Carl Pettit is a writer and editor with interests ranging from international relations and political humor to the arts and modern media.
Carl Pettit
How to Build and Maintain a Koi Pond
A koi pond can literally add life to your backyard or garden, as well as sublime beauty and maybe even some much needed tranquility.
5 Strange Federal Tax Deductions You Might Not Know About
Tax season comes and goes every year, to the dread and relief of many a taxpayer. Even if you’ve taken care of your taxes this year, that doesn’t mean you shouldn't be mindful of potential tax deductions you can claim for your next round with the government in the year to come.
5 Highly Unusual Restaurant Experiences You Won’t Forget
There are all kinds of strange eateries out there, ranging from opera-themed bistros to cafes swarming with cats, as well as diners built inside of the fuselages of old airplanes. While we understand that some people just want a simple, peaceful meal when they head out, others like a little something extra special.
5 Unusual Animals That Make Great Pets
Cats and dogs, while extremely lovable, are not the only choices out there when it comes to selecting a household pet. There are quite a few unusual animals in existence that actually make good, even great companions for their human owners. We’re not talking man-eating tigers or wild boars here—there are some limits to just how exotic you should go.
5 Foods You Thought Were Healthy, but Actually Aren’t
For a country as obsessed with weight and food production as ours is, there tends to be a lot of conflicting information, health-food fads and dietary gimmicks circulating about what and how we should eat.
5 Simple Health Tips That Just Might Help You Live Longer
Life is an amazing gift when you stop and think about it. Out of all the things that are living, you get to be you—which is a lot better than being a sea slug, for example. In order to ensure that you get the most out this life and as many years as you possibly can, you need to take good care of your body—that vessel that lets you breathe air, eat food, meet your friends at restaurants and get abo
5 Everyday Items That Can Be Turned Into Jewelry
Some people don’t mind handing over their hard-earned cash for some very expensive jewelry. While we have nothing against treating yourself to pricey ornaments on occasion, there are more economical ways to go about procuring a vast inventory of fashionable accessories.
Unique Tree-Trunk Outdoor Seating and Tables Will Take Your Garden to the Next Level
If you want to add a touch of class, mixed in with a natural rustic look to your garden, you might want to think about building, buying or carving out (with a chainsaw) an assortment of furniture made from, or at least incorporating, tree trunks.
5 Eye-Catching Fountain Ideas for Your Garden
Water adds so much to a garden. And while ponds and pools are nice, the trickle and splash of an active fountain breathes fresh air and even a bit of a mystical quality into your garden oasis. When it comes to choosing or building a fountain for your garden, there are many options available to you. Some of these options can be quite complex (if you so desire), but they don’t have to be.
5 More Ways to Mancave Your Backyard
See Part 1 of this article here.
One of the best ways to mancave your garden is to take the basic principles you would apply to an indoor mancave and simply move those ideas outside.
5 Ways to Get Your Kids Excited About the Backyard: Swings, Climbing Walls and More
If you want to get your kids outside, away from their Xbox or Wii, and interested in some of your backyard garden projects, you’ll probably need to be somewhat inventive with your gardening ideas. Pulling weeds and planting flowerbeds just won’t cut it for most of children. Think incentive here.
We have some ideas.
4 Creative and Unusual Garden Furniture Ideas You Can Do Yourself
Sure, you could take the easy route and head on over to Ikea or your local lawn-and-garden shop and pick up a few pieces of outdoor furniture for your backyard. But if you really want to impress your friends and indulge your creative flair, you might want to consider some of these more unusual options: