As we moved into our home two years ago, the gardens that were once pristine were covered in cedar tree droppings, debris, pine branches, blackberries and a menagerie of who knows what. After much cleanup, I started to find so many delicate — and not-so-delicate but beautiful — plant species that it raised the question: […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inAt Home
5 Tips to Build Resilience in School-Aged Children
Resilience — the capacity to prepare for, adapt to and grow through disruption, trauma and loss — is a skill many parents want for their children. However, there is more to it than “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps” or persevering through hardships. According to a Pew Research Center survey, approximately 70 percent of teens […]
Posted inGarden
A Plantsman’s Garden
In a hidden place in Kingston, there lurks a plantsman’s 5-acre garden. Walk through this special place, and you almost believe you are on a tropical island. Your eyes follow the lines of a trunk up into the canopy of fronds from the windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei). Farther into the garden are tall towers of […]
Posted inAt Home
Be Prepared: 5 Steps to Build Your Emergency Fund
Many of life’s interruptions can’t be predicted. Not having funds set aside for unexpected problems can leave you racking up high credit card debt or putting yourself in other difficult financial straits. “When it comes to savings best practices, it is especially clear after the pandemic how valuable an emergency savings fund can become at […]
Posted inAt Home
Quick Tips for Detoxing Your Home
With so many people staying home because of COVID-19, this is the optimum time to “detoxify” your surroundings and “cleanse” your environment. Even small things you do — like swapping out plastic or eliminating certain products — can make your space healthier and more comfortable. Here are some quick tips on how to create a […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Brix 25° Offers Fine Dining with a View of Harbor and Marina
The exciting new location for Brix 25° sits right in the middle of walkable Harborview Drive, enjoys a beautiful view of the harbor and marina below, and features outside seating in fine weather. Arriving on the Gig Harbor restaurant scene in 2008 and opening Brix 25° in 2009 was “the worst possible time economically,” said […]
Posted inGarden
Cherish the Charming Chickadees
For years, people have debated the appropriateness of feeding wild birds. Some argue that birds rely on feeders instead of looking for natural food sources. Actually, few birds truly depend on backyard feeders. Many species use feeders with appropriate food choices for a quick snack to supplement their natural diet. Those who feed backyard birds […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Unsung Hero — Cary Bozeman
Cary Bozeman’s career of service goes back decades. The former mayor of Bremerton and Bellevue has contributed to numerous nonprofit organizations and community projects. Currently a commissioner with the Port of Bremerton, Bozeman is also a board member of Kitsap Humane Society and Leadership Kitsap. “I fundamentally believe our life is about the choices we […]
Posted inAt Home
Age Safely with Your Home: 3 Home Modifications That Are Essential to Make
Many people think that aging means eventually having to leave your home. That is a reality for many, but it can be delayed significantly by making a few changes to your home in order to make it safer. Certain areas of every home can pause problems and your top priority should be to reduce the […]