God’s Little Devotional Book for Women

Most days it is tough to be a blonde and get taken seriously. I am thankful for my strong sense of resolve and my spirituality. Then, there is a little purple book that I love to read.

This awesome little book, God's Little Devotional Book for Women, has been on my bookshelf in my home office for some time. I would frequently grab that book and open to some random page for a light and easy read of something inspiring and uplifting.

I AM SPIRITUAL

To know me is to know that I am not super religious or what you might call a religious-fanatic. However, I was raised in the Catholic religion and attended Catholic Schools in the Cleveland, Ohio area for a lot of years! Growing up and attending those schools meant we were immersed in the teachings and usually attended Catholic mass each and every school day. And, then on Sunday again.

Those teachings accompanied me throughout my life, helping me to be a decent and honest person. But, I found I wasn't attending mass like I used to. Now that I live in Jacksonville, Florida, I have searched for churches and their services which speak to me.

I even visited the large Catholic Church that is a few miles from my home. For some reason, all the singing surprised me as it did at another Christian Church.

FILLING THAT VOID

I don't read the Bible like some do although when I am traveling, it is the book that I will find in my hotel room. I haven't been traveling like I used to, so that cuts down on that activity. In my neighborhood, although we have a no soliciting sign at the entrance, I do get Jehovah Witnesses coming to my door. Sometimes I feel I need to fill that void.

WRITING ONLINE

Honestly? Throughout the day, as I do my writing online and connecting with people from all over the world, I have found these interactions help to fill the void in some respects. However, the interactions aren't always all that spiritual.

SO ... GOD'S LITTLE DEVOTIONAL BOOK FOR WOMEN

It really fills that void for me. You know the title might say "for women," but I feel men can achieve spiritual stimulation as well. I love the little quote you find on the inside cover, "A good laugh is sunshine in a house." ~Thackeray

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CHECK OUT MY PERSONAL PHOTOS

I've selected my favorite passages and little devotionals found in this little book. If you click on the polaroid pictures, you can read that favorite passage ... which is your favorite? Can you pick just one? I couldn't. Obviously!

I love the compact style! Plus the cover is pretty awesome. Did you notice how my Pucci-licious nail polish blends with the purple flowers? Awesome!

Favorite Select Quotes:

• "To love what you do and feel that it matters -- how could anything be more fun?" ~ p. 78
• "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." ~ p. 48
• "A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love." ~ p. 46
• "Worry is like a rocking chair: It gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere." ~ p.30
• "What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. They are but trifles, to be sure but, scattered along life's pathway ..." ~ p. 24
• "We should seize every opportunity to give encouragement. Encouragement is oxygen to the soul." ~ p. 16
• "It isn't hard to make a mountain out of a molehill. Just add a little dirt." ~ p. 184
• "Contentment isn't getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have." ~ p. 168

What a neat series of books. How about that, there is a statement about a devotional book being the #1 best seller? That is pretty awesome, I think.

I love how there is a series of these devotional books so that men and moms have their own niche. Although! Aren't moms usually women? So, I believe the mom's book is from a different slant; but it is all good! Be daring ... if you are a women, read the one for men ... maybe it will help us to understand them better? Maybe not. You know, men ARE from Mars ... I was married to one ... I believe he has been touring Mars recently and hopes to return to the USA soon.

I did spot one mixed review in which the reviewer didn't like the fact that they thought the verses were "picked out of a hat."

Hey! That's the reason a writer is a writer ... they are expressing their take on it ... and what they see as content for their book.
For me, that is what I totally love about it!

The reviewers were a bit more kind in their reviews of this little book.

You know, now I really wished that THIS was the gift I got for my mom for mother's day!

I mean, she is probably less religious than I am and definitely more cynical ... but I feel she would love the spiritual content.

Have you perhaps read this little book, God's Little Devotional Book for Women, or maybe one of the series of God's Devotional Books? How did you like it? Did you find it inspired you spiritually each day? What is your favorite devotional in the book? I can't pick just one; as you probably could already tell.

P.S. Probably the single one song that truly captures the essence of having a little inspiration in one’s daily life and dealing with the frustrations. Hey … sing along with me … “Let it go!”

Attitude Shirts - Shirts with an Attitude

In my younger years, I will admit I wasn't yet a blonde. It was in my forties that I began to transition to a full-headed blonde as the gray hair started to come in and had pretty soon advanced to over 75%. At that point, my attitude was, "Hey! I might as well become a blonde."

And, fast forward to today. I am sincerely one of the blondes that DIY aka do-it-yourself! I'm divorced, got an attitude, and I am seriously doing it myself. In more ways than one. Might as well put my attitude on a t-shirt, blog and something that sells.

The Attitude Shirts : Shirts with a BIT of an Attitude! came around a bit later. I was just hitting my sixties and becoming a bit more open with my attitude(s) about things. When you work online, you encounter many others who might not be as soft-spoken as you. You learn to express yourself.

A sincere welcome to my Attitude Shirts on Zazzle: It's Shirts with a Bit of an Attitude. My Zazzle store was launched after more than a decade of selling online. While I might be a tad uncomfortable at using the title of an expert or pro seller, I do have the prerequisite experience. My line is a complement to my Squidoo lenses. These shirts initially sprouted from the many topics I discuss ... and then they blossomed into something else.

They epitomize the principle of keeping it simple, straightforward and topicable. These shirts don't beat around the bush, but get right to the heart of the matter. They are witty and bright and tell it like it is! They use simple type style, with black on white, and no special images, graphics, or designs to obscure the point > true transparency! Say it like it is.

Welcome to where we tell it like it is and then some!!! It can be a good emotional release to express yourself through shirts with a bit of an attitude! We love you folks! Hey Hey Hey! Isn't it a fabulous opportunity we have that there is a Zazzle site where we CAN express ourselves; have a little fun; be authentic and unique; make a little money too? I am honored that my items are showing up worldwide. Yeah, that's neat! Go ahead and picture your attitude to a "T" ... i.e., on a T-shirt!

Once upon a time, my line of Shirts with a Bit of an Attitude in my Zazzle shop was created as a "complement" to my Squidoo lenses. These shirts are a bit of a social commentary, if you will. Take a moment and browse the many expressions ... so have you been there and done that? There's probably a "T" that says it! Say IT. Go ahead, take a load off!

Check YOUR Attitude Here! Take a deep breathe and answer honestly please! Which would make you want to buy?

• Let's pretend someone keeps spamming you ... daily!
• Let's pretend someone sent you a malware application!
• Let's pretend someone doesn't get you!
• Let's pretend someone loves you!
• Let's pretend you have absolutely no sense of humor!

My Attitude, Art and Photography are on Zazzle. I now have three different shops on that great site! Once upon a time, it started with attitude on t-shirts. Some were positive; some were persnickety; and all were real expressions which all of us have felt some of the time. Hopefully, not all of the time. Then that attitude spread over into my two additional shops - Yes! Lots of positivity and creativity there. I hope you will take some time to visit and enjoy the sights and perhaps make a purchase or two. Let me know you dropped by!

1. Shirts with a Bit of an Attitude on Zazzle - You will find over 300 carefully written attitudes on t-shirts. Opt to keep the basic white tee that showcases the words or get jazzy with style and color. It is all up to you!
2. Jaguar Julie Designs on Zazzle - This shop is a mix of art, decor, designs and photography on a variety of neat products. You may be surprised at all that you can find here.
3. Jaguar Julie Flowers on Zazzle - Oh my, but I had a lot of fun creating the products in this shop. It all started with my sunflower garden that I grew from seed. Photographing over 100 plants, I hit upon some real beauties. There are plenty of other flowers from my Florida gardens. Come walk through my garden.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. --Winston Churchill

Kick-Off -- The very FIRST Shirt. OMG, please please please "Stop the Insanity" already!

If you don't get everything you want, think of the things you don't get that you don't want. --Oscar Wilde

#2 -- Life Interrupted! Imagine how social media can interrupt your life?

If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one. --Robert Cavett

#3 -- I've Lost My Mind! If I lost my mind -- you'd miss the real me!

Being in a good frame of mind helps keep one in the picture of health. --Author Unknown

#4 -- When Pigs Fly! Now wouldn't YOU want to know the story behind this one?

YOU -- woo hoo! When pigs fly my dear, look out below! --JaguarJulie

#5 -- I Am a Blonde! Pinch me -- because "I am a Blonde" -- I get a lot of those blonde jokes!

Being a sex symbol has to do with an attitude, not looks. Most men think it's looks, most women know otherwise. --Kathleen Turner

#6 -- Stuffed Cabbage Head! You are what you eat? I eat stuffed cabbage you know!

Heaven is under our feet, as well as over our heads. --Henry David Thoreau

#7 -- Trick or Treat! Don't you know that trick or treat is a social commentary of sorts?

Positive anything is better than negative thinking. --Elbert Hubbard

#8 -- Air Head Alert! Can JaguarJulie be self-deprecating?

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful. --Buddha OH AND THIS ONE TOO: We cannot direct the wind but we can adjust the sails. --Author Unknown

#9 -- The Usual Suspects! WOW! It mysteriously disappeared.

I am an optimist. It does not seem too much use being anything else. --Winston Churchill

#10 -- Too Hot to Handle! Sometimes that's hot and you're NOT and sometimes it's much too hot to handle!

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes. --Hugh Downs

#23 -- Size Does Matter! Well, you will just have to read the lens to figure THIS out!

What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog. --Dwight Eisenhower and/or Mark Twain

Dance, Love, Sing, Live ... Go ahead and just do it! I've saved SO MUCH MONEY on that counselor after all.
Go ahead and Laugh! 'Laugh your head off whilst you still have it!' --JaguarJulie

Express Yourself Here and NOW! Go ahead -- get a load off your chest if you like. “A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.” –Herm Albright could also be JaguarJulie!

Yeah, yeah, yeah! Yep, I can hear you now — biting your tongue? Oh come on — we both know that you’ve got IT in you. Been thumbing your nose at me have you? Oh oh oh, it’s NOT nice to fool with mother nature! Go ahead, I can take it — what does NOT kill me surely will make me a stronger person that you have to deal with!

Here are some books to help before you proceed! Can you hear me now?

1. ATTITUDE 101 - I picked this book because I dig John Maxwell as an author. His team player and leadership books are worthy reads. They say, "Attitude can make or break you and the people you lead."
2. Attitude Is Everything: Change Your Attitude... Change Your Life! - Oh gosh, haven't we heard that all our lives? You know that our attitudes are everything? This book is a self-help attitude book with 12 lessons.
3. Attitude Reconstruction: A Blueprint for Building a Better Life- The premise of this book is that "reconstructing your attitude" can and will "actually change your life." Wouldn't you want to know more about that?
4. Attitude is Everything Rev Ed: 10 Life-Changing Steps to Turning Attitude into Action - The buzz on this author says, "In the world of professional speakers, Keith Harrell is making a difference." I was interested in his take on attitude as one of his clients, IBM, was a former employer of mine. 

History: Zazzle Attitude Shirts : Shirts with a Bit of an Attitude was originally created by JaguarJulie on Squidoo on September 15, 2009. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #4,560 overall. Lens #493 in the quest for Giant Squid 500 Club.

Narcissus Poeticus - Lovely Daffodils

As I advance into my senior years ever so gracefully, I find I have a greater appreciation for flowers, especially daffodils! As a blonde that has planted many a do-it-yourself flower garden, I have yet to tackle the daffodil. So, I find that I get great enjoyment out of writing about them. So, here goes!

Thou art lovelier than a Daffodil. Thou art Narcissus Poeticus! And I do love thee oh my! Narcissus Poeticus is indeed a lovely Daffodil. Ah, but such a lovely Daffodil indeed. And, I can think of no other more beautiful name for a Daffodil than Narcissus Poeticus.

Lovely Photo Credit: Poet's Daffodil by magnio. Ah, Narcissus Poeticus!

My grandparents grew Narcissus Poeticus in their Cleveland, Ohio flower garden. Although I was a youngster way back then, I knew them as Daffodils! Today, I know them poetically as Narcissus Poeticus! Are you a Daffodil lover? Had you heard of the Narcissus Poeticus ... tell the truth!

Thou art lovelier than a Daffodil. Thou art Narcissus Poeticus! And I do love thee oh my! Such lovely daffodils.

My Confession : I Truly Adore the Narcissus Poeticus. Such a lovely and artistic bloom of a daffodil.

"The beauty of the Narcissus Poeticus commands your attention. Such an artistic bloom is the Daffodil. I never saw a Daffodil that wasn't a thing of beauty. A gift of Mother Nature!" --The Brand Ambassador for Narcissus Poeticus: Lovely Daffodil, JaguarJulie!

Which is YOUR favorite name for Narcissus Poeticus?

• Narcissus Poeticus
• Poet's Daffodil
• Pheasant's Eye
• Pinkster Lily
• Findern Flower
• Nargis
• Daffodil

"Daffodils" (1804) by William Wordsworth I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:
I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Narcissus Poeticus — from Missouri Plants. “This species is not nearly as common as its relative narcissus pseudonarcissus.”

Narcissus Poeticus — plant files from Dave’s Garden. “Family: Amaryllidaceae (am-uh-ril-id-AY-see-ee). Genus: Narcissus (nar-SIS-us). Species: poeticus (po-ET-ih-kus).”

Narcissus Poeticus — from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. “Poeticus var. recurvus – the true poeticus; pure white, strongle recurved petals and a pert yellow cup with a red rim, spicy fragrance, and one of the latest daffodils to bloom.”

WHERE the minnows trace A glinting web quick hid in the gloom of the brook,
When I think of the place
And remember the small lad lying intent to look
Through the shadowy face
At the little fish thread-threading the watery nook

It seems to me
The woman you are should be nixie, there is a pool
Where we ought to be.
You undine-clear and pearly, soullessly cool
And waterly
The pool for my limbs to fathom, my soul's last school.

Narcissus
Ventured so long ago in the deeps of reflection.
Illyssus
Broke the bounds and beyond!-Dim recollection
Of fishes
Soundlessly moving in heaven's other direction!

Be
Undine towards the waters, moving back;
For me
A pool! Put off the soul you've got, oh lack
Your human self immortal; take the watery track.

--Narcissus by D. H. Lawrence

Ah, Narcissus Poeticus -- does this not inspire you? Thou art lovely as a flower.

So do tell! Does not the name of "Narcissus Poeticus" make thy want to wax poetic? Or go on and on about the lovely qualities of this very Daffodil? Do tell thy truth!

From diminutive grassy-leaved gems with flowers no bigger than a child's fingertips to jaunty giants sporting flowers the size of an espresso cup and saucer, daffodils have always been a favorite sign of spring. This book covers in depth the 13 American Daffodil Society divisions, as well as detailed instructions on forcing daffodils inside.

About the Author: Clyde Phillip Wachsberger is an author and landscape designer. His previous book was Of Leaf and Flower, which he also illustrated. Theodore James, Jr., and Harry Haralambou, author and photographer, respectively, of Abrams' Seaside Gardening and Country Gardening, have 14 books and hundreds of magazine articles to their name.

From Publishers Weekly: In a joyous, enthusiastic spirit that reflects the nature of their subject, the Heaths, who operate the Daffodil Mart, a national supply house, offer a compendium of daffodils, which is the common name for the genus Narcissus.

Abundant photographs blend with clearly detailed information to demonstrate the great variety of this "carefree, pest-free, drought-tolerant, diverse and beautiful group of plants" and their suitability to growing zones ranging from Northwest Canada to the Southwest U.S.

Chapters move from "Daffodil Anatomy" through their culture, naturalizing, forcing and growing for exhibition, to miniatures and companion plantings. An extensive, alphabetical list of cultivars, each with a photo, wraps up this handsome reference/gift book.

History: Narcissus Poeticus : Lovely Daffodil was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on October 7, 2009. On March 17, 2012 the lens earned the Squidoo Purple Star Award for quality content. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #5,011 overall. Lens #506 in the quest for Giant Squid 600 Club.

Mrs Robinson Color Club Poptastic Nail Polish

Doing it myself, as a blonde, I still get my nails done regularly! I wear acrylic nails which seriously help to protect my nails from all the DIY projects I undertake. I've got a few favorite colors which come in the Color Club Poptastic line.

Hello Mrs. Robinson! It's a bright and neon color -- it's Mrs. Robinson. Mrs. Robinson Color Club Nail Polish Creme N07. I am pretty particular when I pick my color of nail polish.

The moment I spotted this color at my nail salon, I knew I wanted to try it. That was more than a year ago.

That was also when I was first introduced to the brand of Color Club. I think their line of poptastic neon colors are the most vivid.

There's that bottle of Mrs. Robinson!

As I was finding "my favorite polish" was becoming a popular color at my nail salon, I opted to purchase it directly from Amazon. You can see my personal review that I left on June 1, 2013.

Mrs. Robinson never look this good! I found this color quite a while back at my nail salon. Got so many compliments every time I wore it. The color Mrs. Robinson pretty much looks like you see it in this picture. It's like a deep, neon hot pink -- it's especially colorful in the sunlight. Love it.

Most of the nail polish colors that I gravitate towards are fuchsia, hot pink or purple. Mrs. Robinson Color Club Nail Polish Creme N07 rather touches on all those colors. I love the finished color because it truly sparkles and shines. When you are outside in the natural light, the color looks rather fluorescent.

Check out my new manicure
and how it rivals the pretty colors of
that heart paperweight.

I think the mark of a good color is evident by the compliments you receive. Would you believe that I have gotten compliment from men too?

The other day whilst shopping in Publix, the cashier asked me about my nail polish. She handed me a piece of paper so that I could write down the brand name and color.

If you love pink nail polish and have the confidence to go bolder, why not try Mrs. Robinson?

You may surprise yourself when you venture outside your comfort zone into the world of poptastic neon!

That's a bottle of Mrs. Robinson
nail polish with my favorite
Robert Held confetti heart paperweight.

P.S. Background Flower Picture Credit: With the previous format of a squidoo lenslet, you would have noticed my background was a photograph of the pretty pink pentas that I grow in my Jacksonville, Florida garden out back.

They were so pretty, I created a Pretty Pink Pentas Pillow on Zazzle to showcase their beauty!

They remind me of the vivid pink color of Mrs. Robinson Color Club Nail Polish Creme N07.

Would you try this color for yourself? Yes, I too love neon colors in nail polish! No, I am not into such bright colors.

Notice how the color of my nails matches the polish in the bottle.

This is my other favorite color from Color Club. I normally alternate between Mrs. Robinson and Pucci-licious. I don't normally recommend nail polishes, but this is an exception. If you want to try a couple of hot colors, try this one too!

Ladies, if you are looking for a knock-out color, give Color Club Nail Polish Pucci-licious (Creme) N20 a try. It is such a pretty deep lavender that has a hint of blues and fluorescent-neon. It's bright, but the guys love it too!

Hey there! You don’t have to be a gal who uses nail polish to leave me a comment. I love to hear from the guys too. This is the kind of color the guys can appreciate. Plus, how about that name? Rather whimsical I think. Say, ever notice now nail polishes have some of the most interesting names?

Pucci-licious Color Club Poptastic Nail Polish

What a name for nail polish : Pucci-licious! I love the color purple. That is probably why I love Pucci-licious Color Club Nail Polish Creme N20.

It is a purple that is so uniquely colorful. For years, I have been getting my nails done usually every two weeks. It is the one luxury that I afford myself. Getting my nails done that many times has given me the opportunity to try a lot of nail colors.

The one brand that I always used was OPI. I did not really look at any other brand. Well, that was until I discovered Color Club one day at my nail salon. I never thought of looking at any other brand, but found that Color Club had a line of neon, poptastic colors that I really liked.

That is a picture of my two favorite Color Club colors. Mrs. Robinson on the left and Pucci-licious on the right. Got them from Amazon! Mrs. Robinson was the very first polish that caught my eye. Perhaps you have seen my personal review on that color? It is a really vivid hot pink or fuchsia polish that seems fluorescent.

I had been using that color for months until one day I felt like trying another color. My two go-to colors are generally in the pinks and purples. When I spotted the purple Pucci-licious Color Club Nail Polish, I knew that was the one to try.

Take a look at my manicure with Pucci-licious
outside in the natural light. It pops, doesn't it?

Well, the moment my nail tech applied that first coat of Pucci-licious, I was hooked. "Oh my goodness," I exclaimed. "That is one fantastic color." I watched as my tech finished the second coat and was applying the UV clear coat. "Do you want to do your feet?" she asked. "Are you kidding?" I replied. "Yes, I want my toes to match my fingers.

Here's the proof that I absolutely must paint my
fingers and toes to match with this vivid purple nail polish.

You know, this is one interesting color. Not only is it an interesting shade of purple, but it seems to have a hint of blue. I would call it a cool tone color. When you are outside in the natural light, the color seems fluorescent.

Holding the bottle of Pucci-licious nail polish in the natural light.
Can you see the hint of blue tone in this cool color?

I'm wondering about the whimsical name of this product. I seriously think it might have been inspired by the bright designs of Emilio Pucci! It was quite some time ago that I began using this fabulous purple polish. Then, one day, it was time for my manicure; however, someone had taken the polish from my salon! Fast forward a month and a half later. My salon could not find that polish for me. So! I turned to Amazon and found Pucci-licious. I decided to buy two.

Yes indeed. One of these was not enough;
I had to buy two of the polishes. Just in case.

Hey, check out my personal review of June 2, 2013 on Amazon and see what I had to say! "Pucci-licious is a Delicious Nail Polish Color. It is such a pretty deep lavender that has a hint of blues and fluorescent-neon.

Pretty in Purple : Mexican Petunias

P.S. Background Flower Picture Credit: Well, I sure hope you did catch the previous theme of my Squidoo lenslet page as it sported a photograph of the pretty purple Mexican Petunias that I grow in my Jacksonville, Florida gardens. I was so inspired by the vivid colors of those petunia blossoms that I created a variety of products on Zazzle to showcase their beauty! Here they are -- Six Pretty Purple Mexican Petunias on a Plate. They remind me of the intense purple color of Pucci-licious Color Club Nail Polish Creme N20.

Do you love this color of purple? Yes indeed I do love this purple color. No, I prefer something else.

When I am not painting my fingers and toes with Pucci-licious, my next favorite color is definitely Mrs. Robinson. I love the deep rich pink tone. I guess you could say that I am torn between two colors. If you are not as daring as me, you may prefer Mrs. Robinson Color Club Nail Polish Creme N07. "And, here's to you Mrs. Robinson!" Remember that song by Simon and Garfunkel? Holy smokes, but this is one hot color. Ladies, if you like the pink tones and a more vivid color, try Mrs. Robinson.

Hey there. Thanks so much for taking time today to check out my very personal review. By the way, did you notice those Mexican Petunias from one of my flower gardens? I think that flower embodies this color quite nicely. So, do you love this color? For me, it was love at first sight! I’m actually wearing Pucci-licious now. You wouldn’t believe all the compliments I get on this polish — men and women love it! It is so much fun to pick such bright colors with such whimsical and fun names. What’s your favorite color?

Master Gardner Weed Shield Landscape Fabric

Probably one of my biggest DIY projects has been my sunflower garden. As a blonde that DIY, I found a lot of joy in planting sunflower seeds and watching my garden grow. My first garden was direct from the Burpee store-bought seeds. In that garden, I actually had no digging critters. However, the second such garden was a different story. Those plants came from my harvested seeds from the first garden. And, it seemed the digging critters loved those seeds all the more; making short order of my garden.

So landscape fabric to my rescue! Why do I love this stuff? It seriously came to my rescue when I needed to protect my emerging sunflower seedlings from digging critters.

I am thrilled to give you my unsolicited review of this product, Master Gardner Weed Shield Landscape Fabric. You see, I recently tried one roll of Master Gardner Weed Shield Landscape Fabric and just purchased a second roll. This landscape fabric is traditionally used as a weed barrier to keep out the weeds in your garden or other landscape projects. You might have tried it for that purpose.

Obviously, I already knew that this landscape fabric was a weed shield because that's what it said on the label. Would it work for another purpose? Reading the label, it says that the fabric allows a proper air exchange which keeps the oxygen in and the carbon dioxide out. And, that it maintains the soil moisture, helping to promote a deeper root system.

ANOTHER USE!

Hmmm, how would that Master Gardner Weed Shield Landscape Fabric work as a protective covering for my sunflower garden? You see, some critters got into my sunflower garden and were digging for China or something, throwing my little sunflower seedlings helter skelter on the ground. The first morning, I found a big hole in my first row; and the second morning, the critter dug a big hole in my second row. I knew I had to protect my seedlings!

Thinking outside the box, For two days, I had tried the tan plastic liners from Lowe's to cover a few rows of sunflower seedlings. I was a bit concerned that the liners weren't letting in enough oxygen for the growing seedlings.

I was thinking about creating a covering with screen mesh; however, that would take a little work to affix the mesh to boards. Would landscape fabric work to protect my seedlings?

CRITTERS DIGGING UP MY SUNFLOWER SEEDLINGS

Oh my, but those critters digging up my sunflower seedlings, were making short order of all those little seedling! Here is the evidence from the first and second nights of the digging! Could that happen again? It was a raccoon or opossum that did the digging. Yep, it happened again. At the rate the raccoon and/or opossum were going, there wouldn't be anything left of my garden. Time to cover my seedlings!

In my sunflower garden, I have 4 rows which are approximately 15 ft. long. I cut 3 lengths of 3 ft. wide by approximately 15 ft. long landscape fabric to cover the 4 rows of sunflower seedlings. When I first started to cover the seedlings, they had just emerged from the ground. Three lengths of the landscape fabric worked perfectly to cover the four rows. Then, the seedlings got taller. So, I had to use four lengths of the Lowe's liners along with the three lengths of landscape fabric to protect my sunflower seedlings at night.

This evening will be my first time using one length per row of sunflower seedlings. That will be four lengths of landscape fabric to position over the growing plants.

HOW DID IT WORK?

If you've followed my blog about growing sunflowers, you might have seen how my seedlings are growing. I honestly think that the seedlings have benefited from the protective covering of the landscape fabric. The covering is placed in the evening right before dusk and removed first thing in the morning before the sun hits the garden. I have been covering the seedlings for over two weeks and they seem to be doing very well.
More importantly! No critter has gotten into my sunflower seedlings since I started covering them.

UPDATE: I covered my sunflower seedlings until they became plants. For twenty-one consecutive days, I covered them each evening and removed the covering early the next morning. I stopped on Easter Sunday. Now I have dried the landscape fabric and put it in my garage for the next application. If I plant another garden, I'll use it there. Also, I may get a chance to use it to cover the mature heads that remain on the stalks to keep the pests out of the seeds. Finally, with cold weather, the fabric can be used to protect your plants from the freeze! You see, there is a lot you can do with this stuff if you just put your imagination to work for you!

May 1, 2014, Jacksonville, Florida: Would you believe that I just measured as sunflower plant at 33 inches in height! Thanks to the Master Gardner Landscape Fabric, my sunflower plants are prospering. I am so excited to see my second DIY garden of sunflowers come to fruition like my first such DIY garden project!

P.S. I purchased my first and second roll of this product from my local Big Lots. I found this brand in the smaller roll size of 3 ft. by 45 ft. Searching on Amazon, I found the same brand, but in a bigger roll of 100 ft. I was thrilled that it was available from Amazon so that I could tell you how it worked for me and how much I liked it! Hope you will get to try some for yourself. Think outside the box, like I did!

By the way, a little bit of interesting history for you. I was the Official Squidoo Backyard Gardener Contributor. You might not have known that. HOWEVER, I bet you do know by now that I also am one of the Blondes that DIY #blondesthatdiy <---- hashtag! This Google blog!

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CHECK OUT MY PERSONAL PHOTOS!

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1. I tried the Lowe's plastic liners for two nights -- covering my two rows with the most growth. I knew this wouldn't be a permanent use.

2. Using 3 lengths of Master Gardner Weed Shield Landscape Fabric to cover my 4 rows of sunflower seedlings at night to protect from digging critters.

3. As the sunflower seedlings grew, I was using the three lengths to cover the three rows and Lowe's liners for the fourth row.

4. April 14, 2014 : That is the fourth length of landscape fabric just cut from my second roll. Note how I carefully draped it over the seedlings.

5. April 14, 2014 : Using four lengths of Master Gardner Weed Shield Landscape Fabric on the four rows of sunflower seedlings.

Drying the lengths of landscape fabric. It dries fairly quickly and can be folded up and placed out of the sun until evening use.

BEFORE: That is my sunflower garden of seedlings at 23 days and 8 days of protective covering of the landscape fabric at night.

AFTER: 30 days and 15 days - Look how well my sunflower seedlings are doing after being covered at night with the landscape fabric for two weeks.

USING THE MASTER GARDNER WEED SHIELD LANDSCAPE FABRIC AS INTENDED! Hey, you will need these pins: Commercial Grade Fabric and Garden Staples. If you opt to use the weed shield landscape fabric as a weed barrier in your landscaping project, you will need these pins to affix the fabric. An important tip, get your cloth spread out and positioned well before you start to affix the pins. You don't want to tuck and pull on the fabric for fear of tearing it.

OTHER IDEAS FOR PROTECTING YOUR GARDEN! There are many resourceful people out there who have planted gardens to find them invaded by critters. I actually considered a roll of screen wire mesh. Chicken wire works well too!

HELLO! IS IT ME YOU’RE LOOKING FOR? Hey, let me know your were here and what you thought about my use of the landscape fabric. Have you actually tried a weed shield landscape fabric for your landscaping project? How did it work for that purpose? How about another application? Have you covered your growing seedlings to protect them?

The Shark Pet Perfect Vacuum

This SHARK has a bit of BITE! No, I don't mean me, but I mean my handy, hand-held vacuum! This is my personal review of the Shark Pet Perfect vacuum - speaking from personal experience.

It's a scientific study that more blondes that DIY have cats for pets! Do you also have a cat or dog that loves to sleep on your bed? I have Boots the cat and she loves to sleep all over my bed. How about your pets? Do they shed? You need the Shark Pet Perfect vacuum.

I personally think it IS perfect because it meets my needs perfectly. Speaking from personal experience, I used to haul out the old Hoover vacuum and attach the hose to pick up cat hair. Too many times I would let the cat hair go because of the inconvenience of using that Hoover.

PICKING UP CAT HAIR IS A BREEZE!

Boots the cat came back to live with me in July 2013. That was when I opted to pick up the Shark Pet Perfect vacuum. I had heard good feedback about the Shark brand and thought I'd try it.

Boots is a medium hair, female tabby who seems to shed a lot. I remember all those times, in my previous home, using that old vacuum to pick up her hair. It seemed like such a cumbersome task.

IT IS RELATIVELY LIGHTWEIGHT!

My Shark Pet Perfect vacuum weighs 3.6 pounds -- I just put it on my Jenny Craig scale to weigh it! You don't feel like you get a workout every time you use it.

IT IS CORDLESS - RECHARGEABLE!

One of the best features of the Shark Pet Perfect vacuum is that it is rechargeable. That means, you go cordless -- it is portable! When I am using my large Hoover vacuum, the cord always seems to get in the way. That won't happen with this little number. The rechargeable 15.6 volt battery has an LED charging indicator that lights up on top of the handle. What's nice about this feature is that the battery recharges very quickly. This morning, after I plugged it in, it was charged and ready to use in about one hour.
GO BAGLESS!

I love the fact that there are no bags to use in your Shark Pet Perfect vacuum. There is a dust cup filter that fits directly into the top of the cup department. You access it with a flip of the button at the top of the unit. Approximately one half of the unit is the cup and the back half is the motor.

DETACHABLE BRUSH!

The motorized brush on the front end of the Shark Pet Perfect vacuum is detachable; however, I have yet to remove mine. I've been happy using the brush for a number of applications. I also use this to pick up lint and dust from the floor in the tight places around my toilet.

IT REALLY SUCKS!!!

You will be impressed by the "twister cyclonic technology" which helps to maintain the really strong suction power. I would suggest you be careful if vacuuming a towel with designer threads. It will pull up all the threads and wrap them around the brush unit.

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P.S. Where do you use your Shark Pet Perfect vacuum? Be sure to check out Boots the Cat as I've shared a picture of her in the photo gallery. And, don't forget to stop by the guestbook at the end of my product review and tell me what you think.

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CHECK OUT MY PERSONAL PHOTOS! That's Pucci-licious Poptastic Nail Polish!

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The one product that you will need to replace on your Shark is the Shark XSB726N Washable, Reusable Dust Cup Filters. Luckily, they are washable and not that expensive. It is always a good thing to have a backup on filters. Since you get three, and they are washable, you should be set for a good bit of time!

Have you tried the Shark Pet Perfect vacuum? Do you love it? Or, maybe you use another vacuum to pick up pet hair. Do you go rechargeable and cordless or use a traditional “sweeper” to pick up after your pet?

THAT'S MY CAT!!

Cuisinart Grind Central Coffee Grinder

Blondes that DIY love to grind their own coffee beans! I know a lot about using my coffee grinder. This morning, I just ground some beans for my morning coffee. You know, for a couple of years, I gave up the stuff, but found I was really missing it.

This is a product review of my morning grind. Ever tried the Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder? Well I have ... over and over again. It is my morning grind! I had to stop for a moment today, before I ground that next batch of coffee beans, to tell you about this great product. The first one that I used takes me back several years. The ex-husband got custody of that one! Luckily, the price is quite affordable, so I bought me another one.

THE SOUNDS OF LOVE

During our marriage, I got accustomed to hearing the whirring and grinding sounds of the Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder many mornings. The husband was usually the first to arise. He loved his coffee and loved to make it with freshly-ground coffee beans. We were both particular in that we didn't like to buy our coffee already ground. Heck, you never knew when those bags were prepared, or for that matter, what went into them.

Once I got divorced and was setting up my new digs, I knew I had to buy another one of these grinders pronto! It was with no hesitation that I got the same model. Check out my photos below for the proof!

HOW TO USE

It is so simple to use! You simply pour your coffee beans into the silver cup. Be sure not to fill it to the top! Insert the cup back into the base and turn to lock into place. I think my ex-husband didn't always lock it! Place the plastic domed lid on top. Press the top downwards to engage. I generally listen until the sounds of grinding get smoother. I will release and then press downwards for a brief couple of seconds.

FRESH GROUND COFFEE BEANS

Once my coffee beans have been finely ground, I will usually leave them in the cup and cover them with the furnished brown plastic lid. If I am switching off between my two favorite coffees, Starbucks Dark French Roast, Ground Coffee, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3) and Coffee Bean Direct Costa Rican Tarrazu, Whole Bean Coffee, 5-Pound Bag, I will put the ground beans into a plastic covered bowl.

I brew my coffee in a Bella 13782 One Scoop One Cup Coffee Maker, Turquoise! Check out my equipment in the product photos I have included. Can you smell something delicious brewing?

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CHECK OUT MY PRODUCT PHOTOS BELOW

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If you want to kick it up a notch, this would be the way to go! Maybe you don't have time to stop in the morning to start the pot. Set this up to automatically do your thing and wake you up to the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee!

Since I am a single gal, I don't have the need for a 12-cup. However, if you enjoy the aroma first thing in the morning, this is for you. Heck, it is better than an alarm clock!

Hello all you coffee lovers out there! Have you got one of these? Perhaps you use another brand?

Thanks for taking time to stop and smell the aroma. You know, it is important that you can depend upon something that really works when you want to grind it and produce something with really great fresh taste! I am a blonde that believes in doing it myself. No offense Starbucks; but I do bring your beans home!