A big thank you to our clients for voting Mike Moghaddas, Kirkland Lifestyle’s 2024 Best Real Estate Agent! It’s an honor to win this award year-after-year and it’s all because of you! As we welcome the New Year, we reflect with gratitude on the incredible communities we serve throughout the Pacific Northwest. Helping clients find their dream homes is not just our profession—it’s our passion. We’re truly fortunate to work with such amazing people who trust us with one of life’s biggest decisions.
Cheers to continued partnerships, new beginnings and new opportunities in 2025!
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Happy New Year!
As a new year begins, health and wellness take center stage as popular resolutions. Many see this as a chance to prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The key is setting realistic, sustainable intentions rather than overwhelming yourself with drastic changes. Baby steps, right? For me personally, rather than making resolutions, I choose one word to represent the entire year ahead. Just one word that I want to define how my whole year will hopefully take shape. As I write this, it’s only November, and I’m not sure what my 2025 word is yet, but maybe a visit to Posthotel (our cover story), to reflect and relax will do the trick for some inspiration. Whatever your goals may be this year, know that the simple act of making a goal is a great first step. We then just have to move from simply thinking about doing those things and make a daily decision to act on them.
Wishing you a healthy and happy 2025!
CAITLIN AGNEW, PUBLISHER @KIRKLANDLIFESTYLE
January 2025
PUBLISHER
Caitlin Agnew | caitlin.agnew@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Taylor Robinson | taylor.robinson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bree O’Brien, Laura Mak Quist
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Life N Light, Jose Moreno, Nikola Lakic, James/Monica Whelan
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Kirkland Chamber Winter Wine Walk 1: The wine walk is kicking off in fang-tastic style as our costumed crowd lines up to at the Heathman Hotel to register for a night of boos and booze. 2: Who needs sea legs when you have wine? Shell-ebrating the wine walk in true Halloween fashion with friend and family. 3: “It’s the cream of the crop, brotha!” 4: Tom and Anne Allan, Owners of Madrona Distillery, sample their Gin inside Heyday 5: Meet the real MVP of the wine walk – Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery’s four-legged ‘security’ keeping the vibes safe and the smiles flowing. 6: Cheers to great friends, spooky vibes, and a wine walk to remember. 7: There’s no tricks here – Even the Cow and Coyote are getting into the Halloween spirit.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
Five Iron Golf Grand Opening 8: Five Iron Golf Kirkland boasts a spacious outdoor patio, perfect for dining, taking in the city views, and hosting unforgettable events. 9: Detroit Duckpin is perfect for family outings or friendly competition, it’s bowling reimagined! 10: Detroit Duckpin in Kirkland brings a new spin on bowling, offering a fun-filled experience for bowlers of all ages. 11: At Five Iron Golf Kirkland, state-of-the-art simulators meet a lively bar space—perfect for golfers looking to play and relax in style. 12: Whether you’re watching the game or winding down after a round of golf, the bar offers a welcoming, stylish setting for all. 13: Golf and multisport simulators deliver precision, fun, and competition for all skill levels. 14: Experience indoor golf like never before with world-class simulators featuring courses like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Kirkland Urban!
Celebrate Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Dragon at Kirkland Urban on Saturday, January 25 from 5-7 PM in the Kirkland Urban plaza! This FREE family-friendly event will feature interactive games, a live calligraphy artist, food tasting stations with traditional Lunar New Year bites, a lantern-making station, and vibrant cultural performances, including a thrilling Lion Dance by the Mak Fai Dragon & Lion Dance Association.
Grab Your Girlfriends & Dance The Night Away at PopRox
Founded on the philosophy that we are all born to dance, PopRox Dance Studio is the perfect place to kick off the New Year with high vibes and good music. Female-founded and locally-owned, this dance studio, with locations in the U District and Capitol Hill, offers inclusive, high-energy classes in a fun, low-pressure environment designed for dancers of all levels. Classes include Ballet Remixed, K-Pop Dance, Iconic Bollywood, Hip Hop Fundamentals, and more.
Make 2025 Your Year of Wellness at Yuan Spa
Start the New Year off right with a commitment to wellness and selfcare in 2025. Yuan Spa in Bellevue offers a tranquil urban environment for guests to explore the ancient art of healing hydrotherapy with a dynamic circuit of the hot pool, cool pool, eucalyptus stream room, cold drench shower, and dry cedar sauna. In addition to stress reduction and pain relief, hydrotherapy also helps boost the immune system for optimal wellness. Learn more at yuanspa.com.
FIRE & ICE: Lake Chelan Winterfest 2025
Lake Chelan Winterfest is your ulti mate winter escape. Packed with ice and fire elements held over two backto-back weekends in January, you'll enjoy live ice carving, Washington's largest beach bonfire, and incredi ble fireworks lighting up the winter skies. Sip local wines, dance to live music, and dive into cozy, fami ly-friendly fun. Whether you’re here for the chill of ice weekend or glow of fire weekend, Winterfest has it all!
H E A D S H O T S
THE WATER CURE
ARTICLE BY CAITLIN
HOW PASSION AND PURPOSE HELPED CREATE A UNIQUE WELLNESS HOTEL EXPERIENCE
The Posthotel in Leavenworth has become known as the premier luxury wellness hotel in our state and it’s not hard to see why. As you enter Posthotel, you’re immediately embraced by a sense of calm. The air is lightly scented with their signature custom scent; soft ambient music sets a tranquil tone. Everything—from the luxurious textures to the quiet elegance of the design— invites you to exhale, unwind, and prepare for an experience where relaxation is the priority.
What many don’t know or see, is that the hard work and inspiration that went into building Posthotel is truly a family story, now six generations deep in Leavenworth. The Johnson family has history in Leavenworth starting in the 1940’s. The family had experience with construction, but surprisingly, no experience in the hospitality industry. It was Rob Johnson (third generation) and his wife Nancy, that saw an opportunity. At that time, Leavenworth was mostly a daytrip destination, and there were only a few small motels in town (which closed in the winter). They found themselves brainstorming ideas to encourage more people to visit, and decided to build their first hotel in Leavenworth, the Enzian Inn. For many years, the Enzian Inn was the family’s primary business, until 2006 when Rob asked his daughter, Robin, to do a project together. With Rob’s passion for building and Robin’s expertise with design, they wanted to create something special together. They decided to travel through the Alps for inspiration and it was on that trip they discovered wellness hotels and immediately knew they had to bring this concept back to Leavenworth.
CONTINUED >
They had a very small crew for such a big project, but Rob loves a challenge and enjoys building purely for the joy of building. And so, Robin put him to work. Every detail in the Posthotel is thoughtful, intentional, and extremely complicated for the average carpenter to accomplish. From custom beams, detailed mosaic tile, welded rod iron staircases, unique wood floors, custom furniture and more; no detail was left out. “We wanted the Posthotel experience to be as authentic as possible, and to feel like a home in the Alps and not a commercial space. The Alps are limited in materials and colors due to location, so it was important to use natural tones and incorporate elements of nature. Everything visible is natural: all natural stones, slate roof, real wood, etc.” says Robin. Even the food menu was curated with the Alps in mind. Delicious, simple, fresh, and made from scratch in house.
The Posthotel’s hydrotherapy spa was designed using Sebastian Kneipp (1821-1897) techniques, which were used at the wellness hotels they had visited in the Alps. Considered “the godfather” of some of today’s hottest wellness trends, Kneipp was a German priest turned “water doctor” and although he wasn’t the first person that was healing with water, he made these methods understandable and accessible to common people. Posthotel offers several different steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges, and showers, allowing for a variety of different areas to alternate hot and cold. Robin worked with a doctor to create circuits that guests can follow depending on what health benefits they’re looking for (ex: muscle relief, detox, stress relief, etc.).
In addition to hydrotherapy, their spa services are top notch with medically advanced facials, and the latest and greatest products. “We’re constantly looking for new lines and staying on top of current spa trends. We have a lot of repeat guests, so we try to have new things for them,” says Robin.
The beauty of Posthotel is visible to anyone. But what might be unseen, is a testimony of the Johnson’s values and hard work. Currently, Robin and her husband Chris manage the hotel, and are a vital part of everyday business. “I grew up watching my Papa and dad work really hard and enjoy their work. Those values are really important to me, and something I want to pass onto my kids, which is to do something you love, and work really hard at it,” says Robin. And then, of course, make time to relax.
“WE WANTED THE POSTHOTEL EXPERIENCE TO BE AS AUTHENTIC TO THE ALPS AS POSSIBLE” SAYS ROBIN JOHN, POSTHOTEL MANAGER AND DESIGNER.
Tennis is a thrill! Photo credit: James and Monica Whelan
Photo credit: James and Monica Whelan
Photo credit: James and Monica Whelan
COMING Up Aces
Are you a tennis player? Do you aspire to be one? If you haven’t already, meet TOPs. Tennis Outreach Programs is the non-profit organization that operates Eastside Tennis Center. With a mission of “Empowering youth for lifetime success through tennis, education, fitness and character development regardless of economic circumstance,” it serves ages three to adult.
Kirkland Lifestyle connected with Founder Marceil Whitney and Director of Operations Dave Halgren to learn more.
MARCEIL
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO FOUND TOPS IN 2003?
When I was younger I didn’t have the opportunity to receive formal tennis instruction, so through TOPs I wanted to open doors for youth along their journeys. Tennis can provide self confidence and self-worth in a fun and safe environment. It keeps young people active and creates a community of friends.
WHY IS TENNIS ACCESSIBILITY IMPORTANT?
It’s rewarding to be part of an organization that doesn’t turn anyone away based on ability to pay. Because of TOPs donors and grants, we’re able to provide accessibility to families who may not otherwise be able to afford tennis lessons for their child. TOPs doesn’t have membership requirements - to have a public tennis facility like this in Kirkland is unique.
When I was five years old, I went deaf for a period of time due to measles and that experience inspired me to develop adaptive programs to serve deaf and hard of hearing youth, as well as those with autism.
ARTICLE BY BREE O’BRIEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKOLA LAKIC, JAMES/MONICA WHELAN
Founder Marceil Whitney speaks at TOPs 2024 Rally for Youth Auction.
Photo credit: Nikola Lakic
Photo credit: James and Monica Whelan
HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THE ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS?
An associate who worked with autistic young people at the Northshore Senior Center reached out to see if I would be interested in starting a tennis program for them, and I said I’d love to!
My daughter-in-law is an ASL interpreter, and I asked her if she thought we could teach tennis to hard of hearing youth - she thought it would be fun! We are able to continue these programs through grants from the United States Tennis Association and our incredible donors and supporters.
DAVE
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN TOPS LEADERSHIP?
Growing up in Kirkland, I found my love for tennis at Kamiakin Junior High in the 90’s with Coach Sam Sambrano. After my last corporate role ended in 2020, I went online and searched for “tennis” jobs, leading me to the Director of Operations role with TOPs. The opportunity was far greater than I could have expected.
HOW HAS TOPS EVOLVED SINCE YOU JOINED?
Since 2020, TOPs has grown significantly, welcoming over 3,500 unique youth players last year alone. We’re providing more financial aid to local families annually, and the popularity of ETC is greater than it’s ever been for both tennis and pickleball.
HOW DOES TOPS BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY?
TOPs gives kids and families a chance to play tennis and pickleball who might not get to otherwise. It’s more than sports – it’s building friendships, keeping active, and creating a community space where everyone feels welcome.
TOPs S.P.I.R.I.T. core values are integrated throughout all levels of junior programming:
For more information including class schedules and opportunities for involvement:
topskirkland.org
425-658-4046
info@tennisoutreach.org
Photo credit: James and Monica Whelan
TheFit Life
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSE MORENO, JMORENO PR
Kirkland resident, Laura Mak Quist, shares her fitness and wellness journey.
Laura Mak Quist, MS is the embodiment of “wisely fierce”, a term she coined to describe a woman who is in tune with her body, embraces mindful living, open to growth, and always learning. Laura has lived a fitness lifestyle with many chapters of accomplishments for herself and her clients. Growing up her family engaged in more “lifestyle sports” like biking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Once she
found her passion for gymnastics, that was where she spent most of her energy. That focus earned her a full-ride athletic scholarship for gymnastics at Michigan State University. She loved it so much at MSU that she earned a graduate assistantship and completed her master’s degree in exercise science.
Her next stop took her to Atlanta, GA and she landed a spot in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics where she tumbled, stunted, and danced. This launched her competitive fitness career. Within one year she became the NPC National Fitness Champion. This title earned her the coveted IFBB Fitness Pro card, and soon after she moved up into the ranks of top 10 in the world.
While her athletic accomplishments gave her some high accolades, she is also very proud of the outcome of her five-year challenging journey to become pregnant and have children. During that time, she developed Hashimoto’s disease which is an autoimmune disease where the thyroid attacks itself. She was able to achieve hormonal balance and have her first child at 41 and second at 44. She has been an inspiration to others as she shares her story about how she has overcome Hashimoto’s disease by changing her fitness routine, optimizing her nutrition, and incorporating mindful living.
“FITNESS CAN BE THERE WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST AS A CONSTANT
COMPANION
READY TO PICK YOU UP, CALM YOU DOWN, OR CHALLENGE YOU TO BE A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELF.”
For Laura, fitness has been an evolving lifestyle with distinct chapters of training and grace. “Fitness can be there when you need it most as a constant companion ready to pick you up, calm you down, or challenge you to be a better version of yourself” says Laura. Laura soon discovered a passion for yoga, as it was the first non-competitive exercise that challenged her, brought her joy, and continued to teach her peace on and off the mat.
Today, Laura keeps her workout focus on the types of movement and strength training that leave her feeling refreshed and energized, not depleted and exhausted. “When you compile years of intense athletic training and a series of car accidents, it adds up to a lot of “wear and tear” on the body. I’m hyper aware of form, precision, and alignment during my practice” says Laura. She includes three days a week with yoga and another two days a week with strength training, and the other days she includes walking or biking. This combination has worked the best for her in this current chapter of life. “I allow myself the flexibility (but not excuses) to adjust my workouts depending on how my body is feeling each day and based on the week’s schedule. I was strictly regimented for so many years, that providing myself options in workouts has set me up for success in my present training protocol” says Laura.
As the founder of TheYogaFitLife.com, an online yoga & strength studio, Laura helps women over 40 reset their habits, recharge their body, and renew their mind with wellness coaching. She works privately with clients in small groups or one on one in their homes. She also ignites the stage as a motivational speaker for women’s events and conferences. Recently, Laura was invited to be a co-author of the number one best-selling book “Become Empowered”. Laura has hosted retreats locally in Washington, as well as internationally, teaching yoga, well-being, and mindful living.
Laura and her family have lived in Kirkland, WA for nine years. You may often find her in the Houghton area near the water, hiking trails, or biking with her boys. For more info, visit lauramakfitlife.com or on Instagram at @LauraMakFitLife
IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT.
2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.
ARTICLE BY SYBIL VELARDE
whirled PEAS!
Vegetable juice is a great addition to your diet especially if you want to lose weight, gain energy, and feel great. Sometimes life gets too busy and you don’t have the time to cook healthy meals. Fall in love with leafy greens, fresh fruit, nut milks, and chia seeds all combined to make a quick, easy, and delicious contribution to your day.
Veggies And Blenders Bring The Health We Need
ENERGY ELIXIR
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 beet
• 1 carrot
• 1 celery stalk
• 1-2 inches of ginger
• 1 lemon
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
BLUEBERRY MINT
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 fresh or frozen banana
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh mint and/or 1-3 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 cup ice if using fresh fruit
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
GREEN SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups cucumber
• 1 cup Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup celery
• 1 handful baby spinach
• 1/3 cup fresh pineapple (for a sweet smoothie or zest and juice of a small lime for tart smoothie)
• 1 sprig parsley
DIRECTIONS:
Mix all together in a blender until smooth.
events
JANUARY 1ST
Resolution Run & Polar Bear Dive
Magnuson Park | 9:00 AM
Join the Resolution Run 5K & Polar Bear Dive at Magnuson Park, a festive New Year's Day tradition featuring a scenic 5K run/walk, a free Kid's Dash and a thrilling Polar Bear Dive in Lake Washington. Celebrate post-race with a chili feed, beer garden and heated tents for participants. Registration includes a long-sleeve shirt and optional medal. For more details visit detailsclubnorthwest.org/resolution-run-info.
JANUARY 4TH
Yoga + Wine at Gard Vintners
Gard Vintners Woodinville Tasting Room | 10:30 AM
Join us for a 45-minute, all-levels yoga class led by a Yoga Uncorked Chelan instructor. Flow, breathe, and unwind in a serene setting, followed by your choice of a wine tasting flight, glass, or bottle to share. Tickets are $20 per person (wine sold separately). Bring your mat, enjoy 10% off bottles, and reserve your spot early! Visit https://yogauncorkedatgardvintners.eventbrite.com
JANUARY 14TH
Sound Bath Class
Heritage Hall and Centennial Gardens at Heritage Park | 6:30 PM
Experience ultimate relaxation with Sound Bath classes led by Savannah Powers of Ethereal Sound & Wellness. Immerse yourself in the vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, and chimes, designed to reduce stress, restore balance, and promote overall well-being. Let the soothing sounds wash over you, creating a meditative space for deep restoration and inner peace.
JANUARY 16TH
Engage Kirkland
Northwest Cellars | 5:00 PM
Join us for Engage Kirkland at Northwest Cellars near Totem Lake! Connect with local businesses, share what makes your business unique, and explore what drives our thriving community. This after-hours networking event is the perfect opportunity to build relationships and grow your network. Don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards—let’s make connections that count!
JANUARY 20TH
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Kirkland, WA
Every January, we celebrate the life and legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We reflect on the lessons he imparted, the dreams he shared, and how we can continue to respond to his call to act in great love. Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday of January, which is close to King's actual birthday on January 15.
JANUARY 31ST
Seattle Boat Show 2025
Lumen Field & Bell Harbor Marina 11:00 AM
The Seattle Boat Show, running from January 31 to February 8, 2025, is the West Coast’s largest boating event. Featuring hundreds of boats and marine accessories, the show spans two locations: Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina. Visitors can explore an array of products, enjoy free seminars, and take advantage of exclusive deals. Perfect for boating enthusiasts, it offers something for every lifestyle on the water. For details visit https://seattleboatshow.com/
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