Spring is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. Each spring, I especially look forward to cutting fresh flowers from my yard to arrange in a vase on my kitchen windowsill or dining room table. In some ways, the finished display is like a … read more

While it is the responsibility of the U.S. of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure food safety, the agency’s broad guidelines can fall short of the minute details many consumers desire. Also, due to the size and workload of the USDA, reports on the safety … read more

Editor’s note: This excerpt is adapted from the newly released book, “Hanging Kokedama: Creating Potless Plants for the Home” by Coraleigh Parker. A variant of bonsai, kokedama is the Japanese art of creating potless plants using a unique soil mixture, moss and string. … read more

Rob Milroy started volunteering in the local community after moving to Gig Harbor about six years ago. A Peninsula High School assistant soccer coach, he’s especially passionate about education — which is why, perhaps, he delivers snacks for after-school programs as part of … read more

What is the big fuss about buying organic produce and organically grown meats, as opposed to those products that are conventionally grown? Budget-conscious buyers will usually opt for the lesser-priced option, which typically, but not always, is conventionally grown. Next to price, the … read more

Inspiration is the process of being emotionally stimulated to experience something that influences and encourages: an impulse, a motivator; the vital stroke of energy and movement that lifts us up and moves us forward. Turning inspiration into colorful expression almost instantaneously, social media … read more

Editor’s note: College search should be in high gear if your child is a senior. Since this can be quite overwhelming, WestSound Magazine asked Bhavin Parikh, CEO and founder of test-prep company Magoosh, five questions to help parents and students navigate this process. … read more

There are as many different kinds of curries as there are cooks who prepare them. Once the basic sauce is prepared, nearly any combination of vegetables can be combined, meat added if desired, and a nutritious and delicious meal can be on the … read more

Editor’s note: This excerpt was adapted from “The Colorful Dry Garden,” used by permission of Sasquatch Books. The word ephemeral defines anything that lives for just a short time. It’s often used to define annual flowering plants, which grow from seed, mature, flower … read more