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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.

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Energy-efficient and long-lasting, high-intensity grow lights will provide the greatest yields when growing tomatoes and other fruiting plants indoors. (Photo courtesy Gardener's Supply Company)

Homegrown Flavor from an Indoor Garden

Add some homegrown flavor to your winter meals. From microgreens to tomatoes, it is possible to grow produce indoors. Microgreens are a quick and easy way to add some flavor and crunch to your plate. Just plant seeds labeled for sprouting or microgreens in a … read more

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Orca Pod

Orca Births are Good News for Puget Sound but are At Risk

Most can agree that seeing an orca glide through the water is a pretty rare and incredible sight. If you have lived in the Puget Sound for a while, perhaps you’ve been lucky enough to see an orca or two in the wild. … read more

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Room Remodel

Do You Need a Building Permit? You Might be Surprised!

Recently, a very nice woman came into my office to discuss a basement remodel. She told me that she was just doing a very simple remodel, but soon it involved creating a room, running a heat duct to it, including a new light … read more

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Mt. Rainier over Puget Sound (Photo by Ed Johnson)

The Impact on Our Weathers from the Mysterious Chehalis Gap and the Coriolis Effect

Our fall, winter, and springtime weathers here on the South Sound and the West Sound pretty much come from the same place. The Chehalis gap! And no, you can’t buy jeans there. This gap is the space between the southernmost of the Olympic … read more

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Swap Salt for Herbs and Spices in 2016

Making a New Year’s resolution? Don’t forget salt. Most Americans consume about a 1,000 milligrams of sodium over the amount recommended by nutrition and health experts. New research shows cooking with spices and herbs could help you ditch the saltshaker and meet sodium … read more

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Tree Recycling

Green Living: Don’t Trash Your Tree!

During the weeks after Thanksgiving, I saw numerous trees on top of cars and in pickup trucks — heading home for their two to four weeks of glory, decorated as the family or office Christmas tree. The sadder side of this story is … read more

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2016

Sparkling Celebrations: Get Crafty for 2016

Bring in the New Year with a little extra glam. These sequined 2016 numbers make a great centerpiece, mantel decoration or addition to your party decorations. Supplies: Papier-mâché 2016 numbers Silver spray paint Sequins in a variety of sizes and shapes Krazy Glue … read more

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& VIDEO

Cooking Oil Recycling

Green Living: Recycle Your Cooking Oil

Fats, oils and grease from kitchens can impact sewer systems in a big way. When poured down a drain inside the house, these items can quickly damage or clog sewage pipes. Whether your house is on a septic system or connected to a … read more

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Stöllen loaves fresh out of the oven

A Traditional Christmas Bread Beyond Compare

Baking a traditional Christmas bread every year keeps us connected to our family traditions, dear friends and loving memories. My family had established Christmas traditions, such as making Grandma’s old-fashioned fruitcake on Thanksgiving Friday, eating oyster stew on Christmas Eve, and gobbling cookies … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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