Time for a trim

We all love some before-and-after shots, right? Especially when it documents proof of your progress after a project takes longer than you expected (read 2 hours) and gives you an extremely sore back. Well, I hope the results are worth it. 

Here is our backyard. I just recently did some work on the edge of the grass that was creeping into the "alley" or whatever that gap is....ahhh, inheritance of landscaping from previous homeowners. And I also trimmed up the climbing Carolina jessamine at the back left.

But the project of the day was tackling that horribly shredded and yellowed mass of foliage at the base of the tree near the center. I affectionately call it "the tree tutu."

Last summer's drought really ravaged the poor plant (can anyone identify what it is, anyway?), but I was determined to try and rescue it.

So, here you are folks. All those deep green leaves were hiding beneath. 

It was a real chore to individually trim out all the dead leaves. But, I keep staring out the window at the vast improvement it's made.

Now for some color in the backyard other than brown and green. More on those adventures later!

Chalk It Up to Love Valentine

Don't know about you, but isn't there enough chocolate and candy to go around on Valentine's Day? Do the other moms a favor and give the kids this alternative instead.

Supplies

• Zippered snack baggies (6.5 in x 3.25 in)
• Strips of scrapbook paper or wrapping paper in Valentines-y print (6.5 x 4 in, folded to 6.5 x 2 in)
• Stapler
• White paper to print messages on
• Glue stick
• Bucket of sidewalk chalk

Instructions

1. Take a plastic zippered snack baggie and place one sidewalk chalk inside and seal.
2. Fold over a strip of scrapbook paper to cover the zippered top and staple at the two ends.
3. Print off your message, sign it, trim to size and glue it to the strip.

Easy peasy! Here's the printable message page (8.5 x 11 in, lettersize) with room for your child to sign his or her own name.