By Colleen Ford
Spruce up your balcony or patio with some hardy outdoor plants!

By Colleen Ford
Spruce up your balcony or patio with some hardy outdoor plants!
By Jason Ernst
In 2009, Forbes Magazine ranked Atlanta the most toxic city in the nation. In almost a decade since, Atlanta has made admirable strides toward becoming a greener city. Its air and waterways are less polluted. Its carbon footprint is down. Green building is on the rise, with strict regulatory standards in place for new construction. Even the city’s parks are nicer. Here’s a look at the city’s most laudable sustainability initiatives. Power to Change Plan In 2010, recently elected mayor Kasim Reed teamed up with Atlanta’s new Office of Resilience (then called the Office of Sustainability to develop and launch Power to Change. The citywide initiative established a basis for […]
By Jason Ernst
If you’re an environmentally-conscious consumer who likes to support local business, you’ll be glad to hear green retailers are thriving in Dallas. And thanks to Green Source DFW, Dallas’ Green Business Certification Program, and other green business initiatives, the area’s green retailers are getting the recognition they deserve. Here’s a list of successful green retailers in North Texas to keep in mind throughout the holiday shopping season and beyond. A post shared by Fair and Square Imports (@fairimports) on Nov 20, 2017 at 8:13am PST Fair and Square Imports This fashionable McKinney home goods store works exclusively with fair trade organizations who care for their producers […]
By Jason Ernst
According to a NerdWallet.com survey, Miami is one of the country’s most dog-friendly cities. Most Miami dogs have it especially good this time of year, the nicest for spending time outside. Make the most of South Florida’s heavenly winter weather by visiting these amenable, fun, and well-maintained Miami area dog parks. Amelia Earhart Dog Park 515-acre Amelia Earhart Park is a beacon of nature in Miami-Dade County. In addition to a lake, petting zoo, soccer fields, and bike trails, Amelia Earhart is home to a 5-acre dog park. Highlights include two large, fenced-in runs, paved walking paths, and doggy fountains. Blanche […]
By Jason Ernst
In most of the country, camping is primarily a summer activity. But in Southeast Texas, the outdoorsy pastime is especially pleasant during fall, winter, and spring. If you’re craving some time in nature or a night under the stars, now’s a great time of year to for weekend camping in the region’s state and national parklands. Dig up your camping gear, pack supplies, and head for one of these stunning camping spots near Houston. Bastrop State Park A wildfire devastated Bastrop State Park’s scenic Lost Pines in 2011. But the forest, lush and verdant just a few years into recovery, is well on the way to regaining […]
By Jason Ernst
The Windy City is buzzing with new restaurant activity. And while the jury is still out out on what new restaurants in Chicago will make the biggest mark on this city of foodies, there are several worthy contenders. If you’re looking to reserve a table at one of the better restaurants to open in Chicago in the last six months, consider these fashionable new eateries. Barrio The hospitality group responsible for Bar Siena and Siena Tavern opened this River North restaurant in July 2017. DineAmic‘s decision to work with “Top Chef” contestant Fabio Viviani proved a wise move for its Italian ventures. […]
By Jason Ernst
On November 6, Yoga on the Fly opened in DIA’s Concourse 6. The country’s first private airport yoga operation, Yoga on the Fly consists of five individual yoga studios. Practitioners choose from an array of sequences ranging in duration from 8 to 20 minutes. An iPad (for video instruction), wireless headphones, and clean yoga mat are provided with studio rental. In honor of this DIA milestone, we decided to examine the Mile High City’s most popular and respected yoga studios. If you’re a yogi doing more in Denver than changing planes, put these yoga studios on your radar. Asana Studio […]
By Jason Ernst
High-profile celebrity sightings are less common in Seattle than in New York or Hollywood. But The Emerald City’s music and tech scenes have produced and attracted several national and regional household names. Seattle also has its fair share of acclaimed writers and entrepreneurs. Here are 11 contemporary luminaries, born or living in Seattle, who’ve impacted or represented the community in influential ways. Jeff Bezos Ask a Seattleite what force has held the most influence over Seattle during the past decade. They’ll almost certainly respond with “Amazon.” The online retail giant’s massive first headquarters transformed the streetscape, demography, and culture of South Lake Union. And Seattleites […]
According to data compiled by ListShack, Austin is the most sustainable large city in the United States. Other ratings rank Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle above the Texas capital, but Austin is never far behind. Regardless of the ranking methodology you find most sound, there’s no denying ATX’s trailblazing role in environmentally responsible, resource-efficient construction. Let’s explore Austin’s enduring green building contributions, vanguard redevelopment projects, and recent green building initiatives. Birth of a movement During the early 1970s, Austin’s city planners backed the construction of a controversial nuclear power plant. They justified their support on the grounds that the plant was […]
By Jason Ernst
Durably crafted, well-kept antiques are a stylish, sustainable alternative to new apartment furnishings and decor. With the exception of the rarest and most exquisite items, antiques are also more economical. This is particularly true in the Atlanta area, where antiquing is a major, competitive industry. If you’re looking to bring handcrafted elegance, grace, and history into your Atlanta apartment rental, try your luck at these antique markets. A post shared by Antiques and Beyond (@antiquesbeyond) on Oct 21, 2017 at 11:05am PDT Antiques & Beyond This sprawling Cheshire Bridge antique market specializes in high-end antique furnishings and decor. Scour its 25,000 square-foot […]
By Jason Ernst
Until 1890, East Dallas and Dallas were two separate cities. Although it’s been longer than a century since the latter annexed the former, the Old East Dallas community retains a distinct, independent feel. Old East Dallas, the western border of which is a 10-minute drive from AMLI Quadrangle, consists of 16 adjacent neighborhoods. Several, including the Swiss Avenue Historic District, Munger Place, and Junius Heights, are populated by stunning historic homes Others, like Deep Ellum, are hubs of social activity. Here are some of Old East Dallas’ most winning charms. Natural beauty Green space is abundant enough in East Dallas that the area Chamber of Commerce […]