Arts + Culture

Pursuing Your Passion

An artist's advice on self-discovery, overcoming creative blocks, and going for it. Article by Caitlin Agnew Evgeniya Plotnikova is a sculptor and stone carver whose works have exhibited internationally and locally.  What started as a simple interest grew into a passion that led to setting up a home studio here in the PNW to “play and clay”. Bellevue Lifestyle asked Evgeniya to share how she discovered and pursed her passion in the arts.    How did you discover your passion for art?   ...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Navigating the Uncertainty of 2024

Article by Carleton McHenry, CFP® - McHenry Capital | Photography by Courtesy of Carleton McHenry We live in a very uncertain time right now with lots of unknowns, whether geopolitical, economic, technological, or environmental. These issues seemingly knock on our door on a regular basis. In fact this is probably what you are currently reading about in the news and is at the forefront of your everyday life. It is in times like this you may wonder, what should I do with my money?  Or, isn’t...

March 2024

Real Estate

From Hotel to Long-Term Housing

Sage Investment Group is leading the way Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of Sage Investment Group Kirkland-based entrepreneur Emily Hubbard has leveraged her experience in the real estate industry to invest in local communities with an innovative housing model that provides some of the “missing middle” work-force housing many metropolitan areas need. She and her husband own Sage Investment Group, a real estate private equity firm which buys two-star hotels and converts them...

March 2024

Education

Angels Among Us

What does it take to be among these investors? Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of interviewees Have you ever considered angel investing? The US Securities and Exchange Commission defines angels as “generally high-net-worth individuals who invest their own money directly in emerging businesses.” (sec.gov) They’re primarily accredited investors with a sole annual income over $200K, or income with a spouse of over $300K, or $1 million+ in net worth, excluding primary...

March 2024

Wellness

Books to Help You Grow

Well researched and written, these books connect deeply with readers Article by Christopher J. Jarmick, BookTree Owner/Manager The Psychology of Money,  Morgan Housel One of the best books on managing personal finances - I wish I had this before I was 40! With a focus on behavior, it uses stories to teach lessons about money. Atomic Habits,  James Clear It's important to recognize good and bad habits and develop the good. Short chapters full of practical advice you can implement and...

March 2024

Health + Wellness

Closer to a Cure

Article by Bree O'Brien Kirkland local Berea Schaffer is VP of Connected Experiences at Workday, a wife, mother, and relentless advocate and fundraiser for Rett Syndrome and those affected by it; including her seven-year-old daughter, Bryer. After a year of tests and evaluations, Bryer was diagnosed at age two following a concerning developmental plateau.  Characterized as a “rare” disease, about 350,000 people worldwide have Rett Syndrome, primarily girls. It’s a neurological disorder caused...

March 2024

Real Estate

2024 Luxury Real Estate Insights

Our resident experts shed some light on what we can expect in the Kirkland housing market this year Photography by Courtesy of the interviewees With interest rates fluctuating, an ongoing shortage of housing on the market, and area-wide high home prices, it’s challenging for would-be buyers and sellers to gauge the right time to enter the market. What key things should you do to prepare to sell your house? How do you manage your expectations to maximize your likelihood of closing on a home...

February 2024

Home + Design

Every Step of the Way

Custom home builder Alair Homes | Kirkland takes pride in creating spaces that fit the lifestyle of each client. Here President Stacy Eakman highlights one recent project. Photography by Life N Light Tell us a little about this beautiful home. This was a new construction project in West Seattle overlooking the Puget Sound. Our clients loved the location of their existing home but the house itself needed significant updating, so they were inspired to tear it down and build new. There are...

February 2024

Home Services

Building to Fill the Gap

Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of Kris Hermanns and Jane Broom If you’ve lived in Kirkland for very long, or King County in general, you’re probably aware that there is a housing shortage, and has been for years. While the shortage affects all levels of housing, the dearth of homes that meet the needs of low and middle income families is particularly dire. Per estimates recently released by the Metropolitan King County Council*, the city of Kirkland will need over 53,000...

February 2024

Entertainment

The Madaraka Festival

A decade of celebrating African music and culture Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Assorted photographers as noted 2023 was the Madaraka Festival’s biggest year yet! Reaching over 25,000 attendees in events in New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Seattle at Benaroya Hall, Madaraka is the most consistent African festival in the US. This year looks to surpass 2023 with plans for 15 events in 13 cities with a total of 150,000 attendees and 50 million people...

January 2024