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When I left the suburbs of Minnesota at the age of 18 for the mountains of Western Montana, I knew I had my life figured out. Who didn’t their first three months of officially becoming an adult? I was going to get a degree in journalism, do sports talk radio and live out my days casting flies in the Bitterroot Valley in summer and riding snow-capped peaks all winter long. Then along came a girl from small town, Idaho. Things started looking serious and after four years of dating, she informed me she was going to pursue a graduate degree at Gonzaga University in Spokane. I’d only been to the Lilac City for a couple of concerts and to use the airport, and the idea of leaving Montana wasn’t my favorite at the time. She enrolled and I stayed put for a year, pouting mostly about leaving what I’d come to call my new home. When it eventually became clear that to make the relationship work I would need to move, I reluctantly packed up my few belongings, rented a U-Haul and committed to living in a state I had never spent more than a day in. Eleven years later I find myself loving my life as a Spokanite and have a hard time seeing myself living anywhere else. Over the past two decades the city has transformed and flourished, and the energy around town is nearing an all-time high. Since Gonzaga’s improbable run to the Elite 8 in 1999, the University has more than doubled its enrollment, and the recent addition of a University of Washington Medical School has given the city a youthful feel. In a downtown where entire blocks were abandoned not long ago, hotels, apartments, boutiques and eateries now dominate the old brick buildings. With investment in downtown, new small business owners and professional opportunities comes demand for more dining and entertainment options, and this is where Spokane is really starting to become its own destination. When I found myself here in the mid-2000s, there were just three breweries in town; only one distributed while the other two were nano operations inside of restaurants that only served on site. Today there are more than two dozen, a thriving wine tasting scene, locally roasted coffee and an ever-evolving restaurant scene that is attracting James Beard nominees and Top Chef contestants to plant their roots in this ever-growing community. If you want a true taste of what the Spokane region has to offer in the way of incredible foods, look no further than the second annual CRAVE! Food and Drink Celebration, held July 12 through 15. While Spokane has no shortage of dining and tasting festivals, CRAVE! truly stands alone in the quality of the presentations, opportunities to learn from some of the top chefs in the region and from across the country, and the variety of tasting opportunities during the event. CRAVE! is the brainchild of one of the Spokane area’s most iconic chefs and restaurant owners—Adam Hegsted. A Pacific Northwest native, Hegsted graduated from Northwest Culinary Academy and Art Institute of Seattle. He is a James Beard regional semi-finalist and was invited to cook at the annual Beard Foundation Dinner, an honor that chefs from around the country strive for. He is owner of the Eat Good Group which has restaurants in Spokane that include the wildly popular Wandering Table and Gilded Unicorn and has also recently branched into North Idaho with the openings of Farmhouse Kitchen and Silo Bar in Sandpoint and Republic Kitchen and Tap House in Post Falls. The group’s newest endeavor, Incrediburger & Eggs, offers very reasonably priced quick-serve burgers and breakfast sandwiches with unique twists on the classics. Having built connections with the restaurant community regionally and from his travels nationally, Hegsted knew it was time for Spokane to put its name out there and celebrate the great cooks and regional ingredients the area has to offer. On any day throughout CRAVE! you’ll find the most talented local chefs as well as others from across the border in Idaho and Montana. Hegsted has even invited guest chefs from as far away as San Francisco, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Vancouver. As CRAVE! is a four-day event, you can expect variety and something different with each session. You can purchase tickets to a single event, multiple events or all-access VIP which gets you into every tasting and special post-event celebrations. CRAVE! kicks off Thursday, July 12 with a Seafood Bash. Dozens of stations will be set up both indoors and out at the CenterPlace Regional Events Center in Spokane Valley. Guests can wander from booth to booth and can sample from as many chefs as they so please, as often as they please. Once inside, your ticket gets you unlimited sampling during the event of both food and drink, so there’s nothing additional to purchase during your session. Chefs prepare a dazzling array of tastes using fresh seafood as well as local trout and even sturgeon. Friday evening’s theme is Foods Around the World as chefs utilize regionally sourced ingredients in popular dishes from Europe, Asia and other far-off destinations. Grand Tasting events Friday and Saturday allow chefs the freedom to present their favorite bites, and locally made wine, beer and spirits are also available to pair with your delicious dishes. There are demonstrations you can attend, and live music will keep the energy up all weekend long. While the majority of the events are for those 21 and older, Sunday morning is a family friendly brunch theme, so if you are still hungry, bring the kids for a delicious finish to a great weekend of culinary celebration. Tickets to all events are on sale now with early bird rates currently available. Packages include individual sessions, multiple sessions or all-inclusive all weekend access. You can purchase tickets, find out more about lodging partners and see a list of participating restaurants at CraveNW.com. CRAVE! is a prime example of a town on the rise. Spokane is drawing its growing population from all walks of life. Young adults are checking out the multiple schools, young families are finding professional opportunities with affordable housing and empty nesters are leaving larger metropolitan areas for a more relaxed pace that still offers much of the entertainment, food and drink they are accustomed to. With rivers, lakes, parks and trails in and around town and mountains not far off in the distance, outdoor recreationalists are finding ample opportunity to explore while driving less than 90 minutes from their home. Being part of a citywide revitalization is exciting and something that should be celebrated. If you haven’t seen Spokane in some time, make CRAVE! your reason to see all that’s happening. You’ll be treated to incredible food and drink, beautiful summer weather and an opportunity to explore all the area has to offer. You’ll see why so many are making Spokane their new home. By Colin Anderson. Photo by Lauren Denos. #culinary #spokane #spokanewa #foodie #foodies #food #drink

What were once the three small Eastern Washington towns of Kennewick, Pasco and Richland has now transformed into the bustling metropolitan area known as the Tri-Cities. “Fun in the Sun” is the motto due to almost 300 sunny days each year, making the area popular year round for outdoor activities. The confluence of the Yakima, Snake and Columbia rivers creates a water paradise for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, power boating, water skiing, fishing and much more. Golf is one of the top sports in the region, and it’s easy to see why with 10 challenging courses which can be played almost every day of the year. It is no wonder that the Tri-Cities are becoming a top vacation destination in Washington state. A great vacation starts with a great place to stay. The Columbia Point area is a nice central location with a marina, walking trails, restaurants and lodging. You can even catch a dinner cruise. The Courtyard Marriott is business oriented during the week and more family friendly on the weekends. An indoor heated pool and on-site bicycle rentals make this a perfect family destination. The wine-themed Lodge at Columbia Point is a more upscale experience and conducive to a couple’s getaway. Step up to a Grand Cru Riverfront King Premium and enjoy a custom, architect-designed room with an incredible view of the Columbia River. A walk-in shower, soaking tub and gas fireplace add to the luxury. Both hotels have riverfront views and are on the Richland Riverfront Trail. It is easy walking distance to restaurants, and the upscale Columbia Point Golf Club is close by. After checking into your hotel, stroll down the trail along the cove to LU LU Craft Bar + Kitchen. The restaurant is family owned, farm to table, with a made-from-scratch kitchen. The owner’s family has owned the Easterday Farms since 1958. Most of the food in the restaurant is sourced from their farm to include the beef and pork as well as potatoes and onions. Fresh produce is also sourced from local farmers. LU LU provides homemade simple food. They have 12 beers on tap, more than 80 local wines and are famed for their craft cocktails. After dinner take a stroll on the Richland Riverfront Trail and watch the red, yellow and pink hues of the sunset. It is truly breathtaking. Turn in early as your next day begins promptly in the morning. Today you will tour the B Reactor National Historic Landmark, which was part of the Hanford Unit of the Manhattan Project. The tours are free of charge but you must register online to reserve your space. B Reactor tours begin at 9am on Saturdays and depart from the Interim Visitor Center. Plan for four hours which includes a short video and introduction at the visitor center, travel to and from the B Reactor and time at the site. The reactor was the world’s first full-scale plutonium production reactor. It produced the plutonium used in the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki. The ride to the Hanford Site is quiet and remote. There is an eerie feeling when you step off the bus and enter the reactor. Once inside, after a briefing, you have the run of the place. There are many interesting artifacts, and the reactor itself with the rows and rows of fuel cells is a dramatic structure. It is a very interesting experience. After the bus drops you off at the visitor center, head over to the Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery for lunch. It was founded by owner Aaron Burks in 1997 with an atomic theme that highlights the history of the Hanford Site and honors the workers who flooded to the area in 1944 to work at the plant. The first wood-fired oven in the Tri-Cities still kicks out delicious pizzas with the distinctive crispy crust of a wood-fired pizza. The menu is a good complement to the hand-crafted ales Atomic Ale is known for. Make sure to check out the glowing “atomic rod” and the radioactive warning sign. It’s a fun photo op. After lunch, plan to take an intro to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) class with Northwest Paddleboarding. This fun class will teach you the basics you need to enjoy this trending sport. It is surprisingly easy to learn, and the boards provide a much steadier base than you would expect—so sturdy in fact that the company offers yoga classes on the boards. If you have younger children and at least three people, you can reserve a private Intro to SUP class. Children must be at least 6 years of age to take the class. It is held at Two Rivers Park in a lagoon off the Columbia River. For dinner, head over to Tulip Lane to Tagaris Winery and Taverna Tagaris. This is a more upscale dinner experience, but the lovely outdoor seating area with a large fountain is also very kid friendly. They can get up from the table and there is plenty of room to explore the large patio and artwork. The menu has a large variety, and you can make a meal out of a selection of Tapas. In addition to wine there are some great craft cocktails. In the morning, head over to the Uptown Shopping Center, which was created by the Atomic Energy Commission and opened in 1949. The shops will be closed but the center has a vintage feel with lots of artwork and is worth a drive by. You are here to visit The Spudnut Shop. It is Richland’s oldest coffee shop and home of the world-famous Spudnut, which is a doughnut made out of potato flour. There is a reason these Spudnuts are so famous. They are light, puffy and slightly sweet and oh so good. This is where the locals hang out. The shop has been featured on the Food Network’s “Unwrapped” and the Travel Channel special “Donut Paradise.” For your last activity before heading home, visit the REACH Museum. This bright, airy museum’s focus is the natural and cultural history of the reach of the Columbia River and greater Columbia Basin. The exhibit on the Manhattan Project adds additional information and exhibits not seen at the Manhattan Project National Park. The section on the Ice Age Floods is very interesting and shows the great effects these floods had on the area. Make sure to step outside to see the vintage trailer and enjoy the views of the Columbia River. It is easy to see why the Tri-Cities are a top vacation destination in Washington state. After one visit you are sure to return. The friendly locals are welcoming, and there is too much to see and do in just one weekend. For more information on the area, go online to VisitTri-Cities.com. The official Tri-Cities website has everything you need to know to plan a fun getaway. Make sure to check out local events like Food Truck Fridays or the Columbia Cup Boat Race weekend. Story and Photo by Marguerite Cleveland #wine #washingtonwine #washingtonwinecountry #winecountry

Often people with hearing loss and their loved ones believe that their communication difficulties are due only to poor hearing. There are plenty of other factors, however, that can lead to communication breakdowns, such as heavy accents or poor pronunciation, background noise, dim lighting, unfamiliar or unknown topics of conversation, illness, fatigue or cognitive limitations. Even without hearing loss, factors like those above can cause difficulty with communication. Here are some strategies that can be used to help reduce confusion and prevent breakdowns in conversation: • If applicable, tell communication partners that you have a hearing loss. • Ask friends and family to get your attention before speaking to you and to let you know if the topic changes. • When possible, find a quiet, well-lit room and position yourself close (3 to 6 feet) to the person you are trying to hear. • When you realize that miscommunication has occurred, notify your conversation partner. • Saying “Huh?” or “What?” does not always work well to resolve communication issues. Consider asking the speaker to rephrase, or, when asking for repetition, clarify which part of the message you did not understand. • Check what you heard by repeating the message back to the speaker. • When possible, ask the speaker to write down important information like addresses, phone numbers and appointment times. Although it may often seem easier to “nod and smile” and pretend that you have understood what was said, this is likely to increase misunderstandings and has been known to lead to embarrassing situations. It is usually better for everyone involved to proactively address potential communication difficulties using these strategies. Here are some more specific tips you can use when particular problems arise: Problem: The speaker is difficult to understand. Answer: Ask the speaker to speak slowly and to look directly at you. Seeing the speaker’s lips and expressions will help your understanding. Seeing facial expressions and using visual cues can increase understanding of speech up to 20 percent, even for a person with no formal lip-reading training. Note: People often believe that speaking louder will help the person with hearing loss understand better, but in fact this is not typically the case. Speaking slowly and clearly is much more effective for most individuals. Problem: Background noise is too loud. Answer: Move to a quieter location. If you can, pick a quieter restaurant and/or go at an off-hour when it will be less noisy. When dining out, select restaurants with sound-absorbing carpets, curtains, linen tablecloths and booths. Avoid restaurants that have hard floors and bare walls. Turn off or move away from noise sources such as radios, televisions or dishwashers. Tip: Some restaurant reviews provide information on noise levels. Make use of these when choosing a restaurant. Problem: You are sick, tired, stressed or distracted. Answer: Be patient with yourself. It is reasonable to ask for short breaks in meetings to prevent listening fatigue. If you are experiencing difficulty with communication, seek out the services of an audiologist to discuss appropriate solutions for your life. By Deanna Iff, Au.D., CCC-A, Hear for Life Audiology #hearing #health #healthyliving #audiology

It can be debilitating. A severe headache can make it difficult to focus at work, engage in everyday activities and even can force one to stay in bed. Masking the pain with over-the-counter medications or prescriptions can provide temporary relief, but it is not addressing the cause of the problem. Some people have also resorted to massage, chiropractic treatment and physical therapy for relief. But once again those were only helping with the pain and not looking at the source. It can become overwhelming and even cause one to go into depression. The number of people who endure recurring headaches is staggering. The National Headache Foundation reports more than 45 million Americans endure recurring headaches; from this group, 23 million suffer from migraines. What many may not know is the source of up to 80 percent of these headaches is a result from dental force-related problems. Unfortunately, many who live with constant headaches for years become resigned to the condition. They give up and settle with the fact that it is something they just have to live with. The good news is that many dentists can help cure the pain of migraine and other headaches, tinnitus, TMJ and vertigo. While it is a fact that many headaches are triggered by stress or are hormone-induced or alcohol-induced, nighttime headaches can also be triggered by a bite imbalance as well as lack of oxygen at nighttime. Sleep issues and headaches are often tied together for many patients. A staggering number of people don't know why they're in pain. Many are unaware that dental force- related issues, either related to their mouth or as a result of trauma (like a fall, sports injury or whiplash) can be the root of their pain. Using a computerized bite analysis, a dentist can evaluate your range of motion and bite imbalances. Specialized tools and techniques, such as ultrasound, micro-current technology, cold-laser therapy and manual muscle massage, reduce pain and inflammation. The treatment promotes healing of the muscles and nerves; then the bite is balanced after inflammation is reduced. Drug free, needle free and painless, the treatment is aimed at the underlying causes of chronic headaches: the pain and discomfort caused by improper muscle forces in the mouth, head and neck area. Dentists have reported success from people who have suffered a serious car accident and are then plagued with constant headaches. But after a simple and painless process, those patients are headache free. If you wake up many mornings with a dull, nagging and constant headache, it can likely be caused by the muscles of the head, neck and jaw, and the way that teeth come together. Forces imbalanced by the way the teeth come together send a biofeedback loop to the brain that causes pain through the brain stem. If you are one who has suffered from headache issues, don’t mask the pain any longer. Get to the root of the problem and consider seeing a dentist to treat them. Article provided by Dr. Rhonda Savage #health #healthyliving #living #chronicpain

Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen our share of charming, romantic weddings full of pastels and sequins. For 2018, expect us to run full force from this light and airy feel, as we’re predicting weddings will take on a more dramatic and edgy vibe in the way of deeper colors and richer textures. A more bohemian style is taking over and will replace rustic, and couples will be more relaxed in their approach to planning—it’s less about honing in on a specific wedding theme or color combination and more about creating a vibe or mood for your big day. Style: Bohemian Rustic has been all the rage lately—weddings held in barns with DIY-style floral arrangements, casual food (hello barbecue!) and more. For 2018, bohemian will be the new rustic—still a somewhat relaxed look but a bit more elevated than your average hoedown. We’re thinking an undone look that’s edgy but still romantic. Colors: Deep and Rich with Black Accents Say goodbye to the cotton-candy colors! Those light, airy shades are taking a backseat to a deeper, richer palette. More dramatic hues like burgundy will be popping up in floral arrangements, and edgy black accents will make an appearance as well. Don’t forget about those metallic accents. Gold and copper have been in demand for a while now, and we’ll start to see more silver and chrome as well. Décor Details: Macramé and Crystals Going off the whole bohemian trend, expect to see macramé and crystals as a big part of 2018 wedding reception trends. Table runners, bouquet wraps, chair décor and more all will see their fair share of both. We’ll also see crystals scattered on tablescapes the way that typewriters and other knick knacks were present at vintage weddings in years past. Venues: The Industrial Space Outdoor weddings are still going to be huge, but indoor venues, especially industrial spaces, are the new “it” spot. They have that same relaxed feel and blank-slate vibe as barn venues (which aren’t going anywhere) but with an edgier, hip feel. And the fact that they’re indoors makes coming up with an alternate plan for bad weather one less thing you have to worry about. Cakes and Desserts: Drip Cakes and Doughnuts No big shocker here because who doesn’t love doughnuts? This is a bit of a holdover from 2017, but drip cakes will still be big in 2018—they pair quite well with the relaxed bohemian look. Naked cakes are making their way out the door, but cakes with a thin layer of buttercream will still also be in style. Don’t worry; the doughnut trend won’t be going anywhere, as couples look to show their personalities with unusual dessert options including ice cream, dessert cocktails and more. Flowers: The Cascading Bouquet We’ve gone from short and sweet petite bouquets to full luxurious cascading flower arrangements. For 2018, the bigger the bouquet the better. We’re talking a more modern look here than our usual British wedding—and it’s an opportunity for your florist to mix lots of favorite blooms in an array of hues, as well as showing off all that greenery that will still be on trend. Wedding Dresses: Celestial Chic, Puff Sleeves, Edgy Jackets and More Bridal designers were definitely feeling the bohemian-meets-edgy vibe when thinking about 2018 collections. From starry-appliqued dresses to edgy rocker jackets, 2018 wedding dresses certainly complement the wedding décor of the moment. Bridesmaid Dresses: Velvet and Pants Velvet pants?! OK, so the bridesmaid dress doesn’t actually have to be a dress anymore. Bridesmaid pants (both separates and jumpsuits) will be right on point this year. And if you’re still opting for dresses for your gals and are hosting a cooler-weather wedding, velvet is the must-have fabric. How many of us ladies out there have frozen in our too-skimpy dresses while our guys roasted in their suits? No more! Other trends for bridesmaid dresses include wrap dresses and jewel-toned hues. Menswear: Burgundy is the New Blue While we don’t think the blue suit is going anywhere just yet, expect to see more burgundy suits at weddings in 2018. As wedding colors are moving in a deeper direction, this hue will certainly fit right in. And burgundy does look great on many a guy, so it’s definitely a win-win. By Lindy Petersen #wedding #weddingtrends #weddingideas

Design trends change and everyone has different taste. However, one thing stays the same … there are a ton of finish options available no matter what your style and no matter what project you’re working on. First, there are a few basics to know about finishes available and associated terminology for these elements. These finish options can cover everything from cabinets, doors, trim, furnishings, walls, exterior and even countertops. Glazing, stains, paints and even antiquing procedures all have a multitude of options. They are briefly outlined below, but all have varying elements that professionals have put their own twist on to brand them as their own. Antiquing or Vintage touch – This method creates an aged, worn look. This can be achieved by adding dents, gouging and sanding at varying degrees of application. Distressing can be done before or after any of the below finishes have been applied. Dry Glazes – This is when glaze is hand applied to only the profiled areas (think where moldings meet or changes in elevation of a surface). The base color remains unaltered. Pencil Glazes – This is a small line of glazing that is literally applied by drawing it on via a tip or thin brush. Typically is applied to areas where there are changes in elevation on the surface and leaves the appearance of a simple line. Wet Glaze – In the wet-glaze process, the glaze is sprayed onto the entire area and then wiped off, altering the overall finish color. Stains – Stains are meant to enhance the natural graining of the wood. Light stains show more of the wood grain, and darker stains hide more of the graining, which makes the wood more uniform in color. Opaque Finishes – This finish completely covers all of the surface. Usually, maple is the wood species that’s painted. However, right now, the trend is tending to paint oak so that the vertical wood grain shows through the paint for a textured paint finish. Chalk Paints – Ingredients are talc, calcite and pigment. Because of the talc and clay, the sheen is matte when dry. Milk Paint – Ingredients are lime, clay, milk protein (casein) and pigment. It’s a powder and gets mixed with water, so you can control the intensity of color. It has a naturally matte finish. Matte Finishes – Matte finishes are becoming more popular as well. Matte black hardware is in such high demand it’s hard to keep in stock. Matte gold hardware (yes brass/gold!) is also in demand. Hardware refers to everything from lighting and plumbing fixtures to cabinet and bath hardware. Countertops are also trending toward matte surfaces. Manufacturers are offering finishes in both polished and matte sheens. These matte finishes lend themselves to a muted and sometimes more gray coloring than the polished original. So, next time you are looking at furniture, shopping for cabinets, picking out new shelving for your living room or simply flipping through a magazine, you can take a closer look at the finishes and know what you are looking at. By Annie Nye, Interior Designer with Selkirk Glass and Cabinets #staining #kitchen #remodel #interiordesign #designtrends #interiordesigntrends

Whether you have a backyard or just a few containers on the patio, sunny days are your cue it's time to garden. Growing your own flowers, herbs and vegetables is a lot of fun, and with some simple tips, it can be pretty easy to make sure your outdoor space is a showstopper. The experts at Ball Horticultural Company offer insight into the year's top gardening trends so you can plant with confidence and creativity: Trend No. 1: Create Curb Appeal Your home's exterior will influence the first impression of anyone who visits. Give your entryway an instant beauty boost with begonias. They're perfect for the time-starved gardener, grow well in sun or shade, and fill in fast and full. At the forefront of this trend are Megawatt begonias. New for 2017, they feature exceptional performance and a unique bronze-leaf color that is sure to be noticed by guests. Trend No. 2: Tablescapes Bring the beauty of gardening indoors with tablescapes. Use your harvested vegetables as decor inside in display bowls; you'll give your interior design a fresh look. There are also non-edible potted veggies like Hot Pops Purple Ornamental Peppers. They mature in multiple colors to keep you in color all season. Trend No. 3: Fresh Food Fascinations There's nothing like pulling fresh food from the garden, but 2017 is trending toward more unique flavors. Replace your traditional pepper plants with specialty hot peppers like jalapenos or chiles. And you don't need tons of space to enjoy multiple tomatoes. Try Take 2 Tomato Combos which give you a slicer and a cherry tomato in one pot, providing twice the flavor in half the space. Travel the globe through herbs: Plant a kitchen garden of different basils, lavenders and mints. Use them in your next cocktail! Trend No. 4: Customize with Color A great garden is more than just a food source; it's also a thing of beauty. One of the hottest trends for 2017 will be accenting your garden with unique colors that reflect your style. If your favorite color is purple, pink or white, weave some petunias into your garden design. If you adore red, try Archangel Cherry Red Angelonia for a delicate texture that weathers any extremes. Fill your garden with plants to match your favorite team's colors for a fun customized twist. Whatever you choose, a splash of color is sure to get your space noticed. Get started on your garden project today! The 2017 gardening season is just beginning, so now's the perfect time to make friends with your local garden center for the best plant selection. Incorporate any or all of the top trends listed above, and your garden will be beautiful and rewarding throughout the entire year. By Lindy Petersen #garden #gardening #trends #trending #gardentrends

(BPT) - As Americans increasingly appreciate the therapeutic benefits of nature, they're putting more thought and effort into creating beautiful, comfortable and functional living areas outside their own homes. These days, such outdoor havens are considered valuable home extensions rather than underutilized corners of your yard. More than 70 percent of U.S. households now incorporate outdoor living spaces, reports one survey, and nearly 70 percent use those areas at least weekly in season. A favorite material for such havens is Western Red Cedar, a stunning and fragrant wood species that incorporates beautifully into decks, porches, furniture and other functional elements of your home. Not surprisingly, Western Red Cedar has many fans in the construction world. Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan of HGTV's "Colin and Justin's Home Heist" recently broadcast an online episode featuring the building of a lakeside cabin pergola that features the finely grained wood. "It smells incredible," notes Ryan. "Honestly, you are transported to the center of a forest ... it feels escapist, it feels luxurious and it looks amazing. If you brought lots of plastic or man-made materials into this environment, it would just be wrong." The unique characteristics of the sought-after cedar allow it to weather into a gorgeous silver patina even as it resists rot, decay and insects. Further, the durable wood is a dream to work with because it's lightweight, lays flat, stays straight and is free of pitch and resin. Bonus: The forests harvested for the wood are carefully and sustainably replanted. Dreaming of a private, well-appointed outdoor space where your family and guests can relax while enjoying nature? Consider how these other suggestions might also help put those wheels in motion. Cover your bases: Make your space easier to use through the seasons by adding a gazebo, pergola, pavilion or three-season porch that can protect you, your guests and your furnishings from sun or rain. Consider draping curtains or netting that can be pulled back at will, allowing greater privacy and/or protection from bugs. Ideally, your new oasis will merge the best of both worlds, bringing the comforts of home outside while still offering the benefits of fresh air, fragrant breezes, sunshine, birdsong and positive interactions with flora and fauna. Eat, drink and be merry: The old adage about guests gravitating toward the room that has the food? It's absolutely true, and incorporating cooking into your outdoor haven can lend a fun and informal entertaining element that just can't be replicated indoors. Options for equipment include grills, smokers, pizza ovens, fireplaces, bars or full kitchen setups with ovens, sinks, refrigerators and prep areas. Make sure to choose weather-resistant finishes for everything, install effective lighting and make sure you have plenty of comfortable seating for foodie friends. McCallister notes on his show how rewarding it can feel to transform unused outdoor areas into havens of fun and relaxation, "transforming dead space into valuable life space." That same feeling can be achieved by do-it-yourselfers who embark on their own outdoor projects. "Outdoor patio spaces have sure changed in the last few years with the onset of new outdoor materials, furnishings, fixtures ... and the homeowner's desire for more outdoor living and entertaining space," notes Audra Slinkey in a recent report by the National Association of Realtors. "Today's yards are multi-functional and serve to entertain, lounge and maximize lot square footage." It's beautiful, it's practical and it's easy to use. Western Red Cedar can be an ideal building material for your next home improvement project. For more information about the building material and its guest appearance on "Colin and Justin's Home Heist," check out RealCedar.com. By Annie Nye, Interior Designer #outdoors #greatoutdoors #patio

I don’t know about you, but as soon as I see green grass and blooms on the trees, I can’t get the lawnmower out fast enough and start planning out this year’s garden. I love being outdoors. Whether it’s yardwork or hanging out at the lake, the sun on my freckles is just what I need to kick the winter blues to the curb. Summer is when people tend to come over and stay a bit longer, and the good weather is just an excuse to be outside on the deck or patio. That being said, we need to make sure we have a couple of easy meals in the fridge or freezer for those pop-in guests, that our barbecue tank is full and that the deck or patio is in good shape for entertaining. What items are essential to a successful and ready outdoor space? Firepits are one of the things that create a gathering place; people know to find a seat and settle in for the evening, and it gives people something to look at when there’s a pause in the conversation. No one thinks it’s weird to gaze into the flickering flames of a fire, but if you had that same look on your face when you were just looking around at your friends, it may get a little awkward. The firepit can be on the patio in a raised unit or can be built in with pavers. Either way, it’s a must for summer entertainment. Seating is also a must. Providing enough seats on the patio or deck can be comprised of a loose interpretation of chairs. Pavers, patio furniture, boxes, benches, ottomans, boulders, wood blocks and even coolers all work as acceptable seating options for patios. As long as it’s something that keeps you up off the ground, keeps you close to the fire and provides a comfortable place to rest, it works. By Annie Nye, Interior Designer. #outdoors #outdoorspace #firepit #garden #deck #patio #furniture #entertainment

Now we all know that a great Fourth of July backyard barbecue simply consists of dogs, burgers, corn on the cob...and beer. I’m not here to take that away from you, my friends and neighbors. However, this is where I actually am here to take that away from you. You can keep a couple of dogs around if you get any resistance. A classic way to serve this is thinly sliced with your favorite barbecue sauce, fluffy white bread, pickled onions and corn on the cob INGREDIENTS Wood chips Brisket, about 10 to 12 pounds. (Trim of excess fat but leave at least a half inch of fat all the way around. Or leave all of the fat. It won’t hurt you.) 1/4 cup Kosher salt 1/4 cup black pepper Below ingredients are optional 1/4 cup granulated garlic 1/4 cup onion powder 1/4 cup sweet paprika 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup cumin 1/4 cup chili powder 1/4 cup cayenne powder METHOD Place soaked wood chips in a smoker box, about a half a cup. Turn on grill and heat to 200 to 225°F. Mix all rub ingredients. Evenly rub ingredients all around the brisket. You can store any excess rub in a container forever. Let sit at room temperature until grill is up to temp and smoke starts. Place brisket on grill with the fat side up. Add wood chips as needed. Smoke your brisket for 4 to 5 hours turning a 180°F at the 3-hour mark. Spray the brisket with apple cider about every half an hour. This will keep you focused on the temperature and the wood chips. After 4 to 5 hours, pull the brisket off and wrap it tightly in foil. Place in your home oven at 220°F for another 6 to 8 hours or until fork tender. (The other method would be to keep it on the grill at 220°F for another 6 to 8 hours, but the smoke that it is going to get has already happened, and now you have to babysit it when it could be nestled away cooking slowly while you enjoy your company … and beer.) CORN INGREDIENTS Corn on the cob Mayonnaise Chili powder METHOD With a plastic spatula, rub mayonnaise all over each corn cob. This is easiest done on a sheet pan. Sprinkle each cob with chili powder. Place on the high rack of your grill, medium heat, and cook until the mayo forms a crust on the corn. Courtesy of Chef Troy Louis Chandler. #recipe #bbq #barbecue #brisket

On this great American holiday, I tend to start the libation process a little early, which can be very dangerous by the time it is dark enough for fireworks. Like that time when Uncle Trucker lit himself and the chicken coop on fire when he decided that it would be a better effect if he dipped bottle rockets into Everclear before firing them off. It struck me then that maybe we needed a lighter “all day” drink to sip on. This drink has great Fourth of July colors and is refreshing on a hot summer day. Gluten free. 21+. INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar heated up to a boil, turned off and chilled) 2 bottles of sauvignon blanc or pinot gris 1 cup triple sec 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 cup of a berry-flavored vodka 1 cup sliced starfruit (slice across to get the “stars”) 1 cup raspberries 1 cup blueberries 1 cup sliced strawberries (remove the tops) METHOD Lightly stir all ingredients together and pour over ice in a glass pitcher so that your guests can see your red, white and blue creation. Cheers! Courtesy of Chef Troy Louis Chandler. #sangria #alcoholicdrink #cocktail #fourthofjuly #drinks #drink #recipe

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 14, and prepare yourself for a full day of incredible, soul-stirring live blues at this year’s Blues ON!, which will once again be held in Tacoma’s Old Town Park. 2018 marks the festival’s 27th year, as Blues ON! is a continuation of the Old Town Rhythm and Blues Festival. “Blues ON! in Old Town Tacoma was started in order to continue this blues fan favorite, when the previous organizers decided to do a festival elsewhere. In addition, we took the meaning back to the roots: music, community, philanthropy,” says Kim Archer, producer, working in conjunction with the Robert “Ted” Brown Foundation. This free and fun music festival kicks off at 1pm and continues through the evening. “[This is] the outdoor blues concert to see in the South Sound,” says Archer. “We expect well over 1,000 people in Old Town Park this year, making it an outdoor yet intimate space to witness those amazing moments on stage. This year we’re bringing award-winning Mississippi blues Man, Dexter Allen, to the festival! If you like Buddy Guy and Muddy Waters style, this guy will blow your hair back!” The 2018 lineup includes Little Bill & the Blue Notes (1 to 2pm), Tuck Foster & The Tumbling Dice (2:15 to 3:15pm), Rafael Tranquilino Band (3:30 to 4:30pm), The Lady A Band (4:45 to 6pm) and Allen (6:15 to 7:45pm). In addition to the music, there will be a robust menu from Murph’s BBQ, delicious coffee from Anthem Coffee, sandwiches and sweets, beer/wine garden with great craft selections and Washington wines. “The South Sound Blues Association will be there as well, so people can join us in keeping the blues alive!” Archer says. Last year’s event was such a success that it was honored to be nominated for a Best of Blues award—Best Community Blues Festival—from the Washington Blues Association! Built upon the vision of Robert “Ted” Brown to make Old Town a live music spot for the blues, Blues ON! is carrying on that 25-year tradition, creating The Robert “Ted” Brown Foundation in his name. Last year, more than $2,000 was donated to the Tacoma School District K-12 music program, and they are hoping to double the donation this year. Head down to Old Town Park for this fun-filled day of music and blues community. You can find out more online at BluesOnInOldTownTacoma.com. #bluesfestival #blueson #bluesmusic #blues #music

This is a super easy recipe that will wow your backyard guests. It is very light and refreshing for a summer holiday. INGREDIENTS Crust: 3 cups shortbread cookies 1 1/2 cups melted butter Filling 20 oz. cream cheese (room temperature) 2/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract (real, not imitation) zest and juice of 2 lemons Topping Blueberries (or blackberries) Raspberries (or strawberries) Strawberries sliced (removing the tops) Bananas sliced METHOD Pulse shortbread cookies in the food processor until fine crumbles are obtained. Add butter to the food processor and pulse until thoroughly combined. Press this mixture into a pie dish and set in the freezer while finishing the next step. Place the cream cheese into a stand mixer and mix until fluffy. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix for one minute. Spoon this mixture into your pie crust. Alternating the sliced fruit toppings, use your imagination and create your own patriotic design. Boom! Patriotic deliciousness. Courtesy of Chef Troy Louis Chandler #FourthOfJuly #Dessert #Recipe #Tart

You can be a part of this maritime tradition that celebrates Tacoma’s most important asset—its waterfront—while honoring Tacoma’s rich maritime history including the trades that defined the city’s past and activities and industry that shape it today. This two-day event, which is set for Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, is an all-ages event bringing together an array of waterfront organizations from industrial and environmental to recreational and nonprofit. 2018 marks its 25th anniversary, and over the years the festival has attracted just short of a quarter-million people! All weekend long you’ll enjoy live music, roving pirates and bounce pirate ship, face painting, model toy boat building, food trucks and more! Saturday head to the Foss Waterway Seaport where there will be dockside tours of The Odyssey, The Curtis, and The Vérité vessels, Tacoma Youth Maritime Foundation Sea Scouts, heritage boats and schooners, a maritime garage sale in partnership with Foss Harbor Marina (10am to 4pm), and paddleboard activities such as paddleboard yoga and introduction to paddleboard. The fun continues Sunday, 10am to 5pm, where there will once again be dockside tours of vessels, boat shuttle between the Seaport and the Museum of Glass and Port of Tacoma Boat Tours leaving from the north end of docks. There is no admission fee to attend Maritime Fest. It is encouraged that those who would like to attend use public transportation, bike or walk from the Downtown Core, as free parking is limited along Dock Street. For more information about the event or if you are a vendor looking to participate, you can email info@tacomamaritimefest.com. Those who would like to volunteer can go online to volunteer form and select “Maritime Fest. For paddleboard activities, to reserve a seat on one of the Port of Tacoma Boat Tours or to sign up to volunteer at this year’s event, you can find links to each online at FossWaterwaysSaport.org/maritimefest. Be a part of Tacoma’s rich maritime history by attending the 25th Maritime Fest. It’s good, educational, waterfront fun for the entire family. By Jillian Chandler. Photo Courtesy of Tacoma Maritime Fest. #tacoma #tacomawa #tacomamaritimefest #maritimefest

Bust out your island wear and get ready for one of the most relaxed yet insanely fun golf tournaments you’ll ever take part in. Now in its 14th year, the Golferitaville tournament will be held at McCormick Woods on Friday, July 20. You won’t be waiting for silence at the tee boxes as hole sponsors will be out and about the course greeting you with refreshments, Caribbean music, contests and great prizes. You’ll weave your way through 18 holes and hundreds of pink flamingos while donning your best island living attire. Put on by the Midday Rotary Club of Gig Harbor, Golferitaville raises upwards of $50,000 for local nonprofits. These include CASA children’s advocates, the PTSD Foundation for veterans, Red Barn Youth center, high school scholarships and more. Your greens fees get you 18 holes and a cart as well as admission to the post-event banquet. A putting contest kicks things off at 8:30am with the winner taking home a 60-inch 4k TV. If you’re lucky (or skilled) enough to strike a hole in one on a par three hole, you’ll be going home with a brand new luxury vehicle. At each tee box you’ll find more opportunities to win prizes that can include anything from trips to items perfect for splashing around the harbor. Refreshments, breakfast and lunch are included as is the island-themed buffet during the awards banquet. Tickets can be purchased at Golferitaville.com, and you can register a foursome or as a single golfer. You can also buy into the new ‘raffle’ this year, golf balls that will be dropped onto a green from a helicopter. The five closest to the pin take home cash prizes ranging from $100 to $2,500. Even if your golf game won’t win you any awards, you could still bring home the trophy for best dressed or best decorated cart. Fun awaits, register today! By Colin Anderson. Photo by Julie Reed. #golferitaville #golf #golfing #events