For centuries, olive oil has been produced by pressing green or ripe olives to extract the delicious and fragrant oils. It has been used since ancient times for cooking, oil lamps, skin treatments, and much more. It is one of the most valuable commodities in history and a staple in the pantry of every
Older generations have pioneered a style that is enviably neat and easy to live with. It's known as 'coastal grandmother' or some variation of the name. It implies a retirement lifestyle in relaxed locales that are inherently humanistic. We see it popularized in movies such as Something's Gotta Give or It's Complicated. Retired, relaxed,
The word frugal is derived from the Latin frugalis, which means value and virtue in thrift. A frugal mindset helps us decide how, when, and why to spend or save our money. Practicing frugality doesn't mean giving up the things we really like or must have, though. Here are some easy-to-do tips for saving
The basic elements of New Year's Eve at home are some festive lights, wonderful food and drink, and a stellar movie playlist. Set the stage with a few candles and fanciful light strings to brighten dark corners and halls. Inexpensive patio lanterns or micro lights in mason jars will brighten these areas. Aim for even
Every holiday season, the snow globe makes its appearance on windowsills and study desks. Inside are magical dioramas with miniature villages or people in landscapes. It's fun to give them a shake and image being inside the winter wonder land. Snow globes are easy to make and allow you to customize the scene to suit
Coffee is a taste experience similar to wine appreciation. In fact, many of the techniques are the same and coffee connoisseurs are referred to as sommeliers. Hosting a coffee tasting for friends or co-workers is a great way to learn about different coffee varieties from around the world and perhaps find one that you love.
Chilly autumn air signals the last opportunity to prepare your garden for winter. With some planning and proactive care, your vegetable gardens, grassy areas, and shrubs will be ready for the first warm days of spring. In the garden, harvest all the remaining plants and remnants. Clean the soil of weeds and prune perennials to
Autumn is a season full of traditions that celebrate the harvest and the coming of winter. The weather is cooler and sometimes even cold. The wind is more noticeable and leaves blow around like colourful confetti. It's also a time when your home needs one last inspection before the snow (or West Coast rain) arrives.
Log homes have a special appeal and an aesthetic that invites occupants to reconnect with nature. Living in a log home is something akin to 'art as an experience'. Log construction has evolved, from being an essential part of European and North American housing stock, to a building method that is kept alive by popular
Home siting is the process of determining how to place the house on a building lot for maximum liveability. Siting is influenced mostly by the building footprint compared to available land. In the countryside, natural features such as rocks, hills, and water can limit the number of sites. In the city, most people will build
