Stillness in Bloom | Meerkerk Gardens

 For more than 60 years, Meerkerk Gardens has been shaped by generations of care, preserving its unique woodland landscape while honoring the vision of those who came before. Tucked among the forests and coastal views of Whidbey Island, the gardens have become a refuge where visitors can simply slow down and reconnect with nature. “I’ve heard people describe it as walking into a fairy tale,” says Garden Operations Manager…

Connecting Cultures with Art, Poetry, and Academia | Q&A with Dr. Sophia Kidd

Dr. Sophia Kidd is an Asia-focused scholar in the humanities, an Associate Research Fellow at Sichuan University, and an Affiliated Researcher at Southwest University. She is the Founder of Nuance Art & Culture and the Publisher of Igneus Press, both of which are Bellingham-based organizations. Read on to learn more about Dr. Kidd and her academic and…

Tools to Elevate Your Cheese Game

Don’t be intimidated by that 36-month aged Netherlands gouda! There’s a whole world of sophisticated cheeses out there that might seem tricky to get a handle on, but having the right tools for the job makes all the difference. We’ve gathered several suggestions for aspiring cheese aficionados to master any bloomy rind or cave-aged cheese that crosses your path.  1 – Cheese: A Connoisseur’s Guide to the World’s Best by Max McCalman and David Gibbons…

WINE PICK OF THE MONTH : Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Chardonnay Alexander Valley, California $18

For four generations Alexander Valley Vineyards has been family owned and operated, creating award-winning, certified sustainable, and organic wines on their picturesque estate. They are located 75 miles north of San Francisco on a property that borders the Russian River, whose fog-inducing cool temperatures make it ideal for growing some…

Jewelry Inspired by Nature | J and I Design

J and I Design is the creation of Mount Vernon couple Michelle and Jay Barshaw. The Barshaws started their own arts and crafts gallery, The…