Check out my new friend from Dublin, Ireland and her gorgeous fascinator (her hat). She is the aunt of the groom at the wedding I went to in Canada.
She said it's Irish tradition to wear a headpiece to a wedding. I wish we had that tradition here. These hats look so classy.
So, I spent the last 2 weeks eating raw vegetables, fresh fruit, smoothies, granola bars, chicken breasts and fish - so I could lose a few inches to wear this dress for an upcoming family wedding.
And YES, it finally fits! Now I have to remember to not sit, dance or eat at the wedding so it will continue to fit - KIDDING!
Join the WAC Downtown on Saturday, October 1st for Athletes vs Autism.
This event is meant to support individuals and families in the Midwest affected by autism spectrum disorders and get a good workout while doing it!
The fun starts at 9am in Studio 1 with Troy's Remember the Cause Ringside, followed by Jesse's Bootcamp to build Awareness.
Also at 9am in the Spin Room is Kelly's Cycle Cause You Care class and in the Mind/Body room at 9am is Jenny's Premium Pilates. And there's so much more!
The event goes until 1pm with Milwaukee Admirals Mascot Roscoe to make a special appearance at noon!
For more info, click here.
Classes registration required/suggested minimum donation of $5.
Like many of you, I was glued to the TV this past weekend watching the devastation on the East Coast as Hurricane Irene blasted that area.
We have family in Jacksonsville, NC -Â not far from the coast. Thankfully they only have to do a few repairs on their roof, garage and their fence.
But others weren't as lucky. If you'd like to help, click here for a link to be redirected to the American Red Cross.
Photo credit qnr via Flickr
Have you ever wanted to go whitewater rafting? Now you can and it's right in Wisconsin!
Check out my guest blog for Travel Wisconsin that talks all about our whitewater rafting and kayaking trip up north by clicking here.
After waiting for a few months, we receive the good news this past weekend that a litter of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies were born!
Since we already have a male (Huey) we didn't want a female. The best part - this litter has 3 males! Which means, one of these puppies will likely be ours.
Since they were born on April 2nd - the breeder decided the theme of the litter would be "April Fool's".
We decided on the name Gus for "Gus - I fooled 'ya". Get it? Instead of "Guess I fooled 'ya."
Slight play on words, but for this breed the name Gus for a male will be really cute.
He'll hopefully come to our house in June.
Found out last night that my family is actually related to a Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer! As the world's biggest Packer fan this is almost too good to be true.
For real! Let me explain, my second cousin Steve's wife is a great niece of Ted Fritsch.
He led the NFL in scoring with 100 points in 1946!
Is this a stretch? Kidd thinks so, I don't.
So my husband and I are looking into life insurance - god, do I feel old even typing that.
Is this necessary. I believe that it is, but to go all Kidd O'Shea "Mr. Conspiracy Theory" is it all a scam?!
What if we never use it? Or because we're all bound to pass away at some point it will get used.
Lots of questions and we're just starting this long process of making a pretty hefty decision.
This is sooo cool. So a proud father took a photo of his daughter EVERY day for ten years.
Now the pictures are compiled into a video with millions of hits to go with it.
I was saddened today to hear the news that Elizabeth Edwards passed away after her long battle with cancer.
Let's face it, cancer sucks. I've seen it take the lives of people in my own life.
For me, this has nothing to do with politics. She had to bury her young son, go through a public, humiliating cheating scandal with her estranged husband and she kept her grace and composure through it all.
She has three surviving children who are now without a mom and two of them are very young.
I also lost someone very close to me around the holidays a few years ago and even though no time is easy, for me the holidays were harder - because this time of year is so much about gathering with family and friends.
As I type this I am reminded of how thankful I am for my health and the health of my family, life really is a fragile gift.
If you love your freedom, thank a Veteran. They make so many sacrifices for us and our country.
I witnessed firsthand my brother in-law miss the birth of his daughter this past March because of his deployment and this is just one example among thousands of other stories military families could share.
Hats off to you Veterans, this country wouldn't be the same without you.
When that time comes that you've decided you want to expand your family, should you tell people you're trying?
I can understand talking to close friends and family, but what are the advantages/disadvantages of telling the whole world you're trying?
A good friend said she'd loved telling people she was trying, because it prevented them from asking over and over "when are you going to have a baby?"
What do you think, should you tell people you're trying?
Check out the video we did with the 2010 Susan G. Komen race chair, Wendy Carlson at the beautiful state-of-the art HD studios at Discovery World.
If you're interested in Susan G. Komen, click here.
Gilda's Club of Southeastern Wisconsin is having their popular family event "Woof n Hoof" this Saturday, August 7th from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
A very good friend of mine as been involved with this for the past couple of years and raves about how fun it is for your whole family and your dog!
The course gives walkers the option of a 1 or 2.5 mile that starts at Atwater Elementary School on Capital Drive in Shorewood.
And unfortunately Gilda's Clubhouse in Shorewood did suffer some damage from the Brew City Flood; therefore, some funds, in part, will help restore their lower level.
I hope to see you there!
*Gilda's Club of Southeastern Wisconsin's mission is to provide a welcoming support community for those affected by cancer.
Well, my husband Aaron attempted to refinish our hardwoods floors (he's never done this before). And I have to tell you, he was a natural. Above is how the floors looked right after they were sanded before he was able to do the edge sanding.
Here's the mineral spirits drying on the floors.
Here comes the stain!
It took 3 days, but WOW, do they look nice. (Did you notice our feet - Aaron's shoes kept breaking through the booties, so he taped his undershirts to his tennis shoes!)
Oh, and the window is splattered with "knock down" - the replacement windows go in next!
I'm finishing up the remodel on this beautiful dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
Is it true when they say good lighting can really add the perfect touch to a room?
Of course we'll have standard lighting on the ceiling, but what about lighting under the cabinets or even INSIDE a few cabinets, perhaps with a glass door?
I'd love to hear your ideas. What have you used in your kitchen, or better yet, what would you like to have in the kitchen of your dreams?
And don't forget you can check out the kitchen when it's finished in the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th in Oak Creek.
What is your preference when it comes to a stove  - gas or electric? Does one cook better, which type of stove is easier to clean?
I'm in the final stages of designing a dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
So far, your suggestions on countertops, lighting, flooring and cabinets has been extremely helpful. Now the little things (like which stove most people prefer) has been overlooked, but is just as important as everything else when it comes to this remodel.
Let me know by leaving a comment here - if you could have your dream kitchen, what type of stove would you want?
Don't forget you can see the finished kitchen during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour, August 21st - September 12th in Oak Creek.
I'm in the final process of designing the dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
We have the cabinets picked out, the flooring, backsplash, appliances, countertops and even lighting.
But what color? The cabinets are on the darker side and the flooring is kind of a lighter/blonde type of wood mixed with some darker grains of wood as well.
Dark walls, light walls or a combination of both (sort of like an accent wall)?
Please let me know - all of your suggestions so far have been great. I can't wait for you to see the final result in the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour, August 21st - September 12th.
I'm almost done with the dream kitchen that I'm working on with Kaerek Homes in West Allis (it will be featured in this year's MBA Parade of Homes Tour).
I'm a big time wino and I thought it might be neat to add a built in wine rack to go with this beautiful kitchen. What do you think? Does it run a big risk of making the kitchen too personalized if not anyone enjoys wine? Or will it add class and elegance and become a beautiful place to showcase some vintage wine or sparkling wine glasses?
Please send me your suggestions - they have all been great suggestions so far and I can't wait for all of you to see the finished product during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th.
Everyone loves a big kitchen, and more counterspace is a plus too!
I'm putting the finishing touches on the beautiful, dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes tour.
Quick question for all you savy kitchen experts. Is it best to purchase a microwave range hood compared to a regular range hood? I would think that by doing that it would save counterspace, except there are some really cool looking range tops too.
What would you do if money wasn't an issue and you could have whatever you wanted in your dream kitchen?
Keep in mind you can see this stunning kitchen when it's finished during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th.
My husband Aaron and I bought lots of stuff over the weekend for our new duplex. Two water heaters, a new screen door and a microwave range top.
Needless to say, we easily ran out of space in our small SUV. Instead of calling my in-laws to help us take some of the load, Aaron decided to take off the head rests in the front seat. Now we both had to lean forward while he drove 20 mph on the road with our flashers on.
Why won't men just ask for help?
I'm in the process of designing a dream kitchen with the wonderful people at Kaerek Homes in West Allis. This has been so much fun, but I never knew how many aspects of a kitchen there really are! This kitchen in particular is going to be featured in the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
With that said, my hope is that this kitchen will be functional, stylish and a place where a family will be able to enjoy each other's company.
I'm still stuck on the lighting though. I'm not sure what most people would prefer to have in their kitchen. If you could design your dream kitchen, what would you prefer: track lighting, a light fixture, recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting - there are SO many options.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated, so feel free to leave them here under comments.
And make sure to check out the finished product during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th.
I'm getting close to finishing up the kitchen design for the Kaerek Homes in West Allis MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
We've finished a lot so far - countertops, floors, cabinets, appliances and so much more. Now I need to decide how else we want to use this space.
What are your thoughts on an island? If you prefer an island, would you like there to be storage, maybe another sink or an area to put bar stools?
Other options might be a breakfast bar? Or maybe you like your kitchens to be more open and don't go with either option.
Either way, please let me know what you would prefer because my hope is that this kitchen will not only be my dream kitchen, but instead a dream come true for one lucky family who move into this house.
And if you want to see what the finished kitchen looks like, make sure to check out the MBA Parade of Homes Tour running August 21st through September 12th.
Also, if you're looking to build a new home or perhaps remodel your existing home, trust me - you can with Kaerek Homes!
A friend of mine is very passionate about the Gilda's Club of Southeastern Wisconsin and they are having a very fun event for everyone to enjoy!
It's the Gilda's Fashion "Show of Support" fashion show and lunch.
It's happening Thursday, May 13 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center from 11am - 1:30pm.
For tickets call (414) 962 - 8201 ext.102.
Gilda's Club is a free cancer support community that was created in honor of commedian/actress Gilda Radner by her husband Gene Wilder.
Here's a few photos of the other dogs with Huey for the dog costume parade at Congregational Nursing Home in Brookfield.
Our dog Huey won the for "Best Costume" - he was a cow.
A virus...the most dreaded word for PC users.
Our laptop has a virus and now our computer is being fixed - for a week! Thankfully, we have a family friend who we trust to take care of this, but a week without a computer (internet especially) has not been fun.
I realize many good things could come out of this new found time, but we are about to close on our first house next week and not having regular internet access has made it challenging these past couple of days.
I keep telling myself - millions of people bought homes without the internet, why should my experience be any more different or difficult.
Right now I'm sitting at my sister's quiet home (she and her husband are at work and the kids are at school) trying to take care of as much work as I can on her computer before she gets back.
But all I'm really doing is cyber snacking...what can I say I love surfing the net!
If you missed Tiger's interview he did on Sunday night on ESPN, here it is.
For me, this interview seemed much more genuine than he scripted apology that I don't think he even wrote. For his family and for himself, I hope he truly is sorry.
Now that the weather is getting nicer a battle has started up in our house - when do we turn off our heat.
I'm still cold, so I've kept the heat on at around 60 degrees. I've noticed my husband Aaron has been turning off the heat because he's "sweating"...so he claims.
It's not even officially Spring and we might get snow this weekend - I say keep the heat on, at least for a little while. Am I nuts?
Check out this new website Groupon - it's a fun, new way to save money on a lot of the cool places in the Milwaukee area.
Here's how it works - every day a new deal is featured at an unbeatable price! You only get this deal if enough people join in that day (so tell your friends).
It's called "collective buying power".
I've tried it and it's easy and the deals are very good!
So we've found a duplex in the Bay View area that we like, we made an offer and it's been accepted!!!!
I can't believe that my husband Aaron and I are one step closer to being homeowners. Like most couples, this has been a dream for us for so many years!
The next step is having the inspector come to the property and tell us what we're dealing with when it comes to updates and repairs...or in other words, how much do we have to spend NOW vs later.
And is it normal to be so nervous about signing off on the mortgage?! I may faint or throw up.
ABC's hit show "Extreme Makeover Home Edition" is looking for deserving families in the Milwaukee are to be on the show.
Here's the info from their press release:
The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition producers are looking for inspiring people and families whose home desperately needs to be rebuilt. "We're looking for those special people who have amazing strength of character and never give up in tough situations or helping others, says Casting Supervisor Rebecca Shumsky.  ¨We want to help people whose stories have really affected their community or made a big difference in other people's lives.â In addition, the homes of those families must present major problems that affect the quality of their life. The families or individual must not have the resources, ability or time to fix these serious problems without the show´s help. To be eligible, a family must own a single family home and be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives. Anyone interested in nominating a family or applying should e-mail a short description of their family and house story, names and ages of everyone in the household, and photos of the house and family to: Castingwisconsin@gmail.com.For more information on how to apply, visitors can go to abc.com.Nominations may be submitted by the family or by a member of their community. Each nomination must include a description of the major challenges within the home and a contact phone number. Anyone submitting a nomination must be able to explain why the nominated family is deserving, heroic, and/or a great role model for their community. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 28, 2010.
Go Out And Get It!
It's that time of year, bikini season!! Are you ready?
I love my trainer and friend Lottie from the Wisconsin Athletic Club, because she pushes me to incorporate elements into my workout I wouldn't add on my own.
For example, this week we went down to Bradford Beach and ran the hills by Columbia St. Mary's and we killed it! It's never too late to start working out, take baby steps and hopefully, soon enough you'll be running hills too!
Old Friends and Lots of Laughs
Do you have one of those friends you don't get to see all the time, but when you do it's like no time at all has passed? That's how I feel about my old friend Mandi. I've known her since 8th grade when we played club volleyball together.
We stayed in touch through high school, but in a time when Facebook didn't exist, we lost touch during college, but reconnected when we were both living in Green Bay. Now, we're both back in Milwaukee and a night out with her is always a good time - as you can tell from this picture!
This photo is her and I at the Smyth Preview Party at the Iron Horse Hotel and I can't even remember what we were laughing about!
Old Friends and Lots of Laughs
Do you have one of those friends you don't get to see all the time, but when you do it's like no time at all has passed? That's how I feel about my old friend Mandi. I've known her since 8th grade when we played club volleyball together.
We stayed in touch through high school, but in a time when Facebook didn't exist, we lost touch during college, but reconnected when we were both living in Green Bay. Now, we're both back in Milwaukee and a night out with her is always a good time - as you can tell from this picture!
This photo is her and I at the Smyth Preview Party at the Iron Horse Hotel and I can't even remember what we were laughing about!
Can't We All Just Get Along? Bon Jovi Edition.
After two weeks of vacation and getting back into the groove of things, I find out about this fued in the Bon Jovi camp.
Whenever I hear anything about Bon Jovi, I always remember the great time I had with the guys back in 2002. A ton of fun, lots of laughs and of course the Rock & Roll!
As far as the fued is concered, I guess Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are communicating via "the media".
Richie abruptly quit the band/tour for personal reasons a few months ago and has said publicly that Jon should "hire Edge from U2."
Jon fired back at Richie saying, "He can return when he is ready to die every night on stage."
I say, can't we all just get along and have a good time... just like we did in 2002? Come on guys! Let's work it out before the Chicago date.
Click here to LISTEN to Bon Jovi After 5 Live 2002.
When is it ok...
Over the weekend I went to a party and Miley Cyrus was there with her mom promoting her new album. I've seen Miley a million times on T.V. or in magazines but meeting her in person made me think...is it ever ok to tell someone they are too skinny? Miley is very nice but my first reaction was "Wow she is way to skinny". Of course I kept my mouth shut but everyone at the party was whispering the same thing. I hope she has success with her new album and comes to Wisconsin soon for cheese and beer! lol!
My recent Hollywood murder mystery adventure! Part 2
It was a beautiful sunny Saturday in Los Angeles, California. I awake from Friday night's TNT catered/planned festivites, where a criminal got shot atop the famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel, tried to figure out who hired the murderer and got ready to interteview the stars of TNT's Monday Night shows Major Crimes and King & Maxwell.
PICTURE: Van McNeil w Jon Tenny / Sean King (King & Maxwell) Mondays, 9pm, TNT.
Jon Tenny / Sean King talks about Milwaukee, his new show King & Maxwell and what it's all about...
So, I finish my interviews and head back to my room to get ready for a cast party at this awesome club called Boulevard 3.
Everything was to the nines and everyone was having a good time! Food, drinks, dancing, the Hollywood stars... and then, THIS happened!
The murder mystery continues...
It almost felt like we were on these TNT shows! Trying to put the peices together, collecting evidence, interviewing suspects, all to figure out whodunnit!
Get your, "crime solving" ON! Monday Nights starting at 8pm on TNT w Major Crimes AND King & Maxwell OR get caught up online at www.TNTDrama.com
Remembering NOLA!
I don't know if you have ever been to Mardi Gras (February/March) in New Orleans, Lousiana but if you get the chance GO!
I got to experience Mardi Gras before Hurricane Katrina hit in 2006 and lemme tell you, it was an experience! From all the parades, colorful costumes, beads and coconuts to the French Quarter and Burbon Street craziness there is NOTHING quite like Mardi Gras!
So, if you've never been or just want to scratch that itch again, our friends at Six Flags Great America will be doing it Mardi Gras style all weekend and I have your FREE tickets to go!
Of course, you can enjoy ALL that Six Flags has to offer, like Batman The Ride Backwards, X-Fight and the NEW Ignite Grand Finale but the streets of Orleans Place will be transformed THIS WEEKEND so you can enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Bourbon Street including live music, parades and fireworks, as well as authentic food and drinks from New Orleans.
Want more information? Click here.
Wanna win tickets to go? Listen between Noon-4p ALL WEEK for your chance to win!
Good luck and 414.799.1099
BACON Debate - Best way to cook...
In honor of Father's Day, I thought I would finally settle the age old question...
What is the best/proper way to cook bacon?
To settle such a debate I called the experts! Renowned food writer/author/critic (New York Times), Peter Kaminsky joined me to talk about his new book he wrote alongside Marie Rama called, "Bacon Nation".
In the book you will find 125 different recipies, from breakfest to dessert, that include BACON!!
So... What IS the best/proper way to cook bacon? Find out what Peter says below and don't forget to enjoy some bacon this weekend! :)
More about Bacon Nation...click here.
Managing Picnic Beetles
Eat up and clean up to keep those little black beetles from enjoying your harvest.
Known as picnic beetles, sap beetles, or little black bugs, these scavengers can be found in overripe strawberries and raspberries, cracks in ripe tomatoes, ears of corn and more.
Since they are attracted to overripe and damaged fruit, regular harvesting and sanitation will help keep these pests at bay. Avoid pesticides that require a waiting period before you can continue to harvest as this delays picking and will result in even more overripe fruit that attracts more beetles into your garden.
Some gardeners find trapping effective. You may want to try this popular recipe: Mix 1 cup water, 1 cup dark corn syrup, one cake of yeast, and a spoonful of vinegar. Place the mixture in a container outside the garden. Use it to attract the beetles away from the garden, trap and drown them.
A bit more information: Any fermenting plant juices will also work. Some gardeners report success using ripe bananas and melon to attract and trap these insects.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Eat All Your Vegetables Day â June 17th
Load up your plate with fresh-from-the garden produce as you celebrate Eat All Your Vegetables Day on June 17th.
Use this day to inspire new additions to your vegetable garden while encouraging reluctant veggie eaters to try something new. Once they try some fresh vegetables they may be willing to make them a regular part of their diet. And, if you get them to grow their own, they are even more likely to partake.
Once you're inspired, look for extra space to add more vegetables to the landscape. Start by calculating the number of days left in your growing season. Simply count from the anticipated planting date to the average date of the first fall frost in your area. Check plant tags and seed packets for the number of days needed from planting until harvest. Make a list of these vegetables.
Then look for vacant spaces in flowerbeds, mixed borders and containers. And train vines crops up decorative trellises and fences.
A bit more information: Here are a few short season crops you may want to consider. Plant seeds and be ready to harvest radishes, leaf lettuce, spinach and chard in 40 days. Beets, bush snap beans, cucumbers and kohlrabi are ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days. Carrots, Chinese cabbage, and turnips take about 10 days longer.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
My recent Hollywood murder mystery adventure!
Every now and then, "work" takes me out to the West Coast but THIS trip was a little different. Lemme explain...
This adventure begins at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, (Pretty Woman, Bevery Hills Cop) where I was put up for the weekend for a TNT event! If you're are asking what TNT is, you probably already know, it's the TV channel... the one that is so familiar with drama, it's in their slogan... TNT - We Know Drama.
Anyway, me and my buddy check in, go up to our respective rooms and get ready for a gatering on the roof of the hotel later that night. Little did we know we would witness a "shootout" between police and a hired killer! It was up to everyone in attendence to figure out who at the party was responsible, by the end of the weekend.
There were clues... LOTS of clues!
Text messages, twitter accounts, pictures and more!
Plus a whole cast of characters from detectives, forensic lab technicinans, suspects and even a special appearance from the Los Angeles Department of Corner office!
If you're a murder myster junkie, even if you're not, this is kind of stuff you will encounter if you're watching TNT on Monday Nights! And let me be the first to warn you, IT SUCKS YOU RIGHT IN!
Let's begin with, "Major Crimes" who's first season I missed despite rave reviews from critics and fans. This show gives you all the tools to figure out WHO killed, in this first episode it's the BIG TIME film-producers wife. It's a great show that will leave you wanting more! BTW you can catch up on Season One by visiting TNTDrama.com or take a sneak peek of Season Two, which premeieres tonight at 8pm on TNT..click here.
PICTURE: Van McNeil w Major Crimes cast members, L, Tony Dension (Lt. Andy Flynn), C, Mary McDonnell (Capt. Sharon Raydor), R, G.W. Bailey (Lt. Provenza).
TO BE CONTINUED...STAY TUNED FOR MORE!
Visit a Farmerâs Market and Plan Your Garden
Farmers Markets are on the rise as more and more of us are looking for locally grown fresh produce. You may be surprised to find one or more popping up near your home.
Get the most out of your visit with a little advance planning.
Check out the internet for a list of farmer's markets in your area. Confirm the dates and hours of operation. Many include a list of vendors with links to their website and the week's featured produce.
Gather those cloth bags used when buying groceries. It makes managing all the produce easier and you will reduce the number of plastic bags headed to recycling or the garbage.
Take cash and lots of small bills. This makes it easier for the farmer and speeds up shopping. And you'll have more time to visit every single booth.
Look for and try new and different vegetables. It will help you plan future additions to your edible garden.
A bit more information: Eat first so you buy less or go hungry and plan on staying for a meal or snack. Many markets serve coffee and pastries or tasty meals. And take the whole family to enjoy this shopping experience. Many have kids' activities and music for all to enjoy.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Weed Your Garden Day â June 13th
Break out the cupcakes and balloons and get ready to celebrate Weed Your Garden Day on June 13th.
The thrill of the party may wane a bit when family and friends discover your true motivation. But, adding a festive spirit to garden tasks can make it more fun and you're more likely to make them happen.
Try a round robin of eating and weeding with friends. It is a great way to work in some social time and help each other tackle the weeds in the garden.
Barter a bit of weeding for a home cooked meal, pie, photography or other hobby or skill you prefer over weeding.
Hire some help – it's ok to admit the weeds won this round. Once under control, it will be easier for you to keep up with weeding and other garden care.
Once the garden is weeded, mulch it to reduce future weed infestations. Shredded leaves and evergreen needles are perfect for flowerbeds and vegetable gardens.
A bit more information: Woodchips and shredded bark make nice mulch around trees, shrubs and pathways. Do not put fabric weed barrier beneath these and other organic mulch. As the mulch decomposes it provides a great environment for weed seeds to sprout and grow through.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Nudge Your Bougainvillea Into Bloom
Nudge your potted bougainvillea into bloom with proper growing conditions and proper care.
Grow these blooming beauties in full sun. You'll get the best flower display during the shorter days of early spring and early fall. Plus the cooler night temperatures of 60 degrees or cooler will also promote bloom.
Keep your bougainvillea potbound to further encourage bloom. Repotting too soon results in lots of leaves and stems and delays flowering. During the growing season, allow the plants to dry slightly before watering again.
Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer with phosphorous, like Milorganite, to meet most of your plants season-long needs. Or apply a soluble flowering plant fertilizer to moist soil once a month.
Prune away any unwanted growth throughout the summer. And occasionally pinch out the growing tips to encourage more compact growth. Wear gloves and long sleeves to minimize direct contact with the thorns.
A bit more information: Start new plants from 4 to 6 inch long cuttings. Stick the cut end into a moist well-drained potting mix or mix of peatmoss and perlite. Roots should appear in 4 to 6 weeks. Repot if needed in a slightly larger container.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Heaven on Earth!
Sun, snow, rivers, streams and...the mountains! That's what I saw while I was vacationing over the weekend in Denver and Vail, Colorado.
It's always been one of my favorite places to visit because the mountain views, in my opinion, are a glimpse of heaven on earth.
I was able to sit on a few rooftop patios downtown, I went horseback riding in the Rockies in Beaver Creek and then I was able to sit in a hot tub in Vail while sipping my morning coffee (this photo is my view from the hot tub). Yes, I fell back in love with Colorado during my visit and I hope to be back there sometime soon!
Heaven on Earth!
Sun, snow, rivers, streams and...the mountains! That's what I saw while I was vacationing over the weekend in Denver and Vail, Colorado.
It's always been one of my favorite places to visit because the mountain views, in my opinion, are a glimpse of heaven on earth.
I was able to sit on a few rooftop patios downtown, I went horseback riding in the Rockies in Beaver Creek and then I was able to sit in a hot tub in Vail while sipping my morning coffee (this photo is my view from the hot tub). Yes, I fell back in love with Colorado during my visit and I hope to be back there sometime soon!
PIC: Cool Clouds
I took this picture from the rooftop of a friends condo in Chicago. We were having cocktails tonight when the storm was rolling in. Super cool clouds!
Shade Combinations for Attracting Hummingbirds
Don't let shade stop you from attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Include a few hummingbird favorites in the garden or container plantings.
Fuchsia is a favorite of shade gardeners and hummingbirds. Try using one of the upright types like Thalia, Gartenmeister or Firecracker with its variegated leaves. Add a fern for texture and wire vine as a groundcover in the garden or spiller in the container.
Consider adding a few or quite a few Dragon wing begonias to the garden. The large plants put on a show all summer long with the red and pink flowers. They combine nicely with impatiens, another hummingbird favorite. And surround this combination with a groundcover or trailer of Silver Falls Dichondra.
Include a backdrop of summer long bloom you and the hummingbirds will enjoy. Train a honeysuckle vine onto a fence or decorative trellis for screening and hummingbird appeal. Try the mildew resistant Major Wheeler.
A bit more information: For more ideas on attracting birds and butterflies to your garden visit www.birdsandblooms.com . See projects and ideas on attracting wildlife to the garden and you'll find my answers to common garden questions. Also, be sure to look for my article "Make Room for Hummingbirds and Butterflies" in the June/July 2013 issue of Birds & Blooms magazine.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Buttered Rum, Southern Comfort - Colorful Perennials for the Garden
How about a bit of Buttered Rum or Southern Comfort in the garden? No, I am not talking about a drink, but rather a few colorful perennials.
Heucherella 'Buttered Rum' is a hybrid with coral bells, known as Heuchera. And foamflower, called Tiarella as its parents. The maple shaped leaves have a caramel edge and are topped with white flowers in spring.
Southern Comfort coral bells have cinnamon peach leaves that mature to amber. The white flowers on this plant appear in summer.
Finish off your planting with a little dessert. Peach Flambe coral bells have bright peach leaves in the cooler months of spring and fall. The leaves turn a softer peach in summer and plum purple for winter.
Use a combination of these and other coral bells and foamflowers to create a tapestry of color in your partial shade to full sun gardens. Be sure to keep the soil slightly moist throughout the season.
A bit more information: Add some Dolce® Key Lime Pie to the dessert buffet. This coral bell has chartreuse foliage all season long. The heart shaped leaves are mottled with lime green. Mix a few with dark green or blue-green hostas for an eye-catching combination.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
