Welcome to Pop and Thistle!

Pop and Thistle is a virtual calendar of birthday love, daily recipes, timely quotes and poetry, as well as home and garden tips. We celebrate nature, design inspiration, crafts, creativity, family, pets, and sustainable living.

Crispy Potato Rosti

Lazy Sundays will never taste better than with these crispy rosti cakes with avocado and smoked salmon. The potato pancakes are ready in under 30 minutes, leaving you enough time to whip up another round of lattés for you and your guests. Crispy Potato Rosti Prep time: 20 minutesCook time: about 10 minutesServes: 4-6 portions Ingredients: …

Read more

The Life and Works of Swedish Literary Icon Harry Martinson

Harry Martinson, a Swedish literary icon, was a prolific writer whose works spanned various genres, including poetry, prose, and drama. Born on May 6, 1904, in Jämshög, Sweden, Martinson endured a tumultuous childhood marked by the loss of both his parents at an early age. Despite these adversities, he managed to carve out a successful …

Read more

How to Make Bath Towels Soft Again

Bath towels are an essential part of our daily routine, providing comfort and luxury after a long day or a refreshing shower. Over time, however, it is common for towels to lose their softness due to various factors such as detergent residue, hard water, and frequent usage. Learning how to make bath towels soft again …

Read more

From Seed to Stunning: How to Grow Asters for a Picture-Perfect Flower Garden

Asters are a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden, offering a plethora of colors and sizes that can enhance any landscape. In this comprehensive guide, one will learn everything needed to successfully grow and maintain aster flowers. From understanding the basics of aster varieties to providing proper care, this article will help transform one’s …

Read more

The Timeless Elegance of Helen Maud Merrill’s Poetry

Helen Maud Merrill (pen name Samantha Spriggins), a distinguished American poet, was born was born on this day May 5, 1865 in Bangor, Maine, and made significant contributions to the world of literature through her captivating poetry. Known for her keen observation of nature and ability to transform those observations into evocative verses, Merrill’s work …

Read more

Crispy Carrot Harissa Dumplings with Green Schug Pesto

Schug is a Middle Eastern hot sauce that originated in Yemen. It can be either red or green, depending on the color of hot chili peppers used. Adding toasted almonds to jalapeño-based schug makes for a flavorful pesto. Serve with crispy Asian-style dumplings for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress. “The great thing about …

Read more

The Rich History and Cultural Significance of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated every year on the 5th of May, holds a special place in the hearts of many people. Although it is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over the French forces in the Battle of Puebla. This victory, which occurred …

Read more

How to Grow Microgreens in a Jar: Boost Your Indoor Garden with this Simple Technique

Microgreens have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their diverse range of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. They are young vegetable greens, harvested at the early stages of growth – typically when the first true leaves have developed. Microgreens are packed with nutrients, making them an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, or as …

Read more

Khwaja Abdullah Ansari: The Mystic Poet of Herat

Khwaja Abdullah Ansari, a prominent Sufi saint and scholar, was born in Herat, present-day Afghanistan, on May 4, 1006 AD. He is highly regarded for his immense contributions to Islamic mysticism and spirituality, earning him the title “Sage of Herat.” His extensive writings and poems have had a profound impact on both the Sufi tradition …

Read more

Discover the Fascinating World of Koalas on Wild Koala Day: Conservation, Habits, and Fun Facts

Welcome to Wild Koala Day, where we invite you to delve into the enchanting world of these beloved Australian marsupials. Get ready to discover the fascinating aspects of koala conservation, their unique habits, and some fun facts that will leave you awestruck. Koalas, often referred to as the “koala bears,” are not bears at all, …

Read more