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 fruit, moldy cheese and expired condiments are discovered and dumped in the […]
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Posted inGardeners Corner
Some of the Best Flowers for Beautiful Vase Displays
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 trophy showcasing my gardening skills, while allowing me to bring color from […]
Posted inAt Home
7 Things to Inspect before Making an Offer on a House
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 offer on any property, it’s smart to take a deeper look at […]
Posted inAt Home
Shades of Green you Might Not See
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 can be very pricey options, with very long payoffs. We have noticed […]
Posted inHome
A Cozy Craftsman Bungalow with All the Modern Conveniences
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 the design and setting of their single-story, “age-in-place,” contemporary Craftsman-style house. “We […]
Posted inAt Home
Are Your Home Furnishings Good for the Planet and Your Family?
Are you trying to select products that are good for the planet and your family at the same time? While it may be easy to understand what organic food is, confusion still exists when it comes to home furnishings. Yet what you bring into your home directly impacts the health and welfare of your family […]
Posted inHome
Tips for Organizing for Major Life Changes
Organizing for uproot and upheaval is a different story from organizing for settling into a space. Preparing for big changes in your household — which can be a happy, planned event such as a child’s graduation from high school or unplanned, such as a divorce or death — is another situation where being organized can […]
Posted inAt Home
Festive Easter Brunch Recipes
Easter is a time meant to be spent creating memories with loved ones. Even when hosting duties fall on your plate, creating the perfect brunch spread doesn’t have to be a daunting task. If you take advantage of quality ingredients and recipes that feature simple preparation, your spread can impress even the pickiest of guests. […]
Posted inAt Home
Usher in Springtime with 5 Simple Spring-Cleaning Tips
Welcome to springtime! The official first day of spring is March 20, but in my mind, there are two signs the season has changed. One, the first daffodil has poked its head up. Two, I have an urge to open my doors to let the sun in and the old air out. With the desire […]