At the end of March, birds hunt for suitable nesting sites to raise their brood. It is the time of year to clean out the birdhouses and make them livable, or erect new ones for the next bird couple. Until humans decided to … read more

One of the first sights you will see as you arrive at Valley Nursery in Poulsbo is a statue that a local wood carver made in the late 1980s. This mascot was named as the result of a contest and has been known … read more

Do you have kitchen island envy? You are not alone! The majority of homeowners who have recently or are currently contemplating a kitchen project have or would like to incorporate an island in their project. What makes a kitchen island alluring? There are … read more

When hosting a game-day party, you’d think the focus would be on the score or the award-winning commercials, but it’s actually a great reason to indulge in flavor-filled bites. When the big day rolls around, let your guests obsess over the game while … read more

The arrival of an AARP invitation in the mail can be a trigger that sends a person off like the proverbial dog looking for its forever home. It may come as a shock —”What?! I’m nowhere near old enough for retirement!” — but … read more

Bapatoms is all about home, family, creativity, plasma cutters and a MIG welder. Of course, it is also about metal, lots of metal! The name came from a creative grandchild who couldn’t quite say “Grampa Strom” and substituted “Bapatoms.” With extraordinary energy and … read more

Being close to nature has many benefits but many of us cannot reap its benefits in cities due to lack of trees and plants and excessive buildings. Several studies around the world have shown the positive effects of greenery on our well-being. Did … read more

Dave Tripp, owner of NW Millwork and Door Co., said his friends like to call him “doctor.” While playful, the nickname hints to the secret behind Tripp’s success of over 20 years in the construction industry. He grew up on Bainbridge Island and … read more

From not being able to afford flowers when she moved to the United States to having a business designing gardens large and small, Patricia Ruff has traveled far. Her love of flowers and her need to create helped her begin digging in the … read more