Every year for Christmas, my mother includes a few little projects in the box along with the presents and crackers.
Some year we get to it and some years we forget about it totally. Magic rocks, tiny sea monkeys, mystical trees have all come to the house. This year it was the pink trees called Mystical Trees.
Picture by Me
Instead of another year of the package sitting around, my daughter decided she was going to get it done.
She opened one of the packages, made the tree, poured the special solution in the tray and put the tree in the tray.
At first, there was only white fuzz on the cardboard. But a day later it looked like this – pink and fuzzy.
Picture by Me
Maybe you can sit there and watch it grow. I noticed it last night looking a little pink. By this morning it looked like something you can find in a Dr. Seuss book.
In years past we have tried to leave the experiments on the dining room table. But then the dog would try to eat it. Is there anything remotely appetizing about this little science project? Apparently, there is to the dog.
This year our tree is safely hidden behind the dish drainer. Storm has to really work to get at it, requiring a step stool. I do not think he can do that quite yet.
Picture by Me
So now we have an inside mini garden that makes us laugh or smile and it only took a few minutes.
How are you getting through the winter doldrums?
Notes from Rumbly Cottage 
That’s so fun and pretty, and it does remind me of the Lorax. To get through I’m just trying to enjoy the winter, and so far it’s working. I haven’t really needed any vitamin D yet. Though I am starting to miss our marathon dog walks, and lounging in lush green parks…I might need some vitamin D tonight.
that is adorable! Pink and fluffy!
My winter doldrums? I try to get out to walk the dog each day…and take massive amounts of vit d3…(helps a lot!) and a good array of b vitamins…
and, just noting, every afternoon, that the light stays out to play just a little longer each day. 🙂
blessings
jane
Pedicures, the gym, lots of movies. I admit to being heartily fed up with winter — it’s snowing here in NY as I write — but we’ve got a lot more to come!
So I have to know…what IS the pink solution in the tray? What IS that fluffy white stuff? Wild.
BTW, how great are magic rocks! I’ll have to track some down. I can see a set of magic rocks going over well with my kiddos.
I have no clue what the magic solution contains beyond magic. I think it might be toxic but who cares because it is magic.
I am like your mom, I am the one that buys all those ridiculous things! I love them & we’ve had them all, Chia Pets, Sea Monkeys, Grass Heads, how can you not love them?!?
I have the Chia Herb Garden that she gave me one year. Perhaps I can do that one next.
The amazing thing about your pink tree is that it looks even better than the one on the box. When does that ever happen? Ever?
We put it in a place where it would not be messed with, especially from the dog. The tree does not look that good now.
I agree that it looks somewhat toxic. Good thing you protected the dog from it, I don’t think he would fare well.
This is really beautiful and sweet! 🙂
Hope you are doing well!
-Nandini [nandinidhiman.wordpress.com]
love the pink tree! Saw the sun 4 days ago … feel like a mole .. sigh. I know it will come back but I fear it’s forever… MJ
The sun is coming back. I believe this to be true despite the snow that has been falling since late morning.
I remember these from childhood and we got some a few years ago to ‘grow’ in our kitchen. They’re great fun.
🙂
Don’t quote me on this, but as far as I know, these ‘magic crystals’ are non-toxic and are just sodium chloride… (aka salt) maybe look it up online?
That would be funny is that was all the ‘magic’ in those crystals.
This reminds me of my childhood so much! But I managed to mess that thing with the tree up!
Want it!!!
They are fun.
I’m getting through with tea. Gallons of it. And plenty of cross country skiing. And books. (I’m getting through just fine, in other words.)
One would expect as much from a Lady of Vermont.