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Easy Fall Yard Decorating Tips

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It’s no wonder why fall is a favorite season for many people. The weather is still somewhat warm, but breezy and the sun is still shining. This is the perfect time to really enjoy your outdoor yard area. Here are some easy fall yard decorating tips that will allow you to transform your yard into an inviting and relaxing space for yourself and your friends.

Fall Yard

Outdoor Seating

There is nothing more disappointing than sitting outdoors on a chair that is not comfortable. Invest in Adirondack style chairs for the fall. These chairs are so comfortable that cushions are not really required. Find a chair that has a matching ottoman or pair it with a different foot stool.

Adirondack Chairs

Arranging Chairs for Guests

The seating arrangement is key to creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages group conversations. So if you plan to have friends over this fall, arrange your seats in a tight arch or circle to ensure that your guests feel connected and engaged with one another. You can look forward to an evening of laughter and conversation.

Fire Pit

Now, to make accommodations for the chilly nights, simply add a fire pit to the center of your circle. You can get a fire pit on Amazon for about $50. This will provide much needed heat for you and your guests. You can even roast marshmallows and hot dogs, on a stick found within your yard, for a camp like experience. Just make sure you follow all safety instructions before and after lighting the fire pit.

Fire Pit

Bug Protection

To make you and your guests even more comfortable in your yard this fall, purchase pumpkin scented citronella candles to keep unwanted bugs at bay. Light these candles at least thirty minutes before your guests arrive for the best results (and aroma). Remember to extinguish the candles at the end of the night so that they’ll be good for future use.

Hanging Deck Lights

If you have a deck, decorate it for those fall evenings with icicle lights. These are holiday lights with strings that hang down like icicles. Look for white or orange lights to create a really delightful atmosphere after dark. Also, get yourself a beautiful pumpkin for the season and arrange it near your seating area in a bed of leaves (you’ll probably have plenty of those available).

Icicle Lights

Your outdoor space can become the most relaxing area of your home with a few tweaks. It is great for star gazing, whether you’re alone or with others. You can even transform your backyard into a place for a romantic autumn evening with that special someone.

Get started on these easy fall yard decorating tips and have fun this fall!

Posted by Eve

Image credits: Flickr/jamesjordan, Flickr/secretwinter, Amazon

Back to School Tips for Parents

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Now that summer is over and the kids are back to school, you might need some help getting back into the “back to school” routine — rising early, getting the kids off to school, picking them up, attending their sports games and more. Here are a few back to school tips for parents:

1) Have a talk with your kids. Explain that families must work together as a team in order to be functional. Everyone has a job to do to make things run smoothly.

2) Everyone’s clothing should be chosen the night before so that time is not wasted in the morning choosing an outfit. Pick one or two days out of the week to do laundry (like Sunday night) to ensure that the kids always have something clean to wear. If your children are over the age of 12, assign them laundry duty on an alternating schedule.

School Supplies

3) A great day begins with a balanced breakfast — try to put together a breakfast that has at least one protein and one vegetable to give your kids a good start. Everyone’s morning will be made much easier if the meal is already prepped in the refrigerator the night before school. For instance, you can bake bacon in the toaster oven the night before and then heat it up in the morning. Choose healthy foods that can be heated quickly in the toaster oven.

4) Make large dinners that can feed your family for more than one meal. For example, make an extra large lasagna and put the remaining lasagna into the freezer or refrigerator to be heated and eaten another day. If you always make large dinners you will spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family.

5) Get your children into the habit of completing their homework directly after school. After work is completed and checked by a parent, have each child place his or her backpack at the front door. Make them responsible for ensuring that all necessary items are placed in the school bag and ready for the next day.

6) Set up a “lunch line” on the kitchen counter right before bed, and have your children help out. You’re responsible for the sandwiches, one of the kids can put snacks in each lunch box and another packs it into the fridge. Turn it into family time — something that your kids will look forward to. Play some upbeat music and have a few non-sugary snacks available for them to enjoy (like chips and dip or salsa).

7) Purchase an alarm clock for each child. Then teach them how to set the clock as well as the alarm. Children love responsibility so give it to them. Explain that this is what adults have to do to be on time for work when they get older. It will also help them get prepared for college — a lot of kids are so used to having their mom wake them up for school that they have a hard time being on time when they’re on their own and need to attend classes.

8) Buy a large white dry erase board and detail each child’s responsibility before and after school. This way you as a parent are not repeating yourself on a daily basis regarding chores etc. Always remember to reward the child for completing all tasks that are on the board.

Use these back to school tips for parents to get your household in order this fall and beyond. The sooner you begin to organize your home, family and schedule, the better. Remember that children need to be raised with a sense of independence and taught not to completely rely on their parents — teach them early!

Posted by Eve

Image credit: Flickr/meddygarnet

Summer Shark Safety – Beach Tips

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Shark safety is important to learn and teach your kids before you visit the beach this summer.

We’ve seen reports of increases in shark attacks at beaches on TV and social media. Experts say that this may be attributed to warmer weather and drought conditions that cause sharks to come closer to the shore. Whatever the reason, there are a few ways that you can protect yourself while enjoying your time in the ocean:

1) Always wade or swim near a group of people. Never venture out by yourself — that makes someone appear like prey to a shark. You should also no longer float in the ocean as a form of relaxation (save that for the pools).

2) DO NOT swim in the ocean at dusk and before dawn. This is the time when sharks primarily feed. Go when the beach is open and lifeguards are on duty.

 

Shark Safety3) Avoid wearing any form of jewelry when swimming. This includes rings, earrings and necklaces. These items reflect off the sun and can create an glare in the water that might get a shark’s attention. This also includes metallic nail polish.

4) Avoid wearing brightly colored bathing suits or clothing, for obvious reasons, as it also attracts unnecessary attention.

5) Avoid swimming in the ocean if you have open cuts. Even wearing a soiled band aid can still put you at risk. The smallest amount of blood can be detected by sharks. Women who are menstruating should avoid the water completely for safety’s sake.

Have Safe Fun at the Beach

6) If you see a lot of fish, seals, dolphins or other sea animals swimming nearby GET OUT OF THE WATER ASAP. There’s a higher chance that a shark may happen by, as these are their desired prey.

7) Wear beach shoes to avoid cutting your feet on sharp rocks or shells, which could draw blood. The shoes should fit perfectly around your feet.

8) Parents must keep a very close eye on their children–in fact it’s best to only allow kids to swim when an adult is present if there’s even the slightest shark risk.

9) Stay out of the deeper water. You can still have fun at the beach while wading in the shallow water closest to the shore with friends and family.

These shark safety tips will help lower the risk of attracting sharks if you still want to enjoy the beach this summer. Despite what popular culture teaches us, sharks don’t always provide a warning with their fins — they mostly swim underwater. Generally speaking, it is important to ALWAYS stay alert when enjoying the ocean.

Posted by Lorraine

Photo credits: Flickr/elevy, Flickr/jaumescar

 

 

Fun Games from Your Childhood to Play Outdoors with Your Kids

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When the weather gets warm, who doesn’t enjoy a little backyard fun? Playing fun games outdoors with your kids creates a lifetime of memories for everyone. Some of the best outdoor games were played in your childhood and in generations past, but they won’t ever get old for kids. Try playing these fun outdoor games from your childhood with your young ones. A quick trip to your local dollar store will provide you with some of the necessary items you’ll need to have a great day.

Water Balloon Fight!

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Get those balloons ready!

When it’s hot outside and your kids tell you that they are “so bored,” get them outside for a water balloon fight! Get as many balloons as you can and tell your kids to help you fill them with ice cold water. Next, break evenly into two teams (you can swap teams if you’re the only adult, because you have an unfair advantage!). Draw a line in the middle of your lawn with a piece of string and play a make shift dodge ball game with the water balloons. Whoever lands the most water balloons on members of the other team wins! Set clear safety rules. The losing team has to pick up the pieces of balloons around the yard or you can all just clean up as a group. It’s a fun and safe way to cool off on a hot day.

Play Ball!

Another fun game of the past that we all enjoyed is Wiffle Ball. It’s a form of baseball that uses a light weight plastic bat and ball. The way the ball soars in the air when you get a hit is exhilarating—your kids will love it. Make the playing field as large or as small as you want. Make the bases out of odd, yet safe, items that are in your garage. It will be an awesome game and best of all you don’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt, and all your windows are safe.

Slip and Slide!

One of the best water games from the past is the Slip and Slide. It’s a long plastic runner that extends from one end of your yard to the next. Attach a hose to the slip and slide, turn on the water and start sliding! Some people say adding a bit of dish shop to the runner makes it easier to slide. Get a good running start and cruise your way down the slippery surface. It’s a great way to cool off and have some excitement on a hot summer day. You might find yourself just as eager to use the slip and slide as your kids are (memories 🙂 .

Barbecue Time!

At the end of all this backyard fun how nice would it be to end the afternoon with the good old all-American tradition of hotdogs Barbecue Outdoor Grillingand hamburgers for dinner. Hot dogs and burgers are simple and quick to prepare outdoors on a grill (small or large). Eating the food outside together will be a memorable moment that your kids will always remember.

Need to slow down and spend some quality time with your kids? Make plans to enjoy next weekend with them outdoors and teach them these and other fun games from your childhood. As always, take all precautions to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe time outside!

Posted by Lorraine

 

How to Protect Food from Insects at Outdoor Barbecues and Picnics

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The more warm and sunny it gets outside, the more you, your family and friends are going to get excited about firing up the grill and barbecuing up a storm. But as exciting as it sounds in theory, bringing food outside can be a challenge due to the wide variety of bugs and flying insects that also want to party with you and have some of your delicious food. Here are some simple ideas for how to protect your food (and guests) from annoying insects.

Table Tent for Flies

As soon as the food hits the table outside, you’re probably going to have to start contending with flies who want to try some. Flies are mostly harmless, but they are very unsanitary insects—they sit and feed on feces, dirt and dead carcasses—so you don’t want them near your food. The best way to shield your food from flies is to get a couple of Pop-Up Mesh Screen Food Cover Tents. They’re made of a light mesh material that the average fly can’t penetrate and are super affordable (2 for about $10). Flies might still fly around the area, but you won’t have to worry about them sitting on your fried chicken and potato salad.Barbecue Outdoor Grilling

Citronella Candles for Mosquitoes

There’s another type of fly that come to your barbecue to “feed” but not on the chicken. Mosquitoes are looking to make a meal out of your guests. One of the best ways to keep mosquitoes and other flying insects out of the area is to surround your guests with citronella candles. Citronella is a very fragrant oil that is extracted from a plant that mosquitoes don’t like. There are a number of styles of citronella candles that you can buy that will make your party look and smell great while protecting you from mosquito bites. It’s also a good idea to keep a mosquito repellent spray handy for your guests.

Keeping Ants Away

If you’re planning on having a picnic or barbecue in the park, ants are going to be competing for your lunch. If you want to keep ants away from your picnic here are a few ideas:

  • Create a mixture of borax and regular sugar to sprinkle around the perimeter of your picnic of barbecue area. The ants will be attracted to the smell of sugar before they even have a chance to reach your table. The borax gets rid of ant colonies.
  • If you just want to keep the ants away, draw a line around your picnic area with a big piece of sidewalk chalk or sprinkle flour. They will be repelled by either substance.
  • If your foot is on top of a picnic table, put all four legs in a bucket of water. Ants can’t cross water.

Wasp or Yellowjacket Trap

One of the most annoying parts of eating and grilling outside is dodging wasps, hornets and similar flying insects who think they are invited to your party! One way to manage this problem is to set a wasp and yellowjacket trap a short distance from the area where you’re gathering. The wasps go there instead of your picnic area—once they enter the bag they can’t get out. Make sure you get a wasp trap that doesn’t attract beneficial honeybees. There are also similarly designed outdoor fly traps if you don’t want them bothering you while you eat.

Bee Repellent Sprays

For the most part, bees are our friends. They pollinate our plants and give us delicious honey. But they aren’t always welcome at outdoor barbecues and picnics. Experts say that the best way to repel bees is to spray the area with a bee repellent spray. Citronella candles are also helpful in keeping them at bay.

When you’re grilling this spring and summer, use these simple tips to protect your food from annoying insects who don’t want to leave you and your guests alone. Once you eliminate this problem, you can relax knowing that everyone is having a relaxed and enjoyable time eating outdoors.

3 Barbecue Grilling Must-Haves

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When spring is approaching, and 70 or 80 degree weather starts to become the norm, it triggers my desire to bring the barbecue grill out.   I don’t like using propane, so instead I use charcoal and sometimes I even use lava rocks.  What I do not enjoy is having to clean the grill after every use.  I also become frustrated when I overcook  or under cook certain meats.  That has been extremely costly in the past.  I found a few products that help rectify these issues, and they’re pretty affordable too.

BBQ Grill & Baking Mats

My first amazing find was an “As Seen on TV” product called a grill mat. It will help save me from spending countless hours in the backyard cleaning my grill grates.  They’re non-stick plates that go on top of your grill and create an easy to clean cooking surface. It’s advertised as free from harmful chemicals like PFOA. I like how it can be used indoors as well.

Barbecue Meat Thermometer

This barbecue meat thermometer solves the problem of under or overcooked meats on your barbecue grill. Use it to prepare your meats to the precise temperature you want every time.  Just stick it in your steak or burger and go on enjoying your family and the outdoors.  There’s a clear digital reading that tells you exactly when the meat is cooked to your desired temperature — you don’t have to cut the meat to check if its ready. There’s also an auto-off feature that saves energy.

Charcoal Lighter (No More Lighter Fluid)

I have always used lighter fluid in the past to light my charcoals.  The down side is that at times I have over doused the charcoal and no matter what I cooked it always tasted a bit like that fuel.  Not any more, thanks to this Rapidfire Chimney Starter. With this product I can safely and accurately light my charcoals in the canister and have an even distribution of heat throughout the grill.  Awesome!

If you’re gearing up for outdoor BBQ grilling this spring or summer, check out these three barbecue must-haves. They will allow you to enjoy your family more as well as better tasting food from the grill.

Posted by Lorraine