Life at a "Swell's" pace

Our garden has been showing signs of our hard work over the past few weeks. From the cherry tomatoes popping up through the dirt to the watermelon and pumpkins making an appearance slowly. We are so happy our raised beds are working in our favor this year and we have decided that this is the only way to garden in a yard-garden.

My birdbath has been the popular washing "hole" for the many blue jays that like to hand around my yard here recently. One of the blue jays I have named Milo. He seems to be friendlier than the others and comes and goes from the birdbath when I am standing close and even has landed on the clothes line when I am hanging clothes. I've sort of taken a liking to him. :)

My little Bean planting some beans.

Pumpkins, Broccoli, and Watermelons are showing signs of growth.

Radishes, Lettuce, and Yellow Squash coming along nicely.

We've got Russet Potatoes in the far bed and Snow Peas and Pole Beans in the other.

This is a mirrored image of our garden beds, but how neat is this layout?

Carrots are looking lovely in their beds too.

Irregular Gourds, Birdhouse Gourds, and Cherry Tomatoes in June.

Miniature Apple Tree.

Red Cannas

Firework Bush

My "ever spreading" Oxalas

The growth of the Birdhouse Gourds from June 15th-July 3rd. These will be a lot of fun to play around with once they are fully grown.

June 15th-July 3rd growth on the cherry tomatoes.

The growth of the small, irregular gourds from June 15th-July 3rd. I grew these by just breaking open the other ones I had and shoving them in a pail of dirt. I really didn't think they would grow, but that always seems to be when stuff grows: When you aren't expecting it.

Quick Tips 101: Things you can't go without knowing.

Cleaning your windows with newspaper instead of paper towels. Cuts down on paper waste and makes your windows shine like a peach!

Using labeled, glass, food containers as decorations on your kitchen counter.

Seek out bio-degradable products whenever possible. (Multi-purpose Wipes from Wysi Wipes.)

Always wrap and freeze unused meats immediately. Wrapping in plastic wrap and then again in a freezer-proof bag will prevent freezer burn. Be sure to label the bag as to what's inside.

Eliminate sticky residue from an iron. Run the hot iron (no steam) over plain paper sprinkled with salt. (Real Simple Tip.)

Use a lemon to clean hard water stains. (Broccoli Cupcake Tip.)

Spot cleaning hard to reach stains with the Tide® To-Go Stain Pin. (Family Handyman Tip.)

Keep your stainless steel sink clean with just some elbow grease and environmentally sound cleaners. (Tip Nut Tip.)

Clean your blinds like a professional. ( French Knots Tip.)

Wash your windows like a pro. (Chaotically Creative Tip.)

Extra Tips:

• Always use the good dishes when eating with your family. Every meal should be a special occasion.

• Always wash your windows and keep them clean, along with your toilet and your fine China.

• Keep kitchen counters free of clutter and wiped down, it makes your kitchen look more inviting.

• Make your bed everyday. No matter what the day plans are, always make time for that.

• Keep litter box odor down by cleaning it daily or every other day, and use baking soda to rid odor.

• Set an air freshener in hidden places around your home (behind the toilet). No one will be the wiser.

• Dust your home once a week. It cuts down on allergens and tidy up the home in the process.

All these tips are to help you stay organized. For more organization visit the tips section at the top of the page. Remember, every little bit helps! :)