Carolyn Thompson, the owner of Willow & Mabel Garden Co., put together a small function that was both a social gathering and an event on hosting called Cake & Tablescapes. “It was a small, intimate event,” she says. Thompson advertised it to her email subscribers, who rapidly signed up within 24 hours. She barely had […]
business
Posted inPeople & Places
2024 Business Awards Gala
In a beautiful combination of businesses and community, the 2024 Business Awards Gala was held at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino ballroom in November and honored dozens of Kitsap businesses for their work in and around our region. With nearly 300 attendees, the Greater Kitsap Chamber was thrilled to spend an evening “tipping our hats” to […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Simple Tips for Organizing Your Home Office
When temperatures creep up again, it signals time for an annual tradition: spring cleaning. While big projects like windows are hard to overlook, don’t forget smaller areas that need attention, too, such as your home office. Making sense of a year’s worth of paperwork and clutter can take some serious time, especially as many people […]
Posted inPeople & Places
KBA Installation Brunch
The Kitsap Building Association’s (KBA) Annual Installation celebrated the achievements of the past year and welcomed the incoming leadership for 2025. The event took place at Gold Mountain Country Club and featured a special brunch gathering. During the ceremony, members and guests honored outgoing board members, installed the 2025 Board of Directors and celebrated the […]
Posted inHome
Habitat for Humanity Store
I recently bought these colorful storage baskets at Belfair’s Habitat for Humanity for $8. Not the best deal, but it’s not easy to find the utilitarian gems. And, of course, it also contributed to a cause. Years back, the Habitat for Humanity stores seemed to focus only or primarily on utilitarian building supplies — doors, […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Grand Opening YMCA at Marina Square
The YMCA celebrated the grand opening of its new 2,067-square-foot, adult-only fitness facility at Marina Square Suites on the Bremerton waterfront this past October. In partnership with Sound West Group (SWG), the state-of-the-art center offers advanced fitness equipment and seasonal outdoor classes. Located near the ferry and Quincy Jones Square, the facility boasts stunning waterfront […]
Posted inHome
Design Trends in 2025
Every year, we gather our panel of industry experts to discuss some of the latest and hottest design trends. In 2025, expect to see natural-looking finishes, natural materials like wood, and more recycled and upcycled choices for the environmentally conscious. Comfort is the key for families. A “must-have” is gathering areas, where you can meet […]
Posted inPeople & Places
KEDA 2024 Fall Forum
The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) hosted its 2024 Fall Forum, a celebration focused on small business growth and resources. The event featured keynote speaker Leo Flor, chief legacy officer for Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026, who discussed the economic benefits of the tournament for the region. The forum included expert presentations on essential topics, […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Kim Tomlinson of Burrata Bistro and Paella Bar
Burrata Bistro and Paella Bar, a downtown Poulsbo icon, has been a North Kitsap foodie destination for almost two decades. The warm and inviting interior is now accompanied by a covered and heated, four-season outdoor area behind the building. Owners Kim Tomlinson and Alfonso Valvez offer their take on earthy, house-made Italian fare and memorable […]