Home + Design

Creating a Magical Holiday Home

5 ways to make the season special within your own walls Article by Jessica Chavez | Photography by Lawson Coy All my life, I’ve loved decorating my home. I come from a long line of women who take home décor very seriously - and the holidays are no exception.  If you ask me, there’s really only one redeeming quality about Halloween (besides the endless supply of Reese’s Pieces): the very next day, it’s officially Christmas time! While some might call it controversial, I have a good reason for...

Food + Beverage

Holiday Mulled Wine

Pour a mug of warmth for guests this season Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories This holiday season, why not simmer a pot of fragrant, warming, mulled wine to enjoy by the fire? It is perfect for sharing with guests or sipping slowly while wrapping gifts and decorating your home. This recipe includes a bit of liqueur or brandy, but can also be made without for a lighter option. Holiday Mulled Wine Serves 10–12 Ingredients 2 (750 ml) bottles dry red...

Shopping

Snohomish Holiday Gift Guide

Shop small. Gift big. Spread local cheer. Article by Courtney Evans The holidays are here, and there’s no better way to share the spirit of the season than by shopping local. Snohomish is brimming with charming boutiques, creative makers, and hidden gems that make gifting easy, meaningful, and fun. Whether you’re shopping for the hard-to-buy-for friend, the sentimental soul, or the one who already “has everything,” this local guide has you covered!  Gifts Under $30: Little Joys That Go a...

Home + Design

Timeless Craftsmanship with Art Culinaire

Bringing People Back Around the Table with Lacanche Stoves Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Jake Miller Photography; Art Culinaire In the heart of historic downtown Snohomish, just west of the buzzing shops and eateries on First Street, sits an elegant industrial building with distinct red lettering. This is home to the headquarters of Art Culinaire, the exclusive United States distributor for Lacanche French ranges — one of the oldest and most prestigious stove manufacturers...

Education

Youth for Freedom

Unleashing the Leaders of Tomorrow Article by Courtney Evans | Photography by Youth for Freedom Leadership. Authenticity. Action. At Youth for Freedom (YFF), these aren’t just buzzwords, they’re a way of life. For more than two decades, this nonprofit has helped thousands of youth discover their purpose and lead with authenticity and confidence. Founded in 2002, Youth for Freedom began as a small camp dedicated to teaching constitutional principles through hands-on learning. But as its reach...

Home Services

Giving Back with American Patio Covers!

Since 2016, the Lake Stevens Food Bank has hosted Empty Bowls—its largest annual fundraiser supporting families in Lake Stevens and the surrounding communities. This event plays a crucial role in sustaining the food bank’s yearly budget and ensuring no one in the community goes hungry.This year, American Patio Covers was proud to be one of the event sponsors, helping make the two-day celebration—VIP Night and Community Day—a huge success. Empty Bowls centers around a meaningful idea: buy a bowl...

Food + Beverage

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A Welcomed Addition to the Thanksgiving Table Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories Gathering around the holiday table this year, you’ll likely find a mound of buttery mashed potatoes and maybe even a dish of candied yams. But unlike the traditional sides we expect at Thanksgiving, these Roasted Sweet Potatoes bring something both familiar and refreshingly new. Tender wedges are roasted until golden on the edges, then finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs. The...

Life + Culture

Acts of Hospitality

5 ways to host with heart this season Article by Amber Dawn Schultheis | Photography by Dawning Memories For those who love to gather, it’s easy to forget that hosting and hospitality aren’t the same thing. Hosting is about gathering people, while hospitality is about caring for them. True hospitality means noticing needs, creating ease, and making everyone feel welcome—not setting the perfect table or curating flawless décor (but by all means, keep doing this if it brings you joy!) ...

Local Services

Empowering Women at Home and Across the Globe

How Lifetime Heating & Cooling is changing lives Article by Courtney Evans | Photography by Lifetime Heating & Cooling At first glance, Lifetime Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric may seem like any other home service company—fixing furnaces, installing air conditioners, and ensuring homes stay comfortable. But behind the scenes, this Snohomish-based business is doing something much bigger: empowering women, supporting families, and creating lasting change—both locally and globally. Whether...

Professional Services

Home Loans

Understanding the nuances of the loan process with Brandy Hekker Article by Michelle W. Parnell | Photography by Dawning Memories Buying a home can be one of the most exciting times in your life - but it can also be one of the most stressful. For Brandy Hekker, loan officer at CMG Homes Loans, home ownership means creating community and stability for families. Every day, she works diligently to minimize tensions during the home loan process through open communication, careful attention to...