Putz House These Putz Houses were by my grandkids. (First two photos) I helped with the cardboard houses (made with repurposed cereal, tissue, butter, or cracker boxes or any other lightweight cardboard that you can find), and they took it from there. The instructions can be found on the website www.abeautifulmess.com. Click on crafts and … Read more
June 2021 Grow up | Train your Tomatoes May 2021 Grow Up with Your Containers April 2021 Recycling for Seed Pots March 2021 Homemade Suet Cake Quick and Easy Birdhouse February 2021 Button Paper Clips Button Tree Fabric Door Heart January 2021 Christmas Card Ornaments Ways to Repurpose Christmas Trees Toothpick Ornaments December 2020 … Read more
Buying poinsettias Never buy a poinsettia found next to a set of automatic doors that open every 30 seconds because it will have been damaged by the exposure to drafts or temperatures below 50°F which will cause the poinsettia to drop its leaves soon after being brought home. A healthy poinsettia plant will have … Read more
Holiday Craft Ideas These Putz Houses were by my grandkids. I helped with the cardboard houses (made with repurposed cereal, tissue, butter, or cracker boxes or any other lightweight cardboard that you can find), and they took it from there. The instructions can be found on … Read more
There is an old Mexican legend about how Poinsettias and Christmas come together. In the 1500’s, there was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who was sad because she had no gift to give the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. Her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up, saying “I’m sure that … Read more
December is our most festive of months and twinkling lights have sprung up outside to cheer us into the Christmas season. Our weather has brought us the cold weather with most of our gardening outside completed. If you’re like me it’s time to buy a real Christmas tree, listen to Christmas songs and put up … Read more
It’s time to put your garden to bed….yes, tuck your perennials under a blanket of mulch or leaves, and put your tools away. Sit back for a moment and enjoy the peace of the upcoming holiday season. Instead of sadness caused by pandemic restrictions, savor the time to reflect on the real meaning of the … Read more
Poinsettias, holly, ivy, rosemary, mistletoe, evergreen trees—-there are so many plants associated with Christmas. Did you ever wonder why? Here’s a little history lesson… Greenery was used in ancient times to celebrate the Winter Solstice by warding off evil spirits. When Christianity came to Europe, the greenery was kept but given Christian meanings. Holly’s prickly … Read more
Aunt Ruth’s Sugar Cookies Preheat oven to 350° or less. I use 325° 3 cups sugar 2 cups lard 4 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 2 tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp nutmeg pinch of salt 7 cups flour, divided Cream sugar and lard together. Add eggs and buttermilk to sugar mixture. Add … Read more
It’s time to put your garden to bed….yes, tuck your perennials under a blanket of mulch or leaves, and put your tools away. Sit back for a moment and enjoy the peace of the upcoming holiday season. Merry Christmas, friends, and a happy, healthy New Year.