The next time your loved ones crave a comforting dish that’s warming from the inside-out, turn to an all-time classic with a touch of southern flair. Take inspiration for this Tex-Mex Beef Lasagna from season 3 of “BBQuest: Beyond the Pit,” a video series that dives into the long-held traditions, new flavors and everyday inspiration […]
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Posted inGardeners Corner
10 New Plants to Create a Multi-Season Hummingbird Haven
Is there anything more entertaining than watching the aerobatic antics of hummingbirds? Whether they’re visiting for a sip of sugar water at the feeder, zooming through the garden (where you’ll often hear their whirring wings before you see them) or engaging in an aggressive chase with a rival, hummingbirds provide hours of enjoyment. (Who needs […]
Posted inAt Home
Helping Teens Develop Financial Literacy
Developing financial knowledge and effective money management habits are important steppingstones for teenagers to become financially stable adults who aspire to build assets and achieve personal goals. For example, most teens (88%) would like to own a home someday, according to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Junior Achievement USA and Fannie […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Create the Perfect Outdoor Living and Work Room
The pandemic thrust us into a new reality, and the backyard has a starring role. Yards and other managed landscapes became a safe haven. Backyarding became a way of life as lawns, gardens, patios and decks evolved into outdoor offices, classrooms, family gathering places and the new “hot spots” in our neighborhoods. According to a […]
Posted inAt Home
A Sweet Evening-Ender
Nearly anytime can be a good time for a decadent dessert. This Creamy Raspberry Mocha Parfait, which combines the flavors of instant coffee, chocolate and raspberries, can be a perfect nightcap to almost any meal. Find more dessert recipes at Culinary.net. Creamy Raspberry Mocha Parfait Servings: 4 Ingredients: Instructions: In small bowl, mix hot water […]
Posted inAt Home
What to Do if Your Mortgage Application is Denied
If you dream of homeownership, having your mortgage application denied can be devastating. If this does happen to you, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. In 2020, 13 percent of all purchase mortgage applications — a total of nearly 650,000 — were denied, according to federal government data. Before quickly reapplying for a […]
Posted inPeople & Places
An Architect’s Perspective on Bidding and Ensuring the Lowest Possible Construction Costs
During the design process, I am often asked how to ensure the lowest construction cost of a project. Whether the owner has set a maximum construction cost budget or not, it’s necessary during the preliminary design stages of the project to develop a construction cost estimate. We provide construction cost estimates based on local average […]
Posted inAt Home
Stay Sane While Moving: How to Find a Kid-Friendly Rental
Moving with kids can be stressful for all parties involved. While you’re coping with your own stress, trying to find a rental for the whole family, your kids may be worried about leaving their home or attending a new school. Before moving, you must ensure you find a kid-friendly neighborhood and a home with the […]
Posted inHome
Two Became One
For Stan and Jane Rein, the joining of their lives five years ago led to a second momentous union: that of the duplex Jane had called home for the previous seven years. The two-unit building at Bainbridge Island’s Yeomalt Point sat at the top of a ridge with a commanding view of Puget Sound, running […]