Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle for Beginners

April 29, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on foraging for Purple Dead Nettle for beginners. My yard is filled with it. It can found in the front yard, along my back property line as well as in my vegetable garden. I bet you can find some in yours too.

So, I became interested in medicinal herbs when I was enrolled in my master gardening course.  I had already incorporated kitchen garden herbs into my life.  But, learning about medicinal herbs and how to use them was a new experience. I was amazed at the wild/medicinal herbs that I had growing in my own backyard.

 

 

foraging purple dead nettle

 

 

 

First, many herbs that people forage are known as weeds to many.  They don’t realize that our ancestors used wild herbs for food, medicine, salves and more.  Sadly, I was new to wild herbs so I was hesitant about ingesting and using wild herbs when I first started foraging too.

Fortunately, Purple Dead Nettle is packed with Vitamin C, iron, antioxidants, and fiber. It’s an herb worth foraging. I love making infused oil with it. It’s great as a salve for dry skin or skin irrigations.

 

Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle:

 

 

Here’s a few uses for Purple Dead Nettle:

  • Salve
  • Astringent
  • Culinary (Salads)
  • Smoothies with bananas
  • Pollinators
  • Spring bouquets
  • Diuretics
  • Laxative
  • Tea
  • Pesto
  • Garnishes
  • Spring Bouquet

 

So, Purple Dead Nettle is a member of the mint family. You can tell that it’s a member by the square stem.  It originated in Europe and Asia.  Mint is consider an invasive plant.  However, Purple Dead Nettle grows outside so let it grow.  Also, it grows about  8 – 10 inches high and boasts delicate purple or pink flowers.  The darker the leaf on the plant the sweeter it’s taste. In addition to the purple and/or pink flowers, the stem on the Purple Dead Nettle is square giving it a unique appearance.  Also, the leaves are fuzzy rather than smooth.

 

 

foraging for purple dead nettle

 

 

 

 

Look for Purple Dead Nettle in the spring. In the summer, it has a tendency to falter.  As a result, stock up in the spring.  You can always dry and store it for use in tea and making infused oils.

First, here’s a few pictures on what you should look for when foraging Purple Dead Nettle.  Dead Nettle doesn’t sting, but the wild herb Nettle does sting. Study the pictures.  I guarantee, you have plenty growing on your property or can find some on one of your walks.  All of these pictures are from my yard.

 

 

 

foraging for purple dead nettle

 

 

 

Foraging for Purple Dead Nettle:

  • Take a pair of scissors or garden shears
  • Bring a basket or container
  • Take a few pictures
  • Know that they house ants
  • Ants carry the seeds to their colony
  • Use the shears or scissors to cut the plant
  • Shake your plants to dislodge ants.  They are there, trust and believe that.

 

 

 


 

 

 

Last, if you have decent weather I would suggest that you dry your newly harvested plants outside.  If you don’t have an herb drying tray, use an old towel.  Actually, if I’m drying the herb inside I prefer using an old towel. I pick up the harvested Purple Dead Nettle, and drop them numerous times on the towel.  The ants will scatter.  Do this several times a day for several days to dislodge all of the ants.  Take your towel outside and shake it vigorously to get rid of the ants.

If I’m drying the herbs outside, I take the same steps.  Remove the herbs, turn the tray over, and tap the bottom until the ants are removed.

Finally, have fun foraging this valuable herb.  Once you start foraging for one, you won’t want to stop.  You may also like The Benefits of Lavender and Lamiyum Purpureum (the scientific name for Purple Dead Nettle).

Filed Under: Wild Herbs and Plants Tagged With: , , ,

4 Delicious Fruits To Grow In Your Garden

April 27, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on fruits to grow in your garden. Isn’t it every gardener’s dream to have a  garden that’s full of delicious fruits? Some fruits are high-maintenance and challenging to grow, which isn’t exactly ideal for a beginner. Thankfully, there are plenty of yummy fruits that beginners can grow. 

 

growing fruit

Here’s a few fruits to grow in your garden:

 

Apples

There are many types of apples. First, choose what type you want to grow. If you’re an apple lover, you know that not all apples have the same taste. You’ll want to grow an apple that you like.  So, sample a few before you start planting! Once you’ve decided, you need to buy these seeds and another type. Apples need pollination from a different variety to grow. Next, you need to choose a rootstock.  The rootstock will determine how big the tree gets. You should plant your apple tree in a sunny spot, using well-prepared soil. Remember, your trees will be need to be pruned regularly to keep their shape. 

 

growing fruit in your garden

 

 

Blueberries

Blueberries are an easy to grow fruit. Furthermore, they work well in containers. It’s best to choose a self-pollinating type of blueberry, you’ll only need one plant to yield fruit. Blueberries love acidic and moist soil. However, the soil will require a PH level of around 4.5-5.5. Blueberries can tolerate the shade well; however you’ll produce much better plants when growing them in the sun. Blueberries grow very well in aged compost.

 

Figs

You can plant figs in warm conditions, such as Zone 8 or above. When winter temperatures drop below -12°C you’ll need to bring your figs inside.  So, growing them in a container is recommended. If you plant your fig tree in a container, add bark chips to improve the drainage. It’s best to add a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content each month too. You can grow figs in many types of soil; just ensure that there’s plenty of organic matter and it’s well-drained. Remember, fig trees need to be at least 20 feet away from other trees. 

 

 

growing fruit in your garden

 

 

Strawberries

You can grow strawberries in a container, strawberry planter, or a well prepped strawberry bed. To grow strawberries, you’ll need lots of rich garden compost or horse manure (well rotted). It’s a good idea to choose ‘ever-bearing’ strawberries as these will continue to produce fruit for the whole summer. So, plant your strawberry runners or bare-rooted strawberries in the springtime. It’s also fine to plant in the late summer or even in the fall. You can prep the soil with a dressing of potash fertilizer. When you plant the strawberries, the roots should be buried, and you should space them about 12 inches apart. Strawberries will be a delicious addition to the fruits to grow in your garden.  

When you are growing your fruits ang vegetables, consider pest control. For a great pest control service take a look at animalcontrolspecialists.com.

Last, before you start growing fruits in your garden, it’s important to perfect your compost. Remember, you need an equal measure of green and brown materials. It’s helpful to buy a compost bin so that you can easily turn your compost, generating the air it needs to thrive.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Teach Your Kids to Have Fun

April 21, 2020 by 1 Comment

Today, I’m parenting advice on how to teach your kids to have fun.  Lately, we’re spending a lot more time at home. Fortunately, that means we also have a lot more time to play with our kids.  It’s a joy and boon that might be tough to give up when it comes time to go back to work.

Unfortunately, you still have to do work at home and deal with other responsibilities.  So, you have to make sure the kids don’t getting bored, cranky, or disruptive. No worries, I have the solution to help you keep your household happy. 

 

teach your kids to have fun

 

 

Here are a few ways to help your kids have fun:  

 

Help them tap into their creativity

Now is the perfect time for your kids to find their passion.  Helping your children get creative can include crafting fun. They can make things to decorate their rooms or other areas in the home.  This can be an excellent way to spend time together too.  Also, kids can easily get lost in their own imagination for hours with the right tools. Consider ordering a child-safe art set.  And, add in things like coloring books that encourage them to tap into that playful side.  Be sure to color a few pages with them.  

 

Turn the garden into a playground

Do your children love trips to the local park? Do they miss the swings, slides, and other attractions? If you have the space for it, there’s nothing to stop you from bringing part of the playground to your yard. Seek help from the team at Component Playgrounds. It might be a little more costly than the average toy, but it will bring hours of fun.  Most importantly, with the right care and maintenance, they’ll love playing with their new swing set for years to come.  It’s a great way to teach your kids to have fun.  

 

 

help your kids to have fun

 

 

 

Engage Your Children 

Kids can and will rise to a challenge when you put it in front of them. There are plenty of toys that will inspire them to play independently. For instance, a train set, playset, or dollhouse as shown at Very Well Family will help to engage them. These items are great way to teach your kids to have fun.  

 

Show Your Kids How to Entertain Themselves 

Some might think that you’re being a little neglectful, but playing alone is an important skill for kids to learn. Getting comfortable on their own will be helpful throughout life. So, it’s important that they understand that spending time playing alone is okay. Make sure they understand they are big enough to take care of some of their needs without you.  Just as importantly, make sure they understand not to disturb you as well. And, don’t you disturb them when they’re clearly engaged in their own play, too.

 

teaching your kids to have fun

 

It’s important to spend time playing with your kids, and to teach your kids to have fun.  Especially, when their opportunities to play are limited to the home. However, you can make sure that the time they spend alone or with each other is still fun and safe with the tips above. So, don’t feel guilty about encouraging independent play.  Remember, you still need to keep an eye on them.

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: , ,

Getting Your Yard Ready for Summer

April 17, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to get your yard ready for summer.  Warmer weather is on the way, so now is a good time to get your backyard ready. 

First, start by looking at what you have in your yard and what you have to work with. You’ll be surprised with how some basic garden maintenance can really perk up your outdoor space.  And, make it somewhere that you will want to relax in.

 

getting your yard ready for summer

 

 

How to get your yard ready for summer:

 

Planters and borders

You need enough space to place smaller plants with larger ones planted behind.  Use evergreen shrubs on the ends of your borders and add in smaller shrubs along the way.  Additionally,  allow room for a few pretty flowering plants in between. Create a pattern and coordinating colors so that it looks coordinated and easy on the eye.

Weed out anything that isn’t healthy, and add fresh mulch for a maintained look.

When choosing your plant layout, keep in mind how the plants perform seasonally.  Consider if the plants will add color throughout the year.  Combine those with plants will fade out and not provide much color or contrast in the garden.  

 

 

getting your yard ready for summer

 

Lawn

Keep your lawn mowed.  Not only will it smell amazing, but it will look lovely.  If your grass is a little sparse and patchy in areas, then you can re-seed it.  Additionally, use Liquid Lawn and water regularly.

 

Patio and decking

Take the time to remove any weeds or moss from between paving stones.  Furthermore, if you have deck or patio and want to give it a new lease on life, use a power washer to make it look new again.  Once you have power washed your deck and patio, treat your deck with a stain or protectant.  

If you’re looking to add more color and general interest to your patio area, then you can arrange your planters and borders to have different plants of different sizes to make them visually pleasing.

Think about adding some beautifully scented flowers and shrubs, such as lavender and jasmine too.  They will really add a lovely aroma to the air on a warm evening.

 

 

getting your yard ready for summer

 

Coordinate your plants and paving

If you really want to make your garden stand out, know that attention to detail is the key. You might have a color scheme in your house, so why not in your garden? Try coordinating your flowers and plants with the paving stones you have or the color of your deck.  Black and grey shades can look great with bold colors like yellow, orange and red.

 

Fencing

During the winter months, there is likely to be some wear and tear to your garden fence.  A good way to really revive the look of your garden is to paint your boundary fence.  You could tie in the color with your planters and deck to create a fluid look throughout your outdoor space. Not only can you paint your fence, but you can also add trellis along your fence.  The trellis will allow some climbing plants and incorporate more color and texture around the edges of your backyard.

 

Ambience

Those summer barbecues and al fresco meals outside won’t be complete without some outdoor lighting.  There are many types of lights from festoon lighting, fairy lights and solar powered lights.

If you want to create some rustic charm, then you can use lanterns or jam jars with candles inside, to achieve that flickering effect.

 

Plan your seating

It is wonderful to be able to make use of outdoor space when the weather is warm.  So, you need to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate whatever seating and tables you plan to use.  

Think about what you want to use the space for.  Are you more likely to be eating outside at a table or are you more inclined to want to sit more comfortably in a lounging area?

 

Get your shed in order

It’s easy to shove everything you’re not using into the shed during the winter months.  Start by removing everything from your shed.  Next, sort through the items that you need and don’t need.  Clean off your items, and place back only what you intend to use.  You’ll be more inclined to keep on top of your pruning and mowing duties, if everything is easily accessible and in working order.

 

Finally, I hope that you will find a few tips useful on how to get your yard ready for summer.  Pick out 1 or 2, and you will have a beautiful yard in no time.

 

Filed Under: Outdoor Living

12 Best Slicing Tomatoes for Backyard Gardens

April 10, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on the best slicing tomatoes for backyard gardens.  First, when I’m planning my garden, I think about the tomatoes that I want to plant.  Do I want them for my BLTs, to make sauce or to can for my soup and chili later in the winter.

Slicing tomatoes are great for sandwiches, covering burgers, using on hoagies and subs or smeared with may and salt and pepper. 

For the record, I have planted numerous varieties of tomatoes over the years.  Some have become a staple in my garden, and some I have vowed to never plant again.  So, lets not waste any time.  Lets check out the list.

 

 

best slicing tomatoes

 

Best slicing tomatoes:  

 

Cherokee Purple – First, my favorite tomato is the Cherokee Purple.   It has a smoky flavor and pairs perfectly on my BLT.  Additionally, I love it sliced with a little mayo, salt and pepper.  You will find them in my garden every year.  The Cherokee Purple is similar to a beefsteak and is a heirloom tomato.

Mortgage Lifter – The Mortgage Lifter can weigh as much as 2 lbs. with the right conditions.  So, make you have it staked well.  The plants grow heavy enough to lift a flimsy cage out of the ground.  This tomato originated in West Virginia in 1922.

Paul Robeson – Next, the Paul Robeson tomato is a deep purple color that almost looks black.  It is second on my list of favorite heirlooms.  The Paul Robeson was named after the famous opera singer and civil rights activist, Paul Robeson.  I love these tomatoes on BLTs and sliced with mayo.

 

 

best slicing tomatoes

 

 

 

 

Brandywine Red – The Brandywine Red is one of the most popular heirloom garden tomatoes.  It has a wonderful taste.  Additionally, it’s a beefsteak.  So, it’s great for slicing.  One of my favorites.

Brandywine Pink– Next, the Brandywine Pink is an heirloom tomato like its counterpart, the Brandywine Red.  I love the color of this tomato.  This tomato is a rosy-pink and has a little bit of a tang.

Celebrity  – The Celebrity tomato produces large fruit.  So, it’s actually considered an all purpose tomato.  They are large and can be used for slicing, canning and sauce.  Additionally, you can also plant these in large container. So, you can grow them on your patio or balcony if they get enough sunlight.  I like the flavor, and use them on my BLTs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Krim –  The Black Krim has a very rich flavor.  It is high on my list of garden tomatoes.  This tomato is a dark burgundy color similar to the Cherokee Purple, Black Krim, and Paul Robeson.  They are a beefsteak, which makes them perfect for sandwiches.  They originated in Crimea.

Hillbilly – Unfortunately, the Hillbilly tomato is too sweet to me. So, I really don’t like it on my sandwiches.  However, other family members love them.  I share my garden harvest, so I continue to plant them so they can enjoy them.  The Hillbilly is an heirloom, which originated in West Virginia in the 1800s.  It’s a beautiful color, yellow and orange. It displays beautifully on the BBQ table for burgers.  

Delicious – Also, The Delicious tomato holds the record for the largest tomato ever grown, a whooping 7 pounds.  They find a place in my garden every year. The Delicious is an heirloom, and all purpose tomato.  It’s perfect for slicing, making tomato juice and canning.

Homestead – The Homestead is an all purpose tomato.  It can be used for slicing, canning, and  salads.  This tomato is sweet.

German Johnson – Another West Virginia tomato that is an excellent slicing tomato.  Additionally, the German Johnson is thought to a parent of the Mortgage Lifter and Radiator Charlie tomatoes.  The German Johnson tomato is popular at Farmer’s Markets, and it is an heirloom.  It has an excellent flavor, and the color is more pink than red.

Better Boy – Last, the Better Boy tomato is great for slicing.  It has been around for about 50 years, and produces a lot fruit.  So, stake this plant heavily.  The flavor is excellent, and it will always find a place on my BLT

 

It’s nice to have a variety of tomatoes on the dinner or BBQ table in the summer.  They make a great conversation piece too.  Your fellow gardeners will want to know about them.

Finally, check out my list of best slicing tomatoes and purchase a few for your backyard garden.  You won’t be disappointed.

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Home Inspection Tips for Buyers

April 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing home inspection tips for home buyers.  Home inspections have been known to make both the seller and buyer uneasy. Sellers often feel that the home inspection company will automatically side with the buyer if issues arise.  However, buyers feel the opposite.

If you’re in the market for a new home, you need to be aware of the intricacies involved in a home inspection.  You should become familiar with the process before purchasing a home.  Educate yourself on the before, during, and after inspection processes.  It’s important that a home inspection go well for both the buyer and seller.  

 

home inspection tips

 

It’s very common for purchasing contracts to include a provision stating that the home inspection pass or the sale won’t occur.  If you don’t like the results of the inspection, that means you can simply walk away.  Another option would be to simply negotiate a lower price with the seller .  Especially, if the inspection doesn’t go as planned.  Having a home inspection go off without a hitch is ideal for both parties. 

 

Here are a few home inspection tips for buyers:

Include It in the Contract

Many buyers make the mistake of not putting an inspection contingency clause in the purchasing contract. Don’t make this mistake. You need to make sure the real estate agent properly includes the inspection.  A verbal agreement with the seller isn’t enough.  You need the clause included in the contract to make it legal.  

 

Inspections Are Essential (But Not Foolproof)

Home inspections are essential. Using a quality inspection service is important (e.g. Octopus Home Inspections).  But, equally as important is realizing that inspections aren’t foolproof. Not every inspection will be perfect.  And, there will almost certainly be minor details that are missed. Remember, the inspection report will detail everything the inspection company finds. So, much of that depends on the level of access granted by the seller. 

 

home inspection tips

 

 

Deciding Between Repairs, Credits, Etc. 

If there are issues found during the inspection, this is where strong negotiation skills come into play. Being able to negotiate is important.  Especially, when it comes to buying a house. For example, let’s say that the inspection found problems with a brick patio. The buyer can try to negotiate with the seller.  The buyer can ask that the seller give them credit for that repair.  Or, have the seller hire a contractor to complete the repair. You will want to do this before the sale is finalized. 

 

Getting It in Writing Is Important

If the seller agrees to hire a contractor, have all repairs documented. This also includes any recent/past repairs.  Especially, repairs the seller is using to make their home more appealing to buyers (e.g. “brand new floors”). While this isn’t essential by any means it certainly shouldn’t be ignored. 

 

Tips for Finding a Quality Inspection Company 

It’s important not to rush into choosing a home inspection company. Make sure the company you choose is experienced, licensed, and is well-reviewed. This is where using Google and other search engines can be handy. Look at the company’s reviews. 

What are people saying? Do they have lots of positive reviews? Does the company offer a sample report for potential customers to view before hiring them? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking. You should also look into whether or not the inspection company belongs to any of the major inspection associations (in the United States).

Last, don’t be afraid of asking questions.  Also, the inspection company should allow you to be present when the inspection occurs.  If you have any questions or concerns, voice them. There’s nothing worse than leaving a question unanswered about a home inspection.  

Finally, using the home inspection tips will allow you to hire a qualified inspection company. Keep in mind everything covered above will help you during the purchasing process.

Filed Under: Shopping Tips Tagged With: , ,

Homemade Fertilizer for Tomatoes and More

April 8, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on using homemade fertilizer for tomatoes. Using these household items will help you grow bigger, juicy, disease free tomatoes this season.  First, I’ve been using these household items in my backyard vegetable garden for years.  I’ve had success with all of them.  So, I’m thrilled to be sharing these gardening tips with you.

Homemade fertilizers will give your plants the boost they need to grow and produce delicious fruit.  Most importantly, homemade fertilizers can be made organically.  You can add in products that will boost calcium, iron, potassium, sulfur, magnesium etc.  

 

 

homemade fertilizer for tomatoes

 

 

 

Homemade Fertilizer for Tomatoes:

 

Eggshells – I save eggshells throughout the year so I can use in my garden.  I wash them, dry them thoroughly and crush them to plant with my tomatoes.  Check out my post Using Eggshells in the Garden.  Eggshells provide calcium for tomato plants.  Tomato plants need calcium need to produce large fruit.

Aspirin – Furthermore, you can use expired aspirins if you have them or purchase a cheap bottles from your local pharmacy to make a spray for your plants.  One bottle can go a long way.  Add 1 – 2 aspirins to a gallon of water.  Spray on your tomato plant throughout the growing season.

 

 

 

homemade tomato fertiizer

 

 

 

Coffee – Next, I brew coffee every morning, so I have plenty of coffee grounds to use in my garden. I simply put a scoop of coffee grounds in the hole with your plant and sprinkle a scoop of coffee grounds around each of your tomato plants.  Coffee grounds provide nitrogen to plants.  

Epsom Salt – You can also add 2 tablespoons of Epsom Salt to a gallon of water.  Spray your tomatoes plants with the Epsom Salt mixture once a month. Epsom Salt has Magnesium, which helps plants to absorb nitrogen and phosphorus.

Banana Peels – So, there’s lots of bananas in my kitchen.  I love them in my smoothies, and they’re great to take on the go.  So, rather than throw the peels in the trash, I recycle them.  I dry banana peels to use in the garden, a banana peel tea or use the peels directly in the planting hole.  Banana peels provide minerals to plants.  

 

Freeze Banana Peels

 

  • Begin my cutting your peels into strips.
  • Place them in a freezer bag and than freeze them.  Once you have 15 – 20 peels, it is time to  dry them.

 

Dry Your Banana Peels

 

  • Turn your oven on the lowest setting
  • Place your banana peels on a cookie sheet.  Be sure they are not touching.  You need the air to circulate.
  • Leave your oven door ajar.
  • Allow the peels to dry.  They are ready when they become brittle.
  • Use your chopper to cut up the peels.
  • Place them in an airtight container until they are ready to be used.

 

Finally, if growing bigger and healthier tomatoes is your goal; I hope you will make a mixture of homemade fertilizer for tomatoes.  Your tomatoes will love you for the added boost.  And, you will love your big, juicy, delicious tomatoes all summer.  Also, providing one of these fertilizers will help with preventing blossom end rot.  

You can also use the fertilizers:

  • Peppers
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Spinach
  • Celery
  • Asparagus   

 

You may also like homemade garden fertilizers.

 

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , , ,

Kids Easter Ideas for Foods and Crafts

April 5, 2020 by 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on Kids Easter Ideas for foods and crafts.  I’ve put together a round up of delicious and fun, but easy recipes for Easter cupcakes and cookies as well as Easter crafts that your kids will love.  We also have Easter Bunny masks, spring colored deviled eggs, Easter bingo, Easter printable activities and more.   You just need to select a few recipes and crafts and start planning a baking and craft day with the kids.

 

kids Easter food and crafts

 

 

So, celebrating holidays is always a special event for the kids and kids at heart.  Keeping them busy and serving foods that they will love can be stressful.  But, I’ve taken out the stress.  Just choose your menu from the kids Easter food and crafts below, and start planning a great day with family and friends.

 

Kids Easter Ideas 

 

 

Easter Activities

 

 

Bunny Butt Cupcakes – First, aren’t those bunny butts adorable sticking out the grass.  Make one for each of the kids, they’ll love you for it.

Easter Peep Mobiles – Second, these peep mobiles are perfect for your male and female guests.  Let the race begin!

Bunny Butt Sugar Cookies– These would perfect in a gift bag for guests to take home.

Rice Krispies Nests – These would look so cute on a tray on the dessert table.  Save a few for yourself.

Easter Bunny Mask –  Next, this mask will make a great Easter craft activities.  Have an adult oversee the activity while you finish dinner or entertain guest.  Or, set up a craft day with the kids.

Hand Print Bunny Craft – This hand print bunny craft is one of my favorite Easter crafts.  I love hand and foot print crafts for any reason.

Easter Bunny Bags – Also, these Easter Bunny Bags are so cute, and it’s a great activity to do with the kids.  Let them select a few treats to put in the bags to take home.

Easter Bingo – Easter Bingo is always a favorite activity at family gatherings.

Peeps and Bunny Sugar Cookies  – So, who wants a cookie?  Bake a batch of these and give them as a treat to the guest to take home.

 

 

easter food and crafts

 

 

 

Easter Bunny Sundaes – Perfect way to end a perfect dinner.  A scope of ice cream made to look like a bunny.  The kids and kids at heart will love it.

Easter Trifle Dessert – Can you say yummy in my tummy?  This Easter trifle would be perfect as the center piece on the dessert table.  Choose your colors wisely.

Egg Carton Chickens – Purchase and save the egg cartons to make these adorable carton chickens.

Rice Dyed Easter Eggs –  I love trying new things.  Are you brave enough to dye eggs with rice?

Jello Eggs – My grandchildren love Jello.  Making Jello in the shape of an egg is even better.  I love the colors.

Pastel Deviled Eggs – Additionally, these spring colored deviled eggs are perfect for the Easter dinner table.  They are fun and delicious.  The kids in my family love them!

 

 

 

easter food and crafts

 

 

 

Hen Chick Nest  – How cute is this Easter hen and her chicks.  The kids will love coloring the hen and decorating the eggs to make the chicks.

Chirpy Chicks Truffles – These little Easter chick truffles are almost too cute to eat.  Almost!

Fabric Easter Basket –  I love the color of the fabric used for these baskets.  So bright and uplifting.  They would make a great gift for Easter cookies or other treats for dinner guests.

Jelly Bean Tic Tac Toe –  So, did I tell you that I love jelly beans.  Especially, the gourmet jelly beans with all the different flavors.  Using them for Tic Tac Toe is out of the question.  But, a bag from the Dollar store will work for this game.

 

 

 

Easter Ideas

 

 

Easter Bunny Cupcakes – I love these bunny ears cupcakes.  Nice change from the Bunny Butt cupcakes.

Easter Bunny Dirt Cups – Be warned, there’s a lot of chocolate in this treat.  Perfect treat for the chocolate lovers.

Hatching Chicks  – This is a cute craft.  Assign an teen to the craft table and let the kids have fun making this Easter chick baskets.

Chocolate Bunny Cupcake – Eating a chocolate bunny for Easter was my favorite thing to do beside dying eggs when I was a kid.  A chocolate bunny in a cupcake, yes please.

Unicorn Easter Eggs – Next, these unicorn eggs are adorable.  This would be a great craft projects for girls.

Skittle Easter Egg Dye – I would have never thought of dying eggs with skittles.  Purchase a few bags from the Dollar store and try your hand.

Chocolate Chicks – These chicks are cute and delicious.  They would be perfect on an Easter dessert table.

Easter Egg Dog Cookies – Lets not leave out our doggies.  They would love an Easter treat too.

 

 

Easter Ideas

 

 

Easter Books for Kids – Next, reading is fundamental.  So, add a few Easter books to your kid’s reading list.

Paper Plate Chick – This is another cute Easter craft that you can use to keep the kid’s occupied.  Nice little Easter gift idea for guests to take home.

Easter Activities – Keep the kids busy with these fun Easter activities.

Peeps Chicken House – Last, how cute is this edible Easter chick house.  They kids will love making this or make them in advance and give your guests one to take home.

 

Finally, pick out a few of these Kids Easter ideas and start making plans.  The kids will love being your helper making cupcakes and have even more fun eating them.  Get creative, make the bunny crafts and be sure to fill a few bunny bags with my recommended Easter books.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Holidays, Meal Time Tagged With: , ,

10 Ideas for Family Fun

April 2, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on ideas for family fun.  Thinking of things to do while your family is stuck in the house can be very difficult. Depending on the age of your kids, you may need to think of lots of different tasks to keep different ages happy.  As a result, I’ve put together a list of activities that will get your kids excited and ready to take on a new experience.  

 

family fun

 

Ideas for family fun: 

 

Have a Movie Day

You don’t always need to be productive.  Taking a day to be lazy and enjoy your family is a good thing.  Grab a few blankets, and a stack of movies and have a great time.  Don’t forget the snacks.  

 

Start A Book Club

Reading is a great habit to get into.  And, your kids will benefit from reading.  So, start a family book club.   You could all read different books as you relax together, or take it in turns to read passages from the same book. Have everyone take a few minutes to discuss the book that they’re read with the family.  

 

Camp Out In The Garden 

Why not camp out in the garden? This will be a memorable experience that everybody can enjoy!  You can plant flowers or vegetables.  If that doesn’t interest them, plan a few kids garden crafts.  

 

 

family fun

 

 

Decorate The Sidewalk or Driveway 

Next, grab some colored chalk and have fun decorating the sidewalk or driveway.  It’ll make the world seem a little bit brighter whenever you look outside. 

 

Show Your Appreciation

Furthermore, get the kids to draw or paint pictures for nursing home residents.  This is a way to show love for the elderly and nursing home staff.   

 

Try Tik Tok

So, this is a new platform that can be a lot of fun to use. You can learn dances as a family and post them, as well as lip sync to your favorite films and shows. Most importantly, it will kill a few hours.  Start watching videos to get inspired and then work on making your own! 

 

 

kids baking

 

 

Get Into Baking

Next, try baking bread, cookies, marshmallow squares, or just about anything you like.  Make a grocery list and take a trip to the grocery store.  Let the kids help you pick out the ingredients needed.  The kids will learn valuable cooking skills and you’ll have lots of yummy things to eat afterwards. 

 

Lighten The Mood 

Work on ways to lighten the mood if you or the kids are feeling low.  Take a look at my favorite April fools pranks and see who you can trick with them! You modify or adapt them if you need to.  It’s a great way to lift everyone’s spirit.  

 

Learn New Skills

Perhaps you could learn a new skill. You don’t need anything fancy or special equipment. Why not see if there are online classes that interest everyone.  The kids or you can learn how to draw, paint, sing, sew etc.

 

Meditation 

Additionally, you can use the time to get into the meditation habit.  Meditating will help you to remain calmer and happier as a family. Meditation is about going inward, rather than looking outward, and can help with so many different aspects of life. If you get into the habit of doing this for just 5 minutes a day, you’ll strengthen the bonds with each other and yourselves. This is another great habit your kids will benefit from. 

 

Finally, do you have any ideas you’d like to add? Leave a comment below!

Filed Under: Entertainment Tagged With: , , ,

5 Reasons to Read Books When Stressed

April 1, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing tips on reasons to read books when stressed.  Leading a normal life isn’t always easy.  The Coronavirus has gotten worst over the last few months, and is expected to get worst over the next two weeks.  Many states have placed restrictions on the movement of citizens, and boredom is becoming an issue. 

However, there are ways to entertain yourself and your family.  Usually that includes watching television or using your smartphones and tablets.  Electronics are lifesavers during stressful times.  

 

reasons to read books

 

 

As tempting as it is to reach for a mobile device, there are a few downsides to using them.  Using electronics regularly impacts your physical health, your attention span and eyesight.  Although movement is limited, a healthy lifestyle is still imperative. Unfortunately, the internet encourages many to indulge in a sedentary routine rather than an active one.

 

If you’re wondering what the alternative to your electronics is, it’s reading a good old-fashioned book and taking a walk.  Reading is an excellent way for the entire family to pass time and stay entertained.  Taking a walk is a great way to indulge in physical activity after reading a few chapters.  You can think about what you’ve just read while you’re walking.  

 

Here are five reasons to read books:   

 

Reading Is Good For Mental Health

 

The great thing about a book is that it is full of knowledge. They encourage you to come to grips with new concepts.  Your brain will become sharper and your thinking clearer.  This applies to the majority of reading material, from a glasses buying guide to The Count of Monte Cristo.

Reading keeps the mind functioning.   A functioning mind is essential at all times, but especially when your movement is limited.  After all, it’s easy to let feelings of boredom, sadness, and anxiety impact your outlook.  Once these feeling set in, you start to see the negative side of things instead of the positive. 

Read a book on faith or eliminating stress in your life.  Both books will show you why worrying isn’t necessary. Books can transport you into a different place as soon as you open the cover.  

During stressful times, it’s nice to get away from what’s happening in the world and avoiding the news.  Both are healthy methods for reducing tension.  A book is a fantastic tool because it encourages your imagination to run wild and create a parallel dimension.  

 

reasons to read books

 

 

Great Way to Educate Kids 

 

Here’s another one of our reasons to read.  Young minds need their brains filled with information.  Just because they’re not sitting in a classroom doesn’t mean their education stops.  As a mom, it’s your duty to continue their education at home.  This means becoming a teacher as well as a parent.  Homeschooling your children should become a regular part of their home life.  There’s plenty of material online.  And, hopefully educators have given your kids lots of homework to help keep them occupied. 

Reading is the perfect solution as it opens their minds to new concepts while enhancing their vocabulary. Reading could turn out to be a passion for your child too.  Unfortunately, parents try to find their kids’ passions all the time without much success.  This blog has a brilliant guide on how to help your child find their passion.  Hopefully, reading will be one of them.  

 

It’s A Way To Socialize

 

As a result of the Coronavirus, many states are limiting the movement of citizens.  For example, states such as California, Washington State, West Virginia and Florida have placed restrictions on residents.   There are severe penalties, barring catching the disease, if your disobey the order.  

Video calling apps are making it easier to bridge the gap, and virtual book groups are taking it one step further. Readers in isolation can form their own virtual book group or join one that is established and discuss the book at hand.  Make sure that your internet connection is stable.  As long as you have access to the same book, geography shouldn’t be an issue. Some guides outline the best clubs to join if you want to get the ball rolling.

What’s great about reading is that online stores are always open. So, even if you don’t have many of the same books, you can order a stack of novels and have them delivered to your door! That way, there’s no reason to feel lonely or isolated.

 

reasons to read books

 

 

Purchasing Books Helps Businesses 

 

When you purchase books, you help a business or an individual who has self-published their book.  Visiting an on-line book store is an excellent option for purchasing books on your reading list.  

In China, for instance, bookstores that have reopened are experiencing an 80% reduction in foot traffic due to the Coronavirus. 

 

You Can Travel

 

You can travel and not have to pack your bags or book a seat on an international flight.  Yes, that’s the ultimate dream, and it can happen.  Grab a spot from the comfort of your garden, armchair, or bedroom.

Now what you ask? The answer is simple – with the help of travel books you can travel where ever you heart desires. Monisha Rajesh will take you ‘Around the World in 80 Trains,” a 45,000-mile trip that starts in London and takes in far-flung regions that include Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The legendary Bill Bryson will make you laugh and cry. But, if politics is your thing, ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ isn’t to be missed. It’s a book about Che Guevara’s awakening as well as the beauty of South America. Whatever travel book you choose, your mind will take you from your home to the most remote places in the world.

 

Apart from inspiring you, it should encourage you to travel more when this crisis is over. With that in mind, don’t forget to read a travel guide and plan your next vacation!

 

Do you agree with these reasons to read books? Why do you love to read?  Leave me a comment.  

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