Our Carnivorous Terrarium

My sons and I have wanted to make a terrarium for some time now and finally did about two weeks ago. This was such a fun project --that totally didn’t go the way we planned. My vision was to create a beautiful, landscaped masterpiece full of tropical plants but the final results visually were just ok. But what we didn’t accomplish in beauty, we more than made up for in the lessons we learned about plants, how terrariums work and this project was an awesomely fun learning experience. My photos aren't great, but here's the story of how we (accidentally) built a carnivorous terrarium.

The first issue that I had was finding suitable plants. It is cold here and Georgia and most of the plants that work well in a terrarium environment just weren't plentiful at the local nurseries I visited. However, along with some other small plants, I found a cute little Venus Flytrap at Lowe's and bought it on a whim.

We assembled all our supplies. Some of the plants that I bought were just two big to fit in our selected container. We watched several how-to videos on YouTube on terrariums. I realized that there was no ‘right’ way to create one, and everyone had slight variations on their steps and the supplies that they used.


Time to get started. We first poured a layer of pebbles, followed by a layer of sphagnum moss and then a thin layer of activated charcoal. The moss and pebbles help with drainage. The charcoal helps absorb older. Finally, we covered the pebbles, sphagum moss and charcoal with a layer of soil. We found some moss from our yard and we placed it in our terrarium. Then, in went the Flytrap plant.

Ironically the next day my son went on a field trip to a nature preserve, and his very cool teacher gave him a Sundew plant, which we planted that evening. Sundews are also carnivorous.



What we learned. Venus Flytraps are native to N. America only in the Wilmington, North Caroline area. They have redundant trigger mechanism that must be touched twice in succession in order for theplant to close. They thrive on insects and spiders but can go months without ‘eating’ them. The Sundew on the other hand, has sticky tentacles that will trap small insects. There are a variety of species and they can be found throughout N. America and the world.

The closed lid of the Terrarium allows the plants to thrive with minimal watering. We talked a lot about condensation and the water cycle. Because our terrarium is carnivorous, we’ll have to feed the plants occasionally with insects. Other than that, we will just mist the leaves with water once a week or so.

My hat goes off to all the wonderful Etsy sellers making terrariums, my original source of inspiration. I see I have a ways to go in making my terrarium look like a work of art. However, we’ve already started gathering plants and a vase for our next project.

Goals and stuff..

I'm reposting this article from the author of http://smallbusinesscamp.com/ that I really thought was on point. I don't know about you, but my January started out completley hectic, but ended well and I have to really get down to work now that the post holiday crazies are done with. I'm working on a vision board now and hope to get that posted soon!

Give Your New Year's Resolutions a 2nd Wind

Studies suggest that most people give up on their New Year's Resolutions within 30 days. You don't have to be like most people. This year can still become your best year. Now is not the time to give up. Writing your book, starting a non-profit, expanding your business, saving money and advancing in your career can still happen.

By February 1st you will be 1/12 of the way toward the end of the year. Do you feel as if you are 1/12th of the way toward reaching your goals? Will the month of January be a reflection of the rest of the year?

Here are a few quick tips to keep you motivated all year-round:

1. Be Gentle With Yourself. There is no need to beat yourself up for not maintaining a weekly or daily goal. Guilt and shame are counter-productive emotions that keep you stuck in a rut.

2. Observe What Did NOT Work. What were some of the distractions that held you back during the first 30 days? Begin to keep a time log on how you are really spending your time.

3. Implement a New Plan of Action. You learned a few great lessons about what to do and not to do. Now is the time to develop a new strategy that will keep you on track.

4. Read a NEW Book. There are hundreds of books about goal setting and motivation. Ask your friends for a few suggestions.

5. Make Your Vision Plain. Place your goals in a picture frame and look at them everyday. Learn how to create a vision board.

6. Get Support. Hire a life coach or get an accountability partner.

7. Be Flexible. Always be open to changing your approach along the way.

Andrew Morrison, President
Small Business Camp
70 Devonshire Rd.
New Rochelle, NY 10804
914-633-0725 - voice
914-206-3947 - fax

Craft for Haiti and more news...

One of my directions for the year has been less computer time and more time for creating art ...and this has been one of those weeks that I have been very busy doing just that. SO although this has been a slow blog week, I do have several blog posts planned for this weekend and next week.

• I'll be posting pictures of my first ever terrarium project with how-to's.
• Check back for a special sneak peak of my new jewelry pendants.
• Also, I have two new urban girl features coming soon!

Most importantly, with the tragedy in Haiti, I've been reflecting on how fortunate I am and taking more time to enjoy all the things that are important like family, friends and good health. Please give in any way you can. I'll be participating in Craft for Haiti. Check back because I will be adding several items to the site this week.

Finally, be sure to check out http://homegirl.typepad.com/ for the current give-a-way.

My Vegan Kitchen

I love to cook and my biggest food challenge is converting 'regular' recipes into vegan-friendly dishes. Several people lately have asked me what types of ingredients I use so I thought I'd do a quick post about things that I always keep on hand in my kitchen.

• bragg amino acids-Kinda like soy sauce but much lower and sodium and high in amino acid. Basic seasoning for main dishes and great on tofu.



• nutritional yeast -Comes in flakes or powder. I love this stuff. it is the base for my delicious vegan gravy as well as a key ingredient in spinach artichoke dip. If you want to make something creamier or cheesier this will do it . Plus high in protein and b vitamins.



• egg substitute- I prefer Ener-G Egg Replacer in food recipes and apple sauce in baked goods.



• tofu-I don't think soy is great for you, so I try to be conscious of the amount I consume. But tofu is the great vegetarian staple. I freeze the firm variety for dinner dishes and refrigerate cartons that I will use for scrambled tofu in the morning.



• coconut milk- Again adds cream and tasty excitement to most dishes. I love to do curried coconut vegetables.



• beans and rice-Make a pot on Sunday and you've got two plus nights of eating. Use leftovers to make patties. My favorites are black beans and black-eyed peas.


• oils-I use olive and sesame oil the most. Sesame add flavor to almost anything. Add olive oil, sea salt and rosemary to vegetables on a cookie sheet(my favorites are squash, zucchini and onions, roast and get ready for vegetable heaven!

Why I love Home Girl Blog

I'm pleased as punch to have been featured on Home Girl Blog. Quel is one of my favorite bloggers. Most of the time when I read her blog postings, I want to say "get out my head!" because her commentary is so right on. She's a super cool mom blogger who seamlessly posts on beauty, fashion and life and general. She lives in Texas and for some reason I love people from Texas (shot outs to Jonetta, Cherie and Meggie Eggie). I think they have that great blend of southern charm and good sense-and definitely applies to Quel.

But I digress. The point is this. Check out the post on little ol' me and learn how you can win some (shall I say) fabulous prizes.

Kia Does Crafty

Since I work at a company that makes craft products, you'd think I craft a lot. Not true. I make stuff, but not really crafts. But last year I was really inspired to do more. Cathie Fillian,one of my favorite crafters, did a series of plates using Mod Podge. I loved the idea. While not as crafty as her, I thought I'd give it a try. For the holidays I presented my parents and in-laws with these decoupaged plates honoring my two grandmothers and my husband's grandmothers. I love the old vintage pictures of them. They are so romantic and I tried to find phrases that fitted their personalities:

Eunice: My dad's mom-I've talked about her. Fisher, homemaker, lovely person.

Pauline: My husband's paternal grandma. Smart as a whip. Still going strong

Edith: Fun-loving and still vibrant.

Cenora: As sweet as they are made.

These were so fun and easy to make. Next time I'll bling them up a bit more. I am looking for more vintage photos and want to try this Mod Podge technique out on jewelry.

SPUNK

After a much needed, 3 week blogcation, I bring to you a much refreshed, happier 2010 version of Kia 3.0.

Like most people, the new year brings a chance to recharge, rethink and review. Evaluating what is working and what isn't can often be a complicated, energizing, frustrating and inspiring, especially when it comes to matters that are personally important to you.

Like many, I've made a few resolutions for 2010, both personal and professional. There are the old standards like getting in shape and getting organized which are revisited every year because they are constant journeys.

But in addition, I wanted to rededicate my work and my work on this blog. My general idea was working around a theme- something like "living a more creative life"--which I'm finding takes work, effort and energy After pondering this for awhile, I was able to sum what my direction for the year in one word -Spunk.

My favorite definition of the word is Informal courage or spirit. I think of it is energetically pursuing your goals and living life; making a stand for the things that are important to you; being brave in the face of tumultuous times and laughing in the face of uncertainty(tee hee- me laughing because almost everything is uncertain these days.).

Recently I have found myself sometimes doing things out of routine, habit orobligation, ie void of passion. Spunk is the word that I'd like to use to describe my approach for the next 12 months. So this year you'll find me spunkily pursuing my work and goals and trying my best to enjoy both life's pleasantries and unpleasantries.

So, I have started the year out with a number of creative projects, a brisk (and short) run, some yoga and a grateful heart.

Here's wishing you a spunky 2010.

ps photoof erykah badu, my spunky heroine.