The Wildflower Spa has fully bloomed on Mount Vernon’s bustling 1st Street after expanding their space and services in 2025. Previously known as Bare Boutique, this spa provides healing experiences in more ways than one. Master Esthetician and Founder Hana LaMay’s 19-year-…
Quantum Health Pilates & Yoga Lounge has a natural way of drawing people in. With its relaxed environment, it offers visitors of every ability level a place to recharge and nurture their health. More than just a fitness studio, Quantum is a one-stop wellness destination, bringing movement,…
The Alexander Technique, which was created by Frederick Matthias Alexander in the late 1800s, is a method for improving posture and movement through self-awareness, with the aim of decreasing pain and increasing mindfulness. “The way I usually describe it is that it helps you learn…
ALICIA MILLS OF Method Skin Studio offers skin care through Genesis Salon and aims to provide result-driven healing treatments with exceptional plant-based products. Her goal is to guide her clients toward what they can do from home to make a major difference in the health of their skin, as well as its…
January 2023 Feature, Keeping your mind and body healthy and active.
Skin and body treatments and what local spas to find them in.
Callahan Wellness
Mae Botanicals
Chances are high that every American has come face to face with heart disease in some form. It’s the number one killer in both the United States and the world, so even if you aren’t personally affected, you probably know someone who is….
Andrew Murry remembers how normal it was to get adjustments at Christmas and Thanksgiving. By 16, he knew he wanted to be a chiropractor–the eighth chiropractor in his family. Over a decade ago at Sehome High School, Andrew met Sammy. His aunt became Sammy’s chiropractor, and Sammy became chiropractic’s “number one fan.” After graduating, Andrew studied kinesiology at Western Washington…
Q&A with Dr. Brita Kiffney of Northshore Veterinary Hospital
Fasting, or intentionally abstaining from food and drink, is often practiced as part of religious rituals, and Benton is performing his own yearly ritual the week before his birthday.
Chinn GYN, LLC
Our largest organ often gets overlooked and taken for granted, but you can start making small changes to your daily routine to see and feel big differences in the health and appearance of your skin.
FLUX Yoga Retreats
A leading voice in Canada’s health and wellness scene, Sonia Jhas offers practical, positive, and down-to-earth advice meant to help people live their best life. I asked her a few questions about how to reset health goals after an unusually stressful year. -Becky Mandelbaum Many of us have picked up bad habits during the pandemic. What do you recommend for undoing them? When trying to undo bad habits, we typically…
Mother’s Day Specials at Spero Skin Spa Salon
Iodine is an essential trace mineral needed for optimal thyroid function
AFresh Respiratory Therapy Services & Equipment
PURE Skin + Wellness offers Waxings, Lash Lifts, and More
Living Earth Herbs Apothecary
A guide to local gyms
New book & guided program aim to keep knees strong
Combat stress, pain, inflammation, and more with Red Light Therapy.
Bellingham Community Acupuncture
Bellingham’s newest hot yoga studio welcomes everyone.
As your skin changes, so should your skincare routine. Here’s a guide on how it should change through the decades.
Trish Palmer discusses her experience living with MS, her life before diagnosis, and her advice for others who have MS or know someone who does.
Meet the Bellingham cat that has taken the internet by storm, one paw at a time.
Sweat out your toxins and your worries at these featured local saunas.
To learn more about the process of dying gray, we sat down with Katie—a stylist at Bellingham’s Vanity Hair Studio on Dupont Street.
Nutrition blogger and food photographer, Cassie Elliott, utilizes the fresh foods of the season to create this flavorful, gluten-free dish.
Master esthetician and owner of Crosier Skincare, Lisa Crosier, talks acne tips and the importance of seeing a skin therapist for long-term, clear skin.
Wine enthusiast Dan Radil gives readers a delicious alternative to pouring out those half-empty bottles of wine: his single skillet chicken picatta recipe.
Nutrition blogger, Cassie Elliott, provides readers with a colorful, nutritious, and delicious dish—easy to make with only four main ingredients.
Bellingham makeup artist, Elizabeth Marie Hayes gives us some of her top pro tips and products to help your freckles shine all year long.
As part of Bellingham’s waterfront cleanup project, locals can enjoy the ASB Trail and the spectacular views it has to offer.
Beauty connoisseur Lindsey Major is here to share—check out her go-to summertime makeup looks and products, along with hydration and protection tips.
Sara Southerland invites readers to try out a nutritional breakfast that’s versatile, full of greens, and topped off with a delicious lemon garlic aioli.
Master esthetician and owner of Crosier Skincare, Lisa Crosier, talks acne in this age of social media and the effects it can have on self-esteem.
Arlené Mantha, professional chef from Los Angeles, shares her favorite green smoothie so you can take a nutritional breakfast on the go.
Cassie Elliot remembers cooking with her grandmother, Ella Gutknecht and shares a recipe for Cauliflower and Bacon Chowder, part of her 20-Day Sugar Detox.
Learn to make your own natural Tea Tree and Lavender Sugar Scrub to exfoliate and remove dry, dead skin after a long winter.
April’s Online Exclusive spotlights two additional Travel Destinations: Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, and Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
With the coming of Spring, you’ll want to try this recipe for pickling watermelon radishes. They are nutritious and can be preserved for months.
These are the do’s and don’ts when using essential oils. Check out options from Bramble Berry, Target, Living Earth Herbals, and Edens Garden.
Barlean’s Fishery Inc. in Ferndale provides fresh seafood for healthy eating. The company also manufactures and distributes Omega 3 supplements.
Adjacent to Hovander Homestead Park, Tenant Lake Park is an easy walking trail in Ferndale.This scenic hike and park are fun for the whole family.
Tianna Tsitsis of RejuvenationMD shares her favorite foods and bad habits to break to help us achieve radiant, healthy skin.
There are many different ways to exercise your brain and keep your mind sharp. Some techniques include coloring, games, and communicating with others.
These medicinal plants have healing properties. You can look for them in the wild or grow them yourself, like having a backyard medicine cabinet.
A community garden helps us build community with our neighbors; reconnect with our food, where it comes from, and how it grows; and stay healthy!
Eugene Leonard is the owner of Anacortes Cannabis. Many of their products have healing properties to help with symptoms such as anxiety or sleeplessness.
Jenn Bachtel gives a week-by-week summary of her first month with Morgan H Fitness. Morgan Herkert is a registered nurse and personal trainer.
Jenn Bachtel shares a few favorite recipes, like cold Asian salad and protein bread, as well as substitutions to keep your meals varied and nutritious.
After having a baby, Jenn Bachtel is working with Morgan Herkert of Morgan H Fitness to change her life through a rigorous nutrition and exercise plan.
Monika Kristofferson shares tools for change to help you clear away the clutter. Learn how to make decisions to organize your home and feel more empowered.
Robin Robertson is experiencing life in a whole new way since her knee replacement surgery a year ago. Her custom knee was designed by Conformis.
Cassie Elliot shares her recipe for a delicious butternut squash soup with toasted pumpkin seeds. It is low carb and fits within her 20 day Sugar Detox.
Lisa Crosier, owner of Lisa Crosier Skincare and Beauty Boutique, shares her secrets and goals for healthy skin care for a new you in the new year.
Arelené Mantha of Twofiftyflora has blackberries and biscuits for a perfect Christmas morning treat. Try her blackberry sauce on buttermilk biscuits recipe!
Sara Southerland shares her great grandmother’s recipe for a fall frittata with a carrot top pesto using fresh veggies from the Bellingham Farmers Market.
Continuing with our series of wellness centers, we bring you a unique type of therapy: hypnosis. Kelley Woods of the Woods Hypnosis Center shares her view.
Makeup artist and owner of Love Beauty in Bellingham Ashley Thomasson shares her secrets to can’t-live-without products for her finishing touches.
With just a little bit of planning, prep, and organization, anyone can use this super simple recipe for instant pot chili.
In the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest lie natural geothermal pools. Here are the quick stats that you’ll need to take a hike to the Baker Hot Springs.
Tianna Tsitsis of RejuvenationMD shows us an advanced, effective natural treatment for cellular rejuvenation throughout the body using blood platelets.
Master esthetician Lisa Crosier shares her secrets on anti-aging and the two types of exfoliation to give you a younger glow.
Beauty professional Cheryl Jason gives us the breakdown on three different types of hair removal: waxing, sugaring, and threading.
Epsom salt float tanks help relax muscles, pressure on joints, and alleviate stress.
Managed by the Lummi Island Hertiage Trust, within the Baker Preserve, a hikers only trail provides stunning views on Lummi Island.
Summer is a great time for buying local and eating fresh foods. Planning meals ahead can save you time for other fun summer activities.
This fall season, get that fresh, clean, bold look with beauty tips from makeup artist Ashlely Thomasson, owner of Love Beauty.
Stay safe this summer and protect your skin from sunburn by learning about UV radiation.
This milestone is worthy of a celebration — and is picnic-worthy!
Proteins, Fats Give Energy Too These days it seems that every other news story is talking about the merits (or pitfalls) of the low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diet, also commonly referred to as the Keto Diet. So what is it and should you…
Many people wonder what exactly an esthetician does or how regular facials can help their skin. I am passionate about changing skin through proper education, treatment and most of all,…
Just under two miles past the town of Glacier, after crossing the North Fork of the Nooksack River, a gravel lot sits to the right of Mount Baker Highway. Here, directly…
No wonder HGTV picked Brandon Nelson Partners’ Paulina Antczak as the real estate agent for an episode of their hit show, “Beach Hunters” last year. She’s got a big personality, a welcoming and telegenic smile, and…
The art of feeding ourselves, isn’t it a funny thing? From granola bars on the go, to treating ourselves to a gourmet meal, the way in which we nourish ourselves varies wildly by the day. For many of us, it can feel like a challenge to get a meal on the table that resembles something healthy. But lucky for us, there is a bounty of fresh, local…
As a makeup artist, one of the questions I’m most commonly asked by my clients is: “Will my makeup last all day long?” My answer? “This ain’t my first rodeo.” The bulk of my business happens in the heat of summer, so I’ve had a lot of practice getting this art down to a science. Whether it’s for a graduation, wedding, photo shoot, or other event, there are a few…
Acupuncture This wellness therapy has become so widespread that people are even taking their dogs in for treatment. But for people, this therapy has been around for eons. Good for helping with: chronic pain, anxiety/depression, high blood pressure, stress management, infertility, sexual dysfunction, asthma, insomnia, menopause, and a variety of other ailments. Theory behind the therapy: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that is based…
East of downtown Bellingham just over the Alabama Street hill unfolds sprawling Lake Whatcom—the city’s vast drinking water reservoir ringed by lakefront homes, parkland and an inviting 6.2 miles easy trek into the wilderness….
Doctor Answers Questions About Growing Industry Increasingly, older Americans are looking in the mirror and unhappy with what they see: Scars, skin…
Hydration ‘Tis that glorious time of year here in the Pacific Northwest in western Washington, where the rain is constant and everything is oh-so-sopping wet. This is the point of the year where I…
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…
Around age 10, I started going with my mom to get her hair cut. Sitting in the corner and watching the staff, I knew then that I wanted to be a part of the salon…
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…
In the midst of winter, we are lucky to have some hearty veggies to stave off scurvy. Kale, cabbages, collard greens…
As a makeup artist, I often get questions/comments about my own beauty routine, somewhere along the lines of “Do you airbrush yourself…
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.
10 Tips to Keep You and Your Family Healthy This Winter The medical field has long known people are more prone to…
Here in the Northwest, January can be such a dreary month. Post-holiday blues, cold and rainy weather that lost its luster long ago. Pocketbooks need a recoup and taxes are looming. Resolutions have been broken and old habits are back. Rather than continuing the eating habits of months’ previous, I prefer to prepare a delicious kale and wild rice salad each week that guarantees me three things: 1. That I will eat when I am hungry 2….
Angeli VanLaanen is Bellingham’s lone, home-grown winter Olympian, and after years of traveling and competing on the high-flying, high-pressure world of international freestyle skiing, she is putting down roots where she started. She sounds content, relieved almost, to be watching the 2018 Games that begin Feb….
Saturated Fat Is Better Than You Think. Happy Holidays! Some good news: Despite what we have been told for the last 50-odd years, fat that is normally found in the food we eat (think beef, chicken, pork, cheese, butter, cream, whole milk, olive oil, avocados, etc.)…
While I love creating soft and feminine looks, I’ve never been one for the traditional “girly” stuff. Pink frills and sparkle never captivated me the way it does some. But for whatever reason, once a year around…
Sehome Hill Arboretum Trail The Sehome Hill Arboretum Trail is a six-mile network of loose hikes that weaves alongside 25th Street as it summits Sehome Hill. Footpaths, dirt trails, and paved trails give this great hill many options for all skill levels to get out and explore, and is a popular spot among Western…
It was my first Hopewell Farm carrot that hooked me. I had moved to Bellingham that fall, and bought a two-pound bag of carrots at the farmers market. Sure, they have carrots in Texas — the Lone Star State I hail from — but not carrots like this. The perfect crunch, the earthy sweetness told a…
For me, 2017 has been the year of travel! Both domestic and internationally, I’ve had the privilege of trekking all over the globe. Now that there are so many great flights coming directly in and out of Bellingham, I have the feeling we’re all going to get the travel bug. Since I’ve constantly been in a state of packing and re-packing, I’ve been forced to get my traveling beauty routine down to…
Doe, Queen of Hearts Make for Sweet or Sinister Look If you’re looking for quick and cute costume makeup ideas to apply on yourself, your friends or your kids, I’ve chosen two of my favorite and most popular looks to teach you! The doe…
A couple of things are true about me: 1. Being a mother and a partner has been one of the greatest privileges of my life; 2. I am definitely a homebody. I love the pictures and the beauty that I see on social media of all the amazing places this world has to offer and yet each summer I propose a staycation rather than…
Ptarmigan Ridge Don’t let the distance of this hike intimidate you. The best part of the Ptarmigan Ridge at Mount Baker is the fact that, no matter how far you hike, the views are spectacular. Due to its high elevation, about 6,000 feet above sea level, the trail has little incline but keeps…
With the days getting shorter and the temperatures cooler, this familiar Indian dish will bring just enough heat to take the chill off. It’s also sure to satisfy your palate…
Anyone who knows me knows I love wine. There’s something about wine-tasting and visiting vineyards that transports me to another…
WHAT TO WEAR The perfect outfit isn’t one that breaks your wallet, nor is it that adorable LBD (Little Black Dress) that has faded into charcoal grey because it’s worn at least four times a month. The most fashionable outfit is one that you feel comfortable and confident in. It’s a plus if it’s versatile. Clothing that works well as office attire can also be worn for a night out. Let’s say that you and a friend,…
In the height of the sunshine season — family vacations, downtown concerts, summer festivities, early sun rises and late sunsets — it can be easy to feel a bit drained by the time fall rolls around. Luckily for us, it’s also the time locally grown produce is at peak production. Community farmers markets and local grocers are bursting with ripe berries and carefully stacked, farm-fresh vegetables. Taking the time to prioritize these foods, grown in our…
While it may be one of the busiest Washington parks in the summer, Deception Pass State Park is still accessible and nearly as beautiful throughout the offseason. The second major draw of the park is the variety of landscapes visitors will find. Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beach, have a picnic on a grassy hill with a view, or take a hike through dense forests, Deception Pass has it all. The park encompasses three miles…
Eat Local has become a well-known term that Pacific Northwesterners wear like a badge of honor all throughout our sweet little salty town of Bellingham….
Yoga Brings Peace to Women in Transition In one of the least likely places, the chapel of the Lighthouse Mission, women temporarily forget the harsh realities of their daily struggles while yoga instructor Sarah Willett, face aglow, shares a different set of life skills—ones that involve stretches, breathing, and expansion. While there are no lithe bodies dressed in Lululemon active wear here, yoga instructors…
“You cannot cheat with food. You eat food.” —Robb Wolf When I read those words, I had one of those aha! moments because for as long…
If you want to enhance your image, you have more options than ever before. Like any surgery or procedure, there are always risks involved. But cosmetic enhancements have become easier, less expensive, and more mainstream than you may realize. We are taking a closer look at some of the more commonplace and minimally invasive procedures on the market today. Permanent Cosmetics More people are popping up with perfect liner, great brows, and fuller-looking hair, all…
Spring hikes can sometimes mean giving up those spectacular views we are spoiled with in the Pacific Northwest. It can also mean rain, snow, and mud: not the most appealing conditions for a hike. Luckily, Whatcom County still has a variety of hikes that keep you out of the mud and allow outdoor…
Spring has officially sprung in the Pacific Northwest and that makes local food geeks like me giddy for several reasons: Spring Is My Favorite Season For Local Vegetables Fresh, spicy greens, beautiful French breakfast radishes, the cutest baby veggies (beets, carrots), sweet,…
Open Classes Encourage All-Comers A neighborhood cafe links, window to window, with a wide-open space — symbiotically, a dance studio. At the Firehouse Café, lattes are not the only treats on the menu. Open dance classes are offered in the next room over. Ballet, modern, and contemporary are taught throughout the week. An open dance class is a place for movers of all shapes, sizes, and skill level. All you need is the ability to…
Spruced Hair and Brow Studio Last summer, Brooke Becnel, along with the help of her loyal stylists, opened Spruced Hair and Brow Studio in Fairhaven. Opening a modern, hip salon was not necessarily Becnel’s plan, but she always knew she…
The other day someone asked me, “Do you eat salad every day?” To which I replied “I do. Don’t you?” I sometimes forget that most people don’t eat a pound of vegetables a day. A lot of people don’t even really give much thought to what they eat on any day. And I get it, because I was once…
Enter a land that is in the process of returning to its primeval origins. 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. Even the foot trails are disappearing. What is emerging is a habitat for migrating birds, deer and other small mammals, reptilian creatures, amphibians, and aquatic life such as the Coho salmon. “Bring binoculars,”…
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…
As a young child I loved ballet and dreamed about becoming a ballerina. Fast forward to adulthood, and I have found the next best thing. It’s called the Booty Barre® method. I was so inspired by this…
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…
It’s the dead of winter in northwest Washington, but local food can still be found. A brief journey through the whipping winds will lead you to a few meccas of local bounty that are well worth the effort. What better way to celebrate the month of love than with a from-scratch dinner you’ll keep coming back to. It’s healthy, it’s delicious, it supports your community, and will impress your love, your family, AND…
Have you ever wondered why most raw food retreats are in sunny, tropical locations? Or why we crave a bowl of hot oatmeal on…
We all have our stories, the things that shape our character and make us resilient, the things that break us down and make us whole again. Like…
Though the rest of the country might believe it’s perpetually raining in the Pacific Northwest, we know better. Our weather is more complicated than that, which makes it challenging to know how best to care for our skin. In the fall and winter, all that drizzle and mist we’re known for adds up to less annual rainfall than befalls many other cities, including New York, Houston, and Washington, D.C. And when it’s not raining, cool temperatures and low…
When I was active duty military I was, in many ways, in the best shape of my life. I could…
Detoxification, detox, cleanse…all hot words in the holistic health industry. Who hasn’t done one (or at least thought about doing one) sometime in their life? As a naturopathic health care provider, I’ve come to respect the power of a good detox for my patients’ health, but also acknowledge…
When my mother died, the very last thing I ever wanted to do again was cook. The task of conceiving of a meal, shopping for it, preparing it, and cleaning up was a mountain between me and the need…
Raise your hand if you have more than an hour a day to do your makeup? Okay, now if your hand is raised, then use it to keep turning pages because this tutorial is not for you. (You’re an everyday “glamazon,” and I completely…
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…
There’s no denying ’90s nostalgia is in the air with the notable reemergence of baby-doll dresses, Doc Martens, and brown lipstick. Don’t be fooled, though, when it comes to eyebrows. Women are swapping their pencil-thin brows for a more modern, full look. If you are like me and spent the ’90s tweezing your brows into oblivion, don’t lose heart. Here are some tips and…
Shortly after her fortieth birthday, Bothell resident Michele Mehl took some time to re-evaluate. She was concerned about her health and felt frustrated by a gym membership she paid for…
It’s never been a secret, I’m a summer girl through- and-through. To me, just about everything gets better in the summer. The weather is warmer, the colors are richer, senses are heightened, and the flavors are sweeter. As it always seems to go by ever-so-quickly, I find myself trying to…
I remember baking at L.A.’s “it” bakery in 2000 and being sent on an errand to “forage” the very best berries I could get my hands on. I took a wad of cash the chef…
Instructor Carly Hayden rewards students who attend her YogaMosa class Saturday mornings at Bluewater Organic Distilling with an extra long savasana, or corpse pose. Savasana is the final relaxation pose of a typical yoga practice. After an hour of stretching, breathing, and balancing, students lie flat on their backs, close their eyes, and…
Enjoy a secluded mountain lake without a long trek or climb. The trail to Coal Lake is more of a jaunt to water’s edge and a starting point to explore further….
Take to the Woody Trail for a sensational journey up the Wallace River. It’s one of Snohomish County’s premier hiking venues. Bring a lunch and a camera, and prepare for Wallace Falls to entice you to the top, persevering through an elevation gain of some 1,240 feet in 2.75 miles, though many don’t venture past the middle falls overlook. It’s a family friendly hike and good for all ages. The river and falls pound with forceful, furious…
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…
Considering that roller derby is like the world’s roughest crossfit mixed with gladiatoral combat, it follows that these women are in seriously good shape. You can be, too, if you follow their strength training tips and tricks. I’m not a derby girl, just a wanna-be who makes up derby names for herself all the time, but I have lots of…
The earlier mornings, the not-so-occasional warm breeze, flower buds popping up, blossoms on trees, it’s spring! The time of year when all of us Pacific Northwesterners breathe a tiny sigh of relief; we made it through another…
Adults across the world are suddenly going crazy over coloring. This traditional childhood pastime leap-frogged over biographies, histories, and politics to the top of the…
Winter in the Pacific Northwest. The near-constant cloud cover brings the sky low and drapes the landscape in shadows. Often it’s dark when we wake to leave for work and dark once more by the time we return home. For most of us, the colder, wetter, gloomier weather means more time spent indoors. In January,…
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.
The fitness model is simple, really. The six-week class meets just twice a week for one hour, which includes 25 minutes of a track workout focused on speed or pacing (your speed/pace), a sequence of drills like high skipping and lunges, three minutes of core strengthening, and a few minutes of stretching.
The feeling of floating on your stand up paddleboard and being surrounded by the elements as you practice yoga is nothing short of awe-inspiring. No matter where you are, whether a pristine lake, at a tropical ocean or even a marina surrounded by boats, you have the water flowing beneath you and the vast sky above.
Biking is an ideal winter activity both on-road and off-road. It’s great cross-training for avid skiers, and also for those whose knees and back rebel against the idea of carving downhill.
Considering that roller derby is like the world’s roughest crossfit mixed with gladiatoral combat, it follows that these women are in seriously good shape. You can be, too, if you follow their strength training tips and tricks.
The New Year can be a time of fresh beginnings for dietary changes and is a great place to start, but just how do you start eating healthy?
There are numerous kinds of apparatuses used in aerial acts, some of the most popular being hoop, hammock, rope, and silks.
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.
When reading labels, we should not only be reading our ingredient lists but learning about them.
simple solutions and product recommendations to help your beauty shine bright despite the wet, blustery winter weather.
As a young child I loved ballet and dreamed about becoming a ballerina. Fast forward to adulthood, and I have found the next best thing. It’s called the Booty Barre® method. I was so inspired by this workout that I went from being a student to a certified instructor. Booty Barre was created by fitness expert Tracey Mallet in 2009. It has grown from a hot trend available at only a handful of studios to being featured in…
It’s that wonderful time of year when party invitations pour in. What does that mean? There will be rivers of mulled hard cider, eggnog and champagne abundantly flowing. Over-indulging in holiday libations may take a toll on your health. The…
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….
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…
Some people remember the strip mall at 196th and 36th in Lynnwood as the former home of Cinema 12, the local…
It’s not much of a secret that I enjoy traveling long distances on foot—I’ve through-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail twice. I love the way miles accumulate and push you forward, the way the sheer volume inspires you to press on for just a few more miles or hours. It is a strange phenomenon that when I am traveling and I step onto a treadmill, I run for what seems like forever until my brain…
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…
Before you hit the pavement running, be sure to choose the best running shoes for your foot type and running gate. This will be the most important decision you will make as a runner, because your running shoes will determine whether or not you will have a good running experience. Here…
You have no excuse not to do this full-body circuit workout! Not only can you do it almost anywhere, but you don’t need any special equipment (just a timer, jump rope and a chair or bench). The entire workout takes about 20 minutes; first warm up with three-to-five minutes of light cardio, then repeat each circuit for the recommended time. There are 5 exercises in each circuit. The goal is simple — get…
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 ball of fire in the sky, we are prone to skin…
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,…
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 blended with the…
GLOW Try mixing Mac’s Strobe Cream with your foundation. Use a damp sponge to apply it to your face, and your face will have a subtle glow. GILDED EYE A fancier way of saying metallic looking eyes, and it’s easy to do. Apply a smoky eye and top it off with glitter. Use a dark eyeshadow pencil in your eye crease….
Attempts, tries, uncertainty. Cooking and baking are full of risk. Risk of time and precious ingredients—the milk of a mother cow, eggs from an over-worked, over-laying chicken, beautiful produce that takes so much time to plant and grow, farmers’ energy and precious natural resources. The monetary value, the purchasing of…
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…
It’s here again, the beginning of a new year. As much as we try to maintain that we’re not interested in New Year’s resolutions, there is still a lingering voice in the back of our minds reminding us that with a new year comes new opportunities to do things right; to be better.
How many people get to live the dream of owning a spa? Well Beth and Tom Sanger do. At the beginning of 2014, Beth and Tom were the proud new owners of Ombú Salon + Spa, an Edmonds fixture at the corner of 6th and Main. The spa, on the verge of closing, needed rescuing, and the couple happily stepped in. They found they already had an excellent…
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As a personal trainer here in Bellingham for the past ten years, I have seen and experienced what does — and does not — work for clients who want to improve their health. Most people come to me with a goal in mind, but have no idea on how to achieve it. Any health-related goal can be achieved by making a few small…
If your New Year’s resolution combines a renewed focus on beauty and extravagant self-pampering, you’re in for a treat. These fun, DIY skin products are perfect for nourishing your skin and giving…
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 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…
Women of Whatcom, Skagit and Island counties have an excellent option for healthcare that isn’t well-known up here — Citrine Health. Formerly the Positive Women’s Network, this one-stop wellness and health center has been in operation for 20 years. Executive Director Kerri Mallams said, “We changed the name because we also have programs for men.”…
Everyone loves a bold, glam look for the holidays and this one is no exception. I wanted to create a look that was fun and fresh, but also sexy and versatile. Glitter is a trend that never goes away and is especially present during the holidays. Here, I’ll teach you how to use it in an easy and quick way…
As fall turns into winter, the scent in the air that tells me it’s holiday time isn’t pine needles, but the hunger-inducing fragrance of potato latkes frying in oil. Hot, crispy, onion-y, this savory potato pancake is the featured item at Hanukkah dinners and parties, and the focus of latke-eating contests. Before the New World potato made its way across the Atlantic a few hundred years ago, cheese or buckwheat fritters were the…
I started out as an avid runner from an early age, from the time my brothers chased me until I became a competitive runner in high school and college. After a series of knee surgeries, I received the news that, at just age 24, I was bone-on-bone with the knee of an 80 year old. My doctor said, “If you want to walk when you are 30, you need to stop all impact sports now.”
It’s that time of year again — vacations are winding down, school is back in session and routine has resumed once more. Although we all know we’ll miss those carefree summer days, I can’t help but feel that fall is Bellingham’s favorite season. We rejoice in…
Autumn This is it, the time of year in which all that is cozy and good comes out to stay a while. Autumn, fall, the holiday season, harvest, whatever. There is a real security in leaning into these comforts: food, sweaters, books, wood-burning stoves, puzzles, and Vitamin D. I have become aware that I am submitting to a rhythm that…
Owner and nail specialist, or shall I say nail guru, Tara Ellis is still sculpting and manicuring nails but with a few changes — a new location, a new business name, and a bigger staff. The Purple Door Beauty Lounge is a 4000 square foot pampering paradise that opened in March. “I wanted a name…
Have you ever wondered if you were made for a different era? I sure have. Ever since I was young, vintage styles have always inspired me and I often found myself nostalgic for those simpler days. Today, my Pandora station is riddled with the Rat Pack and Elvis Presley, A-line dresses…
Are you feeling out of control? Hypnosis can help. Are you feeling out of control in an area of your life? Do you know what you need to do, but find it hard — or nearly impossible—to follow through? Is there something in your life, like fear, stress, smoking, diet, drinking, or a lack of self confidence that seems to…
Cleaning Your Makeup Bag Toss anything expired! Do this now. Start with mascaras and toss out anything that is more than 8 weeks old. Old makeup is the most likely thing to cause problems ranging anywhere from skin irritations, pink eye and, in the most severe cases, blindness. Try Covergirl’s professional mascara line — they are all water-resistant. They even have a formula…
Tucked away on the Guide Meridian, just a short drive down Telegraph Road, is one of the most relaxing, fun and professional day spas around. With an added salon, it has everything a customer could want. Silhouettes Salon & Day Spa, owned by Nova Scotia-raised Darlene Van Larkin,…
Chances are “get in shape” has been on your New Year’s resolution list a time or two, and now more than ever the options for making that happen are varied as the reasons you give yourself for not getting in shape in the first place.
Here is a list of the most popular massage therapy types, including their features and benefits, to help you pick the best massage style for you. Then, work with your massage therapist to get exactly what you need out of your appointment.
Pampering, relaxation just the start of the benefits a spa visit can bring.
Down-home Southern favorite makes perfect New Year’s meal!
In Northwest Washington, we have an environment in which we can follow this lifestyle. We have access to a variety of fresh, local foods and farmers who raise animals in healthy environments to provide us with good quality milk, eggs and meat.
Sure-fire tips for a gorgeous holiday you! Once again, the holidays will fast be upon us and it seems they come faster and faster every year; and every year we vow to get a jump on the shopping, present wrapping and decorating, giving us more time to enjoy our friends, families and certainly all of the spectacular holiday parties this magical season has to offer. This year, to avoid…
