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Realtor Dr. Ebony McArthur
After almost twenty years into her professional career, Dr. Ebony McArthur continues to push herself and her brand in new directions. Dr. McArthur is the CEO of multiple companies, including but not limited to the McArthur Real Estate Group, The Werking Mom, and her very own McArthur Roots Real Estate and Financial Literacy Academy. McArthur has mastered gracefully balancing all aspects of her work life, and for her, that’s the easy part.
By: Phenix S Halley
Realtor Dr. Ebony McArthur
“When you have a passion and it’s something that you love, it really doesn’t feel like work. It may seem like a lot to people on the outside, but it seems very balanced on my end and my everyday…I was fortunate enough to get into a career path that I actually love and I enjoy and most of my businesses all flow into each other,” she says. Ambitious is one of the many words used to describe Dr. Ebony McArthur. On top of wearing a variety of professional hats, Dr. McArthur is a wife and mother of four. “My ‘why?’ has always been my children and my husband who are my number one supporters,” she says. As “the werking mom,”
herself, McArthur understands the struggle of balancing personal with professional, but she relies on her family to motivate her in all aspects. To keep her businesses running seamlessly, Dr. Ebony makes sure that her family is involved as much as possible in the real estate business. Her 21-year-old son is a computer science major in college but also has his real estate license. Her oldest son has his bachelor’s degree in psychology, and even with his professional career, McArthur is actively working to help him obtain his real estate license. Her husband, Jerome, is a dual-career professional, but he works as a licensed realtor with the company as well. Dr. Ebony’s family is proof of her philosophy that real estate can “run parallel” to any other goals someone may have. She teaches this message to everyone interested in obtaining wealth through real estate and finance, and she has no plans on stopping until she reaches as many people as possible. She says “In my day-to-day, I just try to make sure that I am preaching and teaching building wealth through real estate to almost everybody that I come in contact with. So if I’m out and about at the grocery store and someone stops me, then I want to be known as someone that educates on real estate, financial literacy, and building wealth off the real estate.”
The Baltimore City native is also working on securing her legacy, and she says her nonprofit organization is the “icing on the cake.” The McArthur Group Outreach Program was established in 2022 by the McArthur family as a way to give back to under-served communities. A large part of the organization is dedicated to education services for US veterans. Dr. Ebony’s husband is a medically retired veteran, so for her, it was not only important to acknowledge the needs of veterans in the area but to also begin bridging the information gap. “I was finding that it was a knowledge gap with veterans understanding
financial literacy and navigating the VA call, which also kind of folds back into my career path,” she says. Additionally, Dr. McArthur uses her non-profit to travel and speak with young people who may be interested in starting their own business or joining a real estate team. She focuses on giving back to the community in as many ways as possible, and through the Outreach Program, she is not only an educator but also an inspiration and guide for those coming after her. “Once you reach a certain pinnacle of success, you’re not a true success unless you’re helping others become successful,” she says.
When asked about her secret to success, Dr. McArthur attributes everything to her own self-determination and motivation. “I am really self-motivated, and when I have goals and I have a focus to do something, then I typically work as hard as I can to get it done,” she says. From beginning her real estate business to obtaining her doctorate in December 2023, Dr. Ebony sets out her personal and professional goals and does everything to achieve them. “One of my biggest goals that I did want to achieve was obtaining my doctorate degree. I’m really big on education, so I really just wanted to educate myself at the highest level,” she says.
Dr. McArthur finds education to be the key to major success. “My goal is to educate myself as much as possible so that I can stay on top of the market trends [and] stay on top of the bond market and everything in the finance world also,” she says. As a Black woman in a male-dominated industry, Dr. Ebony has struggled to make a name for herself and her community. “It’s tough to navigate, and it’s tough to earn the respect of your male peers, but I do feel like I’m bridging that gap a little bit, and I am seeing some of that respect that [women] want and deserve for our hard work,” she says. Lending a hand to those often forgotten in local communities is her passion,
and through her work as the owner of multiple businesses, she can be a resource for those without one. Her determination is paying off. She bought her first investment property at the age of eighteen, and since then, business expansion has been a focus. With all of the success she has had in the past twenty years, Dr. McArthur has not lost sight of the journey taken to get to this position. She is still striving for higher heights, and she remains a force to be reckoned. “I’m still at a stage in my career where I’m taking it all in… I walk into the brokerage, and I can’t believe that it’s my brokerage…. This is all that I envisioned and all that I ever wanted to do with my life.”
SKIN CARE IS SELF CARE WHY A SKIN CARE ROUTINE IS GOOD FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
By: Phenix S Halley
An overwhelming majority of Americans believe the country is in a mental health crisis, according to KFF. With over 18 million Americans suffering from depression every single year, it becomes imperative that we take care of each other. This starts with taking care of yourself. By practicing methods of self-care, you are equipping yourself with the strength to tackle problems affecting your everyday life.
Human beings are creatures of habit. Those who form good and consistent habits tend to be happier people. Having good habits gives you a sense of control over your life, even when it may seem like the world is falling apart around you. By being consistent with yourself, you are also motivated to be consistent in other areas of your life.A Southern New Hampshire University study concluded that engaging in some form of a self-care routine can help reduce stress and work towards eliminating anxiety and depression. This routine can be anything from going to the gym, cooking meals for yourself, or doing anything else that makes you happy and feel motivated. If you have no idea where to start, try forming an at-home skincare routine!
According to Civic Science, only 46 percent of people have a somewhat consistent skincare routine. In your day-to-day life, your skin experiences a lot from changes in weather to everyday stress. You are constantly shedding dead skin cells, so by having a solid skincare routine, you can keep your skin in a healthy condition. Additionally, having a consistent routine will reduce the appearance of aging, combat wrinkles, and make your skin glow, reports the Skin Center of South Miami.If you are interested in building a solid skincare routine, here are some things to keep in mind:
First, it is important to invest in yourself and your skin. This starts with having good quality products. Research to find out what type of skin you have and which products on the market will work best for your skin. Start small with a facial wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen. From there, experiment with different serums, oils, and athome face masks to complete your routine.
It is also important to keep skincare goals. Maybe you want to combat your acne or get rid of dark circles around your eyes. Whatever your concerns are, keeping and working towards your goals will help motivate you to stay consistent. Additionally, tracking your skincare journey shows your progress, and will give you a sense of self-accomplishment which will increase your self-esteem and overall mental health.
The key to any skincare routine is hydration. When someone says “Oh wow, your skin is glowing!” they are referring to how hydrated your skin looks. This “glowing” skin is happy skin, and it is often a reflection of your routine. Lastly, understand that skincare is trial and error. Products that once worked for you in the past can stop working. Do not give up! Simply adjust to a new and improved routine and schedule that works better for the future health of your skin.Consistency is key. By investing in yourself and your goals, you can accomplish virtually anything. There are days when you won’t want to take extra time to complete every single step in your routine, and that is okay. The most important part of your journey is not giving up on yourself and being kind to yourself. The purpose of self-care is to treat yourself, so remember with any routine you begin to form, you have to take care of yourself and be patient.
If you are experiencing forms of anxiety and depression, know that you are not alone. In addition to establishing a routine that works for you, contact your local therapist, counselor, or doctor for further guidance regarding your mental health.
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WHAT WILL BE THE FASHION THIS SUMMER FOR
MEN & WOMEN
By:
Phenix S HalleyFrom innovative high fashion shows to DIY influencers on social media, it is safe to say that this upcoming summer will be full of exciting fashion looks for everyone to enjoy.
Last year, the color was red! The bold and fiery primary color was perfect for the first summer outside in a post-pandemic world. Although red is not going anywhere anytime soon, this upcoming summer, we will be seeing a lot of more cool-tone colors, specifically blue. Shades of blue usually are associated with peace and calmness, according to Rhinestones Unlimited. As the weather continues to warm up, the color blue is the perfect compliment to any outfit through a baby blue basic or a brighter blue statement piece.Speaking of blue, denim is coming back with a vengeance! In true American fashion, jeans never went out of style, but this upcoming season, we will be seeing full-on denim-on-denim outfits.
Jean overalls and denim jumpsuits are quickly becoming statement pieces that fashion lovers can easily dress up or down depending on the occasion. Long denim skirts have been slowly making a reappearance in high fashion arenas and even thrift stores worldwide. These skirts are the perfect everyday piece that can be paired with sandals, sneakers, or even a heel if you’re feeling spicy!
Charmed jewelry, specifically necklaces and bracelets, is becoming a go-to accessory for men and women alike. With the recent popularity of the Van Cleef and Arpels charmed bracelets, more people are incorporating charmed jewelry into their everyday fashion. Charmed jewelry can be a beautiful and perfect statement piece either layered, with other necklaces or bracelets, or acting alone.We are starting to see a turn away from simple and “safe” outfit choices, to more bold and standout fashion decisions. With that being said, animal prints are surprisingly taking over. Glamour calls it the “mob-wife” aesthetic. Leopard and cheetah prints are being paired with accent colors like red, blue, emerald green, and even more neutral tones of brown and black. Investing in a pair of printed pants, shoes, or a jacket creates a statement with any outfit regardless of the occasion. You can easily build noticeable outfits surrounding your printed piece. Incorporating colors and textures can be exciting and fun to do.
In light of Beyoncé’s and Taylor Swift’s recent musical releases and tours, we continue to see an increase in sparkly patterns. Glitter, chrome, and sequence seem to be staying for a while. Silver accents in particular
are trending regarding jewelry, shoes, and bags.On the topic of bags, at this point, you should own a tote bag. Not only are they perfect for an on-the-go vibe, but they are also practical and sustainable. In true summer fashion, patterned totes and graphic totes are popular amongst the youth. For a day at the park or a beach trip, use your tote to carry the necessities (and the not-sonecessities). Tote bags are gender-neutral. For men and non-binary people, a tote bag is still an easy accessory to throw over the shoulder while remaining in style.
Another gender-neutral trend we are seeing is stripes. Whether they are vertical or horizontal, stripes are a perfect way to add excitement to a basic outfit. We will be seeing striped, flowy pants as a more feminine trend while striped shirts, specifically polo style, will be a more casual, gender-neutral take on the pattern.The key to tackling fashion this summer is to remember that trends come and go. Take the ideas that work for you and incorporate them into your wardrobe. Adding your personal flare to current trends is how you maintain your creativity and individuality. Fashion should be fun! Allow these upcoming trends to act as your inspiration, and maybe even create a trend of your own for us to follow.
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I am an award-winning, full-time REALTOR connoisseur, with 18 + years of real estate experience, specializing in the DC, Maryland and Virginia real estate market. As a 27-year military spouse, I have lived in various parts of the country and have experienced all aspects of the real estate business, from interior design, land purchase, new construction and home resales. I am ready to put my wealth of knowledge and awardwinning expertise to work for you! You can expect a patient, informative, and drama-free experience when you select me to assist you in finding your next piece of real estate paradise. Call or email me today for a free consultation. I look forward to providing you with outstanding service!
Women in Boating
Who Says it’s a Man’s Domain?
Drop the gender stereotypes and just call me Captain – sharing my passion for boating with women of all ages
I have been blessed with some wonderful friends in my life, men and women. It is particularly useful to have male friends around when you need a refrigerator moved or a fallen tree cut up and hauled off.
But when the job calls for launching or docking a boat, navigating through tight quarters, or simply taking the helm, I don’t feel the need to call on any friends. Just call me captain.
For too long, boating has been a male-dominated industry. As a lifelong Floridian who grew up on boats, I take great joy in sharing my passion for boating with women of all ages.
As the only child of two professional water skiers, I learned boating skills at a young age. There was never a question of whether I could do it; it was only a matter of how long it would take me to master a new task. I grew up believing women were fully capable of driving a boat and handling a trailer.
I purchased my first boat at age 24, splitting the cost with my thenboyfriend. A few years later, I bought out his half. Now, as owner of the Jacksonville and St. Augustine locations of Freedom Boat Club, I manage a fleet of more than 60 boats, not including two of my own.
Thirty years after buying my first boat, my enthusiasm for being out on the water has not diminished. In fact, it has grown along with my ability to share my passion with others. I am grateful to be able to provide the opportunity for others to experience the joys of boating without the hassles or aggravation.
Above all, through my business, I relish the chance to help women become confident, enthusiastic boaters.
I have one friend who literally sat in the back of the boat, clutching her purse and her 9-year-old daughter, the first time they went for a ride. A short while ago, she came into my office and greeted me with a “high five,” telling me how she had just taken the boat out and then pulled into the nearby dock to get gas. I have another woman who took her girlfriends out by herself, and she says previously she would have not even entertained the thought.
What is keeping you from experiencing the joys of boating? Don’t allow outdated gender stereotypes to get in the way of a great time.
SUMMER SALADS
By Mya Trujillo
What better than a forkful of crisp, in-season vegetables (and sometimes fruit!) to refresh your palate as the hot summer sun beats down on the back of your neck? Salads can serve as a great side dish, or even as an entree. You can truly get creative with this versatile dish.
Southwestern
Want something fresh and Mexican-inspired? Try this Southwestern chopped salad!
Photo from Little Broken
• Lettuce
• Cilantro
• Red onions
• Yellow Corn
• Tomatoes
• Black Beans
• Chicken or Steak
• Lime Juice
• Avocado Hot sauce
Pasta Salad
This is one of my absolute favorites and it’s an easy way to clean out your fridge if need be.
Photo from Allrecipes
• Tri-color rotini pasta
• Diced ham
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Artichoke hearts
• Green peppers
• Cucumbers
• Cheese of your choice (I prefer shredded cheddar)
• Italian dressing
Caprese Bruschetta Salad
Bruschetta pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc, making the perfect meal for a cool evening out on the porch as you watch the skies’ blue hues turn into pinks and oranges. You can spoon it onto some bread, or eat it by itself.
Photo from Taste
• Tomatoes
• Mozzarella
• Balsamic Vinegar (I like to put extra)
• Toasted French Bread (optional)
Fresh Mint Watermelon Salad
This salad is a combination of flavors I didn’t think I’d like, but this is one of my go-to summer treats. The tajin is optional, but I just love pairing it with watermelon. I would suggest drizzling lime justice and sprinkling tajin on top of the watermelon before adding the rest of the ingredients.
Photo from Texas Hill Country Olive Co.
• Chopped watermelon
• Cojita cheese
• Mint
• Lime juice
• Tajin (optional
Summer Fruit Salad
You can never go wrong with a fruit salad. Ultimately, you decide what you put in it, but here’s one of my favorite summertime combinations.
Photo from Small Town Woman
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Honeydew melon
• Pineapple
• Fresh Mint
Asian Cucumber Salad
This one is quick and easy to make! Its ingredients may be simple, but the flavors will have you hooked after the first bite.
Photo from Alpha Foodie
• Sliced cucumbers
• Rice Vinegar
• Soy sauce
Spring Roll Salad
• Sesame oil
• Chili paste
Vietnamese spring rolls are a super easy, freshtasting snack to enjoy in the summer. If you’re running short on time, or simply don’t feel inclined to deal with the flimsy, fragile rice paper, just put all your favorite spring roll ingredients into a bowl and eat it by the forkful!
Photo from Eatwell101
• Bún rice noodles
• Bean sprouts
• Shredded carrots
• Cilantro
• Cucumbers
• Butter lettuce
• Shrimp
• Peanut sauce
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Office: (240) 737-5000
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My dedication to exceptional client service does not cease with the completion of the sale. I pride myself on providing continued client satisfaction long after the initial transaction as I continue to serve your best interest. In an ever-changing market, I know that it is imperative that both buyers and sellers are consistently provided the most up-to-date information necessary to make the most accurate of decisions. -
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Wineries and Vineyards to Visit in the DC Metro Area
By Mya Trujillo
The DMV area is home to hundreds of wineries and vineyards, made possible due to Maryland’s subtropical climate and Virginia’s macroclimate which are optimal for grape production. According to the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, growing grapes in the state’s southern region is far from difficult since they prefer warm days and cool nights.
According to the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office, the state’s diverse climate and growing conditions make it a haven for various grape varieties, resulting in state-ofthe-art wines.
Here are seven wineries in the DC Metropolitan area and what makes them unique.
District Winery
Located in Yards Park, District Winery is Washington’s first winery. Co-founded by Brian Leventhal and John Stires, this commercial urban winery sources grapes from all over the country. Encompassing the nature of being located in the nation’s capital, District Winery showcases the myriad of grape varieties and wine flavor profiles present throughout the country. Winemaker Conor McCormack sources grapes from New York, California and Washington, which were the top three wine-producing states in 2018 as recorded by the National Association of American Wineries.
(Photo from District Winery Facebook)
Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard
Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard is the first African immigrant-owned establishment of its kind in the United States. It is also the first vineyard to call Laurel, MD home. Founded by Nigerian-born Ifeoma Oniya, the winery’s grand opening took place on October 14, 2023. Wine Business Analytics reports the existence of over 12,000 wineries in the United States, meaning Oniya makes up approximately 0.008% of the country’s winery owners. Due to her eagerness to start this business, Oniya is actively opening up spaces for Black people to thrive where they aren’t often seen.
The wine industry isn’t very diverse, with a whopping 68% of winemakers being white and 8.5% being Black or African American. The industry is also imbalanced when it comes to sex demographics, as shown by the fact that 82.2% of winemakers are men and only 17.8% are women.
(Photo from Clyopatra Winery and Vineyard Facebook)
Negus Winery
Negus Winery is located in Alexandria, VA. It is the American home of Tej, Ethiopia’s national drink. Tej is a kind of honey-wine adjacent mead, and the recipe at Negus has been passed down for generations. The winery’s Mama’s Honey Wine is an ode to CEO Gize Negussie’s mother, who guided him when he first started making wine. He utilizes her traditions for Tej-making and mixes them with his own brewing practices.
Tej has been consumed by Ethiopians for over 3000 years. Tej is thought to be one of the oldest-produced alcoholic beverages in the world. Tej is different from mead in the sense that aside from the regular honey, water and yeast, it also consists of gesho to balance the flavors.
(Photo from Negus Winery website)
Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards
Barrel Oak Winery Barrel and Oak Winery is located in Delaplane, VA, and has been dubbed “Virginia’s Most Family Friendly Winery in the World.” The company has been around since 2006 and features 78 acres of vineyards and 5 tasting bars. In 2021, just a year before undergoing new management, this winery placed Double Gold at the San Francisco Wine Competition.
Barrel Oak has several snacking options on its menu from cheeses to paninis to soups. Guests are also able to bring their own food, as long as they eat at designated picnic tables for that purpose.
(Photo from Barrel Oak Facebook)
The Vineyards and Winery at Lost Creek
A Vineyard built on a foundation of love between cofounders Aimee and Todd Henkle. This winery uses sustainable growing practices and regularly prunes the grapes to enhance their flavor and ripeness. Pruning a vineyard means removing spurs and canes, which are woody younger and older (respectively) woody branches growing on the vine. When making wine the owners constantly remind themselves to not go overboard and to let the fruit tell its own unique All wines in the winery are crafted there every day, making it a wholly local Virginia vineyard and winery.
(Photo from Lost Creek Website).
New Market Plains Vineyard
The farm at New Plains Vineyard has been around since the 1760s, as it was the home and estate of New Market’s co-founder, Nicholas Hall. It is currently cycling through its eleventh generation of family ownership, as it is owned by Hall’s descendant, Susan Wilson. Because of her, the first municipal Forest Conversation was passed, urging landowners
The Annual Reader’s Choice Awards showcase the people, places and things that make Bowie Metro Area truly unique and great place to live and work.
We want to recognize and celebrate the best our community has to offer.
All of the winners and finalists will be published in our Reader’s Choice October publication and the red carpet award ceremony will be held in December!
Vote for you favorites daily, from February 1 - August 31, 2024.
Categories:
Best Art
Best Art/ Galleries
Best Casual Dining Restaurant
Best Caterers
Best Community Leaders
Best Dentist
Best Dermatologist
Best Dessert
Best Entertainment & Recreation
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Best Fitness Center or Studio
Best Health & Wellness
Best Home Builder
Best Home Design or Furnishing
Best Home Remodeler
Best Leadership
Best Pediatrician
Best Orthodontist
Best Primary Care Physician
Best Realtor
Best Specialty Retail or Boutique
Best Veterinary Clinic
GLAMPING VS. CAMPING
Exploring the Great Outdoors in Style and Simplicity
By Joy Young
Glamping, a combination of the words camping and glamor, is a more recent rendition of the style of camping we all know. While the driving feature of traditional camping has the ruggedness of roughing it in nature, glamping offers a luxurious retreat into the wilderness.
Glamping started in the late 90s/early 2000s, and glampers often have luxury accommodations in the place of tents and outdoor cooking. One of the hallmark features of glamping is its emphasis on convenience and comfort. Instead of sleeping on the ground, glampers have spacious accommodations such as internet and in suite bathrooms with cozy beds inside of yurts or upscale treehouses.
Glamping destinations range from remorse wilderness retreats to upscale resorts. Glamping offers a relaxing retreat from everyday life on their own terms, all while being outside in nature. While traditional camping may deter some with its rough conditions, glamping invites guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing modern luxuries.
In contrast to the opulence of glamping, traditional camping celebrates the simplicity of outdoor living while emphasizing a connection with nature. Pitching tents, building campfires, fishing, and cooking your own meals are rights of passage for camping enthusiasts, fostering a sense of self-reliance. Camping invites you to unplug from modern conveniences and embrace the untamed beauty of the wilderness.
One of the defining aspects of camping is its dimension in nature’s rhythms and cycles. Campers often wake up to the chorus of birdsong, watching the sunset paint the sky, and stargazing beneath a canopy of twinkling stars help distract from urban life, offering campers the opportunity to slow down and disconnect from technology. Camping also fosters a sense of adventure and exploration, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing.
In the end, the decision to glamp or camp depends on preferences, priories, and desired level of comfort. Either one gives you the ability to recharge, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the world around you.
Tips for preparing your animal for long-distance travel
By Joy Young
Most pet owners have been in a situation where it is tiMe to go on an extended trip or vacation, and there’s no one available to watch your furry friends. if you ever find yourself in the position of needing to take your aniMals with you, here are soMe tips to ensure that the trip runs sMoothly.
Travel Kit
Pack a travel kit with your animal, regardless of the method of transportation. These items should include the following:
a. Treats or something to keep your pet satiated while traveling
b. Their food and water, including a portable bowl
c. Their medication
d. Their favorite blanket or toy
e. Leash and collar
f. Waste baggies
Shots and Medications
Make sure you bring documented records of their shots and medications, especially records of their rabies vaccine- and make sure the vaccines are up to date. If they have a collar, be sure the contact information on that collar is correct.
Keep Your Pets Restrained
Whether you are in the car or on a form of transportation like the train or a plane, it’s important to keep your pet restrained. It’s best to have a collar and leash on hand and put your pet in a transportable kennel.
Feed Them In Advance
To prevent motion sickness, it is best to feed your pets and let them use the bathroom about 3-4 hours before your departure. If possible, opt for small, frequent meals throughout the trip rather than one big meal.
Dealing With Travel Anxiety
The stress of traveling can be hard on your pet, so it is recommended to take your pet with you on car rides to gradually acclimate them to motion. If your pet seems to be in a dire amount of stress when traveling, talk to your veterinarian about supplements or medication you can give them to keep them calm.
Method of Transportation
If you are traveling by car, plan for breaks in the trip where you can let them outside to use the bathroom or stretch their legs. Never leave them alone in the car, because temperatures in parked cars can often be dangerous and unsafe for your pet.
Every pet is different, so make sure to consult with your veterinarian for advice. Safe travels?
Small-Space Gardening 5 Tips for Growing More Learn How to Grow More Food in Less Space!
By: Robin Sweetser
Grow more in less space with interplanting, succession planting, and other techniques. Robin has five simple gardening tips for ensuring a bountiful harvest, even if you only have a small space to work with!
1. Use Raised Beds
Forget about growing plants single file in long, parallel rows. You can grow up to 10 times the amount of produce in the same space by using raised beds and square-foot gardening
In a raised garden bed, you keep outside weeds from your garden soil, prevent water runoff and soil compaction, and worry less about slugs, snails, and other garden pests. Also, garden boxes allow you to concentrate your energy in a small area, meaning you can work, water, weed, and fertilize as economically as possible. You can make the most of the entire growing season by using season-extending devices such as cold frames, cloches, row covers, and plastic tunnels, too.
Here’s how to build your own raised garden bed.
2. Keep Seedlings Coming
Succession planting keeps the garden in continual production. Whenever one crop is harvested, have seedlings ready to transplant in its place. For
the best results, use quick-maturing vegetables such as radishes or salad greens to fit several crops into one season and spread out the harvest. See 5 fast-growing veggies to try
3. Interplant (Intercrop)
4. Plant Companions, Not Competitors
“Interplanting” or “intercropping” is the practice of planting small crops in between bigger ones; the small, fast-growing crops will be ready before the big ones need the extra space. If you have a small area, this lets you use your space more efficiently and for longer.
To “interplant,” plants should be placed close enough so that their leaves will touch when they’re mature, shading the ground between them. This will keep weeds down and conserve moisture, reducing the need to mulch and weed.
As the plants begin to crowd out their neighbors, harvest the early-maturing ones, leaving room
To plan out your own garden, use The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Planner. You can try it free for 7 days—ample time to design your best garden yet!
Plot Out Your Garden
Good soil, adequate sunshine, and sufficient drainage are the key requirements for a successful vegetable garden, but planning your garden’s layout shouldn’t be a last-minute thought. Every garden—and every gardener—is different, so create a garden tailored to your space and needs.
For example, a 100-square-foot garden (10x10 feet) can easily yield a wide variety of veggies. Bisecting it with two narrow paths forms four beds that are easy to reach into and tend. (One square = one square foot.)
for the others to develop. For example, plant lettuce around longer-season vegetables such as broccoli, peppers, or tomatoes
Some intercropping partners thrive if their roots occupy a different depth of soil. Pairing shallowrooted vegetables, such as bush beans, with deeply rooted beets makes good use of space without creating root competition. Similarly, planting heavy feeders such as cabbage or cucumbers with light-feeding carrots or beans reduces the competition for soil nutrients. The best intercropping partners are companion plants that have different demands and complement
each other, such as the Three Sisters: corn, beans, and squash. Refer to our vegetable companion planting chart for more recommended pairings.
5. Grow Up, Not Out
Lay out your garden plot with the fence, trellis, or wall at the north side. By planting the tallest plants there, you will avoid shading the smaller ones. Vining plants, if left to sprawl, take up valuable space in a small garden, so help them grow up.
• Cucumbers will eagerly climb a nylon net fence, with the subsequent bonus result that the dangling fruits grow straighter and are easier to pick.
• Tomatoes produce more fruit and ripen earlier if kept off the ground on a trellis or in a wire cage.
• Peas and pole beans naturally reach for the sky and will cover a wire fence or twine around a tripod of poles.
Some heavier plants, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, and winter squashes, may need help in climbing, so tie their vines to the structure to get them going in the right direction. Support the fruit with slings to keep them from tearing off the vine too soon.
In the world of real estate, Sherina Garner has begun to make a name for herself despite only joining the industry in 2019. She prides herself in building community in addition to impressive sales records and awards. She has bridged a gap between professionalism and personability in the realm of purchasing and selling homes.
A JOURNEY INTO REAL ESTATE
Sherina Garner’s real estate career is a true story of turning lemons into lemonade. Garner was prompted to enter the industry after being laid off from her position as a parent liaison in the school system. At the time, she felt she was past the age of working for others and wanted to find something she could be self-sufficient in while also making a rewarding amount of money. “As a real estate agent you manage your schedule and don’t have to report to anyone,” Garner shared. Garner’s flexibility and determination are what led her to think the industry was somewhere she could succeed. While Garner was originally born and raised in Northeast Washington D.C., she has found her dream home in Lanham, Maryland, and hopes to help others do the same in different areas of PG County.
TRAINING AND TRIUMPHS
Garner started her journey off working with Keller Williams Preferred Properties.“They do a lot of training and have a lot of events for us. They have a lot of classes, and if you’re new, you want to join an agency that will help you get that type of training,” Garner stated. The
Keller Williams Real Estate
SHERINA GARNER
support system Keller Williams provided led to Garner hitting her goals only three years into her career and leading to her earning a silver award for $3.5 million in real estate, which soon climbed to $5.5 million.
“I’ve been doing well ever since 2021. I specialize in probate listings, but I enjoy working with buyers too. Seeing people move into their first home or sell their home to start a new chapter is also rewarding – it’s a very emotional win, ” Garner shared.
SPECIALIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP
Even though Garner helps clients with selling or buying listings specializing in probate has given her a different edge. “If someone passes away then their family members often look to sell their home, so they don’t have to worry about any of the costs associated with keeping it,” Garner stated. Garner helps those whose families might not have set up living trusts, so she can ensure the house is sold after it goes through the court system.
In addition to specializations, Garner prides herself in some of the partnerships she has created while working within the industry. Garner works with Curbio, a company that helps clients improve their homes and then worries about paying for the improvements after they have closed on their homes. “Working with Curbio allows my clients to get more value for their property even if they don’t have the money upfront to make home improvements,” Garner stated. These specializations and partnerships make an asset living in the PG County area.
COMMUNITY AND INTEGRITY
For Garner, real estate is more than just a business. “I feel like I’m directly in line with what God would want me to do because this business requires you to be a person of high integrity, and when I’m working with clients, I put my best foot forward as if I’m in a ministry,” Garner said. Her work with the community reflects her want to build genuine connections. In the community of Glenn Dale Crossing, she actively engages with residents, rewarding children with free ice cream social days and organizing Thanksgiving pie giveaways. “I continue to build relationships, so
it’s not just a business for me. I’m not just coming to receive; I give back to the community,” Garner said.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS AND ADVICE
Navigating the real estate market isn’t always easy despite those on social media often perceiving it as an easy job. “I use social media, go to networking events, attend county meetings, and put myself out there in public,” Garner stated when discussing where her success bloomed from.
For first-time homebuyers, her advice is clear: “Work with a realtor because you want to be represented and protected during your transaction. You don’t want to be taken advantage of because the realtor working with the seller is just worried about the best price for the seller.”
For newer agents she also has wisdom to share: “Find an experienced agent that is willing to help you. Make sure to know your client, about contracts, and what you’re doing so you can save yourself and your client stress, money, and time throughout the buying or selling process.”
FUTURE GOALS
Looking ahead, Garner continues to strive to grow throughout her real estate journey.
“Even though I won’t say if I want to be a broker myself yet, I would like to go after my associate broker license to continue broadening my clientele base,” Garner stated.
With her unwavering commitment to her clients and her community, Sherina Garner is not just a real estate agent – she is a guiding light in the industry, leading with integrity, passion, and a heartfelt desire to make a difference
