Things to Love Right Now: This Week's Links

This week's web travels really have got me thinking about all of the projects I want to attempt and accomplish this Spring and Summer. With so many resources, online and off, and finding new ones every day, there are really no limitations. Here are some of my fave finds from this week.

My newest blog addiction is Dearest Nature, a stunning lifestyle blog inspired by, well, anything and everything in nature. Dearest Nature is also getting readers involved with Spring Pickin's, a blog and photo project to document anything that nature puts in your path. (This should be a must for me this season!)

Repurposing old and found objects like furniture, antiques and pretty much anything you can find, is all the rage these days. This succulent garden via old dresser before-and-after featured on Curbly, a DIY blog, is something to be admired. What can't you make a garden out of? (The full how-to is on Grizzly Bear Modern.)

Lastly, just for funsies, Urban Gardens, a blog dedicated to city and small-space dwellers, featured this darling pewter sugar and creamer set, complete with miniature shovel for a serving spoon. Adorable yes, but also a pretty penny, at Branca.

Apartment Therapy also launched a new Outdoor section of their website, for your perusal.
And, don't forget about the Spring 2012 issue of Leaf Magazine, a treasure trove of ideas for the gardening and outdoor living enthusiast.

Gardening (and Guinness) Is Good For You!

Spring clean up around here is no joke. I have a pretty good workout regimen, but I know there's no need to feel guilty when I skip my cardio on the weekends. The raking, the squats, the lunges, the pulling, the pushing, a few hours in and I've burned off breakfast and lunch combined.

We all know that gardening is good for you, mentally, physically and even spiritually.
But, here are some fat-burning facts about gardening that you may not know:

Gardening can burn an average of 167 calories for every 30 minutes, and involves strength and flexibility-building moves. If you're into the heavy-duty activities like hauling around 40-pound bags of soil and digging new beds, you'll torch even more calories.

Some experts believe that gardening and activities involving nature can lower blood pressure, boost immunity and reduce stress. My favorite way to decompress after a long day is pulling weeds. Instant gratification and a perfectly acceptable method of projecting rage.

Getting back to nature can increase your attention span and improve your mood. Combat that multitasking mental fatigue by focusing on a new project like containers, windowboxes or digging a new bed.

Remember to protect yourself while outside. Apply sunscreen and/or bug spray, stay hydrated and lift with your legs, not your back. Etc. Etc. Now go sow some seeds, then grill your burger. Put cheese on mine, I've earned it.


Perfect before-and-after photo op. Yes, that's me and my bottom, working away at the soil (very tough soil).

And after. Bottom not included, but I assure you, it got a workout.

Sources: 
CNN 
Livestrong 
WebMD

The More You Know

We're off and running in a new season where I'm fully prepared to give you my unsolicited advice, starting with a brief list of DOs and DON'Ts.

Weeds: Know Your Enemy
Don't let weeds overpower your gardens. Do find a way to manage them regularly, such as pulling out after a fresh rain or on a seriously humid day. Do know your enemy. The antagonistic relationship between you and your weeds will always exist, but not every weed is bad. Check out Good Weed, Bad Weed for a quick reference of what's growing, what to yank and what to spare.

Flowers: Know Thyself
Don't, I repeat, don't use fake flowers under any circumstances. I like to be low maintenance too, but if you use fakes, you're only fooling yourself. Do use real flowers that are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. Don't choose anything overly fussy and demanding of your time if that's not your thing. Do read your labels and become familiar with your zone so you know what you're getting into.

Shrubs: Know Your Boundaries
Don't let your shrubs exceed the size of your house. Surely, there must be some 80/20 rule about shrub-to-house ratios and proportionate size to equal maximum curb appeal. Do invest in some good shears and research best times to prune. Don't ever trim, shape and/or dress your shrubs to look like humans, dolls, animals, or decorate with hula hoops, bows, signage or advertising. It's really humiliating for the shrub. (The only exception is tasteful holiday lights, when the season is appropriate, of course.)


Do have fun. Gardening and landscaping is hard work, but if you're not enjoying the process, you might want to find another hobby or enlist in a professional!

Good Weed, Bad Weed cover image used from this book review at Horticulture Magazine.

Hi, I'm a Mess

Here's where I start putting myself out there. I'm not a garden master mind. I wish I was.
I have "that spot" in my yard. The one area that is constantly out of control. The one area I swear every year I'm going to tame like the wild beast it is.

It's my front yard. Not the front of my house, rather the very edge of the yard that slopes into the road. My neighbors across the street have to stare at this mess every day, and sometimes I think they shame me when I walk out to get the mail. Lucky for me, I don't have to look at it, but I know it's there.

It didn't used to be this bad. In fact, at one point, we planted masses of perennials thinking that they would just fill in and take over. If you look closely you might be able to see one, yes one, black-eye Susan that remains. We were so naive.

This is a project that I just can't handle on my own. It might be time to admit defeat and call in professional help. But, first I'd like to you know what you think. What would you do if this was your mess? Share your thoughts. The person with the best idea gets to come over and help me!

Daytripper: Time Well Spent in Douglas/Saugatuck

Those of us who are lucky enough to live in West Michigan are able to take day trips to neighboring Lakeshore communities like South Haven, Holland, Grand Haven and Ludington. On Saturday, my husband and I took a day trip to Douglas and Saugatuck, two little sister cities nestled on Lake Michigan, just about 15 minutes south of Holland. These remarkable little communities are known for their arts, culture, and treasure trove of unique shops and galleries. Saugatuck even has its own film festival.

We had been to Saugatuck before, but this time we incorporated some different experiences. Our day started in Douglas with Running Rivers, who offer kayak trips of varying lengths through the forests and wetlands along the Kalamazoo River. They also offer the now-trendy stand up paddle boards. We went for an hour-long kayak, which ended up at Wades Bayou, and spotted a few blue heron along the way.

Douglas and Saugatuck also have quite the garden club, supporting the communities through  beautification projects and other efforts. Both cities have the most beautiful homes and manicured outdoor spaces, and makes me wish I could join their club!

Both downtowns feature very quaint little shops, especially for home and garden (check out my scores below!) and a variety of restaurants for every taste. We had lunch at Coral Gables, watching the boats come and go in the bay, followed by the BEST (and most expensive) MILKSHAKE EVER at Kilwins.

The last stop for the day was Saugatuck Dunes State Park. To get to the beach, you have to walk about .6 miles through the woods along sandy trails. The beach is worth the hike and the hike is pretty great itself. (And, it was the perfect opportunity to start burning off the shake!) After a late afternoon of frisbee in the water and naps on the shore, it was time to make the trek back. We couldn't have asked for a better day.

Do you have a Michigan State Park Recreation Passport?


The gardens were just gorgeous. I wish I would have been able to take more pics of the homes and gardens. They were just magazine worthy!

Best name for a children's store EVER. (It's from Alice In Wonderland, in case you don't get the reference.)

Secluded, tree-lined beach. You really couldn't ask for a better backdrop. I've been a lot of places and West Michigan truly has some great beaches.

Just looking up!

The oak-lined trail to and fro. I would love to go back and just hike the trails.

Good finds: Iron key from Urban Cottage in Saugatuck, black wood apple and pear (just had to have them!) from Circa in Douglas, and wine rack from Wine Sellers of Saugatuck. I do need to make another trip SOON to visit Amsterdam, a real eclectic mix of antiques, vintage finds, garden treasures, you name it!

The Rock Garden

So, I like to rock. A lot. At home, at work, in the car (especially in the car). I don't normally wear headphones in the garden, but these songs are typically going through my head anyway.

Counting Crows Children in Bloom
From somewhere in the depths of my subconsciousness, this song has just always meant summer to me.

REM Gardening at Night
I've been known to do container gardening in the dark, with nothing but the driveway sensor light and a bottle of bug repellent (all natural, of course.)

Beastie Boys Root Down
My personal theme song for digging, dividing and planting, especially the tough stuff.

LCD Soundsystem Losing My Edge
I finally dug out my edging this year...it was just a smidgen overgrown...

Talking Heads (Nothing But) Flowers
You got it, you got it...

Guster Backyard
With four sides to focus on, I've probably been spending the most time in the backyard this summer. Oh the plans I have!

Doves Catch the Sun
These longer days are sadly already getting shorter and shorter.

Postal Service Brand New Colony
Too many ants...

What's your summer soundtrack?