Mini Terrariums

I love Starbucks, and visit it a few times a week.  I try to remember my own travel mug for the barista to use, but sometimes I forget to grab it on my way out the door.  On those days, I am guilt stricken for not bringing my own cup.  Other than recycling, I always feel compelled to do something with them.  Ben and I came up with the idea to plant seeds in them.  (Can you guess what he studied at school this week??)  It's easy and it protects the seeds/plants from the elements.  

For the mini terrariums, you'll need the following supplies: plastic cup (we used a Starbucks cup but McD's will work too), soil, seeds, water, sunshine and love :)

1. Get a clean plastic cup

2. Fill cup with 2 inches of soil

3. Place a few seeds on top of the soil

4. Cover the seeds with 1 inch of soil

5. Add water & put the lid on

Easy peasy lemon squeezy!  The lid not only protects the plant but also acts as a mini greenhouse.  Another great thing about this is that the cups are clear, so the kids can watch the plants grow.  Try this at home and let me know how it works for you.  Remember the three R's: reduce, reuse, recycle!

Spring for Spring

Well, it has been way too long since my initial post.  How time flies!  Here we are at the beginning of my most favorite time of year... Spring! While it's not officially Spring yet, the weather is perfect.  We have been busy these days with baseball, t-ball, yard work, gardening, crafting, Spring Break, and returning to work for me.

As I mentioned, we have been busy little bees working outside in this beautiful weather.  We only get a few weeks of this lovely weather before the heat sets in. We started hap-hazardly working on our vegetable garden last week... the boys were pulling weeds in the yard and noticed a little orange root at the bottom of some of the weeds.  "Mom, they're carrots!!" They were so excited, so we immediately prepared our raised garden (turning the existing soil, adding mushroom compost, etc.) and planted the little carrots.  I love how my kids love to garden.  Last year, they helped so much in the vegetable garden.  I think it's so important for them to learn about all aspects of gardening: preparing the soil, planting the seeds, watering, fertilizing, watching the plants grow,  harvesting, and eating the fresh fruits and veggies.  This weekend, we are starting our vegetable garden from seeds (with the exception of tomatoes... I'm not patient enough to wait for fresh tomatoes).  I have a great idea to share using cups from my favorite coffee shop.  It's a great way to reuse, plus the kids can watch the seeds root and grow through the clear plastic cup.  It's kinda like a mini terrarium.  Until then, have a great weekend!