Triple-digit temperatures have hit Southern California later than expected. I suppose I should be grateful that the thermometer reads only 103° today, as opposed to the day’s record high of 116° that blistered us in 1985. 

Staying hydrated is critical when the sun decides to show off. I make sure my ice cube trays are well stocked and drink more fluids to make up for water loss. 

I also take a cue from Jenny Harper, senior culinary specialist for the Nestlé Test Kitchens. Jenny freshens up summer drinks with lemon-flavored ice cubes. 

“Squeeze fresh lemons, and put the juice in ice cube trays,” she says. “You can also add some zest for an extra lemon boost.” 

Freeze the cubes, and then transfer them to a freezer-ready storage container. You can add a burst of flavor to water, iced tea, fruit juice and other beverages. 

I like the BPA-free, though pricey, Stainless Steel Ice Cube Tray (right) from Onyx. And if I’m out of lemons, I’ll substitute other citrus fruit juices for flavorful ice cubes.

4 Special Recipes from Jenny Harper 

1. Early-Morning Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal
2. Pumpkin Latte
3. Creamy Margaritas (Tequila Optional)
4. Frozen Hot Chocolate 

Photo: FotoosVanRobin 

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Somewhere in Norway, a man took a picture of that forest, the same spot, once a day, everyday. And in 40 short seconds, watch as these trees go from winter, spring, summer, fall and back to winter. It’s really cool.

On his website, the photographer, Eirik Solheim, explains how he did it. The most interesting thing is he actually took the pictures by hand and didn’t use some sort of elaborate time-lapse photo equipment. Now that’s commitment!

Via EarthFirst.

It’s summer and time to start enjoying the fruits of your gardening labors by harvesting a bounty of vegetables, fruits and flowers. However, you aren’t the only one who has been enjoying these luscious plants. Insect pests and diseases can take a bite out of your summer harvest. Many gardeners would rather not use toxic sprays in their yards and are turning to old-fashioned home remedies to control these pests and fertilize plants. But gardeners should discriminate between fact and lore.

“Over the years, many crazy things have been recommended for getting plants to grow or controlling pests. While there’s a grain of truth to many kitchen cures, be careful; some can be harmful, such as using ammonia as a nitrogen fertilizer,” says Jeff Gillman, University of Minnesota horticulture professor and author of The Truth About Garden Remedies (Timber Press, 2006).

Here are some safe and effective home remedies that Gillman does recommend. Give them a try in your garden.

Got Milk?

While not as effective as a commercial fertilizer, milk can deliver a noticeable amount of nitrogen to plants. It’s simple. Milk is high in protein, of which nitrogen is a component. A solution of one part milk diluted with four parts water is recommended. Add 1 to 2 cups of this mixture to a medium-sized plant every week or two.

Yolk It Up

Eggs are a great source of nutrition for humans, and for your plants, too! Eggshells contain minerals that plants need, such as calcium and potassium. Creating a fertilizer based on eggshells is easy. Work four to five crushed and dried eggshells into the soil per plant. Or make a liquid solution by boiling 10 to 20 eggshells in 1 gallon of water for a few minutes. Let cool overnight, strain off the shells, and water your plants once a week with the mixture.

Some (Don’t) Like It Hot

Capsaicin, the active ingredient that puts the hot in chili peppers, is a known insect and animal repellent. It can deter a range of bugs, including mites, aphids and whiteflies. Simply mix a few tablespoons of hot pepper sauce in 1 gallon of water and spray. A tablespoon of liquid soap mixed in helps the repellent stick to leaves. To increase the potency, mix in a bulb of crushed garlic and strain. This repellent can last up to one week and will need to be reapplied, especially after a rain. Test this spray before you treat plants, as it could cause some burn.

This Brew’s for You, Slugs

Slugs are a big problem in many gardens. But it turns out they like to wash down a meal of hosta and astilbe leaves with beer. So, you can use beer as a bait to trap these slimy critters. Bury a 6- to 8-inch-deep container in the ground around slug-favored plants so the lip is even with the soil. Add beer to within 1 to 2 inches of the lip. At night, the slugs are attracted to the beer, they party on and end up falling in the trap and drowning. Remove dead slugs in the morning and replace beer for the next round.

Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, book author, speaker, and radio and television personality who has appeared on HGTV, PBS and Discovery Channel television networks. He is the senior horticulturist and spokesperson for the National Gardening Association and chief gardening officer for the Hilton Garden Inn. All materials courtesy of the National Gardening Association.

Did you know that children lose proportionally more fluids through sweat than adults do?

As a parent who embraces organic living, one of your top health priorities this summer is proper hydration, which affects children both physically and mentally.

The following hydration tips have been provided by Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg, a board-certified pediatrician in New York City and clinical instructor of pediatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine:

• Encourage your children to drink water at the age of 6 months.
• Hold off on juices until after age 1 to help encourage the taste for water as a thirst quencher.
• Try giving your children water with or after meals, as they will be thirstier after eating. Today, bottled water comes in many convenient shapes and sizes for easy portability for families on the go.
• Serve as a role model for your children by drinking water in front of them. Try to change your habits when it comes to drinking sugary or caffeinated beverages.
• Depending on their age, children need approximately 18 to 32 oz. of fluid daily, including water, 2–3 cups of low-fat milk and 4–6 oz. of 100% juice.

Photo courtesy of Nestlé Waters North America