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.
Medlar – The Forgotten Fruit That Deserves an Encore
If you’re unfamiliar with medlar fruit, that’s not surprising. This unusual pome was popular in Medieval times, but fell out of favor as produce preferences turned towards convenience for our fast-paced lives. Small, hard, and...
Learn Efficient and Effective Study Skills to Last a Lifetime
Whether you're a student in high school, college, or already settled on a career path, it’s never too late — or too early — to improve your study skills. Learning to learn efficiently and effectively...
All You Need to Know About Truffles – The Treasured Tuber of the Fungal Kingdom
Neither root nor mushroom, truffles are a fungal delicacy that has been enjoyed for thousands of years for their distinct flavor and intoxicating aroma; yet we only began to understand these mysterious morsels in the...
Understanding the Swastika, and the Benevolent Background of the Western World’s Most Hated Symbol
Since its application on the Nazi flag, the swastika invariably evokes feelings of anger, fear, hatred and disgust among Westerners; yet the overwhelming perception of this symbol in ancient times was diametrically different. Join me...
Beneath the Sea 2025 International Expo
Beneath the Sea is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization that supports the recreational diving community, and helps to protect the oceanic ecosystem through education and various events. Last weekend they hosted their annual expo in Secaucus,...
High Vibrational Foods – How to Raise Your Frequency, Naturally
How often do you enjoy high vibrational foods? So many of us are concerned about our diet, yet it seems like we’re all focused on something different — making it difficult to dine out with...
Better Bargain Hunting – How to Keep Your Cents and Sensibility in Finding Good Deals
Do you find yourself collecting more stuff than you need because you feel compelled to take advantage of a bargain? Ironically, bargain hunting can be an expensive habit — one that consumes time, energy, and...
Unraveling the Mystery of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: (Part 2) Chinese Yam
Part of the allure with Chinese herbal remedies is the fascinating names allotted to the material. Take Chinese yams (shan yao 山药), for instance. This translates literally to the much-more-intriguing “mountain medicine.” It might conjure...
If You Think Matcha Is Expensive, Consider This…
When the cost for a small amount of anything seems outlandish, it may be time to consider what all went into it. As we mentioned in our latest article about Japanese green tea, ounce per...
The Pitfalls of Black and White Thinking, and How to Break the Habit
Black and white thinking is the tendency to look at things in extreme ways. It can show up in your perception of others: “He is a terrible neighbor;” “That guy is a saint;” “She never...
Unraveling the Mystery of Medicinal Chinese Herbs (Part 1) Goji Berries
If you’re familiar with goji berries, you probably have them mentally filed under the category of ‘superfoods,’ but did you know they are actually an ancient Asian medicine? Some of the oldest remedies in the...
Seasonal Eating for February, and Traditional Chinese Hot Pot
While February’s main highlight in the Western world is Valentine’s day (hardly a highlight for those without a sweetheart), this month holds some of the most celebrated dates in Chinese tradition. The Lunar New Year...