The Makings of a Multi-Functional Home Gym
Tanna by Design
A New Multi-Use Space Opens in Downtown Mount Vernon | Mount Vernon Library Commons
At the end of last year, a project that was two years and $56 million in the making came to a close: the new Mount Vernon Library Commons is officially open to the public! In addition to a new public library with youth services and a great teen room, the mixed-use space includes a community kitchen, a publicly-accessible conference center, and a three-story parking garage that boasts 76 EV charging spaces and…
The Ultimate Haunted Halloween Road Trip: Your PNW Itinerary
Haunted Road Trip
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 peaks, islands, arts, recreation, and locally grown food. In this feature, we give…
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 a home. When he finally was able to find a stable living situation, he used his experience and his newfound privilege to speak on behalf of the community that had gotten him through those many years. Since getting off the streets, his…
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 from the bustle of those big cities, Shamsid-Deen is making some noise at the new Bellingham Cider Company,…
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…
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…
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…
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 concerns over border security, and the rule of law. The merits of the debate, however,…
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…
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…
Bothell Furniture
Since 1985, Bothell Furniture has been a mainstay in downtown Bothell, and a recent move to a larger building just four blocks away has allowed it to spread its wings. The store’s salespeople have distinguished themselves by their knowledge…
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…
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 about getting dirty without sacrificing style? Enter Nuu-Muu, the Bellingham-based company that designs athletic dresses. The company has…
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 over the world. The co-owners…
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…
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,…
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 Valley. The Walla Walla Valley has a rich agricultural history, but today’s wine grape industry didn’t really begin…
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 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, just before impact, Haggerty wakes in terror. For 15 years, Haggerty was…
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 to the 2018 U.S. Olympic team that will…
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 Whatcom County. Like many post-grads, Long took the…
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,…
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…
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 started with a boutique winery that originated in their Ballard home and has since evolved into today’s slick, contemporary…
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 locations nationwide, including downtown Seattle and Vancouver B.C. Goorin Bros. founder, Cassel Goorin, hit the streets of Pittsburgh in 1895 with a horse-drawn cart full of his creations and a passion for his craft. Quality and artistry were of utmost importance,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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?…
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…
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…
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…
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 is a certain beauty in the air. And, it’s one of my favorite times of year for food, namely late summer veggies. Local jewels like beets, carrots, onions, potatoes are in their prime, and tasty favorites like tomatoes…
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…
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) in 2007. The flagship store opened in July 2015 just two miles away from its headquarters. This is a homegrown, local…
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 whirl….
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….
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…
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…
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…
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 urge to muddle something. Drop three or four fresh basil leaves into a martini shaker and muddle gently.Too vigorous of a muddling could bring out the basil’s less appealing bitter flavors. This…
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 juice/zest, herbs, honey and Dijon in a mixing bowl or blender….
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 your home.” After hearing the buzz surrounding…
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 reclaim its wood and see to it that something of the tree’s former glory was restored 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 great educational opportunity,” Bowie said. Thanks to its…
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 customers, relationships that sometimes…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
English High Bank Waterfront Home
The goal was to build a timeless waterfront escape—a vacation home on Camano Island with architectural character and traditional elements. “My clients wanted the home to feel as if it had been lived in before,” said principal architect Dan Nelson of Designs Northwest. Situated on an exceptionally steep bank that offers views of both Skagit Bay and Mount Baker, the…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 Bothell—Amaro Bistro. When the owner, Nick Wiltz, and the Il Bistro team celebrated their fortieth anniversary last year, he also revealed details about the new restaurant, which was set to open in November 2014. Though Bothell may seem an…
Tasteful Beauty
The Intricate Art of Edible Landscaping Western Washington is a gardener’s haven. With a mild climate, known as Zone 8 to fruit and vegetable growers, many plants thrive, often beyond our wildest expectations. Talk to those with a passion for edibles, and you start hearing things like, “Does kale ever die?” and “Do food banks take fresh garden donations?” Neither is a drawback. One of the…
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…
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…
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, accessible clothing while donating 10% of net proceeds to fight human trafficking. They also partner with socially-conscious companies that empower and employ women. CEO Christie Johnson…
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. “There’s always…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Old School Trailer Works
What’s old is new again in entertaining, and the new interest in vintage culture brings with it the welcome return of the Airstream. With four businesses under her belt, Angi Soulier is a driven entrepreneur when it comes to pursuing new and creative ventures. Three years ago she and her husband, Jim Soulier, came up with the fabulous idea to remodel old trailers, give…
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…
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 challenging…
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…
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 earthy palette complement the open land surrounding the house.
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…
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…
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…
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 would never do it again, he got a call from his…
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….
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…
Creating a simple date night look
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and spring just around the corner, there is no question that the air is brimming with love. As women, I think we all can relate to wanting to look our best, especially looking forward to such a fun and fanciful season. Though a quality date night depends on a whole lot more than makeup, it can certainly help to play up our personality, showcase…
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…
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…
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 the executive director of the Northwest Washington…
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 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…
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. Perhaps begin with the bacon-wrapped dates, which are stuffed…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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 us) opened its doors in 2007. Gregg’s is known for having an expert, involved staff who will answer questions and match you with the best bike…
Five Faves: Hiking Trails
Saint Edward State Park KIRKLAND Located on a forested bluff overlooking the northern end of Lake Washington, several dirt trails wind around 316 acres of moss-wrapped old growth trees and peekaboo stretches of sand and waterfront. An astonishing 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline, this former Catholic seminary is known for its undeveloped lakeshore and wide variety of birds and sea life. LEVEL Easy-Moderate LENGTH Multiple mileage options Big Four…
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…
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 week, or vigorous exercise for 75 minutes per week. Take a Load Off You don’t have to do an…
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. I…
The Beauty of Bergevin
Riddled with many wonderful wineries, Walla Walla is one of those places where one couldn’t swing a cat without hitting an award-winning wine maker. Annette Bergevin, co-owner of Bergevin Lane Vineyards, is one of those winemakers.
Fabulous Faux
The effect of faux tile finishes once depended on how light fell, how the sun or kitchen lights caught the…
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…
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 bulbs should list the CCT, or Correlated Color Temperature. Bedroom light generally tends to be warmer than…
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 your delicate eye area). Primer can be beneficial here too, or it can be…
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 about her vision and describes the line as “Feminine, sophisticated…
Yakima Wine Country: Endless Possibilities
Beneath a brilliant blue sky, an emerald valley of farms, vineyards and orchards rolls out to the horizon of amber hills. At a glance, it could be Napa, Burgundy or Chianti — but it’s not. Only a few hours from Bellingham, this gem is the unassuming Yakima Valley wine country. Without the crowds or mark-ups of more famous wine regions, nor the expense of an airplane ticket, the Yakima Valley quietly boasts 300 days of sunshine, more than 150…
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,…
Five Faves: Great Dates
Keenan’s at the Pier BELLINGHAM After a nice stroll around Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock, a sunset dinner at Keenan’s at the Pier would be the perfect way to spend a special evening. Located in the intimate and elegant Chrysalis Inn and Spa, Keenan’s offers fine food, a full wine list and great views. thechrysalisinn.com -> Keenan’s at the Pier Chuckanut Drive BELLINGHAM Chuckanut Drive is famous for its heart-stopping curves…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Spring Arrives: Container Gardens for Inspiration
The sun is starting to peek through some of our winter gloom, and springtime is upon us. We called upon the plant experts at Garden Spot Nursery on Alabama St. and Kent’s Garden and Nursery on Northwest Ave. to create beautiful container gardens that harness the hope and beauty of early spring. Hellebores, narcissus and primroses in the floral display complement the earthier huckleberry and Oregon grape in the native planting. We’re pleased to bring you this early peak into…
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…
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…
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…
Staying Engaged: Senior Living
Welcome to the new era of retirement, in which retirees teach part-time, volunteer for nonprofits, mentor young people, doorbell for candidates, organize neighborhood potlucks and run 5Ks. Voted Best Place to Retire many times over by many national publications, Bellingham seems to embody this new feisty spirit of retirement. We are no longer convalescing into old age. We are healthier longer than we used to be, retiring earlier than we used to, and we live in a culture of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 necessarily just your life, and create…
Beauty Magic
The New Year is upon us, and with it the desire to look our best. It would be so nice if we could wave a magic beauty wand, spin around and be ready for the ball. But in reality, 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 goals; not just…
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…
Lorna Jane
It was ironic to dress up for the opening of an activewear store. After all, activewear is my typical daily…
Forgiving The Unforgiven
As a young boy, age 5 or 6, I used to play in the woods where Sunset Place is today. The soil was mostly clay and the clay would stick to my PF Flyers — the further that I walked, the longer that I played, the heavier the build-up of clay. Eventually, the burden became more work than joy and I would head home…
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, and are we ever rich. We live beside an in land sea with access to an ocean coastline beyond and an intricate network of rivers to the east. Whether you choose to cast a line, shop local seafood markets or rely on…
Hope- The Emotional God Particle
I am in mourning. My comic idol is Robin Williams. The tragic loss of Robin should be a dark reminder — the will to live comes from within, even for the most talented amongst us. He had everything and yet he had nothing in his eyes, at least not enough to keep him on this earth. Why? And is his death any more tragic than any other suicide? Aren’t all lives precious?…
Pipe & Row
Pipe & Row’s tagline is “Not your average staple” and that certainly fits. Owner Kayla Boehme said, “We want to push someone to the edge of their comfort zone, but not over it.” The boutique, which opened June 17 in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, aims…
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,…
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 hard — or nearly impossible—to follow through? Is there something in your life, like fear, stress, smoking, diet, drinking, or a lack of self…
Surviving Menopause- Ken puts his life at risk
The signs were subtle at first — a wide-open window during a cold snap in January and the perpetual running of Sleepless in Seattle on the Hallmark channel. In hindsight, it is now clear. But at the time, I was simply oblivious. Then came the fireplace blazing 24/7 and extra comforters on the bed, all while the windows were wide open, and the loss of argument…
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 in our local farmers markets, grocery stores, CSAs and restaurants. So next time you pass a farm stand, grab a few extra…
Island Getaways
SAN JUAN ISLAND San Juan Island teems with life in the summer. Friday Harbor is San Juan’s welcome mat, and a cheery one at that: just up the hill from the ferry landing, shops, restaurants and galleries, Friday Harbor awaits the eager visitor. With 8000 residents, it is the only incorporated town in the San Juans. An artists’ paradise, you’ll…
Summer Fun Guide
Olaf — the lovable snowman in Disney’s Frozen — sings about his affection for summer “Bees will buzz, and kids will blow dandelion fuzz…in summer!” But parents and grandparents aren’t always as thrilled with the extra hours of bored little ones tugging at them for something to do. Those who work during the summer months have it even harder, having to come up with weeks of activities to keep little legs moving. We’re offering some ideas on entertainment options,…
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…
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…
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…