Wendy and Carl Tonge were locked down, isolated and staring into an evergreen forest in March 2020 on their tiny side porch. They sat in two reed chairs under a sign from Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Bar that says Trader Sam’s, reminiscing about another … read more

In a world that often seems to favor extroverts, introverts can sometimes struggle to find their own path to self-care. However, it’s crucial to remember that self-care isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s about discovering what energizes and restores you personally. For introverts, this … read more

Stepping into the garden surrounding the happy yellow house on a quiet cul-de-sac, you are entering a wonderland of vignettes — a secret garden full of treasures at every turn. Blousy, full, flowering plants; miniature glass houses; displays of birdhouses; and even a … read more

I’ve caressed and tangled with just about every thrift item there is, but this one threw me off. Don’t know why I picked it up, this ridiculous, tiny, vintage sugar bowl that read “50th” on one side. An attached underlabel read, “Kelvin’s REG.PAT … read more

Tiffany Gilmore and her son, Gracin, a 19-year-old, lived in northern and then southern California before returning to the Northwest. She trained in production design in the storytelling industry of films and worked on student projects. Her specific job was “dressing the stage.” … read more

When there’s a nest of flamingos at the head of the drive, you know there’s creativity down the road. At the Hood Canal home of Doug and Lynn Marshall, a flock of lawn flamingos, complete with chicks and bright plastic Easter eggs, introduces … read more

Crazy Hill Garden & Botanicals in Belfair lives up to its name. The nursery, which opened in March 2021, provides a laid-back, fun, artistic and casual atmosphere for its customers. “The big-box shops buy safe, and we buy fun,” says Crazy Hill Garden … read more

Are you dreaming about beautifying the backyard? Is your garden in need of some color and dimension? If you have the tools, a free weekend and the initiative, you can add charm and beauty to your outdoor space by building a garden trellis. … read more

Joanne Peterson and her bernedoodle, Winne, stand in the welcoming front door of her Nantucket-style cottage: a simple, snug home with a shingled exterior built to withstand weather coming in off the inlet. Memories of quintessential waterside cottages flood in when stepping into … read more