There is no one-size-fits-all solution to solving pest problems in our yards and gardens. Every system is unique and constantly changing. Thus, it’s important to equip your garden with a wide range of tools that will help it flourish. Fortunately, backyard biodiversity offers a broad and adaptable range of ecological services through methods like protecting predatory insects and supporting their reproduction, or working against the reproductive cycles of the pests you want to reduce. Let’s talk about why it’s necessary to equip your home garden with the multitude of tools it needs to strengthen resilience and reduce weed and pest pressure naturally.

If you use a natural laundry detergent, or if you make your own laundry liquid, you probably have realized that the scents of the essential oils you used do not last quite as long as their chemical-laden commercial counterparts. Many of us really do appreciate that long-lasting clean smell, and it can feel like a trade-off of making the switch to natural alternatives—that is, until you learn how to incorporate organic linen sprays to enhance your earth-friendly laundry care routine.

Each spring as another camping season draws near, I find myself on the hunt for new gear deals, trail spots, and of course, trail food recipes! My ideal camping fare is healthy, filling, shelf-stable, and simple to make (after all, preparing to hit the trail requires enough prep already!). Homemade energy balls already tick all those boxes, but I was recently inspired to pack even MORE goodness into each tasty bite—with a little turmeric and chai spice.

Many a parent will vow that the arrival of their child was the greatest gift they’ve ever received—and also the most demanding! As the proud keeper of a tiny new human myself, I am deeply immersed in the difficult but rewarding work of merging pre-baby life with parenthood, and one truth that’s never been clearer to me is that families need the support of their village to thrive. Since we can’t always be there physically for the ones we love, we often look for ways to pass on that love and assistance through a thoughtful gift, be it lovingly selected or lovingly made.

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of driving down the I-5 and back, taking detours to explore lakes and forests along the way. This road trip was planned well in advance, so I had time to prepare a few herbal luxury items, including some herb-infused witch hazel for freshening up our faces and this lovely portable hand cleanser recipe incorporating a homemade four thieves® essential oil blend.   

My son and I have been studying permaculture, and one of permaculture’s primary principles is called “stacking function,” a concept whereby you’re getting many yields from one element. As a busy mom, simplicity and stacking function have become guiding principles in my own life—"fill two needs with one deed” is my motto, and this also applies to my herbal medicine endeavors. There are many ways to prepare herbs, but few herbal preparations stack function in the way that herbal vinegars do!

When it comes to natural wellness and green living, there’s no escaping the buzz about essential oils and all their many uses—but where to start? These powerful plant essences demand respect, so we’ve put together some of our favorite resources to kick-start your aromatherapy adventures. For expert tips on how to put your pure essential oils to work safely and economically, read on!

Essential oil diffusers are a cornerstone in the world of aromatherapy. When I first learned about diffusers, I incorrectly associated them with products simply meant to deodorize a space, like a scented hanging air freshener for your car, for example. The truth is however, that these little devices can transform living spaces and influence overall states of being through the power of aromatherapy.

When I moved from my home state of New Jersey to beautiful Oregon, I was exposed to so many new things. Among my favorite discoveries were the abundant, handwritten road signs that advertised fresh local produce, eggs, and honey. Intrigued and excited by these signs, I stopped in to meet my local neighborhood beekeeper, who was thrilled that I knocked on his door to say hello. He brought me over to his hives and taught me a lot about what it means to care for bees. I wanted to support my farm neighbor, so I bought a gallon of honey. What I was going to do with that much honey, I had yet to figure out.

It’s not news that many Oregonians love to enrich themselves with good local produce that is sustainably and organically grown. And with the abundance of explorable nature surrounding us, portability is a major plus when choosing healthy snacks to enjoy during a rewarding hike through an old-growth forest or along our scenic coastlines. When preparing your provisions before hitting the trail, Real Live Food Oregon (RLFO) has you covered!

I absolutely love to travel, and I painstakingly research and plan for my trips. However, mixed with all the eager anticipation of an upcoming adventure looms the fear of illness ruining my vacation. I think we have all had that experience where you take your seat on the plane and get settled, only to discover that someone near you has a hacking cough and looks like death warmed over. I find myself holding my breath and repeating, “I will NOT get sick,” over and over in my head. Thankfully, we can do more than just hope for the best—we can utilize wellness-supporting herbs before, during, and after traveling so we can make the most of our trip.