Bainbridge Island Real EstateFun Things to do on Bainbridge IslandHome ImprovementUncategorized April 6, 2016

Decorating a Small Front Stoop

Grand porches get more press, but you can pack just as much style into a small space. Whether you have a city stoop, an apartment building landing, exposed exterior stairs or a small porch, these 10 ideas will help you make the most of your home’s entrance.

1. Add a quirky planter. Done with that umbrella stand? Tuck a plant pot in there for an instant transformation. Or take a funky vintage find, like an elephant-shaped stool, and use it as a plant stand beside the front door. It’s sure to make guests (and you) smile.

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2. Paint your door a bright color. A cheerfully bright, mood-boosting hue is a great way to light up a small or dark entryway. Try yellow, lime green or aqua.

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3. Paint pots to match your door. This is quite possibly the easiest way to make your front entrance feel put together: Cluster flowerpots in the same hue as your front door on the stoop. Stick with odd numbers and vary the sizes of the pots for a more casual look. For a formal entrance, choose two giant, identical pots to flank the door.

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4. Roll out a big rug. Why stick with itty-bitty doormats when you can offer guests a big, cheerful outdoor rug instead? A larger rug on a small stoop will help the area seem more spacious — a tiny doormat tends to break up the space. A big rug on the porch also does wonders for hiding imperfect floors!

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5. Position trellises to frame the entrance. Positioned at each end of the porch or front steps, trellises provide welcome privacy and shade to the entrance. If the area gets good sunlight (and the climate allows), why not plant something fragrant, like jasmine, so you can enjoy a delicious scent each time you return home?

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6. Style some beachy finds. Driftwood, shells, glass lanterns, striped beach blankets and woven seats create a laid-back vibe on this front porch. If you have only a tiny amount of room, try arranging a single chunk of driftwood, a big shell and a glass lantern beside the door.

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7. Plant a window box. When you hardly have a stoop, let alone a full porch, it can be difficult to find ways to personalize your space. Try hanging a window box from the front window and installing a handsome lantern beside the door.

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8. Invest in topiary. A pair of topiary trees or neatly trimmed potted shrubs flanking the front door makes for an elegant entrance. You can’t miss with classic blue and white ceramic pots, moss-covered concrete or black urns, or square wooden planter boxes. If your stoop gets zero sun, consider investing in high-quality fake topiary — it’s really hard to tell the difference, and you can’t kill it!

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9. Draw the eye up with hanging baskets. Big hanging pots of ferns look bountiful and lush, and can handle the shade under an eave. Be sure to choose pots that are on the large side, and hang them about two-thirds of the way up from the porch floor — small pots hung too high look awkward.

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10. Swap plain numbers for an address plaque. A custom address plaque imparts more sophistication than plain house numbers. If you like, personalize it further by making up a name for your house.

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Fun Things to do on Bainbridge IslandHolidays on Bainbridge Island October 16, 2015

It’s getting Spooky on Bainbridge Island!

Autumn festivities are always a wonderful way to get ready for colder weather and give children so much joy following the end of summer vacation. There are a host of activities on Bainbridge this month for the entire family to enjoy.

Friday October 16th and Saturday October 17th, from 6pm to 8pm, Bainbridge Gardens is sponsoring their 22nd Annual Pumpkin Walk.

The Pumpkin Walk is a fun, festive, family-oriented event hosted by Bainbridge Gardens for two nights every October. The proceeds of this popular, non-scary event benefit the Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club. Hundreds of people of all ages come to walk along Bainbridge Gardens’ historic Nature Trail, glowing with a grand display of nearly 300 lighted, carved pumpkins.  For many families, the Pumpkin Walk has become a Halloween tradition. Kids enjoy winding through our Harvest Hay Maze and jumping in the inflatable Bounce House. You can have your picture taken with the “Great Pumpkin”! The Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club provides face painting and carnival games with prizes.

My grand-daughter Annabella has entered her own carved pumpkin for this year’s event and she is delighted to be able to wear her Halloween costume to the event, as well.

 

Monday, October 19th from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, KidiMu is sponsoring Messy Monday – a messy experimentation and sensory exploration featuring mini pumpkin painting… Children will practice sensory and motor skills, and use imagination as they create their masterpiece with paint and dish brushes.

IslandWood is hosting their 11th Annual Howl-O-Ween on Sunday, October 25th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Bring your own pumpkin or purchase one theirs. Other activities include a Pumpkin Walk through the woods, a Pumpkin Meadow for the little tykes, dancing, fortune tellers and more!

The Historic Lynwood Center Theater will be screening Beetlejuice on October 28th for only $5 a ticket!

Last but not least, on October 31st, downtown Bainbridge Island merchants will close Winslow Way at 3:30 p.m. and sponsor a safe trick-or-treating evening with spooky family fun.

Come in costume, listen for spooky tunes from the Eagle Harbor Church bell tower, drink free hot cider and place your vote for the best merchant costume at the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association booth on Winslow Way.

 

Uncategorized February 7, 2015

Valentine’s Day on Bainbridge Island

There are lots of sweet and fun things to do on Bainbridge Island for Valentine’s Day!

02/12/15 

Heyday Farm Kids Cooking Class sounds a like a fun idea for kids 7 – 12. This is a participatory class where kids will learn to make a meal and dessert using fresh farm ingredients!

 

02/13/15 to 02/22/15

Side by Side by Sondheim This Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of this contemporary master, and a must for die-hard fans.

 

02/14/15

Planetarium at Battle Point Park is hosting a Valentine’s Day Stargazing Show.  To celebrate Valentine’s Day, professional astronomer Dave Fong will tell twisted tales of love through ancient lore depicted in the starry sky. If the sky is clear, astronomers will be on hand with telescopes for public solar viewing prior and star-gazing afterward.

 

02/14/15 to 02/15/15

Wine and Chocolate Winery Tour What could be better for Valentine's Day than wine and chocolate? Visit the 7 wineries of Bainbridge Island, each featuring exceptional wines and chocolates. These 7 cozy artisanal wineries are mostly new on the scene but are already garnering awards and attention. Avoid the crowds and explore the peaceful beauty and charm of Bainbridge Island!

 

02/14/15

Heyday Valentine's Day Farm Dinner with Live Americana Acoustical Music  Enjoy a special evening out on the farm. They will have music and appetizers in our barn–full of the sweet smell of alfalfa hay. From there you will join your fellow local food lovers in the historic farmhouse and share a winter family style feast of fresh food right from the farm. They also have lovely, historic farmhouse rooms for rent for those that want to make this a romantic overnight visit complete with a farm breakfast.

 

02/14/15

Kiana Lodge Valentine’s Day Dinner Just across the bridge you’ll find the beautiful waterfront Kiana Lodge. Dinner will take place in the Main Lodge with stone fireplaces and stunning views of Agate Passage.

 

Cupid’s Walk at Bloedel Reserve  Take a romantic walk around Bloedel’s landscaped gardens. With a special map highlighting the best kissing spots along the trails!

 

Nikki Dee Valentine’s Concert at Bloedel Reserve  The Bloedel Reserve Residence will be transformed into an intimate nightclub to set the stage for jazz vocalist Nikki Dee. Enjoy her sultry jazz duo, a delicious dessert and a glass of wine. A wonderful way to spend a romantic night with the one you love.

 

The Beach House at Pleasant Beach Village Valentine’s Dinner The Beach House will be serving a six course dinner in the very romantic setting of their dining room and additional seating available in the Manor House. Call 206-780-FOOD to reserve your table!

 

Valentine’s Dinner at Restaurant Marche’ Greg Atkinson's contemporary Pacific Northwest Bistro will be serving a five course, pre-fixe, Chef’s Tasting Menu. Call 206-842-1633 for reservations.

 

Hitchcock Restaurant is offering a pre-fixe menu of “All the sexy food you can imagine: oysters on the half, foie, truffles, meat served on the bone, chocolate, spices, and citrus.” Chef Brendan McGill says there also will be “a fine selection of bubbles and digestifs to bookend a romantic evening.”  Call 206-201-3789 for reservations.

 

Doc’s Marina Grill is feeling the romance for Valentine’s Day. They’re transforming their dining room into a “romantic waterfront oasis,” with candlelit tables and a special menu featuring lobster, Kumomoto oysters, and champagne. Advance reservations are recommended. 206-842-8339

 

San Carlos Restaurant Bainbridge Island's Neuvo Mexican / Southwestern Restuarant will have a special menu featuring decadent desserts. 206-842-1999

 

Buying beautiful and delicious gifts for your Valentine is easy on Bainbridge Island.

 

Bob Bon Confections – Home of Bainbridge Island Fudge had incredible hand-made fudge in a variety of flavors along with an amazing assortment of old fashioned candies from your best childhood memories. Gift wrapping is available. 206-780-0199

 

Flowering Around is the quintessential florist. Artistry and fine florals to create the perfect bouquet, plus beautiful orchids and other plants are available.

 

For something more unique and personal, try one of the many incredible gift and lifestyle shops on Bainbridge Island:

 

Lark

Petit & Olson

Danger

Skookum

And for your littlest Valentine – Calico Cat Toy Shop

 

Happy Valentines Day from Jackie98110!

 

Holidays on Bainbridge Island December 3, 2014

Small Business Saturday on Bainbridge Island

Winslow was vibrant and busy this Saturday for Small Business Saturday, with everyone excited about the tree lighting ceremony and getting started on their holiday shopping.

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Local shops were busy getting decorated and preparing for large crowds of shoppers to start the Buy Local Season of Giving.​

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Petit and Olson are open in their new location.  The new space is large and the inventory is varied and really fantastic. 

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

For the younger set, Calico Cat has also expanded their store and there are so many cute things to look at, you’ll feel like a kid all over again!

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Staying beautiful and finding great gifts alike is easy at Firefly Salon. No one wants frizzy hair or roots with so many fun events going on this season!

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Bainbridge Tech Solutions partnered up with another local tech company, SMB Nation and offered free tech advice all day, along with free gourmet popcorn and Storyville Coffee.

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

And speaking of coffee, Bainbridge Bakers was open with their newly expanded space offering a warm space, good coffee and free wifi.

Happy Holidays from Jackie 98110

Other Bainbridge Island Holiday Festivities this month include:

December 5th, 1st Friday ArtWalk on Winslow Way
December 5th and 6th, Amabile Choir Holiday Concerts at Saint Barnabus Episcopal Church
December 5th and 6th, The Bethlehem Experience at the intersection of Sunrise Drive and Valley Road (across from Bay Hay & Feed
December 9th, Wearable Art Show at The Island Gallery
December 5th thru December 21st, SPAMALOT! At Bainbridge Performing Arts
December 13th, Heydey Farm Holiday Baking Class
December 13th thru January 5th, Holiday Village at Bloedel Reserve
December 19th, Heydey Farms Guided Farm Tour
December 31st, New Years Eve Dance Party at the Treehouse Café