Kristina Seleshanko's Blog, page 78

The #1 Biggest Mistake When Growing Vegetables

You know those gorgeous vegetable gardens you see in books and magazines? Here's a little secret: They aren't as productive as they should be.

Why? Because photographers want the gardens to look lush and full...which means the gardener must put off harvesting her crops until after the photo shoot. And putting off harvesting is the #1 Biggest Mistake you can make when growing vegetables. 

Last year, I explained that not harvesting herbs often leads to declining harvests. The same is true with vegetables. Often, gardeners get a few peas or cucumbers on, for example, and think, "I'll wait to harvest those until I have enough to serve for lunch." Or enough to freeze. Or to can. But when vegetables sit on the plant, ripe and ready to harvest, the plant thinks it should start going to seed - so it stops producing food and focuses its energy on making seeds. This naturally results in small crops and plants that go to seed early. (Besides, vegetables that sit on the plant for very long quickly loose their flavor and nutrition.)

But the fix is easy: Pick veggies as soon as they are ripe! Instead of letting those peas or cucumbers stay on the vine, pick them. (Eat 'em fresh, or add them to a salad.) If you do this, you will get the most from your plants.

X

Letter of the Week: X

X is for foX.Once your child is comfortable identifying  letters A - V, you'll probably find teaching the letter X a little more challenging. That's because there are no words that begin with the letter X that say it's most common sound: "ks." And while you will find the "ks" sound at the end of words like "fox" and "box,", all the other letters you've taught so far have used words that begin with the sound you are teaching.

So you have a choice to make. You may either switch gears and use words that end with X's "ks" sound, or you may choose to teach the letter X using one of it's beginning-of-the-word sounds. Which choice you make, I think, depends upon your child's progress with phonics. If your child is really just learning to recognize letters and their names, I believe you should feel free to teach the letter X with words like "xylophone" and "X-ray." But if your child is really catching on to phonics, I suggest using words like "fox."

Once you've made your choice, show your child an upper- and lowercase X and the sound(s) it makes. Then choose one of more of the activities below.

For more about Letter of the Week activities, click here.

* X is for X-Ray
* X-ray portrait
* X-ray craft
* X-ray Q-tip craft
* X-ray hand print art
* X-ray fish hand print art
* X-ray cookies
* X is for Xylophone
* X is for Xylophone (2)
* Xylophone stick craft
* Xylophone snack
* Xylophone dot sticker page printable
* Xylophone game, color by number, simple puzzle, size sort, and more
* X is for X marks the spot
* X marks the spot snack
* X marks the spot games and worksheets
* X craft with tile spacers
* Fox in Socks craft
* Fox toilet paper tube craft
* Fox paper plate craft
* Fox mask craft
* Phonics: Letter X
* Sesame Street: Letter X
* Sesame Street: X Marks the Spot
* Sesame Street: Harvey Kneeslapper
* Sesame Street: The Great Alfonzo
* Sesame Street: Mystery Guest X
* Sesame Street: Letter X Lecture
* Sesame Street: The Letter X Song
* Sesame Street: Cowboy X

16 Ways to Use Home Canned Meat

Canning meat is one of the best uses of canning know-how. It allows you to purchase meat when it's at its most affordable, and then easily turn it into something that will last for years without spoiling. Plus, in my opinion, it actually improves the meat! (Because the canning process makes the meat super tender and moist.) Best of all - having canned meat on hand is super convenient and really speeds up meal-making.

But not very many people are used to eating canned meat, so it can seem like a very foreign, weird thing. The number one hurdle is the very idea of canned meat....so if you're unsure you want to can meat, I suggest you go out and purchase a container of high quality chicken meat. Open it and eat it. If you like chicken, you'll love it canned. Now go can your own! (Canned chicken tastes fabulous and is very easy to can, so I suggest that if you've never canned meat before, you start with chicken.)

The second hurdle is: How do you actually use canned meat? Let me count the ways:

Homemade pizza featuring home canned chicken and home canned bacon.1. On homemade pizza. If you have canned chicken, try using Ranch dressing as the pizza sauce. Add cheese, canned chicken, and maybe some green onions. Canned bacon is also terrific on pizza.

2. In salads. Canned chicken is perfect for any type of salad - fresh green, pasta salad, egg salad, etc.

3. Warmed up in a skillet. Canned ham, pork, or beef is great this way. I usually serve it alongside eggs , toast, or pancakes.

4. As sandwich meat. You can warm it up if you like, or leave it cold. And it's so much healthier than nitrogen-laced deli meats!

5. In scrambled eggs or omelets. Since canned meats just need warming up (not cooking), they are perfect added to eggs as you cook them.

6. As part of a hash or scramble. Canned ham is my favorite choice here.
A scramble featuring home canned pork.
7. In casseroles.

8. In soup.

9. In enchiladas.

10. In stir-frys.

11. In chili. Canned ground beef, beef chunks, or pork chunks are ideal.

12. In pasta dishes.

13. In stew. It really speeds up the cooking, because the meat is already tender and cooked.

14. Meat pies. An easy meat pie is just beef stew put between a bottom and top pie crust, so either beef or pork chunks or ground beef work here.

15. Shepherd's pie. Try canned ground beef, beef chunks, pork chunks, or lamb chunks.

16. In a pot of beans. Canned bacon adds terrific flavor to beans.

17. Any way you'd use frozen, cooked meat. Except canned meat doesn't require thawing!


A Few Tips:

* Whenever possible, use the liquid from the jars - there's a lot of flavor there! So if you're making soup, for example, pour the liquid from the jar into the soup instead of just dumping it down the sink.

* Canned ground beef has a different texture from the ground beef you are used to. It is softer and more moist. So I recommend always heating it by itself in a skillet; the heat will remove some of the meat's moisture, making it more like freshly-browned ground beef.

* When cooking anything that takes more than just a few minutes to make, always add canned meat at the very end of cooking . If you don't, the meat may turn to mush because it's already so tender and well cooked. Really, you just need enough time for the meat to become heated through - perhaps five minutes before the rest of the dish is done.

#1 Best Spring Cleaning Tip for Busy Moms

Before I had young children, my house was reasonably clean. I did a thorough cleaning every spring and just before Christmas - you know, scrubbing down walls, cleaning baseboards, that kind of thing. (My vacuum, by the way, did most of the work.) But since having kids? Yeah right. There are currently dirty hand prints all the way down the hall and on virtually every light switch. (As soon as I clean them, they magically reappear, so I've admittedly become lax about wiping them away.) The baseboards look like they have a century's worth of dirt and dust on them. And don't even think about spot checking the house for dust and fingerprint-free windows.

Spring cleaning may not be on your agenda this year. I completely understand, Mama. But if your house is beginning to look a bit too crusty for your taste, I have one very helpful tip for you:

Buy a bunch of Magic Erasers. Truly, these things make spring cleaning so much easier. Your kids can even help! Use them for cleaning:

* Baseboards
* Cabinets
* Walls
* Widow sills
* Toys
* Furnature
* Bathtub/Shower
* Sinks and fixtures
* Appliance exteriors
* Toilets
* Light switches
* Crevices

Just be sure to test a small, inconspicuous spot first.

You don't have to spend a fortune on Magic Erasers, either. I often buy mine at The Dollar Tree. Or you can buy generic melamine foam sponges (yep, that's all Magic Erasers are) on eBay or Amazon. On the day I wrote this post, the best deal on Amazon was just 14 cents a sponge, shipped.

I also recommend you use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser mop. In my experience, nothing beats it on linoleum - AND it makes cleaning walls and ceilings easier, too.

Happy spring!

Letter of the Week: - with Free Printable Worm Stick Puppet

W is for Worm. Click here for the free printable.After reviewing letters A - V, start this week by introducing upper- and lowercase W. "W says wuh!" Then serve up some waffles for breakfast. Other great foods to eat today are watermelon, walnuts, and whipped cream. And don't forget to drink water! Then choose one or more of the letter W related crafts and activities, below.
 
For more about Letter of the Week activities, click here.

* W is for Watermelon
* W is for Watermelon (2)
* Watermelon play dough
* Watermelon math (May I suggest simply slicing watermelon and counting the seeds? Or, if watermelons aren't available, drawing and coloring some paper ones?)
* Watermelon lunch
* Watermelon cake
* Watermelon craft
* Watermelon sewing
* W is for Worm
* W is for Worm (2)
* W is for Worm (3)
* Worm stick puppet printable craft (see photo, above)
* Worm pom pom craft (try making this in the shape of a W)
* Calling up worms science activity
* Wormery science project
* Worm snack
* Worm lunch
* W is for Waves (see also)
* W is for Web
* Web paper plate craft (scroll down)
* Web game
* W is for Wagon
* W is for Winter
* Weather wheel craft
* Windmill printable toilet paper roll craft
* George Washington paper plate craft
* W is for Word
* He's Got the Whole World in His Hands craft
* World cupcakes (and other treats)
* W is for Walrus
* W is for Walrus (2; see also)
* W is for Walrus (3)
* Walrus printable craft
* Walrus paper plate craft
* Walrus paper bag puppet
* W is for Wheel
* W is for Whale
* Whale printable craft
* Whale lunch
* Phonics: The Letter W
* Sesame Street: Wanted Letter W
* Sesame Street: Kermit's Letter W Lecture (part II is here)
* Sesame Street: Letter W Fireflies
* Sesame Street: W for Willamina
* Sesame Street: Letter W in the Pool

11 Tips for Dealing with Grumpy Children

Your cheerful "Good morning!" is met with a frown. Your kiddo complains about any type of breakfast you offer him. The least little thing makes your daughter cry. Or throw a temper tantrum. Or start World War Three. These are The Really Hard Days of dealing with grumpy children - and every mom has experienced them. But there are ways to deal with grumpy kids and get through the day with your sanity in tact:

1. Find at least 5 minutes to tuck yourself away from the kids to pray and read a little of the Bible. Put the kids in front of the television for a few minutes if you have to - because you especially need to focus on God on Really Hard Days.

2. Set aside your plans. Your children are going to need more of your attention than usual, so don't focus on housework or other chores, and try to cancel appointments.

3. Give your children lots of cuddles, hugs, and smiles. Even if they act like they don't want them.

4. Read to your children. If they will cuddle on the couch with you, that's great. But if that causes squabbling, set them on the floor with something to color or draw while you read.

5. Play soothing music. Something like Hide 'Em in Your Heart is perfect. Or maybe some classical music.

6. Take baths. Water is very soothing to many children. Give them each a bath - by themselves - and see if they don't feel better.

7. If it's sunny, make sure the windows are uncovered. Open some windows or doors to let in fresh air. If it's a dark day, turn on some lights. If you can get your child to read, color, do puzzles, or do some other activity under a bright lamp, all the better. If it's near the end of the day, dim the lights.

8. Remove clutter. If the house is a cluttered mess, it's stressful, and that's not going to help anyone on a Really Hard Day. Take a few minutes to pick up.

9. Get moving. If you can, go outdoors and encourage your kids to run or do other vigorous activities. If you must remain indoors, try jumping to upbeat music.

10. Avoid the television. Yes, I know. On Really Hard Days it's easier to set the kids in front of the TV. But the fact remains that TV time tends to lead to poorer behavior in your children. At the very least, postpone TV time until late in the day.

11. End the day well. You may be ever-so-anxious for bedtime, but don't let that make you rush through it. Make sure your children receive your full attention during tucking in. Read. Cuddle. Pray together about the day, asking for tomorrow to be happier. Then kiss them goodnight.

Ultimate Chicken Boredom Busters

Those of you who have chickens know they are a lot like toddlers: When they get bored, they can get into a whole lot of trouble. Whether your chickens get bored during winter weather or because you keep them in a run some of the time (or all of the time!), you may end up with hens who peck each other, eat their eggs, and develop other undesirable habits. To prevent this, chicken boredom busters are essential.

The best way to keep hens busy is to keep them doing what they do best: Scratching or eating. Here are my favorite boredom busters, from least favorite to what I consider the ultimate chicken boredom buster:


4. Flock Block. At nearly any feed store (or via Amazon), you can buy Flock Blocks. These are brick-like pieces of grains suitable for chickens. The key here is these blocks are hard and take a while for chickens to eat through. The downside is there will inevitably be waste - and Flock Blocks aren't cheap! Alternatively, you can make your own Flock Block. These may be more affordable, depending on local prices, and have the added advantage of being easy to hang from a longish string. (Trust me, hanging, swinging things are highly amusing to chickens!)


3. Miscellaneous Vegetables and Fruit. It's always a great idea to chuck weeds, grass clippings, and vegetable waste to your chickens. However, this won't keep the hens occupied for long - unless you have mountains of scraps. Some people try to prolong the boredom busting quality of veggies by giving their hens apples - but I find my chickens aren't very interested in these. Better bets include watermelons and winter squash. Despite the photo to the left (taken after a watermelon eating contest!), these foods will be better boredom busters if you cut them in half and make the girls work a bit for their food.

2. Cardboard. A better way to keep the girls active is to cover a portion of land with cardboard. It won't work to put it in the chicken run, because they will instantly start scratching at it - and that defeats the purpose of the cardboard. (Plus it'll make a mess). Instead, choose an area outside their run where you don't mind them scratching around. Lay down the cardboard and wet it well. After at least a month, lift up the cardboard and let the hens at it. The area will be filled with bugs, and will keep the girls happy for days.

1. Hanging cabbage. In my opinion, this is the ultimate chicken boredom buster. That's because the cabbage isn't just food - it's a game. And it's cheap! One hen pecks the cabbage and all the hens notice it swinging. Another hen pecks it, and it swings some more. It doesn't take long for the entire flock to enter into a rousing game of tether ball. An added bonus: A large cabbage takes hens quite a while to eat through. My six hens usually take at least three days to get through a large cabbage.


What are your favorite ways to keep your hens occupied?

The Ultimate Chicken Boredom Busters

Those of you who have chickens know they are a lot like toddlers: When they get bored, they can get into a whole lot of trouble. Whether your chickens get bored during winter weather or because you keep them in a run some of the time (or all of the time!), you may end up with hens who peck each other, eat their eggs, and develop other undesirable habits. To prevent this, chicken boredom busters are essential.

The best way to keep hens busy is to keep them doing what they do best: Scratching or eating. Here are my favorite boredom busters, from least favorite to what I consider the ultimate chicken boredom buster:


4. Flock Block. At nearly any feed store (or via Amazon), you can buy Flock Blocks. These are brick-like pieces of grains suitable for chickens. The key here is these blocks are hard and take a while for chickens to eat through. The downside is there will inevitably be waste - and Flock Blocks aren't cheap! Alternatively, you can make your own Flock Block. These may be more affordable, depending on local prices, and have the added advantage of being easy to hang from a longish string. (Trust me, hanging, swinging things are highly amusing to chickens!)


3. Miscellaneous Vegetables and Fruit. It's always a great idea to chuck weeds, grass clippings, and vegetable waste to your chickens. However, this won't keep the hens occupied for long - unless you have mountains of scraps. Some people try to prolong the boredom busting quality of veggies by giving their hens apples - but I find my chickens aren't very interested in these. Better bets include watermelons and winter squash. Despite the photo to the left (taken after a watermelon eating contest!), these foods will be better boredom busters if you cut them in half and make the girls work a bit for their food.

2. Cardboard. A better way to keep the girls active is to cover a portion of land with cardboard. It won't work to put it in the chicken run, because they will instantly start scratching at it - and that defeats the purpose of the cardboard. (Plus it'll make a mess). Instead, choose an area outside their run where you don't mind them scratching around. Lay down the cardboard and wet it well. After at least a month, lift up the cardboard and let the hens at it. The area will be filled with bugs, and will keep the girls happy for days.

1. Hanging cabbage. In my opinion, this is the ultimate chicken boredom buster. That's because the cabbage isn't just food - it's a game. And it's cheap! One hen pecks the cabbage and all the hens notice it swinging. Another hen pecks it, and it swings some more. It doesn't take long for the entire flock to enter into a rousing game of tether ball. An added bonus: A large cabbage takes hens quite a while to eat through. My six hens usually take at least three days to get through a large cabbage.


What are your favorite ways to keep your hens occupied?

Letter of the Week: V

V is for volcano.After reviewing the letters A - U, introduce your child to the letter V by using painter's tape to create a large V on the floor. Show your child that the uppercase and lowercase V are the same, except the latter is smaller. Then say, "V says vvvvvv!" Brainstorm words that have the V sound, being sure to end with "vehicles." Then show your child how to use the painter's tape V as a road for toy vehicles. Encourage your child to make her own painter's tape Vs to create intersecting roads. Ask: "Can you make a letter V with your vehicles?" When your child is ready to move on, choose one or more of the crafts, activities, or videos, below.

For more about Letter of the Week activities, click here.


* V is for Violin
* V is for Vine (see also)
* V is for Vegetables
* Vegetable stick puppets (these offer a great opportunity to talk about how yummy and healthy veggies are)
* Veggie prints craft
* V is for Volcano
* V is for Volcano (2)
* Volcano dot sticker printable
* Volcano craft
* Volcano science project
* V is for Vulture
* V is for Vulture (2)
* V is for Vulture (3)
* Vulture hand print craft
* V is for Vacuum
* Very hungry caterpillar craft (for more caterpillar ideas, see Letter of the Week: C)
* V is for Vase
* V is for Vase (with Vegetable Stamping)
* Vase snack
* V is for Vacation
* V is for Vehicle (paste paper vehicles onto a large construction paper V)
* Vehicle counting cards
* Vehicle math ideas
* Phonics: Letter V
* Sesame Street: All About V
* Sesame Street: Letter V Salesman
* Sesame Street: The Violin Song
* Sesame Street: Letter V Song
* Sesame Street: V is for Volcano

52 Simple Sewing Projects for Kids

I've blogged before on teaching children to sew. Not only is it a creative outlet for both girls and boys, but sewing improves fine motor skills and concentration while teaching a useful life skill. However, it can sometimes be a challenge to find sewing projects for kids - or for beginners of any age. So I've compiled some of my favorites, dividing them up between things that can be done by hand (which I recommend for all children under the age of 8) and by machine. Happy sewing!



20 Hand Sewing Projects for Kids or Beginners:

* Drawstring bag. (Depending upon the size, these are great for storing toys, or use one as a girl's purse, or as an overnight-at-Grandma's bag, or as a gift bag)
* Felt key rings.
* Tic-Tac-Toe game
* Sachets
* Felt bookmarks (more here, here, here, here, and here)
* Felt flower brooch
* * Handprint scarf
* Ladybug pincushion or toy
* Felt pillows (perfect for dolls or stuffed animals)
* Felt finger puppets (just sew them instead of using glue)
* Braided bracelets
* Cup cozies
* Cloud pillows
* Tissue holder
* Ribbon bookmarks
* Felt scrap bracelets
* * Bottle bracelet
* Cloud brooch


20 Machine Sewing Projects for Kids or Beginners:

* Fabric bookmark
* Key rings
* Pocket scarf
* Tea towel and pot holders
* Easy skirt (see this one, too)
* Quilt made of strips of fabric.
* Bandana tote bag
* Pocket organizer
* T-shirt pillows
* Drawstring backpack
* Neck pillow
* Tote bag
* Turn jeans into fun shorts
* T-shirt tote
* Pillowcase
* Sleep masks (sew them instead of using glue)
* Pajama pants
* Jeans leg purse
* Mittens
* Me and My Doll apron kits

12 Projects for Either Hand- or Machine-Sewing:

* Sleeping bag for stuffed animals.
* Bandana quilt or blanket
* Ribbon bugs
* Easy doll dress
* Bandana apron
* Felt pencil case
* Very simple stuffed bunnies
* Easy apron
* T-shirt monsters
* Doll bedding
* Felt animals
* "Softies"