From our 100 neighbors

Cities from Seattle to St. Petersburg are banning single-use plastics like plastic straws, utensils and stirrers to limit the amount of plastic waste in the oceans.

Why is your office empty? Oh yeah, everyone ran out for a good old-fashioned Starbucks pumpkin spice latte.

Jump on the plant-based food chuck wagon and eat vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, raw and local food with the vanilla bean app.

What is the recipe for Alaska? Tons of glaciers, a dash of adventure, a pinch of good luck with the weather and miles of untouched beauty. While all those ingredients make for a memorable vacation, it turns out you can also find Alaska inside a martini glass.

We’ve all heard that in order to reduce stress, we should “reconnect with nature.” However, science suggests that we may not be taking this advice literally enough.

Whether you’re buying your first home or redecorating, there are always new design trends to try. Here are three of the latest wall and ceiling trends:

While picking through heaps of geological wonders for a recent project, I came across a collection of petrified wood. From the Greek root meaning, literally, “wood turned into stone,” this is a plant that fossilizes in the Earth. Without oxygen, the wood is replaced by opal, calcite, pyrite and silica.

The universal design standards trend in home renovations is aimed at enabling people to comfortably age in their current homes. Modifications like step-less entrances, curb-less showers, appliances and switch plates at accessible heights, pocket-door vanities in the bathroom, and easy-open windows make it easier for people to function in their homes as they age.

The National Sleep Foundation says, “In general, most healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night.” During the winter you may be getting proper sleep and, come summer, you may feel sluggish. Don’t worry, this is normal.

Many of us transform into gung-ho bibliophiles during summer. For your consideration, how about one of these picks?

While paid vacation time has become an expected workplace perk, new research shows Americans are not always using it. In 2017, Americans gave up 705 million vacation days and forfeited 212 million – meaning they couldn’t be rolled over or paid out – equating to $62 million in lost benefits.

Asheville is known for its beautiful landscape, rich history, amazing food, local breweries, and its local and innovative musicians. National Geographic listed the top 10 music cities in the U.S. in its May 2018 Traveler edition. Coming in at number nine, Asheville was described as “America’s greatest undiscovered musical city.”

Ah, the elusive work-life balance. Now that technology has made us accessible 24/7, business leaders are often asking themselves, “Can we really have it all?”

The National Archives has launched a Citizen Archivist program, enlisting virtual volunteers to improve the accessibility of its records.

Running a business comes naturally to me, but managing a staff is still a challenge. It’s review time in our office and after 22 years, there is no magic formula to lead and motivate. Here are five tips to help those of you like me.

In 1973, the National Trust for Historic Preservation established May as Preservation Month. Whether it’s the first place you traveled to or a landmark that reminds you of home, Preservation Month encourages people to share stories of the places that are significant to them and their communities.

You don’t need to be wealthy to hire a personal assistant. Just smart.

Should a “mental health day” count as a paid sick day? Last year, a viral tweet from a CEO showing support for taking mental health days put this topic in the spotlight.

The Bonnet Carre Spillway opened this month to alleviate flooding along the Mississippi River in New Orleans. This is the twelfth time the spillway has opened in its 80-year history.