Great Deals on Bareroot Shrubs

I know that I can't be the only person out there still landscaping their yard (almost 4 years later). I brought home 7 bareroot shrubs over the weekend for my husband to plant in our yard. Now we just need 7 more and we'll be done with all our landscaping shrubs!

Our local nursery sells some of these plants as bareroot, meaning they have their roots exposed and are packaged in a black trash bag with some straw and a little water. Buying bareroot requires almost immediate planting. (You could even dig the holes before you go to the nursery if you know where you want them to go.)

The advantage of these shrubs is that they're about half the price of potted plants. For instance, an amur maple I saw offered bareroot last year was $10 versus $20 for the potted ones they're offering this year.

Not all nurseries offer bareroot shrubs and trees, but now is the time of year (at least here) that they'd be starting to sell them. Later on in the season, nurseries pot these plants and sell them at higher prices.

I've had fairly good luck with the plants living on me (as long as I water them). A mockorange I bought years ago blossoms every year and is getting nice and large. They're not usually huge plants in the beginning, but they can be given time to grow.

April Fool's Fun Food Ideas

So, I'm not really a huge April Fool's fan, but I've been saving these ideas and pictures for a whole year! They're a fun way to shake things up a bit with your family. Be sure to check out all three categories and some more great links at the end!

Desserts that Look Like Real Food

Sushi
Make rice krispy treats. Put down a green or red piece of fruit leather. When cool enough to handle, put krispy treats in a rectangle and put gum drops (or gummy bears) in the middle. Roll up and cut into sushi pieces. Serve with chocolate syrup as sauce. (2)

Pizza

Make a one-layer white cake. Top with red frosting and shaved white chocolate for the sauce and cheese. Make personal-size pizzas with sugar cookie bases.

Bagel Sandwich with Cream Cheese and Lox

Slice open a cake doughnut. Spread on frosting (1/4 c. cream cheese, 1 Tbsp. confectioner's sugar, and 1/4 tsp. vanilla). Add thinly sliced mango or papaya pieces for lox. (2)

Ketchup and Fries

Cut stale bread into long strips and fry in vegetable oil for about 1 minute, or until golden. Drain briefly on paper towels, then when it's still warm but not burning your fingers, roll in a cinnamon-sugar mixture (1/2 c. sugar to 2 Tbsp. cinnamon). Put strawberry jelly in a little ketchup container for the ketchup. (2)

Grilled Cheese

Butter outsides of 2 slices of pound cake. Fry outsides only in a pan like you would for grilled cheese. Allow to cool. Add orange-tinted frosting to the middle. This also works with angel food cake or other dense cakes. (1)

Desserts that Look Yucky

Kitty Litter
Check out a great recipe for this at Allrecipes.com. (It's just made from cake, pudding, cookies, and tootsie rolls. Make sure you use a new kitty litter tray.) My friend Jenny brought this to a party.

Spiders

I have no idea how to make this. It was also brought to a party. It looks like it involves marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and fake spiders. I remember it was delicious. Any ideas, readers?

Real Foods that Look Like Desserts

Pulled Pork Parfait

Layer pulled pork, barbeque sauce, and mashed potatoes in a translucent cup to resemble a parfait. (2)

Cornbread Cupcakes

Make corn muffins. Frost tops with whipped butter.

Check out more ideas and recipes at Family Fun Magazine and Allrecipes.com.

Idea Sources:

1) Martha Stewart Living Magazine (general site link)

2) Food Network Magazine

Instructions rewritten by me. Pictures courtesy my friend Heather.

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.

Vacuuming Logbook

6:15 a.m. Realize to-do list includes vacuuming, which I didn't do yesterday because I was literally sick and tired. Try to get motivated. Make pound cake instead.

11:25 a.m. Still not motivated, but have finished everything else on the to-do list.

11:30 a.m. Bring vacuum downstairs. Plug it in.

11:31 a.m. Baby decides she's going to help. Vacuum very s-l-o-w-l-y.

11:33 a.m. Pry vacuum away from baby. Stop to put books back on bookshelf that baby pulled out. Vacuum around baby that won't move. Vacuum up a large pile of dirt in the kitchen. (I wouldn't pot plants inside, really....)

11:35 a.m. Interrupted by baby. Fix lunch.

12:45 p.m. Decide it's really time to finish vacuuming.

12:46 p.m. Baby says she has to go "pee pee." Turn vacuum off. Rush upstairs for a successful potty moment!

12:54 p.m. Go back downstairs to really finish.

12:56 p.m. Baby throws tantrum because I'm not picking her up and vacuuming at the same time.

12:57 p.m. Give baby paint markers to keep her occupied and happy.

1:05 p.m. Done with the downstairs!

1:06 p.m. Realize what baby's done on the (formerly clean and vacuumed) kitchen floor.



Who needs paper with this huge floor to color on? (Luckily, it's washable.)



A Free What?

Perhaps you've received free shipping on an online order, or a free candy bar with an in-store purchase. Our local Radio Shack goes a step above and offers a free gun with Dish Network service. Check out the true sign and story here. Goes to show you have to know your customers! Given that we don't have a TV, I doubt we'll be signing up anytime soon.

Pound Cake and Fruit Skewers

Another last minute work request, with homemade pound cake, mind you:

Tastes like spring!

Easy Truffles and Toppings



From left: red velvet cake truffle, chocolate ganache with
chocolate topping and butterfly, chocolate ganache
rolled in cocoa powder

I've posted before about making truffles, but I just made them again with a friend and they are too easy not to share.

Chocolate Ganache Truffles
{chocolate to cream ratio is 1:1}
Chop good quality chocolate and put in bowl.
Heat heavy cream in saucepan until just simmering.
Pour cream over the chocolate. Wait 5 minutes.
Stir until chocolate has melted.
Cool in fridge for a couple of hours.
Shape into truffles by hand.
Coat with other melted chocolate or cocoa powder.

Red Velvet Cake Truffles
Mix one cooked and cooled red velvet cake with  2 c. cream cheese frosting.
Shape into balls.
Dip into melted white chocolate.
Add sprinkles liberally.

Chocolate Butterflies
Melt some chocolate chips in the microwave and stir until smooth.
Spoon melted chocolate in parchment paper tubes or a piping bag with small tip.
Pipe out beautiful designs onto wax paper. It helps to make wings separately.
Allow chocolate to dry, then peel them off.
Secure to truffles with more melted chocolate.
{tip: make your designs somewhat thick so they don't break off, like my poor wing did}

This post is being linked to Works for Me Wednesday and Mom's Crazy Cooking (This Week's Cravings).

Timing Your Garden



Welcome to the world little tomatoes!
I will really, really try to keep you alive this time.

Ever read the back of seed packets and see when you're supposed to start them indoors? Some are 10 weeks before last frost, some are 8, some can be direct-sown in the garden early, and some not until it's really warm outside. It's a lot to remember and keep track of if you've got a large garden! Plus, when am I supposed to hand my husband the pruning shears? Spring or fall?
I've found two methods this season that work for me:

1. I started a crazy Excel spreadsheet with garden chores specific to the plants in my yard. I put the plants on the left and the general seasons at the top (late winter, early spring, mid-spring, early summer, etc.). I also wrote down which zone of my yard they're in (front yard, back, garden, etc.). Then, I wrote the task in the middle area. In Excel, it's easy to filter your info to specific yard zones or seasons. (Pruning the apple tree is a late winter chore, I found out.) This is time-consuming, but it can be used and tweaked yearly.

2. If this leaves you somewhat discouraged, try this other method. Get on the mailing list of a local garden store. We have an independent garden store in town called Sam's Spade, which offers emails every one to two weeks telling me which seeds I should be starting indoors and out. It's great because it's tailored to my specific garden season and she doesn't send spam. [She did not pay me for this endorsement. I paid her for the liquid seaweed fertilizer today, though.]

How do you keep track of your garden madness?

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.

The Miracle of Mercy Land by River Jordan

River Jordan's The Miracle of Mercy Land is set in the deep South in the 1930s. Mercy Land leaves her family in Bittersweet to become Doc's Girl, or right-hand helper, at Bay City's local paper, The Banner. She thinks she's in line to take over the paper, until a mysterious book appears on Doc's desk one night and he summons a strange man for the role instead. Secrets emerge, people aren't who they seem to be, and the devil has a cameo as a Marilyn Monroe look-alike.

I loved the book in the beginning. It was fast-paced, full of intrigue, and had me hooked. But it ended up like a loaf of undercooked bread. The right ingredients were present, but the loaf was taken out of the oven too soon. The ending didn't quite make it for me. I didn't get it on the first read, either. That's why I'm mixed in my recommendation. Jordan tells a clean, romantic, emotional tale. I just prefer my books a little crisper. (PG-13 for traumatic events, 3/5 stars)

[I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.]

Chicken and Dumplings

Southern comfort food. Something the whole family will eat. Simmering goodness. That's right soul sisters, I'm talking chicken and dumplings. Half of this recipe comes from an ancient Betty Crocker cookbook and the other half from Pioneer Woman. So, hang with me for a real treat.

Chicken and Cornmeal Dumplings
(Serves 6-8)
In a large stock pot, melt 3 Tbsp. butter (or so)over medium heat. Add and saute for about 5 minutes:
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
Then, add:
1 broiler-fryer chicken, cut up
4 1/2 c. cold water
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper.
Heat to boiling, then skim the foam at the top. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Strain the chicken and vegetables, saving the broth. Put broth back in the pot. Allow chicken to cool, shred it, and add it back to the pot (sans bones, please). Add vegetables back to the pot, if you wish, and reheat the mixture to boiling.

While chicken is cooling, make the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. cornmeal
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. kosher salt
Add 1 1/2 c. of half-and-half (or milk) and stir gently to combine.
Drop tablespoons full of the dumplings into the pot. Cover the lid halfway and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through. Serve in bowls with a salad.

Cornstarch Goop

Finally, cornstarch goop that doesn't require a stove! Here's how to have easy-to-clean fun with a kid (or by yourself). The mix feels kind of solid and kind of like glue. I think I like it more than she does.

Recipe: Mix 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part water in a bowl. Play!



My 20-month-old likes to play with a spoon.
You could add other small objects as well,
like measuring spoons or cups, small plastic objects, etc.

This fun idea came from First Art by MaryAnn F. Kohl. For lots more fun, visit Works for Me Wednesday.

First Art

I love First Art: Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos by MaryAnn F. Kohl (with help from some other people). In fact, I love it so much, I bought a copy. I wish I had found this book before winter started its retreat, but I think me and baby will have lots of fun this summer with the outdoor projects!

The book is divided into six chapters, including one on paint, dough, markings, sticky stuff, impressions, and projects. Typically, projects focus on the process, not the end product. Included are instructions on making your own paint, glues, and goop, which I'll share tomorrow. (So fun!) Projects are simple, but really fun for kids. Our first project was painting. I filled an ice cube tray with water and food coloring. I taped down a sheet of watercolor paper on the table and gave the baby a brush. She had lots of fun and didn't even spill the tray. If you have a little one and feel a little artsy, I highly recommend this book.

Group Painting (Not Therapy)

I wanted to have a fun icebreaker at the book club I facilitate. We were discussing Same Kind of Different As Me, which is about an art dealer and homeless man turned artist, so I thought painting a picture would be fun. I brought a canvas, acrylics, paintbrushes, and some starter cards. I named one group of starter cards "Art Inspirations" with things like, "Paint how you feel on a rainy day." I know, totally artsy. The other cards were called "Just tell me what to do!" They included concrete instructions like, "Paint three blue circles." No one even needed the cards! I emphasized process over product, and even the skeptical, non-artsy types added something. So, here's what 15 ladies aged 28 to 70 came up with:

Am I a Real Writer Yet?

I haven't shared much about my writing career, because, well, I've only made $17 as a freelancer. I have (what I think is) quality work out at some of the top children's magazines, and believe I have found my calling as a poet.

Now, onto my "win." I follow a blog called Help! I Need a Publisher! because you know I need a publisher (and an agent for that matter). Recently, the author hosted a writing competition based on a picture. I entered a poem and found out today that I am a highly-commended runner up! Check out my poem (I'm Jennifer de Groot) and the positive feedback here. I think I win a crabbit bag. I'll let you know what that is when I get it!

Oh, and to win a cloth diaper giveaway and have a little fun writing in the process, check out my friend Maria's blog.

Regret Free Parenting Review

In Regret Free Parenting, Catherine Hickem, founder of Intentional Moms, encourages mothers to think about parenting and start planning early to create the kind of kids they want in the future. Hickem includes life principles, Bible verses, and a list of questions for moms to answer in each of the seven main chapters in this (mostly) easy-to-read book. She also includes a parenting plan outline.


I felt challenged from chapter one, where Hickem says that kids pick up on their mothers' level of self-confidence. It made me start thinking about how I display my self-worth. Hickem continued to build on these solid principles throughout the book. I liked that the book didn't shove one particular view down my throat, but encouraged moms to think for themselves, to start at the end picture of what they want and to work toward it intentionally. I also enjoyed the personal examples she included as illustrations.

One minor flaw is that the author did, on occasion, dip into "psych speak."

I'm glad I found this book now, when my daughter is still young. I highly recommend it any mom who wants to raise emotionally-well children. I also think it would make an interesting book discussion or study book for moms. (PG)

[I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing's BookSneeze program in exchange for an honest review.]

Basil Sirloin and Potatoes

I'm a winner!

The winner (with 2 votes) of the dinner poll is basil sirloin and potatoes. (Sorry, Jen.) My friend let me borrow a ton of cooking magazines one time, and this is one I copied and love! I omit the green bell pepper and tomatoes, but you don't have to.

Basil Sirloin and Potatoes
(serves 4)
Combine:
1 lb. sirloin steak, in 3/4 inch cubes
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. basil, dried and
1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
in a large bowl. Heat 4 tsp. olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until hot. Add steak mixture and 1 medium bell pepper (deseeded and cut into wedges). Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the steak is done to your liking. Remove from skillet and set aside until later.
Whisk 2 tsp. flour into the skillet. Add:
1 lb. new red potatoes, sliced thinly
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 large onion, cut into 1" wedges and
1 c. chicken broth.
Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the potatoes are cooked. Stir it once or twice. Add back the steak mix and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the dish is warm.

Vote on the Recipe You Want!

Instead of just doling out recipes you may or may not want to replicate (or change to fit your lifestyle), today I will offer you 3 pictures. Leave a comment (your vote) on which one sounds the best. The picture with the most votes by Saturday night (or whenever I set out to do the post) wins! I'll post the winning recipe Monday morning.

1. Basil sirloin and red potatoes. This reheated medley doesn't
look appetizing, but it's good enough to serve to guests!



2. Grecian chicken. Made with freshly-squeezed lemon juice.
A side dish with potatoes, carrots, and onions is also available.



3. Egg and Bacon Casserole. Yet another breakfast concoction
involving eggs, meat, dairy, and breadcrumbs the size of raccoons.

That Kind of Day

The baby's been teething - again. (When do they finally get all their baby teeth in? It feels like I've been doing this for years.) This means she wakes up early, screaming.

I forced myself to wash all my dishes last night so that I could wake up to a clean kitchen....So I could mess it up again this morning.

I also managed to break two dishes, including my husband's handmade coffee mug. All this before noon!

After noon, I sped around town paying too many people too much money. And the baby refused to get into the carseat each time (except for the time she had the State Farm cookie to eat). A good reason to choose State Farm, in my opinion.

So, it's been that kind of day. What kind of day have you had?

Two Books in Brooklyn

I ended up reading the following novels fairly close together. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn kept me company during my illness on Christmas Eve, when I could not join in the festivities. I read While We're Far Apart to check it out for a book club. I decided not to pick it for the book club, but still enjoyed it. Both are set in wonderful Brooklyn and take place in the past.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This American classic is set in the early 1900s leading up to World War I. The novel follows the Nolan family through the trials of poverty and serves as a touching coming-of-age story for young Francie. It's beautifully written, with rich emotion and detail. I read this for a book club and some of the other members thought it was a sad book and didn't like the ending. I thought it ended hopefully and that things were just as they should have been, which is a good compliment for a novel. (PG-13, recommended)

While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin
Austin's Christian historical novel explores Brooklyn during World War II. The story's told through three points of view, Penny Goodrich, a young lady who volunteers to watch Mr. Shaffer's kids after he enlists in the Army because she's in love with him, Esther Shaffer, Mr. Shaffer's young daughter who doesn't like Penny, and Mr. Mendel, Mr. Shaffer's neighbor and a widower who is accused of burning down the synagogue across the street and who lost his wife in the same accident Mr. Shaffer lost his and whose son went to Europe before the war and is lost. Got it?

I found the novel well-written with rounded characters and reverent treatment of both Christianity and Judaism. The characters weren't afraid to ask hard questions of God, and Austin didn't provide any easy Sunday School answers. (Perhaps this is why Austin has won numerous Christy awards.) I found the ending satisfying and enjoyed the book overall. (PG, recommended)