Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Homemade Valentines

I had come across a very cool box of chocolates as I was scrolling through my Twitter Feed about a month ago. I was inspired to make my daughters Valentines treats this year.

I found The seller ConceptsInCandy on eBay

I'll be making the Easter & Christmas candies as well this year :)

Here is a picture of my inspiration with my own creation side by side
Do The Math



My cost was:
Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate Chips 1 bag
3 molds $2.50 each
2 decorative boxes about $1.00 each X2
about 1 hour of time

My candies are delicious dark chocolate
The hearts are filled with Nutella
The Skull is Marshmallow filled
There are solid bones & love shrooms
And 1 large chocolate covered marshmallow.

I planned to color some white chocolate but my girls were home on a
snow day, I got these finished because if the ice storm coming tonight
is bad I'll have no power to work with it tomorrow or maybe into The next day.

Simplicity is the answer th making it a better world.



Have A Happy Valentines Day 2014 ~V

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Biodiversity in Your Gardens ~ Manage your nasties

Manage your nasties with Biodiversity in Your Gardens



Natural places with a greater variety of plant species experience fewer outbreaks of pests.
Try to follow in natures footsteps in your own backyard. Incorporation of these Guilds will increase your pleasure & decrease your pest worries.

Create your own Plant Guilds
(Plant Guilds are different varieties of plant that grow together requiring the same conditions that exist in harmonious balance)

Insect Feeding plants
Pollen & Nectar are essential foods for many beneficials. Like you, they require energy to hunt and reproduce, Plant sources supplement the prey they eat for energy.

Insect attracting
Some plants are pest prone, these are good for feeding your beneficials as well. Lay a trap to feed your predatory creatures and allow them to reproduce and protect your garden even further.

Strongly Scented plants
Leaf eaters will avoid these and plants nearby. Planting plants od non green colors although they have an attracting scent leaf munching critters have a harder time finding them.

Outdoor Perennial Conservatory
Plant Perennials to shelter beneficials in harsh weather. Native plants are usually more xeric and return each year even the plant debris mulches and protects some beneficial species of insects. These beds usually need minimal upkeep.

Plant flowering plants like zinnias & marigolds along with your edibles your edibles to attract pollenating insects and increase your harvests.

It is important for us to find NON CHEMICAL ways to take care of our gardens. The impact of chemicals on our quality of life is truly a Phantom Menace. Convenience of sprays and dust are not what you want to put into the soil or into your body. Avoid it at all costs.

10 beneficials you should get to know
www.organicgardeningguru.com/beneficial-insects


I will post some Botanical Pesticides & Homemade Pesticide Recipes in the coming weeks