Category: Radiant Life

New Study Finds Admiring Gardens Boosts Wellbeing

In the first study for the appreciation of home gardening rather than the active practice of it, researchers have found that merely taking delight in the beauty of flowers and green spaces can boost the health and well-being of regional and rural populations. Based on the experiences and perspectives of members of a gardening appreciation…


Against Communism and Liberalism, Christian Farmer Seeks to Glorify God Through Care of Land

It’s late October in Sharon, New York. The hills are painted red, orange, and yellow. Mist hangs in the earth-scented air, far below the migrating birds. “The retreat of bugs and peepers creates a pensive silence this time of year,” said traditionalist farmer and cidermaker Michael Thomas in an Oct. 27 text message–one of a…


Devasting Flood Reveal Hidden Beauty of Australian Outback

Some of the worst floods in history devastated Australia earlier in the year, but as the devastation eases, the waters which are still travelling down along desert channels months later are bringing incredible beauty as long-dormant seeds are awakening and blanketing the earth in a tapestry of vibrant wildflowers rarely witnessed before even by locals. Outback…


Under the Mediterranean Sun

When visiting Via Coquina in Palm Beach, Fla., we’re immediately transported to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea—to dolce vita days in Capri and al fresco summer nights in the Greek islands. The emporium’s expertly curated fine goods, from jewelry to home accessories, are crafted by master artisans, designed to be passed on as heirlooms…


Best Dressed

Run, don’t walk, to your nearest farmers market—the stands are about to burst with a rainbow of glorious, summer sun-ripened produce. There’s no better time to turn it all into a big, beautiful salad. For inspiration, we’re turning to chef, author, food stylist, and seasoned salad guru Elena Silcock, whose newest cookbook, “Salads Are More…


Create an Urban Garden in a Tiny Space

Despite our best intentions, most of us just don’t have the space necessary to grow the kinds of gardens we’d like. But if you use your imagination, even the tiniest yard or terrace can provide you with an abundance of homegrown flowers and vegetables. We’ve all heard the phrase “less is more,” and in this…


Mascara: Small Tubes, Big Results

Let’s face it: Most of us don’t have a lot of time to spend on our beauty routines. The products we use need to be fast and easy to apply, and must make a big impact. One thing I have learned in my 10-plus years as a makeup artist and beauty industry professional is that…


Finding Wisdom in the Past: Michelangelo’s Sistine Ceiling

Our artistic traditions are full of wisdom. We can look to the past and, with curious minds and open hearts, absorb the lessons of our cultural history. The Italian Renaissance is filled with great stories that resulted in great art, and the story and art of Michelangelo are an enduring example. The story begins in…


The Therapeutic Effects of Houseplants

Just after she had just had a baby, Jennifer Lauck received the gift of an orchid. She was secretly taken aback. “Look lady,” she wanted to tell her friend, “don’t give me an orchid right now.” As Lauck, a bestselling author based in Portland, Ore., described in “Show Me the Way,” her memoir about parenting,…


Volcanic Signature

It doesn’t matter where you go on this small island, you’ll find a feast for the eyes, like the clusters of white buildings that cling to the edge of plunging black cliffs, or the fire and fury of the ancient volcano, its remnants still steaming out in the middle of the caldera. You can walk…