When friends of Katie and Glenn Eberling open their mailboxes and find a personal, creative, original invitation to a Christmas party, the holiday season officially begins. The couple have been holding Christmas gala parties for several years to kick off the Christmas season, always early in December and with a hand-addressed, mailed invitation. “Our party […]
how-tos
Posted inGarden
Cold Frames, Cloches, Hoophouses
As cold weather arrives, gardeners’ thoughts turn to the best approaches of protecting their overwintering crops and tender ornamentals. Simple structures can benefit gardens year round. The Winter Garden What a treat it is to venture out into the garden in the coldest months of the year to discover some treasures for the dinner table. […]
Posted inAt Home
Making the Most of Your Storage and Organization Space with Built-in Cabinetry
Many people want to move because they don’t have enough storage. Let’s be honest, Americans have a LOT of STUFF. I often meet with people who think moving will solve the issue, but often it is just a rearranging of space that is in order. Whether you are remodeling or moving, or just trying to […]
Posted inAt Home
Planning for Safety in Your Remodeling Project
It’s exciting to think about a remodeling project and all the fun things you will do. And while safety is not something that most people would say is unimportant, you’d be surprised at how many ways safety can become an issue. A first step is permitting. Simple enough, but many people often see building permits […]
Posted inAt Home
12 DIY Gift Baskets You Can Make for Less Than $45 a Piece
As the holidays approach, people are beginning to think about gifts to give their family, friends and colleagues. This year, as you make your list and check it twice, consider giving gift baskets that you put together yourself. DIY gift baskets are fun to assemble and can be personalized to individual tastes and interests. You […]
Posted inAt Home
‘Can the Grease’ to Avoid Plumbing Clogs and Backups
The Sewer Utility Division of Kitsap County Public Works is offering free kits to residential customers to encourage proper disposal of fats, oils and grease, commonly referred to as “FOG” in the wastewater industry. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 65 percent of sewer spills are FOG-related. The majority of these spills are […]
Posted inAt Home
Remodeling with Renting in Mind
Vacation rentals, longer-term rentals, Airbnb.com — all are ways to make some income from your home or second home. You may be looking to rent out an entire home for a long term, a separate space in your home or just a small room, but before you get to remodeling that space, let’s look at […]
Posted inAt Home
Winter Squash
Blue Hubbard (shaped like a football), pleated dark-green acorn, delicate delicata and buttery-skinned butternut are just a few of the many varieties of beautiful winter squash available this autumn. Grocery stores and farmers markets are brimming with these thick-skinned and delicious, nutritious, meaty wonders that will store all winter if kept cool. Many of our […]
Posted inHome
Fall Fun
If you love fall, Halloween is a great time to follow your whimsy and decorate your home. We asked two local women — Port Orchard’s Deb Howard and Gig Harbor’s Becky Curneen — to share their tips and inspiration, based on 30 years each of collecting and decorating for Halloween. 1. Celebrate the season. If […]