Wellness

Giving from the Heart

No one loves local like Mercer Island Youth & Family Services Article by Frank Schott & Sharon Perez | Photography by MIYFS Foundation MICL connected with Amy French, Executive Director, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Foundation and Board members prior to their 23rd Annual Fundraising Breakfast. Amy French joined the Foundation as Executive Director earlier this year and she has been busy getting to know the Mercer Island community and the Foundation’s partners. MICL: Amy...

Life + Culture

Mercer Island Voices

Love Local: Mercer Island is the Feeling of Home Article by Nikki Baidwan | Photography by Personal friends The concept of home has always been elusive for me. I grew up as an Army brat in India, moving every two years to a new city, a new house, a new school. This nomadic childhood made me adaptable in my approach, but also left me craving a sense of stability and permanence.  The rootlessness persisted after I moved to New York City as a newly wed. As young immigrants eager to establish...

Beauty

Loving Local

Mercer Island’s Own Amadi Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Brings Care and Confidence Home  Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Amadi Aesthetics Plastic Surgery Picture this: You’re standing in front of the mirror one morning, sunlight streaming through the windows, and you catch your reflection. It’s not about spotting flaws—it’s about that spark, the confidence you want to see staring back at you. Maybe it’s a subtle shift you’re craving, a little refresh. Or maybe it’s a bigger transformation...

Wellness

Who’s a Good Dog?

Mercer Island High School Comfort Dogs Bring Calming Love to MIHS Students Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by J Garner Photography Mercer Island schools provide many unique benefits and ways to support students, including the immensely valuable Youth & Family Services counselors in each school, but none are as warm and furry as Findley and Guinness, Mercer Island High School’s beloved comfort dogs.  At Mercer Island High School, two furry heroes, Findley and Guinness, are making a...

Life + Culture

9th Annual Legendary Sock Drive

Local Love from Larry at Starbucks, Keeping Mom's Spirit Alive Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Larry J. Snyder Larry Snyder, barista at the Drive-Thru Starbucks, has turned a simple act of giving into a phenomenon that extends far beyond the island. The story of the 9th Annual Legendary Sock Drive began back in 2007 when Larry and his publisher, Ethan Yarbrough started handing out socks in a Union Gospel Mission rescue van. “We had 200 pairs and ran out,” Larry recalls and the two...

Food + Beverage

The Earhart

Love Local: Northwest Spirits Premier Pour of the Month Article by Northwest Spirits | Photography by AnneMarie Zarba February calls for a cocktail as bold and beautiful as love itself. The Earhart, with its delicate pink hue and floral notes, is a guest favorite and a modern take on the classic Aviation. Perfect for Valentine’s, it’s a toast to adventure, elegance, and romance. ingredients: 1.5 shots Savor Spear® Gin 1 shot fresh lemon juice ¾ shot rosemary rose syrup* ¼ shot...

Arts + Culture

Transcending Boundaries

Discover How Curator, Julie Hsieh, Curates Transformative Art that Fosters Creativity, Culture and Community Connection Article by Taylor Robinson | Photography by Laura Ohata and Alan Hsiao Islander, Julie Hsieh, is a dedicated advocate for arts in all forms: an active leader in MISD arts and MIVAL; she also owns and curates Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue. In a special collaboration between MI City Lifestyle and Bellevue City Lifestyle, we honor Julie for her love of local arts.  Bellevue...

Health + Wellness

Get Active

Promoting Health and Wellness: Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Mercer Island Parks & Rec Mercer Island is known for its scenic beauty, close-knit community, and a robust commitment to health and wellness. Mercer Island Parks & Recreation plays a pivotal role in fostering an active, healthy lifestyle for residents of all ages. From fitness classes to mental health programs, the department offers an array of services that enhance the well-being of the...

Health + Wellness

Bright Smiles, Compassionate Care

Dr. Carrie York and Dr. Allena Novak Combine Innovation and Heart to Redefine Dentistry on Mercer Island Article by Chris Ishii For Dr. Carrie York, DDS, dentistry is about more than just healthy teeth—it’s about providing patients of all ages with care that’s both cutting-edge and deeply personal. After over a decade of practicing dentistry on Mercer Island, Dr. York continues to embrace the latest advancements to enhance patient comfort and results. Joining her in this mission is her new...

Food + Beverage

Brain Booster

Start the Year Clear-Headed with the Brain Booster Northwest Spirits Premier Pour of the Month Article by Northwest Spirits | Photography by AnneMarie Zarba January is the season for fresh starts, and what better way to kick off a new year than with a vibrant mocktail? As we dive into resolutions and routines, a delicious non-alcoholic drink like our Brain Booster is the perfect companion. Packed with coconut water, citrus, and guava, it’s a refreshing reset that fuels both mind and body with...