Tree Nursery

Okay, so I'm a little bit behind posting anything, and I missed doing my Feature Friday.  :( I have a good excuse though!  I was busy planting baby trees in my own little tree nursery until we can figure out where we want them all! So... Here's what I've learned about planting trees! ;-)  It's a lot of work! I bought bundles of bare root trees. I did a little research, and chose plants that were native to our area. Hopefully that will help them stay alive. :) Some sites tell you to soak them overnight, but when I picked them, up the cheat sheet specifically said NOT to soak them so I didn't! .
I dug a hole deep enough for the roots. You want to make sure that when the tree is planted it is at the right depth.  You don't want to over-bury the roots, nor do you want them exposed above ground.
Next, I watered the hole then I stuck in my adorable baby tree and held it at the right depth while adding soil to fill the whole.  I just lightly tamped the soil down with my trowel. Stepping on the dirt actually packs the soil too tightly and hinders root growth. I also learned that you should not add fertilizer  tight away, as the baby trees are pretty tender and you could end up burning the roots.  I have set up a soaker hose for easy watering. Hopefully these little baby trees make it!  Hopefully they can be transplanted to their permanent homes soon!! :)
BTW did I mention that I have 75 trees in my nursery?   Crazy, I know!! :)
Hey, it's spring, what can I say! :)

Mmmm...Monday

From this.....

...to this!

Who doesn't love the taste of fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies?   Here's my little trick for always having fresh cookies.  Shape into balls and freeze on a cookie sheet. After they are frozen, ( I usually leave mine overnight), transfer to a container or freezer bag and bake as needed.  This trick works well for cookies with stiff dough.  I do this frequently with my chocolate chip cookies and my snickerdoodles. Also a great way to double, triple the recipe.... less work over time.  You will always have a delicious snack/dessert ready for unexpected guests!
Keep your oven temp the same and bake for only one to two minutes longer than the original recipe.
They always taste wonderfully fresh! Glass of milk anyone?

Tip for the Day

Ok, so you know how that really gross grimy dirt likes to settle on the soffit on top of your kitchen cabinets? I learned a neat trick a few years ago.  If you place a layer of paper towels on top when it's time to clean, just roll them up and throw away.   You could also use newspaper,  but I like paper towels better.  It just seemed cleaner not to have to mess with the inky paper.  Recently however,  I read of an ever better way!  (Cheaper too! ) After you've got everything all dusted and sparkling clean, take a damp rag and wipe the surface,  then put down a layer of saran wrap!  The wrap will stay in place after the dampness dries and will catch the gross greasy dust.   Next time cleaning above the cabinets will be a breeze!
What's a favorite cleaning/ organizing tip of yours?