By Nancy Moffett Concrete walkways, porches and patios are common in the yards of Lehigh Valley homes. Whether you want to spruce up existing outdoor areas or add new ones, think about environmental impact before you begin. Two area suppliers and contractors gave us tips on how to add curb and use appeal to your property without using up scarce natural resources or adding ... »
You just can’t beat the sweet tang that explodes in your mouth when you bite into a really ripe tomato, fresh off the vine. And homegrown strawberries are beyond exquisite. But if you don’t have the time (or room) for a backyard garden, you can still enjoy fabulous fruits, vegetables and other products by visiting the many farmers’ markets that dot our area. Here’s a quick... »
By Sara Hauff Doran Springtime is known as a time of new beginnings and a great time to get back into shape or to reinvigorate your workout routine. Let the warmer weather motivate you to work on your goals — whether it is to lose weight, gain flexibility, train to run a 5K, build muscle or gain endurance. In a perfect world, we all would have time to achieve these goals. ... »
By Carole Gorney Waste (also known as rubbish, trash, refuse, garbage, junk) is unwanted or useless material. Or is it? Americans each generate 4.4 pounds of trash per person a day. That’s a staggering 1,600 pounds times 300 million people per year. The bad news is that only one-third of that tonnage is recycled. The good news is that creative ways to turn waste into usefu... »
By Maya Rodale The “green” movement has its roots firmly planted in the Lehigh Valley. In 1940, J.I. Rodale (my great-grandfather) purchased an old farm in Allentown. This plot of land on Cedar Crest Boulevard was where he tried out his organic farming ideas—and from where he subsequently launched the organic farming movement in America. Since then, life in the Lehigh Vall... »
By Maureen Sangiorgio I am sitting on my deck with my feet propped up on the railing, holding a glass of wine. The sun warms my face and rolls over me like a loving embrace–life, my friends, is good. New research suggests that wine has been a source of relaxation and enjoyment for man since the start of the earliest civilizations in 8,500 B.C. While much has changed from ... »
By Sara Hodon Belly-dancing is typically seen as something exotic and seductive—forbidden, even. The word itself conjures images of sultry, mysterious women with a certain something—that strong sense of who they are and their own feminine power. Belly-dancing isn’t something that many women can picture themselves doing, but Lehigh Valley-based belly-dancing instructor Tah... »
Carli S. Timpson From the drive-through at your favorite fast food restaurant to the aisles at your local grocer, nutritionally empty food choices abound. American consumption of fats has increased 56% since the mid-1970s, and per year sugar intake is an astonishing 15lbs more than 1970*. Making healthy food choices today is difficult to say the least. Even those who striv... »
By J.F. Pirro Plenty of college campuses have green initiative buildings—buildings designed and built with green innovation in mind—but Lehigh University’s Green House stands out as a residential community of students who are “living green.” Green House is the campus’ evolving environmental residence hall that’s geared toward sustainable living. Its 17 residents promote da... »
John Gehman is one of a long line of family who have lived on and cared for their land in the “butter valley” (so called for its history of dairy farming) lying between Hereford and Boyertown. The Gehmans have owned the property since 1788. But the mooing of cows is a distant memory in this corner of the valley. Today you’re more likely to hear the thwack of golf balls and... »
