I want to be artistic - lash out with a journalistic force to be reckoned with - or not. Just depends on the day, the amount of rain and if I get out of bed at a reasonable hour.
I share my photos with you, but these aren't yours - so be nice, don't steal them. Unless otherwise noted, these are my handiwork and you need to ask if you want to use them. So thank you for appreciating my efforts - and towing the line of civility and good manners (wink)
I know, I know - you have sooo many Christmas cookies at home that you could choke a small farm animal, so why would you want to look at just one more!? But, I have been remiss in reporting this happy little event that took place just 5 days before the holiday at Liberty Cafe.
A Christmas Cookie Decorating Party that Rachel Myers so lovingly orchestrated on Dec. 20th was a blast and a cookie feast. Rachel made sugar and gingerbread cookies for hours at home, and then brought them all to be decorated and eaten at Liberty Cafe. Free fun for the whole community - now that is what I call the spirit of the season.
Work of cookie art by an avid cookie decorator on the scene. This cookie, after being photographed for posterity, was promptly eaten by it's maestro.
The cookie lady herself! Thanks, Rachel, for a party well done!
Santa always is jolly and likes to be seen in his red suit - but he also likes to ride a skateboard and sport Elvis sunglasses when the mood hits him. Santa can be cool - there is no doubt about it.
Mike Roberts is too young to have a white beard, but he is trying out the suit and adding his own flair to the holiday. Today, his lap was getting some use by some little ones who still "believe". Don't you wish you still did too???
Have a good one folks, and be Very Merry out there!
What would Christmas be without a trip to the prettiest of floral and gift shops in town? Cugini Florist does the most amazing and unique shopping for us throughout the year. Within their doors I see precious items that are not to be found elsewhere. This time of year it is especially resplendent in the decorations of the season.
The little handbags decorating this tree have had to be reordered three times already. What girl doesn't want a new bag for the holidays, regardless of the size.
Every ornament on every tree in the store is for sale - so you don't have to worry if you see something so pretty you just have to have it - it's yours.
Poinsettias are a classic at this time of year and there is every color and hue.
This is a personal favorite - she looks so hard at work with her holiday baking.
Gifts are Cugini's specialty, right after those beautiful flowers and plants for which theyare so well known.
Oliver, the resident cat, approves all purchases - unless he is too busy napping. The holidays can be so draining.
Cugini Florist and Fine Gifts 413 South 3rd Street Renton, WA 98057 (425) 255-3900 Get directions
Cool ornaments from all of your favorite Pez dispensers - I'll bet your tree doesn't have one of those yet. Part nostalgia (we all have our Pez memories) the rest sparkling detail and unique idea, that's what local artist Kristi Hand is all about with her new creations.
Happy Delusions ornament display
Princesses, and Santas, Kermit and Dino - there is a character for everyone.
The attention to detail and the colors are half of the fun.
All wrapped up in a gold box and cellophane ready to be taken home or nestled in a stocking or become that last little gift.
Kristi Hand
Remember, if you want to shop local, shop original and just be cool, Renton can provide. Kristi also has some highly collectible Pez sets that you might consider - like the Simpsons, to name one. Feel free to contact her for the entire list available if you don't see what you need at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes or Happy Delusions.
Kristi Hand artofhand@aol.com
Happy Delusions 924 S. Third Street Renton WA 98057 425-255-6078
Cookies - yum! Bring the frosting and the sprinkles, the cookies will be on hand to decorate at the Liberty Cafe tomorrow, Sunday, from 10am til noon. Of course, what better place to hold such a tasty event, but at the cafe with the mostest. Have your coffee and then nibble on your creative cookies. Great pairing.
The community will be out - a great time to wish everyone well during the season. Hope to see you there.
Downtown Renton's Piazza during the holidays last year
Pretty Holiday Destinations- Gene Coulon Park hosts the 16th year of the festive Clam Lights. Today, December 4th from 5 - 9pm and there will be lights and a parade of decorated boats with music - you get the picture. But these lovely babies will be up until the new year, so you can always go another night to look and then head on over to Ivar's for dinner to round out the evening, which is exactly what The Picaroon intends to do.
The Piazza Tree Lighting and Santa Fun begins Saturday at 3pm with Dickens Carolers, local crooners, roasting chestnuts and warm beverages - and all of this before leading up to Santa's arrival at 5. It is a great time to cruise Downtown Renton getting into the spirit of the season. The Piazza is located at South Third and Burnett.
These are FREE events - just the way the holiday fun should be so go and enjoy.
Some folks begin preparing for the holiday by decorating from the outside then in. Ron and Sue Hughes have been having their three bay windows painted for Christmas for the last few years by Mindi Hall. The designs have been pared down to the ones they have come to favor the most over the years and placed in just such a way that the lights from within can help cast a special glow.
Mindi has been painting windows for the past eight years and is getting pretty busy as we approach December. She and her partner were finishing up in Renton and then heading off to Issaquah to do another home. The duo usually paint at two locations a day.
Mindi's window designs can also be seen at Doofer's Bar and Grill and the Noble Saloon here locally. She also designed and painted the mural at Mo's in the Highlands. Mindi travels throughout doing all types of businesses and homes windows and not just during winter. Mindi is painting all year 'round.
I remember growing up in an era when a lot of homes decorated their windows. If you were lucky, someone in the family had a good hand at creating a skillful scene, or you just used some stencils and flocked on a snow scene or two.
Isn't it looking great?
Finishing touches on the carolers.
See how the light from the living room lamp adds to the Nativity design?
Ron Hughes in front of one of his freshly painted windows. The family tree will form a colorful lighted backdrop to this window when it is put up.
Holiday Windows - they are just such a treat to see. You can call and get your own.
The holiday spirit is starting to creep into Renton - and it all began last weekend with some garland and red balls. The Downtown Events Committee of Renton put up the first bit of holiday bling on the poles of South Third Street with the help of our downtown Boy Scouts Troop and some helpful local citizenry. Don't they look grand?
With Thanksgiving right on our doorstep, I have transgressed my personal "no Xmas yet" rule and brought you a bit of the green and red. Can't help myself - it's too cheery and cool not to tell you about.
Downtown Renton - a cool place to be on any day
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Let it snow,let it snow,let it snow.... for those of you not in the know, there is a lot of (for us Rentonites) snow out there, and they say that it is just going to keep on comin' tonight. Soooo, make sure you have yourself bundled up if you are venturing off to loved ones homes tomorrow, Christmas Day, and that you pack extra Christmas cookies in case you get lost or stuck. That way, you have something to eat and you can crush them up and leave a trail in case you decide to venture out into the white stuff in search of further sustenance or assistance. Merry Christmas everyone!
In our fair little town there resides a unique adventure in shopping or creating, perfect for this festive time of the year. Uptown Glassworks on Main has the most amazing collection of hand blown orbs of light and wonder - tree ornaments of every color and swirl. For those who want to make memories as well as their own piece of art, you can call and sign up for your own "Blow-your-own" experience or on Friday,Dec.12th there will be a fully catered dinner with prime rib and all the fixin's (plus alcohol!) but reservations are a must,so you should call soon for this $70 per person date at the glass gallery. And besides all of the holiday bustle, this store, housed in a beautiful 100 yr old building downtown, is just so lovely to stroll through at any time that you should stop by whenever the season. Kerry Cole, the Gallery Director has created a mini-wonderland of color and light making this a necessary destination to ,help get the holiday juices flowing. 10% discount on your purchases for mentioning this blog! Uptown Glassworks 230 Main Ave.So. Downtown Renton (425)228-1849 info@uptownglassworks.com
Renton at the Piazza - it's beginning to get that special holiday "glow". Come tomorrow from 2-7pm, that is Sat.,Dec.6th, for some holiday good cheer - cider and caroling and roasted chestnuts - oh my! The official lighting of the trees begins at 5pm and with Mr. and Mrs. Claus themselves arriving for the ceremony. If you've been watching your cookie intake, maybe Santa will let you sit on his lap. It all ends at 7pm, so don't miss out on your chance to start getting into the holiday swing of things! S.Third Street, between Williams Ave.S. and Main Ave.S.
Posts
Gifts are Cugini's specialty, right after those beautiful flowers and plants for which they are so well known.
Kristi Hand
Mindi has been painting windows for the past eight years and is getting pretty busy as we approach December. She and her partner were finishing up in Renton and then heading off to Issaquah to do another home. The duo usually paint at two locations a day.
Mindi's window designs can also be seen at Doofer's Bar and Grill and the Noble Saloon here locally. She also designed and painted the mural at Mo's in the Highlands. Mindi travels throughout doing all types of businesses and homes windows and not just during winter. Mindi is painting all year 'round.
I remember growing up in an era when a lot of homes decorated their windows. If you were lucky, someone in the family had a good hand at creating a skillful scene, or you just used some stencils and flocked on a snow scene or two.
Isn't it looking great?
Finishing touches on the carolers.
Let it snow,let it snow,let it snow.... for those of you not in the know, there is a lot of (for us Rentonites) snow out there, and they say that it is just going to keep on comin' tonight. Soooo, make sure you have yourself bundled up if you are venturing off to loved ones homes tomorrow, Christmas Day, and that you pack extra Christmas cookies in case you get lost or stuck. That way, you have something to eat and you can crush them up and leave a trail in case you decide to venture out into the white stuff in search of further sustenance or assistance.
