The babies are multiplying and growing

I couldn't resist going out and buying another tray of 72 little seed pods. I started lettuce, African Daisys and another type of marigold. The lavender seeds never sprouted so I used those pods to grow more marigolds.

It looks like a miniature forest in my office.
I can hardly wait to plant these little babies.


This is the 4 x 4 raised bed garden where the seedlings will live, grow and hopefully not die!

I transplanted 2 basil and 2 tomato plants into small mason jars. I think they need a little more room to grow before they venture outside. You can see the raised bed in the background filled with dirt.

Maggie is helping watch over the plants and catch a little sun.

My Story in Art

I have just discovered the amazingly creative art journal. Where have I been? How could I have missed all of this awesome creativity? Well it's high time I catch up. I started with The End, the back of my journal. I bought my spiral bound Canson mixed media spiral and off I go..............
I decided to start with the back cover incase it stinks then I won't have to look at it as much. Well, I am happy so far. I used acrylics to begin a beautiful rainbow of colors. I'm sure I will add more but for now I am pleased.
* note to self, completely wash hands before you start to blog. I guess a little paint won't kill my keyboard ;-)

Salt Dough Fossils

1 C salt
2 C flour
1 C water/coffee
Mix all ingredients. Roll out dough and stamp fossils using Dino feet, shells, bark, leaves, seeds, nuts, pretty much whatever you want.
Bake 200 for 2 hours or let dry for a few days.

A Planting We Will Go

Every year I think to myself how nice it would be if I planned ahead and started just a few plants and flowers from seeds. A few years ago I tried but I really wasn't paying attention to the poor little things and they dried up. Was it their fault?  Goodness no. I just keep on trying. (I've been listening to Pete the Cat lately)
My seeds, my seeds, my growing little seeds. I am tryingn to grow lavender, basil (love to make pesto!! and last year I spend almost $4 for a little bushel.), marigolds, and 2 kinds of tomatos.

Here are all of my little pods, 72 to be exact. I gave them a little warm water and they plumped right up. ( I think  my first attemp a few years ago I just threw the seeds on top and squired them a bit.)  With much more care this time I gingerly poked my finger in the middle to make a bigger hole and then in went the seeds. I covered them up a little bit. Put the plastic lid on the little guys and turned on the grow light.
Warmth and lighting was another area that I ignored last time. Our house is pretty chilly and I know the little seeds need the light and warmth. I bought a 60 watt bulb and I point it at the seeds for about 8 hours a day.

Let's see what happens.
Day 3. Good Morning little marigolds.

Please don't die :-)
The marigolds are the first ones to show a little green.

So this is week 5 and everything but the lavender is doing well. Tomatoes, marigolds, and basil are doing fine. I think I will start new flowers soon to replace the lavender.

Smoked Chicken Pasta Salad

1 1/2 lb smoked chicken or 1 small can chicken
2c penne pasta cooked drained cooled
1/2 c thinly sliced red onion
1/2 t pepper
Dash cayenne
1/4 c bacon bits
1/3 c mayonnaise
1/2 t minced garlic
1/2 t salt
1/2 t paprika
1/4 t thyme
1/4 t sage
1/4t dried mustard

In large bowl toss chicken pasta pepper onion and bacon combine set aside.

In a small bowl will mayo and remaining ingredients until smooth. Spoon mayo mixture over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately

Bento Lunch #2

Bento Lunch #2

Smoked Chicken Pasta Salad

5 carrots with poppyseed dressing

Strawberries

Hummus and pita chips

Bento Lunch #1

So I got this awesome little Bento Box for Christmas and I am hoping to start packing healthier, portion controlled lunches. I will be taking photos of the lunches that I thought were a hit. So in a week or two when I am staring at the refrigerator and can't think of what to make myself for lunch I will have a nice go to blog list.

I hope my hits inspire you too :-)

Bento Lunch #1

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sammie on WW bread

7 carrots

Salad with greens, cranberries, walnuts, crutons, and poppyseed dressing