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.
9 Signs You’re Consuming Too Much Sugar, and How to Conquer Your Cravings
We all know that consuming too much sugar is terrible for your body. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no more than 10 grams (about two teaspoons) of sugar daily; yet Americans eat about 17...
Unravelling the Mystery of Traditional Chinese Herbs: Cornus fruit (山茱萸 Shan Zhu Yu)
As the “foundation of vitality,” the kidney is an organ of utmost importance in Chinese medicine. Traditional remedies meant to enhance energy, resilience and longevity usually include herbs that focus on toning and nourishing the...
Why You Have Too Much Stuff, and 5 Ways to Effectively Declutter Your Life
In an age of instant-gratification and abundance, one might wonder why some 40 percent of Americans suffer from either depression or anxiety. It is a pretty paradox: we have everything we want, except peace of...
Cherish Winter’s Blessings and Embrace the Snowy Season
As the northeast endures yet another arctic blast, we are faced with extremes that test even the hardiest of souls. Winter can be a trying time for plants, animals, and people alike; but it is...
8 Creepy Ways Your Phone is Spying on You, and What You Can Do About It
The other day I remembered out loud that I forgot to pick up toothbrushes when I was at Walmart. Next thing you know, Amazon was feeding me toothbrush ads on my home computer. It is...
Beans of Wisdom or Wishful Thinking? Filtering out the Facts of Mushroom Coffee
Have you transformed your morning routine with the latest and greatest trend, or did you miss the memo? Wake up and smell the mushroom coffee! What may sound like a choke-it-down concoction, is actually catching...
Unraveling the Mystery of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Angelica Root (當歸 Dang Gui)
The Earth holds many mysteries, and medicinal roots are not the least of them. Among the traditional Chinese herbs, angelica root (當歸 dang gui) is considered a foundational botanical. It has long served as a...
7 Strange English Sayings and Their Intriguing Origins
From “buttering up” to “beating around the bush” the English language has a surprising number of strange sayings. Even if we have a good grasp of their meaning and use them every day in our...
How The Candy Cane Became an Internationally Recognized Symbol of Christmas
Few sweets say “Christmas” quite like the candy cane, but it wasn’t always this way. In fact the Christmas holiday as we know it today only evolved about 200 years ago, when key elements —...
8 Great Teas for Naturally Healthy Skin and Hair
According to recent statistics, Americans spend an average ranging from $897 to $3,756 per year on beauty products and services, with many spending more than they could afford. If you are spending more than you...
Exploring the Rich Cultural Significance of China’s Twenty-Four Solar Terms
The twenty-four solar terms are a cultural legacy unique to the East. Although this system plays a significant role in China past and present, it has only recently become more broadly known, and the general...
Every Day Is Precious – Learn to Make the Most of Your Time
You may have noticed that time seems to go faster and faster with each passing year; and it’s not just your imagination. Both physiological and psychological factors influence our perception of time to make it...