herbs – Happymomblogger

Summer Garden Ideas for Kids

As we gear towards summer and with the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to start your summer garden plans. As the kids are getting ready for whatever summer activities that you’ve planned, incorporate a summer garden for them as well. Gardening is therapeutic as well as tons of fun! It’s great for getting kids outside and for them to connect with nature. As long as you provide even a small area for them to work on then I guarantee your kids will develop a life long joy in gardening.

There are several different types of gardens but the easiest to start and maintain would be these: vegetable and fruit garden, cutting flower garden, and herb garden. Any one of these three gardens would be great for beginners as they can easily start with seeds or seedlings from a garden store. The benefits of these three types of gardens are that the bounty is usually enough for a full harvest and that they are beautiful to look at in your yard!

Let’s start with the basics:

Tools – small gardening shovel/spade, gardening gloves, small hand held rake.

Seeds – lettuce, radish, cucumbers, beans, sunflowers, marigold, herbs. Try to buy organic as you’ll be eating these plants.

Seedlings – tomato, broccoli, cilantro, wildflowers, corn, strawberries. Try to buy organic as you’ll be eating these plants.

Vegetable and fruit garden:

Vegetables and fruit such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and greens including lettuce, spinach, and kale, citrus fruits including lemons and oranges, beans, radishes, pumpkins, carrots, beets, and bell peppers are all very easy to grow and maintain. These types of fruits and vegetables have been cultivated for years to ensure a healthy growth and popularity. Plus, most of these species are recognized by children and have probably been eaten on a regular basis. Start with the basic and generic varieties and then experiment with heirloom ones.

Cutting flower garden:

Cutting flowers are ones that usually grow in stalks and can easily be cut to put into vases. Great varieties include sunflowers, zinnias, lavender, daisies, dahlias, and salvia. Notice that there are annuals and perennials so plan according to how you want your garden to look during the year or years. Annuals are plants that have to planted every year so it’s natural that they die out after a couple of seasons. Perennials come back year after year if you remember to take care of them during the various seasons.

Herb garden:

Herb gardens are probably one of the easiest garden to maintain. Herbs grow super fast and can spread widely if you’re not careful of spacing. Plus, herbs are delicious in meals, beverages, and even to keep away those pesky garden pests! Best herbs to grow are mint (spearmint or peppermint), parsley (try this yummy recipe that kids will enjoy: http://deliciousliving.com/herbquiches), basil, chives, sage, and cilantro. They are all quite fragrant and works well with most recipes. Try fresh mint in lemonades and juice and chopped fresh parsley over tomato soup. If your kids are hesitant about herbs, have them rub their fingers between the leaves and then smell the plant or fingers. The delicious aroma will encourage them to try gardening with herbs and they’re fun to harvest as well.

You can start your garden either directly in the ground or in planters. Planter gardening seems to have grown in popularity and it’s really easy to move the planters around for sunlight and shade. Plus, you can get really creative with your planters such as using soup cans, milk cartons, and tires. Or you can use the traditional planters such as terra cotta and ceramic as they will look just as beautiful and unique. Just remember that most planters attract a lot of heat so keep the plants well watered and fertilized. For in-ground planting, start off with a small patch of space such as a 5’x5′ area and make sure the soil is well amended. A good rule of thumb with any type of planting is making sure that the soil starts off right. If you want the proper type of soil, check out gardening stores and speak to experts on the type of soil in your region. Remember to also water your plants thoroughly and well. Some plants require daily watering while some can grow well with less watering. Take care of pests as well by using natural pesticides so that it’s safer for your children and for your garden. Wear gloves if you’re unsure of what type of soil you have and wear a hat to keep out the harsh sun rays.

So start planning your summer garden with your kids now. Take them to a garden center and let them browse the entire store. They’ll get inspired when they see all the beautiful and colorful plants and hopefully you can take home some plants and seeds that same day. Remember that the garden doesn’t have to be big. In fact, start off smaller so that it’s easier to maintain for yourself and your kids. Once you get the hang of gardening, experiment with rare plants or make your garden area even bigger.

Happy planting!

For some great gardening ideas, be sure to check out Martha Stewart’s gardening section: https://www.marthastewart.com/286309/vegetable-garden-101

And for easy and delicious recipes for the summer, check out Delicious Living Magazine: http://deliciousliving.com/recipes/6-hydrating-summer-recipes#slide-0-field_images-306921

*photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Living

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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June 19, 2018

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10 WAYS KIDS CAN ROCK IT HEALTHY – WEEK 2

herbs

For the second week of helping our kids become healthier individuals, I wanted to write about herb planting in the fall. Herbs are extremely easy and inexpensive to plant and take care of and most herbs are completely suitable for children of any age. Herbs come in Annual, Perennial, and Evergreen Perennial, so if you do some simple planning you’ll have fresh herbs year round that the kids can help you trim off when you’re ready to use them. And I can guarantee that there isn’t at least one herb that your child won’t like. Most herbs are already found grounded or snipped into soups, sauces, and sautes and if your child likes pasta just as much as mine does, there are already at least a couple of herbs in there (try basil and thyme).

Herbs are forever easy to grow and maintain. They contain super healthy health benefits. And they look pretty sitting in a clay pot or in their own secluded spot in the garden. Because of their ease in growing and usage, herbs are also a great beginner’s plant so it’s highly suitable for kids to learn how to start planting.

Below I’ve outlined some of the easiest and most common herbs to plant as well as some unusual herbs that you have to try just because they’re so unique. Teach your children the incredible health benefits of herbs as well as the start of loving the art of gardening.

Annual Herbs (herbs that live up to a year and may die off once the cold weather comes):

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – Basil thrives in warm weather so this annual herb may grow year round depending on your region. Basil is great in hearty dishes such as soups and stews. Medicinal purposes include aromatherapy, memory focus, bug repellent, antioxidant, and anti-fungal.

Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) – Cilantro has a slight bite to it so it’s great for kicking up a recipe that calls for similar type herbs. Medicinal purposes include aiding digestion, cleans breath, and anti-inflammatory.

Dill (Anethum graveolens) – Dill has a very strong fragrance and taste to it so it’s easily recognizable. It’s what you’ll find in many pickling techniques as it’s also great for preserving vegetables. Medicinal purposes include aiding digestion, insect repellent, and aromatherapy.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – Parsley can also be grown up to two years depending on the region. Parsley can be used in salads and soups and has a light and refreshing taste. Medicinal purposes include antibacterial, supports healthy blood flow, and enhances the immune system. Click here for an easy and great-tasting Pesto sauce using Parsley.*

Perennial Herbs (herbs that can live two or more years often growing and spreading each year):

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) – Chives are similar in taste to green onions and scallions and can be used in similar cooking methods. Medicinal purposes include detoxifying the body, aids in digestion, and improves vision health.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Fennel is mostly used for its seeds and has a similar spicy taste to anise seeds. Fennel is great in salads and soups and the fresh fennel stems can be eaten raw much like celery. Medicinal purposes include aiding digestion, preventing inflammation, and improving immune system.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – Ginger is a flowering plant but is mostly used for its roots. Ginger has many uses for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It can be quite spicy depending on the amount you use and is great as drink tonics and is prominent in Asian food recipes. Medicinal purposes include digestive aid, nausea, and antibacterial properties.

Mint (Mentha) – Mint is pretty well known to kids as an ingredient found in chewing gum and toothpaste. Because of this familiar taste, mint can also be used to flavor beverages and in soups. There are many variations of mint and each mint holds its own distinct flavor such as chocolate mint, spearmint, and peppermint. Medicinal purposes include digestive aid, aromatherapy, and bug repellent.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – Oregano is popularly used as a dried herb and can be found in most stews and sauces. This herb is extremely hardy and easy to grow and has a pleasant fragrance. Medicinal purposes include antibacterial properties, antiseptic, and supports immune system.

Evergreen Perennial Herbs (hardy herbs that grow into shrubs and can stay green all winter long):

Bay (Laurus nobilis) – Bay leaves or bay laurel has a very distinct flavor and taste that can be found in most stews and sauces. It is mainly used for flavoring and not commonly known to eat the entire leaf. Medicinal purposes include antioxidant properties, stimulates appetite, and bug repellent.

Lavender (Lavandula) – Lavender comes in many varieties and are most popularly known for its fragrance rather than its culinary uses. Lavender can be used in soups and beverages as it has a very distinct flavor and taste. Medicinal purposes include aromatherapy, bug repellent, and soothes headaches.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Rosemary has a natural evergreen appeal and can be used as a decorative plant rather than for culinary uses. However, Rosemary is commonly used as a seasoning and flavor enhancer in soups and meat dishes. Medicinal purposes include antioxidant properties, bug repellent, and antibacterial properties.

Thyme (Thymus) – Thyme plants thrive in hot, dry weather and once established can handle dry spells. The fragrant sprigs of thyme works well in soups and as seasoning for meat dishes. There are also many variations of Thyme so choose one or two that works well with your culinary purposes. Thyme is commonly used in all-natural alcohol free hand sanitizers and has been used for many centuries to prevent infections. Medicinal purposes include antibacterial purposes, detoxifying purposes, and bronchial illnesses.

As with all herbs and plants, please use cautionary concern when eating and cultivating herbs. Certain herbs have more beneficial properties than others and/or have more dangers as well. When choosing herbs to plant, find them at well-known nurseries and preferably organic to ensure seeds and seedlings were not treated with chemicals. Most herbs can be planted straight into the ground with fresh soil while others are wonderful as tabletop plants and grown indoors.

So this week or any other week, take your children to the local nursery and pick out a few herbs to start planting. Fall is a great time of year to plant herbs as the weather is still nice enough for these herbs to thrive and flourish.

*Recipe taken with permission from Delicious Living magazine/New Hope Network.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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September 27, 2016

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Household Chores Made Easy: Safe and Economical Ideas

I can’t fathom a chore that anyone can say is their favorite. After all, a chore is a chore, and most often it is a requirement to keep our home clean and our sanity in place. My son keeps me busy and I’m always running around trying to do a million things at once. So when it comes to cleaning the house, I want something convenient and easy for me to use. But I’m also concerned with the effects of chemicals infiltrating into the air as well as the long term effects of smelling them as I’m using them.

These days you can find all sorts of cleaning products on the market. The choices can be overwhelming when it comes to finding something that is both effective and safe to use. Recently, I’ve been trying to learn more about DIY (Do-It-Yourself) products as they are more cost effective and possibly time saving. DIY household cleaning products are also a good way to make in bulk and oftentimes they are ingredients you already have on hand. The most common natural cleaning ingredients are ones you probably have seen or heard, or are using already. Those include lemon, vinegar, and baking soda. But in the world of wonderful herbs and plants, there are many other ingredients you can use to clean, disinfect, and scent your home with. Essential oils can be found at most natural grocery stores as well as online. Let’s start with the basics and go on from there.

General household ingredients:

Lemon – one of nature’s most powerful plant. It contains high concentration of Vitamin C, which has been proven to be effective in prevention of many types of bacteria and viruses. As a cleaning agent, the natural antibacterial agent can disinfect many household products. Lemon can also naturally cut through grease and grime. Tips: After using lemon in your cooking, slice up slivers of lemon peel to put in your sink disposer. Turn on your disposer and let the lemon peels do their work to disinfect, clean, and leave a fresh scent afterwards.

Vinegar – another powerhouse in disinfecting and controlling bacteria. Because of its natural acidity, vinegar can break down unwanted smells in the air as well as a great de-greaser. It’s best to use white vinegar as it’s colorless and won’t interact with the surfaces you are cleaning on. When mixed with baking soda, the concoction creates one of the most useful and non-toxic cleaning product available. Tips: Mix vinegar and water to wash and clean fruits and vegetables. With it’s antibacterial properties, vinegar can clean fruits and vegetables in a more safe and non-toxic way.

Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate) – a natural mineral that is broken down to be used for cooking and cleaning, baking soda has numerous uses that are safe and effective. Because it has a slight abrasive texture, baking soda is great mixed with water or vinegar to shine certain metals, household surfaces such as stove tops, counters, and dark stains. It is also effective in whitening laundry and bringing out organic stains. Tips: Do not mix baking soda with acid as it can cause a bad chemical reaction. Use lesser parts baking soda when mixed with water or vinegar. Do not add baking soda to other household cleaners.

Herbs:

Lavender – one of the oldest plants in the world. Lavender has a calming and soothing fragrance that is a favorite for many uses. Typically it is the essential lavender oil that is used as a cleaning agent as the process in extracting the oil from lavender plants produces antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. Because of it’s soothing scent, many people put lavender oil in mixtures of vinegar and water to dilute the strong scent of vinegar. Tips: Gently boil lavender oil or lavender plant in water to create a calming and sweet fragrance throughout the house. When choosing lavender oil, make sure to purchase essential oils of lavender as they are the most pure forms of lavender.

Tea Tree Oil – another powerful plant with amazing healing and cleaning properties. The Tea Tree oil derives from the Tea Tree and not associated at all with the tea leaves that we drink. Tea Tree oil has many beneficial properties including antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic. When mixed with other carrier oils, the Tea Tree oil creates a pleasant scent when used for cleaning. Tips: Tea Tree Oil is not safe for consumption. Keep away from children as it can cause discomfort when imbibed.

Eucalyptus Oil – eucalyptus oil may be a bit harder to find but they work wonders on disinfecting around the house. Plus the scent is rather pungent so it’s a great deterrent for certain insects in your house. Tips: Use the essential oil of eucalyptus to repel insects by dabbing some on your windowsill, along the edges of your floorboards, and in your laundry when washing old linens. It is particularly useful in getting rid of dust mites.

Peppermint – another powerful herb for its antibiotic and antiseptic uses. Great for cleaning and refreshing bathrooms as the antimicrobial properties helps to get rid of germs and smells. Tips: Peppermint oil works well with other natural essential oils including lavender, lemon, and rosemary.

There are numerous ways you can use the ingredients listed above. I’ve only compiled a basic list of the most commonly used ingredients found in natural cleaning products. When mixed into a solution, it is best to use them right away and store them where you normally hide cleaning products as the sun can alter the effects of certain essential oils. And be sure to label them too so you’ll remember what they are used for. Perhaps one of the most common natural and non-toxic household cleaning solution is vinegar and water. Although vinegar will leave a sour smell after cleaning, it’s best to use either lavender or peppermint to disguise the smell and to leave a fresher and more pleasant scent.

I keep tons of baking soda in our house for its many uses. Even if you were to look online, you’d find hundreds of different uses for baking soda. I love using baking soda on my carpets as I sprinkle a good amount before vacuuming. It leaves a clean scent and my carpets feels lighter and fluffier. So whatever natural ingredient you decide to use to clean your house with, always be sure to test them out first before general use.

Happy cleaning!

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