From task lighting for food preparation, crafting and cleaning, to mood lighting for relaxation and entertaining, lighting both natural and artificial plays a pivotal role in how you use and enjoy a space. Equally important are lighting controls that allow you to change the purpose and functionality of lights to suit the time of day […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inGarden
A Little, Brown Bird with a Big, Unique Voice
Binoculars and field guides are useful tools for visually identifying birds. Birding-by-ear skills are just as important, as birds are often heard before being seen. Thankfully, modern technology makes this easy with apps that feature multiple bird sounds, such as songs, contact calls and alarm calls. Apps should not be used in the field to […]
Posted inPeople & Places
2024 KBA Annual Awards
The annual Kitsap Building Association’s (KBA) awards celebrate the achievements of members who have gone above and beyond in their craft, their community and their contributions to the industry. The KBA was privileged to have so many talented and passionate individuals and companies nominated. The winners in seven categories were as follows:
Posted inAt Home
Minimalist vs. Maximalist: Finding Your Perfect Interior Style
The way a room is designed can instantly inspire calm or feel overwhelming. This often comes down to two contrasting styles: minimalism, which focuses on simplicity; and maximalism, which embraces bold expression. Each offers unique benefits and challenges, making the choice deeply personal. As we spend more time at home, our surroundings play a more […]
Posted inAt Home
Avocado, Brussels Sprouts, Kale and Date Salad
It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu — morning, noon and night — can go a long way toward healthier eating habits. While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you can use to add good fats and great taste to recipes throughout […]
Posted inGarden
An Introduction: Dahlias 101
Many gardeners consider the dahlia to be the iconic flower for the late summer and fall garden. Hardy to USDA Zones 8 and above, dahlias do best in well-drained soil and excel in sunny locations. With over 36 species and more than 57,000 cultivars, this genus has an incredible range of flower size and shape. […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Mason County Historical Museum
On this day, husband Earl and I were headed to the Mason County Historical Museum in Shelton. Earl grew up in the Tahuya, North Mason area, where kids were always finding old arrowheads and carving implements on the beaches. He had four of the indigenous arrowheads that had been stored away for some 60 years, […]
Posted inAt Home
Loaded Hamburger Potato Casserole
It’s tough to beat an easy dinner that’s equal parts comforting, convenient and delicious. This Loaded Hamburger Potato Casserole is no exception — just brown ground beef then mix in a casserole dish with potatoes, bacon, cheese and more before baking for an hour. Find more casserole recipes and beyond at Culinary.net. Loaded Hamburger Potato […]
Posted inAround West Sound
Parades Are a Living Expression of Community
There’s something magical about a parade — standing on the sidewalk in anticipation, flanked by fellow parade-goers in a tangle of low-rise lawn chairs, the scene mirrored across the street. In the distance, you hear the rhythmic tapping of drumlines warming up and short bursts of scales from trumpets and trombones. Crowd chatter builds, carried […]