Ila Bonczek
Ila lives in the Garden State with her family and four chickens. She has been growing produce and perennials for 20 years, and recommends gardening for food and fun, but not for fortune.
Repurpose Your Christmas Tree to Grow Food, and More!
With the Christmas season officially over, many of us will be disposing of our living Christmas trees. While most municipalities will repurpose your Christmas tree for you by chipping them into mulch; you may like...
Indoor Gardening: How to Care for Your Houseplants Through the Winter
Just because there’s snow covering your garden doesn’t mean you have to forgo the quiet company of plants. Whether you’ve brought some potted plants in from the garden, or have a number of regular house...
The Spiritual Benefits of Physical Labor
Spirituality may mean many things to many people, but generally, one who is on a spiritual path is seeking a more noble or meaningful existence; wishing to be a better person and have a closer...
The Legend of Tomten, and a Craft to Make Him Yours
The Christmas season is a time for faith and magic; a time for showing kindness and gratitude. In Sweden, there is a special type of magic unique to Scandinavia. Already famous for its trolls, Sweden...
The Lizard Guys: Educating NJ With Rescued Reptilian Pets
The Lizard Guys, located in New Jersey, have been educating and entertaining children and adults across the state for decades; taking their rescued reptiles to schools, daycares, libraries, and private parties. In an exclusive interview...
Nut Cookies: An Original Recipe for a Low-Carb, Low-Sugar, Full-Flavor Treat
Whether or not you have dietary restrictions yourself, you are bound to have friends who need to avoid certain foods. Refusing foods because of your diet can be embarrassing, painful, and difficult. When someone prepares...
Winterize Your Garden in 6 Simple Steps
With winter just around the corner, for many of us it’s time to put gardening on hold. But before you do, it is important to take measures to protect and prepare, or “winterize your garden,”...
The Tibetan Singing Bowl: A Spiritual Tradition Nearly Lost
A Tibetan singing bowl has the ability to calm the heart, empty the mind, and teach the Dharma, according to a tradition that was all but lost when Communism arrived to destroy culture and spirituality....
Jolly Calle, A Swedish Tale of Being Happy Within and Without
Adapted from the Swedish Folktale written by Helena Nyblom. There was once a young man called Jolly Calle, who really couldn't help being happy. Although he was poor and orphaned, he did not want pity....
2 Native American Legends Remind Us: Be Thankful for Nature’s Gifts
Thanksgiving is an official holiday in seven countries around the world, but there are still other nations that have similar, unofficial, harvest celebrations that remind one to be thankful for a bountiful harvest, family, and...
An Ancient Chinese Story of a Good Deed Rewarded
Repaying a debt of gratitude, or bao en (報恩), is an important concept in traditional Chinese culture, and it is often demonstrated in legends and heroic stories of the past. In this story it manifests as...
Vegetarian Recipes: Five Simple Sides for Your Thanksgiving Feast
These simple, yet sumptuous vegetarian dishes will save you time in the kitchen so you can better enjoy your family and guests, something we can all be thankful for! All the recipes can be made...