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 real vintage bed in the garden elicit oohs and ahhhhs. Debbie’s (last […]
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Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Pecan Energy Bars
Back-to-school season means many families are busier than ever, leaving less time to plan weeknight meals. While a new school year brings plenty of exciting moments, it also adds up to early mornings, long days and late evenings, making it tough to keep nutrition top-of-mind. With new routines and jam-packed calendars, quick and easy recipes […]
Posted inPeople & Places
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
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 OFF EXCLUSIVES JAPAN,” and the bowl bottom read, “KEVIN’S FINE CHINA HAND […]
Posted inAt Home
10 Tips to Help Renters Negotiate a Lease Successfully
Editor’s note: This is part 2 of a two-part series. Read part 1 to learn what questions you should ask before signing a lease. You’ve read your lease (right?) and most of it looks acceptable — but there are a few things you’d like to add or change before signing. Maybe a parking space isn’t […]
Posted inAt Home
Power Back-to-School Weeknight Family Meals with Pecans
To help make simple yet tasty additions to your regular menu, look to a flavor favorite and nutrition powerhouse like pecans. They’re the ideal nut to keep on hand to incorporate into favorite meals and after-school snacks. Taste is just the beginning when it comes to pecans. Their nutritious punch provides a unique mix of […]
Posted inAt Home
Is a Manufactured Accessory Dwelling Unit the Right Option for You?
Countless Washington State families are seeking affordable alternatives of having a second home to house an aging parent and other family members on their existing property. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are a cost-effective housing alternative for existing homeowners to place an additional housing unit on their property. The Washington State Legislature recently made changes pertaining […]
Posted inAt Home
13 Questions to Ask Before You Commit to an Apartment Lease
Editor’s note: This is part 1 of a two-part series. Read part 2 to learn how to negotiate your lease. Congratulations! After a long search, you’ve finally found an apartment you like at a price you can afford. Your application has been accepted, and now all that’s left before you get your new key is […]
Posted inAt Home
Building Industry Association Honors Top Remodeler in Kitsap County
Each year, the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) recognizes the state’s most outstanding remodeling projects at its Excellence in Remodeling Awards, showcasing quality craftsmanship in a variety of categories and price ranges. The BJC Group of Port Orchard won the award for Entire House $400,001 – $600,000. The project is a complete remodel for a […]
Posted inGarden
Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden
Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees! Sadly, there has been a decline in the health of our pollinators, and it’s important for gardeners to create a pollinator-friendly garden. You will need to provide blooming plants, which is their food source; shelter in the form of large-leaved shrubs, trees and tall grasses; and water to encourage their survival. […]