Model Tested: 2015 Honda Civic EX-L Sedan  Engine: 1.8-liter I-4, 143 horsepower 129 lb-ft torque  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 30/City—39/Highway—33/Combined Base Price: $24,340 As Tested: $25,130  Performance: Smooth 4-cylinder engine with good mix of power and economy Very nice … read more

Winter is not your typical time to go to the beach. One, it’s cold. Two, it’s probably raining. Lastly, the tide is too high — that is, unless you plan your beach venture in the dark of the night. That’s right, around here … read more

There is a lot of evidence out there to remind people to stay active, moving and socializing. Physical fitness immediately comes to mind when thinking of staying active, but staying mentally active is equally as important, if not more so, for long-term health … read more

During these sometimes gray winter months, we can still find plant pleasures indoors. Houseplants are the plants that keep on giving enjoyment all year long, whether it be with foliage or with cheerful and entrancing flowers. Here are a few easy-care, no-fail plants … read more

Color is fun. Color is confusing. Color is important. Color is overwhelming. Depending upon how you responded to the above statements, you may want to seek some help. If so, you may want to talk to Connie LaMont. LaMont is one half of … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo S60 T6 Drive-E Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 supercharged, 302 horsepower 295 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $39,000 As Tested: $46,525 Performance: Impressive power from a small displacement engine Lots of torque; good acceleration … read more

When Rudell and Jay Hegnes moved into their Gig Harbor home in 2004, they faced a steep bank across their backyard and soggy clay soil that wouldn’t drain. Most homeowners would have considered the hill an obstacle in their landscaping plans. “We knew … read more

Let me clue you in on a baking dish that will make life easy and fun. Some will remember the delightful dishes and cookware that accompanied many a family meal. A lot of those items were Pyrex, a U.S. product that reached the … read more

Organic Vegetable Gardening Class: Gardens You Can Eat A hands-on class taught by Master Gardeners to help you create your own organic backyard vegetable garden. This course is open to any community member who wishes to learn about growing food crops organically and … read more