Jewelry to Tell a Story
Copper Canoe Woman
Theatrical, Botanical Circus Embodies the Wonder of Washington’s Wilderness | Cirque Cadia
The moment you walk into a Pacific Northwest forest, you’ll feel magic in the air. It’s hard not to look under toadstools, inside hollow trunks, or around rocky outcroppings just to see if a curious faerie is there looking back at you. One Bellingham performance company strives to create…
Providing Support for Those Who Need It Most
Victim Support Services
Historic, Destination Dining on Whidbey Island
Captain Whidbey Inn on Whidbey Island is under new ownership and is expected to open in April, with Jeff Towery as general manager and Chef Eric Truglas.
Spectacular Seafood
Salmon and shrimp and crab, oh my! February features some of the restaurants and eateries in Whatcom, Skagit, and San Juan where you can find the best fresh, local seafood.
Skewered Salmon & Calamari
Here’s a recipe from Chef Willie McWatters of Guemes Island for his Skewered Salmon & Calamari, which he makes using locally sourced ingredients.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
We have chosen our top five favorite places celebrate New Year’s Eve around Skagit County, Whatcom County, and Island County.
A Feast for the Senses, Seaside
For a seaside retreat and an exceptional dining experience, try the Whidbey Island Inn at Langley with executive chef Matt Costello and chef Emily Bell.
At Home on Whidbey Island
These two wine bars on Whidbey Island are ideal for tasting: The Terrace Wine Bar and Bistro in Oak Harbor and Vail Wine Shop & Tasting Room in Coupeville.
Whidbey Island’s Unpretentious Getaway
The Saratoga Inn on Whidbey Island makes a delightful getaway this winter. In the remodel, owner Jim Pensiero gave the inn a refreshing, comfortable look.
Wildland Firefighter Jordan Pollack
Jordan Pollack has been a fearless wildland firefighter across Whatcom, Skagit, Island, San Juan and Snohomish for over 40 years.
Five Faves
Nothing beats a good Bloody Mary in the morning! Find out who has the best Bloody Marys in town in this month’s Five Faves.
Slow Down, Eat Food, Give Thanks
Slow Food USA practices slowing down, understanding where food comes from, and enjoying the local bounty in Island and Skagit Counties.
Teaching Fifth-Graders About the Many Secrets of Our Salish Sea
Dr. Joseph Gaydos is an advocate for marine life. He works for the Orcas Island-based SeaDoc Society and is the author of “Explore the Salish Sea.”
Modernizing a Friday Harbor Mainstay
When the Leightons took over Sandpebble on Friday Harbor, they changed the name to Pebble and began to slowly and naturally modernize the shop.
Best of the Northwest 2018 Winners Announced
You voted, and now you can see who is the Best in the Northwest! Here are the Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in all 126 categories.
Small Bites
Here’s a look at local restaurants and bars where you can get a small bite to eat. Check out what’s available and snacks you should try.
Orcas Island Distillery
Here’s a look at the Orcas Island Distillery, which uses isalnd-grown fruits to make their spirits. Read owner Charles West’s story of how he got started.
The Madrona Bar and Grill
Take a quick inside look at The Madrona Bar and Grill on Orcas Island. We will also share recommendations of home bar essentials.
Bartender Q & As
We did a Q & A with four local bartenders. Here’s what they had to say about their backgrounds, favorite drinks, joys and challenges.
Five Faves
We are highlighting five of our favorite hikes to take during the fall season, from the North Cascades to the San Juan Islands.
Beach Drive Remodel
Take a look at the amazing transformation of this beach drive remodel on Camano Island. This article details the renovations made during this home remodel.
August Ice Cream Main Feature | First Scoop
A quick look into the history of ice cream and a list of local ice cream shops in the North Sound that make their own delicious desserts!
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.
Military Bases
A behind-the-scenes look at what goes on at the Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island.
Insole Giant Makes Big Step
Superfeet is emerging as a leader in footbed technology.
Five Faves Stunning Scenic Drives
Have a minute? Looking to take advantage of the long summer days? Just trying to get away? Check out our five favorite scenic drives.
An Aerial Photographer’s Perspective
Tore Ofteness has been a local photographer for more than 30 years. Born in Norway, Ofteness, 72, lives in Bellingham. Now all but retired, Ofteness recently published the book, “A Higher Perspective: Aerial Photography of the Pacific Northwest,” through Village Books’ Chuckanut Editions. It documents a collection of more than 100 images—almost all from film photography—he captured through open windows in small airplanes or helicopters. To craft his book, Ofteness sorted through his file…
Lighthouses Feature
If not for the California gold rush, the construction of the first lighthouses on the West Coast would have been far less urgent. The “original eight”—seven on the California coast, one at the mouth of the Columbia River, began sentry duty in the mid-1800s, not long after gold was discovered in 1849 at Sutter’s Mill, an event that triggered a huge influx of fortune-seekers flocking to…
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…
Five Faves: Women’s History Month
HIDDEN FIGURES (2016) Discover the true story of three brilliant African-American female mathematicians—Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson—who played a crucial role in the U. S.’s space race against Russia. IRON JAWED ANGELS (2004) Follow the brave women of the 1917 women’s suffrage movement, particularly feminist Alice Paul. Watch as they sacrifice…
Yes in a Dress- Nuu-Muu
Athletic leisure wear is all the rage, but what about a functional athletic garment that looks as pretty as your non-athletic garments? What about telling your daughter she can play basketball in a dress? What…
Slowing Down Over a Glass
Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants 19 Prospect St., Bellingham 360.393.3271 | sjwinemerchants.com THE SHOP Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants is located in a charming downtown building that welcomes guests with tall ceilings, large windows,…
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…
Lasting Image
What is your favorite thing to take pictures of? Sunsets are by far my favorite things to take photos of because they are always unique and unpredictable. A bonfire on the beach with friends is one of my favorite settings to photograph. Being the photographer to my closest friends and taking their portraits while watching…
Vagabond Station
Different and Delicious Imagine a crispy fried-chicken breast atop a fluffy biscuit, covered with melted cheddar cheese, and smothered with gravy. The Yard…
Makeup Tips for the Time-Challenged
As a makeup artist, I often get questions/comments about my own beauty routine, somewhere along the lines of “Do you airbrush yourself every day?” or “It must take you forever to do your makeup in the morning!” But the truth is — no — to each of those things! Just like you, I am busy! The last thing I have time to do is to spend time on myself. So, in an effort…
Best Breakfasts
All of us do it. Some before dawn cracks a new day, while others prefer to wait until mid-morning. There are even…
Firehouse Glass Gallery
Glassblowing Art When molten glass cools too quickly it explodes. At the Firehouse Glass Gallery in Langley there’s a barrel of discarded blowpipes with leftover nubs of molten glass. A periodic pop pop calls from…
Lasting Image
What is your favorite thing to take pictures of? Having lived in Whatcom County for 46 years, I’ve seen some beautiful scenery here that still amazes me each time I visit that location. Yearning to cherish these wonderful places led my interests toward the arena of…
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 darkness comes a car, barreling straight for her, faster and faster, destined for catastrophic damage. At the last moment,…
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.
Banking on Two Wheels
Bellingham’s New Pump Track Is a Hit With just a push or two of a pedal, riders weave up, down and around, gathering speed and harnessing it to tackle the next turn or incline….
Butcher Shop Bringing the Craft Back to Bellingham
Four years ago, Shaun Almassy wasn’t sure that he even wanted to become a butcher. After some convincing from a friend, he decided to try his hand at butchery. Almassy now finds himself up, at times as early as 6 a.m., prepping for the day ahead.
Alaskan Odysseys
Women in Fishing Find Their Passions, Help Others: Comprising a small group in a large and unforgiving industry that is Alaskan…
Family Farm Since 1910
3 Sisters Farm and Market For some of us, knowing where our food comes from is a family tradition. For others, it’s a fairly recent revelation. Either…
Eating in Season
Local Food Boxes make for a Healthy You and a Healthy Community When spring comes in northwest Washington, there seems to be a communal sigh exhaled across the land. More rain ahead, yes, but the occasional sunny and almost-warm day gives us the glimmer of hope to keep forging ahead. Spring to me means thinking about all of the seasonal food that’s on its way. First in April and May with the tender shoots, sprouts, crisp and spicy greens,…
Spring Break Travel Essentials
In just two days, I’ll be headed out of town, taking the redeye to New York City. In between sitting down to write this article and penning the last of my emails, I’ve been frantically running around trying to pack and figure how I’m going to fit my entire bathroom cupboard into my carry-on. I’ve never been a good packer (Don’t believe me? Just ask my husband!). As a planner, I always want to have options and be prepared…
Thanksgiving and Harvest Wines
The fall and harvest season is upon us, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and big, indoor feasts will soon be the order of the day. Trying to pull off a near-flawless menu, especially while coping with family and out-of-town…
Best of the Northwest 2016
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 the perfect haircut or find the best…
Five Minutes to Fresh and Fabulous
Raise your hand if you have more than an hour a day to do your makeup? Okay, now if your hand is raised, then use it to keep turning pages because this tutorial is not for you. (You’re an everyday “glamazon,” and I completely admire and respect you for that). As for the…
The Vegetable that Changed My Life
The end of summer and journey into fall is a bittersweet time in Northwest Washington. It’s easy to yearn nostalgic for long summer days, but through the falling leaves and impending dampness, there…
A 1940s Camano Island Log Cabin Remodel
A classic log cabin on Camano Island’s North Shore offers stunning views of Utsalady Bay and has been in Neil Hampson’s family since the 1940s. Hampson’s grandfather Dr. Russell R. Bradley, an Everett optometrist built the cabin himself. The preface to a 1944 publication of the U.S. Forest Service entitled “Building with Logs” assures the would-be cabin builder, “The art of log construction is relatively simple and easy to acquire, once a few basic principles…
London Bridge 9 – Keenan’s at the Pier
London Bridge 9 – Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz Bellewood Honey Crisp Vodka • .5 oz St. Germain • ¾ oz Cranberry • .5 oz Lemon juice • Few dashes of grapefruit bitters • Top off with Cock and Bull ginger beer Can’t get to London this season? No need to cry a river, just treat yourself to a London Bridge 9! Measure vodka, St. Germain, cranberry and lemon juice, and bitters into an ice-filled…
Lavender Collins – Keenan’s at the Pier
Lavender Collins, by Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz BelleWood Gin • .5 oz Lavender Syrup • .5 oz Lemon juice Top off with cold soda and…
Final Say – Keenan’s at the Pier
Final Say by Keenan’s at the Pier • Wild Turkey Rye • Yellow Chartreuse • Maraschino Cherry Liqueur • Lemon Juice • Brandied Cherry for garnish Final Say is, as Kisbye points out, “fully leaded.” Keenan’s uses a Maraschino cherry imported from Italy. Be judicious when selecting preserved cherries for your version of this powerful cocktail—after one of these cocktails you won’t have to…
Nuestra Paloma – Keenan’s at the Pier
Nuestra Paloma by Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz El Jimador tequila • .5 oz Cynar • ¾ oz Triple Sec • .5 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice • 3 dashes of bitters to add depth and a character Nuestra Paloma is an elegant drink for those who love tequila. El Jimador is a reliable tequila to have on hand. Cynar is an Italian liqueur made from a blend of 13 plants including artichoke. It has a chestnut color and imparts a bittersweet…
Creamy Polenta – Crave Catering
Creamy Polenta by Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering • 3/4 cup dry polenta (golden corn grits) • 2…
Garden Variety – Keenan’s at the Pier
Garden Variety by Keenan’s at the Pier • 1.5 oz BelleWood Gin • 3 or 4 fresh basil leaves • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice • ½ fresh lime juice • ¾ oz…
Frisee Salad with Gin Vinaigrette – Crave Catering
Recipe from Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering • Mixed greens with frisée • Finely shredded green apple and/or cucumber • Slivered almonds • Zest and juice from 2 limes • ½ cup BelleWood Acres Gin • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard • 1 tablespoon honey • ½ tablespoon chopped tarragon • ½ tablespoon chopped parsley • 2 cups grapeseed oil (or other neutral flavored oil) Add gin, lime…
Churros – Acme Farms + Kitchen
Sour orange gelato, spiced dipping chocolate, and dulce-de-leche.
Cochinita Pibil – Acme Farms + Kitchen
Banana leaf-braised Burk Ridge Farms pork shoulder, achiote-orange sauce, Samish Bay Queso Fresco, avocado, grilled orange, sopes, spiced Haricot Farms beans.
Spot Prawn Ceviche – Acme Farms + Kitchen
Try pairing this with Saison Du Kulshan: Farmhouse style Saison has a soft lemon and white pepper scent, light fruit flavor.
Meet the Chef Recipes
Acme Farms + Kitchen Meet The Chef featuring Andrew Clarke:
Beach Drive Remodel
As far as remodels are concerned, you might think that the most dramatic transformations are also the most expensive and the most complicated. The waterfront Beach Drive Remodel on Camano Island, executed by principal architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest Architects, proves these misconceptions wrong. The resulting transformation was so complete that neighbors believed it to be a newly constructed home, yet the remodel was cost effective and, at times, surprisingly simple. “Most of the remodel was an exterior…
Red Wine Body Styles
You see it all the time when sifting through the wine section in search of the perfect bottle to serve with tonight’s meal: “body style.” But what does it mean?
Eco-friendly design
Considerations like direction of sunlight, storm runoff, window materials, and flooring are all part of the eco package.
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 get to know our customers,” said Kristine Kaufman, co-owner of Snow Goose Books and Frames. “We have a…
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 patrons, they were philanthropists steeped in the arts community in Seattle. The Native American art at the Seattle Art Museum is from their collection. The Haubergs funded…
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 very sweet honor, because I had been on campus for just five months when student government awarded it,” Hernandez said. “It validated for me that I was…
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…
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…
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 with his wife, Carolyn Echelbarger, to create a museum dedicated to rediscovering the roots of Cascadian art, focusing specifically…
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…
Portage Creek Wildlife Area
The former dairy farm is now grassland, and the peat mine is gone. Portage Creek Wildlife Area is gradually reverting to wetlands wilderness after years of commercial use.
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.
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.
A Shop Sets Sail
Tucked beneath the South Bay Suites in historic Fairhaven is Bellingham’s newest home decor and gift shop. 1 Paperboat welcomes guests with open doors to Bellingham Bay, creating a new by-the-sea shopping experience. Within its walls, shoppers can find an array of home goods, jewelry, gifts, and clothing. Storeowners Royal and Diane…
A Bold New Vision
When traveling between Seattle and Vancouver, Bellingham tends to be the place to stop on the way. We’re striving to be a…
Gear Gone Wrong
Gear. It’s where a lot of great hikes and camping trips begin. Laying out the bags to fluff in the sun, trips to the camping store for more stove fuel, gathering up the sleeping pads and tucking them into tight rolls—all camping begins with gear. Even a simple day hike requires water, snacks, good shoes, lightweight clothing, hats, sunscreen, and more. So while your gear can be…
The Beautiful Lakedale Resort
Relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy the peace and beauty of Lakedale Resort, a woodland getaway just a short drive from the ferry landing at Friday Harbor. There are so many options of accommodations, so you can tailor your stay to be as outdoorsy—or as pampered—as you want. The hotel is a beautiful timber frame building with an elegant great room, a cozy fireplace, and a lovely adjoining dining room. The owners request…
Cosmos Bistro
Cosmos Bistro, located in the Herald Building, is destined to become one of Bellingham’s iconic restaurants. Recently opened by Cinnamon Berg, Cosmos Bistro offers guests a relaxing venue filled with…
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…
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…
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 with quotes that range from…
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…
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…
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 is indirectly related to the name of the city. Pacific…
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 that berry smoothie I made for my family…
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,…
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…
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 offer. What Stegall discovered,…
Cleavage Etiquette
Hi there. As a single mother of two pre-school kids, I feel compelled to offer some good natured, but badly needed male guidance in my first ever Final Word. But first I want to thank the magazine, and Ken, for sharing his personal space…
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 educated in ways…
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…
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 scraps to a number of pigs when Washington legalized use of…
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 he…
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 with minimal exterior decor. You were probably touring an established neighborhood where ramblers were the predominate style. Their simplicity is captivating and infused with potential. Therefore I am thrilled when given the opportunity to remodel one of these beauties alongside my clients. So, in honor of…
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, we have some ideas. Dormer Window A dormer, even a squatty one,…
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…
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 to produce work from the trip.” She made seven paintings, all of which sold upon her return. Realizing that she wanted to paint…
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…
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, Lathrop made a change in 2012 and became the Green Building and Smart Growth program manager at Sustainable Connections. She is also…
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….
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 master suite of their creative Chuckanut Drive house. The 850 square foot addition included a bedroom, bathroom and closets, all with electric radiant heat. “The house is 41 years old and we thought the master bath was dated, Delight said. “Also, we wanted more closet…
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,…
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 •…
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 to gut the existing bath…
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 very…
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…
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…
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…
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 per…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, and causes less tugging on…
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…
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 his tunes, his large, friendly dog Beau in tow. An encouraging, accessible figure who pushes his students to explore while remaining true to themselves, he amuses his students with funny stories about his children, and once commented in a prose poetry…
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…
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 department. Near Tacoma, Howard saw a white car cross several lanes of traffic in front of him, and race ahead along the shoulder passing the other vehicles. “At that point I started following them and I called 911 to report I was following…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 communities in our area that offer amenities beyond television reruns and canasta. The Leopold on Cornwall Ave. in downtown Bellingham is on the National Register of Historic Places,…
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….
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…
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 eye and top it off with glitter. Use a dark…
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…
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 serious appetites, the biscuits and gravy are the real deal. homeskilletinsunnyland.com Copper Hog BELLINGHAM Whether you’re hankering for the traditional eggs benedict or you want to branch out and try Kahlua Pork Hash, the Hog aims to please. The sides menu is…
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…
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…
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, or a Bucket List…
THE CAMANO ISLAND INN BISTRO
The Camano Island Inn Bistro on Camano Island is a destination worth the drive or ferry ride. Consider it for a romantic getaway, and reserve a room at Camano Island Inn to make a weekend out of it. A buffet-style breakfast is complimentary for inn guests every morning, serving up…
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…
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…
Best of the Northwest 2013
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST CASINO Silver Reef Silver: Skagit Valley Casino Bronze: Swinomish If you combine excellent food, great gaming, live national events and a full-service, first-rate spa, you have the makings of a great weekend away that’s…