Arts + Culture

The Beauty that is Collaboration

When Leadership Meets Movement Article by Courtney Evans | Photography by YFF and The Backstage Foundation There is something powerful that happens when women come together with purpose. They create spaces where people feel seen and supported. They build communities that lift others up and spark real change. That kind of power was on full display when Youth for Freedom and The Backstage Foundation joined forces for a collaboration that blended leadership and dance in a way that deeply impacted...

Home + Design

Ask Amber

Hospitality and Kitchen Insights for Everyday Gatherings Article by City Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Dawning Memories AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS is a hospitality and culinary writer, recipe developer, and regular contributor to   City Lifestyle.  As the voice behind The Host Notes , she shares joyful recipes and thoughtful guidance to help readers create meaningful connection around the table. For our May Ladies Issue, we decided to " Ask Amber " some questions about how she cultivates...

Food + Beverage

Cherry Almond Cream Scones

The perfect pastry for your next brunch gathering Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories This take on the classic scone breakfast pastry is rich and tender, full of cherry-almond flavor—without a nut in sight. Made with heavy cream instead of butter, these scones have a tender, soft crumb and lightly crisp edges. They come together in 45 minutes and are delightful plain or finished with Old Fashioned Glaze Icing for a touch of decadence.  Amber Dawn Schultheis...

Shopping

Intentional, Timeless, and Sustainable

Elisa Yip discusses her knitwear brand and the ideals that shape her business and design choices Article by Bree O'Brien | Photography by Phillip Bailey and Jessica Garcia Born and raised in New York City, Elisa Yip had been in the fashion world for over 20 years before launching Sskein (pronounced skan) in 2020. "I left Nordstrom during Covid and this was the perfect opportunity to finally create my own brand," she says. Yip runs the company from Bellevue now, and has built up a devoted...

Home + Design

Statement in Structure and Style

Vision, precision, and quiet boldness Article by Courtney Evans | Photography by Matthew Gallant of Clarity NW Photography In a market where luxury can sometimes feel predictable, true distinction is rare. One newly completed residence stands apart, not because it is louder or larger, but because it is intentional. At the center of that intention is Max Rombakh, the number one real estate agent in Kirkland, whose role in this project extended far beyond representation. The land has been in...

Food + Beverage

Gluten-Free Granola

A wholesome, simple treat that will make your home smell heavenly Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories This Gluten-Free Granola recipe will fill your home with an amazing fragrance of toasted oats, pecans, and vanilla and is sure to please even the pickiest breakfast guests.  The best part of making homemade granola is knowing exactly what's in it, how long it's been stored, and you can feel good about indulging in something wholesome and delicious. Also, it's...

Home + Design

Built for Ease

How John Buchan Homes Creates Custom Residences That Perform Quietly Every Day Article by Susie Naficy You have spent your career designing systems that are elegant under pressure. You value clarity, reliability, and solutions that disappear into the background because they work exactly as intended. A strategically designed home can deliver that same effect. When done well, it amplifies your energy, simplifies daily routines, and turns ordinary moments into seamless experiences. This...

Home + Design

COMMON FORMME

Where Design Meets Wellness Article by Michelle Parnell | Photography by Sumaira Amber Creating beautiful and healthy spaces comes naturally for Emily Ellstrom, who grew up watching her parents design and build homes, giving life to the dreams of their clients.  “My parents met on a job site in the 80s. My dad was a general contractor and my mom was a high-end designer,” shares Emily. “In the mid-2000s, as they were sitting around a table with clients and the various parties who can be...

Home + Design

Architecture with Intention

Inside AVI Design Studio’s rapid rise and its approach to shaping spaces for life, work, and everything in between Article by Taylor Robinson Architecture is often judged by what we see clean lines, thoughtful materials, a sense of balance. But at AVI Design Studio, architecture begins long before form takes shape. It starts with understanding how people live, how businesses function, and how space quietly influences daily behavior. Founded as a natural evolution of more than two decades spent...

Food + Beverage

Green Olive Tapenade

A savory, briny, versatile dip for your next gathering Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories Green Olive Tapenade Recipe Serves 6-8 If you’re a lover of pickley, briny snacks, this tapenade is the perfect addition to your next cheese board. Unlike many olive dips and spreads, this recipe calls for vibrant, green castelvetrano olives keeping it bright and inviting to the eye. Use this as a dip for veggies, crackers, and pita bread or spread onto a turkey...