Art Is All Around | Galleries Near You

In pretty much any Northwest Washington town, you’ll often find yourself near local art. Below, you can find just a few of the galleries that showcase the creative work of our area. Allied Arts of Whatcom County In the heart of downtown Bellingham, we’re surrounded by the creative endeavors of the folks who make the town what it is. For more than 45 years,…

Garbage Shaming

Loretta gets serious about recycling to avoid the public stockade. I  don’t shame easily. As a native New Yorker, my adherence to social norms was often optional, kind of like taking abstinence…

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 comes to nutrition research. Recent studies have again been conducted to determine what the connection is between our brain and our gut, and how it affects our health overall. It is not…

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…

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 of started with some of…

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 Ste. Michelle’s…

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…

Bramble Furniture

THE SHOP A playground filled with stately furniture for any preference, Bramble Home Store offers endless possibilities of elegant, handcrafted pieces to transform a home into a refined yet cozy haven. With three large stores scattered throughout Snohomish and Everett, Bramble entices prospective…

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…

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…

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 shrub. The name…

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…

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…

Wonder Woman: Jenni Cottrell

Jenni Cottrell believes in pooling resources and bringing together a community around the beauty and power of art. To illustrate this point, she tells a story about when she was with a friend at an auction in Alaska they saw a painting they loved. The auction was to benefit the town’s new public library, and Cottrell really wanted to see that painting in the new library. “We just started approaching people at the auction and collecting money for a bid.”…

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…

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…

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.

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 won’t get you high. The Pike Place Market butcher teamed up with Jeremy Gross of Snohomish’s Bucking Boar Farms and began feeding marijuana…

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…

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…

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, showcase…

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…

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 and co-housing development,…

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…

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 Easy-Moderate LENGTH Multiple mileage options…

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 boy would make a good senior prom date, she’s checking the rearview mirror…

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 a proper program? The American Heart Association recommends that individuals do moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes…

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….

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, and preferred tile that…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 the halls of Humanities building, bobbing his head to…

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 Chuckanut…

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 while working for the fire…

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 County Association of Realtors®. The Whatcom County Association of Realtors® is more than just a loose conglomeration…

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 by a deep need…

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…

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 growth on the north end of the city didn’t include a plan for parks. And with all of the discussion about parks focused on the south side, the Guide Meridian-Cordata neighbors…

Engaging Communities

Retirement Communities That Offer Amenities: When we think of retirement communities, we generally think of endless games of bingo and terrible…

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…

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…

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 face will have a subtle glow. GILDED EYE A fancier way of saying metallic looking eyes, and it’s easy to do. Apply a smoky…

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 usually close enough to your kitchen or front door to make them easy to use and…

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,…

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 of Tyree’s landscapes, a canvas of which is unscrolling from the carriage as if…

JANBO CAFÉ

Experience what may be Everett’s most authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Janbo Café. Don’t be fooled by its modest interior; one taste of the house specials will convince you that Janbo Café knows…

EMORY’S ON SILVER LAKE

Enjoy pristine views of Silver Lake and fine American cuisine with global influences at Emory’s on Silver Lake. Featuring a vast, varied menu of house favorites, even the most selective diners will find something at Emory’s to please their appetites. For lunch, try the Mediterranean Chop Chop or the Crab & Shrimp Panini served with your choice of soup, clam chowder…

ANTHONY’S WOODFIRE GRILL

Anthony’s Woodfire Grill serves the same quality food we’ve come to expect and love from Anthony’s Homeport. The Woodfire menu speaks to the everyday eater, not just special occasions. Seasonal items, like peaches or huckleberries in the summer, complement salads, entrees and drinks. Steaks, seafood and items on the Woodfire rotisserie round out the selections. 1722 W. Marine Dr., Everett 425.258.4000, anthonys.com

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…

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…

Sweets of the Season

Regardless of religion or tradition, so many of us have memories of a special treat at the holidays. From ancient ritual to cookie swaps, treats have been a part of celebrations in just about every culture you can name. The holidays are the perfect time to dust off some recipes and engage in a centuries’ old practice…

TOKYO HOUSE

Tokyo House’s perfection-driven cuisine provides patrons a joyful balance of fine quality ingredients and prompt, attentive service (and without Emerald City prices). An order of spicy tuna is served exquisitely fresh with a delicate texture and rewarding flavor of vegetables,…

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. Why? And is his death any more tragic…

PROHIBITION GASTROPUB

When Chef Gordon Ramsay first visited Prohibition Gastropub (previously Grille) for an episode of “Kitchen Nightmares”, his first cuts involved their now-nixed belly dancer and “gloopy” chowder. But ever since the episode aired in April of 2013, this 1920’s throwback restaurant has been transformed in every sense of the word. Daily specials made from scratch feature spins on comfort foods like Mac and…

PIROSHKY & CREPES: EUROPEAN BAKERY AND CAFE

Treat yourself to a sweet or savory treat at Piroshky & Crepes: European Bakery and Café near Silver Lake in Everett. A piroshky is a Russian baked bun stuffed with a variety of fillings and glazed with egg for a golden, crisp…

PETITE SWEET BAKERY & CAFE

Recently relocated from Arlington and now in the former Pave Bakery location, this hometown bakery and café is too good to pass up! Inspired by European and American culinary style they source quality ingredients with a focus on local. Offering pastries, cakes and pies call which all call to your inner sweet tooth. Fresh-baked bread is the foundation for delicious sandwiches like the Smokin’ Granny, grilled with turkey, smoked gouda…

LANA THAI

Stepping through the doors of this Central- Everett favorite is truly like stepping into a Thai palace. The opulent décor matches the colorful,…

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…

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 cash — the debit machines on the fairgrounds only take Canadian cards. pne.ca NORTHWEST WASHINGTON FAIR LYNDEN | AUGUST 11–16 From cat dioramas to demolition derbies to delightful…

HUNAN PALACE

Authentic Chinese dishes with fresh ingredients make for one of the best Chinese dining experiences in the county and beyond. Not to-be missed dishes include the Hunan Special Beef Beef, Sizzling Scallops, Sauteed Broccoli with Tangy Sauce (and tender strips of pork) and the Wok Wonton Soup. A full bar is also available. 2821 Pacific Ave., Everett 425.339.3390

CURRY BISTRO

Downtown Everett’s Indian cuisine finds its nest in the ever-popular Curry Bistro restaurant. The prompt servers stay busy filling flavorful orders of tender Lamb Vindaloo, generously thick Chicken Masala, and any other classic curry your heart could desire. Genuinely rich, complex and reliably mixed to hit the spot, the curries serve the…

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 you know what you need to do, but find it hard — or nearly impossible—to follow through? Is there something in your life, like fear, stress, smoking, diet, drinking, or a lack of self confidence that seems to be in control of you, instead of you being…

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….

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…

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…

TAMPICO

A North-Everett neighborhood favorite, Tampico is the quintessential family Mexican restaurant. Warm greetings welcome diners, followed by fresh tortilla chips and house made salsa. Don’t miss the Tacos Al Carbon, tender skirt steak broiled and served in tortillas with guacamole and pico de gallo, or the rich Shrimp and Dungeness Crab Burrito. On the lighter side, Tampico’s Tortilla Soup is flavorful and satisfying. An extensive bar menu of margaritas and…

LOMBARDI’S

The original Lombardi’s was a Ballard favorite, and the Everett Marina location has been inundating diners with a heavenly blast of roasted garlic that is Lombardi’s hallmark since 1998. Lombardi’s pays homage to the seven honored ingredients of Italian food — olive oil, garlic, pasta, tomatoes, olives, basil and love. Dive in to the Tuscan Prawn starter, Pizza Margherita or Chicken Saltimboca — but don’t forget their wide variety of delicious pasta entrees. Both Italian and Washington…