7 Easy Steps: How to Build a Fire Pit with Bricks

Prehistoric humans gathered around fires to keep themselves warm, ward off predatory animals, and cook their food. Fast-forward to today. Little has changed, except that the predators are mostly gone from urban landscapes. People still gather around fires, but now...

Growing Sweet Peas for Garden Health & Beauty

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) were first cultivated in Sicily for their sweet fragrance and butterfly-like flowers in hues of white, pink, red, violet, and purple (among others). Introduced to England in the late 17th century, these climbing annuals later became a...

10 Budget-Friendly Home Decor Ideas Using Reclaimed Wood

In 2018, US landfills received 12.2 million tons of wood, accounting for 8.3% of all municipal solid waste that year. That’s a lot of trash, but it shows improvement over previous numbers. Plus, eco-conscious DIYers are finding new and creative ways to recycle...

How to Grow Bok Choy for Fabulous Stir-Fries

Bok choy, or Chinese cabbage, has been cultivated in China for over 1,500 years. In Cantonese, the name “bok choy” means “white vegetable,” referring to its pale, crunchy stems. Over time, this nutritious vegetable spread globally and became an...

Foam Vs. Bristle Paint Brush: Which Offers the Best Finish?

House paint isn’t cheap, so why would you skimp on your paintbrushes? Professional painters know that the quality of the brush makes a huge difference. They also know that the cheapest brush is sometimes the best for the job. Say what? That’s right — for...