The Garden
Supporting the Natural Ecosystem with Native Plants
Specialty nurseries are a magnet for serious gardeners — and Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery, located in Gig Harbor’s backyard, is a favorite. With a timely message for gardeners concerned about garden resiliency for...
The Home
Contemporary Thrifting with Amy Grandma’s Dishes
Availability, trend, need and definition will determine the future of “thrifting,” which is primarily looking for used items. Today, the activity is enormous in many directions, but tomorrow may be a different story....
Food & Entertainment
Barb's Open Kitchen Figgy Pudding
“Oh bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it right here!” Those familiar with the ancient traditional Christmas song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” will recognize the second verse asking for figgy...
People & Places
Bixby + Pine Magical Wedding Planning
Ash, Tay and Jordan, creators of Bixby + Pine wedding planning, started their business from the seed of their friendship. Sisters Tay and Jordan met Ash early in life. “We met when we...
Tips for Tackling Your Home Renovation Project
Taking on a home renovation of any kind can be a stressful process, but it can also be extremely satisfying to watch your plans and ideas come to life. Whether your ultimate goal is to make your home safer for your family or … read more
Barb's Open Kitchen
Figgy Pudding
“Oh bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it right here!” Those familiar with the ancient traditional Christmas song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” will recognize the second verse asking for figgy pudding. What is figgy pudding, and why is it included … read more
Ideas for Gifts with Multiple Functions and Styles
The holidays are quickly approaching and finding the perfect gift for those on your list can be challenging. With many people downsizing or striving for a minimalistic lifestyle, finding the perfect gift gets even more difficult. Gifting something that is unique, useful and … read more
How to Winterize Your Landscaping Tools
Winter is just around the corner, and while most of us are busy preparing our homes and vehicles for the cold months ahead, it’s important not to forget about our trusty landscaping tools. These essential tools help us maintain our lawns throughout the … read more
Recipe for Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie
When Thanksgiving hosts and their guests ponder must-have desserts, one of the most common favorites is an oh-so-delicious pie. More specifically, with nearly endless possibilities and its familiar festive flavor, pecan pie is one of America’s most beloved holiday treats. When it comes … read more
Contemporary Thrifting with Amy
Grandma’s Dishes
Availability, trend, need and definition will determine the future of “thrifting,” which is primarily looking for used items. Today, the activity is enormous in many directions, but tomorrow may be a different story. My expertise began in the ’70s, when I was teaching … read more
Recipe for Popovers with Cranberry Butter
Creating memorable moments and special meals with friends and family during the holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While these festivities are often a favorite moment each year, the planning and preparation can be a bear for hosts. To help take some … read more
The Immortal, Secret Life of Fruitcake
Late-night talk show hosts Johnny Carson and Jay Leno called it the worst Christmas gift ever. NASA thought it was good enough for astronauts. Emily Dickinson packed it with half a pint of brandy (and 19 eggs) and gifted it to her delighted … read more
Community Matters
Sharing a Sense of Belonging at Our Holiday Tables
Our small acts of hospitality really do matterIn the Pacific Northwest, November holds the place between the radiant golden hues of fall and the wet gray scale of winter. With it comes the official entry to the year-end holiday season and its annual themes of gratitude and generosity. Nostalgia arrives … read more
