Compliments of
Kim Hughston
August 2025
What If the Secret to Academic Success Starts in Your Living Room?
Non-Toxic Furniture 101:
How to Find Safer Wooden Accent Pieces for Your Home
New Rhythms, Fresh Intentions
As we step into a season of reset, this month’s issue is all about supporting the transitions that come with back-to-school energy—whether you have kids heading into a new grade or you’re simply ready to realign your home and habits with the changing pace.
From simple wellness upgrades to long-term healthy home strategies, this edition is here to help you feel supported—at the desk, around the dinner table, or wherever life calls you to be present.
We hope these pages encourage you to embrace the shift, make intentional changes, and feel a little more grounded in the everyday.
Recipe of the Month
Strawberry Jelly Pie
Heather Christo, Deliciously Allergen Free Recipes
There are a bunch of great gluten-free graham crackers out there, and I just swapped out coconut oil for melted butter (very easy substitution!)...
Photo Credit: Heather Christo
Organization
College Bound: A Parent’s Survival Guide to Dorm Room Drop-Off
By Jolene Nannette
Moving your child into college is an exciting yet daunting task, especially if you have to fly to a different state. With careful planning and organization, you can make the process smooth and stress-free. Here are some essential tips for efficiently moving your child into their college dorm.
Feng Shui Essentials
5 Simple Ways to Transform Your Study Space
By Dee Oujiri
As the scent of sharpened pencils returns and routines take shape again, it’s the perfect moment to refresh your home’s learning zones, whether it’s a kid’s homework nook, a shared kitchen table, or a multi-functional corner that doubles as a family workstation.
Featured Article
Wellness-Focused Real Estate
A Rising Trend
Kim Hughston
Family
What If the Secret to Academic Success Starts in Your Living Room?
By Lucy Chatman
THE HOMEWORK NO ONE TALKS ABOUT: HOW PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS A KEY FACTOR IN STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE We tend to associate adventure with airports, road trips, and time off. But real adventure isn’t about distance—it’s about mindset, presence, and curiosity. Whether you're trying to live more intentionally, reconnect with loved ones, or simply make the most of your weekends, there are dozens of ways to create meaningful experiences without packing a single bag.
Wellness
Youth Wellness Reimagined
By Cassy West
In 2025, the Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness for Children Initiative has spotlighted a powerful shift in how wellness is being reimagined for young people. With rising rates of anxiety, screen fatigue, and social disconnection among children and teens worldwide, wellness is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. The latest trends reveal a collective effort to nurture not just physical health, but emotional, mental, and social wellbeing through inclusive, low-barrier, and often playful interventions.
Family
A+ Lunches:
Nutritious Ideas for Even the Pickiest Eaters
By Lucy Chatman
No two children are the same, but many youngsters share a number of similarities. Few young children enjoy going to bed on time, and many can't resist a good trampoline. Kids also have a reputation for being picky eaters, which can be challenging for parents tasked with picking and preparing school lunches.
Healthy Home
Non-Toxic Furniture 101
How to Find Safer Wooden Accent Pieces for Your Home
By Amanda Klecker
One of the most frequent questions I receive at Healthy House on the Block is about furniture—specifically, non-toxic furniture. The term itself can feel vague or overused, and the reality is, there’s a spectrum of healthier options. Depending on your family’s needs, budget, and goals, your “non-toxic” might mean completely natural, or it might simply mean significantly reduced toxins. Either way, you’re still taking a positive step.
Wellness Architecture
Better Building Choices:
My Go-To Mechanical Systems for a Healthy, Sustainable Home
By Kate Hamblet
As an architect focused on healthy and sustainable homes, one of the most important choices I help homeowners make is selecting mechanical systems that support both wellness and long-term efficiency. My go-to systems are all-electric—not just to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but because electric technologies today are cleaner, safer, and increasingly cost-effective. They also make it easier to take advantage of renewable energy sources like solar. Here are my favorite systems to include in any healthy home:
