Tips on Indoor Seed Starting for Kids

October 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening with kids tips and the topic is indoor seed starting for kids.  First, gardening with kids can be a great experience.  And, it’s a great way to get them outdoors and involved with nature in the spring and summer.  As a result, I made a list of seeds that kids could start inside this winter.  My list is not all inclusive, but I have chosen those that I know are easy to grow and some of kids favorites.

seed starting with kids

 

Zinnias – These beautiful flowers are will grow nice and tall.  They came in a variety of colors that the kids will love.  Zinnias are great for our pollinator friends.  And, they provide a great viewing area for butterflies.  Also, the kids can even cut flowers for a beautiful bouquet for mom or grandma.

 

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Sunflowers – Next, I grow sunflowers every year.  My granddaughter loves to watch them grow.  So, I had sunflowers that grow around 14 feet this summer.  I must admit, they’re are the tallest I’ve ever grown.  I used Grey Stripe and Russian Mammoth seed.  Imagine seeing those little faces peeking at the window every morning to see how high their sunflowers grew over night.  They’re also great for feeding the birds or growing them for a snack. If you have a sunny location where the kids can view them from the window, that’s a bonus too.  Especially, if it’s a rainy day.

Marigolds – Also, Marigolds are easy to grow and there’s a wide variety to choose from.  I love planting them in containers as well as in my vegetable garden.

 

 

seed starting with kids

Tips on starting seeds with kids

 

Lettuce – Also, growing a variety of lettuce can be fun.  There’s Iceberg, Swiss Chard, Buttercrunch, Loose leaf and other varieties kids can try.  Ask if they want to make salads, wraps or use it on sandwiches.  If you grow Swiss Chard, grow the variety that has the beautiful, colorful stems.

Cabbage – My granddaughter loves cabbage.  Who knew, right!  You’ll be surprised at what kids will eat when it’s fun, healthy and seasoned just right.  Cabbage can also be used to make Cole Slaw and Kraut.  Kraut is a favorite in my household with mashed potatoes.

Tomatoes – First, growing a variety of vegetables can be a lesson on both healthy eating and getting to know nature when gardening with kids.  Try a tomato variety that can be grown in containers or on the patio.  The cherry tomatoes are a good option for a snack or fun recipe like pizza.  You can slice the tomato and use as a topping.  Or, grow a variety that good for making sauce, like pizza sauce.  Roma tomatoes are perfect sauce making tomatoes.  And, they don’t get tall.  So, they won’t need to be caged.

 

 

 

seed starting with kids

 

 

Pumpkins – So, what could be more fun than growing your own pumpkins?  How about carving or painting them for Halloween.  You can grow the small variety, or the medium or large pumpkins.  If you want to carve your pumpkins, grow the large variety.  If you want to paint them try the medium size and use the small pumpkins for fall decorating.  Either size is great for fall decorating.

Birdhouse Gourds – In addition to the list above, growing birdhouse gourds is a great project for kids.  You will need some space for this endeavor, the vines will sprawl if you don’t keep them contained.  If you have a trellis, it will be a great backdrop for the vines.  I actually used a small tree branch one year.  It was a just lovely in the garden, and it was fun walking around counting the gourds that had grown on the vines.  Get creative, build a green bean teepee trellis.  You can transplant the seedlings in the garden in the spring and watch it climb the trellis.  Once you have gourds, have the kids paint the birdhouse gourds and turn them into birdhouses.

 

 


 

Last, I hope my seed starting seeds for kids suggestions have excited you and your children.  Indoor Seed Starting for Kids can be a great way to keep the kids occupied this winter into spring.  Most importantly, use a  good seed starting mix, and a sunny spot for the seeds to germinate and grow.

Finally, if you have to transplant your seedlings because they’ve grown too big in the seed starter, consider using biodegradable containers.

 

 

Filed Under: Projects for Kids Tagged With: , ,

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes

October 12, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing empowerment tips using Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes.  Justice Ginsburg was an American Icon who was admired by many in this country.  As a matter of fact, she was nicknamed The Notorious R.B.G.  Justice Ginsburg was given this nickname because of her dissents on numerous Supreme Court cases that reflected her liberal view of the law.  In 2013, a New York University law student named Shana Knizhnik created a Tumblr when he was referencing Justice Ginsburg’s dissent in the Supreme Court case Shelby County v. Holder.

Justice Ginsburg eventually embraced the nickname.   She said, “It was beyond her wildest imagination that she would become the Notorious R.B.G.”  She went on to say that she was 86 years old, and people of all ages wanted to have their picture taken with her.  This is the impact that she has had on America.

 

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes

 

My favorite Ruth Bader Ginsburg quotes:

 

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes

 

One of my favorite quotes is below.  As a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, blogger, gardening, traveler and thriftier, I for one want to have it all.  So, I embraced the fact that I could have it all, just not all at once.  I was okay with that.  Furthermore, if I could experience the things that I loved and spend time with the people that I loved at some point in my life, I would have lived a great life.

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes

 

The quote below is another one of my favorite Ruth Bader Ginsburg quotes.  I saw Justice Ginsburg as a diva.  I loved the collars that she wore on the bench and what each of them represented.  For example, she had a dissent collar, her approval collar, and a collar showing she was in agreement with her colleagues.

She was also famous for her fishnet and lace gloves as well as her strenuous workouts.  Her most notable accessories were clip on earrings, turbans, high heels, the studious big glasses and oh the lace gloves.  She started wearing the lace/fishnet gloves in 1999 for post chemotherapy protection.  As a result, she fall in love with them.  And, they became a part of her go to accessories.

Justice Ginsburg rocked knee high leather boots, pencil skirts and the colors red and blue.  She also had a thing for the luxury brand Ferragamo shoes.  I’d say, she achieved diva status.

 

Inspiration Quotes

 

 

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inspirational quotes

 

 

Unfortunately, Justice Ginsburg lost her mother a day before her high school graduation to cancer.  She also lost her only sibling a sister when she was a baby.  She would lose her husband later in life to cancer, which is also what took her life.  So, with all of successes she also experienced she also experience a huge amount of grief.

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes

 

I learned the lesson above in life.  I wished I had learned it early, but better later than never. Anger, resentment, holding on to grudges and hurt will only only zap your energy, it will kill you.  These emotions cause stress, and stress affects every part of your body.  No good comes out of any of them.

 

Inspirational Quotes

 

 


 

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg quotes

 

The two quotes above have come into play in all of our lives at some point.  I learned both of these lessons, and they have served me well in life.  If you’re struggling with these actions, I suggest that you start working on Justice Ginsburg’s advice immediately.  It will change your life forever.

 

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg quotes

 

This quote speaks to me.  I remember taking home economic in high school.  I learned to sew and cook, but I should wish I could fix and build things around my house.  As a single woman, I could save a fortune by not having to pay someone to do simple things.  I guess I could attend Internet University, but time is not always on my side.

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes

 

The above quote above is so profound.  Not only for women, but for people of color too.  I heard several people mention the words take your feet off our necks over the past few months.

I hope that you find a few of

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg Facts for Kids

October 12, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing educational tips on Ruth Bader Ginsburg facts for kids.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg was appointed to the United States Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton 1993.  She was the second  woman to be appointed to the high court.  You may ask what is the United States Supreme Court?

 

Supreme Court Facts for Kids:

  • The Supreme Court settles arguments in America.
  • It is the top court in the United States Government.
  • It currently has 9 judges.
  • The top judge is the Chief Justice.
  • Supreme Court Judges are judges for life.
  • In 1981, President Ronald Reagan picked the first woman Supreme Court judge, Sandra Day O’Conner.
  • The Judiciary Act of 1869 decided the number of judges to sit on the Supreme Court would be 9.
  • The Supreme Court Judges must use previous judgements throughout history and current laws to decide cases for America.

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg facts

 

First, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a petite woman.  She was 5′ 1 inches tall and weighed 110 pounds.  She reminded me of my grandmother who was also petite.  Although petite, she carried a lot of weight in the judicial field.  She fought for equality, and became one of the most admired and revered Supreme Court Justices in American history.

Justice Ginsburg’s mother called her by her middle name, Ruth, to avoid confusion with other classmates named Joan.  Here are a few other facts on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Facts for Kids:

  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg given name was Joan Ruth Bader.
  • She was born on March 15, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Justice Ginsburg was of Jewish descent.
  • Ruth had 1 sibling, an older sister named Marilyn, who passed away when she was a baby.
  • Her mother passed away before her high school graduation.
  • Ruth graduated Valedictorian from James Madison High School.
  • She attended Cornell University and later attended Harvard University Law School.
  • Ruth transferred to Columbia University and graduated with a law degree.  She tied with another student for graduating first in her class.
  • She later taught at Columbia University.
  • Ruth married Martin Ginsburg in 1954.
  • She was the mother of a daughter named Jane and a son named James.
  • Ruth had difficulty finding a job because she was female after graduating law school.
  • Her nickname was the “The Notorious R.B.G.” a moniker of  The Notorious B.I.G.
  • Her favorite music was classical.

 

More Ruth Bader Ginsburg Facts for Kids:

 

  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg won five cases involving women’s rights.
  • Ginsburg wrote the ruling that required the Virginia Military Institute to admit women or lose its state funding.
  • She loved the Opera.
  • Another Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia, was her good friend.
  • Ginsburg had 4 grandchildren.
  • In addition to attending the Opera, she loved movies, golfing, water skiing, horseback riding and reading mystery books.
  • She loved the composers Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini.
  • Fishnet gloves and unique collars were a part of Justice Ginsburg’s fashion statements.
  • Times Magazine named Justice Ginsburg one of the “100 Most Influential People” in 2015.

 

 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Facts

 

 

Justice Ginsburg had difficult finding a job in the 1960’s because she was a woman.  Even though she held  degrees from Ivy League schools, her gender held her back.  The fact that she was pregnant was used against her also.  When her employer found out she was pregnant; she was demoted. Throughout the years she fought for equality, and won 5 cases for women’s rights.

Justice Ginsburg was also notorious for the collars that she wore on the bench or to State Addresses and Inaugurations.  She told Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, “You know, the standard robe is made for a man because it has a place for the shirt to show, and the tie,” she said.  “So Sandra Day O’Connor and I thought it would be appropriate if we included as part of our robe something typical of a woman. So I have many, many collars.”  Her favorite was a lace collar from South Africa.  Justice O’Connor was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

 

 

Finally, I hope that you have learned a few things from our Ruth Bader Ginsburg facts  We also have a word search puzzle, coloring pages and Supreme Court Fact Sheet.  So, there’s something for everyone.  You can download the activities here.

 

 

Filed Under: Education, Printables Tagged With: , , ,

How to Make Your Home Economical

October 5, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to make your home economical.  There are a lot of things that many of us have to consider when living in the modern world.  But, there are probably few more significant than the impact that we all have on the world around us. There’s a good chance that you’re conscious of trying to reduce your environmental impact.  But, there may be one place you haven’t really thought about, your home. If you’re looking to lessen your impact on the environment then your home is a perfect place to start. 

 

 

making your home economical

 

 

How to Make Your Home Economical: 

 

Water storage

For most of us in the developed world, water is one of those things that we often take for granted. From watering the lawn to washing the car to taking a shower.  It’s often easy to use far more water than you really realize. But, the truth is that the amount of water that many of us use is pretty ridiculous. Storage tanks are a great option if you want to reduce the amount of water that you use. Check out this model from The Tank Factory.  The water in a tank like this might not be useful for everything, but it can make a huge dent in how much water your home wastes.

 

More efficient appliances

We all need appliances. Many of our appliances use more power than you might expect. The best way to avoid this without giving up on them entirely is to be on the lookout for the most energy-efficient appliances available. When you replace your appliances, make energy-efficiency a priority.

 

make your home economical

 

 

A change in your behavior

If you really want to make your home a more economical space then one of the best things that you can do is simply change your behavior. Simple things like making sure that you’re turning off lights and electronic devices that aren’t being used.  Additionally, not endlessly using the A/C or heating when you could simply open a window or put on an extra layer of clothing. These are small things, but the truth is that they help to achieve a more economical home. 

The truth is that if you want to become more economical and reduce the impact that you’re having on the environment, you’re probably going to have to make some sacrifices. And sure, most of us would rather avoid little inconveniences where we can. However, the truth is that reducing the impact that we have on the natural world is simply too important to ignore for the sake of being able to live a more comfortable and convenient life. You don’t have to give up all of your comforts, but learning how to strike the right balance is always important. 

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Types of Basil For Backyard Gardens

September 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on the types of basil for backyard gardens. I’m a huge fan of fresh basil.  Basil can used in my tomato sauce, salads, and used in infused water with strawberries or cucumbers.  It can also be used on pizza, pasta and other dishes. It really take the flavor of food up a notch or two.  

I start my basil seeds in the winter, and than transfer my plants into the garden in the spring.  If sowing seeds isn’t your think, purchase a few plants from your local garden center.  Whatever you do, just grow some fresh basil! It really enhances the flavor of feeds and water.

Basil is easy to grow, both in containers, raised beds or in row gardens.  It loves fun sun, but is susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and Japanese beetles.  So, be prepared to keep your plants healthy.  I’ve been blessed, I haven’t encountered any problems with my basil plants so far.  I’ve been growing basil in my garden for about 10 years.

 

 

types of basil

 

Requirements to Grow Basil:

 

  • Wait until the temperatures are at least 60 degrees or higher to plant in the garden
  • Plant in a sunny location.  Basil needs at least 6 hours of sun per day.
  • Add compost to your planting location.
  • Harvest your basil often.  Harvesting will allow the plant to grow bushy and increase production.
  • Remove any flowers from the plant.  Allowing the plant to flower reduces the flavor.

 

 

Types of Basil for Backyard Gardens:

 

Sweet Basil – Sweet Basil finds a place in my garden every year.  It’s what I preserve and use to make my infused water. I plant Sweet and Genovese.  Both are classic.  The plants grow about 1 – 2 feet.

Purple Basil – Purple Basil is a sweet basil with beautiful purple leaves.  It has a strong spicy flavor.  It grows anywhere from 18 – 24 inches tall.

Lemon Basil – Lemon Basil is great for tea lovers.  It’s also good in vinaigrettes, marinades, lemonade, ice tea and salads.  It can grow up to 2 feet.

 

 

 

 

types of basil

 

 

Greek Basil – Greek Basil is a compact version of basil.  It only grows to about 10 inches.  So, it’s perfect for containers or borders.  It’s tasty on pizza, pasta, and bruschetta.

Thai Basil –  Thai Basil is another favorite of mine.  I love it in stir-fry, salads and soups.  It grows to about 2 feet.  It reminds me of  Sweet Basil, but the leaves are smaller and the plant more dense.

Dark Opal – If you want a splash of color, and a tasty variety of basil, grow the Dark Opal.  It has beautiful dark burgundy leaves with pink flowers.  It smells wonderful too.  

 

 

 

types of basil

 

 

 

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 

 


 

 

I use basil in infused water and my tomato sauce.  Preserving basil for use during the winter is a must for me.  I freeze mine by finely chopping the basil, placing it in olive oil in an ice cube tray and freezing it.  Once the cubes are frozen, I remove the cubes from the tray and place them in a freezer bag.

Last, you can also dry basil.  I hang my basil in sprays.  Once it is dry, you can remove it and crumble it into pieces.  Store in an airtight jar.  You can also dry basil in a paper bag.  See my post on drying basil and parsley.

 

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

Tips on Puppy Separation Anxiety

September 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on dealing with puppy separation anxiety. During your cohabitation with a puppy, various behavioral problems will occur.  One of the biggest problems you will have with your new puppy is separation anxiety.  By understanding and recognizing the anxiety, you will be prepared to take the steps to deal with and prevent the situation. 

According to studies by a reputable animal behavior clinic, younger loyal friends are usually affected. Therefore, please deal with this issue immediately.  Many people will have to leave their dogs to go to work or to take care of the kids.  So, it’s good to spend time with your puppy so you can get to know their behaviors beforehand. 

 

training new puppies

 

Different types of dogs have different needs. For example, if you want a Labrador Retriever you may want to have a little look at https://chocolatelabradorretriever.ca/lab-puppies-for-sale.  You can get to know a little about the needs of a Labrador and how they develop. However, separation anxiety can be shared in younger dogs, but it can also affect older dogs. 

 

What is Separation Anxiety?

Whether we are dealing with a puppy or an adult dog, the stress of separation occurs at a specific time. This could be from the time you leave him alone at home until the time you return. The symptoms vary; however, the dog will be frightened to sit at home alone. Well-known zoologists who specialize in animal separation anxiety have given an interpretation of it.  They say that although we can not know what the dog has in mind, anxiety as the equivalent of a panic attack.

So, if you are a responsible owner of a new puppy learn how to lay the foundation for a well-adapted and well-behaved dog. Training, socialization, and cage training will contribute to the reduction of stress.  

Unfortunately, anxiety is something that presents unique challenges. It is not just about occasional crying when you leave home or discover a torn sock when you return.  It also goes beyond the classic boredom or a small disorder of your dog. Separation anxiety is the result of a great deal of stress.

 

 


 

The destruction of a pillow or the accidents during which dogs defecate has nothing to do with separation stress. So, make sure these events are not the result of inadequate training.  Also, consider these things:  are you sure your dog understands good manners even when you are not present? Is he well trained to go to the bathroom? Make sure you know how your dog behaves in your absence by using video recording.  If you have to see a specialist, you can show them the evidence.

 

training new puppies

 

 

What causes separation anxiety? It is not yet completely clear why some puppies are more prone to separation anxiety than others of their age. However, there may be a number of reasons for separation anxiety.  For example, never leaving your dog alone or having traumatic experiences like those found in dog shelters can cause anxiety. Even a traumatic event in your absence, such as someone breaking into your home, can lead to anxiety. The truth is that each puppy’s personality plays a vital role.  

Other causes have to do with daily life changes, such as a sudden change in your schedule.  Additionally, moving to a new home or the sudden absence of a family member can cause stress.  The absence can be death, divorce, or a family member heading off to college.  Research has shown that a possible cause of anxiety can also be a lack of daily exercise. So, prevention and treatment at the onset is essential.

 

 

new puppy training

 

 

The first signs in a pup

Unfortunately, there is no one sign of anxiety. Dogs can experience stress in many ways.  As a result, one or two of the incidents below may not be signs of separation anxiety in puppies. However, if your dog shows multiple symptoms often, he may be suffering from separation anxiety. Below are some behaviors that your dog may exhibit: 

 

  • Excessive barking or screaming.
  • Accidents at home – urine or defecation.
  • Destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging, especially around doors or windows.
  • Behaviors that indicate stress include slow walking, crying, or trembling while you are away or preparing to leave.
  • Excessive salivation or shortness of breath.
  • Desperate, desperate attempts to escape the house resulting in serious injuries.

 

According to the latest scientific studies, the above symptoms are why many dog ​​owners abandon their dogs. This is quite unfortunate as separation anxiety can be treated with some simple, essential tactics.

 

Dealing with puppy separation anxiety

It is devastating to return home with damage caused by your anxious loyal friend. However, it was just as devastating for them. Your goal should be to resolve the dog’s anxiety by teaching him to have fun.  Or, at least be able to be calm when alone. You may already be doing this through your puppy’s training, but consider these methods appropriate for treating anxiety.

 

Take a look at the following tips: 

 

  • Exercise – Exercise will not completely cure your puppy’s separation anxiety. However, it is an excellent way to prevent and treat stress. First, make sure your puppy is getting the proper exercise for his or her age. Larger dogs, in particular, have a tremendous amount of energy to consume. Therefore, a dog who used plenty of energy playing and walking with you is more likely to stay calm when you need to leave. Second, do not neglect the “spiritual” muscles of your puppy. Training sessions, puzzle games, and mind games are all excellent choices. Mind training can be as tiring as body training, but it can be quite enjoyable and fun.
  • Your Dog’s Independence –  It is very important to be comfortable when you leave or return home. Greet your dog lovingly but do not be overly diffuse and emotional. Stay calm without big outbursts of love because your dog will start anxiously waiting for such outbursts, and their stress will continuously increase. Also, if you find damage or accidents when you return home, do not punish your dog. If you do the opposite, you will add stress and the problem instead of decreasing; it will grow even further.

 

Many dogs feel more secure and comfortable in their cage than when they are alone in another part of the house watching you leave; however, other dogs panic at the idea of ​​the cage. Test the cage and see if your dog’s stress will decrease or stay. Remember, the goal is not to leave your loyal friend locked in a cage all day as a solution to separation anxiety. Your real goal is to keep your dog safe as well as your home while teaching them how to have fun staying alone for a while. It’s time to start enjoying life with your new pup and appreciating the life you are creating together.

Filed Under: Pets Tagged With: , ,

Growing Lavender In Your Garden

September 26, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening advice on growing lavender in your garden.  Our flower and vegetables gardens will be dormant soon.  Fall is here and winter is around the corner.  As a result, I use winter to plan my spring and summer gardens as well as winter sow my garden seeds.

I decided to add a pollinator garden along one of fence lines this year.  Lavender has found a spot in the garden.  It’s great for attracting butterflies and bees and smells heavenly.  Use lavender for sugar scrubs, lip balms, whipped creams, sachets and more.  The scent alone is worth a few plants, but the DIY sugar scrubs, lip balms and creams are an added bonus for growing it.

growing lavender

 

 

If you decide to plant lavender in your garden here are a few things that you should know before you plant:

  • Lavender should be planted in full sun and well drained soil.
  • Cut the plant back after it flowers.  Cutting it back prevents the plant from becoming woody.  Don’t prune the plant after August though. If you don’t get it pruned before August, wait until spring.  It’s a great time for pruning.
  • Plants should be spaced apart to ensure each has good air circulation. Be sure to read your plant label or do your research if you grow your own.
  • Compost or organic plant food is sufficient for lavender.  There’s no need for fertilizer.
  • Water regularly the first year.
  • Established plants can tolerate dry, hot conditions.
  • If you plant in pots, don’t use a saucer beneath it.  Standing water can cause root rot.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

Note:  I am an Amazon Associate.  If you click on any of the products or purchase, I may be compensated a small fee.  However, there will be no additional cost to you.

 

 


 

Growing Lavender in Your Garden

 

English Lavender – The English Lavender is a classic.  If you’re thinking of growing lavender in your garden, consider English Lavender.  It is a smaller variety, more compact and has a strong, sweet aroma.  The stems are long with deep purple flowers.  This variety is great for cooking, crafts and dried flower arrangements.  I garden in zone 6B, so the English lavender is perfect for our freezing winter temperatures.  It is also the easiest variety to find at your local garden centers.  Most plants will grow up to 1 – 4 feet.  If you don’t have a large garden the Petite Sweet Romance plant is perfect for containers.  These varieties include Hidcote, Little Lottie, Ladyann and Lullaby Blue.

 

 

growing lavender

 

 

French Lavender – French Lavender is perfect for humid climates.  French lavender has a silver-gray color and is perfect in potpourri, crafts and sachets.  They produce pale lavender blooms in the spring.  Most plants will grow up to 2 to 4 feet.

 

Spanish Lavender – Spanish Lavender is a great plant for hot, dry areas.  And, it resists fungus diseases as a result of the humidity.  This particular plant grows from 1 to 4 feet, so it’s perfect for an upfront spot in your border.  If you remove the spent blooms, the plant will bloom a second time.

 

Good companion plants for lavender are rosemary, thyme, verbena, salvia and sedum.  Surround your lavender plants with any of the above and they will love you for it.  Order a few seed packets or visit your garden center in the spring for a few plants.  You won’t be disappointed.  You may also like The Benefits of Lavender in Your Backyard Garden.

 

 

 

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Garden Bug Activities for Kids

September 21, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on garden bug activities for kids.  Kids love to explore and go on nature hunts.  First, it’s a great way to introduce them to nature and the garden.  Gardening with kids can be fun, if we make activities fun and creative.  Kids get bored easily, so keeping their attention on a particular activity can be challenging.  Fortunately, I have the solution on how to get them interested in the garden.

 

kids printables

 

 

 

So, a fun activity is to have kids go on a nature hunt in search of garden bugs.  Print our garden bug nature hunt activity and let the fun begin.  The activity lists gardens bugs, which include the lady bug, bumble bee, caterpillar and more.  Grab a clipboard and pencil and send them on their way.

 

 

garden bug activities

 

 

Also, we included a garden bug word search puzzle.  The puzzle includes names of common garden bugs that kids can find in their backyard garden.  Some of the bugs included a grasshopper, ladybug, beetle and more.  Our list of bugs can be found in most gardens across the country.  As a result, it’s a great way for them to become familiar with these garden bugs.

 

 

 

garden bug activity

 

Next, learning about garden bugs can be a great science project lesson for kids as well.  They can learn about our list of bugs and their benefits.  For example, garden bugs act as pollinators for our flower, vegetable and fruit plants.  Without pollinators carrying nectar to flowers on our plants and trees, we would be unable to produce beautiful flowers and delicious produce.

 

 


 

Furthermore, there are approximately 20 – 30 million insects on the planet.  That’s a lot of garden bug activities for kids.   Some are good and some are bad.  Here’s a few bad garden bugs that can do damage to your garden.  Turn these bugs into a science lesson and have the kids research these bad bugs.

  • Mealy Bug
  • Cabbage Worm
  • Green Lacewing
  • Japanese Beetle
  • Cucumber Beetle

 

Last, download the Garden Bug Activities.  Additionally, the activities includes a butterfly coloring page and a list of bad garden bugs.

 

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Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

September 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing shopping tips on gift ideas for Mother’s Day.  All mothers deserve to be treated well when it’s a special occasion. Whether it’s her birthday, Mother’s Day Christmas or any other event, you want to make sure she gets a gift that shows how appreciated and loved she is.

Whether you’re buying a gift for your own mother or even for your daughter, there are lots of gifts to show them they are amazing.  In addition to physical gifts, you could consider experiences or even favors that will make her happy.

 

 

mothers day gift ideas

 

 

Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day:  

 

Gifts Made By the Kids

When you want to give a mother a special gift, getting her children involved is always a good idea.  If you’re an adult in their life, go with them to buy any material needed to make the gift.  You can even help them make something.  This can include a painted mug or drawing. If you decide to go shopping together, have the kids be on the lookout for other gifts mom may like.  It’s a great opportunity for the kids to learn how to shop for someone else. 

 

 

mother's day gift ideas

 

 

 

 

Photos and Paintings

Photos and paintings are excellent ideas for creating memories.  Additionally, they can be displayed in the home. You can take favorite photos and have them turned into painted portraits.  You could also book a photoshoot or get a gift voucher for a photo session. Professional family photos are great, but not everyone wants to spend money on themselves in that way. 

 

 

mother's day gift ideas

 

 

 

A Gift That Keeps on Giving

Instead of giving a gift that has a one-time use, consider gifts that just keep giving. Monthly subscriptions are a great example.  For example, if you sign someone up for a subscription for chocolate, wine or a magazine, they don’t just get one gift, but keep getting nice surprises the length of the subscription.  How about a gift that can be used over and over.  An e-reader or new bag are perfect gifts.  Give gifts that can reused. Your gift could range from an e-reader to a new bag. Gifts that last a long time and can bring someone lots of pleasure will always make a good gift.

 

Some Personal Time

Most moms crave a little time to themselves. This can include relaxing at home with no disturbances. It could also mean going out with some friends.  You can help by offering to babysit, take the kids out for the day, or arranging for mom to do something fun.

 

If you know a mother who deserves a treat, be sure to pick from our special gift ideas for Mother’s Day. Better yet, don’t wait for the next special occasion to come around, get her something just because.

Filed Under: Shopping Tips Tagged With: , , ,

Tips On Raising Confident Children

September 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on raising confident children. There’s nothing you’d like to see more than your child happy and confident, right? We all want our kids to be at their best mentally, physically and socially. It starts at home, and it starts while they are you.  Teach them early, and it will stay with them throughout their childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Although we love them regardless of their condition at any given time, we want them at their best should at all times.  

 

children's confidence

 

Confidence is massive in a person’s life. If you’re not feeling good about yourself and the situation around you, then you’re probably not going to perform well or have a good time.  It’s important that children experience and feel confidence at a tender age.  Those experiences and feelings  will determine how their mind works when they’re older. The person you are today and the embedded default feelings you go to are literally a direct result of how things went when you were a little kid. 

Being a confident example for your child is imperative.  Teaching them to be confident is easy when you know what to do. 

 

Raising Confident Children:

 

Be Positive Around Them All The Time  

If you’re constantly positive around them, then they’re going to feed off of that kind of energy. People, including yourself, will react to the stimuli around them. You may not realize it, but you’re the result of the people around you.  This includes family, friends, co-workers etc.  They all play a part in forming your opinions, beliefs, and feelings. 

If you’re constantly optimistic and positive around them, then they’re going to grow up thinking that’s the best (and only) way of approaching things. If you’re a miserable, negative person, then they’re going to pick up those kinds of mannerisms. Kids taking in information like a sponge at a young age.  And, it stays with them forever. Make sure you’re giving off the correct impression – it could be very significant. 

 

Keep Them Active And Exercising  

People need to be on the move in order to feel good about themselves.  They may be a select few that can lounge around all day and stay content, but the majority need to be up and moving.  You don’t need to become a drill sergeant, but getting them up and out of the house will do them good. Today, kids are stuck inside in front of a computer screen or TV.  So, make sure they’re moving around enough.  Keeping active makes the brain release chemicals that make us feel more positive and happy. Getting tasks done also feels a lot better than sitting around achieving nothing!

 

 

children's confidence

 

 

Teach Them About Respect 

If your child learns about respecting another person, they’ll get to know the ins and outs of respecting themselves.  . When it comes to confidence, a lot of the issues are social ones. If your kid knows how to behave when around other people, then they’re going to be in a better boat than, say, a socially awkward youngster. This kind of competence can then lead to even more confidence as they grow into their impressionable teenage years. 

 

Get Professional Help  

If you feel as though you might not be able to do this on your own, then you can always get assistance. There are many practitioners that deal with the minds and bodies of children.  So, a little research will be beneficial.  If they need pediatric speech therapy,  then it’s worth considering.  It could end up benefiting them in a big way as they grow. It could be the difference between a confident adult, and an overly anxious and shy one.

 

Teach Them the Fundamentals Of Life  

If they early about being healthy and stable, your child will stand a better chance of being confident in many things. A lot of children are never taught how to do basic things like domestic chores and shopping.  Sadly, they end up having a lack of confidence as adults. If you teach them these very basic and fundamental aspects of life, then they’ll be a lot more competent and confident. 

I hope my tips on raising confident children has been beneficial.  Start early and be consistent.  You will be able to sit back and watch you child grow into a confident and productive human being.

Filed Under: Character Building Tagged With: , , ,