Weeding might feel like a never-ending chore, but what if your plants could do the job for you? That’s the magic of groundcovers. These low-growing, fast-spreading plants form dense mats that shade the soil, making it nearly impossible for weeds to break through. Even better, they add a lush carpet of greenery—and often colorful flowers—that … Read more
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is a beloved houseplant known for its vibrant and stunning blooms that adorn our homes during the holiday season. However, getting your Christmas cactus to produce abundant blooms can be a challenge for many plant enthusiasts. Fortunately, there is a clever trick that can help you unlock the secret to … Read more
Growing rosemary in a pot can be incredibly rewarding. This hardy herb not only offers a pleasant aroma and flavor to dishes but also boasts attractive foliage that can enhance any patio or balcony garden. While rosemary is relatively easy to grow, there’s one trick that can significantly boost its growth and ensure you have … Read more
Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens, and for good reason. They’re versatile, delicious, and relatively easy to grow. But did you know you don’t need to buy seeds or seedlings to start your tomato garden? You can grow tomatoes directly from slices of store-bought tomatoes! This innovative gardening hack is not only cost-effective but … Read more
Sometimes the smartest gardening tools aren’t found in garden centers. They’re already sitting in your kitchen, quietly waiting for a second life. Take egg cartons, for example. Lightweight, simple, and usually tossed without a second thought, they turn out to be surprisingly useful in the garden—especially when it comes to planting bulbs. If you’ve ever … Read more
Weeding is the gardening equivalent of Sisyphus rolling a boulder uphill. You clear a bed, feel accomplished for three days, then the weeds return. The cycle never ends because you’re removing symptoms without addressing the cause: empty soil. Nature abhors a vacuum. Bare ground invites colonization by whatever seeds arrive first—usually weeds specifically evolved to … Read more
I have two growing boys in my house, so we go through a whole lot of bread. Between sandwich buns, sliced bread, English muffins, and bagels, sometimes I wonder if my house secretly doubles as a bakery. Because we go through so much bread, I’m always sure to stock up when it goes on sale. However, it’s … Read more
I love eating baked goods, but I don’t especially love making them. I consider myself to be a pretty competent cook, but I generally lack the patience and attention to detail that baking requires. Thankfully, I stumbled upon a super easy recipe for homemade brownies. I’m pretty sure it is even easier than making box mix … Read more
I honestly think I could eat chicken salad every day and never get sick of it. Whether you’re eating chicken salad in a sandwich, a wrap, a big lettuce leaf, or simply on its own, chicken salad is a classic recipe that also happens to be delicious and full of protein. I’ve tried numerous chicken … Read more
My mother had laundry rules, always. Like, very specific ones. Towels had their own special configuration. Socks couldn’t mingle with sheets. And anything remotely fuzzy? Unless you wanted to ruin it permanently, forget the dryer. So when I left I defiantly threw everything in the dryer — microfiber cloths and all. Bad idea. Pretty soon my once-fluffy, highly absorbent microfiber cloths went from … Read more