The Ultimate Haunted Halloween Road Trip: Your PNW Itinerary
Haunted Road Trip
Top Remodel Trends 2023
March Feature
A Rustic Weekend in Wine Country
The Willows Lodge
Woodinville Wine Country Matures
Woodinville Wine Country is being put on the map as a true destination location. Wine lovers will find a large selection of wineries and restaurants to try.
Female Filmmaker Has Ferndale Roots
Sarah Menzies has made her way from Ferndale to Seattle as a filmmaker. Her work will be shown at the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival.
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.
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.
Real Estate
In Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties of the North Sound, the real estate industry has grown from a decade ago. No wonder, because people are moving here at a rate not seen since 2010, the last official census. The secret’s out: The North Sound is a great place to live. We’ve got nature in abundance, the coastline, fresh water, snow-capped…
Tiny Homes, Big Voice
Before he became a homeless advocate, Jim Peterson himself lived on the streets. “I have a unique perspective,” he says. “I know what they’re going through.” Peterson, 59, spent 17 years of his life without…
Hidden Gem
Bellingham Cider Company Bellingham Cider Company’s head chef Dirul Shamsid-Deen has been a chef for more than 17 years, cooking in culinary meccas like New York, L.A., and Chicago. Far…
A Bubbly Business for Downtown Snohomish
Lather & Salt Tucked — almost squeezed — neatly between Antique Warehouse and Roger’s River View Bistro on Snohomish’s main drag is a delicious bath and body shop. Though it only occupies about 75 square feet of space on downtown First Street, Lather & Salt smartly fills every nook with odoriferous goodness. Chemical-free soap and personal care product lovers will rejoice at the decadent bath bars, bath salts and skin balms only an arm’s…
Coast Harbor Towns Feature
For those of us who spent time or grew up in the East, a West Coast road trip has this one, can’t-beat-it novelty: seeing the sun set over the ocean. The following five places — Gig Harbor; Oregon’s Astoria and Cannon Beach; California’s Arcata/ Eureka and Mendocino — are…
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….
IMMIGRATION Feature
When Does the Failure to Act Become a Moral Issue? Only a handful of issues divide our country like immigration. The debate pits our heritage as a country of immigrants, our compassion for others less fortunate, and fundamental fairness against legitimate…
Marking the End of the (Traditional) Brewing Season
From Spring, Lager Awaits Its Day The older I get, the more I appreciate the seasons. Our lives are always emerging from somewhere, always headed somewhere. We always have something to remember and something to anticipate. And it all goes in a circle, so that we can say farewell to one season in the confidence that it will always come back around in about nine months. Modern technology can make the seasons somewhat invisible to us, though. That’s…
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…
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…
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 everything to fight for future generations’ right to vote and run for office. FRIDA (2002) This dramatic biography depicts the bold professional and private life…
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…
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, graphic art, and plenty of wine. Ted Seifert and Diane Jones opened the store in 2013 with a mission to promote smaller brands from all…
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…
Take a Hike: Whatcom Falls Park
Whatcom Falls Park is an accessible place for all kinds of activities, even beyond hiking, which makes it one of Bellingham’s most popular destinations regardless of season. Hikers, bikers, fishing enthusiasts, and dog-walkers are all welcome. The miles of wide trails are gravel and the small rolling hills are doable for nearly every level of hiker. Enter the park from one of two locations, at 1401 Electric Avenue or, to get to the lower playground, fish hatchery and picnic area,…
Walla Walla Wines Become a Growth Industry
The explosion of wineries in the Walla Walla Valley mirrors the impressive growth of wineries in Washington state. How impressive? Consider this: According to the Washington Wine Commission, there were 163 wineries statewide in the year 2000. Today the state boasts over 900 total wineries… and nearly 125 of those are located in the Walla Walla…
Fighting Food Insecurity With Milk
In Whatcom, San Juan, and Skagit counties, Northwest Harvest works with a total 21 food banks, feeding more than 245,000 families.
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…
Western Washington student Breezy Johnson Named to Olympic Team and Goes on a Tear
Change skier Breezy Johnson’s status from “Olympic hopeful” to South Korea-bound. In an update to our story in the February edition of Bellingham Alive (p. 68), the Western Washington University sophomore, who grew up in Victor, Idaho – and has yet to ski Mount Baker, Western’s “home” mountain – has been named…
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.
Sustainable Connections Means (Local) Business
Derek Long grew up in a one-stoplight town in Ohio before pursuing a career in business and economics. Much like the Pacific Northwest, Long’s hometown barely saw the sun. However, it wasn’t until after earning his degree from the University of Toledo and traveling around the world for more than a year that Long accidentally ended up in…
Palatine Passive House
The Palatine Passive House by architect Tiffany Bowie of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture was one of eight homes featured during last year’s Seattle Modern Home Tour in April. Bowie, a certified passive house consultant, fielded questions from tour guests curious about passive construction. “Many people weren’t familiar with the concept of a passive house, so it was a great educational opportunity,” Bowie said. Thanks to…
Joie Clothing
“Casual, comfortable, and luxurious” are the three pillars of Joie’s approach to clothing. The designs are inspired by the relaxed Southern California lifestyle and are infused with the sort of sophistication you’d expect to find on the streets of Paris. The name Joie translates to “rejoicing” in French — an appropriate name for a fashion brand that caters to women looking for a certain sophisticated, yet casual style. Joie began in 2001 and grew into…
Husband and Wife Team Up at Winery
Structure Cellars Owning and operating your own winery might seem like a pretty cool occupation, but behind-the-scenes challenges requiring time, money, and sweat equity can make getting there a daunting task. The husband-and-wife team of Brian Grasso and Brandee Slosar know that firsthand. They’ve poured countless hours into building Structure Cellars, and the results have been nothing short of amazing. It…
Goorin Bros.
A Unique Hatting Experience Little warms hearts like a family business, and nothing warms heads like a good hat. Goorin Bros. is a fourth-generation family hat shop with more than 30…
Something Old Meets Something New
Pike Street Press We all love the convenience and connection modern technology affords us, but do you ever yearn for the old-school ethos of doing things slowly and with great intention? Not many trades call for the high-level of skill and precision as much as letterpress does, and Pike Street Press is doing it the…
Going Boutique in Seattle
The Edgewater Hotel If you are looking to pamper yourself in Seattle and want a truly Pacific Northwest experience, the historic Edgewater Hotel is the perfect boutique alternative to Seattle’s predictable national chains. The Edgewater is a fusion of old school and contemporary styles — offering warm and rustic charm, edgy pop-culture energy, and…
Whimsical to Practical Jewelry, Gifts, More
Moorea Seal Have you ever walked into a store and thought it must have been designed with you in mind? For me, that store is Moorea Seal, a hidden gem in the heart of Seattle’s Belltown district. Moorea Seal offers a beautifully curated selection of accessories and objects, highlighting handmade items from artists across…
Simply Fabulous Greenfab Prefab
Greenfab is a Seattle-based developer of modern, sustainable, prefabricated homes. In 2010, it made news for installing Washington State’s first prefab, modular home to earn LEED Platinum certification. Since then, it has built affordable, energy efficient, and beautiful single and multifamily modular dwellings. It took less than six hours to install this 1700-square-foot home Greenfab completed in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. The home’s four…
Eating in Season
Local Food Boxes make for a Healthy You and a Healthy Community When spring comes in northwest Washington, there seems to…
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…
Sugarfina
Sugarfina is a luxe candy store that caters to adults with a taste for the finer things in life. It recently launched a boutique inside Nordstrom’s Seattle flagship store. Sugarfina’s candy is packaged in beautiful, brightly colored boxes and ribbons, which makes for a tasty treat that’s easy on the eyes. Unlike other candy retailers, Sugarfina focuses on high quality ingredients. With flavors like Pale Ale Pints and Single Malt Scotch…
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 guests, can be a thankless task. So you might be happy to know that choosing wines to serve with traditional autumn foods is a relatively easy, practically foolproof undertaking. Baked squash, creamy pumpkin soup, sautéed carrots, green…
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,”…
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…
Fall Arts Preview: Eight Great North End Events
1. A Spirit Unbound: The Art of Peggy Strong September 9–January 8 | Cascadia Art Museum EIGHTY YEARS AGO, Peggy Strong (1912–1956) first exhibited her artwork at the Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) Northwest Annual. She was just twenty-four-years-old at the time and had recently survived an automobile accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Yet,…
Fly into Oiselle
“Born and raced in Seattle” is the motto prominently announced on a wall in Oiselle’s flagship store in Seattle’s University Village. Founder and CEO Sally Bergesen launched Oiselle (pronounced wa-zell)…
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 martini shaker and give it a…
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 garnish with fresh lavender sprigs. Measure into an ice filled martini shaker then shake vigorously. The frothy libation is poured into a tall glass…
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 worry over who has the last word. Measuring this drink is easy: each ingredient is a ¾…
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…
Creamy Polenta – Crave Catering
Creamy Polenta by Chef Justin Hawkinson of Crave Catering • 3/4 cup dry polenta (golden corn grits) • 2 cups milk • 2 cups chicken stock • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste Bring 1 cup milk and 2 cups chicken stock up to almost boiling, then stir in polenta. Keep stirring as the polenta softens and thickens. When polenta is too thick…
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 Green tea syrup • cold soda water The Garden Variety soothes that…
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…
Z Gallerie
Z Gallerie opened its doors to its 63rd location in Bellevue Square on April 9. The furniture gallery aims to bring fashion forward decor to customers at an accessible price point, said public relations manager Gordon Andahl. “We want to make sure we are the authority for chic, on-trend fashion for…
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.
Beardslee Public House
Before the the Beardslee Crossing development broke ground in Bothell, a sequoia tree towered over the property. When Chef John Howie of the Beardslee Public House learned about the tree, he was determined to…
Palatine Passive House
The Palatine Passive House by Architect Tiffany Bowie of Malboeuf Bowie Architecture was one of eight homes featured during the 2016 Seattle Modern Home Tour in April. Bowie, a certified passive house consultant, fielded questions from tour guests curious about passive construction. “Many people weren’t familiar with the concept of a passive house, so it was a…
Meet the Chef Recipes
Acme Farms + Kitchen Meet The Chef featuring Andrew Clarke:
Bothell Furniture
THE SHOP Since 1985, Bothell Furniture has been a mainstay in downtown Bothell. Its 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…
Found: Leather
The bags are made from high-quality leather and have a very nice hand-made look about them without looking overly done or too rough hewn. They strike a balance.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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.
The Mixing Tin – The Hollywood Tavern’s Woodin Sidecar
The Woodin Sidecar served up at The Hollywood Tavern — an historic tavern adjacent to Woodinville Whiskey Co.’s production facility and tasting room — is a fantastic cocktail to sip this winter.
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.
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 about Social Security eligibility, and other necessary services throughout the day. Jessica Gaitan, the community engagement coordinator of United Way of Snohomish County said the event was quite a success this year. “I think it’s such a great event. It’s definitely a…
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 Nepali natives Suman Shrestha and Nishes Shrestha founded the Himalayan Corporation when they discovered how much dogs love munching on the traditional hard Nepali yak cheese, chhurpi. Despite a dog’s obsession with the taste, cheese isn’t normally good for canines because most lack the enzymes to…
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…
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…
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 robin’s egg blue, to the artful arrangement of decorative tables and shelves, which sport a cheerful assortment of home décor and gifts. Bon Séjour Home fits cozily among the village’s shops, located in a quaintly shingled building beside a charming courtyard that might just as well…
Amaro Bistro
If you enjoy the familiar Italian flavors of Il Bistro, a long-time Pike Place Market staple, try the owner’s new restaurant in…
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…
Olympus Spa
Some people remember the strip mall at 196th and 36th in Lynnwood as the former home of Cinema 12, the local rundown theater that featured movies for a dollar. It was also the place you went to cruise on a weekend night in the pre-cell, pre-Facebook era, checking out the kids from other high schools in the area, in-person. Now the locale is a little more sedate—in fact, for…
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…
Purpose Boutique
What if you could combine giving back and empowering women with shopping for clothes and accessories? Here in the Northwest, you can. Purpose Boutique in Kirkland (and Bremerton) has a powerful mission to outfit local women in beautiful,…
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 the funny to the heartfelt, setting the perfect mood for what you’ll find in the store….
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. In fact, with its spectacular scenery, abundant trails, appealing shops, excellent food and close proximity to the Sawtooth National Recreation…
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 the Lummi Nation for more than twenty years. He has served on community boards, on the Lummi Indian Business Council, and as Chair of the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, and continues to rediscover every day, is that the most…
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 at the back of each issue with a female. I would say that I have big shoes…
House in the Field
Built to blend unobtrusively with its landscape, yet maximize views and interior space, the House in the Field takes the lines of a traditional ranch house and explodes them into beautiful angles and fascinating forms. Natural materials and an…
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…
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 coffee shop, his laugh is head-turning and infectious. He lives up to his hype—friendly, humble, cheerful, and warm. He also has a passion for gardening and caring for plants and landscape in 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 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 the plant in 2012. Von Schneidau…
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…
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, we have some ideas. Dormer Window A dormer, even a squatty one, can usually accommodate someone in a…
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…
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….
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. As mild or spicy as you like, enjoy their…
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…
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…
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…
Tablas Woodstone Taverna
Adorned with orange accents and black leather, Tablas Woodstone Taverna greatly contrasts with the surrounding shopping center. The burning fire situated in the middle of the dining room foreshadows the food to come. The restaurant features Mediterranean-style foods that come straight from the wood-fired oven. The tapas dishes are designed for sharing, which allows groups of diners to try many items on the expansive menu….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 spinning. When boiled down, these terms confirm that without a protective shield between us and that big…
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…
Gregg’s Cycle
Gregg’s Cycle is something of a Seattle institution — its flagship Greenlake location has operated since 1932. Gregg’s has expanded to three locations, but the Lynnwood location (lucky…
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…
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,…
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…
Bothell’s New Village
Among The Village’s shopping and dining options, which include a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Massage Green Spa, will be local chef John Howie’s newest restaurant, The Beardslee Alehouse and Wildwood Distillery.
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….
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…
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 a challenge. Florescent light—as from compact florescent lamps—can look yellow and sickly, and LEDs can look too blue. Be sure to research the right temperatures for your taste. The packaging for alternative light…
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…
Jaleh Boutique
All of the clothing in Jaleh Boutique is designed and manufactured locally in the Puget Sound. Designer and Jaleh boutique owner Jordanah Monjazeb’s pieces are effortless and versatile, and the price tags are just as attractive as the clothing. Well-spoken and engaging, designer Monjazeb is clear…
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…
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 workshop that he might have…
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…
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…
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 of people who sell houses — it’s a powerful lobbying group that represents the interests of those in the housing and building communities here and in Olympia. The WCAR® is a…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, and has played host to Clark Gable, President William H. Taft, Prince William of Sweden, among many other luminaries. By virtue of being…
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…
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…
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…
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 serious appetites, the biscuits and gravy are the real deal. homeskilletinsunnyland.com Copper Hog BELLINGHAM Whether you’re hankering for the traditional…
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 typed into being. Chromatic Typewriter won international acclaim and was the runner-up in the speculative category of the Core77 design awards in 2012. Photos of it exploded across social…
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…
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 before you get married and have kids. The idea is to look at the finality of something, not…
Beauty Magic
The New Year is upon us, and with it the desire to look our best. It would be so nice if we…
Keep your skin healthy
The New Year is a beautiful time to re-fresh, re-start, and focus on what really matters. Although I have never been a person to jump on the “resolution” bandwagon, I always love and relish in the scent of possibility each New Year brings. When looking forward to each New Year, one of my favorite things is to take a step-back and reflect on my…
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…
Lorna Jane
It was ironic to dress up for the opening of an activewear store. After all, activewear is my typical daily work uniform. Yoga or running pants? Check. Comfortable lightweight hoodie or tee? Check. Turn on the computer and watch me go….
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…
Ann Taylor At U Village
Ann Taylor concept store opens in University Village.
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,…
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…
Pipe & Row
Pipe & Row’s tagline is “Not your average staple” and that certainly fits. Owner Kayla Boehme said, “We want to…
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’ joke, “what did the snail say as…
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,…
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…
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…
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, rich greens, barrels of crisp, sweet apples — and they protect our rolling hills and rural character. Not only do our farmers work hard to grow all this amazing food, they offer their bounty…
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,…
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…
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…
The Frigid Water Rescue- Rhonda Lasley
Officer Rhonda Lasley had been on the Sedro-Woolley police force for a month when she and civilian Nicole Vojkovich received a call from the Skagit sheriff’s office about an overturned boat at Dead Man’s Island. Prior to this, Rhonda had been employed for fourteen years by Skagit County Sheriff’s Office as a commissioned deputy where she received boating training that included water rescue, so she was the right person for the job. Nicole met Rhonda…
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…