Recycling Berry Containers - Repurpose Those Plastic Holders

 I love blueberries.  But when I purchase them at my local grocery store, they are in those plastic containers.

I simply throw them in the recycling bin when done, but the other day I looked at one and realized I could use this in my yard.  Repurpose, reduce, recycle right?

There are holes in the plastic ones for airflow and you can put this to good use in your yard.

Small Grass Patch?

Wash and dry the plastic container, hold your hand underneath and fill with grass seed, wild flower seeds, anything that needs spreading.

Head to your yard and shake this container around.  It will evenly spread the seeds!

Spot Seeding?

Perfect for redoing spots in your lawn where you just need a small amount of seeds. 

Starting Seedlings, Mini Greenhouse, Craft Supplies...

Take the top off and use both pieces.  Sit them in a tray and fill with your soil and seeds.  The holes make great drainage.

...or leave the lids on and put your seeds in a sunny spot and this will create a greenhouse effect.

...Craft Supplies, especially ribbon holders which are famous for getting tangled.

Have I got your Creative juices flowing???   Good, now take a second look at food containers before you pitch them, it is amazing what you can come up with.

If you get creative, you can find all kinds of uses for berry plastic containers. 

 

Removing Ticks From Your Dog

 It's that lovely time of year with the warmer air, spring flowers and greener grass but also with that comes the dreaded ticks!  In the spring there just seems to be an abundance of them.

As we have all heard, ticks are not good for dogs, cats or humans.  They carry disease and/or can create infections and problems in dogs.

Using tweezers, is ok, if that is all you have.  But just how do you find them especially on a furry animal?

How to find Ticks on long haired dogs

1.  Hair dryer on low heat outside is one good way.  It will separate the fur so you can see the skin.

2.  Manually checking all sections of their fur.

I know this can be a pain but it really is the best way.  I also decided this year to invest in a tick removal kit as we moved to a high tick area.  

I don't want to sit at home scared of these ticks. I love to walk my dog thru the parks and trails.  I just decided to be more prepared.  

After we get home, I give her a quick check especially around the face and groin. 

If you see a Tick that Hasn't Bitten Yet...

1.  Always check outside so you don't bring them in the house

2.  Use the hairdryer method or have a dog brush outside to brush them and then check the brush.  This too should not be inside the house.

3.  Use tweezer to get them not your bare hands.

4.  Dispose by squishing in paper towel and disposing.

5.  Keep some of these supplies outdoors in a sheltered area, so it all becomes a habit.

6.  Don't forget to check yourself.

Pet Bedding?

If you are concerned about the bedding you can wash it but ticks have been known to survive a wash cycle, but their enemy is HEAT, dry on high heat for a little while and it will kill them.  Or hang out in the hot sun.

Dog Tick Prevention

These products will deter ticks and fleas

Even if you use these products, you should still check to see just what your dog might bring in the house!  I found once you get into the habit, it just becomes one of those things you need to do like toweling them down after rain..  

Keep a small kit of things just outside in a sheltered spot, or take with you on hikes in your backpack so you are ready.