Life

Great Plant Pick: Sunset fern

What: This fantastic evergreen fern is a recent addition to the Northwest landscape. In late spring, new coppery-pink fronds open quickly developing to orangey-bronze tones… Continue reading

  • Jul 24, 2024

This ceramic charger fits right into art nouveau, or ‘Jugendstil’ in German

Jugendstil means “young style” in German. This decorated plate made circa 1900 sold for $2,500 at Auctions at Showplace.

A dog sticks their head out the window as a part of a Wandering Rover Field Trip at the Everett Animal Shelter in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Doggy dates: Wandering Rover at Everett shelter gives dogs a day out

The program offers people the opportunity to try a dog before they adopt or to simply get their Fido fix.

A dog sticks their head out the window as a part of a Wandering Rover Field Trip at the Everett Animal Shelter in Everett, Washington on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The five-passenger 2024 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive. (Photo provided by Mazda)

2024 Mazda CX-5 proves function can be fun

The compact SUV is practical and sporty at the same time.

The five-passenger 2024 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive. (Photo provided by Mazda)
2024 Infiniti QX50 Autograph (Photo provided by Infiniti)

Infiniti QX50 Autograph

The 2024 Infiniti QX50 Autograph AWD crossover delivers top-notch luxury, tailored design, and an advanced powertrain to a showroom near you. It’s refined for everyday… Continue reading

  • Jul 21, 2024
  • By Larry Lark
  • Cars
2024 Infiniti QX50 Autograph (Photo provided by Infiniti)

A booking error leads to a nonrefundable hotel room, or does it?

Glen Hartness books the wrong night at La Quinta through the Priceline app. Why won’t Priceline refund the booking?

  • Jul 20, 2024
Mona Newbauer, 62, pours caramel into a machine inside her store Sweet Mona's Chocolates on March 21, 2024 in Langley, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Sweet Mona’s Chocolates in Langley stirs up treats for all tastes

Chocolate slugs, whales, truffles and caramels are among sweets in the shop Mona Newbauer founded in 2006.

Mona Newbauer, 62, pours caramel into a machine inside her store Sweet Mona's Chocolates on March 21, 2024 in Langley, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

When you get lost in WA, what’s the cost to get rescued? Surprisingly little

Washington’s volunteer search and rescue teams save lives without costly bills.

Trees and foliage grow at the Rockport State Park on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Rockport, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Performers joust during the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire at Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, Washington, on Sunday, Aug. 06, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)

Royalty and revelry: The spirit of the Renaissance comes to Monroe

The annual Renaissance fair will open its doors every weekend from July 20 to Aug. 18

Performers joust during the Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire at Sky Meadows Park in Snohomish, Washington, on Sunday, Aug. 06, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
2024 Mercedes E 350 4MATIC sedan (Photo provided by Mercedes)

2024 Mercedes E 350 4MATIC sedan

In this time of rapid change in the automotive industry, it’s nice to have an old reliable to fall back upon. A go to. No-brainer.… Continue reading

  • Jul 19, 2024
  • By Larry Lark
  • Cars
2024 Mercedes E 350 4MATIC sedan (Photo provided by Mercedes)

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

What do Patti Labelle, John Legend, Mudhoney, Dwight Yoakam have in common? They’re all performing locally this weekend.

  • Jul 18, 2024
Animal Chaplain Shel Graves has her dog Lily pose for a photo in her home office on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Is your dog or cat grieving? There’s an animal chaplain for that

Chaplains offer spiritual care for beings of all species: “Absolutely, animals do feel grief and loss.”

Animal Chaplain Shel Graves has her dog Lily pose for a photo in her home office on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lily of the Scheherazade variety with red-white flowers from the Oriental-Tubular (OT) hybrids group. Decorative plant in the garden

Great Plant Pick: Scheherazade Orienpet Lily

What: Once mature, this giant lily makes a stunning presence in the garden. Reaching 6 to 8 feet in height, the leafy stems are topped… Continue reading

  • Jul 17, 2024
Lily of the Scheherazade variety with red-white flowers from the Oriental-Tubular (OT) hybrids group. Decorative plant in the garden
Crape Myrtle

Hardiness, hotter summers helping colorful crape myrtles find homes here

Many are hardy enough, but we were never hot enough. In recent summers, however, I’ve seen them blooming in local gardens.

Crape Myrtle

I scream, you scream, we all scream for … glace? Well, in France, yes.

This ice cream vendor toy, which sold for $1,800 at auction, reminds us of France’s role in popularizing the summer treat.

The 2024 Ford F-150 full-size pickup. The Platinum trim is shown here. (Photo provided by Ford)

2024 Ford F-150 is a cornucopia of varieties

2024 Ford F-150 is a cornucopia of varieties

The 2024 Ford F-150 full-size pickup. The Platinum trim is shown here. (Photo provided by Ford)
The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is the luxury brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV. (Photo provided by Lexus)

2025 Lexus UX 300h gets more horsepower, keeps great MPG

The luxury brand’s smallest SUV is available only as a hybrid.

The 2025 Lexus UX 300h is the luxury brand’s smallest and most affordable SUV. (Photo provided by Lexus)

Dresden detour: Spend a day strolling this vibrant, historic German city

While its streets paint a portrait of its highest highs and lowest lows, Dresden today is in an era of cultural rebirth.

  • Jul 13, 2024

My Apple Vacations voucher doesn’t work! Can I get a refund?

A travel advisor offers Cathy Balsewich an expried $200 credit at a hotel in the Turks and Caicos. Who is responsible?

  • Jul 13, 2024

Show, don’t tell: Mindful parents set kids up to learn through experiences

How might the decisions I make for my children today set the stage for their skills, knowledge and attitudes as adults?