Cool as a Cucumber!

Written By: Kristin Spiridigliozzi Adkins

When I moved into my house in 2017 I decided to start my own garden. I don’t have much of a green thumb, so I didn’t think I could actually do it and well to my surprise I was actually able to pull it off! That year I was able to grow cucumbers, tomatoes and green beans. Since then, I’ve planted a garden every year.

I learned a lot the first year I planted my garden. I have a raised garden bed and every day I watched as the seeds started sprouting through the soil. I did my share of research to make sure I kept my little crops happy and healthy and to make sure I didn’t over water, as stated above, I don’t really have a green thumb, which you can ask my household plants about, lol. 

My research first started with cucumbers. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE cucumbers. They are probably my favorite vegetable ever. Now, while doing my research I learned things that I didn’t really think I particularly needed to know but when I get carried away doing research I just dive right in and one link takes me to another and viola, I found out where they came from. 

Did you know that cucumbers have been cultivated for at least 3,000 years? I didn’t! Cucumbers also came from India. I found out that raw cucumbers (which is my favorite way to eat them, lol) are 95% water, 4% carbohydrates & 1% protein. Now I did not know that cucumbers had protein in them at all. So I found that little fact about them pretty interesting. You know how that saying goes, “you learn something new every day.” In cultivation, cucumbers are classified in three main cultivar groups: slicing, pickled and seedless/burpless. I’ve had the seedless cucumbers before, but for me, I like the slicing cucumbers. 

Many people wouldn’t think there are many health benefits of a cucumber but there are! Cucumbers are great for hydration, bone health, inflammation, skin care and I’m sure there are many more I didn’t list. I remember putting cucumbers over my eyes when I was little because I thought that is what you were supposed to do, lol! I probably saw someone in my family do it and thought I’d try it too. 

With summer almost here, even though I feel like it already is, there are many great things to do with cucumbers when you have way too many in the garden and will not be able to eat them all before they go bad. Of course, we all know you can pickle them, which I do love a good dill pickle! I haven’t tried this yet, but I do know people use them in smoothies. I love making a good creamy cucumber salad to take to summer get togethers, which I will post the recipe below. I also like to make a quick tuna salad, take a cucumber, wash it and then slice it and good size thick chunks and then scooping out the middle and leaving a little layer on the bottom to where it makes it a cucumber cup. Then I put my tuna salad mix in the cucumber cup and eat that as a quick snack! 

All in all, while I didn’t think I would get that deep into research and learn new things about cucumbers, when in reality all I was trying to learn about is how to make them happy, healthy and bountiful, I always like when I learn something new. 

Hope every one has a great start of the summer with kids out of school and don’t forget to stay “cool as a cucumber”!

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp dried dill

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 large cucumber

1/4 red onion

Instructions: 

1. To make the dressing, combine the sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, dill and salt in a bowl. Set the dressing aside.
2. Peel the cucumbers, if desired. Slice the cucumbers and thinly slice the red onions.
3. Combine the cucumber, red onion and dressing in a large bowl and stir to combine. 
4. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes, give it another stir and then serve.

ENJOY!

A Tree for a Child’s Fantasy

One of my favorite trees even as a child was the willow tree.  The 2 that I love the most is Weeping Willow and Corkscrew Willow. We had a Weeping Willow tree that had wisteria ground in it.  So playing under it was magical.  I had a large umbrella shaped structure with beautiful hanging flowers.  This I could transform into any structure. A castle, cottage, teepee you get the drift of where I am going with this.

So let’s talk about my beloved willow tree. 

The willow tree has been popular part of the herbal pharmacy with many cultures for centuries.

There are over 400 species in the genus Salix growing around the world and the impact that they have had on gardens, mythology and medicine is massive. Since this tree survives tough conditions and is easy to root from cuttings, or just a branch stuck in the ground, we see them everywhere.

Weeping willow legends

The iconic weeping willow is native to Asia and features prominently in their folktales and art. The ancient Chinese believed that willow branches would ward off evil spirits and they were often carried or placed over doorways to keep those spirits away.

It is said that the first weeping willow grew in Babylon where the Children of Israel were taken into slavery.

Psalm 137: “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.”

When they hung their harps on the willow tree, the branches were forever destined to ‘weep’ and grow downward. Its actual origin was further east in China, but it’s a popular legend. My grandmother had an enormous weeping willow and the branches hung to the ground all around it. I have fond memories of playing with cousins and friends in our weeping willow ‘house’Willows are found around the globe and have many legends attached to them.

Willows are found around the globe and have many legends attached to them.

However other willows are just as popular in Native American and Celtic legends. Many notable sayings and practices were born around the willow. One of the most common traditions today has its roots in an old Celtic custom. If you knock on a willow tree, it is said to send away bad luck and that is where the custom of ‘touch wood’ or ‘knock on wood’ originated. European peoples also believed the wind in the willow leaves were elves who whispered and talked among themselves as people were passing underneath. However, they do plant willows near their homes to ward off bad luck. It is also said that if you confess your secrets to a willow tree, the secret will be forever trapped inside the wood. Native Americans tied willow branches to their boats to protect them from storms and to their lodges for the protection of the Great Spirit.

Willow branches make great baskets and here’s a set of basket-making tools to help you get started.

Willow wood has a natural pain and fever reducer.

Willow wood is supposed to be the best choice for divining water, magic harps and some wizards use it for making their spell casting wands. (however Harry Potter fans already know this) Whether you believe in magic or not, willows do possess some powerful characteristics. Willow bark contains salicin, which is a natural form of aspirin. Willow bark has been used for thousands of years as a pain reliever and to reduce inflammation. Willow wood is also able to absorb trauma or shock without splitting and some of the best cricket bats and Dutch wooden shoes are made from willow. Since the wood is pliable, it is popular with basket-makers as well.

If you don’t have any willows handy, here’s natural, made in USA willow bark tincture.

Willows are good choices for butterfly gardens

North American willows are a host plant for the Mourning Cloak butterfly and the catkins that bloom very early in the spring are one of the first pollen sources for honeybees. This makes them an excellent choice for helping our fragile pollinator population. Ancient Europeans and the Inuit of the Alaskan peninsula also made a type of porridge from the catkins and used them as food. Many early peoples discovered the catkins also produce a reddish dye. The willow was one of the most useful plants for early peoples.

Here’s three different types of willow trees that are hardy in just about every garden.

Growing willow trees

Willow trees prefer a sunny area where the ground stays moist. The area around a pond or along a stream is perfect. Don’t worry if your tree isn’t completely straight, or develops crooked branches. Willows are planted for ‘character’ and the best ones are often bent and twisted. There are many willow species and commercial cultivars that are hardy in a wide range of climates. Here’s a few options that our PlantScout vendors are offering and you can always check with your local nursery to see what grows best in your area. There’s a willow for just about every garden or space, so it is an excellent choice for just about every one. They are even very good bonsai choices and bonsai weeping willows are very popular.

Use a cutting of a weeping willow tree that is perfect for training as a bonsai.

Interesting Information:

The Weeping Willow tree is a native of the extra-tropical Asia and belongs to the group the Crack Willows. This oriental tree’s bark owns mainly all of the medicinal and tanning properties of the willow group. It has been long known in China and Turkey that the Weeping Willow is known its tearful symbolism, used in some places as a cemetery ornament signifying an association of grief for the loved one in the grave. In the ancient times the torches used in funerals were made precisely by Willow wood. It could have been a tree of ill omen as well as in ancient Babylon it is said the soothsayers predicted the death of Alexander the Great deriving from the fact that it was the Willow that swept the crown from his head as he was crossing the Euphrates river in a boat.

Corkscrew Willow

The Chinese willow, Salix matsudana ‘Tortusa’, is a species of willow native to northeastern China. Named in honor of a Japanese botanist, Sadahisa Matsuda, this unusual deciduous tree is also known as curly willow, tortured willow and corkscrew willow.

Unlike weeping willows, these trees have an upright form. The corkscrew willow has a unique branching habit. As the tree grows, its branches reach out horizontally and then twist every way possible, creating curls or corkscrews.

Corkscrew willows are fast-growing. Like most willows, they grow about 24 inches a year, reaching a mature height of 25-30 feet with a spread of 15-20 feet. They prefer moist soil and their roots stay shallow and near the surface.

Aggressive roots are a challenge with corkscrew willows. It is best to plant these trees away from homes and other structures because their moisture-seeking, shallow roots have been known to crack sidewalks, driveways and even sewer and water lines. They are hardy from Zones 4-8 and can grow equally as well in clay, loam or sand. They can grow in sunny or partly shady areas, but because they like moisture, be sure to water this tree during periods of drought.

The corkscrew willow has a characteristically short lifespan. Many fast-growing trees suffer from weak trunks, brittle branches and are prone to weather damage and breakage. Prune the corkscrew willow regularly to allow air and sunlight to enter the center of the tree. A healthier tree, free of damaged or dead branches, is less prone to insect damage.

phids, borers, gypsy moths and willow beetles are pests commonly attracted to willows. Most horticultural extension offices do not recommend sprays, but rather sticky bands that can be placed around the tree which capture the crawling critters as they head upward. The tree is relatively disease-resistant, although it is susceptible to powdery mildew and leaf spot.

Truly a tree for all four seasons, the corkscrew willow adds interest to your garden all year round. In the spring, it has lovely buds. In the summer, its fall colored leaves provide shade and during the fall, the leaves turn a bright, almost pure yellow before dropping to the ground. Winter highlights the corkscrew willow’s branches, which are dramatic and interesting when the leaves are gone.

The corkscrew willow is a popular tree choice, as it grows to its mature height very quickly, it has a beautiful shape and is generally disease-resistant. In the right location and with the right care, a corkscrew willow will provide you with year-round enjoyment.

As a child I found that the corkscrew will made excellent magic wand.

Cry Me A River: The Onion 

I had went to see my grandchildren in Georgia.  We went out one day to Athens Georgia to go into Thrift/Antique Stores, which is a family pastime.  Low and behold the lady at the counter in one of them was eating her lunch.  It smelled delicious and looked so tasty.  So I asked her what she was having. She said Onion Pie.  I said I had never heard of it.  So she gave me a taste.  I was suddenly in love!  I asked her for the receipt which gave me.  I have been making this wonderful Pie ever since.  You can make it year round.  

So I said to myself let’s do a blog on onions.  So here you are.  

Onion History

Onion is thought to have originated more than 5000 years ago in Central Asia and is one of the most ancient of food sources. Its consumption by humans can be traced back to the Bronze Age. A staple in the diet of many early civilizations, it was especially important in ancient Egypt

Many archaeologists, botanists, and food historians believe onions originated in central Asia. Other research suggests onions were first grown in Iran and West Pakistan. 

It is presumed our predecessors discovered and started eating wild onions very early – long before farming or even writing was invented. Very likely, this humble vegetable was a staple in the prehistoric diet.

Most researchers agree the onion has been cultivated for 5000 years or more. Since onions grew wild in various regions, they were probably consumed for thousands of years and domesticated simultaneously all over the world. Onions may be one of the earliest cultivated crops because they were less perishable than other foods of the time, were transportable, were easy to grow, and could be grown in a variety of soils and climates. In addition, the onion was useful for sustaining human life. Onions prevented thirst and could be dried and preserved for later consumption when food might be scarce. While the place and time of the onion’s origin is still a mystery, many documents from very early times describe its importance as a food and its use in art, medicine, and mummification.

Am I a Fruit or Vegatable?

An onion (Allium cepa L., from Latin cepa meaning “onion”), also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. The shallot is a botanical variety of the onion which was classified as a separate species until 2011.

Fun Facts

Our word “onion” comes from the Latin “unio” meaning one or unity, because an onion grows as a single bulb.

In ancient Egypt, the onion was a symbol of eternity because it is a circle‐within‐a‐circle. The Pharaoh Cheops paid workers who built the Great Pyramid in onions, garlic, and parsley and onions were painted on the walls of the pyramids. Mummies were even buried with onions.

According to an old English Rhyme, the thickness of an onion skin can help predict the severity of the winter. Thin skins mean a mild winter is coming while thick skins indicate a rough winter ahead.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest onion ever grown, weighed 10 pounds 14 ounces. It was grown by V. Throup of Silsden, England.

Onions are a popular vegetable. Worldwide we grow about 50 million tons of onions a year! The average person eats about 13.7 pounds of onions a year. This really varies, for example in North America we eat about 18.6 pounds each per year, while in Libya, the average person eats 66.8 pounds of onions in a year!

Onion tips

After slicing onions, wash your hands in cold water, then rub them with salt or vinegar. The salt or vinegar will remove onion smells from your hands.

If you eat onions you can get rid of onion breath by eating parsley.

If you need only half of an onion, use the top half. The root will stay fresh longer in the refrigerator.

When buying onions, go for ones that feel heavy in your hand and firm.

Onions – why the tears?

It’s all about chemistry!

Onions absorb sulfur from the soil, which helps form a class of volatile organic molecules called amino acid sulfoxides; they form sulfenic acids. When you cut an onion, you break cells, releasing their contents. Enzymes that were kept separate now are free to mix with the sulfenic acids to produce propanethiol S-oxide, a volatile sulfur compound that wafts upward toward your eyes. This gas reacts with the water in your tears to form sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid burns, stimulating your eyes to release more tears to wash the irritant away.

Cooking the onion inactivates the enzyme, so while the smell of cooked onions may be strong, it doesn’t burn your eyes. Aside from wearing safety goggles, a snorkel mask or running a fan, you can keep from crying by refrigerating your onion before cutting it (slows reactions and changes the chemistry inside the onion) or by cutting the onion under water. This can be very tricky and may lead to knife mishaps. Instead, use a sharp knife which reduces the crushing effect of slicing onions.

What is the folklore about onions?

People hung strands of onions and garlic from their doorways, their windows, and even around their necks to keep the vampires away. Some cultures thought of the onion family as having sexual powers.

What countries do not eat onions?

The Buddhist “pure vegan” diet is also practiced by Mahayana Buddhist monastics in Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. In India, practitioners of Jainism and Hinduism may also abstain from garlic and onions, as well as other plants which are associated with impurity.

What nationality eats the most onions?

World onion production is estimated at approximately 105 billion pounds each year. The average annual onion consumption calculates to approximately 13.67 pounds of onions per person across the world. Libya has the highest consumption of onions with an astounding average per capita consumption of 66.8 pounds.

What does the onion symbolize?

They’ve been woven into the fabric of traditions, often symbolizing prosperity and protection. In various cultures, onions were thought to ward off evil spirits, and they played a role in rituals, from weddings to funerals, signifying eternity due to their concentric layers

Can dogs eat onions?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat onions. These vegetables contain a compound called N-propyl disulphide which is highly toxic for dogs. This compound can cause the breakdown and eventual destruction of red blood cells and lead to anaemia. In extreme cases, onion poisoning can be fatal for dogs.

What is the deeper meaning of onion?

The metaphor of a peeling onion is often used to describe the layers of hurt we experience in our lives. Just as an onion has multiple layers that must be peeled away to reach its core, our emotional pain can also be multi-layered and complex. Here’s a comparison of the layers of hurt to a peeling onion: Outer Layers.

Southern Onion Pie Recipe 

I’ve taken all of the important and the subtle nuances of onions and layered them into this savory pie. It’s a cross between a classic southern tomato pie, a buttermilk pie and an onion tart. The caramelized onions start in a slow cooker with sherry and thyme (if you feel fancy). Overnight, the translucent petals of white, yellow, red and sweet onions melt, become bronzed and bathe in their own juices to produce a cohesive tangle of skins that are baked under a mayonnaise and Parmesan crust inside of a buttery pie shell and garnished with a little bit of fresh chopped chives. It’s super fantastic.

Southern Savory Onion Pie

Yield: 2 Pies; 6-8 Slices Per Pie

All of the important and the subtle nuances of onions and layered them into this savory pie. It’s a cross between a classic southern tomato pie, a buttermilk pie and an onion tart. The caramelized onions start in a slow cooker with sherry and thyme (if you feel fancy). Overnight, the translucent petals of white, yellow, red and sweet onions melt, become bronzed and bathe in their own juices to produce a cohesive tangle of skins that are baked under a mayonnaise and Parmesan crust inside of a buttery pie shell and garnished with a little bit of fresh chopped chives. It’s super fantastic.

INGREDIENTS

2 to 4 pounds white, yellow, red, and sweet onions, thinly sliced

3 Tablespoons cooking sherry

3/4 cup Greek yogurt

4 dashes hot pepper sauce (such as Cholula or Texas Pete)

2 eggs

salt and pepper, to taste

3 cups caramelized onions

1 pie shell

1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan or Gruyere cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 Tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Transfer all of the thinly sliced onions to the slow cooker — the slow cooker should be half to three-quarters full.

Cook for 5 hours on HIGH or 10 hours on LOW.

Stir occasionally, if possible — this will help them cook more evenly, but is not necessary.

After 5-10 hours, the onions will be golden-brown and soft, and they will have released a lot of liquid. Remove onions to a large bowl and let cool.

If you like onions with a deeper color, continue cooking for another 3 to 5 hours on LOW. Leave the lid ajar so the liquid can evaporate. Check every hour and stop cooking whenever the onions look and taste good.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large bowl, mix 3 cups of the cooled onions with yogurt, hot sauce, eggs and salt and pepper. Make sure all ingredients are well blended and then pour into 1 pie shell.

In a small bowl, mix grated cheese, mayonnaise, salt and pepper until well-blended. Spoon mixture on top of the onion mixture in the pie shell.

To prevent burning or over-browning the pie crust, cover the crust with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Remove foil from the pie crust and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Garnish with chives, if using. Let cool for a few minutes to settle before slicing.

Pie can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature.

This is delicious and you will fall in love with it!  I know I did.  

Find a Penny, Pick it Up! 

By: Kristin S. Adkins

Superstition says, “Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you’ll have good luck!.” Did you know there are many different superstitions about finding pennies? I didn’t so of course, I took a dive into the world wide web on a search about the superstition behind finding pennies. 

One of the more common superstitions is believed that when you find a penny in significant moments or in spiritual guidance periods of your life, they are believed that the coins can hold a spiritual message and serve as signs from the spiritual realm. Spiritual beliefs believe that pennies are like little notes from the universe that they are never alone. Other people believe that there are messages within the numbers on the penny. For example, finding a penny with your birth year on it could be interpreted as a sign that you are on the right path in life. The context in how you find the penny can always provide clues!

The superstition behind finding a penny and it bringing you good luck is considered an old folk belief. In this case, the idea that metal, regarded by many ancient cultures as quite valuable, was sent by the gods to protect those whom they favored. Penning being made from metal, find them and you’ll have good fortune! 

This one reminding me of my article about cardinals a few weeks ago, some people believe that finding random pennies are actually placed there for us to find by loved ones who have passed away. They believe its our love one giving us a sign to let them know they’re okay. An anonymous quote reads, “When an angel misses you, they toss a penny down…sometimes to cheer you up, to make a smile out of your frown. So, don’t pass by that penny when you’re feeling blue; it may be a penny from Heaven that an angel tossed to you.” As you can see there are a lot of different superstitions when it comes to loved ones who have passed, as my article on cardinals also had a very similar meaning. 

I’ve always thought when finding a penny that you only pick it up if it’s lying face up. I found out that goes back to ancient beliefs that there is a battle between good and evil. The heads on the penny became associated with good, while the tails became associated with evil or unlucky. 

As you see, there are so many different superstitions about finding a penny here, there and everywhere. Just a little fun fact if you didn’t know, the first penny in the United States was minted in 1787 and was designed by Benjamin Franklin. It was called a Fugue and was made of 100% copper.

The Beautiful Tulip Tree

With Spring here and plants blooming I’ve really started paying close attention to the different trees in my neighborhood. Recently I noticed, my beautiful Eastern Redbud tree in my front yard that blooms the most beautiful purple-pinkish flower in the Spring has a disease and the trunk is splitting. So my poor Redbud tree will have to be removed and I will have to replace it with a new tree.

Have you ever seen a Tulip Tree? After doing some research to determine how big a Tulip tree gets, as well as I always like to find out if the trees are pretty sturdy and not as prone to getting diseases etc… I put it in my list of possible replacements. Yes, I had to make a list or I would definitely forget all the names of the trees that I’ve loved.

In my research, I’ve learned a couple of things. Tulip trees grow extraordinarily tall and straight, with thick gray trunks and spreading roots. They get as tall as 100 feet, some even maturing to over 150 feet. The leaves and branches have a spread of forty feet. The tulip trees get their name both from the leaves and their flowers. You can expect to start seeing the blooms of this gorgeous tree mid to late May or early June after its leaves are developed.

Tulip tree wood is strong and versatile and has been used to make furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments and wood veneer. Did you know that the seeds of a Tulip tree are an important food source for wildlife such as finches, rabbits & squirrels? The Cherokee tribe used parts of the Tulip Poplar tree as medicine. They would treat parasitic worms, coughs, gastro distress, fever and snake bites.

I always like to look up what plants symbolize. I found out that Tulip trees symbolize Roots of Freedom. At the founding of this nation, tulip trees were often designated as gathering places in the towns and cities across the colonies.

After all my research while Tulip trees are gorgeous, I don’t think it would be good for my yard as they are very fast growers and can reach soaring heights. Definitely bigger than my Eastern Redbud I currently have. I’ll tell you though, if I had some space and land I would love to have quite a few of these beautiful tree on my land. Trees that bloom beautiful flowers always are my favorite!

Moving On Up: Buying a Luxury Home

Buying a luxury home is equal parts exciting as it is nerve-wracking. When buying a luxury home you’re investing a lot of money and/or committing to a substantial mortgage. With a large investment like this comes a lot of homework and ensuring you’re buying the right property for you and your family. Oftentimes, the same mistakes first-time homebuyers make are the same ones people make when buying a luxury home. This is written to help give you the best tips when it comes to buying a luxury home.

What Makes a House a Luxury Home?

What constitutes a luxury home is going to vary depending on the location. Considered to be homes that are in the top 10% of properties listed on the local real estate market, luxury homes offer luxurious living conditions and an extravagant lifestyle. This is a great definition for luxury homes in any market whether it’s Charlotte, NC, Virginia, or San Francisco, CA. A luxury home is typically unique to other homes in the area typically thanks to the location, the land, the size, and the high-end finishes throughout. Whether you’re buying a luxury condo, luxury townhome, or any type of luxury property this is a great way to define what a luxury home is.

When you’re shopping for a lavish house, it’s easy to get swept away by some of the incredible amenities and designs. All of a sudden, you’re enamored with the idea of having a tennis court when you’ve never been interested in playing tennis before in your life. It’s natural to get carried away in this regard, so your best defense is making a list of what you need, what you want, and what you could go either way on.

When you’re thinking about what you want out of a home, go beyond how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. Think about the location you want to live in, how much privacy you desire, which amenities are musts and which you could live without, and how the area might change over time. Of course, you’ll also want to be attentive to how much you’ll want to spend on maintenance and repairs over the years, as luxury homes can be quite expensive to maintain.

There are a number of considerations that determine whether it is a house is high-end. Let’s take a look at 7 important characteristics of high-end homes.

1. Price

Any home buyer who wants a premium home understands that they will pay more for it. As with size, though, price is relative to the location and amenities. You can expect to pay more for property that is located on the water or located in a resort community.

However, buyers should tread carefully judging luxury based on price. The housing market changes all the time. Pricing should be secondary to considering the more permanent elements of luxury.

2. Location

The old adage is true that real estate is all about location, location, location. In the end, you can change many things about a piece of property except where it sits. And that location is the only truly one-of-a-kind feature of any home.

Finding the right location is personal for each buyer. This may mean a gated community, close access to entertainment and shopping, the right schools, or a historically significant home. What the location should have is something that makes it unique and desirable to homeowners.

3. Quality

Many of the elements of luxury are based on personal taste and are clearly evident. The details matter in luxury homes. Finishes, trim, fixtures, appliances, design, and construction materials should all be above standard.

4. Amenities

What does the home offer that is out of the ordinary? This could be features like a boat lift and pier, a pool, a spa, or a home gym. This could be interior surprises like heated floors, home automation, or a home theater. Community amenities like security, golf courses and private beaches can also factor into the luxury experience.

5. Privacy

Your home should be your castle, and a luxury home even more so. Part of the luxury you likely want is privacy. That privacy can be from lot size, location, landscape, layout, and physical security of the property or its neighborhood.

6. Provenance

The value of a home may go up based on whether the home has a story or history. This may include homes built by renowned architects and designers or homes situated in a noteworthy location. Provenance may also include homes that have been lived in by historical families of importance or celebrities.

7. Be Patient

Buying a luxury home is different than buying a more typical house. There are fewer buyers in this area, meaning there is less competition and things tend to move more slowly. The last thing you want to do is make a rushed decision when it comes to such a huge financial decision.

If it’s time for you to transition to a life of luxury, don’t do so in haste. Give yourself time to view a lot of different properties and allow yourself the space to make the right decision.

Finding the right mix of these six elements and others is key to finding the right luxury home. But this is a complex task, and the best path to success is working with local luxury real estate professionals.  Elaine VonCannon, Associate Broker of Coldwell Banker Traditions Luxury Homes Division specializes in the Virginia luxury housing market. She can help any buyer weigh their options and decide what is most important to them. Call her to make an appointment.

The epitome of a luxurious home is not just a well-appointed home. Rather, a luxurious home is one whose amenities allow for the owner to feel lavished upon or spoiled. Think royalty; Think opulence; Think extreme extravagance. The word luxury brings to mind plenty of conveniences such as pools, saunas, in-home gyms, backyard tennis courts, game rooms, and fully-stocked kitchens, but what are the items that luxury home buyers want the most?  What is a luxury homebuyer looking for when shopping for their new abode? Here are 10 ideas listed in order of popularity that we think may intrigue even the wealthiest of home shoppers (or if you’re not among the jet-set, then here are 10 lavish home ideas that you can attempt to replicate on a much lower scale and less affluent budget).

1. A Home Where Character Counts – Open Floor Plans Triumph

A home is not luxurious unless it has a grand entryway with a large two-story staircase and an expansive, airy open floor plan.  In fact, an open floor plan is the number one criteria cited in a 2013 luxury home survey done by Coldwell Banker.

2.  Technology

We cannot shy away from the ever-increasing swarm of technological innovations. Today’s homeowners want it all when it comes to technology, and the builders that cater to this tech-trend are the ones who stay at the top of the real estate 

market. Literally, with a touch of a button on your iPhone you can now lock your doors, control your homes climate, control lights and control your alarm system all from the other side of the country! These are the built-in features that today’s luxury homebuyers are looking for builders who install these wireless home automation devices are spot-on with the trends that luxury homebuyers want. On the opposite end of the technology spectrum is a growing trend for reclaimed materials. Homeowners are increasingly becoming aware of their environmental imprint and are looking for homes that use old reclaimed materials such as wood beams, wood flooring and doors.

3.  Fully-Stocked Kitchen with Warming Draws and Wine Cellar

Ah the kitchen, the heart of the home. Opulent living requires a magnificent kitchen. Forbes Magazine cites that an appliance-lined, commercial-grade kitchen is a necessity when it comes to a million dollar home.  An affluent kitchen will always contain warming draws, wine fridges, restaurant quality appliances, and plenty of storage via a walk-in pantry.

Are you looking for your dream home? Many Americans who are in a position to enjoy a home that is a cut above the norm look for one in the luxury housing market. But what defines a luxury home? And how should these factors be personalized for you? Discover what you need to know about six of the most important defining features.

4.  Outdoor Kitchens and Pools

A fully-stocked indoor kitchen is simply not enough for one who seeks luxury.  Wealthy buyers now crave the creature comforts of a cozy outdoor kitchen and cooking area. The top amenities of the ideal outdoor kitchen would include a built-in gas grill, a sink and stainless food prep area, a small fridge for food and drink storage, and plenty of lavish stone patio seating areas for entertaining. Large pools, hot tubs and changing cabanas also top this lavish wish list. Expansive pools with water features such as waterfalls and plenty of privacy are a must. The leisure life is moving out-of-doors and those homes that have this al fresco flair rank high in the upper crust life style.

5.  Location, Location, Location

Location is the crown jewel of home ownership. Rich or poor? Everyone desires their little piece of paradise. An expansive, private, tree-lined property that keeps prying eyes out is a necessity when it comes to luxuriant living.  Wealthy buyers desire exclusivity on their property; a concealed oasis; a place to be free to relax and wind down in the utmost of secrecy. Whether the property be exclusive beach front, or an expansive ranch?  All luxury home buyers want the perfect clandestine location.

6.  Game and Theatre Rooms

Gaming and movie rooms are an oldie but a still an added plus when it comes to luxuriant living.  It is already a given that a million dollar home should have an in-home theatre and game room. Wealthy home owners are looking to take this trend even farther with amenities such as indoor basketball courts, indoor pools, and lavish sports bar set-ups that feature televisions and liquor storage. Essentially, the more unique gaming and theatre facilities there are, the better; the main goal being the creation of a space where a homeowner never feels the need to leave the comforts of home – it’s all there at their fingertips.

7.  Spa Bathroom

A sumptuous life requires a sumptuous bathroom.  The travels of an affluent individual will take them to some of the world’s best spas and hotels.  Homeowners want to re-create this opulence into their everyday lives via spa-like bathrooms in their very own homes. This includes massive walk-in showers with head-to-toe shower jets, floors with radiant heat, towel warmers, and of course a huge soaker tub where one can escape the stresses of Wall Street.

8.  Exercise Room

The wealthy don’t like to sweat it out at the gym in front of everyone. Who can blame them when they can afford their own private fitness facilities in their very own homes? The zenith of home gyms would obviously include plenty of space for weights and equipment, but would also include built-in wireless speakers, televisions, and of course, a sauna and indoor pool for post-workout relaxation.

9.  Bedroom Fit for a King and Queen

Luxury shouldn’t stop when one crosses the threshold of their most private sanctuary – the bedroom. So many hours of our lives are spent in the bedroom.  It is imperative that the bedroom be a large open space with room for a massive bed and plenty of seating areas. Top-notch technology is also desired in this private abode. With built-in automation systems for lighting, security, remote control window shades and climate control topping the list of bedroom must-haves.

10.  Dressing Room – Superlative Storage Space

An extension of the bedroom is the dressing room. A high priority for wealthy women is a place to store and display their extravagant purchases such as shoes and purses.  Women and men alike seem to have an increasing desire for a large separate room for dressing and displaying their high-end garments.  This area of the home would require walls lined with cedar shelves, racks to display shoes, purses and neckties, and of course plenty of lighting and mirrors to model your chosen outfit or apply makeup.

Decide What You’re Looking for Ahead of Time

When you’re shopping for a lavish house, it’s easy to get swept away by some of the incredible amenities and designs. All of a sudden, you’re enamored with the idea of having a tennis court when you’ve never been interested in playing tennis before in your life. It’s natural to get carried away in this regard, so your best defense is making a list of what you need, what you want, and what you could go either way on.

When you’re thinking about what you want out of a home, go beyond how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. Think about the location you want to live in, how much privacy you desire, which amenities are musts and which you could live without, and how the area might change over time. Of course, you’ll also want to be attentive to how much you’ll want to spend on maintenance and repairs over the years, as luxury homes can be quite expensive to maintain.

Your version of luxury and style may drastically vary from others –we all have our own décor tastes and lifestyle goals – however, one thing is for certain – luxury is attainable in your home by including the most modern amenities, technologies and comforts. Do you have all of these abundant amenities in your home? Are you thinking of a remodel or on the market for a new home? If so, then print out this list and take it with you when shopping for your next dream escape?  It will surely help you find the perfect luxury home!

Can We All Sing Hallelujah!

“Hallelujah” is a song written by Canadian singer Leonard Cohen, originally released on his album Various Positions (1984). Achieving little initial success, the song found greater popular acclaim through a new version recorded by John Cale in 1991. Cale’s version inspired a 1994 recording by Jeff Buckley that in 2004 was ranked number 259 on Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

Of course, it’s important to start the conversation about “Hallelujah” with its lyrics. Cohen, who is considered one of music’s greatest poets, writes expertly and exquisitely about the human condition, about love and sadness and remorse and hope in the track. It’s because of these themes that the song has since become timeless.

The song, which includes several obvious Biblical references, utilizes the single word, “Hallelujah,” as its chorus. It’s exultant but it’s also a song about the dark side of humanity and of our most cherished trait: love. Love, though desired and cherished, is not only blissful. As Cohen writes, “It’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah.”

The song achieved widespread popularity after Cale’s version of it was featured in the 2001 film Shrek. Many other arrangements have been performed in recordings and in concert, with more than 300 versions known as of 2008. The song has been used in film and television soundtracks and televised talent contests. “Hallelujah” experienced renewed interest following Cohen’s death in November 2016 and re-appeared on international singles charts, including entering the American Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.

History

Cohen is reputed to have written around 80  to as many as 180  draft verses for “Hallelujah”—a number affected by the accounting question that he had many versions of the same line. Cohen is said to have claimed 150 draft verses, a claim substantiated by his notebooks containing manifold revisions and additions, and by contemporary interviews. In a writing session in New York’s Royalton Hotel, Cohen is famously said to have been reduced to sitting on the floor in his underwear, filling notebooks, banging his head on the floor. Dan Geller and Dayna Goldfine, creators of the 2022 documentary film Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song, said that Cohen took about five years to write the song, and reconfigured it numerous times for performances.

Unlike some other songs that became anthems, “Hallelujah” initially was on an album that was rejected by Columbia Records, was largely ignored after an independent label released it, was not widely covered until John Cale’s 1991 version, and did not reach the Billboard charts until Cohen’s death in 2016. Reflecting on the song’s initial rejection, Cohen related that Columbia told him that “we know you are great, but don’t know if you are any good”.

Following his original 1984 studio-album version, Cohen performed the original song on his world tour in 1985, but live performances during his 1988 and 1993 tours almost invariably contained a quite different set of lyrics. Numerous singers mix lyrics from both versions, and occasionally make direct lyric changes; for example, in place of Cohen’s “holy dove”, Canadian-American singer Rufus Wainwright substituted “holy dark”, while Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Crowe sang “holy ghost“.

Musical composition and lyrical interpretation

Hallelujah”, in its original version, is in 12/8 time, which evokes both early rock and roll and gospel music. Written in the key of C major, the chord progression of of C, F, G, A minor, F matches those referenced in the song’s famous first verse.

His original version, recorded on his 1984 album Various Positions, contains allusions to several biblical verses, including the stories of Samson and Delilah from the Book of Judges (“she cut your hair”) as well as King David and Bathsheba (“you saw her bathing on the roof, her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you”).

Cohen’s lyrical poetry and his view that “many different hallelujahs exist” is reflected in wide-ranging covers with very different intents or tones, allowing the song to be “melancholic, fragile, uplifting [or] joyous” depending on the performer:The Welsh singer-songwriter John Cale, the first person to record a cover version of the song (in 1991), promoted a message of “soberness and sincerity” in contrast to Cohen’s dispassionate tone; the cover by Jeff Buckley, an American singer-songwriter, is more sorrowful and was described by Buckley as “a hallelujah to the orgasm”; Crowe interpreted the song as a “very sexual” composition that discussed relationships; Wainwright offered a “purifying and almost liturgical” interpretation; and Guy Garvey of the British band Elbow made the hallelujah a “stately creature” and incorporated his religious interpretation of the song into his band’s recordings. Noting its inclusion in the 2001 animated movie Shrek and performance in numerous singing competition reality shows, New York Times movie reviewer A. O. Scott wrote that “Hallelujah is one of those rare songs that survives its banalization with at least some of its sublimity intact”.

Canadian singer k.d. lang said in an interview shortly after Cohen’s death that she considered the song to be about “the struggle between having human desire and searching for spiritual wisdom. It’s being caught between those two places.” Former Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page, who sang the song at Canadian politician Jack Layton’s funeral, described the song as being “about disappointing [other] people”.

The song was the subject of a 2012 book, The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley & the Unlikely Ascent of ‘Hallelujah’; author Alan Light said that Cohen’s “approach to language and craft feel unlike the work of anybody else. They sound rooted in poetry and literature because he studied as a poet and a novelist first.” The book served as the basis for the 2022 documentary film Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song; the film’s co-creator said that Cohen “addressed the deepest of our human concerns about longing for connection and longing for some sort of hope, transcendence and acknowledgment of the difficulties of life.”

Financial Times arts and culture columnist Enuma Okoro wrote that “the lyrics and the tone of the song seem to sway between hymn and dirge, two musical forms that could serve as responses to almost everything that happens in our lives: songs that celebrate and acknowledge the blessings and provisions of our lives, and songs that bemoan our losses, our heartbreaks, and our deaths”.[24] Okoro noted that the word hallelujah is composed of two Hebrew words that mean “praise God”, adding that Cohen said people have been “singing it for thousands of years to affirm our little journey”.

Cohen references the stories of Samson and Delilah from the Book of Judges, singing, She cut your hair. He also talks about King David and Bathsheba: Now I heard there was a secret chord that David and it pleased the Lord and You saw her bathing on the roof, her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you.

Often, he’s saying, when in a relationship, it can feel more like a competition, to win instead of to appreciate. This stanza warns against this common behavior in people. Do better, Cohen seems to say, even when it’s hard, dark, and cold.

Meaning of “Hallelujah”

      This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled. But there are moments when we can reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that’s what I mean by ‘Hallelujah.’

—Leonard Cohen[

Where songs come from

      Even Cohen, like the king in the song, was baffled by Hallelujah. He didn’t want to explain it and decided he probably couldn’t if he tried. He said: “If I knew where songs came from, I would go there more often.”

Xan Brooks, The Guardian

I love Leonard Cohen.  Please, take time and give him a listen.