Arts + Culture

Her Creative Mark

A curated roundup of women artists redefining expression and elevating the local arts scene. Article and Photography by Jolinda Linden   How did your journey as an artist begin, and what sparked that first creative pull for you? I was five years old the first time my mom enrolled me in an art class, it was pottery class to be exact, and I still have the framed ceramic pear tile hanging in my office that I made that first class sometime early in the 1970s. My creative spark in ceramics...

Life + Culture

Meet Naren Brier

The New Voice Shaping Bellevue's Future Article by Susie Naficy Naren Brier is a rising local leader whose story spans continents, conflict zones, and now, the civic heart of Bellevue. As the newest member of the Bellevue City Council, Naren brings a rare blend of global perspective and local devotion. In this exclusive conversation, she reflects on her journey, her love for Bellevue, and her hopes for its future.    Tell us about your background and how Bellevue became home. I grew up in...

Travel

Walla Walla, Uncorked

Your insider guide to the valley’s best pours, best plates, and elegant places to unwind. Article by Caitlin Agnew Walla Walla, Uncorked Your insider guide to the valley’s best pours, best plates, and most elegant places to unwind. Washington’s wine industry continues to be recognized nationally and globally for their acclaimed winemakers, distinctive varietals, and a landscape that blends rugged beauty with agricultural richness. For those of us lucky enough to call this state home, one...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of France

L'Experience Paris delivers authentic French dining Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Dawning Memories A native of France, Julien Hervet brought a love of his home country with him when he came to the United States more than twenty years ago. After moving to the west coast and launching a successful career with Microsoft, Julien noted that accessing his favorite French wines proved more difficult than he wanted. So he began exploring importing the wine himself. “I initially...

Education

Focus on Growing

The college admissions process doesn't have to be overwhelming Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Jen Tolle The college application process can be immensely stressful for both students and their families. A recent survey conducted by educational research firm EAB ( eab.com ) found that 48% of high school respondents said stress and anxiety overshadowed their college planning, and 52% reported feeling moderately to extremely concerned about their mental health. Stressors can include...

Health + Wellness

In Pursuit of Perfect Rest

Hästens Brings the Art of Sleep to Bellevue Article by Taylor Robinson | Photography by Vivian Hsu Photography & Hästens Some places impress you. Hästens Bellevue restores you. The moment the door closes behind you, the space seems to breathe. It is quiet, grounded, and comfortably cool. Textures invite touch, the natural materials feel alive, and a sense of calm settles in almost instantly. It is not dramatic. It is deeply intentional. In a community that values both performance and...

Fitness

The Midlife Maven

How Alicia Erickson Is Redefining Strength, Confidence, and Well Being for Women 40 Plus Article by Taylor Robinson | Photography by Life N Light For many women, midlife arrives with a subtle but persistent question: What now? Children are growing up and moving out, careers are evolving, priorities are shifting, and long ignored personal needs begin rising to the surface. It is a season marked by transition, reflection, and, if you ask Alicia Erickson, founder of The Midlife Maven...

Beauty

Skincare Beyond the Surface

Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of HydroPeptide The path to healthy skin isn’t just about appearance—it’s about confidence, wellbeing, and trusted science behind the products we use. Few brands understand this as deeply as HydroPeptide. As a woman-led luxury therapeutic skincare brand, it has built its reputation on clinical precision, cutting-edge peptide technology, and results that are both visible and transformative. A global pioneer in peptide research, HydroPeptide...

Food + Beverage

Tears of Neptune

Article by Erin James | Photography by Life N Light “When I created Tears of Neptune, I drew inspiration from the sea and the countless mysteries it holds,” says Chaz Lee, lead mixologist at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi. “I wanted to capture the feeling of standing on the shore on a crisp day—when the air is clean, the breeze is gentle, and the horizon feels infinite.” Lee chose to feature the Chopin Family Reserve Vodka as he felt it “embodied clarity” and then infused it with sea beans and...

Life + Culture

Celebrating the Best of Bellevue 2025

Honoring the People and Businesses That Define Our City Article and Photography by This curated showcase honors local businesses and individuals who continue to set the standard for excellence, creativity, and connection within our community. From inspired entrepreneurs and culinary innovators to wellness leaders and design visionaries, each honoree reflects the spirit and sophistication that make Bellevue an extraordinary place to live, work, and thrive. Together, these standouts elevate the...