the suburban road less traveled

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32406373730172382292012-01-24T15:25:05.059-05:00the suburban road less traveledJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.comBlogger4321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-14287191319692169762012-01-22T09:57:00.000-05:002012-01-23T17:50:59.303-05:00Making stuff {mostly from Pinterest}

It was a very crafty week for my 3 day week-end {I am just now getting around to sharing}. I kind of started a facebook contest when I posted to Kristen that I was scrapbooking. She didn’t take it lightly and decided she too needed to scrapbook last week-end. But I didn’t stop there! I worked on my altered book and started making things I had saved on my pinterest board. So what did I

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-63522217114681230922012-01-21T16:21:00.000-05:002012-01-21T16:21:00.819-05:00Scrap Your Crap- Something old, something new

I absolutely LOVED the Scrap Your Crap blog and challenges. I was even happier to find that the blog is back up and running. I decided a couple of years ago to stop buying and start using up my supplies. I have just started to buy more solid colored cardstock as I actually started to run out (mostly black and green- I must use those colors most). I also bought a few new stamp sets to get

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-72642671418573582632012-01-15T16:40:00.002-05:002012-01-15T16:40:53.622-05:00Dark Days Challenge

So I am still trying to make one meal a week with sustainable, organic, local, and ethical ingredients. As it's finally getting colder, there isn't much left in my own garden or even the garden at work. I was able to find the ingredients for kale slaw with red cabbage and carrots. I have been really making an effort to eat healthy this year and even started running with a friend. So I had this

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-44275342859977313942012-01-06T20:55:00.001-05:002012-01-06T20:55:14.630-05:00Got scraps?

So I’ve been very inspired from the Creative Jump Start videos. I had alittle time to be creative and knew I needed to make more thank you cards {I’m getting them in the mail soon- promise}. Inspired to use my scraps, I pulled out my scrap bin to start. I use a cardboard tray that paint cans come in. These are the perfect size for all size of scraps. I just hate throwing paper away. The

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-29138967858257553512012-01-03T07:55:00.000-05:002012-01-03T07:55:00.462-05:00art journaling

So I have wanted to get back into the habit of creating art {call it mojo if you will}. It's hard to set some time aside for it though. When I found Creative Jump Start I knew it would be great to have daily fresh ideas coming my way. You have to sign up to get the info but it's free. Go here: creative jump start summit 2012 The very first video arrived in my inbox this morning which gave me

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-54166851323277133262011-12-31T17:33:00.000-05:002012-01-01T13:47:05.086-05:002011

2011, Year in Review Reading: So this will be my last year of reading textbooks (woo-hoo!). My favorite books of the year are {in book club month order- not by most favorite}: “Drowning Ruth” {couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what really happened!}, “Those Who Save Us” {such a different viewpoint of Germany during World War 2}, “Cutting For Stone”{great storyline}, “Mother of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-91563028207281204182011-12-29T09:56:00.002-05:002011-12-29T09:56:43.503-05:00learning every year

As you may or may not know, I like to learn something new every year. Usually it is a homesteading skill. In the past I have learned how to knit, how to make soap, how to make jelly, and many more. This past year I had a goal of learning how to make cheese. While I started with a cheese making class early on in January, it left more questions and concerns than answers. Luckily, I found a class

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-77823310154328599832011-12-18T18:58:00.001-05:002011-12-18T18:58:58.062-05:00Magical rainbow birthday cake

I found the original idea from Pinterest here and knew Scarlet would love to do this for her birthday. The directions got me started, here's what I did. I mixed up 4 boxes of white cake mix. Then had Scarlet pick out 5 colors that she wanted from a box of Wilton's gel icing dyes. They came in a rainbow pack but I wasn't sure how many layers I could fit in a jar. I love how vibrant the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-55888900764319461272011-12-11T20:34:00.001-05:002011-12-12T13:31:38.232-05:00Colbert & Pollan?! What could be more interesting?

The Colbert Report Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-22687904560725711332011-12-07T11:30:00.001-05:002011-12-07T15:54:02.065-05:00Dark Days Challenge- Week 2

So I owed my family a meal they would all enjoy this week after last weeks disappointment. They love pulled pork so I went for as local as I could. And simple since this was a one parent, full working day meal= CROCKPOT! Pastured pork from Sweet Tree Farm Barbecue sauce (next time I'll be making my own) happy to find in my village market from Vermont Gringo Jack's rolls from a local bakery (

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-27720214484590621852011-12-06T18:21:00.001-05:002011-12-06T18:24:22.656-05:00Handmade Holidays

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-49288340502450058222011-12-05T13:31:00.001-05:002011-12-05T13:51:10.405-05:00all signed up

It's official! I've signed up for the NOFA-NY Winter Conference in Saratoga. I took one class last year {cheese making} but this year I have Friday afternoon and all day Saturday classes. Friday I am taking: ABCs of Preserving at Home: A Hands-On Look at Freezing, Drying, Canning, and Fermentation Hands-on experience surrounded by the knowledge and comraderie of veteran preservers,

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-33680888067332295962011-12-02T13:39:00.001-05:002011-12-02T13:43:32.545-05:00On My Mind...18 yards of fabric

On my mind this week, 18 yards of flannel and fleece washed and ready to be cut & sewn into pj pants for Winter Solstice gifts. Part of the "On My Mind" from Down to Earth

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-51199336829340710842011-11-30T19:04:00.001-05:002011-11-30T19:57:03.769-05:00it's all about those tiny cabbages {and some tomatoes with basil?}

So at my first ever visit to Honest Weight Food Coop last week, I grabbed a bag of brussel sprouts. I wanted to give them another try. No one in my house likes them except for the one time I added them to a soup I made. Those were picked right out of my backyard garden- maybe that makes the difference? Anyways, here they are steaming in my cast iron skillet: I gave this recipe a try:

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-3268431253996101462011-11-28T12:01:00.001-05:002011-11-28T12:25:24.226-05:00Using the leftovers

For the start of my dark days challenge I took a trip to the local Greenmarket. I went with a plan to get ingredients for these turkey hand pies. Part of my personal challenge is to use what I have in my house before I make/buy more. This included the pizza dough and the apples. Ignore the messy folded edges. It doesn't change the flavor {promise} The ingredient list: pizza dough from my

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-4312032462762981232011-11-26T11:21:00.001-05:002011-11-26T11:52:22.672-05:00Thanksgiving Dinner

We had yet another wonderful Thanksgiving at our house. We had a very packed kitchen/dining room with 20 family members this year. Thanksgiving is my husband's favorite holiday. He just loves to cook {so glad since I can't!}. The day we moved into our house, my aunt said she knew exactly why we bought this house- because he could fit more people in the dining room for Thanksgiving!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-71842000454745093882011-11-19T11:43:00.001-05:002011-11-29T21:13:38.576-05:00Peanut Butter Banana Bread

I have tried many different recipes for banana bread but this one is guaranteed to be gone within days. Both my kids love it! I wish I could credit who I received this recipe from but I have had it for 7+ years and can't remember. My hope is to throw 2 bananas that are close to going bad in the freezer to use for this recipe as I hate throwing away overripe bananas. Has anyone done this?

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-90983429372310664712011-11-17T20:31:00.001-05:002011-11-18T14:04:26.488-05:00On My Mind...

I am so proud of my "mama" spider plant. It loved hanging on my front porch this summer and finally had babies. Once I brought it inside {before it became too cold- I remembered- yeah!} it bloomed. Did you know spider plants have a sweet white flower {I didn't}. It seemed everyone could get a spider plant to multiply but me. Well, after earning my plant science degree, I can honestly say

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-33364481546956925402011-11-15T07:57:00.000-05:002011-11-15T07:57:00.098-05:00no child left behind?

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-77323666881536542512011-11-11T09:45:00.001-05:002011-12-04T20:55:16.871-05:00ready for a new challenge

I have made an honest attempt at making homemade meals during the week now. I found a few recipes that are guaranteed family meals (broccoli cheddar soup being the favorite). While I will admit to never being a great good cook, I have been using my crockpot to the fullest. I feel less handicapped in my dinner making abilities. So now, I feel ready to take dinner to the next level. I've

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-19155112021636899102011-11-09T14:21:00.000-05:002011-11-09T14:21:02.490-05:00How I feel about gardening and my new job

I know I haven't been blogging much. But know that what I am doing, I love. This video reminds me of the long term goal of teaching others how to garden. Thinking I just might start secretly planting vegetables myself...

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-17881031507117154902011-10-01T08:55:00.001-04:002011-10-01T08:55:12.726-04:00hello there!

Just where have I been? Hm...mostly in the garden. Still trying to find a sense of time at work and time spent on this somewhat of a suburban homestead. I have been taking some time each week-end to get some things done but it's more of a "these tomatoes will not make it another day if I wait" kind of deal. But anyways, here's what I've been up to: Harvesting honey {still

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-82717489887888621072011-09-18T09:40:00.000-04:002011-09-18T09:40:16.786-04:00Maker Faire 2011 {photo heavy}

About 1 year ago I saw an entire episode of Martha on the Maker Faire. I promised myself I would remember next year (this year) and yesterday I kept that promise. So many amazing things to see and do. It was all worth it and we plan on going back next year already! here's the life-sized mousetrap. See the ball coming out of the barrel on the very top? a very cool demonstration

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-66876465399962124722011-08-31T17:56:00.001-04:002011-11-11T15:26:56.103-05:00let's spend our days digging in the dirt

Saw this as I was reading my blogs. Great scenery and even better song. Thanks Amy!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-24447388487768946142011-08-27T11:56:00.001-04:002011-08-27T11:56:15.182-04:00checkingon the bee hive

With all this commotion about the possible hurricane bringing high winds we decided it was time to check on the bees. We have 2 supers (2 boxes) already filled with honey. Matt strapped the hive together with hopes it won't topple in the case of strong winds. Then hopefully we can harvest some honey to be sold and enjoyed by our friends and family!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-71811097072286844712011-08-23T16:18:00.000-04:002011-08-23T16:18:00.640-04:00Let me introduce you to...

the latest additions to our family. We lost our beloved Raptor after a very quick and lethal disease. While no cat could replace him {he was trained by my husband to play catch} it took a few months before Raptor's sister became lonely. We decided to check out the shelter after reading in the newspaper about the abundance of kittens. We don't believe in separating siblings so

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-36460805800516443482011-08-21T16:09:00.000-04:002011-08-21T16:09:00.360-04:00tea cup pin cushion

I was completely inspired from Shawna at A Very Dandoislion Life from the very moment I saw her tea cup pin cushion. Drinking tea reminds me of my Grandmothers. Just hearing the hot water being poured from a tea kettle takes me back to my Grandparents house. My love for tea comes from drinking chamomile tea with honey with my Grandparents at breakfast time. My other Grandmother has a huge

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-43570998029514097392011-08-20T15:50:00.000-04:002011-08-20T15:50:00.094-04:00terrarium building

A couple of weeks ago we went to an antique flea market {note to self- do not bring kids next time} We never know what we will find and while the kids found some great "old" things and I found another Buddha for my collection, I ended up spying a booth with plants and couldn't resist. The sweet couple had all sorts of plants available The smallest ones came in miniature terra cotta

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-70525808206518551472011-08-13T12:12:00.000-04:002011-08-13T12:12:13.833-04:00Lately

It's that busy time in the garden again. I've had my share of learning as I work on 3 gardens at work much more space than I am used to growing in I have been so busy I've been just resting once I get home but I have been able to make a few things on the week-ends I've been saving some great recipes from Pinterest and decided to give these a try: petite lasagna Aren't they the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-67468836048337204352011-08-07T20:44:00.002-04:002011-08-13T11:59:47.213-04:00Adirondack week-end

first catch of the week-end Scarlet's catch teaching Aunt Laurie to skip rocks Enjoyed a relaxing week-end in the Adirondacks a few week-ends ago. Got my very first fishing license but didn't catch anything. We ended up eating Matt and Scarlet's big catches. Makes me want to fish even more! Saw an adorable trailer been thinking about getting one like it ever since...

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-34093461803869984012011-07-12T17:26:00.002-04:002011-07-12T17:26:45.872-04:00photos from work

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-24950120023154952792011-07-10T11:23:00.001-04:002011-07-10T11:23:31.620-04:00Herb Festival

A couple of weeks ago I went to an herb festival with my Aunt. It was sponsored by Oneida's Cornell Extension. Sadly, it rained that day but there were very cool things to see {and I was able to find the very hard-to-find lemongrass!} love their raised bed demonstration site and all the signs on their compost check out this adorable fairy garden loved all the miniature plants!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-43404814551370604272011-07-04T13:13:00.000-04:002011-11-29T21:14:43.536-05:00kale chips

The curly kale this week needed to get cut so I decided to give kale chips a try Everyone has been talking about them lately I ripped the kale from the stalks and then ripped the kale in bite sized pieces The bunnies sure loved the stems Washed them real good and spun them dry in the salad spinner I placed them on baking sheets added some salt and olive oil and baked

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-55915815191117497082011-07-02T13:00:00.001-04:002011-07-02T13:04:14.144-04:00baking with lavender

Since the lavender's been in bloom at workI have decided to try out some recipesto entice and educate othersthat lavender is edible. I have tried to grow it at homenumerous timesbut have yet to masterharvesting any of my own. I had a delicious lavender cookieat an herb festival last week-endbut couldn't find a similar recipeso when I found this one:lavender chocolate chip pie I decided to give

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-70266659088333016212011-06-18T15:22:00.000-04:002011-06-18T15:22:03.664-04:00Garden update

Finally got some work done in my garden todayI planted jalapenos I started from seedabout a month ago Almost everything else was sown right in the gardenIt's mostly a salad gardenlots of lettucescarrotsradishesOh- and some beets there on the rightMy tomato forestDid you know tomatoes are annuals?Just kidding!I never was able to clean out all the fallen tomatoesfrom last year's garden{we had

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-30721459660614154672011-06-13T19:48:00.001-04:002011-06-13T19:48:00.171-04:00yummy

So since I've become addicted to found great things on PinterestI have been collecting some great recipes.I made a deliciouspaninirecipe: hereThey were eaten so fastI didn't have time for a picturebut I wanted to share I also wanted to make the bean saladfrom the same blog postbut there was no recipe{and you know I can't cook something without a recipe}If you have any recipes for a great side

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-76227325011956718812011-06-12T19:45:00.000-04:002011-06-12T19:45:24.426-04:00jam anyone?

So it's been super hot and muggyand after working in the garden all dayI've had little energy to work on things around the houseInsteadmy new favorite thing to dois collect more projectsI find on Pinterest(my boards can be found here:http://pinterest.com/jennyhud/){beware- it's addicting} But I did get some jam made today I made strawberry rhubarbI used frozen rhubarb for the first timeI'm hoping

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-56583913214380428132011-06-04T20:07:00.000-04:002011-06-04T20:07:12.354-04:00Comfrey test results

Comfrey is quite an interesting herb. Commonly used medically to heal bones and treat skin ailments. Upon further investigation, I found interesting information on the nutritional values of comfrey. Comfrey contains extensive amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Due to the very large tap root, comfrey is able to pull these nutrients from deep within the soil. Other uses of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-70077548440821788522011-06-01T18:14:00.002-04:002011-06-01T18:14:35.397-04:00paradox

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-22678776332814111482011-05-15T08:52:00.000-04:002011-05-15T08:52:00.954-04:00Graduation!

It's official!No more school work.Just my internshipwhich has already hired me to workwhen my internship is over.I now have a Bachelor of Technology in plant sciencewith a concentration inagronomy.Woo-hoo!I'll be focused on growing veggiesfrom now on!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-80630491249899448702011-05-10T20:24:00.000-04:002011-05-10T20:24:27.180-04:00glad I'm not the only one

purposely growing violets. 1. I love them2. They are a great color3. They are super easy to grow4. They make beautiful jelly My husband always picks on me for growing violetssince they are considered weedsin my neck of the woods.But I've read quite a few blogs recentlyabout the love of violetsso I wanted to share my favorite way to enjoy them. First I pick 2 heaping cups of violets and add 2

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-35600785787692357792011-05-06T19:46:00.000-04:002011-05-06T19:46:42.847-04:00our new little friends

Seems Mrs. Robin thoughtthe jug holding our pool cover downwas the perfect spot to raise her babiesThen just todaywe noticedthese guys:3 out of 4 so far

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-80324735560784574892011-05-01T10:42:00.002-04:002011-05-01T10:42:47.392-04:00my backyard garden

Loading Folia gardener badge...

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-32233958782877640022011-04-24T07:11:00.000-04:002011-04-24T07:11:45.649-04:00leeks

Down to the final3 weeks left of school.Very busy with papers, final projectsand getting the garden up and running at work.I am now working for a non-profiturban organic gardenWe work with suburban and inner city teens.Teaching them how to growtheir own food.It's my dream job!{I am so lucky}Anyways,we found some leeks left in the groundover the winterThey were covered with a row coverand looked

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-72182377574271416972011-04-09T07:20:00.001-04:002011-04-09T07:22:27.797-04:00nutrient deficiencies

Super busy trying to finish up schooland started my internship/job {more on that later}but I wanted to share my plant nutrition studies with you.Our group grew tomatoes from seeds.Then each week a fertilizer was added to each pot.The fertilizers had all the nutrientsexcept oneso we could see for ourselves the symptoms.It's hard to determine what's going on with a plant.My first recommendation:

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-40453864992107606602011-03-20T08:11:00.000-04:002011-03-20T08:11:19.286-04:00couldn't resist

My new Ethel gloves came in the mailthis week-end.They are an early birthday presentfor myself.I couldn't wait to try them outandsince I am sick of being insidewriting a paper for schoolI decided I needed a break.I repotted some of my houseplants.They definitely needed alittle love.I added some compost to the pots too.Although most of my compost is still frozen. I planted a couple rows of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-57346760109390010562011-03-13T18:48:00.000-04:002011-03-13T18:48:26.590-04:00Week 2 {real food challenge}

I fell like I accomplishedmy real food challenge goalthis week. All of our meals were homemadeexcept for one {a birthday night- which doesn't count in my book} I feel better about having home cooked meals.They make me feel good.They make me feel healthier. Now if all this snow would meltI could start growingmore foodand feel even betterabout what we are eating. Still no time for bread making.But

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-80951101956217782352011-03-12T10:22:00.002-05:002011-03-13T09:35:16.451-04:00Is comfrey an organic gardener's best friend?

This semester I'm takingplant nutrition.I am learning so muchabout things I wantto learn about{one of the joys of being an older student- I think} For this classwe had to pick a plantand an essential elementto work with. I chose to study the effects of comfrey oncucumbersand nitrogen.Now, I am a big fan of comfrey.I found out that itcontains more nitrogenthan manure! So my trials are as follows:

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-84960090897956476692011-03-06T14:16:00.001-05:002011-03-06T16:12:44.714-05:00getting prepared {real food challenge}

I'm somewhat embarrassed to admitthat with my husband and myselffull time in schoolwe have not been eating well.Anything convenient and guaranteed the kids will eathas been on the menufor quite some time now.So when I found this: It was something I really needed.I'm finding a problem with homesteading that I've never had beforeI'm so busy with schoolmy 2 hour commuteand my part-time jobthat I

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-71167318490266144792011-02-27T14:17:00.000-05:002011-02-27T14:17:25.527-05:00in bloom

Today I went toNew York in bloomat the state museumIt was really cool to see the floral arrangementspaired with the exhibits Here's a few of my favorites:

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-57720512708725970022011-02-22T15:39:00.000-05:002011-02-22T15:39:23.367-05:00an awesome feeling {oh- and buttons}

Scheduling has been crazy around here.With all of us in schooland vacation timesare differentWe've been living a chaotic week. I put out an email asking for helpswapping playdateswhile Matt & I were at school My surprisewhen EVERYONEI sent an email toooffered to help What an awesome feelingknowing you have so many friends to lean on? Today was my turn for the girls to be hereand I needed a break

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-15482507830787542882011-02-18T15:49:00.000-05:002011-02-18T15:49:45.965-05:00only 1 out of 3 made it

We have unseasonably warm and sunnyweather todayMakes for a good day to check on our beesAs you can see by the video,we don't really know what we will get until they are opened Even if we see bees on the outsidethey could be robber bees{yes, there is such a thing-my Grandfather said so!}Hive number 1 survivedthe cold winterIt's amazing how they do thisespecially with the cold temperaturesSadly,

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-12007402490033778482011-02-06T19:38:00.000-05:002011-02-06T19:38:59.311-05:00desperate to grow something

So this semesterI have classesworking with dried and silk flowersdrawing gardenslearning all about compostmaking my own business planand1 class actually working in the greenhouse So I needed {yes-needed}to grow somethingand since it had to beinsideI decided to give lettuce and spinach a try I reused my plastic salad containersanything with a cover would work.I put about 1 inch of damp{think

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-57348807833191261212011-02-02T13:17:00.001-05:002011-02-02T13:17:50.160-05:00Pierogi Casserole {or lazyman's pierogies}

I love this recipe for 2 reasons: Both my kids like to eat this I can use up leftover mashed potatoes {I mean- what else can you do with them?} Really easy and really yummy {not quite as good as the real thing but close} We like to put a dollop of sour cream on top. I'm sure it's not super healthy but makes great leftovers. The players: 10-12 potatoes boiled and mashed {or leftovers!} 3/4

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-79625203416095194482011-01-27T13:55:00.001-05:002011-01-30T15:19:24.069-05:00super yummy- red velvet cake balls

Well, I'm back in schoolcan you tell by the recent lack of posts?I'm going to try but can't promise We took the kids to a family get-together of sortsand offered to bring dessert.When I asked the kids what we should makethey both said"red velvet cake balls"{& they rarely agree on anything}So, here goes:Start by baking a red velvet cakeany size- doesn't matterin the end you will take the cool

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-39521923377497784062011-01-21T19:50:00.002-05:002011-01-22T13:40:48.276-05:00cheese making class {loved it!}

Spent the afternoon with Matt on a date.well, our kind of datewe finally took a cheese making class! Inspired by my Aunt Alisonevery year I try to learn how to make something newkept my mind working while I was at home with 2 little ones. I've made soap, jams, jellies, socks, scarves, and all sorts of thingsbut cheesewell, it's been on my list for awhile Then I found out about the Northeast

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-17472344010702458222011-01-19T13:15:00.001-05:002011-01-19T13:18:07.774-05:00honey mustard dressing

I bought that cute dressing mixer years ago with big plans.Yet,finding a good tasting recipe provedharder than I thought. And then I found this:Perfect! So here's my recipe:5 tablespoons of honey (I used our own)3 tablespoons of your favorite mustard2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar Mixed up it looks like this:and on a salad:Yummy!Looking forward to other recipes to try.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-85262483015965058562011-01-17T08:30:00.001-05:002011-01-19T20:30:14.968-05:00making a garden journal

Having a garden journal is a fun project to work on while we are waiting for the ground to thaw. I started mine last year and I have enjoyed working on it as my garden grows. Having everything written down is also handy for future reference. You can choose to separate your journal by tabs according to the year, month, or type of garden (herb, veggie, perennial, ect) Supplies needed: • Scrap

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-29276788524908989322011-01-11T19:04:00.000-05:002011-01-11T19:04:04.613-05:00apples & peppers?

Yesterday I was in the mood to spend time in my kitchen{I know- that never happens}I wanted to use up some leftoversbefore school startedyou know- while I had the time first up:applesI bought a very large bag of baking appleswhile visiting my aunt.I had big plans butof courseschool took priorityWe left them outside in the garagesurprisinglymany survived So I cut what I could from themand Matt

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-36477899843422357212011-01-09T13:04:00.000-05:002011-01-09T13:04:20.668-05:00comfrey salve

I have always wanted to make comfrey salvebut when I needed more first aid creamI didn't have time to make it So I followed this recipeIf you can't tell from this picture:I used way too many herbs{lavender, calendula, & comfrey}I weighed everything instead of measuringI didn't realize my mistake until I had already startedso I tried to double the recipeby adding more oilsall I had were

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-11284167022485539332011-01-06T13:02:00.000-05:002011-01-06T13:02:20.259-05:00granola bar success

Finding a good recipe for granola barsseemed a tad intimidatingI thought "how could I make them to come out like I expected?"I was proven {happily} wrong.I don't have the knack to play around with recipes.It's just not in my abilities of making thingsSo when I saw this postI found someone who had already done the work.and oh my!they are deliciousThey taste even better than store bought.I cut

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-5698155971754638132011-01-05T12:14:00.003-05:002011-02-05T07:36:52.645-05:00How to grow your own sprouts

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-15204910927014557272011-01-04T14:43:00.000-05:002011-01-04T14:43:30.707-05:00preparing

With only 3 weeks before my next (& LAST!) semesterit's time to get everything in the house back in orderI started in my pantry (which you could barely walk into this morning)I was inspired by this post to get all my herbs in order.I figured while I was making a mess to organize some of my saved seeds too. I also had some herbs saved for tea making. This one is my peppermint. So easy to grow it

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-26928662485404811832010-12-26T18:21:00.003-05:002010-12-26T18:21:00.054-05:00recovering a comforter

So here's what I started with:When the kids were ready for "big kid beds" we let them pick out their comforters. Now we have a Toy Story and a Dora comforter for an 11 year old and 10 year old. I figured I would save money and upcycle fabric by recovering them. This is a really easy project for beginners since it's very simple straight sewing.Here's my rough sketch. I measured the size of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-25676964113442294042010-12-24T09:14:00.000-05:002010-12-24T09:14:14.326-05:00winter solstice gift exchange

We celebrate winter solstice by exchanging our homemade gifts by the fire the perfect holder for my spools of thread Gavin spent the day with Poppausing all of his woodworking toolsand made us all really great wooden gifts. Scarlet made me a beautiful necklace and painted her brother a picture of his bunny I finally finished Gavin's comforter{tutorial to come}and I made Scarlet a bag

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-58770469269747839492010-12-18T20:13:00.001-05:002010-12-18T22:19:49.572-05:00big plans

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-77955903484836163572010-12-05T13:39:00.000-05:002010-12-05T13:39:22.674-05:00the gift giving season

I feel strongly about making gifts.I like one-of-a-kind things.And handmade gifts just make me happy. I usually spend alot of time saving ideas throughout the yearbutwellthis year kind of snuck up on me. So I'm hoping to finish some projects I started and use those. I did get a few things madelike the honey jars I decorated for a friend. I helped teach a class on using herbs for gifts.Here's the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-35806244347271996282010-11-18T17:56:00.000-05:002010-11-18T17:56:51.003-05:00epiphany over beef stock?

So last week-end I made homemade beef stock{I am just now getting around to blogging about it}I left it simmering on the stove while I joined the ladies at book club.It was alittle late when I got home,okay- probably not late for you- but for me When I realized I had to do something with the previously mentioned beef stockI considered putting it in the fridge for the next dayand then I thought-

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-2329190075314369292010-11-17T07:25:00.003-05:002010-11-23T12:53:30.758-05:004th Annual cookie exchange

4th Annual cookie exchange! Here’s how it will work: 1. Sign up for what cookie you will be making before December 4th, 2010. You can call me or send an email. To check if anyone else has already signed up for what you wanted to make you can check it out on my blog (http:/scrapstudioj.blogspot.com). First come, first serve. 2. On December 5th I will email/call you to tell you how many swappers

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-11280918248967615402010-11-12T16:15:00.000-05:002010-11-12T16:15:23.787-05:00chickens?

It has been on my mind for awhile now.Getting our own chickens.I watched Food, Inc.with the family not too long ago.Watching how chickens are raised is completely different from reading about them. I felt mislead by all the chicken labels.organicfree rangeect, ect.and found this great post: confusing egg labelsThen I listened to The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Mealson CD during

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-5051300839222270722010-10-30T20:15:00.000-04:002010-10-30T20:15:02.789-04:00have you ever peeled a pumpkin?

HonestlyI tried.But it was so damn hard I gave up.I had intentions of canning pumpkin.I read up on it and it is not recommended by "the canning council of regulations and rules"{okay- I made that up but you get the point}I found some canning sites of ladies who have beencanning pumpkin for yearswithout any problems.The canning recipe was for pumpkin butter.And well,I didn't really want to put

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-2905611570227754582010-10-28T19:14:00.000-04:002010-10-28T19:14:42.665-04:00Scrapbooking?

So I took last week-end off from school work and house work to hang with the girls and scrapbook. Here's my favorites:

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-87220897962818852302010-10-26T21:13:00.001-04:002010-10-26T21:17:12.691-04:00Making grape jelly- a video made by me

I am taking a video production class to learn more about making videos to post online. There are some limits on each project but I was more than happy to make a narrative how-to. I hope you enjoy this one and let me know your suggestions on how to make it better or what you'd like to see next.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-49067515287078698072010-10-17T11:28:00.000-04:002010-10-17T11:28:47.047-04:00lately

Adjusting to my school schedule has taken awhile. Sadly, my blog has been neglected. I am taking a video making course and should have videos to share soon. One was made at my Uncle's farm and that's where we found these: Walnuts from a tree on their farm. I had them drying in the garage as I'm afraid the squirrels will get to them. Anyone have experience with these? I heard they are very hard to

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-90130494271381925552010-09-06T13:03:00.001-04:002010-10-27T13:34:57.660-04:00pillow making

In the final weeks before schoolI tried to cross off as much on my "to-do" list as possible.One that's been on the list for awhile now:new pillows for the living room I was in a rush to get the picture- ignore the thread strands, please In my effort to use what I have before I buy moreI finally made use of some fabric samples my mother gave me.She gave me a whole book of greys and blacks

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-37554090422065916462010-09-02T13:20:00.001-04:002010-09-02T20:22:47.034-04:00Holubsti {Ukrainian stuffed cabbage}

It is back to school time for me again.This yearI am better prepared.I’ve been looking up easy and tasty recipes for freezer meals.I hope to share a few with you and would love any you can highly recommend.The hardest part has been finding ones that the kids will eat.{it’s usually only ONE likes it and the other doesn’t}The first one is actually my Grandmother’s recipe. 3 out of 4 in my family

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-73434474752100124822010-08-28T10:36:00.000-04:002010-08-28T10:36:30.587-04:00checking on the bees

Well, we woke up this morning to find one hive looking like this:Matt checked them out and can't find a reason why they are hanging outside.If it was a SUPER hot daythey come outside to cool off.But it's not hot here anymore.They look great inside so we'll just wait and see what they are up to.Matt did make the entrance smaller in case they are outside to protect their home. This hive is one we

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-46530663871444356662010-08-21T20:54:00.000-04:002010-08-21T20:54:24.696-04:00summer of sweet corn

This is the first year I have ever grown cornI am floored by how well they did!To imagine they start as tiny corn kernelsand then 15 feet later...Yumminess I decided to give corn a try after learning so much about itin my vegetable production classCorn grows based on temperature.It needs a certain number of days above 50 degreesalso called- growing degree days {GDD}.This number is based on the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-42214632586351887202010-08-18T20:42:00.000-04:002010-08-18T20:42:12.921-04:00Fair Champions

So my canning ended up doing better at the fair than my sewing this yearmy pickles received top honor and won the Ball Award.I get a gift certificate and it's perfect timingI'm running out of jars! How cute is this?I just had to share.And their cupcakes were heavenly I had the peanut butter cup. Mixie turned out to be a mixed breed{not an English Spot like we thought}but she still won best of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-23039403641188688612010-08-16T17:28:00.000-04:002010-08-16T17:28:19.508-04:003...2...1...

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-52530682119703186012010-08-08T12:51:00.000-04:002010-08-08T12:51:37.412-04:00making room in the pantry

We had some very humid daysand decided to stay cool in our basementWe rearranged our pantryfor all the canned goods to comeand shelves for the honey{the bees are having a wonderful summer!} Lots of tomatoes coming from the gardenafter salsaI'm thinking of making ketchupand sun dried tomatoes{which I would like to can in oil- anyone have experience with this?} Remembered to pick my cucumbers

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-14897226924911562852010-08-04T10:39:00.000-04:002010-08-04T10:39:13.820-04:00making free storage containers

So these can be made for freedepending on what you have in your craft suppliesWho says organizing is expensive? You will need:shoeboxesnewspapermodge podge (although I heard you can thin out regular white glue with water)a paint brushink padsspace and time for these to dry I was looking for some cheap organizing bins when I stumbled on a picture I saved from a magazine.It showed a whole closet

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-67574505603790924882010-08-01T14:18:00.000-04:002010-08-01T14:18:30.108-04:00tomato love

my favorite weighing in at 1 pound 5 ounces becoming salsa How are your tomatoes growing?

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-30498332213692411422010-07-25T17:17:00.000-04:002010-07-25T17:17:47.090-04:00Put the pedal to the metal

okay,maybe to the wooden floorI woke up this morning at an crazy early hourand needed to find something to do{that didn't involve school work or cleaning}Since it was a very yucky daymuggy and cloudyI decided to get out the sewing machineI started the day by making this: a colored pencil rollfor Scarlet to bring to schoolShe picked out all the colorsdirections can be found hereor you can take

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-58942503502149351882010-07-19T19:37:00.000-04:002010-07-19T19:37:20.146-04:00today

checked on the Edible Playground I'm helping with this summer. Need to bring over more compost-very sandy soil went school shopping with the kids wrote with our new quills and ink we picked up from the Farmer's Museum {I loved the apocathery with the herb garden} finally picked my overgrown pickles I mean, cucumbers {I put a fork in the sink so you could get a true size on these guys} just

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-4379321084958051572010-07-18T19:32:00.000-04:002010-07-18T19:32:00.686-04:00Garden update with lots of firsts

So I was asked to update my garden here on my blogand I'm sorry it's taken me so long.{I am sorry to neglect you blog-I'm working on it}Everything is starting to get pickedit's so exciting!plenty of cherry tomatoes for everyonethe largest heads of broccoli I ever grewand my first cauliflowercucumbers that really should have been picked last weekthose are going to make some HUGE pickles!my very

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-67149585319932621912010-07-13T09:01:00.002-04:002010-07-13T09:01:00.210-04:00You asked for it- Green Tomato Cake recipe

I know this is more of an end-of-season recipe to use up all your green tomatoes before the frost but I wanted to make sure to share it since I just made it for a picnic. Enjoy! The players: •2 1/4 cups sugar•1 cup vegetable oil or melted shortening•3 eggs•2 teaspoons vanilla•3 cups flour•1 teaspoon salt•1 teaspoon baking powder•1 teaspoon cinnamon•1/2 teaspoon nutmeg•1 cup pecans or walnuts•1

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-8208417133701138312010-07-11T14:39:00.000-04:002010-07-11T14:39:51.924-04:00Letterboxing tutorial

So if you're looking for something to do this summerI highly suggest letterboxing.It involves the whole family, a day outside enjoying nature, and a treasure hunt.Did I also mention it is absolutely free? To start with you'll need to find a letterbox near you.Just search http://www.letterboxing.org/ under "clues". You will need: a pen/pencil, a rubber stamp, an ink pad, and paper or a notebook (I

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-10893980984748386972010-07-07T14:42:00.000-04:002010-07-07T14:42:54.392-04:00check this out!

While scouting my garden today I found 1 almost red heirloom tomato, 2 zucchini that I picked, and a few cucumbers that will be ready in a few days.I also found these on a sweet pea leaf:Now I"m assuming they are some type of insect eggsbut I have no idea whatI am trying not to kill everything on sitethere are such a thing asbeneficial insects Here's a great close up with my digital zoom: Aren't

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-74373502269581259112010-06-26T11:29:00.065-04:002010-07-01T08:34:04.203-04:00curse you striped cucumber beetle!

So I went to water my garden the other day and found my poor cucumber plant wilted:{even my camera didn't want to put it in focus} It sure looked like bacteria wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila) to me. And it is commonly spread by the striped cucumber beetleand just look who happened to show up while I was checking it out: As adult striped or spotted cucumber beetles feed on an infected plant (or

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-18408688899286822502010-06-17T16:47:00.000-04:002010-06-17T16:47:02.812-04:00thinning sucks

seriously {what a waste?!}What is sadder than having to get rid of some of your very own crops?Yetit must be doneEspecially to get any crops fully grown to enjoy. I have been in awe of our little peach tree.We've been told they don't like living upstate.We know we bought her at a drastically reduced priceat Walmart {no less}at the end of the season.Butshe seems to like us.And at the sweet age of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-2749511201173435632010-06-16T18:41:00.000-04:002010-06-16T18:41:37.106-04:00we've been invaded

The growing season started with lots of sun and no rain.This past 2 weeks have been all rain and alittle sun.Sooner or later we'll get alittle of both and thenmy garden and I will be happy.Everything has been growing so well this yearI shouldn't really complain. Butone complaint I do haveare all the critters invading my crops the first invaderis the woodchuck that lives under my neighbors

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-38568917434721759102010-06-02T13:37:00.000-04:002010-06-02T13:37:00.858-04:00one side of my garden

Peas are planted on the left with hopes they will climb up the fencing.Next to them, I planted corn for the first time.I know they are planted awfully close but I am trying to see how they will do.Most backyard gardeners don't try corn due to lack of space.We will see if I can make it happen...I did a few rows of seeds.Carrots, scallions and lettuce. Well, the lettuce didn't make it so I am

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-16710906335106696222010-05-18T14:14:00.000-04:002010-05-18T14:14:27.649-04:00inspired

I've been so busy planting and weedingand getting ready for our garage saleI thought I'd share with you some inspiration! Absolutely in love with this chicken coop.I really want Matt to make me oneto which he repliesour house isn't zoned for chickensoh poo on zoning laws {sticks tongue out here} I think this moss shower mat is totally rad {yeah, I said rad}.I would just love one for each of our

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-87615444356860974592010-05-16T20:07:00.002-04:002010-07-11T19:42:32.164-04:00Homemade laundry detergent (it's about time I posted this tutorial)

I could tell you that I wanted to waituntil I was sure the recipe was perfectbutI'd be lyingI just didn't have time to post this tutorialWe have been using our handmade laundry detergent for 2 months nowThe detergent works greateven on those muddy clothes of mine from the garden So without further adieu The players:1 bar of Ivory soapWashing sodaBoraxa wooden spoona metal greaterlarge metal

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-13230472702694431812010-05-13T14:54:00.000-04:002010-05-13T14:54:11.272-04:00I'm baaaack!

and here’s my Mother’s Day present The garden didn’t do so well last year so we are trying something new:raised bedsI can’t wait to start planting all the veggies I grew at school. I started with a few tomatoes on the sunniest side of the house{if you look closely on the right you can see 2 tiny tomatoes already growing} I’m not a fan of annuals {unless you can eat them}But I can’t pass down

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-6160189659341382202010-05-05T16:20:00.000-04:002010-05-05T16:20:54.771-04:00You might be a gardener...

You might be a gardener if… …Your vegetable crisper drawer holds more vegetable seeds than actual vegetables …When you go to the circus and step in elephant dung and your first thought is “I wonder if that would be good on the garden” and your second thought is “I wonder if they have a “U-haul it free” program. …If you have convinced your fiancé that The Svalbard Global Seed Vault makes a

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-86078723223720475612010-05-02T19:44:00.000-04:002010-05-02T19:44:44.297-04:00I know it's been awhile

SoI took on more than I could handle.Too many science classes for one semester.Thought I would give it a tryand now I know. Here’s my current project:Good thing Gavin loves to hunt for bugs (& he's good at it too). But all the work has been worth it.Here’s something else I received from school: I did find some time for canning.The greenhouses at school had an abundance of green tomatoes.I made

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-30840225163295593272010-04-09T17:18:00.001-04:002010-07-11T19:43:00.922-04:00How does your garden grow?

Everything is slowly turning green and sprouting back up.Yeah!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3240637373017238229.post-51273005777490693412010-03-28T17:22:00.000-04:002010-03-28T17:22:26.439-04:00The local flower & garden show

Need to find these for my yard.Persian buttercupsLoved this waterfall right next to my dream cabin:My favorite floral display:Drooling {big time} over this chicken coop:We picked up a mixed bag of seed potatoes & a few hens & chicks for my rock garden. Can't wait for the warm weather again.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16864957619866055174noreply@blogger.com1