Arts + Culture

Planning an Autumn Dinner Party?

Get to Know this Local Chef and Author and Find Inspiration in The Oregon Farm Table Cookbook Article by Julie E. Furnas Bend Lifestyle magazine speaks with Karista Bennett, local food writer, chef, and lover of all things Pacific Northwest Cuisine. She shares her journey from cook to teacher to writer and talks about what it’s like to eat and drink in Central Oregon. If you have plans for hosting an outdoor dinner party this fall, check out Bennett's cookbooks for recipes that are sure to...

September 2024

Arts + Culture

The Bend Foodie

A Journey of Discovery Leads to a Passion for Food Article by Lynette Confer When an adolescent dream of becoming a firefighter fueled Jon Jones’ career path, he pursued it wholeheartedly… until he discovered that this career path was not fulfilling as an adult. What followed is a truly inspiring journey to become a well-known and loved local food and beverage influencer, writer and founder of a local marketing firm. Together these roles created a newfound multi-faceted career reflecting...

September 2024

Life + Culture

Road Trip – Food for Your Soul

Metolius River Resort Offers a Tranquil Retreat Only a Short Drive from Bend Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Sierra Confer If you’ve been dreaming of a place to unwind and unplug, a place that feeds your soul, you only need to step a bit off the beaten path to find a magical, tranquil retreat only 35 miles from Bend. Tucked back among the pines, along the Metolius River, sits the Metolius River Resort. Featuring eleven cabins built in the early 90’s, the Metolius River Resort in...

September 2024

Wellness

A Healthy Relationship with Food

Supporting Children and Families Coping with Eating Disorders Article by Sue Baldani While in high school, Katharine Jeffcoat was a cross-country runner and noticed how food affected her performance. “It started me thinking about nutrition and I never really thought I could make it a career until after I graduated from college,” she says. Jeffcoat went back to school in 1994 to obtain her second bachelor’s degree in nutrition, becoming a Licensed Dietitian (LD). She then completed a required...

September 2024

Home + Design

Make Your Kitchen Shine

Tips for Renewing, Protecting and Sanitizing Your Kitchen’s Hard Surfaces Article by Julie E. Furnas Over the last 20 years, there has been a surge in popularity of natural stone countertops in kitchens and bathrooms around the world. Originally considered a luxury, natural stone is now a common feature in both new and renovated homes. This widespread popularity has created the unique challenge of how to preserve the beauty and value of these surfaces while ensuring they remain sanitary and...

September 2024

Home + Design

Built to Last

Timeless Design, High Efficiency Custom Homes Article by Sue Baldani | Photography by Matt Garner, Realfoto Bend During his more than 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, including a stint working for the Walt Disney company, Tory Garcia has developed building and design techniques producing a style that stands the test of time.   Makena Built, which he founded in 2004, focuses on creating beautiful, timeless homes that are current in their design, but not trendy. “We don't want...

August 2024

Home + Design

Extending Summer – Enjoying Your Outdoor Living Space in Style

A Guide to the Essential Elements to Design Your Outdoor Oasis Article by Lynette Confer As the warmth of summer begins to fade into cooler weather, there is no reason to move indoors. Instead, extend the use of your outdoor living space by creating an inviting and cozy environment that can be enjoyed year-round. On the following pages, find local businesses featuring furniture, outdoor kitchens and hot tubs to firepits, patio heaters, and more—endless ideas for turning your outdoor living...

August 2024

Life + Culture

A Few Stops Along Bend's Thrift Store Trail

Finding Treasures that Elevate Everyday Style with a Walk Down Memory Lane Article by Lynette Confer The allure of thrift store shopping has surged in popularity in recent years, its appeal extending beyond mere affordability. Attracting a diverse demographic from budget-conscious students and young people just starting out, to eco-conscious trend-setters, thrift stores continue to rise to the top as shopping destinations and hubs for creativity and sustainable living. A multitude of thrift...

August 2024

Life + Culture

Embracing Differences to Empower Students

Central Oregon Community College Office of Diversity and Inclusion Article by Lynette Confer The oldest two-year college in the state, Central Oregon Community College (COCC) has long made it their goal to honor and include students from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures across their campuses. In 2006, COCC established the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.   Bend Lifestyle had the opportunity to speak with this office’s director and two coordinators – the Native American...

July 2024

Life + Culture

100 Days From Wild to Winning

Local Teen Participates in Teens & Oregon Mustangs Challenge and Helps a Living Symbol of the American West Find a Home Article by Lynette Confer | Photography by Sierra Confer With a lifelong love of horses and years of equine experience under her belt, one local teen is taking on the greatest challenge of her life thus far. Earlier this year, 15-year-old Sierra Rowden of Powell Butte became one of 110 participants, or “trainers,” chosen to take part in the 2024 Teens & Oregon Mustangs (T&OM)...

July 2024