My Side of Life

Mexican Daisy's

2013-06-18T09:29:00.001-07:00

These cheerful little Daisy's are a favorite in my yard. I love how they come in different colors, pinks, purples, whites , a nice blend to look at each day. They stay blooming from spring to fall and are pretty much a "bush" . In the last few years I've taken clippings to propagate and plant around the yard. Now that I have several of them going it was time to collect their seeds. It's a long delicate operation because these little flowers make even smaller seeds that can blow away with a breath of air. Literally.

With a long blooming season they also seed throughout as well. They get that cute fuzz like a dandelion and blow away so easily you have to collect the seeds on a calm day. Even then though you're most likely going to see seeds fly away.

Cute fuzz head!

Such tiny seeds!

I've decided to collect two ways, one by snatching up the fuzzy seed heads and another is simply brush them off some rocks that I shoved under one of the bushes. This way, when the wind blows the seeds, they collect on the rock, making collection a little easier.

The seeds are so delicate I use a paint brush.

While collection may be tricky, growing is even more trickier. It's easier to make cuttings and root them than grow by seeds.

You do not cover these seeds but mix with fine sand or even lime not dirt. It takes about 4-6 weeks to germinate and you must keep them moist and only use a light sprinkle or even mist or else you will damage the seedlings. It takes a lot of care to get these pretty flowers going! Totally worth all the time you put into them! They last long, and are cheerful to have in the garden.

Once you get past this stage you will have a hardy plant that is resistant to drought, and pretty much cares for itself. The bush simple rests through the winter then comes to life in the spring each year, making it a joy to have around in the garden.

The Phone Issue

2013-06-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

We have lived in this house for more than five years and never not had an issue with our phone. It's been so frustrating. Rain getting the lines wet, it cuts us off. Static on the line, buzzing, echoing and here lately, just no phone at all! Yup, haven't had a phone working for over a week. Our provider is AT&T and while I love my cell phone service even TV from them the land line is and has been nearly useless to us. There has always been trouble with it, people come out here to fix it then weeks later we have more trouble.
Now I know weather messing up the lines, and sure it can be really problematic. Never knew anyone with so many issues with a single line.
Whatever it is, I do wish they could fix it, and have it keep working. Having my DSL drop me every five minutes is annoying. Having static on the phone while making a long distance call is frustrating. The customer service has rocked , polite, helpful, yet the problem always comes back. :( Now before I end this, I will mention that before we called them we did check the line. Made sure it was not a problem on our end of the line, and it's not. There's isn't even a tone coming into the phone box, so it's all on their end. Which is even possibly more frustrating since they've been out here already to fix this.

I am truly hopeful that our phone troubles finally end this week. I am waiting for the company to send someone out here and help us out. Possibly end the problem all together? Wishful thinking I'm thinking considering this has been 5+ years now of issues never going away.

I'll update hopefully if things are fixed, otherwise if I end up going missing on the blog here lately- You will know it's a phone issue...

Again.

Happy Father's Day!!

2013-06-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

To all the amazing Father's out there, Happy Father's Day!!

Dollar Shave Club for Father's Day

2013-06-15T08:12:00.003-07:00

Just in time for Fathers Day!

Dollar Shave Club couldn't be simpler.

Select a great razor
Pay the low, monthly fee
Dollar Shave Club will send 'em right to your door.

NO more over-paying for fancy, brand-name shave tech. NO more forgetting to buy your blades. Click here to check it out

Easy Chicken Caesar Salad

2013-06-14T12:29:00.004-07:00

Salads seem simple enough don't you think? So why is this called Easy Chicken Caesar Salad?
Easy answer <-- HA! Sorry I had to , alright lameness aside, this is called easy because of the homemade dressing. I love the taste which actaully has some anchovy paste in it, and no it does not taste fishy or nasty. It tastes really great and my kids love it!

I used buffalo chicken in my sandwich, so yum!

Caesar Dressing
Ingredients ( makes 4 servings)

2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 teaspoons mustard ( favorite is Dijon, and sometimes even the spicy brown kicks this up a notch)
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoons anchovy paste ( I find this near all the other pastes, like basil and pesto in the produce section)
2 tablespoons EVOO
3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ( make sure it's grated and fresh)
Pepper to taste

To make Dressing-
Place the first 6 ingredients into a food processor and pulse it gently till combined. While you are pulsing it slowly ass the olive oil in until it becomes creamy. Add in the cheese and pepper.

Assemble Salad- You will need Romaine Lettuce , Skinless chicken breast, Parmesan cheese, Croutons. I added chopped celery, carrots and chives from the garden to perk it up a bit. Use however much you need for the amount of people your serving but the dressing only makes for 4. Refrigerate leftovers.

Enjoy!

This weeks awesome coupons

2013-06-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Meat

Drinks + Beverages

Snacks + Cheese (Mac & Cheese Too)

Sauce + Dressings + Spread

Misc

Health + Wellness

More Drinks

Wordless Wednesday

2013-06-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

Chives- Companion planting

2013-06-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to post more from readers about all things gardening, who am I to turn down that request? Also well let's face it- we are in the prime planting season so I have plenty to post about in the garden. Today we're talking Chives!

One of the easiest things to grow are chives, whether onion or garlic you could pretty much just toss seeds at dirt and they will take over growing for you. Just water them and you are done. The best things I find about growing chives though are this- they don't take up much space, they grow fast, they bloom quickly and draw in bees early in the season. There's plenty other reason too, one being they are great companion plants .

Companion plants are great, while people need friends to keep them company, so do plants. By doing so you get benefits, whether by the added flavor to a vegetables or fruit, or less bugs to deal with, even less plant disease. Some plants have different benefits, but all are helping you out.

A great way to boost tomato flavors is planting chives in with the tomatoes.( do not plant with peas or beans) You can also plant them with carrots and even roses to help prevent black spots! I grow a large amount of chives throughout the garden and even have one main container just for one reason- making a homemade garden spray. If you make a chive tea, which is just blending up a bunch of chives in water you can spray plants and keep them from forming mildew which will take an entire plant out. I spray it mostly on cucumbers and it's helped save them.

They not only taste great but they are super helpful throughout the garden!

Garlic Chives will have white flowers while Onion chives will have purple flowers.

After the chives go to flower you will see them dry up a bit. Keep watching until the petals part just a little and you can see the black seeds inside. Simply tip the dried flower head down into a bag or jar to collect it's seeds. Store in cool dry dark place and plant when you want!

Recovering from an injury- My New PT

2013-06-10T08:41:00.001-07:00

It's now been 7 months since I had surgery and broke my hip. Does not seem that long, in fact it seems too short. I still have incredible pain some days, but nothing like before and it's being managed as much as it can. Yoga has been my top recovery PT in which I do daily, then when I could finally walk which was just in March that was added to daily workouts. The last few weeks I added a new workout and therapy which was the bike!

I pack the kids up and head out to the track everyday after dinner to do laps on the bike and we all benefit. The kids are busy in the infield playing and I not only get my PT done but I get a sense of some peace and quiet without the kids in my face. It's a win -win .

Not easy that's for sure. It works the hip and leg muscles far more than walking and it's required an intense amount of fall backs as far as pain. Through the pain though and of course rest when needed it's given me some new strengths. I like being able to go fast again. Used to run everyday, and I am not able to do that , won't be able to for awhile so the bike has given me some speed back in which I crave. It's very challenging to go slow with things. From a multi tasker to someone who is told to take it easy at every turn, it's hard. Recovery is not just physically challenging it's mentally challenging and if you've ever been injured enough to have to cut way back on your daily activities you know what it feels like. Sitting still doesn't happen with me, I'm always doing something. So for nearly five months I was on crutches, not able to drive, not able to just simply get up and walk. Being told "you cannot do this" was daily and it got to me. Still gets to me, so to be able to bike and get to go fast or do a few miles is something that's put a nice shine back into my life. It makes the wait for the day I am told I can run again a little easier to face. :)

Do you and your family get out and exercise together? Or do you step out by yourself and enjoy some time to yourself?

Garden update - Farewell to Spring

2013-06-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

My garden as far as vegetables is going so far is right on track. Lettuce, greens, peas, beans and squash will be collected first while the tomatoes, peppers , eggplants cucumbers and more will come a little later. Right now though I am still knee deep in flowers and collecting their seeds which I don't mind one bit!

In the attempts to name all the wildflowers that came unnamed to me I've been able to get another one down- Clarkia Amoea or Farewell to Spring.

They tend to be about 3 feet tall, and come in a variety of pinks, whites and deep purple.

I love them! The only one drawback is waiting on the seeds. Since they are so tall, waiting for the deadhead and then drying seed pod sticks out like a sore thumb in the garden. Last year I had missed seed collection because well, I was in the hospital! So all those seeds scattered around the garden and they seem to take twice as long to go from flower to seed. I had to pull a few because they started to crowd the vegetables, which sucks I hate pulling plants. There's still a ton left though around the house. Here are the colors -

Deep Pink and Light Pink

Almost White, and light Pink

Light Pink and Dark Pink

Deep Pink and White

I have a few buds with purple but they haven't bloomed yet! I'll update when they do.

Have any flowers in the garden? What's growing? What's not?

Wordless Wednesday

2013-06-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

source;

Disney Junior's "Pirate and Princess" Summer Programming Release

2013-06-04T08:43:00.001-07:00

"SOFIA THE FIRST," CABLE TV'S #1 SERIES AMONG KIDS 2-5, EXPANDS TO DAILY TELECAST AND KICKS OFF DISNEY JUNIOR'S "PIRATE AND PRINCESS SUMMER" MULTI-PLATFORM PROGRAMMING EVENT

BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 10

New Episodes of "Sofia the First" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" to Debut Throughout the Summer; WATCH Disney Junior to Premiere Episodes a Week Before They Debut On-Air

Viola Davis, Megan Mullally and Jerry O'Connell Guest Star;

Classic Disney Princess Jasmine Makes Special Appearance on "Sofia the First"

"Sofia the First," cable TV's #1 series among Kids 2-5, will expand to a daily telecast and kick off Disney Junior's multi-platform "Pirate and Princess Summer" programming event beginning MONDAY, JUNE 10. The series, starring Disney's first little girl princess, will air weekdays at 9:30 a.m. ET/PT and weekends at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and weeknights at 7:00 p.m. and weekends 5:30 p.m. on Disney Junior.

All summer long, new episodes of "Sofia the First" and hit series "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" will alternate with Friday premieres FRIDAY, JUNE 14 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 on both Disney Channel (9:00 a.m. ET/PT) and Disney Junior (5:00 p.m. ET/PT). Authenticated pay TV subscribers can watch the shows a week in advance on WATCHDisneyJunior.com and via the WATCH Disney Junior apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. WATCH Disney Junior delivers a live feed of the network online and to mobile devices, as well as on demand episodes of popular shows. Currently, the service is available on Comcast, Cablevision, Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Midcontinent Communications and AT&T U-verse.

Notable guest stars include Academy Award nominee Viola Davis ("The Help") and Megan Mullally ("Will & Grace") on "Sofia the First," and Jerry O’Connell ("Crossing Jordan") on "Jake and the Never Land Pirates." Classic Disney Princess Jasmine, voiced by Linda Larkin ("Aladdin") and sung by Broadway legend Lea Salonga ("Miss Saigon"), makes her debut appearance on "Sofia the First."

(Editors please note: Images and clips are available at www.disneyjuniormedianet.com. Registration required).

The "Pirate and Princess Summer" event takes place across all Disney Junior digital platforms including Disney Junior On Demand, WATCH Disney Junior and iTunes, as well as an immersive online super-site on DisneyJunior.comfeaturing new episode specific activities and games to "unlock" each week with a special token showcased during each episode premiere. Beginning Friday, June 14, parents and caregivers can log on toDisneyJunior.com/Summer and upload the photos of their child dressed as a pirate or princess for the chance to be featured as the "Pirate/Princess of the Day" on Disney Junior.

Among the premieres are an episode of "Sofia the First" featuring Princess Jasmine, Friday, June 14 (9:30 a.m. ET/PT); Jerry O’Connell guest starring as a pirate genie in search of a treasure wishing well on "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," Friday, June 14; Jane Kaczmarek and Teri Hatcher recur in the roles Red Jessica and Beatrice Le Beak, respectively on "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," Friday, June 21; Viola Davis guest starring as Sofia's energetic Buttercup troop leader on "Sofia the First," Friday, July 26; and Megan Mullally guest stars as Miss Nettle, a new fairy teacher who Sofia quickly learns is up to no good, on "Sofia the First," Friday, August 23. All airtimes are 9:00 a.m. ET/PT unless otherwise noted.

Also this summer, a full "Sofia the First" product line including apparel, home décor, toys and much more will launch at major retailers nationwide for the first time, along with an expanded product line for "Jake and the Never Land Pirates."

Some deals and coupons

2013-05-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hormel + BBQ!

Cleaning, Scrubbing + Body Care

Frozen Treats

Entertainment

Drinks

Magazines

Misc

Wordless Wednesday

2013-05-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

Identifying plants - Bachelor Buttons

2013-05-12T16:28:00.003-07:00

Couple years ago I bought a pound of wildflower seeds. There was no description about what flowers were inside and so this started the process of trying to identify the flowers. Since collecting seeds and sharing them with others it's best to know what you are sharing to start with! This weekend I finally figured out what this one flower was, took me months. I started looking up dazzling blue low growing wild flower- turns out the same flower came up in white, then pink. There went my searching prospects!

It may have taken me awhile but in the entire process of knowing what the seed looked like, the stem, leaves and then finally the flower I get to know the plant even better. Just like the Sunflower process I took pictures of I am learning plants, and flowers from seed to seed. It's fun and interesting.
These Bachelor Buttons grow about 35 inches tall. Long thin stem and spread out just like a button. So far I have seen the blue, white, and pale pink, but have been told they show up in purple.

Here is the Bachelor Button from seed to seed!

I think they have cute seeds!

You can tell the color of the Bachelor button when it hits this stage, look at the very tip and you can catch either a light color for white and pink or a dark one for purple or blue.

Blue seems to be dominate, I like the pale pink ones though. The whites and pinks seem to also be a little smaller than blue.

The pedals slowly die off and the seeds form right at the base o the pedals . You will collect them one all the pedals have gone pale in color and it starts looking dry. The seed pod will look fuzzy on top which will be the tops of the seed. Store in cool dry place!

Happy Mother's Day !

2013-05-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream

2013-05-10T15:48:00.004-07:00

Hot days are upon us which means frozen treats are as well! My grandfather used to make his own ice cream during the winter with snow and a hand crank ice cream maker- The BEST ever ice cream I ever had. I miss that so much I have begun to make my own ice cream. Not with snow of course, though that would be a triple treat!
My friend gave me this and she says her mother copied it from a Better Homes and Garden book ( magazine?) Not sure which year but it is not my recipe.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Ingredients
1 whole vanilla bean
1 3/ 4 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar ( divide)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
5 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions
In heavy saucepan stir together cream, milk, half the sugar, and the salt and vanilla.
Heat this over medium-high heat until the mixture starts to bubble . Remove from heat and cover.
Place egg yolks in a medium bowl and whisk. Add in the remaining sugar until smooth. Set aside. Uncover the cream mixture and heat over medium-high heat until almost simmering. Reduce heat back to medium.
Using a ladle, scoop some of the hot cream, whisking constantly at the same time as you pour into yolks one scoop at a time. pour into yolks. Stirring constantly , slowly pour yolk mixture into hot cream in saucepan. Continue to cook on medium, stirring constantly and making sure you scrap the entire bottom of the pan. Make sure nothing burns. Cook until mixture goes from the consistency of heavy cream to that of a thin puree.
Remove the pan from heat and immediately pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup or small bowl.
Set the bowl in a larger bowl of ice water and stir frequently with a clean spatula until it is all cooled off. Remove and cover. You will refrigerate for at 3-4 hours until completely cold. Follow the ice cream maker instructions after this.

Enjoy!

Enchiladas made easy

2013-05-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

It's been so busy around here lately things seem to go at warp speed! Ever have days like that? With warmer days approaching and summer on it's way school projects are coming to a close and we've been scrambling to get other things done as well. Days like this I need a quick dinner to put together and I thought this one a friend gave to me was worth sharing.
Instead of using the more spicy sauce you normally use with Enchiladas this takes tomato paste. My kids enjoy this more but I still spice my own helping up more. Can't help it, I like the spice!

Ingredients

1 pound of beef
1 can diced tomatoes ( 14 oz) Drained, save the juice for later use
1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
1 medium onion chopped up ( about a half a cup)
3 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
about 10 flour tortillas ( the small 8 in ones)
2 cups four cheese shredded

*measure the tomato juice in a measuring cup and add enough water to make a total of 1/2 cup

Directions
Brown the beef and cook onion in a large skillet until heated through. Drain any of the fat out. Stir in the the tomatoes, the paste and the tomato juice water mixture along with seasonings. Mix well.
Line large baking dish with foil and spray with baking spray. Take the tortilla's and fill each one up with the beef mixture Roll up and place seam down. Finish the rest of the tortilla's . Top with any remaining beef mixture and add cheese on top. Cover with foil and stick in the fridge or bake right away.
Oven at 350F and cool for 35-40 minutes. Uncover the dish for the last 5 minutes and serve right away.
You can freeze these, just take out about 45 minutes before you want to bake.

This weeks good coupons

2013-05-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Food

Personal Care

Home Care

Monster's University Activity sheets for the kids

2013-05-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun Activity sheets for the kids from Monster's University ! Use this link right here should take you to my Google docs ( let me know if there's a problem)

Garden Update

2013-05-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

The weather has been all over the place but this past week it was perfect for planting. Not to hot, which if planting in super hot weather could cause the plants to go into shock!.
What's happening in the garden now is a whole lot of everything!

Peas are climbing

More squash is growing, the copper mesh is protecting the young plants from pests

I've got chives going all over the place,

Tomatoes finally went into the ground. With the weather so up and down it's starting to effect the growth but I think they will take off quickly!

What's happening in your garden this week?

I'm still around!

2013-05-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a couple weeks due to busy happenings around here. With the end of school ( just this past Thursday) and other chaotic events it's just been nuts !
I'll catch up with posting and garden events in a couple days so don't go anywhere!

Happy Summer all!

Wordless Wednesday

2013-05-01T17:20:00.001-07:00

Bees, copper and pests!

2013-04-29T15:18:00.004-07:00

I am late getting my Garden post up today. We were doing a lot this weekend. Saturday was spent outside in the garden and dodging bees. The overhang right infront of our door is over come by bees. It freaks the kids out but they are mason bees. Mason Bee's are important in the garden ( all bees are!) Mason Bee's though don't even bother with us really they only sting if you squeeze them ( why would you do that!!) Or step on them, which I have done, and I'll tell you it hurts less than it does other bees. They really do not bother with people, they are so focused on flowers they could care less with humans or pets. Mason bees are considered "safe".

Besides bees, we set up the pool. Each year same weekend long set up , this year no troubles and I cannot wait. I will be able to do water therapy at home from my recovering broken hip! Hopefully it will help me out with my never ending pain. It's overwhelming most days, never goes away and there's nothing much to do about it. Just keep fingers crossed that things mend in the next few months.

Garden news!
Copper, it's all about copper these days. Couple weeks back put couple wire in the garden, it was a so-so solution . Since then I put copper mesh in the garden around the most troublesome plants that get killed off within days if not hours ( literally) of sprouting. The squash mostly are the target.

I placed the mesh right over the areas I planted the seeds, places rocked around the edges to keep the copper down. So far so good. Nothing has touched them, while in another area the squash have vanished. My conclusion so far is copper is proving to be a really good thing to have in the garden. I haven't lost a plant to snails since putting the mesh down which makes it a win in my book!

What's happening in your garden?

Brood X $300 Home Depot Gift Card Giveaway!

2013-04-28T22:07:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Brood X $300 Home Depot Gift Card Giveaway!

Hosted by Giveaway Promote.

Sponsored by author Michael Phillip Cash.

Are you prepared for the invasion of Brood X? It's here and you need to get ready!

Nothing will stop this 17 year swarm from happening. All humanity can do is hope that they will not stay around long.

Introducing Michael Phillip Cash's new book, Brood X. It is available on Amazon and coming soon to online book stores near you. Now you can win a copy of Brood X and a $300 Home Depot Gift Card or $300 USD via PayPal to help you get prepared for the invasion!

About Brood X:

Seth is laid off from work. His wife Lara just found out they are expecting a baby this summer. Seth plans on documenting the entire pregnancy with his brand new digital camcorder.

During an evening home watching television, the news reports that a swarm of cicada (Brood Ten) are expected to overwhelm the entire Northeast.

Brood Ten is vicious and ready to invade.

During a sweltering summer night, Brood Ten emerges and wreaks havoc with the electric grid, phone and cell service, wi-fi, food and water supply. Civilization as they know it is gone.

Seth and Lara are thrown back to the stone age in their own home with trillions of cicada trying to deposit their eggs and breed.

Will Seth grow up and take responsibility for his family? Or will the devastating bugs destroy humanity?

About Michael Phillip Cash:

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael Phillip Cash has always had a fascination with horror writing and found footage films.
He wanted to incorporate both with his debut novel, Brood X. Earning a degree in English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children.

Enter to win a $300 Home Depot Gift Certificate and a copy of Brood X.

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Ends at 11:59pm EST on May 12th, 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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