Orchids

Phalaenopsis and Lady Slipper Orchids are an easy houseplant to grow.  They need indirect light, an east or north window, and water once a week. Make sure your flower pots allow for the water to drain through. You can also buy fertilizer and potting soil especially for orchids.  The temperatures they like are the same that you would like in your home and if you turn your thermostat down at night they enjoy that too!

The Phalaenopsis Orchid is also called a "Moth Orchid" because of the resemblance.     

It comes in a variety of colors.  The price usually begins at $20.

 

The Lady Slipper Orchid is named for the bottom petal that looks like a ballet slipper.    

It also comes in a variety of colors and sizes.  Its price range is a little higher than the Phalaenopsis, ranging from $25 on up depending on how rare it is.

Coax your Bud to Bloom!

Nancy

Tune Into Your Serenity

When my husband and I have had enough and need a break, we declare, "Tonight is vacation night!"  Then we'll decide what we would like to do.  One of our favorite things to do is go watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. 

We bring a picnic, blanket, a kite, or whatever suits our fancy, and away we go!!!  You can look over the horizon and be anywhere!  We decompress from the stresses of the day and just relax.  Ahhhh...Breathe...

I'll bet you have a lake, park, nature preserve, or some natural outdoor place where you can go and observe the beautiful scenery.  A place to tune into your serenity! 

Peace to you!

Nancy

Thought of the day...

Dream:  (n) A longing or aspiration created by the heart meant to be pursued.

Raised Herb Garden

The raised herb garden is a great idea to keep rabbits (among other small creatures) from making a meal out of your fresh herbs.  It also makes for easy weeding;  no bending, kneeling, and stretching.  Of couse, you can substitute herbs for a raised flower garden.  This one measures 2'4"H x 3'7"W x 2'0"D.

Materials needed:

4                    4x4 posts
4                     finials (Optional)
20'                 1" x 6" Board
6                     Herb plants
Pea gravel    For drainage 1-2"
Soil                 4" over pea gravel

                        

I chose to plant Sweet Basil, Lemon Thyme, Parsely, Rosemary, Pineapple Sage, Fern Leaf Dill.

Organically Yours,

Nancy

Pets

Just wanted to take a moment to introduce my pets.  Pets have become an integral part of the family unit.  A pet's status has taken a huge leap from the household "pet" of the past to family member.

Introducing Belle, my five year old Papillon.

Papillons are the only toy breed on the top 10 most intelligent 

dog breed list.

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Introducing Coco, my four year old short hair Chihuahua.

Coco has the silhouette of Minnie Mouse on her back.  

Notice Coco and Minnie share the same tail!

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Introducing Reese, my 2 year old long hair Chihuahua.

Reese my peanut butter cup!

She's a little baby at 3lbs.

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Introducing Galileo, my 14 year old cat.

Galileo has used up 6 of his 9 lives! 

1. His mom died when he was a new born.

2. His foster mom was very ill with an infection. 

3. He was in a shelter. 

4. He ran away from home for three days. 

5. He hid in a heating duct from the carpet installers.  He got trapped.

6. We found him hours later and had to tin snip a hole in the vent pipe to rebirth him.                                       

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Introducing Joey, my daughter's 4 year old cat.

Joey loves to play with the dogs!

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Pets are to be loved!

Sincerely,

Nancy

Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet

The Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet is a real treasure.  The history of this cabinet style in America began in the Federal Era (approximately 1780s to the mid 1800s).  The design is portable and convenient, with three drawers centered between two deep drums with hinged lids.  Usually crafted out of mahogany or walnut, you might also find it in various laminates.  This functional design reappeared in the 1920s through 1930s.

Originally used by gentlewomen to store sewing supplies, needlework projects, and accessories, they also used it as a tea table and game table.  This style easily transforms for modern day uses as well.  A nightstand is my favorite use!  The side drums are great for storing magazines, books, or any current day needle craft!  The dimensions of the sewing cabinet are approximately H 28.5in.X W 27.5in.X D 14.5in.

The price of a Martha Washington sewing cabinet varies greatly.  I have seen them for as much as $300.  I have purchased four of them.  My first two were at separate antique stores, one for $30, and a second for $65, which has the original painted detailing.  I found the third one at an auction for $15 and the fourth at a resale store for $33.  They are easy to find!

Happy treasure hunting!!!

Nancy

Crystal Tree

My crystal tree is a collection of mostly antique chandelier crystals that you can find at garage or tag sales, antiques stores, auctions, and resale stores.  They can be purchased for as little as a dime upwards to $5.00 each... is the most I like to spend.  The wire tree was found at an antique store for $18.00.  Great ideas to substitute the wire tree are necklace and earring trees, Christmas card tree holders, and ornament trees.  This is a portable accent piece that creates ambience in any room! 

I love to go on quests for crystals!!! It really satisfies my gathering instinct... and when money is tight hunting for crystals is so much fun!  This collecting began with my passion for anything shiny and when I first saw the rainbows all over the room...that was it for me!!!  I also began to give them away as gifts, especially to friends as a little pick me up...tying a satin bow to one end made for a pretty presentation.  And of course, I believe in their healing powers!

Keep on Shining!

Nancy