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If you’re interested in hearing from industry experts, local icons, and special guests, follow my new video series with the QR code below.
A discerning consumer has exacting standards and expects an elevated experience — which we deliver.
LIFESTYLE LETTER
As spring breathes new life into the world around us, we’re reminded that growth—whether in nature, in our lives, or in our communities—begins with investment. This month, we explore the many facets of investment, not just in the traditional sense of finance, but in the ways that truly enrich our lives.
Investing isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about where we place our time, energy, and passions. It’s about strengthening our well-being, build ing lasting relationships, and fostering a thriving local community. Whether it’s supporting small businesses, prioritizing self-care, refining personal style, or setting financial goals for the future, every investment we make shapes the world we want to live in.
As you turn these pages, we hope you find inspiration to invest in what matters most to you. The choices we make today create the foundation for tomorrow. Let’s build something incredible together.
With gratitude,
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bree O’Brien, Caitlin Agnew, Sean O’Keefe, Susan Lanier-Graham
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Life N Light, Panravee Photography, Simon and Schuster, Sung Park
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
30+ years designing & building luxury landscapes in the Puget Sound. visit us at maloneslandscape.com founded in 1991
Combining functional landscape architectural design to fit your lifestyle.
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Bellevue Downtown Association 51st Annual Celebration 1: Co-emcee, Linda Hoffner, jogs onto the stage after arriving at the event on a BikeHop e-bike, available at participating hotels around Bellevue. 2: 450+ business and civic leaders enjoy dinner and lively conversation during the program. 3: Keynote speaker Joy Shigaki, President of Friends of Waterfront Park, discusses the power of public-private partnerships during her presentation. 4: Attendees pose with special guest, Belle the Bobcat. 5: BDA President Patrick Bannon presents a Placemaking Award to Charlie Foushée, Executive Vice President of Skanska. 6: Co-emcee, Claire Sumadiwirya, arrives at the event on a BellHop — a free, all-electric shuttle. 7: Guests check-in at Meydenbauer Center for the networking portion of the event.
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Raise Your Vibe 2025 Galentine’s Bazaar & Brunch. 8: Numerous women-owned businesses were part of the retail pop-up event with a portion of retail sales benefitting Mary’s Place. 10: The ‘Galentine’s Bazaar & Brunch’ was hosted at newly opened FogRose Atelier in the Kirkland branch office of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. 11: Guests enjoyed a delicious brunch spread curated by FogRose Atelier. 12: Dean Jones, CEO of RSIR welcomes Taylor Robinson of Bellevue Lifestyle and Chris Ishii of Mercer Island City Lifestyle. 13. Professional coach and healer, Tamra Fleming, presents learnings from her recent trip to Bhutan, broadly claimed to be the “happiest country on earth” with philosophies being kindness, compassion and happiness. 14: Galentine’s Bazaar and Brunch hosts Chrisi Love (left) and Quyen Dang (right) of FogRose Atelier.
Looking for a fun, family-friendly event this Spring? Join us in Old Bellevue for our annual Hop to Old Bellevue Spring Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 19th from 2 –4pm. Over 16 businesses and apartment buildings will give away free treats and plenty of candy for the kids along with lots of places to take cute photos. We also have an adult bunny greeter bouncing along our streets. Hop down for a fun day in Old Bellevue for this free family fun event!
Get ready for a night of fun and philanthropy at the Spring for Schools Dinner and Auction, hosted by the Bellevue Schools Foundation! Join us on April 19th from 5:30–10:00 pm at The Bellevue Westin for an unforgettable evening benefiting the students within Bellevue School District. Tickets are on sale now at bsfdn.org Since 1979, BSF has raised over $25 million to support programs that help all 19,000+ students thrive in an inclusive, diverse learning environment.
Seattle Restaurant Week showcases the vibrant culinary scene with a range of top-tier restaurants in Bellevue offering exclusive pre-fixed menus. From fine dining to casual eateries, participants highlight diverse flavors, local ingredients, and creative dishes to satisfy every palate. Whether you're craving international cuisine, farm-to-table freshness, or classic comfort food, Seattle Restaurant Week promises an unforgettable dining experience. Don't miss this opportunity to indulge in Bellevue’s best while supporting local businesses during this exciting event. For a full list of participating Bellevue restaurant's visit srweek.org
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Coldstream Wealth Management coldstream.com | 425.283.1600
TrueWealth Financial Partners truewealthfp.com | 425.615.7360
Paget Wealth Partners rockco.com/paget-wealth-partners | 425.400.8513
Parcion Private Wealth parcionpw.com | 425.278.9555
Apella Wealth apellawealth.com | 800.386.3004
Benton Bray, PLLC bentonbray.com | 425.827.8100
Christopher Huang CPAs, Inc. chrishcpa.com | 425.746.8778
Hauser Jones & Sas hauserjonesandsas.com | 425.889.1778
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
SweeneyConrad sweeneyconrad.com | 425.629.1990
Hutchinson & Walter, CPAs hutchcpa.com | 425.455.1620
lasting
A one-of-a-kind community in the heart of downtown Bellevue
ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY AS NOTED
One thing is certain: If we are lucky enough to live long lives, certain investments can help us thrive in our golden years. One such investment can be a senior living community like The Bellettini. We connected with Heidi Wells, Director of Sales at The Bellettini, to learn about the unparalleled lifestyle and amenities available to residents right in downtown Bellevue.
“Our senior living community offers both independent living and assisted living services, blending comfort with luxury for an exceptional living experience,” says Wells. “Our average length of stay at The Bellettini is 8-10 years, which we attribute to our environment, dining services, social and emotional programming and amenities. The difference between a senior who is isolated at home and a senior in a community setting can mean the difference between a robust life and a major health decline or even death.”
At The Bellettini, the focus is on residents. The staff curate the environment, dining experiences, social events and activities that residents want. The Bellettini’s clientele includes former CEO’s, professors, physicians, lawyers, entrepreneurs, teachers and nurses. Residents formed a Resident Councilmuch like an HOA board - and meet monthly to discuss what they desire in their community.
Wells says, “Our Executive Director, Brian Prouty, hosts Beers with Brian and Coffee with Brian monthly. These town hall style meetings address any important community announcements and resident feedback, creating a strong partnership between residents and team members.”
So what is The Bellettini lifestyle?
• Fresh and delicious chef-prepared meals in two restaurants, with menus that change monthly
• Bistro and wine bar for dining and socializing
• Fitness center with personal trainer support and on-site PT and OT
• Complimentary transportation and valet service
• Concierge services for residents’ every need
• On-site full-service salon
CONTINUED >
“At The Bellettini, the focus is on residents. The staff curate the environment, dining experiences, social events and activities that residents want. ”
Residents fill their days with activities and outings focused on physical and mental wellness, which foster social connections and wellbeing. We know that social isolation is one of the leading causes of health issues in the elderly, especially following the COVID pandemic.
Staff at The Bellettini strive to create experiences that allow residents to build strong social networks, especially via lifestyle and dining. The Tuesdays Together program was recently launched, which encourages residents to invite two guests to dine with them on the second Tuesday of each month for a complimentary meal. In addition, a wide range of daily activities focus on residents’ social and emotional wellbeing. Offerings include literary access, weekly live music, adult education courses, arts and crafts, wine club and more. Residents can engage in 3-4 fitness classes each day: strength, yoga, pilates, balance basics, pickleball, walking club and personal training are available.
If a client has an illness or need for post-operation rehab, on-site occupational therapy and physical therapy is accessible. The Bellettini makes it easy for residents to get back to their baseline and their lives.
Wellness is enhanced with technology such as Rendever, a virtual reality technology specifically designed for senior living; and Thinkie, an innovative brain training technology that fosters brain rejuvenation. Weekly cultural and social outings round out the experience, with visits to the Seattle Art Museum, the Village Theater, Seattle Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and more!
It’s The Bellettini’s investment in residents that pays dividends in creating a thriving senior community, helping them get the best out of life.
Photographer Sung Park’s Passion Project Showcases Talented Artists as well as his Talent Behind the Lense.
I started my photography business 10 years ago after working in marketing and advertising for about 12 years. Most of my income now is from commercial photography and headshots. I started my personal project, “Artists at Work”, in 2018. The first collaboration in the series was with Douglas Montague, who is an executive creative director at Microsoft. Since then, I’ve worked with many local artists, as well as traveled Sapporo, Japan to work with Kyoto University. The series was shortlisted in Communication Arts magazine in 2024 (alongside legends like Annie Leibovitz), featured in UW’s alumni magazine and a Korean language newspaper, included in solo exhibitions at Seattle’s Nino Studio, Fogue Gallery, and won 1st place at the Edmonds Arts Festival.
I’m proud I successfully pivoted from corporate life to building a photography career and feel that I’m in a way living the dreams of my parents. My father, Park Won Jin, was an avid photographer and entrepreneur, and even had a small camera store in
Seoul before we immigrated to the US. My mother, Park Bok Hee, was a talented artist and musician, and she always inspired me to find the same creative spark in myself.
I’ve started a new series with figurative artists, making huge portraits of iconic Seattle figures. The first took place at the Amazon Spheres Understory with their resident artist, Perry Porter, who painted musician Tina Bell (dubbed the “Queen of Grunge”) and Quincy Jones. I will have a gallery show later in the year for this series.
With time, money, and sweat - because I truly love doing it. These collaborations have helped me knit together a network of some of the best artists, from a range of different backgrounds and styles. Building a stronger community is a rising tide that lifts all ships, and the positive word of mouth helps drive awareness of my business.
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“These collaborations have helped me knit together a network of some of the best artists, from a range of different backgrounds and styles.”
Expertly designed and staged by Decorus. Notice how the rustic elements seamlessly blend with the comtemporary architecture creating a
For discerning sellers, top real estate agents, and developers who demand excellence, Decorus Home Staging is the secret to making properties stand out and sell faster.
Our Deluxe and Reserve Packages offer tailored staging solutions at different levels, allowing clients to choose the perfect balance of design, scale, and customization to suit their property’s unique needs.
Using our unique approach to in-house printing, stretching and framing we create art that not only sets us apart but also integrates seamlessly into a cohesive, captivating design throughout your entire home. Our expert touch ensures that every space tells a story- one of elegance, aspiration and success. decorushomestaging.com | 425.221.4471 | 11021 117TH PL NE, KIRKLAND, WA 98033
THIS TOP BROKER SUPPORTS A HOST OF LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PANRAVEE PHOTOGRAPHY
A prominent figure in the Eastside real estate market, Max Rombakh serves as the Managing Broker of Windermere Real Estate Yarrow Bay. With over two decades of experience, he has built a reputation for his deep understanding of the Eastside market and expertise in real estate investing.
Rombakh began his professional journey as a loan processor under his father’s guidance. After obtaining his real estate license at age 21, he distinguished himself through a proactive approach that included extensive travel to connect with clients and the innovative use of early portable technology. Since then, Rombakh has established a legacy marked by numerous builder relationships, considerable market knowledge, and a portfolio of personal residential investment projectshe’s currently recognized as the top producing broker in Washington state.
Four years into his career, Rombakh partnered with Windermere Real Estate which provides the perfect platform to prioritize timely communication, optimize availability, and offers the in-depth market insights which are critical to his client services approach.
Windermere’s shared mission of supporting low-income and unhoused families further solidified Rombakh’s commitment to the brokerage. Each broker contributes a portion of their commissions to the Windermere Foundation, which empowers local offices to fund area programs serving those in need. “I decided long ago to contribute a larger percentage through the program because I saw firsthand the impact of the Windermere Foundation’s initiatives on real people in our community,” Rombakh shares.
confidence, especially when your coaches and teammates depend on you.”
A devoted father of twin girls, he recognizes the unique challenges girls face during adolescence. “I believe experiential learning—through team dynamics and artistic expression—teaches life skills that last well beyond childhood,” he says.
One organization that holds special significance for Rombakh is ZGiRLS, where former Olympic and professional female athletes facilitate confidence-building programs for middle school girls. Supporting this initiative reflects his belief in cultivating confident, capable leaders.
The Eastside boasts a rich history of fostering successful female sports programs, including the Junior League Softball World Series. “It truly represents the highest competitive level for 12-14 year old girls. I’m proud to be a returning sponsor—these girls deserve recognition,” he shares. Each year, six national and four international teams converge in Kirkland for this late-July event at Everest Park, televised on ESPN+.
One organization that holds special significance for Rombakh is ZGiRLS, where former Olympic and professional female athletes facilitate confidence-building programs for middle school girls.
Much of Rombakh’s community investment centers around schools. As a Platinum Booster sponsor of Lake Washington High School, he helps fund 17 individual clubs, spanning arts, athletics, and activities.
Rombakh’s commitment to investing in the Bellevue and Kirkland communities extends beyond financial contributions. He believes in the importance of connectedness and making a positive impact through local organizations that support youth development in sports and the arts. Rombakh emphasizes, “The difficulty of learning a skill and achieving incremental successes builds
This equitable distribution allows larger athletic programs to maintain their legacies while providing essential experiences for students in music, theater, and dance. “We love to share stories of the teachers, coaches, and programs through our Eastside Elevated video series, where we recently highlighted the vision of the theater program and discussed how the community can support them,” he says.
The Eastside’s charm - characterized by friendly neighborhoods, exceptional schools, and lively local events - reflects Rombakh’s own values. He explains, “It’s so much more than real estate. It’s about contributing to the communities that have given so much to me.”
Interior Design and Landscape Design 425-736-5488
persimmon.design@outlook.com www.persimmon.design
We craft elegant spaces inspired by the unique stories of our clients!
O'KEEFE
Travel is no longer just a luxury, it’s an investment that has the power to enrich our lives in ways that traditional financial investments cannot. It broadens our horizons, enhances personal and professional growth, and allows you to recharge your mind and body.
Crystal-clear waters and perfectly white sandy beaches await to recharge the spirits of all weary travelers.
Cancún is known around the world as one of Mexico’s finest tourist destinations. Steeped in the rich history of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancún offers visitors the best that the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer. Whether you are coming for the all-inclusive resort experience or are looking to enjoy the seemingly never-ending gorgeous beaches, Cancún has it all. Unbelievably fresh and delicious seasonal cuisine, great weather, a rich cultural history, exquisitely clear turquoise blue Caribbean waters, and vibrant coral reefs are all waiting for you to explore when you arrive.
Nature lovers, environmentalists, thrill seekers, and luxury destination travel enthusiasts all have a place to call home in Cancún. Boulevard Kukulkan, more commonly known as the Hotel Zone, is home to Cancún’s most luxurious all-inclusive hotels and boasts some of the city’s finest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centers. This fifteen-mile-long sand bar separates the Caribbean Sea from the Laguna Inchoate. The brackish waters of
the lagoon’s nature reserve and Mangrove ecosystem offer an exciting, ecologically friendly look into the rich natural history of Cancún. On the other side of the boulevard, crystal-clear waters and perfectly white sandy beaches await to recharge the spirits of all weary travelers.
The JW Marriott Resort and Spa is the place to stay while in Cancún. You'll be met by the most gracious of staff and a high level of service is standard across the property. This impeccably designed resort features multiple pools, an incredible spa, countless delicious restaurants, and a delightful lobby bar featuring over 150 signature margaritas.
Caring for the mind and body should be an essential part of everyone’s travel. A little physical exercise is a necessary element of any vacation for me. Puerto Maya Cancún combines a look into the historical Mayan culture of the Yucatán followed by an amazing speed boat tour of both the lagoon and the sea. And, just when you think it can’t get any better, it’s time to jump in and swim around. Snorkeling on the vibrant coral reefs and visiting MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, absolutely recharges the mind, body, and soul. It is an incredible workout!
If you care to go a little further out of the city, Cenotes Zapote Eco-Tour awaits. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that expose cool, refreshing, groundwater
that is both invigorating and spiritually refreshing at the same time. There are over 6000 cenotes on the Yucatán, each one is unique and otherworldly. Floating or frolicking in the cool waters inside the earth is the ultimate spa experience. There are zip lines or diving platforms at most cenotes and they are well worth experiencing.
While it is nice to explore the “Hotel Zone”, you don't have to leave the hotel to experience fine international dining at its best!
Sacbé Beach Shack, located in the adjoining Marriott property was beyond belief. Situated directly on the sandy beaches beneath the hotel, the "beach shack" is a whimsically designed bar and dining room offering a perfect oceanside culinary experience. The freshest local ingredients were artfully combined to create a scrumptious offering that highlights regional Mexican cuisines. The mezcal lab experience with famed Master Mezcalier, Chef Benjamín Nava Vargas was an unexpected treat and opened a door to a delicious understanding and appreciation of small-batch mezcals.
Other JW Marriott Resort and Spa culinary treasures include Hana Polynesian Grill’s themed dining room. Perfectly crafty cocktails paired wonderfully with the authentic Polynesian Islands menu. The evening’s festivities were highlighted by a completely themed costumed troupe of singers and dancers performing time-honored Polynesian fire dances. While visiting, be sure to explore Kasai Izakaya, Club 91, and Bravo, a very fresh take on modern Spanish cuisine.
And, when it feels like it’s time to leave the hotel again, check out Chambao Cancún. Just think of it as an interactive curated dinner theatre experience with pop-up music, dance, fashion, and acrobatic activations staged throughout the evening.
Cancún should be at the top of everyone’s travel list. Trust me, you can thank me later.
JW-Marriott.marriott.com PuertoMayaCancun.com CenotesZapote.com ChambaoRestaurant.com
APRIL 1ST
Mount Vernon, WA
Celebrate spring at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, a spectacular event showcasing vibrant fields of tulips in full bloom. Explore scenic gardens, enjoy local arts and crafts, and participate in family-friendly activities. With its picturesque views, lively parades, and culinary delights, this festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on experiencing Washington’s most iconic springtime celebration! For more details, visit tulipfestival.org.
APRIL 4TH
Meydenbauer Center Theatre
BITFest is a vibrant theater festival at the Meydenbauer Center, celebrating community theater from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Enjoy a range of performances across various genres, with the opportunity to experience both local and national talent. This event provides an exciting platform for creatives, featuring 2-play blocks and a festival pass for access to all shows. Don’t miss out on this cultural celebration from April 4th-6th, 2025.
APRIL 5TH
Story in a Bottle Wines | 1:00 PM
Enjoy Saturday wine tastings at Story in a Bottle Wines, where you can explore a selection of handcrafted wines in a relaxed setting. Experience the unique flavors and stories behind each bottle while connecting with fellow wine lovers. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts, these tastings offer a delightful way to spend your Saturday.
APRIL 17TH
Hyatt Regency Bellevue
Easter Swing is one of the premier West Coast Swing dance events, held annually at the Hyatt Regency Bellev ue from April 17th-20th. This high-en ergy weekend features world-class workshops, social dancing, thrilling competitions, and live music. Danc ers of all levels come together to celebrate community and creativity on the dance floor. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience filled with rhythm, connection, and fun!
APRIL 19TH
Bellevue Botanical Garden | 11:00 AM
Join us for the 2nd annual EarthFest celebration at Bellevue Botanical Gar den on Saturday, April 19, from 11 am to 3 pm! Enjoy garden tours, interactive arts, clean energy workshops, and even play with worms! Learn about Bellev ue’s sustainability initiatives and the Sustainable Bellevue Plan Update. A fun, family-friendly event celebrating environmental stewardship. For more details, visit the City of Bellevue website.
APRIL 29TH
Meydenbauer Center | 8:00 AM
Join us for KidsQuest Children’s Muse um’s annual community breakfast and fundraiser, BizQuest, where business and play come together! Connect with local professionals over a fun-filled morning, enjoy an inspiring panel dis cussion, and explore the Power of In tention—all while supporting KidsQuest and our community access programs. To learn more, visit kidsquestmuseum. org/support/bizquest
TOUCH AT CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/ BELLEVUE
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON AND SCHUSTER
Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful.
We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.
1 2 3 4 5 6
One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.
How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.
Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000 by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments, Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.
The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.
The Wolf of Investing: My Insider’s Playbook for Making a Fortune on Wall Street by Jordan Belfort. From the investment guru and author of The Wolf of Wall Street, this is a witty and clear-eyed guide for anyone who wants to play the stock market to their advantage and learn the secrets of a top Wall Street investor.
How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.
Not only does the Roberts family treat their employees like family – but every one of their clients seem to become family too.”
Dan
Holland Superintendent WITH ROBERTS GROUP since 2019