92- 3
How to Choose the Best Pots for Houseplants
Keep your houseplants alive and well by choosing the appropriate container based on the size and type of the plant and the weight, drainage, style, and expense of the container.
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Women's Hats, Caps, and Bonnets of the 1800s
Bonnets were the predominant headgear for women in the 19th century, along with day caps and hats set high on the head to accommodate hairstyles of the day.
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Children's Clothing of the 19th Century
Children's clothes of the 1800s in Europe and the United States looked much like adult styles.
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Women's Fashions of the 1600s
The Baroque style of women's fashion in the 1600s led to more natural, flowing lines of multi-layered clothing.
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Transferware: How to Identify and Value a Traditional Printed China
Transferware is a traditional ironstone china made by printing an often intricate image on a white background. Learn how to identify and value old china by pattern, backstamps, and style.
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Women's Clothing in the Historic American West
A wide variety of clothing styles and materials were worn by women of the historic American West. Garments were handmade and featured cross-cultural influences. Clothing depended on ethnic affiliation, occasion, status, and weather.
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Men's Clothing of the Late Victorian Era
Men's fashion in the late Victorian era includes styles worn during the Gilded Age and La Belle Epoque.
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How Women's Fashion Can Help Date Old Photographs
Use these clues to date old photographs of women. Fashion changes over time can suggest the date a picture was taken and can help with genealogy research.
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How to Identify and Value Depression Glass
Before trying to learn the value of Depression glass, learn how to identify the pattern of your early-20th-century collectables.
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Deer-Resistant Plants: Annuals, Bulbs, Perennials, Herbs, and Shrubs
Deer avoid plants that are poisonous to them; plants with sticky, hairy, or thorny leaves and stems; and highly aromatic plants.
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Orientalism in Western Costume
Orientalism refers to the West's view of non-Western cultures. Fabric, design, and patterns adapted from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa have influenced Western garments for centuries.
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The American Department Store: Style for the Middle Class
US department stores created middle-class style in the 20th century. Through marketing devices, events, and fashion shows, large stores created a demand for style in clothing and home goods.
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Fashion and the History of Sewing Patterns
The first sewing patterns appeared in small format in books for tailors. In the 19th century pattern makers used magazines as marketing tools. The sewing machine created a market for home sewers.
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Women's Fashions of the 1700s
Although early 18th-century style featured elaborate gowns festooned with decorations, by the end of the 1700s style had changed to simpler neoclassical designs.
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Women's Fashions of the 1980s
1980s fashion was a mix of conservative and extravagant influenced by a princess, punks, goths, and new romantics. Athletic gear as daywear, designer franchising, and ripped jeans became staples.
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The Bustle Era: Women's Fashions of the 1870s and 1880s
Bustles added bulk to the rear of Victorians' skirts. Other 1870s fashions featured narrow skirts, tight bodices, and much ornamentation. These styles persisted through the 1880s. Let's learn more about women's fashions during this era.
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Women's Fashions of the 1890s
Women of the 1890s wore large puffed sleeves, bell-shaped skirts with tight waists, and suits based on an hourglass figure. Increased activity brought simple new designs for sport and day wear.
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An In-Depth Look at Popular Vintage/Retro Enamelware Collectibles
Enamelware refers to enamel-coated steel or cast-iron kitchen products that are smooth and easy to clean and have been in use for over 100 years.
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Collecting Vintage Sterling Silver and Silverplate Tableware
Sterling silver and silverplate are attractive and collectible. Sterling is valuable for craftsmanship, rarity, and for melting as a commodity.
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Coco Chanel: The Creator of Modern Style
Early 20th-century women's clothing was uncomfortable, fussy, and over-decorated. Chanel created the slim, simple lines we think of as classic style and set the tone for 100 years.
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The History of Recreational Camping in the USA
Did you know that the Victorians introduced the idea of recreational camping as a healthy activity? Learn how recreational camping became popular in America through influential naturalists, applying the concept of leisure, and new technologies.
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Clothing History: Men's Hats and Headgear
In the past, a hat was an essential part of a man's wardrobe dictated by tradition, occupation, or law.
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Collecting Antique and Vintage Plates and Dishware
Antique and vintage plates and their modern reproductions are popular and collectible. Here's an overview of china dishware, its history, and how to identify patterns and designs.
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History of Clothing: Why Do We Wear Clothes?
People have long worn clothing for a variety of reasons, from protection to decoration, modesty, group affiliation, ceremonial occasions, and self-identity.
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Bear's Breeches (Acanthus Mollis), an Ancient Perennial
Acanthus mollis, or bear's breeches, is a perennial that has been in cultivation for thousands of years. Long used as an element in decorative arts, acanthus is invasive in some areas.
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How to Plant and Care for Spring-Blooming Tulips
Cultivated for over 1,000 years, tulips are elegant spring-flowering bulbs. Plant tulip bulbs in the fall for spring blooms, as they need a period of cold to produce flowers.
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Fashion History: The Importance of Christian Dior
Christian Dior brought fashion out of the doldrums of the WW2 era and created the iconic look of the mid-20th century style. His influence revolutionized the world of fashion with the New Look of 1947.
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Crazy Fashion Trends in the History of Clothing
Strange fashions have been with us for hundreds of years and include skirts draped over cages, shoes with 18" points, and hair augmented by horse hair stretched over wire forms.
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How to Make Your Own Linen Pillowcases
Linen pillowcases are expensive, but you can make your own quite cheaply. Here are two projects that require minimal sewing skills and take very little time.
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A History of Fashion and Style in the 1970s
Fashions of the 1970s brought us androgyny, polyester, mixed patterns, Punk, Disco styles, and an extension of '60s hippie chic. The self as art created an eclectic mix that is still with us.
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Green Flowers for Gardens and Arrangements
Green flowers are unusual in the garden, but some are available and easy to grow. Many green blooms in florist designs have been dyed. Others are rare or hard to grow.
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Baltimore's Enchanted Forest - A Storeybook Theme Park in Ruins
Baltimore's Enchanted Forest was a fairy tale themed amusement park in Howard County. The once popular attraction was abandoned and fell into ruins but some of the structures have been preserved.
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A Brief History of Clothing From the Stone Age to the Bronze Age
Clothing of Neolithic people was warn for warmth, modesty, symbolism, or status. Evidence of weaving predates agriculture and textile use is mush older than previously thought.
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Fashionable Movies: 21 Classic Films With Style
Movies can introduce new styles and offer a peek at fashion at a particular time in the culture. Check out these classic fashion movies, including "Morocco" (1930).
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Ready-to-Wear: A Short History of the Garment Industry
Though ready-to-wear clothing was once a cottage industry, the Industrial Revolution changed the way we shop and dress.
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Fashion History - Ladies' Spring Hats and Jackets in the 1930s
Womens' fashions of the 1930's were influenced by the Great Depression. The simplified designs and the use of inexpensive fabrics (like cotton) reflected economic changes wrought by the poor economy.
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Visiting the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore
The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory at Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Maryland, is the second oldest of its kind in the U.S. This public Victorian conservatory is filled with exotic plants.
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Cylburn Arboretum: Best Baltimore Victorian Mansion & Garden
Cylburn Arboretum is Baltimore's largest public garden, featuring a Victorian mansion and carriage house, themed gardens, a tree collection, and woodland trails. It's also a bird sanctuary and nature preserve.
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Everything You Need to Know About 1930s Vintage Kitchen Appliances
Magazines in the 1930s featured sleek, modern, and (most importantly) convenient kitchen appliances. Here are some of those well-designed ads, with products homemakers all over the country were itching to own.
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How to Make a Christmas Tree With Folded Book Pages
Recycle an old book or magazine to make a decorative Christmas tree. This is a fun project to do with kids, and you could use an old trade paperback or a thick magazine to make this inexpensive decoration.
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Bonsai Gallery at the U.S. National Arboretum
If you are interested in bonsai, it's a good idea to look at the work of the masters. For education and inspiration, look at these beautiful bonsai from the National Bonsai Museum in Washington, DC.
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Fashion Police - A Short History of Clothing and the Law
Clothing has been regulated since ancient times. From color restrictions to sumptuary laws, from modesty laws to war time cloth rationing, governments affect how we dress and often inspire fashion.
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Easy Orchid for Beginners: The Moth Orchid
Moth orchids are easy-to-grow houseplants that are inexpensive and easy to find. Flowers are long-lived, lasting over a month. With proper care, get your flower to thrive and rebloom.
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The Best Houseplants for Improving Air Quality
NASA tested houseplants to see which plants removed the most toxins from indoor air. Here are the top plants and how to grow them. Many are easy care, low light plants.
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Clivea Miniata: An Easy-to-Care-for Flowering Houseplant
Clivea is a beautiful flowering houseplant that thrives in low light and is very easy to grow. This easy-care plant has lovely, deep-green foliage and produces a cluster of flowers on a central stalk.
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A Gallery of Succulents (and How to Grow Them)
Succulents are easy-to-find, easy-to-grow houseplants known for their unique structure, interesting color and the fact that they can go for long periods of time without water.
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Amaryllis or Hippeastrum: How to Grow and Bloom Again
Amaryllis, or hippeastrum, is an amazing flower that grows from a large bulb. Popular in winter, this flowering houseplant is easy to grow and easy to coax back again the next year. Here's how.
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Top 13 Best Flowering Houseplants
Flowering houseplants may be a bit more challenging than those grown for foliage, but the rewards are great. Here is an illustrated guide to popular, easy-to-find indoor plants that flower.
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How to Grow Banana Plants in Cool Climates
Banana plants, sometimes called banana trees, have become popular plants to pass around between friends in areas with cool climates. Here's how to care for and overwinter these tropical plants.
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How to Plant & Grow Dwarf Daffodils: A Tiny, Early Spring Flower
Dwarf daffodils are tiny versions of larger daffodils appearing very early in spring that can be planted in small clumps in the fall. Here's how to grow and care for this wonderful plant.
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Houseplants: Easy-to-Find, Easy-Care Ferns
Ferns are wonderful moisture loving houseplants. Here are several easy-to-find ferns and how to take care of them in your home. Included are plants that we often call ferns, but are not true ferns.
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How to Choose the Best Houseplants for Beginners
If you’re a beginner to houseplants, choose an inexpensive plant that doesn’t require a lot of care. Here’s what to look for and how to take care of your new plant at home.
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Easy Houseplants - Tree Philodendron
Tree philodendron or Philodendron bipinnatifidom (or selloum) is an easy care houseplant with large, dramatic, deeply lobed leaves. Tree philodendron is tolerant of low light in winter.
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12 Houseplants for Low Light Conditions
All plants need some light. Houseplants that will thrive in low-light conditions still need some sunlight for photosynthesis. Here are 12 houseplants that will grow in low or indirect light.
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Easy Houseplant—Swiss Cheese Plant or Monstera Deliciosa
Swiss cheese plant, 'Monstera deliciosa,' or cut leaf philodendron, is a large, showy and easy-to-grow houseplant that prefers warm, humid conditions. This dramatic plant is a tropical native.
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Pet Cemetery - A Real Life Tale of a Neglected Animal Graveyard
The Oakleigh Pet Cemetery in Baltimore County is one of those neglected graveyards that remind me of a Stephen King novel. A neighborhood blight inspires morbid fascination.
- 4
Visit Historic Berlin, MD (Just Minutes From Ocean City)
Did you know that Berlin is a National Register Historic District offering a Victorian hotel, galleries, and shops along a historic main street? Learn more about this old Maryland town located just outside Ocean City.
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Make a Felted Wool Stuffed Owl From an Old Sweater
Use old 100% wool sweaters to create an adorable stuffed owl. Felting wool creates a material that will not unravel and is easy to work with. Stuffed with balsam needles, they make a nice sachet.
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How to Make Lots of Christmas Cookies All at Once
With a bit of planning, you can bake tons of Christmas cookies all in one day. Here are some tips on how to make lots of cookies all at once.
- 8
A History of Trousers and Pants in Western Culture
Pants and trousers have been worn since ancient times and were seen by the Ancient Romans as barbaric. It was not until the late 20th century that pants became an acceptable garment for women.
- 7
Rose of Sharon, Tropical Hibiscus, and Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscuses are gorgeous flowering plants that offer a tropical look to a garden. While there are many kinds of hibiscus, three basic types are available to add an exotic touch to your landscape.
- 0
Make a Tote Bag From an Old Grain Sack
Vintage grain sacks are made of tough, durable fabric that is great for a heavy-duty tote bag or reusable grocery bag. Recycle an old sack with this easy, illustrated guide for a simple sewing project.
- 3
Baltimore's Great Fire of 1904 and Its Legacy
The Great Fire of Baltimore in February of 1904 began in the basement of a dry goods store. The fire spread out of control for two days, destroying 140 acres of downtown Baltimore.
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Fashion History: Women's Clothing of the 1950s
Get an overview of ladies' clothing of the 1950s, from the New Look to a new love for everything casual. A housewife with an hourglass figure was the epitome of mid-20th-century style.
- 2
Baltimore's Cast Iron Buildings and Ornamental Ironwork
Baltimore, Maryland is home to several iron fronted buildings as well as many examples of ornamental iron used for fences, gates, balconies, and window guards.
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Baltimore's Beautiful and Historic Mount Vernon Place
Mount Vernon Place is one of Baltimore's most beautiful neighborhoods. The walkable area is home to a variety of architectural styles, as well as the Washington Monument.
- 15
The History of Baltimore Rowhouses
Baltimore has more rowhouses than any other city in the US, from grand and elaborate homes for the wealthy to adorable little row homes for the working class.
- 2
11 Flowers That Bloom in Winter (Plus Growing Instructions)
An illustrated short list of winter-flowering flowers and winter-flowering shrubs that bloom in February in temperate climates—includes planting and growing instructions.
- 2
Fells Point and the History of Baltimore, Maryland
Fell's Point, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a waterfront area filled with 18th-century homes. The National Historic Register of Places recognizes Fells Point's historic and architectural significance.
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The History of Swimwear and Swimsuits for Women
Swimsuits have changed a lot in the last 100 years. Where once swimming attire was dictated by modesty, fashion moved toward more practical designs, and swimsuits became attractive, functional, and revealing.
- 6
Shabby Chic Decorating With Mix-and-Match Vintage Dinnerware
Mixing and matching vintage-style dishware is a great decorating idea for the shabby chic look and can save you money as well.
- 0
Fashion History - Jeans and Dungarees
Jeans are the iconic garment of American fashion popular for over 100 years. From the 16th century to today here is the story of denim, dungarees and jeans - from sturdy work pants to fashion trend
- 3
Fashions of the 1960s: Mods, Hippies, and the Youth Culture
The 1960s' fashion changed the way we look at clothing. Everything from mini skirts to folk costumes, classic styles, and the bohemian styles of the hippie movement made a dramatic change in what was trendy.
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Dashiki: An African Fashion of the 1960s
A dashiki is a loose, tunic-type shirt popular in the United States in the 1960s. The traditional African-style shirt gained a following among African Americans and became a staple of hippie fashion.
- 0
Kaftan or Caftan - A Fashion History of Modesty and Glamor
The kaftan, or caftan is an ancient garment worn by both men and women. The modest yet glamorous kaftan is comfortable and looks great on the young and old, on thin and plus sized ladies.
- 3
Make Your Own Coloring Book Using Photoshop and Powerpoint
Make a small personalized coloring book, or create your own notebook using Photoshop and Powerpoint. This easy project is a lot of fun, and makes an amusing gift for family or friends.
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Fashion History: Purses and Handbags
From purely functional sacks, handbags evolved into status symbols featuring ornate designs and luxurious materials.
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Natural Christmas Decorating Ideas for the Home
Have a frugal Christmas using common items found around the house to decorate your home for the holiday season. Natural elements like pine cones and evergreen add an attractive and sustainable touch.
- 2
Fall Flowers: 11 Late-Blooming Perennials and Shrubs
Late summer and early fall flowers and shrubs offer one last show of color before the cold weather sets in. Check out these easy-to-grow, late-blooming flowering plants.
- 4
Plant Hydrangeas for Large, Long Lasting Blooms
Hydrangeas can display lasting beauty with blooming flowers from early summer into fall. They come in many types—mophead, lacecap, paniculata (PeeGee), and oakleaf. Large blossoms are easily dried, and you can influence the color of mophead and lacecap hydrangeas by augmenting the soil.
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Leaf Mold: Use Fall Leaves to Improve Garden Soil
Don't throw away those dry leaves! Instead, make a fine, carbon-rich compost for your garden. Read to learn how to use leaf mold to improve the texture of your soil.
- 6
Grow Lavender in Acid or Clay Soil
Lavender needs bright sunlight, dry soil, great drainage, and alkaline soil. But with a bit of thought and special care, you can grow lavender in these conditions.
- 2
Aromatic Plants for a Home Garden Design
Aromatic plants, whether trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, or herbs, add a distinctive touch to your home garden design. Here is a list of easy-to-find scented plants for a romantic garden.
- 0
The History of Shoes: Ancient and Early Footwear
Archeological evidence suggests that shoes may have been worn 42,000 years ago. Many of the shoes we wear today are based on older types. Modern flip-flops are similar to an old type of sandal worn in Ancient Egypt.
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History of Shoes: 19th and 20th Century Women's Footwear
The Industrial Revolution changed footwear. Shoes were now made specifically for the right and left foot, for comfort and sport, and after a long disappearance, the sandal came back.
- 0
Boho Clothing: Fashion History and Bohemian Style
A history of bohemian style and its influence on hippie style and boho chic. For 200 years, this style has been the fashion for artists and intellectuals who embrace an alternative lifestyle.
- 5
Fashions of the Aesthetic Movement: A Cult of Beauty and Victorian Counterculture
The Aesthetic Movement, a counterculture of artists, writers, and designers in Victorian England, opposed the dehumanization of the Industrial Age. Aesthetic fashion favored a natural look based on medieval styles.
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History of Clothing: Aprons, Practical and Decorative Fashion Classics
This article details the history of the apron, which was a protective garment, an indication of a particular trade, and a cultural icon. From vintage styles to Anthropologie's beautiful styles, the apron is back.
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Women's Clothing of the South in the American Civil War
During the American Civil War, women of the South were limited by the availability of products due to the blockade. The fabric was needed for the military, so women became creative with limited resources.
- 6
History of the Mourning Dress: Black Clothing Worn During Bereavement
For over 500 years wearing black clothing was a custom following the death of a loved one in Europe and the United States. Sumptuary law and later etiquette dictated rules for mourning dress depending on status and loss.
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Women's Fashion During WWI: 1914–1920
From 1914 to 1920, fashion was influenced by WWI, and a simpler style became the trend. A military influence brought the classic trench coat.
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Women's Fashions of the 1920s: Flappers and the Jazz Age
Flappers were only part of the fashion trend of the Roaring 20s. The female silhouette became slimmer and almost androgynous with drop-waist dresses and loose, comfortable clothing.
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Classic Cult Movies Made After 1970 - Lovable Villains and Terrible Heroes
Cult movies created after 1970 may lack the authenticity of those cult films made before the popularity of midnight screenings, but offer quirky characters and peculiar story lines.
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Classic Cult Movies - Early Off-Beat Films
Cult movies are films with a small but dedicated fan base, often featuring bizarre plots, or weird characters. Often box office flops cult movies gather fans over time drawn to the unique charm.
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Renaissance Fashion: Women's Clothing in Elizabethan England
The Elizabethan era of 1558–1603 is known for garments made of wool and linen that were heavy and of a striking design, including such fashion icons as the ruff and the farthingale.
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Fashion History of the High and Late Middle Ages: Medieval Clothing
In the high and late Middle Ages, attractive styles became more available to a new middle class. Clothing styles changed more quickly due to new technology, Eastern influences, and a better economy.
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Fashion History: Early Middle Ages or Dark Ages (400–900 CE)
The clothing styles of medieval Europe in the early Middle Ages (aka Dark Ages) did not change rapidly, and garments were plain but distinguished by fine fabrics.
- 0
Fashion History: Early 19th Century Regency and Romantic Styles for Women
Ladies' clothing of the early 1800s featured a high waistline called Empire and employed the use of soft, lightweight fabrics. Later Romantic style included large sleeves and decorated hems.
- 0
Victorian Era Women's Fashions: From Hoop Skirts to Bustles
Victorian fashions reflect clothing worn between 1837 and 1901. Despite the prim and proper feminine ideal, Victorian clothing includes outrageous styles like hoop skirts and bustles.
- 55
Slow Rise No Knead Bread - Delicious Artisan Style Homemade Bread Recipe
Recipe for a delicious artisan style bread that is hearty and firm. This peasant bread is started the night before and uses very little yeast or sugar. The no knead bread raises for 15 hours.
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Fashion History: Edwardian Style of the Late 1890s–1914
Edwardian fashion refers to the clothing worn in the early 20th century and features an elegant, mature look for women, created around the S curve with its monobosom and a new long line.
- 4
Vintage Fabrics: How to Care for Old Textiles
Vintage textiles are valuable, collectible, and need special treatment for laundering or storage. Cutting whole pieces for home craft projects destroys their value.
- 15
Fashion History: Women's Clothing in the 1940s
The influence of World War II on fashion was huge. Shortages and rationing limited the use of fabric and other materials used in fashion design. Hemlines were up, and hair was long, creating an iconic style
- 0
Home Made Stuffed Toy - How to Make a Stuffed Monster
An illustrated guide on how to make a stuffed monster. This simple, easy to make stuffed toy can be made with fabric scraps and has no loose buttons or embellishments so is safe for a baby.
- 4
Ocean City, Maryland: A Brief History With Pictures
Ocean City, Maryland, has been a tourist town since the late 1800s when guesthouses and small hotels were opened and operated by widows and fishermen's wives.
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Fashion History: Ladies' Fashion Designs of the 1930s
The sleek, elegant look was quite a change after the wild fashions of the Roaring 20s. A slim silhouette continued with lower hemlines and diagonal lines.
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How to Choose, Store, and Decorate A Live Cut Christmas Tree
How to chose and store a live cut Christmas Tree - what to look for in a tree, signs of damage, and how to keep your Christmas Tree looking fresh all season.
- 15
Ghosts of Point Lookout Maryland and the Most Haunted Lighthouse in the USA
Point Lookout Lighthouse in Southern Maryland may be the most haunted lighthouse in the United States. Confederate ghosts, a dead lighthouse keeper, drowned sailors, and others haunt this beautiful area.
- 0
Antique Spongeware and Spatterware: An American Stoneware Tradition
Stoneware is a tough, versatile type of pottery made in the U.S. for nearly 300 years. The antique blue and white spatterware and spongeware is a popular collectible that is still being produced today.
- 2
Best Things to Do Year-Round in Ocean City, Maryland
Not sure what to do in Ocean City? Ocean City is a 10-mile stretch of sparkling white sand and surf with a boardwalk, restaurants, bars, amusement parks, miniature golf, shopping, frequent festivals, and special events. This list should show you plenty of cool things to do!
- 2
Flow Blue: History and Value of Blue-and-White Antique China
Flow blue is a highly collectible, antique blue-and-white china popular during the Victorian era, known for hazy blue floral, pastoral, or Asian patterns on bright white china.
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Antiques and Collectibles: How to Value and Sell Your Old Things
There is a difference between antiques and collectibles and a difference between price guides and actual value, which is influenced by consumer demand, availability, and the condition of the item.
- 11
Owls of the United States: Identification Guide
Owls are nocturnal mysterious denizens of the night, sometimes heard but rarely seen. Learn how to identify an owl by sight or sound—videos included!
- 3
Create a Wall Hanging With Antique Ceiling Tin
Use antique ceiling tin to make an attractive wall hanging. Using salvaged material is a sustainable practice and can add a unique decorative touch to your home. This simple project is easy to do.
- 0
How to Create Vintage Flair Décor by Using Architectural Salvage
Add a unique look to your home décor by incorporating architectural salvage to your design scheme. Here are some simple projects that you can make yourself by using recycled materials.
- 2
Tilghman Island and Claiborne: Maryland's Eastern Shore
Just west of St. Michaels, Tilghman Island and Claiborne are time capsules of the past. The quaint MD towns offer architecture, fishing, and water views.
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Why You Should Visit St. Michaels on Maryland's Eastern Shore
Looking for somewhere fun to visit in Maryland? St. Michaels, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, is a quaint town on Rt 322 just off Route 50. The water-oriented town offers cute shops, great biking and walking, and historical MD architecture.
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Kindle VS Real Books - Will E-Books Replace Traditional Books?
Reading e books on Kindle or iPad is the biggest thing since Gutenberg invented the printing press. A sometimes humorous look at the world of wireless readers and the impact Kindle will have on reading.
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How Did Recluse Emily Brontë Create "Wuthering Heights": A Novel of Complex Interpersonal Dynamics
How could a reclusive person like Emily Brontë have created the complicated novel "Wuthering Heights," a tale of twisted personal dynamics, passionate romance, and dysfunctional relationships?
- 0
13 Trees and Shrubs for a Standout Winter Garden
This article covers the thirteen best trees and shrubs for winter that are visually appealing in gardens even in the coldest months.
- 7
Shade-Loving Flowering Plants for a Woodland Garden
Brighten up the shaded areas of your yard with shade-loving, flowering woodland plants. Here are some plants (with photographs) and the shade level they prefer.
- 0
Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre - Social Conscience and Feminism in Victorian Literature
A short biography of the Victorian writer, Charlotte Bronte who explored the dehumanization of poverty and the difficulties faced by women of the 19th century in her famous novel Jane Eyre.
- 0
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens: The Mosaic Art of Isaiah Zagar
Did you realize that the Philadelphia Magic Gardens is a mosaic wonderland of intricate and unique art by Isaiah Zagar? Don't miss a visit to this labyrinth of tile, mirror shards, glass bottles, and bicycle wheels!
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Antique Needle Work: An 18th Century Sampler
Antique samplers are delicate and fragile and must be cared for by someone knowledgeable about old textiles. Here is the story of an old sampler and how I came to learn about its history.
- 1
How to Create a Small Backyard Pond
Here are tips on where to locate the pond, how to keep it clean, and information about pond liners, plants, and aeration—all factors to consider!
- 25
Garden Design - How to Plan a New Garden
When you plan a flower garden, do not forget plan on the time it will take to keep your garden looking its best. Here are some tips on the chores needed to maintain a flower garden.
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Did Emily Bronte Have Asperger's Syndrome?
Did Emily Bronte, the writer of "Wuthering Heights," have Asperger's syndrome? Asperger's symptoms include social isolation, interest in unusual topics, and other behavioral traits of Emily Bronte. Read on for my theory.
- 2
Angels and Archangels in Western Culture - A Short Guide
Angels have come in many forms throughout the ages. Here is a list of choirs of angels, a list of some archangels with beautiful angel pictures and a description of the many kinds of angels.
- 3
Angels in Western Culture: A Short History of Angels and Angelic Beings
Angels have been seen and documented by humans since the dawn of civilization. Angels or angelic-type forms exist in almost every religion and culture creating a link to the divine.
- 27
American White Pelicans Establish Breeding Community on Maryland's Eastern Shore
American White Pelicans have been spotted since 2009 at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
- 2
St. Francis of Assisi Garden Statues - A Spiritual Reminder of Our Place in Creation
A statue of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of the ecology movement, is a popular figure included in a garden to remind us of the importance of nature in Christian religion and philosophy.
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39 Small Trees (Under 30 Feet) for a Small Yard or Garden
Having a small yard does not mean that you can't plant trees. Many trees grow no larger than 30 feet, and many shrubs can stand in for trees. Here is a list of small trees and tall shrubs for your landscaping.
- 3
Baby Shower Gift and Decoration - How to Make A Diaper Cake
For a fun decoration that doubles as a gift for a baby shower, make a diaper cake out of disposable diapers. Here is an illustrated, step by step guide on how to create a diaper cake.
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Making Tissue Paper Flowers: Whimsical Party Decorations and Favors
Throwing a party? Make these cute paper flowers. With these simple photo instructions, learn how to make tissue paper flowers for a baby shower, wedding shower, or a fun project with the kids.
- 10
Common Shrubs for Temperate Climates That Are Easy to Grow
Shrubs offer privacy, screen unattractive house foundations, and add color and texture to your view. This article will teach you how to choose the right temperate plants for your area.
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Keep Flowering Perennials Blooming From Spring Until Fall
Your garden can bloom from early spring until late fall if you plant a variety of flowers that bloom at different times. Select plants ahead of time for flowers all season long.
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How to Use Essential Oils in Homemade Soaps for Aromatic or Therapeutic Purposes
Blending essential oils for aromatherapy or soap making can create unique scents. Learn how to combine essential oils and the properties of the oils. You can also buy essential oils online here.
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Emily Bronte - the Female Victorian Writer Who Wrote Wuthering Heights
Emily Bronte wrote Wuthering Heights a complex Victorian novel of love and obsession. E. Bronte the quintessential Gothic writer brilliant and reclusive, writing in secret - short bio with pictures.
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How to Make Quick-Cure Hot-Process Soap
Homemade soap usually needs to cure for a month. But hot-process soap making speeds up cure time. Heating the soap cures it quickly, making it safe to use in one week and creating hard, long-lasting bars. Here's how to do it yourself.
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The National Portrait Gallery: Off the Mall in Washington, DC
The National Portrait Gallery, part of the Smithsonian Museum system, is located on 8th and F Streets and features presidential portraits and historical and contemporary portraiture.
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Shopping the Backroads in Lancaster County, PA
Along Route 322 and at Ephrata in Lancaster, PA, you can find unique shops, bargains, warmth, and the folksy goodness that made Lancaster famous.
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How to Make an Evergreen Christmas Wreath
This step-by-step guide demonstrates how to make an evergreen Christmas wreath using inexpensive supplies. Welcome guests to your festive home by greeting them with the fresh aroma of a lovely wreath!
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Three Recipes for Cranberry Preserves and Jam
Here are three delicious cranberry recipes to make at home. No pressure cooker or canner is required!
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Art Heists, Art Thieves, and Famous Missing Masterpieces
The rise in the price of art has created more criminal interest in the theft of art. Art theft is an old crime that robs society of its cultural treasures. Article features some of the greatest art thefts in history.
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Haunted Eastern Shore - Ghosts and Haunted Places in Maryland
The Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay is full of ghost stories, spooks, spirits, and hauntings. Haunted Eastern Shore is a collection of these ghostly tales by Mindie Burgoyne.
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Classic Movies - 1939 the Golden Year of Classic Movies
1939 was the Golden Year of classic movies with great classics such as Gone With the Wind, the Wizard of Oz, Wuthering Heights, Dark Victory, Ninotchka, Of Mice and Men, and several others.
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Bird Watching Hot Spots on the Maryland, Delaware Eastern Shore
Birdwatching on Maryland and Delaware's Eastern Shore is great any time of year, but best from fall till spring. Check out migratory songbirds, waterfowl, and the lovely views along the wetlands.
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How to Make Soap at Home (Vegan Homemade Soap)
Here are some directions and tips on how to make handcrafted, vegan homemade soap. With inexpensive ingredients, pictures, and a recipe, you can learn to make your own homemade soap
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Folk Art: The Baltimore Tradition of Screen Painting
Painted screens, a unique folk art tradition of Baltimore, Maryland, gave inhabitants privacy. See this photo gallery and instructions for painting your own screen.
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Paint the House - Do It Yourself Exterior House Painting for Moms
Paint the exterior of your house to make your home attractive. Learn how to paint your house, and how to prepare for painting along with special tips when mom's in charge of the project
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Pest Proof Your Campsite: Prevent Insects and Bears From Invading
Tent camping puts you in nature and that can mean insects, mosquitoes, flies, and bears that can make your camping trip unpleasant. Deter pests like bugs and bears by following simple camping rules.
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Hair Cuts - How to Cut Hair at Home and Save Money - Chin Length Bob
Cut hair at home and save money by learning a few simple techniques of hair cutting. With pictures and videos, learn to cut a simple bob hair cut at home, a slightly layered bob...
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Hair Cuts - How to Cut Hair at Home and Save Money
Cut hair at home and save money by learning a few basic techniques of hair cutting. With pictures of the process of hair cutting, you can cut your family's hair yourself.
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Guitar Picks - How To Make Your Own Guitar Picks
You can make your own guitar picks from old plastic cards. Turn your trash into new guitar picks. Making your own guitar picks is sustainable and you will have a unique guitar pick, an original.
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Healthy Delicious Blueberries - Blueberry Recipes, Blueberry Marmalade, Other Blueberrry Desserts
Blueberries are not only delicious but good for you too! Whether you pick them or grow them, these delicious blueberry desserts and jams are great when you have too many blueberries
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Poem - Abandoned Houses Forgotten Lives
abandoned houses are a blight in some areas, sad, empty, forgotten homes where families once lived, abandoned houses, forgotten lives with videos and pictures
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Bodysurfing for the Rest of Us - How to Body Surf
Bodysurfing is an individual sport where participants ride waves to shore without the aid of floatation devices like surf boards or body boards. Anyone can body surf , even children and older folks.
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Pressure Wash - Power Wash and Clean Up With Water Pressure
Before you paint your house or deck, a good pressure wash will clean off loose dirt, stains, and, in some cases, even flaked paint. Pressure wash under awnings or porches, power wash decks, siding.
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Summer-Blooming, Full Sun Perennials That Are Easy to Take Care Of
Perennial flowers may be expensive but are worth the investment. Perennials come back every year and the ones presented here are tough, easy to grow, and attractive choices for the new gardener.
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Ivory Billed Woodpecker - Faith, Hope and the Ivory Billed Woodpecker
The Ivory billed woodpecker is thought to be extinct. Yet controversial sightings of the ivory bill give hope to those who believe the Ghost bird lives on in the southeastern US.
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How to Make New Candles From Leftover Wax and Old Stubs
Leftover candle stubs and wax left in burned-out candle jars can be used to create new candles. Learn how to melt and mix old wax to make new candles at home. This crafty activity is fun and easy, and it's also a great way to save money.
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Kittens - Help, I Found a Kitten, What Should I Do
We found a kitten outside on a dark and stormy night. Here is the story of how we rescued a kitten and some advise on how to take care of a rescued kitten.
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St. Mary's City, Maryland: The Birthplace of Religious Freedom
St. Mary's City in Southern Maryland was the first English colony in the U.S. to grant freedom of religion. Historic St. Mary's is a living history museum and the campus of St. Mary's College of MD.
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Mosh Pit - Tips on How to Mosh and Prepare to Mosh
If you're going to a concert and may enter the mosh pit, here are some tips to prepare yourself including what to wear, when to eat before hand, what to drink.
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Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia Glyptostroboides, The Living Fossil in my Yard
Dawn Redwood (metasequoia glyptostroboides) is a type of redwood tree that can grow on the East Coast of the US. Previously known only as a fossil Dawn Redwood was rediscovered in China in the 1940's.
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Composting in Your Small Garden
Wondering if your garden needs a compost pile? Even a small garden can benefit from a compost pile that turns plant trimmings and other garden trash into enriched soil. Here are some easy tips for making compost in a small yard.
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The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi -Lord Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace
The popular saint Francis of Assisi created one of the most beautiful prayers of Christianity, a mediation on peace.
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Roses - A Beginners' Guide to Roses
Roses can be grown easily if you locate the right rose and plant and care for the rose properly. Here are rose photos, tips on growing roses, and videos on caring for roses.
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How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
Improve your yard and property by turning it into a mini-bird sanctuary with food, shelter, and a water source. Creating a back yard bird sanctuary turns your yard into a park like setting.
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My Grandmother's Attic
When I was a little girl, my mother got polio. I stayed with my grandparents in their old Victorian home. My grandmother was not good with children but we made a connection with old keepsakes.
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Beginner's Guide to Bird Watching
Bird watching is an inexpensive, rewarding hobby. With photos, videos, and links, learn the joys of birdwatching and how to identify birds at home or anywhere.
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Bleeding Heart Plant: How to Care for the Perennial
The beautiful, old-fashioned, shade-loving plant called bleeding heart is a perennial with lobed foliage and dangling, heart-shaped flowers. Learn how to grow it here.
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Down Syndrome, Prenatal Testing, and Changing Perceptions of Down Syndrome
Prenatal testing has created the ability of parents to find out if their child has Down syndrome and decide whether to abort or keep their child.
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Washington DC Outdoors - the National Arboretum, Our National Tree Museum
The US National Arboretum, America's tree collection and national garden is a sprawling botanical garden in north west Washington DC.
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Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty - Gateway to America
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty stand in the New York harbor as the Gateway to America. The popular tourist destination offers a history lesson on US immigration and is a beautiful place to see.
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Visiting the Forgotten Dead - Tale of an Abandoned Cemetery
Abandoned cemeteries, neglected graveyards, and ruined grave sites dishonor our ancestors. Creative nonfiction piece explores how often the concept of perpetual care is a lie.
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Google a Street View Picture of Your House
A humorous take on Google, privacy, and new technology. Check out your own house on Google Street Views, and you may see something that you don't want to see.
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Fashion History: The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
The fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory changed the way the public looked at workers' rights. Workers locked in a garment mill could not escape the inferno that erupted when a scrap bin ignited.
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St Patrick - Why St. Patrick is Important
Saint Patrick, real name Patricius, is an Irish saint, but Saint Patrick's importantce to western culture lies in the seeds he sewed resulting in the Irish monastic movement and the salvation of western literature.
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The Frugal Flower Garden: Building a Beautiful Garden for Almost Nothing
Designing and building a beautiful flower garden can be very inexpensive if you use a bit of creativity. Plan a frugal yet attractive garden by following these simple tips.
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How to Build a Campfire
Campfire - How to build a campfire, campfire safety, and campfire clean-up. With sing-a-long videos and pictures, the campfire is the heart of the camp
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Strange Creatures - The Weird Monster of Manor Road
People often see strange animals at night. In 2009, two young men reported spotting an unusual creature on a country road. Was it a monster, or merely something they did not expect to see in the area?
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Campfires - To Burn or Not to Burn
Campfires are a lot of fun and a great camping tradition, but campfires can be dangerous. Campfires can negatively impact the environment and many camp areas now ban campfires.
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Tent Camping: Food and Meals
This article discusses camping food and recommends what foods and equipment to pack for a camping trip,, including things that do not need refrigeration.
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Tent Camping Checklist: What to Take on a Camping Trip
What to take tent camping to make your camping holiday comfortable with a minimum of excess junk. Make a list of supplies ahead of time.
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Tent Camping for Beginners
Tent camping can be a rewarding, inexpensive experience. If you have the right gear, tent camping is great for family and friends, a great way to get away from the pressures of modern life.
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10 Reasons to Dump a Boyfriend - He's Probably a Sociopath
He’s charming, good looking and intelligent. You’re the center of his life. Even if he’s sometimes rude or dishonest with friends and family, he lies to you and manipulates you, you still love him.
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A Mother's Guide to Raising a Child With Down Syndrome
Children with Down Syndrome may need adaptive services and educational opportunities. There may be health problems. Offer a child with Down Syndrome stimulation, exercise, and the opportunity to thrive.
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10 Ways a Baby With Down Syndrome Will Improve Your Life
Caring for a baby with Down Syndrome can be a blessing. Here are 10 ways you can improve your life by raising a child with Down Syndrome.