Enjoy Fireworks Season Safely

Fireworks produce loud, explosive noises that can reach dangerous decibel levels, often exceeding 150 decibels (dB). To put this into perspective, normal conversation typically measures around 60 dB, while prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can lead to permanent hearing loss. “Fireworks’ high decibel levels pose a significant risk, especially for children, individuals with… Continue reading Enjoy Fireworks Season Safely

Plant a Terrarium for a Unique Winter Garden or Gift

Create a garden under glass to enjoy or give as a gift to new, experienced, and even reluctant gardeners. This self-contained system makes it easy to be a successful gardener with minimal care. Purchase a terrarium or repurpose something hiding on a shelf in the basement, garage or shed. Even a cool glass container, cloche… Continue reading Plant a Terrarium for a Unique Winter Garden or Gift

Brighten Someone’s Holiday Season with Christmas Cactus

The holidays have arrived and so has the Christmas cactus. Set this favorite holiday plant in a basket, decorative pot or foil wrap and it will be ready to give as a gift or add to your holiday décor. With proper care this holiday favorite can flower for four to eight weeks and grow for… Continue reading Brighten Someone’s Holiday Season with Christmas Cactus

Three Indoor Trees for the Holidays

Add a small-scale living evergreen to your holiday celebrations. Consider one that is suitable for growing indoors so you can enjoy it throughout the year.  The Lemon Cypress makes a great miniature holiday tree, centerpiece, or gift for a friend. The fragrant chartreuse foliage of this dwarf evergreen continues to brighten your winter décor long… Continue reading Three Indoor Trees for the Holidays

Selecting and Caring for Your Christmas Tree

The holiday tree is the center of many family celebrations. Ornaments collected over the years decorate the boughs while brightly wrapped gifts are carefully placed underneath. But the hunt for the perfect tree can be an important part of the tradition. Many try to find the right size and shape for the space allotted, a… Continue reading Selecting and Caring for Your Christmas Tree

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

It’s never easy dealing with the loss of a loved one, but it can be especially difficult during the holiday season. Some people find solace spending time celebrating with friends and family while others may feel uncomfortable doing so. There is no right or wrong way to handle the holidays, and there is help available… Continue reading Coping with Grief During the Holidays

Four Ways to Give (and Heal) This Holiday

The holiday season is a time to give and a time to heal. Sometimes the healing comes through the giving. For example, someone afflicted with a serious illness, such as cancer, makes time to volunteer and support others who are sick. The acts of compassion translate into raising public awareness, bettering one’s self-outlook, and becoming… Continue reading Four Ways to Give (and Heal) This Holiday

Surviving the In-Laws at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is approaching, which means family will be coming to visit. While you may be on fabulous terms with your in-laws, finding it difficult to spend extended periods of time together is not uncommon. So, how do you make it through a visit from your in-laws? Here are some top tips: Create a flexible itinerary.… Continue reading Surviving the In-Laws at Thanksgiving