Inspirational Quotes: Refuse To Fail
When You Lose A Blogger Friend
Yesterday I learned that a rose had been plucked from the garden. I lost a blogger friend. I must say I was shocked. I hadn’t visited her blog, Annie’s Kitchen Garden, in awhile and decided to head over to see what was growing in her garden this season. She had passed on May 7 from cancer. Those who knew Granny, loved her and will miss her greatly. She was an avid gardener, lover of life, wife, grandmother and great grandmother. I enjoyed her blog so much, and I learned much from her over the past few years in my gardening endeavors.
It is amazing how social media and blogs connect people. You can truly form friendships and bond over the internet. Granny will be the second blogger friend that I have lost. I am so grateful that I got to know her through her blog. I will hold her and all of the knowledge that she passed to me in my heart forever. Her wish for her fellow gardeners was to pass on our knowledge to others and Keep Gardening For Granny. It was an honor knowing her and I wish her family many blessings. May she RIP.
DIY – Flower Pot Tower
I’ve been wanting to make a flower pot tower for some time, and I finally got around to it. I was quick pleased with how it turned out and how easy it was to make. If you’re interested in making your own, you will need the following:
1 piece of rebar or a garden stake (Found at Lowes or Home Depot)
1 10 inch clay pot
1 8 inch clay pot
1 6 inch clay pot
potting soil
1/2 flat of petunias
Place your rebar into the ground where you will be placing your tower. Place the largest pot over the rebar. The hole in the pot will be large enough to place the pot over the rebar easily. Fill the pot with potting soil. Place the next pot over the rebar and fill with potting soil and than the third. Place petunias around the perimeter of each of the pots and water thoroughly. Looks like I need to add a few more petunias to the top. I want it be full.
If you want to add a 4th or 5th pot, you will need to use a longer stake. I recommend a garden stake, which can be purchased at your local garden center for a few bucks. You can cut the stake down once you reach the desired height of your tower.
You can also spray paint your pots the desired color if you want to a pop to your yard or add a saucer beneath the pots. Quick and easy project.
Can I Borrow Three Million Dollars
Looking for water front property? This one is for sale. I fall in love with it several years ago while vacationing in St. Croix, VI. I was vacationing at Chenay Bay Beach Resort, and this beauty was outside of my chalet. I could only see the side of the house from my view, but it was stunning so I snapped a few pictures to add to my “If Only I Was A Millionaire” dream book. It was so beautiful sitting on a bluff above the Chenay Bay Beach.
Imagine my surprise when I saw it listed for sale. I just happened to be browsing Google and noticed a post that listed homes for sale in the Virgin Islands. I decided to click on the link. When I saw it, I immediately recognized it. The house felt so familiar, but I was still in disbelief. I was wondering what the chances were of the picture listed in the post being the house I fell in love with while vacationing. So I kept reading and the article confirmed that it was in fact the house in St. Croix. If only I would hit the lottery for $3 million this baby would be mine. Truth be told I’ve never purchased a lottery ticket in my life, but if I was blessed with millions, I would be blogging daily from St. Croix, VI. Oh yes I would.
Here’s the front of the house, photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Realty in St. Croix. The house has 3.5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It comes furnished along with a chef’s kitchen, heated infinity pool with a waterfall, hot tub and waterside BBQ dining area. You can see the hurricane windows in the pictures. It boasts 15 foot ceilings and marble floors imported from France, the door hardware was made in Croatia, and the cabinetry was built in New Hampshire here in the states. While I was vacationing, we experienced a power outage. Not to worry, generators keep the power on in this baby. I wouldn’t miss a beat blogging, lol.
Look at the view from the bedroom. How can you not wake feeling refreshed. The canopy bed stays. I have a canopy bed too. It’s like it was furnished just for me Oh well, a girl can dream can’t she.
If you like this post you may also like: My Vacation In St. Croix
7 Tips For A Great Backyard BBQ
Summer is around the corner and grills will be fired up. There’s nothing like hot dogs, burgers, steaks, and ribs on an outdoor grill. I like a little burn on my hot dogs, how about you?
I don’t consider myself a master grill chef, but I can throw a great backyard cook-out. I love to entertain and I’ve learned over the years that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a successful gathering. I have a few tips to share so you can serve delicious food and keep family and friends coming back for more too.
Here’s the tips:
1. Make sure your grill is cleaned thoroughly from last year’s use. Don’t purchase expensive cleaners. Ball up a piece of aluminum foil and rub it back and forth across your grates. This should remove most of the build up. Finish removing the build up with a wire brush and clean with soap and water. A wire brush can be purchased from Lowes or Home Depot for a few bucks.
2. I’m partial to charcoal grills. That’s probably because I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars on a gas grill, especially when I can achieve great flavor from my Weber. I add flavor by adding green twigs from apple trees to my charcoal. My neighbor has a giant oak tree, where twigs are constantly falling so I gather up a few from her yard. You can add maple cuttings as well.
3. I buy supplies in bulk from Sams or Costco and save leftovers for the next outing. This includes napkins, cups, utensils, charcoal etc.
4. Look for sales on hot dogs, sausages, potatoes, can vegetables etc. at my local grocery store. I look for the buy one get one free deals and freeze or store them until needed.
5. Purchase store brand buns, your guest won’t give it a second thought. If you have a bun warmer, this is the perfect time to bring it out. Your buns will be soft and warm.
6. Head to the Dollar Store for colorful table cloths and accessories.
7. I purchase cheaper cuts of meats and marinade and season them well. I add eggs and Lipton’s onion soup mix to my ground beef. That’s it, no salt pepper or hamburger seasoning. Use your hands to mix it, pat them out and than set them in the refrigerator overnight. They are juicy and delicious. If I fix them any other way, my family knows. Slowly boil ribs until they are tender before placing them on the grill. You can easily pull them apart while eating and they’re are finger licking good. Marinade your steaks overnight for great flavor.
6. Summer is the perfect times to head to the garden for lettuce, tomatoes, and melons.
7. Be cautious when lighting your grill. I use self starting charcoal. It’s more expensive, but I don’t have to your starter fluid, which can be dangerous if not used properly. Grill safety is important as the delicious foods that you will be preparing. Keep a spray bottle or pitcher of water on hand to control high flames.
Here’s to a great BBQ season. May your summer be safe and blessed with family, friends and good food.