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.
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....
Tune in to Your Body’s Optimum Frequency (Part IV): 6 Easily Accessible Forms of Sound Therapy
If you’ve followed the first parts of this series, you know that sound therapy is an ancient healing method that uses vibrational frequencies to restore balance and health in both mind and body; and it...
Seasonal Eating for January, and Baking Whole Grain Sourdough Bread
January places us square in the season of winter, where our instinct to conserve energy and keep warm has us craving hot soups, dense roots and, of course, calorie-rich carbs. While the foods discussed in...
All You Need to Know About Panettone – An Italian Holiday Classic
Neither fruit cake nor sourdough, an authentic panettone falls somewhere in between. A tradition that began as early as the middle ages, this leavened sweetbread was perfected in Milan to become the classic Italian treat...
Solving the Present Puzzle: A Practical Guide to Giving Gifts
About 95 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas in one way or another; but for many, the holiday spirit is clouded by stress. An anxiety to fulfill others’ wishes and expectations for gifts can be overwhelming,...
Tune in to Your Body’s Optimum Frequency (Part III): What Sound Therapy Can Do for You
As we have seen in the first two parts of this series, sound therapy is an ancient healing practice with spiritual roots. The significance of certain frequencies regarding healing was highlighted in the 1970s, after...
Seasonal Eating for December, and Relishing Your Roots (Recipes)
As we approach the dearth of winter, nature slows down to rest and so should we. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) this is the most yin portion of the year. Unlike the expansive yang...