Military Tourism
Take a tour of a few Washington State Parks and learn about the military history in this area, from the early 1800s to WWII.
Insole Giant Makes Big Step
Superfeet is emerging as a leader in footbed technology.
Go with Your Gut – It’ll Help Your Brain
Gut instinct. Listen to your gut. What does your gut tell you? In the 1970s through to the 1980s, studies on the connection between diet and depression were being conducted. But they were discontinued due to underfunding, as is so often the case when it…
Bothell Furniture
Since 1985, Bothell Furniture has been a mainstay in downtown Bothell, and a recent move to a larger building just four blocks away has allowed it to spread its wings. The store’s salespeople have distinguished themselves by their knowledge and expertise. They buy carefully selected individual pieces of furniture rather than container loads of cheap imports, and they pride themselves not only on their relationships with customers, relationships that sometimes span generations, but also with…
Fixer-Upper? No Thanks.
In 2018, Seniors and Millennials Will Find Common Ground in New Construction. If we only had a crystal ball. Then we could predict, or at least pretend to predict, the real estate economy and the housing forecast for the coming year. With no crystal ball in hand,…
The Art of Forgiveness
Colleen Haggerty lay on the precipice of sleep. The same scene that had visited her countless times before would visit again. She was in a car, sometimes driving, sometimes not. It was dark and raining. Out of the…
Opioid Addiction, Why Saying “NO” Is So Hard
Many parents may remember Nancy Reagan’s anti-drug slogan, “Just say ‘No’ to drugs”, or the anti-drug campaign that used a frying pan and eggs to highlight the effect of drugs on the brain. The messages were simple and catchy. Neither slogan, however, gave parents the full scope of tools to address the risks of drug abuse with their kids. And that is because the physical effect of drug abuse on the human brain was not yet fully understood, especially for dangerously addictive opioids.
Expert Advice from Edmonds
Arista Wine Cellars This time of year, the crisp air is perfumed with the crackling of alder hearth fires and spiced with notes of cinnamon and pumpkin. The promise of unhurried dinners as we gorge ourselves with extra helpings and good conversation lures us indoors. And the perfect complement to any…
Traveling Abroad Made Easy at Rick Steves’ Travel Center
At home in the chic, down-to-earth seaside village of Edmonds is the Travel Center for Rick Steves’ Europe. Approach the building from 4th Avenue, with its classic red brick exterior and sculptural stonework just off Main Street, and you’ll get a sneak peek of the exciting travel possibilities to come. Enter under the watchful…
Best of the Northwest 2016 Winners Announced
The results are in! Our readers have voted on their favorite businesses, services, restaurants, stores, and spas from Blaine to Anacortes. Looking for the go-to places to get…
Brewed in Snohomish County
Humans first brewed beer many thousands of years ago. More recently, the last decade has seen dozens of craft breweries open in Snohomish County. Eric Radovich, executive director of the Washington Beer Commission, said that…
Garden Gear & Gallery
Gardens hold a special spot in the hearts of many. Tending the young shoots of flowers, vegetables, and other plants, watching them grow, and, eventually, bloom is akin to caring for children. It takes patience, skill, and not just a little bit of love. And of course it helps if you have the right tools. In addition to these garden care essentials, Garden Gear…
Edmonds Underwater Park’s Bruce Higgins
On a recent Saturday, Bruce Higgins organized a complex dive at the 27-acre Edmonds Underwater Park at Brackett’s Landing North, where he volunteers to build and maintain the underwater trail system. In 2007, the park’s trail system, which consists of a network of 2.5 miles of trails, was named for Higgins. Saturday’s dive consisted of Higgins and his…
Blackball Taiwanese Desserts
A line of excited customers winds around the tables and chairs to the door. It’s a Saturday afternoon at one of Edmonds’ newest additions, BlackBall Taiwanese Desserts, where patrons eagerly await a tasty treat of boba and sweet potato balls,…
Chanterelle Hometown Bistro
At home on Main Street in the quaint waterfront town of Edmonds, the Chanterelle Hometown Bistro is nestled in an historic building that was once the first hardware store in town. Owned and managed by husband and wife Randy and Brooke Baker since 1997, Chanterelle offers a cozy atmosphere, helpful and courteous staff…
Digs
I remember shopping at Digs when it was located on Holly St. in downtown Bellingham. The showroom’s furniture, housewares, decor, and gifts always made me feel a little weak in the knees, as if I might swoon onto a Gus* bed upholstered in tweed and dressed in a DwellStudio duvet. Modern design does that to me. So it pained me when I heard that after five…
Salt and Iron, Revisited
One year ago, Edmonds welcomed its first ever oyster bar and steak house. Before Salt & Iron’s grand opening, we reported on its development and…
Snow Goose Books and Frames
THE SHOP Nestled in the tiny town of Stanwood is Snow Goose Books & Frame a 30-year-old shop, where owners and staff members offer knowledgeable and friendly service. They know their neighbors, as well as their neighbors’ interests in literature and taste in art for framing. “We really…
The Pilchuck Glass School
A garden of glowing spikes, a ceiling of sea creatures—Dale Chihuly’s influence upon Washington’s art scene is felt in every gallery walk and at every art show. With patrons Anne Gould Hauberg and John H. Hauberg, Chihuly founded The Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood in 1971. The Haubergs weren’t just…
WONDER WOMAN – Dr. Jean Hernandez
Not long after Dr. Jean Hernandez was named President of Edmonds Community College (ECC) in 2011, she received affirmation in the form of the Honorary Triton Award—Outstanding Administrator Award. “The Triton Award was a…
Edmonds: The Heart of the Arts
The inspiring landscape, supportive community, and rich artistic history create a lure that draws artists and art enthusiasts to Edmonds. “There’s a power and a presence about being in Edmonds,” said Elizabeth Martin-Calder, interim executive director of Cascadia Art Museum. Since its beginning, the community has supported and encouraged the arts. “If you go way back things sort…
English High Bank Waterfront Home
The goal was to build a timeless waterfront escape—a vacation home on Camano Island with architectural character and traditional elements. “My clients wanted the home to feel as if it had been lived in before,” said principal architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest. Situated on an exceptionally steep bank that offers views of both Skagit Bay and Mount Baker, the result is a threestory home with plenty of space for multiple generations of family members to holiday…
Cascadia Art Museum
Hummingbirds flit about on bright orange flowers blooming in front of the newly opened Cascadia Art Museum, located in the just renovated mid-century Salish Crossing building near the Edmonds waterfront. What lies inside this reinvigorated icon, which was formerly the Waterfront Antique Store and before that a Safeway, is nothing short of stunning. Lindsey Echelbarger, the museum’s founder and president, worked…
ROOM TO BREATHE Organization For The New Year
Winter in the Pacific Northwest. The near-constant cloud cover brings the sky low and drapes the landscape in shadows. Often it’s dark when we wake to leave for work and dark once more by the time we return home. For most of us, the colder, wetter, gloomier weather means more time spent indoors. In January, once the festivities of the holidays are over, the winter season can mean…
Lather & Salt
Tucked — almost squeezed — neatly between Everything Tea and Roger’s Riverview Bistro on Snohomish’s main downtown First Street drag is a delicious bath and body shop.
The Savvy Traveler
The selection of handbags and purses is equally impressive, with a similar emphasis on quality, style, and practicality.
Judith and Daniel Caldwell’s Delightful Public Art
From grand public displays like Blue Sky Baskets in White Center to tucked away corners like the humble embeddings of Paw Prints in the downtown Seattle REI to bronze masterpieces on school campuses, the Caldwells help shape and artistically humanize our Northwest landscape.
Snohomish County’s First TEDx Event
Twenty-three speakers participated in the daylong event at the Edmonds Center for the Arts. It was the first independently organized TEDx event of its kind, unlike the more than 10,000 TEDx events that have been held in communities worldwide since 2009.
Women Painters of Washington
Six founders started WPW in 1930 in order to bring together extraordinary women painters from across the state to encourage, engage, and foster artistic growth, as well as help these painters overcome hurdles not faced by their fellow male colleagues.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Explored
Accounts differ, deities get in the mix, but according to most sources, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as we understand it began with the Shennong, a demigod known as the Divine Herdsman.
Conscious Cosmetics – Go Beyond The Label
When reading labels, we should not only be reading our ingredient lists but learning about them.
Fresh Face For Winter
simple solutions and product recommendations to help your beauty shine bright despite the wet, blustery winter weather.
The Hollywood Tavern
Located in Woodinville’s Hollywood District on a curved stretch of road in view of the iconic, tree-lined driveway to Chateau…
The Buzz About Barre
As a young child I loved ballet and dreamed about becoming a ballerina. Fast forward to adulthood, and I have found the next best thing. It’s called the Booty Barre®…
Tis’ The Season, It’s Party Time
It’s that wonderful time of year when party invitations pour in. What does that mean? There will be rivers of mulled hard cider, eggnog and champagne abundantly flowing. Over-indulging in holiday libations may take a toll on your health. The familiar…
Omega Pizza & Pasta
Since opening its doors in 1996, Omega Pizza & Pasta has filled the bellies and warmed the hearts of Granite Falls regulars as well as customers from throughout the Seattle metro area. A small town, family-friendly restaurant with a down-to-earth atmosphere,…
Zinc Art + Interiors
A tray with a glass sake set and sushi rests on a long wooden table. It seems a bit out of place amid the…
The Whale Trail
It began in 2008 with a lost Orca named Springer. Separated from her pod, Springer was starving and swimming close to shore. A group, led by Donna Sandstrom, came together to reunite Springer with her pod, and that effort led to a discussion about whale watching boats and increased traffic on our marine highways. Sandstrom founded The Whale Trail, a series of sites along the West Coast that offer excellent viewing of whales from…
Project Homeless Connect
On July 9, volunteers lined up for Project Homeless Connect, a program in which attendees provide free services to almost 1,000 community members. The recipients received a hot meal, medical care, dental care, child support services, information…
The Increasingly Popular, Himalayan Dog Chews
What started as a test-the-waters product at a small Bellingham, Washington dog show fair can now be bought at more than 5000 pet product retailers. Friends and…
Hello, Sunshine! Summer Beauty Tips & Tricks
This summer—my, oh my! It feels like this summer started about two months early this year and that beautiful, warm sunshine is continuing to knock it out of the park. As a makeup artist, summer is my busy season and all too often it feels like the sunshine disappears before it even started (I’m sure almost all of you can relate). But this year, I’m taking every moment possible to slow…
The Root Beer Store
A little more than five years ago, successful entrepreneur and business owner Corey Anderson asked himself, “What do I want to do?” With a few successful businesses holding their own, Corey decided to do something that brought him back to his roots—and in this case, pun intended. “It was a family tradition to…
The Lodge Sports Grille
Whether you’re looking for a cozy corner in which to settle down and watch the game with a beer in hand, or are in search of a lively hub to gather with friends, look no further than The Lodge Sports Grille. Serving patrons throughout the greater Seattle area since 2010, its five locations offer unique experiences to each local community, while also offering commonalities from the grub and…
Bon Séjour Home
THE SHOP Step into the welcoming interior of Bon Séjour Home in Bothell’s Country Village, and you will feel right at home. Stylish comfort suffuses the shop, from the color of the walls, a refreshing…
Salt & Iron
An Edmonds woman exclaims, “Oh yum, an oyster bar is coming!” while walking past the paper-covered windows at 321 Main Street. A poster on the door simply states “Salt & Iron. Oysters. Steaks.” Enough said, really. Edmonds has been without an oyster bar and steak house for as long as anyone can remember. Salt & Iron comes…
Tasteful Beauty
The Intricate Art of Edible Landscaping Western Washington is a gardener’s haven. With a mild climate, known as Zone 8 to fruit and vegetable growers, many plants thrive, often beyond our wildest expectations. Talk to those with a passion for edibles, and you start hearing things like, “Does kale ever die?” and “Do food banks take fresh garden donations?” Neither is a drawback. One of the joys of gardening—which inspires advice,…
Trail Running Inspiration
It’s not much of a secret that I enjoy traveling long distances on foot—I’ve through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail twice. I love the way miles accumulate and push you forward, the way the sheer volume inspires you to press on for just a few more miles or hours. It is a strange phenomenon that when I am traveling and I step onto a treadmill, I run for what seems like forever until my brain has reached…
Shopping and Sharing Life at c’est la Vie
The first words that come to mind when walking into Edmonds’ c’est la Vie (pronounced Say La Vee) are colorful, eclectic, and fun. The entry walkway and surrounding walls are artistically lined…
Sun Valley
Take a ten-hour drive southeast—or a twohour flight—and you’ll find yourself at the famed ski destination, Sun Valley, Idaho. Often thought of as a snowy playground for the elite, Sun Valley is actually a welcome vacation area that caters to many types of budgets and activities….
Darrell Hillaire and Setting Suns Productions
It seems reductive to call Darrell Hillaire a playwright, given how much work he has done in his life on behalf of the Lummi Nation, and for Lummi youth in particular. Darrell has served as a coach, mentor, teacher, and leader for…
Five Faves: Native Blooms
Western Red Columbine (AQUILEGIA FORMOSA) These lovely star-like blooms bob on delicate stems among lacy foliage. Running counter to the claim that native plants aren’t showy, a patch of these in any landscape will catch the eye. Wild Mock Orange (PHILADELPHUS LEWISII) Collected by Lewis and Clark on their voyage west and named by botanist Linneaus, the mock orange is a fragrant, bright flowering…
Comfort Foods
When I think of food, I think of the various elegant, modern food photographs I see on Instagram, Twitter and other social media sites. Or I think of the carefully plated dishes we make at the restaurant. I get an image of a bright garden fresh beet on a white plate with color, texture and an unusual pairing. I think about…
Old School Trailer Works
What’s old is new again in entertaining, and the new interest in vintage culture brings with it the welcome return of the Airstream. With four businesses under her belt, Angi Soulier is a driven entrepreneur when it comes to pursuing new and creative ventures. Three years ago she and her husband, Jim Soulier, came up with the fabulous idea to remodel old trailers, give them a vintage retro vibe,…
Wonder Woman: Jenni Cottrell
Jenni Cottrell believes in pooling resources and bringing together a community around the beauty and power of art. To illustrate…
Seeing the world in a whole new way
Inspirational doesn’t begin to describe local resident Jim Stegall, who, at 85 and in company with his guide dog Emilio, celebrates the 20th anniversary of his almost four-month, 12,000- mile trip through South America. By the time he set off, Stegall and his 70-year old travel partner, David Hopkins, were both legally blind and eager to see what the world had to…
Five Faves: Spring Rolls
This issue we take on a journey to discover our favorite places to get spring rolls.
Wonder Woman: Zsofia Pasztor
Zsofia Pasztor is a busy woman. She is a parent of four, part-time instructor, business owner of Innovative Landscape Technologies, and creator of the successful Farmer Frog Model. Her passions are horticulture and education—two things that took on a life of their own after the recent economic slump that affected many small business owners. Pasztor is what you would call a hands-on person. She has been…
Leadership Snohomish County Program
The Leadership Snohomish County Program has a mission—to develop leaders for a lifetime. Geared toward anyone seeking to build and expand their leadership skills, Leadership Snohomish educates people of all ages for a bright future.
Garden Guru: Ciscoe Morris
North End Metro caught up with Ciscoe Morris on a chilly Christmas Eve morning. For those rare few who don’t know him, Ciscoe is a local gardening personality well on his way into the annals of Seattle history. His presence immediately warmed the…
Hog Wild for Sustainability
The next time you fail a drug test, you might try to blame it on the BB Ranch prosciutto. Nice try, but eating butcher William von Schneidau’s “pot pig” products…
Climbing for Kids
Dave Mauro climbed the steep incline, knowing the end was near. He stepped onto the summit, looked out at the twinkling lights of Nepal and Tibet and said to himself, “Thank you.” It was 3:42 a.m. on May 20, 2013, as he reached the top of Mount Everest. A Bellingham resident, Mauro began climbing mountains in 1992 when he took on Mount Baker. After he decided…
Ramble On
Remodeling an Era If you are like me, you’ve driven around an older neighborhood at some point in your life, admiring homes with a certain style – long, low profiles…
Creating Sanctuary Space
Find a corner, spruce it up Perhaps you need a spot for yoga, or a place to sit and read in the sun. Maybe you like to knit by the fire or watch the rain as you write in your journal. Whatever your interests, if you feel the need for a little corner of your own,…
Creating a simple date night look
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and spring just around the corner, there is no question that the air is brimming with love. As women, I think we all can relate to wanting to look our best, especially looking forward to such a fun and fanciful season. Though a quality date night depends on a whole lot more than makeup, it can certainly help to play up our personality,…
Donna Auer – Driven to Abstraction
She was always a painter, but when Donna Auer joined some friends for a guided painting tour of Italy organized through the former (and much loved) Blue Horse Gallery, she didn’t know that she would actually have to paint, too. “They said that was part of the deal. You got to go to Italy, but you had…
Five Faves: Local Aphrodisiacs
Oysters Packers Oyster Bar Semiahmoo You can’t get fresher or more locally sourced oysters than the farm right outside the bar. These succulent oysters are sure to do the trick, and pair nicely with Packer’s well-crafted cocktails. semiahmoo.com/packers Chili Peppers COA Mexican Eatery Mount Vernon Genuine Mexican can be tough to come by, but COA brings it….
Wonder Woman: Rose Lathrop
Passionate, community-minded and up for a challenge, Huxley graduate Rose Lathrop has dedicated her career to sustainable planning and design. A former employee at Aiki Homes, which specializes in sustainable, green…
Recycled Art
The impulse to restore old furniture, to find value in the discarded, to resurrect the rusted out, to elevate trash into functionality, maybe even art—is a passionate one. In the old days, the dumpster-divers and junk men were seen as goofy guys in crumbling trucks, typified by Fred Sanford on the hit TV show Sanford and Son.
Forgiving the Unforgiven
As a young boy, age 5 or 6, I used to play in the local woods where the soil was mostly clay and the clay would stick to my PF Flyers — the farther that I walked, the longer that I played, the heavier the build-up of clay. Eventually, the burden became more work than joy and I would head home. I was literally an inch…
A Delight-ful Remodel
Homeowners Delight Green and Michael Newlight hired Craig Burling, owner and general contractor of CB Premier Construction, to build an addition onto the…
Baicha Tea Room
The most important thing you need to know about experiencing tea according to Narumol, who also goes by Ann, is not to rush and just enjoy. You’ll want to take your time, as flavors from around the world greet every eager taste bud from Baicha’s mainly organic tea selection.
Trailblazers
Celebrating the Women of Boeing Be ready. And always have your shoes on. That’s how Nelda Lee, the first female pilot to fly an F-15 Eagle, explained the success of her 35-year long career in aviation. A spellbound crowd gathered at the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo as Lee told the story of growing up on a farm with shoes perpetually tied tight, ready to go on a moment’s notice. Her…
Recipe: Spring Parsnip soup with sauted rosemary apples and fried leeks
Spring Parsnip soup with sauted rosemary apples and fried leeks (Vegan) Serves 8+ Soup Ingredients: • 1/2 cup almond oil • 3 onions peeled and cut into large dice • 5 lbs Parsnips • 3.5 quarts of water • 1 tsp nutmeg, ground • 1/2 cup coconut milk • sea salt and pepper Heat the almond oil in…
A Master Bath Worth Waiting For
Our master bath remodel had been a long time coming. It started in my head when we bought our 1920s Tudor in Bellingham 13 years ago. The unfinished attic had been remodeled in the 80s, and the bath was added then—good space, but the dark wallpaper, phone booth-sized shower and graying linoleum floors were showing their age. Fast-forward a decade and we were finally ready…
Coastal Encounters
The North End’s Best Beaches A day at the beach burns bright in one’s memory. We are drawn to water, because the sea is a master storyteller. Shorebirds squawk and circle. The salt air aches of escape and adventure. Children squeal and giggle over ribbons of slimy seaweed and watch in wonder as small crabs skitter beneath driftwood. Empires of sand rise up again and again, despite the unavoidable appetite of the coming tide. The…
The Skinny on SPF
If you aren’t intimidated by all of the acronyms associated with sunscreen, then my floppy straw hat is off to you. Even as a beauty professional I completely understand how labels like SPF, UVA, UVB, PA+++ (yes, that’s a real thing) can leave your head…
Rogue Boutique
THE SHOP The picturesque town of Edmonds, with its quaint stores and sidewalk cafes, recently welcomed the chic fashion boutique Rogue to its charming Main Street on March 8th. Visitors can find the shop in an appealingly old-fashioned white house built by the local blacksmith in the 1890s. Inside, however, the modern styles offered by owner Kimberly Koenig provide a spirited contrast to the shop’s antique…
Five Faves: Hiking Trails
Saint Edward State Park KIRKLAND Located on a forested bluff overlooking the northern end of Lake Washington, several dirt trails wind around 316 acres of moss-wrapped old growth trees and peekaboo stretches of sand and waterfront. An astonishing 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline, this former Catholic seminary is known for its undeveloped lakeshore and wide variety of birds and sea life. LEVEL…
Wonder Woman: Molly Helmuth
Each issue, we highlight a woman who is setting a prime example of what success looks like in our local marketplace. This issue we celebrate Molly Helmuth, who calls Monroe’s Evergreen Speedway her home track, and is a rising star on the stock car circuit. Molly Helmuth turns 19 in mid-June. At the age when most girls are trying to figure out which…
Low-impact Exercise, High-impact Returns
You haven’t been to the gym in ages. You’re busy, you’re tired, and you have endless work, family and social obligations. You know you need to exercise, but who’s got the time and money to invest in…
Husbandcare.gov
Ken’s Valentine’s Day gift for the woman who has everything I am a social scientist at heart. As with most males, I am genetically engineered to offer solutions to life’s challenges, even gender-related relationship problems — and even if the answer may come at my expense. I can’t help myself. I am stupid smart. My social laboratory of late has been the “women behind the magazine” at Bellingham Alive. I…
The Beauty of Bergevin
Riddled with many wonderful wineries, Walla Walla is one of those places where one couldn’t swing a cat without hitting an award-winning wine maker. Annette Bergevin, co-owner of Bergevin Lane Vineyards, is one of those winemakers.
Fabulous Faux
The effect of faux tile finishes once depended on how light fell, how the sun or kitchen lights caught the pattern in the floor, how the tile felt underfoot or how it looked behind the sink. Decades ago, faux was just another word for fake, ersatz, as something that was meant to reach for an effect, but failed in the process. In the ’60s and ’70s, decorators played up the shortcomings in realism,…
Container Herb Gardens
Herb gardens are perfect for small spaces. They thrive on patios, balconies and even on your kitchen counter. Thyme, parsley, chives, oregano, cilantro and basil are common and satisfying herbs to grow. Herbs are among the easiest plants to nurture — all you need are containers to plant them in, potting soil and a green thumb. Many herbs, including basil, can be propagated in water from a stem and transplanted into soil when…
Brightening Your Bedroom
The Light Touch With incandescent bulbs disappearing in favor of more long-lasting light bulbs, finding light that has the right color temperature can be a challenge. Florescent light—as from compact florescent lamps—can look yellow and sickly, and LEDs can…
Vintage Glamour
Makeup How-To: Step 1: Skin Never skip skincare. You want to ensure that you have healthy skin to create a masterpiece from your perfect makeup canvas. Always start with a moisturizer suited for your skin type and a light eye cream that is applied with your ring finger (it is your weakest finger,…
Yakima Wine Country: Endless Possibilities
Beneath a brilliant blue sky, an emerald valley of farms, vineyards and orchards rolls out to the horizon of amber hills. At a glance, it could be Napa, Burgundy or Chianti — but it’s not. Only a few hours from Bellingham, this gem is the unassuming Yakima Valley wine country. Without the crowds or mark-ups of more famous wine regions,…
Poet de la Paz
For many students at Western Washington University, Professor Oliver de la Paz is the amiable and quirky character often seen walking…
Five Faves: Great Dates
Keenan’s at the Pier BELLINGHAM After a nice stroll around Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock, a sunset dinner at Keenan’s at the Pier would be the perfect way to spend a special evening. Located in the intimate and elegant Chrysalis Inn and Spa, Keenan’s offers fine food, a full wine list and great views. thechrysalisinn.com -> Keenan’s at the Pier Chuckanut Drive BELLINGHAM…
Always on Duty
DANIEL HOWARD Daniel Howard was on his way home after spending time in Oregon last May. He had been in Oregon recovering from an injury he sustained…
Wonder Woman: Mimi Osterdahl
In every issue, we will highlight the accomplishments or great careers of women in our area. In this issue, we celebrate Mimi Osterdahl, the new President of the Whatcom…
Getting Clean for Spring
Ahh, it’s almost spring in the Northwest! The birds will fly north and begin singing again, the rain will subside and you will once again see the faint glimmer of sunshine through the branches of those soon-to-be-budding trees. There are already little signs of hope in your muddy and moss filled “lawn.” All of the sudden, you are struck…
Senior Citizens United
Ken pays respect to his elders I have your backs, seniors—and your backsides, open medical gowns and all. So what if you unintentionally embarrass your kids by posting private comments about their childhood to their public Facebook wall? At least you figured out how to log on. It’s the thought that counts, right? And so what if you don’t trust…
Spring Arrives: Container Gardens for Inspiration
The sun is starting to peek through some of our winter gloom, and springtime is upon us. We called upon the plant experts at Garden Spot Nursery on Alabama St. and Kent’s Garden and Nursery on Northwest Ave. to…
Senior All-Stars: Volunteers Who Shine
ADRIENNE LEDERER Neighborhood and Parks Activist Energetic, warm, outspoken Adrienne came into volunteerism through a political campaign in 1996, but it was through a notice in the paper about the Guide Meridian-Cordata Neighborhood that she found herself truly engaged. She joined her neighborhood association and found her niche. Bellingham’s…
Engaging Communities
Retirement Communities That Offer Amenities: When we think of retirement communities, we generally think of endless games of bingo and terrible food. Fortunately, we have retirement…
The Rise of the Village Movement
In 2001, Boston residents came together and created a model for seniors who want the lifestyle and amenities of living in a senior community, but who wish to stay in their own homes. They call their nonprofit Beacon Hill Village, and it is the next big trend in senior lifestyle. Beacon Hill Village is a group of volunteers and service providers who combine services to aid seniors in central Boston. From college…
Staying Engaged: Senior Living
Welcome to the new era of retirement, in which retirees teach part-time, volunteer for nonprofits, mentor young people, doorbell for candidates, organize neighborhood potlucks and run 5Ks. Voted Best Place to Retire many times over by many national publications, Bellingham seems to embody this new feisty spirit of retirement. We are no longer convalescing into old age. We are healthier longer than we used to be, retiring earlier than we used to, and we live in a culture of engagement,…
Spring Beauty Trends
GLOW Try mixing Mac’s Strobe Cream with your foundation. Use a damp sponge to apply it to your face, and your…
Small Space Growing: Beautiful Edible Containers
One of the most revelatory moments to be had as a home gardener is realizing the incredible volume of food that can be grown in a small space. A large container or two on your front or back porch, window boxes, and narrow in-ground planting beds can all produce food for you to enjoy. Window boxes and narrow or side-yard planting beds are…
Five Faves: Brunch
Homeskillet BELLINGHAM With each pop of a champagne cork, the entire staff yells “opa!” and you know it’s on. Skillets are delicious, but don’t overlook the pancakes and Cinnamon swirl French toast. For…
Tyree Callahan
Tyree Callahan is probably best known worldwide for his conceptual art piece Chromatic Typewriter, a 1937 Underwood typewriter that has color keys rather than letters. Small paint-laden sponges sit poised to create one…
Stopping a Brutal Assault: Sherry and Marlene Rials
Sherry and Marlene Rials were driving down Douglas Rd. toward Grant’s Burgers in Ferndale when they encountered a sight they will not likely forget: In the middle of an intersection, three teenagers were assaulting a young boy. “He looked like about 12 years old, his feet weren’t on the ground, they were throwing him around,” Marlene said. Sherry had her phone out ready to call the police, but her mother feared the authorities would arrive too late to save the…
Assembling Your Bucket List
What’s On Your List? Bucket Lists have made a huge surge in our culture — and somehow it sounds far more appealing than “my list of things to do before I expire.” In fact, you can even create small lists, such as a Bucket List for your 20s, 30s,…
Ombú Salon + Spa
How many people get to live the dream of owning a spa? Well Beth and Tom Sanger do. At the beginning of 2014, Beth and…
Belly & Co.
THE SHOP The corner of 5th and Main is an iconic location in Edmonds — it plays a front and center role in the Downtown shopping area. Since the 1960s, 422 Main Street has been a children’s store with an emphasis on clothing. The new owner, Kristina Freeburg,…
Baicha Tea Room
Mind, Body and Soul Therapy with Tea The moment you walk in to Baicha Tea Room in Edmonds, the demands of the outside world give way to the deliciously blooming aromatic heaven enveloping you. “I can say…
Citrine Health
Women of Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties have an excellent option for healthcare that isn’t well-known up here — Citrine Health. Formerly the Positive Women’s Network, this one-stop wellness and health center has been in operation for 20 years. Executive Director Kerri Mallams said, “We changed the name because we also have programs for men.” There are several programs under Citrine’s umbrella — the Washington Breast and Cervical Health Program, the Women’s Wellness Center, the Bra Shop and…
Forgiving The Unforgiven
As a young boy, age 5 or 6, I used to play in the woods where Sunset Place is today. The soil was mostly clay and the clay would stick to my PF Flyers — the further that I walked, the longer that I played, the…
RUSTY PELICAN CAFE
The Rusty Pelican Cafe is just what Mill Creek needs- surrounded by chain breakfast options– it’s a welcomed departure with their great menu options reminiscent of Maltby…
DEMETRIS WOODSTONE TAVERNA
The fifth location for tapas restaurateur Sofeea Huffman, Demetris WoodStone Taverna along the Edmonds waterfront is Kafe Neo’s newest Greek inspired gastro-installation. You can tell they saved the best for last. With immaculate attention to interior detail, the granite slab bar and contemporary lighting make this a “who’s who” hangout for late night and happy hour specials. The menu is Greek-Mediterranean…
BAR DOJO
When longtime friends Andrew Leckie and Shubert Ho decided to open a restaurant, they wanted to create a culinary blend of cultures that would result in a new kind of dining experience in the Edmonds area. Executive Chef Ho incorporated his Chinese-American background and Leckie brought influences from family roots in the former Yugoslavia. Together, they created a modern menu of Asian Inspired comfort foods. To start, try the Coconut Prawns with mint chutney; they are mind bending. As…
ARNIES
If you’re on the hunt for regional fare served with a beautiful view, look no further than this Snohomish County classic. Arnie’s Restaurant in Edmonds, Wash. is known for its Pacific Northwest seafood and sweeping panoramas of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The Edmonds restaurant,…
Sea to Storefront
Catch, Cook and Chow Down in the North Sound Northwest natives know that our regional treasure isn’t gold, it’s pink. We’re talking salmon, and are we ever rich. We live beside an in land sea with access to an ocean coastline beyond and an intricate network…
Hope- The Emotional God Particle
I am in mourning. My comic idol is Robin Williams. The tragic loss of Robin should be a dark reminder — the will to live comes from within, even for the most talented amongst us. He had everything and yet he had nothing in his eyes, at least not enough to keep him on this earth….
WALNUT STREET COFFEE
Owner Pam Stuller has turned this former garage into a vibrant, modern space. Situated just off the main drag in Edmonds, Walnut Street Coffee is a true neighborhood coffee shop with a multi-generational clientele that include retirees, families with young children and downtown Edmonds employees. But aside…
THE CHEESEMONGER’S TABLE
As its name indicates, The Cheesemonger’s Table is all about cheese. Enjoy the vast selection of more than 100 cheeses from around the world on a sandwich, platter or as a complementary addition to a house special. Cheese enthusiasts should visit the new location at the Old Milltown Plaza in Edmonds. The Table hosts a cheese…
Sound Styles
The Shop On the corner of 5th Ave. and Main St., in downtown Edmonds, stands Sound Styles, a fashion institution in Edmonds. Originally, the boutique was bought by two families…
ARTspot
ARTspot encourages bravery, and tries to make art accessible to everyone. It’s a place that gives you the permission to explore and play, and their mission is to bring high quality materials to artists of all levels — even beginners. Owner Tracy Felix Fraker is positive, inspiring and an incredibly talented visionary with a passion for the creative process, and her store is an embodiment of her beliefs. As…
Edmonds Art Studio Tour
Have you ever wanted to see inside an artist’s process — their studio, tools and techniques? Each September, Edmonds hosts a studio tour that focuses on the artists in the city. It showcases how art is created, the motivation behind it and gives you the chance to find new art to grace your home. Now in its ninth year, the media represented are vast. There are 23 studios and 42 artists…
Hoosoonyi
“Fresh, authentic and delicious.” That’s a pretty standard sentiment from the regulars at Hoosoonyi. Located in one of the many unassuming strip malls along Highway 99, Hoosoonyi has been serving the community Korean food since 1996. The number one menu recommendation — soon-doo-boo, a…
Than Brothers
Imagine a blustery, cold day with the dark settling in early. Now think about taking a detour to get a bowl of perfectly spiced, warm…
Dumpling Generation
Dumplings seem to be all the rage these days. Several restaurants have opened throughout the greater Puget Sound metropolitan area. Edmonds is one of the fortuitous recipients — and with arguably the best of the bunch. The menu at Dumpling Generation is straightforward, not vast by any means. What it is though, is absolutely delicious. Popular dishes are the Chinese…
P=mc2: Ken takes Albert Einstein behind the woodshed
Scientists need to take a chill pill, starting with Albert Einstein. His idea of a good time on a Friday night was to measure the speed of most everything in the physical world — sound, light, and my personal favorite, light in a vacuum. Really, Albert? I bet you didn’t date much. And your theories of relativity, including E=mc2? Way too complicated — try the old kids’…
The Cork, The Tap & The Cask- A guide to drinking locally
1. North Fork Brewery 6186 Mt. Baker Highway, Deming northforkbrewery.com The home of the Beer Shrine, North Fork was established in 1997 by Sandy and Vicki Savage. Sandy is the former head brewer at Triple Rock Brewery in Berkeley, CA. He brews in very small batches, so the beer menu is in regular rotation. The North Fork is known for more…
Retro Remix – A Styled Shoot
This year for our style feature, we were inspired by the ornate ironwork, rich woodwork and majestic atmosphere of Lairmont Manor. Taking a cue from the Lairmont’s vintage charm, we gathered some favorite looks from the past and updated them with a decidedly modern twist. We sourced local clothing and props to create our unique blend of old-world charm and the latest trends….
Five Faves: Summer Fairs
VANCOUVER PNE VANCOUVER AUGUST 16–SEPTEMBER 1 The PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) has been in operation for 101 years, and draws 900,000 visitors during its 17 days. Loaded with cultural demonstrations, performances, rides, fair food and more, the PNE is nonstop fun. Just remember to take…
Hypnosis: Helping You Help Yourself
Are you feeling out of control? Hypnosis can help. Are you feeling out of control in an area of your life? Do…
Surviving Menopause- Ken puts his life at risk
The signs were subtle at first — a wide-open window during a cold snap in January and the perpetual running of Sleepless in Seattle on the Hallmark channel. In hindsight, it is now clear. But at the time, I was simply oblivious. Then came the fireplace blazing 24/7 and extra comforters on the bed, all while the windows were wide…
Farm to Table
We are so fortunate for our beautiful, local farms. They feed us with fresh produce — mounds of ripe berries, piles of thick,…
Island Getaways
SAN JUAN ISLAND San Juan Island teems with life in the summer. Friday Harbor is San Juan’s welcome mat, and a cheery one at that: just up the hill from the ferry landing, shops, restaurants and galleries, Friday Harbor awaits the eager visitor. With 8000 residents, it is the…
Summer Fun Guide
Olaf — the lovable snowman in Disney’s Frozen — sings about his affection for summer “Bees will buzz, and kids will blow dandelion fuzz…in summer!” But parents and grandparents aren’t always as thrilled with the extra hours of bored little ones tugging at them for something to do. Those who work during the summer months have it even harder, having to come up with weeks of activities to keep little…
Farming Inspired Design
He’s a little bit country and she is a little bit rock ‘n roll, and the combination is something I call “organic modernism.” We combined the homeowners’ mementos, industrial pieces and warm textures to create a collection of oddities that satisfies their rustic-inspired living, giving them the luxurious lodge look they desired. The family I worked with had a large, multi-purpose space that had no purpose at all. An [off] white sofa —…
Annie Crawley: Dive Into Your Imagintion
Neon green sea grass and fiery fields of red coral bubble with life. Streams of light dance weightlessly to the sway of a gentle current. Tentacles wrap and release tight circles. Urchins preen and pucker. Mighty mammals travel ancient water routes in search of warmer waters. Life in the ocean is a technicolor masterpiece. Ten years ago, Annie Crawley made a decision to capture underwater life, changing the entire course of her own. She sold her car, quit her…
KAFE NEO
Kafe Neo might be a delightfully surprise offering its extensive menu of rich and delicious Greek food. The ever-popular gyros come in dozens of combinations, with lunchtime prices below the border of $7. The lamb gyro — served in less than five — is stuffed with fresh “seasoned lettuce” and tomatoes, traditional Tzaztiki and richly marinated slices of lamb. Even the pita is pleasantly moist, all the while keeping in the messy juices. Both the Caesar and chicken…
EVVIVA WOODFIRED PIZZA
If you like authentic Neapolitan pizza, look no further than Evviva Woodfired Pizza in Edmonds, where pizza is created with pure, simple, fresh ingredients and baked on the floor of an apple wood fired stone oven. You’ll find favorites like the Combo Pizza, featuring chorizo, fresh vegetables, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomato…