So summer has gotten a hold of me and I am just getting back to blogging. The garden is in, the plants are growing and we are starting to see blossoms and food will be picked soon. We have already harvested: strawberries, Asparagus, and Rhubarb. We planned on having a small garden this year which so did not happen. We have a variety of plants in the garden this year and have them planted not just in the garden but also in pots on our deck as well.
STRAWBERRY PICKING…these are Yummy!
I found this last year that putting plants in pots on the deck that they got much more attention and did very well. We still have a great amount of plants in the garden: beans, peas, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beets, lettuce, swish chard, radishes, butternut, pumpkin, yellow summer squash, and zucchini. We also have apple trees, a pear tree, raspberries (red and added yellow this year), and some new shoots of blueberry bushes.
As you can tell we love our produce and love spending time outside. We own about 5 acres, which we garden, landscape and mow. Living in the country is great; and the kids love spending time outside. We have had some problems with birds so we hung dental floss and old/bad cd's across the garden to scare them away. The wood structures/twine are for the pole beans and peas to climb up. Use things you already have laying around for the garden and so in. Don't go out and buy things when you more than likely have what you need right under your nose. Below you will see pictures of the garden (vegetable and flower garden).
Both the kids love being outside and helping as much as they can; below are pictures of childrens play and Joy in the garden. Learn how to work with your kids not around them. It will help train future generations to carry on your legacy.
Never a time like the present to clean out those closets, garages, shed's etc. and have a yard sale! Good test if you can get rid of it: is you have not used it or worn it in the last 6-12 months you are not going to the next 6-12 months. So away it goes to someone else that can use it and maybe you can make a little something while you are at it.
Pool tips: do not get in the pool when it is storming outside. Better safe then sorry. Also, do not swim during the heat of the day 10:30-2:30pm. It is not worth it to your health and the chance of getting really bad sunburn. Even if you swim when it is the non-heat of the day wear sunscreen and make sure to be safe. (BELOW: pool fun times)
With being outside all day long the last thing I want to do it come inside and cook dinner; so my summer cooking tip is crock-pot cook (easy, quick, and does not get the house hot) or BBQ. It saves you time/money and helps keep you from eating out/eating non-healthy.
I find all sorts of uses for Essential Oils in the summer time! Bug Repellent, Bug Bites/Spider Bites, Cuts/Scrapes, headaches, cooking, overall staying healthy/allergy relief, and cleaning. In addition we continue to use out Young Living Lotions, Shampoos, Soaps, NingXia Red (helps with energy and keeping up with the kids) and Toothpastes. (Virtual Catalog) I have several opportunities during the summer months to spend time with family and friends. Having opportunities to then share what these great products do for my family on a daily basis! I hope you all have a great summer, enjoy your family, friends and making memories that last a life time!
