Elevated Garden Beds - Great for Senior Gardeners!

 

I've always been fond of gardening.  Even in my younger years when I lived in apartments, I would always have plants on my balcony.  Most of the time, I grew flowers, but over the years, I began also growing a few vegetables like lettuce and peppers.  Lettuce is really pretty and because you can snip off a leaf at a time, it stays pretty for quite a while as long as the weather is not too hot.

When I bought my first house, I happily saw that it had a lot of flower beds in the front and in the back.  I grew some very beautiful flowers, but as time passed I realized I was missing an opportunity to grow healthy vegetables to eat but also to save the money it would take to buy what I could easily grow myself.  I dug up all my annuals and  planted a blueberry bush, peppers and onions.  I got rid of the bushes down my driveway, and planted cucumbers. It took a few years and hard lessons, but overall, I was very pleased with the results. 

As the years passed, I found it more and more difficult to bend or kneel in the dirt to plant and weed and harvest.  My knees were not what they once were.  It all came to a head when I had to have knee surgery,  After that, getting on my knees for anything, let alone gardening, was out of the question.  I was devastated.  I did nothing in the garden that summer, and by August it was a weeded mess.  I didn't even want to go out on the deck.  

I missed gardening very much, so I began to wonder if I could do raised garden beds.  They were up off the ground, but usually only about a foot.  I might be able to make due with this!  I decided to have a look on Amazon and see how expensive they were.  While scrolling through  The raised garden beds, I saw a garden bed that was up on legs!  The top of the dirt was at waist level and could be planted and weeded comfortably while standing up!  

EUREKA !!!!!

This was the solution I had been looking for.  After spending some time looking at the different styles and prices, I decided on this one:

Elevated Wood Planter Box

This was about 5 years ago.  At that time, they were $99 each.  After checking today, I see that they are still the same price.  Not bad!  Unfortunately, they do not arrive at your house ready to go.  My husband and I had to put them together and stain them.  It was a lot of work, but it was very much worth it.  The only thing we added to the boxes was some metal strapping to reinforce the corners. 

Metal Strapping

Below is a picture of one of our boxes four years after we bought it.  Still looking pretty good!

These garden beds have been a lifesaver for me.  I can grow my own vegetables without hurting my back or my knees.  Weeding is a breeze, and it is so much easier to examine your plants to look for problems like insect damage.  It just makes gardening so much easier, I wish I had known about them years ago!  We add a couple every year so we can grow more kinds of vegetables.  We are up to eight!  I highly recommend trying these garden beds if you dislike or are unable to garden in the ground  They are great for growing vegetables, herbs or flowers!

Our Garden

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Ziploc Variety Pac Review

 Does your storage bag drawer need SOS? Drowning in quart size bags, but you need pint or sandwich size bags! May all of our kitchen issues be so easy to solve! Ziploc Variety Pac and Amazon Brand to the rescue to replenish your kitchen storage bags with ease and convenience.

This year is the first time I have come across (and it has certainly been a kitchen want for quite awhile!) plastic storage and freezer bags in a package which includes multiple sizes of bags. Having multiple sizes on hand makes food preparation, storage and freezing so much easier.

What Bags Are Included In The Ziploc Variety Pac?

• 54 Freezer Quart Size Bags
• 38 Freezer Gallon Bags
• 52 Storage Gallon Bags
• 125 Sandwich Bags

Note: Both Freezer and Storage Gallon Size Bags are included.

Slider Storage Bags Variety

If you prefer the slider storage aka zipper storage bags, Amazon brand offers a few varieties of sizes. 

Variety One offers quite a selection including a few 2 gallon size bags:

• 50 pint bags
• 50 quart bags
• 25 gallon bags
• 25 2 gallon bags

I have found quite a few non food uses for the two gallon bags. They are indeed quite large, but nice to have a few on hand. 

Recommendation

I have ordered and used both brands. I do find the ziploc brand to be slightly stronger. It is a trade off between a higher priced brand and the online store brand. The use determines my need; I do prefer a very sturdy and strong bag if using to freeze foods.

I have tried the brands at the local dollar store and those bags  I have found over priced (over a dollar for a very small box) for a very low quality bag - disappointing because I usually love the dollar store, but as with all stores and brands there are preferences. Stocking a new kitchen is always expensive and the variety pac serves the purpose quickly and conveniently.

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Understanding the Basics of Color for Home Decor

Understanding the primary colors is essential in color theory, as they form the basis for all other colors. The three primary colors are red, yellow, and blue, while the three secondary colors are orange, green, and violet. In addition, there are six tertiary colors, which are formed by mixing a primary color with a secondary color. These include red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, and red-violet.

Each color has its own unique meaning, symbolism, and psychological effects. Here's a breakdown of the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors, along with their various meanings and common usage:

Primary Colors:

• Red: This color is associated with passion, energy, and warmth. It can evoke feelings of love, anger, and excitement. Red is often used in dining rooms, kitchens, and living rooms to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Yellow: This color is often associated with happiness, optimism, and creativity. It can also symbolize caution or warning. Yellow is popular in kitchens, nurseries, and offices, as it is believed to stimulate the mind and improve concentration.
• Blue: This color is often associated with calmness, tranquility, and stability. It can also represent sadness or depression. Blue is commonly used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices to promote relaxation and peacefulness.

Secondary Colors:

• Orange: This color combines the energy and passion of red with the warmth and happiness of yellow. It can evoke feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth. Orange is often used in children's rooms, playrooms, and exercise rooms to create a fun and energetic environment.
• Green: This color is associated with nature, growth, and balance. It can evoke feelings of calmness, freshness, and harmony. Green is commonly used in bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms to promote relaxation and a sense of balance.
• Violet: This color is often associated with luxury, creativity, and spirituality. It can evoke feelings of mystery, elegance, and sophistication. Violet is often used in bedrooms, living rooms, and meditation rooms to promote a sense of peace and tranquility.

Tertiary Colors:

• Red-Orange: This color combines red's energy and passion with orange's warmth and excitement. It can evoke feelings of fun, energy, and excitement.
• Yellow-Orange: This color combines yellow's happiness and warmth with orange's excitement and enthusiasm. It can evoke feelings of joy, warmth, and positivity.
• Yellow-Green: This color combines the freshness and balance of green with the happiness and optimism of yellow. It can evoke feelings of growth, harmony, and creativity.
• Blue-Green: This color combines the calmness and stability of blue with the freshness and balance of green. It can evoke feelings of peace, relaxation, and tranquility.
• Blue-Violet: This color combines the tranquility and stability of blue with the creativity and luxury of violet. It can evoke feelings of mystery, elegance, and sophistication.
• Red-Violet: This color combines red's energy and passion with violet's creativity and luxury. It can evoke feelings of excitement, luxury, and sophistication.

In conclusion, understanding the meanings and effects of different colors is essential in creating the desired atmosphere in any space. By using primary, secondary, and tertiary colors in the appropriate ways, you can create a cohesive and harmonious environment that promotes the desired emotions and feelings.

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National Girl Scout Leaders Day – Holiday Review

 On April 22nd each year, we recognize the thousands of leaders who volunteer their time and experiences to girls in scouting. These leaders have been impacting the lives of girls since Girl Scouting began in 1912.

When Did Girl Scout Leader's Day Begin?

In 1982, the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Proclaimed April 22nd as Girl Scouts Leader's Day to recognize the volunteers who serve as such marvelous role models to Girl Scouts each year.  The organization selected the date of April 22 because it falls near National Volunteer Week each year. 

Eighteen girls were in the very first Girl Scout troop, led by the founder of the Girls Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low.  Her home in Savannah, Georgia is now a National historic landmark.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
History Museum in Savannah, Georgia
Image Source: Wikipedia

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

This National Historic Landmark in Savannah, Georgia, also known as the Wayne-Gordon House, is today owned by the Girls Scouts of the USA.  It was Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace and home to four generations of Gordons. The Girl Scouts purchased the home in 1953 and restored it to serve as a portal to the Girl Scouts movement. 

In 1956, the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace was opened as an historic house museum, featuring many original Gordon family furnishings, including art by Juliette herself.  It was designated as Savannah's first National Historic Landmark in 1965 and is open for general tours.  

*I have toured this home twice myself during my years living in the Savannah area and it is lovely place to visit. 

Special Dates Related to Girl Scouts

• Juliette Gordon Low's birthday on October 31st is known as Founders Day for the Girl Scouts of the USA. 
• National Girl Scout Day is March 12.
• National Girl Scout Week is March 12-18
• Girl Scout Leader's Day is April 22.

Summary

So, on April 22, give a special thanks to the leader of the Girl Scout troop a girl in your family belongs to.  These volunteers all deserve our heartfelt thanks and recognition. 

Girl Scouts Faces Logo Magnet - Amazon

For more Holiday Reviews, check out

ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

*Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

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Rubbermaid Folding 1-Step Steel Step Stool Reviewed

I recently purchased a Rubbermaid 1-step step stool because I need that extra 10 inches of height to easily reach the upper cabinets and shelves in my kitchen.  I especially need the extra height to access the cabinet over my oven where I store my baking pans.  It seems I need that extra step up somewhere in my kitchen on a daily basis.   

I have several step stools that range from two steps to four steps stored in various places throughout my home.  The more steps they have, the heavier they are to move.  While I love my 4-step foldable step stool, it really is too heavy for me to constantly be moving around or using on a daily basis.  While the 4-step ladder is still necessary to reach the top shelves of the cabinets, I rarely need the items I have stored on those shelves. Frankly, I am surprised I haven't previously bought the much lighter weight 1-step step stool. 

Because the Rubbermaid 1-step step stool is so thin (2") when folded for storage, I can slip it between the end of my counter and my refrigerator.  That keeps it close at hand when needed.

Features of the Rubbermaid 1-Step Steel Step Stool

 Rubbermaid RMS-1 1-Step Steel Step Stool, 225-pound Capacity, WhiteCheck Price

I recommend this specific step stool for several reasons.  It has a lock to keep the from folding up when I am standing on the stool.  Plus, I really like the rubber grip on the top and the rubber feet that keep it from sliding.

• Lightweight - 7.5 lbs
• Slim Profile - Folds up thin - 2 inches
  
• Holds up to 225 lbs 
• Steel Frame
  
• Tread Insert on Step to prevent slipping
• Soft Comfort Grip
  
• Step Locks in Place - Easy Press Button Release 
• Non-slip, Non-marring Feet
  

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Rubbermaid Folding 1-Step Steel Step Stool Reviewed by:

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