Winter

Chinese Solar Calendar: A Traditional Way of Looking At Time

by Seasonal Wisdom on December 26, 2012

Post image for Chinese Solar Calendar: A Traditional Way of Looking At Time

Guest Post: As another New Year begins, it’s interesting to consider the traditional Chinese solar calendar, which featured 24 mini-seasons closely tied to what was happening in the natural world.  These 24 solar terms helped farmers remember their way through nature’s growing cycles.

This sounded like a topic we had to explore further at Seasonal Wisdom, so we asked Ann Bingley Gallops of NY-based Open Spaces Feng Shui to provide a quick overview of these fascinating 24 solar terms that make up the Chinese solar calendar.  It’s little wonder why these nature-oriented calendar terms still ring true to us today. Come take a peek.  All photos  courtesy of Jeriff Cheng on Flickr. Read the full article →

{ 14 comments }

Vintage Christmas Cards – Part 2

by Seasonal Wisdom on December 21, 2012

Post image for Vintage Christmas Cards – Part 2

Another holiday season is here.  And it appears we have survived the “End of the World,” as Dec. 21, 2012 is nearly over as I write this post.  That’s a relief. Even though 2012 has been a rough year for many, it’s nice to know we have turned the corner, and that 2013 is nearly upon us.

To get you in the holiday spirit, here are more charming vintage holiday cards from throughout the twentieth century. Come take a peek … Photo courtesy of roadsidepictures on Flickr.  Read the full article →

{ 3 comments }

December Home and Garden Resources

December 1, 2012
Thumbnail image for December Home and Garden Resources

The month of December is a bit of a paradox. On the one hand, the month has the shortest, darkest days of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On the other, this time is a wildly optimistic month when people surround themselves with bright lights, aromatic evergreens and festive activities. However you decide to celebrate [...]

Read the full article →

New Year’s Guide

December 26, 2011
Thumbnail image for New Year’s Guide

Get your New Year’s off to a great start with these entertainment tips, along with fun historical facts and wonderful vintage cards from Riptheskull on Flickr.

Read the full article →

Vintage Christmas Cards of 20th Century

December 20, 2011
Thumbnail image for Vintage Christmas Cards of 20th Century

Take a tour of vintage Christmas card designs, and gather little-known Christmas trivia to impress your friends at holiday parties. Image courtesy of Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas.

Read the full article →

Five Feng Shui Ways To Create A Warm And Nurturing Home

December 9, 2011
Thumbnail image for Five Feng Shui Ways To Create A Warm And Nurturing Home

Just in time for the holidays, you’ll find expert Feng Shui tips for creating a warm and nurturing home during this stressful month. This guest post is written by NYC-based consultant Ann Bingley Gallops of Open Spaces Feng Shui.  Photo credit Ann Bingley Gallops. The holidays are here, right along with the start of cold weather [...]

Read the full article →

Seven Ways to Recycle Christmas Trees

December 27, 2010
Thumbnail image for Seven Ways to Recycle Christmas Trees

A  pine needle-infused bath is just one earth-friendly way to reuse your Christmas tree. About 13 million Christmas trees were cut and sold last year, according to the USDA‘s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Unfortunately, many ended up in the holiday trash. Here are eight better ways to reuse your Christmas tree after the holidays:

Read the full article →

Fun Facts About Christmas

December 23, 2010
Thumbnail image for Fun Facts About Christmas

Christmas has a rich history filled with lots of little-known facts. Consider these unusual facts about Christmas … or these other fun facts you might not know. . .  Photo copyright richtpt at Flickr.

Read the full article →

Four Facts About Christmas You Probably Didn’t Know

December 22, 2010
Thumbnail image for Four Facts About Christmas You Probably Didn’t Know

Christmas may be one of America’s favorite holidays, but it’s rather surprising how little folks know about this day. Here are four strange facts about Christmas you probably didn’t know:

Read the full article →

Make a Toast to Wassail

January 4, 2010
Thumbnail image for Make a Toast to Wassail

Spices often used for wassail, including allspice, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. Image by Pod Chef at Flickr.com If there’s a drink that deserves a toast this holiday season – and all winter, really – it’s wassail. This steaming spiced concoction is often made with roasted apples; sugary spices; dark ale, wine, sherry or port; along with [...]

Read the full article →