How Gardening for All Ages Enriches the Lives of Seniors and Children

Gardening

Gardens can do wonders for both children and seniors. Taking care of plants has a way of giving back to both the mind and body.  How can gardens be enriching to older and younger generations? Team OBN will answer that question below and provide a guide on designing a garden suited for all ages.  How […]

5 Essential Lessons From the Blue Zones: Secrets to Lifelong Vitality

The Blue Zones are home to a disproportionate number of centenarians and individuals who enjoy vibrant health well into their later years.

In a constantly changing world where long, vibrant lives can sometimes seem out of reach, the Blue Zones serve as sources of hope and motivation. These five extraordinary regions—Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica—spread across the globe, have emerged as custodians of a sought-after secret: the key […]

A Parent’s Guide to Teaching Children About Dog Safety

Dog Safety

Bringing in a new dog to your family takes plenty of work, including the time and effort to teach your children. Kids need to understand how to play with a new four-legged family member in the house. Doing so lowers the risk of bites while encouraging your kids to bond with the new family dog.  […]

A Guide to Washing Machine Deep Cleaning

A clean machine ensures that your laundry comes out fresh and spotless. For those with allergies or sensitive skin, a clean washing machine is crucial. It helps remove allergens and irritants, ensuring that your laundry is truly clean and safe to wear.

Your washing machine is a trusty household companion, tirelessly churning through loads of laundry day after day. But did you know that even your loyal washer needs a bit of TLC to keep performing at its best? Over time, detergent residues, dirt, and grime can build up, leading to less effective cleaning and even unpleasant […]

3 Brilliant Smart Thermostats to Elevate Your Living Space

Smart thermostats do the kind of thinking you often don’t have time to do. The little devices learn your daily routines and create home heating and cooling schedules accordingly. They save you a considerable amount of money in the process. Here are three of the best.

20 seriously cheap countries to live in (and why you wouldn’t)…

The Numbeo 'cost of living' map with green being the most affordable locations to live in and red the most expensive.

Update as of August 2023: What a difference six years can make! Obviously, the world has undergone enormous changes since this article was first published. The surging inflation of the past two years is a warning about what can happen when change overtakes our ability to cope. We’ve updated this list to reflect the changes […]

Inspiring and Uplifting: 25 Positive Things To Say To Your Child

Exercise caution in your conversations with your child, as words carry lasting effects. Demonstrating love and respect is essential. You are indeed fortunate to have these twenty-five positive things to say to your child at your disposal. Embracing the remarkable power of positive communication can genuinely transform your parent-child relationship and shape your child’s growth. […]

Of Death and Regrets

My father-in-law died last week. He didn’t ‘pass over’ or ‘pass away’. He died. He’s dead. He’s not coming back – or at least not in a recognizable form. He was 75, touring New Zealand and suddenly collapsed and died within minutes. A good death.  I can write about what he did or did not […]

The Circular Economy of Compostable Bags: How Waste Becomes Fertilizer

Compostable Bags

Do you ever wonder what happens to all the waste we generate? It’s time to explore the fascinating world of compostable bags and how they contribute to a circular economy. In this article, we will delve into the production process of compostable bags and discover their benefits for the environment. Compostable bags are an innovative […]