How Does Your Garden Grow? part2

Remember this post back in August? Well it's finally update time! 
It was a rocky start to this garden.  My seedlings all died. So I just threw caution to the wind and planted all of the seeds in the bed.  As a result, many did not survive.  The insects got to many of them before they even had a chance to grow.

 I spent weeks reasearching an organic insecticide.  Finally, I decided to go with the soapy water mixture and some Neem.  Many people aren't familiar with this plant.  It's a tropical plant mainly grown in India and has many uses.  It's great for the skin and also has quite a few health benefits.  After some research, I found out that Neem is actually a great insecticide and also can boost garden soil!

Here in The Bahamas, on the island of Abaco, there is a company that grows and sells Neem products.  So I went to the local retailer and bought the Neem Seed Cake.  It's what's left over after the oils have been pressed out of the Neem seeds.

 I wrapped about 2tbs. of the cake in a piece of cloth and soaked it in a gallon of water overnight. I used this water to make my soapy water mixture.  My remaining plants just thrived!  It really works.  The bugs stopped attacking them.  BTW, it stinks to high heaven!

Here's what I've been able to grow so far.  I've just sown some additional seeds on the weekend.

Cantaloupe

Carrots

Cucumber

Lettuce

Beets

Tomato

Brocolli or is that Cabbage?.....

Leeks and Onions

Corn

I'm also growing watermelon, cauliflower, spinach, eggplant and sweet pepper. Hopefully my next update will include some actual vegetables!!

Working Outside Today

The weather here is perfect. It's a cool breezy day. Perfect for hanging clothes on the line and subtraction. So we decided to work outside today.

Long Time No Post

I know,it's been a while since I've posted anything here. I cannot say it's because things have been super busy and I just have so many projects that I cannot find the time. Nope, I won't lie. I just did not blog. I did have things to blog about but, just didn't bother. Sorry.

With that out of the way, my birthday is tomorrow. Yippee!!!! 35 and strong!! Remember a few weeks ago I talked about my weightloss goal for my birthday here? Well I've lost.......drumroll please.......ZERO pounds!!!!! Yeah....

It's okay. I still love myself. I have a good life. Loving husband, beautiful children, good friends and family. Things.....are....GOOD! and I thank my Heavenly Father for that. So COME ON 35 I'M READY!!!!

How Does Your Garden Grow? part1.

I've wanted a garden for a long time now. Years in fact. So ever since we've moved to Sapphire Ridge (about 2 months now) we've talked about setting up a garden. Finally, this weekend we did it!

I did some research on the Internet to find out where the best location is. All of them stated a spot that gets lots of sun. This was the perfect spot in the backyard. It actually gets more sun. This was taken in the early morning.

Next we got our materials. We decided that the bed would be 4x8 ft. Those are actually 8x10 ft. boards. We also got 4-4 ft. 2x4's. We have to fence in the bed because of the furry friend Roxy. She likes to dig.

Next, we got to digging. By we, I mean dear, strong husband. I did pick up and throw away the large stones, weeds debris etc.

After a lot of hard work, we ended up with this! I'm so excited!

Next, we had to add the posts and the chicken wire, to keep Roxy out. This is the finished product. See all the sun it gets. This was about midday....

The sides can actually open. I have 2 ft. of space to sit/kneel and work the soil. As long as Roxy doesn't jump on the wire, this should be sufficient.

Next, we have to prepare the soil. That'll come later.

Birthdays and Weightloss

In five weeks and four days, I will be celebrating thirty-five years on this earth. And yes as everyone else does, I think, "What have I done with my life?" and, "What else do I want to do?" I think everyone reflects on the past and envisions the next few years.

But you know what has dominated my mind as far as this milestone approaches? The question that I believe many women ask themselves as they approach another birthday. That is, "How much weight can I lose by my birthday?" Hey, it's an important question!

They (whoever THEY may be) say that a woman is at her peak at 35. Really? 35 huh. So that means that I will be peaking in five weeks and four days. That bothers me. How can I peak, being tired all the time? How can I peak when my pouch says "Good morning friend!" day after day. How can I peak when I pass a shop window and realise..."OMG that's MY ass!?!"

For the last few years, with every approaching birthday, I make a resolution to lose "x" number of pounds by that day. Usually, the birthday comes and goes without a single pound or inch lost. Admittedly I go overboard and choose a ridiculous number of pounds to lose that can only be accomplished by Hollywood stars with their personal trainers, chefs and regular spa treatments. But alas, I'm a work at home wife who hates the gym, am the personal chef to four and I own a foot spa.

So it's time to be realistic. And I have got to be serious this time! After all I am approaching my peak! So, I will lose ten, just ten pounds by my birthday. Only two pounds a week. That should be doable, right? Yes, I have more than ten pounds to lose, but let's begin the peak with reachable goal.

So what's the plan? Just the basics, exercising daily and eating right. I have a beautiful park within walking distance, some 10 pound weights and a skipping rope. Wish me luck!

Mandela Day

mandeladay.com

Happy Birthday Mr. Mandela!

Today, Nelson Mandela turns 91. He has been a great inspiration to us all. Help celebrate by participating in Mandela Day!

Mandela Day celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an imprint.

They are asking that each of us spend 67 mins. doing something for our community today. Why 67? That's how many years Mr. Mandela has been working to improve the lives of others.

Please go to http://mandeladay.com to learn more about this great cause. If you cannot participate today, then commit to do something soon.

Ahhh Summertime!

sallou Remember playing with the hose in the backyard? I never had a pool growing up, still don't. But who needs a pool when its 95 degrees outside and you have a hose with a sprinkler attachment?

Nothing like honest fun.