Home sweet home.
Here's some not-so-sweet news: According to a new study, the signals from cell phones disorient honeybees and can actually lead to their death. The study found that when mobile handsets were placed by honeybees they had a "dramatic impact on the behavior of the bees, namely by inducing the worker piping signal." In the natural environment, "worker piping" announces the swarming process of the Read more
I love the buzz-worthy motif on the Honeycomb Doormat ($32) from Burke Decor. It's a fun, graphic pattern that I adore everywhere from bolsters to rugs. As a bold print on sheets and pillows, the hexagonal design can mix things up in rooms filled with stripes or florals. The structural replication of the bee hangout can also be integrated more discreetly, as in the unusual Softseating furniture. Read more
Ever wondered what it's like when the time has come for a beekeeper to open his beehives? OnSugar blog Campbell's Honey details this year's honey harvest. Holidays in the sun are over, it's time to open the beehives, and get started on a new honey season. This spring, instead of walking through muddy farmer's fields, and wading in the mud, we're driving down grassy lanes, through dry barnyards, Read more
Gail Simmons's guide to packing. — Travel + Leisure An inside look at New York City's illegal beekeepers. — Chow Does it really matter if you forget an ingredient? — The Epi-Log Catch up with some of Top Chef 6's cheftestants. — Grub Street NY 10 new things to put in your drink. — Endless Simmer Taste test: vegan burgers. — Serious Eats Michael Pollan and Oprah discuss seal Read more
I grew up with beehives in the backyard, since my dad's a beekeeper. I rarely was stung (perhaps twice in my entire childhood), and always had delicious honeycomb and honey to snack on. While I don't have a beehive in my home now, I've been considering adding one for some time. If you're already an awesome apiarist, check out these tips from Sunset for winterizing your beehives. Would Read more
Over the last couple of years, honeybees have been disappearing at an alarming rate. Seeing as the buzzing creatures are responsible for pollinating many of our nation's crops, including a wide range of fruits and vegetables, their disappearance is a crisis. According to Zac Browning, VP of the American Beekeeping Federation, “Every third bite we consume in our diet is dependent on a honeybee Read more
Growing up with a beekeeper father has left me with an oddly profound love for the buzzing creatures. I'm not about to harvest a beehive myself, but I wouldn't mind a bit of bee-themed décor. I think this elegant Wisteria Mercury Glass Beehive Cloche ($27, reduced from $54) is the perfect compromise, especially since it also supports my love for mercury glass. It would look très chic standing Read more
While Beehive Kitchenware Company does make measuring cups and lemon juicers, their range of fanciful metal accents ensures that you can use them in any room of your home. I have my eyes on Beehive's Paisley Hooks ($27) myself, though there are plenty of other pieces that have enchanted me. The company, which is located in Massachusetts, is owned and operated by Jim Dowd and Sandra Bonazoli. The Read more
It's hard to enjoy your endless Summer if bee stings come hand in hand with taking a dip in your pool. But bees have many uses for water, including drinking and using as material to build hives. So, unless there's another source of water nearby, you can bet your bottom dollar that they'll be making a poolside visit. According to the USDA, bees will forage any open water source, so the only way to Read more
Some people get their news from fancy newspapers and high falutin' websites, and some, if you're like me, learn things from the lid of a pint of Haagen-Dazs. Would that I were kidding, this is the truth folks: did you know that honey bees are disappearing like size 8 shoes at a sale? It's true. And without bees to pollinate the plants producing our fruits, vegetables, nuts — you know, the good Read more
