Articles Written By: Kevin Fawley

How to Start a Summer Herb Garden Indoors

If you love to cook with fresh herbs, there’s a way to do it without running to the store all the time. Simply start your own garden. You don’t need any outdoor space to do it—a kitchen windowsill and a few containers will do the trick. Here’s how to get started.

  • Find a sunny spot. First things first: figure out where you want the herbs to put down roots. Most herbs prefer ample amounts of sunshine, so try to find a spot in your apartment that can accommodate their thirst for the sun.
  • Pick your plants. While most herbs are relatively easy to grow, some do better indoors than others. For a container garden, basic herbs like mint, chives, parsley, and basil are among the best options. But your selection should depend on your preferences, too. If you rarely cook with basil, don’t bother wasting prime windowsill space on it!
  • Choose your containers. No need to run out for planters! DIY containers for your herb garden using items you have around the house. Upcycle empty cans by removing the labels and filling them with potting soil, or try mason jars instead. Even mugs will work! And feel free to decorate your chosen containers with whatever art supplies you have on hand to make your garden a bit more aesthetically pleasing.
  • Water and harvest appropriately. When you start your own herb garden, it’s crucial to water each plant just enough, but not too much. You can generally figure out when herbs need more water by simply sticking your finger in the soil. If it feels dry, add enough water to make it moist. You should also do your best to pluck herbs at their peak freshness, which varies from one plant to the next. Check online to find out the best time to “harvest” a specific herb.

How to Grow Herbs Indoors [Bonnie Plants]
50 Cheap and Easy DIY Herb Garden Ideas [Prudent Penny Pincher] 
How Often Should You Water Herbs? Find Out More About it! [Herbs Within]

Elm Street Bakery: Italian and American Sweets for Curbside Pickup

On any given day at Elm Street Bakery, you’ll find giant cream puffs, fruit-loaded tarts, and a panoply of cookies. The bakers are still crafting similar sweets for curbside pick-up! Simply call to place your order, and then pull right up to the store to grab your goodies, then bring them back to enjoy at home.

The cream puffs are just some of the giant pastries available to pick up. Elm Street Bakery boasts a large collection of Italian and American treats, such as eclairs, lobster tails, and elephant ears, not to mention mini renditions of other treats (like cannolis and ladyfingers). Cookies, pies, and specialty cakes round out the menu, along with some savory options. If you want some fresh dinner rolls, a pepperoni pizza, or a steak and cheese calzone, Elm Street Bakery has you covered there, too.

Must-Haves for Your First Warm-Weather Run

With the weather getting warmer and warmer every day, you might be starting to take your workout routine outside on a regular basis. Here’s what you need to stay safe and comfortable while you’re exercising outdoors.

  1. Lightweight, sweat-wicking layers. Since spring bridges the gap between winter and summer, its weather can be somewhat unpredictable in terms of temperature. Make sure you’re ready for whatever awaits you outside by dressing in breathable layers, including a lightweight spring jacket. That way you can simply shed layers if it ends up being a warmer run, but you won’t be left shivering if it’s a little chilly on any given morning. Make sure your layers are sweat-wicking to avoid skin irritation.

  2. A hat or sunglasses. You’ll probably want to enjoy as much of that spring sunshine as possible! But maybe not when it starts to make you squint. Keep the sun off your face by donning a sweat-wicking hat or tossing on a pair of athletic sunglasses. Make sure the glasses fit well so they don’t slide down your nose as you run.

  3. Waterproof sunscreen. Before you put on those glasses, make sure you apply a layer of sunscreen! Even when it’s not particularly hot, your skin can still be damaged by the sun—and who wants to deal with a sunburn before summer even hits? Find a waterproof sunscreen that can withstand sweating, and stick with SPF 30 or higher.

  4. A handheld water bottle or water belt. Staying hydrated is super important any time you exercise, but even more so as the temperatures begin to rise. Make sure you take along plenty of water for your journey! Opt for a handheld water bottle, a CamelBak you carry on your back, or a water belt outfitted with several smaller water flasks.

5 Hot Weather Running Gear Tips [Active]
Outdoor Products to Promote Safety While Exercising [Very Well Fit]
The 7 Best Handheld Running Bottles of 2020 [Very Well Fit]