How To Start A Friendship Garden For Pollinators

 

This backyard friendship garden has been placed right next to the patio for easy access all year long.

Fall has arrived here in Central Florida nearly a month ago and brought with it the much-needed drop in daily temperatures.  Instead of the sauna temps of the '90s and high humidity, we are now enjoying lower humid days and temps in the '80s.

While the last year and a half have not been easy for any of us it has brought up the reality that we need each other more than we ever imagined.  It was easy to overlook our friends when things were going well for us and we could go about our day without the thought or a care about any harm coming our way.

It was also easy to overlook the space around us that we call home.  Whether we own or rent we all have a place we call ours.  When you are leaving your job at the end of the day you tell everyone I'm going "home" now.  When you go on a vacation you know you will return home feeling like you need another vacation to recover from the one you just took.

A friendship garden is a place to preserve memories of the ones that have a special meaning and place 

in your life through a variety of plants and items.

A friendship garden is easy to start.  Here are a few simple steps to help you get started off on the right foot.

Location

You can choose an indoor or outdoor location.  It really is up to you and what you can afford or have time to devote to your garden.  You want it to be easy to access and cultivate.  If you make it too far away from where you normally would walk you'll soon lose interest and the garden will never get off the ground.

Invite Your Friends

So the obvious thing you will need to make this friendship garden work is friends!

Get out your list of names and addresses and send them a text or card in the mail inviting them to be a part of your friendship garden.  You can send them something too and encourage them to join in the fun.

Journal

Start a garden journal and keep a good record of who you invited and who sent you something for your garden. When and where you placed it in the garden and if it is a plant write down the progress of growth.  When did it first bloom? How long did the flowers last? What kind of care did each plant need and so on.  Take photos and put them in your journal or if you know how to draw well enough to know what something is then by all means document your garden with your own personal touch.

I'd love to be a part of your friendship garden.  So please think about joining my 52 Week Snail Mail Challenge and Poem Challenge.

If you would like to take part, just sign-up for my newsletter, here.  Then you can send me an email letting me know you would like to take part in this fun project.

Together we can encourage one another by cultivating our friendship and our garden at the same time!

Sending You Sunshine!

Marsha

Markets of Sunshine

Etsy shop Update - Ty Beanie Babies Vintage Toys

  Shopping online is our new way of buying gifts for those special occasions.  It's a good thing that there are sites that have a secure check-out experience so that you can feel safe when making a purchase on their website.
Etsy is a trusted name in the marketplace for buying handmade and vintage items from around the world.
They are based in NY right here in the USA.

I've been a seller on Etsy since 2008 with my handmade shop, Markets of Sunshine.  And, 2010 with our shop Pioneer Fundraiser that features vintage finds from around the world.

If you are in need of a care package for a get well gift or a thinking of you gift.  We have just what you need.  One of these cute and adorable vintage stuffed animal toys made by Ty Beanie Babies, Inc.

They are all in brand new mint condition.  They have been stored in plastic containers in a climate controlled setting.  They are free of dust, holes and odors.

They even come with a tag protector for the collector's.  Which holds their value.  

Why not stop by today and pick up one of these adorable gift sets for your favorite little one.  They make a great gift for the young at heart too!

Shop Pioneer Fundraiser <<<<click

Shop Markets of Sunshine <<<< click 

We also invite you to Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on all our new arrivals in both of our Etsy shops.

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha

 

Certified Wildlife Habitat - Marsha Jaramillo, Owner of Markets Of Sunshine

National Wildlife Federation certifies new wildlife habitat in Deltona, FL.

Mrs. Marsha Jaramillo, owner of Markets of Sunshine lives in Deltona, FL has successfully created a Certified Wildlife Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife program...

This was the welcome kit I received from the National Wildlife Federation after I completed the Garden for Wildlife program.  I am super excited and honored to do my part to create natural habitat locations for all of the wildlife in our area.

Since, I enjoy watching wildlife and feel at peace in nature.  My family helped me redesign our yard to make it more inviting and safe for the wildlife not only to give me more watching opportunities, it also helps me to be greener - reducing lawn to mow, cutting down on watering and saving time in the long run to enjoy time outside.

Over the last 29 years our backyard took on a life of it's own and went from a jungle to a well organized and structured environment.  Even our neighbor has complimented us on how lovely it looks now.  We installed more water sources such as a birdbath, planted native edible plants along with our birdhouses and thickets.
We have an abundance of trees that provide needed shelter during rain storms and away from predators.

Living a green organic lifestyle has been a part of our family for over 25 years.  Lyme disease has slowed me down but did not stop my love of nature and the outdoors.  I'm just more educated now and know what to look out for when I venture outside.

I tell everyone if you're going to go walking or hiking look out for ticks.  Check yourself from head to toe when you get back inside and shower right away. Ticks don't like the soap and will fall off of you.  We can be safe in nature if we are forewarned.

Okay, back to my yard transformation and what we have added. Even though we live in a huge housing community there is still lots of woods around the borders of the city on several sides.  As well as lakes and rivers.  This brings lots of wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, birds, rabbits and more to our backyards.  

We were feeding them at night with cat food and vegetables but that brought some unwanted invaders too.  So, we decided to just plant fruit and berry plants and let the wildlife pick and choose what they want.

Be sure to plant organic and not to use any pesticides so the animals can eat a healthy meal without harmful side effects.  The one good thing about using edible plants that bring opossums is the fact that they eat ticks.  So it's a win, win in my book.

Here is a short list of the native plants we have in our garden habitat.

• Florida native orchid
• Live oaks
• Azaleas
• Bromeliads
• Passion Flower

Since, Florida has a long growing season for most of the year we have found some great edible plants that will  give food to the wildlife all year long.  Here's that short list.

• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Mango
• Avocado
• Papaya
• Soon to be planted are ...
• Watermelon
• Apple tree

Do you think that will keep the little critters tummy's full and satisfied? We've already noticed an increase in the bird population as well as butterflies.  We have huge rain trees that draw bees by the thousands when the flowers bloom several times a year.

I have a video of our backyard makeover on my YouTube channel, Here. <<<click to watch

 Planting video click to watch.

The first video in our series of wildlife habitat backyard makeover. click to watch <<<

I'm also a member of the Monarch City USA movement to safe the Monarch butterfly habitats.
You can check it out here. >>> Help preserve the Monarch butterfly - Monarch City USA

Let me know if this inspired you to do your part to give the wildlife in your area a place to feel safe.

Just leave me a comment below.

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha

Handmade Paper Gift Bags and Gift Tags

Handmade paper gift bags using vintage map pages.

Want a quick and easy gift that has a vintage flair?  Use one of these handmade paper gift bags made of vintage map pages from old books.  It has a clear pocket on the front that is hand stitched and includes a butterfly gift tag.

There are pretty pink ribbon handles so it's easy to carry.
The roomy size measures 8.5 x 11 inch bag and will hold all the items you want to give for your special occasion.

Support a small business on Etsy and help keep the made in the U.S.A. movement alive and strong.  It seems like everything is made in China these days. Have you noticed that the quality is very cheap too.

An artisan takes pride in their work and puts hours of their heart and soul into every item they make.  It won't leave the studio unless it passes a critical eye of perfectionary scrutiny.

It's so hard to tell what an item will really be like until you have it in your own hands.  But, a video will help you see it in a 3D fashion.
Check out this video of my handmade work and see for yourself just how high the quality of our products really are before you buy.



  Now you can head over to our Etsy shop, Markets Of Sunshine and pick up one of these cute journals and greeting cards that is truly made with love.  We'd love for you to subscribe to our YouTube channel and help us grow and spread the word about our small business.

Just click the share button on this video now and help a small artisan grow today.  Thanks!

Find out more about me on my About page.  Be sure to follow along with our blog by clicking the "Follow" button on the right side bar. 

Sign-up for our VIP mailing list and get a 30% off discount code to use all year long in our Etsy shop.   Plus, you'll be the first to hear when we are releasing new products. 

Thanks for joining me today.  Check back daily for new posts and videos.

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha

  

Help Preserve The Monarch Butterfly - Monarch City USA

Have you heard that their is a buzz going around the U.S.A.?

It's all about saving the Monarch butterfly that is on the endangered species list.

Visit the Monarch City USA website and join the movement in your area.

I'm a big nature girl and love the outdoors from flowers to bees.  My passion for butterflies started when I was 7 years old on a trip to Cypress Gardens in Central Florida.  Ever since that day I fell head over heels in love with these fluttering creatures.

Since we have such mild winters here in Florida I decided I wanted to turn my backyard into a wildlife nature habitat for me and all of God's creatures in our area.  We already have raccoons and opossums visiting our yard.

I did some searching around on the Internet and found a site on my IG feed that featured the National Wildlife Federation website.(click link)  I was intrigued so I took a deeper look into how I can have my yard certified as a Wildlife Habitat.

It was super easy and fun to accomplish in just a few days.  I already had most of everything on their list and just needed a few more items to have my certification complete.  You can watch the fun on my YouTube channel, here. <<< click <<<

Adult Reward System #4 - Visit a Florida State Park

Adult Reward System #4 - Visit a Florida State Park

Do you like getting out in nature?  I sure do.  You've been stuck indoors all week so why not get outside and breath in some fresh air in the woods.  Forget about the bugs and how far it is to the next bathroom.  Giggle!

After my week of organizing for my 2019 challenge I needed to get out of the house and see the blue sky and feel the wind on my face.  For me this always calls for a road trip to a local state park.

If you are taking part in the 2019 organizing challenge then you need to get out in nature to reward yourself too.  Look up your state parks and see if they have the passport book like we do here.  It's a lot of fun to get the pages stamped.  It makes you feel like you are visiting exotic places far away.  When in reality you are still in your own state.

I love visiting my Florida State Parks as a way to unwind and relax my whole body and mind after a long week of chores and adulting.

 

 My daughter and I went on a family day trip to Saint Augustine, Florida.  It's about an hours drive from our house in Volusia County Florida.

Our first Florida State Park we visited was Faver Dykes.

There is no ranger station but there is a resident ranger in the park to make sure guests stay safe.  It's the honor system of paying to help support the park.

Cost is $5 per vehicle

There is a lake and pavilion as well as restrooms. You can fish off the dock if you have a license.  Nature trails are the main focus of the park.  There is also a playground for the kids.

Our second visit was to Fort Mose about 20 minutes down the road and still in Saint Augustine.  Cost is $2 per person that is paid inside the visitor center.  They have a museum inside the building with interactive videos telling about the history of the fort and pictures showing the time period.

The first picture is an old board walk down in the marsh.

The second picture is a tree with red berries on it.  

The third picture is a crab eating algae.

The fourth picture is a statue outside the park entrance of a Spanish conquistador. 

Nature trails are in several places in the park.  The boardwalk takes you to a marsh where the Fort used to be.  Now there is only underground ruins that archeologist discovered with signs explaining what they found.

What To Bring

I always bring my own food and purified water bottle from home.  Saves money on the fill ups.  

Make sure you fill up the tank with gas in your town to save money on the tourist traps off the highway.  

I usually scope out the local grocery store and stock up on any snacks or drinks we run out on for the ride home.

Cost

Lunch and snacks cost $18.  Gas $40

For more pictures of our trip check out my social media sites.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

 If you want to join in the 2019 Organizing Challenge with us you can do so here.

                          Sending You Sunshine!   Marsha

Week 18: How To Use The Cash Envelope System - Customer Review of Markets of Sunshine Products

Week 18: Customer Review of Markets of Sunshine Products

I received this wonderful hand written review from a local customer who uses my cash envelope wallets for her budgeting system.  I just had to share it with you.

Here is what she had to say in her own words.

"Cash envelopes system has worked for me.  Being organized for me is a no brainer.  However, keeping track of where the money goes on eating out and extras was a challenge.  Until my good friend introduced me to the C.E.S. (cash envelope system)

I love the portability and personalization it gives its user.  I have four wallets I use for these catagories:

car maintanance

savings (don't touch)

fun money

grocery

How it works for me is every paycheck I take out the alloted portion my husband and I decided to set aside. Then everything else goes in the bank to pay our rent and other automated bills...

Now in just two months we've saved money in the bank and our envelopes are adding up funds too.  It's amazing and I couldn't be happier to use this way of saving.

I ordered mine from Markets of Sunshine.  She offers a wide variety of patterns.  So it's extra cute and offers personalization.  Plus free shipping!  and she always throws in a free goodie" 💜💜💜 K.R. Florida

 How To Start Your Own Cash Envelope System Budget

1.  Start by writing down the categories you want to save money for as our reviewer did above.

2.  Use a budget app to tell your money where to go  (I use EveryDollar)  

3.   Now head over to Markets of Sunshine Etsy shop and purchase the set you love the most, (click here)

4.  Once your receive your wallets label them for the categories you made in step 1.

5.  Each paycheck you receive put the money in each wallet that you designated in step 2.

6. Stick to your budget and don't cheat.  This is the only way you will succeed and reach your goal of telling your money where to go. 

I have $400 saved in my emergency wallet that I keep on hand for hurricane season.  I have my $1200 in the bank for emergencies on things like a new appliance etc...  I have one wallet for fun money (going to garage sales and thrift stores and state parks)  One wallet I use for receipts of local purchases in case I need to return something and for my Ibotta cash back app that I redeem the day of the purchase. (click here to sign up with Ibotta)

  Later, I move them to a zip lock bag for tax time. We keep a savings account in another bank.  My husband is in charge of that account and I take care of the household budget bank account.  So, get started today with your own cash envelope system with one of our stylish wallets and envelope sets.

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

Week 13: Hontoon Island State Park Review and Hearts and Flowers Collection

Week 13: Hontoon Island State Park Review

Being out in nature is the best therapy for getting rid of stress and relaxing the mind and body from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  
Our trip to the Hontoon Island State Park was so enjoyable.  It is accessible by pontoon boat from the parking lot.  Our Ranger was so nice and informative so we were more than happy to give a donation for his hard work.
There is a picnic area for families as well as a playground for the kiddies.  There is a nice nature trail that goes around the island.  You reach a tower where you can climb the 100 plus steps to the top and see out over the woods below.
We enjoyed a picnic lunch inside the museum in the cool a/c as we sat and watched the history of the island recorded on video.
They also have a little store selling food and souvenirs and next to that is the park Ranger's office.  It is a nice day trip for the whole family.  
The park is located in Volusia county, Florida on the Saint Johns River basin.
 Why not plan a trip the next time you are in Florida.  If, you already live in Florida make it a place to see on your next weekend vacation.  You'll be happy you did.

#52weeksnailmailchallenge 

I have been busy as a bee making cards for my friends and family.  I love using my Paper Pumkin card kit that comes in the mail each month from Stampin Up! 

I use my card stock stash and make a pocket letter style envelope and fill it up with lots of my handmade envelopes and confetti.  I love making the embellished paperclips out of the charms I have picked up over the years at craft stores and garage sales.  I attach a lobster claw to the top of the charm so they can use it on anything they like or just keep it on the paperclip and use it in a book or planner.

Introducing the new "Hearts and Flowers Collection" product line in my Etsy shop, MarketsofSunshine!

 Which one of the new wallets do you like? 

Leave me a comment below letting me know.

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

 

Week 10: Lake Griffin State Park, Second Largest Oak Tree in Florida

Hello! Week 10

It's week 10 from Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland, FL

There we found the 2nd largest live oak tree in the state of Florida.  You'll see us in front of the mammoth tree in the photos above.

Sunday, March 4, 2018 around 5:45 p.m.

#52WeekSnailMailChallenge

I'm on my 10th card and right on schedule with the weekly challenge.  I gave a lovely card to a friend that had a scripture on the front: Isaiah 33:24 "No resident will say: I am sick!"

Newsletter Changes

Do you open and read my newsletter each week?  If, you want to continue to receive it then I need you to let me know.  Google is supposedly going to make some changes to how companies can contact their subscribers starting May 1st.  To keep ahead of these changes I want to give you a heads up now.

Coupon Codes and Sales

Your current coupon code will be deactivated and you will have to come here each month in order to find out what the new code is if you want to make a purchase in either of my Etsy shops.

Why, this change?  

It's so you don't miss out on what I will be adding new to my Etsy shops each month.  You'll always be the first to know what's coming before the general public.

Social Media

 I will be making live videos and posting them each week on my social media sites. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

and here with the new coupon code or new product launch announcement.

Follow me on any of these sites by clicking them below.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

 Etsy Shops

Shop for handmade or vintage gifts in either of our shops below.  click the name to visit us and see our full selection of products today!

MarketsofSunshine

PioneerFundraiser

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

Week 8: Random Act of Kindness Is A Mark of A True Friend!

Week 8: Random Act of Kindness Is A Mark of A True Friend!

Would you agree or disagree with that statement?

I've discovered something really amazing about that statement.  It can apply to anyone.  That's right anyone can do a R.A.O.K.

for anyone on any given day of the week.

You don't have to wait for a special occasion to show your loved ones or even an acquaintance that they mean more to you than just a passing thought.

By sending a card or letter in the mail you are showing them that you thought of them enough to take action.  

#52weeksnailmailchallenge

 

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Taking part in this challenge puts your feet to the fire and makes you put your hand where your mouth is so to speak.  

It's all about Jesus words written over 2000 years ago.

"There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving"  (Acts 20:35)

"Do to others as you want them to do to you"

(Luke 6:31)

 

Sitting down and taking the time to think of someone and share a part of your world with them through a written note is something they can refer back to over and over again.

I like to make a copy of the letter or card before I send it and keep it in a file.  That way I won't forget what I wrote them and when I sit down to write again I won't repeat myself as we all do without even realizing it.

 

Setting Goals and Achieving Them One Step At A Time

If you don't set goals you will never achieve very much in your life.  Yikes!  that was shocking to read.  But, it's the truth. Think about your routine.  What do you do each day?  If you write down in a journal what you do each day for 30 days and then read it at the end of the month you might be surprised at how boring and dull your life really has gotten.

 

But, if you set goals and work on achieving them one step at a time and keep track of your progress.  You can look back at the end of each month and see what you have accomplished and feel good about it.

 

7 Steps To Simplify Your Life 

Get my worksheet on how to set goals and achieve them one step at a time.  Click here to get it sent to your inbox.

 

 Start with one goal at a time.  For instance, I am working on organizing each room in my house.  I started on this last year and I am still working on it.  I can only do 15 minutes a day due to my Lyme disease and other health issues.

So, I decide which room I want to work on each day and I set the timer for 15 minutes.  When the timer goes off I stop and rest on the couch.  I am expanding this year to get outdoors and weed my flower beds and water the plants each day for 15 minutes.  I love it!

 Make Time for the More Important Things

Believe it or not there are six things that you should be doing every day of the year to be truly happy.  If you make time for these more important things you'll achieve the goals and enjoy a future life that will bring you the greatest happiness that surpasses your wildest dreams.

1.  Put God First each day

2.  Read the Bible each day

3.  Share the good news about God's Kingdom each day

4. Provide for your families needs (income)

5.  Keep your house clean and organized

6. Get the required sleep your body needs

For more information on this topic feel free to contact me for a free home Bible study.

 

Stay Tuned For Next Week's Adventure to one of Florida's state parks. 

 

Sending You Sunshine,

Marsha J.

P.S.  Check out my new product line (No Probllama) in my Etsy shop,

MarketsofSunshine

Week 7: Getting Back To Being "You"

Week 7: Getting Back To Being "You"!

That topic can mean a variety of things depending on your age and your situation.  If you are a young person you are still trying to figure out just who "you" are and what you want to do with you life.

This post is for the women who have already figured out who they are but then got married, had kids and now the kids are grown and moved out of the house.  

Yes, I know you're saying; you mean empty Nester's.

But, here's the thing.  Just because your kids no longer live at home does not mean your parenting skills are put away or canceled and you stop being a Mom.

Yes, we want our children to grow up and stand on their own 2 feet and make good decisions based on how we raised them.

But, I don't know if you know it or not but life is Hard!

Learning to deal with day to day life is hard enough but throw in the car breaking down and you don't know which mechanic to trust to take it to get it fixed.

Or, you loose your job and you have a little savings but that's about to run out and no companies are calling you for an interview yet.

Does any of this sound familiar in your family?

I grew up with parents that didn't hang me out to dry or to sink or swim in this dog eat dog world.  They were always there for me to help me get through the really hard parts.

I was able to get work young for major companies and learned a lot about the corporate world of politics at a young age.

I didn't like what I saw so I jumped ship and swam to safer waters, aka working for myself.
I've taken the good that I learned from my upbringing and applied it to raising my daughter.  The results are positive.

Recently, our daughter and son-n-law went through some very hard and stressful times.  When the phone rang and we were asked for help, we gladly offered.

We held a family meeting and set out a plan of attack.  

The job loss was resolved in a few short weeks after many phone calls and prayers.

The major car repair was fixed and they are back rolling down the road with a smile on their faces. 

This brings me to my point of the journey I decided to start in 2018.  #52weeksnailmailchallenge

It's all a part of who I am and getting back to being "me" despite my chronic illness.

I'm back to having good days and when I do I am making the most of them by getting out of the house and taking short day trips out in nature.

As I continue on my journey of writing 52 cards and letters it is giving me back a sense of who I am.

 It doesn't matter that my friends don't call me for weeks on end.  Or, that they don't write to me ever or maybe once in a blue moon.

What matters is that I stay in touch with them.  Why?

Because, life is Hard! and we all need encouragement.  Most of all it's because Jesus told us there is more happiness in giving love than in receiving love.  I want to follow his advise so I can be truly "happy".

I do have one friend that prefers text messages over a phone call.  And, that's okay!

I love her dearly and she loves me.  I sent her the pocket card above and she was in tears.  She had just gotten over an 8 day virus and was down in the dumps.  This was just the thing to cheer her up. It's in my "Just add stamps and mail post."

By the way she is having a relapse so I am making her another smaller card and will include her favorite candy, dark chocolate.

I have another friend that hates the phone so she rarely calls me. But, she will drive over an hour on her days off several times a year despite her 3rd round of cancer to come and visit with me.  That means the world to me.  I love her dearly too.

Then, I have a long distance friend that I have never met in person but we have forged a bond over the last 8 years through email and phone calls and google video hangouts.

She calls me almost every week and I call her just as often.

I have another long distance friend and we keep in touch over the phone as often as we can.  She is a loyal reader of this blog and does her best to let me know how much my posts mean to her.  They are all on my list of 52 to send to along with my other wonderful friends near and far.

 Want to keep in touch with your friends and send cards.

Sign-up for StampinUP! paper pumpkin card making kit.

Just click ^^^^^^

Or, pick up a set of these pretty and fun envelopes and wallet gifts at MarketsofSunshine <<<<<Click the name to shop.

Sign-up to receive free downloads like the ones you see above.

Yes! I want your free downloads. <<< click Yes!

Florida Garden: Plant Cutting & Seed Saver Program With Friend's & Neighbor's

Would you like to learn how to share plant cuttings with your friends and neighbors?  
Here are a few supplies you'll need to get started.

• root starter (local hardware of building supply store)
• ziplock bags
• paper towels

Here is how I do my cuttings.  Take a piece of the plant stem and wet the end and apply a little bit of the root starter to the cut end.  Wrap it in a wet paper towel and place in ziplock bag and give to your friend to place in soil.  Once, they get it home they can put it in potting soil and water as usual.

I would love to know how you share cuttings and how you get them to grow.  Leave a comment below and share your tip with other gardening friends.

What's in my Florida garden?  Take a tour with me through my Florida garden and take part in a plant cutting exchange program with your neighbor's and friends. 
Or, start a seed saver sharing group with your gardening friends.  Do you have pretty seed saver packets?  I do in my Etsy shop just for you.

This is a sneak peek at what is coming to my Etsy shop in a few weeks.  Stay tuned to this blog for future updates and a glimpse at the new product line.

Thank you for being a part of my Markets of Sunshine community.
Sending You Sunshine,
Marsha