Renton is so crafty and colorful

Color and dance - these handmade bouquets come from the crafty hands of Deb at Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral on South Third Street. The Spotlight Dance Company had a Willie Wonka dance performance, and these were the handsome posies given out to the lead performers - all seventeen of them. Underneath the festive bow tied at the base was a big chocolate Willie Wonka bar. Now if only I could have found my own copy of Johnny Depp amidst the fleurs, I would be one happy camper.

Remember to give my gal Deb a call with any floral arrangement concerns. She works wonders.

Crafty hands have been yarn bombing a bike at Mary Clymer's store, Happy Delusions, on Sunday afternoons when folks gather for the Stitch and Bitch. Rachel, above, along with Esperanza, were putting in impressive efforts of the fiber kind this past weekend. When this baby is done, watch out Renton - you never know what might come next.

Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral 920 South Third Street
(425)687-2778/(206)261-2802

Happy Delusions
924 South 3rd Street
Renton, WA 98057-2734
(425) 255-6078

Cake and Flowers

The package said "made from scratch" and the list of ingredients was complete with only words that you could read and find in your own kitchen. This here Red Velvet Muffin was the best packaged cupcake that I have ever had. I salute you, Pat's Custom Cakes. Yummy with a capital "Y".

I was given this goodie by Deb of Girlfriend's Gifts, Antiques and Florals on our own S. Third. Deb does wedding flowers and a recently married gal makes the tasty treats in Seattle dropped her by some muffins (though I say cupcakes without frosting - and they don't need the frosting) as a way to say thanks. I really am still swooning over how good it was.

February 14th is looming nearer - and Deb's got her flower mojo in full swing. The rose bouquets shown above were a mere $3 the other day, and the mug bouquets, $5. Keep our S. Third Street thoroughfare in mind when looking for a little somethin' somethin' for your loved one this year.

Deb's at Girlfriend's Gifts, Antiques and Florals
920 South Third Street
(425)687-2778/(206)261-2802

Pat's Custom Cakes
4611 - 36th SW Seattle 98126
1-866-773-2080
www.patscakes.com

When you need a little pick-me-up

Unique and sweet - this coffee pot full of floral charm was created to show a bride-to-be what could be done with the color scheme she chose for her wedding plus a little ingenuity. I know you know that I love Deb at Girlfriend's Antiques, Gifts and Floral - but I can't help myself. Deb's sister does estate sales, so there in no stopping the influx of cool things that come through the door in the way of stock. And Deb has a great eye for color and incredibly reasonable costing when it comes to floral arrangements. She has done like three weddings in the last 2 weeks - all with lovely results. If you have a need of floral assistance - from wedding to funeral, and any happy occasion in between, really, Deb is your gal.

920 South Third Street
(425)687-2778/(206)261-2802

Let Me Take You to the Market - Week 8

An apple a day will chase the blues away - and give you a healthy disposition to boot! Pink Lady Apples - $2/lb - today, at the Market.

What better sales advertisement than the vendor eating his own peaches? Acma Orchards from Quincy,Wa. They also sold the lovely apples pictured above. I took home my week's worth, how about you?

Buy your daily dose of veggies every week right at the Piazza in our DTR. Fresh from the farm. emphasis on LOCAL.

The weather was a "mite" hot today (can we get a temperature reading here? I think near 90), but that did not stop the crowds from gathering and shopping.

The Sweet Roasted Corn on the Cob Stand also sells some really good lemonade - which was looking very satisfying and thirst quenching on a day like today. Ain't that just purdy?

Snow cones can turn your tongue the best of all colors - deep, dark purple - like Raya here with her Mom, Jessica. Raya poses like a islander warrior - and is just as fierce about her summertime refreshments.

Little Prague European Bakery is one of the "must" stops on our family's list. Just super good, full stop.

Linda and Inez, looking just as lovely and as colorful as the shopping bags they carry.

Meet Donut's to Doughnuts owner, Paul Weigel. Not to long ago, worker and drone bee at Microsoft. Now, happy owner of the great doughnut cart at the market.

Tagline "Bringing Doughnuts to the People" and a website here Paul is doing three farmer's market this first year - Renton, Issaquah and Auburn. Check him out and eat happy.

Ahhh - the flowers, the flowers! Still available each week, still within your pocketbook range, still gorgeous.

New food, great food. Los Agaves Traditional Mexican Cuisine and it looks and smells - amazing!

Oh my - this is just so yummy to look at, I couldn't help myself but to be drawn to the flame. Check out Los Agaves at their website here.

Some of you will surely remember Bill's Bodacious BBQ at the Renton Farmer's Market from years before. Bill and wife, Carol, pictured here, are now retired from the BBQ business and happily spending more time with family, still come to the Market every week, and have a new business to keep them a "little" occupied. Bodacious Travel allows Bill and Carol to be your leisure time consultants - bodacioustravel.rovia.com

(Bill and Carol - Mom and I still miss your great food!!)