Beekeeping: You will probably get stung, but it’s worth it!
I started keeping bees two summers ago. Bees are fascinating creatures, and learning about their social lives — the workings of a hive, how they make group decisions, and how to help them thrive — has been a highlight of the last two years for me. Beekeeping is not a hobby for everyone, but beekeeping is definitely an awesome hobby!
Winter cycling gear 2: Keep pedaling through the winter with these items
Last week we talked about what to put on your body when you ride during the winter months. Now let’s talk about what to put on your ride! A great way to get recommendations on gear is to talk to the folks at your Local Bike Shop (LBS), ask whether they have experience commuting through the winter, and if so, what sorts of things they like. Here are the pieces of gear my husband and I use to do our winter riding…
Winter cycling gear part 1: Weather too nasty to bike? NO SUCH THING. Wear this.
While any sane human being might reasonably give up bicycling as the temperature dips below freezing and the snow flies, some of us live by the motto, “there is no weather too nasty for cycling; there is only insufficient clothing.” While you can certainly get away with short trips by bicycle in almost any warm clothing, there are some things that I find particularly helpful…
How do I recycle greywater in the winter?
Due to some boring logistics, we will probably end up placing the washing machine in the garage. The problem is that there is no drain there, and it’s cost prohibitive to install one right now. Our solution is to recycle the greywater from the wash. In the summer we will use it to water the lawn. However, in the winter the temperature drops below freezing, and we don’t really need an ice skating rink in our back yard. What ideas do you have for recycling greywater in the winter?
Do I have to surrender my backyard to the spiders?
Our lovely Portland, Oregon backyard has transformed into a spidery wonderland during the past year. Spiders are awesome and super important for the environment, but we need our personal space! What can I do to de-spider the back yard, short of spraying with pesticides?
How to decorate and de-boring an above-ground pool
Remember my parent’s house in Maui? This summer their home improvement project was to install an above-ground pool — so very much more cost-effective than a below-ground pool, and just as refreshing. Though it may be just as refreshing, an above-ground pool is not just as attractive. So here’s how we made the outside of this pool as pleasant as the inside…
DIY wall-mounted bird feeder and bird bath
You’ve seen Homie Cheryl Hellcat’s LOTR table and driftwood key rack, but check out her awesome DIY wall-mounted bird feeder and bird bath, made from $3 plastic bowls and plates!
So you want to give running a try
No one would have ever called me an athlete. The only times I exercised was when I had to in gym class. But I always admired runners because they seemed so dedicated and driven. I tried giving running a shot half-a-dozen times, and quit a half-a-dozen times. Finally I decided to buckle down and do this. Here’s some things I discovered along my journey…