Don't throw out those peels, cores and cuttings after you make a delish veggie dish. Get one step closer to a sustainable lifestyle, learn to garden and boost your fresh produce intake by growing those scraps into new, edible plants—without spending a dime. Sounds like a win-win! These are my six favorite vegetables to regrow from kitchen cuttings.

Green Onions

These pungent green stalks make a tasty addition to soups, salads and dips. Next time you buy green onions at the grocery store, cut off the white end. Plant this piece, which should be about 1 inch long, in a small pot filled with good soil. Make sure you put the side of the onion about 1/2-inch deep with the tiny roots facing downward. Keep the pot in the sun and give it plenty of water. Within just a week or two, you'll be able to snip off the new green growth, wash the onions, chop and enjoy! You can also try this method to regrow lemongrass, fennel and leeks. Because it's so simple, this is a great project for beginning gardeners as well as little ones.

Lettuce

Next time you have a salad, place extra lettuce leaves in a large bowl with a small amount of water. Put the bowl in the sun and moisten the leaves once or twice a week. You'll start to see new roots and leaves grow within a few days. Transfer the roots into soil, either in the ground or in a pot, to grow a brand-new head of lettuce. This technique also works wonders for cabbage and bok choy. Even if you don't transplant the lettuce leaves, you can still dine on the new growth and save some money at the grocery store.

Bulb Onions

To regrow onions, cut off a 1-inch-thick piece of the root base. Plant it directly in potting soil, either in a container or in the ground outdoors. Keep the top of the onion scrap exposed to the light and keep the soil moist. You'll have a new onion in about three to four months, or you can trim and use the greens that emerge.

Celery

Chop 2 inches off the base of your celery. Place this portion in a bowl filled with water. Moisten the top of the celery with a spray bottle every day and switch out the water every few days. Once you notice new roots emerge, you can transplant the celery into the ground. The process usually takes five to seven days from cutting to potting.

Garlic

It couldn't be easier to regrow garlic. Next time you buy a bulb, remove a few cloves to plant in the garden or in a pot. Place the cloves 4 to 6 inches apart with the pointy side up. If you plant your garlic in a container, you can harvest garlic greens all year long. These tasty treats can be used in any recipe as a substitute for green onions. If you plant the garlic outdoors, do so in early fall before frost occurs in your area. The following fall, you'll be able to harvest fresh garlic bulbs.

Basil and Cilantro

Fresh herbs are expensive when you buy them at the grocery store. Next time you purchase these pricey plants, remove the stems and bottom leaves. Place them in a cup of warm water with the cut side facing down and place it in the sun. When you notice roots growing, you can transfer your basil or cilantro to the garden or a pot to get the full benefit of these culinary delights.

These six selections are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to regrowing your garden scraps. Once you get in the groove, there's no end to the ways you can limit your waste and get creative with veggies.

Did you know light is useful for much more than seeing in the dark? The power of light can be harnessed to relieve pain and help the body heal. In addition to treating different types of physical ailments such as sports injuries, back pain and arthritis, light can also be used to heal and improve the skin.

If you’re interested in improving your skin with light, there are a few things you should know beforehand. First, there are many different types of light therapy, and they aren’t all appropriate for every situation. Second, light therapy treatments can vary significantly by price. So if you’re on a budget like I am, you should know about the cost differences between treatments. Here’s what I learned about the top light therapy skin treatments and their different price points.

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy is very popular. The technology was first used by NASA to experiment on plants during shuttle mission. Later, researchers discovered that the technology showed evidence of healing wounds.
Today, cosmetologists use LED light therapy to slow down the aging process. There is some evidence that the lights can help the skin regenerate itself. The therapy is also used to treat acne and minimize wrinkles.

Unlike other light therapy types, LED light therapy does not expose the skin to ultraviolet rays. That’s great news if you’re worried about skin cancer. However, you shouldn’t receive this type of therapy if you take Accutane or if you have a problem with recurring skin rashes.
One LED light therapy session typically costs anywhere between $25 and $85. It’s one of the more affordable light treatments. Most experts recommend that you receive one treatment per week for up to 4 weeks. If you purchase an LED light kit for at-home use, it can cost up to $250 or more.

IPL Treatments

Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is frequently used to treat unwanted hair, wrinkles and age spots. IPL can also treat varicose veins and broken blood vessels. This treatment is similar to laser treatment in some ways, but it differs in others. One of the major differences between laser treatment and IPL is that IPL utilizes many different wavelengths of light, while laser therapy only uses one wavelength.

IPL has the ability to reach the second layer of your skin while leaving the outer layer unscathed. This helps prevent unwanted damage to the most visible layer of your skin. You should avoid tanning beds, chemical peels, direct sunlight and collagen injections at least two weeks prior to your IPL appointment.
The cost of IPL depends on the size of the treatment area, but typically ranges between $700 and $1,200. Most health insurance plans won’t cover the cost because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure.

Choose Your Treatment

Now that you know a little bit about light therapy and how it can help you fight premature aging, wrinkles and other skin conditions, what treatment option would you choose? LED light therapy works well and seems to be the most affordable option for most people, but PDT and IPL treatments may be best for your complicated or serious skincare needs.

The key to getting things done when working at home is to train your brain to really focus on work. If you have kids, you also need to find a way to have relative quiet as you work (earbuds are great). Try these 5 tips for staying productive:

1. Mark Your Territory

Cool and professional surroundings can help you stay focused. If you can turn a spare bedroom into a home office, I highly recommend it. Get a work desk, office chair and other décor with “work-at-home pro” vibes. Make sure this area has a door. You’ll need it — trust me.

Don’t work in rooms that feel too informal, such as on the living room couch. Don’t you dare work in your oh-so-cozy bed! If you have to work in your bedroom because of space, buy a table that’s exclusively for work. Also, turn on the lights!

2. Choose “Office Hours”

Even if you have the freedom to work whenever you want, set your own schedule. This helps your body adjust to a regular routine, which can keep you alert. Resist the temptation to wake up “whenever.” Respect your schedule and you’ll get a LOT more done.

3. Take SHORT Breaks

It’s OK to take breaks if your brain feels fried. They help you stay productive, happy and sane. However, breaks also present risks to productivity. If you’re like me, short breaks quickly turn into long breaks and before you know it the entire afternoon is gone. Avoid personal time-wasters:

There are better ways to press the reset button for your brain. Grab some coffee, munch on granola, water your flowers or take your dog for a short walk.

4. Spend Time With Your Kids … Later

You have to be able to concentrate to get work done. The problem is that it’s easy to feel guilty when your little girl is crying because her teddy bear’s head came off and you CAN’T HELP HER because you’re finishing a report with a deadline in 20 MINUTES! You have to accept that ignoring your child for a few hours doesn’t make you bad parent.

Set aside time after work to play with your kids. Eventually (definitely not overnight) they learn the difference between “Mommy is working” time and “work’s over” time.

5. Don’t Start and Stop

​Once your brain is in high gear, maximize the amount of things you get done in that valuable window. Constant interruptions are like hitting the brakes on the highway. Of course, as a mom you may have to juggle errands and chores. What can you do?

Try to group tasks together. If you need to get groceries, take care of everything else you have to do outside during the same morning. That way, in the afternoon, you’re free to focus on work. Do the same with housework and laundry.

You CAN stay productive at home. You just need to know what to push yourself towards. Many successful work-at-home moms recommend taking a few minutes to organize yourself in the morning. Set specific goals, do your best and don’t give up!

Summer is all about rest and relaxation. It's also a great time to catch up on some essential reading. Reading is not only a good way to entertain yourself on a lazy afternoon, it also educates and enlightens you at the same time. Whether you're planning a trip to the beach this summer or are just trying to expand your literary horizons, here are a few books I'm really into that might interest you as well. Hopefully, you agree!

1. Save Me the Plums

Gourmet had the distinction to be the very first U.S. magazine solely dedicated to amazing food and wine. While it ceased operation in 2009, Save Me the Plums describes editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl's experiences during her time there. Reichl began her start as a professional food quite inauspiciously but soon found herself in a corporate world very much unlike her own. This is a great read if you're interested in the inner workings of the restaurant industry or if you have a genuine love for cooking. Even better, Save Me the Plumbs also includes recipes you can try out on your own.

2. In the FLO

If you find yourself feeling blah or out-of-sorts on a regular basis, the problem could be your hormones. Hormone levels fluctuate as you age, but author Alisa Vitti has a solution. In the FLO gives you a crash course in hormones and what you can do to naturally quell the rising tides. By adopting a holistic approach to health and wellness, you can overcome things like fatigue, irritation, and PMS symptoms with ease.

3. Woman on the Edge

If you're into thrillers, Samantha M. Bailey has a real doozy for you. A woman, Morgan Kincaid, is suddenly approached by a young mother, babe in arms, on a subway platform. Just before jumping in front of an oncoming train, the young mother gives her baby to Morgan, who is then thrust into a complex situation filled with intrigue and drama. Along with trying to determine why the young mother was pushed to the limit, Morgan must also defend herself against accusations of foul play. This is a real page-turner and you'll probably find yourself finishing it off in an afternoon.

4. Motherhood

While the subject matter is rather broad, author Sheila Heti imbues her novel Motherhood with amazing insights sure to hit a nerve with moms everywhere. There is a tendency to gloss over certain aspects of motherhood, but Heti is fearless in her description of common issues we've all faced. At the center of the story is an experience many women have; how does one reconcile their motherly duties with their personal autonomy? While there are no easy answers, Heti forges the way with her thoughtful novel.

5. The Blue Zones Kitchen

Blue zones are areas of the world where people tend to live the longest and have the greatest degree of health. While there are many factors in increased longevity, diet is thought to play a significant role. This is the basis behind The Blue Zones Kitchen, which includes research on the blue zone phenomenon conducted by Dan Buettner. Not only is this book informative, it's also insightful. Be sure to check out more than 100 delicious and wholesome recipes from around the world, including tasty fare from Greece and Japan.

6. The Stone Sky

There is simply not enough sci-fi oriented towards women out there. The Stone Sky, which is authored by New York Times Best Seller N.K. Jemisin, attempts to rectify that. In the conclusion to a three-book Broken Earth series, a socially segregated society on a supercontinent is subject to recurring cataclysmic events that cause devastating volcanic ash to cover the whole world. Humanity's survival is only possible through magical beings, who must navigate the fear and prejudice of others to ensure their work is completed. Be sure to pick up all three books to complete the trilogy.

Who doesn't love their little fur baby? Dogs are the best, but keeping them healthy is crucial to sustaining a long-lasting bond. While the current pandemic has made it easy to spend time with your best friend indoors, what happens now that things are reopening? How do you keep your furry companion happy and healthy? Dog's can experience anxiety and depression, just like people, so making sure they are OK is a significant concern for many pet parents, especially as the world returns to normal. To make sure your favorite pooch stays happy and healthy, focus on five key lifestyle areas.

1. Diet

2. Socialization

Proper socialization ensures that your pup is comfortable around other animals and people. During walks, you are also familiarizing the animal with the sites and sounds of the city, their habitat. It's a great time to get back out there with your pup, but make sure your leash is long enough to help you keep that 6 foot distance from other owners.

3. Training and Interactive Play

4. Outdoor Activities

Think about how bored and depressed you can get in the cold winter months when you are stuck inside. The sun does wonders for energy and health. Dogs need time outside. They need to breathe the fresh air and feel the sun against their backs. Honestly, most people need fresh air, too, especially now.

5. Vet Visits

So, here’s a fun fact I discovered: “Quarantining” is what someone who is contagious does to avoid getting other people sick with COVID-19. What the rest of us are doing is called “sheltering in place.”
Unless you’re actually sick, there’s no reason to completely seal yourself inside the home. It’s perfectly possible to practice social distancing and still get some fresh air (not to mention let your kids burn off some of their built-up energy before they drive you insane). Let me share a few of my favorite outdoor activities in this age of “sheltering in place.”

1. Eat Dinner Outside As a Family

If you have a nice backyard, you can actually eat ALL of your meals outside. This is what my family has started to do, and I can’t believe the difference it makes. For 30 minutes, we all feel FREE.
As we’re laughing and eating delicious food and talking, I keep think to myself, “I'm so blessed.” These positive experiences give me the energy to keep going. Every day, we have memorable family moments where it’s like the coronavirus doesn’t even exist.

2. Organize a Lawn Games Tournament

Now’s the perfect time to show your family members why you’re the undefeated champion of bocce, cornhole, badminton, volleyball or cricket. These outside activities are healthier for you than watching back-to-back movies on TV. What if your family isn’t big on competitions? Just tossing a baseball, football or Frisbee around keeps kids entertained and does your heart good.

3. Enjoy Breakfast on the Patio

Don’t forget to take some time for yourself, too. Getting some peace and quiet is important for moms. It lets us recharge our batteries. Treat yourself to a calming cup of coffee or tea, munch on some homemade (healthy) scones, eat some fruit and watch the beautiful sunrise in complete serenity. Our house has some birds that wake up as early as I do, and hearing their little chirps is like healing for my soul.

4. Do Some Gardening

Working with plants can be an amazing stress reliever. Even better, it gives people who are temporarily out of work a sense of purpose. Instead of feeling “lost,” you can have real satisfaction with this rewarding hobby. By the way, if bending over makes your back hurt, you can always get a gardening table that lets you care for your plants standing up.

5. Go for a Walk (Social-Distancing Style)

Some states have declared public places such as parks and beaches off limits. Others let people walk around as long as they stick to social distancing. If it’s allowed in your area, you may want to don your mask, grab a small bottle of antiseptic gel and slide on your walking shoes.
Here are a few things to remember:

Blue skies, fresh air and gorgeous hills have a calming effect on your emotions. And the less stressed you are, the better your immune system works! Try to come up with your own outdoor adventures for the backyard. Picnics, fashion shows and tenting under the stars are all great possibilities.

Normally, I would feel guilty about letting my kids watch so much TV, but honestly I’m way too tired to think of other things to do. So, I chose the next best thing. I decided to plop down on the couch and watch a movie with them.

It was surprisingly relaxing. By the end, everyone’s mood was better, we were hugging and laughing, and my stress had vanished. I highly recommend having your own family movie night. Here are my top 10 family-friendly movies for this quarantine:

1. The Incredibles 2

This is one of my personal favorite movies of all time and my kids love it, too. A family of superheroes has to save the world from crazy villains (twice), and they get closer together in the process.

2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

This modern Spider-Man cartoon features mind-blowing animation, hilarious jokes and lovable characters. A new Spider-Man named Miles Morales teams up with various spider heroes from alternate dimensions to, you guessed it, save the world. There’s even a spider version of Porky Pig (Spider Ham) that made me giggle like crazy.

3. Jumanji: The Next Level

I guarantee you’ll be surprised by how much this “lost in a video game” movie makes you laugh. I went in with low expectations and got more than my money’s worth. I guess that’s what happens with Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Jack Black, Kevin Hart and The Rock.

4. The Rocketeer

Who doesn’t want to watch a rocket-powered hero save his girlfriend (a young Jennifer Connelly) from evil Nazi spies? Think Indiana Jones but with less violence.

5. School of Rock

If your kids have musical inclinations, School of Rock is a must-see movie. Rock anthems meet classic Jack Black humor. Prep-school students get Black as their (pretend) substitute teacher, who educates them in the ways of rock and sticking it to The Man.

6. The Princess Bride

Isn’t it time to introduce your kids to unforgettable lines from The Princess Bride? Not sharing this family classic is simply inconceivable. It’s got a pirate, a princess, a giant and a man with six fingers!

7. Blended

This movie wasn’t the biggest hit, but I think it’s one of Adam Sandler’s funniest family films. The story is about two single-parent families (like Yours, Mine & Ours) who end up taking a trip to Africa together.

8. Ever After

In Ever After, Drew Barrymore plays Danielle de Barbarac, a sweet girl raised by her stepmother. It’s a superb modern version of Cinderella, minus the magic pumpkin and talking mice. If you’re looking for a coming-of-age film to watch together, this is it.

9. Julie & Julia

This film is more appropriate for teens than little kids (there are sexual situations and language but no nudity). I included it because it’s my family’s favorite movie ever. I love cooking with my kids, and this love story/homage to Julia Child is funny, touching and romantic.

10. The Adventures of Tintin

I had no idea that Stephen Spielberg directed this animated film, but that would explain why it was so awesome. Parents will love the excitement just as much as kids. Tintin is a globe-travelling young detective who has all the skills of Indiana Jones for getting into and out of trouble.

These movies will make you smile from start to finish. That’s exactly what you and your kids need right now. Don’t forget to make some healthy snacks to enjoy together at the same time.

Do you find yourself wondering how in the world you’re going to get your kids to wear face masks every day when it’s hard enough to get them to put on regular clothes in the morning? It’s important to wear face masks to prevent infection and slow the spread of COVID-19, but actually putting it into practice is another matter entirely.

Before you throw up your hands and decide it’s easier to force your kids to stay inside all day, I have some good news for you! I’ve figured out a way to make mask wearing not only less dreadful, but—dare I say it?—fun! The key is to make it seem like you’re playing a game. Here are five fun face masks that your kids will actually love to wear. You can thank me later.

1. Character Fabrics

This first mask can be made by following any online DIY mask pattern for kids. The only thing special about it is the fabric it’s made from. Go out of your way to choose a fabric that features your child’s favorite cartoon character or animal. Better yet, let your child choose the fabric! That way he or she will feel personally attached to the mask and will be more likely to wear it without complaint. Win/win!

2. Cat or Dog Mask

For this cute little face adornment, make a mask from white fabric using a DIY kid’s mask pattern you can easily find on the internet. Once you’ve made it, take a black marker and draw a cute little cat or dog nose on the mask, right over your child’s nose. Add some whiskers and a mouth, and voila! What your kid once viewed as a torture device has now become his or her favorite accessory. Add a dog or cat ear headband to finish off the look.

3. Star Wars Fun

Do you have a little Star Wars fan on your hands? Capitalize on that interest by buying a few simple white children’s face masks and drawing Darth Vader’s mask on them using black marker. Or, you can turn your little cutie into an Ewok, R2-D2 or a storm trooper. Permanent marker may not be the best choice, because the fumes can make it unpleasant to wear the mask. Refer to online drawings of these characters to give you inspiration as you create your kids’ face masks.

4. I Mustache You a Question

Do you have a little dude who would love to look like his dad? Make a kid’s mask out of black fabric and sew a cute little white mustache onto it. You’ll be amazed how much easier it will be to get him to wear a mask when it makes him look like a grown up. Even little girls are likely to find mustache masks hilarious to wear.

5. Coloring Party

Have you ever noticed how possessive kids are about the things they create? They’re so possessive, in fact, that you have to sneak out at night to tuck old scribbled-on papers into the bottom of the garbage can where they can’t see them. You can use this natural possessiveness to your advantage by letting your kiddo color his or her own mask. Use markers for best results. You can even provide stencils for kids who don’t have a lot of natural artistic talent. Glittery glues, stickers and jewels create further opportunities for full customization. Your kids will have so much fun decorating and then displaying their favorite DIY masks!

There you have it. Five creative and (best of all) easy ways to create masks that your kids will love to wear. Give one or all five a try today and see for yourself how effective they can be!

Let’s get real, parents. When your kids are bored, they’re more likely to drive you up the wall. Since summer is right around the corner, you should start figuring out how you're all going to survive. For the sake of your sanity, it’s well worth your time to brainstorm things to do that will keep your kids absorbed. That way they won’t constantly bicker, bug you, or getting into trouble. It’s a win/win situation! Here are a few simple DIY arts and crafts that can keep your kids entertained for hours. (you’re welcome).

Fairy Jar

This fairy jar is the stuff kids’ dreams are made of. Here’s how to make it.

1. Round up the following items;

• One or more mason jars
• Glow sticks
• Glitter (for extra pizazz, choose diamond glitter)
• Serrated knife

 2. Cut off the bottom of a glow stick. Place a towel beneath it to catch any spills.

 3. Dump the glow stick contents into the jar. Be very careful. Glow sticks have glass inside!

 4. Dump your glitter of choice into the jar. Put in as much as you want.

 5. To make sure the glow stick fluid spreads freely, break the glass glow stick component with the end of a knife while it’s in your jar.

 6. Put the lid on and shake things up like crazy!

You now have a beautiful fairy jar that will last up to 8 hours. For best results, create this craft at night.

Mini Lid Banjos

These banjos are not only adorable, but they can keep your kids enthralled for hours on end. Here’s how to make them:

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need:

• Washi tape
• Duct tape
• Jumbo craft sticks
• Craft glue
• Loom bands
• Sequins
• Jar lids

 2. Place four loom bands around each jar lid. There should be a small gap between each band.

 3. Secure the bands in place with a piece of duct tape on the top side of the lid.

 4. Cut the end of a jumbo craft stick off (just about 1”).

 5. Wrap washi tape around the remaining craft stick to decorate it.

 6. Attach the lid (with the bands on it) to the flat end of the craft stick using another piece of duct tape.

 7. On the opposite, rounded end of the craft stick, place four small dabs of glue.

 8. Stick your plastic gems to the glue.

 9. Voila! You have the cutest little banjo there ever was.

Have your kids create many more so they can start a neighborhood band!

DIY Racetrack

This fun little activity will bring out the kid in anyone. It also exercises creativity, which is a great thing to do in a world of mindless electronic entertainment. Here’s how to create this fun activity.

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need:

• Washi tape
• A pencil with an eraser
• Toy cars

 2. Find a corner in your home that doesn’t get used too frequently. This project works best on hardwood floor, but it will work on low-pile carpet as well.

 3. Envision how the room would look if it were a racetrack. Use light pencil lines to create your road outlines, if desired.

 4. Place washi tape down in strips to create roads.

 5. Use the washi tape to form buildings and parking lots wherever you want.

6. Get the cars out and play!

You can make your track as large or as small as you want. Keep in mind that larger tracks tend to keep kids entertained for longer periods of time.