Earth Month Ideas - Re-purposing Common Containers For Seed Starts

This  shop, to celebrate Earth Month, has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions and experiences are mine alone. #NaturalGoodness #CollectiveBias

As the days grow longer and warmer, life here on the farm begins to really pick up. There is the sound of the tractors working in the fields, the chickens scratching in the yard, and children with cabin fever just itching to get outside to dig in the dirt.

Yes, it is time to begin breaking ground on our family garden and get our seeds planted. Despite living on a large fruit and vegetable farm, I want my kids involved in our own backyard garden. It is a great way to make them more mindful of their environment, the food they eat and how all of our choices are connected.

Just across from the house you will find the greenhouses with all the starts. It is fun to peek in and see the onions and watermelon sprouts begin to push through. Here in Oregon we still have a chance of a hard frost and the greenhouse gives us a chance to create optimal growing conditions for the new seedlings.

My husband's family has farmed this area for 4 generations, I hope my children will follow in his footsteps to become the fifth generation. I want my children to be eco-friendly and aware of the needs of the land, along with the crops grown here, so they can carry on the tradition of farming.

Much like making green choices in our lives, learning to be a farmer starts early.

My husband works hard to be the best steward of this land he can be. He uses crop rotation, drip irrigation and even keeps the machinery running for as long as possible to reduce his impact on the environment.

This Allis Chalmer's tractor had a life before our farm, but with regular maintenance and a little elbow grease, it isn't ready for the scrap pile yet.

In fact, a lot of farm work involves creativity and re-purposing. Parts and implements are re-used when possible or adapted to be more efficient.

Now, we drink a lot of coffee in our house. It might have something to do with the long hours involved with farm life. I hate that I throw all those coffee pods out after a single use. So I decided to give them a new life as seed plugs. They are the perfect size and already have a hole poked in the bottom for easy drainage!

Instead of buying myself new seed trays for planting our Summer garden seeds, I turned this tray of coffee pods into seed plugs.

Tips For Re-Purposing Coffee Pods

• Remove the foil top and discard
• Let the pods sit and dry out for 24 hours or more. Shaking out dry grounds is much easier
• Compost the coffee grounds for garden mulch to use all Summer long
• Pull the paper filter out of each pod and discard
• Fill with seed mix or potting mix to support and nourish your seedlings
• Plant seeds in the pods that have smaller root needs

After trying to shake out several wet coffee pods, I found letting them dry out ahead of time was much easier! And coffee grounds are great to add to your compost pile so don't waste them.

Once my tray was filled with empty coffee pods, we were ready to start planting.

There is just something about kids and dirt. Planting seeds is a yearly chore that my kids really look forward to.

Since our pods are small, I wanted to plant items that didn't require a lot of room for the roots. We finally decided on lettuce and salad mix. Another great idea would be succulent seeds. We plan to plant some of those next to make indoor container gardens in the playroom.

I love the sense of pride my children take in the food they grow. You could say this was a double win for our family. We didn't have to buy any seed trays for our garden, instead we used containers we already had on hand.

We were also able to plant a variety of lettuce and salad mix seeds so we will have to buy less of those packaged salad mixes this Spring and Summer, reducing our container waste.

There are so many ways to get the kids involved with this project. They helped me pick out the seeds, plant them, and every day after school they check on their seedlings' progress. Later this Spring they will also be involved with harvesting their heads of lettuce from the garden for dinner.

Seedlings thrive when they have the right temperature and humidity. We re-purposed these salad containers to hold the coffee pods in. There are small vent holes in the plastic, so they do a great job  keeping the soil moist for the seedlings.

These little greenhouses are a great way to re-use these packages.

Another way I am teaching my children to care for their environment is by making smart product choices. I love using the Tom's of Maine products with my family because they don't contain preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or fragrances.

We switched to Tom's of Maine toothpastes a few years ago and we all have our own favorite flavor. You might remember that we switched over to using the deodorant last year. This is a brand that fits my family well.

We have several of the Tom's of Maine products in our bathroom cabinet, but I picked up the Tom's of Maine Silly Strawberry™ Fluoride Toothpaste, Antiplaque & Whitening Peppermint Fluoride Free Toothpaste, Whole Care® Peppermint and Spearmint Fluoride Toothpaste, and Unisex Long Lasting Apricot Deodorant on my last trip to Walmart. You can find these products in the toothpaste aisle and deodorant aisle.

Grab a  $1.00 off any Tom's of Maine product purchase coupon to use on your next trip to Walmart. 

Happy Earth Month! Does your family have any special eco-friendly activities planned? Or what green choices have you made recently?

Planting Our Yard for the Butterflies and Bees this Summer

The end of Marsh seems almost too early to think about gardening and buying plants here in Oregon. But, with the unseasonably warm Winter we had, many plants came through the Winter season just fine and things are already sprouting all over the yard. Just check out all the new sprouts in my Mint barrel.

I have great plans for my own backyard garden, but I also have high hopes for landscaping the front of the house. It has gone quite wild in the past two years since my youngest was born. I love a well-groomed yard full of flowering plants. Mine is not, but this Spring is as good a season to get started on that dream as any.

My budget is small, but I have a small work crew willing to help with a lot of the "dirty work".  My only problem is motivating them.

Kids love to play in the dirt, and will even help out with yard work if they have a goal in mind. Our motivation this year are these little guys...

For Spring break this year, I ordered my children caterpillars. They come with food, a habitat and instructions. We will watch them grow, form a chrysalis and then emerge as butterflies to be released. It is all to teach children first-hand about the life cycle of a beautiful butterfly.

I think it is a great time to work on the yard as a family and plant flowers and bushes that will attract and feed butterflies like the ones we are observing.

To get started, I went to the Monrovia website to learn more about the plants that would attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds to our yard. Monrovia plants are available at local garden centers and Lowe's home centers across the country. They also have a site that is packed with information about caring for and selecting the right plants for your yard.

I found a few articles on the site that talked about the best ways to attract butterflies and bees. I learned that butterflies love purple and yellow flowers.

Of course, while at Lowe's, I also read the back of each tag in the Monrovia plants. They list sun, water and temperature needs, as well as if they attract butterflies or other attributes. I purchased the Dianthus and Salvia especially because they both are enjoyed by butterflies.

All these bright colors and beautiful flowers will also be a great way to attract bees to the yard to help pollinate our apple tree, blueberries and Summer vegetable garden.

Other tips for attracting butterflies:

1. Choose a sunny spot. Butterflies enjoy basking in the sun, they also love the nectar of plants that often take partial to full sun. Our front yard is the perfect spot for this. 
2. Offer places the butterflies can drink. Using dishes with moistened sand will give butterfly neighbors a safe and great place to drink.
3. Plant a variety of flowering plants to attract different types of butterflies. And really, doesn't a variety of colorful flowers make the yard look better, too?

You can find more tips, including plant suggestions on the Monrovia website.

I can't wait to get all these plants in the ground. First I have a little weed clean-up to tackle with my crew. I am crossing my fingers that all the stray grasses and weeds can be pulled for the price of a popsicle or two.

And while we enjoy our treat in the heat this year, maybe we will have the chance to enjoy watching those busy bees and graceful butterflies play in the yard that we created.

What plans do you have for gardening or landscaping this Spring? Have you checked out the selection of plants Monrovia has to offer?

Declaring War on Messy Faces and Sticky Hands with PURELL®

This #PurellWipes shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. 

See this sweet little face?

You would be surprised how many sticky dirty messes he can find. Elliott is my third child, my baby, but somehow they all keep me on my toes.You would think after almost 8 years of parenthood, I would be a seasoned pro. But, no, I am still learning, always having to improvise my reactions and anticipate where the next mess will be coming from.

I know, my kids see the fun, new things to explore, touch or smell around them, but this Mom sees all the germs that collect on these sweet little faces and hands throughout the day.

Case in point, while out bowling with friends, it was my oldest who discovered a gold mine of dried gum on the underside of the bowling alley tables.

Wow. Aren't I lucky?

Now, since I also know how often he touches his face, mouth and eyes, we made a quick trip to the restroom to wash up.

But, sometimes messes aren't that easy to take care of. Sometimes hand washing isn't possible.

This past weekend was the perfect example of that. Saturday was busy. I had the two oldest kids up and out the door for Pinewood Derby raises with Cub Scouts. It was just me and the baby at home. I was supposed to clean up from breakfast and get us all packed to leave by lunch for an out of town birthday party. It was a tight schedule, but manageable.  When it was almost time to hit the road, I noticed my youngest had decided to play in the entry way... with my husband's muddy boots!

Don't kids have the best timing?

This time of year in Oregon is very wet and muddy. My husband is a farmer, so his boots were filthy. No time to put my toddler  in a bath and grateful that his clothes were unscathed, I did the next best thing.

As Moms we all find short-cuts, time-savers or handy products to get us through raising kids. Keeping my kids clean means having the right products at the right time. PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes are perfect for those moments when I want to both clean and sanitize their hands. It is quickly becoming indispensable in my family of 5. 

With no harsh chemicals, these wipes are safe to use on hands and faces. They are also great since my kids often rush through hand washing and dislike warm water.

A quick clean-up and we were ready to get into the car and head off to the birthday party. Along the way we grabbed a quick lunch in the car and out came the wipes again for all the kids' sticky fingers.

The PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes traveled with us to the trampoline center. It was a packed rainy Saturday and I think the whole city was out to try the new place. So many surfaces, so many little hands, and there were plenty of runny noses in the building. I am sure there was a fair amount of germs being spread. Check out a highlight of our good clean fun below.

After all that healthy fun, we headed into the party room for pizza and cake. I put out the PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes and they were perfect for sweaty hands, greasy fingers and frosting mustaches. 

Spring is a great time to work on encouraging healthy habits in kids and the importance of wiping out germs.

Now, I am not always around to remind my kids to wash their hands, but I am trying to instill other healthy habits in them. I created this simple FREE Printable this weekend to hang in our upstairs bathroom. My oldest children are both reading now, so a simple reminder might help.

I know. Fun and messes are important parts of childhood. I am just glad that clean up is now even easier, whether I am at home or on the go.

You can find the PURELL® Hand Sanitizing Wipes at most Walmart stores in the household cleaning aisle with other "Quick Cleaners". Starting 3/17, save $1.00 on any PURELL® Wipes canister or Save $1.00 on any two PURELL® Products. Grab your Walmart coupon to save.

Getting set for Spring cleaning? Why not take the PURELL® 30 Day Challenge? I am always looking for ways to stay cleaner and healthier. Also, learn more about the PURELL® Loyalty Program, where you can earn points towards a variety of prizes!  I have definitely declared war on messy faces and sticky hands with the help of PURELL®.

This sweet face? He is probably just plotting his next big mess. It's okay, I have plenty of backup - #PurellWipes #ad for messy hands and faces. Check out how it helped during our busy weekend #ontheblog #flipagram ♫ Music: This Is How We Roll - Fifth Harmony Made with @flipagram See full video at flipagram.com/andrealkruse

A video posted by Andrea (@andrealkruse) on Mar 16, 2015 at 9:39pm PDT

Okay, I shared my "gum under the table" shame, what germy messes did your kids get into?

Keeping Up With 2 Busy Dogs - #TheArtofNutrition

This post is sponsored by Wild Calling! and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Wild Calling! Pet Food, but Adventures In All Things Food only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Wild Calling! is not responsible for the content of this article.

Last year I would have said confidently, we are a one dog household. Our Border Collie, Cooper, has limitless energy and I have often said he is much like my oldest son. Always active, limitless energy and always looking to play. I thought he was all our family could handle.

Famous last words, right?

You may remember that we added another member to our four-legged family last Fall. Our newest addition, is my husband's Patterdale Terrier and hunting buddy that we named Huck.

...or Huckle, or Huckleberry. It just depends on our mood.

Now we have two high energy dogs who are very active, loving and who deserve to be fed only the best high quality protein. I mean, we have fallen in love with these guys and want to have them as part of our family for years to come.

Yes, I admit it. We are definitely a two dog family.

I really enjoy watching the two of them race and play all day. But, you just know they are burning a lot of calories all day.

And now my husband has an eager farming buddy and hunting partner. Huck is still very much a puppy, he has a lot to learn... and even more growing to do.

One of the best parts of living on a farm is knowing exactly what my family eats. We eat locally, and grow a lot of it ourselves. We know fruit and vegetables, but the dogs need real meat. With a growing puppy and a mature dog, I want to ensure they both have what they need to be a healthy weight and have enough energy to play hard everyday.

Both of our dogs can benefit from Wild Calling!® and their real and honest take on dog food.

What makes Wild Calling! different?

• GlycoEdge - It is designed to provide your pup with consistent energy and a low glycemic diet. This dog food is made with Tapioca, sweet potatoes, and lentils to provide a low glycemic diet 
• Quality - They believe in using the highest quality ingredients including hormone and antibiotic-free meat, poultry and fish. 
• Meat & Protein rich Dog Food. Wild Calling! believes in grain free nutrition, and their protein is derived from quality animal protein. Rich meats help create an optimal amino acid profile to support healthy muscle growth & increased energy

I am going to be trying out the Rocky Mountain Medley this month and can't wait to share our experiences in April. So stay tuned! 

Be sure to check out the Wild Calling! store locator so you can try it for your dog.

I shared our story, now I want to know why your dog deserves Wild Calling!?

Farm Update - Finally a Wet Fall

Seems like forever since we have had a wet Oregon Fall. It used to be something people joked about... but would grin and bear. My freshman year of college it rained for so many days straight students from out of state dropped out or transferred at an alarming rate.

Our kitten Lou-Lou has had a hard time adjusting to the wet weather. She darts in and out of the door, shaking her paws at the standing puddles getting in her way.

Oregon's wet weather may be an acquired taste.

But the past few years have been dry. No big Spring rains, no long Fall rainy weather stretches. Just dry. So while I hate the muddy tracks now appearing in my entryway, the never ending vacuuming and sweeping my floors require, it is nice to be "normal" again.

Finally those rain coats and boots are being put to good use. Yes, I buy them every year like clockwork, but the past few years they have barely been worn.

So the farm is one dirty, muddy place right now. Everyone keeps asking if things have slowed down much. Despite U-pick being done, visible farm work seemingly slow, there is still much that needs to be done!

My husband claims that the last corn of the season is some of the sweetest, and I have to agree. It has developed slowly and built up a sweet surprise for anyone still in the mood for fresh corn.

Orchards still need tending, carrots are being harvested, ground as well as machinery must be prepared for Spring. There are still many types of squash going strong in the field, and the weeds never stop their constant attempt to choke out the blueberries, strawberries and other annual crops.

Getting out for our daily walks has held less appeal to me, but I think it is time to break out the rain gear and suck it up. My youngest doesn't mind being bundled up in the stroller, and we both need the fresh air between downpours.

The older kids are already starting to get a little stir-crazy, AND it isn't even Winter yet!

So the farm keeps on going, and as always I am dreaming of the first strawberries of the year. No amount of wishing will bring them on any faster, but at least I can find comfort in knowing that they are getting a much needed rain. And finally, it feels like Oregon again.

Has Fall hit your area? What does Fall look like around your home?

I've Got My Eye on You, Fall!

Summer was a dry and fickle lady this year. She brought hot days, drought but also endless memories and moments I want to hold onto tightly through the cold months ahead. It was the last Summer before my daughter started school and I will miss our long days together of dress-up and tea parties.

Now Fall is here and things are starting to settle down on the farm. Not slow down, mind you... there are still months of harvesting and crops yet to come, but the last of the hay is cut and those crazy hours are behind us.

It also means I have to say goodbye to my favorite fruits and prepare for the more hearty squash and pumpkins. Casseroles, baking and the Crock-Pot are calling to me.

Yes, I am looking forward to the world of apples and pumpkin everything. Thank goodness, because I am not sure I could escape that juggernaut even if I tried. Have you switched to a pumpkin latte yet?

Now that I have school aged children Fall has taken on a whole new meaning. It means influenza, school schedules, snack rosters and shorter daylight hours. That is enough to leave any Mom quaking in her boots.

How do you survive the changing of the seasons?

What are you looking forward to as the weather changes? Our family is looking forward the the holidays and birthday season and I am working on myself.

Slowly but surely, one foot in front of the other.

So I welcome the new season. I am ready to greet Fall with open arms and optimism. But I have to say for the record, Fall, I've got my eye on you!