It's Not About Nutrition

So… I Accidentally Became a Celery Grower If you’d told me five years ago I’d be writing passionately about celery—yes, celery—I would’ve laughed and poured us both a glass of wine. But here we are. It all started when I noticed my store-bought celery was, well… sad. Either it was limp straight out of the bag or it had that slightly bitter, chemical-y aftertaste. I’d use a couple stalks, forget the rest in the fridge, and toss the whole soggy mess a week later. Then one day, on a whim, I stuck the bottom of a celery bunch in a …

Who Knew Buckets Could Grow Dinner? You ever look at one of those big ol’ 5-gallon buckets and think, “Well, that’s just for paint or mop water”? I sure did—until I stumbled across a few scrappy gardeners turning those humble buckets into mini veggie farms. And let me tell you, once I started, I never looked back. Container gardening with 5-gallon buckets is perfect if you’ve got a teeny backyard, a little balcony, or heck, even just a sunny stoop. These buckets are cheap (or free if you sweet-talk your local deli), easy to move around, and surprisingly roomy for …

Pull up a chair, hon—let’s have a little heart-to-heart about something that’s probably sitting in your sink or tucked into your “miscellaneous” drawer: those plastic food containers. You know the ones. They come home with leftover lo mein or last night’s meatloaf, and before you know it, you’ve got a whole army of mismatched lids and bottoms taking over your cabinets. Now, I’ll admit it: I’ve grumbled about them, cursed them when they didn’t stack quite right, and yes—tossed a few more than I care to admit. But these humble little containers? They’ve got more life in them than we …

I’ve spent the better part of my fifty-odd years flitting between stovetop and sink—singing along to Fleetwood Mac, sneaking cookie dough, and hollering “Dinner’s ready!” down the hallway. The kitchen is my comfort zone. Yet even in this sanctuary, a few everyday items quietly misbehave. Now I’m no fear-monger—life’s too short for that. But a pinch of knowledge sprinkled over our routines can protect the people we love. So let’s chat, neighbor-to-neighbor, about the sneaky hazards hiding in plain sight. Bring your favorite mug; I’ll keep the coffee flowing. Non-Stick Pans: Convenience with a Catch Remember the first time you …

Let’s just be honest here—cleaning window blinds is one of those chores. You know the kind I’m talking about. The slats are tiny. The dust clings like it’s in love. And before you know it, you’re elbow-deep in some awkward attempt to reach that one bent slat that hasn’t seen daylight since 2016. But here’s the thing—my nana had a little trick up her sleeve. Well, actually… on her hand. And it changed everything. Why Blinds Are the Worst (But We Still Love Them) Blinds are great when it comes to privacy and keeping the summer sun from baking your …

You spend all spring coaxing your lawn to life—watering, mowing, maybe even whispering sweet nothings to your fescue—and then boom: ugly, yellow patches start popping up like dandelions after a rain. If you’ve got a dog, chances are you know exactly what I’m talking about. Lawn burn. Oh, it’s a heartbreaker. But before you run out to spend half your paycheck on pet-friendly lawn products, let me tell you a little secret. My nana—wise beyond words and the queen of low-maintenance gardening—shared a trick with me that’s so simple, so fast, I almost didn’t believe her. But I tried it. …

Let’s be honest — grilling is the heart of summer. It’s where memories are made, bellies are filled, and someone inevitably declares, “These are the best burgers I’ve ever had!” But once the sizzle fades and the guests head home? That grill grate looks like a battlefield. Burnt-on sauce, charred meat bits, and enough grease to fry a second round of ribs. I’ve tried it all. Wire brushes. Overnight soaks. Chemical sprays that make me cough just looking at them. But none of it was ever as simple — or as oddly satisfying — as my nana’s foil trick. Now, …

Look, I’m not here to judge. Life happens, dinners get made, cookies get burned, and cabinets… well, they quietly collect a thin coat of mystery goo. You know the kind—tacky, kind of greasy, a little dusty, and clinging to your cabinet doors like it pays rent. If your cabinets haven’t had a proper cleaning since the last time you reorganized your spice rack (and let’s be real, that was probably pre-pandemic), don’t worry. You’re not alone. And you’re not doomed to live with sticky cupboards forever. Let’s get those babies cleaned up, shall we? So… What Is That Stuff, Anyway? …

Alright, let’s be honest — how many times have you made a pot of rice that could feed a small village, then just tossed the leftovers in the fridge, figuring it’d be fine for lunch the next day? I’ve done it more times than I can count, especially after a big Sunday dinner or when I get a little too enthusiastic with the rice cooker. But here’s the thing: storing cooked rice isn’t as straightforward as we like to think. And if you’re not careful, it can bite you in the gut — quite literally. Let me explain. Rice might …

You know how some home tips just sound a little nutty at first? Like putting baking soda in your fridge door or using vinegar to clean your shower head? Well, here’s another one that’s raising eyebrows: putting mint leaves in your toilet tank. Yes, you read that right. Now, before you chuckle and scroll away, let me tell you—this odd-sounding trick has a surprisingly solid following, and for good reason. It’s fresh, natural, easy on the wallet, and actually works. I tried it myself (after my daughter-in-law brought it up over coffee one morning), and let’s just say—I haven’t looked …