The Dekopon (known as “Sumo” in the grocery stores) is large, easy-to-peel, and sweet mandarin. They’re also nearly seedless. And, if you find a seed, that is the only legal way to grow them in California (unless you are one of a small number of commercial growers in California) at this point in time. As a result of this exclusivity, they cost $3+ per pound here in California.
Last year we bought a few in hopes of finding a seed. No such luck. This year was a different story… we found one! So, off to learning how to germinating citrus from a seed I went, and up the seedling has now risen! The last photo was taken 15 days after initiating the process.
Can’t wait to share more about our Dekopon seed experiment with you! -Ben
To make the paper poms: Cut out a stack of tissue paper in a rectangular shape (I used a stack of 10). Cut slits on both short ends towards the center, leaving about 1″-2″ of space uncut in the middle. Roll the tissue paper stack together, with an 8″ strand of twine tie the middle of the roll tightly, and knot to secure. Fold the tissue paper upwards to create your pom shape.
You can use a mason jar as a vase, and dress it up with flowers up top and tie on a paper pom on the side…
Get a paper mache box, poke a hole in the center (be sure it is wide enough to fit the center section of the tissue paper pom), and insert the pom on top. May need to use glue to secure in place. Then, fill the box with some delectable sweets…
Use the paper pom to top a stack of lovely smelling bath soaps…
I got a plain ceramic pot and added some pattern with a ceramic marker. Then, I added a plant inside (of course!), and inserted the paper flag bunting…
To make the paper flag bunting:
For the bunting, cut out triangles in various sizes, then run the top through the sewing machine using a zigzag stitch (leaving some long strands on both ends), and tie the ends onto some wooden dowels.
For this one, I just glued some flags onto a dowel, and attached it to a scented candle in a jar. For a little more fun, you could also write something like, “You are scent-sational!”
This month’s challenge is all about celebrating! These simple gifts would be perfect to give to your child’s teacher, maybe for Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day), or even just to let a friend know how “scent-sational” they are! I got the mason jar, candles, chocolate, and even the soaps all from Michaels. They have lots of little goodies that would work as lovely gifts, and you could add a little oomph by dressing them up with paper poms and flags!
Supplies for this project were provided as part of the Michaels Makers Series. Michaels is celebrating every occasion this summer with gifts for Moms, Dads and teachers, and parties to celebrate birthdays, graduation, and the 4th of July! What are you celebrating this summer?
Once upon a time, Ben and I were going to the flea market almost every Sunday. Second Sunday would be Rosebowl, third Sunday was Long Beach, and fourth Sunday was Santa Monica. We would either get there really early, and then head out in time to get to church gathering, or go right after church. We knew lots of vendors and they knew us and our girls. Our jaunts to the flea market slowed down a few years ago because we just didn’t need much anymore (and my interior style has remained the same), so I really do miss those days of hunting for old things.
With the bathrooms almost done, I was in need of a mirror. I had been saving two vintage ones that I got a few years ago, but while one will work for the half bath, we decided with needed a bigger one for the full bathroom. Thus, right after church gathering, we headed out to the Long Beach Antique Market. We were cutting it close to closing time, and I’m sure I missed out on lots of goodies going so late, but treasures were still found nonetheless. Ben stayed in the car with the girls and they had fun hanging out in the parking lot (we didn’t want to pay admission for everyone just with an hour left to go), and I whizzed up and down every aisle as fast as I could with my eyes wide open for things I was looking for.
Mainly, I was looking for a mirror and two patio chairs. I did stop at a couple places to check out (and try on) some antique jewelry, but then I was like, “Focus, Ruby, focus.” I did scoop up a couple $5 baskets, and when I saw an olive bucket, I had to get one (for more plants of course!). An olive bucket was something I had been wanting, but I didn’t remember until I saw it. There were a lot of other things I loved (oh the vintage dresses and indigo fabric), but I was trying to stick with my mission and not get sidetracked too much (and stick within a budget), especially since a lot of vendors were already packing up. And as I was walking down the last aisle, I was just about to give up on finding a mirror, and that’s when I spotted one. It’s just a basic round one, but it’s pretty close to what I was imagining. I probably could have bought a new round mirror, but you know, I just like old things better.
I told Ben my Mother’s Day request is to spend the day at the flea market!
on me:dress, thrifted (I slightly altered it). hat, flea market. sandals, piperlime (sad they are closing up shop.). rag rug bag, get instructions here.
Vietnamese Style Lemongrass Pork with Brown Rice and Carrot Relish. This was such a busy day and I was super rushed to get dinner together that I overcooked the pork (it was too chewy) and my coarse shredded carrots became carrot mush. Overall though, the flavors were good; Ben and I agreed that we should give this dish another shot. Next time, I will pay attention and bake the pork for 15 minutes (instead of 25) and not stick the carrots in the vita-mix.
Read this interesting article about how Americans now spend more money eating out than on groceries. We typically spend less than $100 a month dining out (that’s what we set for our monthly family budget), so that’s definitely not us.
Checked out The Secrets of the Notebookfrom the library and I was so intrigued with this woman’s family history.
NBA playoffs start today for the San Antonio Spurs… oh man, it’s that time of year again! #gospursgo
Thankful to get some rest once this past week from cooking dinner. We went over to my mom and dad’s and they spoiled us with lots of delicious food.
I love my daughters so much. Yes, they drive me nuts, but mostly it’s cause I let my own self-centeredness get in the way of loving and teaching them as I ought. God uses these little four blessings to refine me and remind me that I am a finite creature. They teach me to cling to Christ.
Ingredients:
Carrots
Fennel
Fennel seed
Salt
Black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Chop all your vegetables. Line a baking pan with parchment paper, spread vegetables, lightly spray with oil, sprinkle fennel seed on top, and salt and pepper to taste. (For those that like more structure, this recipe is what initially inspired us a few years ago.)
All these vegetables were grown in our winter garden. We had some serious ginormous fennel growing! Ben is the one who puts in all the work into the garden, but I’m very happy to enjoy it all in my tummy!
I have a large growing pile of fabric scraps. I refuse to throw them away because I am sure they can be used for something. I have been seeing different types of interesting necklaces made of buttons, beads, and fabric. Then, I figured why not make one out of my scraps...
I think it made my white shirt a little less boring. This was so quick and easy to make.
How to make a recycled scraps necklace (which is very similar to the straps on my braided tablecloth bag):
1. Take your scrap fabric, I cut a .5''-1'' snip and tear the rest of the fabric down for a nice frayed edge. Used 3 different fabrics for each strand.
2. Take 3 of the torn pieces and tie the ends together with a rubber band.
3. Braid the 3 pieces together and tie ends together with rubber band when done.
4. Repeat steps 2 & 3 for more strands. Remember you can make the strands any length you want, if run out of fabric, just weave more into the braid.
5. Once all the strands you want are braided, gather one end of each strand together and straight stitch together with sewing machine. Repeat for the other ends of the strands. Snip off any excess.
6. Gather ends of the necklace and sew together (snip excess) or a ribbon can be sewn at the ends to be able to tie the necklace closed, but I just sewed both ends together.
7. Voila! A nice way to make use of all your lovely scraps.
Sorry if the directions get you a little lost, but it really is easy. I promise. Maybe I should put some in the shop. Please share any other good ideas you may have of things that can be made with scraps. I would love to hear (read) them!
The Dekopon (known as “Sumo” in the grocery stores) is large, easy-to-peel, and sweet mandarin. They’re also nearly seedless. And, if you find a seed, that is the only legal way to grow them in California (unless you are one of a small number of commercial growers in California) at this point in time. As a result of this exclusivity, they cost $3+ per pound here in California.
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