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Happy Friday, Eastside. In today’s edition: Garden d’Lights, Snowflake Lane, Eastside Counseling Center’s expanded child and family counseling, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Transit-oriented hub envisioned: A 9-acre BelRed redevelopment has been proposed in Bellevue, adding roughly 1,193 homes, lab and retail space, a new NE 15th Street, and artist lofts supporting the Arts District — see what’s planned for BelRed.
Guidance through life changes: Eastside Counseling Center has expanded Child and Family Counseling in Bellevue, offering support for children, teens, and parents with play-based tools, parenting coaching, and flexible in-person care and statewide telehealth — get all the details.
Lake views and local flavor: Bellevue was named Best Sustainable and Scenic City in the 2026 Good Housekeeping Travel Awards, praised for more than 100 parks, downtown accessibility, and the all-electric Bellhop shuttle — see why it won.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.
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🫶 We got your back
Celebrating local creativity: Bellevue’s NYE Night Market returns Dec 31 from 3 to 9 p.m. on Main Street. It is free and growing fast, from 500 attendees in 2022 to 10,000 last year, with more expected. Expect 50-plus local vendors, food trucks, live music, freebies like cocoa and dog treats, BellHop shuttle rides, and a wine garden benefiting KidsQuest. Get the event details.
Beauty rooted in tradition: Bellevue just got a Persian glow-up. Radio host Nina Hajian’s T Bazi, a skincare line inspired by Persian teas and botanicals, is now on shelves at Viktorya Wellness, plus Cadell Laser Clinic and Pure Aesthetics. Think pomegranate, Persian rose, and cardamom, anchored by the cult-favorite Persian T Oil, with more launches on the way. Read the full story.
Hair day upgrade: From low-maintenance layers to color refreshes and balayage, Winslow Salon pairs you with an independent stylist who listens and keeps upkeep realistic. Making Eastside hair happy since 2010, they’re here for your next look… consider this your nudge toward that new-season, new-me moment.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.
Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🎭 Flight Feathers Ballet presents The Nutcracker @ Lake Washington High School Theatre Company | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Whether you’re a lifelong Tchaikovsky devotee or just come for the snow scene, this Nutcracker mixes classic polish with hip hop toy soldiers, a formidable Mouse Queen, and a swoon-worthy Grande Pas de Deux. Want kid friendly, and shorter? Catch the 50-minute matinee.
🎤 Stand Up Comedy with Scott Losse @ Maryhill Winery | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Need a laugh that pairs well with a cab? Scott Losse brings sharp stand up to Maryhill Winery, so you can laugh, sip, and enjoy a relaxed night of comedy paired with great wine. Think clever jokes, good pours, and a crowd that actually listens.
This weekend
🔨 Muir Maker’s Market & Auction @ PTSA John Muir Elementary | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Holiday shopping that feels good. Browse local makers, bid in the auction, and grab bites from food trucks while the kids tackle the scavenger hunt and you angle for the 50/50. Proceeds send John Muir 5th graders to Camp Orkila, which we can toast.
🐾 Livewell Animal Hospital of Kirkland Grand Opening Celebration| Saturday (12/13) at 12:00pm – Kirkland’s got a new vet, and they’re opening the doors for nosy humans and their four-legged CEOs. Expect behind-the-scenes tours, a meet-the-team moment, treats for you and the furballs, and free pet photos with Santa, perfect for anyone who wants a festive photo with their pet.
🌳 Habitat Stewardship Day @ Juanita Open Space #1 | Saturday (12/13) at 1:00pm – Trade your inbox for blackberry brambles and join neighbors at Juanita Open Space with the Green Kirkland Partnership. Expect ivy pulling, light digging, and smug satisfaction, all outdoors and free, with bonus bird habitat, cleaner trails, and no gym membership required.
🏃 12K’s of Christmas| Sunday (12/14) at 9:00am – Trade the mall madness for a festive run where your ugly sweater actually helps with wind resistance. Pick your pace with a 12k, 5k, or the Little Elf run for the kids, then warm up afterward with cocoa and plenty of holiday cheer.
🎄 Needle-Felted Holiday Ornaments @ Picket Fence Art Studio | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm – Trade the mall chaos for a cozy afternoon of therapeutic wool poking. Learn to needle felt your own holiday ornaments, choose your colors, and add a little sparkle if you must. $85 covers all supplies, a take-home kit, and the satisfaction of productive procrastination.
🕯️ Hanukkah Grand Menorah Lighting @ Marina Park Pavilion | Sunday (12/14) at 4:15pm – Bring on the glow, Kirkland! This community celebration kicks off Chanukah with the first candle on a giant Menorah, plus plenty of music and festive treats. Expect doughnuts, dreidels, and enough gelt to make your inner kid do a victory dance. Free, joyful, and open to absolutely everyone.
Next week
✨ Garden d’Lights @ Bellevue Botanical Garden | Monday (12/15) at 4:30pm – Whether you’ve been since the early days or still call it “that light thing,” this Bellevue classic turns the Botanical Garden into a menagerie of plants, birds, and waterfalls made from half a million lights. It’s $10, kids 10 and under free, and delightfully low-stress.
❄️ Snowflake Lane Returns to the Bellevue Collection @ Bellevue Square | Monday (12/15) at 7:00pm – Think you’ve outgrown holiday magic? Head to Bellevue Way for Snowflake Lane’s parade, with “snow,” toy drummers, dancers, and lights that would make your power bill blush. It’s free, festive, and an easy win for family time, running every night through Christmas Eve.
🍪 Cookies & Claus: A Santa Suit Cookie Decorating Class @ Obelisco Estate Winery | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:00pm – Holiday season at Obelisco Estates means one thing, frosting on your fingers and a glass of red in the other. Decorate Santa suit sugar cookies with festive flair, swap baking war stories, and call it holiday spirit with less glitter, more Cabernet.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ Price is right – Eastside edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Helena Chen (eXp Realty)
Minutes from Microsoft’s main campus, this chic home mixes hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and two gas fireplaces with 2019 to 2020 upgrades, including a new roof. The kitchen shows off quartz counters, the hall bath adds a solar tube glow, and the primary suite spoils with a freestanding tub, frameless shower, and dual vanity. A/C covers summer, and the backyard offers a deck, patio, and hot tub behind a privacy screen.
Downstairs brings a rec room with a gas fireplace, a 3/4 bath, and laundry. The extra deep garage doubles as storage or workshop space, a bonus near tech central.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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