Blog Posts

4 reasons to celebrate the cold-frame with Exaco Trading & $260 Juwel Biostar 1000 cold-frame giveaway!

3/26/2019

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!

Shocking that I've never explored cold-frame options before.

Especially when you consider the climate of Western New York. We are all trying to extend the gardening season here!

So I was excited that Exaco Trading was gracious enough to send me the Juwel BioStar 1000 premium cold-frame to review.

Guess what, they want you to win one, too! But first, I must tell you a bit about this intriguing company.

Exaco Trading is unique for the wide spectrum of high-quality, European products they offer. You are covered if you seek a greenhouse, composter or rain barrel.

But Exaco Trading also boasts brilliant garden pavilions, sand boxes, outdoor clothes dryers and furniture.

All their products are BPA-free and many of their plastic products are made from recycled material that is 100% recyclable.

And I won't even get started on their wonderful customer service. Stellar! Simply the best!

How to enter to WIN!

Simple scroll down to the bottom of this post and fill out the simple SweepWidget form!

Let's get down to the nitty gritty and learn about why you need a cold-frame this year. No more excuses.

18 Comments

Whopping $740 LGarden raised garden bed giveaway by Elevated Gardening!

3/20/2019

I shouldn't even admit this. I really shouldn't.

But the LGarden from Elevated Gardening is the best. Raised. Garden. Ever.

You'd think a mom of three kids would know by now not to play favorites. It's so wrong. But.....{insert big mom sigh here} It can't be helped!

So grab a tissue. Maybe two. You're going want wipe that drool off your keypad when I tell you about the luxurious and virtually indestructible LGarden.

Whoever designed this raised garden bed thinks like me when when it comes down to the science of how raised beds should work.

Could it be that it's named after me?!? LGarden for "The Laura" garden? Dream on.

The creme de la creme of raised bed gardens. The LGarden. This folks, is how the "other half" lives. Well....how the other gardening half lives anyhow.

Elevated Gardening is also including the $160 Craft Grower Kit and $80 Greenhouse cover in this giveaway for a $740 Grand Prize total. Astounding!!

Even better? Elevated Gardening is generously giving Raise Your Garden readers an instant 25% all products with the coupon code #lg25 at checkout! Mind-blowing!

How to enter to WIN!

Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the bottom of this post! Good luck all!

66 Comments

15 things you must always do at the grocery store

3/16/2019

I saw a women at the grocery store grab a honeydew melon without even looking at it, plop it in her cart and go.

It was the smallest one in the store.

But I figure, you pay one price, usually about $4 each regardless of the melon you choose. Why not grab the biggest one you can find?

So this is what I do.

I eyeball up the two biggest melons on the rack and then I weigh them on the produce scale.

And guess which melon I buy?

The winner was 1.27 pounds bigger than the loser.

Bigger is better. Same rule applies to cantaloupe and watermelon.

So here's 14 more tricks and tips to get the most bang for your buck the next time you grocery shop.

19 Comments

6 in 1 raised garden bed from Birdies Garden Products & giveaway! (ARV $130!) - 2 winners!

3/10/2019

With a garden blog named "Raise Your Garden" it's obvious that I'm raised garden bed obsessed.

So my eyes are always peeled for the unique and innovative in the raised garden bed world.

This is why I'm eager to acquaint you with Birdies Garden Products. Fresh from Australia, Birdies Garden Products make a raised bed like none other.

Why? Because these beds can be configured into one of 6 shapes. You choose what works best for you, your space and your gardening needs.

Mind-blowing! Decisions. Decisions.

Priced at $130, they are a "steel" quite literally as they are made of Zinc Aluminum steel.

How to enter to WIN! TWO WINNER'S!

Two of you are going to win one of these modern beauties just by filling out the simple form at the bottom of this post!

What would you plant in your 6 in 1 raised garden bed from Birdies Garden Products?

U.S., Canada and Australia welcome to enter!

31 Comments

Burning hot Prickly Pear Wreath giveaway with Desert Steel (ARV) $250!

3/4/2019

Choo Choo. Let's get on the Southwestern decor trend train for 2019.

And no, you don't have to live in Arizona to indulge in a little tex-mex. Both indoor and outdoor style is boasting that Southwest flair.

Recently, while shopping for the baby, I noticed many clothes featuring cacti, earth-tones, rough textures, terra cotta motives, and brightly colored fabrics in hues of orange, red and yellow.

Cacti are sprouting up everywhere these days from cupcakes, cards and bedding to adorning just about every magazine cover.

My mom gave me a cacti salt and pepper set. Love.

She also scored some adorable cacti erasers. Too cute!

So I'm going to be thrilled if you win this Prickly Pear Wreath from Desert Steel (ARV $250). Use indoors or out. How fun is that?

How to enter to WIN!

Simply fill out the SweepWidget form at the bottom of this post!

16 Comments

Air plant terrarium party favors using colored sand, seashells, pebbles & beach glass

2/25/2019

My daughter has a vibrant and colorful personality. And it was her birthday.

So for her party, I wanted to create a magical party favor for the 12 girls coming over.

For most birthday parties, my kids come home with kid tattoos, bubbles, stickers, pencils, glow sticks, erasers and bags of candy. Cute...but most of it gets dumped.

A waste of money overall. And I actually caught Esther eating the grape scented eraser! Yikes.

So beachy terrariums it is. And what a blast we all had creating these!

Like sand dunes nestled to the water, these beachy terrariums even have lapping waves to mimic the ocean in all its blueish, greenish and turquoise splendor.

Shells, beach glass and pebbles top our cute coastal creation!

And of course ~ a native beach "dune" in the form of an exotic air plant!

I feel like I'm taking a mini vacay every time I glance at the trio of beach themed terrariums on my kitchen countertop.

Let's do this!

44 Comments

Organize in chic style with Good Directions Boot Trays - 2 winners!

2/18/2019

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. This helps offset website costs Thank you for being such wonderful and gracious readers. I am truly thankful for you all!

I'll keep this short.

You could never own too many boot trays. Never.

Like I could own 100 Good Directions copper-finished boots trays and easily find a use for each and every one.

That's love, folks.

I wish I were kidding but that's how great these boot trays from Good Directions are.

Of course, Good Directions only sells the creme de la creme of product. Weathervanes, cupolas, fire pits, torches, armillaries, hose pots, bird feeders, rain chains....everything you'd want to make your outdoor space stunning.

But boot trays keep you organized. And being organized makes one happy!

Plants. Pets. People. All those shoes and boots cluttering the entryway to your home.

I'm just happier when I'm organized. How about you?

So it's thrilling that we have two winners today who will get their own Good Directions boot tray of their choosing!

There are lots of patterns and styles including pine cones, circles, squares, woof, stars and the classic design. Which would you select?

How to enter to WIN!

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

13 Comments

How-to make your garden a safer place

2/14/2019

Backyards are synonymous with exploring, adventure, and summer fun. They’re the perfect place for your children to get to know nature, let off some extra energy, and satisfy their curiosity.

That being said, kids will be kids, and, sometimes, their need to learn can get the better of them.

When this happens, they’ll be putting themselves in danger before you can stop them.

To avoid this, you should create a safer space for them to play. Here are six ideas to try.

1 Comment

How to propagate succulents from division, offsets & pups, leaves cuttings, beheading & water

2/10/2019

I get all weird about propagating succulents.

Best case scenario. I get extra plants for myself and to share with friends and family.

Worst case scenario. I kill the plant and have to say goodbye to a favorite succulent!

So glad I cast my fears aside and took the plunge. Although I'll readily admit that nothing teaches patience quite like propagating succulents.

But now I have a mini succulent factory.

The key to it all is being patient. Good things happen to succulent people who are willing to wait.

I remember checking my cuttings and leaves everyday, sometimes multiple times a day to observe zero results, no roots whatever. And then one day......it happened.

So be fruitful and multiply ya'll!

73 Comments

Cut calories with UCHICOOK Steam grill + utensil set giveaway ARV $200!

1/31/2019

I've got a little secret.

You know the only thing better than owning one Uchicook steam grill? Yep. It's owning two Uchicook steam grills.

One for meats and one for just veggies.

Makes my world go round. Not my butt! Thank you very much. Because we are eating so much healthier these days with the Uchicook steam grill.

I know we all "talk the talk" about eating healthier in the New Year, but how many of us actually follow through with that resolution?

Our family doesn't obsess over following rigid rules about what we can and cannot eat. We just eat tons of vegetables.

This is where the Uchicook steam grill shines like none other. Literally, too, because the lid is stainless steel!

What shocks me most about the Uchicook steam + grill? That I use it every. Single. Day. Without fail! It's that simple to use and clean.

So I am ecstatic for today's winner who scores the Uchicook steam + grill and three luxurious kitchen accessories including the scoopable spatula, mizukiri spoon and 3 stackable peelers!

What are you waiting for?

Enter to win by scrolling to the bottom of this post and filling out the simple form.

Let me know that you entered by leaving a comment telling me what your favorite vegetable is!

42 Comments

What to do about spiders in your garden

1/30/2019

Let's face it - spiders are an unfavorable sight no matter where you see ‘em. Arachnophobia is something we all have to some extent.

But do we over-exaggerate or are spiders something to be truly afraid of?

Well, depends on which creepy crawly you face and where.

Seeing an 8-legged monster while taking a bath or the very fact that you may have one under your bed may surely send shivers down your spine.

But it may actually be quite beneficial to have a small bunch of spiders in your garden.

2 Comments

5 indoor succulents you simply can't kill

1/24/2019

I was at a birthday party for my daughter chatting it up with another mom.

She was lamenting the status of her succulents.

All dead. She killed every single one.

And she was venting her valid frustrations~ how did succulents ever earn the reputation of being "easy" plants to grow?

Well. Some are easy. Some are not.

String of pearls? One of the most intriguing succulents on planet earth, but not suitable to Buffalo, NY weather. They hate it here!

Today I'm telling you like I would in a face to face conversation which indoor succulents that I personally own have been huge hits for me.

And like you all, I'm busy. I have 3 kids under the age of 8. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Laundry, Homework. Music lessons. Sports. School. Church. Repeat. The cycle never ceases.

Yet these 5 succulents survive and thrive!

71 Comments

A sprinkle of DIY - How-to set up your own irrigation system

1/23/2019

Planting flowers or vegetables requires a lot of time, patience and care. Any avid gardener will tell you that beautiful plants are a labour of love. The same goes for having a lush lawn.

Lawns of vibrant green grass add a totally different dimension to any garden and show that the property is truly cared for. It might require some effort on your part but the rewards are more than worth it.

However, once you have that lush green lawn that you’ve been dreaming of, you will need to carry out regular maintenance to make sure it always looks its best. Checking on the lawn to guard against weeds, conducting daily watering and other garden maintenance can consume a good portion of your time.

Installing one of the great sprinkler systems from SunshowerOnline can help save you a ton of time, especially in the warmer summer months, giving you more time to spend on perfecting your garden.

Continue reading to learn how you can create an effective irrigation system at your property so that your garden always looks healthy and well-kept.

1 Comment

Getting your garden ready for spring

1/22/2019

At this point in the middle of winter, we tend to get a little blue, in fact this week is the peak point when people notice the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

The reason for this is that the weather is at its coldest, nights at their darkest, and spirits at their lowest after having had the social time of the festive season.

January is the month when most people book a vacation as they are desperate to cling onto something to help them get through the winter.

Now, when it comes to your garden, perhaps the middle of winter is not the time you feel compelled to get into the garden and start preparing for spring, but there’s something hopeful about this process.

It reminds us that winter doesn’t last forever and seasons are just that, seasons - so, if you’re feeling a little blue about winter then now is a great time to get in the garden and start preparing for spring.

In fact, even if you don’t prefer getting in the garden right now, you can still celebrate in the fact spring is coming by looking online at things like gazebo kits to feel more inspired about what you will get up to this spring and summer.

And I just read there are just 57 days until spring!!!

3 Comments

Garrett Wade Warehouse Sale Spectacular & $100 gift card giveaway!

1/18/2019

I wonder if your family is similar to ours.

Because each year January becomes the month to organize our indoor spaces.

After I fail miserably at following through with the New Year's Resolutions that I didn't even make, I vow to get my life back on track.

Closets get cleaned. Clothes that I haven't worn in ten years get purged. Floors get *gasp* swept and washed.

It's also the time we evaluate what we need for the home and garden.

And there's never been a better time to shop with the Garrett Wade Warehouse Sale in full swing! Now is the time to invest in quality home and garden items that you'll use the rest of your life.

So if your Christmas gifts were lackluster this year, it's time to upgrade on your own.

RYG readers get a special extra 10% off all clearance purchases.

Use code GARDEN10 at checkout! Offer expires February 14, 2019.

And why not win this $100 gift certificate to Garrett Wade to get you started?

How to enter to WIN!

Simply fill out the easy SweepWidget form at the bottom of this post! And what's your favorite part about spring?

22 Comments

The extraordinary Chinese Money Plant ~how to grow & propagate this easy & photogenic plant you can't kill!

1/10/2019

pilea peperomioides - Chinese money plant

You can't kill a Chinese money plant. No matter how hard you try. Don't even bother.

And I shouldn't admit this having a garden blog and all....

Yet when some of my indoor plants bite the dust it doesn't bother me. Inwardly, I think to myself, "at least I don't have to water that one anymore!"

Not so with my Chinese money plants, the pampered ones.

Thanks to Cheri, a very special reader, I am the proud owner of 7 Chinese money plants. Even more now as I have learned to propagate them.

Excellent because they are expensive to buy but easy to propagate.

I'm talking $20-$30 for a tiny 2-4 inch plant! Yikes. And I hope you are not eating right now because you will gag when you see the shipping rates.

So find a friend who has some! Or shoot me an email come spring when they multiply again.

Minimalist and modern, the Chinese money plant is truly mobile home decor! Here's the scoop....

20 Comments

The wonders of JORD Watches with a $200 glamorous gift card giveaway to JORD!

1/3/2019

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!

Since you had this inkling anyhow, I might just as well blurt it out.

The last time I teamed up with JORD wood watches, friends who saw the post on Facebook were texting me asking how to win.

I responded that it was quite simple. The first person to get two dozen chocolate chip cookies (still warm if possible) to my house wins.

That was a joke, folks.

But obviously they were swooning with delight over my wood watch wanting one, too.

Not that I blamed them. My turquoise JORD wood watch with a zebrawood band is a thriller. Ladies watches. Men's watches. JORD has it all. JORD appeals to all.

So I'm over-the-moon thrilled that JORD wood watches is back with a twist on a watch you don't want to miss!

How to enter to WIN!

Scroll down to the bottom of this post and fill out the simple form for your chance at a $200 gift certificate to JORD watches!

(All you have to do is provide an email address so you can be contacted if you win!) But if you share this post on social media, you have my heartfelt eternal gratitude!

Are you skipping yet? And how many times a day do you check the time?

43 Comments

Rev up your rustic farmhouse style with Ranch Junkie & giveaway! (Barnwood Shelf ($150) or BOHO Travel Bag ($80!)

12/19/2018

As a mom of three kids I know that playing favorites is just plain wrong.

Enter Ranch Junkie Mercantile and out the window with that philosophy.

Because I don't like Ranch Junkie. I LOVE Ranch Junkie. It's their style. Their unbeatable rustic farmhouse style that charms me to smithereens.

Husband and wife team Erin & Shawn run Ranch Junkie like it's their job. Because it is. Straight out of Texas, folks...this is an all American family running an all American business.

So I'm thrilled for the two winners today who are gonna revamp their style with Ranch Junkie swag today.

First place scores a rustic barnwood floating shelf! (If this trend gets any hotter you'll get burned!) ARV $150ish.

Second place gets a southwestern large weekender travel bag. Go west my friends with this one! Take that vacay. ARV $80!

How to enter to WIN!

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

For extra good luck, leave me a comment on this blog post telling me why you wanna win!

18 Comments

Anise Cut-Out Cookies - Kris Kringle Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

12/15/2018

Do you have any anise oil in your spice cupboard? How about anise seed?

Go ahead. You can check. I'll wait. Got a little time to burn today. Or not! Silly me.

But if you don't have any anise now is the time to acquire some. Splendid stuff!

Any recipe that has been around and still used after 50 years is a winner. This recipe for anise cut-out cookies (Kris Kringle cut-out sugar cookies) has become a Christmas family tradition.

My grandmother cut this recipe for Kris Kringle cut-out cookies from the local newspaper many, many years ago and tweaked it to be her own. We still have the original clip!

This recipe is so prized that it's practically a family heirloom. So we're going local today with a regional recipe that hails from Buffalo, NY.

It's my pleasure to share our secret with you!

19 Comments

$85 luxury beauty kit giveaway from Made from Earth!

12/11/2018

It's that time of year. Even the most innocent of Target shopping excursions puts you at risk.

There he is. Or she is. Your old biology teacher. A former student. That co-worker that you can never remember their name.

Holiday shopping brings the most introverted of introverts out of the closet and into public view.

So what are you gonna do? Try to ditch them in the dog food aisle...right? Maybe they didn't even spot you and you're safe?

I mean- you're still wearing those peanut butter stained sweatpants and have zero makeup on.

Phew. Dodged that bullet. Wrong!

Let's put our best face forward this season by embracing friends, relatives and acquaintances with Made from Earth products designed to make you even more beautiful.

Made from Earth has you covered literally from head to toe with organic, holistic and chemical-free face, body, skin and hair products.

So I'm tickled pink for the winner who will score the Vitamin C + Face Firming Facial Kit to spiff up your skin for your most radiant holiday season yet! An $85 value.

How to enter to WIN!

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

And please tell me a story about a time you dodged someone you spotted while out and about in the comments below.

23 Comments

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

12/5/2018

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