I've been a beekeeper for 14 years. In those years, I have captured three of my swarms. Let's call that a good track record as a beekeeper's job is to prevent the bees from swarming. I'm sure there's been a few that got away. There's a saying: A first year queen will never swarm. A second year queen may swarm. A third year queen will most definitely swarm. I don't mark my queen so I don't know how old she is. This means I'm always on alert for a possible swarm.  What does it mean when bees want to swarm? ...

Those of you who have been following me for a while know my love for Paris and my Plan My Paris trip planning service. I love discovering new places to add to my ever-growing list of things to see and do in the City of Light. My latest discovery makes me want to grab a sketch block, buy some paint and head straight to the banks of the river Seine to capture that light. Just take a look at this video and you'll know what I mean.   The Impressionists emphasized the effects of light in their paintings. Because of...

Why is honey beneficial?  There are over 300 different varieties of honey. Research shows honey to be much more than a natural sweetener. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. According to the Mayo Clinic, honey contains anti-oxidants which could be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Honey might help relieve gastrointestinal tract conditions such as diarrhea. In some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders and may help with anxiety. “All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research...

A rug inspired by the Beauty of Honeycomb Plastic is not the first material I think of when looking for a rug. But if you're looking for a rug that looks beautiful enough to be inside but is safe to be outside, then I have something for you today. And of course I simply couldn't resist the honeycomb print. Made in Sweden by pappelina, the honeycomb rug is woven out of plastic. The company adheres to strict environmental regulations and does not use any dangerous softeners or harmful heavy metals in production. Pappelina's products have a long life and need little...

The Best Ginger Tea Ever I'm not a coffee drinker but I do love my afternoon tea. And with Winter quickly approaching, I love to make this ginger tea with mint, lemon and honey. And it's oh so good for you!    Why? Ginger - Ginger root has a very high level of antioxidants and contains chemicals that may reduce nausea and inflammation. Mint - Peppermint oil seems to reduce spasms in the digestive tract, thus helping to alleviate indigestion. Lemon - Lemon contains antioxidants called bioflavonoids and is packed with vitamin C which can boost your immune system. Honey - Some of the chemicals in...