African Violets and Mom

For as long as I can remember, my mom has had a knack for growing African Violets. The quality of this picture doesn't do her plant justice.

I thought you'd like to hear about her secrets to success.

Susan: Hi, Mom. How do you grow such gorgeous plants?

Mom: LOL! I've killed my share of them, but I've learned a few things. A good potting soil designed for African Violets is important. If the plants come in a small pot, you'll want to transplant them when they get too big for it.

Susan: How about watering?

Mom: I water my plants once a week. Always water them from the bottom, and NEVER get the leaves wet.

Susan: Yeah, remember we saw someone watering a whole display of African Violets with a sprayer. The next time we went to that store, a big sign warned employees to water from the bottom. They lost all the plants. What about feeding your African Violets?

Mom: When they're in bloom, I feed them with plant food designed for African Violets. Any nursery or major chain should have this in stock. When they stop blooming, don't feed them. They need to rest.

Susan: One last question, Mom. How much sun does an African Violet like?

Mom: A window with an eastern exposure is the best, but mine are thriving in a window facing north. African Violets don't like sun, but a lot of light.

Susan: Thanks, Mom, for your tips.

Question for You: Do you grow African Violets? Do you have a favorite color/variety?

Crocheted Baby Cap

About a month ago, I came across a website with free crochet patterns. When I began writing for publication, I traded my crochet hooks for hooking readers (in the first paragraph for those of you who don't understand writer lingo).

My resolve evaporated when I saw this cute hat. I dashed out to Walmart and picked up yarn for the project. I thought you might like to see it.

I couldn't find a real baby to model this adorable baby hat, so my mother allowed me to use a doll from her collection. The hat is a size 6 months, a little big for this dolly. You can also make it in 12, 18, and 24 month sizes.

The pattern looks complicated, but it's super easy. The pattern calls for 1 - 3.5 oz. ball of Bernat Baby Jacquards in a design called, "Cherry Berry." I couldn't find that color, so I used the design, "Florals." The stitches are all single crochet for the cap and double crochet for the ruffle.

You can get the pattern at: http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Baby-Ruffle-Hat-Chrochet-Pattern

I still have quite a bit of yarn leftover. I might be able to get a second cap from the 3.5 oz. ball. If you try it, let me know how you liked the pattern. I can't wait to see it on my honorary niece, who will be born around Christmas.

                                                                                    

Do you like to crochet or knit? What other crafts to you enjoy?

If Only I Were 5' 7 3/4" Again!

After spending most of my life trying to gain weight, I now find myself in a dilemma. I'm too short.

My once 5' 7 3/4" frame has shrunk. At the same time, my fondness for chocolate chip cookies and lots of BBQ's and graduation parties, packed on an additional 12 pounds.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out these two events worked against each other. While my weight is ideal for a statuesque woman, it doesn't work for someone stretching for 5' 6".

So, after much weeping and teeth-gnashing, I've cut back on my junk food consumption. A friend, who's a lifetime member of Weight Watchers, gave me some tips on what foods to eat. I've also used my Swagbucks Search Engine to find websites on resurrecting metabolism.

The good news: I've lost three pounds. The bad news: It took three weeks, and I still have 15 pounds to reach my goal.

NEWSFLASH:  Since writing this post, I've lost an additional five pounds. Yay!

I'll be sharing my progress in future posts of what works and what doesn't work. Do you have any weight loss tips?

My Digital Camera Adventure

I've wanted one of these modern wonders ever since I started blogging. Visions of taking stunning  pictures of flowers, trees, and whatever else I needed for a graphic danced in my head.

Reality check: There's a learning curve, especially for a techy-challenged person like me. Everyone assured me it was easy as pie. Ahem.

After opening the box and reading the instructions, I still couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work. It's lens sat there, staring at me lifeless. No whirring sounds, no image on the screen - dead.

I carted it off to a local camera shop where a patient clerk discovered I'd put the batteries in wrong. Oookay. At least she didn't laugh. Of course, she did escape to another area, saying she had to look for something. Hmm. She noticed I didn't have a cable to transfer the pictures from the camera to the computer, so she sold me one. With her sticky note on how to erase the pictures on the inside cover of the box, I hurried out of the store, hoping no one overheard my silly questions.

Determined to work this thing, I took it to the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference (hi, Marlene) and snapped pictures of my friends. Yay! My friend, Clare, cropped the pictures, and I managed to post them to the blog.

Lesson Learned: Don't let technology intimidate you. Try it, explore the features, learn by trial and error, and when all else fails, find a savvy teenager.

Spiritual Lesson Learned: When you pray for something, be prepared. There may be some assembly required.

Try Kellogg's Fiber Plus Cereal FREE!

A few days ago, I found specially-marked boxes of Kellogg's Fiber Plus cereal at Walmart. An 11.5 oz. box cost $2.68.

The directions say the rebate form is inside the box. Actually, it's printed on the inside of the box. The rebate requires the UPC code, original receipt with the price circled, and the official form.

One thing I found interesting: On the form, it says one rebate per flavor. For full details, see the box and form.

Please excuse the poor quality of the photo at left. I'm still learning how to use my camera.

The Woodchuck Wars

This isn't an actual picture of my furry adversary, but a reasonable facsimile. Neighbors reported his presence in our backyards, as well as his forays into their gardens.

When I set up my mini-Garden of Eden, I prepared for the invader. I searched websites, studied his habits, and looked for organic ways to deal with him.

Aha! Red and black pepper mixed together in equal amounts supposedly kept critters away. I hightailed it to Costco and bought two giant-sized containers. I mixed, trying hard not to sneeze. (I think it repels people too!) Then I applied it in liberal amounts around my tender, young plants.

All went well until my tomatoes started ripening. Then he struck, taking a hefty bite out of a luscious tomato. Sigh. I wanted to eat that one. From then on, it was war. I went out every day and harvested any tomato that even gave a sign of turning red.

I don't know if I defeated him or if he got tired of not finding any yummy, red veggies. Perhaps he's moved on to another hapless neighbor's garden. I'm still watchful, but I think I won this round.

Expired Coupons Have Worth

The Krazy Coupon Lady is collecting expired coupons. They will be shipped to military families overseas. Manufacturers will honor them as a special consideration to our servicemen and women.

Separate your clipped coupons into two categories: Food and Non-Food. Try to use a baggie for each category instead of paper clips or rubber bands.

There's no minimum donation. The Krazy Coupon Lady requests you send them only once a month, preferably toward the end. Here's the address:

KCL Overseas Coupon Program
Carly Romano
11357 Visby Ave.
Port Charlotte, FL 33981

Please make sure your package has sufficient postage. Postage due will be returned to the sender.

Free Writing E-Book

Woohoo! I found this deal at Money Saving Mom. Sharp Writing - Build Better Writing Skills is being offered for the Kindle.

You can also get a version for your PC. Click the above link for details.

A Funny Thing Happened...

A funny thing happened on Tuesday. I started another blog. A friend needed a lesson on blogging, so I used myself as the guinea pig.

The project took on a life of its own. The title flew from my fingers, and ideas crowded my mind. I thought about deleting it, but before I could, it garnered a Follower. Imagine that! With no advertisement or promotion, another friend discovered this tiny piece of real estate in the blogosphere.

So, I hope you'll enjoy this journey. Watch for Susan's less serious side, sound bites from my life, money saving tips, and anything else that tickles my fancy.

See you on Tuesdays and Thursdays. :)