Home gardening is booming these days, both as an outlet for Americans, and, according to sociologists, as a trend for millions turning toward a simpler, gentler lifestyle worldwide.
Neighbors are exchanging herbs for oranges and more parents are providing the opportunity for their children to witness first-hand how food is grown from seed.
A small, sunny patch in your backyard is all you need to start, and failing that, window boxes, containers or even pots on an apartment building rooftop can provide equal opportunity.
If you’re new to gardening, experts say to start with easy-to-grow veggies like zucchini and cucumbers, which tend to grow almost like weeds, lettuce, if you have enough space for leafy greens to spread out, and tomatoes, which do as well in hanging baskets as they do when staked in the ground. You can start your veggies from seeds, young plants purchased locally or from a catalog—and while you’re at it, consider growing strawberries, a summertime favorite that can thrive in small pots or planters on a deck or patio.
Apart from the purchase of plants or seeds and the cost of containers and potting soil, you will want to invest in a trowel, possibly a hoe, some gardening gloves and a watering can and/or a sprinkler attachment for the garden hose. Plant food, while a nice idea, is optional, and if you’re not yet ready to venture into the store, curbside pick-up from most home stores is available almost everywhere.
In all, your garden will be a minimal investment considering that, according to experts, home vegetable gardens produce on average more than double the value in fruits and vegetables than what they cost in materials and supplies. You can start small, spending far less than you may think.
Most garden shops and big box garden stores offer free instruction on planting and maintenance, but you can learn a lot online. Many families today are making it a project to learn and experiment together.
Four striking countertops that will up the style factor in your kitchen…
Here are four striking countertops that will up the style factor in your kitchen…
Sintered Stone
Sintered stone combines the classic look of natural stone with all the benefits of a durable, man-made surface.
Soapstone
Whether you’re going for a traditional or modern look, this natural stone works well in a variety of styles.
Caesarstone
Made from a blend of quartz and resin, Caesarstone is an increasingly popular manufactured surface.
Quartzite
With bold swirling patterns quartzite is a natural stone that can make any kitchen pop.
4 Simple Family Activities to Promote Healthy Living
Keeping your family healthy is a top priority, but with everything we have to juggle in modern-day life, that’s easier said than done. Luckily, there are simple activities your whole family can enjoy that will promote a health-focused lifestyle in adults and children alike.
Visit a U-Pick Farm
Young children will especially enjoy visiting a local farm, but teens and adults alike can enjoy seeing where food is sourced. Visit a U-pick farm and gather some of your favorite fresh fruits and veggies. Not only is this activity more fun than a plain grocery trip, but you’re also likely to save money when buying in bulk.
Find Active Hobbies
Keeping your family active and healthy doesn’t mean everyone has to sign up for a sport or gym membership. Think of fun activities the whole family can enjoy that aren’t exercise-focused. Kite flying, paper boat racing, walking the family dog and picking wildflowers can all be fun hobbies that encourage movement without feeling like a chore.
Look for Tech Tools
For tech-loving families, there are a plethora of options to stay active without feeling like you’ve traveled to the stone ages. Try geocaching, having a step-count contest or play a movement-focused video game.
Cook Together
The best way to please a picky eater? Get them involved in the process. Cooking together can be a fun and messy experience that kids will enjoy. Get the whole family involved with age-appropriate tasks and try a new recipe together. Get chef hats and aprons to make it a novel experience. Just be sure to leave plenty of time and plan for delays if you are working with younger children.
Incorporate these simple habits that your whole family will benefit from, all while having fun.
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A Brief Guide to Biophilic Design
The modern world has many advantages, but one issue that many of us are facing, particularly those who spend their days working in front of a computer, is the feeling of being disconnected from the natural world. The good news is that a growing movement known as biophilic design might be just the answer and is being utilized by designers and architects around the world. Cities, in particular, are embracing this trend, and if you’re looking for a living space that will help you reconnect with Mother Nature, here’s what you should know about biophilic design.
The Basics
At its core, this design movement is all about creating a living space that feels like it’s a part of nature. That means much more than just incorporating green spaces. Equal emphasis is placed on using natural materials, such as wood and stone, to capture natural light throughout the day, and simply being able to observe things happening outside, like the sunset or a snowstorm.
Design Solutions
Breaking down the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces is a big part of biophilic design. A retractable glass wall, for example, can capture sunlight in the winter and in the warmer months be opened up to allow fresh air to flow through the home. Additionally, you can bring the outdoors inside with indoor gardens or living walls. Even feeling connected to animals can play a role in biophilic design, like a koi pond, where you can relax while watching fish or attracting birds and butterflies with specific types of plants.
The Benefits
The main argument, of course, is that when we feel closer to nature we’re more relaxed and in tune with our surroundings. Additionally, biophilic design is considered to be an environmentally friendly solution because it typically requires using clean, natural materials to build homes that use less energy. For instance, if you can design a home to capture a natural breeze, then you may not need air conditioning in the summer. Or, by capturing adequate sunlight through performance glass windows you can reduce the heat required to keep your home warm in the winter. If that’s not enough, it’s an added bonus that this also means lowering your bills.
Joining the Trend Toward Victory Gardens
Home gardening is booming these days, both as an outlet for Americans, and, according to sociologists, as a trend for millions turning toward a simpler, gentler lifestyle worldwide.
Neighbors are exchanging herbs for oranges and more parents are providing the opportunity for their children to witness first-hand how food is grown from seed.
A small, sunny patch in your backyard is all you need to start, and failing that, window boxes, containers or even pots on an apartment building rooftop can provide equal opportunity.
If you’re new to gardening, experts say to start with easy-to-grow veggies like zucchini and cucumbers, which tend to grow almost like weeds, lettuce, if you have enough space for leafy greens to spread out, and tomatoes, which do as well in hanging baskets as they do when staked in the ground. You can start your veggies from seeds, young plants purchased locally or from a catalog—and while you’re at it, consider growing strawberries, a summertime favorite that can thrive in small pots or planters on a deck or patio.
Apart from the purchase of plants or seeds and the cost of containers and potting soil, you will want to invest in a trowel, possibly a hoe, some gardening gloves and a watering can and/or a sprinkler attachment for the garden hose. Plant food, while a nice idea, is optional, and if you’re not yet ready to venture into the store, curbside pick-up from most home stores is available almost everywhere.
In all, your garden will be a minimal investment considering that, according to experts, home vegetable gardens produce on average more than double the value in fruits and vegetables than what they cost in materials and supplies. You can start small, spending far less than you may think.
Most garden shops and big box garden stores offer free instruction on planting and maintenance, but you can learn a lot online. Many families today are making it a project to learn and experiment together.
4 Superfoods to Keep You Healthy
Many people are constantly on the hunt for the healthiest food choices, whether it be to lose weight, lower cholesterol or simply adapt better eating habits. Superfoods have become increasingly popular over the years, offering health benefits and new recipes that are not only good for you, but taste good, too. Here are four superfood options you can add to your diet to keep you healthy.
Blueberries
High in fiber and low in calories, blueberries are a popular superfood to add to your recipe book. From snacking on them individually to adding them to a spring salad or warm pie, they are a fruit you’ll be glad you tried. Blueberries contain no cholesterol or fat and are bursting with antioxidants. Be sure to wash them before consumption and to ensure extended freshness.
Pinto Beans
Beans of all kinds are very good for your body, including and especially pinto beans. In addition to helping manage diabetes and cutting the risk of high blood pressure, pinto beans contain no saturated fat, trans fat or cholesterol. They are also high in protein, which can be very helpful for vegans and vegetarians, as well as a high content of fiber, iron and folic acid.
Artichokes
For a low calorie and low sodium choice, add artichokes to your next meal. Packed with vitamin C, fiber and folate, artichokes are a great option, whether fresh or jarred. Add them to your favorite spinach dip or in your next chicken dish for a healthy and tasty option to add to your recipe book.
Prunes
Yes, prunes are known to be a stereotypical “old person” food. However, they are also a great choice when looking for something high in fiber and antioxidants. Prunes are also known to help reduce and slow down age-related mental and physical problems. Whether they are in a salad or consumed in juice form, this superfood is a great addition to any pantry.
Five Outdoor Features for a Luxurious Backyard Experience
Here are five features that will provide an upscale feel to your outdoor space.
Covered Seating
Be it a loggia, pergola or trellis, provide a comfortable place to gather outdoors.
Infinity Pool
In addition to providing a place to swim on a hot day, infinity pools have a certain wow factor.
Entertaining Area
An outdoor kitchen, barbecue, or wet bar ensure that all entertaining needs are accounted for.
Fire it Up
A fire in the evenings is one of the ultimate backyard luxuries. It’s a focal point and natural place to gather around.
Privacy & Plantings
Thoughtful landscape design will make a backyard or terrace feel like your own private escape.
5 Natural Stone Styles for Dramatic Home Design
These five eye-catching natural stones will make for an unforgettable living space.
Amazonite Extra Granite
With shades of teal and gray infused with white crystals, this makes a design statement in any room.
Pink Onyx
Swirls of pink and white make this mesmerizing surface feel simultaneously relaxing and energizing.
Nero Antico Marble
The contrast of black and white Nero Antico marble gives your home a sleek and modern feel.
Fusion Wow Quartzite
A range of colors including shades of gold, orange, blue and peach make it one of the most unique stones around.
Earth Glitter Granite
Black with shimmering swirls of gray, pink and orange, this stone brings a room to life with its stunning appearance.
Five Designs Tips to Create an Eclectic Space