After a delicious lunch at Archa Thai Bistro on East Meeker St., Brooke, Larissa and her girls – Nadia & Kira – spent the afternoon at Kent Cornucopia Days. It was darn hot, but who could complain? The weather was significantly better than Fourth of July. Anyway, we had a great time.

I got a 10-minute back massage at Lemon Drop, a $5 brow wax at Blanc ‘n Schwartz, Brooke got a henna tattoo, Nadia & Kira had caricatures done, and we all got free face painting (think artsty, fun, colorful!) at Blanc ‘n Schwartz. We also met Miss Cornucopia, Lauren Vermilion, enjoyed a little ice cream and did a bit of shopping! Thank goodness for the nearby Wells Fargo ATM.

One of my favorite vendors had historic photos from around Washington. I bought three that were Kent-specific, one of the old Kent High School and two of the downtown area. They’ll look great in my office where most of the “iLoveKent” action happens.  : )

There was so much we didn’t have time to do though – we may go back again today for the Farmers’ Market and to see the booths and downtown friends we missed yesterday.  I would also like to swing by Lake Meridian today to see the Dragon Boat Races. I’ve never been to them before and this year is the 10th anniversary for the dragon boat races at Kent Cornucopia Days!

Hats off to Bill Westcott and the Kent Lions’ Club for putting on such a fun, family-friendly, all-volunteer event. Great job!

For more pix, visit our iLoveKent Facebook page.

Since moving to Kent almost five years ago, I have been to at least a half a dozen stylists and hair salons. So far, I have never found one that suited me…open the right hours, had a stylist that I just loved, or that just “fit” the way a good salon should. That‘s not to say that there aren’t good stylists or hair salons in town. In fact, I’m sure there are. I’m just fickle in that department. I’ve just never found one that I wanted to go back to more than a few times.

My point, you ask, as I ramble on? I have found the hair salon of my dreams…Blanc ‘n Schwarz, 207 E. Meeker St., next to Edward Jones Investments (Kelsey Keener). After visiting Kelsey last month, I popped into the salon next door to make an appointment for a haircut. In and of itself, that was somewhat of a miracle. I’m a “low maintenance” gal, and I don’t usually schedule haircuts. I just go when I need one. But a friend had recommended Wade at Blanc ‘n Schwarz so I thought I’d give it a try.

I gave Wade the option to choose a style that was flattering, and I love what he did. In addition, he was incredibly personable and the salon was fun. It was decorated in a simple but upscale way, with shampoo bowls that adjust to your comfort level. The reclining shampoo chairs also had a foot rest so I could put my legs up while being shampooed and conditioned.

I went back last week for a four week trim (believe me, this NEVER happens in my “low maintenance” world) and to try a new haircolor and highlights. As expected, Wade was his usual charming self, but he was also very in tune to what I wanted and what would look good for my coloring.

As an extra bonus, I love Wade’s entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to support the Kent community. Despite being new to the area (his salon was previously in Ballard), he is all about Kent and proud to offer his ideas for helping it grow in ways that benefit businesses and residents alike.

So for the first time in nearly five years, I can say I have a stylist and a favorite salon. Wade @ Blanc ‘n Schwarz. Gotta run…it’s time to make an appointment for my next trim…

[Note:  Blanc 'n Schwarz is open Mondays - Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only. I don't believe they have a website, but here's how you can reach Wade or another one of his stylists: 253-856-1355]