Smile And Wave

Her Little Green Thumb

Ruby and I planted some seeds over the weekend in our self-watering sprout kit. We should've started a few weeks ago but we're still well in the safe zone for getting these little guys started and hopefully into a raised bed soon. I debated trying to grow anything new this year since the wildlife ate up anything that sprouted last year, including the mature sunflowers, but it's a great way to teach the kids about gardening and another chance for me to learn something new. 

We planted carrots, radishes, and bell peppers in our sprout kit and the radishes shot right up about 36 hours later! The carrots are on their way and we're still waiting on the peppers but it's been fun to see Ruby's excitement when she checks on them every day. We've planted moonflower and morning glory along part of our chain link fence line thanks to my friend, Ruthie, in hopes that it'll shoot up fast, too! The sunflowers will go up where they did last year but I have to finish bolting my cedar fence panels to the fence and then I hope to get some marigolds in a pot or two soon. They're my favorite summer flower because they remind me of my childhood.

My forsythia bush got planted in a bare spot and my burning bush shrubs seem to be alive even though the last snow did a number on them. The grass...well, I just wonder if it's time to throw in the towel since we're on water restrictions this year. If you have lush green grass, go roll around in it for me, okay!

Have you planted anything in your garden this year? I know some of you are probably already eating the fruits of your labor if you live somewhere warm!

-Rachel

Testing Out My Green Thumb

Right before Christmas last year, I moved all of my succulents and tropical looking plants out to the sunroom because they just didn't feel right surrounded by Christmas decor. A few of them froze when the temps dropped when we were in Oklahoma with family so I came home to a sad little floppy-leaf party and a determination to take better care of my plants.

As soon as Christmas was put away I went out and replaced what had died and brough home a handful of small plants to spread around the house. They were all pretty low-maintenance because I'm just never going to be an orchid kind of gal. As winter wore on here at 6, 000+ ft., I just kept bringing plants home. I was seeing signs of spring near the end of February and March in blog posts and my Instagram feed kept blowing up with cherry blossoms, bright green grass, daffodils, tulips, bluebells, etc.

My California heart knew it was time for all of these things but my Colorado yard was still under snow every other week. 

It started out with just a few extra on the piano, and then my first big tropical hanging plant, and then a few philodendron, and then as we crept towards April I bought a few big bushes for the backyard. I think I was trying to fight my winter blues with more green!

I got ahead of myself about a month ago and bought a handful of beautiful blooming plants that I was hoping to put in a large container outside before realizing we were going to have a really late spring this year. For two weeks I kept it that way because the beauty of it all inside my home-right up there on that countertop-got me through some low spots. 

They say having indoor plants is really good for your health. Yeah, they cleanse the air of toxins and add color and texture to your home but they really helped connect me to the growth and new life I was so ready for in the natural world.

One thing I've tried to do is find beautiful and interesting vessels to put them in. I have had great luck with thrifting vintage ceramic planters so I use them for the smaller plants. I also like to look for interesting shapes at the thrift store that I know I can just spray paint whatever color I like. The honeycomb patterned planter below was originally silver so I gave it a metallic face lift. I have another for the backyard table in a shade of celery. The tin above came with a set of four canisters. I just propped the inner pot on a clean tuna can that was turned upside down so that it could properly drain into the canister. The only thing you have to watch for with cans is rust. I am going to need to place a tray or some sort under this one if I bring it indoors.

I found a few bullet-knock off planters at Target at the end of the summer that were deeply discounted so I brought a few home knowing I'd someday use them. Ace Hardware has had some surprisingly beautiful planters over the years so I use that as a reminder to always check around to see what unique pieces you can find.

When you're in a pinch, buy an economy sized can of hominy or cheap coffee from the store, empty it (I threw my hominy away because I can't stand the stuff), wash and dry it, and spray paint it with a few thin coats. Instant planter. Poke a few nail holes in the top, string it up with twine and you've got a hanging planter (see kitchen photos above). For the record, if I'm using a can or tin without drainage holes at the bottom, I always put something in there (clean yogurt cup, tuna can, etc.) to create air so the drainage holes from the actual pot can drain. I don't over water them in their can, either. I take them out and saturate them and then let them drain a bit in the tub or sink before returning them to their cans.

I've made sure to buy in stages so that I'm not blowing the whole budget on plants and to make sure that I can handle taking care of them. Once a week I walk through the house and water everything except for my small succulents. I water them every two-three weeks. I set my hanging house plants in the shower or sink and soak them and let them drip dry before returning them to their posts.

I make sure to always check the soil to be sure it's not still moist before adding more water to avoid root rot. One of my philodendron was getting too much light so I've moved it and it's doing much better. My forsythia bush in the kitchen (that will soon be moved outside) is getting spoiled with water everyday and looking great but if I skip a day I can really tell those leaves are floppy. It's been a learning experience and thankfully I've only lost one small succulent since the big freeze over Christmas break. Elise has also recently posted a great rundown of how she cares for her indoor plants for anyone hoping to bring some home.

Every now and then I'm still going to need some fresh flowers for the table. There's just something extra special about such fleeting beauty.

I really do think having plants in your home improves upon your quality of life and when you spend almost all of your time there, it's worth doing some research and buying the kind of plants that will do well in your care. Singing to them supposedly helps. Just kidding. I don't sing to my plants. 

My new favorite plant set up is something I arranged recently in our bedroom that I'll be showing you next. Maybe we should call this Plant Week on Smile and Wave? Much less dangerous than Shark Week. 

Here are a few plant related DIY's I've made from previous posts: Chevron Garden Trellis, Pallet Vertical Garden, Hanging Basket Garden, Geometric Planter, Mini Himmeli Planter.

-Rachel

Details: Chevron Sun Catcher, Glass by Lisa.

40 Projects: Himmeli Plant Holder

I finally found an air plant in our local nursery a few weeks ago and bought a little hanging terrarium to put in our kitchen. However, the terrarium had an accident involving a curious 3-year-old. I started thinking about another way to display it apart from just setting it in with another plant and went digging in my supply cabinet. I had some left over copper pipe from my original himmeli project and figured if I cut small enough pieces I could make something small and sturdy that would still show off the plant's fun silhouette. One thing that was brought to my attention is that copper is toxic to air plants so after I had already made it I took it apart, gave it three coats of poly, let it dry, and reassembled. I've added that step into the instructions for you.

1. Supplies: I had a leftover piece of copper pipe. You can purchase these at any major hardware store. They're soft so be careful not to bend them on the way home. You'll also need a small pipe cutter, a sharpie, a ruler, twine or yarn that will fit two at a time through your pipe, clear poly spray, scissors, gloves, cardboard, a well-ventilated area. 2. Measure out how long you want your pipe pieces to be. I cut three to be about 1.25" and three to be about 1.4" but they can all be the same length, too. Make small marks with your sharpie or just do it as you go and place the pipe cutter over the pipe. Gently twist it so it's applying a tiny bit of pressure and then twist your pipe so that the blade cuts all the way around. Then tighten a bit more, etc. Repeat.

3. Cut your twine or yarn so that you have three lengths measuring about 5' long. Tie them all together in a knot in the middle. 4. Spray your copper pieces using a glove and some poly. Follow spray paint instructions. I gave mine three coats with about 15 min. dry time between each. 5. Separate your strands two by two into three sections and thread each section through it's own piece of copper as shown. 6. Separate the two strands coming out of each copper piece and thread one through another piece of copper so that it comes out facing right. Then take a piece from the nearest copper pipe and thread it through the opposite direction so that it comes out facing left as shown. Repeat two more times. Pull the strands up at the top and adjust things. Tie a knot at the top and hang your air plant!

This one may end up in our bathroom where it can get regular moisture all week and I'll be sure to give it a good soak once a week for 24 hours to keep it healthy. 

I love how tiny it is! You could easily substitute copper with plastic straws. They'd be just as sweet in a fun color. 

As mentioned in my copper himmeli post, I have since seen similar things on Etsy. If you're not interested in making one you could always enjoy someone else's handiwork in a larger size!

-Rachel

40 Projects: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven

Crown of Fire

We went to a new favorite park today and discovered a tree still ablaze with color. The rest have either dropped their leaves or won't be losing them this winter but this particular tree was still showing off a bit. I couldn't stop staring at it so I finally went over and borrowed some of it's beauty to make a leaf crown. It was too big for the kids in the end so I claimed it for my own. 

If you're lucky enough to still have some beauty in your trees, here's how to make your own: Gather a handful or two of leaves about the same size. Layer one on top of the other about 1/3 of the way higher and gently poke a hole with your nail near the center stem above a side vein and poke another hole below the side bein about 1/2" apart. Gently weave the stem of the top leaf down through the top hole and up through the bottom hole. Pull through gently. Repeat until you've got enough to fit around your head. Attach the ends in the same manner and enjoy your crown.

I hope it's beautiful wherever you are.

-Rachel

Fall in Colorado

These were all collected within ten feet from our yard. Coming back from California last weekend where the warm weather has lingered long enough to keep the leaves from turning much I was reminded of how gorgeous Colorado is in each season. We've officially had a taste of all four and this is my favorite yet. I don't think I'll ever be able to live without a full on fall again. 

This weekend I'm hoping we can fit in some cinnamon donuts and maybe figure out when that pumpkin patch is open.  

-Rachel

My New Favorite Thing - Homemade Applesauce

Brett is related to Johnny Appleseed. I kid you not. This may be one reason I felt so compelled to be a good steward of the fruit tree bestowed upon us with the rental of this house. We didn't know what the yard had in store for us when we moved in as it was mostly under a layer of snow but it's been pleasant surprise after pleasant surprise as the two plum trees and apple tree have blossomed and yielded a happy little harvest. 
I didn't have to twist any arms to get some help on this project because they were both intrigued by the new gadgets. I picked up this Apple Master from Ace Hardware when I went in to buy a food mill and I'm so glad I did because it saved us time and was so fun. It took me back to our days visiting Apple Hill in Northern California as kids. 

The applesauce recipe we used came from this informative site and it calls for leaving the skins on but we couldn't resist testing out the peeler. You can see all three features of this little machine in the photo above. It can peel, slice, and core and-after getting the apple situated on the prong-is safe enough for kids to work. Also, I geeked out over this thing. I'm sure my grandparents will find it amusing that such an old-fashioned contraption is getting such a response. WHY HAVE WE NEVER OWNED ONE BEFORE THIS WEEK?

Someone on Instagram mentioned how their kids loved turning the apples into slinkies and how it made them taste better and I agree! 

After cutting up a significant amount of apples we settled them in a pot with about 1.5" of water at the bottom (the recipe suggests apple juice as an option) and set it to boil. I added a healthy amount of cinnamon as these apples were a bit more tangy than sweet and covered it until it was boiling. Then I brought the heat down to medium-high as the recipe called for and let them steam for another ten minutes before checking to see if they were soft.

Our house smelled delicious!

I purchased this food mill to help separate and puree the steamed apples. I set it over a large Pyrex bowl and then filled it halfway with apples. After grinding them down a few times I'd press things down with a potato masher and grind again. This part was a little tedious but not hard and my bowl filled up twice!

I bought two 32oz. Ball mason jars at Ace to store the applesauce. I wasn't prepared to invest in canning equipment since we won't live here forever but I do plan on making as much as I can and freezing some. Our neighbors will be getting some soon, too! I may need to grab a few more jars just in case because everyone at our house likes applesauce. 

Next up I'm hoping to tackle my first apple pie thanks to a recipe Holly sent over. I'm so lucky that three of my friends are pie makers!

I've heard people mention apple butter and I've recently seen a recipe on Pinterest for apple pancakes but what are your favorite baked apple treats?

-Rachel

 

Ladies Who Lounge

The kids have claimed the hammock. Ruby can finally get in it by herself but she needs a bit of help dragging her books behind her. It makes my heart happy to help every time.

We've been talking a lot lately about taking turns but I'm not sure if it's sticking.

-Rachel

Family Time: Glamping

All summer we promised the kids we'd bust out the tent and camp in our backyard. Last weekend we made it happen. Don't tell real campers in our new city but we didn't skimp on comfort. There were fizzy drinks, fancy hot dogs, sparkly lights, and wifi. 

I made foil packs for the grill for the first time and Brett gave the kids a lesson on fire safety. 

I spent most of the afternoon on another project so we didn't get the tent set up until after dinner as the light was fading. People say going to IKEA with your significant other is a true way to test your love and patience but I say putting a tent together in the dark is where it's at. I cussed, I stomped my feet, I threw a tent peg, and I almost threw in the towel but I didn't want to disappoint the kids and we finally figured it out. 

Sebastian got this 5 person tent for his 4th birthday from my grandparents. I'm sad to say we've had the best of intentions but this was the first time we'd actually used it. It was cavernous in there! We had Sunday snoozing with us while we ate popcorn and watched a movie on Netflix using our wifi. We weren't sure if we'd all make it through the night or be heading indoors around 1 am but we kept those kids up late enough that they fell asleep in no time. Even Brett, who usually has a hard time getting to sleep, was out like a light. I layed awake for about an hour trying to ignore the cricket opera on my side of the tent but seeing another shooting star was worth it. 

We took the tent down the next afternoon so as not to kill our new grass but I have a feeling now that we know how to get it up in a hurry we'll be doing that again. 

Maybe we should try a campground next time.

What are your favorite camping recipes? I pinned this one recently. What's worked for your family?

-Rachel

Chevron Trellis DIY

I bought a jasmine plant because a magazine said it works as a sleep aid if you keep it in your room but then I realized it doesn't grow well indoors so I stuck it in a planter in order to possibly bring it in for the winter and called it a day. It's recently started stretching out and didn't have much to hold on to so I came up with a pretty solution to my long-limbed plant problem. 

Trellises are easily purchased at your local nursery or hardware store but I wanted something unique. If you'd like to make your own you'll need: 5 garden stakes measuring 6' high, 2 smaller stakes ( I used left over garage sale stakes) measuring the width of your trellis (about 4'). You'll also need a pack of large shims (the chevron part), a hand saw, scissors, a hammer, small nails (I used picture frame nails but anything short will work), a staple gun and 1/2" staples, and paint (optional). If you don't paint it I suggest weather guarding it somehow so it doesn't rot away if it sits near a sprinkler head.

Step One: Space your garden stakes as wide as your smaller stakes and then even spread them out. Nail one of your smaller garden stakes so that it's flush with the top of your long garden stakes. Step Two: Place two shims where you'd like them and mark where you'll want to cut the ends so that they meet almost seamlessly. Step Three: Cut the ends off with a hand saw at the thick end and a sharp pair of scissors at the thin end. Step Four: Space your shims out evenly down your trellis. Once you're satisfied with their placement, nail the thick ends down and staple the thin ends down. Don't fret if your ends aren't meeting up nicely. I turned mine over so you can't see them. Step Five: Attach your bottom shorter stake so that it's flush up against the bottom of your chevron ends as shown. Step Six: Continue with your chevron nailing. Paint or seal if desired.

To install your trellis, measure how far apart your stakes are spaced and then dig five holes that you can set your stakes down in. Refill with dirt. Be sure to leave a bit of space between your trellis and a wall or fence so the vines can weave around. Three separate trellises against a wall makes a bold statement while adding on stakes to create a wider trellis would also provide some privacy if placed in front of a chain link fence.

If you make your own trellis feel free to link back to this tutorial and share a photo with us. I'd love to see yours. 

Does anyone else have jasmine in their yard? I'd love a whole fence full of it as well as honeysuckle. It reminds me so much of my childhood. 

-Rachel

Surprises and Twinkle Lights

I feel like I'm still adjusting to our summer rhythm. Ruby's also stopped taking her afternoon nap. Mixed feelings on that front but at least now we can get them both in bed earlier and our days aren't needing to be so structured around nap time. We've also been spending a lot more time outside playing and working. 

When we first moved in I spotted this bench in our neighbors' backyard. The rest of their yard was pretty wrecked from their dogs but then there was this bench. Ever since 'the shooting' as I like to refer to it, our neighbors have been working on adding a higher wood fence to block the alley way as well as other yard work to spruce up their backyard. I asked him if the bench had come with the house or if they'd found it in town and he asked me if I wanted it right away. Apparently, their across the street elderly neighbor was giving stuff away and they took it off her hands without really loving it. I'm sitting on it as I type. In love. We are definitely baking them cookies.

I finally got some more twinkle lights up in our backyard patio area. Despite waiting on our lawn to grow, our backyard space and mosquito-less environment is already making me so happy.

I enjoyed reading the responses from yesterday's post. Some days are just smoother than others, aren't they.

-Rachel