Life at a "Swell's" pace

We are a "sometimes" meat and potatoes-type of family here, so we wanted to give a go at growing the potatoes part of the meal. Under my kitchen sink has always been a prime growing hole for many things...potatoes, onions, ginger, and I even grew a family of field mice under there once (yeah, I know, gross), but nonetheless it was a great area to start a few potatoes and once they shot out their tentacle eyes we carted them out to the garden and began planting them.

Planting them straight into the ground is the best approach I do believe. We have tried the planter-type of planting before, but never had good results with it. The picture below is from last year and we never got any potatoes from it. I think it was because the roots of the potato couldn't spread in the planter like it can in the ground, but that's just a "amateur" yard gardener's point of view.

I found a few clever potato goods though in my hunt for the best potato growing items.

1. Kiddie Gardens 2. Liebermann Pottery 3. The Garden of Eaden

4. A Growing Tradition 5. Farm Natters 6. Gardening-Advice

After doing some online investigation, we still decided to shove them straight into the composted soil mix and take our chances in the ground.

Hopefully these little guys will give us brown Russets all the way till fall. My hopes are high!

For more ideas on growing potatoes, check out the article at Sproutabl. It goes into great detail about soil requirements, watering, companion plants, etc. Great way to give you a head start on becoming a potato farmer!

Life's changes bring about wisdom and experience, but it also brings forth some loves that you can brag about. Learning new cooking skills, a new baby, or even a new car can bring forth some present loves that are worth sharing. Here are a few of the things I am loving lately and have to share.

Blue Sky Ginger Ale. Made with organic, all-natural, REAL ginger. Love it! All the Drink Blue sodas are a amazing though, by the way!

Appreciating the little things in life.

Learning to forgive and move past trauma and abuse through yoga training and practice. It's taken awhile, but I am THERE! Forgiving someone does not okay their behavior, but it allows you to move on and carry on. Yoga is a great way to help you cope with the issues that life throws your way.

Living a more meaningful, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Trying out new items that are Mother Earth approved. I'm still on the fence with this one. :-)

Traveling a lot more. I hate plane rides, but I am loving the trips!

Giving up Facebook as one of my "necessary" social networks. Sorry Zuckerberg, it is what it is.

Watching Skylar become an in depth, 'for the love of Star Wars' fan. I've learned a lot about Star Wars in the journey as well.

Cherry Tomatoes. I will be so glad when my cherry tomato plants have the little treasures for me soon.

Making the switch to better purchases. This one is still a work in progress, but every little bit helps.

Shopping and depending more on my local Co-op.

Smiling. Instance mood lifter!

This quote.

LC's Crafty Creations Video Series.

Reaching out to understand other cultures and beliefs. There's a lot to learn out there! Knowledge is an endless playground.

Falling in love with oatmeal! Every morning, people! (Hint: Blueberries are amazing paired with oatmeal)

Decorating more with the Arkansas Razorback! Red never looked so good!

What are you loving lately?

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