Lavish Fall 2012

FALL 2012

ready

for race day

by Kirsten O’Brien

put your

freshest face forward Skin Tips by Amy Classen

confessions of a

collector

by Karma Stephens

finding your

passion

by Ken Trough

proud to announce

We are

our first annual

Fancy Your Face event!

Bring yourself and a friend to be pampered at Hotel Bellwether! Get your brows done, sample products with a skin care demo, and learn new makeup techniques from a Jane Iredale artist. As an added bonus, receive Botox injections from Dr. Jason Lichtenberger and Chris Stacey at a discounted price available only at this event. We suggest that patients who would like to receive Botox pre-register and arrive at the beginning of the evening. Enjoy the relaxing waterfront atmosphere of Hotel Bellwether as well as a cash bar* & punch. Entry is free. Deep discounts and specials will be available at this event only.

Pre-register with Jessica by calling (360) 738-FACE to ensure treatments. Come join us and have a relaxing time treating yourself right. Pre-registration recommended, walk-ins accepted on a first come, first served basis.

*Botox treatments cannot be done on patients who have been drinking alcohol, but patients may enjoy a drink after their treatment.

Thursday,

October 18th 5:30–8:30pm HOTEL BELLWETHER

Letter from our Director, Dr. Jason Lichtenberger dramatic change both on the outside and the inside. This procedure is now more safe and the recovery faster, utilizing a minimally invasive approach, sometimes without making any incisions at all.

As the long summer days grow shorter, and the autumn leaves start falling, I think about the outdoor activities we have all enjoyed. Along with that sun, however, comes the UV rays that contribute to facial aging. Fortunately, we have lots of options here at Hecht Aesthetic Center to reverse the signs of aging, and maximize your skin’s health.

Thinking back on the first half of 2012, I am inspired by the continued success, at Hecht Aesthetic Center, of meeting our client’s goals every day. We strive to enhance the beauty in each of our clients, both inside and out. With the addition of our two new lasers, Clear + Brilliant and Isolaz, our ability to improve our client’s skin has increased dramatically.

In addition, we continue to embrace minimally invasive facial rejuvenation techniques such as Botox and dermal fillers. At Hecht Aesthetic Center we allow you to put your best face forward.

One area of my practice that has been growing in popularity is Otoplasty (ear pinning). For many of my patients, both children and adults, prominent ears have been an object of ridicule, or simply detract from other more attractive features.

I recall a young teenager who was always very shy and bothered by his very large, protuberant ears. After surgery he walked a lot taller, and his shyness had practically melted away. Reshaping the ears, especially in children, can be a PUBLISHED BY: Hecht Aesthetic Center

The fall and winter seasons are a great opportunity to spruce up your skin with a laser treatment! We have options to treat such all kinds of skin issues—from sun damage to rosacea, pigment changes to acne— we have a treatment tailored to your needs. And we offer one of the most advanced skin treatments—the Matrix Fractional CO2 Laser has the ability to reverse the signs of aging and wrinkles, build collagen, and remove pigment—all in one treatment session.

These are just a few areas in which Hecht Aesthetic Center is helping transform the lives of our clients, allowing the unique beauty in each of us to shine through. n

CONTRIBUTORS: Jason Lichtenburger M.D. • Amy Classen • Lani Farley Jes sica Harbert • Kirsten O’Brien • Karma Stephens • Ken Trough

ART DIRECTION: fifthonsixth inc. • Artichoke Center Design

ON THE COVER: Juliana K. Bohn, PT, OCS, CMPT of Bellingham Sports & Spine Physical Therapy

M i n d/Body/Wellness

Get Moving

BY KIRSTEN O’BRIEN

As the colder weather approaches and many find themselves retreating indoors, it can be easy to fall out of a regular work out or exercise routine. For others though, the crisp fall air is perfect for taking advantage of the numerous running trails, walking paths and paved loops Bellingham has to offer. In fact, before swapping your gym shorts for a fleece blanket, lace up your running shoes and see what the trails—or a local 5 or 10K race—have to offer.

Running and walking offer numerous health benefits, including stress relief, weight loss, better coordination and improved cardiovascular health.

Running and walking are also relatively inexpensive sports because although some may spend hundreds of dollars on fancy gear, all runners really need are a good pair of shoes and some breathable clothing.

Photo: Jon Br unk

“You can just put on your shoes and go,” says Lance Romo, recreational coordinator for the City of Bellingham.

“There’s (more than) 100 miles of trails in town and that doesn’t count all the county trails that are out there. Its just really accessible.”

Romo says that for those just looking for a nice evening walk or jog, the Harbor Loop trail at Zuanich Park, the Railroad Trail at Cordata, the South Bay Trail, and the numerous trails at Whatcom Falls Park are all mostly flat, paved trails suitable for families with kids or even pets.

“...just showing up and participating in a race can provide motivation for people to improve other areas of their life...”

LIST OF FALL RACES: But if it’s competition you want, Romo says the city organizes more than 100 road races per year, including numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, marathons and multi-sport races.

Although training for a long distance race may seem intimidating, Romo says he strives to make races inviting to everyone, no matter their skill or ability level. In fact, just showing up and participating in a race can provide motivation for people to improve other areas of their life, he says.

“I think the nice thing about races is they’re a good motivation,” Romo says. “People think, ‘I have to go work out tonight, I have to go for my walk or run or swim to train.’ It encourages people to push themselves, it might motivate them to lose weight or quit smoking or just spend some time with their family.”

To train for a race, Dylan Wirkkala, apparel manager at Fairhaven Runners & Walkers, says the most important thing to remember is to start out slowly. He says it’s common to start out in a “base phase,” which consists of doing longer, slower runs to build endurance. After building a base, runners move on to “quality runs,” or workouts that focus on building speed.

“People shouldn’t try to do too much too soon,” Wirkkala says. “Start slow and work your way up to long distances and more difficult runs.”

Wirkkala says he has been running for the past 15 years, and leads one of the Fairhaven Runners & Walkers’ weekly community runs. He says running is part of a healthy, positive lifestyle, and the community runs give people an opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals.

“Some people say running keeps them sane,” —continued on next page

Klicks MTB Duathlon Sunday, October 14, 2012 • Run 2.6 miles, Bike 4 miles, Run 2.6 miles: Start 11am at E. Lake Padden • $20 registration from Sept. 9–Oct. 12 Padden Classic 13.1 Saturday, October 20, 2012 • 13.1 miles, Start 9am at Lake Padden • $40 registration; proceeds benefit Rebound Of Whatcom County Turkey Trot Saturday, November 17, 2012 • 5K course, 9am start at Whatcom Falls Park • $8 minimum donation to Bellingham Food Bank Jingle Bell Run Saturday, December 08, 2012 • 5K course, 9am start time at Bellingham H.S. • $25 registration fee; proceeds go to the Arthritis Foundation Last Chance Marathon Monday, December 31, 2012 • Marathon and half marathon options. 9am start time at Fairhaven Park • $40 registration compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center.

Call today 360-738-FACE.

—continued from previous page Wirkkala says. “You can use it as a social time or as a time for yourself. There are so many different ways to take advantage of running and walking.”

Even for the most experienced runners, often times racing isn’t just about beating the other runners; it’s about becoming better than you were before.

Charlie Sunderlage, Bellingham resident and participant in more than 40 races since moving to the city in 2006 and winner of the 9.2-mile Klicks Mt. Bike Duathalon in 2008, says the most

important thing to remember is to have a positive attitude when racing. After all, it isn’t always about the trophies and medals.

“You got the side of it where it’s ‘you versus old you.’ And I think that’s the part that everyone can work on,” he says.

“Maybe you’re 300th place in a race, but if you’re 40 seconds faster than the previous year, then that’s a great thing. The big thing is you want to enjoy it. Not that every workout is going to be great, but the overall experience should be fun.” n

RACE-DAY TIPS:

BY CHARLIE SUNDERLAGE , WINNER OF 2008 KLICKS DUATHALON n

Have a routine and stick to it!

n

“Lots of people change their entire routine the night before a race. They eat different, they try to go to bed earlier, or make other changes. The body gets confused by change.” n

Organize everything you need the night before.

“The other thing is to have everything set out the day before so it doesn’t need to be done race morning. That’s how you forget important things like shorts.”

Practice the course and make sure you are familiar with it, especially in multi-sport races.

“Memorizing the tight turns and obstacles is a huge advantage. It’s easier to adjust on your feet than on wheels because you’re moving faster.”

n

Show up with the right gear!

“One year (at the Klicks Mt. Bike Duathalon), some people showed up on cruiser bikes and had to push their bikes most of the way on the trail.”

n

Eat something small well before start time.

“I usually stick to a small bowl of oatmeal.”

P hot o: Jon B r unk

M i n d/Body/Wellness

acne can be embarrassing

Let Hecht Aesthetic Center help you get your confidence back with the new painless Isolaz treatment. Isolaz deep pore purification is the key to clear, blemish free skin.

purify your pores from the inside out.

M i n d/Body/Wellness

Skin Tips

BY AMY CLASSEN

The transition from summer to fall brings some busy months for the Hecht Aesthetic Center. Vacations come to an end, kids return to school and our clients are ready to reinvest in their skin health and begin new routines. It’s also a good time for us to develop new treatments, offer new skincare products and demonstrate our commitment to our clients. With these changes, we see a number of new clients. However, even with all these changes and newness many of the questions remain familiar.

I’ve spent time out in the sun this summer and now I have age spots. What do I do?

Despite its name, age does not cause an age spot. The spot develops as a result of sun damage. These pesky spots generally appear on the parts of the body that have received the most sun exposure: face, neck, chest, shoulders, back of hands, arms, and back. We’re all guilty of not wearing our hats or not applying sunscreen from time to time. But now that the damage has been done how do we reverse it?

Fall is the perfect time to start treatment for unwanted pigment. Colder months with less ultraviolet light make it easier to protect our skin. One cannot forget that sunscreen must be worn 365 days a year and not just at the beach. That is prevention. However, after the damage has been done incorporating a lightening agent into your daily skincare regime should be your first step in treatment.

Different lightening agents are better suited for different skin types and lifestyles so if you don’t know which to select, schedule a consultation to find the best fit for you.

Monthly chemical peels and laser treatments also help fade spots. One of our most popular laser treatments at Hecht Aesthetic Center is the Clear + Brilliant. It’s perfect for those who don’t want downtime but something more intense than a peel. Not only does it treat pigment but it also smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and rejuvenates. It is important to remember that it will take some time and attention to maintain facial clarity and it doesn’t happen overnight.

Adhering to a regimen over time will yield better results than irregular or sporadic treatments.

I’m in my 20s, do I need to see an aesthetician?

My number one regret in my 20s was dating a man whose name I will not mention here. My second greatest regret was spending time in a tanning bed.

Not only did I bake, I never applied sunscreen. My advice to all young women and men is to please take care of your skin. This is when lifelong damage begins. I see most people in this age group for issues with acne but I really wish they would think about long term skin health. An early skin assessment can help develop healthy habits. A mild cleanser combined with an SPF and a light hydrator at night is simple and will work wonders if used daily. An occasional exfoliating scrub or mask feels good and won’t hurt anything as long as it’s for the right skin type.

I’m in my 30s, do I really need anti-aging products or facial treatments?

By the time you have entered this time in your life, chances are you are using skincare or perhaps you are beginning to think about them. You might notice that your skin doesn’t look as bright as it did before or a tiny line is forming between your eyes.

Women in their 30s are showing up in my treatment room more commonly and they all want to prevent, prevent, prevent!

I like to introduce anti-aging products that contain alpha hydroxy acids, peptides and growth factors.

Chemical peels are essential in fading new pigment spots or melasma caused by birth control or pregnancies. Botox treatments are popular with this group, which can do wonders to stop the hands of time and prevent future lines and wrinkles.

I’m 40 or older, is there still hope for me?

I believe it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin! The right products and procedures will prepare you to meet the challenges and changes head on. I urge women in their 40s and up to turn to the pros. Start a routine with an Esthetician, get on good skin care and consider doing more aggressive facial treatments. I introduce my 50s+ clients to Dr. Lichtenberger when I see an opportunity for improvement. This way clients can seek treatments such as Botox, injectable fillers or surgery and I can provide them with support along the way.

compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center.

Call today 360-738-FACE.

L e s sons for Living

Finding Your Passion Discovering what you really want to be doing with your time BY KEN TROUGH We all would like to spend our time pursuing activities that we really enjoy, but many people spend so much of their time pursuing work goals and life responsibilities, that they haven't developed a true passion. Life's passions may manifest as purely physical pursuits such as physical fitness or sports, as hobby development such as woodworking, photography, and painting, or as intellectual pursuits such as politics, mentoring, or writing.

Why is having passion in life important? Most simply put, it's because passion equals energy.

Energy not only for following your passion, but also vast stores of additional energy for all the rest of life's responsibilities.

When one develops projects and activities one is truly passionate about, life becomes more dynamic, more exciting and full of more possibilities than you can imagine.

So how do you find your passion? As it may not be obvious, one may find it beneficial to do some brainstorming on paper. These ideas will provide a starting point to a larger process and a path forward for those who are challenged with how to begin to discover the passion within themselves.

The first thing you should do is spend an hour, a solid hour, meditating and writing down the things you really enjoy. What really excites you? It might be something small or something large. It might be an aspect of something else you do at work, around the house, with friends.

Maybe you volunteer for a group or organization. Identify as specifically as possible exactly what aspects of your life or your past experiences have brought you joy. Make a comprehensive

"excitement list" and set it aside.

The next thing you should do is spend another hour meditating and writing down the activities and skills you particularly excel at, regardless of how much you enjoy them. Maybe you are an accomplished gourmet chef at home, maybe you are adept at social interaction and group consensus building, maybe you are an effective mentor, maybe you've always had great artistic skills.

Write it all down. This list is very helpful for cross-correlating with your "excitement list" to identify your most successful approaches to pursuing your passions. Make a comprehensive “skills and talents list” and set it aside.

“...life becomes more dynamic, more exciting and full of more possibilities than you can imagine...”

—continued on next page

compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center.

Call today 360-738-FACE.

L e s sons for Living —continued from previous page

“Take...one thing from your excitement list...learn more about it.

Talk to people about it.”

Now take some time to write down subjects you read about or follow. Things that fascinate you. Is there some job/role you secretly always wanted?

Write it down no matter how impractical it may seem. Have you always wanted to be an artist, a novelist, a scientist, a designer? Write it down and then try to identify the aspects of the roles or subjects you have written that you find exciting or otherwise attractive.

Summarize these as a "dreams and interests list".

The next stage of this process is research, experimentation and trial. Take the one thing from your excitement list that makes you most excited and learn more about it. Talk to people about it. Look on-line and find out what is involved. Take a look at your skills that might be relevant to this subject.

Find out what you might need to learn about the subject or skill-set in order to become more experienced. Take some specific steps to increase your skills in the ways you have identified. Find small projects you can accomplish that help you develop these skill sets.

Get as much outside feedback on your efforts as possible. If you fear personal ridicule when you are just beginning to learn new things, it is often helpful to ask for constructive criticism anonymously in an appropriate venue on the internet. You should try to develop your skills through experimentation and trial for at least 5 items on your "excitement" list.

the most passionate about. The key now is to set aside external validation and fear (as these are all too often the blockades to our ability to follow our passions). Knowing what makes you passionate is only the first step. Actually following your passion takes time. If you never make time for yourself, you will never reap the benefits of a passionate lifestyle.

Keep in mind that this is simply the beginning of this process.

You should use your notes to focus your efforts on places to begin. Once you have some clear ideas, you can easily focus on the direction that you feel

Take the time, identify your passions, and eliminate the obstacles that keep you from pursuing them. This will help you live a happier, more energized and more fulfilled lifestyle. n

compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center. Call Today 360-738-FACE.

Confessions of a Collector

BY KARMA STEPHENS

“Huh. What are those for?” My friend was looking over my shoulder at the ReStore, our local place for used and recycled building materials, where I was going through assorted boxes of mystery electrical equipment, light switches and switch plates. I had chosen three antiquated wall outlet covers and added them to my basket.

“You’ll see,” I said. “They’re perfect for my latest project.”

It’s not the first time somebody has questioned an acquisition of mine. An entire box of rusty door hinge pegs at a rummage sale, the bag of buttons at a thrift store, buckets of rocks and feathers collected from every beach I’ve ever been to…

However, into my forties, I was becoming more of a “hoarder” than a collector. And now that my fiancé and I had left behind our

individual apartments for a house to share, it was going to be important to wrangle some of the many things I’d collected over the years so my piles of precious memories wouldn’t dominate our new house.

I wanted to allow for our style as a couple to emerge and grow. It was time to pair down, prioritize. I was going to have to find a way to display things in such a way that they were honored, not lost in a busy landscape of clutter.

compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center. Call Today 360-738-FACE.

Ho m e D é c o r

Use it.

Just like when I was five, I still love to scour the beaches for treasures; pretty rocks, shells, driftwood and feathers are simply irresistible. My pockets are always full at the end of the day, and often I’ll have to enlist the pockets of my very understanding fiancé as well.

But many of those things don’t have to be put in a shoebox in the closet. Use them. The wide stairs leading up to our front porch are now adorned on both sides with these lovely rocks, and the abandoned flower beds we inherited now sport a lovely landscape of colorful rocks and shells with driftwood scattered throughout. The plant beds still hold visual interest, and solve the problem of two busy people not wanting to fuss with maintaining plants and flowers.

Cut it.

Lose it.

My friend Lea has a great rule.

If you haven’t used it in a year, it doesn’t belong to you.

Donate or give it to someone who will use it, otherwise it’s taking up precious real estate.

When I first started acquiring old ceramic vases, I scoured every thrift store and antique barn in my path and bought every one I came across.

Friends and family saw my growing collection and brought me things as well. Now that I have lived with them long enough, I can go through and pick out my favorites, the ones I actually use time and time again. I have discarded or donated the imperfect ones, or ones where the color or finish wasn’t “just right.” My collection is smaller, but more impressive as a result of weeding out the riffraff.

Back home, I was working on a big wall with pictures of me and my fiancé and our families.

Having pulled out all of our photo albums, I had already framed a good representation of most of our collected history, but there were a few items I was still having trouble displaying. After picking out our favorites, and getting several enlarged, I didn’t know what to do with his really great baseball team shots, where his head wasn’t larger than a

quarter in any of them. That’s where my recent find from the ReStore came in. We salvaged his face out of the photos, and the dark brown outlet cover with four roundish openings made a perfect frame for those early pics of my favorite redhead.

An added benefit of the small frame? It’s an invitation to get closer, and really look at a picture that would be lost if it were in an album.

—continued on next page

H o me Décor —continued from previous page

Hang it.

A collection of woven

baskets doesn’t have to take up an entire shelf or tabletop. Try grouping them together on a wall, face-out. A collection of handbags, a bundle of driftwood; let them become a sculptural wall treatment.

Swap it.

Replace a regular piece of furniture with a permanent display case.

A coffee table with a large drawer and glass top becomes a place for you to change out your collections according to season or whimsey.

Fill it with shiny ornaments during the holidays, fall leaves and dried pomegranates for Thanksgiving, a match collection for a cocktail party, or love letters and candy hearts for an anniversary. n

compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center. Call Today 360-738-FACE.

Fo o d

Supporting the Chia Seeds Incorporate this superfood into your everyday Gluten-Free Dinner Host

BY LANI FARLEY

Superfoods such as quinoa, flax and chia seeds were first incorporated into people’s diets in 1500 B.C. but have recently made a comeback in everyday meals.

The Benefits: n Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These can boost heart health and lower triglycerides. There are studies showing that omega-3 fatty acids may help with other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and depression.

n Balancing Blood Sugar: The gelling action of the seed when mixed with liquid, and chia seeds unique combination of soluble and insoluble fiber combine to slow down your body’s conversion of starches into sugars. Eating chia with a meal will help turn food into constant, steady energy rather than a series of ups and downs that wear your body out.

n Fiber: Chia is one of the richest forms of soluble fiber. The soluble fiber content helps to regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol and encourage digestion.

Steve Gruenheit, a health and wellness assistant at the Bellingham Co-op recommends soaking chia seeds in a liquid before eating or using in a dish since they can absorb nine times their weight in liquid.

“Ingesting chia seeds dry could dehydrate you body, which is common in fiber rich supplements,” says Gruenheit.

The USDA recommended serving size per day is 1 tablespoon of dry chia seeds, which makes 9 ounces of chia seed gel when mixed with liquid. A serving of chia provides 5.5 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and 9 percent of the recommend intake of calcium per day.

Chia seeds are considered a super-food and nutritional aid since they contain a large amount of nutrients in a small quantity. They can be found in most health food stores and co-ops.

Gruenheit recommends storing dry, pre-soaked chia seeds in an airtight container where they won’t be in contact with moisture.

Soaked chia seeds can stay fresh for two weeks in a refrigerator stored in a covered container.

Chia seeds can be easily added to puddings, cakes, breads and smoothies, since they do not have much flavor.

An easy way to add chia seeds to a dish for a nutritional boost is in a smoothie. Due to their absorbent nature they can thicken up any type of beverage.

This recipe is great for a post workout or breakfast power up.

By using greek yogurt, more protein is added to the smoothie.

Chia seeds can be easily added to puddings, cakes, breads and smoothies, since they do not have much flavor.

ENERGY BOOSTING BERRY SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS: In medium glass bowl, combine chia seeds

1 tbsp. chia seeds

with orange juice. Stir mixture together with whisk, let sit for 10 minutes.

12 oz. fresh orange juice 1 cup quartered strawberries 1 ripe banana ½ cup blackberries ¼ cup fat free greek yogurt 2 cups crushed ice Yield: 5 cups

Slice strawberries and banana, set aside.

In blender, add the blackberries, yogurt, banana, strawberries and ice.

Pour in the chia seed and orange juice mixture and blend together until mixture is well combined.

TIP: Since this recipe makes 5 servings, a great way to store

the excess mixture is in plastic to-go cups in the freezer.

Take one out a few hours before you are going to eat, and it’s an instant smoothie on the go. compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center.

Call today 360-738-FACE.

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Photos courtesy of David Pearson, M.D. Fleming Island, FL

Hecht Aesthetic Center 2940 Squalicum Pkwy #206 Bellingham, WA 98225 www.hechtaestheticcenter.com 360-738-3223 (FACE)

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N i g h t O ut

Dinner and a Show

BY JESSICA HARBERT

Get a little New York City right here in downtown Bellingham.

On a cozy fall night in Bellingham, taking a stroll downtown is reminiscent of an autumn eve in any large city around the country, more specifically similar to New York City—if you just fantasize you are a block away from the tallest of tall skyscrapers and bustling taxi traffic. The loveliest of seasons in Bellingham, fall encourages walking everywhere as the sidewalks are home to many a familiar face enjoying the same blustery and colorful weather. A classic evening could include catching a performance at a small theater.

Tucked back away from the busy street, the Idiom Theater is full of local independent creativity, from the comical to the dramatic, and is a great spot for a dose of the intellectual.

Hidden off of Cornwall Avenue, the Idiom Theater began its 10th season at the end of August 2012. Self-proclaimed “the hardest working theater in the known world,” the theater provides the community with a healthy mix of locally written material and has since it was founded in 2001. With 17 shows in the upcoming 2012-2013 season, the theater is home to works by local performers, collaborators and writers. The Idiom encourages variety in methods of the performing arts, including several formats that have become signatures at the small theater: the 48-hour Theater Festival, the serial play, the midnight cabaret and the playwright invitational.

compliments of Hecht Aesthetic Center. Call Today 360-738-FACE.

For current shows and tickets, along with more Idiom Theater information, go to www. idiomtheater.com or find them on Facebook. Also look for weekly listings in the Cascadia Weekly or the Bellingham Herald’s Take 5. The Idiom Theater is nestled down the hallway between the Pickford Limelight Cinema and Allied Arts at 1418 Cornwall Avenue in downtown Bellingham.

A great compliment to any night of quality local theater is a classic cocktail. Or two. The Temple Bar, with a classy candle-lit atmosphere, is a nearby establishment specializing in just that. The Temple Bar, located at 306 Champion St., offers a seasonal menu of rotating local fare, including items such as daily gratin specials, small plates, tasty grilled sandwiches, meat and cheese plates and delicious desserts. A few favorites include the baked polenta, warm brie cheese and hot stuffed dates. The Temple Bar also offers a plethora of fancy cocktails and an excellent wine list. The ever-evolving wine list offers a quality selection of red, white and rosé from around the world

with something for everyone. There is also a well-rounded selection of bottled beer, including local favorite Boundary Bay Brewery’s IPA, Stella Artois and a Canadian brewed Belgianstyle Unibroue Maudite, to name a few. As far as cocktails go, some choices worth mentioning are the French 75, a light and bubbly gin cocktail, the Sally Tomato, a spinoff of a Bloody Mary with house infused roasted vegetable and jalapeno vodka and Sam’s whiskey sour, a bourbon classic with a twist of fresh citrus and brown sugar.

Daily happy hour is another Temple Bar perk, every day from 11am to 7pm and all day Sunday (from 3pm to close), offering an affordable bottle of wine or bubbly and your choice of cheese, meat or vegan plate for $18, $2.50 Stella beer and a $1 off house cocktails. The Temple Bar’s happy hour has been voted the best in Bellingham four years in a row by Cascadia Weekly readers.

For more information, check out templebarbellingham.com or find the bar on Facebook at Temple Bar Bellingham. n

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