Availability, trend, need and definition will determine the future of “thrifting,” which is primarily looking for used items. Today, the activity is enormous in many directions, but tomorrow may be a different story. My expertise began in the ’70s, when I was teaching drawing and design at Olympic College, was an active journeyman plumber and […]
planning
Posted inAt Home
Sharing a Sense of Belonging at Our Holiday Tables
In the Pacific Northwest, November holds the place between the radiant golden hues of fall and the wet gray scale of winter. With it comes the official entry to the year-end holiday season and its annual themes of gratitude and generosity. Nostalgia arrives as well. As it’s nearly impossible to go about the present preparations […]
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Home Safety Measures to Keep Your Seasonal Celebrations Joyful
The holiday season brings a sense of excitement and togetherness, but preparing for lively gatherings or traveling can present distinctive safety challenges. “Anyone preparing for guests should be mindful of how they organize their celebrations and understand the coverage provided by their insurance policies,” said Bonnie Lee, vice president of Property Claims for Mercury Insurance. […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Magical Wedding Planning
Ash, Tay and Jordan, creators of Bixby + Pine wedding planning, started their business from the seed of their friendship. Sisters Tay and Jordan met Ash early in life. “We met when we were in second and third grades at my grandparents’ day care,” Tay says. That sprouted a lifelong friendship between them. “We were […]
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How to Use the Holiday Spirit to Instill Meaningful Values in Children
As Thanksgiving approaches, hearts are filled with warmth and the spirit of giving. It’s a time to cherish moments with loved ones and reflect on all of life’s positive aspects. While it’s common for families to focus on turkey feasts and football games this time of year, there’s a deeper layer that is often overlooked […]
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Exploring Hybrid Heating as an Alternative for Your Home
As temperatures dip, homeowners are shifting their attention to keeping their indoor spaces comfortable during the cooler months. However, many conventional heating and cooling systems can be very inefficient to operate, causing your utility bill to soar — especially in the winter. What’s the solution to creating a comfortable home that’s also energy-efficient and supports […]
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Five Tips for Creating an At-Home Study Space for Students
Now that students are in the full swing of the school year, they will need a quiet personal area to study and tackle assignments. From research and writing to cramming for exams, here are five tips to help create an environment that is calm and conducive to learning. Select a study sanctuary. Choose a location […]
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Designing a Butler’s Pantry
The only thing better than a pantry is a butler’s pantry. There are different ways to define a butler’s pantry, according to Bainbridge interior designer Molly McCabe. It can be just about anything, such as a mudroom or a place to arrange flowers. McCabe says she “grew up around architects and designers.” When she bought […]
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Candle Safety Tips for the Holidays — and Any Time of the Year
If you enjoy candles, you probably love the way their flames illuminate a darkened room, set a certain mood or bring a sense of fun, romance or wonder to your life. Candles are a vital element in many festivals, religious events, birthdays and other major celebrations. Scented candles at a spa or near a bubble […]