Image source: Flickr/Natalie Maynor

There is nothing like lengthy days of sunshine, and balmy nights filled with humming cicadas to make us feel like children again. We also can’t help but adore the fact that summer is major harvest time for fresh fruits and veggies. Not just the cherry tomatoes, but a huge array of greens, fruits, legumes, peppers, squashes, herbs, and more are all at their peak during midsummer. Take advantage of the summer harvest and check out our local farmers’ markets. It’s a way to contribute to our local economy, support the locavore movement, and meet people from our community all in one.

Why Shop at Farmers’ Markets?

Why a farmers’ market instead of a grocery store? Well, if you don’t grow everything you want to eat yourself, then a farmers’ market is as close as you can get. You can rest assured the product has not been shipped thousands of expensive miles to reach you, and that the money that you spend goes right back into your local community. Many farmers’ markets have not just local fruits, veggies, and herbs, but also meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, and even arts and crafts. They are also a great way for you to educate yourself about the food you are buying. Many meat merchants are happy to inform you of what their animals are fed and how they are treated, while local vegetable farmers can fill you in on valuable cooking tips, such as how to cook okra so that it doesn’t get slimy.

If you’ve never visited a farmers’ market in your area, do it this summer. We promise you will not be disappointed. And in celebration of farmers’ markets, we’ve got some awesome products in the AML shop to accompany your local shopping experience. Check ‘em out.

AML’s Farmers’ Market Essentials

Chicobags™ Haven’t kicked your single-use plastic produce bag habit yet? Now’s the time! We have a great variety of reusable produce bags made by ChicoBag™, including those made from recycled materials, mesh, and hemp. They are not only better for the environment but also will help to keep your farmers’ market produce stay fresh longer. All you need to do is tuck one in your pocket on your way to the market, and you’re all set with the perfect shopping bag.

Roost Farmers’ Market Baskets Once you get your delicious summertime fruits and veggies home, a great way to store them is in the Roost Farmers’ Market Baskets. The sturdy white bone china baskets allow you to create a beautiful and simple display, while also providing proper air circulation for your produce.

The Locavore Way, by Amy Cotler Want to try shoping and eating locally, but still think it’s easier to head to the nearest chain grocery store? Then The Locavore Way is a good guide for you. The author, Amy Cotler, clearly answers common questions about how you can tell what is in season, and lists questions you can ask at your local farmers’ market to maximize your shopping experience.

Summer Tea Towel With our love for summertime, how can we resist this pretty, brightly colored tea towel? It’s part of the set of the Four Seasons Tea Towels designed by graphic artist Claudia Pearson. This tea towel will be just perfect for drying off all of your freshly washed fruits and veggies. Want to see some other cool uses for tea towels? Check out our recent blog, Six Awesome Ways to Use Studiopatró Tea Towels.

We’ve assembled a wonderful array of Mother’s Day gifts for any and every Mom, regardless of her style and personality. We can ship the gift of your choice straight to Mom’s house. We’ll even gift wrap it and include a personalized message on your behalf for a small charge of only $4.

Gifts for the Gardener Mom:

We think that it’s no coincidence that Mother’s Day is in May each year. Come May, the April showers have ceased and given way to sunnier skies, making it a great time to gift mom with some fun new gardening supplies. Place all of these items together in a large flower pot or galvanized metal bucket for a beautiful Mother’s Day gardening gift.

Matchstick Gardens $2.50

Soil Scoop $18

Write + Erase Plant Tags $16

• Botanical Interests Seeds make a simple and fun gift, and are small enough that you can tuck them right inside a greeting card.
• Matchstick Gardens are cute and trendy, too! In fact, they are featured in this month’s edition of Better Homes and Gardens.
• Garden Plant Tags are perfect for the garden. Not only are they stylish but reusable. Plus, they come in two different pretty design schemes: botanical and herb.
• Bamboo Garden Gloves are not just your ordinary gloves. Mom will feel totally pampered in these durable and eco-friendly gardening gloves.
• Allsop Container Pot Pads are a practical gift for anyone who enjoys container gardening.
• Soil Scoops come in 5 different colors, and you are sure to find Mom’s favorite shade.

The Foodie Mom:

Every foodie is really a garden lover at heart. Why? Because the best foods are ones that are locally grown and produced. To encourage your mom’s love of all things delicious and scrumptious, we have a selection of gifts for the foodie. Group these items together in a large mixing bowl or colander for a great foodie gift.

Gather Book $22.95

Roost Farmers Market Baskets from $13

Eat & Spoon Tea Towel Set $42

• Gather, a seasonal cookbook by Georgeann Brennan, is all about bringing the entire family together to enjoy a meal, whether it’s super extravagant or totally simple. The family dinner is a dwindling art, and one that we think should be preserved.
• Tea Towels are a great for drying fruits and veggies. Help Mom update her kitchen with an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels.
• The Roost Farmers Market Baskets are a chic update on a grocery store staple. Made of sturdy white bone china, they’re so pretty that Mom can keep them right out on the kitchen counter.
• Don’t you think it’s time for Mom to update that old plastic cutting board that has seen better days? The Roost Cutting Board and Serving Set, with its tough and rustic design, can go right from prep to serving thanks to its handsome appearance.
• The Roost Mortar & Pestle is sure to become Mom’s favorite new kitchen tool. If she’s not sure how to use it, she can get some easy tips with our blog Top 5 Uses For Your Roost Mortar and Pestle.
• Roost Apple and Pear Pinch Bowls are great not only for salt, pepper and other herbs and spices, but could also be used for rings, stamps, or crafting supplies such as seed beads.

The Bird Loving Mom:

Singing songbirds herald the arrival of spring, and are certainly one of the loveliest and most welcome signs of the season. Whether Mom has a sprawling backyard or a teeny apartment balcony, she can attract these friendly visitors to her space and enjoy their company. Arrange these gifts in a pretty basket for the perfect bird lover’s Mother’s Day gift.

Glass Bird Tealights $22

Bodega Birdhouses from $79

Roost Hummingbird Feeders from $20

• The Roost Glass Bird Tealights are perfect decorations for any season. They look lovely as a stand-alone centerpiece, or perched among seasonal flowers, foliage, and berries.
• Roost Bird Candles are finely crafted candles that come in a set of four in green, ivory, or gray to match any of mom’s decor styles.
• The Birds of a Feather Mobile makes such an interesting and unique gift. Wouldn’t it look pretty positioned near an open window, so that the wooden birds could gently flutter in the breeze?
• Modern Glass Hummingbird Feeders are a stylish way for Mom to lure hummingbirds to her outdoor spaces, which are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful garden visitors.
• Roost Bodega Bird Houses have such a hip design. With three different designs to choose from, you can pick the one that Mom would like best – or place a grouping in one of her trees for a happenin’ bird ‘hood.
• Owl Salt & Pepper Shakers transform a mundane kitchen object into a hand-carved work of art.

Still haven’t found the ideal gift for Mom? Take a look at our Mother’s Day blog from last year, Garden Starter Kits Make Great Mother’s Day Gifts, for some additional ideas. Or, peruse our Gifts for Her section to find plantable paper, lusciously scented bath products, and other fun items.

Vegetable seeds are like people- some of them are more picky than others. With some seeds, you can pretty much drop them in the ground in the spring and leave them alone til it’s time to harvest. Others, however, require a little more TLC and attention. This spring, we are going to be focusing on growing vegetables and herbs that are on the low maintenance side. And if you are a beginning gardener, well then this is a great place for you to start as well. After all, who doesn’t want all of the benefits of a home garden without all the hassle?

Now that spring is just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing to start your seeds. The term “seed starting” refers to the process of actually planting your seeds indoors, and waiting until they sprout into seedlings before transplanting them into your backyard garden or a larger container. The process of seed starting allows you to begin growing your seeds while the ground is still hard and frozen outside, and gives you a much better chance for success once you transplant your seedlings outdoors. Starting seeds is a process that is easy, fun, and does not require a lot of supplies. Follow these 10 steps to seed starting to get your own easy vegetable and herb garden up and running this spring.

10 Tips for Seed Starting

(1) Select easy to grow seeds

How do you know which ones will be easy? Patricia Becker, center director for Common Ground Organic Garden Supply and Education Center in Palo Alto, California, says that beginner gardeners who are trying to decide which plants to start from seed can follow this general guideline: The bigger the seed, the easier it is to grow. She says beans, peas, corn, and edible nasturtium flowers are all easy plants to grow from seeds. You can also consult Fern’s list at Life on the Balcony of 10 simple to grow fruits, veggies, and herbs.

(2) Consult your seed packets

You’ll see that each packet of Botanical Interests seeds contains straightforward directions on how to start your seeds. Make sure to pay attention to details such as when to start your seeds, germination time, and spacing information. Some flower seeds, such as clarkia, alyssum, California poppies, sunflowers, and columbine can be sown directly in your garden. However, with most vegetables, starting your seeds indoors gives you a major advantage.

(3) Select eco-friendly seed starting pots

Your local gardening store will carry plastic seed starting trays specifically for the purpose of planting your seeds indoors. For a considerably more earth-friendly option, we suggest using any of our 3 different sized Cow Pots. These little pots are awesome because they are made from re-purposed cow manure (but are odor free). When it comes time to transplant your seedlings, you can do it right in the biodegradable pot! The manure helps your seedlings to grow strong and healthy roots. For another option, you can also use recycled yogurt cups, egg cartons, or cottage cheese containers. Don’t forget to label your pots so that you know which plant is which.

(4) Use a quality seed starting soil mix

Make sure that each seed staring pot has a small hole in the bottom to allow for adequate water drainage. If you are using recycled pots, insure that you have cleaned them thoroughly using a diluted bleach solution. Then, place all of your pots on a tray, metal baking sheet, or other device that can catch stray drips and dirt blobs. Fill each pot with a quality seed starting mix. No, just plain ol’ dirt won’t do. You see, when seeds are just starting out, they need a nice nutrient-rich mix with a nice, light consistency. We recommend Black Gold Seedling mix, which is perfect for the job. Dirt from your yard may also contain pathogens and diseases, which seeds are particularly susceptible to.

(5) Sow the seeds at the proper depth

Once again, refer to the back of your trusty seed packet for information on depth. Peas and beans, for example, only need to be sown about 1/2 inch below the soil, then lightly covered. Root plants such as carrots, however, need to be sown a bit more deeply at about 1 inch. Once you have placed your seeds in the soil, water them gently using a spray bottle, then cover them with plastic wrap, recycled plastic bags, or a glass window pane. This will help them to retain moisture during the germination process.

(6) Be patient

While your seeds germinate, there is pretty much nothing you need to do to them. They do not even need sunlight at this phase, but will do best in a safe, slightly warm, dry spot. We like to put our on top of the refrigerator, where it stays cozy and they are out of Fido and Kitty’s reach. Because the seeds are covered with plastic, they should not even need to be watered. Every couple of days, you can life a corner and poke the soil to make sure it is still moist. If it is dry, spray it gently with some water. Allow the seeds to remain undisturbed.

(7) Watch for germination

The term “germination” refers to the stage where the plant begins to emerge from the dormant seed. Depending on what type of seeds you plant, this length of time will vary. Beets tend to take one to two weeks depending on the temperature, whereas cucumbers and jalapeno peppers take only about 3 days. Once your seeds have germinated, remove them from their cozy spot and place them by a window or patio door in order to allow them to receive sunlight. Ideally, your seedlings should now receive a good 8 hours of sunlight per day.

(8) Turn, turn, turn

As your seedlings grow, turn them 1/4 turn every couple of days. This will help to prevent them from growing sideways, towards the source of natural light. It is also helpful to keep your seedlings in a place where there is good airflow. If the spot you have selected is stagnant, try pointing a fan at your seedlings to provide a gentle breeze for a couple hours a day. This will help your seedlings to develop strong, healthy stems.

(9) Water as needed

Okay, so when it comes to water, there really can be too much of a good thing. So don’t over-do it, but do keep your seedlings adequately moist. As I discuss in my new book Garden Rules: The Snappy Synopsis for the Modern Gardener, most vegetable plants do not like wet feet, and will not thrive in swampy soil. If the soil is dry to the touch, water it. If not, wait to water.

(10) Get ready to transplant

Once your seedlings have grown to about 2 inches in height, you can get ready to transplant them. Yay! Depending on where you live, this may occur anywhere from late February to late April. A good general rule of thumb is to make sure that you wait until the last chance of frost has passed. Then, it is time to “harden off” your plants. For the d.l. on what it means to harden your plants off, check back with our Starting Your Garden from Botanical Interests Seeds post from last spring.

Now if we were to list an eleventh rule, it would be, don’t be intimidated! There are plenty of edibles out there that are easy to grow, and that can be grown even if all you have room for is a couple pots on your porch. In fact, we love the idea of growing edibles in unexpected, small spaces. For more information on growing food when you don’t have a yard, check out our blogs  Get Creative When Gardening in Small Spaces and Growing Food When You Don’t Have the Space for a Garden.

Did that phrase, “holiday shopping,” cause your pulse to quicken and your palms to sweat? We know, no one likes trudging through malls that play Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on a loop. This year, take all of the stress out of your holiday shopping experience. Make gift shopping easier than ever by shopping with us here at aHa! Modern Living.

Top 5 Reasons to Shop for the Holidays with AML

(1) You can shop with AML in your PJ’s

You can shop with us in your pajamas and big fuzzy bear claw slippers. We won’t judge. When you shop online with AML, you can access our great Gifts By Recipient section at any time of day or night. No need to bundle up in your winter coat, scrape off the windshield, sit in traffic, fight for a spot in the store’s parking lot, or expose yourself to the plethora of cold and flu germs that love to hang out on shopping carts and the store’s door handles. Shop in the comfort of your own home, or your cubicle. (Sssshhh…. we won’t tell your boss!)

(2) AML features cool and unique nature-inspired products

Trust us, your dad does not want another musical Santa Claus tie for Christmas. This year, give him something unique and memorable that he will actually use and enjoy, not just hang in the back of his closet. Check out these Porcelain Pear Vases, for example. They don’t even have to have flowers in them to look pretty. Just place them on a table or shelf and, voila, instant and easy decor that matches any color scheme. None of our gifts are fussy. They do not require assembly. They simply reflect the harmony and beauty of nature.

(3) You will earn rewards by shopping with AML

With every purchase that you make at AML, you earn 10% back. Yep, you read that correctly. We’re practically gonna pay you to shop with us! Earning points is really easy. All you need to do is sign up for a customer account. We’ll keep track of your purchases using your email address. For every dollar that you spend at AML, you’ll earn 10 points. So if you purchase a super chic Utopia Bird Feeder for your sister, you’ll earn 750 points. These points can then be redeemed for special discounts or free products.

(4) $1 Shipping

For every purchase of $50 or more, we’ll ship your items for $1.00. Simple as that. Plus, when you shop with AML, there is very little risk. You have a 30 day money-back guarantee, so even if the gift you select is not everything you hoped it would be, you can send it back to us free of charge and receive a full refund for the amount of the returned product.

(5) Your gifts will be shipped green style

This year, cross “wait in line at the Post Office for 30 minutes” off of your list of holiday tasks. When you shop at AML, we can ship your gift straight to the recipient. There is no need to waste time wrapping gifts, packaging them up, and carting them to your nearest shipping facility. We’ll do the dirty work for ya, saving you both time and money. Gift wrapping is available for just $2. You can add a personalized message to your gift for no cost at all. Plus, we take care to make sure that all of our items are shipped in the most environmentally responsible way possible, using the minimum amount of packaging required to insure that your items arrive safely, and using eco-friendly shipping boxes.

So whatareya waiting for?

Get started with your holiday shopping by checking out our awesome sales of the month, or shop within your price range in our shop by price section. And don’t forget to sign up for our free aHa! Rewards Program before you start shopping.

Check out these holiday blogs for some great gift giving ideas

• Bring Some Green Indoors This Winter
• Affordable, Last Minute Gift Ideas
• Gifts for the Gardener Who Already Has It All
• Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Have you checked out our new holiday gift guide here at AML? It is a total synch to use, and has everything you need to select the perfect presents for all of your loved ones. This year, you can get all of your shopping done at one place. And for all domestic orders over $50, we’ll ship your goodies to you for just a buck! How awesome is that?

2010 Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Gifts for Him

Shopping for the dude in your life can be a bit of a challenge. There are only so many pull-over wool sweaters, bottles of cologne, and colorful ties you can buy him. This year, get him something decidedly more interesting and unique. If he likes walking the dog or tossing a pigskin around outside, then he will love one of our sleek outdoor accessories, such as the Modern Nesting Box. If he lives for Sunday afternoons on the couch with football and a few beers, get him a Roost Menagerie Bottle Opener. These are cool enough to be kept out on the coffee table at all times. Or, if he’s a wiz in the kitchen, check out the super slick Roost Mortar and Pestle. We know he’ll enjoy putting a little elbow grease into his dishes, as well as exploring the many uses for this extremely versatile kitchen tool.

Shop more Gifts for Him >>

Gifts for Her

This time of year, we are deluged by tv jingle that reminds us, “every kiss begins with Kay.” But you know what? If you get the special lady in your life a piece from Kay Jewelers, she will have already seen it on their commercial a hundred times. How predictable. If you’re gonna go for jewelry, go for something unique and special, like our Bean Sprout Earrings. Not only would these beautiful earrings match anything, but they also are modern, elegant, and decidedly more interesting than the same old pieces that are being sold at jewelry chains across the country. For a set, check out the Bean Sprout necklace, too. Perfection. Now if your lady already has gobs of jewelry and just needs a place to put it, then our new Roost Bronze Twig  Jewelry Stand (pictured at left) is the perfect gift. It keeps each piece of jewelry neat and tangle-free, while displaying it like a pretty dresser-top work of art.

Shop more Gifts for Her >>

Gifts for the Gardener

Whether your gift recipient is an experienced or beginning gardener, nothing will help her out more than a set of really good quality gardening tools. Well-made tools make difficult gardening tasks a total snap. Like chopping through thick roots and tangled brambles, for example. This is the perfect job for the Hori Hori Garden Knife. And who doesn’t want to feel like a samurai ninja gardener? The Garden Hand Tool Set, with its groovy contoured handles, is both comfy and handy. Plus, the tools are made from rustless stainless steel, so your gift recipient is sure to appreciate that they will not need to be replaced any time soon. For the indoor container gardener, check out our new favorite plant accessories, the Roost Recycled Glass Hanging Terrariums, (pictured at left). Aren’t they so cool? Plus, they are totally versatile and can be used all year round.

Shop more Gifts for the Gardener >>

Gifts for the Kids

Ever since our cute Elephant Watering Can was featured in Fine Gardening Magazine in September, it has just been flying off our shelves. And we can’t say that we’re surprised- it is so irresistibly adorable! Plus, it is a great way to get any child involved in gardening, which then promotes a healthy lifestyle. For a fun way to use the Elephant Watering Can this holiday season, take a look at our Great Stocking Stuffer Ideas blog from last year. And don’t forget to check out the other fun little gift ideas there, too!

Gifts for the home-body

With temperatures hovering in the teens, we admit that during the winter we tend to become home-bodies, too. There is nothing like snuggling up on the couch with a blanket and a great book on a chilly January evening. Anyone who likes to hunker down on cold night, like we do, is sure to enjoy our selection of indoor gifts. Check out our array of colorful Ben Collection Bowls, which are just right for a choice of yummy snacks. Or to create a fragrant and soothing atmosphere in any room, gift a Parker Collection Soy Candle. They come in 3 delicious scents and are guaranteed to be the yummiest smelling candles your recipient has ever received. For a gift that is both pretty and versatile, check out our new Roost Copenhagen Carafe & Terrariums (pictured at left). Your gift recipient can use it for either purpose. As a terrarium, it is an excellent way to spruce up a drab winter room with some green life. As a carafe, it can hold a favorite beverage for some relaxing fireside sipping.

Still not sure what the absolute perfect gift is? Don’t worry, you can simply select one of our gift cards in the amount of your choice. Then your gift recipients can shop to their hearts’ content!

For more excellent gift ideas, check out last year’s blog, Gifts for the Gardener Who Already Has It All.

Fall gatherings and Thanksgiving dinner parties are best squired by the perfect selection of wines. Okay, so therein lies the question: With so many wines from which to choose, how do you know which are the perfect ones for your event, whether it’s a Thanksgiving dinner for 25, or a cozy evening in with your 3 best girlfriends and some hors d’oeuvres?

Selecting from hundreds of different varieties and origins can be quite puzzling and intimidating. But armed with a few basics, you can be well prepared for your trip to the wine store, and equipped with the knowledge to pick the very best wine for your event.

(1) Consider what you’ll be eating

• You’ve probably heard before that you should consider what you’ll be serving when you select your wines, and this is true. The most general rule of thumb is that red wines pair well with red meats, whereas whites go well with chicken and fish. This is because a rich dish, like steak, will overpower a delicate wine. Also consider the sauces of the dish. A chicken dish with cream sauce can be quite rich and flavorful, and can stand up to a flavorful wine.
• Pair more delicate flavors, such as Chardonnay, with light fare such as bruschetta, crudités, seafood, or a selection of fruit and cheeses.
• Pair rich, spicy flavors, such as pizza, burgers, or pasta with marinara sauce with a classic red such as a Cabernet Sauvignon. Heavy, flavorful foods can handle a heavy, flavorful wine such as a Petite Sirah.
• Something in the middle, such as a Dry Rosé, goes well with just about anything.
• If you are serving a food that is high in acid, such as salad with vinaigrette, or something lemony, balance it with an acidic wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

(2) Know how to read the labels

• Organic means that the grapes were grown and produced without pesticides and other chemicals. This will probably not affect the taste much, but it obviously is the best choice if you are taking care to eat organic.
• There is no such thing as a wine that is completely sulfite-free, since sulfites naturally occur in the skin of the grapes. But you may find a wine that says no added sulfites, which means that sulfur dioxide has not been added as a preservative.
• Terms such as reserve and special select have no legal meaning in the United States, but are relevant to each vineyard, and the manner in which the wine has been bottled and how long it was aged in barrels. It does not necessarily mean that it will taste better. These may be more expensive, since the oak barrels in which the wine is aged are in themselves very pricey.
• The major grape variety, region, and vintage are listed on each bottle. Different types of grapes produce different types of wines, and the growing conditions in each region may cause the flavor of the grapes to vary. United States law requires that a wine must be composed of at least 75% of the grape named, 85% of the grapes must come from the region named, and 95% of the wine must be from the vintage named. It will take some time and tasting on your part to determine whether you prefer a wine made from, for example, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, or one that has been blended with Merlot.
• Unfiltered means that the wine has not gone through the final filtration process that most wines. This filtering process allows the wine to appear clear, and removes some small grape particles. Therefore, unfiltered may appear hazy, and contain a small amount of sediment at the bottom. Try to keep this sediment in the bottle and do not pour it into your glass.

(3) Don’t be fooled by price

• As with many things, a higher price does not necessarily mean that you will get a better tasting wine.
• Likewise, you should probably not grab something for 5 bucks off the grocery store shelf if you want a good quality wine.
• Check out Sunset Magazine’s “The Big Steal” list for their recommendations for delicious, cheap wines.

(4) Serve your wine at the right temperature

• If you serve wine too cold, your taste buds will not really be able to grab hold of the flavors.
• White wines and rosé wines should be served at a temperature of 48 to 56 degrees F. Pull them out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before you plan to drink them.
• Red wines should be served at 58 to 68 degrees F, so store them at room temperature and just refrigerate them for about 10-15 minutes right before you serve them.

(5) Choose the right glasses

• We know it’s not just in our imagination- sipping from elegant glassware really does enhance the wine drinking experience.
• White wine glasses have a long stem and a narrow bowl. This is because when drinking white wine, you should hold the glass by the stem so as not to warm the wine and alter the bouquet and flavor.
• Red wine glasses have a shorter stem and a wider bowl. You can hold a red wine glass by the bowl because the heat transfer from your hand will not adversely effect the flavor of the wine. The wider bowl also allows the wine more exposure to the air.
• Stemless wine glasses are super trendy and chic right now. We love serving wine in our elegant Botanical Inspired Glassware. The champagne glasses are perfect for sparkling white wines, while the large and juice glasses really sparkle when filled with a deep red.

(6) Don’t rely on just one brand

• With so many types of wine out there, it would be a shame to always select the same thing. So don’t be afraid to try new wines.
• Look for wines that are inexpensive yet interesting.
• If you can describe your favorite type of wine as “floral and fruity with notes of pear,” then look for other types and/or brands of wine with these same qualities.

(7) Don’t gift a boring bottle

• A plain ol’ bottle of wine as a hostess gift is boring. Face it.
• For a fall dinner party, make your hostess gift more interesting and personal with a wine accessory.
• Slip your bottle of wine into a cozy Felt Wine Sleeve. It’s pretty and reusable, and it will keep your hands from getting wet with condensation on the bottle. It will help to keep your bottle at the right temperature on the car ride over, too.
• You can also decant your wine and pour it into a beautiful Roost Copenhagen Carafe before gifting it. Young red wines (those that are ten years or younger) can benefit from decanting because it allows the flavor to mellow and become more balanced.
• To decant, uncork the wine and pour it into the large carafe. After 15 minutes (or your car ride over to the party) the wine will be ready to drink. With an older red wine, decanting is a good idea because you can avoid pouring sediment from the bottom of the bottle into the carafe.

There, that’s not so intimidating now, is it? Armed with a little bit of knowledge, you are ready to select and serve the wine that will perfectly accompany any occasion. Enjoy, and savor your sips!

How do you choose what bottle of wine to serve your guests?

Now if you’ve ever hosted a dinner party, wine tasting, or potluck, then you know just how much work they can be. Even if you purchase a stack of pre-made veggie and deli trays to cut down on food prep, you still have to take the time to clean the house, pick out music, send invites, wash all the dishes… the list goes on. Hosting a party is a lot of work. And it is your responsibility as a guest to let your host or hostess know that this does not go unnoticed.

A simple gift is a classic, and classy, way to let your host or hostess know that you appreciate all of the hard work and time that goes into entertaining. Some people seem to think that this is an outdated tradition, but as TV personality and etiquette expert Clinton Kelly explains in his book Freakin’ Fabulous, “bringing a small token of your appreciation is certainly not uncouth.” So while you start to complete your Christmas shopping this year, make sure to also stock up on hostess gifts. aHa! Modern Living has some great ones from which to choose.

Choose the Perfect Hostess Gift

An overnight stay- According to the Emily Post Institute, which has been the go-to etiquette expert since 1946, a hostess gift for an overnight stay is mandatory. The size and grandeur of the gift may vary according to the length of your stay. In this case, it is also appropriate to send the gift after the tenure of your stay, along with a heartfelt thank you note. This gives you the opportunity to select a gift that matches your hostess’ living space. Check out our Modern Decor section for some fabulous options. Wouldn’t a Parker Collection Fragrance Diffuser look lovely in the guest room where you slept? We think it would be a perfect thank you gift for your weekend stay. Or how about the Window Sill Herb Holder for your host’s kitchen? He did make you that delicious tomato and basil fritatta for breakfast one morning, and this would be the perfect place for him to store his fresh herbs while he’s cooking.

Cocktail party- A bottle of wine is an appropriate hostess gift for a cocktail party. But don’t bring a plain ol’ bottle- dress it up with a fun accessory, like a Felt Wine Sleeve. The sleeve is pretty darn handsome looking, and as a bonus, it will keep your hands dry and your bottle secure on the car ride over. Now if you give a gift of wine, Kelly has a couple rules of thumb to point out: First, don’t expect the wine to be served to you at the cocktail party. Consider it a gift to your host for later consumption. Kelly points out that a conscientious host will have already chosen wines for the evening based on what will pair well with the hors d’oueuvres. Secondly, never take an unopened bottle of wine back home with you at the end of the night. This goes for a cocktail party, wine tasting, or pretty much any other event!

Casual get-together, such as brunch- For a casual get-together, a gift is optional. You may wish to bring something small and sweet, like this pretty and seasonal set of Pine Tealights. If you bring fresh-cut flowers, never bring them in the wrapping from the store. According to Kelly, “while any civilized person enjoys receiving flowers, she does not want to be faced with them while entertaining.” This is because she must take a break from her party preparations in order to unwrap them, find a vase, trim the stems, etc. If you would like to bring flowers, take the work out of it for your hostess and place them in an Ivy Pitcher and Vase. Its sleek, clean design insures that it will not clash with your hostess’ interior decor.

Dinner Party- The Emily Post Institute suggests, yes, definitely bring a gift for a dinner party. But keep it simple and under $25. Lucky for you, we’ve got a whole selection of gifts here at aHa! for less that 20 buckaroos. And here in our $10 and under shop, there are 38 different items from which to choose! For a dinner party, it is very important to not bring food unless you have okayed it with your hostess. It is likely that she has spent hours perfecting her menu, and your seven-layer bean dip risks clashing with it egregiously. If you would like to bring food, consider bringing something that the hostess may enjoy at another time, such as the next morning for breakfast. We think some homemade scones or a Roost Farmers Market Basket filled with fresh fruit would be nice. We love the idea of gifting the Flower Garden Scrubber with a little note informing your host that you intend to stick around to help with the dishes. Just make sure you make good on your offer!

The a-little-bit-out-of-control holiday party- We all know this type of party- there’s always someone who ends up dancing on a table or with a lampshade on her head. And inevitably, a serving platter gets chipped, or a glass gets broken. If you are the breakage culprit, then it would definitely be in your best interest to replace the broken item for your host. (Now we know it was an accident, but replacing it is just courteous.) The host is sure to love our Botanical Inspired Glassware so much- he won’t even mind that he spent 10 minutes of the party sweeping up pint glass remnants in the kitchen. And as for the cheese platter that shattered in the living room, well, it shouldn’t have been perched so close to the edge of the end table. But it would be awfully nice of you to replace it with the Crumpled Porcelain Platter.

Wine or Beer Tasting- You’re probably going to be asked to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer to a tasting party. But this isn’t your gift, this is just your contribution. Try bringing along a cool accessory with your six pack, such as a Roost Menagerie Bottle Opener. We really can’t decide which one we like better- the apple or the owl. Or, decant your bottle of red wine and pour it into a Roost Copenhagen Carafe and Terrarium. After the wine tasting, your hostess can use it for either purpose. Perfect.

Anticipation, fear, excitement, dread, relief, joy: There are few things in this world that can match the great mixture of feelings that are evoked with the time of year notoriously known as “back to school.” For parents, teachers, and students everywhere, the late summer season means shedding swim suits in favor of starched shirts, and sunglasses in favor of study time. But year after year, there is one aspect of back to school that makes it merry. That, of course, is back to school shopping! Here at aHa! Modern Living, we have a great selection of items to make back to school fun.

(1) The Popoutz Seed and Peanut Feeders

These eco-friendly and 100% recyclable bird feeders make a wonderful first day of school gift for any teacher. The Popoutz Seed Feeder holds small varieties of bird food such as sunflower seeds and dried mealworms, while the Popoutz Peanut Feeder holds larger types of feed such as suet pellets and peanuts. Both varieties come in an array of colors, so you can choose them to match your son or daughter’s school colors.  And at just $3.50 each, you can afford to select several! These fun little feeders are great for kids and adults alike, as well as a terrific way to keep hungry birds fed when food becomes more scarce in the fall and winter.

(2) The Plant Nanny and Petal Drops

If there is one thing we know for sure, it’s that back to school is a super busy time of year for every parent. It’s time for school open houses, PTA meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and the transformation of your Chevy to a kiddie shuttle bus. And because of this, we know that every little thing you can do to help simplify your hectic schedule is a good thing. Plant Nanny and Petal Drops make it a snap to ensure that your indoor and outdoor plants are adequately watered every day. Just allow the Petal Drops to collect rain water in your yard into a recycled water or soda bottle, then turn the plastic bottle onto your Plant Nanny. Simple.

(3) Cacao and Spice Hand Wash

Back to school time also means sniffle and cough time. What is the best line of defense against these late summer sniffles? Plenty of hand-washing, of course. Keep a bottle of Daub and Bauble Cacao and Spice Hand Wash by each sink in your home. The delicious chocolatey cinnamon scent guarantees that they won’t forget to lather up before their after-school snack. Plus, Vitamin E and Aloe will leave their hands feeling soft and luxurious, not stripped of moisture. Daub and Bauble Hand Washes also come in 3 other yummy scents too, so you can select different ones for each sink in your house.

(4) Felt Wine Sleeve and Roost Menagerie Bottle Openers

If you are a first year college student, stop and take a moment to think about all the things you have to thank mom and dad for right now. They helped you pack up your bedroom at home, and haul all your boxes up 3 flights of stairs into your new dorm room. Dad helped you figure out how to screw together your bunk beds, while mom organized your sock drawer and stretched your new extra-long twin sized sheets onto your mattress. This is all on top of the hefty check they wrote for your first year of tuition. Wow, mom and dad are major champs, and it’s time to pick out a nice thank you gift for them.

Check our Gifts by Recipient section, where you can choose the perfect thank you gift based on mom and dad’s interests, whether they are bird lovers, entertainers, or gardeners. Two of our favorites are the Felt Wine Sleeve and the Roost Menagerie Bottle Openers. You can slip a pretty bottle of sparkling french lemonade into the felt sleeve, and let them pop it open with a fun wooden sculptured bottle opener. (The apple shaped bottle opener is definitely appropriate for back to school.) What a sweet and refreshing way to say “thanks.”

(5) Sprouts

As a parent, of course you care deeply about making sure that your child receives adequate nutrition during the school year. Plenty of studies have shown that when kids eat well and avoid junky processed foods, it enables them to be attentive in class and do their best in school. Sprouts are a bonafide super food that will help to keep your kid fueled throughout the school day, as well as help boost his or her immune system.

Try mixing a little bit of alfalfa sprout juice in with your child’s apple or orange juice at breakfast. The sprout juice is mild and practically tasteless, so it mixes easily. Or, toss a few sprouts onto a ham and cheese sandwich and pack it up for lunch. Their unique crunchy texture makes them fun for kids to eat. For little kids, get them interested by giving the stringy strands a goofy name, like baby spaghetti.

Alfalfa sprouts are one of the highest sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in nature. Plus, they, along with other types of sprouts, can easily be grown on a counter top at any time of year. Check out our Sprouting section for a selection of sprouts, including mungbean sprouts and broccoli sprouts. All of our Botanical Interests seeds are now 25% OFF, so it is a great time to start sprouting!

Not just any vegetable will survive and thrive when planted in August. Planting during the late summer requires some strategic planning, since you must make sure to plant only crops that can handle the extreme heat of August afternoons, as well as the chillier temps of cool autumn evenings.

Save 25% OFF all Botanical Interests Seeds. Click to view all seed varieties.

Hardy Vegetables for Late Summer Planting

Carrots- Carrots may be sown from August through September in 10 day intervals for a steady supply.

Chard- You can plant chard in your garden up until mid-August. In milder areas, you can even overwinter your chard by covering it with a protective coat, such as fleece. Tender baby leaves are ready to be picked and consumed after just 4 weeks.

Peas- Peas can be sown up until mid-August. They are extremely tolerant plants, and are super versatile, since they are perfect for eating raw, canning, freezing, steaming, mashing, and more.

Coriander- You can sow coriander seeds up to the end of August, and if you repeat plantings every 2 weeks or so, you’ll have plenty of cilantro leaves to use in your cooking and cocktails.

Broccoli- Broccoli is one of the best and easiest crops to grow in the late summer. You can even plant broccoli seeds in your garden through early September.

Salad greens- Oriental greens, kale, arugula, spinach, mesclun, and a variety of lettuces all thrive in the late summer.

Radishes- Radishes, as well as other root crops such as potatoes and turnips, all thrive when planted in the late summer.

Snap beans- Late summer planted snap beans often thrive better than those planted in the spring. This is because snap beans benefit from cooler temps once the plants begin to produce. Plant them in August of late September to take advantage of this.

Tips for planting in the late summer:

• Make sure to plant cool season crops, and plant them early enough that they can get a good head start on growing before there is any chance of frost in your area.
• Plan not only what you plant, but where you plant. Your spring-planted garden may still be flourishing in August. Make sure you do not plant your late summer crops in a spot where the seedlings will be choked out by other plants.
• Your veggies may take a couple weeks longer to mature than you would expect. This is simply a result of cooling temperatures.
• Appropriately prepare your garden spot for new seedlings by clearing away any old, finished vegetable plants and weeds. Turn over your soil to a depth of at least 8 inches, and add a good layer of compost. This helps to re-nourish the soil where you have previously planted.
• Whiteflies, stink bugs, aphids, and caterpillars are all commonly seen in late summer, so monitor your garden closely for pests.

Fresh, local produce

We have a dream here at aHa! Modern Living. Our dream is that all of the produce we consume will be fresh, organic, and locally grown. If we don’t grow it ourselves, we want to know exactly where it comes from. Ideally, we’d even like to have a relationship with the farmer, and the opportunity to visit his or her land. Sound like a far off and starry-eyed hope? Well, by participating in CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, it can be a reality rather than a distant dream.

Becoming a member of a CSA is an excellent way to ensure that you will have a steady supply of fresh produce, as well as to support a local farm. Therefore, it is a great way for you to maintain a healthy diet, try new foods, avoid giving your money to large farming corporations, and bolster your local economy all in one.

When you become a member of a CSA, you make a financial contribution to a local farm, therefore becoming a member or shareholder. In return, you are supplied with a season’s supply of fresh food from the farm, (with a season typically running from late spring through early fall.) Check out this video to learn more about how CSAs are formed, and why they matter:

To find out if you have a CSA in your area, you can visit the Local Harvest website and type in your zip code in the space on the right side of the screen. CSAs have gained popularity in recent years, so it is likely that you can find one near you. While in 1990 there existed only approximately 100 CSAs in the United States, today that number has grown to over 1,000.

7 Questions to Ask When Joining Community Supported Agriculture:

1. What does the farm grow? Ask for a harvest schedule and a list of crops. Make sure to consider that you may also find farms that offer meat, eggs, dairy, herbs, and/or flowers.
2. What is the farm’s season? Most farms do not harvest during the winter. But depending on where you live, you may find one that does.
3. Is the farm organic? Some farms practice organic farming, yet do not undergo the costly process to receive legal organic certification. Decide ahead of time what your standards are in regards to organic farming, and find a farm that meets your standards.
4. Does the farm offer delivery? Most farms deliver produce on a weekly basis to their shareholders. Find out if you will receive home delivery, or if you will need to pick up your food at a local headquarters, such as a Co-op. Make sure that delivery dates, places, and times fit your schedule.
5. How big is a standard share? Will you be receiving one pound of produce per week, or five pounds, or ten?
6. How are payments made?Most farms require the season to be paid for up front. However, some will accept weekly or monthly payments.
7. What happens when you go on vacation? You don’t want your lovely fresh produce to be delivered to an empty house.