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This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers.
With three young and demanding kids, I am not in the season of life where I can entertain hopes of beekeeping.
But that doesn’t mean I have to miss out on reaping the many benefits of raw honey. In fact, humans have been enamored with honey for thousands of years. The Old Testament refers to the land of Israel as the “land flowing with milk and honey.” John the Baptist survived on locusts and honey. I’ll pass on the locusts. And the Qur’an mentions that honey is “healing for humankind.” I used to get sick all the time. Frustrating. There’s too much to do to be sick and ailing. This newfound health is being attributed to my homemade DIY elderberry syrup and daily intake of organic, raw honey. Liquid gold to be taken internally and used externally, too. Today’s post is sweet because we are talking about why honey is the bee’s knees for health and wellness. So I never say no when my kids want a little extra honey drizzled on their Cheerios. Here’s why you might want to add a teaspoon or two of honey to your coffee or tea each morning!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers.
I was just asking Tom the other day if he thought one could own too many solar lights.
His response startled me. Mostly by how animated he got. ”Or course not” he thundered back at me. Still, I had to ask him if he thought too many solar lights could be tacky in one’s yard. Again, a firm no. So that’s his perspective on solar lights. Tom seems equally determined that soon~ even from space all will be able to spot our home due to solar lighting. I’m trying to be a supportive wife. Desert Steel always steals the show with displays that are sheer landscape art. Who wants ugly solar lights. Not I! Not you! So I’m ecstatic for today’s winner who will get three Desert Steel solar lights (ARV $171) to light up their life. How to enter to WIN! Just fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of this post for your chance to win. Widget may take a a few seconds to load. DIY Playground ~ swing set makeover!
Our neighbors recently moved.
It was a crushing blow as they became more friends than neighbors during their 15 years living next door. Plus, having two girls in similar age to our own, play dates were just built into the day. Still, they left us a lovely parting gift! Their old playground. At first, Tom was a little hesitant to tackle yet another project. He reasoned that since our eldest two are 8 and 10 respectively, it wasn’t a top priority. I fired back that Timothy is only 3 and has two years until he goes to school. He alone will get a solid 7 years usage out of this set not to mention something to do when the girls are at school. And the girls love it! Even adults enjoy swinging….right?! Sure, it needed a little revamping but I think you’ll agree the final results are fantastic. So today’s post is mostly a picture post, I hope you like our hard work! What have you been tackling due to more time with COVID19? Stellar solar lighting with the Outdoor Solar Store & spectacular $250 gift card giveaway!
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Outdoor Solar Store”. The opinions expressed are my own.
There’s no gray area. No middle ground. No great divide.
Solar lighting. You either love it….or…..drum roll please……you LOVE it!! And why not? Solar lighting is stupendous on multiple levels. Truly, the wave of the future. So it’s a pleasure to team up with the Outdoor Solar Store to glean a fresh perspective on solar lighting. The Outdoor Solar Store is giving you…one of my fantastic readers $250 to spend as you please on solar lighting! {Insert round of applause here} Whether you are seeking extra light via solar deck lighting, flood lights, spot lights or even Christmas lights, you’ll find something to get you glowing. It’s time to buy that solar attic fan! Or maybe you’ll take the plunge and get a lamp post like Tom and I! And if you’ve ever considered a solar American Flag light, now is the time! How to enter to WIN a $250 gift certificate! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email if you win!
Can a gardener own too many planters? That was a rhetorical question!
And one we can answer. Of course not. No gardener or homeowner can ever claim to own too many pots. Especially Good Directions planters boasting such bold and rugged style. Good Directions products have sleek design adding instant and dramatic flare to spaces. An empty planter makes me want to fill it to enhance its beauty. Which might pose a challenge because these steel planters tend to “steal” the show! And pots aren’t just for plants anymore becoming one of the most versatile indoor/outdoor accessories imaginable. Today I’m thrilled for your chance of winning this “riveting” metal planter set from Good Directions. ARV $182! How to enter to WIN! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. Widget may take a few seconds to load! *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email if you win! Scam Alert & Raise Your Garden
Photo credit ~ https://pixabay.com/illustrations/fake-forgery-counterfeit-fraud-1726362/
It’s painful to send this email out.
Being naive I can’t believe this is happening to me. So all I can do is apologize! But first, let me show you a few emails I’ve gotten from readers. Oh deer!
Nope. That’s not a spelling mistake. And it’s more like oh deer, rabbits, squirrels and birds. Some years, the wildlife have absolutely ravaged my gardens. Not only eating all the bounty but stomping (deer again!) all over what’s left of my plants. Time to take action. Because my blueberries are precious. If left unattended, the birds will peck away at every last one. Don’t they know there’s a convenient full service bird feeder just 30 feet away? Squirrels and rabbits nibble at my crops and leave the rest! What nerve. You should see what they did to my tomatoes one year. Netting. It’s the way to go. So today Tom and I are going to tell you how we netted our blueberries to protect them from the wildlife in our yard. Although our focus is berries, you can implement the same technique with your tomatoes, squash, cucumbers or whatever plants your are protecting in your yard!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers.
What’s is the only thing better than owning one tropical Asher Palm Torch?
Being the proud owner of two Asher Palm Torches of course! They light up my life! From the fabulous Desert Steel who makes and molds innovative decor to get those creative juices flowing. Who else would you trust to invigorate your backyard paradise this year? Desert Steel handcrafted these two stunners in a large and small size; you choose what works for you and your space. Winner gets (1) large Asher Palm Torch $199 + (1) Small Asher Palm Torch $169 for a blissfully beautiful backyard! Total value $368. Talk about ambiance! What could be better than a natural flame? No wiring or electricity required! Not to mention keeping the bugs at bay. Assembly was a breeze as well. Desert Steel really hopes YOU win! How to enter to WIN! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. Widget may take a few seconds to load! *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email or Facebook if you win! Amp up your style with the Liberty Garden Red Revolution Rotating Hose Reel! #713 ARV $157!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers.
With three kids, two dogs and a cat, you’d think I’d know by now not to play favorites.
Yet the first time I saw the #713 Red Revolution by Liberty Garden Products~ it became my fav. Since the bottom half of my house is a multi-colored red brick, the Red Revolution looks smashing mounted to the wall. It blends with the red brick yet manages to pops, too. When could a hose reel become such a focal point? The Red Revolution added glamorous curb appeal. But a white house with a red hose reel would look equally gorgeous. In fact, I can’t imagine any house or dwelling that wouldn’t look more chic and sophisticated with the Red Revolution. Don’t even get me started on how great the Red Revolution would look on your Lake House or Cottage. And Liberty Garden is “reely” hoping you win so make sure you enter! How to enter to WIN! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. Widget may take a few seconds to load! *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email or Facebook if you win! Solar Light Pink Perfection with this set-of-3 African Daisy Desert Steel Giveaway! ARV $171!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!
I like pink. How about you?
The saying “everything is rosy” stems from pink’s qualities of comfort, peace and hope. But truly, everything is rosy when you win this incredible set-of-three African Pink Solar Light set from the illustrious Desert Steel. And did you know? African daisies look like typical daisies with their symmetrical petals that radiate from the central eye. The flowers come in many colors including white, yellow, orange, red, coral, blue, lavender, purple and of course, pink! African daisies come with single or multi-colored centers and petals that can be double, fringed, or spoon-shaped. African Daisies first became available to home gardeners in the 1990s so it’s the new kid on the block! 5 ways to enter to WIN! 1.) Like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post Tell me one, two, three, four or five entries in the comment section and how many solar lights you have! Contest ends: August 3rd at midnight! Aloe for the ages with Desert Steel’s spiral aloe sculptures giveaway! $317 for the set of 3!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!
Aloe fan?
We are too! Aloe plants are awesome. So we love Desert Steel’s sculpture spin on the aloe plant. Spiral aloe sculptures that thrive for the long haul. Talk about a conversation starter! Those of you with black thumbs….this is the green giveaway for you! Weave into your landscape, rock garden, cactus or succulent garden. Or place next to a water feature. Even hang on a wall! And what poolside escape doesn’t crave a few of these aloe sculptures in ceramic pots for guests to rave about? Expect the unexpected with Desert Steel! Intricate metal design that realistically mimics an aloe plant. Except the sun can’t burn your plants~ no matter how many hours of sun they get exposed to! Desert Steel hopes you win your very own 10″ ($69) 15″ ($99) and 24″ ($149) spiral aloe collection~ an astounding set-of-3 aloe sculptures that puts your house on the neighborhood “must drive by” yard! How to enter to WIN! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. Widget may take a few seconds to load! *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email or Facebook if you win!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!
What do apples, bok choy, green onions, kale, leeks, limes, lemons, mangoes, broccoli, summer squash, carrots, honeydew, cauliflower, cucumbers and celery all have in common?
These foods all rely on pollinators to exist. Without bees? We wouldn’t have some of the most nutritious foods on planet earth. When you devour your dinner each night, one out of every three bites of that food you put in your mouth comes from plants that have been pollinated by bees. So take out the bees and one third of our food supply would be wiped out. Just think about the economical and nutritional impact of that? Most of us just don’t need another bagel with cream cheese. But kale? Broccoli? Bok choy? Oh the pride we gardeners have when we grow these foods to eat! So let’s talk about bees and why they need more than just your sympathetic ear. What you can do to help the bees now! And timing couldn’t be more spot-on as we celebrate National Pollinator Week! Your new “main squeeze” with the Liberty Garden #710 Navigator Hose Reel Giveaway ARV $130!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!
I’m so over ugly. How about you?
Hose reels have a lot of u-g-l-y potential if you know what I mean. Downright ugly. Hideous. But lucky for you, Liberty Garden Products makes beautiful hose reels to keep that hose in place. The scrolling on this hose reel leaves me breathless. Well….almost! After all, many of us invest lots of time, effort and money to make our outdoor spaces pretty. That’s why we buy flowers! We love beautiful creativity and to cultivate what we own. Hoses on an ugly reel? No hose reel at all? Hoses left unkempt on the ground? No thanks. And if space is an issue for you, the #710 hose reel is “the one” as it gets mounted right to your wall so it takes up no space on your deck or patio. Can I get an amen? Liberty Garden is really hoping you win so make sure you enter! How to enter to WIN! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. Widget may take a few seconds to load! *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email or Facebook if you win! Relax & unwind with the Nags Head Hammocks 5 Piece Sunrise Adirondack Set giveaway! ARV $1179.95!
Just do it. Throw them out. Don’t keep the garbage men waiting!
Your old, cracked, rusted, rotted, faded, broken, splintered and decrepit Adirondack chairs now get a one-way ticket to the curb. The urge to purge is real, folks!
Replace them with the 5 piece Sunrise Adirondack Set constructed out of Durawood Poly Lumber from the fabulous Nags Head Hammocks.
This traditionally fashioned chair, table and footrest combo offers you a lifetime of comfort, durability and eco-friendly style. Made exclusively for Nags Head Hammocks!
Poly Lumber furniture is a lot like pizza. All of it is good, but some of it is much better than others. Gas station pizza versus wood fired pizza from the finest eatery in town.
So relishing this Pawleys Island 5 piece set from Nags Head Hammocks is devouring the best!
The creme de la creme of patio, deck, porch or pool furniture! Lots of thrills and chills with Nags Head Hammocks as I envision my backyard as it could be.
Wake up to sturdy and chic style with 11 colors to choose from. Let your imagination run wild. So let me know in the comment section what color you’d like if you win.
Choose here!
How to enter to WIN:
Just fill out the easy and fun SweepWidget form at the end of this post!
Email addresses and Facebook likes help me contact you if you win! I hope it’s you!! It seems as if the only thing being welcomed is the weeds!
Weeds. The real home wreckers.
What’s the purpose of weeds anyhow? Flourishing weeds in my raised beds and perennial gardens are starting to defeat me. Weeding is causing me to loose sleep! How is this task ever going to get crossed off the to-do list? After all, you can’t plant and transplant until you clear all those nasty weeds. Planting = fun. Weeding = hard physical labor. If we took an informal poll, I bet most gardeners would say their most dreaded gardening chore is weeding. Hands down. Literally…as you tug, dig and pull them out one by one. Boring and time consuming. Why or why do weeds exist? What would the world be like without weeds?
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.
So it has been a month now on the Joel Marion plan.
I’ve lost a whopping 10 pounds! Even better, I feel great. Tons of energy and sleeping better than I have been in years.
Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase.
After reading Always Eat After 7 PM and implementing the strategies I learned from the book including recipes in my daily routine~ I believe the weight loss will continue as the months unfold.
If you missed my first, second or third posts, you can catch up quickly! They are short and a breeze to read.
Here’s what I really think about Always Eat After 7 PM!
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!
It happened again today.
We were taking a family walk when I spotted it. Yet another cheap, flimsy hose cart tossed to the curb on garbage day. {Insert the cheap brand of your choice right here}. Seriously. With a smack to the forehead, no doubt these homeowners wished they had purchased the #712 Liberty Garden Single Arm Navigator Rotating Hose Reel instead. No use “reeling” with regret. It’s time to move on. Now it’s your turn because Liberty Garden doesn’t want you to have to toss your hose reel curbside each year. Win the Navigator instead! Even the name denotes a thrill…does it not? Let me know that you entered by telling me in the comment section how many cheap hose reels you’ve tossed over the years! How to enter to WIN! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email or Facebook if you win! Can’t keep this book a “Secret” anymore!
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, Russell Brunson who wrote the book, Traffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers. The opinions expressed below are my own.
You know those garage sales that advertise having “something for everyone?”
Then one thinks, “Yeah right, I bet it’s all junk. I’ll leave empty-handed having wasted time, too.” Slowly I drive by the house and suspicions are confirmed. Yep. All junk. But wait….
Squinting I spot it! A vintage Snoopy Doll set. Now I’ve been looking years for vintage Snoopy Dolls. Score!
While perusing the other “junk” I also stumble across a humongous box of brand new rubber gloves for a quarter.
Surprise finds. Glad I relented and stopped at the sale despite my initial misgivings.
That’s how I felt about the bookTraffic Secrets: The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers prior to reading it.
What valuable insights would I glean from Traffic Secrets, if any? Would Brunson’s techniques work for me since I don’t sell a specific product?
In hindsight, I misjudged this book just like I misjudged that garage sale.
And just like that garage sale, the book yielded surprise finds that I didn’t expect to reap.
Not only did Traffic Secrets enlighten me how to increase traffic to my blog but it taught me how to use my social media channels to my infinite advantage.
Whether you own a business that sells product, have your own blog or are just trying to ignite your social media channels~ Traffic Secrets is an excellent read!
Here’s 5 reasons I’m smitten with this book and how YOU can benefit from reading it, too!
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.
Guess who lost 7 pounds? Me….that’s who.
And I couldn’t be more thrilled.
But I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Reading Joel Marion’s book has been the inspiration in my quest to lose weight and gain more energy. And more energy means it’s easier to keep up with my kids.
Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase.
Aside from dropping a few pounds, another goal was to wake up in the morning feeling more refreshed and ready to embrace the day.
My feat was partly accomplished through exciting recipes shared in the book Always Eat After 7 PM that I think you will think equally compelling!
And if you missed my first second post you can catch up quickly!
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Organic Aromas”. The opinions expressed below are my own. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.
As I write this post, I feel very calm. Tranquil. At peace. So the kids fighting over the last donut isn’t going to bog me down.
It’s the delightful scent wafting from my Organic Aromas nebulizing diffuser that’s creating this pleasant atmosphere enhancing my mood.
Diffuser eye-candy I tell you! The Elegance nebulizing diffuser is sleek and sophisticated with a hand-made plantation wood base and custom-blown hourglass diffuser. Beauty marries function.
So I am thrilled to have teamed up with Organic Aromas, a company that gives you confidence in using a nebulizing essential oil diffuser.
Equally exciting is your chance of winning the Elegance for your health and enjoyment.
A $100 value!
And the Elegance is ideal for aromatherapy in your home spa, office, kitchen, bathroom, shop, classroom or any meeting area!
What a great year-end gift for all those hardworking teachers. The presentation is stupendous with the base coming in a little black velvet bag!
Let me know that you have entered by telling me in the comment section whether you’d like the light or dark wood base if you win!!
How to enter to WIN!
Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post.
*It’s easiest for me to contact you via email if you win! Please enter a valid address.
This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.
I chose to read this book because I was getting tired of the same old routine.
I was looking for inspiration motivating me to loose a few pounds and gain more energy to keep up with my kids.
But all the other routes fizzled out and I ended up quitting.
Then I stumbled across the below book:
Always Eat After 7 PM: The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks—While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase.
Whatever you do, don’t pick up this book if you only have a short span to read! You will not want to put Always Eat After 7 PM down!
And if you missed my first post you can catch up here!
Here’s why this book is going to rock your world. Tom and I went nuts in the garden this year. We planted like maniacs. With Tom and the kids home from school, the timing seemed right.
We also made some power moves by replenishing our raised beds with much needed amendments and adding garden soil and compost to low spots. The slower pace of life is suiting us. How about you? How is your garden? Did you find that you planted more, less or about the same as other years? Year-to-year comparison is easy because I keep a handwritten garden journal noting what was planted. It helps me reflect on how I did for the season~ if I planted too much of one crop and not enough of others. It also allows me to consider spacing and crop rotation for the following year. Did I allow enough space for plants to grow; is it time to rotate? Usually I cram in way too many plants and my garden becomes a massive jungle! In retrospect, I acknowledge mistakes. Wish I could have a few do-overs! I’ll share those insights at the end of the post. This is the rundown of what I decided to plant for my 2020 Victory Garden. Let’s compare notes! What did you plant?
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!
Go ahead and laugh at us.
But one of our favorite parts of the day is taking the dogs outside before bed admiring our Desert Steel solar lights. It’s true! There’s something magical about solar lights. Strolling about my yard with my dogs in tow gazing at my solar lights…it makes me happy. It also helps me unwind from the stresses of the day. These are strange times in which we live…are they not? That’s why I’m thrilled for you and your chance of winning 3 metal solar lights from the wonderful Desert Steel. It’s time for a bright spot in your life. Or how about 3 bright spots for that matter! How to enter to WIN! Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the end of the post. *It’s easiest for me to contact you via email or Facebook if you win! This post is brought to you by our sponsor, “Always Eat After 7 PM”. The opinions expressed below are my own.
I suspect many of us share this secret.
We’d like to loose 5 pounds. Maybe it’s even as much as 50 pounds. Or somewhere in between.
For me, it’s about 15 pounds. I’d also like more energy to chase my kids around and to get better rest at night.
Can you have your cake, eat it too, and even have sprinkles on top? Well, it’s possible after reading this book.
Even better? Always Eat After 7 PM. The Revolutionary Rule-Breaking Diet That Lets You Enjoy Huge Dinners, Desserts, and Indulgent Snacks- While Burning Fat Overnight by Joel Marion is now available to purchase.
Over the next month, I’m ready to loose some weight, gain more energy and finally (after having 3 kids) get to normal sleeping patterns again. All inspired by reading Always Eat After 7 PM.
Do you want to try this with me? Are you “in”?
This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. No matter what you buy, it helps us if you navigate to these sites using our links first. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!
What to do when you’re stressed and feeling anxious? Feed the birds. It’s that simple.
So go ahead. Belt it out. Shout it from the rooftops. You want to win. I want you to win! Desert Steel wants you to win one of their adorable coneflower bird feeders, too. Sensation pink or blueberry pie – your choice! This one is “for the birds,” folks. Let’s give our feathered friends the food they deserve every season of the year. We eat year-round. Birds eat year-round. Go figure. You might have to put on your rubber boots to fill a Desert Steel bird feeder with all the mud out there. But the joy you’ll get when those birds start diving and ducking to eat. Priceless. Not to mention the variety of birds you can draw in for your amusement! 5 ways to enter to WIN! 1.) Like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post Tell me one, two, three or four entries in the comment section and what birds you like! Contest ends: Monday, June 22nd at midnight! |
Musings on the Seedier Side
