Little, green mini cabbages that are frequently offered on long, straight stems intrigue the eye and confound the mind. A staple winter vegetable, Brussels sprouts suffer a love/hate relationship with most consumers. Those with a more sophisticated palate usually enjoy them and prepare them in a large variety of ways, and those who generally shy […]
how-tos
Posted inHome
How to Reclaim the Prime Real Estate in Your Own House
Most of us have some idea in our minds about what “prime real estate” means. We sometimes use this phrase to discuss a particularly good location, a convenient parking spot or even (according to the Urban Dictionary) a desirable person. We probably also think of the first rule of real estate: location, location, location. We […]
Posted inHome
Design — Advice from the Experts
Trends in home design for 2017 run the gamut from simple and strong to bold and reclaimed. Tranquil baths, bold flooring and attention to reusable materials top the list. Just like in fashion trends, there are… always hot new colors and styles — and it’s tempting to feel like you need to revitalize your home […]
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How to Winterize Your Plumbing
With the temperatures dipping this time of year, now would be a good time to winterize your plumbing. Although the Pacific Northwest is known for mild winter temperatures, there are still a few safety precautions you can take to make sure your pipes are protected and to eliminate unnecessary repairs due to freezing. At the […]
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Outdoor Remodeling — More than Just a Barbecue
For many Pacific Northwest residents, cooking and entertaining outdoors is comfortable and feasible for much of the year. Sitting around a fire-pit in late October with friends is one of the greatest pleasures of fall — and who doesn’t love a barbecue turkey at Thanksgiving or Christmas? Homeowners looking to enhance the enjoyment or resale […]
Posted inCommunity News
Where to Recycle Your Tree This Year
Give your unflocked tree a new life by recycling it after the holiday season. Trees are chipped into mulch or compost, which can be returned to the earth as a soil amendment. Santa says, “Treecycle your Christmas tree! It’s cheaper and better for the environment!” Santa’s Nice List of Tree Disposal Take your tree to […]
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Christmas at the Deckers
Lana Decker’s love of Christmas began when she was in high school. Over the years, she’s amassed quite a large collection of ornaments, santas, trees… so much so, that the collections have taken over the Deckers’ three-car garage. At last count, she had over 200 banker boxes full of Christmas decór. A few years ago, […]
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Flavorful Recipes to Upgrade Your Holiday Feast
This holiday season, hospitality industry veterans such as Andy Seymour — a top bar educator — are encouraging hosts to use port wine as the focal point of their festivities in both food and drink menus. “Port’s depth of flavor and versatility in style brings so much to the palate. You will find endless ways […]
Posted inAt Home
Mincemeat Fixin’s
It’s cold and wet; snow covers the deck and the sidewalks. Nothing warms the home and heart more than turning on the oven and baking something fragrant, spicy and tasty. The holidays are coming and a traditional delight for me is mincemeat. No, not that horrible stuff you buy in the little box and reconstitute, […]