Love Persian rugs but trying to go local?  RugsUSA.com offers rugs that are braided in that Eastern fashion yet made in the American state of Georgia.  And, better yet, many of them happen to be on sale right now.  I just found one to my liking that has recently been marked down by 30%.  If you’re in the market, check out this website before the best deals have been taken.

-Serena

I just came across the Cool Foods Campaign’s Garden Guide.  For those who plan on planting this season, the guide could serve as a great resource.  The organization has laid out a series of eight steps that are meant to walk both novice and experts gardeners through the process.  For instance, you’re first given an introduction to garden types in general, then given a tutorial on designing them.  If you’ve gotten those two basics down and would like help with deciding what to plant or preparing soil, that information is there for you as well, followed by a piece on the meat and potatoes of planting and harvesting.  To finish, Cool Foods gives other resources on local produce, food preservation, and a run-through on how best to start all over again the season afterwards.  

-Serena

Not long ago, Culinate gave a brief but crucial account of which vegetables should be cooked for just a few minutes and which should be given heat for a longer period of time.  For instance, collards are best when sautéed on a high for just a flash while when making sauces, (let’s say tomato-based sauces for spaghetti and the like,) it is almost always a good idea to let them simmer and stew.  Want to practice?  Hit your local farmer’s market, get some good ingredients, and make cooking your night.  If you’re in Central Virginia, try Nelke Farm for those collards.  Then, stop by the Planet Earth Diversified  stand for the tomatoes (grown in greenhouses) or Best of What’s Around later in the summer, when they’re in season.

-Serena

Now that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been in the works for almost two months, it’s about time that citizens start seeing some visible results.  A few that I’m personally appreciative of?  For starters, I love that homeowners are now being given a 30% tax credit when they “go green,” in ways that regard energy efficiency.  If you were thinking of investing in environmentally friendly doors, windows, or heating and cooling systems, now is the time.  On an educational level, the ARRA is also promoting energy efficiency with a series of conservation-based grants and renewable energy-based research.  Advanced funds have also been given to Smart Grid technology and projects around the country.  Again, I’m loving it.  Thank you, President Obama.

-Serena