4/3/08 Gardening, Drought Resistant, Herbs, Tea, Trees, Seasons, Garage Sales
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER'S ADVICE ON ORNAMENTAL PEAR AND PLUM TREES
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LANDSCAPE AND A GARDEN
SEASONS OF LIFE
PLANNING YOUR GARAGE SALE
UNAPPRECIATED
WELCOME TO A NEW BABY BOY AND GIRL!
Drought Tolerant Flowers, Herbs, Shrubs and Trees
By Lois Breneman, © Revised 2008, Heart to Heart Newsletter, [email protected]
Rosemary ~ Fragrant for in arrangements or potpourri
Bee Balm ~ In the tea family ~ Make tea / eat the flowers ~ bees love it ~ can be invasive
Iris ~ pink, blue, white, yellow, and there are also some rebloomers
Sedum ~ many varieties available ~ Some have flowers ~ easy
Day Lily ~ Many colors ~ yellow, pink, orange, white, red, peach
Candytuft ~ one of the earliest to bloom in the spring
Lavender ~Use for potpourri and arrangements Cosmos
Liatris ~ Tall with beautiful blooms ~ Bees love it Jupiters beard - pink, red
Russian Sage ~ Light, airy purple flowers Butterfly Weed
Basket of Gold Blackberry Lily
Shasta Daisy
A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER'S ADVICE ON ORNAMENTAL PEAR AND PLUM TREES
How to Dry Herbs
2) Fill the pot with water. Cover with lid.
3) Bring to a boil.
4) Turn off and let steep for 20-30 minutes.
5) Pour into a sieve over a one gallon plastic pitcher.
6) Chill and enjoy.
Donkey's Tail, Frog's Tongue (sedum), American Dog Violet, Oxeye, Sunflower,
*Wear a shirt with a pocket while gardening and keep a tissue and sunscreen chapstick handy.
*Scrape a bar of soap across your fingernails to prevent dirt from getting under your nails.
*Carry your gardening tools in a small caddy, as is used for carrying cleaning supplies.
*If you're short on gardening space, try "Square Foot Gardening," using the book by that name.
*Raised flower and vegetable beds are much easier on your back.
By Kathleen Wilson, Copyright 2004, http://www.theBudgetDecorator.com, Used by permission
Decorating the outside of your home very often involves some type of garden. Not only can living plants add value, curb appeal, and charm to your home, gardening has been known to soothe ones soul. Gardening on a tight budget can be a challenge, but with a little knowledge, a little creativity, and a do-it-yourself spirit, it can be much more rewarding than traditional
landscaping.
1. Start small. Pick out a small spot in your yard or decide to grow in containers only and pick up a few basic pots. If you spend a whole weekend tearing up your yard your first time out, chances are you will become overwhelmed and find it an unhappy experience, not to mention a waste of money. Let the joys of growing things be a pleasure, not a chore. You can always expand your garden as you gain experience.
2. Learn some basics. It isnt budget wise to but a bunch of plants, slap them in the ground without any knowledge, then watch them die. With a little education, you can be assured of a more successful garden, and save money in mistakes from the start! Some great places to get information for beginners is your local library, your nursery, and the Internet. The Internet is filled with garden information, just type gardening into your search engine, and go!
3. Don't be afraid to use unusual materials. Chunks of recycled concrete can make a wonderful retaining wall or garden border, gravel can be used for a patio instead of flagstone, plastic pots can be painted to look like stone. Plant in unusual containers to fit the style of your home. Use indoor things outdoors. Use paint (its cheap!) wherever possible to create an interesting fence or wall, or tie unmatched garden furniture and accessories together. Create luminaries out of tin cans and candles from the dollar store.
4. Use nature in nature. Make your garden an expression of what it really is, a wonder of nature. Display driftwood directly in your garden and let flowers spill over it, bring in large rocks and gravel and create faux stream beds (dont buy them, there is bound to be a building site nearby where they would thank you for hauling the rocks away!) If you take a trip to the ocean, bring back shells and mementos to remind you of your vacation. Just remember to always know the local laws and have permission to gather.
5. Find your materials in budget friendly places. Grow simple, fast growing plants from seed instead of buying more expensive plants. Sunflowers, cosmos, marigolds, zinnias and alyssum are all incredibly easy to grow from seed, at any time during the growing season. Ask your local building site if you can search their scrap piles for materials. Scrap wood can be used to create simple containers, rocks make great borders, broken tiles can be used to make mosaic stepping stones. Cut down wood can be used to make decorative fencing, old tree stumps can be beautiful with a flowering vine growing over it.
A few containers near your door, or a fenced vegetable garden, or an English garden
OUTDOOR AND GARDENING TIPS USING WHITE DISTILLED VINEGAR
http://www.vinegartips.com/gardening - Thanks to Helen Rutrough in Virginia for these tips!
Kill weeds and grass growing in unwanted places by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them. This works especially well in crevices and cracks of walkways and driveways.
Give acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias a little help by watering them with a white distilled vinegar solution now and again. A cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of tap water is a good mixture.
Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.
Discourage cats from getting into the kids sandbox with white distilled vinegar.
Preserve cut flowers and liven droopy ones by adding 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar to a quart of water in a vase.
Get rid of the water line in a flower vase by filling it with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar, or by soaking a paper towel in white distilled vinegar and stuffing it into the vase so that it is in contact with the water line.
Clean out stains and white mineral crusts in clay, glazed and plastic pots by soaking them for an hour or longer in a sink filled with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar.
Remove crusty rim deposits on house planters or attached saucers by soaking them for several hours in an inch of full-strength white distilled vinegar.
Clean a birdbath by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.
Get rid of rust on spigots, tools, screws or bolts by soaking the items overnight or for several days in undiluted white distilled vinegar.
Neutralize garden lime by adding white distilled vinegar to the area.
Avoid skin problems after working in the garden by rinsing your hands in white distilled vinegar.
Increase the acidity of soil by adding white distilled vinegar to your watering can.
Eliminate anthills by pouring in white distilled vinegar.
Cure a cement pond before adding fish and plants by adding one gallon of white distilled vinegar to every 200 gallons of water. Let sit three days. Empty and rinse thoroughly.
Sanitize outdoor furniture and picnic tables with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar.
Kill slugs by spraying them with a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part white distilled vinegar.
To catch moths use a mixture of 2 parts white distilled vinegar and 1 part molasses. Place mixture in tin can and hang in a tree.
Keep rabbits from eating your plants. Put cotton balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container. Poke a hole in the top and place in the garden.
Remove berry stains on your hands by rubbing them with white distilled vinegar.
Clean plastic patio furniture with a solution of 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
Wash fresh vegetables with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar in 1 ½ quarts of water.
When cleaning an outdoor fountain, soak the pump in white distilled vinegar to remove any mineral deposits.
Clean a hummingbird feeder with white distilled vinegarsoap or detergent can leave behind harmful residue.
Remove mold from terra cotta pots by soaking in a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup chlorine bleach, and 1 gallon of warm water before scrubbing with a steel wool pad.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LANDSCAPE AND A GARDEN
Thanks to Prudence Kinley-Ruth in Pennsylvania for sharing these tidbits.
A landscape is an expression of your checkbook. A garden is an expression of your soul.
A garden is a labor of love, and a landscape is just a labor.
A landscape is a possession. A garden is an obsession.
SEASONS OF LIFE
By Margie DeMonbrun in Missouri -- 2001 -- Used by permission
God speaks to us through His Word and through His creation. We are all aware that there is perfect order of creation in which God so beautifully demonstrates His care for all of nature. Matt: 6:30 tells us, "And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't He more surely care for you?"
Many people today are struggling to survive. Sometimes we just need to refresh our faith in God's providence with the beauty of His Word and His world. Nothing is more powerful in meeting our needs than the Word of God. When push comes to shove, and the going gets really rough and rocky, there is nothing in this world that can settle you down, bring you peace, give you comfort and hope as does God's Word. We know God and His Word NEVER change .... they are the same yesterday, today and forever. Heb. 13:8.
And in God's creation, although it changes by season, it does so very systematically year after year after year. Just as there are seasons in nature, there are cycles and patterns of change in our lives, each having its own purpose. Remember, God never changes. His faithfulness, mercy and love are evidenced in all the seasons of our lives. He grants us strength for each new day while providing the assurance that all of our tomorrows are filled with hope and security. Nature itself is a bold witness to the steadfast care of His hand.
We can compare God's seasons in nature with the seasons of our life.
Let's start with Spring ... A Time of Hope. Spring is a chance to begin anew. As we plant seeds in the garden things begin to grow. In our Christian life, as we plant seeds based on the promises of His Word, we know a time of beauty and bounty is inevitable. Stay in His Word, pray and attend church regularly.
Summer ... A Time of Faith. Our garden begins to grow in the rich soil and we see the vegetables, fruit and flowers. In our Christian life we get encouragement with the promises of provision for our needs as we grow in the richness of God's Word. Become active in Christian work; do what He wants you to do.
Fall ... A Time to Harvest. We pick and harvest our gardens and lay up the rewards of our labors for the winter time. In the Christian life we experience the riches of His blessings as our inheritance as we harvest crops grown in His field. These are the fruits of our labors and gifts given to and used by God to further the Gospel and the Christian way of life and walk here on earth.
Now let's talk about Winter ... A Time of Surrender. In God's creation all nature surrenders to this season. Like it or not, the trees are bare, it becomes colder, ice and snow come. Winter can be hard, tough and depressing. But it comes. And in the Christian life, during the winters that come to us, we experience circumstances we would not choose. But God promises victory through darkness and gives us strength for each trial. In all the unexpected tough times, God's continuous guidance is always present to those who allow Him to be Lord of their lives.
In the winter times of life we must be very careful for the same things that happen in nature can happen to us spiritually. We can become cold, exhausted physically and mentally, and become depressed and thus become barren spiritually. Remember, whatever we are going through, God knows when enough is enough. If you are tempted to question His leading, remind yourself that He thinks of you all the time; and He will not make you take one step beyond what you can endure. Many times we feel we just can't go on, but when that next step comes He will so strengthen us that we shall be able to go on; or, He will call a sudden halt, and you will not have to take it at all.
During spring, summer and fall--plant, water, and harvest from Him and His Word for the winter. And if you are in a winter experience, get in from the cold of the winter blasts and trials, come close to God, place yourself under His protective wing; hide yourself in His Word. Use this time to let Christ build His character in you as He teaches you and loves you. He knows the beginning to the end of this time of struggle and pain and He will make a way for you where there appears no way. Let us go on and trust fully in His Word for guidance and stand firm on His promises. A promise to remember for all seasons is found in Jer. 32:27, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for me?"
PLANNING YOUR GARAGE SALE
By Cheryl Gochnauer, Copyright 2008, [email protected], Used by permission
Here in the Land of Opportunity, we're on the brink of Garage Sale Season. Figuring out what to part with is easy. You're tired of it. It hasn't fit in two years, and never will. The color is wrong; the style is wrong; it's just not you.
But hang a sign on it, and somebody's sure to think it's perfect for them.
With the right spin, trash miraculously transforms into prime merchandise. Flame your entrepreneurial spirit with these tips for your upcoming garage sale.
Presentation Really Is Everything. Appear disorganized and dirty, and buyers will drive right by.
Instead, mow the grass and sweep the sidewalk. Advertise in the local paper and, if your community allows it, post bright signs at nearby major intersections, leading buyers to your
door with arrows. Tie balloons to your banister. Move large, eye-catching items like furniture out on the driveway. Open all garage doors; turn on all lights. Make everything easy to see.
Smile at visitors, but don't hover. Stand at their shoulder, and you'll lose sales. Instead, sit at a table on the driveway, with pop and cookies.
Divide your garage and driveway into clearly defined zones, like baby clothes, household items, children's toys, bedding and linens, etc.
* Thumbtack sheets to hang from the ceiling, then stash "not-for-sale" items behind the curtain.
* Have an extension cord ready to prove electrical items work.
* Don't lump 50 stuffed animals together, hoping someone will take time to sort through them. Instead, place an elf next to a sparkly Christmas dress. Position a cowboy peeking over a pair of boots. Have a huge teddy bear "read" one of a series of books piled beside him.
* Know your customer. Used prom dresses are a hard sale to adults, but take those same chiffons and hawk them in the toy section under "Dress-up Clothes" and a mini-ballet dancer or
princess will clean you out.
* Play easy listening music, giving your sale ambiance. Instead of stacking pictures on a table, display them in appropriate areas: a still-life by some dishes, an angel positioned over a crib.
* If something's dated, come up with a new way to enjoy it. For instance, don't display an old Selectric with your office supplies. Roll in a piece of glow-orange paper, set the typewriter with the kids' stuff, and plug it in. Watch a preschooler fall in love with its tap-tap-tap.
* Put play cars, trucks and other "try before you buy" toys on a sturdy area rug. While Mom shops, Junior will bond with something, then take it home.
* Don't pack clothes tightly on rods; separate them by size and type. Hang dresses; put shorts and tops in clearly marked boxes or baskets: "Boys 2T-4T;" "Girls 10-12." Display frilly baby outfits on ladder rungs.
Playing Garage Sale Limbo: How low will they go? That's the question on shoppers' minds as they spring from cars. Don't keep them in suspense; post prices prominently. Color-coded dots work well; stick one on every item and let shoppers check a chart for prices: yellow-25, blue-50, red-75, etc.
* Garage-salers are looking for deals. Don't demoralize them with $10 toddler dresses. Know what similar items are selling for at other sales, then charge SLIGHTLY higher prices. When
merchandise is clean and attractively displayed, shoppers are willing to pay more. (But not ten times more.)
* The first person up your driveway will try to negotiate, but don't drop prices before noon. If someone makes an offer, write down their phone number and call them later if the item doesn't sell.
* Build in perceived value. If books are 50 cents, offer "3 for a dollar". Toss in free sheets when you sell a bed.
* Start the day with plenty of change so the first shopper doesn't clean you out, using a $20 to pay for a 75-cent purchase. Keep money in a fanny pack, and immediately take large bills in the house for safekeeping.
Garage-saling is a combination of fun and sport. Tailor your sale to please your customers, and stuff will fly off your shelves.
UNAPPRECIATED
© 2007, Stacy R Miller - Proverbs 31 devotionals - My blog
A common thing experienced by women is feeling unappreciated as a wife and mom. Yet God still sees EVERYTHING you do. He sees your faithfulness in serving your family, and the loving way in which you do it. Though it may often go unnoticed by others, it will NEVER go unnoticed by your Father.
While you may get weary and worn in your daily duties, many of which can be very mundane, God sees your perseverance, even on those days when you are absolutely exhausted.
He is watching over you when you are up all night with a sick child. He closely observes you on your knees in prayer over a wayward child.
He sees you wash that load of laundry when you would rather leave it undone. He notices when you wash that load of dishes when you would prefer to be reading a book or taking a nap. He watches as you clean the house when you would rather eat a scrumptious candy bar while chatting with a friend. He takes notice of you on those days when you feel so lonely, lost in the myriad of tasks which are part of motherhood. In those times, He reaches out to you, saying, "My precious daughter, I am here. Listen for my voice, for I am always trying to express my deep love for you."
WELCOME TO A NEW BABY BOY AND GIRL!
Meagan Karissa Mast was born on March 22, 2008 in Tennessee. She has brought much joy to her parents, Chad and Doris Mast, and big sister and brother, Anna and Kyle.
EASY-TO-SEW BURP PAD
We just spent a week visiting our son, daughter-in-law and brand new grandson, Daniel Joel! What can I say, except that he is absolutely precious! I had the privilege of making a sailboat quilt for him, but he hasn't noticed it yet. He did notice some black and white burp pads with specks of red that I sewed up for him while there though, since babies are able to see those colors first. If you enjoy sewing, or want to try an easy project, this is it! Cut two identical rectangles of the black and white fabric - or any other interesting fabric. Cut one matching layer from batting, fleece or an old soft blanket. I used a blanket that had seen its better days but was thick and soft. Lay down the fleece, with the two layers of fabric (right sides together)smoothed out on top. Pin well and cut slightly rounded corners for continuous sewing. Sew around the cloth, leaving about 5 inches to turn right side out. Turn, press, and hand sew the opening shut. Top stitch all around the edge about 1/4 inch from the edge.
CRUNCHY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS
Thanks to Rachael Breneman, our daughter-in-law in Ohio, for this recipe which she made for us in their home last week! Delicious for those who love chocolate and peanut butter together!
(Sucanat is a natural and more healthy substitute for white sugar, much like brown sugar, and can be found in health food stores. Our other daughter-in-law, Emily Breneman, helped me make this recipe today, using 1 cup sucanat and 1/2 cup xylitol, another sweetner that can be purchased at a health food store or through http://www.Iherb.com. Xylitol is good for baking and lower in calories and carbohydrates than sugar, but requires equivilant amounts for sweetness as sugar, and is rather expensive. Stevia is a sugar substitute, very low in carbs and calories, but much less is needed for sweetness. The next "Heart to Heart" will include more heathy sugar substitute information.)
Crust:
2 3/4 whole wheat flour 1/3 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 1/4 cups sucanat 1 tsp. natural vanilla extract
1 egg 1 tsp. sea salt
1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
Topping:
1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet or dark chocolate chips, melted
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes (Crush with rolling pin while in waxed paper bag)
In a mixing bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients and mix well (batter will be thick). Press into an ungreased 10 x 15 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in a bowl. Stir in cornflakes. Carefully spread on top. As the crust heats up the topping, it is easier to spread evenly. Cool and cut into bars. Yum!
Please remember to pray for each dear Heart to Heart lady as you receive your newsletter.
Many ladies are going through very tough times and need our prayers!
Pray each day for the protection of our troops, as well as for their families left at home!
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by listing your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person and sending it to Lois at <a title=mailto:jhbreneman@... href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]. New subscribers will receive a Welcome, a "Start-Up Kit," and several recent newsletters.
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