Tag Archives: outdoors

May17

May Flowers

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May Flowers

Hello! This past week when I got to my parents’ house after work, I found my dad in the backyard preparing his raised planters for spring flowers. It was a gorgeous day outside and it was going to rain that night, making for the perfect conditions to plant. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bask in the sunshine and spend some quality time with my dad and even though I was dog tired, I offered my assistance which he happily accepted. We spent a glorious hour or so together creating beauty and I am so pleased with our handiwork. Check it out:

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Ever since I can remember, my dad has been an avid gardener and all spring, summer, and fall long you can catch him outside tending to the yard. During the warm months, we enjoy the bounty of his vegetable garden and the bouquets he makes weekly for my mom. Not only does he have two green thumbs, but he is also a very gifted flower arranger and his bouquets are stunning. Last year, his veggie garden went into overdrive with hauls so big we simply didn’t know what to do with everything. So, he decided flowers were the way to go this summer since all of our lives are crazy at this current juncture.

When I was younger, I loved to help in the garden and as I grew up, I tried to help as much as I could with planting and upkeep. It had been a while since I gardened and I forgot how much fun it was! Seriously, all of it was a blast from donning ridiculous gardening gloves, handling the delicate flowers, and cleaning up the dirt that got on us with the garden hose. And, of course, doing it all side by side with my dad. For the past few months, the time we have spent together is almost always driving to the Cleveland Clinic, so it was SO awesome to be able to do something with him for the joy of it.

Our garden day was the first time I had spent a considerable amount of time outside in so long. It only recently got nice out in Ohio and the previous weather had been absolute garbage. Being outside, soaking up the sun, and making something grow was just what I needed. Once we returned inside, I wanted to go back out again to plant more and I found myself thinking that I would like more house plants when I got to my apartment. I might just have a green thumb yet!

My dad has now started to plan his garden projects with my help in mind and I am more than up for the task. In fact, we will be planting flower seeds later this week. I can’t wait! 🙂

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

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Apr3

Finally, Flowers!

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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!

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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

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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 to add some green for minimal effort. Here are some tips to add a low maintenance garden to your home:

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

Jan12

Think Spring With These Backyard Projects

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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.

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.

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

Oct13

Safe Haven: Improve Your Home’s Security

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Safe Haven: Improve Your Home’s Security

Your home should be your ultimate safe haven and it can be scary when it doesn’t always feel that way. Whether your place needs extra protection or you simply could benefit from the peace of mind, there is a fix for whatever you need! Let’s look at a few ways to improve your home’s security so you can feel perfectly safe and sound:

Meet The Neighbors:

Socializing can, admittedly, be a pain. However, knowing your neighbors is a free way to have an extra set of eyes on your home. And, who knows? You might just make a friend! A neighbor who you’re on friendly terms with will be able to keep an eye on your house while you’re on vacation or simply pick up a package while you’re at work all day. Regardless, it can only help!

Outdoor Property:

It makes sense that your belongings indoors are easier to protect than the things outside of your home. This goes for cars, outdoor furniture, and gardening equipment. To rectify this, you can protect the Range Rover with an anti theft system and the same goes for any other type of car. You can also install motion lights on your property, which is a great deterrent for an uninvited guest.

Privacy Hedges:

Whether you want extra protection or simply some beauty is your call! Privacy hedges can come in all shapes and forms from huge hydrangeas and rhododendrons to tall grass and trees. Either way, it’s going to be pretty and keep your windows or outdoor seating areas out of the line of sight of people who pass by. Hello, most beautiful house on the block!

Make Necessary Repairs:

Flimsy doors, windows, and locks are an open invitation into your home. For your replacement fixtures, think strong and durable. While you don’t need to turn your home into a bank vault, a little extra oomph in the sturdiness department will certainly go a long way. Don’t forget a camera doorbell when you are revamping your front door for an additional peace of mind.

Better home security doesn’t always mean spending a fortune on cameras and systems. Sometimes, it just means planting some large growing flowers or getting to know the people who live next door to sleep easier at night!

Oct3

Revamp Your Yard For Spooky Season

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Revamp Your Yard For Spooky Season

Spooky season is in full swing and what better way to pay homage to the best time of the year than in your own yard?! Sure, your house might be full of Halloween decor like mine but the outside is just as important to set all of the vibes come trick-or-treat night. At least, I sure think so, especially because I so wish that I had a yard to decorate! Let’s look at some fun projects to revamp your yard just in time for Halloween:

Decor Galore:

How cool would it be to have a front yard filled with twinkling orange lights, fake bats hanging from the trees, and zombies poking up from the ground? While you don’t have to go crazy with giant inflatables or twenty foot skeletons, a little decor goes a long way. Fake cobwebs, home made jack-o-lanterns, and makeshift ghosts in the trees works just as well!

Better yet, so many of the DIY aspects of Halloween decorating can be done as a family. You could make a bunch of creepy spiders by tracing your hands on cardboard or silly ghosts by sticking your feet in some paint. And, of course, there’s nothing better than a pumpkin carving night while watching all of your favorite scary flicks.

Autumnal Landscaping:

Mum is the word and you can purchase tons of glorious flowers to add some colorful cheer during the day. This is also another great activity to do as a family, perhaps by making a trip to your local pumpkin patch for some potted flowers? What’s more, you could paint jack-o-lantern faces on them for all of the fun of pumpkin carving without the pulpy mess!

Don’t forget to make the most of all of the fallen leaves adorning your yard too. They could easily be turned into garlands to hang around your door or porch railing. Add some fake cobwebs and you can’t go wrong. Or, just have a leaf jumping competition and warm up with some hot chocolate afterwards.

If you’re crunched for time or have no green thumb to be found (And, no, Frankenstein green paint on your hands doesn’t count!), then you could hire a reliable landscaping company that delivers great results. You can even consult with them to turn your yard into the ultimate autumn oasis.

Trick-Or-Treat Tips:

Arguably one of the most fun parts of Halloween is seeing all of the adorable costumes come trick-or-treat night. Rather than answering a ringing doorbell all evening, how about setting up shop outside? My husband and I plan on doing this in my parent’s neighborhood! We will have a crackling fire and the Monster Mash playing on repeat, obviously.

You don’t have to stop there, though! You could host a neighborhood costume contest or set up a scavenger hunt in your freshly decorated yard. Expertly placed pine cones, mini pumpkins, and fake spiders could all be things to find. The prize? Extra candy! If you don’t have a fire pit, be sure to place lots of twinkling or floodlights around your property so everyone can find their way!

One of my favorite things about spooky season is all of the great outdoor decorations. Turn your yard into one that would make me stop and stare and have the best time!

Sep8

4 Ways To Improve Your Garden Right Now

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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.

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 – a greenhouse is perfect. 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 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

Aug23

How To Change Your Garden Layout In 8 Easy Steps

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How To Change Your Garden Layout In 8 Easy Steps

Your garden is your own little piece of paradise. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. But after a while, you may start to feel like your garden is a bit lackluster. If you’re looking for a change, there’s no need to wait until springtime to do it. With a little planning, you can easily change up your garden layout in just a few easy steps:

1. Decide what you want to change:

The first step in changing your garden layout is deciding what exactly you want to change. Do you want to add more color? Or are you looking for a more functional space? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start planning your new layout. Consider Dumpster Rental to get rid of any debris you may accumulate.

2. Sketch out your ideas:

Once you have a general idea of what you want to do, it’s time to start sketching out your ideas. Get a piece of paper and a pencil and start drawing. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect – this is just for planning purposes. Once you have a basic idea of your new layout, you can start refining it.

3. Choose your plants:

One of the most important aspects of any garden is the plants. Carefully choose the types of plants that you want to include in your garden. Consider things like sunlight and water needs, as well as their growth habits. You’ll also want to think about how the plants will look when they’re in bloom.

4. Place your plants:

After you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to start placing them in your new garden layout. Again, sketching things out first can be helpful. Once you have a general idea of where you want to put each plant, you can start digging holes and planting them. If you have pets, remember to keep in mind that they may want to rearrange your plants after you’ve placed them!

5. Add some mulch:

Mulch is a great way to add nutrients to your soil and help your plants retain moisture. It can also give your garden a polished look. When you’re adding mulch, be sure to use a layer that’s two or three inches thick.

6. Water regularly:

One of the most important things you can do for your garden is to water it regularly. Depending on the type of plants you have, you may need to water daily or just a few times a week. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure it’s not already moist.

7. Fertilize as needed:

Fertilizing your garden is important to help your plants stay healthy and thrive. However, you don’t want to overdo it. Apply fertilizer according to the package directions and be sure not to use more than recommended.

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8. Enjoy your new garden:

After you’ve finished all of these steps, sit back and enjoy your new garden layout. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can easily transform your space into something you’re proud of.

Changing your garden layout is a great way to give your space a fresh look. By following these eight easy steps, you can achieve the results you want in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your new garden today!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jun9

Boost Your Property Value With These Ideas

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Boost Your Property Value With These Ideas

Summer is in full swing and the nice weather gives the opportunity for some fun in the sun. Swimming, hiking, picnics, and outdoor concerts are most definitely in order. And, of course, the warm weather provides the chance to get some home renovations done both indoors and out. Renovations are a huge win/win because it will boost both your property value and curb appeal. Try out some of these projects and you’ll see what we mean:

Upgrade Your Bathroom:

While it’s not the most exciting project in the world, a bathroom upgrade is still very much worth the time and money. Adding an additional bathroom to your home or making a current one into a full bath will be very appealing to potential buyers when it comes time to sell. There are all kinds of ideas for bathroom reno for various lifestyles to fit you and your family’s needs. You can go for luxurious or practical. Regardless of what you choose, it is a great investment to make!

Sunny Side Of Life:

Love the idea of spending time outdoors but are not fond of the bugs and heat? You are not alone! Which brings us to our next renovation idea of adding a sun room. Bring the outdoors inside with plenty of plants, comfortable wicker furniture, and lots of books to read in the glorious sunlight of glass or screened in windows. This will become the place to be to relax and enjoy the weather – no sun burns required.

Attic/Basement Renovations:

A finished attic or basement is a HUGE boost to your property value. Potential buyers will see an unfinished project like this as a hassle so it’s best to get it out of the way before it becomes time to sell. A home gym, game or cinema room, or office are all suitable replacements for an unfinished basement or attic. A plush attic space could also be an amazingly cool place for the kids to hang out!

General Renovations:

It is so easy to focus on big projects and forget about the less enticing options. But, this doesn’t mean that they are any less important. New doors and windows? Boom. Instant face lift to your property. Lush landscaping and a manicured lawn? Hello, curb appeal! Before deciding on what project you would like to tackle, it is helpful to take a stroll through your property both inside and out. Choose the option that fits comfortably in your budget, makes an effective difference, and will catch the eye of anyone who stops by.

Whether it’s an HGTV level renovation or something simple, upgrading your home is only going to help you when you sell. In this case, it is so true that you have to spend money to make money!

Apr20

Summer Activities Perfect For Animal Lovers

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Summer Activities Perfect For Animal Lovers

When the weather gets warm, it is the perfect opportunity to try something new! If you are an animal lover and ready for some fun activities to get you outside, try some of these:

Start with Horse Riding:

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t love horses. Their size makes them intimidating, but they are among the most gentle creatures. Almost any animal lover would enjoy being around horses, and riding them is one of the most leisurely hobbies you can do. You don’t need to become a bet on Kentucky Derby 2022 by fast riding! You can enjoy the company of a horse in many ways. You can gently ride horses on rural trails or help at the stables until you are confident enough to begin riding. Many stables welcome new visitors with a genuine interest.

How About Some Baby Feeding?

It’s spring, and you know what that means. Baby animals! Is there anything cuter than a newborn lamb or a slowly emerging hedgehog? While you might be hard pushed to find a lamb out near your city center apartment, you can see them if you volunteer. With so many new baby animals in spring, it’s a hectic time for people involved in animal welfare. From farmers to dog and cat charities, they all need your help. No charity will turn down free support if you are passionate about animals.

Bird Watching:

Bird watching is a trendy hobby. In the UK alone, over 3 million people per year spend their spare time with binoculars in hand, waiting to catch a glimpse of their favorite species of winged creatures. And the great news is that it is a very cheap hobby to pursue. All you really need is something to watch with, which you can get second-hand, and time. This makes bird watching the perfect hobby to start as the summer holidays approach and you might have more time off work or school.

Make Better Use of Your Phone with Pet Photography:

Smartphone cameras are excellent these days. Newer models, like Google’s phones, are even comparable to expensive DSLR cameras. In short, you can take professional looking photos with your phone camera. However, you will need to learn photographic principles first. But when you get good at it, you can take pictures of your pets, your friend’s pets, and even strangers. If you are good enough, the word might get around, and you could make some extra money. Everyone wants the perfect pics of their furry friends for their Insta account, right?

BONUS: Animal Hobbies that Can Make Money:

Pet photography is a great idea that will get you close to animals and make some money on the side. But it’s not the only one. Here are some animal hobbies that can make you some money:

  • Dog walking requires no training.
  • Grooming requires some training.
  • Pet transportation requires only a driving license.
  • Homemade pet accessories are great if you are crafty.
  • Blogging about animals can turn into a great online business.

Some of these hobbies are skill-dependent, but you can make extra money with any. Dog walking, for instance, requires no formal training. Just an affinity for dogs and super strong legs.

Beekeeping:

If you love insects, then beekeeping is a great way to study and learn about nature’s greatest allies. In addition, you get to keep the honey and you could even sell it for a profit. Just be aware that you will get stung. A lot. But once you become proficient at beekeeping, you can make a career out of it later. And your contribution will make a difference to the dying bee population.

Take a Dip in the Ocean:

You might be more interested in what lies beneath the ocean surface. If you love fish and marine life, summer is a great time to get into water related animal hobbies like snorkeling. The underwater world is quite spectacular and different from what you experience on dry land. Snorkeling could also lead to a developed recreation like deep-sea diving, where you can see amazing things and make it a career. You can make this hobby into a job by diving for treasure, documenting sea life, monitoring marine activity, or selling videos and photos.

Gardening:

Gardening has a massive impact on the animal world. The way you garden and landscape can either destroy habitats or improve them. You can make your garden a veritable paradise for local animals with proper landscaping methods. For example, suppose you live near a wooded area. In that case, you can encourage animals like rabbits, foxes, and deer onto your land by providing what they typically seek out. Create a wildlife window at home and watch as animals roam your property.

Consider Building a Farm Yard:

Of course, the ultimate hobby for animal lovers is to keep farmyard animals and livestock. However, you will need the land to do this. For instance, chickens alone need ten square feet each to be healthy. You can’t expect them to stay in the coop all day. If you are lucky enough to have land available, this is a rewarding hobby. You will get to look after animals every day and help raise their young. You significantly reduce our dependence on external food sources, lower your carbon footprint, and make your home more sustainable.

Animals and a love of the outdoors typically go hand in hand. Try one of these hobbies and enjoy yourself this summer!

Featured Image By: Pixabay