Arts + Culture

From Local Roots to a National Stage

How Payam Music Is Reimagining Piano Lessons Article by Susie Naficy | Photography by As noted On any given afternoon at Payam Music, a student might be playing a pop song, a movie theme, or a melody they helped write themselves. Students seem excited, engaged, and ready to learn - a little unexpected for a piano school. They are learning technique, reading notes, music theory, rhythm, and discipline, but the first goal is simple: be excited to sit at the piano.  That idea grew out of founder...

Food + Beverage

Destination Yakima Valley 

Explore the region where agriculture, wine, and endless sunshine come together beautifully. Article by Caitlin Agnew Less than 3 hours from Bellevue, tucked between rolling sun-drenched hills, is the Yakima Valley, where 300 days of annual sunshine provide ideal growing conditions for exceptional produce and wines.  Generations of farming families have made the region one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country, and  Bellevue Lifestyle  had the opportunity to visit and...

Education

Scilla Andreen

Building Resilience Before the Crisis Article by Kristi Sellers | Photography by As noted By the time a child reaches a point of crisis, the need for support is obvious. But for Scilla Andreen, founder of Impactful Fund, the most meaningful work happens much earlier. It tends to be long before a young person feels isolated, overwhelmed, or unseen. Through the power of storytelling, brain science and human connection, Scilla  and her team are helping students develop resilience, emotional...

Arts + Culture

Wiggles & Giggles

Creative coloring books help keep kids' chaos on paper Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Akiha Studios & Janna of Mellow Nectar Co. Kayla Cook and Janet Meier met on the soccer field in 5th grade, and have remained best friends in the 30 years since. Despite Meier living in Arizona and Cook based in the Bellevue area, the two continue to nurture their friendship, spending time together in Chelan in the summer, and giving their own young children the opportunity to develop relationships...

Life + Culture

Summer Starts Outside

Five Fun-Filled Ways to Explore Bellevue Article by Megan Ewing Paddle Into Sunset Views Grab a kayak or paddleboard at Meydenbauer Bay Park and glide across sparkling water while the Bellevue skyline glows nearby. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and unbeatable summer scenery.   Wander Through Colorful Gardens Hidden paths and vibrant flowers make Bellevue Botanical Garden feel like a secret escape. Bring your camera, enjoy shady trails, and soak up one of Bellevue’s...

Sports + Recreation

Turning Left at 200 Miles Per Hour

Inside the Wild World of H1 Hydroplane Racing Article by Susie Naficy | Photography by Unlimiteds.Net For most people in the Pacific Northwest, hydroplane racing is something they glimpse once a year during Seafair: loud boats, giant rooster tails, and crowds lining Lake Washington. But beneath that annual spectacle, there is an entire racing world built on family dynasties, engineering obsession, and boats capable of reaching nearly 200 miles per hour while skimming the surface of the water. ...

Travel

Designing Your Next Escape

Luxury travel advisor Maria of Registry Travel shares three unforgettable destinations worth exploring. Article by Taylor Robinson | Photography by As noted Maria's love of travel began long before she founded Registry Travel. Growing up, she dreamed of seeing the world and one day visiting all seven continents. That passion eventually led her around the globe through a decade of service as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, where she specialized in logistics and operations, lived throughout the...

Life + Culture

Beyond the Summit

Andrew Hughes Redefines What a Meaningful Life Looks Like Article by Taylor Robinson | Photography by As Noted When we first featured Andrew Hughes in our April 2023 issue, the focus was on the extraordinary, from record setting summits to remote terrain and the pursuit of what few will ever experience. This time, the story shifts inward, exploring how those experiences have shaped his perspective, values, and what a meaningful life looks like today. For someone who has spent years navigating...

Style + Beauty

Modern Menswear, Elevated.

Annette Dresser, Independent Luxury Custom Stylist with J.Hilburn, on How Men Are Redefining Style Through Ease, Versatility, and Intention Article by By Annette Dresser, J.Hilburn | Photography by Courtesy of J.Hilburn In today’s world, time has become the ultimate luxury. For many men, getting dressed is simply one more decision in an already full day, and increasingly, one they would rather not overthink. The clients I work with are not looking for more options. They are looking for...

Fitness

Upgrade Your Well-being

This isn't your father's health and fitness center Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Courtesy of Upgrade Labs How many of us remember the old slogan “No pain, no gain”? The implication being, if you’re not spending hours sweating and grunting in the gym, you won’t see results. The modern man (and woman) is offered a new option - AI-assisted biohacking that personalizes your workout and recovery, optimizing results and ensuring your time is used efficiently. Upgrade Labs is the creation...