Little Treasures

I have been busy collecting plants and other essential elements for our garden. Once I finally laid the baby down for a nap and made it outside to do some gardening, a summer storm decided to blow in!

I have been brainstorming ways to add special touches to our little oasis and came across an enormous tub of shells that I have been collecting over the years. I love sea shells but felt they needed more color to stand out so I decided to paint them!

- I selected a few white shells that had the same worn texture. I chose these because I knew they would absorb the paint very well. Be sure your shells are completely dry before you begin!

- I drew my designs onto the shells with a pencil before painting.

- I painted my shells with acrylic paint by applying thin coats and allowed each one to dry before adding another.

- After they were completely dry, I gave them two coats of sealer so they are weather resistant. I used a gloss sealer to make them shiny!

I am so happy with how they turned out. They have provided more inspiration for my bird bath! I have to wait until it dries out to begin that project!

A New Journey

 “Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that can alter the face of the world.”

- Anonymous

I have been reflecting on how insanely lucky I am to have a beautiful family, support from them and friends, a roof over my head and food on the table.  These reflections have taken my thoughts back to my time in college. I attended college in a small city and have seen numerous people who were homeless and have had some very enlightening and enjoyable conversations with them. Hearing some of their stories, you realize how quickly and easily you could find yourself in their situation. I remember seeing these people in the winter sleeping on cardboard or cold benches and doing everything they could to stay warm. I don’t have much to give but would like to do what I am able to make this winter more bearable. I have been brainstorming and this is what I have come up with.

Lately I have been saving all of our old worn and stained clothes for future projects, I hate throwing away things that can be repurposed. I have decided that the old sweaters can be turned into mittens and old t-shirts and blankets can be sewn into sleeping pads. Being really ambitious, I would also like to collect items such as backpacks, non perishable snacks, McDonalds or Subway gift cards, and personal care products.

To achieve this, I am gathering my friends to help. I won’t be able to reach as many people alone. After collecting more materials I will post instructions on making mittens and sleeping pads. I have never done it before but will find a way to make it work. Hopefully this journey will inspire others to lend a hand to those less fortunate.  If so, please share your stories!!

“Every day you have the opportunity to learn and experience some-thing and some-one new. Seize the opportunity. Learn and experience everything you can, and use it to change the world.”

- Rodney Williams

Developing Vision

I have been busy collecting plants and planning out our new garden space. My mother and I were able to score some beautiful Hostas and more Lariope, the grassy stuff (yes, I am crazy!). This time I will not be placing it directly into the ground. I am planting small clumps in pots and burying them in attempt to contain it. Only time will tell how well this serves its purpose! I will be sure to monitor its growth VERY closely.  This Sunday I will be going to dig up some gorgeous Iris to add to the collection. They are one of my favorites and I am so thankful to be getting them!

We need to replace the boards that ran along the edge to keep the gardens contents from spilling out onto the walkway. They will come this weekend as well. We are also looking to obtain a few landscape pavers to make a patio for our bistro set and walkways.

After removing all of the old plants, I spent several hours removing old boxwood and Yucca roots. I had to be careful in removing the Yuccas since a new one can sprout with a tiny piece of root! I know this will be a constant battle but I did my best. Once I was satisfied, I began leveling out the dirt and marking roughly where things are going to end up. (Notice the string and small sticks sticking out of the ground.) I also used a piece of grid paper to draw everything out for reference when I forget what I was originally thinking.

I placed a few plants and position our birdbath which was given to us by a family member.  I have special plans for it, you will have to wait to see!  I was sure to fill in underneath of it completely with rocks and clay to keep creatures from hiding.  

We still have a ways to go but are gradually getting there! I am thankful for everything that has been passed our way and excited to see it taking shape!

Awakening Notion

Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.                                                                 - Buddha

Breaking Ground

When we first moved into our new house ( last October), I knew this project HAD to take top priority! After the arrival of our daughter I began breaking ground. What I thought would be a quick excavation has required much more work than expected!


We had a slight delay when we discovered two baby bunnies seeking refuge in the overgrown mass. Several frogs had to be relocated as well! 


When I began pulling grass out, I discovered a thick mass of roots entangled in landscaping fabric! It had to be cut out piece by piece. Once that task was complete Chad helped out with the removal of the old box woods. It took some serious man power and an axe. The muddy ground made it much easier, Amen for summer storms!

Chloe enjoyed helping out!

I am so excited about our new empty space.. now we can move to the fun stuff! Time for collecting plants and working them into our little oasis! 

Our goal is to spend as little money as possible on this project. We will be collecting plants from other areas of our yard and friends and creating our own garden treasures! I will keep you posted on this project!

A Glimmer of Inspiration

Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning.  

                                                                                     - Mahatma Gandhi