The transformative journey of Aslan, a former carriage horse, at The Gentle Barn Sanctuary in California is a heartwarming testament to the crucial work undertaken by animal sanctuaries. Having spent his entire life pulling carts and carriages as a Percheron draft horse, Aslan’s body began to deteriorate from the years of strenuous labor, ultimately leading him to an auction destined for slaughter. Fortunately, The Gentle Barn Sanctuary intervened, rescuing Aslan and providing him with a second chance at life. After a week of essential veterinary care, including dental work, podiatry, and bodywork, Continue reading “Former Carriage Horse Finds New Life at Sanctuary in California” »

Nestled in the heart of the Garfield Historic District in Phoenix, the Silo House stands as a testament to the seamless integration of rural charm with urban living. Designed by architect Christoph Kaiser, this chic tiny home is where modernity meets nostalgia, showcasing a 1955 silo that Kaiser acquired from a Kansas farmer. The journey from rural Kansas to the urban landscape of Arizona is a unique tale, as Kaiser ingeniously transported his future home in the back of a pickup truck, embodying the essence of the tiny house movement. Continue reading “The Silo House: A Modern Take On The Old Grain Bin” »

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and trade car horns for the serene sounds of nature on a farm stay near Mudgee, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney. As you journey, the scenic route provides a therapeutic balm for your muscles and nerves, allowing you to unwind to the rhythm of your favorite music while marveling at the beauty of Lake Windamere. Upon entering the 250-acre property at the base of Mount Frome, you’ll encounter a picturesque scene of deer, cows, sheep, and goats, giving you a warm country welcome.

Nestled on this working farm is the Scifleet Silos, a distinctive accommodation option unlike any other. These three converted grain silos offer a rustic sanctuary that goes beyond the conventional glamping experience. The first silo boasts a fully equipped kitchen, complete with modern comforts like a coffee maker and a welcome pack with marshmallows. The second silo transforms into a bedroom with a double bed and two singles, inviting you to sleep under the stars by opening its recycled corrugated iron doors. The third, smaller silo houses a shower room and toilet, providing the comforts of home in a unique outdoor setting. The space is adorned with personal touches, such as antiques collected by owner Elizabeth Brennan during her travels across the UK, Europe, and Australia.

As the day transitions into night, the absence of technology becomes a luxury, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in the simplicity and charm of the surroundings. With no TV or gadgets, the only distractions are the mountains, farm animals, and the pure, unadulterated silence. Embrace the slower pace dictated by the sun, leaving behind the need for watches, phones, and computers. Engage in activities like reading a long-neglected book or connecting with the stars in meditation. If the desire for human interaction arises, the vibrant town of Mudgee, with its wineries, boutique bars, restaurants, markets, and shops, is just a short 15-minute drive away.

As the first light of dawn breaks over Mount Frome, you’ll wake up to the soft glow of the sunrise illuminating the farm and grazing cattle. In this idyllic setting, a sense of gratitude washes over you, knowing that places like Scifleet Silos exist for a true escape from the everyday. Tucked away in the silo, you can savor the beauty of the countryside from the comfort of your bed, shielded from the demands of the outside world.

Archaeologists working in the canyons along the Colorado-Utah border have uncovered what is believed to be a previously unknown spiral calendar carved and used by the Ancestral Pueblo people. Led by Polish archaeologist Radosław Palonka of Jagiellonian University, the team made the discovery near Castle Rock Pueblo in the Mesa Verde region. The Ancestral Pueblo people inhabited the village in the 13th century and were known for their cliff dwellings, circular kivas, and cliff drawings. The newly discovered petroglyphs, including spiral carvings up to one meter in diameter, were found about 800 meters above the cliff settlements, suggesting the creators may have used them for Continue reading “Ancestral Pueblo Carvings Discovered in the Southwest May Have Been a Calendar” »

Cécile Davidovici, a French artist, collaborates with film director David Ctiborsky in a mesmerizing series titled La Vie Silencieuse, which translates to “The Silent Life.” In this collaborative effort, still-life scenes are transformed into intricately embroidered masterpieces. The process begins with Ctiborsky creating 3D models of each scene, serving as the foundation for Davidovici’s exquisite embroidery work. Inspired by the still lifes of Italian painter Giorgio Morandi, known for his ability to evoke a sense of vibrational silence in his compositions, the duo captures a similar essence in their embroidered scenes.

The result is a stunning array of objects rendered with meticulous detail and a captivating use of color.
Cécile Davidovici developed her distinctive thread painting style through years of experimentation, particularly turning to embroidery as a form of creative expression after her mother’s passing. Explaining her connection to the medium, Davidovici notes, “Making art pieces I can touch was a game changer.” Her passion for tangible creations is evident in her growing portfolio, where she skillfully translates still lifes and figurative portraits into tactile masterpieces that mimic the brushstrokes of traditional painting.

La Vie Silencieuse showcases the duo’s ability to fuse digital modeling with handcrafted embroidery, resulting in an innovative and visually striking series that pays homage to Morandi’s artistic legacy.
To explore more of Cécile Davidovici’s captivating embroidery projects, you can follow her on Instagram for updates and insights into her latest creations. The artist’s ability to infuse life and texture into her embroidered works adds a unique dimension to the timeless art of still lifes, bringing a contemporary and tactile quality to this traditional craft.

Krishna Cow Sanctuary in Hawai’i offers a unique and heartwarming experience for animal lovers seeking cuddles with cows. The sanctuary, situated on the Island of Hawai’i, is home to various bovines, including bulls, steers, calves, and retired mother cows. For a fee of $20, visitors can enjoy “cow cuddle therapy” by getting up close and personal with these surprisingly affectionate animals. The sanctuary emphasizes that all proceeds from these interactions Continue reading “You Can Cuddle Some Cute Cows at This Unique Sanctuary in Hawai’i” »

As winter sets in, it’s crucial to prioritize home maintenance tasks to ensure your living space remains in optimal condition. One of the primary tasks during the colder months is pinpointing and plugging air leaks. Hunt for drafts around windows and doors, as these can significantly contribute to heat loss. Additionally, assess the insulation in your attic to ensure it is sufficient to keep your home warm. Consider scheduling an energy audit to identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, ultimately leading to a more comfortable and cost-effective winter season.

To prevent the risk of burst pipes, take proactive measures. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of your home, such as the basement or crawl spaces. This can help avoid freezing and subsequent pipe damage. Be vigilant about potential floods, especially in areas prone to heavy precipitation or snowmelt. Check the condition of your roof and gutters, ensuring proper drainage to minimize the risk of water damage. Act promptly to address any leaks or weaknesses in your home’s structure to prevent potential flooding issues.

Give your oven a fresh start before the holiday cooking season kicks into full gear. Perform a thorough cleaning to remove built-up grease and food residues, ensuring your oven operates efficiently and safely. Winter is also an opportune time to address outdoor concerns. Act now to prevent potholes in your driveway by filling any existing cracks and applying a protective sealant. Additionally, consider upgrading to a plug-in generator to have a reliable power source during winter storms or power outages. These winter home maintenance tasks collectively contribute to a well-prepared and resilient living environment during the colder months.

Approximately 25 years ago, designer Lisa Moody had a small garden that eventually took a backseat to raising her children and growing her business. Now, with her children older and her passion for gardening rekindled, Lisa, along with her husband, decided to invest in their garden project. Living on an acre of land in North Surrey, B.C., about an hour from Vancouver, they installed raised beds and, inspired by a trip to Sweden, decided to add a greenhouse and chicken coop to their property. Continue reading “This Dreamy Scandinavian Greenhouse Is Also A Chicken Coop” »

Embarking on a DIY duck coop project over the last 6-8 weeks, the hardworking creators are excited to reveal their masterpieces. The duck run is ingeniously attached to a shed, offering a convenient location for access to fresh water and food, especially when the shed transforms into a she-shed or garden shed in the future. Continue reading “Start to Plan in Time for the Warm Season With This DIY Duck Coop” »