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The WestSound Magazine blog is your destination for information and tips about living in West Sound — home, gardening, outdoor recreation, things to do and more.

BLOG POST

Can The Grease

‘Can the Grease’ to Avoid Plumbing Clogs and Backups

The Sewer Utility Division of Kitsap County Public Works is offering free kits to residential customers to encourage proper disposal of fats, oils and grease, commonly referred to as “FOG” in the wastewater industry. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 65 … read more

BLOG POST

Remodeling To Rent

Remodeling with Renting in Mind

Vacation rentals, longer-term rentals, Airbnb.com — all are ways to make some income from your home or second home. You may be looking to rent out an entire home for a long term, a separate space in your home or just a small … read more

BLOG POST

Squash
In the Market Now

Winter Squash

Blue Hubbard (shaped like a football), pleated dark-green acorn, delicate delicata and buttery-skinned butternut are just a few of the many varieties of beautiful winter squash available this autumn. Grocery stores and farmers markets are brimming with these thick-skinned and delicious, nutritious, meaty … read more

BLOG POST

Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Katsura tree

Glorious Fall Foliage

Every season has its golden child. Its pride and joy, the thing we celebrate above all else. Spring has her cheerful bulbs poking their heads out of the ground after a long sleep, and bright, succulent greens. Summer has the warm breezes, serious … read more

BLOG POST

Pictured is Teddy Namuyigawomen, a Bead for Life artisan in Uganda. The Bead for Life beading program provides smart and savvy women living in poverty with an entrepreneurial training that gives them skills and confidence to transform their lives through the creation of a self-sustaining business. Unlike a typical fair trade model, these women graduate from the program as independent business owners.

Why You Should Buy Fair Trade Products

Fair Trade is an alternative way of doing business — one that builds equitable, long-term partnerships between consumers in North America and producers in developing regions. When purchasing a Fair Trade item, you can buy with confidence knowing it means the goods were … read more

BLOG POST

Hydrangea Wreath

How to Make Your Own Hydrangea Wreath

Hydrangeas are among the most popular shrubs in West Sound, and they make beautiful wreaths. Floral wreaths can cost as much as $50, but if you have your own hydrangeas, you can make a wreath for less than $6. Early fall is the … read more

BLOG POST

Baked Apple Cake
In the Market Now

Apples

“As American as apple pie,” the saying goes. “An apple a day keep’s the doctor away” — maybe because an apple is full of fiber and vitamins and minerals? And then, stories abound about a guy name Johnny Appleseed who went across the … read more

BLOG POST

At the end of the summer garden season, you can use the space for cover crops or a winter vegetable.

Time for Fall Garden Cleanup

Some gardeners ignore or forget a very important part of the garden year. But you should think of it as getting ready to plant again. With the decrease in daylight, our plants are slowing down and it is a good time to remove … read more

BLOG POST

Tips on How to Successfully Read to Your Child

Five Tips on How to Successfully Read to Your Child

Reading has the enduring power to shape and develop minds, both in the home and classroom. The urgency to make the teaching of reading as effective and enjoying as possible should always be reinforced at home. The goal must be to show every … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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