Container Gardening: Apples and Pears in a Pot...

Courtesy of Dorling Kindersley Limited

Hi Friends,

Popular for pots, apples grown on the dwarf rootstocks M27, M9 or M26 are widely available. The choice of pears is smaller, but look for those grown on Quince C or Quince A. All of these compact trees produce full-sized fruit. If you have space, grow several and enjoy a variety of different flavors from late summer and throughout the autumn. Popular apple varieties include 'Egremont Russet', 'Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Discovery', golden yellow 'Elstar' and 'Blenheim Orange'with its crisp, nutty flavor. The pear varieties 'Williams' Bon Chretien', 'Doyenne du Comice'and 'Dwarf Lilliput' are ideal for containers. If space is really limited, you can buy two different fruits grafted on to one rootstock, offering two flavors for the price of one. Planting and care is the same for apples and pears. Keep pots well watered throughout the spring and summer.

'Fiesta' apples are widely available on dwarf rootstocks, and are sometimes sold as 'Red Pippin'. The red fruit has a flavor very similar to English 'Cox's Orange Pippin' and is ready to pick in mid-fall.

Enjoy your next apple pie or pear cobbler from your very own container garden...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Earth Day!

Courtesy of National Geographic

Hi Friends,

In 1970 smog choked major U.S. cities and toxic waste flooded rivers. That same year nearly 20 million Americans participated in events on April 22, spearheaded by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, to draw attention to the environmental issues plaguing the planet and human health. Named Earth Day, April 22 has remained a time to celebrate restoration and stand up for the planet. Today we wanted to share with our friends...

It's Earth Day and we thank each and every person for doing your part.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Administrative Professionals' Day!

Courtesy of TimeAndDate.com

Hi Friends,

Below is a little information on what has become one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays. Hope you enjoy the read...

About Administrative Professionals Day
During World War II, there was an increased need for skilled administrative personnel, particularly in the United States. The National Secretaries Association was formed to recognize the contributions of secretaries and other administrative personnel to the economy, to support their personal development and to help attract people to administrative careers in the field. The association's name was changed to Professional Secretaries International in 1981 and, finally, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1998.

These changes in name reflected the changing nature of the tasks, qualifications and responsibilities of the members of the organization. IAAP now has an international orientation and continues to provide education and training and set standards of excellence recognized by the business community on a global perspective. The organization's vision is "to inspire and equip all administrative professionals to attain excellence".

The first National Secretaries Week was organized in 1952 in conjunction with the United States Department of Commerce and various office supply and equipment manufacturers. The Wednesday of that week became known as National Secretaries Day. As the organization gained international recognition, the events became known as Professional Secretaries Week® and Professional Secretaries Day®. In 2000, IAAP announced that names of the week and the day were changed to Administrative Professionals Week and Administrative Professionals Day to keep pace with changing job titles and expanding responsibilities of the modern administrative workforce. Many work environments across the world observe this event.

For all our hard workers; enjoy your week...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Peaches in a Pot!

Courtesy of Dorling Kindersley Limited

Hi Friends,

The best fruit trees for pots are those grown on dwarfing rootstocks that still produce full-sized fruit. Peaches are grafted onto 'Pixy' or 'St. Julien A'. For good peaches try 'Bonanza' and 'Garden Lady'. Plant in large pots of soil-based potting mix, keep in a sheltered, sunny spot, and protect the blossom with plastic sheeting. Feed in spring with all-purpose fertilizer, and apply tomato food every week after flowering. No pruning is needed...

Share you very own juicy peaches with family and good friends, they will appreciate and enjoy your special efforts...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Cherries in a Pot!

Courtesy of Dorling Kindersley Limited

Hi Friends,

The best fruit trees for pots are those grown on dwarfing rootstocks that still produce full-sized fruit. Cherries are grafted onto Colt or Gisela 5 rootstocks. Good cherries include 'Compact Stella' and 'Maynard Mini Stem'. Plant in large pots of soil-based potting mix, keep in a sheltered, sunny spot, and protect the blossoms with plastic sheeting. Feed in spring with all-purpose fertilizer, and apply tomato food every week after flowering. No pruning is needed...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Growing Fruit Trees in Containers!

Courtesy of Chris Dawson

Hi Friends,

Master gardener Chris Dawson shares these tips for growing fruit trees in pots. Even if you have limited space, you can still enjoy fresh fruit. Although not all fruit trees thrive in containers for long periods of time, you can grow any fruit tree in a container for a few years and then transplant it. You can also choose a dwarf variety, which is well suited to living in a container.

Some of the most popular dwarf citrus trees to grow in containers are:

Meyer lemon: First imported from China in 1908, it is believed to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin. The fruit has a very sweet flavor and is less acidic than a true lemon.

Calamondin: Prized for its attractive shape and foliage, it produces fragrant flowers nearly year-round. It is grown primarily for aesthetics and less for actual, edible fruit.

Dwarf Kaffa lime tree: The rind of the fruit and the unique double-lobed, aromatic leaves are often used in cooking.

Master gardener Chris Dawson prefers mail order bare-root trees. Inspect the tree when it arrives to be sure the packing material is still moist and the roots are in good shape. As with any bare-root tree, make sure the roots never dry out before planting. To plant:

• Use any kind of container as long as it has drainage holes and is an adequate size for the tree - 10 to 16 inches in diameter.
• Fill the container with a light, well-drained potting mixture. Make a small mound in the center of pot and arrange the roots over the mound. Cover the roots with soil and tamp in lightly.
• Leave the stake in place to help the tree remain sturdy while the roots become established.
• Place in full sun, southern exposure.
• Water to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
• Fertilize with a formula high in nitrogen with trace minerals.

The one compromise with container fruit trees: They rarely bear as much fruit as their planted counterpart. On the plus side, the fruit usually appears a season or so ahead of trees planted in the garden.

Enjoy a fresh glass of lemonade with family and good friends from your very own lemon tree...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Easter!

Courtesy of Sassy Cats

Happy Easter Friends!

May the simple joys fill your day, hope light your path, the many blessings of Easter stay forever in your heart, and the Origin of The Easter Bunny make your day.

Origin of The Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is a symbol that originated with the pagan festival of Easter. The goddess, Easter, was worshiped by the Anglo-Saxons
through her earthly symbol,
the hare or rabbit.

The date of Easter is determined by the moon whose symbolism is strongly tied to that of the hare. In fact, the hare is the symbol for the moon. Ever since the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D., Easter has been celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after March 21st.

The Easter bunny was introduced to American folklore by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" was considered "childhood's greatest pleasure" next to a visit from Christ-Kindel on Christmas Eve. The children believed that if they were good the "Oschter Haws" would lay a nest of colored eggs.

The children would build their nest in a secluded place in the home, the barn or the
garden. Boys would use their caps and girls their bonnets to make the nests . The use of elaborate Easter baskets came later as the tradition of the Easter bunny spread through out the country.

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Host a Kids' Easter Egg Decorating and Hunt Party!

Courtesy of Kim Stoegbauer, The TomKat Studio
Photography by ten22 studio

Hi Friends,

Celebrate Easter this year with a colorful egg decorating party, followed by a classic egg hunt. From invitations and crafts to games and food ideas, you'll find everything you need to plan a day your kids will never forget in our earlier post.

Today, lets make Healthy & Cute Basket Lunches. Serve the kids a nutritious lunch comprised of a bunny-shaped sandwich, fresh strawberries, pasta salad and an adorable hard-boiled egg chick. Painted wooden berry baskets are the perfect size to serve all of the lunch items and they coordinate perfectly with the party theme. The cutest is the little Hatching Chick Egg hiding in the left back of the basket and today we will learn how to make this fun little guy.

Make a Hatching Chick Egg for Easter
Turn a basic hard-boiled egg into an adorable hatching chick with a few simple materials. Kids will love this sweet addition to the holiday table.

Materials Needed:

• 1 hard-boiled egg, peeled
• 1 carrot
• 1 sheet of nori
• iceberg lettuce, shredded
• small knife
• scissors
• 1 colorful candy/baking cup

Make Chick's Beak

Using the knife, cut a small triangle from the carrot to make chick's beak. Use the scissors to cut tiny circles for eyes from the nori. Set aside.

Cut Egg

Holding the egg, use the knife to gently cut a zigzag around the center of the egg so it looks like it has been cracked, making sure not to cut the yolk (Image 1). Using both hands, wiggle the top cut part of the egg white from the yolk and set aside (Image 2).

Apply Face

Apply nori eyes and carrot beak to the yolk, and place the egg into a baking cup that has been filled with lettuce. Finish by placing the top of the egg white back onto the yolk at a slight angle so the face still shows.

The kids will love this...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Drizzle-Dye Eggs!

Courtesy of Jessica Dodell-Feder (Created by Rachael Weiner)
Credit: Alison Gootee

Hi Friends,

Mix red and blue egg dye to make purple. Drip the dye over the egg from a teaspoon so it streaks down the sides. Repeat, holding the egg at different angles. Footed bowls are available at your local big-box stores and try eBay for a variety of styles.

Have fun decorating this Easter...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Free Easter Printables!

Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Banner

Hi Friends,

Throw a memorable Easter gathering with these free printables, courtesy of The TomKat Studio. Kick off Easter with this Pennant Banner. Hang this "Happy Easter" pennant banner above an outdoor brunch dessert table or above the entrance to greet guests.

"Thank You" Tag
Don't let your guests go home empty-handed. Fill a bright bag with treats, and attach a printable tag to give as party favors. Download The TomKat Studio's Easter Favor Tags.

Modern Egg Hunt Invitation

A color palette of navy, Kelly green and sunshine yellow gives this invitation a fun, modern vibe. Silhouettes of a sheep, bunny and chick add a cute touch. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Invitation.

Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

This 11x14 inch sign is a great way to greet guests, and the colors coordinate with the egg hunt printable invitation. Download Printable Easter Egg Hunt Welcome Sign

Colorful Happy Easter Banner

Download, print, string and hang this banner for a festive way to celebrate Easter. Download Printable "Happy Easter" Banner.

Animals Banner

This bunny, sheep and chick banner is perfect for a dessert table. Download Printable Easter Animals Banner.

Cupcake Flags

Bring color to dessert with printable flags and coordinating baking cups. Download Printable Easter Cupcake Toppers.

Party Circles

Dress up your menu items with cute animal circle labels. Download Printable Easter Party Circles.

Printable Easter Basket

Let the kids make their own basket by printing free basket pattern and folding it into a cute basket. Download the Printable Easter Basket.

Easter Treat Carrier

Carry your treats easily with this portable jar carrier. Assemble the carrier following the instructions on the free printable pattern, and adorn it with stickers, bows, glitter or anything else you love. Fill two milk bottles with your favorite small treats. Download the Printable Easter Basket Carrier.

Hope you have fun with these free Easter printables; thank you again, The TomKat Studio. The TomKat Studio is our go-to place for decorating ideas, they have everything you could think of and some you wouldn't dream was possible - but they have it. One of our favorite and most called upon to share information and creative resources for you, our valued followers.

Bookmark The TomKat Studio, today...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Style a Pretty Place Setting!

Courtesy of Jessica Dodell-Feder Credit: Alison Gootee

Hi Friends,

Dye eggs, then use a hole punch to cut circles from adhesive white label paper (available at office supply stores). Peel the backing off each dot and stick it to the egg. Nestle it in a 3" faux nest, available at craft stores for approximately $15.00 a dozen.

Your dinner table will be set for an Easter meal fit for the special people in your lives; family and good friends...

Bon Appétit...

Happy Easter from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne