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.
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...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (E) Echinacea
Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is well known for its immune-boosting abilities. After gaining popularity among eclectic physicians in the late 1800s, echinacea became one of the most common herbal remedies sold commercially. While many studies...
Tune in to Your Body’s Optimum Frequency (Part II): The Theory and Science Behind Sound Therapy
As we saw in the first part of this series, using sound as a tool for healing is almost as old as civilization itself. In recent times, this traditional therapy has proven effective in many...
Seasonal Eating for November, and an Assortment of Sauerkrauts (Recipe)
As many of us are experiencing or anticipating the first fall frost, tender produce is becoming scarce, while dense, crunchy vegetables are coming into their prime. Oftentimes, these nutritious gems become sweeter after a light...
Daylight Saving Time – Why We Do It, and How To Deal With It
As businesses and individuals across the country adjust their clocks — and their routines — in “falling back” to standard time, many will question the rationality behind these disruptive biannual shifts. Daylight savings time originated...
For Powerful Traditional Remedies, Know and Grow Medicinal Herbs (D): Dill
Most of us are familiar with dill as a fresh-flavored herb used in fish dishes, creamy condiments, and of course, America’s favorite pickle; but believe it or not, dill has many medicinal properties as well....
Tune in to Your Body’s Optimum Frequency (Part I): The Ancient and Sacred Origins of Sound Therapy
Sound therapy is an increasingly popular energy practice that dates back to prehistoric times. Historically used in many traditional cultures to invoke spiritual awakening, reduce pain, promote healing and restore balance; sound therapy takes many forms...
Seasonal Eating for October, and Mushroom Hunting
As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, summer crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and green beans begin to taper off, making room for the return of crisp, cool-season greens and long-term storage...
Eat More Miso – An Ancient Fermented Condiment With Countless Applications
With all the advantages of a fermented food and the fifth fabulous flavor (umami) to boot, one might call miso an underutilized superfood. Short of a brothy bowl accompanying sushi at a Japanese restaurant, most...