B'More Organic Drinks

When I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2011, most prepared smoothie drinks were removed from my diet.  The carbs and sugar levels were just too high. That was a problem because I really enjoyed these drinks.

One day, not long ago, I stopped by my local CVS.  As I stood there, ogling the array of smoothie drinks I saw something I had not seen before called B'More Organic Skyr Smoothie.  Naturally, I was curious, so I took a bottle and examined the nutrition label.

And it was good news!!  A very reasonable 6g of carbs and 6g of sugar per serving.  Was I reading that correctly?  Yes, it turns out I was.  Finally a smoothie I could have without worry about spiking my sugar level.  There are additional flavors that I have yet to try.  I believe there is a cafe latte or something like that. I'll check these out some more and get back to you.

B'More Organic Drinks

When I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes in 2011, most prepared smoothie drinks were removed from my diet.  The carbs and sugar levels were just too high. That was a problem because I really enjoyed these drinks.

One day, not long ago, I stopped by my local CVS.  As I stood there, ogling the array of smoothie drinks I saw something I had not seen before called B'More Organic Skyr Smoothie.  Naturally, I was curious, so I took a bottle and examined the nutrition label.

And it was good news!!  A very reasonable 6g of carbs and 6g of sugar per serving.  Was I reading that correctly?  Yes, it turns out I was.  Finally a smoothie I could have without worry about spiking my sugar level.  There are additional flavors that I have yet to try.  I believe there is a cafe latte or something like that. I'll check these out some more and get back to you.

Watermelon, Watermelon, ... Who's Got the Watermelon

Who doesn't love a nice cold slice of watermelon on a hot summer day?  I know I sure do.  I picked up two miniature watermelons at the market last weekend.

These were advertised as seedless, but even the seedless have a few seeds.  They were perfectly ripened.  I refrigerated them and took them out just before serving, so they were nice and cold.  I like the smaller watermelons because they fit in the refrigerator easily.  Most of us do not have large, commercial sized refrigerators in our kitchens, so the mini's are a better choice.  I served them fully sliced, on the deck on a cutting board.  What a spectacular presentation.  From the cutting board you can serve your guests to their liking - the whole slice, one-half or a quarter.  Serve with lots of napkins and mint juleps.  Extraordinaire!!!

Watermelon, Watermelon, ... Who's Got the Watermelon

Who doesn't love a nice cold slice of watermelon on a hot summer day?  I know I sure do.  I picked up two miniature watermelons at the market last weekend.

These were advertised as seedless, but even the seedless have a few seeds.  They were perfectly ripened.  I refrigerated them and took them out just before serving, so they were nice and cold.  I like the smaller watermelons because they fit in the refrigerator easily.  Most of us do not have large, commercial sized refrigerators in our kitchens, so the mini's are a better choice.  I served them fully sliced, on the deck on a cutting board.  What a spectacular presentation.  From the cutting board you can serve your guests to their liking - the whole slice, one-half or a quarter.  Serve with lots of napkins and mint juleps.  Extraordinaire!!!

Candy Containers

Everybody likes a piece of candy now and then.  Maybe even two pieces, or three.  But everything in moderation.  I keep bins of candy at my desk and I am always happy to share.  I found these wonderful metal bins at IKEA which work perfectly as receptacles to hold candy for myself and my colleagues.

Here we have three flavors of Dove Promises; dark chocolate, milk chocolate and milk chocolate with caramel. Delicious.

These bins come with a top which can be easily removed and secured on the bottom of the bin.  That way, if you need the top later on, you have it right there.

Admittedly, this top has gotten a little roughed up on the one corner, but it is only stained, not scratched. That is easily removed with some Formula 409 and a paper towel.

They also had these cute round bins.  I thought this yellow would be cheery.

It is filled with Wint-O-Green Lifesavers and Peppermint Starlites.

Like I said, I keep these at my desk, but you could easily keep them in your pantry, filled with goodies for visiting nieces and nephews or neighboring children.  Or for yourself!  A cute and simple way to store candy.

Candy Containers

Everybody likes a piece of candy now and then.  Maybe even two pieces, or three.  But everything in moderation.  I keep bins of candy at my desk and I am always happy to share.  I found these wonderful metal bins at IKEA which work perfectly as receptacles to hold candy for myself and my colleagues.

Here we have three flavors of Dove Promises; dark chocolate, milk chocolate and milk chocolate with caramel. Delicious.

These bins come with a top which can be easily removed and secured on the bottom of the bin.  That way, if you need the top later on, you have it right there.

Admittedly, this top has gotten a little roughed up on the one corner, but it is only stained, not scratched. That is easily removed with some Formula 409 and a paper towel.

They also had these cute round bins.  I thought this yellow would be cheery.

It is filled with Wint-O-Green Lifesavers and Peppermint Starlites.

Like I said, I keep these at my desk, but you could easily keep them in your pantry, filled with goodies for visiting nieces and nephews or neighboring children.  Or for yourself!  A cute and simple way to store candy.

Did You Ever Make An Ice Block Around a Bottle of Vodka?

If not, take a look.  Isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen.  I used a half-gallon milk carton.  I put the bottle in the center and placed a few lemon slices around and filled just above the slices.

Then I placed it in the freezer.  Once that layer was frozen, I placed a few more lemon slices and added more water and placed it back in the freezer.

What a wonderful look.

I like the way the ice is uneven on the top.

And I like the little ice crystals that formed along the top.  Looks like freshly fallen snow.

This would be a spectacular way to serve vodka at a party.  Keep a bar towel close at hand so that you have something to grab it with when pouring.  And have a suitable sized bowl or tray with sides to keep it on to keep the melting controlled.  I think I'll do several of these for my next party.  Maybe different flavored vodkas and use matching fruit in the ice to the flavor of the vodka.  Good idea!!

Did You Ever Make An Ice Block Around a Bottle of Vodka?

If not, take a look.  Isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen.  I used a half-gallon milk carton.  I put the bottle in the center and placed a few lemon slices around and filled just above the slices.

Then I placed it in the freezer.  Once that layer was frozen, I placed a few more lemon slices and added more water and placed it back in the freezer.

What a wonderful look.

I like the way the ice is uneven on the top.

And I like the little ice crystals that formed along the top.  Looks like freshly fallen snow.

This would be a spectacular way to serve vodka at a party.  Keep a bar towel close at hand so that you have something to grab it with when pouring.  And have a suitable sized bowl or tray with sides to keep it on to keep the melting controlled.  I think I'll do several of these for my next party.  Maybe different flavored vodkas and use matching fruit in the ice to the flavor of the vodka.  Good idea!!

Seedling Update

The seedlings we talked about last week are growing by leaps and bounds.  I told you in an earlier post this year that I used Miracle-Gro potting soil to start these seeds and that I used that because I have had superior performance from it in the past.  Well, I must say the same is holding true once again.

I am sharing two pictures with you today of the two most vibrant and healthy seedlings.  First is the okra.  I was amazed to see how this has taken off.

And secondly the Ashworth Sweet Corn.  Incredible growth in both of these pots.  It won't be long now until I transfer these to the Earth Boxes.  Once that is done, they will really take off.

Seedling Update

The seedlings we talked about last week are growing by leaps and bounds.  I told you in an earlier post this year that I used Miracle-Gro potting soil to start these seeds and that I used that because I have had superior performance from it in the past.  Well, I must say the same is holding true once again.

I am sharing two pictures with you today of the two most vibrant and healthy seedlings.  First is the okra.  I was amazed to see how this has taken off.

And secondly the Ashworth Sweet Corn.  Incredible growth in both of these pots.  It won't be long now until I transfer these to the Earth Boxes.  Once that is done, they will really take off.

Boxwood Trimming Continues

Recently, we talked about the encroaching boxwood blight.  Several days ago I took to the remaining boxwood to try and gain control of this insidious invader.

We took additional steps to rid the healthy boxwood from the diseased boxwood.  In the process, we ending up removing some of the healthy, green stems that were adjacent to the diseased stems as a precautionary measure.

Once we were done cutting out the dead wood, we shaped the remaining boxwood with the hedge clippers.

Here is another section we removed from a separate hedge.  It is going to take some time to remove all of the areas infected with the sticky boxwood blight spores.  But we must be vigilant.  Once we are done with that, we can look to reshaping and revamping the front landscape.  No easy task.  But then, nothing worthwhile comes easy.

Boxwood Trimming Continues

Recently, we talked about the encroaching boxwood blight.  Several days ago I took to the remaining boxwood to try and gain control of this insidious invader.

We took additional steps to rid the healthy boxwood from the diseased boxwood.  In the process, we ending up removing some of the healthy, green stems that were adjacent to the diseased stems as a precautionary measure.

Once we were done cutting out the dead wood, we shaped the remaining boxwood with the hedge clippers.

Here is another section we removed from a separate hedge.  It is going to take some time to remove all of the areas infected with the sticky boxwood blight spores.  But we must be vigilant.  Once we are done with that, we can look to reshaping and revamping the front landscape.  No easy task.  But then, nothing worthwhile comes easy.

Midnight Black Mulch Around the Banana Tree

The banana tree is as vibrant this year as any year I can remember.  But we needed to spend a little time cleaning up the area around this lush tropical.  First we weeded the entire area.

This side of the garden was full of weeds and little seedlings which took hold from being dropped here from the wind.  It was a tedious job to pull up all of these tiny little sprouts, but very satisfying once it was all done. Of course the garden looked drab from the winter, so we freshened it up with a nice thick layer of the Midnight Black mulch from Preen.

Isn't that a spectacular look against the green of the banana leaves.  I love this.  Now that we have reached a point where the trees have stopped shedding, we can put this mulch down and enjoy it without tree refuse. 

Midnight Black Mulch Around the Banana Tree

The banana tree is as vibrant this year as any year I can remember.  But we needed to spend a little time cleaning up the area around this lush tropical.  First we weeded the entire area.

This side of the garden was full of weeds and little seedlings which took hold from being dropped here from the wind.  It was a tedious job to pull up all of these tiny little sprouts, but very satisfying once it was all done. Of course the garden looked drab from the winter, so we freshened it up with a nice thick layer of the Midnight Black mulch from Preen.

Isn't that a spectacular look against the green of the banana leaves.  I love this.  Now that we have reached a point where the trees have stopped shedding, we can put this mulch down and enjoy it without tree refuse. 

The Magnolia at Crest Avenue Bloomed

The most magnificent bloom you have ever seen.  And fragrant beyond all belief.

I love this shot.  The bloom is in perfect condition.  You can see the pinkish center which is attracting some visitors.

Perfect, perfect, petals.  So perfect they appear velvet-like.

And finally, just this magnificent shot of an all white, pristine magnolia blossom.  The fragrance is to die for. We are negotiating right now whether this tree will be transferred to Dewey Street next year.  I vote yes.

The Magnolia at Crest Avenue Bloomed

The most magnificent bloom you have ever seen.  And fragrant beyond all belief.

I love this shot.  The bloom is in perfect condition.  You can see the pinkish center which is attracting some visitors.

Perfect, perfect, petals.  So perfect they appear velvet-like.

And finally, just this magnificent shot of an all white, pristine magnolia blossom.  The fragrance is to die for. We are negotiating right now whether this tree will be transferred to Dewey Street next year.  I vote yes.

Meanwhile, ... Back at Crest Avenue

We picked up a couple summer pot refills from Lowe's.  I have been looking for something to put in the planters on either side of the front entrance and have not found anything to my liking.  I wanted to put ball trees in these planters like I have done in years past.  But I cannot find them anywhere this year.  So I opted for these colorful plantings.

I liked the color combination of these.  Whites, purples, pinks and then the green foliage.

They are a little "leggy" right now, but with time they will settle in and because full.  I think they will be a nice look here this year.

Meanwhile, ... Back at Crest Avenue

We picked up a couple summer pot refills from Lowe's.  I have been looking for something to put in the planters on either side of the front entrance and have not found anything to my liking.  I wanted to put ball trees in these planters like I have done in years past.  But I cannot find them anywhere this year.  So I opted for these colorful plantings.

I liked the color combination of these.  Whites, purples, pinks and then the green foliage.

They are a little "leggy" right now, but with time they will settle in and because full.  I think they will be a nice look here this year.

White Impatiens are Beautiful

Over the weekend we began preparing the deck at Dewey Street for July 4th celebrations.  One of those preparations was to get something in the rail planter boxes.  We decided on white impatiens.

I just love white impatiens.  They are a classic look which you can never go wrong with in the garden landscape.

I planted them in the center of each of these boxes which will allow them room to grow during the season.  In short order I expect these planters will be overflowing with new growth.  As you can see in the background of this picture, the hostas are in full bloom.  They are stunning this year.