Sep 14 2026
Violas are small flowers with an impressive ability to brighten the garden when many other plants are taking a break. Their cheerful blooms appear in shades of purple, violet, blue, yellow, white, orange, burgundy, and nearly black, with many varieties displaying delicate markings or contrasting centers. They are especially valuable during the cooler parts of …
Sep 13 2026
On September 13, we celebrate the birthday of Else Holmelund Minarik, the Danish-born American author who gave generations of beginning readers one of children’s literature’s most comforting companions: Little Bear. Born on September 13, 1920, in Fredericia, Denmark, Minarik came to the United States as a small child, learned a new language, became a teacher, …
Sep 12 2026
Every September 12, World Dolphin Day gives us a reason to celebrate some of the most remarkable mammals on Earth—and to think seriously about what it will take to keep dolphins thriving in the wild. For many people, dolphins symbolize the joy and mystery of the ocean. We picture them racing beside boats, leaping above …
Sep 01 2026
September is one of the most interesting transition months in the garden. In northern parts of the United States, the first frost may be only weeks away, while gardeners in the South are finally getting relief from intense summer heat. In warm regions such as Florida, southern California, and the low deserts of Arizona, September …
Sep 01 2026
September has a way of feeling like a second New Year. The long, loose days of summer begin to give way to earlier evenings, cooler mornings, familiar routines, and the unmistakable sense that another season is beginning. Even if it is still warm where you live, September carries the energy of transition. School begins again, …
Aug 30 2026
There is something wonderfully satisfying about turning a plain piece of fabric into something completely your own, one tiny stitch at a time. With little more than a needle, colorful thread, and a piece of cloth, embroidery allows you to create flowers, lettering, landscapes, decorative borders, playful motifs, and intricate works of textile art. It …
Aug 30 2026
Creamy coconut milk, fragrant lemongrass, fresh lime, galangal, tender chicken, mushrooms, and just enough chile heat come together in this comforting Tom Kha Gai soup. It is rich without feeling heavy, spicy without overwhelming the other flavors, and wonderfully aromatic from the moment the pot begins to simmer. This version includes mushrooms and juicy cherry …
Aug 28 2026
There is something irresistible about seashell jewelry. Even the simplest shell carries its own colors, curves, ridges, and markings, which means no two finished pieces ever look quite alike. A handful of tiny shells can become a delicate summer necklace. Smooth cowrie shells look beautiful mixed with metallic bracelets and warm natural cord, while small …
Aug 28 2026
Ahi tuna is one of those ingredients that can make an ordinary dinner feel surprisingly special. Its firm, meaty texture works beautifully with a screaming-hot skillet, a smoky outdoor grill, or the bright sesame-and-soy flavors of a fresh poke bowl. And despite its restaurant-worthy appearance, tuna is remarkably easy to prepare at home. These three …
Aug 27 2026
There is something wonderfully indulgent about a homemade body scrub. With a handful of simple ingredients, an ordinary shower can feel a little more like a spa ritual—and your skin can feel noticeably softer afterward. The secret is not aggressive scrubbing. In fact, when it comes to exfoliation, gentler is usually better. A body scrub …
