The spectacular vistas, lush forests and scenic waterways are all around us on the West Sound. We are, indeed, fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and we also have incredible outdoor recreational opportunities including boating. If you are heading out to enjoy Puget Sound waterways or on one of our many lakes, there […]
how-tos
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Summer Slushies
Just because we’re all grown up doesn’t mean we don’t love a good summer slushie. Snow cones and frozen treats are one of the things that mark childhood summer memories of fun. When the weather turns hot, an ice-cold treat hits the spot. For an adult, an ice-cold treat still hits the spot when the […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Tips for Parents on Being the Best Backyard Coaches Possible
With so many youth leagues cancelled this year, families across the country are missing the time spent together during the athletic season. Fortunately, even though the official season may not have happened, you can still inspire your children to enjoy the benefits of the game. While on-field activities may have been called off, families continue […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Preserve Your Garden Produce for Delicious Winter Meals
All your hard work is paying off with a bountiful harvest. Fresh produce is filling your garden, countertops and refrigerator while the garden keeps producing more. Preserve some of your harvest to enjoy throughout the winter with some tried-and-true or updated variation of food preservation techniques. Hanging bundles of herbs to dry is a longtime […]
Posted inAt Home
Four Comfort Food Recipes for Your Next Lunch
As families spend more time at home, Americans are finding comfort in a surprising source: bread. In fact, a 20-year trend of declining grain food consumption has been reversed. A national study by the Grain Food Foundation suggests that the turnaround is more than a one-time sales blip due to pantry loading. In reality, consumers […]
Posted inAuto Talk
How to Buy a Car Virtually
Online car buying has become more popular in recent years, and it may be even more popular right now. Instead of having to go out to visit dealer lots, many car shoppers find it’s easy to look at inventory, set up test drives, secure financing, negotiate price and complete the purchase — all online, from […]
Posted inAt Home
6 Tips for Refinancing Your Mortgage
The recent economic downturn has caused many Americans to worry about their money, but there is at least one potential bright spot: lower interest rates. For homeowners, this means that it may be time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing can give you an opportunity to lower your monthly mortgage payments and save money by […]
Posted inAt Home
Update Classic Summer Recipes with Asian-Inspired Flair
A distinctive and unexpected ingredient like rice vinegar is an easy way to bring far-away flavors to your favorite summer dishes. This pantry staple adds an Asian-inspired flavor to recipes of all kinds, from marinades to high-end meals. Explore a new way to enjoy steak this summer with a recipe for zesty, marinated beef paired […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Victory Garden
“When the pandemic hit, I decided to plant a vegetable garden.” I’ve heard this from consultation clients and Plantrama listeners for the past three months, and my response is always the same. “Congratulations! You made a terrific choice.” I recognize that the stress of the COVID-19 crisis can easily prompt people to eat sweets or […]