Another cute shop

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44446703/spring-original-hand-wave-table-runner

Pretty table runner to dress up your table.

Fun new shop

Here is a fun new shop on etsy that I found. JMEbeads.etsy.com
This one was my favorite listing. The daisies are so cute! Check out this shop for adorable jewelry.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/53666810/daisy-flower-hair-pins

Finally!

Finally an organization that is will to address the problem of overpopulation! http://www.endangeredspeciescondoms.com/

More garden flowers

Great scrubbies

Today I tested out some scrubbies from Galwaygirldesigns shop. They are great! They scrubbied everything without leaving a scratch. Where have these been all of my dishwashing life? The shop has some adorable purses in different sizes and patterns. Come check it out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/galwaygirldesigns

fixed sideways picture

Romantic B&B in Reedsburg

For our second wedding anniversary we went to an adorable bed and breakfast in Reedsburg Wisconsin. We had a little cabin in the woods all to ourselves. It had a porch to sit on and watch the birds, a little fireplace, and a huge hot tub. In the morning a hot breakfast was brought right to our door. It was a wonderful weekend spent with my amazing husband.

flowers from my garden

Cute frog from the garden

No berries for me. :(

We went out to pick more berries today and discovered that berry picking is finished for the year. :( I wanted to go last week but it rained everyday. I guess I will just have to use berries from the grocery store to make jam. The first batch did not make enough for us and gift giving. No jam for you! I was also thinking of making raspberry jelly. The farm where we pick raspberries is out of business. :( Maybe I will just have to wait for the fall and apple picking to make apple butter. Anyone know of a good recipe?

Latest update

I have had a busy month so far. There has been a ton of rain everyday for the last 2 weeks so I have not had to worry about watering. The strawberry plants are growing well. The raspberries and apples are getting taller too. I think that the rain may have killed 3 of the lilac bushes. We also planted 3 arborvite in the front yard.
The wildflower area is growing pretty fast too. There are several toads that live in there too.
With the storms lately the tomato plants and pepper plants look pretty beat-up. I was going to go strawberry picking today but it was storming. We went berry picking last week and I made strawberry jam.

Finally sunny

The ferns, astilbe, black-eyed susans, coneflowers, hollyhocks and dalias are finally planted. I will post pics when they start to bloom. The strawberries to not look good at all. Maybe it is too windy where they are planted. Maybe they do not like this cold weather. Not sure. I plan to buy some more plants soon to fill in the ones that died. Hopefully that will help. Anyone have any advice on strawberry plants?

Snow in May?!??!

What is the deal with the weather? I planted some annuals last weekend since the weather was so nice. Now we are supposed to get snow this weekend. Not much but still! I have all my annuals covered. Hopefully they will do ok.

New plants

I bought some new plants today. I got some ferns and astilbe for the shade area. Some annuals and for the wildflower area purple coneflower, blackeyed susan and tick seed. Hopefully the wind will die down and I can plant some tonight.
The zinnias that I started inside are not doing well. I might just put them outside and see what happens.

Big steps

Here are some ideas of big steps to take that will help the environment. These are more difficult to do or cost a significant amount of money. I have not done all of these items but am working on a few of them.

-ride a bike to work, take mass transit or carpool. This takes some planning and may be difficult with your work schedule.

-give up eating meat.

-install solar panels to your house

-plant native plants in your yard. They will require less water and benefit the local wildlife

-buy your clothes used or from companies with sustainable environmental practices (this takes some research)

-install energy star appliances

-buy all organic vegetables and fruit

-grow and preserve more of your own food

-support environmental organizations. Some of my faves are Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists and WWF.

-

Medium steps

Here are some more Earth Day tips. These tips are a little more involved but have more of an impact on the environment.

-reduce the amount of meat that you eat. Instead of eating a chicken breast for dinner eat half of one and add a side salad. Have one dinner per week (or more) that are meatless.

-When you do buy new clothing consider looking into bamboo fabrics. Cotton uses a lot of water and pesticides to grow.

-install a low flow shower head. If you put in one that has a "pause" button then you can turn the water down while you shampoo and soap up.

-If you have a garden or yard install a rain barrel. (Check local codes to make sure it is allowed)

-Learn to deal with weeds in your yard. All the pesticides you use end up in the ground water. In the middle of the summer allow your grass to dry out a little. If you must water then water early in the morning to decrease evaporation.

-buy from ecologically responsable companies. Simple, simply green and 7th generation are some of my faves.

-Compost. There are several methods of outdoor composting and vermicomposting. We have an indoor naturemill composter and love it! http://www.naturemill.com/

-unplug items that you do not use everyday. Anything with a little light that indicated it is on uses power even when not in use

-if you have old appliances look into purchasing new energy star appliances

-get a home energy audit. They can tell you what changes to make in order to make your home more energy efficient

-keep your lawnmower, snowblower etc. in good condition. Machines that are dirty and not working well use more gas to run.

-plan activities ouside. The more time you spend in nature the more you will want to protect it

Earth Day

With Earth Day coming up this week I decided to add some "green tips" There are different levels that people are willing to do in terms of an eco friendly lifestyle.

Here are some baby steps to take. They have a small impact on the environment but are the easiest steps to start with.

-cook meals at home. Fast food meals produce a lot of garbage (paper
cups,wrappers etc.) Cooking at home is also cheaper and healthier.

-take lunch to work in reusable containers

-stop junk mail https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/regist.action

-identify areas in your life that you would like to make changes. (in terms of impact on the environment) Start with just one and see how many changes you can make.

-ask youself if you need to wash every item of clothing after wearing it just once. If you have a job where you do not get very dirty you can wear pants and shirts more than once.

-Does everything you buy need to be brand new? Look into buying used items at Good-will, garage sales and on-line.

-borrow items from the library instead of buying them. Libraries have more than just books these days.

These are just a few ideas. More added later in the week.

Busy Saturday!

Today we mulched the ivy and apple trees. Then we planted 3 lilafc bushes and some strawberry plants. After that I watered. Later today I am planning on planting morning glory seeds and doing more weeding. For lunch we grilled burgers outside and sat on the patio.

Celestial treasury

Here is my celestial treasury http://www.etsy.com/treasury/2424b47be248ca4be602bc00

Busy Saturday

Today we bought 3 lilac bushes, 2 apple trees and 2 raspberry bushes. I was hoping to buy a plum tree but maybe next time. We planted the apple trees and raspberry bushes. Tomorrow we will plant the lilac bushes and some bee balm. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

Longest week ever!

This has been a long week! The weather has been bad and my mood has been worse. I really hope that the weekend will be nice so I can spend sometime outside. Being outside seems to make me feel better.

Sales on etsy have also been slow. I have been posting on other sites in the hopes that sales will increase. We shall see what happens. I am in another treasury this week http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=124808

Garden treasury

Here is a garden treasury that I created. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=123504

Gardeny goodness

The weather warmed up and I finally had some time to work outside. I trimmed back all the dead plants that I left over the winter. My theory was that by leaving the dead plant up over the winter the roots would have a little more insulation against the cold. also any seeds left the critters could eat and they could make a nest in the plant over the winter. Not sure how sound that theory is.
The bee balm is starting to come up and the irises are poking up. The crocuses has been up for a few weeks. They are so cute!

Hammermann.etsy.com has a unique shop with garden markers. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43838876

There are makers for lots of different plants and herbs. Customs orders are also available.

please vote for me

I am on a blog poll. Please vote for my shop. http://funkeyjunkdesigns.blogspot.com/

ads!

I have an ad on craftopolis.com Hope this increases shop views and sales. Keep your fingers crossed!

lazy me

Ok, ok, I know. I have had a week off from work and have not posted anything new. I didn't do much this week. Today I repotted the tomato plants and started zinnia seeds. The weather outside is cold and depressing so I stayed inside.

garden charms

Jojosgems.etsy.com has some fun wine charms. Never confuse your wine glass with someone else's again! Check out this fun shop!

I am in a treasury!

This one is about spring!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=121243

lightbulb jokes

Q. How Many Dogs Does It Take to Change A Light Bulb?
A1. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we've got our
whole lives ahead of us, and you're inside worrying about a stupid
burned out bulb?
A2. Border Collie: Just one. And then I'll replace any wiring that's not
up to code.
A3. Dachshund: You know I can't reach that stupid lamp!
A4. Rottweiler: Make me.
A5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.
A6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can
I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!
A7. German Shepherd: I'll change it as soon as I lead these people from
the dark, check to make sure I haven't missed any, and make just one
more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of
the situation.
A8. Jack Russell Terrier: I'll just pop it in while I'm bouncing off the
walls and furniture.
A9. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I'm sorry, but I don't see a light
bulb?
A10. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the
dark.
A11. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb.
A12. Pointer: I see it, there it is, there it is, right there ...
A13. Greyhound: It isn't moving. Who cares?
A14. New Zealand Sheep Dog: First, I'll put all the light bulbs in a
little cluster...
A15. Toy Poodle: I'll just blow in the Border Collie's ear and he'll do
it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

tracking code

Let's have a vote,shall we?

Vote on your fave item. I cannot decide which is my fave.

report card time

Reply More Grannamumzee Posted: 03-19-2010 4:04 PM

-->
These are actual comments made on students' report cards by teachers in the New York City public school system. All teachers were reprimanded (but, boy, are these funny!)

1. Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.

2. I would not allow this student to breed.

3. Your child has delusions of adequacy.

4. Your son is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot. (my favorite...)

5. Your son sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.

6. The student has a 'full six-pack' but lacks the plastic thing to hold it all together.

7. This child has been working with glue too much.

8. When your daughter's IQ reaches 50, she should sell.

9. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming..

10. If this student were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.

11. It's impossible to believe the sperm that created this child beat out 1,000,000 others.

12. The wheel is turning but the hamster is definitely dead.

It is spring!

Yesterday was in the 60s and sunny so I took some pics of the crocuses in the front yard. The other pics are of my strawberry plants and pepper plants. I think I might get a grow bulb to put in my lamp the peppers are too skinny.

I am in a treasury!

Thanks for putting me in your tresury. Please come and post comments on the treasury. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=119721

Gloriousglassgarden.etsy.com

Here is a shop that every gardener will enjoy. There are beautiful butterfly feeders, birdbaths and hummingbird feeders. Check out this shop for gifts or something for yourself.

more famous people

George Bush-the kazoo who thinks he is the conductor
Alberto Gonzalez-he would forget to attend band practice
Roseanne-Tuba play who beats up anyone who makes fun of the tuba
Madonna-this one time at band camp...

If famous people were musical instruments

If famous people were musical instruments what would they be?

Barack Obama-bassoon
Sarah Palin-A flute that desperately wants to be a trumpet
John Stewart-a percussionist who plays lots of odd instruments
Dick Cheney-a trombone that has been run over
Martha Stewart-would not be in the band she would be designing the uniforms
Steven Colbert-the drum major because it gets the most attention
John McCain-the snare drum that is always on the wrong beat but he would smile the whole
time as if he knew what was going on
John McCain's wife-last chair flute
James Earl Jones-I could not decide on a baritone or a timpani drum

I will add more later. Who do you thing should be on this list?

strawberries

Tonight I planted a dozen strawberry plants inside. They do not look too impressive so I have not taken any pictures. They are hanging out on the window seat next to the rosemary plant. The plan is to have them covering the berms in the back yard. I was tempted by the raspberry bushes in the store but will wait a little longer before I buy them. Not sure how many I need anyway. We are planting apple trees on the berms too so we shold have a yummy yard.

linenkids.com

You must check out this shop if you have kids or work with them. Linenkids so generously sent me a puzzle to use in my classroom. The kids loved it. The sturdy elephant puzzle has beautiful colors. The elephants can stand up by themselves. I love the fact the the numbers are carved into the puzzle pieces so they will never wear off. This puzzle will last through my entire teaching career. I plan to buy several new items from this shop soon. Thank you linenkids!

This shop also has fun weaving toys and beautiful kids clothes. What a great gifts for baby showers. http://www.etsy.com/shop/linenkids?ga_search_query=linenkids&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

seedlings!

My cherry tomato seedlings have sprouted! They are about 1/2 an inch tall and adorable. They beat out the other tomato plants and the pepper plants. They receive to gold medal in the seedling sprouting olympics. Here is their first picture.

Saturday

It was so sunny this morning that I was inspired to create a garden journal. I have one that I made for myself and I keep track of what I plant and how well it does. This way I do not plant the same thing and have it die again. I also keep track of how much items cost to keep spending in check. I am going to start some annual seeds inside today.

Here is my garden journal. There are more pics in my shop www.mhaynes2009.etsy.com

Let us plant lettuce

I was thinking of planting some lettuce seeds inside next week in little peat pots. I am hoping to plant every few weeks and being able to have lettuce for most of the summer. Is it too early to plant lettuce inside in Wisconsin?

My fave gardening sites

Here are some of my fave gardening sites. http://videos.birdsandblooms.com/
http://www.garden.org/home
http://www.organicgardening.com/

http://www.burpee.com/home.do?ch=SEM

Most of the seeds that I bought are Burpee seeds. Later in the spring I will swap some plants with my neighbor. I am hoping to eventually plant corn, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, beans, peas, cucumbers, lettuce, and herbs along with a ton of flowers.

Gardening

I started some of my seeds inside yesterday. I have 2 different kinds of tomato plants and a mix of sweet pepper plants. I am so sick of winter and love to start seeds early. Maybe I should also start some annuals too. They are pretty expensive in the store. I will be posting pic of the seeds when they sprout. Hopefully pics of my garden too.

Anyone have any gardening tips they would like to post?

edufelt.esy.com

This shop has several different kinds of teaching resources. If you know a new teacher treat them to an item from this shop.

glitterfulstories.etsy.com

Cookies week is an adorable story about a mischevious cat that gets into everything. Will Cookie rest on Saturday or get into more trouble? This shop has felt stories about lots of popular childrens stories.

banished.etsy.com

banished has some great things in his shop. I love the wooden trucks and cars. They are sure to last a lot longer than anything you buy in the store. These simple designs encourage open ended play and creativity.

.

Kids will have a great time with this spin and spell letter toy. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35700064

This shop also has several memory games that kids will enjoy.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40261366

If are a teacher check out MamaMayI.etsy.com

hands on teaching materials

polliwog77

Kids learn best by interacting with their world. These tactile sandpaper letters are a great way to help kids learn letters. These price of these letters is much better than in a teacher materials catalog! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40619177

zzbob

zzbob.etsy.com also has a cool wooden puzzle. This alphabet snake would be fun for kids 3-6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35672287

cute wooden toys

linenkids.etsy.com has lots of cute educational items. They items I liked the best were to wooden toys. Wooden toys are durable and will last forever.

feltresources.etsy.com

feltresources has lots of fun educational items. If you teach young children you will love the Very hungry caterpiller set, Chicka Chicka Boom boom and Brown Bear flannel board sets.

Another educational shop

CreatedByMegan.etsy.com has some adorable embroidered bean bags for each letter of the alphabet, number 1-10 and colors. Think of how many games and learning opportunities you can use these bean bags for. The best parts are that the bean bags come in a bag and are washable. Kids love hands on learning. Buy these bean bags today!

The other bean bag set in this shop have the alphabet on one side and cute animals on the other.

educational shops

Since I am a teacher I thought that I should feature some shops with educational materials. Darvix.etsy.com has some cute fabric books.

If the tooth fairy comes to your house you might need this tooth fairy book and pillow.

Darvix also have some cute baby quilts for your new arrival. Great gifts for baby showers too!