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Author: Sarah Biren

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8 min read Health

At 96 years old, Iris Apfel is not what you would picture any other 96 year old to be. Her signature big glasses, flashy clothing, and confidence have defined her as an icon for all those who want to stand out and be different. Not only has she become an icon in fashion, modeling for...

5 min read Health

Burning sage is an ancient spiritual practice from different cultures, including certain groups of Native Americans. Historically, it’s been used in spiritual rituals, to connect to a mystical realm, enhance intuition, and reflect on inner dilemmas. It’s also traditionally used for healing, whether for physical, mental, or spiritual ailments. As burning sage becomes more mainstream,...

6 min read

Blueberry season feels too short. Yes, international farmers keep the berry section stocked for several more months, but there’s nothing like the fresh and local versions. If you enjoyed tasting blueberries straight from the bush, you know there’s no comparison. Fortunately, you can have that experience from the comfort of your own home. Growing blueberries...

4 min read Food and Drink

Many people are in the habit of washing poultry before cooking it. After all, rinsing chicken and turkey helps remove bacteria, just like with produce, right? However, this is far from the truth. Raw turkey and chicken can be contaminated with bacteria like campylobacter and salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses. But rinsing poultry doesn’t...

4 min read Food and Drink

Elderberry juice is easy to notice because of its intense blue-purple color. But its deep hue is not the only notable thing about this fruit. It’s full of vitamins and minerals that make it popular in traditional medicine. But you can’t enjoy its tart, rich flavor in the form of supplements and tablets. Instead, you...

4 min read

The next time you’re cutting into a pineapple, don’t toss the spiky top. Instead, turn it into a houseplant that can eventually grow you another pineapple. You don’t need a tropical climate for this project, just plenty of space and bright light. If you don’t have much experience growing fruit, don’t worry. These plants are...

5 min read Food and Drink

Vegetable broth is the core ingredient for many types of soups, stews, even risottos. It’s typically in grocery stores in the form of cans or powder cubes. But if you like soups and other hot dishes as the cold weather rolls in, store-bought broth can become pricey. But you can make your own at home....

5 min read

It’s a weed of many names, including common nettle, stinging nettle, nettle leaf, and burn nettle. But don’t let some of these names scare you. Nettles have six subspecies, and only five sport hollow stinging hairs on the stems and leaves that are painful to touch directly. Nettles are found all over the world, and...

4 min read

Yes, you can grow avocados indoors. You may not live in a summery climate, but if you have room for a tall potted plant, you can try growing your avocado tree. Because these plants can sprout up to 80 feet, dwarf species are highly recommended for indoor gardens. There are two ways to attain an...

6 min read Health

Grounding, or earthing, is the practice of making physical contact with the Earth, often through walking barefoot on soil. Many studies have confirmed the health benefits of spending time in nature, although few people need scientific research to know that the outdoors makes them feel more vibrant and relaxed. Grounding takes this idea a step...

5 min read

Summer vacation is synonymous with the great outdoors. Plans usually involve pools, beaches, picnics, barbecues, bonfires, camping, hiking, and many other activities that take advantage of the warm weather. However, summer days come with a major drawback, especially as the evening rolls in: mosquitoes. These pesky insects can ruin what would otherwise be a perfect...