Chocolate’s journey to becoming popularly associated with love and romance as a decadent indulgence began in Mesopotamia. Believing it had curative powers, the Mayan and Aztec upper classes consumed liquid chocolate mixed with additives such as cornmeal, vanilla and honey. Cacao beans became so valuable, they were used as currency to pay taxes. The Europeans […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inAt Home
Remodel with Universal Design in Mind
Local code ensures new construction homes and renovation projects reflect the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Universal design, on the other hand, does more than make living spaces more accessible for those with disabilities. It expands on regulations to create more user-friendly spaces regardless of abilities, resulting in more enjoyable, functional design. Often, […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Five Ways to Enjoy Salad Greens
Salads have been a raw and healthy staple since ancient Greece (Greek salad, anyone?), yet many people grow bored of the same tired salad bowl over and over. While it’s true you can spice up your ordinary salad by adding fresh fruits, vegetables and dressings, you can also mix up the types of greens you’re […]
Posted inGarden
Rhododendrons, Here We Come
The new year is an exciting time for Northwest rhododendron fans — it marks the beginning of the flowering season for these popular, well-loved shrubs. Even non-gardeners can recognize rhododendrons. What comes to mind when thinking about a rhododendron? For many people, it’s a large truss comprised of many blossoms. The evergreen leaves will be […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Home-Made Spinach Ravioli
One of the easiest ways to warm up at the end of a winter day — both inside and out — is by sharing a comforting meal with loved ones. Getting your whole family to the table can be surprisingly easy when a savory dish like Cheesy Spinach Ravioli awaits. This recipe offers a kid-friendly […]
Posted inGarden
A Garden of Exceptional Skill and Imagination
The mystical, magical garden created by Arlene and Bill West inspires awe and an explosion of ideas in the minds of all who visit. Solutions for gardening in “next-to-impossible” places, intermingled with expressive, original and imaginative garden art could fill a book. Here is their story. When Arlene married Bill about 20 years ago, the […]
Posted inAt Home
‘Backyarding’ Trends to Watch in 2022
“Backyarding,” the trend to move indoor activities outdoors that was made popular during the pandemic, is here to stay and will continue to expand this year, according to the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring for green spaces. “Backyarding is a way of life now,” says Kris […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Take a Color-Themed Approach for More Attractive Arrangements
Growing dahlias is a must for anyone who loves cutting and arranging flowers. But there are hundreds of beautiful dahlia varieties to choose from and that can be overwhelming. To make the selection process easier, choose compatible colors that will look good together in the garden and in arrangements. The combination of peach and burgundy […]
Posted inHome
How to Ensure a Successful Remodel Project in 2022/2023
Homeowners and remodeling contractors alike have found themselves in the “perfect storm” as market dynamics for construction and more specifically, remodeling, have changed in recent years. Let’s investigate the causes and effects of this economic phenomenon and how you can develop realistic expectations for a remodel project. The National Macro and Micro Economic Data According […]