Monarch Butterfly MATH Activities

It's that beautiful time of year...when bright orange wings are starting to flutter across our backyard again as the majestic Monarchs migrate north.  Such an exciting springtime tradition to watch them, and find inspiration for our learning!

Happy America Recycles Day

November 15 is America Recycles Day...so let's take a look at what you're recycling!  Nearly everything?  A few cans and jars here and there?  Nothing at all?  No matter where you are on the recycling spectrum there is always room for improvement.  I like to set goals for being a better recycler, because its so important for the planet!  It helps us conserve the planet's resources, reduce landfill waste, and save energy...all are big WINS.  Let's make some goals.

Gutter Planters: Pinterest Fail...and why

Like all Pinterest Fails, it seemed like such a cool idea!  Here's what I learned on why gutter planters aren't worth your time.

How to get the Perfect Baking Blend

Haven't we all been there... pulling out the baking soda or baking powder to realize they're full of lumps and clumps.  If those lumps make it into the final product, someone is in for a bad surprise.   Its such a disappointment to take a big bite of a cookie or banana bread only to find a chalky, bitter mouthful of baking soda. This is why I've made this simple improvement in my baking that makes lumpy baking soda a thing of the past.

Simple DIY Table Decor - Using Fall Leaves

The bright leaves of Fall are amazing inspiration for table settings.  This DIY table decor project takes just minutes, uses only "found" elements, and is perfect for the little ones to help make.  

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

We're lucky to have a lot of hummingbirds buzzing about our yard, pollinating the garden as they frolic from blossom to blossom.  This year I received a hummingbird feeder, together with Mom's "secret" recipe for homemade hummingbird nectar, to help keep the hummingbirds thriving year-round.  

DIY Garden Stepping Stones

I recently had some mortar mix leftover after a brick project and was brainstorming ways to put it to use.  In need of stepping stones for my newly expanded vegetable garden, I decided to make these cute DIY garden stepping stones.  It was such a simple project, that results in cute, custom garden steppers for just pennies!  Here's how I did it.

Make Organic Fertilizer at Home Using Whey

When making cheese at home, the curds go to the cheese itself and the whey is leftover.  But as it is so full of nutrients that it is a shame to lose it down the drain.

This organic homemade fertilizer is a great use for the whey, which helps nourish the garden as a natural, DIY organic plant food.

How to make homemade Almond Milk

Almond milk has always intrigued me.  How do these dry little nuts turn into a creamy drink? It is simple, actually!  Turning a handful of almonds into a bottle of healthy milky goodness takes just a few minutes with this recipe.

How to grow onions in containers

Until recently, I'd never been able to make onions grow.  I'd have one start sprouting in the kitchen...oops...and it would rot out as soon as I tried to do make it grow.  I finally figured out how to grow them using kitchen scraps (check out my article How to Grow Onions from Kitchen Scraps in 3 Easy Steps to learn how!)

Onions are fun to grow, make neat vertical stems and tall blooms, and are surprisingly versatile.  I also love that they can be grown in pots and garden containers, which make them ideal for apartment and balcony gardeners.

In order to grow thriving onions in containers, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Use cork pads to protect floors from potted plants!

We installed brand new laminate floors this summer, and although they are very resistant to damage, I can't bring myself to put my potted plants directly onto them.  What if they scratch?  What if water seeps through?

Simple, natural tip to keep citrus trees free of Ants and Aphids

Ants and aphids are symbyotic - when you have a problem with one you almost always have a problem with the other!

That is because ants like to "farm" the little aphids for their juicy nectar.  That juicy nectar comes from the aphids attacking the leaves and branches of trees, especially citrus trees.  Which of course, is not good for the tree or its fruit.

DIY: Make a Terrarium

This is a great project for a quick gift, made entirely from materials you already have at home.  Its a perfect DIY activity for the kids to help with, too.

Grow fresh green onions in the kitchen

I used to buy so many packs of green onions at the store.  Granted, they are inexpensive, but I would inevitably find a bag of soggy, wilted greens in the refrigerator after a week.  Yuck.  

The beauty of green onions is that they grow extremely easily.  And they grow directly from the grocery store's stems!