I’m not a homesteader — not by a long shot — but I admire self-reliant living and take enjoyment and satisfaction in learning to do things for myself. Not everything, …
Read moreAttainable Sustainable, the lost art of self-reliant living, by Kris Bordessa
I used to think that for such a little bit of fabric swimsuits were awfully expensive. Then I tried to make one. Now I’m willing to pay a pretty penny …
Read moreSwimsuit care — 4 easy steps to keep your bathing suit in top shape
Let me tell you a little story about a big ficus (AKA weeping fig). The one that sits next to my desk, swiping the ceiling. Circa 1977, Alan (my now-husband, …
Hanging laundry on a clothesline isn’t a chore for me — it’s a delight! And climbing into freshly line-dried sheets at night is one of life’s simple luxuries. I’ve almost …
Today I’m going to talk about a yard-maintenance workhorse that’s practically care free. That might seem like an odd choice for a blog about taking care of things, but in …
Read moreReel lawn mower — AKA cylinder mower or manual push mower
Rhubarb is my favorite vegetable. Maybe because it’s pink. Or maybe because it’s powerfully distinctive and adds the most wonderful flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. Or because I …
There are good options for naturally cleaning paintbrushes — including those used with latex and chalk paints and those used with oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes. I do a lot …
Read moreTaking care of your paintbrushes — How to clean them without using toxic solvents
Are you and/or your kids rolling around on skateboards this season? I love watching boarders — from the neighborhood tikes and grade schoolers to the teens and adults at skateboard …
Once upon a time, roses were considered difficult to grow. Many were disease-prone, or heat intolerant, or cold sensitive, or bug magnets. I admit to killing my share of rose …
Is cleaning gutters on your spring to-do list? It’s (still) on mine, and I’m kinda looking forward to it. It’s an outside chore (I’m eager to be outside), it’s doable …
