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Succeeding with self-seeders

 

 

There’s so much to celebrate about footloose and fancy-free self-seeders. These plants are annuals, biennials or perennials that simply scatter copious amounts of seed. For this reason, they pop up everywhere and, once you’ve planted them, you find that you tend to have them forever.

The good, the bad

Most gardeners are grateful to self-seeders for their ease. They produce free plants, and they position themselves in inventive places that can lead to an unexpected display. However, they are like mischievous children who do whatever they choose and on occasion must be controlled. Control is the key to having success with these plants. It’s up to you to edit out those that overstep the mark.

Sometimes ugly

Many of these efficient plants have picked up a bad reputation for being invasive, but without them our gardens would be very contrived. A few self-seeders mixed with your better-behaved ornamentals will create full borders where plants merge and cushion each other in a natural way. It is these we must thank for the large drifts and swathes of natural planting that so many of us aspire to create.

Right plant, right place


If a self-seeder has germinated and formed a healthy plant, it is likely to have found the perfect place to thrive. This explains why, in some gardens, a plant will become very prominent and in others not so. When I gardened on a sandy soil in Dorset, Verbena bonariensis sprung up everywhere, but in my heavy clay border in Herefordshire I can’t get even one plant to survive.

My garden is made more enchanting thanks to self-seeders. Over the years the fritillaries have created enviable drifts near the pond and the giant Inula racemosa stands like a row of soldiers along the edge of my garden path. In this gravel path erynguims self-seed and I quickly whip them up and pot them on before they get trodden on.

Rooting power

When choosing to grow prevalent self-seeders it’s worth finding out how they root. Many are easy to lift and pull up, such as Nassella tenuissima, forget-me-nots, Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisies), primulas and hardy geraniums. All these have fairly shallow roots and can be easily removed, when young, from a border with a hand trowel.

It’s those with a tap root such as Inula racemosa and comfrey that are hard to lift and can become a nuisance. If you decide that you no longer want to share your garden with a particular self-seeder, be aware that the seed can sit in the soil for many years before germinating.

Five tips for success with self-seeders

• Research self-seeding plants before committing to them. Will they be easy to pull up and remove?
• If self-seeders are deep rooted and hard to remove from the garden, cut off the flowers before they have the chance to set seed.
• For those people who have steep banks and inaccessible areas of their garden where soil can’t be turned easily, self-seeders could be the answer. Some will grow in the most inhospitable places.
• Edit out self-seeders that are taking over – the ideal time to do this is in early spring. Learn to identify their seedlings so you can lift them when they’re small.
• Many self-seeders are vigorous in some gardens and not in others – ask a neighbor if they have trouble with a plant before growing it.

6 reliable self-seeders

Verbena bonariensis

FCT9NJ Verbena bonariensis. Argentinian vervain.

The perfect plant for the middle or back of a sunny border. It is more likely to set seed in a sandy soil than in heavy clay. Reaches 3ft 3in (1m) in height. Flowers June-October.

Verbascum olympicum

M4J7D5 Verbascum olympicum, olympian mullein. Image shot 07/2017. Exact date unknown.

A perennial that often dies after flowering and setting seed. Perfect for the back of the border, reaching 6ft 6in (2m) in height. Wonderful yellow flowers in summer.

Centranthus ruber

DH1B2R Red Valerian

Commonly known as red valerian, this attractive perennial can have crimson, white or pink flowers mall summer. Thrives in poor soil and a sunny spot. Height 1ft 8in (50cm).

Erigeron karvinskianus

F57D25 Erigeron karvinskianus. Fleabane flowers.

Easily mistaken as a rather healthy bunch of lawn daisies. Perfect for cracks in paving and flowers June-October. Fully hardy. Reaches a height and spread of 1ft (30cm).

Aquilegia

There’s an army of different aquilegias to choose from. They commonly cross-pollinate so, after time, you’ll have a rainbow of colors. Perfect for semi-shade. Average height 50cm.

Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’

EH6A15 Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing' - Dark Stemmed Cow Parsley

A short-lived perennial with deep-purple foliage. The pink-tinged flowers are a wonderful addition to a cottage garden. Sun or semi-shade. Height 3ft 3in (1m).

Article written by Lesley Upton for Amateur Gardening.com

 

Related:  Create a herbaceous border with Self-Seeders – TUTORING YOU

Lynn Hamilton Dies at 95

Lynn Hamilton, the actress who played Donna Harris on the beloved ’70s sitcom Sanford and Son, has died. She was 95.

Hamilton died on Thursday, June 19, of natural causes, her former manager and publicist, Rev. Calvin Carson announced. He added that she was “surrounded by her grandchildren, loved ones and caregivers.”

“With profound gratitude and admiration, we celebrate the extraordinary life of iconic actress Alzenia ‘Lynn’ Hamilton-Jenkins.  Her remarkable legacy continues to uplift and inspire,” Carson wrote in his statement. “An illustrious career, spanning over five decades, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.  Basically, motivating audiences across the globe through her work as a model, stage, film and television actress.”

Some of Hamilton’s most notable works — aside from her recurring stint as Fred Sanford’s fiancée on Sanford and Son — included her appearances on The Waltons, Roots: The Next Generation, NBC’s Generations and nighttime soap opera Dangerous Women.

Hamilton’s career also included appearances in four Broadway plays in the late ’50s and early ’60s, as well as TV appearances on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gunsmoke, The Golden Girls, NYPD Blue and beyond.

“Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift future generations,” Carson wrote on social media.

Source:  https://people.com

Meditation to Unleash Your Creativity

Do you have thousands of unproductive thoughts cluttering your mind? 

You’ve been sitting at your desk for 15 minutes but just staring at the screen. So far, you haven’t written a word. Even when your mind happens to throw you an idea, it’s not one worth pursuing. So, you continue to sit there, frustrated because you just don’t know what to write.

Have you been there and done that? Pretty annoying, right, especially since 15 minutes can turn into 30, 45, or even an hour or more?

What if you stopped forcing it and, instead, just allowed an idea to come to you? What if you could let go of your feelings of pressure or stress and relaxed into a place of creativity?

It’s possible.

Let It Go and Allow

Like the song from the movie Frozen, you can, indeed, let it all go. From the place of emptiness, ideas will flow to you easily and quickly.

If this sounds all airy-fairy, well, you could see it that way. After all, I’m talking about meditation. That said, most people these days accept meditation as a sound practice for stress release, productivity, creativity, and general wellbeing.

I want to add an additional element to the meditation, though—a spiritual aspect.

If you don’t see yourself as a spiritual person or don’t believe in God, Source, Creator, or whatever you might call It, that’s fine. There’s a way to open and allow using the process I describe below without any type of religious or spiritual belief.

Let me explain …

Create a Space for Creativity

Your mind is a busy place. According to the National Science Foundation, an average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 80% are negative and 95% are repetitive thoughts.

That means you think the same thoughts pretty much day in and day out. I bet that when you sit down to type, your negative thoughts come into play—thoughts like, “I don’t know what to write,” “I don’t have any good ideas,” and “No one will want to read what I write.”

That’s not helpful if you are looking for new ideas or want to tap into your creativity.

If you want to allow in more ideas and get your creative juices flowing, you need to slow down and quiet the noise in your head. That’s where meditation comes in.

Use Meditation to Enhance to Find Ideas

You can’t really stop your thoughts. Most meditators will tell you that their thoughts may slow, or they may become more aware of them. Still, their mind rarely becomes totally quiet during a meditation period.

However, since you can only think about one thing at a time, the key to quieting your brain lies in deciding what to think about. For this simple meditation, I suggest you think only about breathing.

Specifically, use a tried and true, simple meditation technique that requires you only that you focus on your breath.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

That’s all you think about while you meditate. Breathe in. Breathe out.

There are other ways to meditate, but this technique is simple, and anyone can do it. More than that, it works. It gives your mind a “bone” to “chew on,” and that stops all those thoughts for a while.

Once your mind gets quiet (or quieter), you’ve created a space for something new to exit. And in that space, an idea will appear.

Give it time … Don’t be impatient. Continue breathing without thinking about the need for an idea. Just relax and breathe.

Wait for it … the idea will come.

Ask for What You Want

Now comes the spiritual part. Again, you don’t need to believe in a God of any type for this.

If you don’t believe in God or have a broader concept of divinity, consider this an intention-setting practice. Begin your meditation session by saying aloud or in your head something like, “It is my intention during this meditation period to open to my creative nature and remove all blocks to my creativity. It is also my intention to discover an idea that inspires and motivates me and serves my readers and me.” Use your own words.

If you do believe in God, add to your meditation practice a simple prayer. When you begin meditating, mentally say something like, “God, please help me open to my creative nature. Remove all blocks to my creativity. And help me know what to write. Show me or bring me an idea that supports my highest good and the highest good of my readers. Amen.” Again, use your own words.

Ask for what you want and then breathe. Just breathe. Focus on your breath, and an idea will appear in the space you created.

Article and photo by: Nina Amir for Writer’s Digest©

Related: A Spiritual Being on a Human Journey – TUTORING YOU

Last Minute Halloween Costumes

Your porch has resembled a pumpkin patch for over a month. Every inch of lawn is covered with animatronic ghosts and ghouls. And the exterior of your home has been a veritable Halloween light show for weeks. But your costume? Whoops—that fell by the wayside. When you’re trying to get all of your October ducks in a row, something is bound to slip through the cracks.

Fortunately, you won’t need to throw more money at this problem than perhaps you were originally planning. There are plenty of retailers with great deals on Halloween costumes right now—and there’s still time to have them shipped to your door without paying for express delivery options. With that said, time is of the essence.

Let’s dig in.

Couple: Halloween Costume Bread Slices Peanut Butter and Jelly Costume 

The costume is perfect for any couple looking to catch everyone’s attention at a Halloween party. The package includes two costume suits, that are designed to look like a classic bread slice

From amazon.com©

Price:  $32.99

Here is something a little different:

Wednesday Halloween costume

Basically, the hit Netflix show Wednesday dropped in the summer of 2025.  So going as the spookiest girl around this Halloween is truly a no-brainer! Channel Wednesday in her Nevermore Academy uniform.

From amazon.com

About $56.00

Party City Maverick Flight Suit Costume for Men – Top Gun Costume Includes Polyknit Jumpsuit & Name Badge

At Amazon©

From $31-89.00.

 

For the ladies:

Spooktacular Creations Fighter Pilot Costume Women

From amazon©

From $34-72 without sunglasses

Very nice indeed!

(Oh, yes.  You can make it a duo thing.)

 

Cop and prisoner costume

Another duo thing!

Individual costumes from walmart.com

From $19.00 for women, $13.00 for men.

Adult Catwoman Catsuit Costume – DC Villains

Purrfect for you!

From Spirithalloween.com

Price:  $49.99

 

Those are some very scary costumes for that big party you are hosting or attending.  However, time is fleeting so hop to it before they’re gone. And…

Have some big fun!

Related:  Need a Halloween Costume? – TUTORING YOU

Other Ways to say, “Well Done”

 

The phrase “well done” is commonly used to praise someone for completing a task successfully or to a high standard. It is simple, polite, and widely understood across both personal and professional contexts.

However, relying on the same phrase repeatedly can limit your expression. Learning alternatives to other ways to say well done allows you to sound more natural, engaging, and precise.

If you want to express excitement in English or use better professional reaction phrases, expanding your vocabulary is essential.

More ways to say it:

 

 

Dresses for the 2026 Holiday Season

For the 2026 holiday season, three moods that define the moment. First: red — the standout color of the year, radiant, lucky, and unapologetically bold, perfect for a Christmas party dress or a sparkly New Year’s dress. Then there’s black, the quiet seductress of every wardrobe: a satin mini, a sculpted knit dress, velvet tailoring that speaks in whispers — ideal for both a chic Christmas party outfit and a timeless NYE outfit idea. And for those craving softness with intention, coquette elements continue their reign — corseted waists, ribbon details, peplum curves, and jacquard textures that move effortlessly from a Christmas dinner to a 2 a.m. New Year’s Eve dance floor.

5 Steps to Your Ideal Holiday Look

  1. Step 1: Determine the Formality.
  2. Step 2: Select a Flattering Silhouette.
  3. Step 3: Pick the Right Fabric.
  4. Step 4: Choose a Festive Color.
  5. Step 5: Complete the Look with Accessories.

 The Soft-Sequin Dress

Sequins go subtle this year: champagne, liquid silver, and icy tones in clean slips or column silhouettes. A beautiful choice for anyone searching for a refined New Year party dress.

 

FLORAL SEQUIN MIDI SHEATH DRESS

donnakaran.com

The Return of High-Glamour Metallics & Holiday Sparkle

Nothing says festive like shimmer, and 2026 is giving metallics a powerful comeback. Expect to see:

  • Silver mirror-finish dresses
  • Gold embellished gowns
  • Sequins and crystal beading
  • Metallic-coated leather jackets
  • Shimmer knitwear and sparkling bodysuits

Designers are using advanced textile technology to create lightweight sparkle pieces that photograph beautifully, feel comfortable for long holiday nights, and don’t shed glitter everywhere like older sequin fabrics.

Winter Whites: The New Luxury Color Palette

Winter whites continue their reign into 2026, but with more depth, tone variations, and layering techniques. Think:

  • Ivory structured coats
  • Snow-white knit sets
  • Pearl-white tailored suits
  • Cream monochromatic gowns

The effect is minimalist yet ultra-luxurious proving that subtle elegance is sometimes more powerful than sparkle.

Holiday Party Outfits That Define the Season

Holiday party outfits combine festive materials, structured silhouettes, and sophisticated details that transition easily from daytime gatherings to evening celebrations. Each look is designed with versatility in mind, allowing for seamless coordination across events. Rich textures and seasonal hues add depth while maintaining an elegant, modern aesthetic. Popular styling elements include:

  • Metallic fabrics paired with tailored pieces
  • Velvet blazers layered with sleek trousers
  • Satin skirts matched with soft knits
  • Accessories that introduce subtle shine

For a coordinated look, pair the sequin crew neck blouse with the sequin column midi skirt for a sophisticated take on holiday sparkle.

Holiday Dresses Designed for Celebration

Holiday dresses capture the spirit of the season through refined design and elevated fabrics. From sleek midi cuts to flowing silhouettes, each dress offers a flattering shape that moves effortlessly through festive occasions. Details like pleats, shimmer, and lace bring visual interest while maintaining a balanced, graceful look. Key design features include:

  • Midi and maxi lengths that complement every setting
  • Velvet, satin, and chiffon fabrics with texture and depth
  • Jewel tones and metallic finishes that enhance color contrast
  • Tailored fits that emphasize clean, modern lines

Stretch Satin Corset Back Midi Dress in Matador Red

 

adriannapapell.com

Types of Dresses for Christmas Party Women

 

Comparison of Dress Styles for Christmas Parties
Dress Style Best For Typical Length Fabric Trends Price Range Example Brands
Mini Dress Casual parties, nights out Above the knee Sequins, velvet $49–$150 Cinderella Divine, Adrianna Papell
Midi Dress Semi-formal, office parties Below knee to mid-calf Velvet, crepe $69–$250 La Femme, Portia and Scarlett
Maxi/Formal Gown Black-tie, galas Floor-length Tulle, satin, sequins $150–$850 Mac Duggal, MNM Couture

The holiday season is your moment. Whether you choose a sustainable velvet midi, a classic sequin mini, or an unexpected icy blue gown, the right dress does more than cover you: it announces you.

Source:  https://www.adriannapapell.com/

Social Security COLA: 3.6% Increase Announced

Over 76 million Americans will receive larger monthly Social Security payments next year. The Social Security Administration announced Wednesday that beneficiaries will receive a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, in 2027.

The adjustment is the largest in four years and the biggest since the 8.7% increase announced in 2022 for 2023, when inflation reached a 40-year high. The increase applies to Social Security retirement, survivor and disability benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income payments.

Here is what you can expect with the increase:

  • $72 for someone receiving $2,000 per month.

    • $90 for someone receiving $2,500 per month.

      Most Social Security beneficiaries will begin receiving higher payments in January 2027.

      This increase reflects the recent upswing in inflation and was more than the 2.8% COLA for 2026 and the 2.5% adjustment for 2025.

    This increase comes at a time when there’s a lot on the line financially for older Americans.  Basically, 1 in 5 have no retirement savings, and more people feel financially insecure this year than last.

    Chiefly, making Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment critically important. It helps millions of Americans keep up with rising costs for groceries, routine bills, health care and other everyday expenses.

    People are definitely struggling to meet their retirement needs.

    Graphic:  yahoo.com

     

Daylight Savings Time Ends November 1

(Unless congress changes it)

Nov 1, 2026 – Daylight Saving Time Ends

Sunday, November 1, 2026, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 1:00:00 am local standard time instead.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 1, 2026, than the day before. There will be more light in the morning and less light in the evening.

Here’s what we know about a possible permanent change to DST.

Congress is considering a few bills that either make the change permanent or let states decide whether to make the shift, but it’s unclear if one will pass in time to affect the next time change. The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 in July, which would make DST permanent. The U.S. Senate has not considered it or scheduled a vote, and time is running out.

Daylight saving time gives us an “extra” hour of usable daylight through the warmest months, but what happens if we keep it year-round?

The Health Risks of Permanent Daylight Saving Time

  • Permanent DST shifts morning light to evenings, disrupting the biological clock that regulates mood and sleep.
  • The U.S. tried permanent DST in the 1970s and repealed it within a year due to public backlash.
  • Sleep scientists back permanent standard time, not DST, as the evidence-based fix.
  • Permanent DST could exacerbate the existing mental health and sleep deprivation in teens.

Each March, in the week following the clock change where we spring forward, we see a measurable spike in car crashes, heart attacks, and workplace injuries, all driven by the acute sleep loss of a single hour.

The pattern is familiar: the DST idea polls well because people associate it with summer evenings.  However, once legislators and health organizations dig into the winter implications, dark mornings until 9 a.m. in cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, and Seattle, momentum fades.

So, for today at least, plan on falling back to the usual pattern. Set your clock back one hour.  Enjoy the extra hour of sleep, but also say hello to an earlier sunset.

Related:  Here’s what it means if daylight saving time becomes permanent – TUTORING YOU

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October, running from October 1 to October 31.  Basically, it focuses on early detection, education, screening, and support for people affected by breast cancer. It is a global campaign marked by events, fundraising, awareness activities, and health guidance across many countries.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) reminds us that awareness is important—but it’s our actions that save lives.

10 Practical Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

  1. Minimize fragrance or look for companies that fully disclose their ingredients. Fragrance (or parfum) ingredients are often secret and can cause breast cancer, birth defects, air and water pollution, asthma, allergies and more. The good news is this doesn’t mean you can’t wear or use your favorite scents. It does mean you need to look at ingredients though!
  1. Eat organic fruits, veggies and locally sourced foods. It’s not only good for your heath, but it helps reduce emissions and waste. Buy local food to reduce the distance from farm to fork, frequent your local farmers’ market, or join a local food co-op. Buy organic food to keep your body and the environment free of toxic pesticides by supporting farmers and companies who use organic ingredients.
  1. Clean your house with a wet towel. You’ll capture more grime in your house by dusting with a wet towel, and it won’t stir up dust.
  1. Take off your shoes at the door. Thus, keep your home clean by avoiding toxic chemicals tracked in by your shoes.
  1. Ditch plastic! Plastics can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food and beverages – and in turn – into you. Instead, use glass, ceramic, cloth (like beeswax-infused organic cotton), and stainless-steel food storage containers and reusable BPA-free water bottles.

Related:  Hidden two-letter code reveals if your plastic containers are toxic – TUTORING YOU

  1. Skip the print. Shopping receipts, gas pump receipts, and airline boarding passes are coated in BPA or BPA-like chemicals and touching them can result in toxic chemical exposure.

  1. Choose personal care products free of added hormones. Hormones like estrogen or placental extract may be found in hair and skin products.  Chiefly, hair relaxers and anti-aging skin creams increase risk of breast cancer later in life. 

  1. Also, check your beauty, dental, home, and menstrual care products for hormone-disrupting chemical ingredients, like parabens and phthalates. Over time, these can affect several hormone systems in your body. Checking ingredient labels helps you know what you’re putting on your body and breathing in your home so you can make safer choices.

  1. Read ingredient labels! Check for substances with the strongest evidence linked to breast cancer.
  1. It’s perfectly legal for companies to put cancer-causing chemicals in our products. Use your voice to make a change and support brands that use only natural, non-toxic ingredients.

And remember, don’t get overwhelmed! I looked around my house and realized I had to switch out almost everything. But you don’t have to do it all at once! Use your products, and when you run out, find something safer.

Source:  primallypure.com

Related:  6 Breast Cancer Symptoms That Have Nothing to Do With Feeling a Lump – TUTORING YOU

List of Horror Movies on Netflix

Hello!  I just discovered that someone doesn’t want us to watch Netflix on October 31.  Odd, right?  You think it’s because that’s Halloween Day? Can’t let that happen. So, I broke into Drac’s castle and found the missing movies for that day. Actually, OK this is confusing.  There is an actual list of all horror movies on Netflix this month.  The list is called:

List of Horror Movies on Netflix

292 movies on Netflix US as of October 2026, including #Alive, 11:11, and 12 Hour Shift.

Just found this out today.  Better late than never, right? Sorry.  No excuse.  And here’s the other thing about this mess.  You will have to follow a link to see the names all of these 292 movies. I will leave it to you to check out the link. Be afraid, be very afraid.  Kidding, be entertained.  Check it out.  Until next month.  Be safe!

Horror Movies on Netflix – Netflix Library – What’s on Netflix