Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Is your garden begging for more greenery but your wallet saying, "Hold on there!"? Well, I've got some fabulous news for you! Propagating your own herbs isn't just for the green thumbs or expert gardeners. Today, I'm diving into the "lazy gardening" technique of sticking herb cuttings directly into the soil—a simple, cost-effective method to expand your garden.

Why Propagate Herbs?

Propagating herbs is not only economical but also incredibly satisfying. It allows you to multiply your favorite herbs without spending extra bucks at the garden center. Whether you want to enhance your meals with fresh flavors or add some green to your space, this method is a perfect choice.

Herbs That Love to Root in Soil

While many herbs can be propagated by water, here are some that thrive when their cuttings are planted directly in soil:

• Mint: Known for its aggressive growth, mint is a perfect candidate for direct soil propagation. Simply cut, stick it in the dirt, and watch it take off!
  
  
• Rosemary: This fragrant herb roots well in well-draining soil. Ensure it's kept moist, and you'll have new plants in no time.
  
  
• Thyme and Sage: Both herbs root easily when planted directly in light, sandy soil.
  
  
• Oregano: Similar to thyme, oregano cuttings adapt well when planted in moist, fertile soil.

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Herbs in Soil

1. Prepare Your Cuttings: Select healthy, non-flowering stems from your existing herb plants. Cut about 4-6 inches from the tip, making sure to cut just below a leaf node.
   
   
2. Prep the Soil: Use a pot with good drainage filled with a mix of potting soil and sand or perlite. This ensures excellent drainage, which is crucial for root development.
   
   
3. Plant Your Cuttings: If you have it on hand, dip the cut end into rooting hormone. This step is optional but can help encourage root growth. Make small holes in the soil with a stick or pencil, place your cuttings inside, and firm the soil around them.
   
   
4. Create the Right Environment: Water the cuttings well and cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini-greenhouse effect. This maintains humidity and warmth, speeding up the rooting process.
   
   
5. Care and Patience: Place your new plant babies in a spot with indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist. In a few weeks, check for roots by gently tugging on the cuttings. If you feel resistance, congratulations—you've got roots!

Wrapping Up

With these simple steps, you can turn a single plant into an entire garden of aromatic herbs. It's a sustainable way to keep your kitchen stocked with fresh flavors all year round. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of greenery to brighten up their home?

Happy gardening, and remember, every little leaf is a step towards a more sustainable, lush life!

You know I'm always about turning a drab space into something magical, right? Well, this year, my garden is getting that slow, magical touch, and I'm here to share the journey with you. 🌱✨

This season, I decided to take things at a leisurely pace with my garden. Not because I planned it meticulously, but rather, life happened, and my usual spring planting slipped through the cracks. By the time I realized it, it was already June! But you know what? It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

A Slow Start

I began the season lazily, missing the window to start many of my seeds. In the end, I had just one successful tomato plant and one pepper plant, plus a few others gifted by my parents. It wasn't until mid-June that I kicked into gear, experimenting with older seeds I had stashed away and embracing every volunteer tomato and pepper that nature sent my way.

Therapeutic Gardening

This year, gardening has become my therapy. It's not about the harvest or filling my pantry—it's about nurturing each plant and enjoying the growth process. My mint box has thrived under my care, with little sprouts getting extra attention and love.

Embracing Uncertainty

Sure, I'm a bit worried about my harvest timing. My pumpkins might be racing against the frost, and my fall decorations could be delayed. But there's something incredibly rewarding about nurturing these plants from unexpected beginnings. Those volunteer plants? They've become stars in their own right, reducing waste and maximizing the bounty of my garden.

Lessons from the Garden

This slower pace has taught me to appreciate the moment and the unexpected gifts that come with it. It's a lesson I'm trying to apply beyond the garden, too—taking time to consider all options in life and work before making decisions.

My Advice to You

For anyone feeling hesitant or late to the game in any aspect of life—not just gardening—I say go for it. Life is too short for what-ifs. Starting a garden late in the season? It's a risk worth taking and definitely not something you'd regret when you look back.

So, here's to taking it slow, embracing the unexpected, and making the most of every moment. Because, after all, isn't life our biggest DIY project ever? 🛠️🌱

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Today, I'm taking a little trip down memory lane. Remember when I was super picky about paint brands? Yep, I was quite the paint snob. But guess what? Things have changed! While I admit some paint is better than others, I've realized that nobody will notice if I use $1 acrylic paint for projects like painting a picture frame. Let's dive into why sometimes any paint will do!

The Early Days

In the beginning, when I first ventured into refurbishing furniture, my go-to was Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, arguably the best chalk paint available. However, its limited availability meant driving over 30 miles just to pick up a can—talk about commitment!

I also fell hard for Fusion Mineral Paint, which I still adore due to its built-in topcoat—perfect for someone like me who struggles with finishing touches. Yes, I once drove an hour each way just to get my hands on this paint!

Choosing the Right Paint

Choosing the right paint can indeed make a difference, especially for specific projects. Specialty paints like Fusion Mineral or Annie Sloan offer unique advantages, such as easier application and better durability for furniture. However, they have limitations, such as higher costs and fewer color options.

The Industry Secret

Before the trend of specialized "cabinet paints," many DIY enthusiasts and professionals simply used regular latex wall paint for cabinets—and it worked just fine! This shows that specialty paints offer certain benefits but are not always necessary.

Pros & Cons of Specialty Paint:

Pros:

- Specialty paints often come with additives like built-in sealers or primers.

- They can save time and effort in the prep and finishing stages.

- Often better for specific surfaces or uses, offering more durability.

Cons:

- Higher cost.

- Limited color choices and availability.

- It can be overkill for simple or small projects.

Conclusion

Being open to experimenting with different types of paint has taught me that flexibility can lead to creativity and unexpected success. Whether you're touching up an old picture frame or tackling a full furniture refurbishment, the right paint might just be the one you already have at hand. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff—embrace the unexpected, and sometimes, the less expensive options lead to the best outcomes!

Call to Action

Every summer brings with it a bittersweet reminder of a past life—a life where my late husband, James, and I were on the cusp of realizing all our dreams. It was during these warm months that we received James's devastating cancer diagnosis. As the world around us blossomed, our plans for adopting our son and building our future together seemed to shatter irreparably.

Life has a peculiar way of unfolding. It's been over two and a half years since we lost James, and with each passing day, I've trodden a path of profound personal growth and healing. This journey, although laden with grief, has slowly morphed into a canvas of strength and independence—a version of myself I had never known before.

Recently, I ventured on an overnight hotel stay with my son—our first since James passed. As I watched my son's excitement, a pang of melancholy mixed with a deep sense of accomplishment. These small steps are monumental milestones in our new life, each a testament to our resilience and ability to find joy amidst sorrow.

It's true; I often wonder what life could have been like. Imagining weekends packed with family adventures and spontaneous trips, the laughter-filled air, and the joy of shared experiences. Yet, here I am, learning to navigate this world as a single parent, finding solace in my newfound independence. It's not a path I chose, but one that chose me, compelling me to grow in ways I never anticipated.

I won't say it's easy. There are days when the weight of solo parenting and decision-making feels overwhelming. There are moments when I wish I didn't have to know this life of loss and forced independence. Yet, these challenges have sculpted a resilience in me that I never knew existed. They've taught me that I am capable of venturing into the world on my own, finding joy in solitude, and embracing the spontaneity of life as a single mom.

As I continue to forge this unexpected path, I'm learning to love the life I've been given, not just the life I had planned. Our adventures may look different now, but they are no less significant. Each step forward is a piece of the puzzle in understanding and embracing this new chapter.

To those walking a similar path of loss and rediscovery, know it's okay to mourn the plans that never came to fruition. But also remember, within each of us is a resilient spirit capable of rewriting our story, finding beauty in the ashes, and learning to live—and love—again.