Editor’s note: This excerpt was adapted from “Simple Decorating: 50 Ways to Inspire Your Home” by Melissa Michaels. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon. Used by permission. A home should be more than just something pretty to look at. Our homes should … read more

Once grown exclusively as a hobby of the wealthy, orchids are now available to every interested gardener. Perhaps you received one as a gift and wonder what to do after the bloom fades, or perhaps you’ve seen them for sale and want to … read more

Kitsap County Public Works has presented the annual Earth Day awards since the early 1990s. The awards are presented to individuals, organizations, schools and businesses for their distinguishing environmental programs or projects. In the past, the recognition ceremony took place at the Board … read more

Why downsize? Just look around your home or any other. Americans love stuff, and we consume more than people in any other country. We live in larger homes than any other country. We like having our things — they bring us comfort and … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Buick Encore Sport Touring Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 153 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27-mpg city/33-mpg highway/30-mpg combined Base Price: $25,565 As Tested: $29,720 Performance: Pretty peppy for such small displacement Good fuel economy—our … read more

“Sawadee ka.” That’s hello in Thai. Sawadee ka — said with hands in prayer position (known as wai) and a tiny bow with your head. Hello from Thailand — a land of beauty and mystery. A place where royalty and religion are entwined … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, 220 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 24-mpg city/34-mpg highway/28-mpg combined Base Price: $29,895 As Tested: $30,715 Performance: Outstanding driving fun with 6-speed manual Impressive torque Very … read more

The first time we saw our property, we were not smitten. Most of the land sloped significantly and faced north. The house did not make us jump with excitement either, at first. As our choices were pretty limited, we took a second look, … read more

The sight of moss on a roof is as common in the Puget Sound region as the sight of a Starbucks coffee shop. It’s the inevitability of the wet weather and shady environment — sooner or later, you’ll likely spot those telltale green … read more