Simple Succulent Terrarium

I was inspired to make a succulent terrarium after finding a globe shaped bowl at Goodwill last week.  It had very simple lines, and I knew I could fill it with something.  After dropping a whopping $2 on it (score!), I headed to Google to find some ideas.  I stumbled across Birdhouse Blog's DIY Succulent Terrarium, and I used it as inspiration to make my own.

Here are the supplies you'll need:
-Decorative bowl or container that has a smallish opening (this helps to conserve water and minimize your watering)  I love to scope out thrift stores for glass pieces, they're so cheap!
-Plants- I used succulents that I found at Home Depot.  Any small plants from the garden center would work well.
-Cactus Soil- available at your local hardware store or garden center
-Small stones
-Moss (optional)
-Charcoal (optional)

You'll notice a few extra supplies on my table.  While I had all the supplies out, I decided to repot an aloe plant that I picked up on clearance at Aldi.

Next, take the small gravel and place an inch worth in the bottom of your container.  Some instructions I read said to add a layer of charcoal as well, but I opted to skip that step.  If you're using a closed container, or one with a smaller opening, I recommend you add the charcoal, since it will help with drainage.

 Add 2 inches of cactus soil.

 Take your plants out of their pots, and shake off the excess soil.  The succulents I bought were way overwatered, and their soil didn't seem to drain well. I wanted to be sure they were surrounded by the better-draining cactus soil.

Plant your succulents in your container.   I just planted three smaller plants, since I'm hoping they grow once they get some TLC.  You'll see these plants were in pretty bad shape.  Look at the pitiful sempervivum on the right.  His leaves started to fall off when removed from the pot.  Now that it's replanted, it seems to be doing better.

Add something to cover your soil to help minimize water loss.  I used more crushed stone, but some moss would be really pretty.

You're done!  I took my pretty succulent terrarium to live on my desk at work, where I have lots of indirect light.  I water rarely, as succulents don't like to be overwatered.  For care directions, I recommend you check out Simply Succulents.  I've already made my wish list for garden plantings for next year.   They have a beautiful selection!

Here's that aloe plant I mentioned earlier.  It came out pretty well, but I plan to add a pretty paper band and ribbon around the container.  It's on my (very long) to-do list.

Now get to planting!

Ditch the Microwave Popcorn

My name is Allison, and I'm a popcorn addict.

A few years back, they came out with information that linked microwave popcorn with the carcinogen perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that lines the popcorn bags.  This was terrible news, as I was often eating a snack-size bag of microwave popcorn a day.  I eliminate as many known carcinogens from my every day life as possible, so there went my popcorn habit.

Imagine my pleasure when I discovered I could make popcorn on the stove, the old-fashioned way, with little extra effort!  It taste better than bagged popcorn, and it's much better for you too!

Gather your ingredients:
-1/4 c. Popcorn kernels
-Olive oil
-Large/deep sauce pan with lid
-Toppings to customize your popcorn flavor

Step1:
Place your pot on the stove, add a splash of olive oil (I don't measure but it's probably 2 Tbsp.), and exactly 3 popcorn kernels.  Turn the stove to medium heat, and then wait.  When you hear the three popcorn kernels pop, you know the pan is hot and you're ready for the next step.

Step 2:
Add your popcorn kernels to the pan.  I usually use 1/4 c., but you could add a little more once you know how much your pot will hold.  Cover the pan with the lid, and then SHAKE IT!  Keep the kernels in motion as much as possible to keep then from burning.  When the popping sound slows down, turn off the burner, and remove the popcorn from the heat.

Step 3:
Pour into your bowl and add your favorite popcorn flavoring.  My new favorite topping is Zesty Cheddar Cheese Popcorn Seasoning by Wabash Valley Farms that I found at a recent shopping trip to Cabelas.  It's the best seasoning I've used thus far, and it coats the popcorn really well.  I'm planning to try some of their other flavors in the near future.

Other fun popcorn toppings I've used: Old Bay Seasoning, Parmesan cheese, Jane's Crazy Mixed-Up Salt.  It's fun to experiment and see what you like.

Step 4:
ENJOY your delicious popcorn!