HOME+ DESIGN
INSPIRED BY NATURE
REAL ESTATE
2024 REAL ESTATE FORECAST
HOME SERVICES
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
MARCH 2024
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EMAIL
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The Home Issue
This issue is always a special one to me - focused as it is on the home. “Home,” that’s a word that evokes feelings within us, perhaps of warmth and comfort, of belonging, and love for who we share our homes with. The 19th century song "Home! Sweet Home!" by John Howard Payne and Sir Henry Bishop enthuses about the feeling of coming home:
Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home
A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there
Which seek thro' the world, is ne'er met elsewhere Home! Home!
Sweet, sweet home!
There's no place like home
There's no place like home!
March 2024
PUBLISHER
Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Bree O’Brien | bree.obrien@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Max Baker | max.baker@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anu Kurup, Bree O’Brien, Nicolette Martin, Dan Buettner
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Alexis Grosclaude Photography, Anu Kurup, Takao Suzuki, Dan Apol, Jennie Pegouskie, Panravee Photography
We adorn our homes with art, objects, furniture, and decor that speak to us, and make the space ours. We host friends and family for dinners, game nights, birthday parties; creating wonderful memories within those walls. All these experiences compound those warm feelings, making our homes all the more special.
Within these pages, you’ll read about a local interior designer who says, “Your home is a reflection of who you are,” an area custom builder who makes the process of designing and building a home enjoyable, and how Bellevue’s luxury real estate market might evolve in 2024.
I wish a Happy Easter and a Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all who celebrate, and honor those who celebrate Ramadan as well.
BREE O’BRIEN, EDITOR
@BELLEVUELIFESTYLE
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
LIFESTYLE LETTER
CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE LIFESTYLE LETTER Bellevue Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Bellevue area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Bellevue Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. Proverbs 3:5-6
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inside the issue MARCH 2024 | HOME Departments The living room in Roberts Group’s featured Meydenbauer Project. Photography: Courtesy of Hoshide Wanzer Architects On the Cover 8 Lifestyle Letter 12 City Scene 16 Business Monthly 20 Expert Help REAL ESTATE 24 Local Limelight HOME + DESIGN 28 Open House REAL ESTATE 32 Home Update HOME + DESIGN 36 Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS 40 Events 42 Outdoor Living HOME SERVICES 2024 Real Estate Forecast Resident experts shed some light on what we can expect in the Bellevue housing market this year. Persimmon Design: Inspired by Nature Founder Anu Kurup shares her path and her passion Enjoy the Process Roberts Group spotlights one incredible recent project The Great Outdoors These local companies can help you beautify your property Featured 20 24 28 42 24 20 42 28 10
Y O U R O A S I S A W A I T S W E L C O M E T O L U X U R Y L I V I N G I N D O W N T O W N K I R K L A N D 1 2 3 L A K E S T R E E T S O U T H , S U I T E 1 2 3 B , K I R K L A N D , W A 9 8 0 3 3 ©2023 UMRO Realty Corp , dba The Agency® No representation is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein All prospective buyers should investigate any information deemed important and/or consult with appropriate professionals If your property is already listed with a real estate broker kindly disregard CalDRE #01904054 AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISEE B R O K E R 9 4 9 4 6 6 7 6 1 5 S U S A N C U L V E R H O U S E @ T H E A G E N C Y R E C O M S U S A N C U L V E R H O U S E
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Our amazing team’s hard work and creativity at full display at the Community Brunch, December 23 and 24. 2: Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation - the recipient of this fundraiser and our charity granola. 3: Claire taking out the beautiful toasts made by our team. 4: Savory toasts that were made with love. 5: Each guest had their own menu set and happy space. 6: Our team members who created and supported at this community brunch.
7: Ada set the table for Bellden Cafe’s Community Brunch to support the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation.
MARCH 2024
CITY SCENE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12
Photography by The Bellden Team
Photography Courtesy of Ascend Hospitality Group
8: Blitz the Seahawk with attendees at the 2nd Annual Bellevue NYE Night Market. 9: Tucked behind a Vander Hoek Corporation building, the bustling alley of the market hosted 6,000+ attendees. 10: Surprise appearance from Blitz the Seahawk, making everyone feel festive. 11: Attendees enjoying complimentary cocoa, cookies, and dog treats from Happy Camper Catering. 12: Saxophonist Fei Chua performing for attendees of all ages. 13: Keri Pravitz of Amazon, Diane Carlson of City of Bellevue, and Elaina Morris of AHG. 14: The beer, wine, and cocktail garden featuring Browne Family Cellars wines, presented by Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 CONTINUED > 13 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
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CITY SCENE
city scene CONTINUED
Photography by Takao Suzuki and Dan Apol
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
15: John Curley joins as the auctioneer for the 10th annual Festival of Trees Gala. 16: Honorary Co-Chairs Gary and Jan King and Betty and Kemper Freeman were recognized and thanked onstage. 17: Wonderful stories about how Love Never Fails were told throughout the night. 18: Guests during the reception gathered together to capture great photos at the photo booth! 19: This beautiful decorated tree is one of eight that surrounded the ballroom during the live auction. 20: Guests joyfully bidding on live auction items. 21: Monique Ming Lavan returns as the Emcee for the 10th annual Festival of Trees Gala.
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CRAFT YOUR DREAMHOME WITH EASE Discover the simplicity and joy in building your dream home with MN Custom Homes Presales Program - thoughtfully tailored to your families need.
business monthly
Bellevue-based Romulus Co-Presidents Recognized in 2024's Swanepoel Power 200 List
Honored were Scott Smith, a veteran in the real estate industry since 2002, and Tom George with over 25 years acquiring and managing technology companies. “The leaders featured in the SP 200 really showed what it takes to be a strong and dynamic leader in 2024,” said Jack Miller, the executive over SP 200. Romulus acquires and invests in mission-critical software companies that are committed to providing longterm solutions and partnerships.
BUSINESS MONTHLY
A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES MARCH 2024 lifenlight co H E A D S H O T S b y l i f e n l i g h t s t u d i o s MORE INFO: 16
New Spanish Restaurant to Open at InterContinental Hotel Bellevue
Telefèric Barcelona is part of a family-owned restaurant group based in California that serves authentic Spanish tapas, paellas, and innovative cocktails. The Bellevue location is designed to enchant guests with sophisticated decor and an upgraded menu. Honoring its roots in Spain's rich culinary traditions while embracing the local community, Teleferic Barcelona invites guests to experience and share in the vibrant culture of Spain. Find updates at telefericbarcelona.com
Accepting Applications: Leadership Eastside's 2-Year Adaptive Community Leadership Program
This class will be the 19th of its kind, kicking off in September 2024 with graduation in May 2026. Participation in this program will require you to challenge your own beliefs within a multicultural cohort learning environment where you'll be introduced to ACL concepts, and challenged to apply those concepts to current regional issues. 15 Leadership Eastside Alumni were elected to Eastside positions this past November! Scholarships available, visit leadershipeastside.com for further information. CONTINUED >
Photography Courtesy of InterContinental Hotels
17 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
Spring for Schools: A Garden Party With Bellevue Schools Foundation
Funding raised through Spring for Schools yields critical programming in Bellevue School District. Our annual fundraiser joins community leaders, corporate stakeholders, and philanthropic individuals who are committed to making sure that all 18,000+ students at 28 schools in the District can blossom through programs and enrichment opportunities critical to their growth as students and future leaders of our community. The event is Saturday March 30, 5-8 PM at Meydenbauer Center. Details and registration at bellevueschoolsfoundation.org
BUSINESS MONTHLY
Want to be featured? GET IN TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ BELLEVUE business monthly CONTINUED BELLEVUECLUBHOTEL.COM | 425.688.3382 stay well. 18
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2024
With interest rates fluctuating, an ongoing shortage of housing on the market, and area-wide high home prices, it’s challenging for would-be buyers and sellers to gauge the right time to enter the market. What key things should you do to prepare to sell your house? How do you manage your expectations to maximize your likelihood of closing on a home? Read on to find out.
REALESTATEFORECAST
OUR RESIDENT EXPERTS SHED SOME LIGHT ON WHAT WE CAN EXPECT IN THE BELLEVUE HOUSING MARKET THIS YEAR
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PANRAVEE PHOTOGRAPHY AND JENNIE PEGOUSKIE
EXPERT HELP | REAL ESTATE
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Max Rombakh Windermere
WHAT HOUSING AVAILABILITY TRENDS DO YOU FORESEE IN BELLEVUE THIS YEAR?
In my interview with Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, (viewable on my website) he predicts resale will remain low due to homeowners holding on to their low interest rates. My team and I provide our clients more options than those available on the open market, by finding off market options. As a new construction specialist, we track all new home inventory to offer our clients more choices.
FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO HAVE THE CHOICE TO SELL THIS YEAR OR DELAY, WHAT SHOULD THEY CONSIDER?
Timing the market is difficult, but it’s always best to be on the market when buyers have fewer homes to choose from. In the high-end market, interest rates play more of a role in buyer confidence than affordability.
WHAT SHOULD BUYERS BE FLEXIBLE ON IF THEY WANT TO HAVE THE BEST CHANCE OF A SUCCESSFUL HOME PURCHASE?
If you find the right home, be flexible with the payment. With rates anticipated to decrease starting this June, buyers will have a future opportunity to refinance. In December, the Fed announced they will drop rates three times starting in June ‘24, four times in ‘25, and three times in ’26. After the announcement, the stock market reacted favorably and the 10-year treasury yield dropped by 1%.
CONTINUED > 21 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
Photo
credit: Panravee Photography
Team Foster
Tere Foster & Moya Skillman/ Compass
WHAT HOUSING AVAILABILITY TRENDS DO YOU FORESEE IN BELLEVUE THIS YEAR?
We see this year being an improvement from 2023. With rates adjusting, more homeowners will sell and we will be able to accommodate the large backlog of buyers in the marketplace. As inventory increases, so will the opportunity for builders to purchase lots for renovations or new construction.
FOR HOMEOWNERS WHO HAVE THE CHOICE TO SELL THIS YEAR OR DELAY, WHAT SHOULD THEY CONSIDER?
Sellers should feel encouraged to come on the market in 2024. Interest rates have dropped and sellers are seeing good activity on homes. Demand still exceeds supply. Sellers should prepare homes by doing new paint, landscaping cleanup, and staging. They should ensure that presentation and pricing strategy are in line with their micro neighborhood: Sellers who come on the market too high see longer days on market and potentially a lower end sale price.
WHAT SHOULD BUYERS BE FLEXIBLE ON IF THEY WANT TO HAVE THE BEST CHANCE OF A SUCCESSFUL HOME PURCHASE?
Buyers should always look past a dated interior. Rooms can be painted. Light fixtures can be changed. Tile surfaces can be replaced. Instead of the interior finishes, focus on the floor plan and location. If the floor plan and location work for your needs, it’s a home run!
EXPERT HELP | REAL ESTATE
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Photo credit: Jennie Pegouskie
TAVERN HALL P I AZZ RUB SREG EB E R Our Water exhibit is a splash! Here, kids hone their problem solving, cooperation, and engineering skills. KidsQuestMuseum.org/Support Together we keep the water flowing! A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. KidsQuest is your non-profit community resource, funded through your support. Sprinkle in your donation today! 206-529-7535 www.pivotmovementstudio.com New Client Introduction Special 2 PRIVATE SESSIONS $99 23 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
LOCAL LIMELIGHT | HOME + DESIGN Great room. Photo credit: Anu Kurup PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXIS GROSCLAUDE PHOTOGRAPHY AND ANU KURUP FOUNDER ANU KURUP SHARES HER PATH AND HER PASSION Persimmon Design: Inspired by Nature Great room. Photo credit: Anu Kurup
24
Persimmon
Design Founder, Anu Kurup. Photo credit: Alexis Grosclaude Photography
““My client’s design sensibilities and goals inform me about what the space needs to become.”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND, AND WHAT LED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS.
I discovered my passion for architecture and design when I watched my dad design and build my childhood home in Kerala, India. Every evening was spent watching the home getting built, brick by brick. The construction site was my happy place. My mom is a brilliant homemaker with a keen eye for design and I was inspired by how her creativity transformed our new house into a home. The rigor of a Bachelor of Architecture degree provided me with a solid foundation and a great work ethic. Moving to America introduced me to new ways of construction and styles of design. To fully immerse myself in this new world, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Interior Design course at Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle.
I spent almost ten years working in some of the best architecture firms in Seattle, working on award-winning corporate and luxury high-rise residential projects alongside some of the brightest minds in the world. This experience honed my technical skills and allowed me to further understand the emotional and functional aspects of design. I started my own interior design studio to channel my creativity and expertise into a personalized, client-focused venture. Persimmon Design has been an amazing journey of collaborating with clients and creating environments that resonate with them on a profound level.
WHAT “DEFINES” PERSIMMON DESIGN?
One unique aspect of Persimmon Design is that we approach every project with a fresh eye. When I meet a new client, I have no preconceived notions about how their space should look, feel, and function. I let my
client’s design sensibilities and goals inform me about what the space needs to become.
In every project, I aim to blend innovation with functionality, ensuring that each design tells my client’s story and evokes a sense of harmony. Sustainable design is at the core of my philosophy as an interior designer. From finishes to furniture, I source materials that have minimal impact on the environment, such as rapidly renewable materials, or recycled or upcycled elements. I believe in creating timeless designs that stand the test of time. A space that remains relevant and functional over the years inherently supports sustainability by reducing the need for frequent renovations or replacements. There is a strong focus on sourcing quality and artisanal products that can be passed on as family heirlooms, instead of sourcing products that are made with questionable materials and unfair labor practices that will not stand the test of time.
Nature has always been a profound inspiration to me. We’re lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest - there’s boundless beauty right at our doorstep. I am an avid hiker and love observing the changing seasons, the subtle play of light filtering through the leaves, and the majesty of the mountain ranges. Incorporating elements inspired by nature into my designs fosters a deep sense of connection and well-being within the spaces we create.
Color palettes and textures of materials often take cues from intricate details found in nature. Integrating biophilic design principles, such as large windows that frame outdoor views, water features, and indoor plants, further enhances the kinship between the interior and the natural world.
CONTINUED >
25 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
“ ”
If you give us a small space, we will go big on drama!
LOCAL LIMELIGHT | HOME + DESIGN
Cenote bathroom.
Photo credit: Alexis Grosclaude Photography
Details add to the relaxing space. Photo credit: Alexis Grosclaude Photography
Detail of fixtures.
26
Photo credit: Alexis Grosclaude Photography
DESCRIBE A RECENT MEMORABLE PROJECT YOU WORKED ON.
One of Persimmon Design’s favorite recent projects is the Cenote Bathroom. What started out as an unused office nook in my clients’ bedroom has now become a transformative retreat reminiscent of a shimmering cenote.
We really brought the spa home with this design! The design employs expansive and textural porcelain tiles that mimic rock formations, accented by layers of lighting that can be independently controlled to create different
moods in the space. A moon-like mirror casts soft light on a custom floating vanity with a pebble shaped vessel sink. Brass accessories glimmer and reflect in the seamless shower enclosure with an infinity drain at one end. The magic of two massaging body jets combined with a soothing rain shower from above is an experience above the ordinary. We had fun styling this space with accents of richly grained green marble, glowing candles, and lots of greenery. If you give us a small space, we will go big on drama! This tiny gem adds a lot of value to our clients’ home and gives them a soothing oasis to rejuvenate in.
27 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
Backyard patio. Photo credit: Alexis Grosclaude Photography
Enjoy the Process
ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOSHIDE WANZER ARCHITECTS
The Bellevue area has many beautiful homes, but sometimes you see something that is extra special. Founder Owen Roberts, President Zach Roberts, and Superintendent Matt Cantrell of Roberts Group - a family run company focusing on custom homes - sat down with Bellevue Lifestyle to talk about their recent Meydenbauer Project.
OPEN HOUSE | REAL ESTATE
28
Founder Owen Roberts and President Zach Roberts
“Our client had acquired a really amazing piece of property, wooded and near a greenbelt,” says Cantrell. “He had priorities around environmental impact (the finished home has a 52 kw solar installation), a computer room, and space for his many books. Further, he wanted the home to remain accessible as he aged.” It was a lengthy project, lasting about three years due to the COVID pandemic. The owner had salvaged a lot of lumber from the property’s original home, some of which was featured in the new build, a unique detail adding to the home’s distinctiveness.
Roberts Group is known for building long-term relationships with clients, who put their trust in the builder. Zach says, “Our main goal is never to surprise a client in a negative way.” Roberts Group keeps
“Our main goal is never to surprise a client in a negative way.”
“
Mature trees and thoughtful landscaping complement the exterior of the home
Dining room
CONTINUED >
Bathroom
29 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
The view is maximized with large-scale windows
their internal processes organized and efficient, as “Building the home is the easy part, keeping the whole team on track is the challenge,” says Owen.
Working with this client, “was a collaborative process, we met weekly with the architect and owner, who was quite involved,” says Zach. The architecture team for this project, Hoshide Wanzer, was enjoyable to work with, making client requests and meetings all the more fun. Says Owen, “Many times clients are spending more money than ever before to do something they’ve never done before and that can be stressful. We’re trying to make this a wonderful experience for the homeowner - so they enjoy the process. If they enjoy the process, they’ll enjoy their home a lot more.”
OPEN HOUSE | REAL ESTATE
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persimmon.design@outlook.com
MODERN CLINIC Cosmetic Lingual Braces & Clear Aligners CLEAR ALIGNERS, LINGUAL BRACES TEETH WHITENING & BOTOX www.porth.io | 425.526.2060 PORTH | Personalized Orthodontics Rooz Khosravi, DMD, PhD, MSD Persimmon Design Interior Design and Landscape Design 425-736-5488
www.persimmon.design We craft elegant spaces inspired by the unique stories of our clients! 31 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
TONE + TEXTURE
STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS
ARTICLE BY NICOLETTE MARTIN
HOME UPDATE | HOME + DESIGN 32
WOVEN + KNOTTED
LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ
Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”
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AGAINST THE GRAIN
TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”
HOME UPDATE | HOME + DESIGN 34
BRIGHTS + WHITES
ADDING TASTEFUL POPS OF COLOR TO YOUR WHITE ROOM
Do you feel like your all-white room is missing something? Houzz contributor Kelly Porter bets what’s missing is energy.
“The best way to add a spark to any space,” she says, “is with bright color.”
Kelly says green is one of the easiest colors to live with, looking organic even in its more vivid tones.
“When searching for the perfect bright green, think springtime—fresh green grass and newly sprouted leaves,” she says. “These greens have lively undertones that will look comfortable and warm in your white space.
Other colors Kelly recommends adding as accents are yellow, royal blue, orange, bluepurple, red-purple and sky blue.
35 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
ZONE BLUE
What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.
TRANSFORM
SPACE
YOUR LIVING
INTO A New York Times Best Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research from the World’s Healthiest Cultures.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE | HEALTH + WELLNESS 36
CONTINUED > 37 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
“GET YOUR HANDS ON A PLANT-BASED COOKBOOK, PICK A DOZEN RECIPES, AND COOK THOSE WITH YOUR FAMILY ON SUNDAYS.”
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE | HEALTH + WELLNESS 38
For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.
If you haven’t subscribed to watching “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” streaming on Netflix, do yourself a favor and soak up the well-documented views into how Ikaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and Nicoya, Costa Rica exemplify the basis behind the Blue Zones truth and have since inspired Dan and his team to further extrapolate how we can manufacture healthy blue zone lifestyles in virtually any city and within our homes by way of intentional adaptation.
Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. And, for many of us, it stems from our childhood to no-fault of our own; comfort foods and Friday night pizza deliveries, complacent recliners and cushy car commutes. In short, however, now more than ever we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.
What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.
In place of your toaster, keep a fruit bowl on the counter. Create a low-level junk food drawer. Stop buying processed meat, potato chips, sweetened snacks like cookies and candies, and worst of all, sugar-sweet beverages, and start buying more beans, nuts, grains, and tea.
“Am I going to tell you to never have these? No, people deserve to treat themselves. But you’ll do yourself an enormous favor if you just don’t bring those into your home. If you want to go out for those treats, go ahead,” Dan says.
“Simply just don’t bring them home, and you’ll cut out 70-80% of consumption right there.”
Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.
Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”
“We are marketed the idea that if we change our behavior by exercising more, taking the right supplements, trying this longevity or that anti-aging hack, that we will lose weight and get healthy, yet it never works for the longterm,” says Dan. The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings…your eco-system.
Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”
And, we would be remiss not to attend to the travelers at heart who would love to indulge in a luxurious resort paired with the facets of an actual Blue Zones destination. Dan highly recommends seeking out Silvestre in Nosara, Costa Rica where the experience offers wellness programming, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor activities that will fuel your inspiration for a healthier life.
Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!
Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.
39 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
MARCH 2ND
30th Annual Literary Lions Gala
Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue | 5:30 PM
Honoring a panel of 20 distinguished authors, including this year’s Keynote Chris Bohjalian, this is an evening to remember! Readers, writers, library lovers, civic leaders, and other community members will join together and raise essential funds for life changing library programs. Visit kclsfoundation.org/llg2024 for further info.
MARCH 23RD-24TH
International Ballet Theatre for Children presents The Jungle Book
Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue | 2:00 PM
An original dance theater performance created to engage, entertain and inspire younger audiences. This visually engaging production highlights the experienced and semi-professional dancers from the International Ballet Academy, the preparatory school of International Ballet Theatre. Featuring choreography by Vera Altunina and Jerry Tassin. Tickets available at ibtbellevue.com.
MARCH 28TH-31ST
Easter Swing West Coast Convention
Hyatt Regency Bellevue, 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue
Seattle welcomes you to our favorite West Coast Swing event, held annually on Easter holiday weekend! Easter Swing is sponsored by the Seattle Swing Dance Club [a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization], and is entirely volunteer-run. Be sure to check the website often to get the latest news and updates! Registration and schedule are available at easterswing.org.
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS MARCH 2024 Elevating Homes After the Sun Sets From serene gardens to elegant patios, we tailor each project to your unique style. (425) 633-6074 EVENTS 40
events
WWW.JOEBAESALON.COM | 425.519.9951 ENJOY YOUR HAIR THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE BOOK YOUR NEXT APPOINTMENT WITH OUR CELEBRITY STYLIST AVIAN KING ALL THINGS BEAUTY FOR PEOPLE OF ALL COLORS. TREATING ALL AGES AND GENDERS. www.skinbygrace.com | V @inclusiveaestheticsbellevue 17320 135th Ave NE, Ste A, Woodinville, Washington 98072 206.495.2256 NEW CLIENTS GET $50 DOLLARS OFF FIRST SERVICE of treatments above $150 We want to provide you with excellent service and care with aesthetic services and products, to help everyone feel confident and love the skin they are in. CUSTOMIZED MEAL PLANS LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE ENGINEERED FOR YOUR FAMILY CONVENIENT & FLEXIBLE SUPPORT NEO-COMFORT CUISINE 206.825.2030 2468culinary.com CHECK OUT OUR WORK Chef John E. Thompson 41 MARCH 2024 CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/BELLEVUE
The Great Outdoors
THESE LOCAL COMPANIES CAN HELP YOU BEAUTIFY YOUR PROPERTY
Florentino Quintana Landscaping and Construction
Founded in 2003 with the goal of providing quality, affordable landscaping services to the community. Offering landscaping maintenance, fence and retaining wall installation, pressure washing, roof cleaning, and more. Florentinolandscaping.com
Green Spaces Landscaping
A turnkey design-build landscape company dedicated to serving the Seattle and Eastside areas with excellence. They specialize in creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces for clients, with a sustainability focus. Greenspacesls.com
Northwest Outdoor Lighting
Nationally awarded design firm with over 25 years in the landscape lighting design business. Attention to detail, USA-made products with 20-year warranty, and stellar installation techniques provide a complete outdoor lighting package. Nwoutdoorlighting.com
Grounded Landscape Design
“Grounded” in world-class design and construction, ecology, and community. Designers bring PhDs, Masters and Bachelors Degrees in landscape architecture, design and horticulture. Construction crews take pride in their work. groundedlandscapedesign.com
Alderwood Landscape Architecture Construction
From concept to construction, a multi-disciplinary team of professionals helps you design and create beautiful landscapes that realize your vision while maintaining timelines, budgets, and the natural beauty of your surroundings.
alderwoodlandscaping.design
OUTDOOR LIVING | HOME SERVICES
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N O T A B L E E A S T S I D E S A L E S
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