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6505 76th Drive NE

5 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 2,345 sf Offered at $725,000 901 N. 103rd Street Seattle, WA

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,590 sf Offered at $750,000

With SincereSt Gratitude

During this holiday season, we’re especially grateful to serve the wonderful communities of the Pacific Northwest and are truly blessed to work with such incredible clients. Helping people find their dream homes is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. It’s true that when you love where you work and who you work with, everything else falls into place. Thank you for trusting us throughout the years—we look forward to growing and celebrating with you for many more to come! You

Readers’ Choice Awards

I'm proud to present the Best of Kirkland 2024 edition, which highlights the very BEST of our city. Voting was open to the public, and all of the nominations that came in are 100% from our readers and community. Thank you to everyone who participated and showed their support.

Now that the holidays are here, we often try to replicate what made the season feel so magical to us in our youth. The traditions we set for our own families often mirror some of what we experienced as a child whether it is the smells, the sounds, the lights, the holiday activities or a combination of it all. For me personally, traditions have even more importance to me this year because we recently moved. Amidst all the chaos that comes with moving, the traditions we have already created bring a sense of familiarity and sweet nostalgia that are helping us settle into our new home. Check out page 16 for some traditions that a few Kirkland residents hold close to their hearts.

As we wrap up 2024, thank you for sharing another year with Kirkland Lifestyle. I'm lucky to work with a team of connected and creative people that help pull together this magazine every month. As we head into 2025, please continue to share your stories and suggestions with us. We love hearing from you!

Happy holidays and wishing you a very happy and healthy new year.

CAITLIN AGNEW,

PUBLISHER

December 2024

PUBLISHER

Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bree O’Brien

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Life N Light

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

city scene

The Bellevue Collection Fashion Week 2024 1: Models strutted their Trend Takeover gift bags down the runway. 2: Models showcase fall trends fit to travel in style. 3: Model showcases chic look from Nordstrom. 4: Banana Republic showcases fall travel looks. 5: Model rocks all leather look at the Trend Takeover show. 6: The Trend Takeover Runway show offered looks fit for traveling in style. 7: Model flaunts florals and animal print from Ann Taylor. Photography by Vivian Hsu Photography

Your space is more than just a place to hang your hat. It is both a resource for today and an investment for your future. Whether that be a new construction, a remodel, or an ADU development, we strive to create a tailored plan to meet your needs. We look forward to working with you and developing your dream space.

Bringing Hand-Crafted and Palatable Joy to Every Occasion!

Ottimo {adj- excellence, optimal, perfection}, founded by Kirkland culinary artist, Carrie Shelton, brings an authentic flavor to the world of charcuterie. Thoughtfully selected and locally foraged products adorn each colorful board, creating ease of entertainment and the opportunity to spend quality time with your guests. Whether hosting an intimate soiree or a larger holiday gathering, Ottimo brings hand-crafted goodness to any occasion! IG: @madebyottimo

Kirkland Resident Lori Becker, Opens a New Boutique in Redmond

A New Debut is a new women’s consignment boutique, featuring designer clothing, shoes and handbags in the Whole Foods complex in Redmond. We built our brand from the love of sustainable fashion. Our goal is to make consignment a bigger part of how you manage your fashion. We literally want to give fashion A NEW DEBUT! So come shop our store full of specially curated pieces today & revamp your closet! Learn more at anewdebut.com

CONTINUED >

Say Ahoy to the Holidays! Experience the Christmas Ship™ Festival

Argosy Cruises' annual Christmas Ship™ Festival returns for another joyous season! Enjoy a delightful 1.5hour sailing featuring festive drinks, enchanting holiday decor, and a visit from Santa, along with an onboard caroling performance. Kids can savor cookies with Santa during our 2 PM departures, while adults can enjoy an evening cruise at 8 PM with discounts on select drinks. Join us in spreading holiday cheer on the water. Cruises are available on select dates now through December 23rd—visit ArgosyCruises.com for tickets!

The Bellevue Collection’s Season of Magic

Find all the gifts you love to give and celebrate special moments at The Dining District. See the wonder of Snowflake Lane nightly at 7pm, November 29 – December 24.

NEW TO THE COLLECTION:

Aesop • Alo • Ann Taylor • Barnes & Noble

Beyond Yoga • Tom Bihn • David Yurman

FP Movement • Mahindra Jewellers

Marine Layer • Mejuri • Mirra • Mochinut

MOTO Pizza • Noir Lash Lounge

Shake Shack • Theo Chocolate • Vuori • Yezi

Free Covered Parking and Extended Holiday Hours

bellevuecollection.com

F O R AULD LANGSYNE

One thing that makes the winter holidays feel so special, is the continuation of family traditions. Seasonal songs, events, decorations, foods, and rituals hearken back to childhood and beyond - bringing warm memories to the current day. Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve/Day and more all offer opportunities to enjoy old traditions and create new ones. Three local families shared some of their own with Kirkland Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE FAMILIES

The Barajas Family

Each December while Gemma Barajas was growing up here, her family would travel to Mexico to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Her parents hailed from Cuautla, Jalisco and returned every winter to enjoy traditions like Las Posadas - a celebration that takes place over nine nights from December 16 to December 24, bullfighting, and mariachi Christmas music.

Many families who had grown up in the town immigrated to the Seattle area where they opened Mexican restaurants; and those families formed a loose association that supported local celebrations in Cuautla. They hired mariachi bands, organized fireworks shows, and constructed a bullfighting ring to use around the holidays. Gemma fondly recalls the joy these traditions brought during childhood visits.

Festivities on Christmas Eve included attending midnight mass, then heading to grandma’s house for buñuelos - a fried dough fritter coated in cinnamon and sugar - as a midnight snack. Santa Claus doesn’t generally feature in Mexican Christmas celebrations, more Catholic religious-inspired decorations like Nativity scenes are common in the region. Now that Gemma is an adult and the visits to her parents’ hometown are less frequent, she holds these special memories close to her heart.

Gemma and family members in Mexico for the holidays.

The Delgado Family

By Millie Delgado, age 10

Our family’s holidays wouldn’t be complete without our annual gathering at Great Grandmother Eva’s house. We’ve had Christmas Eve dinner at GG Eva’s every year since I was little (and my dad says the same for him too) and the centerpiece is always GG Eva’s homemade tamales.

As we arrive at GG Eva’s cozy home, the aroma of freshly steamed tamales makes it feel like Christmas. These Mexican delicacies with pillowy masa dough and choice fillings are the stars of the meal. GG Eva makes three types - pork with red chili, cheese with green chili (my dad’s favorite), and a sweet version stuffed with nuts and raisins (my favorite).

We always have the same tasty side dishesMexican rice, creamy refried beans, and my Aunt Terry’s famous macaroni salad. My dad and his uncles always eat the tamales with the macaroni salad and cold beer.

Sadly, last year marked the first time we gathered without GG Eva, as she passed away recently. Her absence was deeply felt, and we will work hard to continue her tamale-making legacy - learning her recipes and investing time and love - to preserve this beloved family tradition for years to come.

Millie and her family.

The MacDonald Family

By Robin MacDonald

I absolutely love the magical, warm feeling during the holiday season, so it’s difficult to narrow it down to a couple of favorite traditions. One that my husband Chad brought from his family and that we continue with our children, Will and Katelyn, is giving an ornament to each as a gift. The ornament is usually from a place that we’ve traveled to that year. The idea being that when the kids grow up and leave home, they’ll have this collection of ornaments they can use to decorate their first Christmas trees.

Another tradition we enjoy is a Christmas book advent calendar. Every year, I wrap the same 26 holiday books and place them in a basket by the fireplace. Starting December 1st until Christmas, each evening the kids unwrap a book and read it aloud. The books must be read in order, and progress in difficulty; the first few are board-books and the ones at the end of the advent are about Jesus and the Christmas story.

Again, I love the holidays and everything that we do together with our friends and family. I am already excited about the holidays just around the corner.

Will and Katelyn reading one of their advent books.

Thank you for voting us Best Landscaping Services in Kirkland!

Scan below to book a complementary consultation with our design team today. Our services include:

• Landscape Design and Renovation

• Custom Patios, Decks, and Outdoor K itchens

• Water Features

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• Outdoor Lighting

• Maintenance and Enhancements

And the winners are…..

Kirkland Lifestyle is honored to present this year’s group of “Best of Kirkland” winners that were chosen by YOU, our readers and community! To be a winner of “Best of Kirkland” is highly regarded because it represents genuine feedback from real consumers rather than expert reviews. These businesses and individuals were chosen because they are a pleasure to do business with, and they value their relationships with clients, customers, and patients. In other words, these winners represent the best of the best, having earned the trust and admiration of our community.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to cast their vote! The community plays a vital role in supporting the “Best of Kirkland” awards by actively participating in the voting process and spreading awareness. Whether it’s endorsing a favorite restaurant, vacation spot, or service, collective support from the community adds value to the winners and encourages them to continue excelling in their fields.

There are plenty of tried-and-true community favorites on the list, as well as first time winners. We encourage you to try something new from this year’s winners, whether a fitness class, beauty service, or dining out with friends; there is something for everyone to check out!

BEST FINE DINING ROCKCREEK SEAFOOD & SPIRITS rockcreekseafood.com

BEST CASUAL DINING BOTTLE & BULL bottle-bull.com

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT VOLTERRA volterrakirkland.com

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT CACTUS cactusrestaurants.com/location/ locations-kirkland

BEST SUSHI AA SUSHI aasushikirkland.com

BEST BRUNCH SPARROW sparrowkirkland.com

BEST COFFEE SHOP MERCURYS COFFEE CO. mercurys.com

BEST BAKERY SWEET CAKES sweetcakes.elementor.cloud

BEST WINE BAR THE GRAPE CHOICE thegrapechoice.com

BEST COCKTAIL BAR VOVINA vovina.net

BEST CATERER DERU derumarket.com

BEST SHOPPING THE VILLAGE AT TOTEM LAKE thevillageattotemlake.com

BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE PURPOSE purposeboutique.com

BEST TRENDY JEWELRY RION rionjewelry.com

BEST NAIL SALON LA NA NAIL LOUNGE lananailloungewa.com

BEST BEAUTY BAR RAW BEAUTY LOUNGE rawbeautylounge.com

BEST FINE JEWELRY T. ANTHONY JEWELERS tanthonyjewelers.com

At T. Anthony Jewelers, we are proud to be your trusted family jeweler, celebrating life’s most meaningful moments with exceptional jewelry and a personal touch. Whether you’re marking a milestone, celebrating a loved one, or indulging in something special, we offer finely crafted pieces that reflect timeless elegance and quality—without the extravagant price tag. From custom engagement rings to exquisite fine fashion jewelry, each piece is meticulously designed to enhance your style and create lasting memories. Our commitment to craftsmanship ensures you receive jewelry of unparalleled beauty, worthy of the moments that matter most.

TOP OF PAGE: T. Anthony Jewelers, photo by Jake Kin Studio, art direction by Ian Schober

BEST HOME BUILDER

MN CUSTOM HOMES

mncustom.com

MN Custom Homes is the leading in-fill builder among Seattle’s Greater Eastside, crafting homes that reflect innovation, quality, and timeless design. Known for its commitment to the communities it serves, MN brings meaningful change through its support of local non-profits, Jubilee REACH and Imagine Housing. In addition to winning multiple “Best Places to Work” and back-to-back “Builder of the Year” awards, the company also holds the “Best of Bellevue and Kirkland” accolades from City Lifestyle magazines. To learn more, visit mncustom.com.

BEST HOME REMODELER

ALAIR

alairhomes.com/kirkland

Alair is proud to be the most trusted Kirkland custom homes and renovations partner of leading architects, designers, trade experts, and many other award-winning industry professionals. As an Alair client, you enjoy the benefits of unmatched expertise and unparalleled commitment to integrity, transparency, and value.

BEST ARCHITECT

DEMETRIOU ARCHITECTS

demetriouarchitects.com

Established in 1978, by Vassos M. Demetriou, Demetriou Architects has a strong reputation for custom residential and commercial work locally, nationally, and internationally. Their projects vary in type, size and scope, always with emphasis on high design and a high level of personal involvement and service to their clients.

BEST REALTOR

MIKE MOGHADDAS teammoghaddasrealty.com

Mike has built his business on repeat referrals from gratified clients through his exceptional service, innovative luxury marketing, unsurpassed national and international reach and respected and trusted reputation worldwide. He and his family are long-time residents of Kirkland and active in many local charitable organizations.

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY

REALOGICS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY rsir.com

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is proud to be named “Best of Kirkland” for real estate brokerage. Our brokers’ commitment, paired with global expertise, makes a lasting impact on the Kirkland community. Located at the start of Park Lane, our Kirkland office serves as a community hub, connecting the vibrant streets to the beautiful waterfront lifestyle.

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER ARIANA DESIGNS ariid.com

Ariana is an award-winning designer with a wealth of experience in interior and architecture, skillfully manages residential and commercial projects. Driven by her passion and devotion to her work, her cosmopolitan training and European heritage infuse her creations with boundless creativity, guiding clients to discover designs that truly reflect their essence and are tailored to their spaces.

BEST HAIR SALON WINSLOW SALON winslowsalon.com

BEST ART GALLERY PARK LANE GALLERY parklanegallery.org

BEST FLOWER SHOP SWEET SERENITY sweetserenity.store

BEST MORTGAGE BROKER KRISTEN REAVELL WITH UMPQUA BANK umpquabank.com

BEST LANDSCAPE SERVICES BEAR CREEK LANDSCAPING bearcreeklandscaping.com

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGNER SPRING GREENWORKS springgreenworks.com

BEST LOCAL GETAWAY SUNCADIA destinationhotels.com/ suncadia-resort

BEST HOME DECOR IVY GIFT & HOME ivygiftandhome.com

BEST MED SPA PUR SKIN CLINIC purskinclinic.com

In April 2024, Pūr Skin Clinic proudly opened in Kirkland, expanding from their 12-year legacy in Edmonds. Both clinics offer a full range of services, including injectables, laser treatments, body contouring, and skin tightening. Their expert providers can’t wait to welcome you—book your appointment today and let them help refine the true you!

BEST NATUROPATH

DR. ELLIE ADAIR - VIDA

INTEGRATED HEALTH

thinkvida.com/ellie-adair

Dr. Adair understands the importance of taking the time to fully understand a patient’s health concerns. As a Functional Medicine Physician, she asks the question “why” to get to the root cause of a patient’s health conditions and from there creates a personalized treatment plan that integrates both Naturopathic and Functional Medicine philosophies.

BEST COSMETIC SURGEON LIEBERTZ PLASTIC SURGERY

yarrowbayplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Daniel Liebertz leads a team of skilled aesthetic staff members who excel at providing compassionate care to every patient. The practice offers a fully licensed and accredited on-site operative suite as well as a medical spa to meet all our clients’ needs. When you want someone to notice but nobody to know, turn to Liebertz Plastic Surgery.

BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY VINH CHUNG - VIDA

INTEGRATED HEALTH

thinkvida.com/vinh-chung

Vinh has been practicing since 2011 and has served an Adjunct Professor at the University of Puget Sound Physical Therapy program since 2014. He has a passion for giving back to athletes, students, patients and his community and does his best to educate and pass on his knowledge about health, wellness, training and recovery during each treatment session.

BOTTOM OF PAGE: Pure Barre Kirkland, photo by Pao Sanchez

Pure

yuanspa.com

In April of 2024, Pūr Skin Clinic proudly opened in Kirkland, expanding on our 12-year legacy in Edmonds. Our premier medical spa offers a full range of services, including injectables, laser treatments, body contouring, skin tightening, and more. We are committed to excellence to empower and ignite your customized aesthetic and wellness journey. Our expert providers can't wait to welcome you schedule your appointment today and let us help refine the true you!

ARIANA DESIGNS & ARCHITECTURE

Ariana,

Making Spirits

JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.

Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.

One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.

Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.

These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just

about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”

We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.

To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

DECEMBER 1ST

Kiwanis Club of Kirkland Christmas Tree Lot

Juanita Beach Park | 10:00 AM

Kirkland Kiwanis is once again hosting its biggest fundraiser of the year. Since 1971, the club has sold Christmas trees, Wreaths, and See’s Candies with proceeds going to local organizations helping children and their families in need. This year Kiwanis is happy to announce Santa will be making an appearance every weekend from 11am-3pm. Take your own photo with Santa! For a complete list of the organizations we support, please visit KirklandKiwanisFoundation.org

DECEMBER 1ST

Leavenworth’s Village of Lights

Leavenworth, WA

The Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, Washington transforms itself into a magical snow globe for the Village of Lights: Christmastown starting November 29th and running through Christmas Eve, midweek and on weekends, celebrating the season with an eyepopping display of over half a million lights (which are on daily through February), hosting festive concerts and entertainment, holiday characters for your photo ops, strolling carolers, kids’ activities, roasting chestnuts, Santa photos and so much more!

DECEMBER 1ST

Enchant Christmas

T-Mobile Park

Enchant Christmas is an immersive holiday experience featuring the world's largest light maze, a magical ice skating trail, and a bustling Christmas market. Held in select cities, Enchant transforms venues into a winter wonderland filled with millions of twinkling lights, holiday music, and festive décor. Guests can explore the light maze, meet Santa, enjoy seasonal treats, shop for unique gifts, and create unforgettable holiday memories with family and friends.

DECEMBER 7TH

Winterfest 5k

Wilmot Gateway Park | 8:30 AM

The Winterfest 5K at Wilmot Gateway Park, is a festive, family-friendly race that takes runners through scenic routes filled with holiday cheer. Held annually during the holiday season, participants are encouraged to wear festive attire as they run or walk the 5K course. With post-race refreshments, holiday music, and awards, it’s a great way to kick off the season while staying active in the local community.

DECEMBER 7TH

Meet Santa at Kirkland Urban’s Frostival this Winter!

Kirkland Urban | 4:00 PM

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Kirkland Urban’s Frostival + Winter Markets! Kirkland Urban transforms into a winter wonderland Saturday, Nov 30, Dec 7, 14 & 21 from 4:00-7:00pm, complete with enchanting performers, live ice sculpting, carolers singing holiday tunes, and hands-on crafts for children. You can even meet and snap a free photo with Santa in his sleigh, and grab gifts at our indoor pop-up market.

DECEMBER 13TH

Kirkland Wine Walk

Heathman Hotel

A spooky evening at the Kirkland Wine Walk, hosted by the Kirkland Chamber & Kirkland Downtown Association. It was all about having fun while exploring Kirkland's vibrant downtown while sampling the finest wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Mark your calendar to join us on December 13th for the Winter Wine Walk. Perfect time to discover new local favorites and stock up before your holiday festivities.

CRAFTING CHEER:

DIY WINTER CRAFTS

ARTICLE BY ERICA BIBB PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

ORNAMENT CLUSTERS

SUPPLIES

• 22 gauge wire

• Ornaments of at least 3 varying shades and sizes

• Wire snips

STEP 1

Cut desired length of wire for a cluster, about 24”

STEP 2

Add an ornament about 4” from one end of the wire and twist the wire around the top of the ornament to provide a base for your cluster. Twist about 5 times. You should still have about 4” of wire at the end; you will need it to tie onto your garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 3

Continue adding ornaments to the wire, alternating sizes and colors until you have 4-6” of wire remaining.

STEP 4

Twist the remaining wire around the top of your final ornament 5 times to secure all of your ornaments in place. Making sure to leave at least 4” of wire in place at the end in order to tie onto garland, tree, or wreath.

STEP 5

Use the ends of the wire to attach to your holiday item of choice!!

Pro tip: Keep your clusters to the 24” length to keep from getting too heavy and/or having ornaments pop off. Ornaments will pop off at times, but they will still look gorgeous and you can always glue the ornament back onto to the top. Simple, gorgeous, and impactful!