Tag Archives: backyard

Dec14

Feed The Birds

Posted on by
Standard
Feed The Birds

Hello! For as long as I can remember, my dad has had a fondness for filling the bird feeders in our yard every morning. Rain, snow, sleet, or hail he is out there being a modern day Saint Francis and is essentially the Postal Service of bird feeding. We all have a morning routine and this is his and I think it is truly awesome. My dad loves nature and takes time every day to appreciate and nurture it and that is something that we can all learn from. To take the time out of your day to do an activity you really enjoy. Once the bird feeders have been filled, we simply sit back and enjoy my dad’s good deed because nature puts on a show afterwards!

Before my dad has even stepped foot inside after his morning routine is complete, a full fledged feeding frenzy follows and we can see it all perfectly. My dad has expertly placed the feeders so we have a view of them from the windows and we love to bird watch together. Not only does my dad care for these birds but he knows so much about them too. He is always teaching me the names of unfamiliar ones and tailors the bird food options specific to the native birds in the area as well as the ones that have visited briefly and he would like to see again. It’s fascinating to listen to as we gaze out of the nature window in awe.

It’s exciting to see the guests that come to the feeders but my favorite has always been the Cardinal. My mom always says that when you see a red bird, then it’s a good day and I think of that sentiment every time I see one. And, although I am not a fan of winter, there is nothing better than seeing a beautiful Cardinal against the freshly fallen snow. We have also recently had several species of Woodpeckers stop by and they are so striking too! There have been at least three different kinds and my dad has told me all of the names before but I may or may not have forgotten. That’s okay, though, because I know my dad will bring me back up to speed the next time we take a peek through the nature window together. ❤

No matter the weather, my dad’s happiest place to be is in the yard tending to his plants and wildlife friends. He is best wildlife warrior around!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Do you have bird feeders in your yard? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May5

Bird Watching

Posted on by
Standard
Bird Watching

Hello!! Spring is here in all of its glory and it is so exciting to see my dad’s beautiful yard come back to life. Flowers are blooming, darling bunnies hop about, squirrels run and play, and there is an abundance of birds at every feeder set out. One of mine and my dad’s favorite things to do is watch all of the activity from his “nature window” to see what kind of visitors we have. Recently, our hummingbirds came back as well as a new friend. My dad informed me that a new to our backyard Rose-breasted Grosbeak has been by and I was lucky enough to see it too. I was so happy to have been able to snap these pictures because this is one of the prettiest birds I have ever seen:

This bird fits my go to color palette to the T: Black, white, and red! I was absolutely blown away by the shocking patch of crimson on its chest and told my dad that it looks like a heart. While the Rose-breasted Grosbeak is aptly named, we prefer to call it the Heart Bird and that is what we are going with! This past week was a bit crummy and our new backyard bird couldn’t have come at a better time. This special visitor was such a wonderful reminder of better things to come and bright spring days ahead!

If being an adult means getting really excited about bird watching, then I guess I am okay with that lol. I cannot wait to see the Heart Bird again! ❤

What is your favorite outdoor activity? What is your favorite bird? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan30

The Joys Of Eating And Cooking In Your Backyard

Posted on by
Standard
The Joys Of Eating And Cooking In Your Backyard

One of the best ways to enjoy food these days is to take a seat outside and put something nice on the grill. The smell of grilled food, the warm sunshine hitting your skin, and the relaxing conversations of your friends and family members in the background – these are the types of things you can expect when you start eating and cooking more in your backyard. All that and so much more:

Encourage socializing in your family:

If you want to create a family-friendly backyard that also makes your friends and neighbors feel welcome, then consider cooking and eating outdoors. You don’t need to be in a separate room cooking food while your guests are interacting with each other. Instead, you can cook food in the open and have conversations with people. You won’t feel glued to the burner, watching things closely to ensure they don’t cook. In short, cooking in an open area such as a backyard is often a great way to encourage more socialization because we’re not stuck in the kitchen with our back to our guests and family members all the time.

Fresh air is always a plus:

Enjoying some fresh air is always nice, especially if the climate allows for it. Far too many of us are cooped up inside, working from home, and cooking indoors. Opening the windows and doors doesn’t cut it either – it doesn’t replicate the joy of cooking outside and breathing in the fresh air as we enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

Even putting together a backyard bar just to enjoy a refreshing drink outside can be a great idea. People often underestimate just how relaxing and soothing it can be to enjoy some good food outdoors surrounded by nature. It’s something we urge you to try at least once to see what it’s like!

More cooking options:

Most people who try grilling food indoors will quickly realize that the flames rarely get hot enough, and it generates a lot of smoke that fills the kitchen and makes things harder for you. Grilling outside on a more powerful cooking device means you can get to higher temperatures, and you don’t have to worry about the area getting filled with smoke or heat from your cooking.

And that’s not to say you can’t use your kitchen either. You can bake goods or prepare food in your kitchen that is ready to be cooked outside. Combine cooking and preparation methods to open up more cooking options that you can try.

Eating and cooking outside might be different at first, but it’s well worth the try. It can transform your cooking, give your family a new place to socialize, and you’ll be encouraged to invite friends and neighbors over too!

Featured Image By: Unsplash (CC0)

Jul29

Creating An Outdoor Oasis In A Limited Space

Posted on by
Standard
Creating An Outdoor Oasis In A Limited Space

Imagine stepping outside into your small yard, and instead of feeling cramped, you feel transported into an idyllic green retreat. A real escape from everyday stressors awaiting just outside your door. Now that’s what we call an outdoor oasis! Having a small yard may feel like creating any sort of garden retreat is impossible. But don’t despair; we’re here to help make it so. Let’s get started:

Examine Your Space:

First and foremost, let’s get an accurate lay of the land. So get out your tape measure and get crackin’. Don’t get carried away with size. What really counts most is what you do with what you’ve got. Make sure to take note of any quirks or limitations such as an oddly placed tree stump or pesky AC unit when measuring. This will make designing much more straightforward.

Establish Your Goals:

Close your eyes (but keep reading!) and imagine how you’d use your outdoor oasis in an ideal world. Would it be relaxing with an icy lemonade on a bright afternoon or hosting some barbecue festivities with friends? Do you want it full of useful storage barns and sheds? Whatever floats your boat, write it down, and we can get this vision underway!

The Right Elements:

Now that you know what you want and how it will fit into the space, it’s time to put together your outdoor paradise. For something a bit different, think vertical. Vertical gardens, wall hanging, and even trellises all add dimension and make any area appear less dull in an instant. Use every bit of available space efficiently. Soon your yard will transform from drab to fabulous in no time at all.

Optimizing Greenery:

Scatter greenery across your space like confetti. Combine different plants and flowers together for an eye-catching yet relaxing atmosphere. Add plants in a way that optimizes your space. Got a lot of shade? Opt for shade-loving greenery. Don’t want to spend a lot of time caring for plants? Choose a low maintenance garden. There’s no point installing things that won’t thrive.

Creative Storage:

Looking for a place to stash your tools? No worries. Creative storage solutions have got this covered. Build benches with hidden compartments, purchase ottomans with built-in storage, or simply hang shelves creatively to store all that clutter away for good.

Strategic Lighting:

Let there be light! And not just any old light. Imagine starry-night hues from string lights and fairy lights all the way to solar-powered lanterns illuminating your outdoor oasis after sundown! If you’re really looking to create an atmosphere, investing in LED landscape lighting installation can be transformative to your property. Let the lights sparkle like diamonds during every evening stroll and you’ll have a truly magical space.

Design for Comfort:

Comfort reigns supreme here. Grab some luxurious cushions, create an intimate corner with a hammock, or add some swings for added zen-like vibe. And don’t forget about shade when the sun makes its appearances. Keep yourself cool with pergolas or stylish umbrellas.

Your small backyard has now transformed into an incredible outdoor retreat filled with charm and personality. Enjoy it!

Featured Image By: Kanu Jacobson / Pexels

Apr3

Finally, Flowers!

Posted on by
Standard
Finally, Flowers!

Hello!! Spring and autumn are the seasons when your favorite Lil Red blogger thrives. I live for not too hot/not too cold weather as I don’t do well in extreme summer temps and I am a huge freeze baby come winter! While I love the weather that comes with spring and fall, I love the way the world looks even more; Blooming flowers and trees coming back to life and leaves changing colors and Halloween decor. While driving this past week, I have noticed lots of pretty spring flowers popping up. And, finally on Friday, flowers were in my parents’ yard too. It made me so happy!

image_50743041image_50743297(1)image_50795265image_50797057

After a winter that felt like an eternity due to crap weather and a massive amount of stress, these past few days of true springtime have hit different and in the best way. Although it has been technically spring on the calendar, I don’t consider it to be spring until the weather and the outside world reflects it. Seeing the sun and feeling its warmth, brisk winds, and new life growing all around has been so invigorating and healing. While everything still isn’t awesome in my world, it makes it a bit easier to go about the day with a newfound pep in my step.

I look forward to seeing flowers in my parents’ yard every year because it is a perfect reminder of better times ahead. It’s hard not to smile and feel hopeful when tiny blooms and bursts of color are making their way onto the scene. It is also a great time to reflect on how flowers grow. Despite heavy rainfalls, grey days, and unstable temperatures, flowers still grow and turn into something beautiful when they open up towards the sun. It’s a great metaphor to help myself remember that when things absolutely suck, there is still going to be a light at the end of the tunnel. ❤

I have been waiting for springtime basically since winter began and all I have to say is: Bring it on. Here’s to warm days, birds chirping, and flowers blooming everywhere!

What is your favorite flower? What is your favorite part about the spring? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Feb17

Tips For A Low Maintenance Garden This Spring

Posted on by
Standard
Tips For A Low Maintenance Garden This Spring

Love the idea of a garden but don’t want to put in the work? You’re not alone! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your garden and breathe fresh life into your landscape design with minimal effort. Here are some tips to add a low maintenance garden to your home:

Make a Plan:

Before jumping into any project, you need a practical plan and a landscape design. What do you want your end result to look like – is it lush greenery or a nice patio area with potted plants? Will a full garden makeover be possible on your budget? If not, what is possible to achieve on the budget that you have? Do you have the intention of doing the upkeep? Even with a low maintenance garden, it will still need regular TLC. If the answer to that question is a no, you might want to enter a search for “landscaper in Heath, TX” (or your local area) to find an excellent landscaping crew to maintain your garden’s beauty.

Choose Suitable Plants:

The first step in creating a no-fuss garden is choosing plants suitable for your climate. Choose drought-tolerant plants such as succulents, cacti, wildflowers, and native grasses. These types of plants require little watering and can survive with minimal care. It would help if you also looked into low-maintenance trees such as palms, cypresses, or junipers that won’t need pruning or trimming every few months. You can always get a local tree service to help maintain your trees if you don’t have the time or energy.

Consider Synthetic Grass:

Synthetic grass might be the perfect option if you’re looking for a grassy area but don’t want to maintain it. Artificial turf requires no mowing or water, making it easy to manage. Plus, good quality synthetic grass can last up to twenty years without replacement.

Try Vertical Gardens:

Vertical gardens are a great way to bring a little greenery into your home without wasting too much space or effort. You can install wall-mounted planters and hang them in any area with direct sunlight, such as on the side of your house or balcony. All they need is watering and pruning now and then, and you will have a beautiful garden all year round.

Invest in Quality Soil:

Good soil quality is essential for any garden. Invest in quality topsoil enriched with organic matter like compost or mulch. This will ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive in your area. It’s also essential to choose soil that drains well as this will help prevent root rot in case of heavy rain or flooding. Finally, raise the beds slightly so water can quickly drain away from the roots during heavy rains.

Add Paving Stones and Paths:

Paving stones are a great way to create pathways through your garden without constantly maintaining them. Look for natural stone pavers that blend in with the existing landscape and require little upkeep over time. Additionally, adding stepping stones throughout your garden will help keep weeds down while providing easy access between yard sections without regularly mowing grassy areas. You can also add benches and other furniture to create seating areas in the garden.

Creating a beautiful outdoor space doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a bit of effort upfront, you can enjoy a stress-free outdoor area year-round!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan13

Renovations That Make A Huge Difference

Posted on by
Standard
Renovations That Make A Huge Difference

Many people choose home renovation for their New Year’s resolution and for good reason. Renovations are beneficial to you and your family both now and later. It enhances your comfort and enjoyment now while increasing your property value when it comes time to sell. Let’s take a look at a few examples of these projects that your family will be happy that you finally stuck with:

Deck Out Your Backyard:

Installing a deck in your backyard is the perfect way to welcome spring. There is so much potential that comes with a deck – patio furniture, raised garden planters, grills, oversized checkers and chess. It will be the perfect place to sip lemonade in the summer and enjoy a hot chocolate on a warm winter’s day. It will turn your backyard into the place to be for garden parties and family get togethers!

Paint It All:

There is truly something to be said for transforming your interior or exterior space through paint alone. Boost your curb appeal with a brightly colored front door and shutters for an instant face lift. Explore color combinations indoors with accent walls, stripes, and filigree. This is your opportunity to show your creative side inside so have fun with it. While painting can be DIY, it might not be your forte. If this is the case, specialists from Surepaint or a similar company in your area can help with that!

New Flooring:

Outdated flooring with newer appliances or furniture in the kitchen and living areas can be an eyesore. Investing in new flooring can make a world of difference and will transform your home from the ground up. Think sleek tiles in the bathroom and kitchen and warm hardwoods in the living and dining rooms. Don’t forget to add throw rugs and runners where appropriate. This will catch your floor up with the rest of the modern furnishings in your home for an amazing update.

Add-Ons:

Add-on rooms through renovation will be a huge boost in your property value and will provide extra space for your family right now. Popular add-on rooms are finishing a basement or attic. Finished basements could include home gyms, game rooms, and storage space. Attic updates could be a book nook, home office, or craft studio. Sun rooms also make a fantastic addition to a home for the perfect space for house plants and morning coffee. These additions could become major selling points when you put your house on the market.

Home renovations are an exciting undertaking that provides long-term benefits. Send your home into 2023 and enjoy your new year in a newly updated space!

Jan13

Spoil Yourself With These Home Enhancing Projects

Posted on by
Standard
Spoil Yourself With These Home Enhancing Projects

What would your dream home feature? A movie or game room? A swimming pool or sauna? A home office? Spoiling yourself doesn’t always mean spending time at the salon or on a shopping spree – sometimes it means turning the dream features for your house into a reality! Turn 2023 into the year of renovations to make chez vous the ultimate place to be. Let’s explore some dream worthy options to get started on:

Home Office:

Since the pandemic, working from home is no longer just an option for the lucky few. Almost any job can be completed from a distance! If you have been working from home for the past few years and are still doing your job from the kitchen table, then you most definitely deserve your own office. If you don’t have the space for an entire room dedicated to your work, there are still ways to incorporate an office vibe. Set up a spacious home office desk and computer chair by a window and deck it out in adorable office supplies or pictures of your kids. It’s not so much as having an entire room for an office as much as it is having a dedicated place to work every day.

Gazebo Goals:

A gazebo will make a big difference for your backyard and a gorgeous enhancement. Gazebos are the perfect addition to your backyard for family photos, coffee and drinks with friends, and weather and bird watching. From fresh out of a fairy tale with curves and greenery to sleek lines and a strong presence, there is a gazebo for every taste and style. Spring and summer will never be the same!

Entertainment Center:

Turning a finished basement into an entertainment center is an extremely popular project and will provide endless hours of family fun. Whether you’re splurging on plush furnishings for the comfiest movie watching experience or are installing a pool table, it will be so nice to have a space in your home solely dedicated to chilling. Complete your entertainment room with accessories like a mini fridge with drinks, snacks, movie posters, or a record player to keep the good times rolling.

Book Nook:

A book nook is an amazing way to build a space in your home for quiet time for yourself or children. Choose an area of your home that gets a lot of natural lighting, install some shelves, and add a squishy armchair to curl up in. Don’t forget a small table and coasters for your tea and coffee! Stuff your shelves with all of your favorite literature and if you don’t have enough books to fill them – spoil yourself with a trip to the bookstore. 😀

Creating designated spaces in your home for specific purposes is a great project to take on in the new year. By 2024 you will be spoiled in what feels like a brand new home!

Jan12

Think Spring With These Backyard Projects

Posted on by
Standard
Think Spring With These Backyard Projects

We are in that stage of winter when we have officially reached the “blah” phase. We’re cooped up, nothing is appealing on streaming services, and the warmer days of spring are heavy on the mind. While we still have a few months of winter to go, it never hurts to start daydreaming now! Let’s explore some backyard projects that you can get to work on as soon as the snow thaws so you can rid yourself of cabin fever:

Pergola Party:

What is your ideal outdoor space? Lush greenery? A garden, pool, or patio? Breathtaking pergolas for your backyard? I can see it now, a barbecue on the warm days of spring and cozy cocktails at night. Pergolas turn any backyard into the ultimate hang out that you can deck out with furniture, grills, and games. Deck out in fairy lights for best results and perfect selfie lighting.

Swimming Pool: 

A swimming pool in the backyard really is the tops and will turn your house into the place to be all summer long. Pools are great for parties, exercise, and relaxing. Not to mention that they are a huge property value and curb appeal boost. Remember if you are getting a pool installed or already have one that maintenance is key. If you don’t have the time or energy to properly care for your pool, you might want to look into some services like this https://pinnaclepoolservice.com/pool-service/texas/plano/ to keep it in excellent condition.

Speaking of maintenance, sometimes a problem with your pool isn’t as visible as debris on the water’s surface. It could be a leak which can be very difficult to pinpoint an exact location. A leak in your pool can turn your backyard escape into a money pit quickly and needs to be tended to immediately. Take the time to research “pool leak detection cape town” (or your local area) so you can always have a trusted team on standby should you notice your water levels lowering. Once the problem is solved, you can go back to making a splash all summer long!

Fairy Garden:

An especially fun idea for those with little ones is to create a fairy garden together. Your local craft stores are sure to sell fairy garden supplies like toadstools, houses, characters, and scenery. Spoiler alert: It’s going to be adorable. Take a trip with your kids and create the fairy garden of your dreams! You can even create a special backstory for each of your characters. Keep an eye out because your garden is sure to attract all kinds of wild life.

Bird Feeding Stations:

Okay, let’s be real for a second – nature windows are awesome!! Set up a bird feeding station in front of one of your lower floor windows and enjoy! The entertainment is in itself because there is never a dull moment when it comes to birds and squirrels. Anyone who says it isn’t fun to watch is lying. Include bird baths and feeders at various heights for the ultimate effect!

Fire Pit:

It is so easy to want to burst down the doors on the first days of spring but it is still going to be cold, regardless of the date on the calendar. Beat the chill in the air with a fire pit, which will be so amazing for hosting outdoor movie nights, cocktail hour, or afternoon coffee. How about hot chocolate and s’mores during a brisk night? Fire pits are a great investment for all year round enjoyment. You can even add more of a wow factor to your gatherings if you enter a search for “fire pit glass near me“. Adorning your fire pit with colorful, heat resistant glass will provide a unique pop that is sure to impress and enhance the atmosphere.

Think spring by envisioning your perfect backyard with the tips above. It will be here before we know it!

Sep8

4 Ways To Improve Your Garden Right Now

Posted on by
Standard
4 Ways To Improve Your Garden Right Now

A lot of people have the idea that gardens are only for the summer, but your home should be beautiful throughout all times of the year. If you are looking for ways to make improvements to your garden or yard, then look no further. We’ll discuss some ideas to get you started in this post:

Put up a fence:

If you’re going to enjoy your garden more, a little privacy can go a long way. Many gardens have short fences or old fences that make them look worn down. While there’s nothing wrong with a little wear and tear, it’s good to make sure you’re happy with what you’ve got. If you would like to install a new fence, you can start by looking into this Flawless Post Hole website. Having some privacy makes it much easier to feel at home in your own garden, and it’s a great way to start things off.

Take better care of your plants:

If gardening isn’t your thing, then the chances are that it looks pretty baron. Flowers are generally going to have a hard time growing healthily if you don’t water them enough or take proper care of them. A flourishing garden needs an attentive gardener to take care of it, which is where the effort comes in. Learning to take better care of what you have, as well as looking into more plants for your garden is important if you want a beautiful environment to spend time in.

Some yards are not conducive to gardening and if this is the case for you, a section of potted plants could be a great alternative. Pots of lush flowers, towering tomato plants, fresh herbs, and ferns can turn your yard into an oasis. You can use steel plant supports to arrange them however you see fit but a good rule of thumb is to use different heights so they are not all on the same level. You could also use hanging supports as well for beautiful flower baskets.

Consider a greenhouse:

If gardening is something you’ve always wanted to give a try, and are looking for more things to fill your garden with – look into the benefits of greenhouses. Greenhouses take up quite a bit of space, but if you invest in the right one, it can really add to the scene. Your greenhouse will provide you with a safe and weatherproof atmosphere to tend to your plants. No matter what you want to grow, you’ll know that they’re safe inside the greenhouse. They’re a gardener’s best friend and are great for growing plants that would usually have a hard time in your climate.

Install a pond:

Inviting nature into your garden can be quite difficult, but a pond can be a good place to start. So long as you’re willing to maintain it, your pond can be home to fish, frogs, and other wildlife that enjoys being near water. You might find that installing a pond attracts all kinds of wildlife to your garden. You’ll have to make sure to clean it through regular pond management and keep your fish fed if you don’t want it to stagnate, though.

Turn your backyard into a paradise with the tips above and you will enjoy spending time in your garden all year round!

Featured Image By: Unsplash