As temperatures dip, homeowners are shifting their attention to keeping their indoor spaces comfortable during the cooler months. However, many conventional heating and cooling systems can be very inefficient to operate, causing your utility bill to soar — especially in the winter. What’s the solution to creating a comfortable home that’s also energy-efficient and supports […]
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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.
Posted inAt Home
Five Tips for Creating an At-Home Study Space for Students
Now that students are in the full swing of the school year, they will need a quiet personal area to study and tackle assignments. From research and writing to cramming for exams, here are five tips to help create an environment that is calm and conducive to learning. Select a study sanctuary. Choose a location […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Sweet Potato Beef Skillet, Tex-Mex Style
For busy families, it’s hard to beat a one-skillet dish that cuts down on cleanup without sacrificing flavor. Especially during the hectic fall season when cool, crisp days call for comforting food, you can warm up the evening with a hot Tex-Mex meal that’s sure to occupy a permanent spot on the menu. Start with […]
Posted inAt Home
Candle Safety Tips for the Holidays — and Any Time of the Year
If you enjoy candles, you probably love the way their flames illuminate a darkened room, set a certain mood or bring a sense of fun, romance or wonder to your life. Candles are a vital element in many festivals, religious events, birthdays and other major celebrations. Scented candles at a spa or near a bubble […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Prepare Your Home for Your Newborn’s Arrival
If you’ve started planning for the arrival of your little one, you’re probably already noticing potential dangers in your home — from exposed plug sockets to loose electrical cords. Before your baby becomes mobile and starts exploring all the hidden areas of your home, you need to take certain precautions to ensure the space is […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Old Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn with Pecans
As part of the season of change with leaves crunching underfoot and a crispness in the air, remember to pause to celebrate a food known for its change, crunching and crispness — popcorn. In honor of October’s National Popcorn Poppin’ Month — a time when farmers head to the fields to harvest crops — gather […]
Posted inAuto Talk
5 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
If you ask anyone you know about purchasing their first car, chances are they’ll be able to recount every detail (good or bad) about the car and the process of how they got those keys into their hands. Purchasing a car is oftentimes one of the first major decisions for young adults. That said, car […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Avoid Being Tricked by a Familiar Voice in a ‘Grandparent Scam’
You may have heard about older adults being tricked into sending money to someone they think is a grandchild or other relative in trouble and thought to yourself, “How could anyone fall for that?” But the truth is, today’s advanced technology makes it easier than ever for scammers to trick their unsuspecting and well-meaning victims. […]
Posted inAt Home
Quick, Easy ‘Breakfast’ Recipes to Add to Your Dinner Rotation
Making time for meals together can have a positive impact on the well-being of families, including children and adolescents. Regular meals at home can help reduce stress and boost self-esteem, according to research published in “Canadian Family Physician.” Mealtime conversations are also a perfect opportunity to connect with your loved ones. A study published in […]