TIPS FROM CHRISSY FOR SPRING

finally time to start thinking about planting a garden. Growing vegetables and herbs at home is a money saver and it also gives you a better tasting product. This type of project can be a lesson for the children in your life but it can also be a way to get to know your neighbors. A fruitful garden grows enough of produce to allow you to share with neighbors and family. Also, if you are looking for a healthy way to spend some time, getting outside in the fresh air and sun is a perfect way.


The first step is picking a location. This step can either make or break your project. Choose a location that gets a full day off sun. Next, examine your soil. The perfect soil is what is called “sandy loom.” To make sure you have sandy loom, take a handful of soil and squeeze it in your hand. You are looking to see that it crumbles when you let it go. If your soil is too dry add compost soil and to wet give the space time to dry out and make sure you till the soil and that there is ample draining. The smaller the garden space the easier to manage. For example, a well cared for 10x10 foot garden will produce more vegetables than a weed filled or diseased ridden 25x50 foot space.


Container gardens are a great way to have garden without a big yard. Produce that grows well in containers are tomatoes, basil, parsley, rosemary and oregano. Make sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom to ensure proper soil.


Now the fun part, planting time. The later you plant the better to ensure you do not expose your new plants to frost. When it comes to choosing seeds refrain from penny pinching. Look for buying brand name seed or catalogue seed. The 10 seed packets for a dollar are not worth you hard work. Easy to grow crops include, onion, peas, beets, zucchini and squash.


Never forget to fertilize (using homemade compost or the store bought organic kind) and treat your garden to ward off any insects. Enjoy the weeding and pick only when your produce is ripe. Let me know how it is going at Chrissyc1@cox.net

parenting with Time Outs

HERE IS A NOTE FROM OUR DAUGHTER WHO HAS TWO CHILDREN,TWO YEARS AND 6 WEEKS...
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Reply |Kimberly Dobson to me
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Time Out!


We are all familiar with the commonly used phrase "time out" and most, if not all of the time, it's associated with a misbehaving child. This time it's not. It's a reminder from a busy mom to all moms (and dads) that it's absolutely critical to take a time out from everything else to be present with your kids for an hour, an afternoon or a day every week. 100% present.


I know it's not that easy in this day and age with technology at your fingertips...social networks to keep up with, busy schedules, etc. But it's an absolute must to turn everything off: all of your gadgets: blackberry, Facebook updates, text messages, Twitter, soccer schedules, etc. and schedule a "time out" with your kids. Be focused and have fun without distration. You owe it to your kids and to yourself.


Years ago parents seemed a lot more focused on just "be-ing". Technology did not exist and time spent (quality time spent) with your kids was a given. That's "organic" to me. Let's get back to the organic days...let's put our technology down for a bit and spend quality time with our kids. It's a reminder to me and perhaps you. So, here it is....loud

Grampie's woodworking

I have a great woodworking story to share. My son who is 7 years old asked me one day if his Grampie was Santa Claus. I said no, but why do you ask. He said because he makes great wood toys just like Santa. Of course I laughed. Indeed he does. He then said can we make some wood toys. I thought about it, because I do have some woodworking ability, said sure. Not really knowing what I was getting into, we got some scrap wood and started cutting ,sanding, nailing and gluing. Before long we had made a pretty good wood airplane. Not as good as Grampie's, but good. It was great fun for the both of us. It gave my son appreciation of what really goes into making wood toys. He still likes the Wee Organics toy better, but we had great fun. Keep up the good work!!!!

Books that help raising a child

I recently began reading two books to help me figure out raising my two children. I have a 8 year old girl and a 6 year old boy. The first book is The Good Son by Michael Gurian and the second is Girls will be Girls by JoAnn Deak. I feel both books have helped me relax and deal with behavior, punishment, and their education so much better.

I also wanted to share some books I gave a friend who had a family member dying of cancer and needed to help her kids cope with such sadness. The first is The Next Step, a wonderful book for young and old. The second book is Sad Isn't Bad, a perfect book for a child trying to understand death and dying.

Haiti and Compassion

The Haiti disaster reminds me that acts of compassion add meaning to our lives.EMILY DICKINSON [1830-1886] wrote

If i can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If i can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

Thank you to all the first responders to this tragedy. You have also enriched our lives.

CHRISSY HAS SOME GREEN HINTS AFTER CHRISTMAS

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In the after glow of the holidays, I realized all the time spent with family and friends was well worth my time personally (learned some new holiday recipes) and professionally (amazing eco friendly ideas). My friends and family have been fine tuning their way of living “green.” Of course, I asked as many questions that I could without looking creepy. Continue reading to find some of the easy things my friends and family have been doing.


Shred all your used wrapping paper to make decorative bag filler instead of tissue paper.


Prune some of your over grown plants and start new ones by placing the clippings in a glass of water which will force roots to grow. Don’t forget to put your glass in the sun to help the process along.


While emptying the dehumidifier, use the water to nourish your indoor plants.


Send your broken holiday lights to Recycling Program 118 Rosehill Drive, Suite 1, Jackson, MI 49202 or check out HolidayLEDs.com.


Save your plastic shopping bags and use to line your bathroom trash can or for cleaning out the liter box.


Break up your old bread and spread it around your backyard or a park for the neighborhood birds.


Buy a compost bin and save your kitchen scraps. Eventually, you will produce the best soil you have ever seen! (As said by my friend)


Save on time and cleaning supplies by taking your shoes off at the door of your home.


Reuse your plastic sandwich bags by just rinsing them out and hanging them to dry.


Use a wash cloth to wipe up the baby after his/her meals instead of paper towels.


As for baby wipes, buy one plastic container and just buy the refill wipes. We don’t need so many plastic containers ending up in the landfill.


I hope you find these tips helpful. I know I did. Let me know how it is going at Chrissyc1@cox.net

Worry Free Holidays

This is the time of year that there is too much to worry about ... work, finances, traffic, the weather, holiday shopping. At Wee Organics, we hope to take some of your stress away. Please review all the Wee Organics all-natural, American-made toys and products so that you can stay worry free as your little one plays and learns.