Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Grow 100 lbs. Of Potatoes In 4 Square Feet: {How To}
Quite the clever gardening tip here folks! Today’s feature includes tips from three different sources for growing potatoes vertically (in layers) instead of spread out in rows across your garden. If you have limited garden space or want to try some nifty gardening magic, this could be a great option for you.
First, there’s this article from The Seattle Times: It’s Not Idaho, But You Still Can Grow Potatoes:
The potatoes are planted inside the box, the first row of boards is installed and the dirt or mulch can now be added to cover the seed potatoes. As the plant grows, more boards and dirt will be added.You plant in one bottom layer, boarding up the sides of each layer and adding dirt as you go higher (you wait until the plants have grown a bit before adding a new layer). While new potatoes are growing in the top layers, remove the boards from the first layer at the bottom to carefully dig out any that are ready for harvesting. Fill the dirt back in and board up the box again. You move up the layers and harvest as they are ready. I imagine the new potatoes in the first couple bottom layers would be somewhat awkward to get at but as you move higher–not so bad.
I traced the information provided in the article to Irish Eyes Garden Seeds, they also advise you can skip the box and try growing them in a barrel or wire cage instead.
In another article on The Seattle Times (found here), I came across a blog post from Sinfonian’s Square Foot Garden that details his attempt using this box method, he added this tip for a better yield (Update: link removed since page is no longer online) :
Greg from Irish-Eyes Garden City Seeds let me know that Yukon Golds, and all early varieties set fruit once and do not do well in towers. You only get potatoes in the bottom 6 inches, which is what I got. Late season alternatives to yukon gold are Yellow Fin and Binjte.Bonus! For a handy project sheet, The Seattle Times has a nice image file detailing the steps (click to view the original):
Imagine growing all those potatoes in a just a few square feet–and how drastically reduced the weeding job will be! So Clever.
Reader Update: Here’s some info sent in by Christine who made a bin using wood pallets:
Last weekend, I was inspired by the Tip Nut potato bin – grow 100 lbs in 4 square feet. As nice as it looked, it seemed to be very complicated, especially unscrewing slats. Being a “just do it” kind of person, I asked my husband to build me one using pallets — which are free. He picked some up, but I realized that they were enormous, so he cut them in half and made side by side compost / potato growing bins.
The Tip Nut plan called for unscrewing the bottom portions to get the grown potatoes out. Rod attached pieces of wood to hold the front pallet in place and to allow you to slide it up like a window. I took books of hay to stuff in the openings of the potato bin so the dirt wouldn’t fall out. We’ll see how it does.
Here’s a photo:
Unfortunately we placed it up against our neighbor’s fence. On the other side is their dog, who our Puggle Feeney loves to visit. He is always trying to dig under the fence. With the bins in place over his digging spot, the poor guy jumped into the compost bin and got stuck!
Christine’s Update: After having it in place for a couple of weeks, I discovered that the local cats think it makes a fine litter box, so I’ve added a frame on the top with chicken wire to keep them out, but allow the sunlight and water in. See her page here for lots more info and tips: Food Security 2009.
Update: Reed Screening Towers
(Spring 2011)
Sunset.com: Here’s another project using different materials but grown with the same basic idea. These are made with reed screening wrapped around tomato cages (to give them shape) and then secured to the ground with rebar stakes.
To get started, a single layer of seed potatoes are planted, a few inches of compost and rice straw is added and then as the vines grow taller, they are topped off with more rice straw for the tubers to grow in (no more soil is added).
At the end of the season, remove the bamboo screening and watch the potatoes tumble out!
http://tipnut.com/grow-potatoes/
Monday, May 20, 2013
Nourishing Hair Oil Recipe
Hair can get dry and brittle, especially in the summer months during time outside, swimming or at the beach. Use of harsh chemical products can also damage hair, but this conditioning treatment helps nourish hair and strengthen it.
Try this easy and inexpensive home treatment that will naturally improve your hair. I even use this on my four year old to make her hair more manageable and easier to brush (she is very tender-headed). This recipe is so simple, it is hard to call it a recipe, but it works really well so I thought I’d share it anyway. Please note that it will leave hair oily and need to be washed/rinsed well as to not leave residue.
If you’re looking for other natural hair care recipes, check out my homemade coconut shampoo, DIY Beach Waves Hairspray and Dry Shampoo for Dark or Light Hair.
Nourishing Hair Oil Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (affiliate)
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon epsom salt or magnesium flakes (optional- for volume)
How to Make Hair Oil:
Combine all ingredients and whisk/blend well (I used an immersion blender). You may have to heat the coconut oil slightly to get it in liquid form. Epsom salt will still be somewhat gritty but will dissolve and work in to hair once applied.Over a sink or shower, massage oil through the hair and scalp. Put a shower cap on (or old towel) and leave on for up to 30 minutes.
In the shower, rinse well, then shampoo. If still oily, massage a small amount of baking soda through the hair to remove or use dry shampoo after the shower.
http://wellnessmama.com/8599/nourishing-hair-oil-recipe/
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Scowling faces, plumped lips and thousand-dollar outfits: The real women of Fifth Avenue as they glide from Botox to Bergdorf's
By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 19:59, 16 May 2013 | UPDATED: 09:32, 17 May 2013
The women of New York's Upper East side, where long days are spent popping into Bergdorf's or Barney's, or both, have continued to captivate passers-by who marvel at their pearls and coiffed hair.
Now, a photographer equally as fascinated with the wealthy world along Fifth Avenue, decided to capture the storied residents, as they went about daily errands in their finest jewels and largest sunglasses.
Taken by Leland Bobbé, famous for his gritty Seventies New York City street shots, the photo series, The Women Of Fifth Avenue, sets a dramatic and lavish scene between 50th and 60th Streets.
World of wealth: A photo series called The Women
Of Fifth Avenue captures Upper East Side women as they go about daily
errands in their finest jewels and largest sunglasses
More...
'[The women]. . . seem to exist in their own bubble of leisure while the hustle and bustle of working New Yorkers and tourists swirl by.
Perfectly polished: The women of New York's
Upper East side have continued to captivate passers-by who marvel at
their pearls, lined lips and coiffed hair
Close-up shots: Photographed by Leland Bobbé,
famous for his gritty Seventies New York City street shots, the photo
series, The Women Of Fifth Avenue, sets a dramatic and lavish scene
between 50th and 60th Streets
Lux look: 'Behind the jewelery and sunglasses,
these women of "a certain age" seem to exist in their own wealthy
world,' Mr Bobbé writes on his website
Red on red: '[The women]. . . seem to exist in
their own bubble of leisure while the hustle and bustle of working New
Yorkers and tourists swirl by,' said the photographer
'With these images my intention is to capture these woman seemingly in their own wealthy world, insulated from the rest of us,' he explained.
The photo series coincides with a new documentary that delves into the history of Bergdorf Goodman, Fifth Avenue's fashion palace, revealing the secret shopping habits of some of its most devoted, and discerning customers.
Pearls and pale blue: 'With these images my
intention is to capture these woman seemingly in their own wealthy
world, insulated from the rest of us,' said Mr Bobbe
Exception to the rule: The women, who love
bright colors, pink lipstick oversize sunglasses and a dollop of
make-up, are usually pictured scowling or expressionless
Shopping palace: Fifth avenue between 50th
street and 60th street is home to Gucci, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth
Avenue, Prada, Louis Vuitton and many more
Advanced style: Working years of style
experience, some women love to pair eccentric prints and textures for a
defining fashion aesthetic
From the late Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy to Yoko Ono and John Lennon, Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's, released May 3, tells hypnotic tales of New York's high society.
The film's interviews with storied fashion personalities, including Karl Lagerfeld, Manolo Blahnik, Giorgio Armani, and Christian Louboutin, paint a picture of a department store laced in 'decades and decades' of American history.
Sunny yellow: This woman takes a leaf out of
Chanel designer Karl lagerfeld's fashion book - with a scarf that
appears as a high neck, aristocratic collar
All matching: Sticking to the same shade of pink for lips and jacket makes a statement
Cat's meow: From studded sunglasses to beaded blouses and lots of pearls, women of Fifth Ave love to adorn
All wrapped up: Nothing says luxurious like beige cashmere and a pair of statement earrings
Attracting visitors from around the world, the 'hallucinogenic windows,' as described by David Hoey, the store's senior director of visual presentation, are seen by nearly two million eyes every week.
Designer Isaac Mizrahi remarks in the film: 'If your clothes are not at [Bergdorf’s] then they have no future... Sorry.'
Fantasy to film: The photo series coincides with
a new documentary that delves into the history of Bergdorf Goodman,
Fifth Avenue's fashion palace, revealing the habits of some of its most
discerning customers
Classic coif: Navy and neutral make-up help to achieve a more natural look
Bottle blond: Fresh blowouts and diamonds are regularly seen along Fifth Avenue
Shades of wealth: Women hide behind oversize sunglasses and expensive jewels as glide from one shop to the next
25 Magical Things To Make With Coconut Oil
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Entire books have been devoted to discussing the health, beauty and healing properties of this beautiful oil, such as The Coconut Oil Miracle. Bruce Fife, the author of the above book, claims “coconut oil is the healthiest oil on earth”, and world famous Dr. Joseph Mercola agrees. Using more coconut oil can only be good for your health and beauty, so pick up some tubs of Nature’s Way Coconut Oil and make some of the below recipes devised by crafty bloggers from all around the world. Before you tuck in, share this post with your Twitter friends by clicking the link below. 25 Magical Things To Make With Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil Recipe #1
Whipped Coconut Oil Body Butter from LivingTheNourishedLife.com
Elizabeth was seeking an alternative to creamy, but chemical filled store bought body butters. Plain old coconut oil wasn’t working for her (it went too hard in the winter) so she whipped up this really simple, really cheap three ingredient coconut oil body butter using her new KitchenAid mixer. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at LivingTheNourishedLife.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #2
Moisturizing Coconut Oil Body Butter from OneGoodThingByJillee.com
Jillee was experiencing the worst dry skin of her life, so she mixed up this fantastic coconut oil body butter and slathered it on her skin after showering. Again, it contains just three ingredients – including my second favorite ingredient – Shea butter. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at OneGoodThingByJillee.com
This recipe has a few more ingredients including beeswax, cocoa butter and a choice between apricot kernel oil or almond oil. I’d go for the apricot, personally. The cocoa butter adds a nice chocolatey scent and there is the option to add your own herbs or essential oils to customize the body butter so it’s perfect for you. Get the full recipe (you’ll need to scroll down a little) and try it for yourself at SimpleHomemade.netCoconut Oil Recipe #3
Coconut & Apricot Oil Body Butter from SimpleHomemade.net
This is the last coconut oil body butter recipe I’ll share. This recipe includes some of my all-time favorite ingredients including mint, rose petals, fresh rosemary, lime essential oil and lavender essential oil. Perhaps the most complex recipe to make, but also the most nourishing. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at HildaBlue.comCoconut Oil Recipe #4
Mint Infused Coconut Oil Body Butter from HildaBlue.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #5
Shea Butter, Olive & Coconut Oil Body Scrub from ADelightfulHome.com
Now we move from body butters to body scrubs. Both products work differently; butters nourish and moisturize while scrubs cleanse and exfoliate. This particular body scrub shared on ADelightfulHome.com but contributed by ThePurposedHeart.com. This recipe includes four simple ingredients that are so natural you could even eat the finished scrub! Use this in the shower to clear, cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at ADelightfulHome.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #6
Coconut Oil & Lavender Body Scrub from DeliciouslyOrganized.Blogspot.com
Carlee says this coconut oil body scrub will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed and I agree with her. This scrub looks beautiful (perhaps it’s the flower poking out of it) and, judging by the ingredients, it can work wonders for your skin. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at DeliciouslyOrganized.Blogspot.com
Ginger is fantastic for sensitive skin; it can help reduce redness with its anti-inflammatory properties and treats a number of skin disorders. Infused into coconut oil and mixed with a few other skin-friendly ingredients makes this fantastic body scrub. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at FoodForMyFamily.comCoconut Oil Recipe #7
Ginger & Coconut Oil Sugar Body Scrub from FoodForMyFamily.com
This recipe has been adapted from one in Gill Farrer Halls book “How To Make Your Own Organic Cosmetics”. It’s a really simple coconut oil hand cream recipe that’s great for use after doing the dishes. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at FrugalGranola.comCoconut Oil Recipe #8
Coconut Oil Hand Cream from FrugalGranola.com
This is a really simple recipe containing just coconut oil and vitamin E capsules which is one of the best vitamins for our skin and hair. It’s a simple recipe, but I’ll let Merissa explain it all sofor instructions and photos for this coconut oil lotion, visit LittleHouseLiving.comCoconut Oil Recipe #9
Coconut Oil Lotion from LittleHouseLiving.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #10
Coconut Oil & Avocado Face Mask from TheDiva-Dish.com
As we already know, coconut oil moisturizes and refreshes the skin while helping it to maintain its youthful properties. This recipe also includes avocado which also moisturizes, maintains youthfulness and prevents acne, coconut milk which cleans and cocoa powder which is packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The combination of these ingredients are fantastic for our face, so try out this mask at home. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at TheDiva-Dish.com
Coconut oils emollient properties also make it a great ingredient to include in homemade hair masks, and this is perhaps the easiest to make. Containing just an egg and some coconut oil anyone can make this at home! Get the full recipe, see the instructional photos and the before and after pictures at StreetPrincess.Blogspot.comCoconut Oil Recipe #11
Egg & Coconut Oil Hair Mask from StreetPrincess.Blogspot.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #12
Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner from OneGoodThingByJillee.com
Jillee shares a fantastic coconut + jojoba + peppermint oil deep conditioner recipe that you apply to your hair, allow to sit for a while and then shampoo as normal. She even has some after photos of her hair. Get the full recipe and see the photos at OneGoodThingByJillee.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #13
Luxurious Coconut Oil Shampoo Bar from FrugallySustainable.com
Andrea describes this as “the most amazing natural hair product” she has used – and even her husband loves it! This recipe requires a number of different oils, including coconut, olive, castor and jojoba oil, a couple of different butters, including Shea and cocoa and some essential oils depending on your hair type. If Andrea loves it, I’m sure I will, (I love most of the things she writes about!) and I’m sure you will, too. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at FrugallySustainable.com
If you suffer from dry and chapped lips then a homemade lip balm containing coconut oil offers the perfect solution. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at PassionateHomemaking.comCoconut Oil Recipe #14
Coconut Oil Lip Balm from PassionateHomemaking.com
There have been many dangers reported regarding the use of store bought deodorants, we won’t get into the specifics now, but using an all-natural deodorant can only be good for your body and the environment and this recipe, which includes coconut oil, is one of the best. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at SurvivingTheStores.comCoconut Oil Recipe #15
Coconut Oil Deodorant from SurvivingTheStores.com
Leslie says she’ll never buy toothpaste again after trying this coconut oil toothpaste recipe adapted from Tammy at TammysRecipes.com. As Leslie says, this toothpaste contains nothing that she can’t pronounce which is always a good sign when you want to reduce your chemical load. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at CrunchyBetty.comCoconut Oil Recipe #16
Minty Coconut Oil Toothpaste from CrunchyBetty.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #17
Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste With Coconut Oil from WellnessMama.com
Reading about what this toothpaste did for Katie (The Wellness Mama) excites me to try this. Katie suggests that this toothpaste helps to remineralize the teeth, she has noticed her teeth are whither than ever and she is no longer sensitive to cold food and drinks (that eliminates my biggest stumbling block to eating ice cream!). Get the full recipe and try this for yourself at WellnessMama.com
I’m going to share a few coconut oil decongestant recipes, but this is perhaps the simplest. You can actually use extra virgin olive oil OR coconut oil, but since this post is all about the virtues of coconut oil, let’s use that. Adrienne used this recipe on her son when his nose was stuffed up and ten minutes later he was asleep. Sounds good to me! Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at WholeNewMom.comCoconut Oil Recipe #18
Homemade Coconut Oil Decongestant Rub from WholeNewMom.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #19
Homemade Coconut Oil Herbal Vapor Rub from KeeperoftheHome.org
This is a fantastic coconut oil vapor rub recipe that can easily be customized with various essential oils depending on your mood and preference. It is safer than store bought options (mentioning no names) which contain a petroleum base and questionable preservatives. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at KeeperOfTheHome.org
If you struggle with athlete’s foot or other fungal infections then this recipe is for you. Kate suggests that just eating coconut oil helps with athlete’s foot, but if that doesn’t work then try this coconut oil with grapefruit seed extract and tea tree oil. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at ModernAlternativeMama.comCoconut Oil Recipe #20
Coconut Oil Anti-Fungal Cream from ModernAlternativeMama.com
This coconut oil mosquito repellent is loaded with all sorts of different essential oils which is great since I love using essential oils. Mixing water, coconut oil and then seven essential oils produces this fantastic mosquito repellent. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at Making-Healthy-Choices.comCoconut Oil Recipe #21
Coconut & Essential Oil Mosquito Repellent from Making-Healthy-Choices.com
Store bought sunscreen is one of the most toxic ingredients we apply to our skin. Coconut oil has natural sun protective qualities making it a perfect ingredient to include in homemade sunscreens. The zinc oxide in this recipe also provides a barrier that reflects harmful rays and there are many more skin-kind ingredients, such as green tea, vitamin E oil and aloe vera. Get the full recipe and try it for yourself at CoconutOilInformation.comCoconut Oil Recipe #22
Homemade Coconut Oil Sunscreen from CoconutOilInformation.com
This sunscreen has a recipe list as long as my arm, but each ingredient has fantastic sun-protective or skin-nourishing properties. For example, carrot seed essential oil contains SPF levels of 30 and Shea butter protects to SPF levels of 6-10. The coconut, jojoba, avocado and almond oil are also fantastic emollients helping to keep the skin hydrated. Get the full recipe and try this coconut oil sunscreen recipe for yourself at CoconutOil.comCoconut Oil Recipe #23
Homemade Coconut Oil Sunscreen #2 from CoconutOil.com
Coconut Oil Recipe #24
Irresistible Coconut Oil Chocolates from BeyondThePeel.net
I’ve shared some coconut oil recipes for your health, home and beauty, but now it’s time for a little treat! This is a fantastic coconut oil chocolate recipe that you and your family are sure to enjoy. Get the full recipe and try this delicious recipe for yourself at BeyondThePeel.net
Coconut Oil Recipe #25
Delicious & Simple Coconut Oil Truffles from TheNourishingGourmet.com
Okay, one last recipe and one last treat! These coconut oil truffles look heavenly, and I’m sure they don’t taste bad either! Great for eating or for gifts! Get the full recipe and try this delicious recipe for yourself at TheNourishingGourmet.com
——————————————————
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile, most incredible natural
products in the world. Who’d have thought the same ingredient you put in
mosquito repellent could be used to make delicious truffles?
Having a tub of coconut oil in your home is something I suggest everyone has, and I personally recommend Nature’s Way Coconut Oil.
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Friday, May 17, 2013
Natural Uses For Baking Soda In The Garden
1. Make a Non-Toxic Fungicide
Mix 4 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 gallon of water. Use on roses for black spot fungus and also on grapes and vines when fruit first begins to appear.2. Spray to Treat and Prevent Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is causing major problems with impatiens this year, but also can be a problem for other plants, like lilacs, cucumbers, squash and zinnias.Spray Recipe: 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 gallon of water, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
Mix all the ingredients together and spray plants weekly. Apply on overcast days to prevent any potential foliage from burning.
3. Discourage Gnats In Soil & Fungus on Leaves
Mix in 1 gallon of water, 4 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon biodegradable soap. Mix well, spray infected foliage or soil as needed.4. Discourage Weeds
Pour or sweep baking soda in a thick layer into cracks on a sidewalk or patios. The baking soda should kill any small weeds already sprouted and prevent new ones from coming up.5. Kill Cabbage Worms
Mix equals parts flour and baking soda and dust plants (cabbage, broccoli, kale) being eaten by cabbage worms. They much on the leaves and die usually in a day or two. Repeat as needed.6. Kill Crabgrass
Simply wet the crabgrass, pour a heavy dusting of baking soda on the weed. The crabgrass should start dying back in 2 or 3 days. CAUTION: When applying baking try NOT to get it on your grass as too much baking soda can burn and kill it.7. Clean Your Hands
After a day in the garden and dirt, clean your hands by rubbing and scrubbing wet hands with baking soda. Rinse.I hope you enjoyed these baking soda tips and they come in handy helping you live a greener life!
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THE SERENITY PRAYER | |
GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY LIVING ONE DAY AT A TIME;
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