It's New Year's Eve! I hope you are well, safe, and ready for growth and new opportunities in 2022. I'm looking forward to a new gardening season and to kick it off I planted white Muscari and some yellow Dwarf Iris bulbs in a raised bed and whiskey barrel. I received both of them as a Christmas and realized that in California they needed to be in the ground no later than December for an early to mid Spring bloom. In the video below, I show how quick and easy it is to plant both types of bulbs. I will keep you posted on their progress as we begin to warm back up and they grow into beautiful flowers.
Friday, December 31, 2021
#Planting White Muscari and Dwarf Iris in December for Spring Blooms
Saturday, December 25, 2021
DaySpring After Christmas Sale: EARLY Access
Early access to the DaySpring After Christmas Sale is available now to Selena Thinking Out Loud readers. Save up to 50% off journals, wrapping paper, ornaments, and more. Shop Now

Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Kavee C&C 5x2 Cage Kit Set Up and Review for My #GuineaPigs
Five baby guinea pigs were dropped off at our local Tractor Supply store. Before they all were taken to a local animal rescue I wanted to take home two for myself. I had guinea pigs in the past so I was familiar with them, but I still had a lot to learn. The Internet and plenty of videos on the subject helped me to get the baby guinea pigs to adjust properly. I decided to adopt two males and I learned that males like companionship, but they also enjoy their own space. I had them in a much smaller cage from Petco and realized rather quickly that I needed a better solution. After researching plenty of cage options, I decided to go with a Kavee C&C cage with a lid. I purchased my cage directly from their website for the U.S, but I also noticed that they do sell their cages and accessories on Amazon as well.
In the video below I show you how I put together the 5x2 cage with a lid (recommended for male guinea pigs since they are very territorial). I also dressed it up and then let my guinea pigs give their first impressions. If you're thinking about a pet for your children or maybe even yourself, guinea pigs are good company. However, not all guinea pigs are the same. Some guinea pigs like it best with their feet always planted on the ground (not being picked by humans a lot ). While others, are very social and want to cuddle up. I am glad that I decided to take in two of the five to give them the best life possible. I have included the accessories I purchased as well, all from Amazon below. Have a wonderful Christmas with your pet babies too!
Recommended Accessories I Use from Amazon
MuYaoPet Rabbit Guinea Pig Snuggle Sack Fleece Bed for Cage Small Animal
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Visit to #Pioneertown #Western Movie Village and Real Town
During the holidays I like to visit various tourist sites, museums, landmarks, etc, in California, and this time I visited Pioneertown, a western movie village and real town. This town was developed in 1946 by Dick Curtis, Roy Rogers, Dale Evens, The Sons of the Pioneers, and other period stars. It's still an active, working set and real people are residents in the small town. How fun, right?! They have a functioning church and post office too. There are many little shops with unique gift items, visiting goats, and if you enjoy Western movies you'll enjoy a live show by the 'Gunfighters for Hire' on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, October through May at 2:30pm. They perform free comedy skits of old-west re-enactments and shoot-em-ups on Mane Street. There is a saloon for getting a bite to eat and something to drink. Wear comfortable shoes or your cowboy and cowgirl boots.
To learn more, visit http://www.PioneertownSun.com
In the video below, I share my walkthrough of the small town, but I recommend taking your own day trip to Pioneertown, Ca to look around and explore. If you go, let me know in the comments below what you thought about the place and if you saw a Western shoot-out while there!
Monday, December 6, 2021
My First Year Fall #Garden Tour 2021
My first-year fall garden has been doing very well. It has been unusually warm this fall, but cool enough for my peas to thrive. I have been enjoying them tremendously. I still have tomatoes pulling through and they have been plentiful too. I have carrots, radishes, beautiful lavender, and other plants in my raised beds. I'm glad I am able to share my fall garden with you, in hopes that you will see that you can grow your own vegetables too. It wasn't easy in the beginning, but I stuck with it, through the insects, caterpillars, earwigs, aphids, and others. I'm looking forward to learning even more in 2022 and sharing my future garden ventures with you. The weather will be cooling off, even more, this week, so I finished this video garden tour just in time. I have my Brassicas (cabbages, cauliflower, etc.) growing from seed in the house, but they will be heading out once they are larger and stronger. They enjoy the cooler weather so I will keep you posted.
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Everyday Faith Magazine: Winter 2021 Edition Now Available at @DaySpring!
Everyday Faith Magazine: Winter 2021 Edition is now available at DaySpring! Shop here
You will find articles to help you prepare for this holiday season. Learn ways to practice hospitality and make a difference with simple holiday kindness. Discover seasonal recipes from Mary & Martha, friends of DaySpring. There are also free gift tag downloads and so much more for you to read and enjoy! Grab your copy before they sell out!
Black Friday Sale. Save 30% with code FRIDAY during the DaySpring Black Friday Sale, also going on now. *some exclusions apply. This sale ends 11/28/2021.
Happy #Thanksgiving!
Selena Thinking Out Loud wants to wish you and your family a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. Before you sit down to eat and celebrate with your family, take some time to share what you are thankful for because we are all blessed. I am truly thankful for my health and strength on this Thanksgiving Day.
Peace & Love,
- Selena B.
Friday, November 19, 2021
Recap of Art in the Arena at The Pond Digger Ranch in #CherryValley, CA
In Cherry Valley, California is the annual Art in the Arena at The Pond Digger Ranch. Many local vendors display and sell their creations to the public. The vendors sell pottery, metal art, natural soaps, charcoal art, hand-sewn items, wood-carved statues, and more. It's the perfect opportunity to learn about new small businesses and purchase items for the holidays while watching the video below. I have provided the information for all of the vendors with whom I was able to meet and show their items. Contact them if you would like to order anything or commission them for artwork and such. After enjoying time with the vendors, I couldn't leave the ranch without seeing the 2-day old alpaca with her mom and her dad too. It was enjoying the shade on the beautiful, sunny, day. The chickens, hens, cats, horses, and pigs, to name a few, were enjoying the day as well.
On The Pond Digger Ranch, they rescue animals and many times nurse them back to health so they can be released back into nature. Also, if you are looking for a good contractor to build a pond at your home or business with koi fish, then here is the place to contact for an estimate and a thorough walk-through of the process. In the video, I show some of the varieties of koi and other fish that are available. The ranch's website was provided in the video as well. During the holidays, getting out among animals and connecting with good people is what the holidays are all about. It's a time to celebrate and enjoy good company. Hopefully, next year you'll attend the next Art in the Arena as a guest or vendor. It's free to the public and where comfortable shoes too, ladies...lol. They share an update in November on Facebook every time they open for the year for the event. Enjoy the video and reach out to the vendors below.
Vendors mentioned in this video:
- Pots to Pens to Gems - FTerryj123@gmail.com
- SDJ Metal Art
- Cindy V Walker Art - www.CindyVWalkerArt.com
- Two Generations Art - (909) 991-5909
- Enlighten Dogs Training Center -www.EnlightenDogs.com
- www.Facebook.com/HorseShoeDreamCatchers
- All Things Sewn - KimYana1020@gmail.com
- NVS Crafts - DBSwss@aol.com
- Creations by Kylee - CreationsByKylee.com
- Kurts Kustomz - www.Instagram.com/Kurts_Kustomz
- Toreia Miller Art Works - www.Facebook.com/ToreiasCreations
- Charcoal and Copper - Winoart.Etsy.com
- Bad Cat Creations - BadCatCreates@gmail.com
- SWAC - StudioWorksArtCollective@gmail.com
Thursday, November 11, 2021
@DaySpring 30% Off Black Friday Sale! Now thru November 28th #HolidayShopping
The DaySpring Black Friday Sale starts now! Get 30% off all items sitewide, except for Hosanna Revival Bibles and Willow Tree items. It's the perfect time to find the gift your family, friends, and coworkers will value and appreciate. Shop now to ensure that your gifts arrive before Christmas. Some of the best deals are here at DaySpring so shop to your heart's content. Use the code FRIDAY at check out for 30% off your order.
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Books: Tongue Twisters for Kids and Adults
Did you know International Tongue Twister Day is celebrated on November 8th? If so, then you probably had a blast speaking word phrases that were difficult to articulate properly. Tongue twisters may seem like nonsensical sayings, but they help to improve pronunciation, assist with speech development, and fluency in speech. Kids and adults alike use tongue twisters. They are fun to enjoy as a vocal warm-up, at parties, during road trips, and more. To keep the fun coming, Selena Thinking Out Loud has created a book of fifty tongue twisters for kids, along with many other authors below. Learn more and purchase your favorites on Amazon.
50 Tongue Twisters for Kids: Exercises for Improving Pronunciation and Fluency Paperback by Selena Thinking Out Loud
John Boos & Co. Gourmet Maple End Grain Butcher Block Cart #Giveaway! (U.S.) Ends: December 20, 2021, 11:59PM EST
In the kitchen, during the holidays you can never have enough room for pots, pans, dishes, and all of the ingredients necessary for making holiday dinners. That's why this John Boos & Co. Gourmet Maple End Grain Butcher Block Cart is so convenient and a must-have because of its durability and high-quality wood finish. Deliciously Savvy, I and some other amazing bloggers have come together to deliver this giveaway to you! All of the details and the giveaway form to enter are below. Good Luck!
Welcome to the John Boos & Co. Gourmet Maple End Grain Butcher Block Cart Giveaway!
1 Winner ($1106 RV!)
This giveaway is part of our Holiday Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.
HOST IS:
DELICIOUSLY SAVVY
My co-hosts for this giveaway are
My co-hosts for this giveaway are Michigan Savings and More, The Stuff of Success, Gifts for all seasons, Versatileer, Home Jobs by Mom & Golden Goose Giveaways
Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.
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This giveaway's Sponsor is:
WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ YOUTUBE
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John Boos & Co Gourmet Maple End Grain Butcher Block Cart
Since 1887, John Boos & Co. has been handcrafting the finest butcher blocks, cutting boards, and countertops in the USA. Their craftsmen love and know wood and are experts in handcrafting American Hardwoods into top quality products of beauty, durability and function.
Find a Authorized Retailer Near You
The John Boos Gourmet Block Maple End Grain Butcher Block Cart is the perfect addition to every kitchen and it is perfect for all of your chopping and cutting needs….. Plus it is made by John Boos & Co. right here in the USA in Effingham, Illinois by skilled craftspeople using time honored techniques. The final result is a stunning work of art each and every time.
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THE GIVEAWAY
This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 12/20/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.
If you are a blogger interested in our gift guides sign up here or more information is HERE.
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Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Keystone Lockable Latch for Wood Gate #Review
There are a number of ways to secure a gate, but I wanted to use a double-sided key lock for my gate. After reading a number of reviews on Amazon, I decided to purchase a Keystone Latch Series lockable latch. I already installed the frame of the gate using the Adjust-A-Gate. This lock was simple to install, but I do recommend finding a tool that will allow you to easily cut through metal. The rods on the inside of the latch will need to be cut to length to connect to the other side of the key locking unit depending on the size of the wood post you're using. Overall, I would recommend this latch. It had mixed reviews on Amazon, but after installing it myself I believe it is strong enough to handle daily use. The bottom button of the latch could stick if pressed too far in, but you do not need to push the button all the way in because the lock unlatches very easily with half the pressure. My video review below will walk you through the installation process of this lock as well if you're interested in this product.
Keystone Lockable Latch Series
Friday, November 5, 2021
National Diabetes Month and Helpful Resources #DiabetesLogbooks #DiabetesCookbook
November is National Diabetes Month and the perfect time to educate ourselves and our families about the disease and its effects on the body. Many American adults either live with diabetes or have prediabetes. People with type 1 diabetes can't properly produce insulin because their immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells that produce it. People with type 2 diabetes are insulin resistant and can’t use insulin effectively to regulate their blood sugar. As part of their lifestyle, many people have to test and track their insulin, glucose, and blood sugar levels on a daily basis. Below are some resources to help you or people in your life track their levels throughout the year.
For more information on events and informative activities about diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association here.
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Shop the DaySpring Christmas Family Activities and #Advent Sale! #HolidayShopping
DaySpring's Christmas activities and Advent resources are now 25% off with the code ADVENT. This sale will run from now through November 9, 2021. Advent is the time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. Share this special time with your family, friends, church groups, and little ones too. Below are some of the bestsellers of the season. Click on each item to read more details, discover more gift ideas, and order.
- The Shepherd on the Search - Finding Christ in Christmas - Advent Activity Set
- Description:The Shepherd on the Search Advent Activity Set is a fun family tradition that celebrates the birth of Christ! Its a great way to keep your family conversation focused on a young shepherd who spends the weeks before Christmas looking for Gods greatest gift
- The Shepherd On The Search - Ewe Are Loved - Sheep Plush
- Description:This 'The Shepherd On The Search,' white sheep plush is a great addition to 'The Shepherd On The Search' activity set and is a welcome friend for the shepherd, and for your child. Purchase a sheep for every child for a delightful time of making meaningful
- The Shepherd on the Search - Finding Christ in Christmas - Floor Puzzle
- Description:Teach your little ones the Christmas Story with this fun and interactive Shepherd on the Search floor puzzle. Including 36 pieces and a Christmas Story card, this puzzle is perfect for home, Sunday School, or the classroom. Promotes problem-solving and he
- Candace Cameron Bure - Christmas Cookie Cutters + Recipe Cards
- Description:Such a sweet bundle! Fun and festive cookie cutters, recipes and extra recipe cards to add your own cookie recipes. Gluten free recipe and a recipe for cookies for the furry friends in your life. Makes a great gift for anyone and for you! Letter from Ca
- Heaven and Nature Sing - Christmas Carol Ornament Book
- Description:Make a joyful noise unto the Lord as you gather to decorate the tree and sing carols from this keepsake Christmas carol ornament book. Features 7 pop out ornaments with scripture about the theme and the story behind each beloved hymn.These beautiful ornam
- Advent Wreath with Berries
- Description:Advent is a time of expectancy and preparation for the upcoming celebration of the birth of Jesus. It's a wonderful way for families to initiate the tradition of pausing and focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. Light a candle each Sunday, beginnin