Olliebop Blog | Inspiration, Ideas and Information for Busy Families | Parenting Teens and Tweens

An optimistic resource for on-the-go families.  Ollie and BOP join forces to go fetch products, tips, tools and inspiration to make this fleeting time in life all the better.

Playfully stylish. Somewhat sophisticated. Always optimistic.

Archive for May, 2011

By Request: Dorothy’s Top Container Gardening Picks & the Magic Duo

 

Plant scouting at Sunnyside Gardens in Saratoga Springs

 

Several friends have asked this Spring if I would share favorite plant names for container gardening. I do have a magic duo (read on ’til the very end of this lengthy post…) for my shady front porch, and my window boxes and pots are usually looking quite good. My secret weapon? My mom, Dorothy, who shares her knowledge each season as I’m choosing plants. It’s a Springtime ritual to wander the aisles of our local greenhouse planning for windowboxes and container gardening for the season.  I know that many of you Northeasterners have already planted your pots and such, but I thought I’d share a tour of our greenhouse outing, along with our top picks for plants that we love!

The folks at Sunnyside are creative with their planting containers, demonstrating that you really can plant in just about anything:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While meandering, Dorothy introduced the “Spill, Fill, Thrill” concept for container gardening.  I got the sense from her that this is a widely used saying, but I had missed the memo — and I latched on quickly to this trick. Essentially, you need plants in each of three categories; “Spill” is a plant that hangs down, “Fill” is a plant takes up room and provides structure, and “Thrill” is a plant that adds some drama and height. I had my iphone with me, and took shots of favorite plants as we chatted our way through greenhouse:

Top Row, Left to Right: Lantana {Fill}, Salvia {Thrill}, and Creeping Jenny {Spill}

Middle Row, Left to Right: Bacopa {Spill}, Ornamental Pepper {Fill}, and Dusty Miller {Fill}

Bottom Row, Left to Right: Creeping Zinnia {Fill}, Dahlia {Fill}, and Sweet Potato Vine {Spill}

* I see now that I only show one “Thrill” here — so I’ll add that grasses are a great thriller!

 

My full-sun window boxes were made up of the first five plants above {Lantana, Salvia, Creeping Jenny, Bacopa and Ornamental Pepper}.  I always have a complex when I first plant containers because they look so puny, and this time was no exception. Puny! They will fill in, though and within a few weeks they’ll be busting.

Planted windowbox… puny, but promising

 

And, if you’re still with me, here… I have to share my time-tested magic no-fail combination for shade/part sun on my front porch. Every year I plant the same thing — Kong Rose Coleus and Impatiens —  and every year they are fabulous! I have grown to love all kinds of coleus for shade, but the Kong Rose has such bright, dynamic colors that it’s my favorite. And yes, impatiens are common and predictable, but they do right by me every time, in the shade of their gigantic and flamboyant friend.

A freshly planted specimen, below… which will grow to be 2-3 feet high. Every year it is spectacular.
{Where’s the “after” shot from past years? Surprisingly, absent from from my photo collection!}

The Magic Duo for shade: Kong Rose Coleus and Impatiens

 

As I was doing a bit of container garden surfing, I came upon several great links at the Better Homes and Gardens site that I’ll pass along. First, the Container Garden Finder quiz — answer a few questions and the finder will give you a custom container planting plan! I also liked Easy, Beautiful, Window Boxes for Sun and Easy Recipes for Window Boxes in Shade.

Although the process of planting containers for our short Northeastern season is quite an effort, they make me happy each and every day of summer! How about you – what are your favorite container gardening picks? Any magic duos flourishing at your place? I’d love to hear! Oh, and if you have any questions for Dorothy, just ask in the post comments. She could talk flowers 365 days of the year!

 

Good Morning!

This morning offers the rare opportunity to sleep in; one of my all time favorite activities.  In fact, this post is being published while I sleep — isn’t that fabulous?! The kids are overnight in Vermont with grandparents, and it’s been a while since we’ve had a lazy morning around here. Ollie and I each chose an all-time favorite video, in honor of this special occasion… hoping that you, too, have some sloth time coming your way.

 

Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie. This stop-motion video earned a 2010 Grammy Award nomination for “Best Short Form Music Video.”  The song is from Lavie’s album,  The Opposite Side of the Sea.

 

A vigorous schedule of napping and sharing veggies among baby sloth orphans at Avieros Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica.  The site includes information on sloths and their adoption. Back to bed, anyone?

What Happens When Mr. BOP’s in Charge

It was a recent Spring day.  I was in the back yard, peacefully taking this nature photo {notice the fancy photo editing with Piknic!}.  Up to my eyeballs this particular hosta, unfurling… isn’t it lovely?

 

Our pool, still closed up and covered for the season, was nearby. Suddenly, jarred from my placid nature-girl moment, I heard Mr. BOP yelling from the pool area “Quick! Bring the camera!” Running, I passed through the gate, rounded the bend, and was greeted by this:

 

 

 

 

 

I paused, wondering should I chastise … JOIN? I nearly went into full-on MOM mode, my version of which would be likely to squash the whole thing. But Mr. BOP reassured that “the company says the cover will hold an elephant,” so I picked up the camera and I went with it.

I believe we’ve started a new Spring and Fall tradition!  And maybe this is something that lots of pool owners do and I just didn’t realize {do you?}.  The pool is uncovered now, so no more elephant-holding for a while.  But, I’m already looking forward to next time.  And I have to admit, it’s a good thing I wasn’t there to start with … because I would have looked for a sensible reason to say “no.”  And we all would have missed out on springtime magic of the most vibrant kind.

 

 

Fetching Finds: Father’s Day

 

  1. Hollow Secret Safe Book: To Kill A Mockingbird {$45} by SecretSafeBooks on Etsy.  Numerous titles and styles available — all unique and  mysterious.
  2. Whiskey Stones Gift Set {$58} at Uncommon Goods, where Father’s Day ideas abound.
  3. Hand Stamped Washer and Copper Keychain {$14.95} by MetalExpressions on Etsy. A go-to shop for all sorts of people and occasions.
  4. A Hammock from The Hammock Company: The classic gift in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
  5. Movie Club Starter Kit {$50} at Uncommon Goods. Choose the Family Version if Dad’s Movie Club includes everyone. Mature Version also available, if preferred…
  6. Hubcap Clock {$42.50} by 8MileCreekDesigns on Etsy. Many styles available, for the auto enthusiast.
  7. Takeout Menu Organizer {$22.95} from Paper Source. Why not take a ride about town to collect the latest menus from Dad’s favorite places?
  8. DIY Retro Father’s Day Labels {FREE Download} from marthastewart.com. Gather up some of his favorite foods and make them spiffy.
  9. Cuisinart Griddler {$99 on Sale} at Crate and Barrel. As if paninis aren’t wonderful enough, there are five cooking options including pancakes, steaks and burgers.
  10. Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share {Paperback: $10.36 on Sale} by Ken Denmead of the blog, GeekDad. A sequel to this book, with even more geeky projects, was just released.
  11. Trio of Marshmallow Shooters {$13.75} by Backwoods Toys on Etsy.  All sorts of colors, quantities and styles available — ready for serious Stay Puft combat.
  12. Men’s Personalized Leather Cuff {$49} by MadGab on Etsy. Love it! And I think Mr. BOP would wear it….
  13. DIY Folded Shirt Card {FREE Tutorial} from marthastewart.com
  14. Personalized Pewter Keepsake Bowl {$44} by Lisa Leonard Designs. Customization of up to three lines. Beautiful!
  15. DIY Gift for Your Superhero {FREE Download} from the fabulous Alphamom.com. Printable labels provide the pizzazz to transform simple materials into a low-cost superhero survival kit.
  16. 4GB FlashHarp — Flashdrive Harmonica {$59.95 with Free Shipping} by BackyardBrand on Etsy. And, it comes with a harmonica lesson video and tab sheet of Oh, Susannah! Personalized and 2GB versions also in the shop.
  17. DIY Dad’s Token Tin {FREE Download} by Eighteen25. While you’re there, take a spin around this blog for other good stuff.

Ollie and I have thoroughly enjoyed fetching these finds… though it is now quite late and he really would like me to put him to bed.  Happy shopping and creating!

 

Quick Note: for those who aren’t regular Etsy users {but you may be soon…}, links above are to the specific pictured items.  To see an entire Etsy shop, open the link for the item.  Then, look to the right and click on the small blue “Shop”. Voila!

 

I Just Have to Share This

Baby robins, hatched on a shelf in our treehouse.  Miraculous, fascinating, bizarre, sweet.

 

 

 

Save the Words!

I’m Feeling amorevolous toward my joblers these days… now that I know what “Joblers” are and what “Amorevolous” feels like.*  These are my two adopted words through Save the Words, a free and lighthearted web site for clever people of all ages. Created by Oxford University Press, publishers of the Oxford English Dictionary, Save the Words seeks to prevent the “extinction” of “endangered” English words rarely used in modern conversation. When adopting a word, one agrees to use it as much as possible in everyday life.  It’s an interesting challenge and an engaging concept – use it or lose it!

* Amorevolous (adj): affectionate or doting
* Jobler (n): one who does small jobs

 

Save the Words

 

Some featured words are more challenging than others to work into a conversation.  Incorporating the adjective mulomedic {relating to the medical care of mules} is tricky for any of us not involved in routine equine maintenance.  But, the word that you adopt — and the degree of intellectual challenge posed to use it — is up to you.  Browse for words by clicking in the collage-style frame, or “adopt-a-word” on the upper bar and choose through the random search.  One thing I would tweak about the site is that no definition is shown in the random search until you select “adopt.” But, if that word doesn’t feel like a fit, close the window and search again {you’re not committed yet!}.

Quirky Father’s Day or Graduation gift idea:

Adopt a word on behalf of Dad or Grad, and have it printed on a t-shirt {$25} at savethewords.org.  The recipient receives an intellectual challenge and conversation-starter all in one.

I’m already feeling rather attached to my words — amorevolous, even.  And, I will forevermore refer to the kids as my “joblers” on a chore-filled Saturday morning!  Come on down, joblers, there’s laundry to fold! … love it.

My Brave Adventure

Hello!  I returned from my trip to Idaho and Brave Girl Camp late Sunday night.  Exhausted, exhilarated, and inspired.  I’ve hoped to post earlier in the week but aside from the laundry, email, and needed sleep that awaited me, this experience was a lot to take in.  I don’t know when I’ve seen such kindness among women; such color; such joy; such growth.  Camp is part of Brave Girls Club.  Co-Founder, Melody Ross, describes it this way:

If you are wondering what Brave Girls Club IS….it’s a community for women everywhere who want to do big things with their lives, who want to overcome difficult things, and who believe in doing all of this with love and kindness and as joyfully as possible. We have a worldwide tribe through the internet, and any woman anywhere is welcome and invited…and we also have fabulous retreats in the Idaho mountains, called BRAVE GIRL CAMP….and any woman anywhere is welcome and invited to join us there, too.

This little card was on my breakfast table one morning. Just one of the many sweet things that awaited at Camp.

 

So, how on Earth did I end up in Idaho?  Here’s the story: for Mother’s Day of 2010, Mr. BOP gave this issue of the magazine Artful Blogging, published by Sommerset Studio.  I had just started talking about blogging as a new direction, and receiving this small gift of encouragement from him meant a lot.  I poured over the pages — beautiful photographs and images — and was captivated by the writings of Jeanne Oliver, in which she recounted her Brave Girl Camp experience.  This post on her former blog, A Bushel and a Peck, gives a sense of what I was reading.  Mr. BOP and I clicked on the Brave Girls Club site, and he said “I think you should sign up. GO!” So I did.  I closed my eyes and pushed the button.  Eek.

I didn’t tell many people about my plans.  I didn’t know what to expect, and it seemed so …. flowery.  And frivilous.  Indulgent.  And self-helpish.  But now, I’m happy to say that it was a life-changing experience that I would recommend to anyone {“artsy,” or not!}.  And, I realize that taking an opportunity to become your better self is actually a very practical move.  Marriages benefit.  Kids benefit. Careers are built.  Health and happiness results.  Growing and learning is good! At Camp, Co-Founders and Sisters, Melody Ross and Kathy Wilkins have created an environment, a staff, and a program like none other. They have crafted a safe place to create, to dance, to feast, to sing, to laugh, and to let go.


Instead of {or in addition to} attending Camp, there are other immediate and inexpensive ways to take part in the Brave Girls’ world. First, you could sign up for the Brave Girls free Daily Truth Email, delivered most days of the week in Melody and Kathy’s happy and nurturing style.  Their sweet messages are fresh, light, and encouraging — and some are perfect to pass along to kids and friends, too.  I was reminded in Idaho how much the daily messages that we hear — positive or negative — sink in.  Here’s an idea for today: why not get some dry erase or glass markers and write “You are Simply Beautiful” or “Look at Amazing You!”  — or any positive message — on the bathroom mirror tonight for your family to wake up to?  They’ll love it!

Original Art by Melody Ross

Artwork by Melody Ross

Second, is to consider taking part in Brave Girls’ fun and powerful Soul Restoration online class.  Part One has already taken place this Spring {and will repeat in the the Fall}, but Part Two begins on June 7th, and the emphasis is on how to use your time wisely to build the life you imagine.  Here is a video from Melody, introducing the class. You do not need to be an artist to participate…. but, if you enjoy being creative, you’ll love it. Melody’s projects bring out the 1980′s magazine collage-making lover in me! The $99 class is designed for everyone — on your schedule — and taking Part One is not a prerequisite. Melody and I also talked about inviting Ella {10 years old} to join me for Part One in the Fall.  As Ella approaches middle school, I’m looking for ways to help her hold on to a solid sense of who she is and what makes her special.  Plus, she’d be all over making art together!

I return from Idaho renewed and excited for life with my family, and eager to delve into Olliebop, too.  Ideas are abundant, energy restored.  It feels good!  Soooo… whether this sounds like your kind of adventure, I’m reminded of the value of adventure.  Do you have one percolating?  Why not do it???

To see my album of Camp photos please go to the Olliebop Facebook Page and look under “photos.”


Our Great Discovery: Oreo Truffles

Our Truffles: Imperfect… Fun… Delicious

 

Last week, the Tweeny BOPs were on the case. Mission: to recreate the absolutely delicious Oreo Truffles that we had enjoyed from Saratoga Soup Company. Owner, Julia {aka the Soup Lady} and the ”Soup Sistahs” offer home delivery of soup, or the whole shebang {adds bread and dessert} all over the Saratoga region.  On a Tuesday night it’s a very good thing!

Variations of the Oreo Truffle recipe are widely available online and Saratoga Soup had posted their version here, along with a quick recipe for Parmesan Garlic Rolls. These little confections are incredibly easy, but I wouldn’t call them “kid food,” either. Absolutely delicious.

First, to assess the three key ingredients: Oreos, Cream Cheese, and Chocolate!

 

 

And Now, Our Version of Oreo Truffles 

Supplies:

1 16 oz. package Oreo cookies
8 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
1 or 2 packages chocolate candy wafers*
Wax paper
Desired toppings, like nuts, sprinkles, coconut, crushed heath bars…

* Use white or dark chocolate for dipping. Wafers are found where craft or cake making supplies are sold. Pick up a second package of a contrasting color for drizzling on top, if desired.  Baker’s semisweet chocolate, or chocolate chips may also be used instead of the wafers.

To Make:

Pulse the oreos in a food processor until crumbly.
Add cream cheese and pulse until mixture forms a ball.
Roll into small balls.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, according to package.
Using a fork {balancing ball on the fork; not poking}, lower the balls into chocolate.
Place truffles on wax paper.
If sprinkling toppings on, do that before chocolate hardens.
If drizzling other chocolate, do that after first layer of chocolate hardens.

Tip: we found that the chocolate wafers drizzled more readily if melted over a double boiler, rather than being microwaved. Microwaving worked fine for the dipping chocolate.

The End.

On Your Mark, Get Set: OK Go!

The kids and I have spent many a minute marveling at OK Go‘s ingenuity and crazy ideas!  Another viral phenomenon that just doesn’t get old — and a surefire cure for crankiness or any type of slug-like state.  If family members of any age in your household haven’t shared OK Go together, call them over to the computer – now!  OK?  GO!

 

And of course another favorite, Here It Goes Again (aka the Treadmill Video)!  Thank you, OK Go, for simply being you.

Perhaps An Odd Choice, at a Time Like This

I chose this image, Paris or Bust by Simply Hue to feature here, as I take a page right out of the What Not to Do When Launching a Brand New Blog playbook… I left yesterday on a rather big adventure! Not to Paris, but to a place where I have never been and do not know a soul — and where I will not be able to access the internet or my cell for five days.  Hmmm… that’s a little odd, for a person in my newly minted position!

 

Paris or Bust
“Paris or Bust” photographed by Vicki Dvorak of Simply Hue. Click on image for link.


But here’s what I’m thinking; two things, really.
There’s never the perfect time for things like this.
We, even though we’re adults with responsibilities and habits, still need to grow.  Adventures aren’t just for kids.

 

So, I look forward to telling you all about it when I return.  In fact, by the time you are reading this I will be there — but please keep reading, as I’ve lined up several posts to magically appear on Olliebop in my absence.  SO, I won’t be commenting or emailing or Tweeting or Facebooking, or any of those things that I should be doing.  But I will be working on being a better me.

Anyone else have an adventure brewing?

 

P.S. Funny how one thing leads to another.  As I was writing the previous post on photo editing with Piknic, I was reading through the company’s blog and came across this feature on Vicki Dvorak.  I linked to her colorful and inspirational blog, Simply Hue, and from there to her Etsy shop of the same name.  What greeted me there was a whimsical collection of photography that brought me to another place and time.  Hopeful. Happy. Optimistic. Any one of her prints would brighten a room or a special corner.