Cinnamon spice and everything nice

There are some of you that count on me to tell you the latest flavor of cupcake to be found around town. I do hate to let you down - so let's get right to the facts. It's cinnamon flavored and it's rockin'.

Salted cinnamon frosting? Yes, and worth every caloric bite! This may in fact be my favorite frosting that they have conspired to create.

Go in and have a smile from Brandie and a cupcake that will light your spirits up. You need it - did you see all that water falling down from the sky lately?

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Looking pretty

Every once in awhile, a girl has to put her finances to the tresses. Times may be tough, but when you look good, you feel good and everything seems to go just a tad easier after that. I wanted to check in with the girls at Shear Delight Hair Salon in Downtown Renton and remind you that it is not too late to treat yourself to the gift that keeps on giving - a new hairdo.

Stephanie Hilfer is my go-to gal when it comes to my hair. She has a good sense of color and cut, and has a way of keeping the salon chair talk fun and interesting. Before you know it, you are looking good and have regained a bit of your former feminine self that you were certain had died in the interim. Ahhh, thanks Stephanie for knowing how to make us all pretty again.

Sharon Martin is the gracious owner of the salon and always seems to have a chair full of regulars who come in for the latest cut and blow out. This is the type of place where no one feels as if they are left out of the conversation or in anyway unwelcome when they step through the door. The ambiance is just right.

The stock of haircare products is varied and is going through revamping, so stop by soon to see what new lines they will be carrying. My all time favorite is the ubermoisturizing product called "It's a 10". It is a spray that goes on light but works incredible wonders for my hair. I could own stock in this company.

Cut/color/facials/waxing/perms .
Appointments preferred, but walk-ins welcome.

Sharon's Shear Delight
334 wells Ave. S. Suite A
(425) 227 - 8057
Tues - Wed - Thur 10am - 8pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
We book other days for special occassions

Give me Art and give me LIberty

Get a sip of art and a slamming cup of brew when you meander over to Liberty Cafe for a look at the original artworks of Antonio U Lovett. The art show consists of charcoal pastel on paper and is bold and expressive. The first of two parties to honor the artist took place last Friday. But you can catch up with him again on the first Friday of Feb. when another party will be thrown with all the trimmings - wine, food and music. In the meantime, stop by and check it out.

Liberty Cafe
926 S. Third Street
(425) 235 - 1400

News from afar - very far

Peace Corps, Cambodia and teaching English - words that all describe the last few months of Emily Garland's life. Emily came into our lives and homes a couple times a week through the covers of the Renton Reporter Newspaper where she was a journalist. Now she has tales to tell of a land few of us will ever go to or read much about - Cambodia. However, through the use of her newly formed blog, Emily can regale us with her wry sense of humor and life overseas. Follow this link find out just what our Emily has been up to as of late.

Balloon Power

Someone had a birthday - and this is just a belated little *wink* and nod at the whole event. You know who you are and you know you are loved .

Last look at lights

What will I miss about the holidays the most? Besides the smell of a pine tree, even if half of the needles have made it to the floor, will be the lights that come out at Christmas time. Anyone can show you lights at night, but here are the Clam Lights this year at Gene Coulon Park at dusk.

Better late than never! I love how our community comes together and celebrates our commonalities and our eccentric differences. New Year's Day party held at the lustrous, wonderful local hang - the Liberty Cafe.