The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

It was in my teen years that I began to explore crafting and DIY projects. From the 70's decoupage rage, the 80's cross stitch craze, the 90's sewing costumes and clothing phase and the 2000's landscaping and garden projects, our kids have pretty much seen a little bit of everything. So, it's no small wonder they have been more than willing to try DIY projects themselves.

La's first apartment allowed her to hone her crafting skills by pulling together a color palette she built her room around. We sewed pillows, a duvet cover and a slip cover for her love seat. Her next apartment got even better. We painted her bedroom furniture, replaced drawer pulls, repurposed furniture, refinished furniture and sewed curtains so she could pull it all together for her very own signature look. Her current apartment is so cute and her decorating skills have definitely evolved. She designed her living room end tables which Monty built. Building on her prior color palette, she added in new colors and completely got a new look. I am so proud of her creativity!



Aaron's first apartment saw Monty putting in many hours to build his platform bed, end table, desk, book shelf and ottomans. It was in the middle of summer(hot and humid) and both of them worked to sand, stain and finish his furniture. Aaron knew what he wanted and with Monty's help brought it to life. I know Aaron gained alot by getting out there and learning the basics of furniture making. He was so stoked over his apartment!

Ahh, Trevor. He has never been afraid to try anything. I am always amazed at how detailed he can be. He's currently taking a silk screening class in school and needed to come up with a project. Didn't take him long to come up with a design. Knowing pretty much what he wanted to do from the beginning made it easy to decide on the subject. I loved his idea and the only thing I suggested was to add in some marsh grass. The end result looks pretty darn professional and his teacher told him he did a great job. I have to agree. Now who wouldn't want to be on his team to go duck hunting?

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Composting

We have attempted in the past to compost, even going so far as to buy a composter. As a matter of fact, we have 2. They are placed down the hill in our backyard out of sight. Only problem is they are truly " out of sight, out of mind". Needless to say, we were good about it to begin with but in the last year have become quite slack in using it. Maybe I should clarify that statement. It was the ole DH's job to empty the kitchen container in the compost bin and "he" has become quite slack in keeping up with it. So, I have now taken over the job and started it up again, only this time I am emptying the food scraps into the raised flower bed in the front. Walking down the hill, fighting briars isn't exactly my cup of tea. I figure it can't hurt to use the flower bed right now while it is empty. Once the flowers are in I'll have to find another spot or move the composter up in the back yard where it is more accessible.

I'd even like to start a worm composting operation, the worm castings are great fertilizer and of course totally organic.

Really the hardest thing, is just getting into the routine of doing it. My grandmother kept an old milk carton beside her sink that all her vegetable waste went into. She emptied it out daily in her garden. It was her routine to do so, but then again, she was recycling way before it was the "thing to do". She never forgot the hard times during the depression, never took for granted electricity, wasted nothing, repurposed and reused everything she could.

Taking her lead, instead of using a milk carton, I am using the bottom half of a soda bottle. Not to big, doesn't hold more than a day's worth of scraps and it forces me to go out and empty it. It is quite amazing how fast it fills up with lettuce scraps, coffee grounds(with filter), orange peels, etc.

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365 Days of Trash

I am always on the look out for new blogs and here's the most recent one I've discovered...quite interesting.

http://365daysoftrash.blogspot.com/

Ok, we finally got on the "green" wagon and bought one of those grocery cloth-like reusable bags. I had already gotten another one from our benefit's fair last fall, but had never used it. The DH(and myself)have never been big fans of the plastic ones. The paper ones are ok, but are subject to ripping if packed with heavy items. After light discussion, we've decided to stop using both. Since we are proud owners of 2 "green" ones, the ole DH tried them out last week. He has reported them to be very satisfactory and definitely something we(he) can get used to. Notice I said he had tried them out, as you know I am not one to love grocery store shopping. I have to give Kudos to the DD who has been using them for quite some time. She too, is moving toward using more reusable "green" items and less disposables.

I don't know why buying that darn bag has made me so happy, maybe because we are reducing what goes into the landfill?

Yes, that's it exactly!

And, now to provide you with a little inspiration...

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Out with the old

Today was so nice that I decided to start cleaning out the raised beds holding last year's straw bales. It really is recycling at it's best -- the old decomposed bales are perfect to put in the flower beds out in the bird garden. My new annuals will love the rich decomposing goodness and I will get to enjoy flowers all summer.

I was quite productive and was able to get the old pepper bed and 1 side of the tomato beds done today. I'm even thinking of having the ole DH make 2 more raised flower beds out front. They sure are easier to weed, maintain and are so much better on my lower back! Not to mention, I may try to plant more cukes out there this year(remember last years did terrible only producing 3-4 cukes off of 2 vines).

So, all in all, I got a head start on one of my spring chores and it feels pretty good!

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Snow what?

This year's snow event comes in third place when compared to previous years snow totals.

Here's the breakdown:

Decemember 23-24, 1989 = 15.9"
January 25-26, 2000 = 5.0"
February 12-13, 2010 = 3.8"
January 23-24, 2003 = 3.0"
January 20, 2009 = 0.9"

And here's a few pictures of our winter wonderland.

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Chowing down!

In the past several weeks, we have been inundated with goldfinches. So much so, that we are refilling our bird feeders every day practically. The flit and fly in every minute or so, sometimes perching and scrambling for position. Add in the cardinals, titmouses, chickadees and the occasional squirrel and we have a smorgasbord of activity! Our little bird visitors, so beautiful in their winter plumage, provide a spot of color in the otherwise drab winter landscape.

It doesn't take much to attract them. Hang your bird feeders filled with sunflower seed or sunflower hearts for the majority of birds or use a thistle feeder to attract the goldfinches. Once they find your feeders you'll certainly enjoy the show!


This little guy popped in this morning, cleaning up leftovers on the ground. He looks like a goldfinch, but actually is a pine warbler.




photo credit goes to hiltonpond.org

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Nightmare

Sad, but true.




Watch CBS News Videos Online

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Living Simple

I think this couple has the right idea....it's about 27 mins long, but take the time to really listen about their journey and renewed outlook.

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