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

If you haven't heard, honeybees are going the way of the dodo, if we don't do something fast to help them. Well the good news is that scientists are on the way to finding a way to help the honeybee colonies. And apparently all the little bees need is a shot of good ole antibiotics.

Scientists in Spain studied two apiaries and found evidence of honeybee colony depopulation syndrome, or colony collapse disorder as its known in the U.S.. They found no other sources of diease other than an infection with N.ceranae, a parasite. They have since treated the infected colonies with an antibiotic and these colonies have made a complete recovery! 

I hope this is the answer to saving the honeybees! We need those little guys!

-Jess 

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