Using Tree Stumps As Planters – Learn How To Make A Tree Stump Planter For Flowers

By Nikki Phipps (Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden) Okay, so you’ve probably at one time or another been stuck with a tree stump or two in the landscape. Perhaps you’re like the majority and simply opt to get rid of the tree stumps. But why not use them to your advantage instead? A tree stump planter for flowers could just be the ideal solution. Using Tree Stumps as Planters Creating planters from stumps is not only a good way to spruce up these eyesores but offers other benefits too. For example, as the wood decays, it will help nourish plants with additional nutrients. Plus, the more you water, the quicker your stump will deteriorate. You also have a number of options when it comes to planting and designing your stump container. While I find annual flowers to be the easiest to plant, there are many other types you can choose

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DIY No-Sew Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Can’t sew? No worries! A bit of fleece, some scissors, and a little patience are all you need for a one-of-a-kind blanket. This no-sew blanket is perfect if you’re looking for a quick, easy project for yourself, the kids, or Read More

The post DIY No-Sew Waterproof Picnic Blanket by Kris appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Covering Your Tracks – Pt. 1

Written by Bolo on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: This article has been generously contributed by Bolo and brings up another interesting subject. What if you were forced to flee and needed to avoid detection at all costs? Would you know how to prevent a professional tracker from finding you and possibly your family or survival group? This is the first in […]

The post Covering Your Tracks – Pt. 1 appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Mittleider Garden Method: What Is Mittleider Gardening

By Bonnie L. Grant Higher yields, less water usage all in a small space? This is the claim by Dr. Mittleider, a long time California nursery owner, whose prodigious plant skills brought him acclaim and instigated his gardening program. What is Mittleider gardening? The Mittleider garden method is widely used in over 26 countries and a good all-purpose guide for any gardener. What is Mittleider Gardening? It’s a race to the finish amongst green thumbed vegetable gardeners. The horticulturist with the most tomatoes, biggest squash and bushels of beans will be crowned as the king/queen of the season. Most avid gardeners have tricks and tips to increase their garden bounty and grow the biggest, juiciest fruits. One such trick is the Mittleider garden method. His mode of gardening focused on vertical growth, low but focused watering, and high nutrient infusions. Dr. Jacob Mittleider ran a nursery that grew wholesale bedding plants in

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april garden chores

WE ARE NOT POWERLESS over April–even though in most areas, it’s a contender for the busiest month of the garden [read more…]

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

Love the Home You Have

So many of my blog friends have written books and the latest is Melissa, who you all know from popular blog, The Inspired Room. She and I have been bloggy friends since the beginning and we both started blogging in 2007, so we go way back. She's a sweet friend and I love that she has written her first (of many) books and Love the Home You Have speaks to all of us who are so into making our homes live the best that they possibly can for ourselves and families.

The post Love the Home You Have appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Your SHTF Dental Plan: Supplies to stock up on, skills to learn

I didn’t get my first cavity until I was 27 years old. Honest. My teeth were in absolute perfect condition for almost 3 decades. I didn’t even need to wear braces. Survival dental health wasn’t even on my radar. So, Read More

The post Your SHTF Dental Plan: Supplies to stock up on, skills to learn by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Propagating Lemon Seeds: Can You Grow A Lemon Tree Seed

By Amy Grant I would venture to say that we all grasp the concept that seed planting yields produce. Most of us probably buy prepackaged seeds from the local nursery or online, but did you realize that you can harvest your own seeds from fruits and vegetables to propagate? How about citrus fruits? Can you grow a lemon tree from seed, for example? Can You Grow a Lemon Tree From Seed? Yes, indeed. Propagating lemon seeds is a relatively easy process, although you may need to pack your patience and realize that you may not get the exact same lemon from your experiment in lemon seed propagation. Commercially grafted citrus trees are identical to the parent tree and fruit within 2-3 years. However, trees produced via seed are not carbon copies of the parent and may take 5 or more years to fruit, with the resulting fruit generally inferior to

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What Is Reseeding: How To Manage Self-Seeders

By Bonnie L. Grant One of the best bangs for your gardening buck is a reseeding plant. What is reseeding? The term refers to plants that set viable seed, which finds fertile ground in a zone for which it is hardy and grows anew the next season. They are essentially renewable plants, an environmentally responsible way to garden. That being said, these plants can quickly get out of hand without the right management. Read on to learn more. What is Reseeding? Self-seeding plants are often annual or biennial flowers. You may also find your fruits and vegetables are prolific reseeders, sometimes springing from your compost heap. Any seeds that are allowed to mature and sprout the next season are often called volunteers. These plants don’t sow themselves in well behaved rows but in unruly abundance, and mix amongst themselves. This can give a flower bed a unique charm and lively color.

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Adding New Windows to a House

Let there be light is what the title of this post really should be!

It really is amazing how bringing light into a house can change the mood of a room. What was once a dungeon like experience now is filled with natural light. I finally got windows installed in my downstairs den and I am just thrilled with the outcome. It's more dramatic than you can imagine and it's another project that has been on my wish list since moving in this house over 2 years ago. Little by little, this house has been transformed into the cutest little cottage ever.

And truly adding windows is one of the BEST things I could have done to improve the den space and the exterior view is also improved. Curb appeal to the max!

The post Adding New Windows to a House appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Care Of Watercress: Growing Watercress Plants In Gardens

By Amy Grant If you are a salad lover, as I am, it is more than likely that you are familiar with watercress. Because watercress thrives in clear, slow moving water, many gardeners refrain from planting it. The fact is that the plant is very adaptable and watercress cultivation can be attained in a number of different ways at home. So, how to grow watercress in the home garden? Read on to learn more. Watercress Cultivation Watercress is a perennial cultivated for its clean, slightly peppery tasting leaves and stems. Seen wild, it grows partially submerged in running water and flooded areas in moderately cool climates. If you have a water feature in your landscape, this is a great place to cultivate watercress, but don’t despair if not. Watercress can also be grown in consistently wet soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5 in full sun, or you can mimic natural

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giveaway: ‘the tao of vegetable gardening,’ with carol deppe

IT’S THE GOAL: to use each square foot of vegetable-growing space to best advantage. But the puzzle of what goes [read more…]

The post giveaway: ‘the tao of vegetable gardening,’ with carol deppe appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Clematis Vines For Spring – Types Of Spring Flowering Clematis

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Tough and easy to grow, spectacular spring blooming clematis is native to the extreme climates of northeastern China and Siberia. This durable plant survives temperatures in punishing climates as low as USDA plant hardiness zone 3. Clematis Vines for Spring Spring blooming clematis usually blooms in mid-spring in most climates, but if you live in a mild climate, you’ll probably see blooms in late winter. As an added benefit, even the spent blooms of spring blooming clematis add beauty to the garden with attractive, silvery, fluffy seed heads that last throughout autumn. If you’re in the market for clematis, it’s helpful to know that spring blooming varieties fall into two main species: Clematis alpina, also known as Austrian clematis, and Clematis macropetala, sometimes referred to as Downy clematis. Each includes several irresistible, cold-hardy choices. Clematis Alpina Clematis alpina is a deciduous

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Maple Tree Tar Spot – Managing Tar Spot Of Maples

By Kristi Waterworth Your maple trees are absolutely gorgeous yellow, orange and red fireballs every fall – and you look forward to it with a great deal of anticipation. When you discover that your tree is suffering from tar spot of maples, you may start to fear that it spells the end to beautiful fall scenery forever. Never fear, maple tree tar spot is a very minor disease of maple trees and you’ll have plenty of fiery falls to come. What is Maple Tar Spot Disease? Maple tar spot is a very visible problem for maple trees. It starts with small yellow spots on growing leaves, and by late summer these yellow spots expand into large black blotches that look just like tar has been dropped on the leaves. This is because a fungal pathogen in the genus Rhytisma has taken hold. When the fungus initially infects a leaf, it

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Dividing Rhubarb Plants: How And When To Divide Rhubarb

By Amy Grant I’m not a pie girl, but an exception can be made for rhubarb strawberry pie. Actually, anything with rhubarb in it is easily coaxed into my mouth. Maybe because it reminds me of the good old days with my great grandmother who made the flakiest pie crust redolent with butter, filled with scarlet berries and rhubarb. Her stalks seemed to require very little care and came up reliably year after year, but realistically, I am sure dividing rhubarb plants was one of her garden chores. So the question is, how and when to divide rhubarb? Why is Rhubarb Plant Division Necessary? Rhubarb leaf stalks and petioles are used primarily in sweet treats and are, hence, regarded as a fruit. Actually, rhubarb is a vegetable, but due to its high acidity, lends itself nicely to pies, tarts, jams, and other sweets. Rhubarb is a perennial plant that does

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weekend reading: the blue in bluebirds; tick research; a doll of a d.i.y. house

WHY ARE BLUEBIRDS blue? That and other stories caught my eye recently–along with the latest updates on ticks, glyphosate, and [read more…]

The post weekend reading: the blue in bluebirds; tick research; a doll of a d.i.y. house appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Feature Friday: Jenna Sue Designs

I'm back today on Feature Friday with another blogger who I've recently discovered. There are so many bloggers who are new to me out there and I am blown away by the talent of these bloggers I keep running across. Today's feature is Jenna Sue from Jenna Sue Designs. Jenna Sue is living her dream and started her Etsy business in 2011, selling her own graphic design prints. It has been so successful she quit her day job later that year and is now blogging and selling on Etsy full-time. Love seeing all the successes out there!

She's not really new and has been blogging since 2010, but I recently saw her 1970's house renovation for the first time. Mind blown, y'all! I love my 70's renovation, but her's is truly amazing. You have to go and see the before pics to really appreciate it all, but she and her husband have done an outstanding job on this California house in the hills. There ain't nothing 70's about this house now!

The post Feature Friday: Jenna Sue Designs appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Purple Deadnettle Control: Getting Rid Of Deadnettle Weeds

By Kristi Waterworth You don’t have to be a die-hard gardener to keep a great looking community of plans around your house. Many homeowners find a manicured and weed-free lawn to be just as pretty as any rose garden. When you’re maintaining a sea of grass, every plant that isn’t yours must be eradicated. Control of deadnettle is just one such task that turf keepers face year after year. It sounds tricky, but don’t fear! We’ve got some deadnettle weed management pointers to help you with this formidable foe. What is Purple Deadnettle? Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) is a common annual weed that belongs to the mint family, which explains why it’s such a pest. Like other mints, purple deadnettle is an aggressive grower that spreads like wildfire anywhere it can get a foothold. You’ll recognize it and its cousin, henbit, by their distinctive square stems that hold up an

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Is a Storage Unit a Viable Survival Cache?

For quite some time now, caches have been rather popular amongst the prepper/survivalist crowd. Most commonly, this involves filling a large diameter PVC tube with gear and supplies, sealing it up, then burying it. Often, these caches are hidden somewhere Read More

The post Is a Storage Unit a Viable Survival Cache? by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

birdnote q&a: the much-maligned brown-headed cowbird

‘THAT’S A BAD BIRD,’ we may say in judgment of the brown-headed cowbird, who uses the nests (and nanny services) [read more…]

The post birdnote q&a: the much-maligned brown-headed cowbird appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Forcing Cherry Blossom Branches

Ahhhh, Spring!

It's full blown spring here in Georgia and I couldn't be happier. The pink cherry tree in my front yard is about to explode in those soft and billowy blooms that I absolutely love. The pink dogwood tree isn't far behind either. So, this time of year I love to clip off a few branches from the cherry tree and bring them indoors to enjoy on my foyer table.

All you do is clip some branches, stick them in water and watch them explode into pinkness!

The post Forcing Cherry Blossom Branches appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Three Thrifty Ways To Increase Your Yarn Stash

Within the community of knitters and crocheters, “yarn stash,” or sometimes just “stash,” is an actual term. It refers to the amount of yarn one has hiding in the closet or under the bed, likely in an attempt to keep Read More

The post Three Thrifty Ways To Increase Your Yarn Stash by Beth Buck appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Why You Should Include Junk Food in Your Food Storage Pantry

Disasters are stressful, no question about it. The power goes out, maybe the water and heat along with it. The kids are whining and probably at least a little scared. You and your spouse are edgy, perhaps getting more than Read More

The post Why You Should Include Junk Food in Your Food Storage Pantry by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Hand Pollinating Lime Trees: How To Hand Pollinate A Lime Tree

By Amy Grant Is your lime tree less than stellar in the pollination department? If your yield is meager, perhaps you have wondered if you can hand pollinate limes? Most citrus trees are self-pollinating, but many folks in an effort to boost the bounty, resort to hand pollinating citrus. Hand pollination of lime trees is no exception. Can You Hand Pollinate Limes? Bees fascinate me. All summer I have been watching some big black bumblers crawl in and out of the air intake grate covering for under our house. Some days they have so much pollen hanging from them they can’t crawl through the tiny hole and they flutter around looking for a larger gap. I like them so much that I don’t even mind they are building a tiny Taj Mahal under the house. I respect how hard they work to keep me in fruits and veggies. I’ve even

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Fashion Over 50: More Booties

So today, I'm back with more fashion and sharing the spring sweater I got from Chico's recently. I wore it 2 different ways, so see what you think. I love having pieces that I can mix up and change them out for different looks.

The post Fashion Over 50: More Booties appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Learn to Crochet With Free, Online Resources

When I was pregnant with my son more than 16 years ago, I wanted to learn to knit. He was my first baby and I figured all good moms should know how to make baby blankets and booties. I tried Read More

The post Learn to Crochet With Free, Online Resources by Amy Van Riper appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Fuchsia Bud Drop: Reasons Why Fuchsia Is Dropping Buds

By Kristi Waterworth Fuchsia provides a display of bright blooms throughout the summer if they’re treated right. It can be tricky to diagnose problems with fuchsia bud drop, but we’ve made a list of common reasons for bloom problems in this article to help you along. Why Fuchsia Is Dropping Buds Hanging like delicate dancers in brightly colored petticoats, fuchsia blooms are among the most coveted in the plant world. Unfortunately, these plants can be difficult to care for, resulting in fuchsia bud drop when things are not going just their way. If your fuchsia is dropping buds, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong. Usually, the cause is environmental and easy to remedy. Here are some of the most common causes of buds dropping off fuchsia plants: Shock. Simply moving your plant from the nursery to your home can cause it to go into shock from the very

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doodle by andre: portrait of a marriage

THERE AIN’T A CROCUS to be seen here yet, but up popped Andre Jordan, the Mad Doodler of South Dakota [read more…]

The post doodle by andre: portrait of a marriage appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Using Young Living Essential Oils

You all know that I talk a lot about healthy eating and fitness on my blog. And I believe in living a healthy lifestyle even more now than ever. Getting older will do that to you! I go to the chiropractor once a month for maintenance on my back and he scans me with a machine called a Zyto machine. It's sort of a weird machine that I was a bit skeptical of at first, but it can pick up areas in the body that are out of synch. I'm on a lot of natural vitamins and supplements too that keep me going and help me stay healthy. I have back and hip issues and he has me on Niacin and Tumeric, which is supposed to help with inflammation and I have been helped since going to him in the last 9 months. So, being healthy is always at the top of my mind and I want to do all I can to stay healthy as I continue aging.

The post Using Young Living Essential Oils appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

My secret ingredient: Buttermilk!

About two years ago, I decided to stop buying pre-made baking mixes and start making pancakes, muffins, waffles and biscuits from scratch. They tasted great, and I was glad I made the switch from store-bought to homemade. And then I discovered Read More

The post My secret ingredient: Buttermilk! by Sarah Anne Carter appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Making A Spore Print: How To Harvest Mushroom Spores

By Amy Grant I love mushrooms, but I am certainly no mycologist. I generally purchase mine from the grocer or local farmers market so I am not familiar with spore collection techniques. I sure would love to be able to grow my own edible mushrooms, too, but the cost of commercial mushroom growing kits has kept me from the attempt. The following information on harvesting spores from mushrooms has got me pretty excited! Spore Collection Techniques The reproductive bodies of fungi, mushrooms’ purpose in life is to produce spores, or seeds. Each type of fungi has a different spore type and releases them in unique patterns dependent upon the form of the underside of the mushroom cap. Gill mushrooms are the easiest to harvest spores from, but with some experimentation, all types can be harvested. Intrigued? So how to harvest mushroom spores then? The most common method for harvesting spores

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thick, creamy slow-cooker yogurt, with alana chernila

READY TO MAKE YOGURT—but perhaps more easily, and slowly, than ever before? Think slow-cooker, as in: In the Crockpot. My [read more…]

The post thick, creamy slow-cooker yogurt, with alana chernila appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Easy Care Houseplants: Indoor Plants That Are Hard To Kill

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Some people have a magic touch when it comes to growing indoor plants, producing lush, green beauties with little effort. If you aren’t one of these people, don’t feel bad and don’t give up. Truthfully, most indoor plants are actually tropical plants that grow outdoors in warm, humid environments; getting them to adapt to the indoor environment isn’t as easy as some might think. You can change your luck if you grow indoor plants that are hard to kill, and yes – they do exist. Growing low maintenance plants indoors isn’t impossible if you choose the right plants. Hard to Kill Houseplants Here are some of the more commonly grown hard to kill houseplants: Snake Plant – With its sturdy, sword-shaped leaves, snake plant is a toughie that thrives with neglect. In fact, too much attention will harm this hard to

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White Rabbit Cottage in West Cobb

This weekend has been exciting around my house, but right now it's complete chaos in at least 3 rooms. In my living room, I'm moving some furniture around, so it's all in disarray and my contractors finally got here and installed my new sliding glass door from Pella. Also, they are working on finishing up adding the new windows in my den space, so things are moving and shaking around here. I'll be back soon to share all the updates in each area as they are finished, can hardly wait!

Today, let's do a little shopping. I've shared this cute little shop with you before, but it's always fun to stop in White Rabbit Cottage in West Cobb to browse in the Spring.

The post White Rabbit Cottage in West Cobb appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Common Garlic Problems: Treating Garlic Problems In The Garden

By Kristi Waterworth Growing your own food is an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating since plant diseases and pests seem to be everywhere. This fall, why not try planting a few garlic cloves for next spring? If you’re trying your hand at growing garlic, keep an eye out for these common garlic problems. Garlic Problems in the Garden Garlic pests and disease can ruin your harvest, sometimes without your even knowing it until it’s too late. Others wait to emerge until later, causing problems when drying garlic. Either way, it’s a huge headache. The most common problems of garlic are caused by these common types of pathogens: Fungal By far, fungal problems are the most common garlic plant problems. You may get an early hint that something’s wrong, like early yellowing of foliage or white or gray, fluffy growth low on the stem. Unfortunately, there’s very

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a rainbow of peas, with peace seedlings

‘THE DREAM has always been a rainbow of peas,” Dylana Kapuler of Peace Seedlings was saying over the phone line, [read more…]

The post a rainbow of peas, with peace seedlings appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Self-Storage Survival: Cache Option for Preppers?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Many of you have thought about where you should store your prepping supplies. As you accumulate more food, gear and tools, you may find yourself getting creative with the space you have in your home. In the beginning, my main focus was food and the logical place was to simply put more food on the […]

The post Self-Storage Survival: Cache Option for Preppers? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Garlic Plant Bulbils: Tips For Growing Garlic From Bulbils

By Amy Grant Garlic propagation is often associated with the planting of garlic cloves, also referred to as vegetative reproduction or cloning. Another method for commercial propagation is on the rise too, growing garlic from bulbils. The question is can you, the home gardener, grow garlic from bulbils? Can You Grow Garlic Bulbils? First off, you may be wondering what a “bulbil” is. Bulbils are tiny, undivided bulbs produced in the scape of hardneck garlic. The scape looks like a garlic flower; however, the reproductive parts are for show only, there is no cross pollination. Essentially, the bulbils are clones of the mother plant that can be planted to produce a replica of this parent. There may be less than ten garlic plant bulbils or one hundred fifty, depending upon the variety. Bulbil size ranges as well, from that of a grain of rice to the size of a chickpea. So the

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What Is Pyola: Using Pyola Oil Spray For Pests In Gardens

By Bonnie L. Grant Finding safe and effective yard treatments for pests can be a challenge. There are plenty of non-toxic formulas on the market but the problem is that they don’t work well. Pyola is a brand name, all-natural formula that is effective on some problem pests. What is Pyola? The active ingredient is pyrethrin, which comes from a flower. Garden sprays line the shelves of nurseries and big box stores. Many of these are broad spectrum, can get into our ground water and pollute it and have a tendency to drift, causing harm in areas that are not targets. If you must use insecticide, it should at least be safe enough to use around your family and not poison the water table. Pyola may be the product for you. Is Pyola Safe to Use? Exactly what is Pyola? The active ingredient, pyrethrin, comes from chrysanthemum flowers. Pyola insect

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Boston Fern Turning Brown: Treating Brown Fronds On Boston Fern Plant

By Bonnie L. Grant Boston ferns are old-fashioned plants that bring the elegance of turn of the century parlors to the modern home. They put one in mind of ostrich feathers and fainting couches, but their rich green foliage is a perfect foil for any decorating choice. The plant requires plenty of humidity and low light to prevent the Boston fern turning brown. If you have a Boston fern with brown leaves, it might be cultural or simply the wrong site for the plant. Boston ferns are made for container gardening. As houseplants they are easy to care for and add lush greenery to your home. Boston ferns are a cultivar of the Sword fern. The variety was discovered in 1894 in a shipment of these ferns. Today, many cultivars exist of the fern, which is as popular now as it was in the 19th century. As a foliage plant,

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What Is Pink Root Onion Disease

By Kristi Waterworth Bulb vegetables can be some of the easier plants to grow in the garden, provided you can keep the pests and diseases at bay. Good onion care requires lots of patience and a watchful eye. After all, if you can catch problems like pink root rot in onions early, you may be able to save at least part of your harvest. While pink root sounds like something you’d get from a high-end salon, it’s actually a pretty problematic disease in onions. Do you know how to tell if your onions are afflicted? Well, if not, this article will help. What is Pink Root? Pink root is a disease that primarily attacks onions, though many other plants, including cereal grains, can be carriers. The fungal pathogen, Phoma terrestris, is able to survive many years in the soil without a host crop, but reactivates and moves swiftly into weakened

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A Hole in the Dark: Techniques for Maintaining a Dark Camp

Written by Bolo on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: This article has been generously contributed by Bolo. Introduction “When the system breaks down, we all break down.” – Sgt. Barnes – Platoon Tactical camping is a great way to develop and sharpen many essential survival skills. But, beyond these skills there is a particular discipline that needs to be practiced; one that […]

The post A Hole in the Dark: Techniques for Maintaining a Dark Camp appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

hello spring, goodbye nervous breakdowns

MAN, THAT WAS a bad winter is right. Technically it ended last night—March 20, 2015 at 6:45 PM EDT—though I’m [read more…]

The post hello spring, goodbye nervous breakdowns appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Feature Friday: Primitive and Proper

Today's Feature Friday is sweet blogger, Cassie, from Primitive and Proper. I have met Cassie at the Haven Conference and even though we haven't spent a lot of time together, I know I would enjoy being around her. She loves repurposing old things, vintage finds, and her home definitely has that collected over time look. She's not afraid of mid-century modern, mixed with industrial and more and her home oozes charm and fun.

The post Feature Friday: Primitive and Proper appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

8 Reasons to Support Local Farmers

Think about all the items you put in your cart at the supermarket or megastore. Do you feel you paid a fair price for that product? If you have questions about a particular item, would you know who you could Read More

The post 8 Reasons to Support Local Farmers by Brandy Schau Dibert appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Quilting: Wrap Your Family in Love

When my 14 year-old was a newborn, I chose to resign my teaching position and become a stay-at-home mom.   After three months I found myself in need of a hobby.  My husband suggested I learn how to quilt. It has become Read More

The post Quilting: Wrap Your Family in Love by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Protecting Roses In Winter: How To Repair Winter Damage To Roses

By Stan V. (Stan the Roseman) Griep American Rose Society Certified Consulting Rosarian – Rocky Mountain District Member: Denver Rose Society – (Stan’s website: https://rosemanstansblog.wordpress.com/) The winter season can be very hard on rose bushes in a variety of ways. That being said, there are things we can do to lessen, and even eliminate, the damage. Read on for more information on treating winter damaged roses. How to Repair Winter Damage Winter injury to roses can come from strong winter winds whipping around the canes of rose bushes. I like to prune my roses down to about half their height for the winter, excluding the climbers and shrub roses. This pruning is done once there have been a string of very cold days and nights that have convinced the bushes it is time to take their winter nap (aka: dormancy). The climbers can be tied more securely to their trellises

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Worst Case Scenario: Taking Back Your Home From Intruders, Part 2

In Part 1 of “Taking Back Your Home From Intruders” I introduced the possibility that your home or other property could be taken over by other people in a scenario such as this one: A catastrophic disaster has occurred, one Read More

The post Worst Case Scenario: Taking Back Your Home From Intruders, Part 2 by Jim Acosta appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Japanese Aralia Care: How To Grow Fatsia Japonica

By Jackie Carroll Japanese aralia is a tropical plant that makes a bold statement in the garden, in outdoor containers or as a houseplant. Find out about fatsia growing conditions and care requirements in this article. Fatsia Plant Info The common names Japanese aralia plant and Japanese fatsia refer to the same broadleaf evergreen, known botanically as Aralia japonica or Fatsia japonica. The plant features huge, deeply lobed leaves that grow to about a foot in width atop long leaf stems that reach up and outward. The plant often leans to one side because of the weight of the leaves, and it can reach a height of 8 to 10 feet. Older plants may grow to a height of 15 feet. The bloom time depends on the climate. In the U.S., fatsia usually blooms in fall. Some people think the flowers and the shiny black berries that follow them aren’t

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BHG Kitchen & Bath Makeovers Spring

It's another exciting day for me! Two years ago, my kitchen and guest bath were photographed for Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath Makeovers magazine. My kitchen was featured last Spring and now this year, the guest bath finally graced the pages of this iconic magazine that I've been reading for years. I shared all about the photoshoot 2 years ago. It takes awhile for stories to get to print.

It's not the MAIN BHG magazine, but Kitchen and Bath Makeovers, one of their special issue magazines. Even so, that doesn't lessen my excitement at getting featured in another magazine. This is dream come true stuff, people!

The post BHG Kitchen & Bath Makeovers Spring appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

4 Things To Consider When Choosing a Dojo

My husband and I have been taking Karate from the same instructor since 2008. We started training together before we had children and would attend Karate-related events as romantic dates. We learned a lot, including how to choose a dojo. Read More

The post 4 Things To Consider When Choosing a Dojo by Beth Buck appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Wild Turkey Control: Managing Wild Turkey Pests In Gardens

By Kristi Waterworth Living close to wildlife offers some spectacular opportunities to see animals in their natural habitats, doing what they do best, but gardeners know that sometimes the wildlife starts to look back. If wild turkeys are starting to peer too closely into your garden, you’ve got a difficult battle on your hands, but one that you can win with persistence. Wild Turkey Control Wild turkeys in garden areas are certainly upsetting, but before you assume that the wild turkey you saw this morning was the same one that ate your corn down to nothing, you’ve got to do a little legwork. More often than not, crop damage is caused by wildlife other than turkeys; they’re simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Look around the damaged plants for signs of scratching or turkey-shaped footprints. If your crop attack happened after dark, you’ll know you have to look

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since you asked: is copper sulfate a chemical?

READER DAVID wrote in to ask: “What do you consider a chemical? Is copper sulfate one?” new feature: ‘since you [read more…]

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Shedding some light on flashlights

One of the first things we usually lose in a disaster is electricity. Sometimes the power outage IS the crisis, of course, but it is almost always a side effect of other emergencies as well. While the loss of power Read More

The post Shedding some light on flashlights by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Fashion Over 50: Thriftstore Shopping

My friend, Vicki, is back today to model a few things that she has found at the thriftstore. She started shopping at the thriftstores many years ago and has found some great deals there, adding to her wardrobe at very little cost. She shared the brands she has found there and I too have found some good brands at the thriftstores. If you are willing to dig a little, treasures are there!

So today, we are going to share how just adding a colorful top with a basic pair of black pants can enhance your closet and allow you to mix things up for some fun just by adding different colors. This is especially good for this time of year, with Spring here now.

The post Fashion Over 50: Thriftstore Shopping appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Azalea Is Not Leafing Out: Why Are There No Leaves On My Azalea

By Jackie Carroll Azalea bushes without leaves can cause anxiety as you wonder what to do. You’ll learn to determine the cause of leafless azaleas and how to help the shrubs recover in this article. No Leaves on My Azaleas Before deciding that there is something wrong with your azalea, give the leaf buds plenty of time to open. Deciduous azaleas – those that lose their leaves in the fall and regrow them in spring – usually have blooming flowers before they have leaves. Wait a while before you worry that this azalea is not leafing out. Some azaleas are evergreen in warm climates and deciduous in cold climates. Most azaleas that appear to be evergreen actually have two sets of leaves. The first set leafs out in spring and drops off in the fall. You don’t notice the drop because another set of leaves appear in late summer and drop

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Abandoned Mines: SHTF Survival Shelter Option? Pt. 2

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a two-part article that was generously contributed by Bolo. In case you missed it, you can read the first part here. These two articles cover a wide spectrum of information on the subject of abandoned mines. As I mentioned yesterday, these mines could provide survival shelter and […]

The post Abandoned Mines: SHTF Survival Shelter Option? Pt. 2 appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Updating Furniture with Paint

This post is especially appropriate for St. Patricks Day, so Happy St. Patricks Day to you. I'm gettin' my green on today!

As I mentioned yesterday, this desk that I found over 10 years ago at a yardsale for $25 is now getting it's 2nd transformation in my house. I love when I can keep a good solid wood (Henredon) piece of furniture for so long, getting mileage out of it for years with a paint treatment. This one started off natural wood when I bought it, then with black paint and now it's green. A lovely shade of kelly green.

The post Updating Furniture with Paint appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

5 reasons to buy old cookbooks

I keep my eye out for old cookbooks when I go to thrift stores or garage sales. They are part of the books we keep on hand for reference material and I like to buy old cookbooks for many reasons. Read More

The post 5 reasons to buy old cookbooks by Sarah Anne Carter appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Crocus Planting Tips: Learn When To Plant Crocus Bulbs

By Bonnie L. Grant Any plant that can bloom through snow is a true winner. Crocuses are the first bright surprise in early spring, painting the landscape in jewel tones. In order to get the cheery flowers, you have to plant some corms at the right time of the year. You need to know when to plant crocus. Read on for important crocus planting tips. When to Plant Crocus Why does it matter when you plant your bulbs and corms? It would seem that as long as they get in the ground they will grow when it is time, but actually bulbs, tubers and corms require certain conditions to break dormancy. The plant will not emerge if it doesn’t get this combination of correct conditions. The best way to achieve this is to plant them just before they will experience those circumstances. Since crocus is considered a spring bloomer, you need

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How Corned Beef is Like Bill Murray

Corned Beef is a lot like Bill Murray, and if you’re wondering, what is corned beef?, hang in there with me! Bill Murray is so exceptional at the first thing we knew him for (absurdist comedy), that despite ample evidence Read More

The post How Corned Beef is Like Bill Murray by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Citrus Fruit Brown Rot: Tips For Brown Rot Control On Citrus

By Kristi Waterworth With their brightly colored, fragrant fruits, there’s no reason not to want to grow citrus, even if you have to greenhouse in order to do it. Sometimes, though, your beautiful crop may develop water-soaked spots before they rot out entirely. This condition, known as Brown Rot in citrus, can be a serious risk to your morning OJ if you don’t take swift action. If brown rot is plaguing your oranges, lemons, limes or other citrus fruits, then this article should help. Citrus Fruit Brown Rot Brown Rot is caused by a common garden fungal pest, Phytophthora spp. This fungus is also responsible for diseases like damping off, which kills seedlings as they’re developing. Because of its flexibility, the Phytophthora fungus can appear during nearly any stage of growth and wreak havoc among a wide range of garden plants. In citrus, it primarily targets mature or nearly-mature fruits. Brown Rot

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Abandoned Mines: SHTF Survival Shelter Option? Pt. 1

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part article that was generously contributed by Bolo. It covers an amazing amount of information on the subject of abandoned mines. For the adventurous soul, these mines could provide survival shelter and security opportunities in a SHTF scenario. Bolo outlines in great detail the safety precautions and […]

The post Abandoned Mines: SHTF Survival Shelter Option? Pt. 1 appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Living Room Changes

So, today's post is all about how my head works when it comes to decorating, so I'm going to try to share the process that I go through when I go about updating a space. Most of us can't start completely over in a room and we are always tweaking, adding and subtracting to get a new look.

When I moved in 2 years ago, I added more turquoise to my living room with the turquoise zebra rug and the Ikat fabric on the windows. Little touches of turquoise were added around the room. I've enjoyed it a lot, but there was still a lot of gold in the room.

The post Living Room Changes appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

squash bugs and other squash problems, with diane alston of utah state

WHEN READERS SAY, “I can’t grow cucurbits,” or, “Forget squash—I surrender,” I take notice. An incredibly helpful report on controlling [read more…]

The post squash bugs and other squash problems, with diane alston of utah state appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Build your Food Storage from Scratch: Canning Chicken Breast

It makes me a bit nervous having a freezer full of meats… the grid goes down and we’re up a creek. There’s no way I could can it all fast enough to save it. So, while we’re in a grid Read More

The post Build your Food Storage from Scratch: Canning Chicken Breast by Lisa Barthuly appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Fertilization Of Garlic: Tips On Feeding Garlic Plants

By Amy Grant Garlic is a long season crop, 180-210 days to maturation, depending upon the variety. So, as you may imagine, the proper fertilization of garlic is of paramount importance. The question is not only how to fertilize garlic, but when is the best time for feeding garlic plants. Garlic Plant Fertilizer Garlic is a heavy feeder, basically because it takes so long to come to fruition. Because of this, it is best to think about feeding garlic plants right from the start. In most climates, garlic bulbs should be planted in late fall or early winter – six weeks before the soil freezes. In milder areas, you may plant garlic in January or even February for late summer or early fall. Prior to either of these planting times, you should amend the soil with plenty of compost, which will become the basis for fertilizing your garlic as well

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Wonderberry Plant Info: What Is Wonderberry And Is It Edible

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Wonderberries are interesting plants that produce berries from early summer until autumn. The plants are annual in most climates; wonderberries do not tolerate frost. Read on for more wonderberry plant info. What is Wonderberry? Also known as garden huckleberry, the wonderberry/sunberry (Solanum burbankii) is a unique plant developed by Luther Burbank in the early 1900s. The bushy, erect plants reach mature heights of two feet. Attractive white flowers appear in midsummer, followed by hundreds of deep bluish-black berries. Wonderberry growing is easy and the plants require little care. Start the seed indoors in late winter, then move the plants outdoors when all danger of frost has passed in the spring. If you live in a warm climate with no late frost, you can plant the seeds directly outdoors. Caring for the plant is no different than caring for a tomato or

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In the Midst of a Collapse, Could There Be a Second Chance for Financial Freedom?

Could our current, shaky economy and a potential economic collapse bring unparalleled opportunities for anyone wanting a second chance for financial freedom? It just might, according to Robert Kiyosaki. I was asked by the RichDad company to review Kiyosaki’s latest book, Second Read More

The post In the Midst of a Collapse, Could There Be a Second Chance for Financial Freedom? by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

What is the Best AR-15 Scope for SHTF?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

If you have an AR-15 or any rifle really, and you plan on using this in a defensive role should the need arise, you need to consider what is the best scope for your use. Even if you have the venerable AK-47, the scope that you use will greatly determine your capabilities after your natural […]

The post What is the Best AR-15 Scope for SHTF? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

My Crocus Won’t Flower: Reasons For A Crocus Not Blooming

By Bonnie L. Grant You did everything right. You planted the corms in fall, fluffed up the soil and fertilized the root zone but there are no blooms on crocus. There are several reasons for a crocus not blooming. Some of these are cultural, animal pests or you simply could have gotten a bad batch of bulbs. We’ll investigate the possibilities and find out how to get a crocus to bloom. Cultural Reasons for No Blooms on Crocus Crocus corms produce best in a sunny location with organic rich, well-draining soil. The soil pH should be between 6 and 7, and fertilizer should go into the planting hole at the root zone. Even the best planting area may suffer from non-flowering crocus. What went wrong? If you live in a very arid region, you will need to water the corms after planting. They are busy producing roots and need to

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Leaf Gall On Azaleas: How To Treat Azalea Leaf Gall

By Kristi Waterworth Springtime isn’t the same without the precisely painted blooms of the azalea, floating in clusters just above the ground like big, vibrant clouds. Sadly, leaf gall on azaleas can ruin these picture-perfect moments by destroying leaf tissue, twigs and buds and leaving severely disfigured tissue in its wake. Armed with azalea leaf gall info, however, you can protect your azaleas from this dreaded fungus and ensure many more breathtaking springs. What Causes Azalea Leaf Gall? Unlike many galls that appear on woody plants and trees, leaf gall on azaleas is caused by the fungus Exobasidium vaccinii, a wind-borne fungus that can overwinter on bark and within buds; other fungi in this genus affect camellias, blueberry and rhododendron. You’ll most often see azalea leaf gall appear in wet springs or on azaleas that are planted in corners or massed in tight groupings. The fungus needs considerable moisture to mature, so

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Why A Pepper Plant Won’t Produce Flowers Or Fruit

By Amy Grant I had the most gorgeous bell peppers in the garden this year, most likely due to the unseasonably warmer summer in our region. Alas, this is not always the case. Generally, my plants set a couple of fruit at best, or no fruit on the pepper plants at all. That led me to do a little research on why a pepper plant won’t produce. Why a Pepper Plant Won’t Produce One reason for a pepper plant with no flowers or fruit may be the weather. Peppers are warm season plants that thrive in temperatures of 70-85 degrees F. (21-29 C.) during the day and 60-70 degrees F. (15-21 C.) at night. They need a long growing season with at least six hours of full sun. Be sure to wait for the soil to warm in the spring after all chance of frost has passed in your region

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Lavatera Care: Tips For Growing Lavatera Rose Mallow

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Related to both hibiscus and hollyhock plants, Lavatera rose mallow is an attractive annual with lots to offer the garden. Keep reading to learn more about growing this plant. Lavatera Plant Info Lavatera rose mallow (Lavatera trimestris) is an impressive, shrubby plant with rich, green foliage and 4-inch blooms that appear from midsummer until the first frost. The satiny, hibiscus-like blooms range in color from pale pink to deep rose. This rose mallow is a Mediterranean native. However, it has naturalized and grows wild across much of the United States. The pest- and disease-resistant plant is a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies and various beneficial insects. It reaches mature heights of 3 to 6 feet, with a similar spread. How to Grow Lavatera Lavatera grows in most well-drained soil types, including poor soil. However, it performs best in sandy or loamy soil. Similarly, this adaptable

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4 Tips to Keep Fear from Wrecking Your Prepping Plans

Written by Cornelia Adams on The Prepper Journal.

Fear can be the ultimate motivator. People in a plane that is rapidly plummeting to the ground are suddenly motivated to clasp their hands together and hastily scream a prayer that they haven’t felt compelled to whisper since elementary school. Some live by the philosophy that without fear there would never be an opportunity to […]

The post 4 Tips to Keep Fear from Wrecking Your Prepping Plans appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

A Classic Piece of Outdoor Gear: The Walking Stick

When venturing into the wilderness, a constant companion for many is a walking stick, but most people don’t realize the potential for walking stick uses. Some folks just pick up a new stick each time they head down the trail, Read More

The post A Classic Piece of Outdoor Gear: The Walking Stick by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

weekend reading: fancy male birds, neonics and monarchs, antibiotic ‘aha’s’

I KNOW: This week’s reading list is heavy on news of the natural world, because that’s where my mind is: [read more…]

The post weekend reading: fancy male birds, neonics and monarchs, antibiotic ‘aha’s’ appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Feature Friday: Go Haus Go

I'm back today with a small house Feature Friday, Go Haus Go. Emily and her hubby live in Kentucky in a 900 s.f. 100 year old home. Well, actually they used to live in this house. Emily has just recently announced she is pregnant with twin boys and they are renting this house out and moved into a larger house to get ready for the babies in May.

That's pretty tiny by today's standards and they have done a great job making it over into a cozy home. I'm sure when they do sell this house that they next homeowners will love it. It's adorable!

The post Feature Friday: Go Haus Go appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

What Is Hemp Dogbane: How To Get Rid Of Dogbane Weeds

By Bonnie L. Grant Hemp dogbane weed is also known as Indian hemp (Apocynum cannabinum). Both names refer to its one-time use as a fiber plant. Today, it has quite a different reputation and is something of a scourge in certain regions of the country. What is hemp dogbane and why do we want to get rid of it? The plant is poisonous to animals with a toxic sap and has roots that can burrow 6 feet into the earth. It has become an agricultural pest which makes dogbane control important, especially in commercial garden regions. What is Hemp Dogbane? In a perfect world, all life would have its place on earth. However, sometimes plants are in the wrong space for human cultivation and they need to be removed. Hemp dogbane is a good example of a plant that is not beneficial when growing in cropland and can do more

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Snow Mold Fungus: Learn About Snow Mold Control

By Kristi Waterworth Spring is a time of new beginnings and the awakening of lots of the growing things you’ve missed all winter. When the receding snow reveals a badly damaged lawn, many homeowners despair – but try not to worry, it’s only snow mold. This fungus is unsightly, but is easy to manage for homeowners of all skill levels. Read on to learn more about snow mold and how to manage it on your lawn. What is Snow Mold? As the snow melts for the last time this spring, you may notice some unusual brown rings and matted areas on your lawn. This is the calling card of one of the more frustrating turfgrass diseases: snow mold fungus. Snow mold in grass is a problem that seems to defy logic entirely. After all, isn’t it too cold under the snow for fungi to grow? Snow mold is actually a

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Iris’s Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

My mom has been making this chicken noodle soup for as long as I can remember and it is super tasty. Much better than the canned variety, I can assure you! And it is so simple and easy. I posted a pic on Instagram and Facebook recently and several asked for the recipe, so here you go.

Now, keep in mind that my mom never measures anything. She just makes things for years and knows how to do it in her head. So finding out the exact measurements for any of these recipes is a little tricky.

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Worst Case Scenario: Taking Back Your Home From Intruders, Part 1

Those of us in the preparedness game spend lots of hours and lots of dollars preparing for any likely disaster. Food, water, power, communications, and many other topics fill our minds and fuel our plans. We all consider our well-prepared Read More

The post Worst Case Scenario: Taking Back Your Home From Intruders, Part 1 by Jim Acosta appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Coming this Saturday: Learn to spin yarn in this FREE webinar!

Join expert knitter/spinner Beth Buck and me this coming Saturday, March 14, for a free webinar all about spinning yarn! Learn to spin yarn from a pro! Beth recently wrote about getting started with spinning and in this webinar, she Read More

The post Coming this Saturday: Learn to spin yarn in this FREE webinar! by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Eggplant Spacing: How Far Apart To Space Eggplant

By Amy Grant Eggplants are native to India and require a long, warm growing season for optimal yields. They also need the appropriate eggplant distance in gardens to achieve the greatest production. So how far apart to space eggplants for maximum yields and healthy plants? Read on to learn more. Proper Eggplant Spacing Eggplant has a growing habit similar to that of a tomato; however, eggplants are planted closer together than tomato plants and some varieties don’t need to be staked. There are also smaller eggplant varietals and ornamentals that can be grown in containers. Either way, the proper spacing between eggplants can be crucial in the amount of fruit they set. How Far Apart to Space Eggplant? Whenever you plant a garden, some consideration and planning should occur first in deciding where to set certain plants and drafting how far apart they need to be to maximize the use

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Care Of Twinspur Diascia: Tips For Growing Twinspur Flowers

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Adding Twinspur to the garden not only provides color and interest, but this lovely little plant is great for attracting useful pollinators to the area. Keep reading for information on growing Twinspur flowers. Twinspur Plant Info What is twinspur? Twinspur (Diascia), sometimes known as Barber’s Diascia, is a sprawling annual that adds beauty and color to beds, borders, rock gardens and containers. The plant is appropriately named for a pair of spurs on the back of each bloom. These spurs have an important function – they contain a substance that attracts beneficial bees. Bright green, heart-shaped leaves provide contrast to the delicate, spiky blooms that come in various shades of mauve, pink, rose, coral and white, each with a contrasting yellow throat. Native to South Africa, Twinspur reaches heights of 6 to 8 inches with a 2-foot spread, making this plant

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6 Necessary Knitting and Crochet Notions That Won’t Break Your Budget

Over the years I have found that just a few, small items help me with my knitting projects. You can find these at stores like Jo-Ann, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and similar stores. I’ve included Amazon links here so you can Read More

The post 6 Necessary Knitting and Crochet Notions That Won’t Break Your Budget by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Splitting Pomegranate Fruit: Reasons Pomegranates Split Open On The Tree

By Kristi Waterworth Waiting all year for your juicy, fresh pomegranates to mature can be a real killer – much more so when they suddenly start splitting just before harvest. Splitting fruits can be hugely frustrating, especially when you’ve been eagerly awaiting them for a full season. If your pomegranates split open on the tree, it might seem like it’s time to break out the chainsaw, but before you commit a pomegranate massacre, consider why your pomegranates are cracking. We’ll walk you through the most common problems pomegranate growers have with splitting pomegranate fruit in this article. Why Does Pomegranate Split? There are a couple of very common reasons for split pomegranate fruit on a well-cared for tree. In fact, one of them may be caused by a tree getting a little too much care. Fungal pathogens are notoriously frustrating causes of split fruit. In fact, they often strike just as

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how to start seeds: 18 confidence-building tips

BECOMING a confident seed starter unlocks a garden of possibilities; you can try your hand at anything offered in any [read more…]

The post how to start seeds: 18 confidence-building tips appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Fashion Over 50: Casual Jeans Outfits

This week, I'm doing my fashion over 50 post a day early.

Most of the time, I'm not dressing up all that much anymore and when I'm going out shopping or for a casual outing, I often go to my old standby, jeans. Jeans have always been a fashion staple for me and I love the versatility of jeans and how they can be dressed up or down. Most of the time, I'm wearing them with flats or boots and today I'm sharing a few casual skinny jeans with flats look. I like to change up my tops, pairing them with jewelry or scarves and it's so easy to come up with so many different combos of jeans, tops, accessories and shoes. Flats are my friend these days and I have quite a few of them.

The post Fashion Over 50: Casual Jeans Outfits appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Self Defense for Women & Kids: Practical tips, smart strategies

No one wants to live in fear. Being prepared for any situation doesn’t mean we live in fear. It means we fear less because we are ready for whatever may come. This includes situations when self defense for women and Read More

The post Self Defense for Women & Kids: Practical tips, smart strategies by Teraesa Farrell appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Spacing Watermelon Plants: How Much Space Between Watermelons

By Amy Grant Cultivated as far back as 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, watermelons originally hail from Africa. As such, this large fruit needs warm temperatures and a long growing season. In fact, the finicky watermelon requires not only optimal temps but specific conditions for premium production, including proper watermelon plant spacing. So what is the correct way to space this melon? Read on to find out. Why Put Distance Between Watermelon Plants? Just as an architect does not just begin building without a plat and a blueprint, gardeners usually map out the garden plot prior to planning. It is important to consider where to plant certain plants in relation to other plants, taking into account their different or shared water requirements and sun exposure as well as their mature size. In the case of spacing watermelon plants, those set too far apart waste valuable garden space while those

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Spinning Your Own Yarn: How to get started

Spinning is one of those skills that, once ubiquitous, has become something of a novelty. In the past, spinning your own yarn with a drop spindle or spinning wheel was as common as cooking dinner. Everybody used to spin. If Read More

The post Spinning Your Own Yarn: How to get started by Beth Buck appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

phenology: telling time by nature’s clock, with cary institute

IT’S ALL CONNECTED OUTDOORS, and the science of phenology can help us understand exactly how. Called “nature’s clock,” or “nature’s [read more…]

The post phenology: telling time by nature’s clock, with cary institute appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Office Organization and Decluttering

After moving in my house over 2 years ago, the one space that has been so hard to keep decluttered is my office. I just kept putting more and more things in there, that I would bring home from events and conferences. All sorts of stuff made its way into my office and the bookcase was just being overtaken by, shall I just say it....useless clutter. So, over time I just quit going in there. I am loving lounging on my living room sofa with my laptop, but I'd like to use my office again.

So, this spring I'm on a mission to declutter my office and make it more inviting, so that I'll want to spend time in there again. It's such a pretty room and I need to take advantage of it. Decluttering will definitely help the feel in there and I'm also going to lighten up some of the furniture. That room doesn't get a ton of light, so painting a couple pieces of the furniture will lighten it up a lot.

The post Office Organization and Decluttering appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

15 Things I learned from One Second After & My Survival Tips

I didn’t want to read One Second After by William R. Forstchen.  I knew it was a dismal and depressing book, so I procrastinated. The book describes life in a North Carolina town following an EMP attack, which permanently shuts down Read More

The post 15 Things I learned from One Second After & My Survival Tips by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Prepping Your Spouse for Prepping

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

How many of you have ever tried to convince your spouse to do something that was outside of their comfort zone? Did you have a lot of success? When we have these partners in our lives, we try to share most if not all of our lifestyle with our significant other. This accomplishes two goals. […]

The post Prepping Your Spouse for Prepping appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Prepper Conventions: List Your Event For Free

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Do you have a prepper convention you want to advertise? Are you looking to share knowledge and tips with interested preppers in your area? What better place than the Prepper Journal? The Prepper Convention page on our site is a new way for preppers to find prepper shows and conferences in their local area. As […]

The post Prepper Conventions: List Your Event For Free appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

cracking up: confessions of a winter-weary gardener and her wall

THE SKY ISN’T FALLING, but the living room wall is. I’m cracking up from too much winter, one slab of [read more…]

The post cracking up: confessions of a winter-weary gardener and her wall appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Prepping on a Budget

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

One excuse that some people use for not beginning to prepare for disasters is the cost. They look at shows like Doomsday Preppers or view the advertisements on prepping or survival blogs and start mentally calculating the costs of everything they need in their head. When you look at Prepping or being prepared as a […]

The post Prepping on a Budget appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Feature Friday: It’s Great to Be Home

I recently found Liz at It's Great to Be Home and had never visited her beautiful blog, but she has been blogging away for several years. I was simply amazed that this lawyer turned house flipper had managed to flip so many beautiful homes along the way and got totally immersed in looking at the Before and After photos of the 10 (yes, 10!) flip houses on her blog.

She and her hubby have been flipping house and selling real estate for a few years now and that is her full-time job. They managed to renovate their own 1960's home in the process and that's the one I'm sharing today, but you've got to visit her flip house pages too. They are all beautiful and inspiring! Liz has a wealth of knowledge on buying fixer upper houses and her results are stunning!

The post Feature Friday: It’s Great to Be Home appeared first on Southern Hospitality.