Raising Monarch Butterflies

this may just be the greatest online tutorial i've ever read.

Want to raise your own Monarch butterflies? Karen of The Art of Doing Stuff shows you how!

she has shared a five-part tutorial that illustrates how simple and rewarding it is to raise a Monarch butterfly yourself: from egg, to caterpillar, to chrysalis, to butterfly.

the most amazing part of this tutorial? Karen sat for hours with a camera at each stage of development to capture the essential moments of this creature's transformations: the caterpillar emerging from the egg, the forming of the chrysalis, and the vivid butterfly emerging from the chrysalis.

what an amazing process! it's strangely wonderful to see the time lapse photos of the cocoon forming around the caterpillar, sort of growing out of its back. seriously - even if you don't have any interest in trying it yourself, this step-by-step is worth a read simply for the photos.

start here at part 1.

photos by Karen. (wow. isn't she awesome?)

in the webs

whew! summer is still in full swing, but it's speeding by and i feel like there's just so much more that needs to be done.

on the upside, we've gotten plenty of sunshine and outdoor adventures lately. (in between the full time jobs, of course. i need to plan a real vacation soon!) on the downside, there are many projects around the house that aren't being finished!

but i gotta do something during my lunch breaks while i'm sitting at my desk with my sandwich. so here's what i've found interesting in my webs lately.

Luxirare shows us how their edible crayons are made using a variety of foods (mostly dried, usually healthy). pretty neat! the colors and textures in the photos are so visually stimulating.

(via craft:)

Lion Brand Yarn shares a story about a soldier in Afghanistan teaching her fellow soldiers to knit. be sure to click through the slideshow of photos of the happy new knitters! you can also find out how to donate yarn and other supplies to these soldiers.


WANT!

(via ohdeedoh)

fun (and funny) blog: young me now me
photos from our youth recreated with our now-older selves, sometimes with stunning accuracy


the resilience of animals!
here's a strange but sweet story about a lamb born in China with only 2 legs, who was saved from the chopping block because he was so lively and determined.

and remember the cat with prosthetic back legs? here's a short news clip of a cat with no paws at all! the sweet kitty had to have all 4 legs amputated, so she's quite a special needs kitty, but she's getting along just fine.


your turn...
what's been in your webs lately?

5 for friday: work-life balance

this week's 5 for friday:

i think this article from inc magazine offers some good tips on balancing your life with your work, particularly if the two of these things often take place in the same location.

these simple concepts may not be news to you, but sometimes when we get thrown off course with all of the different roles we try to play at once it helps to have a reminder that you don't have to be all-business, all-the-time.

5 Ways to Increase Productivity with Life Balance

1. Focus on what is important.
"...As you increase time in these areas you will feel more complete, less guilty, and more focused."

2. Take a mini-vacation.
"...Think of a one-day getaway that is low budget but enjoyable. You’ll be surprised at how this can renew your spirit!"

3. Schedule date nights.
"...You chose one another for a reason, spend time enjoying it!"

4. Spend time working away from the office.
"...Stepping away from my work environment every day gives me an emotional boost...Take your laptop outside, go to the library, think about joining a networking group or find another work-related weekly event."

5. Take frequent breaks in your day.
"While it’s important to have two-hour chunks of focused time in your work schedule, it’s equally important to give your brain and body a rest..."

read the full article.

your turn...

please share your tips for balancing your work load with your life!

in the webs

check out this concrete reservoir in australia that has been converted into a residence with a fantastic view. i work for structural engineers who specialize in concrete reservoir design, so this caught my eye right away. the remodel cost less than a demolition would have. clever and beautiful!

growing squash in the garden this year? here are some tips on pollinating your squash by hand to get your plants to produce fruit.

wow! these super-realistic paintings look like photos!

How About Orange's recent tutorial on making gift bags from newspaper is on my list of things to try. Don't they look so fantastically clean and simple? I love how Jessica's tutorials are always explained thoroughly with clear photos.

this cool 90-second video  from The Rug Company gives us an insight into just how much work goes into making a designer rug.

(via apartment therapy)

i'd love to spend a holiday in this conch shell-inspired beach house!

your turn...

what's been in your webs lately?