 Everywhere you drive (if you are inclined to drive, it's a nice day to stay home, and play ... maybe make a snowman?) you can see these merry  winter spirits in front yards and out enjoying the holiday weather! These happy little guys were spotted in Green Lake, where the lake and the park are cloaked in winter white. According to my information there have been numerous snowman sightings in Wallingford, North Seattle, Everett, Ballard, Fremont, the  U District, and in neighborhoods all along the shores of Lake Washington. Tomorrow I will be showing an interesting-looking home in Matthew's Beach, so I'll bring the camera along, and keep you posted!! The weatherman was talking about rising temperatures and some of the snow starting to melt, so we may be in our best snowman-watching mode today, Christmas day! There may be some sighs of relief if the snow blanket does melt somewhat tomorrow, but surely we will regret the loss of our little cheerful snow buddies. Not only that, every house you look at is so inviting. What is it about a bit of snow on the roof and a white garden that makes homes looks so...warm? The roof lines, the trim, everything shows up to advantage in the  snow. The real  estate agent in me took over for a few minutes and I wanted to tell everyone...hey, take a photo of your house now, because if/when you ever put it on the market it will really come in handy! There are a lot of 1920s brick Tudor style homes in Green Lake near the lake, and the snow makes them look like something out of a fairy tale! And as always, hoping to hear back from you and how YOUR snowman is doing... are you where there is snow? If so, please share your snowmen with us too. The agents in our office are talking about making a snowman album, and those from other parts of the country thinking of relocating to Seattle (well, the snowmen, I mean!) would be welcome guests in our album! As for the people relocating, of course we welcome you to our (temporarily) snowy city!! Get in touch and let me know how I can be of help.  Edy Kizaki
Realtor, Team Leader
(206) 331-0152 Labels: Ballard, Everett, Fremont, Seattle snowmen, U District, Wallingford
 You don't expect to have to wait for a table at a neighborhood tea shop, but Teashop Kuan Yin in Wallingford (on 45th) has been full several times lately when I've stopped by with a friend to  have a cup of my favorite Black Ceylon tea ("Nuwari Estate...fresh, bright, and slightly floral, brewing to a golden red...best without milk.") and hear the lastest. Ever since the teahouse opened on 45th Avenue in the popular, walkable Wallingford main shopping area in 1990, Teahouse Kuan Yin has been serving specialty tea and filling orders from far away. When current owner Marcus  Gramps became propriator in 2006, he innovated in various ways, adding gifts and bringing gelatto and many yummies to the teahouse. The serene atmosphere, both Eastern and yet very Seattle, is the perfect place to spend and hour with a friend catching up or planning your attack on the holiday rush. Open at 9 a.m. every day of the week and open until 10 p.m., 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, it's  also a nice place to go after a movie at the Guild 45th Theater just down the street. Besides the wonderful assortment of tea, Kuan Yin serves light meals and deserts, has live music some weekends (check their calender) and wi-fi which makes it a popular work and study spot (really it's just down the street from the U District!). Wait, there's more! Oasis Gallery sponsors the art, so there is always something new and interesting to see, and they are part of the Wallingford Saves program, which means a receipt from a participating Wallingford merchant will get you a $1 discount on your pot of tea! Try the Teahouse Kuan Yin website for more information and inspiration (click "home" to see the catalog!). Oh, and if you're by yourself and in the mood for an armchair adventure while you warm up and have tea, why not visit the Wide World Books and Maps bookstore a block away and pick up something to read while you sip your favorite brew...it has the distinction of being the first travel-only bookstore in the United States. Enjoy! 
by Edy Kizaki, Realtor, Team Leader
and future co-author of I Love Seattle! (just kidding)
Labels: restaurants, Wallingford
 In Wallingford this is one of the really loved places to have breakfast (yes, OK, lunch too, dinner too. But BREAKFAST is just so GREAT.) and sit with friends. There are few places that you can go and sink into a booth knowing that both your heart and your tummy (not a real estate word?) will leave full, but it's a wonderful ambiance and the  waitstaff seems to be there just to enjoy bringing you something good. With helpful suggestions and a ready smile, they are all immediately in the category of "friend." Oh, and don't forget the coffee, it's perfect. There IS Breakfast all day, and I always end up with the banana pancakes...except when I can't resist one of the 3 egg omelets! Let me know when you go there and what you had! Comments please everyone! Rusty Pelican CafeNeighborhood: Wallingford1924 N 45 th St Seattle, WA 98103 (206) 545-9090 Hours: Mon-Thu 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Fri-Sat 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Sun 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. 
Edy Kizaki
Realtor, Team Leader
Labels: Breakfast Places, Lunch Places, Wallingford
 It really has been an especially nice fall season. And it's not that I've done as much as usual, but ... quality people. Thank you, people in my life! Slowing time down and noticing the little stuff. This is not a burning revelation, I know, but it really does make a difference every moment. And it's like... let today linger.
Seattle? Yes, it's here. I love driving through Wallingford every day on the way to the office. On those little narrow streets with the round  islands in the intersections so you weave around. And if another car starts up the street from the other side, you look for a driveway to pull over and let them pass. And you can see Lake Union, the boats, the city and Space Needle behind it in the distance, as you glance up from the narrow street and the green-in-your-face circles... and during the whole progress down toward the lake you are sneaking long, timeless glances at the as-much-as-100-year-old homes with various signs of age and glory, most often lovingly cared for and brought with shining honor right up into the present moment by those who live in them and care for them. And saying to yourself... This is Seattle...this is Seattle...this is Seattle...this is sooooo Seattle...
Tell you what, you've been good so next time I drive down those streets I'll take a few shots of lovely Wallingford character homes and put them in this post to try and give you a sense of the neighborhood.
Edy Kizaki, Realtor Labels: character homes, Lake Union, Seattle, Space Needle, Wallingford
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Everywhere you drive (if you are inclined to drive, it's a nice day to stay home, and play ... maybe make a snowman?) you can see these merry 
winter spirits in front yards and out enjoying the holiday weather! These happy little guys were spotted in Green Lake, where the lake and the park are cloaked in winter white.
U District, and in neighborhoods all along the shores of Lake Washington. Tomorrow I will be showing an interesting-looking home in Matthew's Beach, so I'll bring the camera along, and keep you posted!! The weatherman was talking about rising temperatures and some of the snow starting to melt, so we may be in our best snowman-watching mode today, Christmas day! There may be some sighs of relief if the snow blanket does melt somewhat tomorrow, but surely we will regret the loss of our little cheerful snow buddies.
snow. The real 
