Although it may seem early in the season for some (based on how much snow you have), March 12 is National Plant a Flower Day. In addition to bringing beautiful sights and scents to us, did you know there are a lot of flowers you can eat as well? According to the National Institutes of Health, flower...

In addition to celebrating many other observances, March is National Nutrition Month – a time to look at what we eat and how to best fuel our bodies. But as many of us know, preparing and eating healthy meals isn’t always easy (or even possible when you have 25 hours of things to do in a 24-hour per...

Sufficient sleep is often an unsung hero of overall health. When people get enough sleep, their bodies are in a better position to fend off illness and the rest ensures they have enough energy to tackle whatever challenges they confront. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research ...

Extended summer vacations may get all of the glory, but individuals and families needn’t feel pressured to go away on week-long trips to get the rest and relaxation they deserve. With “spring break” upon us, there is plenty to be said for weekend getaways as well. Working oneself ragged is no way to...

For some, March is the month of turbulent spring weather. Remember that old saying, “In like a lion, our like a lamb”? But for those who can embrace those shifting temperatures, the payoff is sweet. March is International Maple Month in the U.S. and Canada. Maple sugaring season usually begins in th...

Spring is coming and homeowners are eager to get outside and spruce up their yards. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and supplier...

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of biting into the hearty crust of a slice of homemade bread. As a certified “foodie” and amateur cook, I’m all about trying new things – new recipes. Everyone’s experience with bread varies: perhaps you are an experienced bread maker, with hands that...

Spring is just around the corner. With its arrival, bluebirds will be returning north from their winter migration to the southeastern U.S. and Mexico. If you’re lucky, they’ll pay a visit to your yard. While bluebirds likely won’t be dining at your bird feeder (they prefer insects and berries), one ...

Years ago, my sisters and I took Dad to see the New England fall foliage, something he had always wanted to do. Dad did great on the trip, even though he was 90 years old at the time. During the 10-day adventure, we stayed at several delightful bed & breakfast venues, but our hands-down favorite was...

Those in New Orleans like to boast that when it comes to Mardi Gras, “everywhere else, it’s just Tuesday.” And that is true for a vast majority of the United States. Chickens still need to be fed; children still need to go to school. But that doesn’t mean you can’t laissez les bon temps roulez in yo...

“Adopt don’t shop” is a mantra utilized by many organizations devoted to finding loving homes for shelter animals. With thousands of dogs, cats and other companion animals residing in shelters or being fostered until they can find their forever homes, rescue organizations urge the pet-loving public ...

“I just want good products for my homestead that will last. I am tired of cheaply built products that are built to be cheap but only last for a year or so, and sometimes not even that long. I wish I could connect with some small family shop who makes products like they used to.” If that sounds like ...

When the time came to replace the friendly neighborhood traffic cop, the go-to design in 1926 was the dummy light. Standing sentinel in the intersection of town square, this small-town traffic light took center stage during the industrial revolution leading up to World War II and was the go-to desig...

American Heart Month is in February – as is National Barley Month – and Ground Up is on a mission to share the heart-healthy qualities of barley flour with bakers and diners everywhere. Barley, an often-overlooked grain for bakers, is officially recognized by the FDA for its high soluble fiber conte...

When working in their sugarbush this winter, maple producers are encouraged to be on the lookout for signs of the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). This wood-boring insect, native to southeast Asia, will kill many hardwood trees. However, its preferred host is the beloved maple. This highly destructive...