Want to get the most out of late summer’s fresh fruits and vegetables? Look to your blender and spice rack to puree seasonal produce into refreshing sips, chilled soups and savory sauces. “We’re in peak farmers market season with an abundance of juicy, red tomatoes and leafy greens,” says Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick […]
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Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Hyundai Sonata
Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower 178 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $23,175 As Tested: $27,560 Performance: Pleasant highway ride Nice, comfy commuter car Adequate engine gets the job done Efficient automatic transmission Reasonable fuel economy—we averaged 27 mpg Blind spot monitoring […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Mazda CX-9
Model Tested: 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 3.7-liter V-6 gas, 273 horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—22/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $36.625 As Tested: $39,800 Performance: Very pleasant highway cruiser Good (not great) acceleration Smooth 6-speed automatic transmission Dual exhausts Blind spot warning in side mirrors Moderate fuel economy, […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Acura RDX
Model Tested: 2016 Acura RDX AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 279 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—28/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $43,420 As Tested: $44,340 Performance: Strong, smooth engine with expected Acura precision 6-speed transmission has paddle shifters Sequential Sport Shift Nicely balanced electronic power steering Fair fuel economy, we averaged […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Honda Fit
Model Tested: 2015 Honda Fit 5DR EX-L Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas, 130 horsepower 114 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 32/City—38/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $20,800 As Tested: $21,590 Performance: Peppy performance for small engine CVT transmission worked fine Paddle shifters Eco and Regular engine mapping modes Border of speedometer glows green or blue […]
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Creative Tablescape Competition Winners 2015
This year, WestSound Magazine magazine received an abundance of creative tablescapes. The choices were all wonderful — but our tablescape judges, Linna Lawrence and Tami Blacknall, made the difficult decisions! Thank you to all who took the time to submit their tablescapes. And thank you to our judges for their time and expertise. Congratulations to […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
How to Sweeten Summer Celebrations with S’mores
Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a block party or movie night, you can sweeten summer fun and celebrations with an iconic treat. August 10, National S’mores Day, is a great reminder to make the most of summer. This year, consider going beyond the classic S’mores recipe that family and friends have been enjoying for decades. […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 Subaru BRZ
Model Tested: 2015 Subaru BRZ Series Blue Engine: 2.0-liter flat four gas, 200 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $27,695 As Tested: $30,285 Performance: Peppy Subaru flat four engine Good 6-speed manual makes best use of power Nimble handling Assertive exhaust system Handles like an air-conditioned go-kart […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2015 LEXUS IS 350
Model Tested: 2015 Lexus IS350 AWD Sedan F Sport Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 306 horsepower 277 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, full-time all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19City—26/Highway—21/Combined Base Price: $42,300 As Tested: $50,375 Performance: Strong, smooth V-6 Excellent transmission with paddle shifters Multiple modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow Snow mode makes IS350 a true […]