weekend reading: feeding crows, willie’s guitar, gmo grist

RENDERED A SHUT-IN or thereabouts by winter, I confess to conspicuous consumption: I eat a lot, and gobble up media, [read more…]

The post weekend reading: feeding crows, willie’s guitar, gmo grist appeared first on A Way To Garden.

The Colloidal Silver Option for Your Best Health

I’m a registered nurse in the Midwest. I believe in traditional medicine but have become very interested in alternative medicine in case of a TEOTWAWKI event and have been learning more about colloidal silver. If a man-made or natural disaster Read More

The post The Colloidal Silver Option for Your Best Health by Mary Blandford appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

What Does the Threatened M855 Ammo Ban Mean to Preppers?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

If you own a firearm and spend any amount of time on the internet each day, you have likely seen the headlines declaring “Obama to ban bullets by executive action” or some derivative of that type of news. For those who don’t know, I will give you the much abbreviated version. The ATF wants to […]

The post What Does the Threatened M855 Ammo Ban Mean to Preppers? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Feature Friday: Craftberry Bush

There are so many talented bloggers out there and I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet blogger, Lucy, from Craftberry Bush at Haven last year. She's so cute and sweet and talented, a wonderful combination. She is an artist and has her own little shop where she sells her beautiful watercolor artwork in prints and pillows. I think you'll enjoy her farmhouse casual style. She has the white slipcovered look going on, but she also loves color, which I know many of you do too.

The post Feature Friday: Craftberry Bush appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

30 Uses for Phone Books

We all get them dropped off one (or more) times every year. But what to do with them now that we just look up phone numbers on Google? Here are some creative uses for phone books our readers came up Read More

The post 30 Uses for Phone Books by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

DIY Homemade Seasoning Mixes

I felt intimidated at the thought of making my own seasoning mix recipes at first. The little packets you can buy at the store made it so easy, and they made my dinners taste good. Then, there was the night Read More

The post DIY Homemade Seasoning Mixes by Sarah Anne Carter appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

march garden chores

MY BEST MARCH GARDEN ADVICE: Make like a daffodil. Poke your head up and have a look around—but be prepared [read more…]

The post march garden chores appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Sometimes It’s Not the Answers but the Questions

Written by Elizabeth on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: The following guest article has been generously contributed by Elizabeth.   I thought it would be interesting to write a piece that had no answers at all. Because, for me, very often it’s not just the answers that are the most helpful but the questions. So here goes:   What do I need? How […]

The post Sometimes It’s Not the Answers but the Questions appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Introducing bHome App!

When I look back at the history of the internet and cell phones and all the technology changes that I've seen in my lifetime, it boggles my mind! I mean, really....the internet has connected the whole world in ways that were never possible before. Cell phones have drastically changed the way we relate to people and we can stay in touch with our family and friends like never before. Everything is at our fingertips now. Wow, has the world changed!

I was an advocate of the internet early on and I think that is why I have continued to learn and grow right along with it. I never want to stop growing and learning about what is going on in the world and staying connected is part of that. I didn't even know what an app was 5 years ago (barely) and just got an iPhone in summer of 2011. I was a little behind in that regard, but I do love to be informed.

The post Introducing bHome App! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

5 Reasons Why Normal People Shy Away From the Prepper World

I don’t believe I’ve ever started an article with an apology, but before I go any further, my apologies to preppers for this headline! I’ve met hundreds of you over the past few years at expos and other events, and you Read More

The post 5 Reasons Why Normal People Shy Away From the Prepper World by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

38 Principles of Self-Sufficiency

Change the way you look at everything.  Rethink your entire lifestyle. Develop discernment about people. When you invest, invest first in the right people. Look at yourself honestly. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Seek the counsel of others you Read More

The post 38 Principles of Self-Sufficiency by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

How Prepared Are You?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

The Prepping Community’s most active discussion revolves around preparing for disasters. Not that disasters or zombies are our only focus. The broader topic of prepping involves a lot of discussion and debate on various subjects. At the end of the day though, it comes down to how prepared you are when that disaster that forms […]

The post How Prepared Are You? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

What Colors do You Wear?

Most of you probably remember back in the 80's when finding your colors in makeup and fashion was all the rage? Color Me Beautiful was very popular and we were all trying to figure out if we were Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter. I had no idea they had a website, but there it is. Check it out and you can figure out where you fall on the "best" colors for you scale. Spring and Autumn are Warm colors and Summer and Winter are Cool colors.

The post What Colors do You Wear? appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

The Necessity of Liquidity in an Increasingly Cashless Society

Written by Matt Sevald on The Prepper Journal.

Editors Note: The following guest article has been generously contributed by Matt Sevald. I was taught all the values of saving money but it wasn’t exactly modeled for me. Consequently, I had to overcome some hurdles as I grew up learning to budget, and more importantly, to stick to it (I still trip from time […]

The post The Necessity of Liquidity in an Increasingly Cashless Society appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Conflict Resolution – An important prepper skill

  When do we tend to argue the most with our spouses and other family members? All other things being equal, it is when we’re stressed out about something. One of the most common reasons for marital strife is money Read More

The post Conflict Resolution – An important prepper skill by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Mardi Gras Parade

While we were in New Orleans last weekend, we got the chance to go to a Mardi Gras parade. This was my first time experiencing that and it was a lot of fun. I had always heard of the decadent Mardi Gras parades, but found out those really only happen in the French Quarter, where things tend to get a little wild. At the Iris Krewe parade on St. Charles St., it was all families and lots of colorful characters and children running around. Good family fun! We took mom along to the parade too and it was a beautiful sunny day, perfect for an outing like this.

The post Mardi Gras Parade appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Free Webinar! Keep your home sparkling with DIY Cleaners!

You’ve probably read about and seen various recipes for DIY household cleaning products. They’re on Pinterest, Facebook, and in books. Maybe you’ve tried a few and have wondered how effective and safe they really are. Coming up this Thursday, February 26, Read More

The post Free Webinar! Keep your home sparkling with DIY Cleaners! by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

16 tips for finding reliable survival information on the internet

If you’re a brand-new prepper or survivalist category and want to learn more, how can you tell if the information you find on the internet is valid or if it’s just a bunch of B.S? Here are some things to Read More

The post 16 tips for finding reliable survival information on the internet by Leon Pantenburg appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

birdnote q&a: woodpecker drumming

‘I AM HERE. THIS IS MY TREE.’ That’s the message delivered in fast, percussive style from the woodsy garden perimeter [read more…]

The post birdnote q&a: woodpecker drumming appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Good Crazy – Review and Interview with Richard Earl Broome

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Anyone who has read the Prepper Journal for any length of time knows that I frequently use scenarios from prepper movies or books as examples of possible scenarios that I have considered for various reasons. I do this all of the time I guess, drawing inspiration from the works of others. Maybe, inspiration is the […]

The post Good Crazy – Review and Interview with Richard Earl Broome appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Parker Turns ONE!

It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since that bundle of joy, Parker baby, came into our lives. But, last week on the 17th, she turned one year old. She's a sweet, smiling, busy, mostly happy, full of life little girl and we couldn't be anymore smitten with her. Oh, and she has a temper too, as happens naturally with all babies. They sure don't have to be taught that emotion. She has all of us wrapped around her little finger and I don't anticipate that changing anytime soon.

So, for her birthday, me, my sister and brother-in-law, and mom all went down for a quick weekend trip to New Orleans. Dad stayed home with Renee's dog. He is not much for traveling long distances anymore. We celebrated her little family birthday party in the morning and then took off for a Mardi Gras parade, which I'll share with you later. That was fun too!

The post Parker Turns ONE! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

giveaway: ‘essential perennials’ reckons with feast of plant possibilities

I’VE BEEN TAKING the same perennial reference book off the shelf for 25ish years—even though in many cases, the same [read more…]

The post giveaway: ‘essential perennials’ reckons with feast of plant possibilities appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Strategic Relocation: ur doin it rong

One of the most popular tenets in the survival/prepper world is the requirement to relocate to an extremely rural location, or, if you must, to a town no larger than population 800, per survival blogger James Rawles. I have no beef Read More

The post Strategic Relocation: ur doin it rong by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Bases Covered for Baby Preparedness

If you are preparedness minded and a new parent, chances are you have already provided your infant with a 72 hour kit, including clothes and extra blankets. In fact, you have most likely stressed over preparing for your little bundle of Read More

The post Bases Covered for Baby Preparedness by Teraesa Farrell appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Prepping in Depth: A Layered Strategy for Getting Home After Disaster

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editors Note: This article has been generously contributed by Randy Wilson. Prepping comes in many forms. Few break down where prepping falls in terms of surviving.   Speaking in terms many former military can understand, individual preps are a means for achieving a way, being prepped, to achieve the ends, surviving. What does all this military-ish […]

The post Prepping in Depth: A Layered Strategy for Getting Home After Disaster appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

a snail’s tale (win ‘the sound of a wild snail eating’)

IT WAS NO ORDINARY SNAIL; far larger than any familiar native species in my cold zone, and obviously out of [read more…]

The post a snail’s tale (win ‘the sound of a wild snail eating’) appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Helpful, FREE Kindle ebooks (February edition)

I hope you’re enjoying this month’s Skill of the Month — Switch from store-bought to homemade. Here are a few Kindle ebooks for you, all currently free. Prices change without notice, so jump on these while you can. Click on Read More

The post Helpful, FREE Kindle ebooks (February edition) by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

3 Tips to Ensure Perpetual Food Supply

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

The key to survival is preparation, and the consummate prepper is well aware of Sta-Bil, the fuel additive that allows users to store gasoline for a year or more to prevent its highly-refined molecular structure from breaking down and losing octane. The same type of precautions need to be taken to extend the shelf life […]

The post 3 Tips to Ensure Perpetual Food Supply appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

What is junk silver?

  Do you have a coin jug at home? Perhaps it isn’t a jug, per se, but a coffee can, glass jar, or maybe even an old fashioned piggy bank? It might be holding far more money than you realize! Read More

The post What is junk silver? by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Feature Friday: Eleven Gables

Another newer blogger who I've come across recently is Emily with Eleven Gables. She lives in Oklahoma with her hubby and 4 boys (you know she is a busy mom!) and they have a gorgeous home that I can't wait to share with you. With a pond in the backyard, this traditional gabled home is a beauty.

Here's how Emily describes her blog:

Eleven Gables is a blog where you can read about the happenings in our home, see a little high end DIY and a touch of cooking/baking. Here you will be inspired to decorate your home in a beautiful, sometimes thrifted, but always stylish way.

The post Feature Friday: Eleven Gables appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Reasons Why New Growth Is Dying

By Kristi Waterworth New growth on your plants is a promise of blooms, big beautiful leaves or, at the very least, an extended lifespan; but when that new growth is wilting or dying, most gardeners panic, not knowing what to do. Although dying growth on plants of any age is a serious and difficult problem to manage, there are a few things you can try to save your plants before they go belly up. Why New Growth is Dying Well, that’s really the question, isn’t it? The reasons for tender growth dying are numerous, but they can generally be divided into these categories: bugs, vascular disease and root damage. Pests – When you’re trying to determine how to fix dying growth, bugs are by far the easiest. Tip and twig borers, like those common on many evergreen trees and blueberries, prefer to burrow into the soft tissues at the end

Read this article

The 3 Food Storage Companies I Recommend and Why — Important Update

A few weeks ago I wrote an article about the 3 food storage companies that I purchase from the most and sent it to my newsletter subscribers. Since then, I’ve received numerous questions about my selections and the best food Read More

The post The 3 Food Storage Companies I Recommend and Why — Important Update by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Cactus Repotting Info: When And How Should I Repot My Cactus

By Bonnie L. Grant Cacti are low maintenance plants for the home with a ton of character and a vast array of form. They are relatively maintenance free except for infrequent watering and annual food. Many gardeners ask “should I repot my cactus?” They don’t need repotting often, but once in a while for soil replenishment and when the plant needs a larger pot. When to repot a cactus plant depends upon the plant and its condition. Read on for tips on how to repot a cactus and do it without spending the rest of the day picking spines out of your hands. Tools for Cactus Repotting Cacti are succulents and tend to favor dry, hot conditions. They store moisture in their pads and use their spines as both defense and to provide some protection from burning hot sun rays. Cactus grown in the home can almost be ignored but

Read this article

Vignettes

The finishing touches around a house are definitely in the details and I love adding meaningful things to the tables and shelves in my home. Here are a few ways to add color and interesting details to those side tables, consoles, and end tables that we all have and use.

Collecting books and other vintage items are always useful around the house and I've collected my share of them over the years.

The post Vignettes appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Rhododendron Not Blooming: Why Rhododendron Bushes Do Not Flower

By Kristi Waterworth Blooming rhododendrons look like colorful, puffy clouds floating through the landscape, so when they don’t deliver, not only is it a huge disappointment, but a cause for concern for many gardeners. No blooms on rhododendrons is rarely caused by anything serious, though, and with a little gardening know how, you can easily get a rhododendron to bloom. Read on to learn what can be done for a rhododendron not blooming. When Rhododendron Bushes Do Not Flower Like many plants in the landscape, rhododendrons have very specific needs that must be met before they will bloom freely. If your plant set buds, but didn’t bloom, the buds were probably frost-nipped or destroyed by cold, drying winds. More commonly, though, buds aren’t set at all, guaranteeing non-flowering rhododendrons the following spring. Among problems of rhododendron, not blooming is one of the easiest to cure. Here are the most common causes

Read this article

A Handy Pin Collection for Making the Switch from Store-Bought to Homemade

You may have noticed my emphasis lately on the use of Pinterest. I was very slow in joining the Pinterest party but now find it to be incredibly useful as a search engine. I’ve put together over 200 Pinterest DIY Read More

The post A Handy Pin Collection for Making the Switch from Store-Bought to Homemade by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Katuk Plant Info – Learn About Growing A Katuk Shrub

By Amy Grant It’s probably a safe guess that you have never heard of Katuk Sweetleaf shrubs. That is of course unless you have spent a lot of time or are a native of Southeast Asia. So, what is Katuk Sweetleaf shrub? What is Katuk? Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) is a shrub, indigenous to Southeast Asia that is cultivated in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and India. It thrives in tropical climates in lowland rainforests where it grows between 4-6 feet tall. Additional Katuk plant info describes it as an upright bush with multiple stems and dark green, oval shaped leaves. In tropical climates, the plant stays green year round, but in cooler climes, the bush will likely lose leaves in the winter only to regrow in the spring. The shrub blooms in the summer and fall with small, flat, round, yellow to red flowers in the leaf

Read this article

Fashion over 50: Animal Print

I'm back today with another Fashion over 50 post, sharing a couple of outfits I put together recently. Some of these pieces you've seen before and the pants are new. It's fun to mix things up in your closet and come up with so many different looks from mixing and matching what you have.

The post Fashion over 50: Animal Print appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Take Heart in the Face of Adversity: Hawthorn health benefits

Hawthorn, a small, thorny shrub or tree in the rose family, is a valuable herb to have around the homestead or in the herbal supplies pantry. Hawthorn health benefits have been known for many, many years. Several different types of hawthorn Read More

The post Take Heart in the Face of Adversity: Hawthorn health benefits by Agatha Noveille appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

What Is Plasticulture: How To Apply Plasticulture Methods In Gardens

By Amy Grant It may seem incongruous to marry plastic use with gardening, but plasticulture production is a multi-billion dollar industry, utilized worldwide with impressive increases in yield. What is plasticulture and how can you apply plasticulture methods to the home garden? Read on to learn mnore. What is Plasticulture? Plasticulture is the use of lightweight plastic or mulch to cover the seed bed in order to control the soil temperature, retain moisture, and retard weeds and insect invaders. Plasticulture also refers to row covers and greenhouses. Basically, plasticulture practices double or triple the efficiency of the garden while allowing the gardener to harvest weeks earlier than usual. The initial costs of using plasticulture in the garden are definitely an investment, and management of the system may take some time to get down, but it is well worth the effort. How to Apply Plasticulture Methods Plasticulture practices involve the use

Read this article

habanero minus the heat? meet the ‘habanada’

THREE HABANEROS rank on New Mexico State University’s top-10 hottest chiles roster. But what happens when you take the heat [read more…]

The post habanero minus the heat? meet the ‘habanada’ appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Planting A Totem Pole Cactus: Tips On The Care Of Totem Pole Cacti

By Bonnie L. Grant The totem pole cactus is one of those marvels of nature you just have to see to believe. Some might say it has a façade only a mother could love, while others find the warts and bumps that festoon the plant a uniquely beautiful attribute. This slow-growing cactus is easy to grow as a houseplant or outdoors in United States Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11. Some tips on how to grow totem pole cactus follow, including care of totem pole cacti and propagation. Totem Pole Cactus Information Gardeners lucky enough to live in USDA zones 9-11 can grow totem pole cacti to their impressive 10- to 12-foot-tall potential. This would take years, but the plants are not prey to any insect pests and the only real disease issue is root rot. Northern and temperate region gardeners will have to place the plant indoors or

Read this article

Review: Ka-Bar Last Ditch Knife

Ka-Bar’s LDK or “Last Ditch Knife” is a valuable tool for anyone wanting a small, handy blade as part of their everyday carry. The LDK isn’t much larger than a credit card. But, unlike most of those gimmicky credit card knives Read More

The post Review: Ka-Bar Last Ditch Knife by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Mad Hatter’s Platters Giveaway!

Like me, most of you love dish ware and setting a pretty table on many occasions. So, today I'm sharing a new site that I think you'll really enjoy. Mad Hatter's Platters is a small family owned business, started by Janet Hughes and her husband, Pat, in 2006. After both of their in-laws passed away, their daughter-in-laws wanted to keep the family business going, so they took over Mad Hatter's Platters and are still supplying the dish-aholics all over the country with their unique serving pieces.

I love their family story and how the platters are put together with an innovative high quality aluminum hardware design.

The post Mad Hatter’s Platters Giveaway! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Bougainvillea Not Blooming: How To Get Bougainvillea To Flower

By Kristi Waterworth As beautiful as they are the in garden or landscape, getting blooms on bougainvillea can be a difficult task because of the way most gardeners think about their plants. Plants, after all, need careful, dedicated care, so no flowers on bougainvillea must mean that they’re not getting enough food, water or light. Shouldn’t it? A bougainvillea not blooming is a problem that’s easy to overcome, provided you think differently about your plants. How to Get Bougainvillea to Flower “Why doesn’t my bougainvillea bloom?” It’s a common question that growers everywhere ask about the gorgeous plants they brought home from the nursery, when they find the blooms stop coming shortly after the plant landed in its new spot in the garden. The problem with bougainvillea is that they’re tough plants, hardy to the point of almost being weeds. That being said, they need to be cared for like weeds

Read this article

It’s Not the Norm to Make Hay While the Sun Shines?

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: This post was generously donated by Elizabeth. I guess in ways I’ve always been a prepper but never really thought about it like that; it’s always just been the way I live. Now, I’m definitely not prone to collecting mountains of random stuff, that would drive me nuts, but I wouldn’t think many […]

The post It’s Not the Norm to Make Hay While the Sun Shines? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Prepping with Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes — also called Juvenile Diabetes — shook our prepping plans to their foundations. While I was stockpiling food, learning to make cheese, and writing the occasional post for the Survival Mom, my 9 year-old daughter’s body was Read More

The post Prepping with Type 1 Diabetes by Kris appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Muscadine Grapevine Planting: Information On Muscadine Grapevine Care

By Amy Grant Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are indigenous to the Southeastern United States. Native Americans dried the fruit and introduced the early colonists to it. Muscadine grapevine plantings have been cultured for over 400 years for use in wine making, pies and jellies. Let’s learn more about the growing requirements for muscadine grapes. Growing Muscadine Grapes Muscadine grapevine planting should take place in an area of full sun with well-draining soil. For maximum grape production, the vine should be in full sun for most of the day; shaded areas reduce fruit set. Well-draining soil is of paramount importance. Vines may die if they are in standing water for even a short period of time, such as after a heavy rainstorm. Muscadine grape care requires a soil pH of between 5.8 and 6.5. A soil test will help gauge any deficiencies. Dolomitic lime may be incorporated prior to muscadine grapevine

Read this article

antique apples with dan bussey of seed savers exchange

DAN BUSSEY has been called “the James Audubon of apples” for his decades-long dedication to seek out and identify more, [read more…]

The post antique apples with dan bussey of seed savers exchange appeared first on A Way To Garden.

How To Paint a Concrete Floor

Once Ruby and Bill were moved into their new lake house, one of the projects we had planned to do was to paint the concrete floor in their basement. It’s a great walk-out basement with lots of light. They decided not to spend the money on laminate flooring down there (it was going to be $3K!), but I told her that painting the concrete like I did in my laundry room would make that space feel very fresh and clean. They worked on getting the concrete dust up with a shop vac and also mopped it a few times to get the dust and debris off the floors before we started. You really do need a clean floor to do this project, so make sure as much of the dust is up as possible if you are going to try this on a brand new concrete floor. An old floor is even easier to paint, since the dust is knocked down with age. In my laundry room, I just vacuumed and mopped it to get as much of the dirt up as I could before I started to paint.

The post How To Paint a Concrete Floor appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Terrarium Building Guide: How To Set Up A Terrarium

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener There’s something magical about a terrarium, a miniature landscape tucked into a glass container. Building a terrarium is easy, inexpensive and allows plenty of opportunities for creativity and self-expression for gardeners of all ages. Terrarium Supplies Nearly any clear, glass container is suitable and you might find the perfect container at your local thrift shop. For example, look for a goldfish bowl, a one-gallon jar or an old aquarium. A one-quart canning jar or brandy snifter is large enough for a small landscape with one or two plants. You don’t need a lot of potting soil, but it should be lightweight and porous. A good-quality, peat-based commercial potting mix works well. Even better, add a small handful of sand to improve drainage. You’ll also need enough gravel or pebbles to make a layer in the bottom of the container, along with

Read this article

Yucca Seed Pod Propagation: Tips For Planting Yucca Seeds

By Bonnie L. Grant Yuccas are arid region plants that are extremely adaptable to the home landscape. They are popular for their drought tolerance and ease of care but also because of their striking sword-like foliage. The plants infrequently bloom, but when they do, they develop oval seed pods. With a little yucca plant pod info, you can grow more of these amazing plants in your own home. Yucca Plant Pod Info Yuccas produce a lovely white to cream flower stalk, decorated with dangling blooms. These panicles will last for several weeks and then the petals will drop off and the ovary will start to develop. Soon seed pods will form. You can allow these to mature on the plant until dry and then harvest them. Alternately, you can cut off the seed pods on yucca to avoid the plant self-seeding. Cutting the stalk will not affect future blooms. Yucca

Read this article

7 Tips for Finding Natural Sources of Water

  In a wilderness survival situation, particularly one where you likely aren’t going to be found in the immediate future, locating a source of water can be critical. Sure, having the means to filter and disinfect it is important, too, Read More

The post 7 Tips for Finding Natural Sources of Water by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Heart Fern Care: Tips On Growing Heart Ferns

By Amy Grant I love ferns and we have our share of them in the Pacific Northwest. I’m not the only admirer of ferns and, in fact, many people collect them. One little beauty begging to be added to a fern collection is called the heart fern plant. Growing heart ferns as houseplants may take a little TLC, but is well worth the effort. Information About the Heart Fern Plant The scientific name for the heart leaf fern is Hemionitis arifolia and is commonly referred to by a number of names, including tongue fern. First identified in 1859, heart leaf ferns are native to Southeast Asia. It is a delicate dwarf fern, which is also an epiphyte, meaning it grows upon trees as well. It makes not only an attractive specimen to add to the fern collection, but is being studied for purported beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes. The

Read this article

basil under pressure: the fight against devastating downy mildew

THE BASIL LOOKED PEKID, the tops of its leaves marked with diffuse yellow, as if hungry for fertilizer, but then [read more…]

The post basil under pressure: the fight against devastating downy mildew appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Care Of Sweetheart Hoya Plant: Growing Valentine Hoya Houseplants

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Sweetheart hoya plant, also known as Valentine plant or sweetheart wax plant, is a type of Hoya appropriately named for its thick, succulent, heart-shaped leaves. Like other Hoya varieties, sweetheart hoya plant is a stunning, low-maintenance indoor plant. Read on for additional wax plant info. Hoya Wax Plant Info Native to Southeast Asia, sweetheart hoya (Hoya kerrii) is often a quirky Valentine’s Day gift with a single 5-inch leaf planted upright in a small pot. Although the plant is relatively slow-growing, it appreciates a hanging basket, where it eventually becomes a bushy mass of green hearts. Mature plants can reach lengths of up to 13 feet. During the summer, clusters of white, burgundy-centered blooms provide bold contrast to the deep green or variegated leaves. One mature plant can display up to 25 blooms. How to Grow a Sweetheart Wax Plant Sweetheart

Read this article

Mountain Leveling – What Stands Between You and Your Prepping Goals

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Most of us have mountains in our life both literally and figuratively. For the luckiest among us, those mountains are beautiful shapes in the distance with snow-covered peaks touching the clouds. Those awe-inspiring formations frame our gaze toward the horizon with a completely different backdrop that easily makes one feel small and insignificant by comparison. […]

The post Mountain Leveling – What Stands Between You and Your Prepping Goals appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Is Your Food Storage Safe?

Finding the right food to buy and store isn’t easy as I’m sure many of you would agree. It requires quite a bit of effort, time, and expense. Why else would there be hundreds of websites dedicated to helping people Read More

The post Is Your Food Storage Safe? by Misty Marsh appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Pecan Tree Toxicity – Can Juglone In Pecan Leaves Harm Plants

By Amy Grant Plant toxicity is one serious consideration in the home garden, especially when children, pets or livestock may be in contact with potentially harmful flora. Pecan tree toxicity is often in question due to the juglone in pecan leaves. The question is, are pecan trees toxic to surrounding plants? Let’s find out. Black Walnut and Pecan Tree Juglone The relationship between plants wherein one produces a substance, such as juglone, which affects the growth of another is called allelopathy. Black walnut trees are fairly notorious for their toxic effects to surrounding juglone sensitive vegetation. Juglone does not tend to leach out of the soil and may poison nearby foliage at the circumference of twice the radius of the tree’s canopy. Some plants are more susceptible to the toxin than others and include: Azalea Blackberry Blueberry Apple Mountain laurel Potato Red pine Rhododendron Black walnut trees have the highest

Read this article

healing split fingertips with wound-closure strips

SPLIT FINGERTIPS, ANYONE? Ouch. From the start of winter into early spring, that’s my main complaint, and nonstop snow-shoveling and [read more…]

The post healing split fingertips with wound-closure strips appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Changing Anthurium Color: Reasons For An Anthurium Turning Green

By Bonnie L. Grant Anthuriums are in the Arum family and encompass a group of plants with 1,000 species. Anthuriums are native to South America and are well distributed in tropical regions such as Hawaii. The plant produces a flower-like spathe with a well-developed spadix in traditional hues of red, yellow and pink. More colors have recently been introduced into cultivation and you can now find green and white, scented lavender and a deeper yellow colored spathe. When your anthurium flowers turn green, it may be species or it may be age or incorrect cultivation. Why Has My Anthurium Turned Green? Anthuriums grow in trees or compost rich soil in tropical jungle regions where shade is dense. They have come into cultivation because of the glossy green leaves and long lasting inflorescence. Growers have manipulated the plants into hues that span the rainbow and include green. They also fool plants

Read this article

10 Tips from a Veteran Single Parent

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: This post was generously donated by Elizabeth and at first glance you may think her words have little to do with the subject of Prepping. That may be true in one aspect, but I think that our collective efforts as preppers are part of a larger goal of survival for our family. We […]

The post 10 Tips from a Veteran Single Parent appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Feature Friday: Rooms for Rent

I've recently found Bre with Rooms for Rent, out there in blogland for the first time and loved her casual and cozy farmhouse style. It has a bit of a coastal vibe and overall relaxed feel and I think those of you who love this style and neutrals, will enjoy Bre's pretty home. She's infused it with lots of textures and pretty things, so enjoy the tour.

The post Feature Friday: Rooms for Rent appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Granola bars forever! (Made with pantry items)

Granola bars are such an easy snack and can even be a breakfast substitute. If you can’t run to the store or are trying to eat healthier, you might be able to make them yourself with items you have in Read More

The post Granola bars forever! (Made with pantry items) by Sarah Anne Carter appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

INSV Information – Plants Affected By Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus

By Kristi Waterworth As gardeners, we face a lot of hurdles when it comes to keeping our plants alive and healthy. If the soil’s wrong, the pH is off, there are too many bugs (or not enough bugs), or disease sets in, we’ve got to know what to do and do it right away. Bacterial or fungal diseases can be devastating, but they usually give us a fighting chance. Viroids and viruses are another story altogether. Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) is one of the most common viruses in the plant world. It’s an intimidating diagnosis for your plants, but without understanding the disease, you’ll never be able to manage it properly. What is INSV? INSV is an aggressive plant virus that can quickly infect greenhouses and gardens, and is especially common in impatiens plants. It results in total losses, since plants affected by impatiens necrotic spot virus are no longer

Read this article

Cinquefoil Weed Control: Tips For Controlling Cinquefoil Weeds

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Cinquefoil (Potentilla spp) is similar in appearance to strawberries; however, this weed isn’t as well-behaved as its domestic cousin. You can tell the difference between the two by looking at the leaves; strawberry leaves have only three leaflets, while each cinquefoil leaf displays five leaflets. If you determine the bothersome plant is indeed cinquefoil, you have a difficult problem on your hands. Attack the unwanted visitors as soon as possible. Controlling cinquefoil weeds is easiest while the plants are young – before they get a foothold in your garden. How to Get Rid of Cinquefoil Weeds Organically Control of cinquefoil requires dedication, as the plant grows from long, persistent taproots. Pulling is a good solution if you don’t have a huge number of plants. Watering the area a day or two ahead makes weed pulling more effective because the weeds are

Read this article

Prepper Journal Update

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Hello everyone! Just wanted to create a short and simple post to share a couple housekeeping items with readers of the Prepper Journal. Our Facebook page has changed – About a month ago I was locked out of the Facebook page I created to share posts from the Prepper Journal. This was because I couldn’t […]

The post Prepper Journal Update appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Covered Perfectly Giveaway!

I love how clothing for women has evolved over the years and how we can find longer and more stylish tops for women of all ages. It didn’t seem to be like that a few years ago and I remember starting to look for longer tops about 3 or 4 years ago and there were very few out there then.

This will be my very first fashion giveaway and I’m excited to share a new company with you, Covered Perfectly, an online women’s shop who offers stylish and longer tops for women, in solids and patterns. They sent me a couple of tops to try out and I love both of them. I ordered Small sizes and they were perfect for me.

The post Covered Perfectly Giveaway! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Five Food Storage Lessons Learned From WWII

Is there a specific term for preppers who are also hipsters? Hipster-preppers? Prepsters? If there is, then that’s what you could call my great-grandparents, Dell and Hildegarde Stringham. They were the original  preppers, long before the media started making documentaries Read More

The post Five Food Storage Lessons Learned From WWII by Beth Buck appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Prepping Lite – Ideas for Those Not Willing To Commit

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

For many people, the idea of prepping for disaster conjures up visions of families in hazmat suits and gas masks readying themselves for the next global virus outbreak. For others, it is the camouflaged survival group with their loaded 4 wheel drive bug out vehicles shooting their way through some random checkpoint on their route […]

The post Prepping Lite – Ideas for Those Not Willing To Commit appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Bird’s Nest Fungus In Gardens: Tips For Getting Rid Of Bird’s Nest Fungus

By Bonnie L. Grant You will recognize why this species has its moniker the instant you set eyes upon it. Bird’s nest fungi in gardens look just like the avian habitats for which they are named. What is bird’s nest fungus? The tiny fungi aren’t dangerous to plants and help break down organic matter. Therefore, bird’s nest fungus control isn’t necessary unless the appearance wrecks your gardening feng shui. What is Bird’s Nest Fungus? Soil and organic debris are full of all kinds of marvelous natural composters. One of them, the bird’s nest fungus, is also a master of mimicry. It has the appearance of a cup-shaped nest with little spheres inside that resemble eggs. In fact, the spheres are the method through which the organism reproduces itself. Whenever I see one of these little nests in my bark mulch, it makes me smile. They are magical little organisms with

Read this article

Fashion Over 50: Cropped Pants and Flats

I'm still recapping some of the outfits I wore on my New Orleans trips, so today I'll be sharing flats and skinny crop pants. We had some nice sunny days, so it was almost spring like several days we were out and it was nice to get out of the boots and into flats for a change.

The post Fashion Over 50: Cropped Pants and Flats appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

10 4-H Projects That Will Teach Your Kids Vital, Practical Skills

Have you ever considered getting your kids involved with 4-H? You don’t have to live on a farm in order to do that, you know! As you’ll see, 4-H goes hand in hand with preparedness, survival skills, and family fun. Read More

The post 10 4-H Projects That Will Teach Your Kids Vital, Practical Skills by Brandy Schau Dibert appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Growing Golden Beets: Tips On Caring For Golden Beet Plants

By Amy Grant I love beets, but I do not love prepping them to be cooked. Invariably, that lovely scarlet beet juice ends up on something or on someone, like me, that can’t be bleached. Also, I am not fond of the way it imparts its color to other roasting veggies. But fear not. There is another beet out there – the golden beet. So, what are golden beets? Read on to learn more about growing gold beets. What are Golden Beets? Golden beets are simply a beet variety that is lacking in that vibrant red pigment. They are bred to be golden in color, which is a wonderful thing for this beet lover who doesn’t like the mess. Golden beets, and white beets, are said to be sweeter and milder than their red counterparts. Intriguing, yes? So how do you grow golden beets? How to Grow Golden Beets There

Read this article

Why Are There Yellow Or Brown Leaves On Boxwood Shrubs

By Kristi Waterworth They make the perfect thick, luxurious hedge, but boxwoods aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. They’re plagued with a number of problems that can result in brown or yellowing boxwood shrubs. These boxwood problems range in trouble from very easy to cure to extremely damaging. Although boxwoods can be beautiful barriers when they’re healthy, they’ll need your help to deal with whatever is ailing them. Brown or Yellowing Boxwood Shrubs Here are some common causes of a boxwood turning yellow or brown: Winter Damage. If you live in a place that experiences freezing temperatures in the winter, your boxwood may have been damaged by excessive snow, ice and cold – or even winter burn. The cold-nipped tissues can take many months to become obvious, so if the yellow leaves are appearing in the spring, try not to panic unless they continue to spread. Feed and water your

Read this article

Bartering After SHTF

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

If the world all went to hell in a hand basket today, you would probably be stuck with what you have now in your possession and what you know or the skills you have learned already. Assuming your city or home didn’t get destroyed and along with it all of your prepper supplies, you could […]

The post Bartering After SHTF appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Brazilian Candle Houseplant: Learn About The Care Of Brazilian Candles

By Bonnie L. Grant Brazilian candle plant (Pavonia multiflora) is an astounding flowering perennial that is suitable for a houseplant or may be grown in United States Department of Agriculture zones 8 to 11. The genus is Pavonia, which includes many other flowering bushes related to the Mallow family. Care of Brazilian candles should match its tropical heritage and mimic the warm, humid conditions in which the plant originated. What are Brazilian Candles? Brightly colored pink blooms with unique long petals, or bracts, are vital characteristics of Pavonia Brazilian candles. What are Brazilian candles? They are a group of plants endemic to tropical South and Latin America. The exotic plants require warm temperatures and regular water. The intense flowers really bring the Brazilian feeling into a northern or western home where tropical touches evoke sultry hot nights and searing skies. As the name would suggest, these plants are decorated with

Read this article

3 variations on baked beans: sweet, smoky, spicy

THE FREEZERS WERE too tightly packed till now to do anything but choose the forward-facing foods. (Sound familiar?) But I’ve [read more…]

The post 3 variations on baked beans: sweet, smoky, spicy appeared first on A Way To Garden.

18 Survival Movies with a Romantic Twist!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I started looking for “survival movies” with romance —  any sort of love interest or romance and I was a bit stumped. Action movies are an obious place to look for “survival” but not Read More

The post 18 Survival Movies with a Romantic Twist! by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Street Scenes from the French Quarter

This is my last post from New Orleans, but we sure did pack a lot of fun and enjoyment in our ten days in New Orleans. In fact, me, my mom, sister and brother-in-law are heading back there this weekend, since Parker is turning one year old. Can you believe it’s been a year since that little doll baby was born? The year has flown by! Anyway, I’ll be taking more pics from that celebration and word has it, we will be experiencing a Mardi Gras parade. I can’t wait to see that! And no, it’s not the decadent part of town, thank goodness.

In the meantime, enjoy these street scenes from our day in the French Quarter. It was a beautiful day in January.

The post Street Scenes from the French Quarter appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Skill of the Month: Make A Batch Of Freezer Jam!

While tasty, jam is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Factories take fruit and do things to it and then sell it to you in a jar. And actually making jam? Surely that’s for a certain class of people: stay-at-h0me moms who have Read More

The post Skill of the Month: Make A Batch Of Freezer Jam! by Beth Buck appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Eucalyptus Cold Damage: Can Eucalyptus Trees Survive Cold Temperatures

By Bonnie L. Grant There are over 700 species of Eucalyptus, most of which are native to Australia, with a few in New Guinea and Indonesia. As such, the plants are suited for warmer regions of the globe and eucalyptus cold damage in trees grown in cooler zones is a common problem. Some varieties are more cold hardy than others, and eucalyptus cold protection can help the plants sustain less damage. Even if you choose a hardy specimen and protect it, however, you should still know how to fix cold damaged eucalyptus since weather can be surprising. Winter damage in eucalyptus can be mild or severe and needs to be triaged before treatment. Recognizing Eucalyptus Cold Damage The scent of the volatile oils in eucalyptus is unmistakable. These tropical to semi-tropical trees and shrubs are not used to freezing temperatures, which can cause considerable damage. The plants are adapted to

Read this article

Protect your canning jar investment

I have a problem. Well, I have more than one but this one plagues me on a continual basis.  In my house we have 16 feet.  160 toes and a TON of socks.  So many socks that I’ve given up Read More

The post Protect your canning jar investment by AndreaUrban appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Different Types Of Garlic: Garlic Varieties To Grow In The Garden

By Amy Grant Of late, there has been much in the news about the promising possibilities garlic may have in reducing and maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol. What is known for sure, garlic is a terrific source of Vitamins A and C, potassium, phosphorus, selenium and a few amino acids. Not only nutritious, it’s delicious! But have you ever wondered about the different types of garlic plants you can grow? Find that out in this article. Garlic Varieties to Grow Garlic’s history is long and convoluted. Originally from Central Asia, it has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for over 5,000 years. Gladiators ate garlic prior to battle and Egyptian slaves purportedly consumed it to give them strength to build the pyramids. There are basically two different types of garlic, although some folks lump elephant garlic as a third. Elephant garlic is actually a member of the onion family but is

Read this article

Prepper Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Written by Cornelia Adams on The Prepper Journal.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and it’s important to express how much you love that special someone in your life. If you are a person with a preparedness mindset, then you have probably crossed off Valentine’s Day in your calendar altogether because you can’t think of a way to make a Bug Out Bag seem like […]

The post Prepper Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

how to shop for plants with an expert’s eye, with holly scoggins

TAKE YOUR PLANT-SHOPPING to the next level this spring. No, not by spending more, but by arriving at the garden [read more…]

The post how to shop for plants with an expert’s eye, with holly scoggins appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Ruby Moved in the Lake Cottage

So, it’s been an exciting week! My friend, Ruby, and her hubby, Bill, moved into their new lake cottage last weekend. I could hardly wait to get over there and see the finished project. Well, it’s mostly finished. As with most new construction, there are still things to get completed and touched up. That punch list will be going for awhile.

And with any new construction, things don’t always go as planned, so Ruby has had to go with the flow in working with her builder and his sub-contractors. You know how that goes. Communication doesn’t always happen, so there were a few things along the way that Ruby wasn’t completely happy with, but overall she is ecstatic to be in their new house. Some of the things that didn’t get done to her satisfaction will be fixed and some she and I will work on making them better. But, I have to say this is one pretty lake cottage and I would be so thrilled to live in it, as I know they will be. They are so grateful to get this house and the builder is a friend of theirs and gave them a good deal on building the house. So, along the way, paint colors didn’t all get communicated well and a few other glitches happened. But, they are things that Ruby and Bill can live with. They have a beautiful new home to enjoy for years to come! And they are on the lake!

The post Ruby Moved in the Lake Cottage appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Annual Strawflower: Information On How To Grow Strawflowers

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener What is a strawflower? This heat-loving, drought-tolerant plant is valued for its charming, straw-like blooms in bright shades of red, orange, pink, purple yellow and white. A dependable annual, strawflower is easy to get along, rewarding you with non-stop blooms from summer until the first hard frost. Growing Conditions for Strawflowers Strawflowers (Helichrysum bracteatum syn. Xerochrysum bracteatum) are members of the daisy family and growing conditions are similar. They are well-suited for the sunniest spot in your garden. Strawflowers are heat tolerant and they grow in nearly any well-drained soil. How to Grow Strawflowers It’s easy to plant strawflower seeds directly in the garden after you’re sure all danger of frost has passed. Dig the soil to a depth of at least 8 to 10 inches. Strawflowers don’t require rich soil but they’ll be happy if you dig in 2 to

Read this article

Mirrors In A Garden: Tips On The Use Of Mirrors In Garden Design

By Bonnie L. Grant If you suddenly find yourself in the possession of a large extraneous mirror, count yourself fortunate. Mirrors in a garden are not only decorative but can reflect the play of light and trick the eye to make small spaces seem larger. Mirrors for garden use are not a new thing and can be positioned to fool the viewer with a reflection that almost appears to be the scene through a window. Be cautious, however, and place them with care to avoid confusing birds and causing them injury. Mirrors for Garden Use Gazing balls and ponds are reflective surfaces commonly found in the home landscape. They impart a contemplative area on which the eye can rest and take in the garden’s beauty. Use of mirrors in garden design provides much the same experience with the additional benefits of reflecting light to brighten darker areas of the landscape. You

Read this article

Fern Leaves Have Rust: What To Do For Rusty Looking Fern Leaves

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Ferns are lush, green woodland plants valued for their ability to thrive in low light and moist environments where most plants won’t survive. However, the plants sometimes develop strange symptoms such as rusty looking fern leaves. Rusty fern leaves, often the result of normal growth and development, aren’t always an issue. However, in some cases, rust colored ferns may indicate a more serious problem. Rust on Back of Fern Fronds Ferns are ancient plants that propagate themselves in ways that are very different from most plants. One way new ferns are propagated is through the development of millions of tiny spores that fall to the ground where they eventually grow into tiny plants. Often, rows of rusty brown spots on the back of mature ferns are actually the harmless spore cases. The rusty residue is powdery and some may land on

Read this article

Protect that canning jar investment

I have a problem,  well I have more than one but this one plagues me on a continual basis.  In my house we have 16 feet.  160 toes and a TON of socks.  So many socks that I’ve given up Read More

The post Protect that canning jar investment by AndreaUrban appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Tight Space Prepping: Make The Most Of The Storage Space You Have

When you are living in a condo or a small apartment, there is only so much space to keep a food storage. You need to be able to use all the storage space you have available to you. You also Read More

The post Tight Space Prepping: Make The Most Of The Storage Space You Have by Teraesa Farrell appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Will Your Moral Values Survive The End of the World?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Most of us have beliefs that we hold closely which have developed over the years, shaped through our experiences in the world. These beliefs were handed down to us by family or have been framed in the context of laws or our religion. These morals are what we perceive as right and wrong and for […]

The post Will Your Moral Values Survive The End of the World? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Bolbitis Water Fern: Growing African Water Ferns

By Bonnie L. Grant Submerged water plants that work in the warm liquid of a fish tank are few and far between. Some of the tropical fern species, such as Bolbitis water fern and Java fern, are commonly used as greenery in tank situations. African water fern grows from a rhizome which can easily be attached to a rock or other surface. They are easy to manage in soft water with either fertilizer or no fertilizer. Below you will find some African water fern info so you can use this lovely plant to aquascape your tanks. What is an African Water Fern? Fish keepers will know the Bolbitis water fern, or African fern (Bolbitis heudelotii). It is a tropical shade epiphyte found around bodies of water and boggy regions. The fern is a robust specimen and useful as a natural plant in fish tanks. It will grow on a rock

Read this article

Feature Friday: Buck’s Bungalow

Today’s Feature Friday is such a fun one. My roommate, Rhonda, has a business acquaintance, Buck that she is working with. When she visited his house, she came home telling me all about it and how Buck had completely renovated this small bungalow that is inside the perimeter here in Atlanta. In-town living is something that I do not know much about, because I’ve always been an OTP (outside the perimeter) girl, but I love seeing how houses near downtown Atlanta have been renovated to make them work on smaller lots without a lot of parking options. Buck’s house is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen and at 980 s.f., Buck has captured every square inch of useable space in his home. I know you are going to love this one. Plus, Buck has incredible taste in decorating and design and it’s a house I could completely feel comfortable in too. He told me that he bought the house 8 years ago and has been working on it since then. He has moved walls and the kitchen, expanding the space to really fit his needs and the house lives much larger than its square footage would show.

The post Feature Friday: Buck’s Bungalow appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Headache prevention: A basic tutorial

In a survival situation, you can bet that you’ll be dealing with a lot of headaches, both metaphorical and physical.  If you ever had to deal with a severe headache, you know how it can affect your work efficiency. In Read More

The post Headache prevention: A basic tutorial by Guest Poster appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

What Is A Marsh Fern: Marsh Fern Info And Care

By Bonnie L. Grant Native plants make excellent additions to the home landscape. They are naturalized to the region and thrive without extra babying. Marsh fern plants are native to North America and Eurasia. What is a marsh fern? These ferns are adapted to full to partial sun locations and almost any soil. They are attractive, medium sized ferns that add a lush texture to the garden. Marsh fern care is minimal and the plant is fairly winter hardy. Read on for more marsh fern info and decide if this plant is right for your landscape. What is Marsh Fern? Marsh fern plants (Thelypteris palustris) have erect stems and occasionally pendant fronds. The plant is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter. An interesting piece of marsh fern info regards the two sets of leaves it bears. One is the smaller fertile frond and the other is a larger infertile

Read this article

Garden District Walking Tour: New Orleans

While I was in New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, I set out by myself one day to do a walking tour of the Garden District. I had heard of this district in New Orleans and even driven through here a few times, but to do a 2 hour walking tour was really fun. There was a small group of us who met up with the knowledgeable tour guide and headed out to walk and take in the beauty of the Garden District. We started in the Lafayette Cemetary, where movies have been filmed. Double Jeopardy (a scary movie) was filmed in this cemetery. I used Tour New Orleans for my tour, so check them out if you are in the city and interested in a tour.

The post Garden District Walking Tour: New Orleans appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

birdnote q&a: the song sparrow, often ready with a tune

BETWEEN SHOVELFULS OF SNOW, a song. Not an alarm call, but a real bird song, up the path in range [read more…]

The post birdnote q&a: the song sparrow, often ready with a tune appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Instead of Beating On Your Door after SHTF, What if Someone Wants to Leave?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

There is a collective thought in the minds of Preppers everywhere that goes something like this. We are preparing for disaster by storing up food, water and supplies because we realize that we need to be able to take care of ourselves. We have talked to family and friends to try to illustrate the wisdom […]

The post Instead of Beating On Your Door after SHTF, What if Someone Wants to Leave? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

How To Make A Worm House: Making An Earthworm Jar Or Bin With Kids

By Bonnie L. Grant Children have a natural curiosity about the world around them. As parents and teachers, it is our challenge to expose kids to the natural world and the creatures in it in positive and fun ways. Building earthworm homes is a great creative project that brings kids face to face with one of the fascinating organisms with which we share this earth. Read on to learn more. Creating a Worm Bin with Kids Creating a worm bin is easy and brings the lessons of composting and natural degrading processes into the home or classroom. All you need is some worms, a few simple materials and kitchen scraps, and the kids will be well on their way to unique and tutoring new pets. Often when we think about worms, images of slimy, squishy creatures leap back out of our brains. In truth, earthworms are one of the hardest working

Read this article

Fashion Over 50: Cowboy Boots and Bootcut Jeans

I’ve got a few outfits to share with you from when I went to New Orleans. We had some nice warmer weather while we were down there, but I also wore bootcut jeans and my cowboy boots a couple of days.

I do love cowboy boots and treated myself to a nice pair a couple of years ago for my birthday. These are Tony Llama brown boots and after I got them broken in, they are really comfortable. These are square toed too and I think might be more comfortable than the pointy toed ones. I can wear these for hours. If you are in the market for cowboy boots, go to a good place that carries them and try on many pair before you decide on one. That’s what I did at a local place in Marietta, Horsetown. They have 100’s of boots and this pair was perfect for me. They are nice and broken in now and feel good. Cowboy boots might not be for everyone, but I sure love mine. Of course, you can wear any boots with bootcut jeans too.

The post Fashion Over 50: Cowboy Boots and Bootcut Jeans appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

10 Ways to Use a Shemagh Tactical Scarf

The Shemagh (pronounced Shmog) has been used for years by people in the Middle East who wrap it around their head and neck as protection from both sun and sand. US soldiers also use it extensively when in that region Read More

The post 10 Ways to Use a Shemagh Tactical Scarf by Brenda appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Where Are You on the Arc of Preparedness?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Life is often about measuring ourselves against a standard. The standard changes with the situation but there is always some metaphorical yardstick we are trying to use to gauge our progress for our efforts. Consciously or maybe subconsciously we keep looking back to that yardstick, checking to see how we stand. In some cases it is easy to see how you […]

The post Where Are You on the Arc of Preparedness? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Brugmansia Diseases: Fixing Common Issues With Brugmansia

By Kristi Waterworth The classic, trumpet-shaped flowers of brugmansia make it a favorite of gardeners everywhere, but brugmansia diseases can stop this plant’s display short. Because brugmansia is a close relative of tomatoes, issues with brugmansia are similar to those of

Read this artice

doodle by andre: s.o.s. from the tundra

ONE FRIEND flew to Hawaii this week, another to Florida. Me? I’m staying put (but seeking professional help). Thanks to [read more…]

The post doodle by andre: s.o.s. from the tundra appeared first on A Way To Garden.

52-Week Savings Plan: Watch for these February bargains

February is full of holidays and celebrations – SuperBowl Sunday (Feb. 1), Groundhog Day (Feb. 2), Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), President’s Day (Feb. 16), Ash Wednesday (Lent begins on Feb. 18), the Chinese New Year (Feb. 19) and Black History Read More

The post 52-Week Savings Plan: Watch for these February bargains by Sarah Anne Carter appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Mexican Chicken Soup

There’s a Mexican restaurant not far from my house that has the best chicken soup. I ordered it one day, which is not my usual at a Mexican restaurant and was pleasantly surprised at the chunky chicken, tasty broth, and veggies that was in the soup, not to mention chunks of fresh avocado and lime juice. It was SO delicious that I just had to try it at home. I Googled (yes, it’s a verb) Mexican Chicken soup and came up with several variations and I picked one that I thought would be close to my restaurant soup, from El Nopal.

And I’m happy to say, that it’s a pretty good copy of the restaurant soup and we loved it. It will definitely be on soup rotation around here.

The post Mexican Chicken Soup appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Indoor Mum Care: Growing Chrysanthemums Indoors

By Bonnie L. Grant Chrysanthemums are common gift plants and can be found as such year around. This is because they have been tricked into blooming by either hormones or manipulation of light exposure. Chrysanthemum houseplants require lower light to

Read this artice

Grapevine Fanleaf Degeneration – Controlling Grapevine Fanleaf Virus

By Kristi Waterworth Hanging from trellises and arbors, grapes provide beautiful leaf cover and abundant fruit when they’re happy and healthy. Unfortunately, grape problems, like grapevine fanleaf virus, aren’t uncommon, making growing grapes a significant challenge. If you suspect fanleaf

Read this artice

creating living willow structures, with michael dodge

I VIRTUALLY NEVER promise “fast and easy” in gardening, which involves worthwhile hard work and patience, but here’s the exception: [read more…]

The post creating living willow structures, with michael dodge appeared first on A Way To Garden.

You Might Be a Survivalist If…

  You may want to pin this one! Click here to Pin. You Might Be a Survivalist (or Prepper) If… You have a cookbook all about Spam. You consider your extra large ham radio antenna as “broadband”. You know how Read More

The post You Might Be a Survivalist If… by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

february garden chores

THE HOUSEPLANTS ARE NOTICING, and so am I: the days are longer, making us both want to get up and [read more…]

The post february garden chores appeared first on A Way To Garden.

What Is Hot Lips Plant And Where Does Hot Lips Grow?

By Bonnie L. Grant You might have to be a fan of the once popular television show Mash to know Loretta Switt, the actress who played Hotlips Hoolihan. However, you don’t have to be a fan to find an excellent

Read this artice

Magazine Street New Orleans

We had some beautiful days in New Orleans and the weather most days was sunny and warmer than Atlanta has been, which was a welcome change. Those cold dreary days that happen this time of year are not so fun for weeks at a time, so it was nice to get a taste of spring down there.

One day, we hit Magazine Street for some browsing and looking, with the baby in tow in the stroller and had a nice day out and about. Magazine Street is a really long street with lots of shops and restaurants and it goes from the French Quarter to Uptown New Orleans. I’m starting to learn the lingo of where the various districts are, but still don’t know my way around.

The post Magazine Street New Orleans appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Try It Today: Meal Planning the Fast and Easy Way

The problem with meal planning? We’ve all heard the recommendation to create a one week meal plan and have a routine for your meals, but eating the same thing every single week sounds beyond boring to me. Meatloaf Monday, Taco Read More

The post Try It Today: Meal Planning the Fast and Easy Way by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!