March/April 2023 253 Lifestyle Magazine

ISSUE NO. 44 

MARCH/APRIL 2023 

L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E 

Home & Garden 

• SIMPLE YET STUNNING 

• HOME DESIGN TRENDS 

NOD TO NATURE 

• GENUINELY GREEN, THE NEW 

URBAN SCENE 

Q&A WITH GARY YAMAMOTO 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEMAY - AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM 

AND VP OF AMERICA’S AUTOMOTIVE TRUST 

march/april 2023 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 1

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2 

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE march/april 2023

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MARKETING 

WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Julie Reed | 253.363.8832 

julie@like-media.com 

EDITORIAL 

EDITOR 

Jillian Chandler | jillian@like-media.com 

STAFF WRITERS 

Taylor Shillam 

Rachel Kelly 

DESIGN 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Maddie Horton 

DESIGN DIRECTOR | Darbey Russo 

SENIOR DESIGNER | Kennedy Pew 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER | Sam Stoke 

DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Whitney Lebsock 

OPERATIONS 

MANAGING PARTNER | Kim Russo 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | Steve Russo 

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS | Rachel Figgins 

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING | Allyia Briggs 

CONTRIBUTORS 

great things for 

a great community 

Founded in 1925, Peninsula Light is your member-owned, not-for-profit 

electric cooperative, providing reliable power throughout Gig Harbor and 

the Key Peninsula. We are dedicated to continually improving the quality 

of life in this great community through system reliability, helping you 

conserve and use electricity more efficiently and rising to the challenges 

of a rapidly changing industry. 

Julie Reed, Brett Marlo, Colin Anderson, 

Marguerite Cleveland, Allison Pollock-Pugh 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Photographers: In-Gear Media pg. 1, 26-29, 

Sensei Lānaʻi, A Four Seasons Resort pg. 58-64, 

Sensei by Nobu Restaurant pg. 64 

Courtesy Photos: Julie Reed, Brett Marlo 

Advertising Agency 

253.857.5950 | 888.809.8021 

13315 GOODNOUGH DR. NW | GIG HARBOR, WA 98332 

WWW.PENLIGHT.ORG 

253 Lifestyle Magazine is published bi-monthly and distributed 

freely throughout the Pacific Northwest. Opinions expressed in 

articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinions 

of the publisher. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is not responsible for 

omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the 

magazine. 253 Lifestyle Magazine is produced and published by 

Like Media, and no part of this publication may be reproduced or 

transmitted without the permission of the publisher. 

4 


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publisher picks 

march/april 2023 

Meet Steve Russo, Publisher 

Executive Director 

steve@like-media.com 

A Blessed Season to All 

As we close the chapter on the 2022-2023 winter season— 

which brought torrential rain and snowfall across the 

county—it is time to officially welcome spring. 

With spring comes a time of renewal and preparations for a 

glorious summer. In this edition of 253 Lifestyle Magazine, 

you’ll find articles that will inspire you when it comes to the 

spring season and all that accompanies it, from simple home 

improvement projects to gardening for your health, and an 

incredible home renovation project focused on green living. 

Our feature article highlights what’s trending in home design for 

2023; it’s sure to inspire your next home project, whether it’s DIY 

or a hired professional. 

Our travel article takes you to Sensei Lānaʻi, A Four Seasons 

Resort in Hawaii. 

You’ll also discover some great local events you won’t want 

to miss! 

Here at Like Media, we continue to take pride in having the 

opportunity to share positive and uplifting stories with our 

readers. It is truly inspirational to be able to connect with the 

people and places that make this place “home.” 

Wishing you all a blessed Easter season from all of us at 253 

Lifestyle Magazine. 

Don’t miss our business pinpoint, featuring Stanford’s Steak 

and Ascend Hospitality Group’s commitment to the community 

it serves. 

10 

SIMPLE 

SIMPLE YET STUNNING 

Subtle updates make for an 

easy refresh 

40 

HOME 

58 

Welcoming home design trends that 

HOME DESIGN TRENDS NOD 

TO NATURE 

mix the old and new 

SENSEI LĀNA‘I 

A gentle wellness immersion 

designed by you 

6 

Connect with us @253Lifestyle @253LifestyleMag | Visit 253LifestyleMagazine.com and sign up for our E-Newsletter! 


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contents 

home & garden 

10 

SIMPLE YET STUNNING 

Subtle updates make for an 

easy refresh 

tacoma focus 

18 

GENUINELY GREEN, THE NEW URBAN SCENE 

Remodeling with sustainability in mind: 

adaptive reuse 

q&a 

26 


Executive Director of LeMay - 

America’s Car Museum and VP of 

America’s Automotive Trust 

health & lifestyle 

30 

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? 

Gardening for your health 

18 

+ more ... 

business pinpoint 

36 

STANFORD’S STEAK 

Ascend Hospitality Group takes 

service to the next level at Stanford’s 

Steak and beyond 

feature 

40 

HOME DESIGN TRENDS NOD TO NATURE 

Welcoming home design trends that mix 

the old and new with the beauty and 

warmth of natural materials and bold 

optimistic colors 

8 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE march/april 2023 

26

• SIMPLE YET STUNNING 

• HOME DESIGN TRENDS 

NOD TO NATURE 

• GENUINELY GREEN, THE NEW 

URBAN SCENE 

march/april 2023 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 1 

march/april 2023 

food & entertainment 

48 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Easter fun in the 253 

54 

54 

EASTER TRADITIONS 

discover the meaning of Easter 

and some of its traditions 

56 

RECIPE 

Homemade Easter Cinnamon Rolls 

travel 

58 

SENSEI LĀNAʻI 

The Language of Lāna‘i starts at Sensei 

Lāna‘i, A Four Seasons Resort: A gentle 

wellness immersion designed by you 

36 

about the cover 

ISSUE NO. 44 

L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E 

MARCH/APRIL 2023 

Would you like to receive 

this issue and future 

issues in your inbox? Visit 

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and sign up for our FREE 

Digital Edition. 

Home & Garden 

58 



Our March/April AND VP OF AMERICA’S AUTOMOTIVE cover TRUST of 253 features Gary 

Yamamoto, LeMay - America’s Car Museum’s new 

executive director and VP of America’s Automotive 

Trust. This position allows him to combine his 

talent and passion for business with his love of cars. 

Read more about Gary–and LeMay, which recently 

celebrated its 10-year anniversary–in our Q&A on 

page 26. 

Cover photo by In-Gear Media 


simple yet 

STUNNING 

Subtle updates make for 

an easy refresh 

As the days continue to get longer and the temperatures slowly warmer, our 

urge to spend more time outside grows as well. Spring is a time of renewal, 

and for many that often includes decluttering, organizing and freshening 

up our homes both inside and out. We have a few precious months to spend outside 

before the bite of fall hits again. It’s paramount to enjoy these long warm days, and 

there are several small improvements you can do both indoors and out to make this 

summer even more enjoyable. 

While yard work isn’t the top priority of most homeowners, simplifying your 

landscaping will help limit the amount of time you spend weeding, raking, and 

hauling lawn debris away in the future. Communities all across the West are asking 

residents to conserve water. Droughts in the Southwest have strained watersheds, and 

though the Northwest isn’t suffering the same shortages, water conservation is still 

top of mind. Keeping a lawn and landscape green can take a tremendous amount of 

water, especially in between rainstorms. Replacing your landscaping with droughtresistant 

plants and grasses not only decreases your water use, but lowers your water 

by COLIN ANDERSON 


10 253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE march/april 2023


ill and, in some cases, can even qualify you 

for a regional tax incentive. 

There are many kinds of plants, tall and 

short decorative grasses, as well as herbs and 

ground cover that require much less water 

to thrive. When planting, keep things close 

together to help shade the soil and protect the 

moisture barrier. Also, be sure to cover the 

soil with porous rocks, or mulch. Professional 

gardeners and landscapers in your area 

will also be familiar with native plants to 

specific regions and can offer more detailed 

recommendations. 

If you want to rid yourself of mowing entirely, 

you might consider artificial turf. Materials 

have come a long way since the spongy 

bright green surfaces we most associate with 

baseball and soccer fields. Today’s turf is 

tailored to many situations depending on 

use; everything from durable high traffic to 

kids/pets, to decorative gardens. There are 

three main materials used: nylon, which feels 

most like natural grass but is not as durable; 

polypropylene, which is highly durable but 

does not have the same natural look as nylon; 

or polyethylene, which has a more natural 

look and is easier for pet clean-up and light 

usage. While more expensive than sod, the 

12 


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long-term water and time savings might just outweigh the upfront cost. 

While still outside, you might also consider an outdoor dining area. 

Those who enjoy their deck already might simply look to add 

an updated table and seating or possibly a large sun shade 

in order to enjoy the space during all conditions. Putting 

in a single-level patio is also not as difficult or as long 

of a project as it might seem. Choose whether you 

want poured concrete, pavers, or a slightly elevated 

deck with either wood or composite materials. 

Contractors should be able to finish a job in less 

than a week, and with careful planning, the 

DIY crowd should be able to do the same over 

a couple of weekends. 

Inside the home, one of the easiest ways to 

brighten and freshen up your look is to put a 

new coat of paint on the walls. While color is 

always a personal choice, dark and charcoal 

grays as well as raspberry reds are a trending 

favorite of designers in 2023. Vintage colors 

from the ‘70s to early ‘80s, like mustard 

yellows and pale greens, are also becoming 

fashionable for those wanting a trendy and 

bolder look. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a cluttered shed 

or garage, there are some simple steps you can 

take to not only organize but create more space 

and peace of mind. Generally speaking, the more 

upright and off the ground your items are, the 

more space you will have. Metal shelving is 

easily installed with a couple of screws 

into the stud. You can stack these 

high to put less utilized 

items like holiday 

decorations up 

and out of the 

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way. Vertical tool racks are also an easy way to keep your rakes, shovels and brooms upright, taking up as little 

space as possible. You’ll be amazed at how much space you’ll save by putting in a wall-mounted bike rack, 

and the tried-and-true peg board is an easy place to store and see small tools. Finally, tuck away kid toys, 

decorations, seasonal goods, camping equipment, etc. in large plastic tubs and place them on your shelving. 

Just be sure to label each. 

While an entire home exterior paint job might be out of the budget, a few simple upgrades can also freshen up 

your home’s curbside appearance. Start with a new mailbox, something that speaks to your personality. Next, 

try updating your address numbers to something more modern. While you are at it, paint or stain the front 

door. Finally, take your porch or garage lights to the next level with LED lighting, which can change colors 

dependent on your mood or the season with a simple swipe of your phone. 

While there is seemingly always some improvement we can make to our living spaces, summer is not the time 

to get bogged down with a month’s long project. Give your home a small refresh this spring, and you’ll be ready 

for an even more enjoyable summer. 

16 



GENUINELY GREEN, 

THE NEW URBAN SCENE 

Remodeling with sustainability in mind: 

adaptive reuse 

18 


I 

know. Blah blah blah, another article on sustainability. 

Even though I live and work as a green builder every 

day, the term sometimes wears me out too. So why even 

mention it? It’s tough not to have a conversation these 

days without acknowledging what we want our lives to look 

like as we age. 

were lucky enough to find the right spot: a smallish home 

at 1,200 square feet, with an 800-square-foot unfinished 

basement. The house, built in the 1940s, was a rental for 

decades and desperately needed some love. At first sight, we 

knew we could create accessible intergenerational living on 

the main floor and a small rental in the basement. 

Recently, my family’s living situation abruptly ended. 

Optimistically, I looked at it as an opportunity for change. 

Moving to a new city to create a new home felt like the right 

move. My girls, now teenagers, were tired of living tiny 

(less than 200 square feet). Their latest request, “I want a 

door with a bedroom behind it!” Well, I suppose it seemed 

a reasonable enough request after living tiny for five years, 

their rooms “lofts.” 

We looked for a property in our desired destination, 

Tacoma, that could be easily altered to meet our goals. We 

As to expect in any remodel, there will be unwanted surprises 

that will increase the project timeline and cost more than 

your original budget. We did not come out unscathed, even 

with all our planning and experience. I can safely say now 

that we are nearing the end of this remodel, each stage of 

building unfolded a new challenge. You name it, it likely 

happened. I felt I was playing a part in one of my all-time 

favorite movies, The Money Pit. 

Our project provided more than the typical number of 

surprises. During deconstruction, we found out that our 

by BRETT MARLO 


When searching for materials, 

seriously consider used or 

blemished items. By either 

trimming, mending, painting or 

sealing them as needed, your 

home will become one of a kind. 

While sometimes this process 

may be time consuming, the end 

products are richer both in form 

and story. 

home did not have any drywall or insulation, the 

sheathing of the house was merely quarter-inch 

plywood, buried tanks were in our way of the 

new basement entry, and the attic was home to 

generations of decaying squirrels. 

Despite all of the remodeling challenges, we love 

our Grit City home. Sharing our experiences, 

some photos (a sneak peek) and employing the 

Rs as a framework, we hope to help guide you in 

achieving your dream remodel. Here are tips on 

how you can meet your goals and vision while 

weaving sustainability through your project. 

Reimagine. Consider how much of the existing 

structure can be reused. Reorganize the layout 

to meet remodel goals that minimize expansion. 

We intentionally designed our home to be 

intergenerational with two typical bedrooms, 

two accessible bedrooms, one fully accessible 

bathroom, one typical bathroom, and a basement 

ADU (accessory dwelling unit). By creating an 

exterior entrance for a studio basement rental 

unit, we are now able to provide an affordable 

city rental and help reduce our out-of-pocket 

monthly overhead. 

20 


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TAKE TIME TO FIND INSPIRING DESIGNS 

that fit your 

intentions. 

Reject. Buying materials that create unhealthy 

indoor air quality will not achieve the quality of life 

you are investing in the remodel. Reject unhealthy 

materials. We opted for healthier materials and 

refused to buy from sources that have questionable 

business practices. 

Rethink. Traditional ways of doing things may not 

be the best way to meet your goals. Design for the 

future. Consider aging in place or universal design, 

installing future blocking for handrails, conduit for 

future solar or designing for disassembly. When 

desired products are not available, costs are high 

or trends are overplayed, consider making changes. 

We chose yellow cedar instead of red cedar, which 

ultimately led to a uniquely warm exterior and 

saved on costs. 

Reduce. Designing multifunctional spaces and 

creating storage along circulation zones reduces the 

need for the amount of materials and labor needed; 

helping you stay within budget. You can also 

reduce creating new materials when you purchase 

reclaimed goods. We purchased wood doors 

constructed from reclaimed fir, and their look and 

feel was a much better outcome than we would have 

achieved otherwise. 

Reuse. Save money by reselling or donating to 

second-use stores or community organizations. 

We were able to give another life to windows, 

doors, sinks, toilets, lighting and hardware by 

sharing them. We earned credit toward salvaged 

items we reused on our project. The dirt excavated 

for the basement entry went to good use in a 

friend’s backyard. We even made new friends by 

offering neighbors bricks from the deconstructed 

chimney stack. 

22 

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE march/april 2023 

Repair, Remake, Repurpose. When searching for 

materials, seriously consider used or blemished

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items. By either trimming, mending, painting or sealing them as needed, your home will become one of a kind. While sometimes this process may 

be time consuming, the end products are richer both in form and story. We salvaged blemished products such as wood doors and countertops. 

We also collected old cedar fencing from local residents by searching through online posts. The grayed fencing became the cladding for our 

exterior porches, fencing and shed siding. 

Recycle. Before deconstructing, consider where you intend parts of your project to go and organize your jobsite accordingly. Label waste bins to 

separate construction waste from reusable items. For the remaining items not reused, we employed a mixed waste construction waste dumpster 

and were able to recycle the bulk of our deconstruction waste. 

Remember. Last but not least, any project is more rewarding when there’s time to be thoughtful. Take time to find inspiring designs that fit your 

intentions. Seek out craftspeople, both local and regional. Remember to remain flexible when challenges arise; there’s no such thing as a remodel 

without those, and fresh solutions often make the project even better than you first imagined! 

Most importantly, remember that laughter gets you through this journey. The ups and downs will become the best parts of the story you will 

remember and tell. Before you know it, the project will be complete, and you will be enjoying your newly created space; proud of how you 

handled your journey. 

24 


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Q&A WITH 

Gary Yamamoto 


AND VP OF AMERICA’S AUTOMOTIVE TRUST 

by MARGUERITE CLEVELAND 


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“WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM HERE AT THE MUSEUM. 

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A 

WELCOMING PLACE FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS 

TO COME AND EXPERIENCE OUR INCREDIBLE 

COLLECTION OF CARS. WE ALSO WANT TO 

CREATE A MORE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR OUR 

VISITORS AND GUESTS.” 

28 


Gary Yamamoto is the new executive 

director of LeMay - America’s Car 

Museum. He moved to Washington at the age 

of 9, graduated from Issaquah High School and 

attended the University of Washington. He has 

called the state home ever since. This job is a 

dream come true for him, combining his talents 

with running companies and museums with his 

love for cars. The unique combination provided 

the perfect opportunity and a great next step in 

his career. 

Yamamoto does not have a car collection of his 

own but has always been a “car nut.” It started 

when his father was a “Futures Car Designer” 

for Ford back in the late ‘60s through the early 

‘70s. Ever since he got his driver’s license, cars 

have played an important role in his life. He 

likes to say, “Cars are my hobby, an expensive 

hobby.” Yamamoto has always been interested 

in cars, especially those with new and unique 

features. New technologies also intrigue him, 

prompting new car purchases every three to 

four years. Unfortunately, the rise of electronic 

features ruined his hobby of working on his 

own cars. 

LeMay - America’s Car Museum recently 

celebrated its 10th anniversary. It was 

recognized by MSN as one of the 10 Best 

Automotive Museums worldwide and one of 

USA Today’s 10 Best Museums in Seattle. The 

ACM collection contains 250 automobiles and 

another 100 on loan from private collections. 

Unlike many museums, the ACM opens its 

storage galleries of vehicles not on active display 

so visitors can see the majority of the collection. 

Stop in for a visit to see the latest exhibit, “75 

years of Porsche.” 

Q. LeMay - America’s Car Museum just 

celebrated its 10-year anniversary. As the new 

executive director, what is your vision for the 

next 10 years? 

A. I am really excited about the next 10 years. 

We have a great team here at the museum. 

We want to continue to provide a welcoming 

place for community members to come and 

experience our incredible collection of cars. 

We also want to create a more immersive 

experience for our visitors and guests. We will 

be adding more storytelling about our cars, 

sharing interesting information such as what 

was going on in the era in which the car came 

from, the innovation the car had if applicable, 

interesting information about people who 

either donated the car or share someone else’s 

story that they had about a similar car. We 

want to create a more immersive experience 

by adding more interactive components and 

features. We hope these enhancements engage 

our guests and create more dialog between each 

other and with our staff and volunteers as they 

experience our museum. 

Q. You have a new exhibit on display, “Porsche 

at 75.” What is unique about this exhibit? And 

why are you most excited about having it at 

ACM as part of the collection/display? 

A. The “Porsche at 75” exhibit celebrates the 

75th anniversary of this iconic automobile 

company and showcases its amazing lineup 

of cars—to be able to present this exhibit 

right here at America’s Car Museum is an 

opportunity of a lifetime. Guests will see, 

firsthand, how Porsche has influenced the 

evolution of the automobile, pushed the limits 

on the technological advancements in cars, 

and set the bar for performance and handling 

that we see in cars today. Overall, there will 

be more than 20 beautiful Porsches featured 

throughout the year that the exhibit will be in 

the museum. This will truly be a one-of-a-kind 

collection of Porsches—from a Porsche 356 

(which was regarded as the first road-certified 

Porsche model built) to a Porsche 908 race car 

to a 2023 GT4RS. And these are only a few of 

the incredible cars people will see. What makes 

this exhibit even more special is that several of 

the cars showcased in the exhibit are from local 

collectors right here in the Pacific Northwest. 

Q. Can you share with our readers 

the importance of volunteers to the 

museum’s success? 

A. Our volunteers are extremely important to 

our museum. We couldn’t do it without them. 

We are very fortunate to have a special group of 

volunteers—some are car collectors themselves 

or have grown up loving cars and others just 

love being around cars. The level of knowledge 

and interest in automobiles that each volunteer 

has varies, but each one adds a unique value to 

the experience that guests have when they come 

to visit the museum. And we are always looking 

for more great volunteers from our community, 

so if any of your readers are interested, they 

should definitely reach out to us. 

Q. What is your favorite vehicle in the 

collection and why? 

A. That is tough because there are so many 

amazing cars in our collections—from old 

Model Ts to even a brand new 2023 Corvette. 

If I could only pick one favorite, though, it 

would be the 1948 Tucker. The technological 

uniqueness combined with the smooth lines 

and shape of the car, along with its beautiful 

sparkling blue color, makes this car totally 

amazing to me. This car even has a helicopter 

engine, suicide doors, and three headlights! 


How Does Your 

Gardening for your health 



Garden Grow? 

by RACHEL KELLY 


G 

ardening is an investment in your well-being. 

Vegetables, flowers, mushrooms, orchards or 

trees … whatever is planted well will thrive. 

And if it thrives, you thrive. The benefits of gardening are 

numerous: from an increased sense of wellness to healthy 

levels of vitamin D. The effort of gardening counts as 

exercise and the product of gardening often leads to an 

interest in eating healthier. No doubt about it, when you 

get outside to plant, you harvest health. Also, planting a 

garden is just beautiful. The scent of the apple blossoms 

carried on the wind acts as aromatherapy. The sight of 

green growing things encourages life under the ground 

and above it, from worms to bees and butterflies. It’s no 

wonder why we flock to forests, lakes and outdoor spaces 

at all times of the year. Gardening makes those outdoor 

spaces accessible just outside our door. Here are a few 

ways your garden can promote your everyday health. 

First, ask yourself, “How does my garden grow?” Yes, 

it’s a children’s nursery rhyme, but it’s also a good rule 

of thumb when planning out your garden. You want the 

health benefits of your garden to last throughout the year, 

so it’s important to consider which plants will bring you 

the most joy. If you want the garden to benefit you every 

day, year-around, you have to plant a garden that you find 

sustainable. For some this means planting plants that seed 

themselves. Examples of such plants include potatoes, 

onions, anything in the mint family, evergreens, and a 

huge variety of flowers. Self-seeding plants require very 

little tilling and maintenance, and practically thrive on 

their own. 

Some gardens are made up of well-organized “weeds” 

(by far the easiest sort of garden to grow), which are 

exceptionally hardy in addition to being self-seeding. 

When growing exceptionally boisterous plants, you might 

consider planting in pots or plots. Examples include 

anything in the dandelion family, mints, many herbs, 

clover, sunchokes, and different grasses. Many of the herbs 

and berries harvested for health benefits in the forests and 

fields are considered “weeds.” 

Another very practical approach to gardening for your 

health means planting things that you enjoy eating, perhaps 

things that you don’t always find fresh in the grocery store. 

There’s no reason to become completely reliant upon your 

garden, although it is nice to peruse the garden for dinner 

rather than take a trip to the grocery store. However, the 

more vegetables and fruits you plant, the more you will 

find yourself branching out and enjoying things that you 

didn’t know you liked. This often has to do with the very 

real taste difference between fresh garden produce and 

grocery store finds: Fresh is just better. 

32 


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“ 

Investing in a 

garden is investing 

in your home and 

your health. 

” 

A vegetable garden is accessible, and it opens up doors to 

produce and delicious foods that we might have not previously 

had. This encourages us to make healthier choices. An example 

would be the tomato. It’s relatively easy to grow (make sure 

you plant the roots deep), and its fruit is extremely abundant. 

When harvest time comes, you will have basket after basket 

of tomatoes that are good enough to eat plain, no adornment 

necessary. The excess can be turned into sauce or salsa to be 

enjoyed all year. Another example is the sugar snap pea, which 

during the spring months is so abundant that you could gather 

a basket daily from five plants. It’s also delicious without any 

adornment or seasoning and full of protein, making them 

a favorite for children on the go. Abundance will spawn 

creativity, and before you know it your plate is full of nutrientdense 

goodies. The more you have, the more you consume. 

When talking about produce, this is a great thing! 

Aside from gardening sustainably, and gardening for food, 

the garden can also be a place of mental health. Many of the 

benefits that you go out of your way to enjoy, and actively 

spend money on, can be achieved simply through the garden. 

The garden can be a place of privacy and rest, much like a mini 

retreat. For this reason, you might want to plant according to 

season, with something to enjoy in spring, summer, fall and 

winter. For example, tulips and crocus will pop up every year 

during spring, roses in summer and fall, and witch hazel in 

winter. 

It’s not important that the garden always be “practical” to be 

a place of health. Growing a sense of well-being and safety 

is not to be scoffed at, as the state of our mind contributes 

considerably to our physical health. You might be inclined to 

plant roses for their scent, mint because of its relaxing smell 

in the bath, lavender because you like to cut the flowers for 

the dinner table, or dahlias for their burst of color. There are 

flowers that attract butterflies or hummingbirds, and plants 

that simply provide greenery. There are a variety of trees that 

do nothing for your plate but everything for lazy summer days 

in your hammock. Whatever the reason, investing in a garden 

is investing in your home and your health. And that is an 

investment worth making. 

34 


Healthy Tip 

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS 

Utilizing your home amenities to keep you fit 

You don’t have to go far to get a workout in. 

Gyms are great but most certainly not a 

necessity. And those of us with busy lives, 

work, kids, and all that comes with life, 

taking time to leave our homes to go work out is not 

always an option—or at least not a priority. 

What if you could find ways to squeeze in quick mini 

workouts right in the comfort of your own home? Just 

utilizing a few amenities that can be found right where 

you are can do the trick, and you don’t need to block 

out a long period of time to get the job done. 

Does your home have stairs? Walk, jog or run up and 

down your stairs 20 times every hour. It will get you up 

and moving and elevate your heart rate. Plus, aiming to 

get those 10,000 steps in? If you have 10 stairs, going up 

and down them 20 times equals 400 steps! 

Dining room chairs or bar stools work great to assist in 

different lunges, squats and lower body stretches. 

Do you have a few chores that need to be done? Pull 

out the vacuum or mop, and instead of vacuuming 

or mopping at a slow pace, speed it up a bit—you can 

definitely work up a sweat. Washing your windows, 

wiping down the walls or dusting (using a cloth instead 

of a duster) works your arms. 

A yoga mat is a great investment and can be used in 

any space. Just a few minutes of sit-ups, push-ups, 

stretches, or fine tuning your favorite yoga positions, 

is a great way to break up your day and focus on 

your health. 

There’s no excuse when it comes to setting a few 

minutes aside, several times a day, to focus on you. 

35 


pinpoint 

TACOMA, WASHINGTON 

Elevating the Communities 

They Serve 

Ascend Hospitality Group takes service to the next level 

at Stanford’s Steak and beyond 

by JILLIAN CHANDLER 

Stanford’s Steak, part of Ascend Hospitality Group (AHG)—a Black- and femaleled 

independent restaurant group based in Bellevue, Washington—opened in 

Tacoma in November of 2021. Housed in the historic Waddell Building, which 

was commissioned and built in 1892, it is a space Stanford’s Steak strives to revive 

and honor—both the building’s and Tacoma’s heritage. “For AHG, community and 

service matter, so who better to protect a historical site than us?!” smiles Elaina 

Morris, CEO and president of Ascend Hospitality Group. 

Guests are truly in for an unmatched dining experience when choosing to take a seat 

at this polished-casual contemporary steakhouse and lounge, where wood and brick 

meets modern design, and is complemented by the soft emerald velvet furniture and 

gold-accented finishes. At Stanford’s Steak, the restaurant provides a high-end feel 

without the fine-dining prices. 

The menu features hand-trimmed premium cuts, creative share plates, a sommeliercurated 

wine list and inventive cocktails. They proudly serve USDA Certified 1855 

Black Angus Beef in a variety of cuts, like the showstopping 30-ounce bone-in 

Tomahawk rib-eye, baseball-cut top sirloin and filet mignon. In addition, Stanford’s 

Steak continues to honor the culinary bones of the original and tenured Stanford’s 

brand and its hallmarks like the Pepper Bacon Mac & Cheese, Iconic Cheese Bread 

and the shining star—the Rock-Salted Roasted Prime Rib. 

Both the wine list and draft beer selection focuses on Washington and Oregon 

producers, and the cocktail menu features house specialties like the Huckleberry 

Raindrop, Hemingway, and twists on classics like the Lavender Cosmo and 

American Mule. 

“At AHG, our purpose is to create an environment where our people, our community 

and our guests feel valued, with the goal of making the hospitality industry hospitable 

again,” notes Elaina. “We bring people together through culinary experiences that 

raise the bar and improve the standards of the hospitality industry. We strive to offer 

what hasn’t been done before and elevate what has.” 

AHG is a collection of concepts ranging from fine dining to quick serve and is proud 

to employ more than 800 people in Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Utah. 

“Team matters” is a core goal at AHG, and for the Stanford’s family of brands (which 

includes Stanford’s Steak, their legacy steakhouse Stanford’s with locations in North 

36 36 253 253 LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE march/april march/april 2023 2023


Seattle and two outside Portland, Oregon, as well as 

AHG’s newest concept—AQUA TERRA Steak + Sushi 

in Salt Lake City), their culinary teams are a blend of 

almost 100 years of culinary talent pulled from across 

the company. Chef Scott Letourneau is the corporate 

executive chef for the Stanford’s family of brands, with 

much of the menu at Stanford’s Steak a reflection of his 

vision and talent. 

With a commitment to elevating the local communities 

they serve, Ascend Hospitality Group launched AHG 

Cares—the philanthropic arm of their company in 

2021. “Through AHG Cares, we are able to hone our 

philanthropic efforts through various programs and 

collaborations,” shares Elaina. 

Within that, Stanford’s Steak recently launched a 

Community Cocktail program, in which $1 from each 

Community Cocktail sold is donated to a featured 

nonprofit partner. For the inaugural cocktail, now 

available, bartender Anna Benford created the vivacious 

Earl Grey Blues, benefiting downtown Tacoma’s Rainbow 

Center and its education program. 

While AHG’s main philanthropic focus is on education, 

and typically centered on youth, the company is also an 

advocate of equity and diversity. “By partnering with 

Stanford’s Steak neighborhood partner, Rainbow Center 

and its Education Program (RainbowCntr.org/educate), 

we are able to support understanding, awareness and 

inclusivity for all,” Elaina says. “As we come into our 

second year at Stanford’s Steak, it’s important to our 

team and to our restaurant to more fully connect with 

the Tacoma community and found the Rainbow Center 

to be the perfect inaugural beneficiary for this program.” 

Through Stanford’s Steak and AHG Cares, the company 

is working with city officials, city influencers, local 

nonprofits, Travel Tacoma, and more, to “broaden their 

understanding of how Stanford’s Steak can best show up 

for Tacoma,” Elaina adds. 

She goes on to share that this spring, they plan to 

reinvigorate the community through those partnerships 

but also by supporting both local brands and local 

artists, inside and outside of the restaurant. AHG Cares 

is actively working with local community partners to 

identify other nonprofits needing support, particularly 

those in education and youth services. 

“Within our community, it’s about showing up—when 

we open a restaurant, we do so with our mission, our 

purpose and our passions,” affirms Elaina. “We are there 

to do more than just serve food. We are there to serve 

the community.” 

STANFORD’S STEAK 

1502 PACIFIC AVENUE 

TACOMA, WASHINGTON 98402 


STANFORDSSTEAK.COM 

38 


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HOME 

DESIGN 

TRENDS 

Nod to Nature 

WELCOMING HOME DESIGN TRENDS THAT MIX 

THE OLD AND NEW WITH THE BEAUTY AND 

WARMTH OF NATURAL MATERIALS AND BOLD 

OPTIMISTIC COLORS 

by ALLISON POLLOCK-PUGH 



The prospect of design updates 

often brings visions of the family 

and friends you’ll host and the 

memories you’ll make in your 

new space. 

E 

ach spring, new flower buds 

emerge from the long-dormant 

earth, basking the world in color 

and sparking feelings of renewal, change 

and fresh starts. Spring is nature’s gentle 

way of shaking us awake after a period of 

hibernation—inspiring and energizing us 

with longer days and more sunlight. While 

some opt for traditional spring cleaning, 

others embrace the nudge offered by the 

season change and choose to rejuvenate 

their living spaces. 

The prospect of design updates often brings 

visions of the family and friends you’ll 

host and the memories you’ll make in your 

new space. As you start researching design 

trends, it’s easy to get lost down the neverending 

Pinterest rabbit hole. The countless 

options and opinions can quickly become 

overwhelming, causing major decision 

paralysis. You want your space to feel like 

it belongs in this decade (or century), but 

trends can be fleeting, and any significant 

changes need to withstand the test of time. 

Your home is a personal space—it should be 

a calm and comforting place that considers 

your lifestyle and reflects what you like. 

Connecting with the earth and bringing a 

feeling of groundedness into your home is 

reflected in the home design trends this year. 

People are seeking stability and peace within 

their homes, reaching for warm neutrals 

with pops of rich colors, natural materials 

and versatile pieces that make you feel safe, 

comfortable and inspired. 

A place we often start when considering a 

home redesign is colors—and not just paint. 

Wallpaper with bold patterns and textures 

add visual interest to a myriad of surfaces 

throughout the house. Colors affect our 

mood, emotions and energy level, making 

them an important factor in aesthetic and 

overall vibe. 

While neutrals have a timeless appeal, 

people are ditching the cool white and gray 

colors for creamy earth tones that give off 

a homey feeling and warmer brown shades 

that anchor the space and make us feel more 

grounded. Sherwin Williams’ announced 

their color of the year as Redend Point 

(SW 9081)), a romantic warm neutral that 

embodies all things cozy and tranquil. 


WALLPAPER 

WITH BOLD 

PATTERNS AND 

TEXTURES ADD 

VISUAL INTEREST 

TO A MYRIAD 

OF SURFACES 

THROUGHOUT 

THE HOUSE. 

42 


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MOSSY AND DEEP SHADES OF GREEN ARE ALMOST 

CONSIDERED NEUTRAL FOR THEIR VERSATILITY. 

Paired with creamier neutrals are bold colors that elicit a desired emotion from the space. Soothing greens, deep 

blues and rich berry hues are taking center stage in 2023. Benjamin Moore chose a vibrant red-orange called 

Raspberry Blush (2008-30) as their color of the year for 2023—this bold and refreshing hue energizes a room for 

maximum impact. Mossy and deep shades of green are almost considered neutral for their versatility—used to 

upgrade furniture and décor or make a bold wall color while balancing a room. 

Bringing natural elements into your home means embracing the inconsistencies, imperfections and unique 

beauty in raw, natural materials. Cookie-cutter design pieces from big-box stores made from synthetic materials 

are being replaced with a newfound (or renewed) appreciation for durable, long-lasting organic materials. 

Meaningfully investing in a few masterfully crafted pieces built for longevity is being more highly valued as 

people want a story or connection to the items they keep in their homes. 

One of the most beautiful and often underappreciated design materials is front and center: natural wood. 

Furniture and design elements crafted from light- or mid-toned woods that lovingly embrace the natural artistry 

of high-contrast grains add warmth and texture to a room. Think 1960’s and 1970’s rich mahogany end tables or 

dark oak shelving. Even natural wood cabinets are making a comeback, mingling with natural stone to create a 

mixed material kitchen. Integrate other wood touches with wooden-legged chairs, swap out picture frames for 

wood versions, or display that one-of-a-kind wood carving you found in your grandma’s basement. 

44 



YOUR HOME SHOULD BE A PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL RELAXED. 

The desire to feel more grounded and connected with the earth 

means a shift from sterile white kitchens to natural materials, 

whimsical colors, patterns and textures. Natural stone slabs for 

kitchen countertops and backsplashes paired with dynamic colored 

cabinets and warm wood accents are inviting and functional to an 

area where families often congregate. While quartz remains a more 

economical choice, colorful marbles, soapstone and limestone with 

exaggerated, contrasting veining will become more prominent. 

Not looking to do a complete overhaul? Swapping out your 

backsplash, painting your island a vibrant hue, or even installing 

a warm walnut butcher-block island makes a huge difference and 

doesn’t require construction. 

After all the change and chaos of the past several years, there’s a 

general desire to reconnect with the things that really matter. 

Mixing vintage pieces into your contemporary space elicits a sense 

of nostalgic comfort and further personalizes your space. Adding 

meaningful objects such as heirloom pieces or sentimental items 

add character and depth to the space. Who doesn’t love a story 

about the antique table your great uncle brought all the way from 

Armenia? Pieces like these are part of your story and bring a sense 

of history into your home. 

look by thoughtfully picking out individual pieces that you love. 

Peruse an antique store for treasures, and refurbish them to make 

them your own. Or display unique trinkets, vases or sculptures 

found while traveling. Vintage furniture, heirloom accessories and 

one-of-a-kind, personalized pieces mix beautifully with modern 

styles and are more sustainable than short-term, disposable items. 

Combining antiques with a new, modern design can spark beloved 

memories while honoring a bygone era and adding timeless 

elegance to your space. 

The architectural design and environment surrounding your 

home can also help inspire your design. A French country interior 

can feel out of place in a modern contemporary home, and a 

mid-century modern style can feel conflicted in a coastal beach 

house. Additionally, homes with ample shade from surrounding 

evergreen trees may select light-reflecting colors to brighten the 

interior. A home basking in warm, golden sunlight may need cool 

colors to balance the bright warmth. 

While these home design trends are things to consider, they 

shouldn’t be the deciding factor. Your home should be a place 

where you feel relaxed and content; somewhere that reflects who 

you are and what you love. 

Even if you don’t have familial heirloom items, you can create the 

46 


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CALENDAR 

of events 

march/april 

april 

EASTER FUN IN THE 253 

pg. 50 

COE Intro 

ENTERTAINMENT 

INTRO 

2023 

48 48 


ENJOY AN EVENING 

UNDER THE STARS 

AT 

Saturday, may 6th, 2023 | 6pm – 8pm 

Pavilion Plaza at Uptown Gig Harbor 

Hosted by the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation and Uptown Gig Harbor, The Community Table is an “Evening Against Hunger.” The special dinner under the stars 

will raise critical funds for local programs working to ensure families’ essential food needs are met. Hunger is a significant issue in our community. About 1 in 4 

children and 1 in 7 adults, primarily seniors, across our community struggle with food insecurity. 

Don your white and black for an amazing locally sourced gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Erik Smith, of the Green.House 

Restaurant, and Chef Lora Smythe-DuBois, of Lora’s Le Garmache Catering, with contemporary soul sounds from Tara Anne Chugh 

to help raise funds to directly support area organizations working to eliminate hunger and its impacts on children and families in 

our community. 

Every dollar raised through The Community Table dinner equals about 5 pounds of food that will help stock the shelves of our local 

food banks for nearly 6 months. 

TICKETS: $250 per person. Sponsor a table of 8 for $2,000 (includes two bottles of Olalla Vineyard wine). STRICTLY LIMITED TO 100. 

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE gghf.info/communitytable 

Each ticket includes an amazing three-course gourmet dinner, live music, a locally crafted ceramic water glass to take home, and your donation to THE COMMUNITY TABLE FUND! 


SPRING HAS 

SPRUNG 

Easter fun in the 253 

by JILLIAN CHANDLER 

The Easter Bunny will be making his way throughout the 253, 

and families have a variety of options on where to take the 

kids, baskets in hand, to hunt for those prized Easter eggs— 

or do a drive-through! 

COE 

A&H HIGHLIGHT 

highlight 

To kick off the month of April and the Easter season, Chambers 

Creek Regional Park is the place to be for their Easter-inspired 

drive-through event. Parents can have one less thing to worry about 

by purchasing a Bunny Bundle for Easter! These Easter-themed 

baskets include 15 filled eggs, crafts, and other fun activities the 

kiddos are sure to enjoy. Drive out to Chambers Creek Regional 

Park down to Central Meadows between 10am and 1pm on April 

1 and pick up one of these Bunny Bundle baskets as gifts for the 

kids or to create your own egg hunt at home. Geared for youth ages 

4 and older, Bunny Bundles are priced $10 per basket per child. 

Pre-purchase online (PierceCountyWA.gov/7592/Bunny-Bundles) 

through March 27, as there will be no drive-through sales at 

the event. 

Sunrise Village in Puyallup will once again host their Easter Egg 

Hunt Event the day before Easter—April 8. From 3 to 5pm, join 

them for not only an egg hunt (for children 6 and younger) but 

a scavenger hunt for kids 6 through 12. Plus there will be face 

painting, balloon twisters, pictures with the Easter Bunny and 

more! This free community event is sure to make your child’s 

Easter weekend just that much more memorable. Don’t miss the 

fun! To read all the details about this year’s event, be sure to visit 

MySunriseVillage.com/easter-egg-hunt. 

Other events that same day include an Easter Egg Hunt hosted 

at Light of Christ Community Garden (2400 SW 344 Street) in 

Federal Way. Enjoy a Bunny Trail scavenger hunt, tractor rides, 

treats and Easter Bunny photos from 10am to noon Saturday, April 

8. The scavenger hunt is open to all ages, while the Easter egg hunt 

is geared for young children. 

Each year, the Nichols Community Center (690 9th Avenue) on Fox 

Island hosts its Easter Egg Hunt the Saturday before Easter. As the 

hunt nears, be sure to visit FoxIslandWA.net/events.asp#yearly. 

Holy Cross Catholic Church (5510 North 44th Street) in Tacoma 

invites families for an egg hunt to begin at 10:30am for all ages 

through 18. Meet at the Parish Hall, where children will return after 

the egg hunt to trade their eggs for candy. 

Take a drive and head to Gig Harbor, where bunny sightings, 

Easter egg hunts and activities abound around the harbor. KeyPen 

Parks Easter Egg Hunt at Gateway Park kicks off at 9:30am. Be 

sure to grab your Easter basket and arrive a few minutes early, as 

supplies go quickly. Everyone should meet at the Uptown water 

fountain at 10am to hunt for eggs and a chance to visit with the 

Easter Bunny. From 10am to 2pm, head to Sehmel Homestead Park, 

where PenMet Parks will be hosting their Spring Egg Hunt, with 

Easter Bunny photo ops, activities and more. Registration may be 

required. Reserve your spot at PenMetParks.org. 

Spring has sprung and Easter has arrived! Don’t miss 

the celebrations! 

MARCH APRIL APRIL 

13-16 

11 4 

20-23 


EVERY PURCHASE CREATES 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH 

TO THRIVE. 

100% 

of the proceeds from our cafés and 

coffee support The Coffee Oasis youth 

programs—offering supportive housing, 

counseling, job training, mentorship, 

and more to youth experiencing 

homelessness. 

Your gift will provide hurting and homeless 

youth with a safe place to go in Tacoma. 

Give Hope an 

address for 

Tacoma 

youth 

Creating a Safe Place for Youth in Tacoma: 

The Loft Youth Shelter 

Restoring communities through 

compassionate youth programs and 

coffee businesses. 

VISIT OUR CAFE LOCATIONS: 

Bremerton Cafe and Roastery 

Poulsbo Cafe 

Kingston Cafe 

Port Orchard Cafe 

WAYS YOU CAN HELP: 

Visit a Cafe 

Volunteer 

Join Our Events 

Contact Us 

TheCoffeeOasis.com 

ORGANIZED BY THE SANDPOINT 

ROTARY CLUB 

Join the ride. Make a difference. 

JUNE 17, 2023 

Registration NOW OPEN. 

PLATINUM SPONSORS: 

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MARCH 

11 

St. Paddy’s Day Run Tacoma 

Tacoma City Marathon Association is excited to announce this year’s St. Paddy’s Day Run Tacoma. Featuring a 

half marathon, 10k and 5k, the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 11. The half marathon kicks off at 8am, 

followed by the 10k at 8:30am and 5k at 9am. Start and finish location is 815 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma 

for all three races. For details, including registration, course information and maps, and race-day schedule, visit 

TCMAEvents.com/st-paddys-day-run-tacoma. 

MARCH 

21 

MARCH 

25 

APRIL 

1 

4 APRIL 

Women in Leadership 

On March 21, the 13th annual Women in Leadership event will makes its way to the Environmental Services 

Building (64th Street West) in University Place. Promising to be an amazing evening of inspiration and 

encouragement, a selection of women from Washington state will be awarded for their outstanding leadership in 

the community. You wont want to miss this evening as these women tell their stories and respond to questions 

regarding their path to leadership including challenges, sacrifices and successes. To register for the event, visit 

Tacoma.JL.org and click on 2023 Women in Leadership event. 

VIVID: A Fundraiser for Arts Access & Education 

Get your tickets today for VIVID: A Fundraiser for Arts Access & Education. The evening of fundraising, 

inspiration and joy will take place on Saturday, March 25, at the Tacoma Armory. From the moment you enter, 

VIVID will engage guests with surprises, delights and moments of unexpected whimsy. Guests will dine on 

a delicious three-course meal, connect with friends old and new, groove to the sounds of Tacoma Arts Live 

musicians, bid on enticing items and adventures, raise your paddle to ensure the arts education our children need 

and the exhilarating performances you love are available and accessible to all. To find out more and purchase 

your tickets, priced $175 per person, visit TacomaArts Live.org. 

90th Annual Daffodil Parade 

The Daffodil Festival is celebrating “90 Years Around the Sun,” as 2023 marks its 90th year! The highlight of 

the event? The Daffodil Parade, which will take place April 1. This is a wonderful event for communities to 

come together on a beautiful spring day, as this traditional multi-city parade event celebrates Pierce county, its 

traditions and people. The parade will be making its way through Tacoma at 10:15am, followed by Puyallup at 

12:45pm, Sumner at 2:30pm and Orting at 5pm. Those families and businesses who would like to participate in 

the parade can contact parade@thedaffodilfestival.org or call 253.254.6371. For additional information about 

The Daffodil Festival and Parade, visit TheDaffodilFestival.org. 

Tacoma Rainiers Home Opener 

The Home Opener for the Tacoma Rainiers is set for Tuesday, April 4, against the Reno Aces, their PCL West 

Division rival! Get your tickets today for the opportunity for a fun night out cheering on our Rainiers! The home 

schedule for the Rainiers will feature 75 home games this season, so there are ample opportunities to grab tickets 

to one of the games. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium can be 

found at WeRTacoma.com or by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), Instagram (@tacomarainiers) 

and liking the team on Facebook. 

APRIL 

13-16 

20-23 

Spring Fair: Washington State Fair at Puyallup 

The Spring fair is Washington state’s biggest celebration of the season! Join friends, family and the community 

at this year’s fair, held over two weekends, April 13 through 16 and 20 through 23, at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. 

You won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy all of your fair favorites like great entertainment, delicious fair food, 

wild rides, adorable animals, and so much more! Additional details and ticket information can be found online 

at TheFair.com/spring-fair. 

52 

* Please note, as of press time, these events were still scheduled to take place as planned. As there is always the possibility that event schedules may 

change or events cancelled completely, be sure to visit event websites to stay up to date with current information. 


A MUST read 

LIFE AS A BEAT COP 

Local Police officer tells the inside tales of life on the 

streets of Tacoma during his career in law enforcement 

TALES OF A 

STREET BULL 

AUTHOR AND STORYTELLER ENZO 

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! 

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON 

Read this epic journey of "real life" as a police officer 

in the epicenter of Tacoma 

* Describing the journey of the Tacoma streets back in 

the day 

* Insight into both the humor and the tragedy of life as 

a cop 

* A candid and personal glimpse of what life was like 

in dealing with criminals 


EASTER 

TRADITIONS 

DISCOVER THE MEANING OF EASTER 

AND SOME OF ITS TRADITIONS 

COURTESY ARTICLE 



As the arrival of Easter Sunday approaches on April 9 this year, 

people all over the world are gearing up for one of the most 

exciting celebrations of the year! This Christian holiday is 

observed in almost 95 countries, with around 80 percent of the population 

participating in the festivities. 

Get ready for a feast for the senses as Easter Sunday comes alive with 

vibrant colors, mouthwatering foods, and joyful traditions! From the 

lively Easter egg hunts to the joyous visits with the Easter Bunny, this 

holiday is full of delightful surprises and heartwarming moments. 

For centuries, Easter Sunday has been celebrated as a tribute to the 

resurrection of Jesus Christ. And as time has passed, numerous traditions 

have emerged to mark this event, each with its own unique flare. Whether 

you’re gathering with family or friends, there’s no doubt that the spirit of 

Easter will fill the air, bringing people together with love, hope, and joy. 

So, mark your calendars and join in the fun as we honor this sacred 

holiday in our own special way. Let’s make this year’s Easter Sunday a day 

to remember! 

Sunrise Easter Service 

One long-standing tradition is the sunrise Easter service, which dates 

back to 1732 when the Moravian Church held the first service at dawn in 

Germany. This practice honors the moment when Mary discovered Jesus’ 

tomb was empty early in the morning. 

Ham/Lamb 

Although the choice of what to serve for Easter dinner might come down 

to taste preference, the menu holds great significance for some. In early 

Jewish history, lambs were sacrificed as offerings to God and served 

regularly as part of the Passover feast. Then, when Jesus died during 

Passover, he represented the ultimate sacrifice for sin, the “lamb of God,” 

so the animal evolved into a meaningful symbol for Christians. Many 

Orthodox Christians still follow the Jewish Orthodox customs of not 

eating any pork, so lamb takes center stage at their Easter meal. 

The Easter Bunny and Easter Baskets 

The Easter Bunny and Easter baskets are also popular Easter traditions 

that have evolved over time. The Easter Bunny is believed to have 

originated from ancient spring and fertility celebrations, while Easter 

baskets may have originated with Middle Eastern farmers bringing 

baskets of seedlings to be blessed for a successful harvest. 

Hot Cross Buns 

These festive rolls have their origins in ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece, 

where they were considered symbols of honor for their goddesses. 

Eventually, they gained popularity during Easter in England, where 

bakers were restricted from selling spiced breads except on special 

occasions such as the Friday before Easter. 

Hot cross buns, baked on Good Friday, were believed by many English 

people to never grow moldy and were therefore kept as good luck charms. 

They accompanied sailors on voyages and were buried in piles of grain to 

prevent rodents. Today, these buns mainly serve as a representation of the 

Christian symbol of the cross. 

Egg Tapping Game 

The Easter tradition of egg tapping, also known as egg fighting, egg 

knocking, egg pacqueing, egg boxing, egg picking or egg jarping, involves 

two people tapping the pointed ends of eggs together until one cracks, 

with the winner being the person who cracks the most eggs. This game 

originated in Medieval Poland and is still played in many parts of the 

world today. In Louisiana, the town of Marksville holds an annual official 

egg-tapping competition with stringent rules and regulations, and 

winners must demonstrate that their eggs are real by cracking and eating 

them at the end of the event. 

Whether you choose to commemorate the holiday with traditions that 

are centuries-old or create your own new traditions, there are many ways 

to make this Easter Sunday a memorable one. 




HOMEMADE 

EASTER 

cinnamon rolls 

INGREDIENTS: 

For the Dough 

• 4 cups all-purpose flour 

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar 

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp.) Rapid Rise Instant Yeast 

• 1 tsp. salt 

• 1 1/2 cups milk 

• 6 tbsp. butter 

• 1 egg, room temperature 

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling 

• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature 

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar 

• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon 

• Pinch of salt 

For the Cream Cheese Frosting 

• 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 

• 3 cups powdered sugar 

• 2 - 3 tbsp. milk 

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract 

• Pinch of salt 

METHOD: 

• Mix 2 cups flour, yeast, salt and sugar in a bowl. 

• Warm milk and butter in microwave, then let cool. 

• Add milk mixture and egg to flour mixture. 

• Beat ingredients on low speed until combined, then 

add 1 more cup of flour gradually. 

• Add remaining flour until dough forms a ball. 

• Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes. 

• Transfer dough to oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 

1 hour. 

• While dough rises, mix sugar, cinnamon and salt 

for filling. 

• Roll dough into a rectangle on floured surface. 

• Spread butter and sugar mixture on dough. 

• Roll dough tightly and cut into 12 rolls. Place in 

pan, cover, and let rise for 1 hour. 

• Bake rolls at 350°F for 30 minutes. 

• Make cream cheese frosting by whisking together 

cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, salt and 

vanilla extract until light and fluffy and spread on 

cooled rolls. 

• Enjoy warm cinnamon rolls with frosting. 


The Language of Lāna‘i starts at 

SENSEI 

LĀNA‘I, 

A Four Seasons Resort 



A gentle wellness immersion designed by you 

by JULIE REED 


LĀNA’I, 

HAWAII 

60 

Nestled in a secluded island of Hawaii, Sensei Lāna‘i, A Four 

Seasons Resort’s adult wellness retreat combines the beauty 

of nature with the expertise of highly trained practitioners in the 

areas of nutrition, mindfulness and exercise physiology—all in a 

luxuriously styled state-of-the-art resort tailored for your every need. 

Welcome to the most exquisite and tranquil surrounding, a style of 

vacationing that offers a richer and more fulfilling experience. The 

Resort’s mantra is move, nourish and rest, the Sensei Way, to live in 

abundance and health. Your personally curated experience includes 

an array of activities and support from passionate and highly trained 

teams that offer private sessions as well as small group activities and 

a plethora of relaxing spa services. If adventure is on the agenda and 

the need for a little adrenaline, the exhilarating island excursions are 

for you! The sailing trip on the catamaran should be on top of the 

list of to-dos! 

253 LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE march/april 2023 

A new way of vacationing is upon us, and Sensei Lāna‘i does it to 

perfection. A place to gain knowledge of oneself, an invitation to the 

world’s purities combined with a wellness retreat for the soul. Set 

your own pace and customize your itinerary to help guide you to a 

path of a healthier you. 

You will be taken care of from every aspect including your 

thoughtfully appointed room, the dining experience, to your planned 

itinerary. Everything is procured to make your time most valuable. 

Empower yourself with data-based findings to make greater strides 

with your health goals. 

Walk the gardens and inhale the peacefulness, explore the menu 

of spa experiences, and delight in the structure of the resort that is 

designed to let the light stream in, bringing you a sense of calm and 

renewed spirit.

Julie Reed 

WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Contact MeToday 

Julie@like-media.com 


Creative Marketing Made Simple! 

253LifestyleMagazine.com 


DO 

Arrive red-carpet style via private plane from Honolulu to Lāna‘i. Concierge 

transfers from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Lāna‘i is 

included with your reservation at Sensei Lāna‘i. Four Seasons’ staff members will 

accompany you every step of the way, beginning with a 35-minute flight to Lāna‘i 

on Lāna‘i Air, then transporting you to the resort—about a 10-minute drive from 

the airport. 

A retreat that fills the senses and a getaway where dreams become a reality, your 

lavish stay at Sensei Lāna‘i, A Four Seasons Resort starts with a welcome upon 

arrival that puts you in relaxation mode from the start. You won’t help but notice 

the Cook pines lining your path to the resort, purposely planted to give you a sense 

of belonging. 

Make sure you take advantage of the wellness team of practitioners to learn new 

techniques for a better you! Tailor-made fitness with Biomarkers, nutritionists and 

meditation sessions are all at your fingertips! You will receive your itinerary for 

your carefully planned stay. Do as little or as much as you desire! 

Allow the personalized experiences menu to help guide you to a path of well-being 

and a journey that deepens your connection to your health goals and intentions. 

Your balanced itinerary should include a wide variety: Choose a spa treatment, 

one of the fun on-site activities that interests you, an excursion, and a visit with 

the health practitioner team members. Personally, you will see that co-founder 

Dr. David Agus has given his expert touch on helping people discover ways to 

a healthier existence. The techniques and information that were shared with me 

about my own health were astonishing! Access these keys to a better way of life. 

Explore the plentiful avocations on this expansive property that culminates land, 

water and sky with hues of blues you have never seen. Some of my favorites: Wander 

amidst the onsen garden pathways with beautiful streams and small bridgeways, 

and soak in one of the 10 private tubs tucked into the garden hideaways. A favorite 

discovery! Definitely observe the outdoor art collection and unique sculpture 

displays. Swim laps or take a leisurely dip in the larger pool with an oasis of tropical 

plants and trees that surround the pool deck. Having a quiet moment poolside 

isn’t a bad choice either. Lounge chairs are conveniently tucked away to give you 

privacy. To the Spa! Private massage hales are separate buildings for just you and 

feature 1,000 square feet of bliss to extend your spa treatment. Enjoy a soaking 

tub, rain shower, sauna, outside pools and streams after your massage. Top of the 

list: Reflexology and Lomi Lomi. Amazing health benefits and de-stress activators. 

Retreat for the Yogi ~ Restorative Aerial Yoga was another favorite; you may also 

enjoy morning meditation and Sensei Yoga Flow. 

If you’re looking for adventure, there’s the fun and freeing zip line, where you’ll 

ride high amongst the trees and take in the view! Challenge your mind and body 

with the ropes course while honing in on teamwork and problem-solving skills. 

This is a super unique course designed on a moat. Welcome the day with a hike on 

the Koloiki Ridge and bask in the beauty on this 4.9-mile journey to panoramic 

views of Maui and Moloka`i. You’ll feel invigorated and appreciate the gifts of 

movement and mother nature. If horses are your passion, check out the equestrian 

experience. Riding or viewing these beautiful animals in the green pasture during 

sunrise can be quite an experience as well as a magical photographer moment. 

62 


OPEN 

Welcome to the most exquisite and tranquil 

surrounding, a style of vacationing that offers 

a richer and more fulfilling experience. 


Sensei Lāna‘i, A Four Seasons Resort is bountiful with native plants and 

grounds filled with surprises in every nook of this stunning property 

oasis. The intricate, colorful pathways to all the different amenities 

are perfectly designed to make every walk to your next destination 

an experience in itself. You may find yourself aimlessly walking to see 

where each curve will take you! 

The expansive lobby is filled with artwork, perfectly placed 

curated statues, lighting to match every mood of the day, and fully 

demonstrates the essence of a welcoming spirit. The Japanese-inspired 

and architecturally designed space will lovingly bestow on you with 

open arms. The passion behind this impeccable landmark matches the 

passion of its people. 

Surround yourself with comfort and serenity. All of the accommodations 

are decorated with natural, monochromatic tones that soothe the soul. 

Quality of sleep is an important feature that has not been untended. 

The beds, dimmable light fixtures and motorized blinds add to the 

luxury! Your sanctuary with private balcony awaits! 

Nourish the soul at Sensei by Nobu restaurant, with its ever-changing 

curated collection of fresh ingredients delivered by nature. The dining 

space, surrounded by a glass pavilion inside and a koi pond outside, 

exudes both culture and design that matches the exquisite cuisine. 

World-renowned Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, in collaboration with 

Dr. Agus, have created pairings that inspire your palette and deliver 

optimal nourishment benefits. First night, go for the sampler—an allout 

masterful flavor and savoir-faire. 

Discover the Resort bar. This indoor-outdoor concept’s open and 

welcoming space is the spot for a casual walk-in either after a restorative 

yoga session to grab a quick snack or a relaxing hangout to unwind at 

the end of the day. Bring your libations outside if you desire to lounge 

on the comfortable furniture and enjoy the landscape. 

A Destination That is Unmatched ... 

To encapsulate this resort in one article is a difficult task. The attention to the details from beginning to end is really what makes 

this place so special. Every effort is made to find the best people in the industry on every level to make your stay something from 

out of this world. Of course, no doubt the land, sea and air, combined with the accommodations, will take hold of you, but the 

passionate people really are what makes this resort so incredible. The focus will be on you, and they will become an amazing part 

of your wellness journey. You will dream of a return as soon as you step foot off of the plantation. 

Reserve your stay at Sensei; luxury adventure in tranquility with a wellness mindset in a place less traveled. 

64 

Sensei Lāna‘i, A Four Seasons Resort - FourSeasons.com/Sensei 


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68

March/April 2023 253 Lifestyle Magazine

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