Taking on a home renovation of any kind can be a stressful process, but it can also be extremely satisfying to watch your plans and ideas come to life. Whether your ultimate goal is to make your home safer for your family or to spruce up an area that could use an update, you’ll need […]
Featured
Featured Articles from the West Sound. These are the highlighted articles from WestSound Magazine.
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Figgy Pudding
“Oh bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it right here!” Those familiar with the ancient traditional Christmas song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” will recognize the second verse asking for figgy pudding. What is figgy pudding, and why is it included in a Christmas carol? In the 14th century, figgy pudding was a […]
Posted inAt Home
Ideas for Gifts with Multiple Functions and Styles
The holidays are quickly approaching and finding the perfect gift for those on your list can be challenging. With many people downsizing or striving for a minimalistic lifestyle, finding the perfect gift gets even more difficult. Gifting something that is unique, useful and provides multiple functions may be the solution. Consider gifts that help your […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
How to Winterize Your Landscaping Tools
Winter is just around the corner, and while most of us are busy preparing our homes and vehicles for the cold months ahead, it’s important not to forget about our trusty landscaping tools. These essential tools help us maintain our lawns throughout the year, and neglecting them during the winter can lead to costly repairs […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie
When Thanksgiving hosts and their guests ponder must-have desserts, one of the most common favorites is an oh-so-delicious pie. More specifically, with nearly endless possibilities and its familiar festive flavor, pecan pie is one of America’s most beloved holiday treats. When it comes to pecans, great taste is just the beginning. They’re the ultimate supernut […]
Posted inHome
Grandma’s Dishes
Availability, trend, need and definition will determine the future of “thrifting,” which is primarily looking for used items. Today, the activity is enormous in many directions, but tomorrow may be a different story. My expertise began in the ’70s, when I was teaching drawing and design at Olympic College, was an active journeyman plumber and […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Popovers with Cranberry Butter
Creating memorable moments and special meals with friends and family during the holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. While these festivities are often a favorite moment each year, the planning and preparation can be a bear for hosts. To help take some stress out of hosting duties, start with what you likely already have […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
The Immortal, Secret Life of Fruitcake
Late-night talk show hosts Johnny Carson and Jay Leno called it the worst Christmas gift ever. NASA thought it was good enough for astronauts. Emily Dickinson packed it with half a pint of brandy (and 19 eggs) and gifted it to her delighted neighbors. British royals have turned it into an elaborate, grandiose part of […]
Posted inAt Home
Sharing a Sense of Belonging at Our Holiday Tables
In the Pacific Northwest, November holds the place between the radiant golden hues of fall and the wet gray scale of winter. With it comes the official entry to the year-end holiday season and its annual themes of gratitude and generosity. Nostalgia arrives as well. As it’s nearly impossible to go about the present preparations […]