east of North Bend (about 32 miles from downtown Seattle).

Cost: $10 adults, $5 children (age 10+) and seniors

To Register: Registration is required. Call (206) 233-1515 or email: crwprograms@seattle.gov

Directions: From I-90 going East Take Exit 32 ( 436th Ave.) Turn right at the end of the off-ramp. Follow the road ( 436th Ave. SE, Cedar Falls Rd. SE) for about 2.5 miles to Rattlesnake Lake. Continue with the Lake on your right side until you reach the Cedar River Watershed Education Center.

For more information about programs at the Cedar River Watershed, please visit the Friends of the Cedar River Watershed website.

In addition to providing more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area with a reliable water supply, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the City’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.

4th of July at Gasworks Park (Seattle, Wa)

Transfomers the Movie was amazing

If your a fan of the Transformers, you will not be disappointed. Transformers put Spiderman 3 and Pirates to shame.