Welcome Mat: 'Climbing Clematis' first weekly Homestyle photo contest winner
'Climbing Clematis' first weekly Homestyle photo contest winner
"I feel a real sense of peace and tranquility when I’m immersed in the ever-changing beauty of my flower gardens," writes Janet Budesky of Brighton. "This arbor with clematis has been a project that has evolved over time…it started with a flagstone walkway, an arbor was added the next year, and eventually clematis and hostas finished it off." She and her husband did all the work, she said. Her photo, "Climbing Clematis," is the first weekly winner in the 2022 Homestyle Garden Photo Contest, sponsored by English Gardens. Budesky will receive a home or garden book and be eligible to compete for the grand prize in September, a $200 gift certificate to English Gardens. To enter and get details on the rules, go to Detroitnews.com/gardenphotos2022.
Selena Gomez adds personal touch to cookware
Our Place cookware brand teamed up with Selena Gomez — actor, recording artist, producer, entrepreneur and home cook — to help people reconnect with their heritage through food. Gomez chose an exclusive color duo for her products: Azul, an electric blue that brings a playful pop to any kitchen, and Rosa, a lush berry pink inspired by bold lip shades and the juiciest fruit. These limited-edition hues appear on select signature products, from the do-it-all Always Pan and Perfect Pot, to dinnerware. Ten percent of net proceeds from this partnership will go to the Rare Impact Fund, the nonprofit affiliate of Gomez’ beauty brand, Rare Beauty, which is committed to expanding mental health services for young people. “This collection is a celebration of all the ways that we slow down and enjoy time in the kitchen: for those that cook perfectly or imperfectly, messily and joyously,” said Gomez in a press release. “I hope people are inspired to stay in and connect with their family and friends over a meal. For me, time in the kitchen and cooking have always been some of the most memorable, bonding moments.” Go to fromourplace.com.
Gathering around the fire, easily
Just in time for s’mores season, City Bonfires lets you enjoy cozy nights with fun kits for outdoor celebrations. The S’mores Family Pack ($59.95) lets you roast marshmallows with FDA food-grade soy wax. The company also offers a Portable Fire Pit ($23.95) that can be kept in your car for emergencies as a source of heat and light. In addition, City Bonfires has birthday kits that make unique gifts. What started as a project by two dads during the pandemic has become a successful brand recognized by Good Housekeeping as one of the best outdoor s’mores makers of 2022. Go to citybonfires.com.
Grosse Pointe Garden Tour on tap
The 30th annual Grosse Pointe Garden Tour, sponsored by the Grosse Pointe Garden Center, will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 24-25, rain or shine. Visit seven lovely private gardens throughout the Grosse Pointes as well as the Trial Gardens and Veterans Garden at the War Memorial. Inspirational highlights will include water features, hardscapes, new annuals, perennials and landscaping. Raffle tickets can be purchased to win prizes like an original watercolor painting by artist Robert Fionda. Tickets are $15 pre-tour and $20 on tour days. They can be purchased online, at select area merchants and at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms. Go to gpgardencenter.org.
How to keep ticks away
The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) wants people to know the serious health threats posed by moisture-loving pests like ticks, which thrive in warm, humid climates. A recent survey among over 2,000 U.S. adults, commissioned by the NPMA and conducted online by the Harris Poll, found that nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) have seen or removed a tick from themselves, someone else, or a pet. “Before you throw caution to the wind this summer, remember that ticks are not your average pest,” said Cindy Mannes, senior vice president of public affairs for NPMA in a press release. “Capable of spreading deadly diseases to humans and pets, ticks pose a big threat to your health. As these dangerous pests continue to spread across all 50 states, we urge Americans to take the small, but very necessary safety precautions when spending time outdoors to keep themselves and their families tick-free.” Go to ticktalk.org and pestworld.org.