Smile And Wave

Decorative Outdoor Planter DIY

Raise your hand if you've spent your weekend covered in dirt but have something pretty to show for it! This warmer spring weather has me ready to tackle a few projects to make our outdoor space more enjoyable and this planter was a great place to start. I've done raised beds and container gardens but this year I wanted to add a decorative, wooden planter to flank our house near the back door. It's designed so that it can rest against a wall and fill in some blank space but a pair of them in a straight line or at a right angle would work as great dividers in a yard or garden as well. 

After visiting with one of the educated employees at Lowe's, I chose to use cedar over pine for two reasons. It's pest and insect resistant, which is important if it's going to be placed near your house. Pine is a favorite with termites and I didn't want to give them any reason to start chewing away at our rental. Cedar is also one of the more affordable non-treated options for outdoor use. It won't need to be replaced next season as it withstands rot and weathers nicely. It would've been beautiful left in its natural cedar color but I really wanted a black planter against our light gray siding. I knew paint would likely peel off in a year or two so I chose an indoor/outdoor stain in Ebony and applied two coats. The cedar took the stain so well you can hardly tell it's not painted. Winning!

The other best part about my design is that you can get all of your cedar cut to size at a store like Lowe's if you're patient and there isn't a long line behind you. The first two cuts are free but then each additional cut is $ .25. Since I don't have a place to store many power tools and gear at our house (no garage or shed), this is worth it's weight in gold. If you know someone willing to cut your lumber for you, maybe bake them some cookies in return for super precise measurements. And you'll want to be sure your front and back panels are cut evenly or your clean lined, mid-century planter will look a little more shabby-chic. Your end result will be a 3" x 4" planter with a planting depth of about 10". 

Supplies

1 - 1" x 12" x 10' cedar board cut into three 36" pieces

1 - 1" x 8" x 8' cedar board cut in half

2 - 1" x 2" x 8' cedar board cut in half

4 - 1" x 4" x 8' cedar board cut in half

3 - 1" x 3" x 10' cut into 4" lengths (keep the scraps for your interior support beams)

3 - 2 pack 1" corner brackets with hardware (six brackets total)

3" stain brush

56 - #6 x 2" black wood screws

1- 30 oz. can of Olympic Maximum Tintable Semi-Transparent Exterior Stain in Ebony

power drill

power sander and/or 100 grit sandpaper

landscape fabric

steel hardware cloth

staple gun and staples

work gloves

cotton cloth

wire cutters

scissors 

ruler

pencil

Step One: Rub a damp (not soaking) cotton cloth over your wood to help open up the pores to absorb more of the stain. Do this step for each piece before you stain it, not in one big batch or most of your wood will have dried before you get to apply the stain. 

Step Two: Test your stain on a piece of scrap wood to make sure you like the shade and coverage. I was pleased with my first coat initially but wanted to see if a second coat would make a difference and it did. Once you're happy with your stain, apply a generous amount to your wood. I do suggest wearing gloves for this part as your fingers will get covered in it. Don't forget to stain the entire board as all sides will be visible from certain angles. I forgot to stain the opposite side of two of the large boards until the very end. You'll be able to do touch ups and a second coat once it's assembled but it's tricky to get full coverage in between the slats so I suggest staining everything before assembly. 

Step Three: Make sure to wait the recommended drying time according to manufacturer's instructions before drilling. It's best to wait about 24 hours if you can. I may or may not have jumped the gun and started in after three hours but only because I knew it would rain the next day and I wanted to get my project finished before then. 

Step Four: Place all three pieces of your 3' panels on a flat surface and mark 10" down from the top, short edge. Draw a line with a pencil. Then place one of your brackets about 3" from the long edge so that it rests just below your pencil line and mark where the screw hole will be on the 3' panel. Place another bracket 3" in from the opposite side and make a mark for the screw hole. These two brackets will attach your interior support beams in place. They are not going to provide much stability to the frame on their own but they will help support the weight of the dirt and plants. 

Pre-drill pilot holes for the brackets but be sure you only drill about 1/2" into your 3/4" wood so you don't bust through the other side. Awkward! Put your brackets back in place and screw them in with the screws that came with them.  

Place one of your 22.5" boards perpendicular to the 3' panel and center it over one of the brackets. Make a pencil mark where the screw hole is and then pre-drill a hole in your board. Repeat this with the second board. 

Step Five: Use the same measurements to attach the brackets to the other side of the center panel but adjust them about 1/2" to each side so you don't screw into the screws on the opposite side. Finish up with the last two brackets on the third 3' panel.  

Step Six: After you've pre-drilled all of your holes for your center support beams, screw everything together. It will not be sturdy enough to bear weight or move without help at this point. Also, your 3' panels should be stained on both sides but I forgot to do mine. Oops! I went back and took care of it after I assembled everything. You don't need to stain your support beams. They won't be seen.

Step Seven: Separate the rest of your cedar planks into two even piles so you know that the front and back sides will be matching. Set aside one pile. Place the other pile on top of your frame until you are happy with the placement of the different thicknesses. I spaced mine out about 1/3" apart and had the thinner planks up top and the thickest plank at the bottom with some variations in the center. You could even do this with the same thickness as long as you know how many you'll need to cover the same amount of space. 

Make sure your top plank is flush with one of the side panels and pre-drill a hole through both. Attach your screw to secure it and then repeat with the opposite end. This will help secure your frame at the top while you continue working. For even spacing between your planks, insert the end of your paintbrush or use another tool to keep things consistent as you screw each plank to the frame. I suggest screwing in two or three planks on one side and then finishing up the other side of those planks instead of just doing an entire side at a time.

Step Eight: Once you've finished with the front side of your planter, carefully turn it over to the other side and repeat the process. To add further stability, you will want to add three screws down the center support plank on the back side. Adding these only to the back side adds support without interrupting the lines of your planter on the front side. 

 

Step Nine: Stand your planter upright and make sure everything is looking straight. I had an overhanging board on one end so I sanded it down to be mostly flush with the 3' outer support. 

Step Ten: Cut your hardware cloth to measure about 21" x 30". Fold it down into one of the planter boxes and staple it to the inside so that it is just under the lip of the top of the box. The wire should rest on top of the support beams. Staple it in as many places as you prefer. Repeat on the other planter box. I also suggest wearing gloves while cutting your wire and stapling it in as those edges can get sharp.

Step Eleven: Cut your landscape fabric to be about 36" x 36" long and fold it down inside your planter boxes. You'll have to do a little folding in the corners and tucking back at the top edges. It is almost like wrapping a present inside-out! It doesn't need to be too neat as it will all be covered in dirt but you do want to make sure there aren't gaping holes in the corners where the dirt could wash out. Staple the folded back edges as close to the top edge as you can and then staple down into the corners and in a few places along the bottom. 

Step Twelve: Repeat with the other box and get your planter set up where you'd like it before filling it with soil and beautiful flowers or herbs. It's a heavy planter by itself but adding dirt will make it slightly top heavy. Be sure not to allow children to climb on it if they are eager to help water the flowers. 

The cost of this planter came in at around $170 including the stain and brush but not including the soil and plants. It's still more affordable than purchasing similar sized planters from your favorite design stores as they can range anywhere from $120 - $370. You could also alter your design a bit for a shorter planter and skip the stain to cut off another $30-$50. Whenever I invest a little more money into a DIY project, it's usually because I know it's a piece that I'll use for years and I'm confident this planter will still be looking great this time next year. 

I love the height and color it brings to this side of our house and I can't wait to have all of that green cascading over the sides in a few weeks! This is a great option for an herb garden, too, if you want something just outside your kitchen window. What would you plant in yours? 

-Rachel

Photography: Rachel Denbow and Janae Hardy. 

Stock Tank Swimming

A stock tank swimming pool has been on my wish list ever since seeing some on Pinterest last summer. I asked around about where to find them and then, after weeks of sitting on the fence and after some gentle prodding from Brett to go ahead, drove twenty minutes south to a major feed and supply store with my back seats folded down in the Volvo. I arrived with two minutes to spare before closing time and had a female employee take me out to the side of the store to show me the stock tank inventory. 

There was one left and it was all mine. She called for a few male employees to carry it to my car before we decided to just haul it to the front of the store ourselves. I went in to pay and the two employees carried it out to my Volvo and waited. I told them I could take care of the rest but they didn't believe that I could lift it in myself, much less that it would fit. I adjusted all the seats and they shoved it in, teasing me the whole time that I would probably need a hemi. I gave them my sweetest smile as I gently closed the trunk with 1/4" to spare. 

It's been a great decision to add this to our yard. It's not only something I can stand to look at every day but the kids and I all love being able to cool off on these warm afternoons when the house is hotter than the yard. In the fall I'll probably use it for toy storage and seating and can someday repurpose it into a little garden space. It was a bit of an investment when you consider how cheap plastic pools are but I know I won't have to buy another one for the next five plus years. For those that have asked on IG, there is a valve on the side near the bottom that drains the water when it's dirty and I've got a makeshift cover on it to keep the bugs out and to make it safe for any critters that roam the yard at night.

One of these nights I'm going to steal out there after the kids are asleep and enjoy having it all to myself.

-Rachel

Our Raised Bed Garden and How I Outsmarted the Squirrels

Our backyard has come a long way in the last five months! More before pictures coming in a future post but let me just say it was a sad, sad sight. In April I built a raised bed garden and lined the interior edge with marigolds. I then added a starter squash plant, a bell pepper plant, and two Early Girl tomato plants. Then I crossed my fingers and planted squash and marigold seeds. It didn't feel like much for the square footage but I didn't want things to get crowded late in the summer. 

Fast forward to mid-July and the foliage from the squash plants is bursting at the seams and I've had to tie the tomato plants to the trellis to keep them from getting too heavy. The marigolds are still peeking out from the edges despite their current lack of sun and the squash blossoms add a nice touch of color.

I built the trellis as a play structure for the kids last year but it took a bad fall in a windstorm and one of the supports cracked so it was then repurposed as a fence/trellis. It wasn't quite long enough to cover the garden bed so I added some extra poles and then wrapped it in plastic mesh to keep the squirrels out. I haven't had any bug problems so I'm feeling pretty lucky this year!

We're getting a late harvest since I didn't start them from seedlings inside and Colorado has a late frost date but it's been pretty satisfying seeing things grow so much. Ruby helps me check for new tomatoes and Sunday chases away curious squirrels. Now, if I could only get Sebastian to eat a tomato...

We plucked our first tiny carrots from our container garden after it'd been knocked over by a certain black pup. I checked them two weeks ago and saw no color and felt like it really might be mid-August before we got to eat anything. Despite their bite-size appearance, it's pretty fun to see what can come out of the ground from a tiny little seed, don't you think?

-Rachel

Reasons I Love Container Gardening

There's something so satisfying about shaping your environment to meet your needs even if it's less than ideal. Being renters we aren't able to make our landscaping dreams come true but that hasn't stopped me from making the most of what we have. Container gardening has been one of the answers to both our small space and awkward sprinkler system issues, not to mention it's allowed us to fill in a rather unsightly corner with colorful blooms, a variety of herbs, and vegetables that we've grown from seeds.

What started out as a teaching moment with the kids has grown into a little corner of soon-to-be edibles. I bought a seed starter kit a few months ago anticipating an early start to our late Colorado planting season but was a bit tardy in getting the seeds started. With the end of frost season in sight in mid-May, Ruby and I planted carrot, radish, zucchini, and squash seeds and set them in a sunny spot in the kitchen. Almost two days later we saw the radishes pop up and soon after the carrots. The squash and zucchini never materialized but we were thrilled that something had sprouted at all!

Three weeks later I was able to stick the sprouts outside to get used to their new environment and adapt to the evening weather. I'd read somewhere to wait until the second set of leaves had shown up before transplanting them into a container or bed but Sunday ended up knocking the tray over one afternoon and dumped some out. I quickly repotted them in their new containers and left the ones that were still intact in their sprout tray. Again I wasn't sure they'd be strong enough to survive the encounter with a dog and then a new home but three days later they were suddenly bigger.

Somehow I managed to go another two weeks before transplanting the rest of the sprouts and the difference between the early pots and the late pots is noticeable. I must've been near the safe zone with the first batch because they are all twice as big as the second batch. The carrots above have distinctly carrot looking leaves! They made it into a few of the taller aluminum buckets I found in the Target 1$ section earlier this spring. The radishes will probably need to be separated again at the rate they're filling their bucket.

Since I'm a little impatient and already had a late start to the planting season I brought home some mint and basil from one of the large hardware stores in town. I had mint last year in it's own container because I'd heard it likes to take over the neighborhood so it went in an old wooden crate I found in an alley near a pile of trash. The basil went in another container left over from the Forsythia bush I finally planted along our chain link fence.

Since I also wanted a little color near our back door I gathered pots and planters that I'd collected over the last few moves and staggered them from highest and largest to lowest and filled them with some of my favorite flowers. They are such a happy greeting at our back door.

A few reasons I really love container gardening this year:

* They're right outside our back door and three feet from our water hose so it's really convenient to water them each morning or evening. Since they're gathered in one spot I'm less likely to have one die from neglect.

* They help fill in an otherwise unused and sunny corner of our backyard. What once was a bed full of bark chips, random iris plants, and an unsightly water pipe has turned into a beautiful arrangement of pots filled with an equally cheerful amount of plant life.

* Our yard's sprinkler system is not reliable and with a water restriction in effect this year we're only allowed to use it twice a week. Water hoses are allowed each morning and evening within reason so I can still maintain healthy plants and flowers in my above ground containers.

* I've been able to acquire almost all of my containers at garage sales, thrift shops, in alley ways so I've invested very little money in them.

* Although our landlord wouldn't be against a raised garden bed (we have one of those, too) I'll be able to transport as many of these containers and possibly some plants to the next location when we move. If not, I'll have plenty of friends that will be able to enjoy them for me. 

* I can easily move things around if something isn't getting the right amount of sun or is crowding out something next to it. If something should die I can always take it out and fill it back in with a pretty flower or rearrange the grouping to keep things looking nice.

* The arrangement of the pots allows the kids to easily walk around them when they help water and they can get as close as they'd like to see if they've gotten any taller over night!

Advice for starting your own container garden:

* Gather pots all season instead of needing to purchase them all at once. Also, be sure to pick up containers according to the crop you'll be planting. Squash and zucchini need a little elbow room while green onions may fit into something a bit more compact.

* Always be sure your containers drain at the bottom. If it's plastic, wood, or aluminum you can always drill through the bottom with a drill bit in a few spots or even hammer a lot of nail holes into the bottom. Add a layer of gravel before dumping your soil in to help things drain well, too. Be sure to check your plant's needs with the kind of soil you use. 

* Be sure to buy potting soil that is meant for container gardening. I brought home three bags of something that I thought would work before noticing the label on the back. 

* Smaller pots mean less dirt and faster drying out time. Water accordingly and consider using mulch around the base of flowers and straw over seedlings.

* Browse Pinterest to see what you're most drawn to as far as styling goes. Some might prefer to layer containers using different heights, widths, and textures for added charm while others may prefer all terra cotta pots or white plastic planters.

* Container gardening doesn't have to translate into only growing flowers and vegetables. I loved this idea for a privacy fence using large trees planted in a long feeding trough. You could also make your own containers for a more customized look.

Have you ever had great success with a container garden or have any tips and tricks to let us in on? Feel free to comment below. Looking forward to updating you on our container garden's growth in the weeks to come!

-Rachel 

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