Now, more than ever, outdoor living is in. While homeowners have increasingly invested time and money into their yards in recent years, 2020 saw interest in outdoor living spike to unprecedented levels, as homeowners everywhere adjusted to a new normal by reimagining how to use and enjoy their exterior spaces. As a result, the outdoor […]
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The West Sound Magazine blog is your destination for information and tips about living in West Sound — home, gardening, outdoor recreation, things to do and more.
Posted inAt Home
Delicious Recipe for Homemade Croutons
During the time in COVID isolation over the past year, bread baking has been a constant. But with all the types of bread being baked, there is also a need to find new uses for it. One day, I ran out of croutons to use in a salad, driving a need to make use of […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Recognize Ripe Fruits
Keeping fresh fruit around the house provides a healthier alternative when your sweet tooth comes calling. Understanding how and when to buy at the peak of ripeness (or just before, in some cases) can help you avoid food waste while keeping your doctor happy. Consider these simple tips for recognizing ripe fruits: Find more food […]
Posted inAt Home
Make Your Own Whoopie Pies
If you’re looking for an easy dessert, this Whoopie Pie recipe is the perfect way to cap off weeknight meals. Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net. Whoopie Pies Ingredients: Instructions: Heat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl, whisk spice cake mix, apple butter, oil and eggs. With ice […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Fight Climate Change from your Backyard
Your backyard or local park is home to ballgames and barbecues with family and friends. But did you know that it’s so much more? The trees, grass, plants and flowers in your yard, local parks and ballfields play an important role in fighting climate change. The planet is growing warmer because there is too much […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Top 10 Reasons to Garden
Mobile phones, tablets and apps have become the tools of modern lives. But it wasn’t that long ago that a shovel, a patch of soil and a bag of seeds were the only tools needed to provide sustenance and satisfaction. With the 2020 COVID pandemic, more and more people abandoned technology, at least for a […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Tips for Seed Starting Success
You created your wish list, ordered some or all of the seeds you will need, and they are beginning to arrive. Make the most of your investment with a bit of planning. Starting seeds at the proper time, indoors or directly in the garden, ensures a good start to the growing season. Check the back of […]
Posted inAt Home
Baked Bread to Celebrate St. Patty’s Day
From hearty stews to minty pies, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are all about enjoying the flavors of the holiday. Whether you’re cooking up a full meal or simply serving appetizers, this Irish Potato Bread makes for a simple, tasty snack to feed your crowd. Find more celebratory recipes at Culinary.net. Irish Potato Bread Ingredients: Instructions: […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Will ‘Backyarding’ Become a Permanent Trend?
Under pandemic conditions, yards and other managed landscapes became a safe haven for gathering socially, celebrating milestones and holidays, working, studying, playing, exercising and = relaxing. Called “backyarding,” this trend moves indoor activities — from working in an office or classroom to dining and recreation — to the great outdoors. And it’s growing. “Your own […]