Blog Posts

13 foolproof tips to pick the perfect live Christmas tree

12/3/2017

Do you have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree complex? When looking for the family Christmas tree each year this is my struggle. I lean towards selecting the sad, wilting tree because otherwise that tree won't have a home for Christmas. Then I have to stop. Pause. Think. And come to my senses. The tree is not a kitten. It does not have feelings and I'm not doing myself a favor by hauling home the worst one on the lot. Besides, live Christmas tree prices are typically $50 and up. In many cases you pay by the foot so I might as well get the best tree for my dollars. And did you hear this latest news hot off the press? That Christmas trees didn't do well this year so prices are expected to soar by at least $20 a tree. Yikes! But what do you look for when selecting the perfect Christmas tree? These are my top tips so that your tree doesn't sap holiday cheer when sipping that eggnog. Warning: Post contains affiliate links, you may want to read my disclosure policy. Thanks for being such sweet readers!

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Stave off the sun with Brush On Block & giveaway!

12/1/2017

Disclaimer: Products are provided to Raise Your Garden for a thorough, honest review. We do not receive payment for reviews. Each review takes 5-10 hours of hands-on testing, writing, editing and photography.

As gardeners, we love being outdoors. Right? Even if we're mostly just puttering outside. It's relaxing to breathe in the fresh air and think. But unless I'm leaving the house, I don't bother with makeup to protect my face from sun damage. The mineral powder makeup I do wear does have sunscreen in it shielding my skin from age spots, wrinkles and much, much worse...as in the dreaded "C" word. Cancer. Yet most people probably don't wear makeup for outside yard work. That's when my poor skin gets a thrashing from the sun. Don't get me wrong, sun feels good on the skin. I love its warm touch and the natural Vitamin D it provides. But it's also true the skin must be protected from the sun. And here's a little secret. Since this product is translucent, it's equally awesome for men and children too. So I am thrilled to have partnered today with Brush On Block who literally has you covered, that is your face covered with the best facial sunscreen I've tried to date. A $54 value! Best of all? No bad ingredients. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you've entered by telling us what sunblock you currently use. Contest ends December 19th. International readers are welcome to enter! We just learned that Brush On Block is made in Australia. We'd love to meet a few more Australians!

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His and her November chore list...division of labor by gender

11/27/2017

Tom panicked when he saw the title of this post saying to me "Oh, great, how are you ripping me on the blog now? Not fair! I've just learned over the years there are certain chores that only I tackle. No one else is going to do them in my family of five. So if I don't do them, they don't get done. And to be just, there are certain jobs that Tom does that I won't touch with a ten foot pole. (Cat litter box...putting gas in the car....lifting heavy ceramic pots...dealing with worms...not I). But the division of labor has allowed us to have such a splendid garden and to continue to plow away at the yard, although our neighbors probably beg to differ! It makes me wonder what your November garden chore list looks like because this is what we've been up to. Want to compare notes? What are "your" outdoor jobs this time of year? Here's the thing that baffles me most about chores and gender.

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The Magnificent Magnolia Company & Welcoming Wreath Giveaway! (ARV $60-$118)

11/20/2017

You don't need me to tell you that magnolias are trending right now. Chip and Joanna Gaines anyone? No doubt they could throw a green spray painted egg carton on a table, call it a centerpiece and everyone would rave on. The magnolia egg carton would get a million Pins and social media shares. And surely you have seen their new home collection at Target? Nice but...it is the beaten path. Carbon copy decor. You have what your neighbor has and it all gets tossed in the garage sale bin at the end of the season. So let me introduce you to The Magnolia Company who are as innovative as they are invigorating in their designs of wreaths, garlands and table decor. Fresh or dried, you choose and the colors are eye-popping astounding. I reached out to them because their product lines are beyond beautiful. Not cheap, but the caliber is the creme de la creme. So you will seriously swoon if you are the winner of either the Golden Aubergine Wreath or the Original Magnolia Wreath. (ARV $60-$118). To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY TAGGING A FEW FB FRIENDS! Let us know that you've entered by telling us if you've decorated for Christmas yet. Contest ends December 18th!

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Steam + Grill with Uchicook & $160 giveaway for the cook!

11/14/2017

Steamed, sauteed, roasted, grilled or boiled? How do you prepare those veggies? My gripe with boiled veggies is how the nutrients seep into that hot water out of your life. I'm telling you the truth when I say I like Brussels Sprouts! But I like them even more when I'm getting the most nutrition out of them. It's quite a downer watching the nutrients flow down the drain while straining the broccoli in the sink. Agree? I propose you try the Uchicook steam grill which allows you to serve your family hearty and healthy veggies in 5 minutes or less. Being empowered to prepare a whole meal in 1/3 the time most traditional cooking methods require makes this product unique and innovative. That and having real grill marks on your meat and veggies! This is why I'm over-the-moon thrilled for you and your chance to win your own grill and two luxury utensils to go with from Uchicook! (ARV $160) To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY LIKING ANY POST ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! Let us know that you have entered by telling us what's for dinner tonight! And keep reading to find out about what utensils you'll get! Contest ends: December 10th.

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Gadgets for the savvy gardener

11/12/2017

I get it. Most of us garden because overall, we're pretty frugal. But I confess there are times when I like a good splurge. Some fun garden accessory or tech toy that ignites my passion for this hobby. So today here are a few modest suggestions of what you can buy for your garden buck. And if that money tree actually starts to flourish, the very first thing I'd buy from this list is the automated lawnmower. How about you?

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How-to improve curb appeal before winter comes

11/9/2017

The winter season can be detrimental on a home, which is why many people take the time to prepare for the cold, frigid temperatures ahead. Whether you are trying to improve the appearance of your home or trying to keep the cold out, you will need to start preparing in fall. Like us, I'm sure you have many projects ahead of you that it will require working on them daily to ensure they are complete before winter sets in. Below, you will discover several tips to help you improve curb appeal of your home.

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Recycling pallets for creative DIY projects

11/2/2017

Meandering around my neighborhood with my baby in tow, I've spotted a pallet or two at numerous homes. Even the "neat" and "tidy" people seem to have one or two propped up against their garage door with a purpose in mind. Pallets get a ton of use in gardening, not only as unique planters but also re-purposed into raised beds. They make stellar planters for herbs and even some veggies like cucumbers, peppers and lettuce. But first, I want to highlight my favorite use for a recycled pallet. Shovel and spade storage. Yup. You can't beat it. In what seemed like less than five minutes, Tom turned a pallet into a storage rack for my tools and I love it. Simple yet profound, I now have one central place in my garage to store all my handled tools. It looks great and functions even better. It's wonderful not to waste time looking for the tool I want. But I have lots of ideas of how you can use pallets now. Pictures included to inspire you today because to some extent, aren't we all visual learners? Let me know what you think you'd try first!

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Back to the basics with Shelby Naturals & $100 facial set giveaway

10/29/2017

I gained 15 pounds my first year of college. My skin was a wreck due to poor diet. Acne. Blotchy. Dull and dry. Ugh. So whoever coined the phrase "you are what you eat" nailed it on the head. Looking at myself in a mirror at the end of term, I didn't like the reflection. So I did a 180 degree turnabout with my dietary habits. And that's partly why having a garden is so vital to me. I love to eat vegetables steamed, roasted, and even raw. Scrumptious. When I decided that sugar and carbs weren't going to rule my life, vegetables started to taste delicious again. Now that I eat so little sugar and flour a cracker or a Cheerio tastes sweet. A piece of cake? So sickly sweet that it's unbearable for my reformed taste buds. But I've also learned as I approach....ahem...40 that it's equally important to take care of the outside of my skin and body. That's why I'm thrilled to have teamed up with Shelby and her product line Shelby Naturals for the ultimate skin changing experience. I hope you win her Daily Essential Set that includes a cleanser, toner, serum and micro fibre cleansing cloth valued at $100. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY TAGGING A FEW FB FRIENDS! Let us know that you've entered by telling us what your favorite beauty product is! Contest ends November 19th! Canadian friends....you are welcome to enter too...we love you!

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The green thumbs guide to planting & enjoying gorgeous garlic!

10/22/2017

I'm not here to nag. Not gonna do it. But it's time to stop fussing over your Halloween costume because you have to plant that garlic! And quite honestly, the first person I should nag is probably myself. Or maybe Tom. Because we are equally guilty of not quite getting our garlic in the ground yet. Where I live, the general rule of green thumb is to plant your garlic before Halloween for best results. But after a rather rainy and colder summer, we are pleasantly surprised by a warmer and sunnier fall! This certainly should extend the planting season. Of course you can grow garlic spring or fall. But the fall season is preferred for most of us. The point is to plant....sooner rather than later for next year's crop because growing garlic is easy. So here are my top tips and trends for the garlic growing season.

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Double Desert Steel bird feeder giveaway for fall!

10/15/2017

If you're a bird, you're welcome to feast at the all-you-can-eat buffet at my house. Not so much if you happen to be a squirrel or a chipmunk. If it were just me, I wouldn't mind. To some degree, they're all cute. But Tom's not having it. The bird feeders are exclusively for the birds. I've actually seen Tom run outside at 6 a.m. barefoot chasing a fat squirrel away. Oh well. Whaddya gonna do? Win a bird feeder from Desert Steel of course. Today, we have a first and a second place winner so it's super exciting for all. First place gets the lovely Velvet Queen Bird Feeder shown just above and you'll have to keep reading to see what the second place reader gets! To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. YOU CAN EARN ONE ENTRY PER DAY JUST BY TAGGING A FEW FB FRIENDS! Let us know that you have entered by telling us if you've ever tried to grow sunflowers and how many entries you've earned. Contest ends November 9th!

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Top tips for keeping your plants happy this winter

10/13/2017

If you’ve been carefully tending to your garden all year, it would be a shame to see all your hard work go to waste when winter arrives, wouldn’t it? But, without knowing how to care for your plants over winter, that’s almost guaranteed. Read up on the tips below to ensure you know exactly how to keep your plants happy until spring comes.

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Why I'm done with garage sales for good

10/2/2017

So I know what you're thinking. Why are you talking about garage sales on a garden blog? Two reasons. With lots of rain and zero summer sun, my garden bombed this summer. I can't show you pictures of my gorgeous zucchini because I don't have any. My plants rotted into the ground. The second reason? Since I didn't save much money from my garden, I tried to make up the difference through yard sales.The objective is to buy most of my families clothes, girls 5 toddler, 7 girl, newborn boy and used clothes for myself at reasonable prices. Forget buying men's clothes used! Rags when they're finally done with them. I also look for useful housewares and seasonal items for the home. At times, I even hope to stumble across a few luxury items to purchase at a bargain price. But after my experiences this summer, I've kicked my garage sale habit to the curb. Here's why.

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Blown away with PeachSkinSheets & 1500 thread count soft sheet set giveaway!

9/28/2017

I was annoyed at Tom. His $3 knockoff Apple watch ripped the new bed sheets I bought in New York City. He's always checking the time, even in the middle of the night! Now they're paint drop cloths. Bummer. But isn't that the truth? You need lots of sheets. Multiple sets. Like when the cat pukes in bed at 3 a.m. Or when your 4-year-old wets the bed....for the second time that night. Eeeeek. My life isn't too glamorous. So when my sheets hit the dust, I reached out to PeachSkinSheets for backup and I'm so glad I did! These 1500 thread count soft sheets are wonderful and come in every color imaginable. Sweet dreams for sure! Besides, PeachSkinSheets offer high-end quality without the high-end price tag. Now that's what I'm talking about. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us what color sheets you want! Contest ends October 17th.

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From burns to acne: 7 surprising burdock plant uses

9/20/2017

Burdock plant used for medicinal purposes

With the ebb and flow of life, sometimes I feel more connected to the blog, and sometimes less connected. In the heart and and the heat of summer, I confess it's one of those less connected times. It's time to indulge in my last summer whims before it's all over. So I plead for patience. And I can't even say I'm weeding the garden with a straight face because I'm not. But wait! Maybe I'm harvesting? Again no. Too much rain, too little crop to harvest. If you need me, I'm probably in the backyard playing bean bag toss with the kids. Maybe even in the kiddie pool. Just give a holler. So today I have a wonderful guest post for you brought to you by my younger sister. Yep. I have one of those and she's sharing her riveting insights on the magnificent burdock plant. Since we all love to garden and grow in my family (not to mention blog)....you'll yearn to learn more at Pretty Simple Ideas. Here goes her story...

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Top trends to try in your outdoor living space

9/15/2017

outdoor balcony garden in the city with pansies

The outdoor living space of your home can easily become the favorite spot to gather with friends and family and to make lasting memories. However, in order to do so, it needs to be welcoming and comfortable in how it is set up and in how the space is utilized. Incorporate one or more of the following trends to your yard or patio and watch as it transforms into a fun and beautiful place in which to spend time and that impresses all who visit. It's time to stun your friends and family with your new and beautiful space.

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Get glowing with The Grommet & $100 gift card giveaway!

9/12/2017

Luci inflatable solar light

Big shopper? Nope. Me neither. It's usually online shopping or none at all. As much as I love Amazon Prime, it does have a few drawbacks. Not only have I discovered that Amazon doesn't always have the lowest price, but you don't always get what you want. Since I'm a frugal gal, I like to give gifts that I know the recipient will use and enjoy for years. Otherwise...I'm just wasting money and time. Now my family is made up of individuals of varying ages and pursuits. Isn't this true of all our families? So gifts have to be chosen with lots of thought and care so they don't end up in the donation box. Go ahead and explore The Grommet website for yourself. Unique is the understatement of the year. This is why I'm thrilled to feature just one of their stupendous offerings on the blog today. I hope that you win the whopping $100 gift card from them for some serious swag. Oh. And before I forget. If you prefer to shop based on your value system with certain core beliefs in place than The Grommet has you covered. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us about your most recent online purchase. Thanks! Contest ends: October 3rd!

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Top ten flowers for the picking & plucking!

9/4/2017

Nothing speaks to me as much as a field full of picking flowers. Flowers sown for the sheer purpose of plucking - then enjoyed indoors some more. In fact, to save money for our wedding, we ended up growing lots of flowers to be picked the morning of as table centerpieces. And save money we did. Stress? Not to much. My hair started graying then methinks. No one should be picking flowers the morning of their wedding. Bad idea. I digress. Some flowers were born and bred to be picked and then cherished in a favorite watering vessel. But no one wants to fight with flowers in order to have a cute bunch to enjoy. So give me thick stems to easily draw up water and big, bold flowers in radiant colors. Prolific and long-blooming flowers win the day each and every time. Here's what I'm hoping you have in your garden now!

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Turn up the heat with ElectroLight & $90 giveaway!

8/24/2017

Multi-purpose tools are the way to go. You know the ones. The tools that get used year-round so you never resort to storing them in that deep, dark place in the garage....never to be found again. Serving a purpose in every season they don't suffer the fate of the grass seeder or the hula hoops. And I do like to be able to start a fire quick when needed. Whether it's in my fire pit or fireplace, being empowered to get that fire going pronto is wonderful. So we were thrilled when HomeRight sent us an ElectroLight power tool to review and hope you are the lucky winner of this incredible $90 giveaway. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us what lights up your life! Contest ends: September 15th!

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Sowing lettuce & other leafy greens through the seasons by succession gardening

8/17/2017

Organic lettuce growing in a field

I had a blast when I was in London many years ago. Magnificent, magical place. Someday, the hope is that lightening will strike again and I will get to see the city anew twenty plus years down the road. It's fascinating how Londoners are able to grow food in such small spaces! And they make it look so beautiful and luscious. So I'm thrilled today for you to meet my new friend Dan who blogs over at the Urban Turnip as is anchored in, ahem, you guess it...London! He's encouraging me to grow more food in containers. Especially crops like lettuce and ornamental cabbage that look great and taste even better. And don't you appreciate how lettuce can be grown spring all the way into fall? With what I spend on organic lettuce come winter...blah! Besides, edible gardening is some of the more fun you can have with plants so keep reading to glean some of his insights.

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Light up your life with a Daisy Garden Torch by Desert Steel & giveaway!

8/14/2017

Consider this a fair warning. Once you start collecting torches you won't want to stop. They are addicting! And no wonder. What else but a real flame could add such depth of radiance to your space? Not to mention keeping the mosquitoes away in the most charming manner possible. You probably remember us giving away a few poppy torches in blue and red from Desert Steel last summer, but we must say, the white and orange daisy torches are just as sweet and sophisticated. Amazing how Desert Steel is always fashioning new and unique products that captures the eye and the heart. Envision yourself enjoying the ambiance of your backyard by adding one of these garden trophies to your collection when you win! (ARV $70) And I'm practically jumping up and down today because this contest has two winners!! To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you have entered by telling us which color you'd choose and how you many entries you've earned. Thanks! Contest ends September 7th.

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Free your hose with Liberty Garden & 3 winner giveaway!

8/6/2017

#707 Wall Mounted Hose Reel with Guide

Have you counted them or seen them around your neighborhood? You know. Those ugly, plastic hose reels and hideous plastic hose accessories. It's time. To go. Curbside. Because they are unattractive if nothing else. Besides, Liberty Garden makes such sleek and stylish products. Why not replace the ugly for the innovative? Swell with joy this summer (and not just from the heat!) by replacing or adding a few Liberty Garden Products to your outdoor space. It's time to get organized so your hose isn't sprawling all over your, lawn, patio, or driveway anymore. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or sign up for our newsletter. For two entries, do both. Let us know that you entered by telling us about your current hose storage situation in the comment section of this post. And Canada, you are most welcome to enter too! What's the only thing more exciting than new hose accessories? New hose accessories and storage solutions from Liberty Garden Products of course! Contest ends August 31st.

And make sure you enter some of our other awesome current giveaways here!

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Is joining a farm CSA group or food co-op worth your time and money?

7/30/2017

Doesn't get any fresher than this market style CSA at McCollum Farms!

Community-Supported Agriculture. Food Co-op. They seem so cutting edge. But what are they and should you join one? In the CSA model the consumer is directly linked to the food system by becoming a subscriber to a farm or group of farms. Weekly or bi-weekly you get a box of in-season produce. It starts with farm fresh veggies, fruit, flowers and herbs but can also include eggs, milk and meat. More recently, some co-ops have added organic grains like spelt, pastry flour, rye and hard and soft wheat. It's even possible to stumble across raw cane sugar, natural salt, maple syrup, and organic baked goods made with gluten free/vegan ingredients. The greatest advantage of a CSA share is that by eliminating the middle man you are getting the freshest and healthiest food possible. Produce comes from the farm straight to you. No need for transportation, a distributor, grocery store or even farm market. You already know that I have three huge raised beds which I grow my veggies and herbs in. But with two young kids and a needy newborn, this was the first and only year I even considered joining a CSA. In the end, I decided to grow my own as usual which is outlined below. But that doesn't mean partnering up with a farm co-op isn't the right decision for you. Here's what you should think about.

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Easy breezy Eartheasy & $200 cedar 5 -level plant pyramid giveaway!

7/24/2017

Growing strawberries has always been at the top of my to-do list. Yet somehow the task eludes me each year. Blame it on space. Although I have three raised beds, the space is always accounted for with vegetables and herbs. In fact, the four rows of garlic alone take up half of one of my beds. And sure, we have a 1/2 acre lot which is humongous for the subdivision in which we live, but still feel cramped when planting. With a young family we need to keep some areas grassy for them to run and play. (Not to mention our new bean bag toss set). So vertical gardening it is! With this 5-Level Cedar Plant Pyramid you'll be growing upward and onward in no time at all. Watch your veggies, herbs, fruit and flowers flourish in a relatively small area. Incorporate right in your garden or on a deck or patio for maximum exposure at arms reach. No wonder we are equally thrilled for you and your chance to win your own 5-Level Cedar Plant Pyramid from Eartheasy (ARV $200) today. To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post or follow us on Pinterest. For two entries, do both. Earn one entry per day by sharing this post! Let us know that you have entered by telling us what you'd plant in this pyramid in the comment section of this blog post! (Scroll down to the bottom). Contest ends August 23rd!

And make sure you enter some of our other awesome current giveaways here!

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DIY bird feeder from re-purposed wall sconce in seconds

7/15/2017

circular wall sconce turned bird feeder

When Tom and I got married ten years ago, we received a few...ahem..odd wedding presents to say the least! Some of which we couldn't identify. Not even when googled. Angels without faces? Check. Angels lacking any head whatsoever? Check. Lopsided circular vase that spins like a top but plops on the floor unless it's being propped up? Yup. Got one of those too. DVD player that turned out not to be a DVD player at all but an oddly shaped wood bowl that was just wrapped in the old DVD box? Yep. Tom was so thrilled with the imagined DVD player and nearly cried when he saw that hideous bowl. Heh. But I can't mock him too much because I felt the same way. Some of the weirder knickknacks had to be donated immediately (after very heartfelt thank you notes were written). But who's got the room to store junk they won't use or and morally can't re-gift? So I wanted to show you how I enhanced my garden space with one of my underused wedding presents. It's quickly becoming my pride and joy! And before I forget, would you leave me a comment describing the oddest present you ever got just to make us all laugh?

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