Stacked Planter for Veggie Garden

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

When lacking space to Plant ... Go Up !



6 Level Stacked Planter

Stacked Planter for Veggie Garden

I have been having an inching to plant a veggies garden but I didn't want to spend a lot of Money of give up the Planting space in my Yard. Through the years I have used planters for several things from annuals to trees. If you keep your eyes open you can find them for free. Neighbors are always tossing their old things out or a thrift store or garage sales are great places to look. I will take a pot and referbish it. Needless to say I already had most of these pots. I only had to buy the one on the top and it was only $3.97...Not Bad.

Paint Supplies

I started will a 6' long piece of rebar. I threaded the pots through the rebar [filling each pot with soil as you go] until you reach the top. If the pots don't have a hole make sure to drill at least 3. If it does have holes already but not where you need them if you tip the pot...then drill some. I used Rustoleum Paint from Home Depot. The entire project took less than 2 cans. I used 2 complimenting colors to make them look more fluid. In this case Gray.

Potting Soil

I used Scotts Potting Soil. I recommend putting at least 2-3 inches of 3/4" gravel at the bases to ensure proper drainage. You don't want the bottom pots to be wetter than the other pots. [you can possibly rot the roots] After plants are in the soil you can top with 2 inches of mulch. I use cedar to reduce insects and weeds while holding in moisture.

Tomato Cages

Here I have used 2 Tomato Cages to provide more upward planting. The one on the Top Right will have a Cherry Tomato Plant, while the one on the bottom left will contain Cucumbers. I also have twill up the fence for additional room to grow forthe cucumbers. 
This was a Fun project. I can't wait for Veggies.
COST - $40 I had most of the Pots
TIME - 2-3 Hours
Level of Difficulty - 2.5 on Scale of 1-5





I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. Happy Gardening !...and remember you burn calories Gardening !
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Happy Plants = Spring Mulch

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day:

Mulch and Fertilize NOW for a Happy Garden All Season



Spring Mulch

 Spring Mulching
I love being surrounded by beautiful things. The one thing I have learned that it does not happen itself. Take the time to give your plants what they need to thrive and the will give you back 10 fold.
COST - Organic Mulch $3.88 per 2 cu feet bag [I used 10 bags]
TIME - 1 hour
Level of difficulty 2 on a scale of 1-5 due to labor

Cedar Mulch

I use a Cedar Mulch that does not float away with water. It is able to do this because it is shaved rather than chips. Using cedar will also assist in pest invasion. This is critical if you are doing organic gardening.

Wild Iris

This is a great plant that comes back every year. It will get about 24"-30" high and stay in a compact area up to 12"-14" in diameter. Add up to 4" of mulch surrounding the plant. The plant may "look" dead but it is just sleeping.

Colored Calla Lilies

Repeat adding 4" of mulch to all of your plants. I recommend adding 4" of mulch to your entire yard excluding grass areas. Not only will this help feed your plants it will keep down on pests, keep soil moist and reduce weeds BIG time. Once your are done give your garden a heavy watering and pour yourself a tall cold drink...You deserve it.







Take the time on a beautiful day and give back to your plants...and they will give back to you. The other benefit you reap from gardening is a workout. Yep you burn lots of caleries so you can eat more...
Happy Gardening.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Pork - The other White Meat

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day:

Using Brown Rice reduces Cholesterol




Pork with Crookneck Squash and Brown Rice

Pork with Crookneck [Yellow] Squash and Brown Rice
I Love making a well balance meal for us at dinner time. I think of it as a gift to give MyGayHusband...the gift of health.
COST - under $10 for 4
TIME - 30 minutes
Level of Difficulty 2 on a scale of 1-5

Boneless Pork Ribs

Pre Heat over to 450 degrees.

I used boneless Pork ribs - 2-3lbs

season with salt, pepper, garlic and ginger to taste

drizzle with olive oil and put into a HOT oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and tent with foil for 10 minutes before serving.

 



Brown Rice

About 1 year or so ago I started eating brown rice on a regular basis. It is better for you than white rice and is loaded with fiber. I really like the flavor of brown rice. Brown Rice requires a bit more water when cooking. I use a rice cooker and add an extra 1/2 cup of water. You can also use veggie broth.



Crookneck Squash

 Crookneck [Yellow] Squash is one of my favorite squashes.

Cut 4 squash into 1/2 inch coins and set aside

Preheat saute pan on med heat. Add 1Tbsp olive oil to pan and toss in the squash. Add salt and pepper to taste and saute for 3-4 minutes until tender. Turn off the heat and add 1 Tbsp of butter and serve immediately. Do NOT over cook!

This was such a good dinner. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as we did. This is great served at a dinner party. I would serve it all on 1 BIG platter for family style dining.

Til Later,

Your Gay Husband

Fashion Friday: Hats - Not just for Easter

Your Gay Husband Fashion Tip of the Day:

Express your Style with a Hat

Hats... Not just for Easter. 

As we approach the next biggest wedding, Prince William and Kate Middleton, we must ask our self, which hat shall I wear the day of the ceremony? I hear that it is required that all women in attendance at the wedding must wear a hat.

With that said, I have been walking through the mall and notice hats of all different colors and fabrications. Where does someone begin to look for hats....better yet, a hat to wear to a Royal Wedding?

                                                                   

I believe the best hat designer is Brittan’s, Phillip Treacy. His handmade creations are a feat of craftsmanship, displaying an imagination so fervent that seemingly impossible dreams are realized through his designs. He has been awarded the prestigious title of British Accessory Designer of the year five times.

Phillip Treacy, putting one of his creations on a model. Photo by David Bennett.

So get out and find your self a Hat that fits your mood for the day. Have FUN showing off your fashion style with Hats. Easter is almost here and what a great time to break out and start wearing Hats.

Til Next Friday,
Your Gay Husbands Husband

Banana Bread mmm mmm Good

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :

Got Old Bananas...Make Banana Bread



Toasted Banana Bread with Butter

Banana Bread
OK so last week I got over zealous with bananas. I bought more than we were able to eat before they got brown. What's this....brown bananas there may have well been a sign saying MAKE BANANA BREAD WITH ME. So I did.
TIME - 10min prep 45 min cook
COST - $2-$5 depending on ingred
Level of Difficulty 2 on a scale of 1-5

Straight from Oven

Here is what you will need...
1/2 cup butter room temp
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup ripe bananas
11/2 Tbsp milk
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda

Adding Bananas to Mixture

Cream butter and sugar. Beat eggs till light. Add bananas and milk, combine with first mixture. Add dry ingredients. If you like Nuts add them at this time about 1 cup.

Bake for 45 minutes

Bake in greased loaf pans for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out cleans.
You can  garnish with Banana chips sticking 3-5 in the top.
I love mine best toasted with butter. It is also good sprinkled with brown sugar as well.
These make great hostess gifts !
I hope you enjoy this as much as we did.





Til Later,
Your Gay Husband

Weekly Grocery Bargains

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :
Build your weekly menu around SALE items

             Have you ever wanted to redecorate a room in your house or take a vacation of your dreams. You can if you budget and save when and where you can. Saving a small amount on everyday used items really adds up. Start giving your self back 10% of what you save when you do your grocery shopping and watch it happen.

Aldi has honest to goodness savings. This is a must for your weekly shopping even if it is for Milk and Eggs. Remember ...it adds up. Make sure to bring your own bags and a quarter for your shopping cart. You get it back when you leave. Aldi store are always clean, safe and well stocked. Print Aldi Ad here.

bananas - .39lb

celery - .69 ea

yellow onions - .25lb

broccoli crowns - .75lb [amazing price] I bought so much last week.



Tom Thumb is having a 2 day SALE. It is March 16th and 17th just for St. Patricks Day. You will need a Rewards card to receive discounts

Get Tom Thumb Coupons here.

boneless pork loin - $1.97lb

vine tomatoes - $1.68lb

Kraft salad dressing - $1.49 14-16oz [stock up] check expiration dates.

sweet yellow onions - .99lb

broccoli - $1.49lb

corned beef - $1.99lb 2 day sale

cabbage - .39lb 2 day sale

Guinness - $6.88 6 pack 2 day sale

If you have a SunFlower Farmers Market in your area...you MUST go. Great fresh food, they make their own Sausage with tons of variety, produce and $3.33ea table wine.

SunFlower is all about Serious Food with Silly Prices. Print Sunflower Ad here.

avocados - 2 for $1 [great price]

broccoli - .88lb

TX grapefruit - 3 for $1

green or red leaf lettuce - .99ea

bulk granola - $1.99lb

fresh chicken sausage - $2.99lb [freeze]

Fiesta id having their Seafood Month. Print Fiesta Ad here.

whole salmon  - $4.99lb

jumbo shrimp - $6.99lb 21-25count

fresh oysters - $3.99dozen

pork spare ribs - $2.99lb

boneless skinless chicken breast - $2.99lb

mango's - 3 for $1

navel oranges - 10 for $1

strawberries - $1.99lb

whole chicken - .87lb

green beans - .99lb

blackberries - $1.99lb can you say cobbler

red grapes - $1.29lb

fresh lemons - 5 for $1

live craw fish - $1.99lb

rock crab clusters - $3.69lb

Alberstons...It means a great deal. They are having a 4 day sale this week Wed thru Sat. They are also having alot of Buy 1 Get 1 free items. Make sure to check prices. They seem to be the highest during sales like these. Don't get me wrong, there are some good deals but not alot. 

Print Albertsons Coupons here.

boneless skinless chicken breast - $1.49lb

assort. pork chops - $1.149lb

ground beef - $1.99lb 85% lean

chicken leg quarters - .39lb 4 day sale

cantaloupe - .99ea 4 day sale

Kroger usually have good weekly sales. You need a rewards card to receive discounts.

Print Kroger Coupons here.

boneless chuck roast - $1.99lb

rib-eye steaks - $4.99lb

jumbo cooked shrimp - $5.99lb 21-25count

large eggs - $1dz

white seedless grapes - $1lb [taste first]

TX sweet onions - .77lb

vine tomatoes - $1.99lb

Atlantic salmon - $5.99lb

Boston fern 10in - $9.99

Michaels is where Creativity Begins. Stop in a Michaels just for inspiration. You will be amazed as to what you can create yourself. Print Michaels Coupons here.

40% off stickers

40% off any one regular priced item

40% off on frames

60% off on 2 or more custom framing

ceramicoat acrylic paint - .89ea 2oz

2 pack value canvas buy 1 get 1 free

I hope this helps you save money so you can reward yourself with something nice like a room make over. This is why dreaming is so important

Here are some links for stores in your area.

Smiths, Raleys, Ralphs, Jewel, Safeway, Trader Joes

Til Later,

Your Gay Husband

"Live Green" with Fresh Flowers

Your Gay Husband Tip of the Day :
Decorate with FRESH Flowers

Gerbera Daisys

Fresh Flowers for Less
I love fresh Flowers around the house. When I plan my weekly shopping I always checkout prices for fresh Flowers. If you don't buy them on promotion they can be very expensive. I only spent $4.99 on these Gerbera Daisy's. They are one of my favorites.
BIG impact with BIG savings.

Gerbera Daisy in Bud Vases with Tea Lights

Here I used the Gerberas in 5 Bud Vases with tea light candles between them. This makes for a great centerpiece inside or out. I used these on my outside patio for a romantic dinner.

Gerbera in a Single Vase

It is nice to keep fresh Flowers next to your bed on a night stand or in the bathroom. This just took 1 flower and adds tons of impact to any space. I recommend collecting vases, especially bud vases of every color a size. This will allow you to maximize your looks.

Gerbera in Large Vase

These are the same flowers just with a totally different look. I used all of them in 1 large vase. I usually don't care for pink flowers but these were such a beautiful tone that I couldn't resist.












Add beauty to your surroundings for only $4.99. Yep I only spent $4.99 for these looks. I bought them at the grocery store believe I or not. When picking Gerberas make sure the center is tight and just starting to bloom. Change water every 3 days and should last for 10 days or so.

Enjoy adding beauty to your home by adding FRESH FLOWERS.
Til Later,
Your Gay Husband