Entranced, the boy lay on the grass beside the hives. He listened, put his hand close, and watched the bees crawl on his skin. Now 86, he still feels that one of the great blessings of spring is to visit the bees, lie down beside them, and listen. Bill Thurlow—“Honey Bill”—based in Ottawa, Canada, believes…
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Window Treatments
In a room as functional as a kitchen, window treatments provide one of the few elements of softness and decoration amid utilitarian appliances and hard surfaces. Curtains and shades can deliver a pop of color, pattern or texture that the room otherwise lacks, while boosting privacy and controlling natural light. Because you use this hardworking…
Sound Advice: Make Your Home a Concert Hall
English playwright William Congreve was very insightful when he said, “Music soothes the soul.” Music certainly can soothe, or it can suggest any other desired emotion, especially when the sound is lush and dynamic. For those seeking to upgrade their existing system, the recent Consumer Electronics Show featured several options that we recommend. The first…
Surprisingly Useful Ways to Use Dryer Sheets Around the House
Apparently, I’m a slow learner. I can’t think of another reason it took years to associate my sons’ and husband’s itchy skin problems with the dryer sheets I used. While we didn’t experience respiratory problems that are often associated with fabric softeners, there is credible medical evidence that the perfumes and additives in laundry products…
‘Once in a Lifetime’ Slips Past: 32 Shady Lane Sold by The Agency
An epic estate originally designed by renowned Arts and Crafts Movement architect John White (1870–1941) was recently on the market for $24,995,000. Listed with Tracy McLaughlin’s firm, The Agency, the Northern California property has new owners enjoying its stunning 1.6-acre enclave of exclusive privacy. Recently upgraded and restored under the guidance of architect Steven Wisenbaker…
How to Write a Budget
Everyone needs a budget. There, I’ve said it. Normally, I don’t give advice just suggestions but this is real actual sensible advice. Everyone needs a budget and a budget must be written down. A budget isn’t about deprivation, it’s you giving yourself permission to spend. You decide what you do with your money every month….
Bringing the Natural World Indoors: How to Craft Your Way to Happiness
You may have noticed the recent movement toward huge picture windows and fancy bifold doors being fitted into people’s homes. Maybe you’re one of those people. Maybe your neighbors are (and you secretly envy them). What’s fueling this desire to install gigantic plates of glass in our walls? Simply put, it’s to bring the outside…
Testing Soil
Soil is your plants’ food. And, just like you, your plants need nutrient-rich food to stay healthy. But too much or too little nourishment can have a negative effect, so it’s important to understand the condition of the soil you are working with and what your plants need. For optimum results, experienced gardeners recommend testing…
Vibrant Violets
Thanks to Valentine’s Day, February is known as the month for love; and so, you might guess that roses are the dominant floral gifts during this shortest month of the year. However, long before the lovers’ holiday, and even before St. Valentine himself, another flower had a history in both myth and everyday life—violets. Characteristics…
Healing Scents
Herbal Medicine Herbs and essential oils have been playing an important role as health aids for millennia. According to archeological evidence, the first use of medicinal herbs dates back to the Paleolithic age, approximately 60,000 years ago. We can also find many records showing that the ancient Greeks already had an immense knowledge of herbal…
-
Recent Posts
-
Archives
- May 2025
- April 2025
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- September 2013
- July 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- December 1
-
Meta