Fall Harvesting September and October are a time for pause and reflection and also new beginnings. It’s a time to celebrate the bounty in our gardens and to harvest and preserve fruits, vegetables and herbs for later enjoyment. If you have extra produce, … read more

The back-to-school season can be exciting, stressful and everything in between. A good start can influence children’s attitude, confidence and performance both socially and academically. Whether you have a kindergartener or a teen in high school, here is practical advice on how to … read more

There is a lot to consider when embarking on a building or remodeling project, and a major decision is choosing a reliable contractor. There are many steps to due diligence in this department, and I can outline them all, but I find that … read more

Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a block party or movie night, you can sweeten summer fun and celebrations with an iconic treat. August 10, National S’mores Day, is a great reminder to make the most of summer. This year, consider going beyond the … read more

From late June to early September, harbor seals all over the Puget Sound are giving birth to their young. While these fuzzy, Bambi-eyed babies are drop-dead adorable, it is extremely important that beach visitors give these little friends a lot of space. If … read more

To master the art of grilling, it’s best to start with a piece of high-quality meat. While some supermarkets have been responding to the consumers’ demand for transparency, it’s still a good idea to find a great local butcher shop and get to … read more

“Summer time and the living is easy” — but parents shouldn’t make it too easy for their children to forget everything they’ve learned up to vacation time. Schooling stops during the summer but our learning should not. Many children tend to regress in … read more

Cleanup is probably the least enjoyable part of entertaining guests — as are elaborate recipes that keep you in the kitchen all day. “Sheet Pan Suppers,” released this past December by Workman Publishing, promises to take care of those problems. Named an essential … read more

Last month I sat down with John Steiner to get his thoughts on woodworking — the cabinets and furniture pieces that he builds out of solid wood. Recently, I went back to his shop to discuss those woods. This is not an all-encompassing … read more