Thanksgiving and Balsamic Roasted Green Beans

We were blessed again this year with a wonderful Thanksgiving day, so I wanted to share some of our highlights of food and spending time with family. As you can imagine, it was extra special this year with the addition of our sweet baby Parker. She delights all of us and all we want to do is watch her play and kiss her. She’s crawling up a storm and standing up now, so it won’t be long before she is walking.

The post Thanksgiving and Balsamic Roasted Green Beans appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Witches’ Broom In Blueberry: Treating Blueberry Bushes With Witches’ Broom

By Amy Grant Labeled of late as one of the “super foods” for its antioxidant properties, blueberries have always been on my top ten lists of favorite foods… blueberry pancakes, blueberry muffins, blueberry crumble. Ok, maybe that isn’t exactly how they

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more music, and a rant on why i keep on gardening

THIS AS YOU probably know is not Garden Rant dot com–that’s another website altogether, one run by a whole group [read more…]

The post more music, and a rant on why i keep on gardening appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Selecting the Right Holster for the Job

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

This post might get some push-back from my military service friends but I welcome the comments. I have been meaning to write about various holster options for a while and what I believe based upon my experiences with holsters I own and my perceptions of various factors in a grid down situation. I decided to […]

The post Selecting the Right Holster for the Job appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Christmas Tree Alternatives: Learn About Non Traditional Christmas Trees

By Amy Grant It’s never too early to plan for the Christmas holiday! Maybe this year you want to express your creativity and are looking for non-traditional Christmas tree ideas or other alternative Christmas décor. Or maybe, you live in

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Sudden Plant Death: Reasons A Houseplant Is Turning Brown And Dying

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Sometimes a healthy-looking plant can decline and die in a matter of a few days, even when there are no apparent signs of trouble. Although it may be too late for

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T-Fal Clipso Pressure Cooker & the Zabada Kitchen Handy: A+ Review and a GIVEAWAY

My mom frequently used a pressure cooker throughout my childhood to make her incredible ham and beans, steamed artichokes, and many, many other dishes. I grew up thinking that artichokes just naturally cooked and were ready to eat in about 25 Read More

The post T-Fal Clipso Pressure Cooker & the Zabada Kitchen Handy: A+ Review and a GIVEAWAY by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Bug Out Bag for Dogs: Make sure your dog is prepared

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Bugging out to the hills is a plan during a SHTF event for a lot of preppers and we spend hours planning out what items to pack in our bug out bags. In the arc of prepping; after procuring food and water, it seems the natural focus of many preppers is the bug out bag. […]

The post Bug Out Bag for Dogs: Make sure your dog is prepared appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Strophanthus Plant Care: How To Grow Spider Tresses

By Bonnie L. Grant Strophanthus preussii is a climbing plant with unique streamers hanging from the stems, boasting white flowers with robust rust colored throats. It is also called spider tresses or poison arrow flower. These are fussy plants that

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Root Nodules On Boston Fern: What Are The Balls On Roots Of Fern Plants

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Ferns are ancient plants that reproduce by generating and spreading spores, much like fungi and mushrooms. Boston fern, also known as sword fern, is a dependable plant with masses of long,

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32 Basic Survival Skills for Kids

Kids come in all ages. Not all skills are appropriate for younger kids, in particular. Basic Survival 1. Trust your instincts 2. Develop situational awareness 3. Think ahead and always have a plan. 4. Pack own survival pack 5. Be Read More

The post 32 Basic Survival Skills for Kids by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Atlanta Home for the Holidays Showhouse Tour

Again this year, I had the pleasure of visiting Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Home for the Holiday decorator showhouse in Buckhead. It’s a newly built home on Habersham Road, a 7,200 s.f. English style home sited on top of a hill. Inspired by the English Arts and Crafts style, the stone and brick residence, designed by Harrison Design and built by Sheehan Built Homes, the home fits right in with the lovely landscape it is nestled in.

So, come along with me for a tour of this stately home, all decked out for Christmas. The Christmas décor is there in subtle nods to the Holiday. I’m not going to narrate all the pics, so just enjoy the views. I will add the designer names along the way. There are a few pics mixed in that came from the Press kit.

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Thanksgiving Holiday Cactus Plant: Tips For Growing Thanksgiving Cactus

By Bonnie L. Grant Holiday cacti bloom around the season for which they are named. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around November. The Thanksgiving holiday cactus is an easy to grow interior plant. Both

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Indoor Atrium Garden: What Plants Do Well In An Atrium

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener An indoor atrium garden becomes a unique focal point that brings sunlight and nature to the indoor environment. Atrium plants also provide a number of benefits to overall health and well-being.

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Happy Thanksgiving 2014!

Today, I'll be gathering with my sweet family and we'll be offering up thanks for a wonderful and blessed year and I hope that you are doing the same. I love my family and am so grateful that they are mine. Lauren and Philip will be with us again this year, along with that sweet baby girl, Parker,and I have to tell you that life is so much more fun with her in the family.

She lights up our life!

The post Happy Thanksgiving 2014! appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

We Are Truly Blessed

Even for those of us who are not religious or don’t spend much time thinking about our faith, there are days when we should all take a moment to do just that. Some days, like Christmas and Easter, are undeniable Read More

The post We Are Truly Blessed by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

20+ Foods that must be re-packaged for long-term storage and how to repackage them

As a follow-up to my blog post about which foods you shouldn’t plan on storing long-term, here’s a list of foods typically found at grocery stores that can be stored but must be repackaged. Keep in mind, that by repackaging Read More

The post 20+ Foods that must be re-packaged for long-term storage and how to repackage them by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Garlic Planting In Pots: Tips For Growing Garlic In Containers

By Bonnie L. Grant Not only does garlic keep the vampires at bay but it also makes everything taste better. Fresh garlic from potted garlic plants, keeps the bulbs nearby and crisper and more pungent than any from the grocery.

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Holiday Cactus Varieties: What Are The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener The three common holiday cacti, named for time of year the blooms appear, include Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus and Easter cactus. All three are easy to grow and have similar growth

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snags, or wildlife trees: cultivate, don’t cart away, dead, dying, and hazard trees

SNAG. Not as in my pantyhose, which I haven’t worn since departing the corporate world seven years back for an [read more…]

The post snags, or wildlife trees: cultivate, don’t cart away, dead, dying, and hazard trees appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Red and White Christmas Craft

I still love red and white for Christmas and enjoy using red, white, and lime green in my kitchen. Those colors are happy and really fit well with my white kitchen. So, this month for my FrogTape® project, I found a cute metal cylinder container which I thought would be perfect for Christmas decorating. I’ll find a spot to use it this year.

The post Red and White Christmas Craft appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

#madebymen or otherwise, broken arrow holiday wreaths are #madewithimagination

IT WAS THE HASHTAG #madebymen that got me, when I saw it on Broken Arrow Nursery manager Andy Brand’s Facebook [read more…]

The post #madebymen or otherwise, broken arrow holiday wreaths are #madewithimagination appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Willowherb Information: Tips For The Control Of Willowherb

By Bonnie L. Grant What may be a noxious weed to one gardener is a thing of beauty to another. This might not be the case with willowherb weeds. It is true the plant has brilliant hot pink flowers similar

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Plants Rabbits Don’t Like: Common Rabbit Proof Plants

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener They may be furry and cute and their antics are comical and fun to watch, but rabbits lose their appeal quickly when they wreak havoc in the garden by chewing their way

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Everything But the House Online Auction

You all know I love shopping second hand finds at yardsales, estate sales, and even in real life auctions. I’ve been to a few of those over the years and they are always entertaining.

Online auctions have been around for a long time now and probably most of us have tried it out once or twice. The internet has opened up the world to us and now we can shop from the comfort of home and look at items all across the country that we’d never see otherwise. I am sharing with you today an online auction site that I’m partnering with for this post called Everything But the House. It’s sort of an estate sale online. I love estate sales! Walking into a house that has everything for sale is always an adventure, when an estate sale comes about. It’s a sad time for the family, but it’s a great way to shop for those unusual things that we might want to take home.

The post Everything But the House Online Auction appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Colloidal Silver in Emergency Preparedness

Written by R. Barry King, PhD on The Prepper Journal.

Silver in all forms has been employed by mankind for its antiseptic qualities over millennia. The Greeks and Romans used a silver coin to purify bad water and to preserve milk and wine. In later times, a silver coin was taped to the umbilical wound of a newborn child to prevent infection. A silver solution […]

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24 Ways to Prepare for Your Spring Garden in the Dead of Winter

It can be hard to think about gardening when it’s below freezing, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. Cold weather is the perfect time for planning! If you are thinking (like I might have perhaps thought in the past) Read More

The post 24 Ways to Prepare for Your Spring Garden in the Dead of Winter by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Preppers Are the Modern Survivalists

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Preppers and Survivalists. We throw those terms around to describe two very different groups of people. At first blush, the people who seem to align themselves with the term survivalist are seeking ways of living with virtually no assistance whatsoever. Survivalists of today and even the more distant past pride themselves on being able to […]

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5 Uses for an Indoor Tent

PEST FREE During a family vacation and faced with an unexpected storm, we decided to rent a small unfurnished cabin at a state park. As soon as we had our sleeping bags spread on the floor, our pillows fluffed, and Read More

The post 5 Uses for an Indoor Tent by Helen Ruth appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Canopy Thinning: Tips For Thinning Canopies In Trees

By Bonnie L. Grant The beauty of a healthy tree can’t be understated. They add dappled shade to the garden, provide wildlife habitat and create natural barriers against nosy neighbors. However, the lovely little tree you planted years ago can

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Boston Ivy On Walls: Will Boston Ivy Vines Damage Walls

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Boston ivy growing up brick surfaces lends a lush, peaceful feeling to the environment. Ivy is renowned for adorning quaint cottages and centuries-old brick buildings on university campuses—thus the moniker “Ivy

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Tapeworm Plant Care – How To Grow A Tapeworm Plant

By Amy Grant Among the virtual unending oddities of the plant world, we find one with the rather nauseating name of “tapeworm plant.” What is a tapeworm plant and is growing tapeworm plants a possibility in your area? Let’s learn

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Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition 2014

Last weekend was such a thrill for me, as I was invited to be a judge this year at the Omni Grove Park Inn’s 22nd annual National Gingerbread House competition. This event was something I had vaguely heard about, but really didn’t know how it all worked. My niece, Lauren, however, has been following the competition for 10 years, watching the shows on the Food Network and following along every year to see the winners after they were chosen. She knew all about it and I was so happy to be able to take her along with me. It was a great time for aunt and niece to spend time together. The last time we did a trip by ourselves was back in 2003 when we took a Caribbean cruise together and that was a blast too.

The post Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House Competition 2014 appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Why Is My Anthurium Droopy: How To Fix An Anthurium With Drooping Leaves

By Bonnie L. Grant Anthuriums are from South American rainforests and the tropical beauties you see in Hawaiian gift stores and airport kiosks. They are members of the Arum family and produce bright red characteristic spathes that are often mistaken

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garden-soil makeover: a how-to with joe lamp’l

QUICK, BEFORE THE FROST gets hold of the ground for good, do it: Take a soil test, to send off [read more…]

The post garden-soil makeover: a how-to with joe lamp’l appeared first on A Way To Garden.

garden cart, or wheelbarrow? expert thoughts on which one’s the better fit (or gift)

CART, OR WHEELBARROW: Where do you stand in the debate? Both family members and readers keep seeking advice, but my [read more…]

The post garden cart, or wheelbarrow? expert thoughts on which one’s the better fit (or gift) appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Too Late to Fix Things and Too Early to Fight

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

As we head into another weekend I am burdened by the same thoughts I have had for years when confronted with the latest political news pouring out of the media. The President has just declared an executive order that will allow for up to 5 million illegal aliens to stay in our country. I won’t […]

The post Too Late to Fix Things and Too Early to Fight appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Bird Of Paradise Plant Freeze: Is Bird Of Paradise Cold Hardy

By Bonnie L. Grant The majestic fan-like foliage and crane headed blooms make bird of paradise a stand out plant. Is bird of paradise cold hardy? Most varieties are suitable for USDA zones 10 to 12 and sometimes zone 9

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Dem Bones: First Aid and Herbal Response for Fractures

Bone fractures are definitely emergencies that require standard first aid followed by professional medical care from a doctor. However, there are several ways herbs can be utilized as whole body support after emergency medical care has been given. Before we Read More

The post Dem Bones: First Aid and Herbal Response for Fractures by Agatha Noveille appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Parboiled Rice: The Rice You’ve Never Heard Of

In our family, rice, not potatoes, is King of the Starches. This is because my husband grew up in places like Hawaii, Guam, and the Marshall Islands, eating rice every day of his life. When I started stocking up on Read More

The post Parboiled Rice: The Rice You’ve Never Heard Of by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

What Is A Mosquito Fern: Mosquito Fern Habitat Info And More

By Amy Grant Super plant or invasive weed? The mosquito fern plant has been called both. So what is a mosquito fern? The following will uncover some fascinating mosquito fern facts and leave you to be the judge. What is

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Survival Gear: Tools to Get You through Any Crisis

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Bug Out Essentials to help you survive during and after any disaster If I only had a … Have you ever caught yourself saying that? I don’t mean when you are sitting in the living room watching a football game and the commercials for the Big Screen TV sale coming up on Black Friday start […]

The post Survival Gear: Tools to Get You through Any Crisis appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Growing Sedge Plants: Cultivating Different Types Of Sedge

By Bonnie L. Grant There are over 100 species of sedge plants. What is sedge? These grass-like plants are drought tolerant, easy to grow and practically maintenance free. There are many types of sedge to choose from, but native sedge

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The Survival Mom Radio Network Signs Off

Two years ago a friendly acquaintance on Facebook said to me, “Lisa, why don’t you create your own podcast network?” I had been tossing around some ideas with him about setting up my own podcast and, possibly, joining a network. Read More

The post The Survival Mom Radio Network Signs Off by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

links: robins can count; turkey talk; topiary master; wasted food

DID YOU KNOW that robins can count, or that food (not paper or plastic) is the biggest single source of [read more…]

The post links: robins can count; turkey talk; topiary master; wasted food appeared first on A Way To Garden.

The Living Off the Land Fallacy

A common plan tossed around by survivalists and preppers is this idea that in the event of martial law or some other crisis, they are going to head off to the hills, presumably for weeks or months, and just live Read More

The post The Living Off the Land Fallacy by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Arhaus Furniture Avalon Store

A few weeks ago, a huge retail/residential complex opened on the other side of town from me called Avalon, over in Alpharetta. If you are in Atlanta you have probably been hearing about this grand place for months and now it’s finally open. I got an invite to the grand opening of one of the stores that I really wanted to check out anyway, so I did just that. Arhaus is a furniture and accessories store that I’ve heard about many times before, but have never visited one in person. It’s quite impressive with lots of unique furniture and accessory pieces. The styling was really nice too and I asked them if I could take pics and share and of course, they didn’t mind.

The post Arhaus Furniture Avalon Store appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Perennial Ryegrass Information: Learn About Perennial Ryegrass Uses And Care

By Amy Grant Annual ryegrass is a valuable rapidly growing cover crop. It aids in breaking up hard soils, better allowing roots to absorb nitrogen. So what is perennial ryegrass used for? Read on to learn more. What is Perennial

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Mazus Ground Cover: Growing Mazus Reptans In The Garden

By Jackie Carroll Mazus ground cover is a very tiny perennial plant, growing only two inches tall. It forms a dense mat of foliage that stays green throughout spring and summer, and well into fall. In the summer, it is

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Scripted Simplicity $100 Giveaway

I first saw the work of Rachelle with Scripted Simplicity over a year ago at Woodstock Market and took pics of her beautiful wooden handpainted signs. I thought they were so cute and loved that she is a mom-owned local business and her signs are inspirational too. She’s expanded her business this year after going to the Atlanta market and has a lot of new products to offer now. She’s gone from a one woman show to getting her products produced and manufactured for retail stores looking to carry her beautiful signs. So proud of her success! Read all about Rachelle and her sweet family and how she got started in the sign business. It’s a wonderful story!

The post Scripted Simplicity $100 Giveaway appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Should an E-Tool Be In Your Bug Out Bag?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

As a Prepper, I am constantly looking to see how my gear can support me in various situations and whether what I have should be rethought or improved upon in some way. Over the years this process of evaluating and reevaluating options has taught me lessons about what works and what doesn’t for me at […]

The post Should an E-Tool Be In Your Bug Out Bag? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Forget-Me-Not Control: How To Manage Forget-Me-Nots In The Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Forget-me-nots are pretty little plants, but beware. This innocent-looking little plant has the potential to overcome other plants in your garden and threaten native plants beyond your fences. Once it escapes

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“I’m a Survival Girl” contest!

Attention girls, ages 8-12! Show off your Survival Girl skills and knowledge in this fun contest! We’d love to hear all about what you have done to become better prepared for everyday emergencies. Have you learned how to sew or Read More

The post “I’m a Survival Girl” contest! by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Types Of Weeping Trees: Common Weeping Trees For Landscaping

By Jackie Carroll Is there anything more graceful than the profile of a weeping tree? Their drooping branches add a note of peace and tranquility to the garden. Small weeping trees make excellent focal points for the garden because their

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Here’s a honey of a post! 17 things you probably didn’t know about honey, but should!

Not all honey is created equal. Or, more accurately, not all honey on the grocery store shelves is equal. Some international honey has been treated and no longer has the health benefits discussed here. If you can possibly buy from Read More

The post Here’s a honey of a post! 17 things you probably didn’t know about honey, but should! by The Survival Mom appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Choosing Healthy Plants: How To Tell If A Plant Is Healthy

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Plants are expensive and the last thing you want is for your beautiful new plant to keel over and die shortly after you bring it home. Even lush, full plants can

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What’s In Your Nightstand?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

It is the sound that almost everyone fears at some point. ‘That noise’ you hear while you are in bed that doesn’t sound right. I don’t know how many times I have been in bed with my wife and we will hear something and she will say ‘What was that’? Already, my ears are perked […]

The post What’s In Your Nightstand? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

What Is Dead Man’s Finger: Learn About Dead Man’s Finger Fungus

By Jackie Carroll If you have black, club-shaped mushrooms at or near the base of a tree, you may have dead man’s finger fungus. This fungus may indicate a serious condition that needs your immediate attention. Read this article for

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growing begonias, with tovah martin (win a houseplant book!)

I’M ALWAYS LOOKING for ways to make my many houseplants, especially the fancy-leaf begonias, feel more at home year-round–especially through [read more…]

The post growing begonias, with tovah martin (win a houseplant book!) appeared first on A Way To Garden.

32 Mental and Urban Survival Skills for Kids

Kids come in all ages, abilities, and levels of emotional and mental maturity. As you read this list, keep in mind that not all skills are appropriate for younger kids, in particular. Although these are listed as urban survival skills, Read More

The post 32 Mental and Urban Survival Skills for Kids by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

House Renovation: Before and After Photos

This was a fun post to put together and recap! I loved looking back.

I mentioned recently that it's been 2 years since I moved into my new/old house. It's been quite the 2 year journey, after getting settled in and past all the renovating we did in 6 months. I moved in as soon as I could, but there were still plenty of projects left to do and still a few more I'm going to complete next year.

But, overall it is really amazing to see where the house started and where it is now, so I thought I'd do a recap post showing all my spaces Before and After pics. I haven't done that yet and that's always fun to see, right? I love a good Before and After story and it's quite impressive seeing it all in one post.

The post House Renovation: Before and After Photos appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Common Mulch Fungus: Does Mulch Cause Fungus And Can It Be Treated

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Most gardeners take advantage of organic mulch, such as bark chips, leaf mulch or compost, which is attractive in the landscape, healthy for growing plants, and beneficial to the soil. But

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What Is An Earpod Tree: Learn About The Enterolobium Ear Tree

By Jackie Carroll Enterolobium earpod trees get their common name from unusual seed pods shaped like human ears. In this article, you’ll learn more about this unusual shade tree and where they like to grow, so read on for more

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My Opinion: Cell Phones Have Made Us Soft and Have Affected Our Ability to Survive

Technophilia: “a strong enthusiasm for technology, especially new technologies such as personal computers, the Internet, [and] mobile phones.” Caution! The following story is true. Names have been changed or omitted to prevent embarrassment of the woefully ill-educated, miss-informed, and unprepared Read More

The post My Opinion: Cell Phones Have Made Us Soft and Have Affected Our Ability to Survive by Robert Camp appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Cairn Garden Art: How To Make A Rock Cairn For The Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Creating rock cairns in the garden is a great way to add something different, yet appealing, to the landscape. Using cairns in gardens can provide a site for reflection, as the

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What Are Kissing Bugs: Learn About Conenose Insects And Their Control

By Jackie Carroll Kissing bugs feed like mosquitoes: by sucking blood from humans and warm-blooded animals. People don’t normally feel the bite, but the results can be devastating. Kissing bugs cause serious harm by spreading disease to humans and animals.

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Tips For Watering Plants Grown Upside Down

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Upside down planting systems are an innovative approach to gardening. These systems, including the well-known Topsy-Turvy planters, are beneficial for people with limited gardening space. But what about watering? Read on

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Japanese Zen Gardens: How To Create A Zen Garden

By Jackie Carroll Creating zen gardens is a great way to reduce stress, improve your focus, and develop a sense of well-being. Read this article to find out more about Japanese zen gardens so you can reap the benefits they

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10 Prepping Mistakes That Could Kill You (and how to avoid them)

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Everyone makes mistakes, but when it comes to Prepping, all of our efforts are directed toward actions that are designed to either keep us safer, prolong our lives or stave off some disaster that could be prevented with a little foresight and planning. When it comes to survival, mistakes can kill you and that is […]

The post 10 Prepping Mistakes That Could Kill You (and how to avoid them) appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Using Water Heater Water in an Emergency

We preppers talk a lot about water storage.  Water is critical to survival and really you can’t have too much of it stored.  However, in the event of a true crisis, on top of the cases of bottled water you Read More

The post Using Water Heater Water in an Emergency by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Feature Friday: Emily A. Clark

Today’s Feature Friday is a real treat for me. I met Emily Clark in person back in 2010 and she is such a delightful Southern gal, from Charlotte, NC. Mom of 5, she writes a beautiful design blog of her own name and shares inspiration and creative ideas with her readers. She’s very down to earth and approachable in her design style, which is a mix of traditional and modern. I love how she puts things together, doing it on a budget and making it look high-end and beautiful. Emily has a great eye and she’s a darling person to know, so if you haven’t met her blog yet, I’d suggest you head on over for a peek.

The post Feature Friday: Emily A. Clark appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Blueberry Seed Planting: Tips For Growing Blueberry Seed

By Amy Grant Blueberries are being heralded as a super food, extremely nutritious, but also high in flavanoids which have been shown to reduce the damaging effects of oxidation and inflammation, allowing the body to fight off disease. Most home

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Japanese Honeysuckle Weed: How To Control Honeysuckle In Gardens

By Jackie Carroll Native honeysuckles are climbing vines covered with beautiful, sweetly scented flowers in spring. Their close cousins, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), are invasive weeds that can take over your garden and damage the environment. Learn how to distinguish native

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I Survived … Did you?

It’s time to share our best survival experience tips. I’ve got several I’ll share. At first, I didn’t think I would have that much to share, but as I look back over my military brat and wife life, I’ve sampled almost Read More

The post I Survived … Did you? by Sarah Anne Carter appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Food Storage Lies, Myths and Tips

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

This guest post was generously contributed by James Tolboe. When most people think of long term food storage, pantries filled with canned goods is what often comes to mind. However, we have to be very careful with what we store and buy. Things are not always what they seem when it comes to food storage […]

The post Food Storage Lies, Myths and Tips appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Adjusting Your EDC with the Season

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

EDC or Every Day Carry is a term that I first heard about years ago to describe the tools and implements one could carry with them every day to either assist them with some of life’s minor inconveniences or in a worst case scenario, to help them survive. It’s the tools that each prepper should […]

The post Adjusting Your EDC with the Season appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Composting Potato Haulms: Can You Add Potato Tops To Compost

By Amy Grant When this title came across my desktop from my editor, I had to wonder if she misspelled something. The word “haulms” had me flummoxed. It turns out that “haulms’ are simply the tops, stems and foliage of

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Wrist Soiree Jewelry Giveaway

You all know how much I enjoy jewelry, right? So, today we're talking a bit about fashion and jewelry. A great combo!

I’ve known Lakeitha for a few years now, she’s an Atlanta gal who blogs and also has a jewelry business, Wrist Soiree. I’ve been watching her pretty jewelry on Instagram and realized I just needed to have a few of these. So, I recently asked her if I could try out some of her pretty pieces of gold shiny bling and share them with you. She sent me some really pretty gold bracelets that are now my faves! I used to wear gold a lot more back in the 70’s and 80’s and somehow silver started taking over and that’s what I have a lot of now in my jewelry collection, but gold is making a comeback all over and jewelry is no exception.

I’m loving gold all over again!

The post Wrist Soiree Jewelry Giveaway appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Is Glyphosate Dangerous: Information On Glyphosate Use

By Jackie Carroll Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the U.S., but is it safe? Find out about the safety of glyphosate herbicide in this article. Glyphosate Herbicide When you buy an herbicide containing glyphosate, about 49

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Using Geometry In Gardens: Planning A Golden Rectangle Garden

By Jackie Carroll Using the elements of the golden rectangle and the golden ratio, you can create gardens that are compelling and relaxing, regardless of the plants you choose. Find out more about planning a golden rectangle garden in this

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Pandemic Preparedness: Simple Steps to Protect Your Family

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

I was recently hired by Overstock.com to write an article for their new site O.info. The goal of O.info is to be a source of user-generated how-to guides on all manner of subjects. The category that seemed to fit me best was Emergency Preparedness due in no small part I assume to the work here […]

The post Pandemic Preparedness: Simple Steps to Protect Your Family appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Delicata Squash Information: Tips On Growing Delicata Winter Squash

By Amy Grant Delicata winter squash is a bit different than other winter squash varieties. Contrary to their name, winter squash are grown at the peak of the summer season and are harvested in the fall. They tend to have

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Thoughts on Veteran’s Day

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

I am a veteran. I served my country honorably and was discharged from service after fulfilling my enlistment term many years ago. I never saw combat although I served in a combat MOS and was enlisted during a period of active engagement on foreign soil. I know veterans as friends, both my father and grandfathers […]

The post Thoughts on Veteran’s Day appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Thoughts on Veterans Day

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

I am a Veteran. I served my country honorably and was discharged from service after fulfilling my enlistment term many years ago. I never saw combat although I served in a combat MOS and was enlisted during a period of active engagement on foreign soil. I know Veterans as friends, both my father and grandfathers […]

The post Thoughts on Veterans Day appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Understanding Chemical Symbols

When you are handling any sort of chemical, it is important to know the risks associated with it. Fortunately, over the years a sort of shorthand has been developed to communicate this information to you in the form of various Read More

The post Understanding Chemical Symbols by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Seven Things to Do In St. Simons, GA

I recently wrote about my media visit to the King and Prince beach resort on St. Simons Island, GA and yes, it was amazing. What I didn’t get to share in that post was the myriad of other things that there are to do on St. Simons. It’s quaint, small, picturesque, and lovely and there are plenty of things to keep one busy and happily occupied for a few days. So, today I’m going to share the rest of the pictures and stories that go along with this pretty barrier island in Georgia that we experienced in just 2 and 1/2 short days.

The post Seven Things to Do In St. Simons, GA appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

dear old (love, older): a film festival on aging

DEAR OLD, Me again. I’m blaming the garden that we haven’t exchanged proper letters since it woke from it’s nap [read more…]

The post dear old (love, older): a film festival on aging appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Lemongrass Winter Care: Is Lemongrass Winter Hardy

By Amy Grant Lemongrass is a tender perennial that is grown either as an ornamental grass or for its culinary uses. Given that the plant is native to regions with long, hot growing seasons, you may be wondering “is lemongrass

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32 Wilderness Survival Skills for Kids

Our very popular list, 32 Survival Skills Your Child Should Know and Be Able To Do ASAP, has been well received but we noticed there were important skills and pieces of knowledge that were missing. So, we went to work Read More

The post 32 Wilderness Survival Skills for Kids by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Aquatic Weed Control: Tips For Controlling Weeds In Water Gardens

By Jackie Carroll Some of the most lovely and interesting plants for pools and ponds become weeds when conditions are favorable for their rampant growth. Once established, these plants are very difficult to control. This article will tell you more

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a closer look at tree bark, with michael wojtech (field-guide giveaway!)

IT’S ALWAYS RIGHT in front of us, 365 days a year on every tree. Perhaps that explains why we take [read more…]

The post a closer look at tree bark, with michael wojtech (field-guide giveaway!) appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Wild Lettuce Weeds: Tips For Controlling Prickly Lettuce

By Amy Grant Amongst the multitude of weeds that can be found invading the garden, we find wild lettuce weeds. Unrelated to lettuce, this plant is most certainly a weed and controlling prickly lettuce in the landscape is more often

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Thanksgiving Tablesetting Creative Ideas

After the Thanksgiving table blog hop last week, I thought it would be fun to pull a few of my favorites together to show off to all of you. I love seeing how different and unique setting a Thanksgiving table can be with all the personalities and colorful ideas coming into play. We all have various things we’ve collected to set our tables and I love seeing everyone’s interpretation of this favored holiday.

So, join me for a few fun and creative Thanksgiving table inspiration pics, to get you ready for the big day. Enjoy!

The post Thanksgiving Tablesetting Creative Ideas appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Seed Pods On Elephant Ear Plants: Do Alocasia Elephant Ears Have Seeds

By Bonnie L. Grant Do Alocasia elephant ears have seeds? They do reproduce through seed but it takes years before you will get the big beautiful leaves. Older plants in good conditions will produce a spathe and spadix that will

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Try it Today: Build your Food Storage from Scratch with Canning

  Stocking your pantry with home canned goods is not only prudent, it’s a simple and inexpensive way to build your food storage. When you can up what is in season (at the peak of freshness, flavor and low price) Read More

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

How to Make a Winter Survival Kit

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

With the approaching winter season and headlines like “Monster Storm on the Way” it’s time to consider your auto preparedness with a winter survival kit. I am not talking about your bug out vehicle, but I guess that is relevant. If you are stranded in your car like thousands were last January in Atlanta, will […]

The post How to Make a Winter Survival Kit appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Blue Vervain Cultivation: Tips On Growing Blue Vervain Plants

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener A wildflower native to North America, blue vervain is often seen growing in moist, grassy meadows and along streams and roadsides where it brightens the landscape with spiky, bluish-purple blooms from

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Bull Thistle Control: Managing Bull Thistle Plants In Gardens

By Bonnie L. Grant Bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) is a plant that is related to the sunflower family but has none of the charm and beauty of those sunny-nodding flower heads. It is a prickly biennial that grows freely in disturbed

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Brrrr! Get Ready for The Polar Vortex With These Resources

It’s barely November and there is already a polar vortex barreling down on us. Even if you live somewhere warm, most of the USA (except for Hawaii) gets at least somewhat cooler in the winter. For some of us, it’s Read More

The post Brrrr! Get Ready for The Polar Vortex With These Resources by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Shade Cover Ideas: Tips On Using Shade Cloth In Gardens

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener It’s common knowledge that many plants need shade to protect them from bright sunlight. However, savvy gardeners also use shade cover for certain plants to avoid winter burn, also known as

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When To Apply Pesticides: Tips On Using Pesticides Safely

By Bonnie L. Grant It might seem that the best time to use a pesticide is right when you see pesky insects. However, a few rules do apply and timing is also an important issue. The insect has to be

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Are You Prepared for Any Crisis?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

Everyone has a personal bias they bring to any situation they are placed in. Your mental baggage is formed in part by who you are (your life experiences, how you were raised, personal beliefs or principles) and what you think you know (skills, training, history, and evidence) combined with the various factors of the situation […]

The post Are You Prepared for Any Crisis? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Healthy Eye Care: Q & A With an Optometrist

Chances are you have considered how you’d fare without modern medicine in a disaster situation and have stashed away bandages, topical antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and other supplies “just in case.” Have you considered the health and optimal function Read More

The post Healthy Eye Care: Q & A With an Optometrist by Kris appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Feature Friday: Gold and Stripes

I’ve recently come across another new blogger (surprise, there are always new ones out there!). She’s been blogging about a year now and she just moved this year to Woodstock, GA, not far from me. Her name is Emily and she blogs at Gold and Stripes and she has a modern aesthetic using lots of black and white and bold colors too. She’s in a rental house right now, but that didn’t stop her from doing a few projects and making the most of it. Hope you enjoy the tour of this pretty home that Emily has created.

The post Feature Friday: Gold and Stripes appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Propagating Lilac Bushes: Growing Lilac From Cuttings

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Lilacs are old-fashioned favorites in climates with chilly winters, valued for their sweet-smelling clusters of flamboyant springtime blooms. Depending on the variety, lilacs are available in shades of purple, violet, pink,

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Weed Gardens For Wildlife: Creating A Weed Garden Bed

By Bonnie L. Grant For those of us with slightly neurotic tendencies, the thought of actually encouraging weeds to grow sounds crazy. However, the idea isn’t as nuts as it sounds and can provide you with some interesting herbs and

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Ebola: ‘Soft’ Quarantine Placing America At Risk?

Written by Capt. William E. Simpson on The Prepper Journal.

In response to my last article titled ‘Will The Real Ebola Patient Please Stand Up’, I received an inquiry from a reporter who works for a large newspaper in Oregon. In the inquiry, the question that was essentially posed to me was ‘how do I define the word quarantine’. Basically, the reporter wanted to mince […]

The post Ebola: ‘Soft’ Quarantine Placing America At Risk? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Necessary Roles In a Survival Group

Forming a group of like-minded individuals who are committed to helping one another in the event of a disaster is a great plan.  Many hands make light work and all that.  However, it is important to remember there are some Read More

The post Necessary Roles In a Survival Group by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Sensible Strategies for Teaching Gun Safety: Guns and fire are a lot alike

Continuing with my series on the topic of gun safety for kids, here is my next tip. Tip #4:  Guns and fire are a lot alike. One of the earliest safety rules I ever taught my kids was to never Read More

The post Sensible Strategies for Teaching Gun Safety: Guns and fire are a lot alike by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Garden In A Bottle: Growing Soda Bottle Terrariums & Planters With Kids

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Making terrariums and planters from soda bottles is a fun, hands-on project that introduces kids to the joy of gardening. Gather a few simple materials and a couple of small plants

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When To Fertilize Plants: Best Times For Application Of Fertilizer

By Bonnie L. Grant Well managed soil with plenty of organic amendment is rich in micro- and macro-nutrients essential for good plant growth and production. But even the best managed garden plot can benefit from fertilization. The way to maximize

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Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Even though we never do Thanksgiving dinner at my house, it’s fun to set a pretty table. I have to confess, we don’t use this dining room all that much, but I do love looking at it. It passes through to the kitchen and I always enjoy walking through there and seeing my table and chairs. This Thanksgiving, we will probably be doing Thanksgiving as my sister's house. We usually go to my cousin's house in Duluth, but some family illness may hinder those plans this year. But, wherever we are, we will celebrate with our family.I hope you enjoy these Thanksgiving table setting ideas. I sure had fun doing it!

The post Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Standing Up a Post-Disaster Survival Community

Written by Richard Bryant on The Prepper Journal.

Many preppers have formed a mental picture of the ideal bug out destination being a cabin located in some remote wilderness, well away from any population center. Others imagine an underground bunker where a mutual assistance group (“MAG”) can hunker down and ride things out for as long as is necessary. While these images have […]

The post Standing Up a Post-Disaster Survival Community appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Swamp Hibiscus Plant Info: How To Grow Rose Mallow Hibiscus

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Swamp mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), also known as rose mallow hibiscus or swamp hibiscus, is a shrubby, moisture loving plant in the hibiscus family that provides big, showy flowers from mid-summer to autumn.

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My Opinion: To Quarantine or Not to Quarantine — Why is This Even a Question?

  An opinion piece by contributor, Liz Long. Frankly, people make me wonder. I get that we all want to be nice to others, and we all think “I won’t get sick” when a virus is going around. But Ebola Read More

The post My Opinion: To Quarantine or Not to Quarantine — Why is This Even a Question? by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

The King and Prince Resort: St. Simons Island, GA

When I started this blog almost 8 years ago, I had no idea it would lead me down the path of getting to discover and travel to places I’ve never been before. Having grown up in Georgia, you would think that the Georgia coast would have been a frequent destination growing up and that I’d know all the ins and outs of the barrier islands in our wonderful Southern state. But, that is not the case. My dad actually grew up in Panama City, FL as a young teen to adulthood and that’s where we went when we were children, to the beaches of the Gulf Coast. Panama City to be exact and then Destin. After that, it was only natural for me to spend time down on the sandy white beaches of the Florida Gulf coast as an adult and that is exactly what happened. I love the Gulf and those sandy white beaches still to this day.

But, now as an older adult, I’m just really discovering the beauty and tranquility of our own state of Georgia’s coastal barrier islands. I first visited St. Simons less than 2 years ago and went with a couple of friends for a short and fast visit. I went to the cute downtown pier area and saw the lighthouse and toured the historic Christ Church, but it didn’t leave a lot of time to see much else in St. Simons.

The post The King and Prince Resort: St. Simons Island, GA appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Will The Real Ebola Patient Please Stand Up!

Written by Capt. William E. Simpson on The Prepper Journal.

We all need to start taking the Ebola situation more seriously! We are coming into the Flu and cold season and this will make screening for Ebola much more difficult. Any travelers entering the United States legally (not considering those entering illegally) and who have a fever due to a cold or Flu and happened […]

The post Will The Real Ebola Patient Please Stand Up! appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Toilet Paper is Not Food

When we talk about Food Storage, we usually talk about storing FOOD.  It’s just the nature of the beast…we like to eat things.  We’d rather not go hungry if we can help it.  BUT there are some things that we Read More

The post Toilet Paper is Not Food by Andrea Urban appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Lilac Plant Fertilizer: Learn How And When To Feed A Lilac Bush

By Bonnie L. Grant There are over 800 cultivars of lilacs with plants that bloom in hues of blue, purple, white, pink and magenta. Lilacs grow well in sunny locations with slightly alkaline to neutral soil and require little more than

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citrus in pots: how to grow, and overwinter it, with four winds growers

‘HOW CAN I OVERWINTER MY potted lemon tree indoors?” It’s the question of the moment from readers, as cold weather [read more…]

The post citrus in pots: how to grow, and overwinter it, with four winds growers appeared first on A Way To Garden.

MREs: Best Prepper Food or Waste of Money?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

If you are reading this article, I would imagine that you have never eaten an MRE before. Why do I say that? Well, for anyone who has eaten MREs you probably already have a strong opinion about them or at the very least, your experience might be based upon military service years ago. That is […]

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Jaboticaba Tree Care: Information About Jaboticaba Fruit Trees

By Amy Grant What is a jaboticaba tree? Little known outside of its native region of Brazil, jaboticaba fruit trees are members of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. They are very interesting trees in that they bear fruit off of old

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MRE’s: Best Prepper Food or Waste of Money?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

If you are reading this article, I would imagine that you have never eaten an MRE before. Why do I say that? Well, for anyone who has eaten MREs you probably already have a strong opinion about them or at the very least, your experience might be based upon military service years ago. That is […]

The post MRE’s: Best Prepper Food or Waste of Money? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

How are Looting and Scavenging Different?

If you read much of any post-apocalyptic fiction, you’ve no doubt witnessed this particular scene played out countless times. The hero of the piece, down to his last three bullets and a scrap of food, comes across a store or Read More

The post How are Looting and Scavenging Different? by Jim Cobb appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

Adding Planks to a Fireplace Mantel

Another project I can cross off my list now is adding planks to the top of my fireplace, above the reclaimed mantel. I don’t mind the rock, it was just TOO much rock, so I wanted to calm it down and add some light to that side of the room. All that rock sucks the light right out of that space, even with windows on either side. Besides, I can now decorate a prettier mantel having a creamy white backdrop of wood instead of those dark rocks. And that makes me happy. One of our topics this month for Lowes is Holiday prep and this project is definitely going to get me ready for Christmas decorating.

The post Adding Planks to a Fireplace Mantel appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Globe Thistle Care: How To Grow Globe Thistle Plants

By Bonnie L. Grant Thistles are one of life’s prickly jokes. They thrive almost everywhere and carry a nasty sting when they contact skin. However, they have an exciting shape and come in deep purple and blue hues that are

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Can You Prune Cabbage: Information On Pruning Cabbage Leaves

By Amy Grant Cabbages are a relatively easy vegetable to grow, but as with any garden crop, they are prone to some issues. Perhaps the leaves are touching the ground and beginning to rot, or leaves are hanging over other

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The Prepper Baby Steps List Collection

Baby Step #1: Plan for a short-term emergency Baby Step #2: Prepare your vehicle Baby Step #3: Get smart about potential disasters Baby Step #4: Get home, no matter what Baby Step #5: Develop a survival mindset Moving on… Top Read More

The post The Prepper Baby Steps List Collection by Liz Long appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!

my garden chores for november 2014

SO MANY LEAVES, so little time. That’s November’s urgent-feeling message—to somehow tuck in before the snows arrive. Composting expertise, the [read more…]

The post my garden chores for november 2014 appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Little Bluestem Care: Tips For Growing Little Bluestem Grass

By Bonnie L. Grant Little bluestem plant is a native grass to North America. It is found in many types of soil but is particularly adapted to well-drained, nearly infertile soil which makes it an excellent erosion barrier. It is

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Satsuma Plum Care: Learn About Japanese Plum Growing

By Amy Grant Adaptable, reliable producers, compact in habit and minimally maintained compared to other fruit trees, plum trees are a welcome addition to the home garden. The most common variety grown worldwide is European plum, which is primarily turned

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What’s Wrong with FEMA’s Plan for You?

Written by Pat Henry on The Prepper Journal.

With a budget of almost 14 Billion dollars in 2013, you would expect that FEMA would have the resources at its disposal to really be able to assist the public prior to any disaster. If you haven’t already; I recommend going out to the FEMA website to see what their recommendations are for getting prepared. […]

The post What’s Wrong with FEMA’s Plan for You? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Scary Gardens: Help With Spooky Garden Designs

By Nikki Phipps (Author of The Garden Crypt: Exploring the Other Side of Gardening ) Nothing speaks Halloween like scary gardens. Within these plots, you may find unpleasant themes and all that is deemed spooky. But in spite of their

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5 Halloween items to buy for your safety (it’s not what you think!)

Did you know there are several Halloween props that can be useful for your safety? I’m not talking about glow sticks and paper products (although those are great to have) – I’m talking about the makeup, body parts and costumes. Read More

The post 5 Halloween items to buy for your safety (it’s not what you think!) by Sarah Anne Carter appeared first on The Survival Mom. Be sure to check it out!