Lifestyle

Composting, Growing, Oh My!

I have started an urban garden. It has been quite the project. I wanted to see how much I can grow in the small space that I have outside. It is a patio space, so I need to be thoughtful regarding containers. I saved up some money and purchased a Click and Grow, it is pretty good for beginner gardeners.

The cost to buy the pods with the seeds to click into the Click and Grow can add up, so I started thinking how can I make my own? I am going to try and save the packaging and will now also begin a journey into composting. Since I do not have space for a full-size composter, I will need to obtain the smaller size for my kitchen.

I have settled on the Lomi, although there are other brands that I need to do research before purchasing. The Lomi seems to be great for composting in a small space. It has enhanced odor control, and the bucket is dishwasher safe. The product does cost a fair amount, however, as stated above other brands have started to emerge in this market.

Back to my master plan of making my own pods for the Click and Grow. With the Lomi soil I obtain, I plan on putting the soil in the pod packaging I saved. I have read on a click and grow help site that people used cheese cloth and place it in the pod packaging. This way they knew how much soil they needed and then placed it in their click and grow. They had very good results with this.

Once my plants get to a certain height, I have replanted them into larger pots in order to prevent them from being root bound. The plants have now grown very large and I think I will be able to keep them throughout the summer.

I have also been trying to grow sweet potatoes. I think I will leave this adventure for another time. I am realizing I may have not been doing this right as I research it more. If the method works this time around, I will definitely share.

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Alternative News Sources

Where do you get your news? Lately, I have realized we are not getting the full truth from mainstream media, I have adventured out to other news outlets and have learned a great deal. Below are my top 3 websites I watch for news. Hopefully, this will help you out in your search for the truth.

Top 3 News Sources to Watch for the Truth

Russell Brand: A man with a mission to bring us truth behind all the main stream false rhetoric we are presented with every day. Check out his channel on YouTube: Russell Brand – YouTube
Stoic Finance: Another YouTube channel that does a great job exploring business, investing, and entrepreneurship as well as digging into the issues main stream media does not dare to. Check out the channel here: Stoic Finance – YouTube
WeAreChange: Does a great job of presenting issues that the mainstream media will not explore. Check out: WeAreChange – YouTube

Hopefully, you found this useful. I try and watch as many different news sources as possible so I can see the full picture of where we are at in this crazy world.

Valentine’s Day is February 14th

Valentine’s Day is here again with a sea of roses and a dash of mystery, spontaneous sonnets and birds a flutter. You may spend it with your significant other, a group of friends or family, however, we can all agree that there are some intriguing facts with this day of love. Below are 5 fun facts for this Valentine’s Day.

Five Fun Facts for Valentine’s Day

Overall online dating activity increases by 33% across the U.S. between February 1 and February 14.
A survey from Wedding Wire states that Valentine’s Day was the most popular day in 2020. It also found that February 14th, Christmas, and New Year’s are all dates that people love to pop the question.
In 2020 alone, people spent a whopping $1.7 billion on their pets for the holiday of love.
Do you often text or call the people you love on Valentine’s Day? Well, you can thank Alexander Graham Bell, the man who invented the telephone and applied for a patent on February 14, 1876.
The National Retail Federation estimates that consumers spent an average of $164.76 on their recipients in 2021. Even with a decline in restaurant dining during the pandemic, 41% stated they would still plan a special dinner or celebration at home.

One more fun fact for the road. (Drum roll please) Do you ever feel a little disappointed on Valentine’s Day? Well take the advice of doctors in the 1800s. Doctors would recommend chocolate as a remedy for people who had experienced romantic disappointment; as a result, chocolates remain one of the most popular presents given on this holiday.

Backyard Chickens

A great way to help with being more self-sufficient, other than having your own garden, is adding two to three chickens to the mix. Chickens? Even in a small backyard? Yes! Even in a small backyard. Keeping chickens can help reduce a lot of food waste since chickens are omnivores. They will gladly eat up many types of kitchen scraps that may have been thrown in the trash. Please allow me to convince you with 5 reasons below to keep chickens in your backyard.

Top 5 Reasons to keep Chickens

Receiving fresh, local eggs. You may even have enough to share with neighbors.
Chickens can help with the weeding, tilling, and turning the soil of your leftover vegetable patch or garden bed.
Pest Control needed? Chickens one of the best natural forms of pest control.
Need Fertilizer? Try chicken manure. Chicken manure is high in nitrogen and potassium and can be used as a fertilizer right away or added to your compost pile for the next season.
Chicken Manure is great for your compost pile.

If this list did not convince you, then check out the website My Pet Chicken: https://www.mypetchicken.com. The website, first launched in 2005, contained valuable information for backyarders, and grew to include such best-of-breed resources as the free e-book, The My Pet Chicken Guide to Chicken Care. Today, My Pet Chicken continues to lead the way in the urban chicken space.

Photo by Casey Bebernes and Photo by Shannon Pixie McWilliams

A Year that is 2023

Another year has passed, and we are now solidly in 2023. Every year I will look up predications to see what the new year will have in store for the world. Below are some of my findings.

Significance of 2023 in numerology

2023 will be a 7 Universal Year because 2 + 0 + 2 + 3 = 7. So, what does the number 7 mean? The number 7 relates to wisdom, introspection, perception, and spirituality. 2023 is a time to look within yourself to gain more clarity. If we are looking at the meaning of the 2023 as an angel number, then the context is slightly different. The number 2023 is there to say that you are awakening and that you are on the right path to enter another dimension, on a higher spiritual plane.

2023 Year of the Water Rabbit

Now let’s take a dive into Chinese Astrology and see what the Water Rabbit has in store for us. The Water Rabbit apparently combines the devoted and disciplined rabbit with a flow of adaptability and momentum of water. This makes it a great year to learn, persevere and achieve. Between the dedication of the Rabbit and the push brought in by the running current, this is an excellent year to master new ideas, expand in personal growth and a year for cultivating relationships.

2023 and Astrology

Let’s take a quick peep at what Astrology holds for 2023. Lisa Stardust, astrologer and author of The Love Deck states, “2023 will have its ups and downs (like most years), but it will bring us closer to what we want and need as individuals. For the first time in a long time, we are putting ourselves first and moving towards who or what we love—which may turn out to be ourselves in a plot twist brought on by all the cosmic lessons we are learning this year.”

Aliens and 2023

The stars may have come a calling in 2023 and we may pick up and receive the message. According to many predications, earth may acknowledge visitation from extraterrestrials. Predications range from friendly to hostile. However, I think logically if they were hostile, they could have taken our planet over by now.

Conclusion

I think 2023, will be a time for reflection on our past and a decisive look to our future. We will weigh what is stated to us and see if it rings true. I think humanity will come closer together as a collective and we will start seeing the truth of the situation that we are in. Hopefully, by standing together we will begin to discover the knowledge that was held back from us.

Photo by Kindel Media: https://www.pexels.com/photo/rabbit-and-carrot-figurines-on-blue-background-7081347/ and Photo by Damir.: https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-brown-and-black-analog-clock-13099808/ and Photo by Moose Photos: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gray-double-bell-clock-1037993/ and Photo by Victoria Akvarel : https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-female-astrologist-predicting-future-with-shining-ball-6658693/ and Photo by Michaël Meyer: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ashtray-with-an-alien-toy-inside-9739196/

Learn From the Past as Times Get Tough

As the economy around the world and other challenges continue to become crazier, we can check out what people did in the past in a similar economy. I am taking examples from the 1940’s during World War 2. At this time, people had to come up with creative solutions to deal with the lack of goods. Check out life hacks below that can apply in today’s world.

5 Ideas that can help you save money

Coffee was in short supply in the 1940s. However, it became common to bulk it out with chicory which has a similar woody taste. Chicory is part of the daisy family, and many people used it to bulk out diminishing coffee grounds to improve the richness of a cup of coffee and prevent it from tasting too watery. Today, it has been discovered that adding Chicory to your coffee has health benefits. Chicory contains some trace minerals and inulin, which is a fiber that helps with blood sugar management and gut health.
Also, in 1940 the US government made a huge push for everybody to plant “victory gardens” or “war gardens,” which would enable every home to have access to fresh fruit and vegetables. For those households that didn’t have a personal garden, victory gardens were created in public parks where everyone could access them. Today, you can join or start a community garden. There are also great resources for producing food in small backyards.
Chemicals and fuel were being saved for the soldiers rather than the home. As such, housewives would use vinegar, baking soda, toothpaste, and nail polish to clean the house. When you Google any of these items, there are a ton of cleaning hacks that can be used with these products today.
Preserving was seen as a patriotic act to help the war effort in the 1940s because canned food was desperately needed for the troops. Housewives would regularly preserve any leftover fruit and vegetables they might have. Canning today is a great way to keep your garden produce fresh. Also, canning jars can be used for multiple things from a vase, cup to candle holders.
Mend or upcycle old clothes-In the 1940s, if a garment had holes in it, either those holes were mended or the whole thing was cut up and made into something else. Today, you can go online and buy upcycle clothes. One of my favorite sites is thredUP. Pro tip (I actually buy a lot of my clothes from here) make sure to check the condition of the clothing before purchasing. It will describe the issue with the piece. Typically, I only by the new or excellent condition.

Photo by Gary Barnes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/female-gardeners-working-in-floral-garden-with-potted-plants-6231743/ and Photo by Teona Swift: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-preparing-soil-for-planting-houseplant-6913412/

Quantum Financial System (QFS): New Financial System?

Remember the good old days when money was actually backed by a physical metal such as gold? It is possible with the Quantum Financial System (QFS). Only gold-backed currencies with a digital gold certificate can participate in QFS transactions. A serial number will be assigned to the gold certificate as a reference to a piece of gold kept in reserve to back the currency. It should be impossible for it to be stolen or removed from the safe vaults where it is kept. This is where the term “gold-backed currency” originates from; it must relate to a piece of gold in the vault that is supporting it.

How does it work?

Quantum banking revolves around quantum-secure blockchain encryption, quantum computing, and quantum cryptography. It is based on quantum physics and employs ‘quantum bits’ or ‘qubits,’ hence, unlike classical computers, it no longer relies on the 0-1 system. QFS is frequently stored and operated on quantum computing-based satellite servers and is built around two quantum computers that collaborate to form a quantum network. Supposedly, this makes it impossible to hack.

Other Components of QFS

It will include a global network for the transmission of asset-backed money.
Ensures that banks are monitored and safeguarded in relation to the transfer money process’s agreed-upon contract.
Independent of the current centralized structure.
It is not a cryptocurrency, but rather a digital currency backed by assets.

When is QFS Available?

Good Question! I found a wide range of information on the internet as to when. This means to me that it is not up and running yet. This is very interesting financial concept, since my biggest issue with cryptocurrency is it is not based on any type of asset, and it can be hacked. Many feel that this is the solution for financial freedom. For me to get fully on board with this financial system, I would need to know who was pulling the strings behind the curtain.

Photo by Michael Steinberg: https://www.pexels.com/photo/gold-bars-366551/

Devices to help you be Self-Reliant

As lockdowns continue to take place around the world. It is time to start figuring out to become more reliant on ourselves. Below are 5 different devices that may help you in the future.

Lomi

As you know it is claimed that a fertilizer shortage is driving up global food prices and scarcity. How can you combat this living in a small apartment? A possible way is Lomi. Lomi is a remarkable tool for waste reduction. Easy to operate with a relatively small footprint. The dirt Lomi makes can go into your indoor plants, your garden, or your green bin depending on the mode you select.

Indoor Gardening

Hydroponic Garden: Short on space? hydroponic outdoor grow system is designed for fast, maximum-convenience vegetable gardening. More nutritious and better-tasting than soil-gardened produce because oxygenated water and nutrients are delivered directly to the roots. There are several systems on Amazon and you can also google how to make your own hydroponic garden.

Water from Air

Water shortages are happening more and more, so having a water source other than relying on store bought water or the government is very common sense. Atmospheric water generators (AWG) are a freshwater generator that is simple and yet practical invention. The main process that transforms air into water is condensation. For centuries, many people worldwide devised different methods to produce drinking water. Many forget the fact that there is readily available water in the air. Billions of gallons of water recycle daily in our natural atmospheric cycle daily worldwide.

Solar Power Generators

Other than having solar power panels on your home a great back-up especially if you live in an apartment is a solar power generator. It provides a continual emergency power supply to charge your electronic devices and operate your home appliances in any emergency situation. It enables you or your family to overcome any disasters and accidents by staying fully charged and connected while in the safety of your home.

Canning

Canning is a method of food preservation in which food is processed and sealed in an airtight container (jars like Mason jars, and steel and tin cans). Canning provides a shelf life that typically ranges from one to five years, although under specific circumstances, it can be much longer. A freeze-dried canned product, such as canned dried lentils, could last as long as 30 years in an edible state. This is the perfect thing to start doing in order to have enough food for any future incident.

Photo by Lisa Fotios: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smoothie-drink-with-joy-writing-12049997/

Lucky Four-Leaf Clover

March is upon us, and the world can use some faith, hope, love and luck. Today we will dive into some fun facts in regard to four-leaf clovers. Please see the top 10 interesting facts regarding four leaf clovers.

What do the leaves on the four-leaf clover mean? Each leaf has its own meaning. The four leaves are faith, hope, love and luck.
Druids held the four-leaf clover in high esteem and considered them a sign of luck.
The plants that produce our four-leaf clovers are Trifolium repens, White Clover.
In the Middle Ages, a clover with four leaves not only meant good luck but was believed to grant one the ability to see fairies.
Four leaf clovers are believed to be mutations of the white clover. They are also said to be quite uncommon, with only about 1 in 10,000 plants producing a clover with four leaves.
If you dream of four-leaf clovers, this may be a subconscious indication that luck is about to come to you.
4-leaf clovers are believed to be a portal, an access point that could open up parallel worlds where the supernatural reside.
Anyone who takes a four-leaf clover with them, supposedly is spared from accidents or unfortunate events.
Many brands use the four-leaf clover as a symbol. Italian automobile maker Alfa Romeo used to paint a four-leaf clover on the side of their racing cars. SpaceX includes a four-leaf clover on each space mission embroidered patch as a good luck charm.
Researchers from the University of Georgia have reported finding the gene that turns ordinary three-leaf clovers into the coveted four-leaf types.

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Cupid

As Valentine’s Day approaches, ideas of hearts, love and happiness start swirling around. Well, at least on the merchandise in the stores. One of the most fascinating aspects of Valentine’s Day is that chubby little icon Cupid. Now Cupid was not always chubby and little. Below are 8 interesting facts about Cupid.

Interesting Facts About Cupid

In Greek Mythology, Cupid was known as Eros who was portrayed as a slender young man with wings; however, following the Hellenistic Age that ended about 31BC when Rome conquered Greece, he was portrayed as the chubby little boy we are most familiar with today. In Latin, Cupid goes by two names that have different origins, but whose meanings are both associated with love. One of Cupid’s Roman names is Cupido. Cupid’s other Latin name is ‘Amor’.
Many experts in the world of folktales and movies believe that the currently popular “Beauty and The Beast” is a modern-day version of the story of Eros (Cupid) and Psyche. While Eros is always shown with wings, Psyche whose name means ‘soul’ is depicted as a beautiful butterfly.
Do you know the source of power of Cupid? His bow and arrow. The person will have an uncontrollable desire when Cupid shot his arrow on a deity or a person.
Cupid’s arrows are a well-recognized symbol of the god but did you know he has two different types? According to legend, Cupid’s Golden Arrow stood for true love while his Leaden Arrow stood for sensual passion. This explains why Cupid was associated with many different types of love, including romantic and erotic.
Cupid was very popular during the Middle Ages. Christian influence changed his nature to both heavenly and earthly love. Medieval and Renaissance artists would often depict him as a small figure with adult facial features. Moving forward in history, Cupid remained a popular subject for Baroque and Rococo painters well into the 18th century. But, as time passed, he continued to get more and more childlike in the paintings.
In the late 1700s, Cupid finally made his transition to greeting cards when the first commercial Valentine’s cards began popping up in England. Cupid would also appear alongside short poems on cards often anonymously sent to paramours.
Valentine’s cards began appearing more regularly in the late 18th century and took off in the 19th century. Victorians loved Valentine’s Day, but they also loved modesty. This is when Cupid began to be clothed in depictions of him.
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Cupid retained the childlike image he attained back in the Renaissance, sometimes appearing as an actual infant instead of a young boy. We will also see him in a diaper today, due to our need for modesty when selling consumer goods.

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