When learning a foreign language, a common recommendation is to immerse yourself in the country and the culture of that language. The same can be said for a product. If you really want to understand a product, you need to understand its origin, the raw materials, the manufacturing and distribution processes, and most importantly, the […]
travel
Posted inPeople & Places
Destination Semiahmoo
Imagine you were tasked with locating and building a destination resort in the Pacific Northwest. Would you seek a location on the expansive Salish Sea or on a peaceful bay? Would you seek a location that has dramatic mountain sunrises or one that features romantic ocean sunsets? Would you want a property that features a […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Short and Winding Road to Victoria, British Columbia
As the Black Ball Ferry “Coho” enters Victoria Harbor following its 90-minute crossing of the Salish Sea from Port Angeles, the stately Fairmount Empress hotel — Victoria’s centerpiece — comes into view. The scene is a bit “Oz” in nature: The stunning building is so perfectly placed, it feels as if the bucolic harbor was […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Seabrook — A Bucolic Destination on the Washington Coast
After the three-hour drive from Kingston through vast differences in topography and aged towns, Seabrook almost jolts you awake, exuding charm, fresh ocean air and a pretty, decidedly Nantucket look. The first exploration downtown uncovers immaculate streets, cute stores and smiles. As you make your first drive around the 500-plus home village, you experience the […]
Posted inHome
Touring German Haus Fair 2023 with the National Kitchen & Bath Association
Foreign travel is great for sparking a designer’s creative juices; however, mixing business with pleasure can be the ultimate reward. In that vein, I have made a point of attending kitchen and bath industry trade shows on a regular basis in North America and Europe. This year, I was selected by the National Kitchen & […]
Posted inAuto Talk
Four Questions to Ask before Going Electric
The “electric vehicle (EV) boom” is upon us. Americans purchased nearly 300,000 EVs in the second quarter of this year, over 48% more than in 2022. To drive the trend even further, new data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index survey suggests that more than 1 in 3 drivers (34%) plan to own or lease a […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Port Gamble and Its Long-Term Residents
For more than 100 years, Port Gamble was the heart and the soul of the country’s lumber production. Today, many believe much of the town’s original population …hasn’t left. One of the state’s oldest settlements and the former home of one of the country’s longest-running sawmills, Port Gamble, is located right in our backyard. Today, […]
Posted inPeople & Places
Inspirational Walks and Hikes
Many of us have heard the saying, “Go take a hike.” At one time, this was a negative phrase, but now it could become our mantra for getting out and exploring all the abundant trails that surround us in West Sound, from the south of the peninsula to the far north and maybe a few […]
Posted inAuto Talk
Staying Safe on the Road When Driving with Distracting Furry Friends
Summer road trip season is in full swing. Whether your vacation plans include national parks, sandy beaches or major metropolises, you may be thinking of bringing the entire family along, even your four-legged companions. While we love having them near, dogs aren’t always safe passengers. A recent poll commissioned by Selective Insurance, a leading home, […]