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Plants don’t just grow because you water them. They grow because their environment gives them the right balance of light, air, space, humidity, and even stability. Over the years, I’ve learned this the hard way—plants can be fussy roommates. When I lived in my old apartment in New York City, I tried to create a green sanctuary out of a tiny, sun-starved space. No matter how much I fussed over my plants, they refused to thrive. Some limped along for a while, others withered ov

When I first started making soap, I imagined it as a dreamy, almost meditative process—pouring melted base into molds, sprinkling in...

There’s a certain thrill that comes with wandering through the plant section of a big-box store or even the floral aisle of your local...

It all started with a simple trip to my local H-E-B supermarket. I wasn’t planning anything elaborate, just picking up groceries for the...

There are certain foods that seem to hold entire seasons within them. Apple pies taste like September afternoons. Hot chocolate tastes...

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Mooncake Day among us Asian folks, has always held a special place in my heart. It’s a time when...

It starts innocently enough. You open your pantry or fridge with the noble intent of making dinner. Maybe you’re picturing roasted garlic...

Hello, kindred spirits! I’m beyond excited to welcome you to The Astra-Botanica , a cozy corner of the internet where cosmic wonder and...

When I moved to North Austin, I was looking forward to the things I never really got living my whole life in NYC—more space, a quieter...