Sketching is an easy brain-boosting exercise that anyone can do. Did you know that sketching is good for your brain? You don't have to take classes, you don't need any special tools, you don't even need lots of time! All you need to have is a pencil, paper and a desire to sketch on a regular basis. The website ‘The Healing Power of … [Read more...]
Photography 101: Six Essential Still Life Photography Tips
Today I want to share my essential tips to help improve your still life photography. I think of photography as creating and designing an image as opposed to simply capturing a moment in an instant. If you're actively sharing your passions on social media, still life photography will help you not only spark interest (and likes!) but also help drive … [Read more...]
How to Decorate Like a True Maximalist
If you love to collect treasures but are struggling with clutter, I want to share some tips for decorating a maximalist home. When Marie Kondo’s book ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ was published, I immediately gravitated to it like a fly on flypaper. It was encouraging to read yet another book filled with promising ideas. Marie … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Entertaining Overnight Guests in Your Home
Entertaining overnight guests in your home can often leave you feeling overwhelmed and preparing for an extended visit, so guests feel comfortable in your home, can be rather challenging. No fear! I'm here to share with you some tips which, when I follow, make the time with my guests enjoyable and memorable. No matter the headcount, preparation … [Read more...]
11 Ways to Consume Fewer GMOs
I want to share with you eleven ways to easily consume fewer GMOs that are found in most packaged foods and make up a large portion of our food supply. Consumers once easily trusted local farmers and nurseries to sell the best plants and seeds, but the world is a different place since I began gardening as a child. We never questioned if what we … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Support Pollinators in your Pollinator Garden
We expand the national pollinator garden network by thinking about our gardens as a sanctuary and, as a result, help in the preservation of the millions of pollinators that are currently dying. As more cities, parks, and public spaces strive to cultivate increased biodiversity in urban gardens and as more of us work to include native plants that … [Read more...]
When Reading is a Struggle: Overcoming Illiteracy Through Visual Inspiration
When reading is a struggle. I write this journal entry to offer hope and encouragement to those who have struggled with illiteracy at an early age. When a child is illiterate, even basic classes can be challenging in school. If the struggling child is not prepared and given the proper support and tools to master each lesson, a feeling of … [Read more...]
Why Brides are Investing in Locally Grown Seasonal Slow Flowers
More modern brides are seeking a florist who has an organic and sustainable approach. Why are brides buying locally grown seasonal slow flowers you may ask? A bit of History of ATPA before we proceed... When the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) was signed in the early 90's it opened up our border with neighboring countries allowing for … [Read more...]
Why do we crave sugar?
What makes our body crave sugar? My love-hate relationship with food began as a child and it’s shocking to know that children’s sugar intake today is higher than when I was a little girl. Though shopping for food is one of my favorite things to do I must admit it is hard work. I say this because it’s become a challenge to find foods with no … [Read more...]
Creating simple yet elegant fall flower arrangements
Creating simple fall flower arrangements for your seasonal home is as easy as looking in your own backyard. The garden is aflame with its bursts of greens, golds, oranges, purples and red fall foliage. I encourage you to take note from nature as it displays the perfect palette for fall floral arrangements. What makes up simple yet elegant fall … [Read more...]