Some of the most treasured memories are made on the dock, deck or terrace. Sometimes the subtle details are among a home’s most important — especially when it comes to outdoor living. A Kitchen for the Love of Grilling The homeowners love grilling — less fat, less cleanup. This outdoor kitchen was in the plans […]
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Posted inAt Home
What You Need to Know About Insurance when Moving and Buying a Home
Much of the country is still in the middle of a red-hot real estate market. Home values have been rising due to high demand and first-time homebuyers should be aware of how the value of their home impacts the way their insurance premiums are calculated. Location and structure type are two examples of considerations that […]
Posted inGarden
Aromatherapy Garden Borders
Borders usually run along a pathway, a wall, a hedge or a lawn edge. My favorite plants for borders are very fragrant, including evening-scented varieties. I love strolling pathways in the moonlight and smelling the gorgeous mood-settling aromas from wall flowers, stock, tobacco plants, primroses, lilacs, jasmine, roses, alliums, dianthus and datura. Lavender is always […]
Posted inAt Home
Moved and bought a home? Here’s what you should know
Much of the country is still in the middle of a red-hot real estate market. Home values are rising due to high demand and first-time homebuyers should be aware of how the value of their home impacts the way their premiums are calculated. Location and structure type are two examples of considerations that can affect […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Swift Plumbing Grows Through Second Generation
Like a lot of his fellow tradesmen, Ty Swift is almost giddy about doing business in Kitsap and Jefferson counties. “It’s a good spot for business,” says the 46-year-old CEO of Swift Plumbing & Heating Inc. in Kingston. “There’s a lot of growth here.” Even during the recession of 2008-2014 and the more recent pandemic, […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
How to Save Money when Hosting a Barbecue on a Budget
If you’re one of the 70% of all households in the United Sates to own a grill or smoker, you’re probably looking forward to summer cookouts and barbecues. However, with the rising cost of food, your backyard get-togethers might cost more than in previous years. You don’t have to skimp on your meats and vegetables […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Three Ways to Incorporate Plants Into Your Privacy Fence
Not every homeowner has a privacy fence. At some point, though, you’ve likely wished you did. Standard plank or timber fences can look garish and out of place. Brick and steel are tough, but expensive. Is there an optimum solution? Indeed, there is. Plants and bushes make perfect additions to privacy fences and screens. The […]
Posted inAt Home
Recipe for Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa
It’s time to kick off summer with a bang. With exciting summer events like baseball, sunbathing and barbecues filling social calendars comes a whole new array of fresh, sunny day snacks just waiting to be devoured. If you’re in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice, try this Citrus, Mango and Pineapple […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Lavender Shortbread
Nothing says summer like a leisurely glass of lemonade in the backyard and a light, melt-in-your-mouth cookie to accompany it. Lavender shortbread, an unusual, easy-to-make cookie, is sure to get high praise from friends and family. Herbs of all sorts have been used in food stuffs for centuries but really came into their own in […]