How does a community seed swap work? To prepare for a seed swap, collect seeds of plants you would like to exchange and put them in small labeled bags and swap them at a community seed swap with the seeds of other gardeners. There is no money involved; the swap is a 2-way trade. The benefits are many:

- You don’t need to buy seeds
- Gives you the opportunity to try out new varieties
- Preserves plant diversity
- Learn what grows best in your climate
- Great purpose for extra seeds from previous season

Organizing a seed swap is easy and rewarding and there are many resources online. At the seed swap, I recommend to show a picture of the actual plant and have planting instructions ready. A good time to have a seed swap is January and February, just before gardeners start their indoor seedlings.

Share the bounty,

Silke

 First, there are our local businesses which provide services. Gift certificates for an oil change, massage therapy, organizing service or restaurant are great ideas.

 Looking for something “Made in Montana”? Many companies offer Christmas gift baskets like the Glacier Honey Company in Babb, MT. Don’t forget check out some of our local businesses for their specials. There is still plenty of time to have a Montana gift basket shipped to out of state friends and relatives.

 Are you looking for a good read as a present? We have big variety of local bookstores and publishers with a wonderful and inspiring selection of recent titles. One of my personal favorites is the stunning “Raptors of the West”, published by Mountain Press here in Missoula.

 Do you like recycled and fun materials? I found these cute plush faux-fur stoles for children made in USA.

 Are you looking for a special present for the hardworking Montana woman? Check out Red Ants Pants’ selection and be entertained by their amusing slide show.

Which “Made in America” businesses and products are among your favorites for this Christmas? Please share. I’m always looking for unique gift ideas for our many friends and relatives across the globe.

Here is my idea: Let’s start a list “Repair it Missoula” at www.makeitmissoula.com. With everyone’s input, the list gets longer and we are better able to reuse and recycle and reduce our input to the landfill.  And for non Missoulians: If you like this idea, start a “Repair it” list at your community.

Happy repairs,

Silke

“REPAIR IT” LIST FOR MISSOULA:

Shoes: Lloyd’s Shoe repair #721-7551

Logan’s Boot and Shoe repair #721-3182

Battery Watch replacement: Bob Ward and Sons Sporting Goods www.bobwards.com

Books: The Vespiary Book Restoration and Bindery www.thevespiary.com

It’s summer time. It’s the busiest time of the year for realtors. This summer, families across the States are buying and selling homes. Thousands of children move with their families to different schools, neighborhoods, and towns. They are being uprooted, forced to say good-bye to their friends and need to make new friends quickly. As a Real Estate professional you can offer your clients a way to support their children. Friendship Books can help children ease these moves by creating a lasting childhood keepsake and memory book for friends both old and new. Friendship Books help make new friends, which in turn reduce the emotional stress for both children and parents.

Friendship Books are the ideal Realtor Closing Gift to give the children of their customers. Such a gift shows you care about the family and their well-being.

Friendship Books are designed for ages 6-12 and foster children’s social skills in a safe, offline, fun and educational way.

Friendship Books:

• Create a lasting keepsake of a school year.
• Include prepared pages for up to 30 friends’ entries.
• Provide a safe, offline way to share personal details.
• Can be used as farewell and welcome presents.

Three enticing themes are offered: Off to School, Pet Buddies, and Animals at Play. They are proudly made in the USA, bear the “Made in Montana” seal and cost $18.00 each.

Friendship Books make a unique realtor gift idea year-round (promoting your Real Estate Business, holidays, special occasions) and will be warmly remembered by your clients, because kids move too.

To order use the Friendship Book Order Page and click the purchase now button next to the design you want.

Have questions? Use the contact form on our website or e-mail us directly at info@friendshipbook.com.

Believing that even little changes can make a difference, we switched to fabric ones.

Each person has his own color, so there is never any confusion at dinner about the righteous napkin owner. We even got some extra colors for guests. We have several sets to last till the clean ones come back out of the dryer.

Try it, it’s cheaper and greener. You produce less trash, you never run out of napkins, and they add a colorful element to your table.

-Silke