A FIDDLE-LEAF FIG REPORT AND A FEW TIPS

I absolutely love live plants in my house. But, my goodness, they are such a challenge to keep alive sometimes. Not this peace lily. I have had this plant for--wait for it--twenty-four years! My grandparents gave it to me when my first baby boy was born. It's still doing well. At the time I took this picture, it had ten blooms on it.

However, this guy... I'm not sure he lasted twenty-four days. And that made me really sad because I thought he was a beautiful maidenhair fern.

But the "it" house plant that's everywhere right now is the fiddle-leaf fig.

Maisondepax via Pinterest

Jones Design Co. via Pinterest

Dwellings By Devore

Grown plants like the ones in these photos can be over $100 or even more. And according to what I've read and seen friends post on Instgram, they are hard to keep alive. So when I saw a smaller fiddle-fig at my local grocery store this summer for $10, I decided to give it a try.

I started it out here in our foyer. But this bright light you see in the pictures is later afternoon sun, probably around 2 or 3:00. And the air conditioner blew directly on it--that's a no-no.

It dropped three leaves from the bottom over the next couple of weeks. I took that as a sign and moved it to our breakfast room, a little ways down from the peace lily. This window gets indirect morning light and afternoon light. I think he's much happier here.

I took it out of the blue and white planter because it felt too big. So for now it's just a fig, in a plate, on a little red stool. Have no fear though, I have a cute basket on the way.

It has done wonderfully since moving to this new spot. Here is the first new leaf. I couldn't believe how fast it grew once it opened up.

From this view the plant looks perfect, but there are a few struggling leaves below.

You can cut out these brown spots without damaging the rest of the leaf. I'm leaving this one for now because it doesn't seem to be spreading.

This one was pretty bad, so I clipped off the brown spot.

That's the update on the plant itself. Here are a few tips based on all I've read and what I'm actually doing to care for the fiddle-leaf fig.

LIGHT

Bright light all day seems to really be what it likes. The light isn't direct, but it is constant. This window probably provides the most light of any in our house.

WATER

I water it once week, unless it still feels damp, and then I might wait 8-9 days. I use a half-gallon pitcher and fill it about 3/4 of the way full. I water it evenly and let it drain well.

POSITION

Each time I water it, I turn it 180 degrees so it's not pulling toward the window. Also, I put it on the end of the window that receives very little direct air from the air conditioner.

LEAVES

Almost every tutorial I read said to wipe the leaves off occasionally. I've carefully done that about three times in the few months I've had it. I've just used a damp paper towel or dish drying towel.

And other than just telling it how pretty it is and how much I would love for it to live a long, happy life, that's it! So far that seems to be enough. I haven't fertilized it or repotted it. I'll give you an update in a few months.

Kathryn

PS... Since preparing for this post, new leaf #2 has appeared. :-)

KEEPING UP WITH THE GOOD THINGS

I hope your year is off to a great start!

I saw the idea I'm sharing today online just a few weeks ago and thought it was terrific. I'm doing it myself this year, and I thought you all might want to do it, too. It's super easy and won't take up much time.

TUESDAY TIP

You probably recognize the sponge in the picture as the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. But I wanted to make sure you know one of the magical ways to use it.

If your shoes are a bit scuffed up on the heels from driving, the eraser can help you out. This is a before shot of the these shoes I love to work in. They are not too high, but have just the right amount of heel for a little lift and a little bit of a dressy look. You know I love a good wedge. I felt like I should chunk them, but some elbow grease and the eraser have given us more time together!

Before...

And after...

Looks much better, don't you think? All you have to do is continue wiping until you get the results you want. You don't have to wet the sponge or do anything to it. These are also wonderful for getting marks off the walls. Have you used the Magic Eraser?

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Kathryn

NINE SUMMER FAVORITES

I know many of you don't have to worry about back-to-school until the middle or even closer to the end of August. You're so lucky!! In Alabama, sadly, we head back in less than two weeks. But for those of you who will be summering much longer than me, here are a few items that I loved all summer long. Some I use all the time and some I just came across.

By far, my favorite little sandal of the summer is this one from Franco Sarto.  I found mine early in June at T J Maxx, but they are still available on line. They were comfortable and never once hurt my feet from the minute I started wearing them. They also come in black.

My year-round lotion is this one by Nivea. It is a little heavy, but I like the slight shine it leaves. I don't tan well and have the fairest skin, so during the summer months I use this self tanner by Jergens. It works great (and the smell isn't too bad)!

Here are two sunscreen products I love. My son plays tennis and uses this one by Coppertone, and I use it as well on everything but my face. For my face I like this Timewise moisturizing sun screen by Mary Kay.

I've shared this favorite nail product before. I promise you if you are having trouble growing your nails, you will thank me for this one. I would show you my nails, but I think I'll spare you the age spots. :-) I tell everyone I know about this Sally Hansen product.

And last, but not nearly the least, the three things I throw on when I don't want to put my entire "face" on to leave the house. You know what I mean? Cover Girl Mascara, Wet n Wild Lips (there are tons of colors), Rimmel Lip Liner.

Here are all the links to the products one more time for quick reference--in case you want to try any for yourself.

Franco Sarto Sandals  //  Nivea Lotion  //  Jergens Self Tanner  //  Coppertone Sunscreen

Mary Kay Moisturizer  //  Sally Hansen Polish  //  Cover Girl Mascara  

Wet n Wild Lip Stick  //  Rimmel Lip Liner

Those are my favorites. Have you come across something new that you've loved this summer?

Kathryn

*Affiliate Links Used

TWO TIPS FOR TUESDAY

I hope you all had a good Memorial Day. It's my first official day of summer. No alarm clock, no deciding what to wear, and no lunch to make. However, all that stuff I tend to just stop doing the last few weeks of school because I know I'm going to have a few weeks off soon is staring me in the face. Time to get to it! But first...

I've come across a pretty storage idea and a secret weapon for cutting warm brownies when you just can't wait for them to "cool completely."

A couple of weeks ago I helped give a wedding shower for one of my oldest son's friends. It was a perfect Southern spring evening. Here is a glimpse of the night.

While there, I discovered a great idea for storing plastic bags.

Tip #1 - Use a pretty jar (or two) to store the grocery bags that you plan on keeping to reuse. I loved this idea because mine are just shoved in my island. This is the perfect hide away and easy to access when you need to grab one. Now to find something as cute as these for my own bags.

Tip #2 - Use a plastic knife to cut warm brownies without messing them up--this one was a game changer for me. I happen to read the back of the brownie mix box and that's where I found the tip. It worked!

Look at those lines. And the brownies came out of the pan perfectly. I hate I'm just now figuring this out.

Check out some of my other tips here, here, and here.

Kathryn

A SCENTED IDEA FOR THE BATHROOM

Want a fresh scent in your bathroom each time you walk in it? I'm sharing a storage idea with you that will free up some space in your cabinets, but also make your room smell good. :-) It's really simple and can be fairly inexpensive. 

Use an open glass bowl to store your bars of soap.

I usually buy our soap at Sam's or Target. Soap is one of those items you can really save on when you buy it in bulk. So, instead of it taking up half a shelf in our small linen closet, I open the boxes and put them in this glass bowl. Of course any color bowl would work, but I like using glass and being able to see the soap. It adds a decorative look.

I'm not sure where my soap bowl originally came from, so I've found some others for you that will work just as well.

one  //  two  //  three

four  //  five  //  six  //  seven

Of course the key to picking out your decorative soap bowl is to be sure your hand will fit in it to grab the last bar--if you happen to let it get that low. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Kathryn

2016 FAVORITES

Woodbank Lane will soon be celebrating its two-year anniversary. I'm thrilled that more and more of you are liking us on Facebook and following along on Instagram. I love that you're stopping by to read and catch up with the happenings in our neck of the woods. Its not paying the bills, and I won't be retiring from teaching early, but I'm enjoying blogging even more than I expected to. I hope to be around for many more years to come. So a BIG thank you for reading, commenting, and your encouragement along the way. I hope you've found a touch of inspiration and smiled a time or two when you've stopped by.

Before we close the book on 2016, let's take a look back to the most popular posts based on total views and your comments. And if you're new to WBL, this will give you a glimpse of what we talk about around here.

1. Favorite Recipe

GLAZED POPPY SEED BREAD

2. Favorite Event

 WINTER WEDDING INSPIRATION

3. Favorite Tip

A NEW BEAUTY PRODUCT

4. Favorite Home Project

GOING GOLD: BEDROOM MIRROR BEFORE AND AFTER

5. Favorite Personal Post

A SNAKE TALE

6. Favorite Sunday Thought

CERTAINTY

And that covers the favorites of last year. Here's to this year!

Have a great Saturday!

Kathryn

A NEW BEAUTY PRODUCT

I have a new product that I have to brag on. I think you'll want to try it, too.

I've never really been one to use concealer as part of my morning make up routine. I usually just add a touch of cream/white eye shadow to give me a little brightness under the eyes. But, Father Time is catching up with me, and I'm noticing some darker areas underneath and around my eyes.

Here's how I fixed my problem: Mary Kay's Perfecting Concealer.

This is a newer product to the Mary Kay line, and I love it. It's not heavy--lighter than foundation--yet heavy enough to cover what you want it to. When it dries, it has a somewhat matte finish. I even use it on my lids at times as a base for my eye shadow. Some days when I don't feel like going through the entire making up process, I will just use the concealer with powder, and it does the job.

The concealer is $16 and comes in six shades. I use the lightest one, "light ivory."  If you are interested, you can see the Mary Kay catalog here.

So how's your Christmas shopping going? I haven't even started... : (

Kathryn

TWO TIPS FOR TUESDAY

Tip #1 - I've tried a great new nail polish. The brand is JULEP. I've been using OPI for years on my toes, but I never really use color on my fingernails. My nails are usually painted clear with this miracle polish I told you guys about this time last year. However, I decided to venture out and paint with a bright color when a sweet student gave me a gift of goodies that included this bottle of polish tucked away in the bottom of the basket.

The perfect house plant...

...and by the perfect house plant, I mean after one year under my care, it's still alive. That doesn't always happen, sad to say.

I picked up a few different succulents last spring at our local nursery. Three cute, inexpensive bowls caught my eye, and the succulents were perfect for them.

The jade plant has been easy to care for. I only water it every two to three weeks. When I do water it, I don't soak it. It needs very little water.

If you love the look of real greenery in your home and in your vignettes, add jade.

Do you have a favorite house plant that's been easy to care for?

Hope you are having a great week!

Kathryn

Drop cloth table decor...

Over the weekend I worked on my topiary project, the one I mentioned last week. I didn't have a small paint brush, so I had to run into Lowe's and grab one. It was way too cold to paint outside, so I grabbed a small drop cloth also. I wanted to be able to paint at my kitchen table.

As I'm at the table envisioning the vignette after the topiaries are painted, I have the thought to use the 4x5 drop cloth on the table as well. I've seen lots of pins on Pinterest about using drop cloths as window panels, so I throw the one I bought in the washing machine with the next load, and Voile!

It washed and dried up great! I ironed it just a little to soften it up and smooth it out.

It not only gives a natural look to the table, but it also adds a small amount of texture.

I experimented with it in a couple of different positions.

First, I used it the way you would any table cloth...draped evenly across the table.

Next, I made three even folds to create the look of a table runner...

The last is a slanted look. Normally, no matter what the project is, I'm all, "It's gotta be symmetrical."  But I threw caution to the wind on this last look... (Remember, it's not a perfect square--4x5.)

Surprisingly, this is the one I liked the best. The plan is to have the topiaries I mentioned above finished this week and have a new look for my breakfast table soon.

OK. So, what do you guys think? A, B, or C? Straight, runner, or off center? Would you use a drop cloth like this?

The comment link below is awaiting your vote and your thoughts!
Thanks for stopping by...

Kathryn