Invest
At first thought, finances is what comes to mind with the word invest, understandably. But ultimately, invest means dedicating any of our given resources (time, energy, and finances) to the things that align with our values and aspirations. To invest is to prioritize what truly matters rather than being distracted by temporary or superficial pursuits. When we invest in meaningful areas of our lives, we cultivate fulfillment, purpose, and long-term success. This could mean nurturing friendships, building skills, improving our well-being, or contributing to a cause we care about. True investment often requires our whole selves to participateemotional, mental, physical, and financial. It requires discipline, intention, and sometimes sacrifice, but the rewards are worth it.
Writing that out I feel guilty because I can see personal gaps where I need to invest more. I can’t recall where I heard the quote that goes something like: “Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life.” It’s funny how often we put off the hard things, when it's confronting those things that makes life more fulfilling. In the end, what we invest in shapes who we become and the legacy we leave behind.
I hope you enjoy this month’s stories that capture the spirit of investing – from being a part of our community, improving health, pursuing passion projects, and more.
Cheers to being better tomorrow than we were yesterday!
CAITLIN AGNEW, PUBLISHER @KIRKLANDLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bree O’Brien, Lauren Hunsberger
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gabrielle Ann Photography, Life N Light, Panravee Photography, Sung Park
Corporate Team
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
Introducing the most unique live + work space in downtown Kirkland. This 2001 custom built commercial grade property is ideal for any professional with a business space requirement. The top floor is your custom home. The second level is your office space, complete with a private ADA accessible entrance, reception area, four offices and a boardroom. The lower level offers multiple living possibilities- complete with an ensuite bedroom and plumbed for a full kitchen. Three separate entrances, a two-car garage and six deeded parking spaces makes this property a rare find in prime downtown Kirkland.
$5,500,000 KATHERINE
Windermere Yarrow Bay kvincent@windermere.com katherinevincentre.com 206.910.2122
city scene
Kirkland Urban Lunar New Year Celebration 1: Crowds pour into the Kirkland Urban plaza for a Lunar New Year celebration. 2: The Mak Fai Dragon & Lion Dance Association performed a show-stopping showcase in the plaza. 3: Creative hands craft beautiful, unique lanterns to honor the holiday. 4: As the sun began to set, the fan dancers took center stage. 5: Attendees were invited to play games during the event. 6: All were welcome to try free, tasty bites provided by restaurants Soi and Vinason. 7: The crowd eagerly awaited the raffle where red envelopes signifying good luck were given away. Photography by Dakota Elizabeth
Want
Raise Your Vibe 2025 Galentine’s Bazaar & Brunch 8: Galentine’s Bazaar and Brunch hosts Chrisi Love (left) and Quyen Dang (right) of FogRose Atelier. 9: 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. 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 and Chris Ishii of City Lifestyle. 13: Dean Jones of RSIR and Jolene Messmer of Movement Mortgage 14: Numerous women-owned businesses were part of the retail pop-up event with a portion of retail sales benefitting Mary’s Place.
Swing into Fun at Kirkland Urban’s Homerun Hangout Event!
Join us for a grand slam day at Kirkland Urban’s baseball-themed Homerun Hangout on April 19 from 1-3PM! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply want to have a “ball”, this family-friendly event has something to catch everyone’s interest. Enjoy interactive games, meet the Mariner Moose, enter a raffle for Mariners tickets, trade baseball cards, and dance along with a live DJ. And no day of baseball fun would be complete without a ballpark treat!
Find Seriously Good Biscuits at The Village at Totem Lake
Love biscuits? Then head to The Village at Totem Lake and indulge in biscuit bliss! Serious Biscuits are back at Serious Pie! Indulge in their beloved house-made buttermilk biscuits featuring toppings such as sweet fennel sausage, smoked ham, sauteed spinach and their fan-favorite fried chicken biscuit topped with black pepper Tabasco gravy, fried egg, Beecher’s cheddar, and applewood smoked bacon. Serious Biscuit Brunch is served 10 AM to 3 PM Saturdays and Sundays.
Deputy City Manager Jim Lopez Honored as Kirklander of the Year
Jim Lopez, City of Kirkland’s Deputy City Manager for External Affairs, has been named the inaugural Kirklander of the Year by the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and Gesa Credit Union. A passionate leader, Lopez has championed economic growth, civic engagement, and diversity initiatives that strengthen the community. A graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School, his dedication to fostering authentic connections and creating lasting impact continues to shape Kirkland’s future. Congratulations, Jim, on this well-deserved recognition!
Photography by Dakota Elizabeth
Photography by Serious Pie
Rising Tides Lift All Ships
Photographer Sung Park’s Passion Project Showcases Talented Artists as well as his Talent Behind the Lense.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.
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.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
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.
HOW DO YOU INVEST IN YOUR PASSION PROJECT?
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.”
Artist Perry Porter painting TinaBell
Artist and gallery owner, Julie Hsieh
Sung Park with his mother in front of one of his award winning photos, of Kotaro Hachinohe, taken in Japan.
Artist Parmida Ziaei
Douglas Montague, Kirkland resident
Artist Dez'Mon Omega Fair
A CONTRIBUTOR TO His Community
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.”
FINISHING NW
HIDDEN Secrets TO Sauna
“Everyone is equal inside the sauna.”
That’s the ethos of David James, founder of Von Sauna, who designed and built two beautiful, cabin-esque floating saunas that rest on the docks of Lake Washington in Kirkland.
The physical health benefits of sauna and cold plunge are amazing—the healing heat, the detoxifying sweat, the anti-inflammation effects of cold exposure are proven ways to extend longevity and boost health.
Jones, surprisingly, isn’t necessarily interested in talking about those perks though.
What matters most to him is cultivating a communal spirit within his spaces. Stripping down everything (Yes, including some of your clothes, just down to a swimsuit) and just having a meaningful experience with people you love—or some you don’t even know yet.
Von Sauna is Kirkland’s hub for investing in your health and wellness—just maybe not exactly how you thought.
ARTICLE BY LAUREN HUNSBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABRIELLE ANN PHOTOGRAPHY AND LIFE N LIGHT
Von Sauna's two floating sauna's in Carillon Point.
Photo by Life N Light
Von Sauna Owner, David Jones
He got the idea to create Von Sauna a few years ago while traveling abroad in Europe. “It’s one of my most significant memories,” Jones says. “I did sauna many other times, in gyms and other places. This was different. This was about connection to nature, connection to people. I wanted to recreate and share that.”
Von Sauna is now that space.
Jones only uses wood-burning heaters in the saunas because he likes the smells and the sound of the “crackling of the fire. They are built from Western red cedar and thermally modified magnolia wood,” he says.
He offers aromatherapy snowballs to throw on the stove. He found a perfect location to sauna, and then intermittently jump into often freezing water with jaw-dropping mountainous, waterfront views as a backdrop. You can see him or his fellow employees chopping the wood right next to the sauna. It’s all about the experience.
His purpose is to cultivate community through sauna, and everything about Von Sauna speaks to that.
“The local community is really engaged. We get Eastsiders, and lots of people from Seattle,” Jones says. “Some people come here before work. Others have milestone parties here.”
Von Sauna currently offers both public and private sessions. They range in time length and can hold space for a dozen people for larger parties.
“There is something really human about it,” Jones says.
For more information, please visit vonsauna.co
Two Other Unique Sauna Spots
Fyre Sauna
Located in Woodinville, this Scandinavianstyle spa will treat you and heal you in the middle of Washington’s wine country. How to book: fyresauna.com
The Wild Haus
A different kind of floating experience, these saunas are Seattle’s version of sweating. How to book: thewildhaus.com
6BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ
THESE INVESTMENT BOOKS CAN HELP YOU STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE LATEST FINANCIAL TRENDS
ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM
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.
ONE UP ON WALL STREET
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
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 WEALTH DECISION THE WOLF OF INVESTING
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
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.
INVEST IN YOUR GREENS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JANIE JONES
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
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APRIL 1ST
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
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 3RD
KPC Presents: Colin James
Kirkland Performance Center | 7:00 PM Canadian blues guitarist Colin James is coming to KPC! A prolific songwriter and performer, he’s collaborated with legends like Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, and Buddy Guy. His award-winning 2021 album Open Road celebrates personal connections and blues roots. Don’t miss an unforgettable night of soulful blues and masterful guitar. To purchase tickets visit kpcenter.org.
APRIL 5TH
RockCreek Kirkland Brunch
RockCreek Kirkland | 10:00 AM
RockCreek Kirkland Brunch is a must for seafood lovers! Indulge in a delicious brunch featuring fresh, sustainably sourced dishes in a stylish, cozy setting. Perfect for a weekend treat, this culinary experience brings the best of the Pacific Northwest to your plate. Don’t miss out every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm!
APRIL 12TH
Wheels & Reels Winter
Drive-In Movies
Juanita Beach Park | 6:00 PM
Kirkland’s Wheels & Reels Winter Drive-In Movies brings cozy cinemat ic magic to the community! Families and friends gather under the stars to enjoy beloved films from the warmth of their cars. With delicious snacks and a festive atmosphere, this season al tradition is the perfect way to em brace winter nights in Kirkland! For more information visit kirklandwa. gov/communityevents.
APRIL 19TH
Earth Day at Bridle Trails
Bridle Trails State Park | 9:00 AM
Celebrate Earth Day 2025 with the Bri dle Trails Park Foundation this April 19th from 9 am to 12 pm! Join the com munity for a day of restoration, tree planting, and preserving our beautiful park. Enjoy a free pizza lunch from 12 pm to 1 pm. A perfect way to give back to nature while enjoying the great out doors. Let’s make a difference together!
APRIL 20TH
Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt
Peter Kirk Park | 1:30 PM
Hop into spring at the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt in Kirkland! Bring the kids for a fun-filled morning of egg hunting, prizes, and community cheer. Don’t for get your basket and camera—there may be a special visit from the Easter Bunny!
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H E A D S H O T S
Building Stronger Neighborhoods
ARTICLE BY CAITLIN AGNEW
Investing in our Kirkland community is a great way to create positive change and build stronger connections. If you’re feeling stuck on ways to get involved, here are few simple and impactful ways to participate.
Six Meaningful Ways to Invest in Our Community
1. Support Local Businesses
Shop at locally owned stores, eat at neighborhood restaurants, and hire local services to keep money circulating in our community.
2. Volunteer Your Time
Join local organizations, mentor youth, or help at shelters, food banks, and community cleanups. Your time and skills can make a big difference.
3. Donate to Local Causes
Contribute to local charities, nonprofits, or community initiatives that align with your values. Even small donations can have a big impact.
4. Participate in Local Events
Attend farmers’ markets, festivals, and community gatherings to show support and strengthen local culture.
5. Get Involved in Local Government
Stay informed on community issues, attend town hall meetings, and vote in local elections to help shape the future of your community.
6. Start a Community Project
Organize neighborhood clean-ups, plant trees, or create a community garden to enhance your local environment.
I’m a PNW native. I was raised in Bellevue, lived in Southern California post college, and moved back to downtown Seattle and then the Kirkland waterfront. Through business, friendships, and family, I’m constantly out and about in the Kirkland and Bellevue community.
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