Be a 'Locavore'!!

     'Locavore' is a term that refers to someone who chooses to eat locally grown & raised foods when available. Eating local is catching on for a number of reasons including freshness, nutrient value, taste, strengthening of the local economy & supporting the family farm tradition.  We also benefit by reducing our carbon footprint by purchasing produce (especially this time of year) that hasn't travelled great distances. Is there anything that tastes better than local corn & tomatoes this time of year? The added benefit of maximizing the nutrition factor for your body is huge. If you are lucky enough to have a place to grow a few plants of your own that's an added benefit; your own produce is delicious, nutritious and free. It's not too late. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers and herbs like basil, parsley, mint for example are easy to grow. Garden centers will have variety that are well along in the growing process for you to plant right now. As the temps get cooler plant seeds for lettuce. Check out local farmer's market days in your community. Most have them now so it is easier than ever to become a locavore. Supermarkets carry local produce now too but the farmer's markets are so diverse & more fun. Even the local honey sold can benefit those with seasonal allergies. And baked goods with locally grown produce & herbs such as zucchini breads & lavender cakes are well, yum squared. Enjoy the buying and tasting experience!!

Destination Hammock

   While on a recent visit to a garden club member's amazing property, I meandered into her hammock destination ~ perfectly placed between the two required trees. From every passerby that afternoon was a collective aahhh, wouldn't that be nice to have. My challenge here really is first to have gratitude for the destinations you do have in your outdoor space and secondly to USE THEM!

    Sure it's easy to think if I had a hammock like that I would be in it every chance I got! Well, we all have a space whether it be a back porch, front porch, a strategically placed chair perhaps. For my Dad it was simply the front steps of our twin home. I grew up in a city of sorts & that's what you did. As soon as the weather got warmer, out everyone went watching the world go by; catching up with the neighbors. This occurred every night weather permitting. He eventually graduated to a folding strap beach chair for comfort sake as he got older. The important lesson here is he took the time... Now, some may reach a bit more towards private spaces but wherever you choose you need to take the time... Find your destination & make a date to read a book, do a crossword puzzle, nap, listen to the birds, crickets, do nothing...

    My girlfriend recently added a chiminea to her favorite outdoor destination and that sealed the deal for her. She says she's out there every evening that she can building fires & loving every peaceful, blissful minute. So do what you need to tweak a space for yourself; sometimes it is as simple as pulling up a folded beach chair. The tricky part is making the time, then settling into the quiet and calm and relaxation. It is mandatory for a healthy mind & body and critical for the soul. I hereby give you permission: destination hammock... and it is totally free.

Enticing Plants for Hummingbirds

  The June/July issue of Birds & Blooms is all about the hummingbird & rightfully so! For some having these flying jewels is the height of our summer months & for others a still unattainable dream. The magazine lists the Top 10 hummingbird plants. There are a couple of annuals on this list so you can have results immediately without waiting for say a vine to grow.

   One annual is flowering tobacco (nicotiana) - green. There are a variety of other colors too, the white being very fragrant. The other annual is the newer hybrid petunia black. Pair it with red petunias and you should be good to go with a gorgeous combo!

   The perennials are as follows: orange Red Hot Poker (for well-drained soil), yellow Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens is the right variety), blue Delphinium, coral Trumpet Vine (needs a trellis, fence, etc. with excellent support and room to grow), red Bee Balm (number one choice of a red plant & my personal favorite - Cardinal Flower if you have a wet sunny area is a close second), purple Salvia, pink/coral Coral Bells, and one shrub white Vibernum (Autumn Jazz is a nice choice). Other red palnt that made the runner up list are annuals salvia, geranium, dianthus & pernnial penstemon, daylily & garden phlox.

    I must include a few of my favorites on this list too: the annuals fuschia, lantana & zinnia. Make sure you plant some annuals in containers close to your outside seating. Hummers are not shy!! The added bonus is that butterflies are attracted to all of these plants too. Happy planting!

Under $10 Beauty Product Reviews - L'Oreal Advanced Haircare & SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex

   With so many new products on the market even this blogger can't (afford) to keep up, even at drugstore prices! I read a few reviews & take it from there & try for myself and with the teenage tester's help, come up with some wonderful & affordable products for you to try.

    The first is the new L'Oreal line of hair care called Advanced Haircare. There are multiple formulas for your own specific needs. I am using the Volume Filler (purple & black bottles) for my hair right now. I love it & it works!! I recently had my hair cut & even my hairdresser said something about my hair feeling thicker. SOLD! Time to tell my blogging friends this is not my imagination! My daughter is using the Total Repair (gold & black) and is thrilled with that. Both actually live up to the hype & smell wonderful. The price point is $4.99 a bottle, but it is always on sale for $3.99 either at the supermarket or drugstore. L'Oreal is always generous with coupons so you should be able to purchase for $2.99 per bottle. I still alternate with L'Oreal's Cleansing Conditioner which will always be a favorite; one bottle, no suds, excellent bouncy hair when you are done!

    The second product is SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex Bath, Body & Massage oil. SheaMoisture has been around for over a century! Many drugstores/supermarkets sell this line of soaps, body lotions, etc. Ulta is the exclusive carrier of the Superfruit Complex. Every formula smells so good; it is extremely hard to choose. The Superfruit boasts contouring, firming & smoothing with ingredients like mango butter, green coffee bean extract, organic shea butter with raspberry ketone, goji, acai & guava extracts to nourish & improve skin's elasticity. Who doesn't want that for their summer skin! Works best on right-out-of-the-shower damp skin. This smells amazing, moisturizes & gives your arms & legs a summer shimmer! The price is also amazing at $9.99. If you are buying from Ulta you can use that weekly $3.50 off coupon & purchase it for $6.50! A no-brainer for this exceptional moisturizer. Enjoy the pampering!