Flowers by Color - YELLOW

Flowers by Color - YELLOW

This is my second installment of a new post series featuring flowers by color.  For the next few months I will pick a different color and share my favorite flowers of that color (these lists are NOT a complete list of all flowers of that color, simply just my favorites).  This week is YELLOW flower week.

Certain featured flowers have links to previous posts on this blog - please feel free to click on these links to view the entire posts (they will be how-to-grow or maintenance posts).

Firstly, you will need to know the difference between annual, perennial & biennial:

Annual Plant - completes its lifecycle in one season/year.  By "lifecycle" I mean from germination to seed formation.  Here are some examples of annual plants:  green beans, petunia, sage, sunflower, morning glory and so much more.

Perennial Plant - lives for more than 2 years but produces seed in one season without dying afterward.  Some examples of perennials: most fruit trees like apple, vegetables like asparagus or leeks, day lilies, peonies and so much more.

Biennial Plant - 2 years to complete its lifecycle.  Examples are: parsley, caraway, foxglove, parsnips and so much more.



Tulip
This is a perennial flower that blooms very early in Springtime.

Forsythia
This is perennial shrub/bush that is very easy to grow.  I would recommend trimming when it gets larger otherwise it will become out of control.  This blooms even earlier in the Spring than tulips.

Rose
I did a series on this blog five years ago called "Frank's Flowers" - Frank is my dad and he is a master at growing roses.


Zinnia
This is an annual flower.  Zinnias are susceptible to powdery mildew but otherwise a joy to grow.

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Before I reveal my favorite yellow flower - I wanted to share this fantastic website with you:


Specifically, checkout this article that has many creative and wonderful edging ideas for your flower garden
(please click on the title below):
9 Amazing Affordable Landscape Edging Ideas
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SUNFLOWERS - 7 Different Yellow Varieties

Vincent's Choice
click HERE to view
This sunflower variety was named after my favorite Impressionist artist: Vincent VanGogh.

Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

Tiny "Giant Sungold"
click HERE to view
The original name of this sunflower made be chuckle "Giant Sungold" since the flowers were quite miniature in sunflower terms.  I renamed this variety "Tiny Giant Sungold".


Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

Giant Gray Stripe
click HERE to view
I could never understand why this was called "Gray Stripe" since there isn't a bit of gray in this flower.  Then a friend of mine answered my confusion when she said: "that's because of the gray stripe on the seed" - hahahaha - that makes sense.

Photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

Starburst Blaze
click HERE to view
This unique sunflower was a mixture of 3 distinct colored sunflowers including this light lemon yellow color.  (You will just have to click on the link above to view the other two colors).


Mammoth
click HERE to view
This variety was the star of my garden in 2012.  It truly is a mammoth beauty.


photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

Soraya
click HERE to view
I was not the only one that enjoyed this sunflower variety - insects also enjoyed every inch.  They devoured these flowers.  If you try to grow organically (like I do) then I suggest growing a different sunflower variety.

Monet's Palette Mixture
click HERE to view
I think there must have been a mistake with this sunflower seed packet because I only had 2 colors: yellow and a dark red (almost brown).  If you know anything about the artwork of Monet then you know that these two colors certainly do NOT define his mastery.



photo by Angie Ouellette-Tower

Other "Flowers by COLOR" Posts:
BLUE Flowers
RED Flowers
PURPLE Flowers
ORANGE Flowers
PINK Flowers
WHITE Flowers

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PSP - Post Swap Program - "Thrift Store Shopping Tips"

Thrift Store Shopping Tips
by Darlene Nemeth from Let It Shine

I don't know about you but I love thrift shopping. Even when I don't actually need anything. Wait a minute what does shopping have to do with needing something. Silly me. I can always find something I need.

Do I sound like I could be addicted to shopping? Or could I be a hoarder? Maybe but that's okay. I think most creative people love shopping for their hobbies and they are hoarders to some extent.

But addiction and hoarding is not the topic for today. If you want to read my hoarding post you can check it out HERE. Otherwise lets get back on track.

I'm sure you would love to score the best deals so I will share my 40 thrift store shopping tips.

Thrift Store Shopping Tips

I'm sure many of you are already shopping experts but thrift store shopping is a little different so we have to keep that in mind.

1. Wear comfy shoes and clothes because the quickest way to make a shopping adventure go bad is sore feet or wearing clothes that make you too hot or leave you too cold.
2. As with any kind of shopping, a list is a must have. Maybe you are collecting cutlery to match your set and you just need one more fork, you don't want to let a good deal escape just because your memory isn't what it use to be.
3. Carry a measuring tape with you because you may need to measure an item to be sure it fits the space it is intended to fill. 
4. Have your family member's measurements with you. The size of an article of clothing may not be accurate anymore due to shrinkage or stretching.
5. Take a small snack and a bottle of water with you. There's no time to stop and eat. plus you don't want to get dehydrated or faint from starvation.
6. Bring some baby wipes. They're great for cleaning up your hands after touching lots of dusty dirty items.
7. If you can, be sure to try your great finds on. It's just a bummer to get it home then have to return it to the store because it doesn't fit or it looks like poop on you. Most thrift stores do have a return policy but it's better to be safe.
8. If you find something you like put it in your buggy. If you change your mind about it you can always put it back on the shelf. Other wise you just might see it pass by in someone else's cart. 
9. Which brings me to this next tip. If you really like something buy it. More than likely it won't be at the store tomorrow. I don't know how many times I've regretted leaving something at the store that should have come home with me.
10. Take cash with you. Most thrift stores use debit but you don't want to get caught at that one particular store that doesn't.
11. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to browse the rows and rows of items. Each item on the rack is unique so take your time to check them out.
12. You should go fairly often because inventory is constantly changing.
13. Most thrift stores bring out new stock through out the day but others don't. Ask the sales associates when they bring in new items.
14. You may be able to get a price reduction on an item that is flawed. Some stores take those imperfections into consideration when pricing but others don't so you could end up with a sweeter deal. The worst they can say is no.
15. Clothing quality inspections:
1. Inspect clothes for stains that you know you can't get out.
2. Are there any holes that can't easily be repaired?
3. Check the seams, crotch, underarms, knees and hems
16. Shoes quality inspections
1. Look inside shoes for wear and tare. 
2. Check the shoes sole - bend it - I found a really nice pair of shoes but the sole was cracked all the way through and could only be seen when I pressed it.
17. Inspect other items for damage that impairs the integrity of the item. Some things are not worth fixing so check it out thoroughly before you buy it.
18. Be sure to thoroughly clean your new treasures. I'm sure there is no need for an explanation for this one - except maybe one - head lice. Okay two - crabs. Not just an old wives tale.
19. Thrift stores depend on donations so keep the type of neighborhood in mind when choosing a store location to frequent. Some areas will have better vintage items and others will have new brand labels.
20. Don't forget to buy off season. A fantastic winter coat in the summer may be the bargain you find so don't rule it out just because the temperature is high. Same goes for decorations. Just make sure that you don't tuck it away for safe keeping and forget where you put it - or that you actually have it. Done that one too.
21. If you are a hoarder you can skip this tip. Other wise try to donate one item for every new item you take home. I make this deal with my granddaughters all the time. Yes I will buy that toy but then you have to give one away that you don't play with anymore. It works on keeping their piles down. Unfortunately or should I say fortunately I don't have to follow that rule because I made it up for them not me.  :)
22. Get to know your thrift stores.
1. Some stores have better items than others. Just because this particular thrift store doesn't have good clothes doesn't mean that the same store at a different location will have crappy clothes too
2. The same goes for furniture, houseware etc. I know which stores in my area have the best furniture and which ones are better for clothes or even books. You'll figure it out too.
23. Seniors make sure to take advantage of the senior discounts when available. If you're not a senior maybe you know one who would like to be your shopping buddy. My Mom and I shop together. Lucky me to have such a great shopping friend.
24. If you are a vintage or antique enthusiast, a smart phone will save you time and money. It's best to do a little internet research on an item for market value before buying.
25. Use your imagination to envision items upcycled with a quick coat of paint or a higher hem. A quality item may be worth a little elbow grease.
26. Sign up for email updates to receive notice of all sales at your favorite thrift stores.
27. For the most part, today's thrift stores are organized but you will still find items misplaced. Some shoppers put items down in the wrong area. The store employees get busy and don't get a chance to put everything back in order. You may find things in unusual places. Like a child's dress between the men's t-shirts. So if you have the time, browse through all departments.
28. Keep an eye out for in store signage advertising daily specials or near future sales events.
29. Don't forget your discount card at home. I did that today. My card was stamped and full. I could have had thirty percent savings but it was in my wallet which was not with me. What a drag. 
30. Have an idea of what things cost. You wouldn't want to pay close to the same amount for used as you would for new. For example, I've seen dollar store items while thrift shopping for the same cost used as it is brand new.
31. If saving money is your goal be sure to set a budget for yourself. It's hard to keep the spending down when you see so many good bargains. I'm bad for this one.
32. Don't forget to get some thrift shopping in when you are travelling. You may find some very unique items to that area.
33. If you are a frequent shopper you will undoubtedly make friends with the store employees which is nice because it make shopping that much more fun. But it is also nice because they may be willing to keep an eye out for particular items you are looking for.
34. Check the newspaper for garage sales, church sales and estate sales.
35. A lot of thrift shoppers arrive super early at yard sales to get their pick. Others will wait until closing time to get their best bargains because some sellers would rather sell or give it away than to pack it back up and take back into the house.
36. Bring your own bag. Not all stores have buggies so it is quite convenient to have a bag to pop new found items into.
37. Have patience. One day you might find loads of cool stuff but other days may be a dud. So be patient you'll find what you are looking for - eventually.
38. Before checking out, we always review the items in our buggy.  We make two piles. One if for definite yes and one is for maybes. Then we take the maybes and take another look. Do we really want that movie? Can live without another black top? Will I actually wear that funky pair of pants? My maybes usually end up back on the rack.
39. Stores tend to be over stocked once everyone starts spring cleaning. That goes for garage sale season too. People donate whatever doesn't sell.
40. Don't let small imperfections or flaws stop you. Even the things you buy new aren't in perfect condition for very long so remember imperfect second hand items are just as good.

Holy cow. What a list. I didn't realize it was going to be this long. I was thinking a list of ten or fifteen tips. I got busy didn't I.

Did I miss anything. Do you have a tip you would like to add?

I look forward to reading your comments. Make my day and please leave one. 

Have a wonderful week.
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Thank you Darlene for sharing this wonderful post with us!

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This article is part of the "Post Swap Program"  It's better than "Guest Posting" - this program is an equal swap - One blog post for another blog post.

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PSP - Post Swap Program - Amazing Stuffed Shells

Amazing Stuffed Shells

by Leslie from "The Crafty Side of Sarcasm"

Hi there, I'm Leslie from "The Crafty Side Of Sarcasm" & I'm excited to be sharing this recipe with you guys, the readers of "God's Growning Garden". I've had this recipe for the longest time. While I was doing a little spring cleaning I found it and decided to make it for dinner. The recipe doesn't call for any meat but I'm a meat eater so I added in a little ground turkey. It was a hit!

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package jumbo pasta shells
4 cups ricotta cheese
12 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 pinch garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 (26 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb ground turkey


Directions Cook shells according to package directions. Place in cold water to stop cooking. Drain. Mix together cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs, and garlic powder. Rub the dried herbs in the palms of your hands to pulverize them, and stir into the cheese mixture. Stuff mixture into the shells. Spread 1/3 of spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 15 x 10 inch pan. Place shells open side up, and close together in pan. Spread remaining sauce over top, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. This recipe will definitely be added to the rotation.

If you try this recipe please let me know so I can add your testimony to the page. Happy Friday!!

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This article is part of the "Post Swap Program"  It's better than "Guest Posting" - this program is an equal swap - One blog post for another blog post.

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Post Swap Program - "Banana Oatmeal Cookies"

The following article was written by Kaitlyn from Three Sisters and Us

Kaitlyn has such a fun blog!  You can tell by the joy on her daughter's faces that Kaitlyn is a great mom!
This is how she describes herself & her blog: "I am a Mother of 3 daughters who blogs about the journey of raising three daughters along with some recipes, crafts and ideas here and there." 
Please stop by and visit her inspiring blog!
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Banana Oatmeal Cookie

by Kaitlyn from Three Sisters and Us

 

I am always looking for more ways to incorporate healthy food with delicious foods such as desserts and special treats. All while trying to make sure they actually taste good. If our daughters enjoy it, I know I have succeeded. Lets be honest we find recipes that look absolutely amazing on pinterest and some do not always turn out like they should.

I came across this banana cookie recipe. It look simple, less time consuming, and delicious. I knew I had to give it a try. While the cookies were baking in the oven my home started to smell like the aroma of banana bread. At least that's what my 4 year old told me. It literally only took me a couple minutes to prepare. Which is perfect when your a busy mom on the go trying to eat healthy.

Banana Oatmeal Cookie

Ingredients included...

• 2 large bananas. (I use my old frozen ones I always have on hand from my freezer. Of course let them thaw first if you do too.)
• 1 cup of old fashion oats. 
• I added a half of a handful of raisins. (You may add chocolate chips instead, dried cranberries, etc.)

How To...

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mash or use a hand blender to get somewhat of a smooth consistency.
3. Add one cup of the Oats and raisins.
4. Mix well and place onto a cookie sheet.
5. Place into the oven for 15 minutes.
   
   

Our daughters loved the cookies and they disappeared as quickly as it took me to bake them. 

Enjoy!

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This article is part of the "Post Swap Program"-  It's better than "Guest Posting" - this program is an equal swap - One blog post for another blog post.

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If you are interested in participating in this program - please click on the button above & fill out the form link there - Thank You!
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Post Swap Program - Pumpkin Bread by "NOVA Frugal Family"

The following post is written by Alison from 
NOVA Frugal Family
  

Alison is a recipe genius! - Using the dough from her recipe below you can either make bread, coffee cake or muffins!!
A quote from Alison:  "If you want to know a little bit about me, I love to cook, bake, read and play with my 4 year old and I love to share all of that on my blog."
Please stop by & visit NOVA Frugal Family

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'Tis the season for the pumpkin.  Fa la la la la la la....  Am I jumping the gun on the holidays?  Well, it certainly seems that way in the stores because the Christmas decorations are donning the shelves that once held the Halloween displays.  I have found more than one excuse to make pumpkin everything but my old standby is the family favorite- pumpkin bread.  In a pinch, also pumpkin muffins which my son seems to prefer.

I recently opened up the big can of Libby's pumpkin and decided that I was going to start with pumpkin bread.  The recipe can be made to make one loaf or use the whole big can to make 3 1/2 loaves (if you are a bigger family or sharing or really hungry).  It is a great recipe to make ahead and throw a few in the freezer but I decide to just make one loaf.

After that was all gone and I was in need or more pumpkin to feed my craving, I decided to make a coffee cake with the same exact recipe but with the crispy streusel topping.

 

I made it in the 8 x 8 baker and renamed it coffee cake pumpkin bread because of the nice crispy strudel top.  It was possibly even more tasty than the plain bread.

Then, I decided to make a oat streusel on top of the muffin batter (same bread recipe).  I put a few little pieces of butter, oats, and brown sugar.  After I ate them and told my husband how much I liked them, he asked where they were so that he could try them....umm, I ate the only two that I made.  Next batch, I decided to take pictures and make a whole batch with the oats that I had left.

It cooked up really nicely and I had a special muffin for breakfast (the first time and for many other breakfasts after that).

 

 

I took the same recipe and prepared it three ways so it is a super flexible recipe to make exactly how you like it.  Below is the recipe so that you can try some yourself!!

 

Make sure that you use pure packed pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.  My mom always goes to the store to get the pure packed pumpkin and ends up with the wrong can when she gets home so make sure you check and double check because you will be sad if you get all the ingredients and still can’t make this yummy bread.  Plus, like my mom, you would then be the family joke every holiday when it is time to do the shopping.  I hope that you try the recipe soon and let me know what you think!

Pumpkin Bread

 

One loaf:

Mix 1 c sugar and 1 c pumpkin, Add 2 eggs.  Mix well.

Add 1 tsp baking soda

       1 tsp baking powder

       1 tsp cinnamon

Stir in ½ c oil and 1 ½ c flour.  Mix well.

Or for whole large can:

Mix 3 ½ c pumpkin and 3 ½ c sugar.  Add 7 eggs.  Mix well.

Add 3 ½ tsp baking soda

       3 ½ tsp baking powder

       3 ½ tsp cinnamon

Stir in 1 ¾ c oil and 5 ¼ c flour.  Mix well.

Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

Crispy Streusel Topping

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)

2 tablespoon butter or margarine

 

Mix with a fork until it looks crumbly and top on bread before baking.

Oat Streusel Topping

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp oats or quick oats

2 tbsp butter or margarine

Add on top of each muffin before baking.

 

 

I wanted to thank Angie from God’s Growing Garden for the opportunity to swap recipes with her.  Please make sure you come to visit NOVA Frugal Family to check out her recipe and all the other great recipes that I have made.  I look forward to meeting a lot of new friends!!

 

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This article is part of the "Post Swap Program"-  It's better than "Guest Posting" - this program is an equal swap - One blog post for another blog post.

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Post Swap Program - "Aprons by Angel"

 

The article below is written by Angel Allen from "Sew Crafty Angel".  She has an amazing blog full of delicious recipes, fun blog hops, great giveaways & crafty ideas!! - Please stop by her lovely blog! 

I love aprons.
These DIY recycle projects on Pinterest are right up my alley.
I wanted to share some of my finds with you today.
If you want more information on creating any of the beauties
Check out my Sew Crafty Angel Pinterest board.

Angel

 

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This article is part of the "Post Swap Program"-  It's better than "Guest Posting" - this program is an equal swap - One blog post for another blog post.

<a href="http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/p/swap.html" target="_blank"><img alt="God’s Growing Garden" src="http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/AngieOuelletteTower/My%20Blog%20Stuff/FishPostSwap200_zpsc3a368c9.jpg" /></a>
If you are interested in participating in this program - please click on the button above & fill out the form link there - Thank You!
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