Grateful for the New Season
As autumn paints the landscape with warm hues and crisp air signals the arrival of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the deeper meaning of this beloved holiday. Thanksgiving 2025 is more than a calendar date—it’s an invitation to pause, celebrate, and reconnect with those around us.
This season, the world feels more vibrant and connected than ever. We gather not only with family and friends, but with communities near and far— whether around a bustling dining table, through heartfelt video calls, or at neighborhood festivities. The rituals may look different for each of us, yet the spirit of gratitude unites us all.
Thanksgiving serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the abundance in our lives: the laughter shared over pumpkin pie, the quiet moments of reflection during a brisk morning walk, and the bonds that grow stronger with each passing year. It’s a time to celebrate both the triumphs and the challenges, recognizing that every experience shapes our journey.
As publisher of Kirkland Lifestyle, I am humbled by the stories you share and the traditions you create. Every recipe, every table setting, every act of kindness ripples through our community and inspires others. This season, I encourage you not only to savor the flavors and festivities but also to nurture gratitude in everyday moments—whether that means sending a note of appreciation, volunteering locally, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.
Looking ahead to the holidays and the new year, our team remains committed to bringing you inspiring content that enriches your life—recipes that comfort and delight, decorating ideas that transform your home, wellness tips for mind and body, and stories that celebrate our traditions. Thanksgiving is just the beginning of a season filled with possibilities for joy and renewal.
I wish you and yours a beautiful, meaningful Thanksgiving. May your hearts and homes be filled with warmth, gratitude, and connection. Thank you for being part of our community and for making Kirkland a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
With thankfulness,
SHANNON COY, PUBLISHER @KIRKLANDLIFESTYLE
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Carley Ridley | carley.ridley@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Taylor Robinson, Michelle W. Parnell, Amber Dawn Schultheis
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anton Benedikt of AB Photo & Video, Dawning Memories
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY
Marina Campbell
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Dean Jones, President & CEO and Shannon Olcese, Vice President of Sales, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
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Experience the difference with us and inquire today."
— Dean Jones, CEO
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) is a Northwestbased brokerage founded in 2010. RSIR is proudly aligned with the iconic Sotheby’s brand established in 1744. Not only do our real estate advisors go beyond transactions, they also curate meaningful lifestyles and deliver a client experience defined by excellence. As a brokerage, we empower real estate professionals who strive for more. Our real estate advisors consistently represent the highest average listing and sales values and volumes on both sides of closings and are among the highest producing agents compared to their peers
We offer bespoke support, a culture of collaboration, and a suite of powerful tools you won’t find anywhere else. To illustrate what makes RSIR different, we’ve identified 12 Advantages, which are the core pillars of our business designed to elevate our brand, support agent growth, and set our clients' listings apart in a competitive market.
city scene
1: Model, Evany Wenner 3: Model, Gurneet Chhabra 5: Hostess, Alicia Quaco 7: Model, Brian Hopper Photography by Taira Marie Photography
8: Models (L to R) Julia Lacy, Nicole Hopper, Monica Roach, and Mona Jem 10: Stylist Laycee Gwyther and Kirkland Chamber of Commerce, Rachel Morgan 11: Hosts, Ryan James and Alicia Quaco 12: Model, Garren Joyner 14: Thank you, Lady Yum!
business monthly
Barre3 of Kirkland under new ownership
Barre3 of Kirkland is under new ownership and will continue serving members, new and existing, moving forward. Since February, Hannah Peterson and Elizabeth Athetis have taken the reins and begun to guide the organization as they have done so well within each class they instruct.
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Kirkland Chamber of Commerce9th Annual Fashion Show
On September 4, Kirkland Chamber of Commerce hosted the 9th Annual Kirkland Fashion Show. Hosted by President Elect, Alicia Quaco and Board President, Ryan James. Made possible by Title Sponsor, F45 Training Kingsgate and Venue Sponsor, The Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa, this years show was the best one yet, with attendees looking forward to next year.
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Photography by Barre3 Kirkland
Photography by Kirkland Chamber of Commerce
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Kirkland City Lifestyle under new Ownership
As of August 1st, 2025 with the release of the October publication, Kirkland Lifestyle is now owned and curated by North Puget Sound City Lifestyle. Kirkland joins a growing group of luxury lifestyle publications covering the North Puget Sound. Publisher Shannon Coy and his team are excited to continue the community tradition of bringing to readers the local beauty and excellence that is uniquely Kirkland.
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EvergreenHealth and Seattle Children’s are partnering to expand high-quality, pediatric specialty care to the Eastside. Our collaboration combines the expertise of two respected medical systems to offer specialty care for newborns and children. From NICU to pediatric inpatient care, families can now access nationally-recognized specialists and compassionate leading-edge care in Kirkland. Learn more at www.evergreenhealth.com/seattlechildrens
Photography by KCL
TURNING BOLD DESIGN INTO TIMELESS NORTHWEST LIVING
ARTICLE BY TAYLOR ROBINSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTON BENEDIKT
VIDEO
Project Enatai embodies the innovation, precision, and design integrity that set Alair Kirkland apart.
Perched in Bellevue’s coveted Enatai neighborhood, this 7,950-square-foot residence is a masterclass in balancing bold design with timeless livability. Featuring five bedrooms and five and a half baths, the home unfolds with an effortless rhythm: grand yet grounded, sophisticated yet serene. Every line, material, and proportion was carefully considered, resulting in a residence that feels as connected to the Pacific Northwest landscape as it is to the people who live within it. Expansive windows frame panoramic water views, deepening the home’s connection to its surroundings.
For Alair Kirkland, Project Enatai was more than just a build; it was a defining moment. “Project Enatai was one of those rare projects that truly challenged and inspired us at every step,” the team shares. “From the scale and complexity of the build to the level of craftsmanship required, it demanded the absolute best from our team and our trade partners.” That challenge became an opportunity to raise the bar for what a custom home could be.
Tatami room
Working in close collaboration with Medici Architects, the team was brought in early to ensure that every design decision, from structural feasibility to the smallest interior detail, aligned with the vision. Open communication and a shared commitment to precision allowed the process to move seamlessly from concept to completion, preserving design intent at every stage while respecting budgets and constructability.
One of the home’s most captivating elements is its tatami room, a tranquil space that contrasts beautifully with the home’s soaring, light-filled volumes. Blending clean lines, natural wood, and soft geometry, it honors tradition while showcasing contemporary construction mastery, inviting moments of pause and reflection.
The kitchen, with its warm wood Henrybuilt cabinetry and sculpted stone island accented in sleek black, is equally striking — a space where meticulous craftsmanship meets effortless functionality, creating a natural gathering place for family and friends.
The primary suite is a serene retreat, where sweeping water views and layered textures create a sense of quiet luxury, flowing seamlessly into the spa-like bathroom beyond.
After 32 months of meticulous planning and construction, the reward was more than architectural. Handing the keys to the homeowners and witnessing their first moments in the completed space was, as the team describes, “incredibly fulfilling.” For a project of this scale, patience and persistence were essential, as was a system built on clear communication and trust between all partners.
Project Enatai is more than an extraordinary home; it is a showcase of Alair Kirkland’s philosophy. By separating planning from construction, the firm sets accurate budgets and timelines and ensures that the client’s vision remains uncompromised from start to finish. The result is a home where every finish feels intentional, every space flows naturally, and every detail reflects the highest level of execution.
This project is both a milestone and a promise, a testament to what can be achieved when design integrity, craftsmanship, and collaboration converge. Project Enatai is not just a residence; it is a legacy, destined to inspire for years to come.
Explore more about Project Enatai and other custom builds at alairhomes.com/ Kirkland and mediciarchitects.com, and follow along on Instagram @alairkirkland and LinkedIn @Stacy Eakman, as Alair Kirkland shares stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and project features.
Primary bathroom
Primary bedroom
Close to Home
Evergreen Health’s partnership with Seattle Children’s
When it comes to medical emergencies and healthcare, minutes matter, especially with children. The new partnership between EvergreenHealth and Seattle Children’s provides an avenue to deliver high level medical care to children close to home.
“If a patient is born in our hospital and needs a neonatal intensive care unit, or NICU, we’ll have the services available in an enhanced way because of this affiliation. If a patient comes in through the emergency department and needs to be admitted to our pediatric unit, we’ll have more specialists available for them,” explains Chris Bredeson, EvergreenHealth’s Chief Operating and Strategy Officer. “Keeping them in the community is beneficial because they don’t have to make that trip in an ambulance or in a car across heavy traffic, so it really reduces travel time and gets treatment started sooner for children.”
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVERGREEN HEALTH
EvergreenHealth ranks second in the state of Washington for delivery of newborn babies, with approximately 4,500 deliveries last year. By partnering with Seattle Children’s, it is less likely that moms and babies will be separated in cases where the baby needs advanced medical attention.
“Most of the time, babies are born perfectly healthy and everything’s fine, but occasionally when that extra support is needed, it is very stressful when the baby has to be transferred somewhere else and mom is still recovering at our hospital,” says Chris. “We’re fixing it so that more babies can stay.”
Keeping children close to home also means easier access for parents to be present as much as possible while still juggling all the responsibilities at home, especially when inpatient care extends into weeks or months.
“When I was six years old, I was hit by a car, and I was in a children’s hospital for about six weeks,” Chris remembers. “The hospital was two miles from where my parents lived, and so every day I had multiple family members visit me. As a six-year-old, I wanted them there every minute, but I know it also meant a lot to them. It would have been much harder for them to do that if they had a 45-minute drive.”
In addition to expanding services, the partnership provides more opportunities for community engagement. Involvement opportunities include financially supporting programs through the EvergreenHealth Foundation and volunteering in various capacities at the hospital.
For more information, visit www.evergreenhealth.com
November:
The
Season of Gratitude and Giving.
Community isn't just where we work—it’s who we are.
As lifelong residents of Kirkland, we are committed to uplifting this community that's given us so much.
We are proud to partner with the Windermere Foundation. A portion of every transaction is donated to the Windermere Foundation to support low-income families in our Eastside community.
Over the past 35 years, the Windermere foundation has raised over $50 million for people in need of vital community services.
Real estate is more than transactions—it’s about building stronger, more connected neighborhoods. That’s why giving back is woven into everything we do.
A CANVAS OF
community
Katherine is honored to serve on the board of the Kirkland Arts Center, where she advocates for accessibility to the arts for children and adults within the community. By collaborating with local artists and organizations, KAC creates opportunities for artistic growth and cultural enrichment, ensuring that the arts remain an integral and celebrated part of the community's fabric.
Katherine Vincent Luxury Broker, Windermere Yarrow Bay 206.910.2122 kvincent@windermere.com katherinevincentre.com
Zachary Vincent Broker, Windermere Yarrow Bay 206.922.5024 z vincent@windermere.com
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!)
Whether you’re opening your home this season or simply looking for ways to make those around you feel cared for, here are a few thoughtful gestures that go beyond the basics and help ensure there’s a little extra kindness and joy to go around.
1. Offer a festive, non-alcoholic option. With more guests choosing sober or “sober-ish” lifestyles, thoughtful beverage choices matter. A batch cocktail served with spirits on the side or zeroproof wines and beers ensures everyone has something celebratory to sip. So many great, inclusive options for your gathering!
2. Know the mobility and dietary needs of your guests. Allergies, mobility needs, or dietary preferences should shape both the menu and the flow of your space. A little foresight helps guests relax and feel included, eliminating the stress that can come with having specific needs or being in a new space.
3. Set clear start and end times. Defining when the meal begins and the gathering winds down removes guesswork, helping guests enjoy the moment without missing key moments or overstaying.
4. Be specific when asking for help. If guests offer to bring something, it is helpful to provide a bit of direction to eliminate the guessing. Instead of “bring a side dish,” try, “could you bring a green salad you enjoy?” Clarity makes contributions feel intentional and appreciated.
Guests value connection over perfection, and authenticity makes your space feel even more welcoming.
5. Be present, not perfect. People appreciate an imperfect home. Skip the apologies for unfinished projects or dishes in the sink. Guests value connection over perfection, and authenticity makes your space feel even more welcoming. Community is the purpose and people matter more than a polished, curated space. So, open your home this holiday season, you will not regret it. For more hosting tips and seasonal recipes, visit thehostnotes.com and follow @thehostnotes on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Staging That Sells Eastside's Finest Homes
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS
ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
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 result? A sweet-and-savory side dish that just might become the one your guests request year after year. Let’s make them!
A WELCOMED ADDITION TO THE THANKSGIVING TABLE
SERVES: 8–10
ingredients:
• 3 pounds white sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for pan prep
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 cloves garlic (or 2 teaspoons), finely grated or chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, plus more for garnish
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• ¼ cup fresh herbs, such as Italian parsley, for garnish
• Finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
2. Rinse the sweet potatoes and peel away any blemishes. Leave the skins on for a rustic finish, or peel them if you prefer. Cut into wedges or cubes about ¾ inch thick.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, stock, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss with tongs (or clean hands) until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake on the upper oven rack for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and browned on the edges. For extra color, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
If you love this recipe, find more seasonal and hospitality-focused recipes at thehostnotes.com and follow along @thehostnotes on social channels.
7. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, fresh parsley, and a generous sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano. Spoon some of the seasoned cooking liquid from the pan over the top before serving. Enjoy!
H E A D S H O T S
NOVEMBER 12TH
Startup & Small Business Coworking
Kirkland City Hall 123 5th Ave, Kirkland | 10:30 AM
Take part in a dynamic day of coworking, created specifically and exclusively for entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners. Hosted by the City of Kirkland and Startup425, Startup and Small Business CoWorking is designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide valuable resources to help you thrive in your entrepreneurial journey. For more information and to www.startup425.org
NOVEMBER 15TH
Juanita Open Space #1 Habitat Stewardship Day
103rd Ave NE & NE 123rd St, Kirkland, WA | 10:00 AM
Join Green Kirkland Partnership for a fun day of habitat stewardship at Juanita Open Space #1. Volunteers will help restore critical habitat by removing invasive plants, planting native plants (OctMarch), and pitching-in with stewardship tasks like mulching and weeding. For general information and to register, visit the 'About Volunteering' page on the website www.greenkirkland.org
NOVEMBER 16TH
Kirkland Turkey Trot
Juianita Bay Park | 9:00 AM
Get ready for this years Kirkland Turkey Trot 5K, 10K and Kids Race. Take the scenic route beginning and ending at Juanita Beach Park. After crossing the finish line, continue the celebration at Moss Bay Hall in downtown Kirkland for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer. To register https://kirklandturkeytrot.com
CONTINUED
NOVEMBER 26TH
Kirkland Winter Ice Rink
Lee Johnson Baseball Diamond
Join the Kirkland Downtown Association for Winter fun at the Kirkland Winter Ice Rink. Located at Lee Johnson Baseball Diamond - Peter Kirk Park. Bring for the whole family anytime from November 26th to January 11th, 2026.
NOVEMBER 29TH
Winterfest Tree Lighting
Peter Kirk Park | 3:00 PM
The Kirkland Downtown Association is excited to host its annual Tree Lighting Event. Enjoy a magical evening filled with festive vendors, mouthwatering food options, live music, and activities designed to create cherished memories for the whole family.
NOVEMBER 30TH
Community Bonfires at the Park
O.O. Denny Park 12302 Holmes Point Dr NE, Kirkland | 4:30 PM
Bonfires are held throughout Kirkland to support the Argosy Cruises' Christmas Ship Festival stops at city waterfront parks. They offer a chance to enjoy the holiday atmosphere along the water. Bonfires can be canceled due to inclement weather, burn bans, etc. Please call the Bonfire Hotline for day of event updates at 425-587-3345 or visit: www.kirklandwa.gov
