Should You Let Your Cat Sleep in Your Bed? Weighing the Pros & Cons - cat sleeping ss235089946

Should You Let Your Cat Sleep in Your Bed? Weighing the Pros & Cons

Two-thirds of cat owners allow their cats in the bedroom. It’s no surprise, as cats make warm, comforting companions.1 While snuggling up with your furry friend can provide comfort and strengthen your bond, it’s important to consider the potential risks. As much as we love our animal companions, it is crucial to weigh the pros … Read more

15 Natural Flu Fighters to Get You Back on Your Feet - herbal medicine ss1578672706

15 Natural Flu Fighters to Get You Back on Your Feet

Adults get an average of 2-3 colds per year, while children may have more than four.¹ The flu is even more severe, resulting in up to 41 million illnesses annually in the U.S. alone.²  While there’s no cure for influenza, natural remedies can help ease symptoms and speed recovery. Certain foods and nutrients may even … Read more

Fading Lights: The Plight of North America's Fireflies - fireflies ss1932408632

Fading Lights: The Plight of North America’s Fireflies

Did you know that in the Great Smoky Mountains, a rare species of fireflies flash in unison, creating a mesmerizing light show that attracts thousands of tourists annually?  Sadly, this enchanting display and fireflies around the globe are under threat. From forests in Brazil to rivers in Bangkok, firefly populations have declined by up to … Read more

15 Foods That Will Last Forever in Your Survival Pantry - storage food ss2172196799

15 Foods That Will Last Forever in Your Survival Pantry

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Building a well-stocked survival pantry is essential for weathering any storm, whether it’s a natural disaster or a global pandemic. But what foods should you include in your emergency stash? The average American household wastes nearly 31% of the food it buys. Having a well-stocked survival pantry not only … Read more

Cleavers: The Medicinal Powerhouse Hiding Among Your Weeds - galium aparine cleavers ss2120264810

Cleavers: The Medicinal Powerhouse Hiding Among Your Weeds

Cleavers (Galium aparine), also known as goosegrass, catchweed, or stickywilly, is an herbaceous annual plant that often gets overlooked as a bothersome weed. However, this tenacious herb has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments. As spring arrives, cleavers can be found growing prolifically in hedges, woodlands, and gardens … Read more

What Your Lawn's Mushrooms are Trying to Tell You - mushroom in grass ss2423787227

What Your Lawn’s Mushrooms are Trying to Tell You

Those unexpected mushrooms popping up in your lawn may seem like an unwelcome surprise, but they are actually sending you a message.  While their presence might raise concerns, most mushrooms are harmless and even beneficial to your lawn’s ecosystem. They act as nature’s recyclers, breaking down organic matter and enriching the soil.1  However, it’s best … Read more

15 Weird, But Wonderful Foods from the 1930s Great Depression - old man ss2189378985

15 Weird, But Wonderful Foods from the 1930s Great Depression

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Americans faced unprecedented economic hardship, forcing many to get creative with their meals. In 1933, at the height of the Depression, nearly 15 million Americans—nearly 25% of the workforce—were unemployed.1 This widespread poverty led to the emergence of unusual and often makeshift dishes as people struggled to put … Read more

15 Foods You Can Easily Canned at Home Using the Boiling Water Method - canning jar pickles ss1937647765

15 Foods You Can Easily Canned at Home Using the Boiling Water Method

Boiling water bath canning dates back to the late 1700s when Napoleon offered a cash prize for inventing a way to preserve food for his troops.1 This time-tested technique remains a popular and effective way to safely preserve high-acid foods at home. Water bath canning uses boiling water to create an airtight vacuum seal, preventing spoilage … Read more

15 Wild Plants Civil War Soldiers Foraged to Survive - civil war foraging plants ss242297803

15 Wild Plants Civil War Soldiers Foraged to Survive

During the brutal years of the American Civil War from 1861-1865, soldiers on both sides faced unimaginable hardships, including severe food shortages. To supplement meager rations, resourceful troops took to the wilderness, foraging for wild edibles to fill their empty stomachs. These 15 plants helped sustain the war-weary men in blue and gray. 1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) The humble dandelion was a true lifesaver for many Civil War soldiers. Not only are the leaves packed … Read more

How to Plant & Grow Vibrant Blooming Coneflowers All Year Long: 8 Simple Steps - echinacea ss778712653

How to Plant & Grow Vibrant Blooming Coneflowers All Year Long: 8 Simple Steps

Want to grow a garden that’s bursting with vibrant blooms all year long? Grow coneflowers!  Originating in eastern and central North America, coneflowers (Echinacea spp.) have adapted to thrive in everything from sun-drenched prairies to shaded woodlands.  Now, you too can cultivate these beautiful wildflowers in your own garden and enjoy their vibrant colors and … Read more