Love your leather: How to work natural or faux leather into your home
There is just nothing quite like leather furniture. Cool in the summertime and cozy when it’s cold out, the look and feel of leather is something we love. From ottomans and stools to chairs, sofas and yes, even sectionals, we appreciate a quality leather piece.
A patio for your cat: Catios are the new craze, here’s why and the benefits they provide
Some people have a meshed screen patio on their back porches to sit in during warm summer evenings to enjoy a drink and fresh air while staying free of pesky bugs.
Build soils with animal manures and other nutrient sources
When our aina gets scorched by fires or lava, we need to take time to build life again. We are in Italy now and even with the extremes of heat this summer, farmers are working to bring new crops to life. Some lands here have been farmed for thousands of years using age old techniques to bring about healthy soils. In Hawaii we can use these same practices. Where animal manures are available they are probably the best source of fertilizer and organic matter for the organic gardener.
Hawaii Coffee Association names SCA US CoffeeChamps Prelims winners
The Hawaii Coffee Association returned as host of the Hawaii Prelims for the 2023 Specialty Coffee Association U.S. CoffeeChamps. This year’s Hawaii Prelims recently presented the Roasters and Brewers Cup Competitions on Oahu.
Here’s when to start decorating for Halloween this year, according to the experts
When it comes to decorating, there is no wrong time for anything. It all comes down to personal comfort, taste and needs — ultimately what brings you joy. That being said, decorating for a holiday too early can sometimes draw unwanted glares from the neighbors.
Cool Fusion: Festival of 1000 Bowls is Saturday
The Donkey Mill Art Center will hold its 15th annual Cool Fusion: Festival of 1000 Bowls Saturday at the center’s campus in Holualoa.
Keep Puako Beautiful plans coastal cleanup Oct. 22
Nonprofit Keep Puako Beautiful is holding a Community Coastal Cleaup Day on the beach and trails or in the water from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 at Hapuna Beach State Park in South Kohala.
Fresh corn makes a creamy pasta sauce with no cream
Even when they are tasty, creamy pasta sauces can be unappealingly heavy. A few bites and you’re done.
Out-of-the-lunchbox ideas help make eating fun for everyone
The right foods and a good strategy can make even the pickiest of eaters look forward to the midday meal.
Apples, traditional at Rosh Hashana, shine in this cake
Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, begins on Sunday evening (Sept. 25), and the people in my house would get pretty ornery if I skipped the holiday’s traditional brisket or kugel. But I also like to change up some dishes, like sides and desserts.
An eclectic collection of plants
When Mike Hobbs and Gary Pfahl purchased a house with an acre of land covered in cane grass in 2003, they knew they were taking on a big project. Twenty years and a lot of mulch later, they are growing a variety of edibles and ornamentals in their very diverse garden.
Composting and mulching to build healthy soils from scratch
With millions of acres of forest burned all over Europe and America, it is hard to imagine they will ever support vegetation again at least in our lifetime. But we have learned that on our island, lava covered lands do recover. In heavy rainfall regions like Kapoho it only takes a few decades once the lava stops flowing. The process of healing can be more rapid with a little help from humans. Where rainfall is scant, it takes more effort.
5K Walk/Run for Literacy returns Nov. 12
The 11th annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy, held by the Friends of the Library — Waikoloa Region (FL-WR), returns Nov. 12 following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kamakana Playground celebrates 25 years
The community is invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kamakana Playground at Harold H. Higashihara Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24.
Island Life: Painted pink
Mauna Loa painted pink by the early rays of dawn as the Harvest Full Moon sets over Halema’uma’u Crater.
The Middle East’s bright solution for stale pita bread
Tuscany’s solution for stale bread, panzanella, is just the start of salad solutions for stale bread. Throughout the Middle East — where fresh, thin flatbreads dry out even faster than foccacia — there’s a greener, crunchier cousin of panzanella: fattoush.
Healthy foods nutritionists snack on each day
We all love our snacks. They not only hold us over until our next big meal, but they also satisfy our need for crispy, crunchy, sweet and savory treats.
Quick Fix: Paprika adds smoky flavor to these veggie enchiladas
I wanted to make this enchilada dinner in a hurry without having to wait for my oven to preheat or to cook the filling ingredients. The answer was my microwave. It cooked the filling ingredients, then warmed the tortillas and, finally, cooked the entire enchilada dish. Another plus: No pots to wash. When the meal was over, all the dishes went into the dishwasher.
Diabetes Quick Fix: Chinese Pork Puffs and Quick Stir-Fried Rice
Feel like Chinese food tonight? This Chinese dinner is faster and less expensive than takeout. Crisp, stir-fried pork served in little lettuce puffs with scallions and cucumber takes only minutes to make in a wok.
Chilies and turmeric boost 20-minute shrimp stir-fry
Weeknight ease married to plump texture and briny sweetness. It’s why shrimp is one of our staple go-to dinner solutions. Simply stir-fry a few aromatics and spices until fragrant, toss in the shrimp, and dinner is on the table in 20 minutes.
