Whether organically grown meat and poultry is a healthier choice for home consumers is a complex and controversial subject. There is no question that organically grown livestock and poultry can be healthier for the environment. The farming practices employed by farmers who grow … read more

On the cover of Craig and Jen Dolezal’s wedding book is a quote by novelist Ivan Doig: “Life is wide. There’s room to take a new run at it.” These words to live by have layers of meaning for the couple, who came … read more

Gig Harbor resident Dawnita Parkinson, a former Russian linguist and captain in the U.S. Air Force who is currently a stay-at-home mom, said she usually gets two reactions when people hear that her father-in-law lives with her. “They either say, ‘Oh my gosh, … read more

Simplicity has a timeless allure. Perhaps farmhouses derive their popularity from that simplicity that piques memories of a simpler time and place called home. But as Chris and Julie Anne Madson discovered, simplicity takes a serious commitment. They made choices, sat with them … read more

Editor’s note: These tips were contributed by the experts at Smarter. It happens in households across America on a daily basis. Someone opens the fridge, peers inside and declares there is absolutely nothing to eat. Then two days later a pile of rotten … read more

Spring is undoubtedly my favorite time of year. Each spring, I especially look forward to cutting fresh flowers from my yard to arrange in a vase on my kitchen windowsill or dining room table. In some ways, the finished display is like a … read more

House hunting can feel like an adventurous new chapter in your life. If you’re lucky enough to find the property that checks off all the “must have” boxes — appearance, size, price, location — it’s easy to fall in love. Before making an … read more

When remodeling or building, we often hear how prospective clients might want to incorporate “green” methods into their projects. They typically cite items like solar panels, low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, ground-source heat, ICF foundations, on-demand water heaters and more. Many of these … read more

High school sweethearts Mark and Gail Westin enjoy the views of both the snow-capped Olympics and the waters of Hood Canal from the oversized windows of their forever home. Having recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary, they describe the contentment they feel in … read more