Ila Bonczek
Ila has a Bachelor's degree from from Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Science. She lives in the Garden State, where she has been growing produce and perennials for 25 years.
Join Ila in the exploration of exciting topics like sustainable living, holistic health, and the cultivation of not just plants, but mind and body as well.
The Sweet Satisfaction of Making Peace With Dessert
While people have been enjoying sweets for thousands of years, the concept of dessert has gradually evolved from simple and refreshing, to the complex explosion of decadence we are tempted with today. In many areas,...
East Coast Earthquakes – What to Know
In response to a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by multiple, smaller aftershocks, many East Coast natives are grappling with earthquake awareness for the first time. Epicentered near Gladstone, New Jersey, slight tremors were felt...
A Holistic Approach to Histamine Intolerance
Do you suffer chronic symptoms that can’t be pinned down to any specific cause? Gastrointestinal disorders, headaches, hives, congestion, and itchy eyes can all be caused by histamine intolerance. Like gluten intolerance a couple decades...
Beneath the Sea – An International Expo on Everything Aqua
Who doesn’t love the water? Beautiful, mysterious, powerful and vital — it soothes and nourishes both body and soul. It also hides an incredible, vibrant world beneath the sea, that most of us never see...
Unlocking the Penetrative Power of Incense
For thousands of years, humans have been burning botanicals for sacred ceremonies and other spiritual purposes. Collectively known as incense, this time-worn tradition continues not only within religious settings, it has also gained popularity among...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (F) Feverfew
Sprightly and tenacious, feverfew is a member of the world’s largest and most diverse plant family — Asteraceae. Native to Asia and Europe, feverfew was first introduced to the United States in the 19th century....
Seasonal Eating for March, and Growing Your Own Food
In this 12-part series on seasonal eating, we have meandered our way through the months, looking at many interesting aspects on the topic, including: Chinese Soli Lunar Calendar (April) The Yin Yang Principles (May) Why...
The Evolution of Leap Day, and Its Unusual Customs
While every day is arguably unique, leap day is four times more so, simply for its scarcity! As with many things, February 29 is favored by some and feared by others. Since its inauguration nearly...
Ancient Secrets Revealed: Rice Water for Healthy Hair
At last, the ancient secret to long and luxurious locks has made its way to TikTok. Rice water, historically used to bathe and nourish black and beautiful Asian hair, is rapidly gaining popularity as a...
How to Find True Love This Valentine’s Day, and Every Day
Valentine’s Day can be a challenge for anyone, whether you have a sweetheart or not. Fabricated pressure to express “true love,” combined with the emphasis on having a “special someone” can make Valentine’s Day stressful,...
A Dozen Ways to Do Away With Contaminants in Drinking Water
Considering the fact that the average human body is about 60 percent water, it would really be remarkable if water quality did not affect our health; yet contaminants in drinking water only became a serious...
Sensible Solutions for Stink Bugs and Other Winter Pests
As winter closes in around us, the flu is not the only bug we might be warding off. A host of insects, including stink bugs, seek the warmth of a house during the colder months....