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Blogging: How I got rid of Spam Comments on Facebook

Feb 9, 2023 · Leave a Comment

How I stopped SPAM follow for follow comments on my Facebook Business Page.

This post will explain ways to limit and possibly eliminate follow for follow requests and other SPAM comments on your Facebook Business Page.

What is Follow for Follow and Why Is It Bad Business?

Follow for follow is an old method of building a social media following.

The concept is pretty simple: all you have to do is follow a bunch of social media pages as your page and request that they follow you in return.

screen shot of FB page — What do these comments have to do with recipe? NOTHING!!!!!

Rinse and repeat and magically you have thousands of followers and so do they.

So easy! And so worthless.

You have thousands of followers, but none are genuine.

They aren't interested in your page or your posts.

They don't want what you are offering. If you are a blogger, they won't read your posts. If you are an influencer, they won't buy what you are promoting.

They only want you to follow their page so they can pad their stats.

Nothing but shallow comments and empty followers!

FACEBOOK SHOULD STOP SPAM COMMENTS. But, to their algorithm any interaction is a good interaction.

They even make it seem like it is a good thing to use this practice.

It's not. It's a lot of effort for no payoff.

Limit who can comment on Facebook Posts

You can limit who comments on each post individually. Choose the settings for the post and Who can comment on your post?

Then chose Established followers

This forces the individual to follow for 24 hours before they can comment. Most won't bother to come back.

The drawback is it is not a global setting. You have to do it for every single post.

Block Facebook Comments by Words

You can block Facebook comments that contain specific words and phrases, but it is buried deep in the settings.

Log in to your Facebook Business Page, click on your Profile Image to access the settings. Choose Settings and Privacy.

In the next window, choose Privacy Center

Choose Settings, then Facebook Settings:

Hang on! We are almost there! Choose Public Posts.

Then scroll down towards the bottom to finally find Content Moderation and Country Restrictions.

Content Moderation

Add the words the FTF folks are using.

I was also having a huge problem with one company trying to sell necklaces through the comments despite daily attempts to report and block them.

The next time those words appear in a comment they will get blocked.

Blocked comments will be hidden. Only the poster and their friends can see the comments. To you it will appear as greyed out. You can delete, unhide, block or report comments.

Reporting the comment will do nothing. Facebook will just say it does not violate community standards. You can just leave it hidden.

But, for two straight weeks I blocked all of the accounts and deleted the comments to keep them from coming back and bringing others with them.

Block Facebook Comments by Country

Many of the commenters were from countries such as the Philippines and Nigeria. You can block commenters by specific countries if you chose. I have many real followers from the Philippines so I chose not to do that.

You Can Stop SPAM Comments on Facebook

It took several weeks of limiting comments using the method described above. But, after a few weeks it seems they have gone away to harass someone else's account.

I will try to keep this post updated when Facebook inevitably makes changes to this method. In the mean time, I hope it works for you.

How to Age a Powder Coated Metal Canister

Feb 2, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Age a white powder coated metal canister with items around the house in just a few hours. Great for vintage or shabby chic design.

collage of metal canisters with text overlay "how to age a metal canister"

I got this cute coffee canister at a discount store.

I liked the shape and thought the copper handle would accent the other items on the open shelves in my kitchen.

But, it was too new looking for the vintage look of the rest of the pieces. So, with a little research online and some trial and error I fixed it.

Supplies for Aging a Metal Canister

Supplies I used:

white powder coated canisters like these
hammer
coarse grit sand paper
white distilled vinegar
paper towels
zip to lock bag to fit canister
hammered copper spray paint like this

Instructions

How I made a new white powder coated metal container look vintage in half a day.

Start with Sandpaper

First of all the bright glossy coat had to go. I rubbed the whole thing down with coarse grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish.

Then, I rubbed down to the bare metal places the would receive normal wear and tear: the raised lettering, around the edges, and especially the lid.

I wanted it to look like the canister had been banged, scraped and dropped during years of use.

Hammer Time!

I banged the can and lid in a few places then banged them back out to form some dents.

I really wanted to dent or bend the handle but it was actually made from a pretty hard metal and I was afraid I'd actually pull it off the lid instead of just denting it.

The copper was just a spray paint and not actually copper metal. For the cost of the canister I didn't think it actually was. If it was copper I could have added patina the copper with vinegar and salt (similar to the steps below, but adding some salt to the vinegar before wrapping).

Luckily, I had some hammered copper spray paint that looks like aged copper when dry.

Vinegar to the Rescue

After all of the banging and scraping, I had plenty of metal underneath exposed. Unfortunately, it was bright and shiny, practically screaming "HI, I am new!"

Darkening it to resemble years of aging was simple thanks to one of my favorite multi-purpose household chemicals: distilled white vinegar.

I soaked some paper towels in the vinegar, wrapped it around the canister and put it in a zip to lock bag to prevent evaporation.

canister wrapped in vinegar soaked paper towels

Then, I set it in the sun for 4-6 hours to speed things up.

I could have left it longer, but it was getting dark outside. When, I peaked inside, the canister was dark enough for me.

The Final Result

As you can see the lid dips in the middle, the white paint is matte and worn, and the bare metal is a dull and dark.

A much better fit for my vintage décor.
And for those wondering, yes, I actually use it to store coffee beans in a zip to lock bag for extra freshness.

More Craft Projects for the Kitchen

20 Creative and Useful Cork Crafts for Your Kitchen including magnets, coasters, backsplash, baseboards and a chandelier. — 20 Wine Cork Crafts for the Kitchen

Easy decorated kitchen towels. Hand sewn and colored kitchen towels. Homemade gifts. — Decorated Kitchen Towels

How to Use Tasks in Marketing Calendar by CoSchedule

Jan 13, 2023 · Leave a Comment

CoSchedule Tasks helps keep your team on track and accountable to accomplish more and prevent jobs from slipping through the cracks.

computer with workflow on the screen and text overlay "use coschedule tasks to organize your workflow"

This post will detail how to create Tasks and a Task Template in CoSchedule to help organize your workflow and your team.

What is CoSchedule?

CoSchedule is an electronic marketing calendar that I use as a blog planner, social media scheduler and task organizer to help me stay focused on all of the moving parts involved in building my brands.

They offer a Free Marketing Calendar option, which I highly recommend you try based on years of personal experience using CoSchedule daily.

I started with a free trail and switched to the paid version within 3 days. And it has only gotten better.

I pay annually which saves me some money, plus the link below is an affiliate link. If you follow it and decide you love CoSchedule and subscribe, I save a few bucks on my annual fee.

Check Out the Marketing Calendar by CoSchedule

NOTE: This article describes features from the paid version which may differ from those in the free version.

How to Create a Stand Alone CoSchedule Task

You can create a task without creating a project to go along with it.

Click on "Create" : select "more options" : then select "task"

To complete task creation:

give your task a name
description
assign it to a team member
add a due date

You can even make it a repeating task so you don't have to reenter the information repeatedly.

Unfortunately, some of my tasks are biweekly, and there is no option for that. So, I duplicate the task over and over then change the date.

How to Create Tasks for a Project

When you have a CoSchedule Project, such as an email or a blog post, you can break down the project into individual steps with different due dates and assign them to different team members.

Simply click on "Tasks" on the right side of the project screen then:

enter the task name,
schedule the due date
assign the team member

If you perform the same tasks repeatedly you can create a task template and apply it every time you need it. I have templates for my two different blogs as well as email creation with different tasks in each.

Select the three dots (ellipses, hamburger menu, shish kebab menu) and choose "task template"

You can create a new task, or select one you have already created.

When you create a task template you will be asked if you want to create based on when your project needs to be complete or when you want to start.

screenshot coschedule task template creation

Then you create each task by:

giving it a name,
establishing the due date (or start date)
assign it to a team member.

Completing Tasks in CoSchedule

Tasks will appear in the assigned team members To Do list and calendar view (if chosen), and they will receive emails with updates.

As each task is completed it can be checked off.

Check Out the Marketing Calendar by CoSchedule

More CoSchedule Tips

Here are more articles on how I use CoSchedule:

Easily Remove Paint from Glassware

May 6, 2022 · Leave a Comment

How to remove painted logos from glassware without harsh chemicals or scratching the glass.

side by side of glass with painted label and without and text overlay "how to remove paint from glassware"

Have you ever gone to a restaurant or theme park and purchased an overpriced drink in a souvenir glass with their logo painted on it? And then years down the road the paint is faded and the cup is cluttering up the back of your cupboard collecting dust and dead bugs.

Or maybe you are a smart frugal shopper and scored some cheap glasses at a thrift store or garage sale that someone finally cleared from the back of their cupboard.

So how do you get rid of the painted on logo?

I picked this one up for free from a FUNdraiser for my kid's band, it was my reward for storing half of the donations in my garage for a month.

I often need a nice clear glass tumbler for photographing drinks for my food blog, That Recipe.

Unless I turn the cup around and only use dark liquids, Karl Strauss had to go. But, I didn't want to try to scrape off the paint with a razor blade or scrub it with steel wool and risk scratching the glass.

And who want's to go out and purchase some expensive noxious chemical product for a glass I got for free? Not this cheap lady!

Especially when I have a perfectly good chemical in my kitchen: acetic acid.

Basic household distilled vinegar.

I know. I said I didn't want any smelly noxious chemicals. My husband and son made fake gagging sounds over the smell of the vinegar like they always do when I open the bottle. I think they do it just to drive me crazy.

Vinegar might be smelly but it is safe to use without any hazmat gear.

How to use distilled vinegar to remove paint from glassware

I soaked a paper towel in the vinegar, wrapped it around the painted area and put it in a zip to lock plastic bag to seal in the moisture.

glass wrapped in paper towel inside zip to lock bag

Then I stuck it out in the direct sun to work it's magic for a few hours.

I tried rubbing it with the paper towel and was pleasantly surprised that the paint started coming off with a little effort.

I could have kept rubbing or wrapped it back up and let it sit overnight but I wanted it done.

All it took was a little gentle scraping from a plastic pan scraper on the tougher spots and the paint was completely removed!

After a quick cycle through the dishwasher it is now a perfect prop for photographing drinks like this one:

The Cold Brew Coffee Boba recipe will be up on That Recipe soon.

In the meantime, go dig through your cupboards or head to a garage sale and rescue some poor neglected glasses and breath new life into them.

How to Schedule Emails with the Marketing Calendar by CoSchedule

Jan 10, 2022 · Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post. I have received compensation from CoSchedule in the form of a discount. The review and opinions are my own. (Seriously folks, I couldn't function without CoSchedule. If you are a blogger or other online business owner go check it out already)

How to use the Marketing Calendar from CoSchedule to schedule emails in Mailchimp and other email marketing programs.

Tablet computer displaying email marketing text with text overlay use coschedule to plan your email campaigns

When I open my web browser, it automatically opens to one of my favorite CoSchedule Calendar views so I can see at a glance what tasks I have coming up and then with one click I can get right to work.

I have written dozens of emails to my subscribers that have never actually been sent. The problem is, I think about doing it while I am finishing up a blog post and then get side tracked and never go over to Mailchimp to schedule them.

I am ashamed to admit it took me far to long to simply schedule my weekly email in CoSchedule so it shows up on my Calendar View to ~~nag~~ remind me and I can get started right from there.

What is CoSchedule?

For those not in the know, CoSchedule is an electronic marketing calendar that I use as a blog planner, social media scheduler and tasks organizer to help me stay focused on all of the moving parts involved in building my brand.

CoSchedule offers a free trial to put it through it's paces and see if it is the right fit for you. And that is a real free trial, not one of those "give your credit card and hope you remember to cancel before you are charged free" offers.

I pay annually which saves me some money, plus the link below is an affiliate link. If you follow it and decide you love CoSchedule as much as I do and subscribe, I save a few bucks on my annual fee.

Check Out CoSchedule Free for 14 Days

NOTE: I have been using CoSchedule for a number of years and am grandfathered in to an old plan, which may offer different features with different plan names than are currently offered.

Use CoSchedule to Create Emails

CoSchedule integrates with several of the biggest email marketing programs out there: Mailchimp, Active Campaign, Campaign Monitor and Constant Contact.

I use Mailchimp, so that's what the images and tutorial show, but the others are similar enough you will probably get the idea of how to proceed.

Create an email template task in CoSchedule

Click Create over on the far right and select Mailchimp (or your email marketing company).

If you use a company other than one integrated with CoSchedule you want to choose Project then change Social Media Campaign to Email Marketing.

Create the project template

Give your project a generic name that is going to appear on your calendar. I have all of my tasks color coded to make organization easier, so I click on that little white circle next to my profile pic and chose the category.

Create a Task

This is how you are going to add a to do item to your task list with a due date. On the left site type in something like "write weekly email" and then click on the word Schedule below it. Decide how far in advance you want your email written before sending. I do 3 days, but you do you.

Duplicate the Task

Once my task is filled in I make a duplicate it. Now, I have a master task that I can copy repeatedly and put on my calendar. The dates will change automatically as you move it around your calendar.

I do this before I enter an email title so I have a clean master copy. I have been known to send emails with the same title twice simply because I forgot to change it. If I leave it blank and forget Mailchimp will nag me.

Click on the three dots and a menu will appear, chose Duplicate. It will put it on the same date as the original with "(copy)" in front of it.

Make lots of copies and move them

I make about 8 copies then switch to calendar view. Then I drag them to the new date and remove the (copy) because it just irritates me. The task due dats will automatically change once you move the project.

Boom! two months of email projects and tasks on my calendar in a few minutes.

You can keep your original in Ideas, or just repeat the duplication process of the last task when you get to it.

Create your email

You can go directly to Mailchimp by clicking the three dots on the project in your calendar. (Click on the project first to make the dots appear.)

I prefer to test some email subject lines before I go to Mailchimp because CoSchedule's analyzer is much more detailed than the one in Mailchimp.

Play with the text until you get a good score and then click on Edit in Mailchimp to head over there and create your email.

Be sure to come back and mark your task as done in Coschedule because that 100% on a task looks so good.

Other CoSchedule Tips

I have posted before about how I use CoSchedule that may help you as you well:

Check Out CoSchedule Free for 14 Days

8 Easy Strength Exercises You Can Do from a Chair

Mar 15, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Easy strength exercises that can be done while sitting in a wheel chair, at work, or in front of the tv.

woman in office chair exercising with text overlay "easy exercises you can do from a chair"

Muscular strength is of vital importance for your overall health. Strong muscles make strong bones. Muscles are also hungry little buggers, if you develop them they will want to be fed. The result? an increased metabolism! And as long as you don't overeat the muscles will turn to stored fat for fuel.

Getting to the gym can be a challenge for many reasons, but that doesn't mean you can't do simple strength exercises right from your chair, whether it is at work or in front of the tv.

How to Do the Exercises

Do each exercise slowly, concentrating on the muscles being worked. For best results do not use momentum or gravity especially on the return phase of the movement. Moving slowly in both phases of the exercise will work more muscles to control the weight.

Repeat each of these moves 5 times to start and gradually work your way up to 10 then 15 repetitions. Aim for 3-4 times a week with rest days in between, especially if you are new to exercising.

You do not need weights to get a good workout. For some people just performing the movements will be exercise enough in the beginning, especially when done slowly.

Start with a light hand weights (dumbbells) of 1 or 2 pounds. Gradually increase the weight when you can do 15 repetitions without straining. If you don't want to invest in weights to start, use two water bottles or cans of beans. Both are about 1 pound.

The Exercises

Shoulder Press

Sit up straight, hands on your shoulders, elbows down to each side. Push your arms over your head and slowly lower back down.

Think of it like "raise the roof" except arms fully extended.

Chest Rows

Sit up straight, shoulders back, hands at the center of your chest, elbows, forearms and hands at shoulder height. Push your arms straight out in front of you then pull your arms straight back squeezing the shoulder blades together.

Think of it like rowing a boat.

Chest Press

Sit up straight. Bring upper arms to the sides at shoulder height, bend at the elbow so hands are up forming a 90 degree angle. Squeeze the elbows together in front of your chest then slowly return to the sides keeping elbows even with the shoulders at all times.

Think of it like opening and closing swinging windows.

Tricep Extensions

Sit up in the chair, shoulders back, feet planted firmly on the floor. Hold your arms out to each side with palms facing behind you. Bend at the elbow, bringing hands towards the body and then slowly raise them back up. The upper arms should remain level with the shoulders throughout.

Think of it like top down windshield wipers.

Bicep Curl

Sit up in the chair, shoulders back, feet planted firmly on the floor. Hold your arms out to each side with palms facing up. Bend at the elbow bringing hands towards the shoulders then slowly straighten. The upper arms should remain level with the shoulders throughout.

Think of Popeye making a muscle.

Wood Chop

Sit up straight with a weight in one hand. Hold your arm above your head and slowly bring it across your body to your opposite hip then slowly back up above your head. Repeat for the other side.

Think of chopping an axe across your body.

Leg Lifts

Sit straight up, hands on the seat of the chair by your backside. Heels and knees should be together. Lift both legs straight up off the floor until they are level with your hips. Slowly lower the legs back down.

Think of it like kicking with both legs together.

Elbow to Knee Twist

Sit straight up, arms bent so elbows are parallel with the shoulders. Twist your torso lowering your right elbow while raising your left knee. If you can’t reach, just do the best you can. If your lower back starts hurting, STOP! Switch sides, trying to touch left elbow to right knee.

Think of it like the torturous "bicycle" exercise usually done while lying on the ground.

With those 8 basic exercises you can get an overall body workout using most major muscle groups. As you find your strength increasing you will probably want to move beyond these and incorporate other types of movement as well.

The Benefits of Habits and Routines

Mar 5, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Creating routines and habits into your day can reduce stress and help you to be more productive.

boat on water with text overlay "The Benefits of Routine on Your Daily Life"

Does it get harder to make decisions toward the end of the day? Or am I the only one that struggles after a full day of working and momming to figure out what to make for dinner?

Your brain can only handle so many decisions in a day before it just can't handle anymore. Then your stress level increases causing all kinds of mental and physical issues.

Living with a child with Autism, routine is one of our best friends. Without routine, he is lost and anxious. Aren't we are all that way to an extent.

One of the first things tossed out the window in most households during the Covid-19 pandemic was the daily routine. It was great for the first few weeks, and then it became stressful in most households and not just because of the unknowns surrounding the illness.

When we have daily routines we save our brains some decisions every day so those we do need to make are more well thought out and purposeful.

Routines are a great tool that simplify our lives and reduce much of our daily stress.

Implement routines into your day wherever possible.

“A champion doesn’t become a champion in the ring, he’s merely recognized in the ring. His “becoming” happens during his daily routine.” — Joe Louis

Chances are you already have a morning routine, whether it is intentional or not. You get up, get dressed, check email or social media while you are drinking your coffee and eating some cereal before heading out for the day.

If you create a “uniform” for yourself, you don’t even have to think about what to wear. You just grab a pair of pants and a shirt, or a skirt, tights and sweater and you are ready to go. Learn more about creating your own Capsule Wardrobe.

Meal planning helps you figure out what meals to fix and eat. It also helps you make healthier food choices and reduces food waste.

A cleaning schedule can help you stay on track with household chores. Laundry on Mondays, floors on Thursdays, kitchen sink and countertops before bed, etc.

A bedtime routine can help you wrap up your day as well as get ready for the next. Tidy the kitchen, pack lunches and ensure the kids’ school things are ready to go. Then come up with a few calming things that help you slow down and get ready for sleep.

How to Start a Habit of Daily Routines

Sit down with a pen and piece of paper and think about what parts of your day and week you can turn into routines. Write the down and create daily to-do lists for yourself until you’ve established these new habits and routines.

Spending a little bit of time creating routines and habits will make your day run a lot smoother. You might just find yourself less stressed and get more done during your productive hours.

And that’s a beautiful thing. Routines and habits allow you to save plenty of decision making for the fun stuff like figuring out what park to go to, what family movie to watch or what color to paint the dining room.

Create a Customized Triptych for Your Space

Feb 23, 2021 · Leave a Comment

A Triptych collage can add instant style to any wall. Learn how easy it is to design your own at a fraction of the cost of store bought designs.

two images of wall art collages with text overlay "how to create a customized triptych"

A triptych originated as a religious artwork of three images hinged together. It is now a term used for a collage of 3 (or sometimes more) pieces of art that are designed to be hung side by side.

Getting them from an art store can be expensive. The good news is you can easily make one yourself with a computer and a few other supplies.

Supplies

3 identical frames
spray paint (optional)
a high resolution digital image
ruler
scissors
picture hangers

Instructions

Some of the links below are affiliate links. I may earn a commission for purchase through the links at no cost to you.

Pick your frames

I got the rustic country triptych in the photo above when a neighbor had them on the lawn marked "free". The frames were in great shape, but the image was not my style.

You do not have to buy new frames. Go to thrift stores or yard sales and look for frames with matching (or similar) style and size. Even if they aren't the same color, or a color you like, you can just paint them.

Pick your design

To go in my red and black Asian themed room, I found this koi repeatable pattern on DepositPhotos.

You can use your own photograph or search online for free photos or graphics. A few sites I like for free or low cost stock images:

Measure and Design

Measure the finished size of your design. If you bought new frames, you can skip this step. Otherwise, remove the back of the frame and measure the inside.

Mine were 9 inches wide by 20 inches high. So my total design space was 27 inches by 20 inches.

Next, I headed to my favorite design site, Canva. I have a Pro account because I use it for every image you see on my blogs and on social media. But, you can just use the free account or your favorite design software.

You are probably going to need to create customized dimensions for your project. Then select "grids" and choose the one with three equally sized rectangles. Then you will have 3 correctly sized rectangles to design.

My original design was a square, but since it was a repeatable pattern I could arrange it to be one continuous rectangle with 3 parts. I just placed the image in to each rectangle and moved until it looked like the one above.

OPTIONAL: I shrunk the grid slightly and used a black background so I could see how it would look with my frame. When I was satisfied I made it fit the rectangle again and removed the background.

Print Your Design

I imported my design to create my own customized poster on Zazzle. It was quick and easy to do and they constantly have coupons. For a 20 x 27 semi gloss poster plus shipping and taxes, I paid about $20!

koi triptych poster — As you can see, I altered my original design to make the center panel a little different.

You can also have posters printed at local copiers or photo printing stores, so be sure to shop around. You will probably need to buy a slightly larger standard poster to fit your customized design. Just do not choose any "stretch to fit" type options and it should work with a little extra trimming. When in doubt, ask the company.

Cut and Hang

Since my poster was custom sized, all I had to do was cut down the center lines. I recommend a straight edge for this... do as I say not as I did.

I used paper rectangles the size of my frames to finalize my layout to avoided extra nail holes. I probably changed it 10 times before finally deciding where I wanted them.

Eventually, I decided to mimic the angle of the stair wall on the left.

Enjoy your new look

More Projects

Mixed Media Wall Art - cheap and easy wall art with paint, fabric and markers. — DIY Mixed Media Wall Art

collage of beach photos — Shell Collage and Frames

Decorative Solar Lights Add Whimsy to Your Garden

Feb 15, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Use decorative solar lights to add fun to your garden both day and night

Besides plants and water features, I like to have little bits of fun scattered throughout my garden. My garden is rather informal so I can decorate with cute statues, hand painted signs and our Super Mario fairy garden.

These are all great during the day, but at night it is just a vast dark space aside from the pond lights. I could add low voltage lighting, and I may at some point. But, there are a plethora of decorative solar lights that are relatively inexpensive and make their own electricity.

I scrolled through Amazon for some inspiration and thought I would share a few of the more interesting ones with you. All of the links are affiliate links and I may receive a commission at no cost to you for any purchases through them.

Solar Gazing Ball

I love gazing balls during the day, and adding solar lights make them interesting at night too.

more info

Fairy Landscape Tree Lights

I think these look best intermingled with the plants to add pops of lights at night and be a bit hidden during the day.

more info

Sun and Moon with Crackle Glass Globe

The cut outs in the moon and sun create beautiful lighting effects on the area around the light.

more info

Amber Lotus Blossom

What a lovely Zen touch for any yard.

more info

Color Changing Stained Glass Globe

This would make a beautiful centerpiece on any table and it is attractive both day or night.

more info

Rustic Blue Star Lantern

Great for a rustic, shabby chic or patriotic style yard. These can be placed on a table or hung up via the handle.

more info

Solar Powered Tiki Torches

Aloha! Guess what my husband is getting for his birthday! He loves the look of tiki torches, but not the pain of dealing with the liquid and risks using actual flame.

more info

Fireworks Flowers

These kind of fireworks won't disturb pets (or people) with any loud booms. Also available in yellow.

more info

I'm a G-Nome!

For those into garden gnomes (me!) you need to have at least one lighted one, don't you?

more info

Fairy / Gnome House

This little house could be the central focus of a delightful fairy garden.

more info

Peacock Garden Stake

Add a fun splash of peacock blues with this lighted statue.

more info

Flamingo Garden Stake

The peacock above is beautiful, but I have lawn flamingos around my pond. And this one would be a gorgeous addition to the collection.

more info

Yoga Frog Stake

Besides the flamingo statues our pond is inhabited by a bunch (army, chorus, colony, lots and lots and lots) of very vocal live tree frogs. Maybe this fellow can inspire them to chill a bit when people are trying to fall asleep.

more info

I now have a wish list full of decorative solar light ideas that could work nicely in my yard. Now I just need to decide which ones first.

More Gardening Ideas

Repurposed Garden Hose Wreath - festive gardening themed wreath made from an old hose and some colorful kids gardening tools. — Garden Hose Gardening Wreath

Drought Tolerant Gardening with California Native Plants: having a water wise garden doesn't have to be rocks and cacti. — Drought Tolerant Gardening

Want to Get Healthy? Stop Weighing Yourself!

Feb 9, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Weighing yourself every day can be unmotivating and unhealthy. And it actually doesn't mean much.

feet resting on a scale with text overlay "Ditch the Scale, Get Healthy Instead"

Have you ever dieted and/or exercised only to hit a plateau for weeks on end or worse the scale goes up? You think it's impossible to lose weight. You beat yourself up because the scale doesn't say what you want it to.

And then you give up or worse, do something unhealthy just to see the scale go down. You know what I mean: restrictive fad diets, "miracle" supplements, over exercising, eating disorders, etc.

Personally, I am over trying to lose weight. Instead, I am working to improve my health so I can live a long productive life.

My goals, my health, and my self worth, do not involve the scale.

Body Weight Fluctuates During the Day

Throughout the day your body weight can naturally vary as much as 5 or 6 pounds. You can weigh yourself first thing in the morning after you "void" (go potty) then you have breakfast and weigh something else, then you workout and the scale is different again, and then you sit all day and BOOM! another weight change.

Oh, but you weigh yourself at the exact same time, every day, after voiding, wearing nothing. Surely that is accurate.

That's a big fat NOPE!

Here are just a few possible reasons that your weight may differ from day to day.

Possible Reasons for daily weight fluctuations chart

The Scale Only Measures One Thing

Would you build a house only by weighing the materials? Just ignore the length, depth, width, material composition. As long as it weighs the correct amount it'll work, right?

The scale only measures your total body weight. It does not consider your gender, height or the composition (muscle, fat, bones and other stuff).

Men and women have different bone density. Bone density can also vary with activity and age. The scale doesn't account for that.

~~Muscle weighs more than fat.~~ No, a pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of lead and a pound fat. A pound is a pound.

BUT, a pound of fat takes up more space than a pound of muscle. A cubic inch of fat weighs less than a cubic inch of muscle. And it acts differently in your body too. Fat sits there taking up space, muscles are hungry buggers that eat a lot (i.e. burn more calories).

The scale says I have lost 20 pounds. But, have I actually lost 30 pounds of fat while gaining 10 pounds of muscle at the same time? The scale can't tell me.

The Bogus Measurement Index (BMI)?

The Body Mass Index is a ratio of height and weight.

According to the magic chart, three people weighing 155 pounds with different heights would be classified differently. A 5'0" person would be obese, while a 5'5" person would be overweight and someone at 5'10" is normal.

Based on the BMI, Usain Bolt, the world class sprinter, is overweight. Super Bowl quarterback Russel Wilson is obese. Most supermodels are classified as severely underweight.

Some charts adjust for gender and age, but they still ignore body composition. And the classifications can seem like condemnations without perspective.

You can get more info on BMI here. But basically, study after study shows that it is also a poor indicator of an individuals overall health.

Body Weight is Only One Health Measurement

Besides being potentially inaccurate, body weight (and the corresponding BMI) is only one measurement of your overall health.

A few health factors not reflected by your body weight:

resting heart rate
blood pressure
blood cholesterol level
blood glucose level
waist to height ratio
percentage of body fat
muscle strength, flexibility and endurance
cardiovascular endurance
freedom from disease

I could be in the "normal" weight range yet have high blood pressure and not be able to run a mile without keeling over.

But, the scale says I am healthy.

Which is why I no longer have scale goals. I have fitness goals.

Keep it in Perspective or Stay Off the Scale

If weighing yourself daily helps you to make healthier food choices and be more active than keep doing you.

But, if it discourages you not to see the scale move and you are tempted to try an unhealthy, unsustainable diet or exercise program or even give up the solution is simple.

STOP weighing yourself.

Try tracking calories consumed and expended (what you eat and how much you move) for a month. Move more and eat healthier, whatever that is for you, and see if you look and feel better.

Then keep going towards a healthier more fit you.

Random Acts of Kindness Help Yourself by Helping Others

Feb 1, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Performing Random Acts of Kindness not only help make someone else's life better, they have measurable benefits for you as well.

ball with smiley face floating on water with text overlay "Random Acts of Kindness help yourself by helping others

A Random Act of Kindness (RAK) is an act, big or small, that shows kindness to someone else often for no other reason than to show kindness.

My son's Math teacher recently drove out of his way to drop a magazine off on our porch for him (we are still in virtual learning due to Covid). The teacher has been working on mindfulness with the students, and my son isn't exactly buying into it. But, when a teacher goes out of his way to give you a present you pay attention.

Another teacher at the school challenged the students to answer Martin Luther King Jr.'s call to service and participate in a "day ON" instead of a "day OFF" on January 18. Her family took donuts to the fire station. We made cookies for a virtual Cookies for Kids Cancer fundraiser and sent them to a friend that lost his sister to cancer.

Once when I was cycling with my then-preschooler in a trailer behind me up a hill, a woman driving past me rolled down her window and cheered me on with a simple "You go, Mama!". It cost her nothing except a few seconds of her time, but it made such an impact on me that day I remember it 8 years later.

Benefits of Random Acts of Kindness

We often consider how the act of kindness effects the recipient, but the giver also benefits. Here are a few things gained by doing something nice for someone else.

Sense of Gratitude

Doing something nice for someone else can make you feel grateful for your blessings. This is especially true when the recipient of your act is less fortunate than you or in a tough spot. When you realize you’re able to give even the smallest bit of yourself to someone else, it shines perspective on the abundance you have in your life.

Lowers Stress

Stepping out of ourselves in order to focus on someone else is another great way to gain renewed perspective. Plus, doing good just makes you feel better. It releases feel-good hormones and increases your happiness. Suddenly, your troubles may seem a bit less burdensome.

Improved Mood

Numerous studies have shown a positive effect on mood when people engage in random acts of kindness. You’re bound to feel better about life in general when you do good deeds. Improved mood, less anxiety and higher energy levels have all been linked to the performance of random acts of kindness.

Less Pain

It’s been proven that endorphins are released in the brain after doing something for someone else. Endorphins are the feel good hormone and are often referred to as natural painkillers for their pain reducing abilities.

Better Relationships

Random acts of kindness promote good feelings among people and increase connections. These bonds can lead to better relationships and lasting positive interpersonal results.

These are merely a handful of the rewards that come from doing random acts of kindness. Remember, it doesn’t matter how small the gesture. Doing good always makes a positive difference to both the giver and the recipient.

25 Examples of Random Acts of Kindness To Inspire You

Random Acts of Kindness are great for you and the recipient, but where to begin?

Anywhere!

Besides the examples above, here are 25 examples to help you brainstorm ideas.

Some of the activities will cost you nothing and take only a moment of your time. Others will be more in-depth. Choose whatever fits your comfort level and the occasion.

Hold the door open for the person behind you.
Smile at someone on the street.
Give an unsolicited compliment.
Allow the shopper in the grocery line to move ahead of you.
Let the store manager know when an associate gives you exceptional service.
Check on an elderly neighbor or shut-in.
Leave kind notes in the dressing room to encourage body positivity.
Donate your old clothes, household items, phones, etc. to charity.
Tape change to a parking meter or vending machine.
Visit a nursing home just to spend time with those who rarely receive visitors or to bring treats for the residents.
Send a note of thanks to someone who’s made a big difference in your life.
Give the new employee a tour of the building and offer to sit with them at lunch.
Volunteer. At a nursing home, a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, your kid’s school, anywhere.
Adopt a child or family during the holidays to give gifts to.
Send a get-well card to someone, or even a card for no reason whatsoever.
Ask for donations to your favorite charity instead of presents for your birthday.
Pay for the person behind you in line at the fast food restaurant.
Offer to babysit for parents who really need a night away or to help with the nightly feedings for a new mother friend.
Clean up the trash in your neighborhood or at your favorite outdoor recreation spot like a park or beach.
Make a financial donation to your local school to help pay for meals or bus passes for families that are struggling but don't qualify for aid.
Thank a veteran or first responder for their service.
Shovel the driveway, mow lawns or rake leaves for elderly neighbors or those who may otherwise have trouble doing the job themselves.
Mentor someone entering your profession
Help someone stranded on the side of the road.
Take the time to listen to someone who is having a bad day.

Hopefully you are inspired to begin sharing random acts of kindness with those around you. Pick an idea from the list or one of your own and put it into action. See how you feel. Chances are you’ll be ready to do another one tomorrow.

If you'd like to start your kindness journey the easy way, share this post with friends and family. (Thanks!)

Lovely Lighted Potpourri Jar for Valentine's Day

Jan 25, 2021 · Leave a Comment

This lovely lighted potpourri jar adds a simple festive touch for Valentine's Day.

mason jar filled with potpourri and christmas lights with text overlay "lovely lighted potpourri jar"

Years ago, my sister in law gifted me with a cute mason jar filled with potpourri and holiday lights with Christmas decorations on it. When it is plugged in the lights gently warm the potpourri releasing it's lovely scent.

Since my kitchen remodel I have the perfect place to display it with a plug nearby and thought I'd remake it for all seasons so we can enjoy it all year.

The Valentine's Day themed one has helped combat the drab and dreary January days that usually occur after the Christmas decorations are packed away

These make great gifts for family and friends, or make one or two for yourself.

Supplies

I would normally link to the supplies I used, but they were just things I had in the house.

You can use battery powered or LED lights, but they probably will not produce enough heat to warm the potpourri. If you have ever felt mini lights while they are on you know they are not hot enough to burn anything, but you can definitely feel a slight warmth.

pint or quart mason jar
1 strand 35 light red (or pink or clear) mini lights
potpourri
5 inch cotton lace doily
ribbons, beads and other decorations (heart shaped vase fillers)
white glue or hot glue gun and sticks

Instructions

First I tipped the jar on it's side and slide in some of the vase fillers and about a third of the lights.

Then I put in some potpourri.

Then I pushed in a few more lights, then more potpourri. Rinse and repeat until filled.

mason jar with heart shapes, potpourri and mini lights

Next up, top it with a doily so the light and fragrance can come out the top.

doily tied around a mason jar filled with potpourri

Finally, I decorated the jar with ribbons and mini pearl garland. I had hot glued together.

All that was left was to put it on the shelf and plug it in for some nice Valentine's Day cheer.

More Projects

A Big Hug Card craft for kids — Big Hug Card

Love Heart Cross Stitch Pattern - free printable cross stitch pattern of hearts spelling the word LOVE. — Antique Rose Wreath

free valentines font graphic — Fonts and Graphics for Valentine's Day

Use Colors in CoSchedule Marketing Calendar to Stay Organized

Jan 18, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: this is a sponsored posts and contains affiliate links. I have received discounts for publication of this post and may earn a commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How I use colors in my CoSchedule Marketing Calendar to keep me organized between three blogs plus their associated social media accounts.

screenshot of coschedule calendar with text overlay "Use Colors in Coschedule to stay organized."

CoSchedule is an electronic marketing calendar that can be used as a blog planner, social media scheduler and tasks organizer to help bloggers stay focused and build their brand.

I am a huge fan of CoSchedule and so glad a blogging buddy encouraged me to try it free years ago. And that is a real free trial, not one of those "give your credit card and hope you remember to cancel before you are charged free" offers.

After only a few days I saw all of the benefits it was going to provide me. And even though I HATE to spend money, especially on blogging tools, I signed up.

I pay annually which saves me some money, plus the link below is an affiliate link. If you follow it and decide you love CoSchedule as much as I do and subscribe, I save a few bucks on my annual fee.

Check Out CoSchedule Free for 14 Days

I hear someone in the back muttering "Oh great, that's how it helps YOU, but is it really going to help ME."

If you are looking to simplify your blogging tasks to one easy to use program, this could be your solution.

Here's just one example of how I use it to help me stay on top of all my deadlines.

Organization at a Glance

My browser automatically opens to my CoSchedule calendar when I log on so I know exactly what posts I have coming up and how far along I am before I start sliding down the slippery slope of distraction known as Social Media.

I get a gentle reminder that I have work to do at a quick glance. Because I am a mom too and sometimes a quick glance is all I get.

Isn't it pretty with all of those lovely colors?

The colors actually serve a purpose besides visual interest.

I have several types of food posts for That Recipe. Here on Munofore I have gardening, crafts, fitness and other posts. By keeping them color coordinated I make sure I am mixing up my content and I can see that I have everything on my calendar.

If you have multiple people you could assign a color to each person, or use them for different tasks (blog posts, video posts, email, etc. ).

There's no rule that says you can't have a color for personal stuff too.

Assigning Colors in CoSchedule

Select your Name in the upper left, then choose Settings and towards the bottom is Color Labels. Pick your colors, type in the label and head back to your Calendar.

You can assign the color at project creation by clicking the empty white circle at the top.

But, if you forget or want to change the color label you can do it after post creation as well.

Bonus Tip: Use "Tasks"

If you look closely at the screenshot of my calendar above you might notice there is a percentage on each job. When I create them I break down the job into several steps and create tasks for each one.

Not only does this make the job seem less overwhelming, it helps me keep track of what I have left to do. Did I create the photos for that one? How about social media posts?

You can assign due dates and task owners if you are working with others.

If you do the same tasks repeatedly, create a task template to save yourself typing the same tasks over and over. Just click on the 3 dots to the right of the completion bar.

My tasks vary slightly based on the job, so I have several templates.

CoSchedule is a Blogger's Best Friend

With just a couple of clicks on the mouse and keyboard, CoSchedule helps you create a blog schedule that gives you all of the information you need to maintain a consistent posting schedule and build your blog.

Check Out CoSchedule Free for 14 Days

More CoSchedule Tips

top down view of calendar with text Coschedule's Calendar Views" — CoSchedule Calendar Views

clock inserted into a piggy bank with text overlay "How CoSchedule's Placeholder Groups Help me to do more in less time." — Using Requeue and Placeholder Groups

How to Calculate When to Plant in Your Area

Jan 11, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Calculating when to plant in your area is a crucial step for a successful vegetable garden. It involves a number of variables, but this post will take some of the guesswork out of the equation.

hands planting a plant with text overlay "How to Calculate When to Plant Your Garden"

"Equation? That's a figure of speech, right? You don't actually need math to plant a garden do you? It's not algebra is it? Please say it isn't algebra. EEEK!"

Take a deep breath and go to your happy place.... imagine yourself walking through your beautiful garden filled with ripe produce just waiting for you to harvest. Are you feeling calmer now?

In order to get to the vision of your garden of plenty, you need to do a little research, make some decisions and count backwards on a calendar.

It isn't a perfect science, but it will help you get a better idea of when to plant for maximum success.

Step 1: Determine your Frost Dates

Your vegetable growing season will fall loosely between your anticipated last spring frost and the first hard frost in the fall.

Unless you have a crystal ball, it is next to impossible to predict these dates with absolute certainty. Fortunately, there are some valuable online resources you can check for general guidelines.

The Old Farmer's Almanac has compiled weather data for 30 years based on zip code and averaged it out for you.

Search for your zip code here and you will get the average date of the last spring frost date and first hard frost in the fall of the nearest climate station. The data for my zip code says April 1 through November 15.

I could get into math right now and explain that the dates are a 30% probability and what that means and explain that past weather cannot predict an unexpected late season snow storms or unseasonably early cold temperatures in the fall. Blah blah blah!

The dates are estimates, but they give you a starting point for planning. Think of these two dates as virtual bookends around your prime vegetable growing season. I probably want to wait until April 1 to put plants in the ground and I want everything to be ready to harvest before November 15.

Step 2: Determine what you are going to plant.

Gorgeous Greens - Spring Garden Photos - strawberries, grapes, peas, manzanitas, coffeeberry

What fruit and vegetables are you going to plant?

Are you planting seeds or transplants?

Once you figure that out, you need to find the "days to maturity" on the seed packet or plant tag. This number tells you approximately how long it will take until that plant is ready to harvest.

This is important to know because some vegetables reach maturity much faster than others. For example, radishes, lettuce and baby carrots can be ready for harvest just 30 days after they are sown as seeds. On the other hand, some pumpkin varieties can take a full 120 – 160 days before they reach maturity.

Step 3: Plan your planting times

So, you know you might not want to risk planting in the ground before your first frost date.

Now look at the days to maturity for your plant varieties to get an idea of how early you need to get that plant into the ground if you want it to reach maturity before your first hard frost date.

The first hard frost date isn't the only date to consider though. If you want ripe tomatoes for your July 4th picnic or pumpkins ready for Halloween carving you will need to count backwards from those dates to know when you need to get them in the ground.

I usually try for at least a few weeks before. So, if I want pumpkins for Halloween, I want them ready by about October 15. So counting backwards, I would want to plant a 120 day variety by July 15.

How to get an earlier start

I can usually start plants outside about April 1. But in northern climates it is much later. My buddy in Pierre, SD has a last spring frost date of May 8. That's not a lot of time for tomatoes to grow from seeds before July 4th.

However, if you start seeds indoors or protect your plants from cold temperatures with mulch, cold frames, row covers or mini-hoop houses, you can extend your growing season even further.

Yes, I have posts for that.

Learning when to plant vegetables in your area is worth the effort. Knowing when your prime growing season begins and ends – and how you can get the most out of it – will make you a much more successful food gardener.

Refresh a Room the Easy Way with a Wallpaper Mural

Jan 5, 2021 · Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Photowall. I have received compensation for this project and post. The thoughts, work and photos are my own.

Install a wallpaper mural to easily makeover a room in just a few hours.

Our entryway is a rather dark and dreary space even with a glass front door and a sidelight. It's always just been there.

Until I finished the project I didn't realize how many times we passed through here every day. There's a bathroom to the left and the stairs are behind the angled wall on the right.

When Photowall approached me for this post, I decided it was finally time to breath some life into this space.

Get 25% Your Photowall Order

Inspired to add a wall mural, wallpaper or canvas print to your space?

Photowall is offering 25% off your order with coupon code munofore25 (good until January 31, 2021)

Choosing the design

This was the hardest part because Photowall has so many choices! And that's not even including the option to use your own photo.

I narrowed it to about a dozen and my husband and I further winnowed it down to these two choices. Then we couldn't chose between them.

Crowdsourcing time!

Our son liked the Redwood Forest. My brother and his wife liked the Mossbrae (a waterfall in northern California). Finally, I asked a friend whose design opinion I trust and she said two things that tipped the scale: the waterfall photo is darker and the energy flows down, while the energy in the redwood flows up.

Measuring and Ordering

Measure the wall in two or three places because walls aren't always square. Add a few inches to the length and width to be safe. Easy peasy.

I plugged my measurements into the order form, cropped the image to fit and made one last design choice.

Since the door and side light are on the left of the mural, I chose "mirror image" to put the light in the image on the left side instead of the original right.

It is a subtle thing for this image, but it does look more natural. Your design choice may not need it, but click the option under "settings" to try it out before deciding.

Add the wallpaper kit if you have never wallpapered before and don't have the tools. Trust me it will make your life so much easier!!! And I am the woman that uses whatever tools I have on hand for 99% of my projects.

I placed the order (during holiday time, no less) and a few days later it was on it's way to me. Speedy delivery, good notification. Double thumbs up.

Installation Day

Let the fun begin!

I blocked off my entire morning to do this because I wasn't sure how long it would take. It looked easy enough from reading the instructions and watching the video online. But, I am notorious for unforeseen disasters and things taking far longer than they should.

Clean the wall and space.

First step, clear out the table, sweep and remove the switch plate covers. Wipe down the walls, fill nail holes, etc.

Prep the mural and gather materials.

Roll out the mural and cut between the strips where indicated. I left the numbers on top, even though I only had four strips.

I stacked them in order with the first strip on top and within a few moments the curl from being rolled up was not an issue.

Gather everything on the instruction list so you aren't running around trying to find things. Yes, for once, I actually did this and my life was easier.

Measure out the first strip.

If the first strip is correct, everything else will fall into place. Take your time to get this right and the rest will be easier.

Measure the strip then measure the wall marking the width of the strip in several places. Make a faint line about 1-2 feet long and make sure it is level. When it is PERFECT, make a line the full height of your mural.

Mix up the wallpaper paste.

collage of wallpaper paste mixing — They give you plenty, the photo on the right is the LEFTOVERS!

TIP: Do NOT try to take a photo while pouring in the powder with your opposite hand so you can sprinkle it around the water. It all ended up lumped in the middle.

I smashed up the big lumps as best I could. They give you so much paste that a few lumps here and there were not a problem, I just made sure they didn't end up on the wall.

Liberally apply the paste.

The paste will thicken up a bit after mixing, so wait about 5 minutes. It should resemble cream of wheat (grits, polenta) when it is ready. Food blogger thoughts.

Brush the glue on liberally (there is plenty!). Go about 4 or 5 inches over the line you drew. Look at the wall from different angles to make sure every last little bit of wall has paste on it.

Hang the paper.

Deep breath. Relax. It is far more forgiving than you might think.

Start at the top and align the paper so that it runs right along your nice level line on the right.

Don't panic if you don't get it exact the first try. You can gently lift it off of the wall and reposition it. You can also wiggle it on the wall by pushing against it and nudging it as needed.

If you have a switch or outlet you will need to carefully cut it out as you go. Use the cutter, and slice around the wall cut out. Make sure the paper is actually cut before tugging away the scrap. Seriously, go slow here or you can cut too far or accidentally rip the paper. Learn from my mistake.

Once the first piece is in place PERFECTLY, press it down with your hands from the middle out. Go over it with the wallpaper brush to remove every single bubble.

Repeat: apply paste to the next section of wall then place the next piece aligning the left edge so that it pushes right up against the previous piece.

Press it down with your hands, go over it with the brush, then use the seam roller to make sure the seams are flat and snug against each other.

Cut the Excess

Use the straight edge and cutter to slice of the excess from the top, bottom, and right sides. Go both ways with the blade and pull off the extra paper gently to make sure it is cut.

I went back over the edges one more time with my hands and brush to make sure they were firmly in place after cutting.

Finally wipe off any excess paste from the mural. I actually wiped the whole thing down to be safe.

Enjoy your new mural

collage of before and after photos of wall mural installation

From start to finish it took me 2 hours to do just over 5 feet of wall. This included pauses to wipe my hands and take photos several times.

The wall was dry by the next day, less than 24 hours. But that will vary based on heat and humidity and the amount of paste used.

We see it every time we go to the bathroom or the front door or up and down the stairs. It is visible from both rooms downstairs. And it still makes me smile every time.

Get 25% Your Photowall Order

Inspired to add a wall mural, wallpaper or canvas print to your space?

Photowall is offering 25% off your order with coupon code munofore25 (good until January 31, 2021)

before and after of wallpaper mural installation with text overlay "Transform Your Space with a Wall Mural"

Six Simple Hacks To Help Build New Habits

Dec 9, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Simple ideas to help you build new habits and turn your dreams into your reality.

woman raising her arm in the sunlight with text overlay "6 hacks to help you build new habits"

Am I the only one that starts a self improvement plan with lofty dreams and then isn't able to follow through a week or more later?

The crowded gyms the first week of January only to be empty a few weeks later tells me it isn't just me.

As of this writing I have exercised every day for 125 straight days. It wasn't easy to do that first month, but now it is such a part of my daily routine that I get fidgety if I have to wait to get started.

This post isn't just about physical fitness.

It could be any habit you are trying to establish like reading for 20 minutes a day, or praying every night before bed or maybe something business related.

Remember how challenging the first few weeks of the school year were while you were trying to adjust to the work load after a break?

Once you established a routine, things got easier.

The same is true with new habits. Try one or more of these six tricks until you’ve internalized your new positive habit and don’t need them anymore.

Put It on Your Schedule

Sometimes we forget to do that new thing we were trying. Maybe we forget that we’re supposed to be having eggs for breakfast instead of a stack of waffles, or that we need to get that daily walk in.

Schedule your new habits or make them part of your daily to-do list until they become something you do automatically.

You might need to literally plan out time in your day and write it in your planner and even set an alarm.

Share Your Goals

Let family and friends know what new habits you’re trying to establish. They can help keep you on track.

You may consider sharing it publicly on social media or writing a blog about your new journey. Knowing that others read it and know about it might be just enough to keep you going when you feel like throwing in the towel.

I get it. This one may not be for everyone.

Some people do not have a good support system. If you fear the response will be negative, DO NOT LET THEM RAIN ON YOUR PARADE!!!! Keep it to yourself until it is done.

I am a rather private person. Yes, I know that is rather ironic considering my profession.

I prefer to post after I have accomplished something, like telling people that I have worked out everyday for the last 125 days versus saying on January 1st I am going to post a picture of my morning cup of coffee every day for a year.

But, when I did a coffee a day Project 365 on Instagram a few years ago people would text me or ask me at school pick up if I forgot to post that morning.

Piggyback On A Habit You Already Have

Whenever possible, add the new habit to one you already have. If you have a cup of tea or coffee at 4 pm, and you want to get in the habit of taking a daily walk, make a new ritual to go for your walk and then come back and enjoy your tea.

It’s much easier to amend an existing habit or ritual than creating an entirely new one.

Break out the Money Jar

Here’s an oldie but a goodie.

Put a jar on the kitchen counter and each time you forget your new habit put five dollars in the jar. Donate the money to charity to help take the sting out of missing the mark.

If your new daily habit is something like making coffee at home instead of overspending at the uber trendy coffee house, put the money saved into a jar so you can see it add up.

People often say that motivaiton doesn't last. Well neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.

Find A Partner

Find someone with the same or similar goals. This could be a workout partner or a diet buddy. Keep tabs on each other and encourage each other to keep going. It’s much harder to skip a walk if you know someone else is depending on you to be there.

I have a blogging accountability partner. We check in on each other if we notice the other hasn't posted on social media or our blogs in a week. We offer support, bounce ideas of each other and challenge each other to do the things we don't like to do, but know we need to do.

Find A Group

If one accountability partner is good, a whole group is even better. And they don’t even need to be local. There are loads of online support groups that can be a wonderful resource of strength and knowledge.

My blogging buddy and I met (virtually) through a few larger blogging groups. And as for working out, I couldn't have gone this far without the support of an online group. We each post our workout for the day, cheer each other's successes, console each other when things get tough (blankety blank burpees!) and check in when someone hasn't posted in a bit.

Harriet Beecher Stowe: Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.

Just Keep Going

While these tricks may seem simplistic, sometimes that is all you need to get through the first few weeks of establishing a new habit.

Once that habit is established you will be that much closer to your goals.

How to Make Outdoor Lighted Christmas Presents

Dec 3, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Outdoor Lighted Christmas Presents add a fun touch to your holiday decor and are easy to make yourself.

Christmas gift decorations on display in front yard with text overlay "DIY outdoor lighted Christmas presents"

A few years ago I picked up some cute outdoor lighted Christmas presents at a garage sale. But, after a few years in the bright southern California sun, they were a "bit" faded.

faded green Christmas present decoration

So, I set about deconstructing them and refreshing them to add to our Christmas light display again for years to come.

I was lucky enough to have existing wire boxes, but if I were to do it again, I would make a box using inexpensive wire shelving pieces like this and either zip ties or twist ties.

Other options I have seen are wood, PVC pipe or chicken wire. All would be simple to do and inexpensive, especially if you can repurpose materials.

Lighted Christmas Present Supplies

wire boxes
strings of mini lights
indoor/outdoor fabric
wired ribbon
velcro (optional)
zip ties or twist ties
scissors
hot glue gun and glue sticks

Lighted Christmas Present Instructions

Step 1: Attach the lights

Wrap the lights around the box, placing the plugs towards the bottom for easy access. Attach with the zip ties or twist ties.

Be sure to leave plenty of lead wire for plugging them in. Ours were designed to plug into each other in a row and one of the boxes only has about 8 inches to plug into the next one.

Step 2 Cover the Boxes

What should I cover them with? I have seen this question asked numerous places with no answers. You want a fabric that can handle the elements, but not be so thick the lights won't shine through. But you don't want it transparent so you can see the box inside either.

My solution... a shower curtain! The one I picked was a little more expensive than I would have liked, but it has a beautiful opalescent shine to it.

cutting holiday fabric — Cut the fabric at least 2 inches wider than you need.

I covered around the sides in one long piece, wrapping the ends over and hot gluing it. Then overlapped with another piece on top with the ends folded in.

Another option would be to make the top piece large enough to fold down the sides of the box about 1 inch with the edges tucked under to resemble a box lid. But, I didn't think of that idea until just now.

gluing holiday fabric — Glue the fabric to the box.

hot glue gun velcro and ribbon — Glue the ribbon to the box directly, or use velcro on the under side to make it removable so you can store the ribbon inside the box.

Step 3: Put Them Out and Enjoy

Christmas gift decorations on display in front yard

More Outdoor Christmas Projects

collage of tomato cage Christmas trees — 10 Ways to Use Tomato Cages to Make Christmas Trees

This Winter White Wreath features glitter covered silk poinsettias and contrasting green and red holly sprigs to greet family and friends this Christmas. — Winter White Wreath

Easy DIY Outdoor Lighted Holiday Sign

Nov 25, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Make your own Lighted Holiday Sign from scrap wood with little to no carpentry skills.

Obviously I made these for Christmas, but you can easily use the idea for any occasion. The project was simple, but there was a bit of waiting for the paint and shellac to dry.

You can probably make it in a day, depending on the weather. It was hot and dry when I made it so the things dried quickly.

Supplies

I upcycled four cabinet doors I salvaged from my kitchen remodel, but you can use just about any flat piece of wood that can get wet. No particle board! If you aren't sure, test a scrap of the wood by soaking it in water before going to the trouble to make it.

wood for sign
sand paper
sander (optional)
wood filler (optional)
paint
paint brushes
polyurethane
2-3 strings of mini lights
drill (optional)
staple gun
small hinges
yard stakes

Prep the wood

3 stages of repairing holes in cabinet door

Repair any holes with the wood filler. Directions are on the package, but basically you dab it in the holes, smear it flat (ish), let dry then sand.

cabinet door being sanded with mouse sander

Since I used upcycled wood I needed to sand it first, especially with the peeling glossy finish that was on my cabinets.

Paint the sign

I used two coats of leftover white high gloss interior house paint (door and trim paint). I knew I was going to cover it with several coats of shellac, and knew it would hold up to our mild winters.

I made stencils for the letters in Word and painted them on with red and green acrylic paint.

Finally I sprayed several coats of glossy polyurethane, letting each coat dry completely.

Add the Lights

I went the easy route and stapled the lights to the top of the signs with plenty of extra lights between each letter to drape down the sides.

Another option is to drill holes into the sign the size of your mini lights and then push the lights into the holes from the back. I might do that next year to spice them up a bit more.

Stake the Sign

The cabinet doors were light so I used mini hinges to clamp down two inexpensive metal yard sign stakes in the middle. This allows me to move the stakes to different angles to brace the signs.

Another option would be to attach wooden stakes to the back with wood screws or nails.

Put it Out, Light it Up, Enjoy!

These sat out for a month last Christmas and held up just fine. No signs of fading or wear from the rain/sprinklers.

They are out again this year. And hope I won't have to touch them up for a few years.

More Outdoor Holiday Projects

halloween sign hanging from porch — Scrap Wood Halloween Sign

collage of skim board garden sign — Garden Sign

Reversible Outdoor Holiday Pillows Add Easy Seasonal Spirit

Nov 19, 2020 · Leave a Comment

DIY outdoor holiday pillows add some seasonal fun to your outdoor space at a fraction of the cost of store bought pillows.

images of fall and halloween pillows on a bench with text overlay "reversible outdoor seasonal pillow covers"

I like to have seasonal pillows on my front porch bench. But even the cheapest ones I could find in the stores were $10 each. And there is the storage space required for all of the out of season pillows. {Can you hear my husband grumbling "Do we really need all of these ____ pillows?" in the background?}

So, I decided to use the ones I had as a base and make some simple pillow cases for them with different holiday decorations on each side so I just have to flip them around and BOOM! new season, fresh look. And since they are reversible I'd have to sew half as many pillow cases. 😉

Reversible Outdoor Holiday Pillows Materials

I planned on people being able to sit against the pillows so I opted to sew the seams with heavy duty thread, which was probably overkill, but I had it leftover from another project. You can sew them by hand, or use iron on hem adhesive and make this a no sew project.

I used my Silhouette Portrait to make the stencils and iron on designs, but you can easily buy a stencil, create your own with Word and print it on cardstock then cut it out, or free hand it if you are artistically inclined.

Drop cloth is a made from a sturdy neutral material. Since my pillows are on a covered porch I thought it was an inexpensive alternative to outdoor fabric.

pillow forms, old pillows, etc.
drop cloth or other material suitable for outdoors
sewing scissors
heavy duty thread
sewing machine (or sewing needle or iron on hem adhesive)
acrylic paint
paint brushes
stencil material (optional)
heat transfer vinyl (optional)
die cutting machine such as Cricut or Silhouette (optional)

Step 1: cut the drop cloth

Measure your pillow forms along the seams if you don't know the size. Mine were 18 inch squares, but I wanted to squish the stuffing a little so I cut a length of drop cloth 18 x 36 inches for each pillow, with a ¼ inch seam that gave me 17.5 inch cases.

Step 2: sew the pillows

I folded the fabric over to make the top of the pillow case, sewed down the two sides and hemmed the bottom, but left it open. Basically just like a normal bed pillowcase. In hind sight, I would have made it a bit longer so I could fold and tuck the bottom better.

All of my seams were ¼ inch with a zig zag stitch.

Step 3: Decorate the pillows on both sides

For the Halloween and Autumn pillows I used my Silhouette and cut out designs in stencil vinyl.

I am a huuuuuge fan of this stuff. It is strong enough to hold while you are painting, but peals off easily. It even has enough adhesive to reuse the stencil at least one time.

You can use the stencil as the outline and paint inside, layering as desired.

Or you can paint over the stencil and when you remove it the design will be in the fabric color.

Or you can cut the design in heat transfer vinyl and iron it on without messing with the painting. This is what I will be doing for Christmas and will add a photo here when I get them done.

As you can tell from the image below, I reused both pumpkin designs twice and might have been able to do it a third time. I wanted two leaves but it became a tangled mess when I tried to remove it.

I like how they came out and folding up the pillow cases takes up a lot less space than storing 6 pillows.

Other Outdoor Projects

Halloween decorations on a prch with text overlay "Falimy Friendly DIY Outdoor Halloween Decor" — DIY Outdoor Halloween Decor

Fun Garden Sign - repurpose an old skim board into a whimsical garden sign. Garden Art. Upcycle. DIY. — Garden Sign from Skim Board

Free Festive Christmas Printable to Deck Your Halls

Nov 11, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Festive free Christmas Printable to brighten your home or someone else's day. No sign ups, no strings, just a free "Merry and Bright" printable file for you to use as you wish... except for selling it because that would just be RUDE!

Merry and Bright sign on a mantle surrounded by Christmas lights with text overlay "Free Christmas Printable"

Here is a fun free printable to help you celebrate the season.

Use it to:

frame and place on wall or mantle
decorate holiday cards
decoupage onto a board
shrink it down and make it into a tree ornament
use a print on demand service to create a mug, sign, or other item
use your Silhouette or Cricut to make a t-shirt or banner or sign

I printed it and put in a pretty gold frame with a burgundy mat to make it stand out.

I also popped it onto a tote bag on Zazzle, if you want to purchase a finished product.

Merry and Bright Tote
by AVHDesigns

Download Your Free Christmas Printable File

There are two sizes, 8x10 and 7x5.

two printed Merry and Bright" signs with text overlay "two sizes, 5x7, 8x10"

And I have included both pdf and png format in case you want to import it to your Silhouette or Cricut software.

More Christmas Projects

wood slice ornaments on a tree — Wood Slice Ornaments

Pasta Angels: christmas ornaments made with uncooked pasta. Use as a tree decoration or on Christmas presents. Kids craft. — Pasta Angel Christmas Ornaments

DIY Pallet Planter: 2 Ideas

Sep 9, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Pallet Planters are easy to make; with just a few tools add a rustic shabby chic touch to your garden.

collage of pallet planters with text "DIY pallet planters: 2 ideas"

As you can see from the photo above, there are a few ways you can go about turning a shipping pallet into a feature piece in your garden.

Having worked in shipping I can tell you pallets take quite a beating and some are not built to last more than a use or two. But, even the single use pallets can be used to make a planter with a little effort and some paint or stain.

The only power tool you will want for this is a cordless drill/driver. It may not be necessary depending on the wood used to make the pallet, but it will definitely make life easier, especially when it comes to hanging it.

DIY Pallet Planter #1

This method can be used with just about any style of pallet.

supplies needed

pallet
paint or stain plus brushes
metal plant holder rings and screws
cordless drill driver
pots, potting soil and plants
hanging hardware (see below)

instructions

Paint or stain your pallet as desired.

Attach metal plant holder rings to pallet with wood screws, leaving space between them for the plants to grow. You may need to drill a pilot hole before attempting to attach the screw.

Attach hanging hardware to pallet, then hang pallet.

Add plants to pots and arrange in the plant holder rings.

Pallet Planter #2

This works well with pallets that have only three boards on the bottom, removing boards can be a pain.

pallet
paint or stain plus brushes
¼" chicken wire
landscape fabric
staple gun
cordless drill driver
potting soil and plants
hanging hardware (see below)

Paint or stain your pallet as desired.

Cut the chicken wire to make a base on the bottom of the planter "shelves" and along the back, if needed. Secure with staples.

Line the interior of the planting pockets with one or two layers of landscape fabric and staple in place.

Attach the hanging hardware and hang from wall or fence.

Fill pockets with potting soil and plants.

How to Hang Your Pallet Planter

There are several ways you can hang your finished planter:

eye bolts and chains, hooks or wire
L or J brackets
window box brackets
wood screws

Whatever you use, it will need to be able hold the weight of the pallet (30-48 pounds), plants, soil, pots and water.

You will also need to consider what you are hanging it on (wood fence versus concrete wall, for example).

Once your planter is hung and planted take the time to enjoy your work, while you plan your next project.

collage of gas grill turned into planter

Positive Coping Strategies for when Life is Overwhelming

Sep 2, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Adopting positive coping strategies is important for your emotional and physical health.

woman with head down on table covered with papers and computer

They say the makings of a great movie will make you laugh, cry and fall in love all at once. Psychologists call this plethora of emotions within a short amount of time a blended emotional event.

While those emotions make for a cinematic masterpiece, dealing with profuse emotions on a regular basis can be overwhelming.

As I am writing this we are in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Life is "a little" stressful between work, school, technological issues, parenting, special needs parenting (autism), maintaining the house, technology, the weather, the news, menopause and did I mention tech troubles?

I could go on, but you get the point. We are all emotionally and physically exhausted. As pretty much everyone else in the world, I imagine.

Some people turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping strategy. But alcohol is a depressant and other drugs will at best mask the situation for a limited time and are more likely to exacerbate the helpless feelings.

Others may turn to negative coping strategies such as over-eating, passive-aggressiveness, laziness or avoidance. Unfortunately these strategies rarely help in the long term.

Instead of allowing your emotions to overwhelm you, it’s wise to develop positive coping strategies that will help you endure the tough times.

Here are five positive strategies to help you effectively cope when life is overwhelming.

Talk to a Trusted Friend

two friends talking and looking at a book

Releasing your emotions through communication can often provide a quick resolution to your momentary struggles. A good friend, with your best interests at heart, can be the rock you need during harsh times.

Confide in someone you trust to alleviate stress and receive suggestions. Sometimes, others have experienced the same trials and can offer reliable information that can help you.

My mother-in-law and her best friend used to meet once a week at a coffee shop for "therapy" for 35-40 years. Raising 11 kids between them while being married to small business owners, is it any wonder they needed some time away to decompress?

Get a Hobby

collage of paint brushes, camera, yarn with knitting needles and guitar

There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something new in the face of challenges. If you’re experiencing problems, it’s wise to spend your time doing something productive. This gives you a sense of purpose without dwelling on your issues. Such hobbies include art, sports or cooking. Sometimes the act of engaging in an activity is therapy in itself.

So many people discovered the joys of cooking these past few months, as evidenced by the huge spike in traffic on my food blog (they loved my Vanilla Caramel Blended Iced Coffee and Sourdough Soft Pretzels).

I have been busy gardening and crafting, and am slowly getting those projects posted here (like this Summer Hat Wreath).

Meditate and/or Pray

woman with eyes closed bowing head in prayer with text overlay "Unmotivated? try meditation!"

Although it may seem counterproductive to do nothing in the face of distress, often times this gives you the clarity you need. Meditation and/ or prayer encourages you to allow thoughts and emotions to come without judgment.

This gives you a clear mindset to effectively deal with challenges. After your mind is clear, you’re able to take control of your problem and develop a positive solution. This post has more information.

Exercise

athletic shoes, water bottle a towel and small hand weights

Engaging in regular exercise is scientifically proven to release problem solving endorphins. You’re releasing energy that would ordinarily be used worrying and converting it into something productive.

If you’re dealing with minor to major issues, consider increasing your exercise routine to provide your mind with some much-needed clarity.

While many people are spending too much time bingeing on social media or Netflix and bemoaning the extra weight they have gained during the pandemic, I chose to go walking. Not only is my waistline decreasing but I am finding it easier to cope with all that life is throwing at me.

Seek Professional Help

two people sitting at a table with one taking notes

Sometimes certain problems are so overwhelming, they need the guidance of a trained professional. Never be afraid to seek help for your toughest challenges. A trained counselor or therapist will never judge or reveal what you share with them. They’ll be able to offer constructive advice that you can implement into your daily life.

We often meet with our autism "team" (psychologists, speech therapists, reading specialists, etc.) to help us help our son. Sometimes they work with him in school to teach him coping strategies and sometimes they give us strategies for us to cope as well.

person standing on cliff top with quote "In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive." Lee Iacocca

Life is not always rainbows and unicorns. When it gets to be too much, it is important for our long term well being to find ways to cope that do not make the situation worse. Positivity is contagious. Even making a few small changes can start you on the path to better mental health in no time.

Use this Gadget To Motivate You to Move More

Aug 26, 2020 · Leave a Comment

A pedometer can help motivate you to move more, which will help you increase your fitness level and prevent many chronic health conditions.

woman walking in woods with text overlay "this gadget can motivate you to move more"

The Center for Disease Control recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. That's five 30 minute workouts a week.

We all lead busy lives; between family and work, fitting in a workout is just one more thing to add to your to do list.

What if I told you that you didn’t have to dedicate a set block of time for your walking workouts? What if you could get the same health benefits by working in a little more activity here and there throughout your day?

What if there was a fun little gadget that helped you keep track of it and motivated you to move more?

There is: it’s called a pedometer.

What is a Pedometer

A pedometer tracks how many steps you take on any given day. That 150 minutes of moderate activity works out to about 7,000-8,000 steps per day.

By counting and increasing the number of steps you take every day you can sneak in exercise in little spurts throughout the day.

Maybe you start your day by parking a little further away from the office and walking a couple hundred extra steps. Then you take a quick stroll during your lunch break. You wrap up your day by walking around the park while your kids play. And just like that you’ve gotten your exercise in without having to block out any additional time.

You will be amazed at how addicting it is to watch your step count go up on a daily and weekly basis.

What Kind of Pedometer Do I Need?

You can pick up an inexpensive model like the one below for about $15. It only measures steps. It is small enough to fit in your pocket plus it has a handy clip to attach to a belt loop, lanyard, backpack, shoe lace, etc.

More deluxe models can go for around $150 but they have significantly more features. This one tracks your steps, miles, minutes, heart rate, sleep, calories, etc.

Or you can go the free route, like me, and use your smart phone. Most models have a pedometer built in. All you need to do is download a free app and you’re good to go.

I have a Samsung, so I use the preloaded Samsung Health app linked to Map My Fitness because I like to view the data on a bigger screen.

The only drawback is it only counts steps when you are carrying your phone. I know I miss about 500 steps a day when it is in the charger or when I put it down to do weight training, so I adjust my goal accordingly.

How do you use a pedometer?

The first step is to wear it all day, or carry it if using your phone.

Start by tracking your steps for a few days and get a baseline of how much your regular activity gives you.

Set a goal to increase your number of steps by about 1,000- 2,000 a day. In a few weeks, up the goal another few thousand.

Forget About the 10,000 Steps a Day

10,000 steps a day is often touted as the ideal but, like anything related to fitness, that number is highly variable based on the weight of the person, the pace of the steps (brisk walk, running, etc.), the elevation change of the steps (flat ground versus hills or stairs) and more.

If you are curious, walking 10,000 steps a day burns approximately 2,000 to 3500 calories or the equivalent of 1 pound a week. And it is a nice round easy to remember number.

Instead, focus on increasing your average number of daily steps by a 1,000 or so every week or two. You may find yourself at 10,000 a day before long. But don't feel you need to do that from the start.

Keeping track of your steps is very motivating. Looking at your pedometer and realizing you’re 2,000 steps away from your daily goal may be just the motivation you need to head out for that after dinner stroll. And who knows, maybe getting in those steps every day will motivate you to make other positive health changes.

Creative Ideas to Extend Your Growing Season

Aug 19, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Helpful ideas to extend your growing season so you can grow more produce throughout the year.

There are natural limitations to when you can grow vegetables outdoors. In the spring, you should wait until the threat of frost has passed and the soil is actually warm up enough to dig up. Then, before you know it, shorter days and cooler temps will return to signalling the end of your outdoor growing season.

I live in sunny inland southern California. We can grow something pretty much year round. I have even grown basil outdoors as late as January. But most winter gardens usually consist of greens and root vegetables around here.

While you can't fight Mother Nature completely, there are a few creative ways to extend your growing season.

While you can’t prevent late spring frosts or early blasts of winter, you can mitigate some of the damage by being prepared to provide adequate protection for your tender plants when the need arises.

Mulch Around Plants

Adding a heavy layer of mulch is the easiest way to provide protection for your plants. Mulching helps hold in moisture in the warmer weather (always a plus) and it provides a layer of insulation for the soil when temperatures dip too low. Yes, it will break down and need to be replenished, but it provides nutrients to the plants as it does break down.

There are many types of mulch available, including shredded leaves, wood chips, grass clippings, and straw. My brother uses pine needles in North Carolina, but here in fire prone California that would not be the best idea.

Do a internet search or contact your local cooperative extension to find what is best to use in your area. Whatever type of mulch you choose for ensure it is free of chemical pesticides and herbicides.

Cold Frames Keep Plants Cozy

A cold frame is simply a structure used to trap in heat from the sun to keep plants warm when temperatures drop.

Most cold frames are large enough to cover many plants, but I use clear plastic soda bottles to cover seedlings and transplants in the spring. This protects them from the cold but more importantly the daily winds that like to snap the tender shoots. I leave the cap off, and will uncover the plants in the warmer part of the day then cover in the afternoon before the winds kick up.

You can build your own cold frames a variety of different ways.

Use hula hoops and plastic sheeting like Thistle Down Farms:

Use old windows like Old World Garden Farms

Grit shows you how to make one from PVC pipe.

Or you can buy one like these online:

Greenhouse Those Potted Plants

For many gardeners, a huge walk in greenhouse is the ultimate gardening dream. Just imagine a permanent year-round space to nurture and grow your favorite plants that also serves as a beautiful focal point for your property.

Unfortunately, hiring a contractor or purchasing a high-end kit to build a permanent greenhouse can get pretty expensive. Plus, you may need to pay to heat the structure part of the year in colder climates.

While cold frames and greenhouses achieve the same objective, they have slight differences. Cold frames are designed to cover plants in the ground or in raised beds and then be removed when the weather is better for growing. Greenhouses are structures unto themselves, usually built to protect and grow plants in pots year round.

Ana White offers free plans for this beautiful DIY Greenhouse.

For those of us with limited woodworking tools and skills, there are plenty of kits available ranging from about $50 to $700 and beyond.

Mini Greenhouse 1.5' x 2.25' x 5.25'

Hybrid Hobby Greenhouse with Plant Hangers, 6' x 8' x 7'

With a little planning, these three methods can extend your vegetable growing season. Once you get started, you may be surprised by how much more productive your gardening efforts become!

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