The recent economic downturn has caused many Americans to worry about their money, but there is at least one potential bright spot: lower interest rates. For homeowners, this means that it may be time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing can give you an opportunity to lower your monthly mortgage payments and save money by […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inAt Home
5 Ways to Create a Family-Friendly and Fun ‘Staycation’
With summer vacations looking a little different this year, infusing new energy into playtime — and making it a family affair — can turn time at home into a fun “staycation.” Both kids and adults can quickly grow tired of the same scenery and activities, but new ways to engage together can help bring back […]
Posted inGarden
The Garden of Lynn and Jim McIntyre
“Why would you want to buy that piece of swampland?” asked the strawberry farmer when Jim and Lynn McIntyre showed interest in a plot of land he had tried to cultivate. The land was full of rocks and wet clay, and a big section consisted of a 3-inch-deep peat-like layer. Full of scotch broom, with […]
Posted inAt Home
Update Classic Summer Recipes with Asian-Inspired Flair
A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring far-away flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals. Explore a new way to enjoy steak this summer with a recipe for zesty, marinated beef paired […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Charming Waterfront Community of Port Ludlow
When my wife, Kerri, and I want to take a nice drive, we often head west across the Hood Canal Bridge and take a right — and within 20 minutes, we arrive in the community of Port Ludlow. It takes us about 45 minutes from our home in Bremerton. Port Ludlow is a master-planned, unincorporated […]
Posted inAt Home
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Arthritis Relief
Many individuals who have arthritis “treat” their pain by simply avoiding activity — usually because they think movement and exercise would be uncomfortable. But the opposite may be true. Movement and exercise may help relieve symptoms, according to physical therapist Jackie Gfeller with Kitsap Physical Therapy and Sports Clinics. “Movement is definitely medicine for those […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Victory Garden
“When the pandemic hit, I decided to plant a vegetable garden.” I’ve heard this from consultation clients and Plantrama listeners for the past three months, and my response is always the same. “Congratulations! You made a terrific choice.” I recognize that the stress of the COVID-19 crisis can easily prompt people to eat sweets or […]
Posted inHome
Makeover with Texture
Interior design is an ever-changing industry of color and pattern. It can be difficult to make decisions regarding your home’s “new look,” particularly if you find yourself quickly getting tired of revolving design trends. Texture — what may be considered the most interesting element of design — adds variety and depth to each space in […]
Posted inAt Home
Things to Do This Summer: Make a (Virtual) ‘Visit’ to the Smithsonian
If you are looking for new things to this summer do while staying home or social distancing, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has you covered. The museum has lots of free content available for both adults and kids, including digital learning tools for students of all ages and online versions of many […]