Editor’s note: This excerpt is adapted from the newly released book, “Hanging Kokedama: Creating Potless Plants for the Home” by Coraleigh Parker. A variant of bonsai, kokedama is the Japanese art of creating potless plants using a unique soil mixture, moss and string. There is something intrinsically inviting and soothing about the form of kokedama, […]
Blog
The West Sound Magazine blog is your destination for information and tips about living in West Sound — home, gardening, outdoor recreation, things to do and more.
Easy and Fast Recipes Using a Pressure Cooker
The once-lowly and maligned pressure cooker is making a comeback. This relic of our grandparents’ kitchen is not only improved and safer than ever before, but it saves time, creates more flavor and conserves energy. Cookbook author and cooking teacher Laura Pazzaglia wasn’t thinking of all this when she tried pressure cooking for the first […]
Fresh Home Upgrades for Spring
After a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect time to start re-imagining your home and making upgrades that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project ideas — some big, some small — can help breathe new life into your home so you’re ready to enjoy your favorite rooms to the fullest. Air […]
Take It Up a Notch Out Back — Adding Appeal to your Patio or Deck
Summer means time spent gardening and relaxing with friends. And just like the kitchen in winter, the patio or deck tends to be the gathering spot when the weather turns warm. Get the most from this space with a bit of preseason planning and decorating. Select functional and beautiful furnishings to create a special spot […]
Five Myths about Solar Panels, Debunked
Home solar panels can drastically cut or even eliminate electricity bills, reduce a home’s carbon footprint, increase resale value, and may even help a home sell faster. The cost of rooftop solar systems has fallen dramatically in recent years, and most homeowners have the option of buying the system, leasing it on reasonable payment terms […]
Questions to Ask When Considering Assisted Living
Sometimes, all we need to lead a more fulfilling life is an occasional helping hand. Moving to an assisted living community is an opportunity for comfort and enrichment in one’s life with an added level of assistance. What is Assisted Living? Assisted living provides a distinct combination of individualized care, familiar neighborhood surroundings and professional […]
Why Buy Organic? Part 1: Fruits and Vegetables
What is the big fuss about buying organic produce and organically grown meats, as opposed to those products that are conventionally grown? Budget-conscious buyers will usually opt for the lesser-priced option, which typically, but not always, is conventionally grown. Next to price, the problem becomes even more complex due to labeling and various standards for […]
A Kitchen That Works — Finding the ‘Sweet Spot’ Between Cost and Value
In our second video in the series featuring West Sound’s home and design professionals, WestSound Magazine takes a look at A Kitchen That Works, LLC. We met with the two people behind the company, Molly McCabe and her husband, Clive Pardy, to find out what makes A Kitchen That Works unique. We also chat with […]
How to Navigate the College Search Process with Your High School Student
Editor’s note: College search should be in high gear if your child is a senior. Since this can be quite overwhelming, WestSound Magazine asked Bhavin Parikh, CEO and founder of test-prep company Magoosh, five questions to help parents and students navigate this process. When should parents begin the conversation about college, and what factors should […]

You must be logged in to post a comment.