Orange is a real monster — not intentionally, but a color that can sneak up oh, so slowly and not be the pillow-pal one might have expected. “Confrontational” may be a more appropriate word. It is a love-or-hate color that balances on interpretation. Who doesn’t love pumpkin pie, but even tasty delights have limits. This […]
décor
Posted inGarden
Fuchsias for Every Garden
If you remember hardy fuchsias in grandma’s backyard, you know that they have been grown for a long time in our maritime climate. Originally native to South America and New Zealand, many fuchsias are in local display gardens, including one in front of the Poultry Barn at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds that is maintained by […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Living and Loving Art Fully
Entering the home of Darrol and Judy Gover, one is struck immediately with the sense that this is where creativity lives, energy thrives, and not a moment of time is to be lost. Darrol, at 82, has a dozen projects going at once. And when he isn’t working in his garden, carving and painting a […]
Posted inGarden
Llama Rose Farm and Gardens Reblooms as Empress Hill
The five-star wedding venue Llama Rose Farm and Gardens woke to the New Year with a new name. Like a monarch butterfly emerging transformed to spread its wings, the rustic-elegant venue unfolds a new identity — Empress Hill. The new name resonates with promise. And aren’t promises what weddings are all about? History On the […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
El Sombrero — A Taste of Mexico on the Key Peninsula
The Key Peninsula has seen its share of restaurant comings and goings over the past decade. But the Mexican restaurant El Sombrero, which opened in Key Center eight years ago, feels right at home amidst the rustic charm of the Peninsula — never mind its off-the-beaten-path location. “The Hat,” as some locals have nicknamed it, […]
Posted inAt Home
Creative Ways to Add Order to Your Home
Although there are hundreds of options for organizing your home, the pieces you make yourself are the ones that truly reflect your personality. Adding your own flair to standard organizing materials adds instant character and functionality to any room. Making the most of your space — including your walls — is the key to successful […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Art in Public Places — Indian Chief at Lisa Stirrett’s Gallery
“The Chief,” which stands outside of the Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio in Silverdale, greets Silverdale Way passers-by. Gallery owner and artist Lisa Stirrett designed the piece and hired Bainbridge Island metalworker Dick Strom of Bapatom’s Metalworks to weld it. At about 11 feet tall, the whimsical sculpture is made largely of repurposed metal — […]
Posted inAt Home
When You Should — and Should Not — Hire a Handyman
When you need a few things done around the house, a handyman, handywoman or handyperson sounds like a great idea. Small jobs, done fairly quickly, don’t really require a general contractor, you may think. Or do they? The handyman field is largely unregulated, meaning no license or bond is required. There are many great handymen […]
Posted inHome
Little Touches Lead to Big Changes in Gig Harbor Home with a View
“If you give a mouse a cookie…” started to say the homeowner of a Gig Harbor home remodel, quoting from the popular children’s book by Laura Numeroff. She was referring to her and her husband’s recent makeover of their home atop a hill overlooking the harbor. The remodel started with the intent of making over […]