Office al fresco or simply a COVID-safe space to relax and commune with family and friends — many Americans are devoting time and financial resources to creating an outdoor living experience in their own backyards. Driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic and … read more

If you’ve recently closed on your first house, congratulations on becoming a homeowner. Before you can get comfy in your new place, you need to actually move in. If you’ve never moved into a new house, there are a few things you may … read more

In Japan, the word “bento” is associated with the word for convenience. The bento box is a convenient way to carry a home-packed lunch — or any meal, but especially a single meal eaten during work or school day. The earliest take-along meals … read more

‘Tis the (shopping) season! And if you have a gardener on your shopping list for the holidays, you will have an easy time finding all sorts of wonderful presents. When the celebratory season is over and the chilly, damp reality of winter in … read more

These two gardens illustrate the variety and creativity of two contrasting Bainbridge Island lifestyles. A visit to the first garden feels like a walk in the forest while a visit to the second one is like a walk on the beach. A Northwest … read more

One of the best parts of the holidays is the aromas and flavors of the season, from walnuts and cinnamon to peppermint and nutmeg. Sweet treats and mouthwatering desserts can bring family and friends around the table to celebrate the season together, one … read more

Bringing together friends in your home and sharing a meal is one of life’s great pleasures. Consider a potluck. It will be a wonderful dinner with everyone contributing. 1. Choose a theme — (Fall harvest, Mexican fare, etc.) so everything will fit together. … read more

What’s in those delicious holiday cookies? How come it’s hard to breathe while decking the halls? Is that adorable puppy in the big red bow causing you to have a big red nose? “The holiday season is full of fun festivities and beloved … read more

Many people commonly refer to the kitchen as the heart of the home. If that’s the case, then the dining room is the soul. It’s a space where families make memories, laughter bounces off the walls and you share home-cooked meals with loved … read more