Janet Klinger’s Photography Blog

Phinney Ridge is such a fabulous neighborhood. Here preschool, groceries, parks, zoo, Greenlake, bakeries, and friends are less than a 10 minute walk away. We’re lucky beyond my dreams to live in this politically aware, socially conscious neighborhood where neighbors help each other and the urban village thrives.

Our community revolves around the PNA where members can borrow tools for home projects, and classes cover an enormous array of interest. A tiny portion of the class list includes yoga, pilates, swing, tap, belly dance, computer, musical instruments. Weekly gatherings include Spanish conversation, book clubs, social, political, musical and neighborly events. The recent embracing of the Greenwood Senior Center has added an additional wealth of opportunity for old and young to learn, play and bond together.

Some of my favorites Phinney Ridge / Greenwood establishments include

CLOTHING for Women: The Frock Shop, as if the owner has been sent from heaven to be my personal shopper- unique, trendy yet affordable. Wish packs-in adorable funky items to mix and match, Hip Zephyr for designer clothing in a casual boutique setting, Lemon Meringue for high end wear with an eye toward casual. Small but hip maternity collection too. Tweed represents local designers (funky casual) at still affordable prices.

CHILDREN’S Mimi Rose featuring owner-designed clothing and select toys, books. Rising Stars for adorable new & used clothing, books and gifts. Top Ten Toys is first to come to mind when I want a classic toy or I’m stumped for creative project ideas. playmatters, an indoor playground for kids, networking and seminars for adults. My daughter Ellie gets her hair cut at Beach Combers, where she gets to ride on a turtle while watching a video. Such a treat!

CAFES: The Asian infused Fresh Flours (The azuki bean- green tea cake is second only to their blueberry stuffed muffin) , The happy to be politically correct Green Bean (caters to those with kids. Super comfy atmosphere and tasty treats), Herkimer Coffee (best without children or when you need to work on your laptop) .

RESTAURANTS:

DINNER: Santa Fe Cafe for a flavorful Southwestern treat, Carmelita for vegetarian food (seasonal NW) and hip atmosphere, Il Giardino for tasty Italian, Chef Liao serves Asian fusion in a family run, casual setting.
SMALL PLATES with interesting drinks I choose Oliver’s Twist or Tigertail.
MEDITERRANEAN is popular here: Yannis’, Gorgeous George’s, Olive You, Georgia’s.
SIMPLE BUT TASTY Red Mill Burger, 74th Street Ale House, Crash landing Pizza.
BREAKFAST eateries: Phinney Market for Sunday Brunch, kitschy Mae’s Phinney Ridge Cafe or the sweet family run Pete’s Egg Nest.

OTHER valuable assets. We’re also home to the Phinney EcoVillage, lead by former Seattle Times writer and activist Paul Andrews. Phinney Farmers Market at the PNA. Woodland Park Zoo. Greenlake for swimming indoor, outdoor and all things done comfortably around a 3 mile trail. (Biking and rollerblading at a leisurely pace due to throngs of people enjoying this popular park.)

Come visit Phinney Ridge. Everyone is welcome here.

In the ever-present struggle to regain balance between personal and professional life, life as momma to Ellie and wife to Tim, Thursday night has been carved out as “MY” night. Granted one Thursday each month I’m at an informative PUG meeting, or an educational Woodland Park 3-5s co-op meeting, or occasionally an inspiring Soulumination meeting. Still, 1 to 3 nights each month are for doing as I please. This tiny freedom rejuvenates.

I usually spend that time with friends, so much do I miss being social. Now it’s easiest to build friendships with other working moms who are also motivated to go around Greenlake at 8:30 in the pitch blackness.

But last Thursday, oh my! I had forgotten the sheer pleasure of nestling into the warm sands of Olympus Spa. Blissful, rare relaxation overcomes me as I bake in the mud & jade room, then cool down to warm in the charcoal room. I don’t know the exact purpose of these “earth energy” rooms. Who cares about energy anyway. Give me it’s antithesis!

Then into the mugwort steamroom. Yuck. Slimy on the butt! Might that be why they gave me an extra tiny towel? With towel in place, mind off the slime, my pores couldn’t be happier, my breathing easier. To cool off, into the freezing waterfall pool. Gasp! Then into the hottest of the pools to soak before I have a 50 minute Korean body scrub.

1) Mud & Jade room 2) Relaxation lounge with foot message 3) Waterfall pool surrounded by 3 other warm to hot pools.

Why work if you can’t splurge now and then? Use of the spa for a day is $35 in Lynnwood, $30 in Tacoma. The bodyscrub is $65/60 Lynnwood/Tacoma. I’m so happy Tim and I figured out a way to have some time for each of us. I’m ready for another week.

Talk about a huge success. Not only has Luly Yang Couture taken Seattle by storm, and thrown a world-wide net around her captives, but I– the jean wearing, boot stomping momma from Phinney Ridge have been spell-bound and taken captive. Why should I care about fashion so much, living the active lifestyle my 3 year old requires? Because Luly makes ME look good. I’m not referring to stepping-out for my Valentine dinner with sweet hubby Tim. (hint hint) I’m talking about when my portfolio features her gowns. After 23 years of being a pro-photographer I now give credit where due.  All I have to say is that if you’re donning a Luly Yang creation, hiring me is all the more important to help save the dignity for your bridal party and family who would otherwise look woefully drab next to you.

Gorgeous as Luly Yang’s gowns are, they look even more so because David Galliett of Rented Elegance helped create this sapphire inspired ambiance.

Photographing Vera Wang’s Fall 2008 collection I witnessed the talents of Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events who planned this fashion-infused champagne brunch. This man is pure elegance. Aside from the obvious impeccable attention to detail, his calm in-charge demeanor would put the most demanding mother of the bride at ease. Judging from the ambiance created in each space, it’s clear Bryan Rafanelli is equally in-touch with the bride and grooms individuality, encouraging a bold or gentle emergence, as best suits. I would recommend Rafanelli in a heartbeat.

Other top vendors at this exclusive event were: Dresses by Vera Wang, The Ritz Carlton, Boston Common, Claudia Kronenberg Photography, Hair & Makeup by Luiz Filho , Flowers by Spruce Floral, Music by Music Management,

The man himself, Bryan Rafanelli.

Erwin Schinnerl, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common. Erica Ann Arkin, Vice President of Bridal and Maids, Vera Wang, New York, in the background.

Claudia Kronenberg and Brea McDonald

Luiz Filho, Hair and Makeup Artist

Outside the Ritz Carlton, Boston

Photographing the Vera Wang Fall 2008 Bridal Collection in Boston I learned first hand Vera’s creative prowess. Luxurious ruffles and ribbon sashes. Jewel crimson, magenta, and cream. Garden accents of cabbage rose bustle, forest duchess cabbage rose, and wine wintergarden corsage. What I liked best was her dress-in-motion. Since my photography often captures personality-in-motion, I loved her selection of individuality: Mermaid, strapless column, ruffled layers, silk & wool , pleats, overskirts, and swagged ballskirt. I found her dresses both elegant and playful. Just what the Dr (or Event Planner, Rafanelli Events) ordered. Just what every girl dreams of.

Granted, my first impression was tainted. I rushed full boar to get to Ummelina International Day Spa. Hurry up and relax. My life’s motto.
Still, I had been savoring the thought of this day. Knowing I have a message as often as schedule allows, the talented Heather Quintans gave me this incredibly generous gift after photographing her family. (No bonuses please! Just tell your friends.)

Chik and Heather Quintans’ adorable family. Thank you, from every muscle and tendon in my body!

Feeling good to arrive on-time after a hectic day, I was confused upon entering the building. Where do I enter? Then I had to wait 20 minutes to simply access a dressing room.
From then on, Ummm. Soft light, calming music, lightly scented candles dancing from nooks and crannies. The best part was the divine Molly McMartin, Massage Guide extraordinaire. In a co-ed parlor (bring you sweetheart!) she starts with a lightly scented foot soak and hydrating rub. Then off to the private room. Heat pad under torso, heated towl on my back, she begins applying just the right pressure to the carefully chosen spots. She asked good questions and listened intently. After leaving in a state above reality, I was led next door to the private Monsoon Shower, stocked with many of Ummelina’s bath products. Finally, we end the session back in the parlor, heated neck pillow seeping into my much used shoulders. (Think “heavy camera bag”.)

Congratulations to Ummelina’s on their new business location: Yakima WA wine country, nestled inside the same building as the Hilton Garden Inn! This means you can use the pool and exercise equipment too.  Take a dip, sip some wine, message divine! Hope to see you there!

Aaron Horton created this video clip to illustrate how Janet works. We love working with Aaron. Great eye, attitude, and bends over backwards.

Dress designed by Luly Yang. Hair and Make up by Tiara’s on Location, Models: Sandra Kord and Nick Skinner. Location: The W Hotel, Seattle. Ring: Green Lake Jewelry Works.