Rachel Baker

Calisthenics may be a word that brings up the torturous physical education classes of elementary school, but it’s actually an excellent form of exercise matchmade for quarantine.

Beeswax wraps have become one of the most popular and possibly cutest ways to reduce plastic usage at homes.

Store-bought salad dressings are the go-to for anyone on a mission to make a quick meal or side dish, but they aren’t always the highest quality and are hardly the most affordable option.

It doesn’t take much before cooking gadgets and utensils overtake your countertop, especially if your kitchen lacks an abundance of cabinet space. Consider these ideas for freeing up a little space and adding more organizational flow to your kitchen.

Watermelon is in peak season right now in the Inland Northwest. Don’t let the season go by without getting your fix. Here are some ideas on how to enjoy all things watermelon this summer.

Being home all the time sure is a great way for the project to-do list to slowly drive you crazy. From weeding to renovations, here are a few weekend projects to chip away at all your home improvement dreams.

It seems a little counterintuitive to cook up a warm meal after you’ve spent all day trying to cool yourself and your home down, but alas dinner must be made. In the pandemic era, cooking from home became a trend born of necessity.

You may have noticed that the Inland Northwest is experiencing a heatwave this week. With pools and splash pads still closed, it may take some innovations to have as much fun staying cool at home.

For those stuck inside without air conditioning, quarantine isn’t getting any easier. But don’t lose all hope – there are plenty of ways to stay at least somewhat cool without it. Here are a few hacks you can try out.

Barbecue has become a staple cuisine in the United States but its origins stem from many places.

One of the best ways to learn about other cultures is through the arts, and that includes children’s books. Storytelling is a universal art that helps children develop language skills, concentration, imagination and empathy.

While it’s always a good idea to try to maintain a healthy immune system, it’s an even better idea during a pandemic.

During times of political strife people look to thinkers, leaders, helpers and especially artists. Not only do artists capture and expressively reflect ideas of the time, but they can offer humanity, guidance and healing. Here are a few poets to look for inspiration, catharsis and restoration during these times.

Sometimes our tiny, picky eaters need a little convincing. Easier said than done when you are trying to offer up something on the healthy side. Here are a few ideas to add something fun to the snack rotation without sacrificing nutrients or getting too dependent on added sugar. 

Many have had to cancel vacation plans this year and the arrival of summer might feel like a sore reminder. For those in the Inland Northwest jonesing for a change of scenery, you’re in luck. Our region provides endless outdoor recreational areas, many within a short and accessible drive, that can scratch your travel itch for now.

Stories are a gateway to splendid adventures and worlds entirely of our making. Use summer as a source of inspiration and get your imagination fired up. It’s the perfect escape while we continue to hunker down during the pandemic.

Ah summer, the season of blockbusters, cult movies, action pictures, adventure films and fleeting romance dramas. Everyone has their favorite. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s high time to get in the spirit of all things sunny, beachy, sweaty and carefree. Here are a few flicks to get you rolling.

With most everyone a little beyond stir-crazy, it’s always nice to get a taste of something fresh. This week has been full of notable music video releases, so if you are in need of some new entertainment that has nothing to do with coronavirus, check out these recently released music videos all available on YouTube. Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me”: With over six million views in fewer than six hours you could say “Rain On Me” has already made a big splash. These two giants of the music and entertainment business made for great collaborators. The neon pink and purple, rain-soaked world makes for “Blade Runner”-esque aesthetics but musically you’ll be in for an uplifting pop treat.

A newfound cleaning obsession is a pretty universal pandemic hobby. White vinegar has long been a staple of household products for its versatility and natural disinfectant and odor-fighting properties. Although it may not be as effective as commercial household disinfectants, and it is not effective against coronavirus, it is still a great option if you’re looking for something gentle and inexpensive. Here are a few areas around the house where vinegar especially comes in handy.

To celebrate his 60th birthday, Bono chose to thank 60 artists that influenced his relationship with music by releasing a playlist called “60 Songs That Saved My Life.”

It’s no accident that Hollywood’s Golden Age heavily coincided with the Great Depression. People wanted to go into a dark theater and escape. For the COVID-19 version of that, we have home video. If you need to renew your faith in humanity, then check out these films made during, and perhaps in spite of, some trying times of the past.

“I Still Believe,” based on the true story of Christian singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp (K.J. Apa) and the loss of his first wife, Melissa Henning (Britt Robertson), has a lot of heart and an admirable message, but it gets lost in its lackluster execution and stale narrative.