Slow Cooker Snafu: Is My Mississippi Roast Still Good After 6 Hours on Warm?

Slow Cooker Mississippi Roast: Safe to Eat After 6 Hours on Warm?

It’s happened to the best of us. You’re all set for a delicious meal, only to discover a slight… hiccup. That was my morning today. My wife, bless her heart, was preparing a Mississippi roast for dinner, a dish that usually fills our home with a comforting aroma. She set it in the slow cooker, … Read more

Garden Bounty: Preserve Your Harvest with Canning and Pickling

Preserve Your Harvest: Canning and Pickling Guide from the Garden

As the summer sun ripens our gardens, I find myself thinking about how to best enjoy this bounty long after the growing season ends. For me, that means turning to time-honored methods like canning and pickling. It’s a rewarding way to extend the freshness and flavor of seasonal produce, connecting us more deeply to our … Read more

Don’t Let Your Driveway Become a Waterway: Smart Drainage Solutions

Driveway Drainage Solutions for a Sustainable Home

As a gardener, I’m always thinking about water – how to conserve it, how to use it efficiently, and how to manage it so it doesn’t cause problems. This often means looking beyond my garden beds and considering the rest of my property, especially my driveway. Driveways, particularly in suburban areas like mine, can be … Read more

My Mom’s Orchid: A Spectacle of Over 50 Blooms!

Mom's Orchid Blooms: Over 50 Flowers & More Garden Delights

August 4th, 2025 As a gardener, I’m always excited to see what’s blooming, whether it’s in my own backyard or in the gardens of people I care about. And this week, I’ve been absolutely captivated by my mom’s orchid. She has a Phalaenopsis orchid that is currently putting on a truly spectacular show, boasting over … Read more

Smart Stove Hoods: A Simple Light That Saves the Day

Smart Stove Hood Light: Safety Feature Explained

Sometimes, the most helpful features are the ones you don’t even think about until they solve a problem. Recently, I saw a post on Reddit where someone was talking about their smart stove hood light. It’s not just a regular light for cooking; this one actually indicates if the stovetop is still hot. Pretty neat, … Read more

Two Months of Growth: A Tale of Two Garden Favorites

Two Months of Garden Growth: Hydrangea vs. Impatiens

It’s amazing what just two months can do in the garden. Back on June 3rd, I planted two new additions: a vibrant Hydrangea and a cheerful Impatiens. Today, August 3rd, the difference in their journey is quite striking, and it’s a great lesson in plant development. The Hydrangea’s Slow and Steady Start When I first … Read more