The Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park

Below are photos from my visit to Friendship Park. Click on this link to read about my visit: Cincinnati.com.

Photos from Renaissance Garden Ornament

More photos from my trip to Renaissance Garden Ornament in Oakley (3209 Madison Road, Cincinnati, OH 45209)

Click here to read the story: Renaissance Garden Ornament: Reliving a childhood memory

Hyde Park Farmer's Market

Going to be in Cincinnati on a Sunday this summer? Check out this local farmer's market.

My friend Jen and I went about an hour and a half before it closed and there was still a good selection of plants and produce remaining. They were out of goat's milk. I guess if you want goat's milk, get there early! :)




When it's open: Sundays 9:30 am - 1:30 pm


Visit the Hyde Park Farmer's Market website for directions, all the upcoming vendors and special events.

Right now, Hyde Park Farmer's Market is in a contest to win $5000 for the best local farmer's market. To vote, click this link:
http://www.care2.com/farmersmarket/13084/?refer=11768.03.1246032447.653741

DEET free bug spray

This is exciting! I met the ladies of Green Cauldron years ago at the Sauerkraut Festival and loved the aromatherapy products I purchased. I decided it was time to try their natural insect repellent, "Bugger Off!".


I'll admit, I was very skeptical about this one. I am a mosquito magnet and didn't want to waste money on something that didn't work.

Over the past week, I put it to the test:

• outside in my garden
  
• outside at dusk playing tennis
  
• outside, walking in a garden, by a river
• outside at dusk, pulling weeds in my yard, before a thunderstorm
  

I'm happy to report that IT WORKS*! I'm so relieved and not itchy! Highly recommended for when you are out working in your garden.

*For it to be most effective make sure you re-apply every hour.

Side note: I will continue to wear an insect repellent with DEET for times when I'll be outside in the wild for an extended period of time (camping, long hikes, etc). Overall, I am trying to reduce the amount of chemicals being absorbed through my skin (DEET & others).

gardening essentials

By the way, Nitrile gardening gloves are great, here's why:

• Puncture and chemical resistant
• Natural feel and touch; ergonomically shaped
• Machine washable

They might be a few bucks more than the traditional canvas gloves, but the protection they offer your hands is well worth it (and I'm sure they'll last you a long time).