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Waxing vs. Shaving | And Why Waxing Wins Every Time

If shaving feels like a never-ending chore of irritation, stubble, and razor bumps on repeat, you’re not imagining it. After more than two decades in the treatment room, I can tell you this with confidence: shaving is quick, but waxing is smarter. Let’s start with the obvious difference. Shaving cuts hair at the surface of the skin. Waxing removes hair from the root. That one distinction explains most…

Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho | Chef’s Corner

Gazpacho is a chilled savory soup that adds a lot of style and flair to your culinary arsenal, even though it’s ridiculously easy to pull together. This meal is a hearty way to enjoy fresh, uncooked veggies, re-up on hydration and electrolytes, and enjoy a cool refreshment all at the same time. If…

Stillness in Bloom | Meerkerk Gardens

 For more than 60 years, Meerkerk Gardens has been shaped by generations of care, preserving its unique woodland landscape while honoring the vision of those who came before. Tucked among the forests and coastal views of Whidbey Island, the gardens have become a refuge where visitors…

Transform Your Home

A smoother morning. A calmer evening. A space that supports you without asking for constant attention. That’s the kind of home transformation that lasts. A well-designed home doesn’t just look good in photos; it works hard for you, even on a random Tuesday morning when you’re running late, the kids can’t find their shoes, and it’s raining sideways (again). The good news: you don’t need a full remodel to make meaningful…

Wine Pick of the Month | Hogue Cellars 2024 Sauvignon Blanc

Hogue Cellars Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, lively, and built for easy sipping. At the time of writing, the 2024 vintage is available from this Washington winery. Aromas of grapefruit, lime, and fresh-cut herbs jump from the glass, followed by subtle notes of green apple and a hint of tropical fruit. On the palate, it’s bright and refreshing, with citrus-forward flavors balanced by clean, zesty acidity that keeps each sip…

Plantscaping Design Provides Expertise for Creating Beautiful Whatcom Yards | Kent’s Garden & Nursery

The idea starts sprouting with the first sunny days of spring. It grows as you walk by beautiful flowers, blossoming trees, and eye-catching sculptures. This is the year I’ll start sprucing up my place! Of course, the challenge to all great ideas is the details. What kinds of plants and trees should I add to give me color for most of the year? Where should I place them to ensure they’ll thrive?…

New Dining Concept Aims to Fill Big Shoes on Whidbey Island | Passage, The Inn at Langley

The Inn at Langley on Whidbey Island reopened this summer after a thorough renovation. The refresh brought with it a new dining concept, Passage, headed by Executive Chef Johnny Spero. “Shaped by the rhythm of the seasons, Passage is a new culinary experience at The Inn at Langley, rooted in the abundance of the Pacific Northwest. Drawing from the forests, waters,…

The Mixing Tin | Rojito Mojito

Fairhaven’s cobblestone roads and brick buildings may be baking in the summer heat, but you don’t have to be! Step into J’s Kitchen to cool off with this vibrant, fruity cocktail. The Rojito Mojito, so called for its earthy reddish color, combines the classic mojito with plenty of…

Second Location Marks Evolutionary Growth for Local Salon | Salon Bellissima

When a leader gets the chance to step back from the front lines, everything can change. That’s what Nicci Lyn Troupe, hairstylist, owner, and CEO of Salon Bellissima, found after her husband’s job switch-up led to a cross-state move in 2024. It took her away from the salon chair, her loyal clients, and her staff. Although the new distance took an…

Riding Toward Community | Bellingham Bicycle Culture

On any given day in Bellingham, a group of riders is gearing up to roll out, weaving through faded green bike lanes and disappearing into the verdant forest of the Hundred Acre Wood. Whether cycling at the edge of a downhill run or pedaling past a downtown bike shop, it’s inevitable that riders will be pulled into a conversation about where to ride…

Crispy Pork Egg Rolls | A Homemade Recipe from Bellingham Alive

Golden, crunchy, and packed with savory pork and tender vegetables, these homemade egg rolls are well worth the extra folding. Let the filling cool completely before wrapping to help the egg rolls stay crisp and prevent the wrappers from tearing. Makes 18–20 egg rolls Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds ground pork 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, if needed 1 medium yellow onion, finely…

Tom Bakker Art | Newly Local Modern Artist Hangs Installation at San Juan Airlines

Travelers passing through the San Juan Airlines office in Bellingham will notice some colorful new additions lining the hallways. In May, modern artist and interior designer Tom Bakker hung four of his vibrant paintings at the local travel hub as part of an ongoing installation. Bakker, born and raised in the…