When building your budget, utility bills — especially the electric bill — are likely one of your largest monthly expenditures. One of the biggest culprits: home heating and cooling, which account for more than half of the average American household’s annual energy consumption, according to estimates from the Energy Information Administration. More than 80% of […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Double Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins
Few things go together quite like fresh spring air, warm sunshine and a menu made up of delicious brunch bites. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or simply gathering your loved ones around the family table for quality time together, a menu of morning favorites can appease appetites of all kinds. From sweet to savory and […]
Posted inGarden
The Abundant Gardens of Candy Gratton
Candy Gratton began gardening at the tender age of 5 when she and her parents lived with her grandparents for a time in California. Her grandfather’s garden had been featured in Sunset magazine. Wanting to instill a love of gardening in her too, he allocated a spot to her. “I’ve been gardening and growing my […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Wearable, Fashionable Art
Even as a young girl, Elizabeth Garver knew that she was an artist. She began to sew at an early age and created a variety of art throughout her school years in her hometown of Buffalo New York. Her love of fabrics, design, patterns and color led her to Buffalo State College, where she graduated […]
Posted inAround West Sound
How to Prevent Identity Fraud When Job Hunting
Surveillance by cybercriminals on job search portals is akin to an invisible predator lurking in the shadows, waiting for unsuspecting prey — job seekers. Such portals, given their rich databases of personal information, have become hotbeds for cybercriminal activity. “If you think data security is not a concern while job hunting, think again,” says Josh […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Grow Fruit in Containers
Have fun and enjoy picking fresh fruit right outside your door thanks to compact varieties you can grow in containers. Just clear some space on your patio, deck, balcony or front steps that receives at least six hours of sunlight and get busy planting. Consider starting with strawberries. They provide seasonal interest with their white […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Sweetpotato Breakfast Bake
Starting a journey toward better health and wellness can begin the same way you can (and should) start each day: with a nutritious breakfast. A morning meal loaded with nutrient-boosting flavor provides the foundation you need not only for the day at hand, but for a sustainable long-term eating plan as well. Consider this Sweetpotato […]
Posted inHome
Spring Cleaning
The spring cleaning season is always such a great time to refresh your home and everyday lifestyle. Are you already planning to deep-clean your carpets and rugs, clean all of your home’s windows and wipe down all counters and cabinets? These are all fantastic steps to take, but have you thought about taking the time […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Short and Winding Road to Victoria, British Columbia
As the Black Ball Ferry “Coho” enters Victoria Harbor following its 90-minute crossing of the Salish Sea from Port Angeles, the stately Fairmount Empress hotel — Victoria’s centerpiece — comes into view. The scene is a bit “Oz” in nature: The stunning building is so perfectly placed, it feels as if the bucolic harbor was […]