Just came across this fabulous idea from Rebecca Subbiah’s Chow and Chatter blog. She talks about adopting an olive tree in Italy. You basically pay the farmer and reap the benefits by getting the olive oil from the very tree you’ve adopted. This is certainly a different approach to buying olive oil! But why not? I think it would be fun to track the progress of your olive tree and the oil would mean even more to you. Not only would it be healthy, but also fun.

Rebecca writes on her blog:
Instead of just buying …read more

I first came across Aaron Foster when I saw him on the decorating show FreeStyle. The show would take a person’s stuff, and move it around and jazz it up and make the place look great without spending any money. It was an awesome show that had really great ideas.

I found out the host, Aaron Foster, is also a talented artist. He works a lot with used license plates, like this peace sign from Uncommon Goods. I love the look of his stuff, and really think using already existing materials is a great way to be …read more

If you’re not familiar with the game Settlers of Catan, you really should be! It’s a wonderful game that the older children can play with the adults. It’s won several education awards, and is just a complete blast. The game is different every time you play it.

The reason I bring it up is because I just stumbled across this beautiful crocheted afghan which was inspired by the game. The afghan follows the game board shown above. It’s a bit small for a full-sized afghan (37 inches across), but as the creator of this pattern mentions …read more

If you’re looking for a great Mother’s Day gift, consider giving money to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The ADA offers several different types of giving initiatives, including honor gifts, stocks, and accessories. If your mom or someone close to her has diabetes, what better way to show them you care than by giving money toward a cure. It’s better than flowers! (But it’s always a good idea to get them anyway!)

If giving a gift in honor of your mom, don’t forget to write out your reasons for doing so in a card. When …read more

This year bloggers from around b5media’s Lifestyles, Health and Wellness channels are giving readers a special surprise. We’ve created a virtual mall to help ease the anxiety of shopping for those on your Christmas list who may be a little more difficult to buy for.
Stop by Kettle and Cup and select your favorite hot beverage, kick back and browse this years Holiday Gift Guide Shopping Extravaganza.
Cherie from Career and Kids has the perfect list for the business woman/working parent.
Mary Emma from One Book Two Book shares a suggest shopping list for the avid reader and artist on your list.
Everyone knows …read more