Nathan Machoka

7 Evidence-Based Reasons to Learn Knitting and Crocheting

Crocheting and knitting are age-old crafts often associated with grandmas, winter evenings, and Christmas. But it doesn’t have to be so. Today, many studies have shown that the benefits of these crafts go beyond creating beautiful scarves, socks, winter hats, or throw blankets. These two skills are great tools for both mental and physical self-care. ...

Nathan Machoka

A woman knitting.

How Worried Should You Be About Aluminum-Based Antiperspirants?

For years, there have been claims that the aluminum-based antiperspirants cause cancer, especially breast cancer. However, research has found no clear link between aluminum in antiperspirants and cancer. According to Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist and associate professor at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center: “The claim that aluminum-containing antiperspirants cause cancer is a myth that ...

Nathan Machoka

A woman applying an antiperspirant.

12 Fascinating Facts About Mark Twain

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was born in Missouri in 1835. For over five generations, readers have been entertained by his humorous stories and witty remarks. He is one of the greatest writers in American history, and his classics, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, ...

Nathan Machoka

Mural showing Mark Twain reading while sitting next to a bluebird and flowers.

Lessons From Buyer’s Remorse

We are all guilty of splurging money on something we regretted buying later. Buyer’s remorse is natural and expected, especially after spending your hard-earned money on an item gathering dust in your home.  However, take heart — you’re not alone. According to a UK study with 2,490 respondents, 89 percent currently owned something they regretted ...

Nathan Machoka

A young woman holding a credit card and using a smartphone for online shopping.

7 Healthy Diets From Around the World

Statistics from the World Obesity Atlas show that over 38 percent of the global population is overweight or obese because of unhealthy diets. International studies also predict that by 2035, over half of the world’s population will either be obese or overweight. This obesity epidemic is estimated to cost the global economy around 4 trillion ...

Nathan Machoka

Assortment of healthy food ingredients.

The Dream of a Master Kiltmaker to Keep the Age-Old Tradition Alive

Over 50 years ago, Marion Foster sewed her first kilt as a Cub Scout leader. Little information existed about making them the traditional way, but she completed the project by studying how they were constructed.  After making her first kilt, she fell in love with the craft and always wanted to know more — especially ...

Nathan Machoka

Traditional Scottish kilts.

Happy Easter Traditions for Your Family

Easter is the principal festival of the Christian church. It celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after His Crucifixion. The earliest recorded observance of an Easter celebration dates back to the 2nd century. This day is for family, friends, fun, eggs, and bunnies. It’s one of the few holidays that connect the past, the present, and the future. ...

Nathan Machoka

An Easter cross and eggs.

4 Research-Based Reasons to Avoid Sleeping Next to Your Smartphone

In today’s digital age, your smartphones often feels like an extension of you. Recent data reveals that the average person spends over three hours daily on their phone, with 20 percent dedicating more than 4.5 hours. Alarmingly, 62 percent of adults admit to sleeping with their phones by their side. While these figures might not ...

Nathan Machoka

Smartphone lying on a bedside table next to a lamp while a woman lays in bed asleep.

Ancient Fashion: What Did Ancient Greeks Wear?

If someone asked what Greek people wore in ancient Europe, the first clothing item that probably came to mind was the toga. The toga originated from the Etruscans, an ancient civilization that predated the Romans. When the Romans conquered the Etruscan lands in northwest Italy, they adopted the toga, which later became a powerful status ...

Nathan Machoka

Ancient Greek clothing.