DIY: Uses for Apple Peels

Since we’re beginning apple season, I wanted to share an article I found on ways to use up apple peels. This was written by Brittany Davies on the tastingtable.com website:

Apples are delicious, versatile fruits that can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, sweet or savory, on their own or as a tasty addition to anything from oatmeal to salads to baked goods. After making a batch of applesauce, preparing a flaky pie, or peeling apple slices to appease a picky eater, you have probably found yourself with a pile of apple skins on the brink of being tossed in the garbage. In addition to making the most of your produce, reducing food waste by utilizing every part of the apple contributes to positive outcomes for the environment and the food supply. The USDA estimates between 30% to 40% of the food supply goes to waste with 31% of food loss occurring at the retail and consumer levels. Valuable nutrients and resources used to produce, transport, prepare, and store wasted food are all lost in a landfill. To combat this problem, the United Nations suggests consumers get creative to reduce food waste at home while speaking up in their communities and local governments.

Although food waste is a big problem, small actions daily such as finding ways to reuse apple peels are easy opportunities to minimize your impact. Wash your apples before peeling them to eliminate any residual pesticides, then enjoy the peels as a nutritious snack, transformed into baked goods, and even as a natural cleaner. Save money and the planet while making the most of your produce with these ways to use up apple peelings.

Turn them into a crunchy snack

Eating apples provide a variety of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, (via Harvard School of Public Health). However, much of the fiber and beneficial flavonoids are found in apple skins. Finding ways to incorporate the entire apple into your meals, whether eating it whole or finding innovative ways to consume the peels, is the best way to reap the most benefit from the fruit.

Using an oven, air fryer, or dehydrator, you can transform apple peelings into a crunchy, nutrient-rich snack. Environmentally-minded snack producers like RIND are already doing this with dried fruit products, all with skins intact. Meal kit service HelloFresh also offers suggestions for reinventing fruit peels as chips, candy, seasoning, and tea. To make crunchy apple skin chips in the oven, preheat to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and place the apple peels on a lined baking sheet. Season with a dash of cinnamon or get creative with your favorite blend of spices. Bake the peels for about 30 minutes, tossing halfway through to get them nice and crisp. Enjoy these crunchy snacks on their own, or as a way to add texture to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

Stay hydrated with fruit infused water

Soak up the benefits of fruit-infused water by adding apple peels to your reusable bottle. In addition to keeping you hydrated, Dr. Danielle Hairston-Green of Prairie View A&M University, explains that infusing water with fruit and herbs offers flavor. The nutrients from the fruit can also support healthy skin and digestive systems.

Enjoy the refreshing flavor of apple skins on their own, or enhance them with other fruits, herbs, and spices. For a fall-inspired flavor, add orange peel, ginger, and cinnamon sticks to your water along with the apple peels, or give your water a bright, refreshing boost with apple peels, cucumber, and lemon. Infused water is a fun, versatile way to get the most out of produce scraps such as apple peels and cores, citrus rinds, mango peels, strawberry tops, herb stems, and even celery leaves. Check the produce for mold, then add scraps to the bottom of a pitcher or water bottle, stir, and let sit for at least an hour or up to overnight in the fridge, giving the fruit and herbs time to release their flavors.

Make tea

Apples are the perfect complement to chilly autumn evenings, especially paired with cinnamon and served hot in a cute mug. Apple peel tea is a quick way to warm up on a cool autumn day. Simmer apple peels and spices such as cinnamon and clove with water for about 10 minutes, add some lemon or orange zest and cook for an additional minute, then strain the peels and spices before serving the cozy drink with lemon slices and a drizzle of honey. You can also use dried apple skins as the base of a spiced tea mix that is ready to brew whenever you want it.

For those in search of a cool and refreshing apple beverage, try transforming leftover apple peels and cores into an herbaceous iced tea. Apples pair naturally well with robust herbs such as sage, rosemary, and thyme to create a unique flavor profile. To make apple peel and herb iced tea, boil herb leaves with one part maple syrup to one part water for herbed simple syrup. Combine your favorite loose-leaf tea, herb stems, apple peels and cores, and cold water in a pitcher. Stir and press down the scraps, making sure they are covered by water. Let the ingredients steep in the refrigerator overnight. Strain the scraps and serve the brewed tea over ice, sweetened with your homemade simple syrup.

Boost a smoothie

Packed with important nutrients, apple peels are a great way to boost your favorite smoothie. If using apples in your smoothie, save prep time by setting aside the peeler and using the whole fruit. If you’re debating whether to peel or not to peel prior to blending, know that apple peels, even when blended, might leave bits and pieces in the mixture. If you don’t enjoy the texture of the blended peels, consider making some homemade dried apple powder as a way to boost the flavor and nutrients in smoothies, oatmeal, and more.

With its many health benefits, it is no surprise that apple peel powder is a sought-after supplement that can be purchased in health stores to increase fiber and other nutrients in your food. According to research in the National Library of Medicine, dried apple peel powder has been associated with increased joint function and range of motion, among other benefits. With leftover apple peelings, you can make your own fiber-rich smoothie booster at home. Use an oven or dehydrator to dry the apple pieces, then pulse the dried peels in a blender until they form a powder. Condition the powder in a low-temperature oven for 15 minutes, then store in an airtight container.

Sweeten a salad

With their subtle sweetness, apples work equally well when paired with sweet or savory dishes and are a great way to liven up an average salad. The best salad ingredients enhance the dish with color, variety, and texture. Adding a hint of sweetness along with a unique mouthfeel, leftover apple peels make a tasty and versatile topping for salads. Try incorporating apple peelings in a hearty spinach salad topped with walnuts, sharp cheddar, and dried cranberries, which also pair well with the apples.

Chopped leftover apple skins could make an interesting change to a classic chicken salad as well, offering a fresh element to balance rich and savory ingredients. Thinly sliced apple peelings can also help stretch out coleslaw while adding a subtle touch of sweetness to the mix. Whether using red or green apple peels, the vibrant skins are a colorful and nutrient-dense addition to the vegetable blend.

Bulk up breakfast and baked goods

Savory or sweet, there are many creative ways to cook with apples. Incorporating leftover apple peels adds texture, flavor, and nutrients to a variety of breakfast options and tasty baked goods. They can be included whole for the most texture as well as chopped or blended into a finer mixture. Apple peel powder can also bring a sweet and nutritious boost to your breakfast and baked goods.

Bulk up your oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt with a handful of apple skins or apple peel powder for an extra dose of fiber in your morning meal. For a savory breakfast delight, try including chopped apple peels in your homemade sausage recipe to add a touch of sweetness to the mix. You can also enhance bread, muffins, pies, cinnamon rolls, marshmallow treats, and other desserts with leftover apple peelings. They work especially well in recipes featuring warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, or star anise for a fragrant, fall treat.

Upgrade your baking with homemade apple extract

Level up your baking with even more apple-forward flavor by transforming leftover apple peelings into homemade apple extract. Pure extracts made from scratch are easy to prepare and taste better than synthetic versions. You can make extracts of any flavor using a few simple ingredients that are free of artificial flavors, colors, and heavy corn syrup.

To prepare your homemade extracts, you only need vodka and natural ingredients such as apple peels, citrus rinds, or vanilla beans. A water and vegetable glycerin mixture can be used as an alternative to alcohol, or you can swap the vodka for bourbon for a richer flavor. It only takes a few minutes to combine the ingredients, but the process of extracting the flavor can take five to six weeks. If you have access to the sous vide machine, you can speed up the process and intensify the flavor using this helpful device. Extracts made with vodka or bourbon will keep for a long time thanks to the high alcohol content. The bottles should be stored closed and away from light and heat in a cabinet or cupboard.

Make apple syrup

Leftover apple peelings are made even more delicious with some added sugar. We suggest saving apple peels to make rich, homemade apple syrup by reducing the peels with maple syrup or brown sugar and water. The result will be a little thinner than traditional maple syrup, but not as runny as plain simple syrup, and can be further enriched with cream, honey, or butter. You can even make spiced syrup by mixing in cinnamon and other warm spices or create interesting and complex syrup flavors by incorporating ingredients such as citrus peels, herbs, bourbon, or berries.

Use your homemade apple syrup to sweeten coffee, tea, and cocktails. Drizzle your fruity syrup over yogurt or oatmeal, mix it into homemade granola, or pour some over French toast, waffles, or pancakes for an elevated morning meal. You can even use your homemade syrup to make a sweet compound butter to spread over bread, bagels, and muffins.

Reduce them into jelly

Pectin-rich apple peels are perfect for making a batch of homemade apple jelly. Science Direct explains that pectin is a carbohydrate and natural gelling agent found in fruits, particularly citrus rinds and apple peels. Pectin is used to solidify jams, jellies, or preserves and has been included in juices and other beverages to improve the viscosity and mouthfeel. Plant-based pectin mimics the effects of gelatin, which is derived from animals and has a variety of culinary uses from making a glaze for fruit tarts to firming up gummy candies.

Because apples naturally contain higher amounts of pectin, making apple jelly requires only a few ingredients including apple peels and cores, water, sugar, and lemon juice. The pectin in the peels will thicken the mixture as it boils, creating a delicious jelly that can be stored in the refrigerator to enjoy right away or processed in a water bath canner for long-term storage. You can also use leftover apple peelings to extract pectin for use in other recipes. The best type of apples for making pectin are very firm, green apples because pectin levels decrease as the fruit ripens. Use your homemade apple pectin for a wide range of cooking, baking, and canning projects.

Turn them into apple cider vinegar

There are many myths and claims attached to apple cider vinegar, but regardless of the purported health benefits, the tangy substance has a number of versatile uses in and out of the kitchen. Apple cider vinegar is a fermented product that can be time-consuming to prepare but is well worth the effort for its myriad of uses from making salad dressing to cleaning your home. Although it can be a long, laborious process, all you need to make apple cider vinegar are apple peels and cores, a little bit of sugar, and water.

In addition to whipping up homemade salad dressings, we suggest using your homemade apple cider vinegar as an all-purpose solution for just about everything from killing weeds and deterring flies to washing produce and enhancing your beauty regimen. In the kitchen, you can employ apple cider vinegar to make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing it with milk or include it in marinades to tenderize meat. The sour liquid can be used in pickle recipes as well as to make salsas, homemade mayonnaise, relishes, and more.

Infuse your booze

No longer a mere garnish, leftover apple peels can infuse your booze with a boost of apple flavor. To make a simple, apple-infused liquor, pack a sterilized jar with apple scraps such as peels and cores and fill the container with liquor and seal it with a lid. Store the container in a cool dark place for several weeks, shaking the jar every few days. Strain the apple remnants and enjoy straight or creative cocktails. Customize your infused liquors with herbs, spices, and other fruits for unique, signature additions to your liquor cabinet.

For a boozy use for apple peelings that takes less patience, try adding them to sangria along with citrus peels for a fragrant addition to the fruity beverage. Creative connoisseurs might try infusing their homemade alcoholic concoctions with leftover peels. We suggest those interested in making their own wine consider adding leftover apple skins to the mix or incorporating them into a cozy recipe for hard cider.

Treat your pets

Many pet parents love to please give furry friends special treats. After talking with your veterinarian about your individual pet’s needs, you might use your kitchen scraps to create tasty homemade treats your pet will love. According to the American Kennel Club, apple peels are good for dogs and can help ease digestive issues and maintain a healthy weight thanks to the extra fiber. However, refrain from feeding dogs apple seeds or cores as they contain small amounts of cyanide and may be a choking hazard. The apple peels can be eaten raw in small amounts or baked into chips or dog-friendly cookies.

Apple peels are a great snack for other types of pets as well, such as chickens, goats, and pigs. Offer leftover apple skins in small pieces for chickens to peck to save the peels from going into the trash. Goats and pigs will likely also enjoy the sweet apple treat.

Remove stains from cookware

Leftover apple skins are versatile kitchen scraps with a range of uses beyond the culinary world with surprising applications throughout the home. Fruit and vegetable peelings have many benefits around the home, including as a natural stain remover. The acid in apple peels can help break down grease stains and restore the shine of aluminum cookware and utensils.

To harness the cleaning power of your apple scraps, boil the pieces of apple skin in water and let them simmer in the stained aluminum pot or pan for about half an hour. Let the cookware cool, then wash it with dish soap, rinse, and dry it as usual. After applying this process, the stains and discoloration should be gone and your cookware will be restored to its original glory. Thanks to the fragrant fruit, you can also enjoy a fresh, lovely apple scent in your kitchen and home.

Freshen up with potpourri

Along with warm spices, the cozy smell of apples is a signature scent of fall. Freshening up your space with leftover apple peels can be as simple as pouring boiling water over a handful of apple scraps in a bowl, allowing the scent to disperse throughout the room. You can also capture the autumnal aroma with a do-it-yourself potpourri featuring leftover apple peels.

Fill your home with fragrance using a stove-top version in which the ingredients are added to water and simmered until the aroma fills the room or break out the dehydrator to create a dried mix that can be utilized throughout the house, even doubling as a cozy decoration. There are a plethora of uses for potpourri at home, in the car, for bags and suitcases, or as gifts. Dried apple skins can be placed in a small cotton sachet and placed in drawers or linen closets for an easy way to freshen up fabrics.

Enrich compost

If you find yourself with too many leftover apple peels to use before they go bad, note that apple skins can be frozen for future use. If wildlife frequents your yard, you might put them out for the squirrels, chipmunks, or birds to enjoy. However, if you do not wish to save your peels, consider returning any remaining bits to the soil by using them to enrich your compost. Make sure the apples have been washed to remove any potentially harmful pesticides or chemicals and take off any non-biodegradable produce stickers from the apple skins.

There are multiple ways to create compost, even if you are living in an apartment or other small space. The USDA explains that composting benefits the earth by feeding the soil without the use of chemical fertilizers, keeping food waste out of landfills, and conserving water by creating healthy soils. Two popular styles of compost include backyard composting and worm composting, also known as vermicompost. Apple peels can be broken down using either method, enriching the soil with the many nutrients found in the scraps while preventing food waste.

SOURCE: tastingtable.com Brittany Davies

Louisiana State Flower: Magnolia

From almanac.com:

Magnolias aren’t just for southern gardeners. The genus Magnolia is varied and encompasses hundreds of plant species, with many more cultivars developed. Today, magnolias are available in all sizes, from small shrubbery to large shade trees, deciduous or evergreen. Some are cold, hardy, and frigid, as in zone 4.

Magnolias are believed to be among the oldest flowering plants, at about 100 million years old. They have been blooming in spring and summer since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

The giant of the family, southern magnolias (M. grandiflora), are evergreen trees with large, leathery leaves found throughout the American South and grow to gigantic proportions, often reaching 60 to 80 feet tall. Leaves can be epically sized as well, and on larger trees, can be a foot long. The blooms are dinner-plate-sized, and the fragrance is fantastic.

Magnolias come in so many sizes that they can be used for every landscape situation, from huge shade trees to flowering specimens, privacy hedges and borders, screening plantings, and even in beds and containers. When shopping, choose magnolias based on flowering time, hardiness zone, color, and mature size.

When to Plant Magnolias

Magnolias can be planted in spring or fall. If planting in autumn, get the tree in the ground 4-6 weeks before the first frost to allow time to grow new roots. Bare root stock received in spring should be planted as soon as received.

Where to Plant Magnolias

While specific cultivar needs may vary, most members of the Magnolia genus prefer full sun to light shade and, in hotter climates, need protection from the intense afternoon sun. Their branches can be brittle, so pick a site protected from the wind.

Magnolias grow large, thick, shallow root systems and should be kept away from building foundations or sidewalks. Check the tag and visualize the mature size of the tree or shrub. Some magnolias are enormous, while others are small enough to grow in containers.

When planting, select a site with the following:

Full to partial sun. Choose a site with morning and midday sun but afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Moist but well-drained sites are best. Very dry or wet sites are not suitable.

Acidic soil, pH 5.5-6.5, is best.

Types of Magnolias

Little Gem’ (M. grandiflora) is a good choice for small yards. It reaches 15 feet in height and flowers within a few years.

Centennial’ (M. stellata) is a star magnolia with slightly pink 5-inch flowers. A vigorous and cold hardy cultivar.

San Jose’ (M. x soulangeana) is a saucer magnolia with deep magenta flowers. Fragrant and vigorous, it makes an excellent container plant.

SOURCE: ALMANAC.COM

Know-It-All Tuesdays: Animal Names

I found this quiz on the quiz-everyday.com website:

Question 1:

A male tiger is called a tiger and a female tiger is called a _______.

Question 2:

A female zebra or a horse is known as a mare and a male zebra or a horse is known as a _______.

Question 3:

A male chicken is called a _______ or a cock and a female chicken is called a _______.

Question 4:

A male lion is known simply as a lion and a female lion is known as a _______.

Question 5:

Male pig is simply called a _______.

Question 6:

When it comes to cats, a male cat can be called a ______ and a female cat can be called a _______ or a pussy cat. (use the longer form for a male cat and use only one word in both cases)

Question 7:

When we talk about a female dog, we use the word _______.

Question 8:

Male fox is simply called a fox but for a female fox we use the word _______.

Question 9:

When we want to say a male cow, we can use the word ______.

Question 10:

For a female duck we can use the word hen but for a male duck we use the word _______.

Pretty easy quiz! How did you do?

Tigress

Stallion

Rooster, hen

Lioness

Boar

Tomcat, queen

Bitch

Vixen

Bull

Drake

Till next month…stay sharp!

What Shall We Bake Today?

Today is National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day and this recipe makes 3 loaves!

Ingredients

1 ¹⁄₂ cups milk

1 cup warm water (must be between 110-115 degrees)

2 (1/4 ounce) packages active dry yeast

3 eggs

¹⁄₂ cup white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup raisins

8 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup white sugar

3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons butter, melted

directions

Warm the milk in a small sauce pan on the stove until it just starts to bubble, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat.

Let cool until lukewarm, about 120-125 degrees.

Dissolve yeast in warm water and set aside until yeast is frothy, about 10 minutes or so (make sure your water is at the correct temperature or the yeast won’t activate.) Then mix in eggs, sugar, butter salt and raisins (stir in the cooled milk slowly so you don’t cook the eggs.) Add the flour gradually to make a stiff dough.

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes until smooth.

Place in a large, buttered, mixing bowl and turn to grease the surface of the dough.

Cover with a warm, damp cloth and let rise (I like to let my bread rise in the oven with the light on. It has just the right amount of heat and keeps the bread out of drafts.) Allow to rise until doubled, usually about 1 1/2 hours.

Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle 1/2 inch thick.

Moisten the dough with 2 tablespoons milk and rub all over the dough with your hands.

Mix together 1 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons cinnamon and sprinkle mixture evenly on top of the moistened dough.

Roll up tightly (the long way).

The roll should be about 3 inches in diameter.

Cut into thirds, and tuck under ends and pinch bottom together.

Place loaves into well greased (you can use Crisco or butter for this) 9 x 5 inch pans and lightly grease tops of loaves.

Let rise in warm place, uncovered, again for about an hour.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.

Remove from oven and let cool on rack.

Take melted butter and spread over tops of loaves.

After about 20 minutes, lay loaves on their sides and remove from pans.

Allow to cool before slicing.

ENJOY!

Sun Conure

Brilliantly colorful, friendly, and loaded with character, the sun conure has long been popular as a companion bird. These parrots are intelligent, trainable pets known for having playful personalities that are especially suitable for a family setting.

Owners should be prepared; this bird is one of the loudest of all the medium-sized parrots. So, while conures are good pets, they are not good for beginners since they require a lot of consistent training, daily interaction, and constant socialization to stay tame and well-behaved.

What is a Conure Parrot?

Conures are small-to-medium-sized parrots with vibrant feathers, long tails, and curved beaks. These birds are characterized by their talkative nature and active temperament.

The population of this currently endangered bird is dwindling rapidly due to loss of habitat and trapping for the pet trade. According to the World Parrot Trust, populations have dipped drastically over the past three decades despite the U.S. import ban of 1992 and European Union ban in 2007.

Temperament

The sun conure is a playful, amusing bird that enjoys athletic tricks. These birds are smart, interactive, and easily trained. In general, the sun conure is a very affectionate and cuddly bird that is gentle to all members of the family as long as they are treated well. The bird is not without assertiveness, though; they can turn aggressive suddenly if provoked.

This parrot can go through nippy phases that can be hard on children as well as on adults. Even the tamest pet bird can get startled and bite. This is not a true reflection of their personality; it’s a natural reaction.

Like all parrots, sun conures are social birds that need a considerable amount of interaction with their human owners to be happy. They are naturally playful and affectionate when they get the attention they need, making them uniquely suited for those who want a bird for steady companionship. These birds will do well with another sun conure as a companion.

Keep in mind that the sun conure is extremely loud, capable of emitting ear-piercing screams. The loud, shrill call is used in the wild to bring attention to important situations from miles away. Likewise, this bird can stand in as an excellent version of a watchdog for your home.

Speech and Vocalizations

In captivity, this bird’s loud, harsh calls may elicit return calls from angry neighbors. This bird is not suitable for apartment or condo dwellers. You can’t expect to “train away” their calls, but you can train them from early on to curb excessive screaming. They do express excitement and fear with shrill screams. Conures are not shy birds and will let you know vocally if they are bored or if their needs are neglected.

Sun conures are not known for their talking ability, but some birds demonstrate an uncanny ability to mimic other types of sounds, such as doorbells, microwave buzzers, and telephone chimes.

Sun Conure Colors and Markings

At maturity, a sun conure is bright orange and yellow with traces of green and blue. Juvenile sun conures are not nearly as colorful as adults—this is a natural defense mechanism. The first feathers are olive green in color, changing to a mixture of yellowish-orange at around 6 months of age. Full-color plumage occurs at approximately 18 months to two years of age. Sun conures have black beaks and feet and characteristic white patches around each eye. The sexes are identical in color and markings. To determine sex, your bird would require genetic testing or a surgical sexing procedure.

Caring for a Sun Conure

The sun conure is an active bird that will be happiest in a roomy enclosure. At a minimum, give your bird a cage that is 30 inches by 30 inches in footprint with a height of at least 36 inches for a bird on the smaller size. Make sure the cage has relatively narrow bar spacing (3/4 to one inch) to prevent the bird from getting their head stuck between the bars. Keep the house between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit for your bird’s comfort.

As is true of most other parrot species, the sun conure needs safe out-of-cage areas to explore and investigate. This athletic bird loves to create their own tricks. Provide a play gym on top of the cage so it can stretch its legs and wings. Consider adding a perch or flight cage.

Like most pet birds, sun conures require training if you want to have a positive and fun relationship with them. Use positive reinforcement techniques to train this parrot to do several athletic tricks. This bird will not respond well to scolding or any kind of negative reinforcement.

Sun conures tend to enjoy bathing and will splash about daily when provided with a shallow water bowl. They may also enjoy a spray shower from overhead misters as some other parrots do.

Diet and Nutrition

In the wild, sun conures primarily feast on fruit, nuts, and seeds. In captivity, they do best on a formulated, balanced pellet diet supplemented with fruits, leafy greens, and root vegetables. Slightly steamed sweet potatoes are an excellent food for your pet conure.

When it comes to pellet food, this should account for approximately 75-80% of the bird’s diet. As for fresh fruits and veggies, offer about a 1/8 to 1/4 cup in the morning and at night.

Like other companion birds, a sun conure needs and appreciates treats, so make healthy choices for treats. Nuts and seeds are always a good choice for an occasional treat. Walnuts and almonds are excellent selections. If you would like to make feeding your feathered companion easier, try making a grain bake casserole dish. It freezes well for a healthy, portioned meal for your bird.

Avoid giving your sun conure overly salty foods, chocolate, or anything with caffeine. Additionally, give any dairy products in moderation since sun conures are lactose-intolerant.

SOURCE: SPRUCEPETS

DIY: Fall Crafts

Pine Cone Owls

Create some pine cone owls with colorful felt cut into shapes for horns, feathers and noses and glued to the cones. You can use googly eyes for a funny look.

Pine Cone Hedgehog

How about a hedgehog for a pine cone craft project? You could mold clay into a cone shape and paint it when it’s dry. Then glue it to the bottom of the pine cone. These would make adorable place card holders!

Leaf Votive Jars

Wine Cork Pumpkin

Paint one end of the wine corks and leg dry. Hot glue them together in rows (see photo). Cut a one cork in half to make the stem. Glue to the top. Cut out and glue 2 leaves from green felt. Wrap twine around the stem and tie into a bow.

Apple Votive Cups

Apples make a beautifully rustic tealight holder. Choose well-shaped, unblemished apples, and help your kids to cut out a recess to hold a tealight. Make sure the apple sits flat so that there’s no chance it will tip over. The heat from the tealight will gently infuse the air with the delicious scent of apples, so your decoration looks and smells great.

SOURCE: FAMILYHANDYMAN.COM

Louisiana State Flower: Golden Rod

Goldenrod is a native North American perennial wildflower that is tall and slim with fluffy golden flower spikes in various shades of yellow. Once regarded as an invasive weed, goldenrod is increasingly valued by gardeners thanks to cultivars that offer better performance and more attractive flowers. Goldenrod grows best in any sunny location, survives well in average or even poor soil, and thrives in temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Goldenrod Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing goldenrod.

Plant goldenrod in the spring or fall, choosing a sunny location with average soil.

Stake the taller varieties so the plants don’t flop and bend.

Water young goldenrod plants weekly to keep soil moist until established, then only supplement in drought.

Do not overfertilize; goldenrod does not need fertilizer at all.

Light

Goldenrod craves full sun for optimal flowering. The plant will tolerate a bit of shade, though a shady location can reduce its blooms.

Soil

Goldenrod is not overly picky about soil but it must be well-drained with a pH in the acidic-to-neutral range. This plant can tolerate sandy, rocky, and clay soils. Very rich soil can cause the plant to become leggy and potentially flop over.

Water

Water new goldenrod plants weekly to maintain damp, but not soggy soil. Mature goldenrod plants are drought tolerant and rarely need supplemental watering except when rainfall is scarce.

Temperature and Humidity

The hardiness range varies a bit depending on the species, but most goldenrods thrive in USDA cold hardiness zones 2 to 8, taking heat and cold weather in stride. Goldenrod isn’t fussy about humidity, either.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing goldenrod is typically not necessary because the plants do well in lean soil conditions. However, if the soil quality is poor or you wish to give your plants a boost to increase their height, add a layer of compost in the spring.

Too much fertilization often leads to floppy green growth and reduces flower production.

SOURCE: THE SPRUCE.COM

Peter Pan

Today is Kelsea Ballerini’s birthday (born September 12,1993). I really love some of her songs! I’ve already discussed “If You Go Down, I’m Going Down Too” and how it described how I feel about Filly –partners in crime even if we’ve never met…LOL.

But I want to talk about another song of hers, Peter Pan. The song discusses a man who seems to resist growing up and for the longest time, I worried my son would be a Peter Pan.

My son is a creative, hardworking man, but he seemed selfishly consumed by his own goals. He had many girlfriends over the years, but when they got serious, he got wanderlust.

Then he met my future daughter-in-law and I was hopeful. They dated for many months and then they broke up. One weekend just before he graduated college, we had a long, long talk. Being a mom, I had to ask…no plans to settle down? His answer surprised me. He wanted to someday move to Colorado and none of the girls he was dating wanted to even discuss moving that far away from their families.

When he brought my future daughter-in-law to the next family function, I was again surprised. The following week, I asked why. “I missed her” was his answer, adding “we can always visit Colorado.”

My Peter Pan grew up.

Peter Pan

The smile, the charm, the words, the spark
Everything, you had it
And I guess I had a naive heart, ’cause boy I let you have it
You said I was your only, I never thought you’d leave me lonely

You’re just a lost boy, with your head up in the clouds, yeah
You’re just a lost boy, you never keep your feet on the ground

You’re always gonna fly away
Just because you know you can
Never gonna learn there’s no such place
As Neverland, you don’t understand
You’ll never grow up
You’re never gonna be a man, Peter Pan

Deep down, I knew that you were too good to be true
But every piece and part of me wanted to believe in you
But now it’s happily ever never, and I guess now I know better

You’re just a lost boy, with your head up in the clouds
And you’re just a lost boy, never keep your feet on the ground
Always gonna fly away
Just because you know you can
You’re never gonna learn there’s no such place
As Neverland, you don’t understand
You’ll never grow up
You’re never gonna be a man, Peter Pan

You’re just a lost boy, yeah, I know who you are
You don’t know what you lost, boy, you’re too busy chasing stars

You’re always gonna fly away
Just because you know you can
Never gonna learn there’s no such place
As Neverland, you don’t understand
You’ll never grow up
You’re never gonna be a man
Yeah, you’re never grow up, yeah
You’re never gonna be a man, Peter Pan

Patriot Day

I found an article on HISTORY on unknown facts about 9/11.

From HISTORY.CO.UK:

September 11th was a bleak milestone of the modern age. Many think of it as the day on which the 90s ended, and the 21st century really began. While the images of New York’s stricken skyline are seared into the collective consciousness, here are some facts you might not know about 9/11.

1 Ground Zero burned for 99 days

The combination of jet fuel and combustible matter, such as office documents and furniture, meant that the wreckage of the World Trade Center burned non-stop for 99 days. Firefighters tended to this seemingly endless inferno around the clock.

One firefighter later said: “You couldn’t even begin to imagine how much water was pumped in there. It was like you were creating a giant lake.”

2 Michael Jackson was almost a victim

The night before 9/11, Michael Jackson put on a lavish concert in New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. He then stayed up late chatting to his mother and sister. He stayed up so late, in fact, that he overslept and missed a meeting scheduled to take place at the Twin Towers the next morning.

“We only discovered this when mother phoned his hotel to make sure he was OK,” Michael’s brother Jermaine recounted.

3 Seth MacFarlane also narrowly escaped

Another celebrity who had a near-miss on 9/11 was Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. He had a seat booked on Flight 11 but missed the departure by 10 minutes. Hungover, he decided to take a nap at the airport, waking up 45 minutes later to the surreal news that the plane he should have been on had crashed into the North Tower.

4 A woman survived 27 hours in the wreckage

Miraculously, several people were pulled alive from the scorched wreckage of the World Trade Center. The last to be saved was Genelle Guzman-McMillan, a young migrant from Trinidad and Tobago who worked as an office assistant in the North Tower.

She had been making her way down a stairwell when, as she later described, “the walls burst open and the rubble came falling down”. Somehow surviving a skyscraper collapsing on top of her, Genelle remained buried for 27 long hours before firefighters finally came across her.

5 Many British people died

Other than the US, the country that sustained the most casualties on 9/11 was the United Kingdom. No fewer than 67 Brits perished that day, and many others narrowly survived. One of the lucky ones was Scottish ex-pat Andrew Cullen, who worked in the South Tower. He owed his survival to disobeying official instructions to stay put while authorities worked out what was going on.

6 The terrorists used elaborate codenames

The 9/11 attackers referred to some of their targets using elaborate codenames. They called the Pentagon ‘the Faculty of Fine Arts’, while the North Tower of the World Trade Center was ‘the Faculty of Town Planning’.

The attacks themselves were referred to as ‘the first semester’, while the 19 terrorists were dubbed ‘19 certificates for private education’.

7 A chance encounter on a train was key

The 9/11 ringleader Mohamed Atta and several of his accomplices had originally planned to undertake their jihad by battling Russian forces in Chechnya. But, while travelling on a train in Germany in 1999, the group was approached by a stranger who was affiliated with Al Qaeda. As a consequence of this meeting, Atta’s group was introduced to Osama bin Laden, paving the way for 9/11.

8 One company lost the majority of its staff

Many firms based in the World Trade Center were decimated by the attacks, but none more so than investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald. The company’s offices were situated above the plane’s impact site, meaning that nobody present at work that day survived.

Of its 960 New York employees, 658 were killed. The CEO, Howard Lutnick, survived because he was taking his son to school that morning, but his younger brother Gary was among the dead.

9 The co-creator of Frasier was killed

David Angell, Emmy Award-winning co-creator of the classic sitcom Frasier, was on board American Airlines Flight 11 with his wife Lynn when it struck the North Tower. By eerie coincidence, in a 1997 episode of the show, Dr. Frasier Crane receives a phone call from someone flying in on ‘American Flight 11’.

10 One of the intended targets is still a mystery

Three of the planes hijacked on 9/11 hit their intended targets: the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was brought down after the passengers bravely rose up against the hijackers.

To date, we still don’t know for certain where the plane was heading. It’s likely to have been either the White House or the US Capitol, but experts have long disagreed on which of these iconic buildings had been on the terrorists’ radar.

11 A much bigger terrorist plot was initially proposed

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the architect of 9/11, originally wanted to have nine planes flown into a variety of targets, including nuclear power plants. A tenth plane would have then been landed at an airport, where all male passengers would have been killed in a grisly media spectacle. This plan was deemed too complex and scaled back to “just” four planes.

SOURCE: HISTORY.CO.UK

Belgian Malinois

From THESPRUCEPETS.COM:

The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized herding dog with boatloads of athleticism, energy, and smarts. These sheepdogs from Belgium thrive when then have a job, making them excellent candidates for police and military operations.

What makes them good working dogs—the intelligence and vitality, namely—might rule the Belgian Malinois out for many potential pet owners. Ever-loyal Mals need committed, active owners who are willing to provide hours of mental and physical stimulation daily.

Characteristics of the Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois’ temperaments are marked by their high energy level. They need lots of mental stimulation and physical activity every day. These dogs generally have a moderately affectionate and friendly personality, and they form strong bonds with their primary owners.

While these dogs have characteristics similar to the German shepherd, the breeds have a different head shape, and the Belgian Malinois is leaner and has shorter fur.

History of the Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is one of four Belgian shepherd varieties alongside the Tervuren, the Groenendael, and the Laekenois. These Belgian shepherds date back to the 1800s, and the Malinois get their name from the city of Mechelen (Malines) where they were developed. Breeders were looking to create a strong herding dog and protector with a steadfast work ethic.

The Malinois first arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, but their shot-lived popularity dissipated after World War II. But their popularity rose again in the 1960s after the American Kennel Club recognized the Malinois in 1959.

By the turn of the 21st century, Belgian Malinois were commonly seen working as police dogs, military dogs, drug-detection dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. The Secret Service even employs them to patrol the White House grounds. Plus, Belgian Malinois are part of Navy SEAL teams, including the one that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011.

Belgian Malinois Care

The Belgian Malinois is not the right breed for everyone. These dogs generally aren’t well-suited to living in an apartment because they need lots of space to run and play. They’re best for owners with an active lifestyle who can provide plenty of ways for the dogs to exercise their minds and bodies. These dogs also require proper training and socialization to ensure they are well-mannered. And their grooming is fairly simple.

Exercise

It is essential for Belgian Malinois to receive vigorous daily exercise and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they might become anxious or develop behavior problems. Aim for at least one to two hours of exercise per day, including brisk walks, running, hiking, and playing fetch. This breed also is an excellent candidate for dog sports or any activity that involves focus and endurance to challenge their brains and bodies.

Remember: Your Belgian Malinois needs more exercise than many other breeds. A couple easy walks aren’t enough—unless you run about 5 miles a day with your pup.4 Be sure to schedule time for vigorous exercise throughout the day.

Be aware that the Belgian Malinois’ herding instinct might create a tendency to chase cars, bikes, and other moving objects. So, they must be kept on leash or in a secure fenced area.

Grooming

Grooming is likely the easiest part of owning a Belgian Malinois. They have a short, straight, weather-resistant coat with a dense undercoat. In general, little more than basic grooming is necessary. Plan to brush at least weekly to remove loose fur and prevent mats. Shedding often increases as the weather changes in the spring and fall, necessitating more regular brushing and vacuuming.

Check whether your dog needs a nail trim roughly once a month. Some dogs can go longer between nail trims if they naturally wear down their nails through activity, such as walking on pavement. Also, aim to brush their teeth daily.

Training

In general, this breed is highly trainable, intelligent, and eager to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement and consistent instruction.

Training and socialization should begin early in Belgian Malinois’ puppyhood. Enroll in a puppy obedience class as soon as your dog meets the age requirement, and expose your dog to different people, other animals, and situations. Belgian Malinois don’t always get along with other dogs, but having positive exposure to other dogs from a young age can help.

Likewise, this breed isn’t always appropriate for families with children. Their high herding instinct can cause them to nip at kids’ heels. Even if you don’t have kids, it’s important to train your dog to be well-mannered around children, so you’re always able to safely control situations.

SOURCE: THESPRUCEPETS.COM