Container Gardening......

 My container garden has come as the result of a year long battle for yard space. My boyfriend Bob thinks that his "grass" should take up the majority of the space in the yard and the garden full of fresh vegetables and nourishment, not so much.   I will be including a picture of this "grass" and you can decide for yourself what the space would be better used for.  I did manage to accidentally cut two feet into his section of the yard this year when I was getting the garden ready, giving myself two additional feet of garden space.  Whoops! However, there is just never enough room for everything I want to grow so this year I have decided to try container gardening. This is also a good idea if you don't have a yard or time for a

garden!

 

The Great Divide.....grrrrrr

Whoops!! Sorry Bob!!

In the Beginning.........

I started some of my seeds approximately four weeks ago indoors.  I have since begun the process of moving them outside and into their appropriate containers. 

If you do not have the time or are just starting out, you can buy baby plants and you won't have to take the time to start the seeds indoors.   You can find baby plants at Lowe's, Home Depot, Whole Foods, Columbus Flea Market etc......they usually only sell what is in season to plant so you can drop them right into the dirt and be on your way!

The Containers........

You could really get creative and use almost anything as a container for your garden! As long as it has some drainage and is big enough to hold the plant, you should be good to go.  I went to a discount store and got some large pots for under $10 each. I also check around when I am at yard sales or the good will and always manage to find a pot here and there!.  I am growing a tomato plant, green beans and cucumbers in the containers this year.  They sell hybrid varieties of the tomatoes and cucumbers that have been created for growing in small places.  It will usually say on the plants tag.

Baby Hybrid Tomato Plant

Be sure to give your plants plenty of water once it gets hot out because they dry out much faster than plants that are in the ground. You may want to get a tomato cage for your tomato plant and anything that climbs will need a trellis, such as green beans or cucumbers.  You can make a trellis on your own or find one at any garden store.

 I also had some flower seeds donated to me by the Iffrig's that I have started growing for this year! They are climbing flowers that I am hoping will grow up the posts on the patio!!

Iffrig Baby Flowers

These are just a few new things that I am trying this year. Gardening can be fun and easy even for those of us who don't think we have the time.  You could start out with just a few small pots of herbs to get your feet wet even! These come in handy if you like to cook and put off a beautiful fragrance to freshen the air around the plant.  I like to try different things and am always open to new ideas.  It makes the whole experience more fun and exciting.  You really can't go wrong with gardening.  If at first you don't succeed just buy some more seeds!!!

Cultivating the Soul......

 Gardening provides health and nutrition not only to the body but also to the mind and spirit.  The effects of spending time outdoors and being in the process of creating life is something that is truly beneficial to the soul. I can go out into the yard and spend all day out there. So relaxing. It would be even more relaxing if I had more space! Ha!

 

Bob's "Grass".....hmmmm

Wishing You Well Today and Always.

Holistic Allergy Remedy......

 Tried and True Holistic Remedy For Seasonal Allergies.......

Most of us suffer from seasonal allergies, especially at this time of year.  The beautiful days cause us to open the windows and the next thing you know, your eyes are itching and allergies have struck!  I moved from New Jersey and naturally my allergies were much worse when I lived there.  Now that I have found a remedy to keep them at bay, my life has been more peaceful as a result and I have been nearly allergy free.  I do get the occasional sniffle but then I know it is time to take my "medicine".

The problem.......
 

Allergies are a result of not only environmental factors but they are also related to our own mental and emotional issues.  An imbalance of the heart chakra can cause allergies to flare up.  The Heart chakra is about love. When the heart chakra is open we are open to change and growth. We feel sympathy and empathy, are sensitive to others feelings, needs and emotions. The heart chakra is associated with hopes of the future and awareness of our spiritual purpose.  When it is open, we are compassionate and friendly; we experience love, joy, acceptance and fulfillment.   

When our heart chakra is closed we have fears about our life and our involvement with others lives. We may distance ourselves from others and become isolated. We may have an inflated ego; we may be jealous and ungrateful. We may have circulation ills, high blood pressure and seasonal allergies.

The heart chakra can be opened through reiki or by practicing love, hope and faith in your daily life.  It helps to let go of resentments, bitterness, grief, anger, loneliness and hatred. 

Treatment........

Nothing but Neti.......

Once you have done your best to treat the mental and spiritual part of your illness, it is best to then treat the physical.  I have tried different things and I simply stick to the methods that work best for me.  My number one weapon against allergies is my Neti Pot!! You can find them at any drug store or order one online.  

 

The neti pot is filled with warm water and a saline solution that usually comes with the Neti pot.  You then pour the Neti solution into your nose and it irrigates the nasal passage. This clears out any "debris" that could become lodged in your nasal passage and cause irritation or a sinus infection.  I use this whenever I feel the sniffles coming on!

Herbal Boost........

The second thing I do during allergy season is take extra herbal supplements.  I take vitamin C and Echinacea to boost my immune system and scare off any potential infections that the season might bring.  

Headache.......

To treat the headaches that sometimes come along with the seasonal allergies, I rub a small amount of Tiger balm on my temples and use reflexology to relieve the pain.  This technique can always be used to relieve headaches!

 

Tea Time.......

An herbal mint tea always helps to soothe breathing and relax the body as well.

I hope that you will find something here that will benefit your mind, body and spirit.  Please bring it with you on your journey and share it with those who may also be in need of some relief.

Wishing You Well Today and Always.

The Healthy Muffins.....Oh.. So.. Hearty!!!

What you will need:

• 1&1/4 cups Flour
• 1/2 cups Dark Brown Sugar
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
• 3 tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/3 cup Skim Milk
• 2 Small Carrots Shredded
• One Banana    

**The original recipe called for 1/2 cup of raisins and 4 medium carrots.  I adjusted it a bit to suit my taste.....feel free to add your own favorite ingredients!


Next, the Mixing Magic...... 

Simply mix together all of the DRY ingredients in one bowl and all of the WET ingredients in a separate bowl.  I shredded the carrots and mashed the banana in with that in a totally separate bowl.  We are up to three bowls now, for those who are following.  Next, add the wet ingredients in with the dry and mix just until moist. You never want to over mix muffins.  Then, add in the carrot/banana mixture. 

 

Enfin*, you can separate the ingredients into 12 muffin cups.........Have the oven preheated to 350 degrees F.  You can pop the muffins in for about 20 minutes and VOILA*!!!!

*(which means finally in French, just practicing for finals here people)

*(also French meaning "see there") 

These are great for breakfast, a snack or warmed up with some ice cream for a dessert! Yum!

Thanks For the Great Recipe Joanna!!

Good-Will Hunting....Hunting For Treasures.

Vintage Earrings and Bracelet $4.40......Score!

When I have the time, I like to make the rounds to the local thrift shops to search for "treasures".  Sometimes I score, and sometimes I don't.  One of my favorite places to go is the Second Avenue Thrift Store by the Franklin Mills Mall.  They have an awesome selection of jewelry, handbags, clothes etc..They also have different sales for every day of the week. Sundays are 33% off the entire store!  You just have to go and check often to find something that you like.  It's so much fun, not only to look for things, but then to find something and for a great price!! 

Eco-Friendly Shopping......

 Shopping at thrift stores is not only economical but it also helps our environment. By shopping for products that are being reused, you are taking a stand against globalization and the unsustainable consumption of goods. You are also making a contribution to whatever charity the store happens to support.  You can bring your own donation along and drop it off before you start your shopping.  Less is going to the landfill and more of your hard earned money is staying in your pockets.  

Repurposing......

 Thrift stores are also a good place to buy things for repurposing or upcycling.  An example of this is buying curtains to turn into table covers, shower curtains or perhaps a dress if your name is Scarlett O'Hara! Click on the link below for more repurposing ideas. 

http://www.naturalhomeandgarden.com/blogs/blog.aspx?id=2147484433&blogid=2147483678

Sin Free Chocolate Cupcakes.

 

 All you will need is one box of Trader Joe's Guiltless Brownie Mix and 2/3 cup of non-fat yogurt!

Mix Yogurt and Brownie Mix until moist, divide into 12 muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.....

That's it......Really!! Now you are on the road to SIN FREE LIVING!

*You can add icing on top if you are feeling devilish .......

*or try warming in the microwave and adding some berries......(my favorite!)

(And only 3 Weight Watcher Points per serving)

www.traderjoes.com