Lazy Girl's Guide to Incredible House Plants

Ok so I probably wouldn’t describe myself as lazy, and I am willing to bet you aren’t either! But with every thing else in life that I choose to share my time and energy with (Oh hey there family, friends, pets, work and adventure) I much prefer to work smart, not hard when it comes to my house plants. And let me tell you, my plants are doing absolutely wonderful without weekly showers, special soil changes, weekly fertilizers, artificial lighting or water set-ups. Over here, simplicity is key.

And judging by the amount of DMs I get about plants, I’m guessing you are kinda in love with keeping a little nature indoors too. And maybe, just maybe, your indoor jungle has been booming now that you have all this time at home, thanks Covid. Be honest, did you buy a bunch of plants to keep you company?! Well you are in good company and all I gotta say is y’all are my kinda people and I am super excited to share what has been working for me and my lil’ indoor jungle here in Central Alberta. So let’s get growing (sorry couldn’t resist, lol):

• OK so first off, throw out the watering calendar. It’s safe to say many plants perish at the hands of their doting owners due to over-watering. I know you mean well, but please resist the urge to water just because it’s Wednesday, and that is the day you decided to set aside time every week to water your sweet plant babies. A plant’s water needs fluctuate massively depending on their size, the time of year, the type of soil they are in, etc. The most reliable and simplest way to learn whether your plants need water is to stick your finger into the soil and feel if it is dry. It’s that easy. Most plants do best if you wait until the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry before you water! If the soil is still moist check again in a couple days. Eventually you will start to learn your plants cues, but when in doubt always do the finger test.

• Ok now, get yourself a tiny watering can. This is something I accidentally discovered after finding the cutest little antique watering can at the thrift store. I bought the thing purely for aesthetics, but let me tell you my plants have never been happier! The tiny spout and small volume makes it way harder to accidentally overwater. In fact, I’m a little embarrassed to admit this but my little watering can sprung a leak this winter and I had to use a regular sized water pitcher and managed to overwater several houseplants. I should know better! I do know better. Thankfully they all recovered but it’s just THAT easy to overwater your plants. Needless to say, my tiny watering can has been repaired and is back in action!

• Drainage is key! Keep your plants in their nursery pots and place that pot inside a decorative pot if you wish. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your plant friend receives the excellent drainage it needs! Best part? It’s literally the easiest thing you could do!

• If you do ever need to re-pot your plants, do yourself a solid and make sure your new pot has a drainage hole! I do have several plants without drainage holes from way back before I knew any better.… and they are alive and well (thanks to the finger check and tiny watering can lol). But, if you are new to the plant game or prone to overwatering ALWAYS make sure that your pot has drainage.

• Start with plants that are flexible! I always recommend snake plants, jade plants, cast iron plant, yucca, hoya and dracaena as they seem to tolerate a whole variety of lighting and watering situations. And in the case of my jade and yucca, some genuine abuse thanks to my dogs and kids. I am very happy to report they have both fully recovered from the aforementioned atrocities and are looking better then ever!

• Start with smaller to medium sized plants. I find they adjust better to their new accommodations. It’s also waaaay less stressful for you. If they die (and some will friends) you aren’t out the big bucks. Besides, it is SO satisfying to watch them grow nice and big under your own care. One of my first plants was a medium, sized snake plant and now 6 years later it’s almost 5 feet tall!

• Choose plants that suit the lighting conditions in your home. Trust me, you are fighting a losing battle with most plants if you don’t listen to that little tag telling you the lighting requirements. If your plant didn’t come with that info then hit up google my friend. But a couple general guidelines you can follow are: Tropicals need bright indirect light. Citrus, cactus and succulents want ALLL the bright, direct light. West or south facing window for these babies. Ferns and other low light plants, still need some light but would be happiest in a room with north or east facing windows and no direct light (plants get sunburn too!).

• Check 9 times for bugs. Bugs are the ultimate fear for any plant owner (ewwww). And while they don’t harm anything except your plants, it can be really annoying to get rid of them once you bring them home and just downright creepy knowing that they are there. Which is why I always thoroughly check every plant before bringing it home. They are teensy little things that like to hide, so look close. Especially at the undersides of the leaves and bases of the leaves. And then keep that cutie in quarantine for a couple weeks to make double sure!! One sick plant is a lot easier to deal with than more, amiright?

• Don’t crowd your plants. Listen, I know you don’t want to hear this. But if you keep plants for long enough and you are adding to your jungle, not matter how careful you are….. You will someday end up with a pest. The first pest I got was about 4 years into owning plants My favourite palm tree became infested with spider mites. CUE THE PANIC!! As soon as I realized what was happening I threw a garbage bag over that baby and begged Brad to take it far away! Since then I have successfully treated my Bird of Paradise for spider mites, returned a new plant with thrips, and tossed wee cactus with mealy bugs. Getting the occasional pest isn’t the end of the world, but it will quickly become unmanageable if it spreads to your other plants. As a general rule you want your plants to be like a high school dance. A couple inches between each other at all times!

• Enjoy your time together. Growing houseplants is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Give them names, take time to check them over when you water them, get way too excited over brand new leaves, and allow yourself a moment to feel grounded when feeling the soil for moisture. It can be tempting to rush through your plant care, but I encourage you to take the opportunity to slow down and revel at nature. And if you kill a few plants in the process, don’t be too hard on yourself. Choose a new plant and try again. You’ll find your stride, promise.

I hope this helps up your plant game! If you have any plant Q’s drop a comment below or come find me on Instagram, @karmenmeyerphotography!

Warmly,

Karmen

The Story Behind the Photos // The Mojave Collection

Travel Inspired Art in the Mojave Desert by Karmen Meyer Photography

Travel Inspired Art - the Mojave Desert by Karmen Meyer Photography - Roy's Motel and Cafe -Amboy- Route 66 - California Road Trip

5 Reasons I Love Linen

 Sooo, it's no secret at this point.  Yes, even my grandparents have noticed my new-found love for natural fibres.  And my favourite, LINEN!  Oh my word, I just love it.  I can't stop wearing it, can't stop looking at it with all the heart eyes and I definitely can't stop talking about (sorry friends and fam).  You see, I don't just come across things and decide THIS for me.  I slowly consider, I research it, I save photos and create mood boards to see if it fits my life (again, my poor family) and then I finally take the plunge and try it out.  So when it gets here and lives up to, actually exceeds, my expectations I am gushing fountain of success filled enthusiasm and facts.So here we go!!  5 reasons I LOVE linen. 

1. The texture. Oh my word, I have always loved the texture of linen. Truly, before I even knew that linen was it own specific type of material, I was attracted to its character and old-world charm.

2. PET HAIR, fellow animal lovers have I got good news for you!! The pet hair doesn't stick. I mean, EEEEE!!! I love my animals but I just HATE walking around with their hair stuck to me.

3. It's very hard to stain. So if I am honest, my biggest fear when purchasing quality clothing is that I am going to ruin it. I'm a wee bit of a hot-mess, with kids and lot's of animals. But all my linen washes up like an absolute dream!! A little anecdote for ya: Last summer we went for a little girls day and took my daughters to get their fingers painted at the salon. Nora choose a dark sparkly purple because it 'looks like a galaxy Mom!!!'. Well she accidentally rubbed her wet nails on the chest of my blue and white dress (cue inner turmoil). By some miracle I kept my cool and calmly (while crying on the inside of course) asked for some nail polish remover. Most of it blotted out, but it remained just a little grey-er in that area. I honestly didn't have the heart to deal with it for months. But just a little while ago I decided to give it a go. I washed it on the delicate cycle in my washing machine with a little natural stain remover and oxy-clean and wouldn't you know it, she came out as good as new!!! I still cannot believe it but I'm happy as a clam.

4. It is environmentally friendly! 'Nough said.

5. It's wears like dream all year long!! Linen is very strong and becomes so wonderfully soft with time. It is warm in the winter and cool in the summer!

 Ok and I am all about balance so here are couple things that you may not love about linen.

1. It wrinkles. I honestly don't find this to be a problem for myself. I love its rustic look!!!

2. It costs more than synthetic fabrics. Personally, I find this is 100% balanced out all the benefits of linen.

3. It relaxes with wear. If you love tight clothes, this may not be the best fabric for you.

4. It can be a bit rough if it is brand new. But this won't last long at all, after a couple washes it relaxes and softens!

 Thanks for joining me fellow nerd, capsule-curious, clothing enthusiast!  I really hope this was helpful for you and I would love to hear what you think!  Are you already a linen lover?  Do you think you might invest in any linen this year?  What is your fav fibre to wear?Questions welcome, always.Karmen P.S.  My absolute favourite responsible linen brands are Pyne + Smith Clothiers, Not Perfect Linen, and Only Child. 

The Maui Collection // The Story Behind the Photos

Here's to trying new things!

I'm going to do something that I've wanted to do for AGES friends. I'm going to make some of my favourite photos available as Fine Art Prints (and you didn't hear it from me, but maybe iphone cases and tapestries too!) so that all of you (my favourites) can enjoy them as well!! Seriously, who doesn't want a little piece of Hawaii or California Desert to stare at in the dead of winter?! I am feeling so, so excited about this but, if I'm totally honest, I still have a lot of details to work out lol. So stay tuned!!

Poppy Barley Fall Launch

When Jane from Poppy Barley emailed me about attending their Fall Launch event, I thought for sure she had made a mistake.  I'm a full-time mom/photographer who lives in the middle of nowhere, I don't get invited to fashion launches!  Soooo naturally, I quickly wrote back so that she couldn't change her mind lol!!  But in all seriousness, I cannot tell you how happy I was to celebrate Poppy Barley's new store and their 2018 fall line-up.  You see, Poppy Barley was my VERY FIRST responsible shoe purchase and it was scary because, as we all know by now, responsible fashion costs more.  And spending money stresses me out friends.  I usually have to mull over purchases for weeks to months, and in this case YEARS.  Ya, that's right, it took me 2 whole years to finally purchase my ankle boots, and I have zero regrets.  In fact, I went back the next year for a pair of mules!!  To put it simply, I wear them All. The. Time.  They are comfortable and seriously level-up my outfits!I really want to to say a huge thank to the Poppy Barley ladies for having me, and for putting on such an intimate event.  I had so much fun hanging out with some of Edmonton's best humans!  And you guys I brought home a pair of the leopard print flats (which was a prettty bold move for me)!!  Eeee, I love them so much and cannot believe how many garments I can pair them with.  I had to turn down the most comfortable pair of oxfords I've ever had my foot in, but I just love how this pair of D'orsay flats completely changes the look of my outfits.  I swear, it's the shoe I didn't know I needed! If you haven't already, I can't encourage you enough to check out this Women-run Edmonton-based company, they are a dream.  If you have any questions about my experiences with them and their shoes ask away below!  I genuinely love chatting slow-fashion with y'all!

Warmly,

Karmen 

PS.  If you could have any pair of shoes from the Poppy Barley fall line, what would you get?!? 

Vintage Trailer Reno | 1970s Triple E Camper

 OH my goodness you guys!!  I got an email from Alberta Parks saying that we can start booking camping sites at the end of the month! When I read it, two things immediately crossed my mind:

1. That's flippin' crazy.  Its FEBRUARY.  I don't plan that far in advance.
2. Weeeee camping!

And now I keep finding myself daydreaming of summer, and actually considering camping sites in February lol. So since I can't get summer off my mind anayways, I figured now would be the perfect time to share our little trailer reno here on the blog.If you follow me on instagram you have probably caught me over-sharing about our beloved little trailer already. But for those of you who haven't, I inherited this teensy little home-on-wheels when my Dad passed away and proceeded to spend a good chunk of last spring giving it a bit of a face-lift. I can honestly say that it turned out to be a wonderful healing process for both me and the trailer! We are both feeling lighter and brighter and less leaky.Here is a little glimpse at the BEFORE pictures:[gallery type="square" size="large" columns="4" link="file" ids="4725,4723,4726,4721,4724,4722"]My grandparents bought this trailer brand new in the 70s, so it is filled to the brim with road trip memories. The fabric on the cushions has already been replaced at some point, but I really wanted to keep as much of the rest as original as possible. The hardest part really was tying in the new fabrics with the (awesome) existing patterns and colours of the 70s. Not gonna lie, I think it was a wonderful success. Everything feels fresh and clean, but nothing is so precious that dirty camping fingers and muddy paws can ruin it. Last summer we gave it a good test-run. We enjoyed every bit of our hard-work, and I reveled in the fact that I get to keep this little piece of my dad's childhood alive with my own family. To say we are excited to make some new memories this year would be a giant understatement..... So I just might have to be that person who books their camping in February lol️. How about you? Do you book early to get your favourite spots? Or do you do what I usually do and just call around until you find something available haha?P.S.  If you have any questions regarding the reno let me know!!  Just didn't want to bore y'all with the details 😉

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HUGE thanks to Suzanne Taylor Photography for taking some photos of us hanging out on a perfect Alberta summer night.  All the lovely photos of us are by her.