LOVING LOCAL ISSUE
We love local
If you are like me and enjoy the range of seasonal weather we have in the Pacific Northwest, you too may find it hard to choose between the chill of Winter and the excitement of the approaching Spring. Regardless of which you prefer today, we hope you’ll be inspired to take a moment to enjoy the time with the people in your life - the ones in your home, those with whom you work, and anyone you happen to meet in the neighbor hood or community.
“Love local” means learn about and frequent your local businesses, those in your community - but it also means loving what is near and familiar. So grab a coffee at Legacy or Looking Glass and head home for a game night around the fire with the family. Or snag a bottle of wine from Blanc & Rouge or a favorite spirit from SkipRock and some cheese from Dished by Rachel and indulge in a movie night at home.
Maybe it’s time to surprise your loved one and book a reservation at The Repp or Pace Kitchen for fine food and leave the cleanup for someone else. Whether you choose to dine in, dine out, or order take-out, the options for an excellent meal and conversation with family and friends abound.
Finally, thanks for letting us be a part of the life you’re building. We love hearing from you, sharing what you like to see in the pages that follow and the people we should learn more about. Our hope is that we inspire you to love where you live, just a bit more than you did before.
Happy February!
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Shannon Coy | shannon.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Teresa Coy | teresa.coy@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kelly Bone | kelly.bone@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle W. Parnell, Amber Schultheis, Chau Sáenz
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Dawning Memories, Lawson Coy
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 Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
1: Lamb & Co. supporting Make-A-Wish at the Big Give event 2: Cindy Weathers and Ashlee Cutsinger, Northshore Christian Academy 3: Jessica Chaves, Business Ladies of Society supporting Snohomish Education Foundation 4: Santa Claus learning what everyone wants him to deliver 5: Families visit Craven Farm to attend the Big Give and support local non-profits 6: Lamb & Co., support the Big Give - Emily Calvert, Lyndsay Lamb, and Brett Ahern 7: Ivy Barton, Sherwin-Williams, Jackie Ross, Snohomish Chamber of Commerce, Lauren Binford, Alternative Roofing Systems
Elevate Your Home Remodeling Experience
When you choose VanderBeken Remodel, you'll enjoy:
▪ Confidence of a fixed-price contract—no last-minute surprises, just peace of mind.
▪ A friendly, local team that understands the needs of Snohomish County homeowners.
▪ An educator’s approach that simplifies complex projects into easy, manageable steps.
▪ A design and construction process handled with precision and thoughtful attention to detail.
Snohomish Pest Control adds new service - Gutter Cleaning
Ensures your home is protected from water damage and clogs during the rainy season. Service includes:
• Thorough Gutter Cleaning: Removal of leaves, debris, and buildup to keep water flowing smoothly.
• Downspout Clearing: Flushing out blockages to prevent overflow and damage.
• Roof Blow-Off: Clearing loose debris and leaves from the roof to reduce moss growth.
Healthy Home Plan members enjoy priority scheduling and a 20% discount on gutter cleaning services.
professional looking for ways to serve and contribute to lasting relationships. He knows the Pacific Northwest landscape, lifestyle, and attractions, and has lived in many of the counties around the Puget Sound. He is ready to work alongside Celine and contribute to a smooth buying or selling experience for her clients.
Snohomish Pest Control adds to their team
As Operations Manager at Snohomish Pest Control, Nkumbu Chisebuka plays a key role in ensuring seamless service delivery and customer satisfaction. Known for his positive attitude and collaborative approach, Nkumbu connects with both team members and clients. With a keen eye for innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Nkumbu is focused on optimizing operations. His goal is to enhance the company’s performance while contributing positively to the local community.
Photography by Celine Williams Real Estate
Photography by Snohomish Pest Control
CULTIVATING Community
Board & Brush Creative Studio adds a fun new dynamic to Historic Downtown Snohomish
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W PARNELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
Over the last ten years, Courtney Evans has fallen in love with the small-town feel of Snohomish, an area rich in history and culture. As that love has grown, so has Courtney’s desire to establish deep roots and relationships in the community. When the opportunity arose to relocate Board & Brush Creative Studio to historic downtown Snohomish, Courtney jumped at the chance to make the move happen and create deeper community bonds.
“I feel like it’s every business owner’s dream to get downtown because it is the heart of Snohomish. I wanted to be downtown with all the people, buzz, and events happening and be part of that,” shared Courtney. “There are so many cool things throughout downtown Snohomish that I think a lot of people don’t know about. Every time I’m down there, and I’m down there frequently, I see something different that I might not have seen before.”
With the vast antique shopping downtown, Board & Brush’s signature rustic farmhouse style blends well with the area’s feel while contributing a unique activity-based shop to the mix. At the studio, patrons complete personalized projects with the direction of trained staff in a relaxing and friendly environment.
“All our projects are things you can use in your home such as trays, porch signs, boxes, doormats…things that you actually would utilize,” she explained. “You pick which project you want to do and then we walk step by step through the process. No matter if it is a box or a porch sign, it’s the same instruction and the same steps.”
The process includes distressing the piece to add character, sanding, choosing and applying stain, and then adding details using stencils and paint. Workshops vary in length, but most allow three hours for completing projects. The time frame leaves plenty of time
for sipping on wine or beer and socializing while working, which makes a session at Board & Brush a perfect ladies’ night out or date night destination.
“A lot of people think that this kind of business is geared towards women and although a majority of our customers are women, men are incredibly good at these projects,” said Courtney. “Their projects turn out great, likely because they don’t overthink it.”
Patrons can join one of many workshops hosted by Board & Brush, schedule private workshops at the studio or offsite at a non-residential venue, or stop in on farmers market days to complete a small project.
“The farmers market is right on the corner by my studio, and I have all these tables. So, I tell people to go get food from the farmers market, bring it here into the studio, sit down at a table, and eat,” she explained. “And if your kids need something to do, we’ve got lots of little projects that can keep them entertained for a short period of time. Or even if you don’t want to paint or do anything, just come into the studio, enjoy your food, and see what we’re all about.”
Courtney and her team look forward to greeting you at the studio, which is located at 119 Glen Avenue in downtown Snohomish. For more information on projects and to register for a workshop or book a private event, visit http://boardandbrush.com/Snohomish or call 360-355-3328. Completed customized pieces are also available.
COURTNEY EVANS
HTTP://BOARDANDBRUSH.COM/SNOHOMISH
“I feel like it’s every business owner’s dream to get downtown because it is the heart of Snohomish. I wanted to be downtown with all the people, buzz, and events happening and be part of that,” shared Courtney. “There are so many cool things throughout downtown Snohomish that I think a lot of people don’t know about.”
CHOCOLATE
DECADENCE
ARTICLE BY AMBER SCHULTHEIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAWNING MEMORIES
Better when shared by Two
Create a little decadence in your home kitchen this Valentine’s Day! This recipe is adapted from the nearly perfect “Lori’s Midnight Chocolate Cake” from Samin Nosrat to make a small, delectable chocolate cake perfect for two.
CHOCOLATE DECADENCE FOR TWO:
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F, oil and line two 4-inch cake pans, or one 8-inch pan. Grease the parchment, dust lightly with cocoa and set aside.
2. Brew the coffee (or a double espresso Americano) and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the coffee, oil, and vanilla.
INGREDIENTS:
(Serves 2-4)
• ⅞ cup all-purpose flour (4 2/3 oz)
• ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (1 oz)
• ¾ cup sugar (5 ¼ oz)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• .5 tsp baking soda
• .75 cups freshly brewed strong coffee (or hot water, but coffee is best)
• 1/4 cup neutral tasting oil (eg. olive, avocado, canola)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large eggs at room temp, whisked lightly
8. Cool cakes before turning them out of the pans.
9. Finish cakes with your favorite frosting between layers and dust the top with a bit of Dutch processed cocoa. Serve with fresh berries and cream!
5. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and slowly add the liquid mixture, whisking until well incorporated. Gradually add the eggs and stir just until smooth. It will be a thin batter.
6. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans (if using two).
7. Bake cakes in the upper-third of the oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cakes spring back from the touch and your toothpick comes out clean.
LUXURY Beyond the LABEL
You walk into a room, your bag resting effortlessly on your arm. It doesn’t have the instantly recognizable logo that everyone knows. It isn’t the status symbol that turns heads because of its name. But as the room shifts, someone notices. They approach, not because they recognize the brand but because they’re drawn to its uniqueness. They ask where it’s from, and suddenly, you’re sharing a story—about the bag, the artistry behind it, and what it means to you.
There’s something remarkable about carrying a handbag that goes beyond the expected. While designer labels carry their own charm, there’s a quiet confidence in owning something rarer, something crafted with care. It’s a piece that doesn’t just reflect trends but embodies a timeless connection to the art of creativity.
Embracing the Artistry
ARTICLE AND
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CHAU SÁENZ
Handbag making, at its heart, is a tradition steeped in artistry. Imagine an artisan at work—leaning over a bench, their hands steady and practiced. Each stitch is deliberate, each cut precise, as they bring a vision to life. The materials, chosen with intention, whisper stories of their own. It’s not just a bag; it’s the culmination of dedication, passion, and years of mastery.
The beauty of a truly special handbag isn’t just in how it’s made, but in the thoughtfulness behind it. The leather might be ethically sourced, the dyes ecofriendly, the production slow and careful. These are decisions that honor the environment, and the people involved in creating it. Carrying a bag like this means carrying more than just belongings—it’s carrying values, artistry, and a respect for the craft.
And then there’s the feeling of exclusivity. Not the exclusivity of a waitlist or a widely recognized logo, but the kind that comes from knowing your bag is one of few. It’s not something everyone has or recognizes at first glance, and that’s the point. It’s personal. It reflects your unique style and a deep appreciation for the rare and meaningful, letting the craftsmanship speak for itself.
Over time, it becomes more than a handbag. It’s there for your everyday moments, your milestones, and your adventures. The leather softens, the edges wear gently, and the scratches mark the memories you’ve made together. It’s a part of your story, as much as the artisans who created it.
This Valentine’s season, look beyond the labels. Seek the bags that carry not just your essentials but the stories of those who made them. In the quiet details and timeless craftsmanship, you’ll find a luxury that goes far beyond the expected—a luxury that feels uniquely yours.
“The beauty of a truly special handbag isn’t just in how it’s made, but in the thoughtfulness behind it. The leather might be ethically sourced, the dyes ecofriendly, the production slow and careful.”
Dine & Sip Snohomish
4 MUST-TRY LOCAL DATE SPOTS
ARTICLE BY AMBER DAWN SCHULTHEIS
One of the perks of living in Snohomish is the exceptional variety of local eateries to explore. Take a stroll through the Historic District and you’ll quickly notice the abundance of wonderful offerings: restaurants, pubs, cafes, and tasting rooms, all beckoning to be discovered.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to embrace mid-winter and cozy up to share a bite and perhaps a sip. To help you sift through your many options, here is a roundup of a few local favorites to showcase some of the unique dining experiences you can find right in your own backyard.
The Repp A Classic Date Night Out
If you’re looking for an elevated, intimate dining experience, this must be the place. The Repp illuminates the street corner and draws patrons in with a warmth that extends out through the vintage stained glass windows. Situated in one of the most iconic buildings in Historic Snohomish, this is a must-experience dining destination for you and your plus one year-round. Here you’ll find hand-crafted entrees and cocktails, live music, and seasonally themed dinners that are absolutely delightful. Locals rave about the Pacific Northwest cuisine, in particular the Beer-battered Mushrooms, Chicken Picatta, and Wagyu Burger, just to name a few. The energy in the buzzing dining room is just as lively as the menu. Laughter, chatter, cocktail shakers, and a mood-setting acoustic set coming from the lofted stage. It’s a really magical place. https://www.facebook.com/TheRepp/
Whether it’s a special occasion or a random Tuesday in February, there are many great options for good eats and world class hospitality right here in Snohomish.
Blanc & Rouge Pie Dive
Late Afternoon Tasting + Linger
Blanc & Rouge is the “Anti-snobbery wine destination in Historic Snohomish.” A tasting room that is approachable and customer-focused? It does exist! They offer a vast and carefully curated selection of local, domestic, and international wines in their tasting rooms on 1st Street and in their new location in Arlington. Blanc & Rouge is a prime date option for folks with just an hour to spend, perhaps before a dinner reservation, to sip and chat in the comfort of what feels like your own sitting room. They hold tastings most Friday evenings (check their website for the latest schedule) and there is always an opportunity to learn more about local wineries and expand your wine knowledge through their class offerings and through the widely loved Blanc & Rouge wine club. https://blancandrougewine.com/
Bar
For an Unexpected Outing
Picture this: You happen upon a free evening mid-week with no time for reservations and take your partner-in-crime down First Street for a savory steak pie accompanied by a balancing arugula and beet salad. What’s for dessert? Also pie. What else?! But this time, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan A-LA-MODE. The variety of classic round, crimped pastry will surprise and delight even the most skeptical guest as the offerings shift from one season to the next but old classics stay constant. The staff is warm and inviting and if you’re a Twin Peaks fan, you will love the quirky and unexpected decor. https://www.piedivebar.com/
First & Union Kitchen
Date
First & Union is a prime pick for locals who prefer a brunchy, day-date. They offer a menu of sturdy American fare and a full bar, fully prepared to whip up the chicken-fried-steak or hearty breakfast burrito you’ve been pining for. There is ample seating available at the bar, in the main dining area, or on the patio (seasonally, of course). They make a mean Bloody Mary and a strong cup of coffee and after a visit or two, you just might become a regular. Date tip: Grab a sweet pastry and espresso from the Bakery Cafe on your way out and take a stroll along the Snohomish River or hit the Centennial Trail. https://www.firstandunionkitchen.com/
This short list is just a glimpse of the local food culture and places that await your next meaningful meal. Whether it’s a special occasion or a random Tuesday in February, there are many great options for good eats and world class hospitality right here in Snohomish.
Snohomi S h City Life
FEBRUARY 1ST
Allied Motorsport Anniversary Celebration
1824 Bickford Avenue, Suite C in Snohomish | 11:00 AM
Plan on joining Dana and Bree, Tony and Sheri, along with their team and families, in the first annual anniversary celebration of Allied Motorsport Festivities will include food vendors, door prizes, photos, and fun!
FEBRUARY 1ST
After 4 Band
@Sound 2 Summit
1830 BICKFORD AVE, SUITE 111, SNOHOMISH, WA | 7:00 PM
Come out and join us for the first performance at Sound 2 Summit in Snohomish. Great food! Great drink! Great music! For more information contact: https://allevents.in/snohomish/ after-4-band-sound-2-summit
FEBRUARY 5TH
Daytime Palestinian
Falafel Culinary Class
939 Ludwig Rd Snohomish, WA 98290 | 1:00 PM
Learn about this authentic street food that is eaten almost every day. Come and eat falafel and learn to make this fabulous meal. You’ll make the pita bread and condiments served with the meal. Visit https://culinaryimmigration.com to register, $100.00 per person.
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”
- Benjamin Franklin
Wealth Wave and Planswell have partnerned to bring you a powerful financial planning program for free. Follow the QR code to start your plan today!
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 7TH - 8TH
The Great Junk Hunt
Evergreen Fair Grounds, Monroe WA | 4:00 PM
This highly-anticipated market invites treasure seekers and design enthusiasts to explore vintage, handcrafted pieces, and one-of-a-kind finds. The Great Junk Hunt promises an unforgettable experience filled with discovery and inspiration. For Tickets and information visit https://www. thegreatjunkhunt.com/markets
FEBRUARY 15TH
Valentine’s Two-Person at Snohomish Golf Course
Snohomish Golf Course - 7805 147th Ave SE Snohomish | 9:00 AM
Enjoy this 2-person event hosted by Snohomish Golf Course. $110 if you are walking or $125 if you are riding - Fee includes: GREENS FEE, LUNCH BUFFET, TEE PRIZE, LONG DRIVE & KP PRIZES, GROSS & NET PAY OUT HOLE IN ONE PRIZES
FEBRUARY 22ND
Lord Hill Trail Run
Lord Hill Community Park | 8:00 AM
Lord Hill Park is a regional country park nestled in Snohomish, Washington. With over 1,300 acres of wilderness, you could spend all day getting lost on miles of trails, but don’t worry, for this race we will be directed to stay on the right course. To register visit https://www.evergreentrailruns. com/lord-hill/
