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Last minute gifts for her $15 and under...

12/5/2018

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase through my link I make a small commission at no additional cost to yourself. Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!

power pins push pins magnets, fridge magnets

Do you like opening gifts in front of others?

The only thing I like less than opening gifts in front of a crowd is watching someone else open my gift. What if they hate it?

Does she really want more socks, soap and scarves? Nope.

Spending more doesn't equal a better gift or a happier recipient. It's quality that counts.

Because not only do we have lots of family and friends to shop for at Christmas, but there's also the girls' teachers and even bus driver to consider. She's great!

It sure adds up fast. It also forces Tom and I to be frugal shoppers so we can show more cheer.

So here's 15 gifts for under $15 that just about anyone would rave over.

How can I be so sure? Because I've personally tested and tried all products on this list to my complete and utter satisfaction.

4 Comments

Desert Steel Mantel Sculpture & Stocking Holder $325 giveaway!

11/30/2018

There's not too many cacti growing outdoors in Buffalo, NY this time of year.

Okay, that was a joke. A lame one but my best attempt today. Because cacti are so far off our radar in Western New York that it's ridiculous.

So if you live in a colder climate and seek cacti and southwest charm, you'll have to invest in non-living decor to spice up your space.

Enter: Desert Steel. Once again saving the day.

I have a southwest themed room in my home. With a woodburning stove it's the apple of my eye.

This Christmas is a southwest one with my new prickly pear mantel sculpture from Desert Steel!

I am equally beguiled for you and your chance of winning the exact same one to hang your stockings on or just to enjoy year-round as a unique showstopper sculpture.

How to enter to WIN!

Fill out the easy peasy SweepWidget form at the bottom of this post. Good luck!

14 Comments

13 foolproof tips to pick the perfect live Christmas tree

11/26/2018

Do you have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree complex? That's my struggle each year.

The sad, pathetic and wilting tree calls my name because otherwise it won't have a home for Christmas.

Then I have to stop. Pause. Think. Be rational. The tree is not a pet. It does not have feelings. I'm not doing myself any favors by hauling home the worst one on the lot.

Besides, live Christmas trees start at $50. The nicer ones are over $100 now. In many cases you pay by the foot so I might as well get the best tree for my dollars.

But what do you look for when selecting the perfect Christmas tree?

These are my top tips so that your live Christmas tree doesn't sap your holiday cheer or curdle your eggnog.

57 Comments

The Gardener's Gift Guide with Garrett Wade & $100 Gift Card Giveaway!

11/23/2018

As a former English teacher the only thing I like better than alliteration is giving a great gift to that gardener in my life.

Gardener's are picky about gifts! Maybe it's because we tend to be frugal in general so saving money is paramount. That's partly why we even bother to grow our own food.

With limited resources, I want to give a gift that I "know" the recipient will use and cherish for years to come.

So it's my pleasure to reintroduce you to Garrett Wade, a company that thrives on real and riveting gifts that will rejuvenate that gardener on your Christmas list this year!

Even more thrilling is the $100 Garrett Wade gift card they want YOU to win!

And here's a secret you don't want to keep to yourself! Free shipping to all Raise Your Garden readers with purchases of $50 or more. Order over $100? You get free shipping and this luxury 23 oz. Garrett Wade thermos (a $20 value!)

Use Code: RYGARDEN at checkout. Offer expires 12/23.

How to enter to WIN!

Simply fill out the easy SweepWidget form at the bottom of this post.

And I have a foolproof gift giving tip that will satisfy even the fussiest recipient on your list now.

Before I forget...here's your chance to meet my extended family here!

9 Comments

Boring backyards and what to do about them

11/21/2018

There's a load of reasons why you might not spend much time in your backyard. Those people who aren't very green fingered often close the door and never look back.

Other people may work too many hours to spend any real time here. Others again may find their outside space too overlooked. And then, there are those who don’t go outside because they find their backyards boring.

You know how it goes; you open the curtains, and you wish you could shut them straight up again. There’s nothing wrong with your bare patch of lawn or your paved outside area.

It’s just that they don’t exactly fill you with excitement. They’re like a spare room with grey walls and bland furniture. They serve the purpose, but you wouldn’t necessarily choose to spend time there.

7 Comments

Easy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Banana Ice Cream with just 4 ingredients!

11/18/2018

So I'm eating this vegan pumpkin spice banana ice cream for dinner as I write this post.

Multitasking as usual.

It's not that I'm trying to loose weight during the holidays. It's more that I'm avoiding excessive weight gain Thanksgiving through New Year's.

But the sweet tooth must be satisfied. I stumbled across this recipe in my local paper and have been dying to try it for months now.

The frozen bananas that kept falling out of the freezer hitting my feet each time was a real motivator.

It was time.

Time to try this recipe. Time to clean out the freezer. Done. And it's a slam dunk winner.

I can't believe that this vegan pumpkin spice banana ice cream could satiate my appetite at a fraction of the calories and fat of "real ice cream." No fake or phony ingredients in sight!

Now the ball is in your court. You have to try this one! Vegan pumpkin spice banana ice cream is a party in your mouth.

6 Comments

$380 Tanami stainless steel fire pit giveaway with Desert Steel!

11/12/2018

Can't beat the intoxicating smell of a good fire. Right?

We enjoy our wood burning stove all winter. Totally different than the smell of burnt popcorn drifting from our kitchen.

Come spring, summer and fall, we are equally thrilled over the smoky smell from our fire pit.

There's nothing quite like kicking back with the family and roasting around a good old-fashioned fire.

Summer evenings are for the simmering and savoring of s'mores! And fall and winter are for the shivering who embrace the soothing comfort of a fire.

Nothing beats nestling up with the family as the embers slowly die away. Besides, there's something almost magical about the snap, crackle and popping glow of a natural fire.

So I'm thrilled for your chance to win the Tanami stainless steel fire pit from our old friends at Desert Steel!

How to enter to WIN!

Scroll down to the bottom of this post and fill out the the easy SweepWidget form.

Tell us the last fire you lit in the comments below. Contest ends December 27th!

54 Comments

Garden prep ~ How-to smother weeds with cardboard, newspaper and compost

11/6/2018

Tom and I delay cleaning up our garden beds for as long as we can.

It's not because we are procrastinating or lazy. It's because we are hoping to leave every last tomato on the vine until we are ready to harvest.

So we wait.

But November is the perfect time to smother weeds and plants that are starting to look shabby.

It's also the ideal time to amend the garden beds. Remember those veggies have depleted the soil of nutrients and it's time to replenish those minerals.

This is the technique Tom and I use to make the gardening kickoff in spring a breeze. Our garden beds are willing and waiting to be planted in come Memorial Day!

No weeding required!

53 Comments

Landscape border patrol with EcoBorder & $231 rubber edging giveaway!

11/1/2018

It all boils down to this....

EcoBorder is easy. It's that simple.

Quality rubber landscape edging that is easy to install. I can do this myself folks. Tom who?

And if you think people aren't looking at your landscaping comparing it to theirs, you'd be wrong. We all compare. Fact!

So I'm thrilled today if you are the winner of the (3) 6 pack EcoBorder "L" in brown, red or black. You'll have 72 feet to work with! Over $231 value!

How to enter to WIN!

Scroll down to the bottom of this post and fill out the Rafflecopter widget. Easy peasy.

Tell us what color you'd choose in the comments below! Contest ends December 15th!

44 Comments

Pruning primer with $100 tool pack giveaway from Corona Tools USA!

10/27/2018

So a little trivia question for you today.

When is the perfect time of year to prune? Winter, spring, summer or fall? Tell me in the comments below!

But until then, I'm over-the-moon excited to offer some incredible planting and pruning tools from our friends over at Corona Tools USA.

This $100 piece set includes the Corona Bonus Pack with the forged aluminum bypass pruner, Corona sharpening tool and the nylon scabbard with pocket for sharpener.

Winner also receives the ComfortGEL grip trowel, scoop and transplanter!

How to enter to WIN!

Scroll down to the bottom of this post and fill out the Rafflecopter widget! Contest ends November 26th!

And I'll tell you the time of year that has been perfect to prune for our family.

18 Comments

10 ways to put those fall leaves to good use & stop wasting them!

10/24/2018

Do you really want to rake the leaves this year? Probably not unless you're desperate for exercise after your Zumba class got cancelled.

Maybe you are more of a leaf-blower type of person anyhow?

As a side note - don't you just love watching kids jump in a pile of leaves? Such joy.

But I digress.

Here's 10 fantastic ways to get those leaves to work for you instead of you doing all the work!

43 Comments

Daisy solar light trio with $175 Desert Steel giveaway!

10/18/2018

What's your favorite line from Shakespeare?

As an English teacher, there are many I appreciate.

One of my all-time favorites is from Romeo and Juliet when Capulet utters "Be quiet, or—More light, more light!—For shame! I’ll make you quiet."

Ironic that this ignorant father is the one who requires illumination being in darkness himself.

You know what he needs....right?

Solar lights. Since they didn't have electricity back then I'm sure he'd find them useful.

So please pardon my silliness today because I'm thrilled for the winner of the Daisy Garden Solar Light Set from Desert Steel.

Yes, that means you win 3 Desert Steel Solar Lights (ARV $175). Use indoors or out!

How to enter to WIN!

Scroll down to the bottom of this post and fill out the Rafflecopter widget. Easy peasy.

You choose the color. Pink, yellow, turquoise or gray. Tell us what color you'd choose in the comments below! Contest ends November 23rd!

49 Comments

Three fabulous fall projects to add to your existing garden

10/17/2018

Your garden looks great. You picked out the best plants to fit in your beds.

You chose the right ones for your hardiness zone, with the perfect positions selected based on watering needs and sunlight.

But something seems off.

Something is missing…

2 Comments

7 ways to spice up your planters with $260 composite PVC window box giveaway from Good Directions!

10/12/2018

Two words.

Curb appeal.

That's how the Lazy Hill window box from Good Directions is going to change your life. Are you ready for your house to go from bland to bold with some serious window box pizzazz?

It's the season for a stunning array of fall foliage adorning the front of your home.

Window boxes are incredibly versatile. Just think. Pansies in spring. Million bells in summer. Mums in fall. Even tiny Christmas trees to tie you over the long winter. Swooning with delight already?

We are ecstatic for the winner who gets the Lazy Hill Montauk Composite PVC window box from Good Directions. You choose either the 36 inch or the 42 inch sized window box. Whatever suits your dwelling best! ARV: $240 and $260 respectively.

Tell us what you would plant in the comments below!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN!

Use the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post! Contest ends November 15th!

29 Comments

Which plants to winterize and how to find space indoors for them all!

10/8/2018

I dread this time of year.

It's time to decide who makes the cut. Which plants will be brought inside to survive our harsh, Buffalo winter and which ones I will (big teary gulp) cut loose.

Specifically, I'm talking about my herbs, fragile annuals, and tropical plants/houseplants that have been permitted to bask in summers' glow!

Tough call each year.

But the reality is, there's not enough space in my home for them all. Besides, even if there were, there's not enough sunlight. And I could never buy enough grow lights to sustain them all.

So I must choose. And I need to stop killing the ones that I do keep!

Over the years, I've learned that some plants do better indoors than others. So I'm willing to put forth more effort on their behalf. Some plants have surprised me, too!

If you have ever wondered what plants you should try saving and how-to store them until spring....this post is for you!

4 Comments

Why fall is the time to plant with Nature Hills Nursery & $150 gift card giveaway!

10/1/2018

This next generation hydrangea is going to steal the show in my front landscaping next summer!

Plants love fall.

I'm a firm believer in fall planting. Plants seem to bounce back quicker and end up more robust than spring or summer dug up plants.

Now is the ideal time to move plants that are in the wrong spot, divide plants and bulbs that have gotten too large and add perennials where there is a gap.

You can score great deals this time of year at the local garden center and even those dreaded big box stores. But by the time I get there with three kids in tow, the selection is either sparse or non-existent.

This is why shopping online for plants is incredible.

What a pleasure it is today to offer you an online gift card from Nature Hills Nursery for $150 so you can fall in love with planting again!

*Use your gift card now or wait for spring to order*

Here's how to WIN!

Use the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post! Contest ends October 28th!

Keep reading to learn my top planting, dividing and transplanting tips! And don't forget to put in your bulbs and garlic, too!

23 Comments

50 fun & fabulous facts about blueberries....

9/19/2018

The U-pick blueberry farm our family frequents just raised their prices.....again.

It used to be $2.00 a pound. Now it's $3.00 a pound.

If I'm going to pay the same price or more whether I pick my own berries or buy them at the store, why bother trudging to the patch on a hot and humid July day?

Yes, I know the blueberries are fresher at the farm. Yes, I know I can eat while picking. But still. I have to bring water, hats, snacks, 3 kids and potentially use a porta potty. Eww.

So Tom and I got to talking. We realized that it's time to grow are own blueberries in our quest to create a more edible landscape. Fall is the perfect time to plant blueberry bushes!

With True Vine Ranch, we were able to successfully accomplish our dream! They'll be plentiful pictures come spring, but until then let's talk blueberries.

Today is all about blueberries down to the nitty gritty tiny details. Fifty fantastic facts to inspire you to grow your own blueberries this fall.

And I have a little secret about True Vine Ranch at the end of this post that you might not believe...

3 Comments

Last forever pumpkin luminaries with Desert Steel's 2 winner giveaway! (ARV $110!)

9/14/2018

Fuzzy socks.
Crunchy leaves.

Cozy sweaters.
Scrumptious soups.

Fall is coming, folks!

And pumpkins......please. Lighted pumpkins as it gets dark so quick these days.

Luminaries from our friends over at Desert Steel!

We are thrilled that the winner gets 2 (yes I said 2!!!) pumpkin luminaries from Desert Steel in the shape and color of your choice!

Orange or white? Tall or squatty? Which will it be for you? Tell us in the comments just below! Valued at $110!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN!

Use the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post! Contest ends October 4th!

57 Comments

How-to transplant a magnolia bush or tree

9/9/2018

'Houston, we have a problem.'

C'mon, you know what movie that's from...right? Leave your guess in the comment section!

Anyhow, that quote best describes the issue Tom and I were having with our landscaping. We are attempting to make the perimeter of our house more edible.

For this dream to become a reality a lovely Jane magnolia tree needed to be moved. Talk about mission impossible (another movie reference!) The magnolia tree does not like to be uprooted and moved.

But we needed the spot for a blueberry bush. Besides, when originally planted, we failed to consider the 8-10 spread the Jane magnolia tree requires.

And so, we read and researched the best way to transplant this gorgeous tree. The ideal time to transplant a deciduous magnolia tree or shrub is in the fall. Keep in mind that root pruning must be done well in advance of transplanting.

So that's where we will start you off today.

Root pruning.

Then we'll tell you the easy peasy steps to successfully transplant a magnolia tree without killing it.

4 Comments

A million reasons to beam with Smile Brilliant & $149 at-home teeth whitening system giveaway!

9/5/2018

"I really wish my teeth were more yellow or even brownish."

...Said no one ever.

Like it or not we are judged by our physical appearance. (Insert big sigh here followed by an ughh.)

And it's true. Who wants yellow or brown teeth? Ick. Right?

Looks matter. Period.
Teeth matter. Period.

When you meet people for the first time one of the things they'll notice are your teeth. It's a cruel world.

Now if you're thinking right now...."hmmm... can't figure out Laura today. I mean, what do teeth have to do with the home & garden?"

Correct answer....not much.

Except that we all have teeth. Hopefully! And if we have them, we should be proud of how they look. Agree?

So it's my pleasure to introduce you to Smile Brilliant today in the hopes that you will learn a bit about at-home teeth whitening options and even earn a $149 credit towards a Smile Brilliant kit!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN!

Use the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post! Contest ends September 20th!

BIG NEWS FLASH!
Type in the promo code raiseyourgardenat checkout for an extra 15% off!

Contest open to those in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia. We LOVE you all!

*The $149 credit will cover the T3 sensitive system at-home teeth whitening kit!*

7 Comments

Getting down & dirty with Corona tools lawn care giveaway!

8/30/2018

Motivated to weed today? Nope. How about edging the driveway?

Me neither.

But if you win the the EdgeMaster (ARV $40.65) and WeedSLAYER (ARV $33.10) two piece lawn tool giveaway from Corona Tools USA you're going to get your weeding mojo back!

Because now is the time to get the job done right with the right tools for the job thanks to Corona Tools USA. And I think I feel a song coming on because it's Corona's 90th birthday!

Tom and I actually had this conversation in the car the other day.

Me "Did you know Corona Tools has been around for over 90 years, wow...that's a long time. Since the 1920s long time."

Tom "Well, that means they're pretty awesome or they would have gone out of business long ago. Both product and customer service are fantastic."

Exactly. You want tools in your shed or garage made by Corona Tools USA!

How to Enter to Win:

Use the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post! Contest ends September 20th!

25 Comments

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Day Trip review!

8/27/2018

To celebrate our 12th (or was it our 11th?) anniversary, Tom and I took a day trip to Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion.

And many thanks to my MIL for taking the kiddos for the day, as they would have failed to appreciate the splendors of the place!

So today's post is chiefly beautiful eye candy.

We bought our tickets off of Groupon for just over $5 each! On site, you'll pay $14 a ticket. Consider the extra expense a donation since Sonnenberg could use the funds to do a few repairs.

Although we enjoyed our visit tremendously, there is no doubt that the house and even the gardens are falling into wreck and ruin. But isn't home and garden maintenance a struggle for us all?

Nestled in the Fingers Lake Region, Sonneberg Gardens is an idyllic spot to kick back and spend the day. Aptly named, the Fingers Lakes is located in New York State and famous for its series of long, thin lakes. It's also known for vineyards.

How would I describe the Finger Lakes Region with just one word?!...

Feel at ease with Hygge Home & $830 mahogany buffet giveaway!

8/20/2018

Buffet, server, sideboard, credenza, console, cabinet...call "it" what you will but this cottage style beauty is a stunning piece of white mahogany wood furniture. Crown molding, shaker style doors and antique brass hardware will have you swooning.

Are you ready to win this generously sized buffet with farmhouse charm? Comes fully assembled!

The classic Halifax Buffet by NovaSolo is delightful Danish design with hygge at the heart of it all. Hygge Home ignites that comfy and cozy feeling in your dwelling space now as you celebrate life at home.

How to Enter to Win:

Follow Raise Your Garden on Facebook HERE and share this post!
Follow Hygge Home on Facebook HERE
Sign up for our newsletter!
Tag at least 5 Facebook friends! The more you tag, the better your luck!

For four whopping entries, do all four!

Let us know that you have entered by telling us how you would use this beautiful buffet. Do this by scrolling down to the bottom of this post and leaving a comment. Please tell us how many entries you have earned!

Contest ends September 20th. Canadians most welcome to enter!

315 Comments

12 plants poisonous to pets (and they could be deadly!)

8/17/2018

Begonias

I was shocked to learn just how many common plants are toxic to pets, some that I never considered to be in that category. We have pets so this is a big issue for our family.

It's tough because you don't want to paranoid, but at the same time you want to protect your pets.

My two girls are old enough now that they know better not to munch on strange plants. And even when they were younger, I could have communicated which plants were big no no's.

But pets don't quite work this way. Even with their soulful eyes, they're not human. I've discovered that cats in particular are tempted by plants. They tend to chomp on plants and spit them up.

So I'm giving you the rundown of which plants you should avoid when considering what to grow. Some are worse than others....and some are only "somewhat" toxic if you get my drift.

My focus today is mostly on cats and dogs, probably the two most common pets. Not that I don't love horses, but they aren't the best indoor pets. The poop alone!

Although I once worked with a guy in sales who had indoor/outdoor goats that slept on his couch! Use your imagination on that one...

Anyhow, here's what I learned!

3 Comments

The sunny side of Good Directions with $250 Armillary Sundial giveaway!

8/13/2018

Sundials are intriguing.

Certainly the ancient Egyptians must have thought so since they are reputed to have used them first. Or perhaps it was the Greeks, Romans or Babylonians. No one knows for sure!

What we do know is that sundials are instruments used for telling time with a rich history. And if you're going to own a sundial, you might as well display a quality one.

A stunning sundial made by Good Directions is beautiful to behold on your patio, porch, deck, rooftop and even showcased poolside. Sundials can be displayed both indoors or outside.

Besides, your outdoor space is becoming more of an equal with your indoor dwelling quarters. It's time to invigorate it! Every product molded by Good Directions is lovingly infused by art to enhance that ultimate living space you cherish ~ your home.

So we are over-the-moon (or should we say over-the-sun?) thrilled for you and your chance of winning your very own armillary sundial from Good Directions valued at $250!

To enter, like the Raise Your Garden Facebook page and share this post and check out Good Directions on Amazon!

No Facebook? Enter by signing up for our newsletter and checking out Good Directions on Amazon.

Let us know that you have entered by telling us how often you check the time each day. Contest ends: September 13th!

You can earn one entry per day by commenting on any of our blog or Facebook posts.

185 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>

Last minute gifts for her $15 and under...

Desert Steel Mantel Sculpture & Stocking Holder $325 giveaway!

13 foolproof tips to pick the perfect live Christmas tree

The Gardener's Gift Guide with Garrett Wade & $100 Gift Card Giveaway!

Boring backyards and what to do about them

Easy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Banana Ice Cream with just 4 ingredients!

$380 Tanami stainless steel fire pit giveaway with Desert Steel!

Garden prep ~ How-to smother weeds with cardboard, newspaper and compost

Landscape border patrol with EcoBorder & $231 rubber edging giveaway!

Pruning primer with $100 tool pack giveaway from Corona Tools USA!

10 ways to put those fall leaves to good use & stop wasting them!

Daisy solar light trio with $175 Desert Steel giveaway!

Three fabulous fall projects to add to your existing garden

7 ways to spice up your planters with $260 composite PVC window box giveaway from Good Directions!

Which plants to winterize and how to find space indoors for them all!

Why fall is the time to plant with Nature Hills Nursery & $150 gift card giveaway!

50 fun & fabulous facts about blueberries....

Last forever pumpkin luminaries with Desert Steel's 2 winner giveaway! (ARV $110!)

How-to transplant a magnolia bush or tree

A million reasons to beam with Smile Brilliant & $149 at-home teeth whitening system giveaway!

Getting down & dirty with Corona tools lawn care giveaway!

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Day Trip review!

Feel at ease with Hygge Home & $830 mahogany buffet giveaway!

12 plants poisonous to pets (and they could be deadly!)

The sunny side of Good Directions with $250 Armillary Sundial giveaway!

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