If you’ve recently closed on your first house, congratulations on becoming a homeowner. Before you can get comfy in your new place, you need to actually move in. If you’ve never moved into a new house, there are a few things you may … read more

In Japan, the word “bento” is associated with the word for convenience. The bento box is a convenient way to carry a home-packed lunch — or any meal, but especially a single meal eaten during work or school day. The earliest take-along meals … read more

Everyone who lives in Washington knows the official nickname “The Evergreen State” comes from an abundance of evergreen fir, spruce, cedar and pine trees that grow within its borders. Another nickname, “The Green Tree State,” also comes from a plenitude of shrubs and … read more

Bloedel Reserve, a botanical garden on Bainbridge Island, has been open to the public since 1988. Over its approximately 140 acres are several varied garden types, including a moss garden and a nationally recognized Japanese garden. One featured area visitors encounter soon after … read more

‘Tis the (shopping) season! And if you have a gardener on your shopping list for the holidays, you will have an easy time finding all sorts of wonderful presents. When the celebratory season is over and the chilly, damp reality of winter in … read more

These two gardens illustrate the variety and creativity of two contrasting Bainbridge Island lifestyles. A visit to the first garden feels like a walk in the forest while a visit to the second one is like a walk on the beach. A Northwest … read more

A former professional baseball player, Derrin Doty got involved with Kitsap youth sports after his family moved to Poulsbo in 1999. He had recently served as head coach for Olympic College baseball and in 2001, was asked to help coach a North Kitsap … read more

One of the best parts of the holidays is the aromas and flavors of the season, from walnuts and cinnamon to peppermint and nutmeg. Sweet treats and mouthwatering desserts can bring family and friends around the table to celebrate the season together, one … read more

Bringing together friends in your home and sharing a meal is one of life’s great pleasures. Consider a potluck. It will be a wonderful dinner with everyone contributing. 1. Choose a theme — (Fall harvest, Mexican fare, etc.) so everything will fit together. … read more