A FIELD GUIDE TO A METICULOUSLY CURATED LIFE
Home+Table SUMMER 2019
SUMMER RECIPES & SPIRITS ROUND BARN WINERY
GREATER PHILADELPHIA + WASHINGTON D.C. METRO
homeandtablemagazine.com $4.99
COASTAL CHIC WEDDING DESTINATION Intimate & unique bayside settings with the simple elegance of a coastal chic design, The Reeds is the most desirable seaside wedding destination at the southern New Jersey shore.
Stone Harbor, New Jersey 609.368.0100 | kostrander@reedsresort.com
PHOTO: MLE PICTURES
reedsatshelterhaven.com
DISCOVER THE ALL NEW HOME+TABLE MAGAZINE ONLINE
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT GO BEYOND THE PAGE Find out all the new features and read past stories on the new Home+Table website
Read exclusive articles, and discover additional content from your favorite articles.
PAST ISSUES
Browse through all our past issues
SIGN UP
Sign up for our newsletters to hear announcements and about content first.
HOMEANDTABLEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTENTS SUMMER 2019
06 08 14 17 18 20 21 22 24
SUMMER PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS A POSITIVE HEALTH ATTITUDE GET UP HYDRATION MYTHS & FACTS A STEP BACK MYSTERY TOUR CLEAN UP YOUR MUD ROOM ROUND BARN WINERY: DECANTERING ONE GLASS AT A TIME
28
TRAVEL: THE ADIRONDACKS: AMERICA'S PLAYGROUND
36
4
SUMMER RECIPES & SPIRITS
25 30 31 34
H+T SUMMER 2019
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
37 38
ILLUMINATING IDEAS TIPS FOR A TOP NOTCH LAWN DECKED OUT WHAT WEEDS CAN TELL YOU ABOUT YOUR SOIL VERSATILE TILE MUST-HAVE GARDENING TOOLS
/ publisher’s.letter
Home+Table homeandtablemagazine.com
Dear Reader, For most, summer is the epitome of relaxation. Toss on a swimsuit, grab a cocktail (or mocktail), and lay out in the sun to your heart’s content. While everyone loves a good beach getaway, I’d argue that summer offers an entire world of adventure and opportunity to be seized! Between exploring new getaways near and far, or entertaining friends and family in your backyard for a summer BBQ, this season is one of my all-time favorites. If you’re like me, you have a hard time sitting still during the summertime. The sunshine and colorful landscape calls for stepping outside of your comfort zone and enjoying the world for all it has to offer. There’s something special about exploring the world (or taking a day trip to the unseen nooks and crannies of the next town over), or giving your backyard an oasis makeover to create the ultimate zen garden of your own. We live in a world that lends itself to discovery, and I believe our summers are the time to jump on board and open our eyes. With kids out of school and the weather creating the perfect excuse to spend time outside, there’s every reason for your skin to be tan and for your hearts to be full. Summer vacation doesn’t have to break the bank or require international travel, and your own home can become your sanctuary! We’ve included tips and tricks to getting outside and appreciating the time you can make to be creative with your home. Nothing beats a summer night under the stars, relaxing on your deck or in your outdoor entertaining space, with the ones you cherish and love. If taking some time to yourself is in the cards, or focusing on creating healthy habits, I am a strong believer in self-care. Here at Home + Table, we are passionate about creating something for everyone, and this issue has it all. While popping the bubbly can be a treat, this summer we have included mocktail recipes for some of our chosen spirits, and I can promise you will love the taste and not miss a minute of the experience! We’ve also worked hard to find fun ways to get out in the sunshine and stay active (which can all be followed up by a swim in the nearest pool!). Relaxation takes a different form for everyone, and I hope you find yours in our sweet summertime issue. Elizabeth Classen Editor in Chief
Editor in Chief
Elizabeth Classen Associate Editor
Renee Lockwood Creative Director
Chris Bruno Contributing Writers & Photographers
Elizabeth Classen Jenna Lund
Advertising Opportunities
Elizabeth Classen (303) 349-8732 eclassen@homeandtablemagazine.com
Home + Table/online (ISSN 2469-7737) Vol. 4, No. 2. Home + Table is published bimonthly by Worksite Interactive, a Worksite company. 6900 Fleetwood Road #323 McLean, Va 22101 www.homeandtablemagazine.com ©2019 by Worksite Interactive. All rights reserved. Content herein can not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs, etc. if they are to be returned. Worksite Interactive assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. All letters will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to Worksite Interactive’s right to edit and comment editorially. All manuscripts, photos or material of any kind may be edited at the discretion of the editors. To be properly credited, all submissions must be accurately marked with the name, address and phone number of the contributor. Postage paid at the Washington, DC, Office POSTMASTER, send address changes to: Worksite Interactive. 6900 Fleetwood Road #323 McLean, Va 22101 Subscription rate: $24 for 8 issues.
6
H+T SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2019  H+T
7
SUMMER RECIPES:
QUINOA FRITTERS WITH FETA, GREEN GODDESS DRESSING ADDIE BROYLESMORE Quinoa is a superfood that sparked such a sharp increase in global demand that, for a few years, it appeared that people outside Peru were buying up all of the country's crops. It turns out that the boom meant increased revenue for farmers who relied on the crop. Customers in Peru also weren't paying a higher price for the ancient grain that they'd relied upon for so many generations, according to a 2016 report from NPR. Recent reports suggest that international consumption of quinoa has fallen, so there's a glut in the market.
1 cup dried quinoa 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, creme fraiche or sour cream Big bunch of flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped Small bunch of mint, leaves picked and finely chopped 1 bunch of green onions, very finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped Zest of 1 lime or 1 small lemon, plus a squeeze of juice 3 eggs 3 1/2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Vegetable oil, for frying Red chile flakes, to serve (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper
If you haven't been buying quinoa because of these concerns and want to support those small-scale farmers, you can seek out Fair Trade quinoa, which supports sustainable quinoa growers.
Cook the quinoa in 2 cups salted water for about 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Quinoa Fritters with Green Goddess Sauce
Mix the mayonnaise and yogurt with half the herbs, half the green onions, half the garlic and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. Check the seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste. Mix the cooled quinoa with the remaining herbs, spring onions and garlic, the eggs, feta, cumin, lime or lemon zest and flour. Season with salt and pepper.
Quinoa is a brilliant and speedy ingredient for the kitchen. Tender when cooked, with a delicate white furl of a tail, it has a nutty, satisfying taste. Mixed here with eggs, feta and herbs, and fried as a fritter, the cooked quinoa provides some welcome ballast to a dish that is bombproof. I'm a sucker for a striking name, and it doesn't come much better than green goddess, a pungent mayonnaise-based sauce made intensely green with masses of herbs and green onions. I've supplemented some of the mayonnaise with yogurt to lighten the result. —Claire Thompson
8
H+T  SUMMER 2019
Spread out the cooked quinoa on a large plate or tray to cool.
Heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil in a non-stick frying pan over a high heat. Drop tablespoons of the fritter batter into the hot oil and fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp. Keep each batch warm while you cook the remainder. Season the fritters with a little more salt and pepper, or use chile flakes if you like, and serve warm with the green goddess sauce and the leftover lime or lemon. Serves 4.
SUMMER RECIPES:
CHORIZO AND POTATO TACOS WITH CILANTRO-LIME SLAW ADDIE BROYLESMORE Since 2011, Cassy Joy Garcia has been blogging about health, nutrition and cooking on her Fed+Fit website, which is now a weekly podcast all about wellness without dieting, and this year, she is publishing her first cookbook, “Cook Once, Eat All Week: 26 Weeks of Gluten-Free, Affordable Meal Prep to Preserve Your Time & Sanity” (Victory Belt Publishing, $34.95). The dishes and techniques in the book are inspired by her online batch-cooking tutorials and recipe plans, which encourage cooks to prepare proteins, starches and vegetables ahead of time and in a way so they can be remixed into other meals later in the week. In this dish, for instance, you can use leftover baked potatoes, cooked ground pork and shredded green cabbage, all of which you can prep in a single day, along with other ingredients for the week ahead.
For the chorizo and potato filling: 1/4 cup avocado oil 1 pound baked and cubed red potatoes 4 cups cooked ground pork 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt 1 tablespoon chili powder 2 teaspoons paprika 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
For the cilantro-lime slaw: 4 cups shredded green and purple cabbage Cilantro-lime dressing Coarse sea salt 8 corn or grain-free tortillas 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish 3 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled, for garnish (omit for Paleo/dairy-free) 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
To make the filling, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the potatoes. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until browned and crispy. Remove the potatoes from the pan and set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the pan, then add the pork, salt, spices and vinegar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, until the pork is crispy. Return the potatoes to the pan and stir them into the pork, then remove the pan from the heat. To make the slaw, toss the shredded cabbage with the cilantro-lime dressing. Season to taste with salt. Place a small skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, put a tortilla in the pan and warm for 30 seconds per side, until the tortilla is pliable and begins to brown slightly. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. To keep them warm while you heat the remaining tortillas, you can wrap them in a kitchen towel. To assemble the tacos, fill each warmed tortilla with the chorizo-potato filling, top with the slaw, and then garnish with the cilantro and cheese. Serve with lime wedges. Serves 4.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
9
SUMMER SPIRITS:
EVERY ROSÉ HAS ITS DAY!
BY ELIZABETH CLASSEN For your next summer soiree’ try this twist on a summer classic that is sure to refresh your guests and a splash of color to your cocktail hour. The Rose’ Mojito is the perfect blend of sweet and sour and the pop of pink makes for a great photo backdrop by the pool.
Ingredients: Handful of Fresh Mint Leaves 4 Ounces Simple Syrup 4 Ounces Lime Juice 5 Ounces of Silver Rum 1 Bottle of Sparkling Rose’ 12 Ounces of Grapefruit Infused Sparkling Water
The Pitcher of Perfection: 1. In a large pitcher, muddle your mint leaves and simple syrup. 2. Pour lime juice, rum and rose into the pitcher. 3. Top it off with grapefruit sparkling water 4. Serve in a tall tumbler over ice and garnish with mint leaves and a slice of grapefruit.
For a Mocktail Version of this Recipe simply substitute Rum and Rose with Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice.
10
H+T SUMMER 2019
THE PERFECT PINEAPPLE PUNCH BY ELIZABETH CLASSEN
Feeling the call of the beach, but don’t have time to hit the waves this summer? No need to fret, the sand and sun can come to you in a cool and fruity refresh to your summer sipping options. The Perfect Pineapple Punch is great for groups and blends tropical getaway with rum and the beloved pineapple flavor for an excellent summer cocktail.
Ingredients: 1 Fresh Lime 3 Tablespoon Lime Juice 2 Teaspoon Agave Nectar ¼ Cup Golden Rum ⅔ Cup Pineapple Coconut Juice ⅓ Cup Ginger Ale, Divided
Punch for a Party: 1. Add pineapple coconut juice, rum and lime juice to a small pitcher. Stir and chill. 2. Fill 2 glasses with ice cubes. Pour half the pitcher mixture into each glass and top each glass off with half of the ginger ale. 3. Garnish with pineapple wedges, a slice of lime, and a pineapple leaf.
For a Mocktail Version of this Recipe, simply substitute Rum with a strong Unsweetened Iced Tea.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
11
A MODERN LINE OF PREMIUM CRAFT COCKTAILS BY ELIZABETH CLASSEN
12
H+T  SUMMER 2019
Austin Cocktails is a family-owned craft cocktail company inspired by a lifelong, family tradition. The brand is inspired by a tradition started by the Co-founders’ Grandpa Fred. At 5:00 o’clock sharp on summer nights, Fred made the family drop what they were doing and “c’mon on over” to raise a glass together. These cocktails and the moments and memories they inspired were the ties that bound them and became known as a tradition called “Cocktail Time.” Batched with premium spirits, fine, natural ingredients, and lightly sweetened with organic agave, this drink development philosophy yields drinks that are crisp, full proof and naturally a perfect fit for summer.
Cucumber Vodka Mojito Made with a mint that retains its natural flavor and leafy oils for a purer taste with compliments of cucumber, lime, organic agave nectar and, of course, vodka, at just 50 calories with 0 grams of fat. Now that’s a mojito that would be perfect for any pool day.
Ruby Red Vodka A mission formed to get out to craft a cocktail that showcases the finest and brightest ingredients. The mixture of luscious, aromatic, ruby red grapefruit, juicy lime, and crisp mint creates a bold cocktail tamed only by a light touch of organic agave.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
13
SUMMER PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS BY ELIZABETH CLASSEN
Eparé Clear Ice Cube System This innovative ice cube system allows consumers and entertainers everywhere to take their home bar to the next level. The Clear Ice System yields extra-large, consistently flawless, clear ice cubes every time. At an affordable price, the Clear Ice System’s space-saving design allows more room for freezer foods
• LAYERED TECHNOLOGY- Controls the freezing of your ice and pushes impurities to the bottom leaving you with a clear ice cube in the top tray
Eparé Battery Operated Mill This one-hand use system with a built-in bright LED light is great for food preparation. The combination of a powerful motor and grinding dial lets users control the fineness of the grind. • Durable ceramic grinder easily grinds peppercorns, salt, and other spices • Seasons accurately with an adjustable ceramic grinding mechanism • Activates via a large push-down button that instantly grinds and releases seasonings while shining a light over your food so that you can see how much you are seasoning • See-through container makes monitoring pepper level easy and cap on the bottom of the mill keeps your table clean
MSRP: $17.95 Available at www.epare.com
14
H+T SUMMER 2019
• FLEXIBLE BOTTOM- No more twisting, turning or banging -- this feature makes it easy to pop out cubes with its flexible bottom • PERFECT FILL- The recessed indent ensures perfectly clear and consistent cubes, drink after drink
MSRP: $39.95 Available at www.epare.com
True Salt ChocZero Sugar-Free Syrup By providing a healthy alternative to these products with ingredients you can trust, ChocZero is proving health-conscious consumers or those with diabetes can have delicious food options minus the unnecessary sugar. ChocZero has just revised their ingredients to contain even less carbs than before. Bottles of their syrup proudly display 1g net carb a serving. This makes it even more enticing for those on low-carb diets.
• ChocZero’s syrup is the ONLY syrup on the market without sugar or sugar alcohols! • GMO free, low carb, and all natural. • No preservatives: they don’t use water to dilute our syrup. This also means they’re THICK and RICH! • They use monk fruit to sweeten the syrup
True Salt is dedicated to producing a better, cleaner salt. With its natural, environmentally impact free harvesting process, True Salt produces all natural, unrefined, and unprocessed sea salt. True Salt is the perfect ingredient for a healthy lifestyle. All of True Salt’s products are made with an extremely high attention to detail and quality.
• Environmentally friendly harvesting process to the deliberately natural methods • Products retain their healthy nutrients and do not contain bleaches, chemicals, and anti-caking agents • All-natural, clean sea salt. • Containing no chemicals or anti-caking agents
MSRP: $23.00 Available at www.truesaltco.com
MSRP: $7.99 Available at www.choczero.com
Numa Get ready to treat your taste buds with Numa good-for-you nougat! Inspired by Asian nougat, Numa has only natural ingredients, 40% less sugar than the average candy and the added benefit of 4 grams of protein per serving!
MSRP: $4.49 Available at www.numafoods.com
SUMMER 2019 H+T
15
WOLL Diamond Lite Grill Pan Nonstick coated cast aluminum cookware, PFOA free and dishwasher safe. This pan has excellent release properties and diamond reinforced nonstick coating.
• Even heating for browning and searing • Outstanding heat retention • All cookware also available with induction properties or fixed/removable handles • Oven safe up to 500F • Limited lifetime warranty for home use
MSRP: $159.99 Available at www.direct.frieling.com
Capresso Iced Tea Maker Custom brew a refreshing pitcher of iced tea at the touch of a button with the Capresso Iced Tea Maker. Iced tea can be served and stored in the beautiful glass pitcher. • Flavor enhancer adjusts brew strength from mild to strong taste • Dishwasher-safe glass pitcher, permanent filter and removable filter basket • Removable water tank for easy filling and cleaning • Pitcher comes with a handy lid for easy storage directly in the refrigerator • Full-color recipe booklet with 18 refreshing iced tea recipes
MSRP: $59.99 Available at www.capresso.com
Zoku Stainless Steel Bottle The Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle makes sure cold beverages stay that way for up to 70 hours. And hot beverages do not lose steam, maintaining heat for up to 15 hours. Designed to take a hit, this double-walled bottle is made of heavy gauge 18/8 stainless steel, yet remains easy to carry with removable paracord lanyard. • BPA and phthalate free
MSRP: $34.99 Available at www.zokuhome.com
16
H+T SUMMER 2019
A positive
HEALTH ATTITUDE
“HEALTH ISN’T A SINGULAR DATA POINT. IT’S A STATE OF BEING.” GILLIAN GOERZEN
How to ditch the scale and love your body BY MELISSA ERICKSON
Y
To get a better fitness snapshot, track health habits like sleep quantity and quality, overall mood, sense of well-being and activity habits, she said.
“As a culture we’ve put too much weight on the scale — pun intended — but there is actually mounting research indicating it doesn’t give us a great snapshot of health,” she said. “Much like height or hair color, we are all genetically predisposed to a different healthy weight. So to categorize people based on weight alone isn’t the whole picture.”
“At the end of the day the biggest metric of health is your capacity to do the things you want to do with your body. For some people, that might be walk around the block after work, for some it will be chasing after grandkids, for others it will be climbing mountains,” Goerzen said. “When we take the focus off what the body looks like and refocus on what it can do, I notice a powerful shift in consistency of health habits. It’s far more motivating to be able to do the things you want to do than look a certain way doing them.”
The relationship with the scale can be contentious for many people.
‘You’re awesome just the way you are’
“If you can step on the scale and acknowledge the information as a singular data point, then I think it can be a reasonable measure or check-in,” Goerzen said. Metrics that matter For many, though, stepping on the scale leads to an array of emotions that can have a dramatic effect on mental health and overall well-being, which defeats the point, she said. Shift your focus to other metrics. Work with a doctor to track blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol, Goerzen said. Think about other, more qualitative metrics such as how you feel overall: Do you have the energy and vitality needed to do the activities you wish to? Are you free from disease and illness and generally well? “Health isn’t a singular data point. It’s a state of being,” Goerzen said.
Instead of believing in a number on the scale, trust your instincts. “Focus on the health habits that make you feel vibrant and vital. Know there is no one right way to be healthy, and your healthy weight is the weight you achieve and maintain when you’re living a healthy lifestyle you love,” Goerzen said.
FREEPIK.COM
our body is not a math equation, and a number doesn’t reveal health. Ditching the scale can be a step forward to reaching your fitness goals, said fitness and nutrition coach and personal trainer Gillian Goerzen, author of “The Elephant in the Gym: Your Body-Positive Guide to Writing Your Own Health and Fitness Story.”
Get support by connecting with your doctor for medical metrics, and find a body-positive community for your health and fitness. If you’re looking for a health coach, nutritionist or personal trainer to support you, make sure he or she has a “health at every size” or bodypositive philosophy, Goerzen said. “You’re awesome just the way you are. There is no user manual to the human body; you get to make yours up as you go along. Find the supports, information and tools you need to develop a practice of healthy living you feel great about,” Goerzen said.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
17
H
ow much time do you spend sitting each day? If you’re like most Americans, it’s probably too much.
Despite long-standing health warnings of the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, most people continue to sit for prolonged periods. Such inactivity can lead to an increase in the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers, according to a major new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “As a nation, we still sit too much, and it’s important that we work to both sit less and be more physically active,” said epidemiologist and co-senior author Dr. Graham A. Colditz, professor of surgery and director of the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University. “Overall, the study shows that all ages – youth through older adults — are spending too much time in sedentary activities.”
“This study shows us that sedentary behaviors begin early and continue throughout life. So, helping instil healthy lifestyles in youth that focus on limiting sitting and being more active could have important lifelong benefits,” Colditz said. How much we sit The research team looked at data taken from the National Health Nutrition Examination Survey. It found that total sitting time increased by more than an hour a day between 2007 and 2016 for both teens and adults — from about 6.4 hours to 8.2 hours a day. “There are a lot of possible reasons. One that’s likely is advancing technology, which, quite simply, allows us to accomplish more things while sitting — at home, work and school. So, while technology clearly has great benefits, it’s important to make sure we’re also getting the activity and movement we need for our health and well-being,” Colditz said. From 2001 to 2016 most Americans of all ages spent at least two hours a day sitting and watching television or videos. This number remained steady over the course of the study.
18
H+T SUMMER 2019
PHOTOS: FREEPIK.COM
The research analyzed data surveys of 51,000 people from 2001 to 2016 to track sitting trends in front of televisions and computers and the total amount of time spent sitting daily. The study was the first of its kind to document sitting in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population across multiple age groups and different racial and ethnic groups.
Time spent sitting in front of a computer outside of work or school increased over the course of the study. At least half of individuals across all age groups used a computer during leisure time for more than one hour per day in the two most recent years of the study. Up to a quarter of the population used computers outside of work and school for three hours or more. Positive gains in one area were negated in others. “The percentage of young children watching TV for two or more hours per day dropped between 2001 and 2016. Over the same period, however, the percentage of youth spending 1 or more hours per day on non-school computer time went up substantially,” Colditz said.
How to move more often Making changes to lead a more active lifestyle can be as simple as standing up and going for a short walk. “If you need to spend time sitting during the day, be sure to take frequent standing breaks. Every hour, stand up for a two- to three-minute leg stretch. If you have the flexibility, try to find someplace where you can stand and work for part of the day — a counter in a break room or a standing desk,” Colditz said.
GET
UP! Tips to stand more, be healthier
BY MELISSA ERICKSON
“THIS STUDY SHOWS US THAT SEDENTARY BEHAVIORS BEGIN EARLY AND CONTINUE THROUGHOUT LIFE. SO, HELPING INSTIL HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN YOUTH THAT FOCUS ON LIMITING SITTING AND BEING MORE ACTIVE COULD HAVE IMPORTANT LIFELONG BENEFITS.” DR. GRAHAM A. COLDITZ
Medical News Today offers these tips for those with desk jobs: • Stand up regularly: Guidance was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2015 that concluded office workers should stand up for at least 2 hours during their work day, with that target eventually reaching 4 hours, to break up prolonged sitting. This could include using sitstand desks or standing workstations to break up sittingbased work regularly, and altering posture frequently to prevent potential musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. • Move more: Walk to a co-worker’s desk to speak with them instead of sending an email. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car a few blocks away from your work entrance. Reorganize your desk so that you have to stand up and reach for any tools you regularly use. Stand up to answer the phone or write emails. Set an alarm to remind you to take a quick activity break. • Re-engineer the work environment: Encourage walking meetings. Create walking tracks. Use mobile headsets instead of traditional phones. Offer activity monitors. Sit on bounce balls. • Take an active lunch break: Start small with a 10-minute brisk walk each day and aim for three 10-minute brisk walks, or 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, on five days of the week.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
19
Hydration myths
&
facts
FREEPIK.COM
BY MELISSA ERICKSON
S
taying hydrated is essential, yet there are plenty of misconceptions about water and how much we need.
“Hydration is necessary to maintain normal body function,” said Dr. Courtney Bradley, assistant professor of clinical studies at High Point University’s Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy in North Carolina. “It functions to get rid of waste, keep body temperature within the normal limit and protect tissues. Severe dehydration, also known as severe hypovolemia, can ultimately result in organ damage if not treated properly.” Drink consistently
much water someone needs depends on a lot of factors like how much you sweat, do you work out, etc. Also, larger persons need more water than the petite ones.” “The ‘eight glasses of water’ myth came from a study done in the 1940s that said people need about 64 oz. total of water each day but — and this is very important — most of the water we need is in the food we eat,” said Dr. David Belk, board certified doctor of internal medicine and founder of consumer advocacy website The True Cost of Healthcare. Does thirst equal dehydration?
“My No. 1 tip for staying properly hydrated is to drink water consistently throughout the day,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Michele Sidorenkov of Phoenix. “If we drink all of our water at one time, we are flooding our system with too much water versus a consistent flow of hydration, which helps our body better process the water.” 8 glasses — or not? The advice to drink eight glasses of water a day is a myth, said Dr. Nikola Djordjevic, project manager for Medalerthelp.org. “If you have kidney problems water can cause more damage than it will help,” he said. “How
“If you are thirsty, it is a sign that your body is at least slightly dehydrated,” said registered dietician Cathy Posey, content creator at HappyHouseful.com. “Drinking water that is lukewarm or cool will enable your body to absorb the water more efficiently than drinking ice water or hot beverages.” In addition to adding flavor, drinking water infused with fruit or vegetables increases absorption because of the slight addition of electrolytes and phytonutrients, Posey said. Signs of dehydration include decreased urination, dark urine, dry mouth and thirst as well as not sweating, said Dr. Carolyn Dean, a
health and wellness expert and author of “The Magnesium Miracle.” Seek medical attention for dehydration if you feel dizzy, have a headache and feel heart palpitations, Dean said. You can be overhydrated Though most people fear becoming dehydrated, being overhydrated is an equally serious condition. “If you drink too much water, the number of electrolytes and salt in your body may become diluted and you can be at risk of developing hypernatremia,” Djordjevic said. “People have died from drinking too much water at once,” Belk said. Does coffee or tea dehydrate? Coffee and tea contain caffeine, which can be a mild diuretic and may theoretically lead to an increase in urination, Bradley said. “However, you are also consuming some amount of fluids with these beverages and this helps combat any dehydration effects,” she said. “In general, unless you are consuming very large amounts of caffeine, you will likely not become dehydrated from drinking coffee or tea. In fact, coffee or tea may actually provide more fluid that it expels.”
“If you drink too much water, the number of electrolytes and salt in your body may become diluted and you can be at risk of developing hypernatremia.” DR. NIKOLA DJORDJEVIC
20
H+T SUMMER 2019
step A back
Study finds 7,500 steps a day — not 10,000 — still a great goal
BY MELISSA ERICKSON
I
t’s a common goal to aim for 10,000 steps a day, but do you really need that many to be fit?
‘inflammation’ in the body. Studies like the recent one have shown that more steps can mean a longer and healthier life.
New research published in JAMA Internal Medicine finds that fewer steps can reap solid rewards, depending on your age. In the study, women who averaged 4,400 steps per day had lower mortality rates than the least active, who took 2,700 steps per day. More steps taken per day were associated with even lower mortality rates up to 7,500 steps per day, beyond which no further declines were observed.
“As the recent study shows, every step counts. You don’t have to reach 7,000 or 10,000 steps a day for better health. Every extra step helps,” Dasgupta said.
A more realistic goal of 4,400 steps a day is “a very doable level,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. I-Min Lee, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a professor of epidemiology at Harvard’s School of Public Health. The big message is that people of all ages should get up and moving. “Step more – even a modest number of steps is associated with lower mortality,” Lee said.
Japan was the first country to use step counters, and the 10,000 steps a day number originated from Japanese health campaigns from the 1970s, Dasgupta said. “Ten thousand steps is a purely arbitrary number, and, in fact, the cardiovascular benefits top out at around 7,500 steps daily,” Ford said. “Doing additional steps beyond 7,500 will still burn more calories if your aim is to lose weight, but there’s no additional protective benefit. Ten thousand is a nice round number, though, and it may help sell more exercise devices. I can easily imagine that some people might look at 10,000 steps as being unattainable, which could push them away from exercising.” Want to be healthier?
“Americans are definitely too sedentary. On average, American workers burn 160 fewer calories a day compared to [workers in] 1960,” said Dr. Donald Ford, a family medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic. “Lack of exercise contributes to our current rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and possibly dementia.” Walking is a simple form of exercise that is accessible to all.
“You will have to walk more. When you take the kids to the park, get off the bench and walk and run around. Dance! There are lots of options,” she said. FREEPIK.COM
“It can help keep the weight off or lose weight, but that is not the only benefit. It also helps lower blood pressure and insulin resistance,” said Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta, professor of medicine at Montreal’s McGill University and practicing physician at McGill University Health Centre. “Overall, it seems to lower something we call
“Think of how you can fit more steps into your life,” Dasgupta said. “See if you can walk up and down a couple of flights of stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator. Walk to the corner store instead of driving. Park the car further away from the entrance when you have to take it. Walk or use the bus or subway when you can.
“Exercise benefits longevity, but it’s important for people to be aware of the fact that it helps you feel better — more energy, better attention and better sleep,” Ford said.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
21
tour Mystery BY CR RAE
Gather the girls for a fun Ohio getaway — sharing the plan ahead of time is optional
Night kayaking with Touch the Earth Adventures [PHOTO COURTESY WEIRICK COMMUNICATIONS, ALL OTHER PHOTOS CR RAE]
P
ack your bags and get ready for the perfect girls mystery trip. No makeup required. Leave the hair dryers at home. It’s just girls doing fun things.
3,400-plus sharpeners and sharing memories. The museum is in Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio at the welcome center, a great stop for getting info about the area and, of course, a restroom break.
Remember the song by Connie Francis “Where the Boys Are”? This travel story is about where the girls were. Sorry guys — you are welcome to plan your own trip.
Next we visited the Columbus Washboard Co. in Logan, Ohio. It is the only operating washboard factory in the United States and has been in business since 1895. The tour is interesting, and it is surprising how many people use washboards for scrubbing clothing and as musical instruments.
For seven girls of the boomer age, a little mystery is something to look forward to each year. It is a planned trip for which only one person in the group (myself ) knows the itinerary. Each brave participant receives a letter stating what they need to bring — clothing, money, food — the departure time and other particular. This year a little curve was thrown in. Each list had a camping item — a snake bite kit, butane lighter, hunting knife — and they were to use a backpack because they would carry what they brought! Some were becoming hesitant about going. We loaded into the Buckeye Boomer Express (one of the girl’s vans) for a three-hour ride. The first unique stop was the largest pencil sharpener museum in America. It was surprising how much the girls enjoyed seeing
22
H+T SUMMER 2019
From there it was a hike to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills, a beautiful location. Many hiking trails are available in the park that include handicap to vigorous levels. We found a picnic table and ate our packed lunches and visited a couple of local shops. The next surprise on the trip cleared up the worry about camping, as we pulled up to Cedar Grove Lodging in Logan and opened the door to a cabin that sleeps 30 people with a pool table, games, Wi-Fi, TVs and a beautiful kitchen. The favorite was the theater room, a great place to relax and watch chick flicks. That is where we spent the rest of the day. Probably the biggest surprise was when Chefs Scarlett and Billy Kitts of Four
GETTING IN THE WATER JUST BEFORE DARK
CHEF BILLY SERVING DINNER AT CEDAR GROVE LODGING
NIGHT KAYAKING
Seasons Catering arrived in their chef coats and prepared a delicious meal for us at the cabin. The girls were shocked and excited and the filets, green beans, freshly made rolls, potatoes and more — delish! The evening was topped off with a trip to see the stars — Jupiter, Mars and the constellations as they appeared in the skies over the park at the John Glenn Astronomy Park. Guided by an astronomer, we had a view like none other through a variety of telescopes. After all the fresh air and activity, we were ready for a good night’s sleep in the silence of the hills. The next day we had coffee and breakfast, stayed in and played cards, had lunch and dinner, enjoyed the rocking chairs on the porch and the hot tub. The cabin was too nice to leave. However, the evening was beautiful, and Mimi Morrison of Touch the Earth Adventures took us on a peaceful night kayaking trip under those
CEDAR FALLS IN OHIO’S HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK
bright stars that we had learned about at JGAP.
For more information
The next morning we headed toward home, but not without stopping and having a little taste of Hocking Hills Moonshine, doing some retail therapy and having lunch.
•
hockinghills.com
•
touchtheearthadventures.com
•
johnglennhome.org
We made a stop at the John and Annie Glenn Museum in New Concord, Ohio, where the famed astronaut grew up. A guide portrayed Glenn’s mother and took us through his childhood home. It was a lesson in what it was like to live in the “olden days” — unfortunately we recognized many items we grew up with. The tour was interesting — one of the best museums ever.
•
fourseasonsohio.com
Our mystery trip was over, but there is always next year! Hmmm … where will it be? Only I know! A girl’s mystery trip is the best therapy. Plan one with friends and family soon.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
23
BIGSTOCK.COM
Clean up your
MUDROOM
BY MELISSA ERICKSON
I
f all your shoes, bags and jackets are piling up by the front or back door, it’s time to get organized. Pull yourself — and your home — together with a well-organized mudroom. A well-designed mudroom should welcome the family home and make it easy to put things away, find them later and stay organized, said interior designer Anne Michaelsen-Yahn, founder of Anne Michaelsen Design, Newport Beach, California. “A mudroom functions as a place to shed outer garments that could be dirty, wet, bulky and unnecessary in the house,” she said. “In the summer it’s a great place for sun hats, sunscreens and picnic supplies. Sometimes it is also a place for the home office.” Stay organized with storage for shoes, electronic charging, garden supplies, sports equipment, picnic supplies, snowshoes and boots, hats and sunglasses, Michaelsen-Yahn said. A hanging rack or hooks for coats and kids’ backpacks also helps keep things in place. With all the coming and going invest in hardsurface, non-skid floors.
“Tumblestone or unpolished tile are great because they’re durable and good-looking,” Michaelsen-Yahn said. Keep kids’ belongings from getting mixed up by adding a cubby space for each child. “Paint each child’s name ... on the back or above the cubby. Include hooks, space for shoes, etc. Each child should have a bulletin board or section of one larger board to pin up their schedules, activities and papers,” Michaelsen-Yahn said. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets and hanging organizational pockets make use of all available space. “If you can find space, include a countertop for arranging items or even for package wrapping. A fold-down wall-mounted table can also be helpful and make good use of space,” she said. Add a seating element to have a place for people to sit down and take their shoes on and off.
Don’t forget about the pets. “A mudroom is a great place for the family pet to have their own storage area as well. I often build in cubbies for dog/cat beds and drawers for food storage and equipment,” she said. Let wet or dirty shoes dry outside in a designated area in the garage. “When they are cleaner or drier, then they can be put in the shoe cubby under the storage cabinets,” Michaelsen-Yahn said. Just like other rooms in the home, the mudroom can evolve. “A mudroom is a great place to design in a way that allows it to adapt and change as a family grows and changes. You may start out with stroller storage, kids’ backpacks and soccer equipment, but this can change as the life of the family changes to become an electronics charging station, home workspace, scrapbook center and more,” Michaelsen-Yahn said.
“This is also a great place to talk to each other about schedules and activities,” Michaelsen-Yahn said.
“A MUDROOM FUNCTIONS AS A PLACE TO SHED OUTER GARMENTS THAT COULD BE DIRTY, WET, BULKY AND UNNECESSARY IN THE HOUSE. IN THE SUMMER IT’S A GREAT PLACE FOR SUN HATS, SUNSCREENS AND PICNIC SUPPLIES. SOMETIMES IT IS ALSO A PLACE FOR THE HOME OFFICE.” ANNE MICHAELSEN-YAHN, ANNE MICHAELSEN DESIGN
24
H+T SUMMER 2019
ROUND BARN WINERY: DECANTERING ONE GLASS AT A TIME BY JENNA LUND
SUMMER 2019  H+T
25
I
t was only a few months ago when a last minute beach day invite and beeline to the convenience store made me do it. I was thirsty and ready for a beverage that welcomed summer with a hint of citrus and frankly, wouldn’t make me feel bloated in a bikini. Disappointed, I found the beer selection less than up to par. I headed to the wine. Ugh. I don’t want to lug around a bulky glass bottle AND buy another corkscrew (thinking of my dozen+ collection at home accumulated from similar situations). The pink, white and gold aluminum glare caught my eye. Wine in a can. “Alright, time to give it a shot…It better taste good,” I said to myself. (My apologies if this sounds snarky; I’ve consumed a few canned artisans in my day that left my taste buds stale and “tinny.”) I grabbed a colorful 6 pack of pinot grigio and am so glad I hopped on the “can wagon” that day! My summer ‘sips’ and outings just got better! No stemware, no corkscrew, no problem! Cracking open an ice cold can of wine has become the norm at BBQ’s, festivals and summer libations across the country. Nielson reported canned wine sales spiked dramatically from $2 million in 2012 to $69 million last year. The growth has been spurred by convenience, portability, non-breakability, lighter trucking and shipping costs, and single-use portions that eliminate the need to open an entire bottle of wine. Many wine companies have jumped into the opportunity, including a craft winery and family operated local gem 90 minutes outside of Chicago - Round Barn Winery.
Our attention takes us to the heart of Southwest Michigan’s wine country. After 22 years of selling exclusively from its family of properties, Round Barn Winery celebrated and kicked off summer debuting their canned Red Sangria and Crantini beverages in stores, which are among the first craft canned wines in their market. Inspired by the popularity of their versions sold by the glass or growler at their winery, the new 2 oz/355 ml sparkling wine canned beverages have been distributed to 150 grocery stores across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Two additional products in the collection will be released this summer.
26
H+T SUMMER 2019
Round Barn’s Red Sangria blends red wine made from the winery’s grapes with natural peach, cranberry and lemon concentrate to create a fruity, ready-to-drink, not-too-sweet sangria with a touch of carbonation and 5.9% alcohol. The Crantini combines white wine produced from the company’s vineyards with natural cranberry and lemon concentrates to deliver a light, bubbly libation infused with the taste of cranberries and 4.15% alcohol. No high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or artificial flavors are in either beverage and wonderful alternatives to canned beer and bottled wine coolers. Sounds refreshing, right? “It’s a new chapter in a family business that has been dedicated to locally sourced wine, craft beers and spirits for more than two decades,” states Matt Moersch, CEO of Round Barn Winery parent company Moersch Hospitality Group and founder of The Great Lakes Sustainable Wine Alliance. Moersch purchased a canning machine last winter after they were awarded a grant from Michigan to sell more local products. He is excited about the retail partnerships and hopes it brings more awareness of Michigan wines in the craft industry, especially with the rising popularity of ready to drink cocktails. Moersch is no stranger in the winemaking industry. His humble roots began in the family, farmers by trade, and has proceeded the “grape stomping” footsteps of his parents who entered the craft winemaking business in 1992. Mentored and apprenticed by his father, Moersch learned how to farm and embraced the skills of winemaking. The family stumbled across an old round barn built in 1912 in Northern Indiana. They had a vision of the possibilities that could happen within its doors which led to the barn’s restoration. Round Barn Winery came to life and continues to stand strong, sharing the Moersch family’s story and legacy. Their expertise and passion led to moving the barn to Babado, Michigan so they could house and expand a distillery and host an event and wedding venue. It didn’t end there. They added a brewery which took off in the early 2000’s. Moershch became the head winemaker and they hired a brewmaster to support their success and expansion. In total, they have seven locations and four brands in their portfolio: Free Run Cellars, Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant, Round Barn Winery and Public House. Each is locally unique, and carry the Moersch family’s farm-to-table inspiration and values. Nestled behind rolling hills and acres of vineyards, thousands of grape and grain wanderlusts, tour buses, bachelorette parties, locals, families, children and their dogs take a roadside adventure to meet year round, enjoy life and replenish their thirsty palettes with the Round Barn Family. Guests enjoy food from the Round Barn Food Truck, taste testing brews, spirits and wine; whatever fits their liking, accompanied by live music every weekend May through October. A getaway to Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery is certainly worth a trip or roadside drive any time of year. Decades and seasons of harvested grapes, grains, and rich stories fill each barrel, bottle, growler, glass, brim, AND can, waiting to be shared. If you can’t make a trip, be on the lookout for their products at picnic tables and retailers near you. It’s five o’clock (somewhere) and that can of chilled sangria is calling your name. From our table to yours, pop a top, unwind and sip, sip away.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
27
TRAVEL:
THE ADIRONDACKS:
America's playground MARCI DEWOLF
A
dirondack Park in upper New York State has no gate. There is no park ranger who opens and closes the entrance each day. Instead, an imaginary line surrounds a vast region of wilderness and communities of about 135,000 residents, according to local historian Andy Flynn.
"The park is like no other," said Flynn, author of "New York's Adirondack Park: A User's Guide." Spread across 6 million acres, it is about the size of Vermont. Despite its immense size, the park is fairly easy to navigate. The center of activity is among the picturesque lakeside villages of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake. The Adirondacks are an important part of the American landscape. Vast forests of white pine and hemlock delight the senses and offer a getaway from the summer's heat and traffic. In fact, the park's origin dates to 1892 when city folks in New York and Boston "vacated" their homes to set up camps and cottages on the lakes to enjoy the fresh air, crystal clear lakes and rugged scenery. Today, they still do. The park's year-round population of 140,000 swells to a summertime crowd of 200,000 drawn to superb hiking, kayaking, waterfalls and canoeing. The park encompasses one-fifth of all the land in New York State — 6 million acres. To get a true picture of the Adirondacks, visit the Wild Center, a new kind of natural history museum. Playful otters and other animals cavort and can be seen up close in the main hall. The main center has a soaring rotunda with floor-to-ceiling windows, a towering waterfall and a massive moving glacial ice wall. Outside, the riverfront has access to guided canoe and paddleboard trips. Spread over 31 acres, the complex now has Wild Walk, a stunning aerial walkway across the treetops accessible for all ages and abilities to see animals close up. Kids like to play on a gigantic fake spider's web.
28
H+T  SUMMER 2019
Lake Placid Every community in the Adirondacks has its own personality. Built on history and age-old industries like logging, farming and mining, towns and villages have evolved into exciting destinations of world-class museums, art galleries and outdoor recreation. A perfect little village in the shadow of the mountains, Lake Placid thinks big. The town plays host to some of the fiercest athletics anywhere, from the grueling endurance test of the Ironman triathlon to the Empire State Winter Games and Lake Placid Marathon. In the winter hockey, ski jumping, bobsledding and ice skating abound. A stroll through town captures the spirit of a friendly citizenry who own and operate small bakeries, boutiques, bookstores and wineries. The Lake Placid Center for the Arts has a variety of local art. Just below the sweet hometown library, circa 1884, a lush, native plant garden overlooks Mirror Lake. Dining options include the popular 'dack Shack and, for breakfast, the Base Camp CafĂŠ. The Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on Mirror Lake is steps away from the famed Olympic Village in the heart of the town and has its own restaurant, Generations. It has a pool, fitness center and private beach from which guests can launch their canoes in summer or go ice skating in winter. Nearby, the waterfalls and mountain cliffs at High Falls Gorge are worth the drive.
Saranac Lake The village of Saranac Lake is a magnet for artists and art lovers. Main Street is full of funky shops, restaurants, art galleries and live music venues. The art spills onto the streets in the summer when sidewalk musicians and painters entertain visitors. Saranac Lake ArtWorks displays art by locals who draw inspiration from the lakes and mountains. The gallery offers studio tours. The Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery on Main Street is also filled with stunning landscapes from local artists, and visitors can browse galleries and see artists creating on Thursday Art Walks every summer. Children love the Adirondack Carousel, featuring a rotating selection of l8 hand-carved animals painted by local artisans. The Hotel Saranac, built at the height of the Roaring Twenties, still bears the elegant ambience of the Great Gatsby era. The Great Hall, a social hub of the village, dominates the second floor with its Palazzo-inspired design influenced by the 14th century Davanzati Palace in Florence.
The hotel's Campfire Grill is a local favorite. Saranac Lake is a five-hour drive from New York City and Boston. Cape Air also flies in daily from Boston. Contact the Visitors Center at 518-846-8016 or go to visitadirondacks.com.
SUMMER 2019  H+T
29
ILLUMINATING W
BY MELISSA ERICKSON
ith all the activities that take place in the kitchen, it pays to have lighting that’s both attractive and functional. Go beyond simple overhead lights by layering your lighting to fit your needs.
When choosing lights consider both function and scale, said certified kitchen designer Rebekah Zaveloff, a National Kitchen & Bath Association Insider and co-founder of KitchenLab in Chicago. Avoid choosing a gorgeous fixture that doesn’t give off the light that’s needed, she said. A multi-functional kitchen requires layers of illumination. “Begin by selecting the ambient light sources. These provide basic, general illumination for a comfortable level of light without glare,” said Jennifer Kis, spokeswoman for Progress Lighting. “It can be one large fixture that gives enough light for the entire space. Or it can come from a variety of light sources: natural light, recessed lights, wall sconces and even chandeliers all contribute to the ambient light in a room.” Next, select task lighting. “Task lighting provides light for a specific area or task: It’s the practical light in a room,” Kis said. “Under-cabinet, recessed and track lighting are common types of task lighting, as they can be installed to specifically direct light onto a work area.” “Everything needs to be on a dimmer,” Zaveloff said. These small controls allow users to dim lights while entertaining and brighten up when cooking. “You need to have all these things on different switches and controllable with dimmers so that you really have that ability to modulate the space,” Zaveloff said. Accent lighting, also known as focal or directional light, provides visual interest in a room. “Use accent lighting to highlight the kitchen’s architectural elements or features like backsplashes or a cookbook collection,” Kis said. In addition to being functional, lighting can be decorative. “Today more than ever, lighting fixtures are intended to be used in a variety of spaces and to coordinate with a wide range of interior design styles,” Kis said. “For example, statement pendants that are traditionally used over a dining room table can be placed over kitchen islands and breakfast nook tables, adding a decorative element while also serving as task lighting. Wall sconces typically used in a living or dining room can be installed on either side of a kitchen sink to add accent lighting as well as decorative flair.” When adding light, be cautious of glare — for example, when a bulb is going to be able to be seen from underneath, Zaveloff said. Instead, use gold-dipped bulbs or silver-dipped bulbs to reflect the light back up into the bowls, she said.
30
H+T SUMMER 2019
BIGSTOCK.COM
ideas
Enhance the kitchen’s functions with layers of lighting
TIPS BY MELISSA ERICKSON
A
home’s lawn brings people together. It’s a place for kids to play, for adults to relax and for friends and neighbors to socialize.
“Lawns and stands of managed turf are important components of society because nearly everyone interacts with them in some capacity, either directly or indirectly,” said Mark Schmidt, principal scientist at John Deere. What constitutes a great, green lawn depends on how you want to use it. “Ultimately, a great lawn is a healthy stand of turf that meets the needs of those engaged with the lawn,” Schmidt said. “As research shows, a properly managed lawn provides many diverse benefits, including environmental, aesthetic, recreational, psychological and a wide range of other factors.” Managing a healthy lawn depends on proper turf selection, mowing practices and fertilization, plus proper planning and year-round care, Schmidt said. Know signs of drought A lawn’s water needs can be tricky. Instead of watering on a preset schedule for a preset duration, look for visual cues, Schmidt said. Signs it’s time to water include turf starting to brown and a decreased growth rate, he said. Or, use technology. Sensors placed in the ground can measure soil moisture to determine plant water needs, Schmidt said.
Keep thatch small Thatch — the layer of living and nonliving material such as shoots and stems that accumulates at the soil surface under the turf canopy — is generally caused when organic material is accumulated faster than can be broken down or degraded. “Contrary to a common belief, grass clippings from proper mowing generally do not accumulate and contribute to thatch,” Schmidt said. A small amount of thatch can be beneficial, providing insulation from temperature and moisture variances, but too thick of a thatch layer can be harmful. Excessive thatch can cause mowers to scalp and lead to increased pest problems and improper root formation, Schmidt said. The right mower To keep your lawn in top shape, match the mower to your turf needs. “The right mower is the one that is sized correctly for your need, offers the performance and convenience features that will enable proper mowing and provides all necessary safety features,” Schmidt said. Prepare to be overwhelmed with mower choices, from lawn tractors to zero-turn and walk-behind mowers. Customizable features include different deck types and widths tailored to specific types of mowing applications and different turf species and uses, he said. One of the main choices is whether the mower will mulch, discharge or bag clippings — each with its own pros and cons, Schmidt said. Mulching is an environmentally friendly option that disposes of clippings in a beneficial way, returning nitrogen to the soil as the finely mulched clippings decompose on the soil surface, Schmidt said.
FREEPIK.COM
“Regardless of the method used, turfgrass plants can survive and function on less water than we often think the plants may need. Also, when turfgrass starts to turn brown and go dormant, that is often an appropriate response to environmental stress or normal seasonal changes,” Schmidt said.
for a top-notch lawn
SUMMER 2019 H+T
31
32
H+T  SUMMER 2019
Home+Table Fall Issue 2019 Publication date: September 19, 2019 www.homeandtablemagazine.com
SUMMER 2019  H+T
33
Decked
OUT
34
Creating your perfect outdoor space BY MELISSA ERICKSON
H+T  SUMMER 2019
A
s people look to unplug and unwind outside, outdoor living areas top the list of many home improvement projects. A new deck can be a place to relax or entertain, prepare and share a family meal or simply an extension of the home.
“A house’s living space extends beyond the four walls of the home,” said Chris Camfferman, managing director of marketing at manufacturer Deckorators. With the right planning and project, outdoor space can be “like a room of the home,” he said. Outdoor living trends at home often follow commercial and travel trends, Camfferman said. For example, a homeowner might want to recreate the fire and lighting elements of a favorite restaurant’s outdoor seating area or poolside lounge area from the fantastic resort visited on vacation. “What kind of deck is up to the imagination of the homeowner,” Camfferman said. Creating space, privacy People are going all out, including pergolas and other shade solutions, unique storage systems and personalized features such as putting greens and yoga platforms, he said.
PHOTOS COURTESY DECKORATORS
To maximize time spent outdoors, there’s a big push to add shade and privacy options, Camfferman said. Not just for deck skirting, lattice shaped in a variety of patterns can be used to form pergolas or gazebos or to conceal air conditioners or storage space. Maximizing space for storage is high on homeowners’ priority lists. Special products like Deckorators Dexerdry can form a watertight seal between slotted deck boards and channel water off, creating more useable space underneath a raised deck, Camfferman said. Color choice To create a natural flow from indoors to out, carry over the flooring and colors, Camfferman said. Because exterior trends are more stable than interior ones, be sure to choose a color that blends well with the home’s siding or trim. Browns and grays are most popular, but today’s buyer is looking for a wider color palette, he said. For something more aestetic, define the deck’s perimeter by creating a picture frame effect with a complementary but slightly contrasting color, Camfferman said. While this look is not new, it will make a deck stand out, he said.
Another color craze is composite deck boards with increased variation, such as what is found in natural wood, Camfferman said.
Upgrading an existing deck doesn’t require a huge investment. Simply adding new post caps or swapping out balusters can modernize or change the look of a deck that’s lost some of its shine.
Simple upgrades While wood is a more economical choice and the bulk of the market, composite decking has benefits. “It looks good. It’s low maintenance. Clean it with soap and water. There’s no sanding, staining, sealing or splinters,” Camfferman said.
If you’re planning a new deck project, Camfferman’s first piece of advice is to think about how you want to use the space, then find the product to match.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
35
BIGSTOCK.COM
What
WEEDS can tell you
about
your soil BY MELISSA ERICKSON
“You might learn its benefits before removing [the weed]. Keep in mind, once the tomato was thought to be poisonous, and now we’re just understanding the medical benefits of dandelion.” RON NEITZEL, GARDENING EXPERT
36
H+T SUMMER 2019
T
he weeds in your yard are trying to tell you something — specifically, what is missing from your soil. Pay attention, and you can learn how to make them disappear.
“By helping the soil, you’ll remove the weed,” said gardening expert Ron Neitzel of Cleveland, who is also known as the “Green Wizard.” “There is a lot of misunderstanding around our fantastic friend the weeds,” he said. “Weeds and soil have a symbiotic relationship. The appearance of a weed says something about the soil or what it may be lacking.” Rather than revealing the condition of the soil itself, the appearance of weeds indicates a lack of topsoil. “Topsoil is normally organically rich and alive. It doesn’t support weed seed germination. Weeds have a shorter life than most yard plantings but without topsoil, weeds have a root system that go deep enough into the soil in an attempt to restore the loss of organic matter,” said Neitzel, author of “The Green Wizard’s Guide,” on low-cost natural strategies for a thriving lawn and garden. Some of the most common weeds in the American landscape are clover, nutsedge or Shepherd’s Purse, Neitzel said: “Clover patches appear when there is a lack of nitrogen in the soil. Nutsedge can be attributed to wet soil, and Shepherd’s Purse can indicate a lean soil that is lacking in organic matter.” For the most common weeds, Neitzel recommends an all-natural organic weed killer or, in the case of clover, adding a nitrogen booster to the soil.
“You can use a product like Dynaweed before weeds appear. It is a pre-emergent weed controller that safely kills the seed before the root forms,” he said. “Another safe, gluten-based preemergent is Safe ‘N Simple. It’s environmentally safe and all-natural.” The draw of natural weed killers is that they can be effective at getting rid of weeds and safer for the environment, people and pets than chemical herbicides. Getting a better understanding of organic gardening can greatly increase your ability to create topsoil conditions and will have a dramatic effect on the presence of weeds, Neitzel said. Need help identifying what kind of weeds are popping up in your lawn or garden? Take it to a garden center or nursery. “You might learn its benefits before removing it. Keep in mind, once the tomato was thought to be poisonous, and now we’re just understanding the medical benefits of dandelion,” Neitzel said. Improving soil quality not only eliminates the conditions in which weeds can germinate, it increases a yard’s ability to aid in reversing climate change. “By increasing your soil’s ability to absorb rain, you are decreasing run-off and flash flooding. With good soil management and increasing organic practices, you restore the food web in your yard, which will overall eliminate the conditions for weeds,” Neitzel said.
PHOTOS COURTESY DALTILE
Versatile tile The flooring now comes in myriad looks and colors BY MELISSA ERICKSON
“Put one of these big panoramic slabs in your backsplash. ... There is no grout. There is no break or interruption in the visible part, so it’s really like having a big slab of marble, but with all the advantages of the porcelain and the cost of the porcelain.” LAURA GRILLI, DALTILE
T
urn to tile for a high-impact finish that can offer design choices from traditional to modern. Tile trends for 2019 will appeal to those who like their home decor bold, dramatic and colorful or more subdued, timeless and classic.
“The tile world is in consistent evolution,” said Laura Grilli, senior product development manager at manufacturer Daltile. Innovation is the key not only from a design standpoint but in terms of technology and installation, she said. Uses and colors Durable and easy to clean, tile is great fit pretty much everywhere in the home, Grilli said. Tile also has the smallest carbon footprint of any floor surface and is free of chemicals such as volatile organic compounds, she said. Most people think of featuring tile in backsplashes, flooring and, of course, bathrooms, but it’s also a great choice in laundry and mudrooms and even outside the home, she said. People tiring of gray and white are choosing colors from bold to pastel, such as brilliant blues and berry reds, peaches and teals, Grilli said. Blue as an accent color “continues to be strong, but green is gaining in popularity,” she said.
One of the best-selling colors, gray, is getting warmer so that it’s more of a combination of gray and beige, or “greige,” Grilli said. Different looks Tile is a great imitator. Popular in the past, wood look continues to trend positively, Grilli said. Choices include tile that mimics sophisticated and warm hardwoods to aged and rustic reclaimed woods. Marble-look tile, both in white and darker colors, is gaining fans who like the large-format tiles that offer marble’s appearance without its cost and maintenance, Grilli said. With options from rectangular to plank sizes and vein-cut options, marble look is versatile and compliments both classic and contemporary design. Concrete-look tile is a hit for urbanor contemporary-style walls and floors and works with both warm and cool color palettes, Grilli said. For a bold look, the combination of black and white marble-look tiles really pops, Grilli said. For something sexy and dramatic, opt for porcelain tiles embedded with metallic flecks, she said.
Larger-scale tile in marble, metallic and concrete looks pack a visual punch and are perfect for countertops, floors and backsplashes, Grilli said. Made of porcelain rather than natural stone, they won’t stain or scratch. “Put one of these big panoramic slabs in your backsplash; it’s really like it’s stainless,” she said. “There is no grout. There is no break or interruption in the visible part, so it’s really like having a big slab of marble, but with all the advantages of the porcelain and the cost of the porcelain.” For a calming and relaxing interior, a flowing travertine stone look with porcelain floor or wall tiles creates a spa-like atmosphere. “The spa look inside the house is something that is very popular now because it contributes to the idea of comfort and elegance,” Grilli said. When choosing what tile is right for a home, pick something that fits your personality but focus on the overall look that you want to achieve, Grilli said. Visit design galleries and studios and speak with designers who can show what’s available and how to create a specific look.
SUMMER 2019 H+T
37
Must-have
gardening tools FREEPIK.COM
BY MELISSA ERICKSON
T
o keep your garden in the best shape possible you’ll need the right tools that are durable, effective and convenient to use.
“The best gardeners have the best tools,” said Randy Schultz, content editor of HomeGardenandHomestead.com. “It’s not that good tools automatically make you a better gardener, but high-quality tools make the gardening experience more enjoyable. Wellengineered tools mean less wear and tear on your body. You’re going to enjoy gardening a whole lot more with better tools.” Whatever the tool, it should feel comfortable the moment you pick it up and put it to use, he said: “Not every tool is right for every gardener, so choose the tools that feel right to you.” A high-quality pair of pruners and a great shovel are two must-have tools that gardeners will use most often. “Plants grow, and they need to be pruned. Digging in the dirt is what gardeners do, so you need a good shovel. A good weeding tool is a must, because weeds grow in a garden and need to be removed so they don’t take over,” said Schultz, who is a fan of his CobraHead Weeder. For pruning bigger branches, reach for a lopper, which is basically a pair of pruners with long handles. “A rachet or gear lopper increases your cutting power, so it’s a valuable tool if you’re pruning a tree,” Schultz said.
38
H+T SUMMER 2019
Plants need to be watered, and a good watering wand or hose nozzle makes it easy to gently water garden plants, he said. Getting your hands dirty in the garden is less messy with a good pair of gloves. “A good pair of gloves is essential — and probably more than one pair. I have heavy-duty leather gloves for digging and lighter-weight gloves with flexible fingers for weeding. A pair of knee pads or a foam kneeler pad can save your knees if you spend much time in the garden,” Schultz said. Sometimes a simple tool is the most effective. “Believe it or not, a 5-gallon bucket is a musthave tool for any gardener. It’s easy to transport and it’s the perfect way to collect and dispose of dead leaves, branches and other garden debris,” Schultz said. When buying tools, remember that you get what you pay for. The cheapest tools will often be uncomfortable to use or won’t last long, Schultz said. “You should never buy cheap tools if you think you’re going to use them all the time. That being said, I have never bought an expensive rake. I only use a rake a few times a year for raking up leaves, and I am happy with my trusty rake I have had for years,” he said. Splurge on high-quality digging tools.
cutting
and
“Believe it or not, a 5-gallon bucket is a must-have tool for any gardener. It’s easy to transport and it’s the perfect way to collect and dispose of dead leaves, branches and other garden debris,.” Randy Schultz “Choose a pair of quality pruners that fit comfortably in your hand. The best pruners are meant to last, and the parts such as the cutting blades can be replaced if they ever break or wear out. High-quality shovels and digging spades will last for years when properly maintained,” Schultz said. Buying tools that are the right size for your hands and body will be more comfortable to use, cause less fatigue and possibly prevent an injury. “Many women find that using a standard shovel or spade is exhausting, but a spade sized for a woman is ergonomically superior. With the right-sized tools, it’s possible to work longer and use less energy,” Schultz said.
It’s more than a showroom. It’s a feast for the senses.
From cooking demos to appliance test-drives, you’re invited to taste, touch, and see the potential for your kitchen in a dynamic space free of sales pressure but full of inspiration.
Philadelphia • Philadelphia Navy Yard, 4050 South 26th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19112 • 866-987-2122 • subzero-wolf.com/philadelphia