Sunday’s Best Linkup – #116

Welcome to Week 116 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re continuing our Bunny Trail theme. We’re looking for spring and Easter crafts, recipes, party ideas, cocktails, and recipes for baked goods and more.

We also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more. Blow the dust off your old posts and share those on our linkup too. They’re great for inspiration.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the festivities too.

Each week your hosts will select their favorite post and it will be featured the following week. An image from your post will be used on our linkup post the following week with a link back to your blog. Be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The Reader’s Choice post(s) will be determined by the post(s) with the most clicks. We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter.

In addition to the Post With the Most Clicks, a post for our monthly themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

If you are interested in becoming a Sunday’s Best Linkup host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Debbie at Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains — Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone 

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother — Brittany at A Mama Tale

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains: Please connect with Debbie on Facebook and follow her on Bloglovin, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter before you leave.

Life In A House of Testosterone: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

We would like to welcome our new host Brittany from A Mama’s Tale:

A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest or before you leave.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

Sundays Best Linkup Sundays Best Featured Blogger

Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!


Debbie selected Rainbows and Butterflies from Paper Seedling

 

craft ideas

Rhonda selected Cobb Salad from Frugal in Florida

 

salad ideas    


Kim selected Wooden Backdrop from My Busy Beehives

wood craft ideas

Brittany selected Build a Leprechaun Trap from There’s Just One Mommy

St. Patrick's Day
The Post with the Most Clicks

   18 Easter Books for Kids from Mother 2 Mother   

easter books for kids  

 

and

 

Our Favorite Theme Post(s) –  The Bunny Trail

Easter Egg Bread Ring from Marilyn’s Treats 

Easter recipes

 Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again … you could be selected next week! While you’re here, take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media!


15 Ways To Make Extra Money From Home

Today, I’m sharing financial tips on ways to make extra money.  Looking for an avenue to make a little extra money?  Corporate America or just the work force period, is not for everybody.  Additionally, many moms don’t want to leave their children to work outside the home.  But, you can generate an income working from home.

The first step is to think about your natural talents.  Once you zoom in on your talents, start thinking about how you can make a profit from them. 

 

 

tips to make extra money from home

 

Ways to Make Extra Money:  

 

  1. Crafts – First, if you are crafty get out your glue gun and other materials to make wreaths, center pieces, signs etc.  They are great sellers.
  2. Baked Goods – Additionally, if you love to bake start creating cakes/breads/cookies and or cupcakes.  They are great sellers.  Cakes for parties are always in demand.
  3. Sell Books  – In spite of modern technology, people still want to hold a book.  Especially, books they can get for a bargain.  Hardback, board books, or paperback are all options.  Love stories, mysteries, children’s books, and biographies are in demand.  They will sell, I’m a buyer.
  4. Refinish Furniture – Turn old furniture into treasures.  Sell them on Craigslist or at flea markets.
  5. Sell on e-Bay – Furthermore, children’s clothing is  perfect for the e-Bay market. You can get free boxes from e-bay to help curb you expense.  I sell on e-Bay occasionally.
  6. Set up a booth at a flea market – Turn someone else’s junk into someone else’s treasure.  House hold items, old tools, dishes, kid’s toys are great sellers.
  7. Sell garden vegetables and preserves – Furthermore, farmer’s markets are a great place to sell your backyard vegetables, flowers, sauces, jams and jellies.
  8. Crochet or knitting – Beautifully created crocheted items like baby blankets, hats, gloves, scarfs etc. are money makers.  Baby blankets are great baby shower gifts and big sellers.
  9. Digital Scrapbook Sheets –  There are tons of scrap bookers out there who love the digit pages versus paper from big box stores.  Downloading the pages eliminates driving to stores.
  10. Save seed from you heirloom garden – If you garden, purchase heirloom seeds.  Save the seeds so you can sell them.  Design a cute seed packet so you can wow your customers.
  11. Teach a class – Additionally, if you’re good at photography, refurnishing furniture, crocheting etc., teach an adult class in your local community or on-line.
  12. Become a dog walker – There are elderly dog owners or professional people who will pay to have their dog walked during the day or evening.  Start advertising.
  13. Sell your jewelry – People love unique pieces of jewelry.  You can sell on e-Bay, Etsy, flea markets, or set up a web site.
  14. Clothing for dogs – If you can design and can sew, knit or crochet, sell your designs to dog parents. They love to dress up their little darlings too.
  15. Dog Treats  – Last, make and sell healthy dog treats to pet parents.  Create a cute packaging concept and sell them on-line or locally.

So, we hope that you liked our tips on how to make extra money from home.  Finally, get creative and come up with a plan.  Plans help you to set goals.  Start by setting a date on which you want to start selling. Work towards it. Women do it every day, you can do it too.

 

 

 

 

 

Eye Care Tips For Children

 

eye care tips for children

 

First, it is often said the eyes are the windows into our souls. But that isn’t the only reason why it’s so beneficial to look after our eyes. Without them, our independence would be greatly hindered. Eye care should be something we consider throughout our life.  As we age, our vision becomes weaker.  However, great eye care as a child can be very advantageous when it comes to maintaining good eyesight. To ensure your child’s eyes serve them well through their lives, follow these eye care tips for children:

Reduce Screen Time

Next, one of the biggest problems affecting children’s vision is the computer.  Kids today have their own smartphones, laptops, and PlayStations.  As a result, they spend most of the day in front of a screen. This is bad news for their eyes!  Staring at a screen for extended periods of time could strain their eyes.  This can cause short-term pain and irritation.  If it occurs regularly, it can also lead to long-term vision complaints. Here are a few eye care tips for your children: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/how-to-limit-your-childs-screen-time/.

Get Regular Checkups

A child’s eyesight can change very quickly. Because of this, it is important that you take your child for regular checkups.  This could be at an optician or eye centers like http://www.sweye.com/.  A professional will assess your child’s vision as well as the physical condition of the eyes. If they notice any possible infections or health conditions, they will be able to give your child the necessary treatment.

eye care tips for kids

Don’t Rub The Eyes

Another important point is that you should try and encourage your child to not rub their eyes. Actually, you should take note of too!  Because rubbing your eyes makes it easier for germs to get in and cause infections. Not only that, it can also place a lot of pressure on the eye’s cornea. Which can cause vision problems. Also, you may find it interesting to hear that rubbing the eyes can cause crow’s feet and other wrinkles!

 

eye care tips for children

 

Always Wear Sunglasses In The Sun

Young children’s eyes are very sensitive, and being out in bright sunshine can actually damage them. So, the next time you head out to the park, make sure they each wear sunglasses at all times. This will help to keep harmful sun rays out of their eyes.

Use these eye care tips for children, and your kids will have great eyesight well into their adult years!

How to Make Additional Money

When you’re a parent, it can be so hard to save money. Especially if you’re already living on a tight budget.  Furthermore, it can feel like you’re constantly grasping at straws.  Trying to figure out the right thing to buy or the best thing to do when investing or spending your money can be intimidating.  Actually, it’s not something that most people think about unless they’re in the situation.  We have tips on how to make additional money.  Here’s a few tips on how to make additional money:

 

 

 

 

how to make additional money

 

 

Sell Unwanted Items Online

First, there’s a lot of money to be made from selling  items that you no longer need.  Sites like eBay and even the marketplace on Facebook allow you to turn your trash into other people’s treasures.  Set aside a day to box up things that you haven’t used in months.  If they’re seasonal, but you haven’t used them in any season whatsoever it’s an item to sell.

Next, it can be hard to let go of things that are sentimental to you.  But if they don’t bring you joy any longer or you don’t get any use out of them, there’s no point in keeping them.  Furthermore, children’s clothes bundles can bring quite a bit.  They are great items to help you line your back pocket. So, make a list of the items that you want to sell and list in size order.  Take quality pictures and get them online to sell.

Choose a Good Savings Account

It can be easy enough to open a saving account.  However, you need one with a good interest rate.  Additionally, look for an account that will allow mobile check deposits, has a competitive rate, deposit insurance and no money fees.

Look For Extra Work

Also, think about what you’re good at and how you can make money.  The couple of hours a night that you spend on social media or watching television can be used to make a profit for you and your family.  Another way to make additional money is to look for work from home opportunities available online.  Choose one that will  fit in with your niche.  If you are a quick typist, you could look into transcribing for hospitals, courts and other professions.  Additionally, there are companies looking for hosts to sell their party products.  Do research and talk to friends so you can find them.

Utilize Coupons and Vouchers

There are websites and forums dedicated to coupons and vouchers.  Learning frugal money-saving tips and tricks is one way that you can stay within a budget and save.  You could go to sites like DontPayFull.com: 100+ money saving tips.  Implement what you can into your life.

 

additional way to make money

 

Don’t Say No To Freebies

If somebody is offering you something for free, and there’s a chance to sell it, don’t say no!  Again, someone else’s trash is another person’s treasure.  Recycling unwanted items is a great way to update your home.  With a coat of paint,  most old furniture can be upcycled into something that looks as  good as new.

We hope that our how to make additional money tips have inspired you to either implement a few or become creative and come up with a plan. Every dollar saved will move you a little closer to your goal.

 

Backyard Gardening With Kids Tips

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on gardening with kids and why it is important.  Gardening is a great way to introduce them to nature.  It’s also a great way to give them a life skill; growing their own food.  Gardening can be done in small spaces, vertical, in raised bed, containers and on plots.  I suggest containers/pots for the kids, especially if you’re just starting to garden with them. 

 

 

gardening with kids

 

 

 

Gardening With Kids Tips:  

 

Start with simple tasks with your kids or grandkids.  When kids are excited about something, they look forward to the event or activity.  First, get them excited about gardening:  

Garden Boots – I purchased a pair of Lighting McQueen rain boots for my grandson and he loved to wear them when he was watering my vegetable garden.
Purchase a Watering Can – They make adorable watering cans specifically for children.  They’re easy for them to grip and pour the water.
Gardening Gloves – Covering their hands while digging in dirt is a good idea.  I’m a Master Gardener, and I wear them regularly.
Small Pots/Containers – Give them pots and containers that they can relate to.  Giving a child a 10 gallon flower pot can be overwhelming.  This can apply to raised beds and garden plots too.  

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

I think it’s important for children to understand the land and how to grow your own food.  We never know where the economy will take us, so we need to teach our children how to survive.  Furthermore, we need to teach them how to save where they can.

 

 

gardening with kids

 

 

So, here’s additional tips on how gardening with kids provides benefits:

 

  • They learn how to plant flowers and vegetables.
  • Children learn about nature when gardening.
  • Children learn how food is grown.
  • They learn how to nurture the food that their family will eat.
  • Harvesting vegetables for the family gives them a feeling of importance.
  • The learn about flowers and their beauty as well as purpose.
  • Gardening allows them to watch the birds, rabbits, squirrels and more.

 

 

 

gardening with kids

 

 

 

Another fun activity with kids is picking berries.  If you don’t have a patch in your backyard, plant one.  Until than check out your local farmer’s market.  I suggest an early morning trip to the strawberry fields, it can get hot quickly in the wide open fields.  My grandson loved picking strawberries.  He knew that I was going to turn those red berries into strawberry jam.  Besides jam, we also used the berries for ice cream and funnel cake toppings.  Fresh berries are so good!

 

I hope my tips on gardening with kids has motivated you to spend some time in the backyard with you kids or grandchildren during a small garden project this summer.  Planting carrots, flowers or a pizza garden are great ways to get your children involved.  

 

 

 

 

Tips To Make Your Garden Gorgeous Again

Has your garden been out of action because of winter?  With the promise of spring, most of us are ready to get back outside.  It doesn’t matter whether you want to relax and entertain or grow new crops.  Now is the perfect time to get your garden back in shape.  Today, we will discuss tips to make your garden gorgeous again.  Check out my other gardening tips  before you leave too.  Now, lets get started.  

 

 

 

gardening tips

 

 

A Gorgeous Lawn

First, after a long winter chances are your lawn is looking incredibly tired.  A  lack of sunshine, watering and fertilizer has probably left it patchy and brown.  However, it can be salvaged.  Determine if it needs to be reseeded, aerated or weed control applied.  Spring is a good time to fertilize it as well.

If you decide to reseed your lawn, spring is a good time to implement a new one.  Start by cleaning out debris, such as twigs and rocks.  Next using a rototiller, turn over the top eight to ten layers of soil.  If you need to purchase a rototiller, check out these rototiller reviews.   Also, you may also consider hiring someone to till for you.  Remember, ground that is compacted won’t drain well.  Furthermore, grass will have a hard time taking root in compacted soil.

Be sure to till in organic matter to add nutrients.  Then level the area by raking it in different directions.  From there you can either sprinkle grass seed or lay down turf.  Spring is a good time to do this since it’s rainy and sunny.  If you’re re-installing a lawn in the summer you will need to water it far more often.

 

Stunning Flowerbeds

Check out your local garden center.  Going to a garden center, and picking out beautiful blooms is always fun. However it can be expensive, and most of the plants will be ‘annuals’.  Annuals only flower for one year and then die. If you want your pots and beds to spring into life each year, choose plants labeled ‘perennials’ or of course evergreens.

Another good gardening tip if you don’t want the hassle of replanting each year is to buy different bulbs. Go with flowers that bloom at different times of the year.  When one variety starts to fade another is just starting to flower. Right now the daffodils are up, and the tulips are on their way.  Plant some bulbs, and you’ll get a gorgeous display of color next spring.

 

gardening tips

 

 

A Patio Area

The great thing about having a patio in the warmer months is you have an additional ‘room’ to enjoy and entertain from.  Being able to dine out on warm evenings and weekends is a welcoming idea.  So, purchase a patio table and chairs. You could go with slabs, a deck, or even pea gravel.  Either way creating a section of the garden designed for sitting, relaxing and eating is important.

Another idea is to go with picnic style benches, outdoor sofas, or just classic garden furniture.  Add pots of plants to the area, and when hosting a party or barbeque string up some bunting and LED lights.  You could also consider a swing seat too.  It’s a perfect way to sit and relax with a cup of coffee in the daytime or a glass of wine in the evening!

 

A Pond For The Wildlife

If you want to attract wildlife into your garden, one of the very best ways to do this is with a pond.  Surround it with some ornamental grasses and brightly colored flowers.  Bees, butterflies, birds, frogs and other creatures will benefit.  Add a water fall to the pond. The trickling of water is relaxing, pretty to look at and can help drown out the noise of traffic and other street noise.  Adding  outdoor lights to the arrangement, and make a nice place to sit and relax on summer evenings.

 

 

gardening tips

 

 

A Handy Shed

To keep your garden looking it’s best, you will need a lawn mower,  various shovels, a leaf blower and a rake to name a few. Be sure that you have place to keep them safe, dry and tidy.  A garden shed would be perfect.  Furthermore, you can keep pots, garden soil and other odds and ends in there too.  If you only have a few things to store (or if you have a smaller garden) you could go with a outdoor wheelie instead. These are usually much smaller, made of plastic, and can be locked.

Have you put much thought into your garden yet this year?  We hope that you like our gardening tips, and will implement a few so you garden will be gorgeous too.  

Sprucing Up Your Home In Spring

spring decorating tips

 

Spring has finally sprung unless storm Stella has caused a few problems for you.  In which case you have our condolences because you will have to wait a little longer.  Spring makes getting off your couch and out of your blankets easier.  It means sprucing up your home after spending all of winter hunkered down.  We have a few spring decorating tips to help you spruce up your home this spring.

Declutter

First, go room by room and start getting rid of things that you no longer use or need.  Either throw it away or donate it.  Put three bags in place – one for items that you plan to keep, one for things that will be donated, and a third for things to be trashed.  Lose as much sentimentality as you can.  And remember that if you haven’t looked at r used something in a few months, you probably won’t miss it.

The Outside Of Your Home

spring decorating tips

You’ve probably spent the whole winter hurrying to and from your car without taking much of a look at the outside of your home.  It’s time for that to change.  Take a good look at your back yard and see what you can do to make it a pleasant area for you to relax in this summer.  Furthermore, add  seasonal fruits and vegetables that you can grow yourself.  Also, make sure there’s a patch of shade where you can relax with a good book or without fear of sunburn.

Check out companies similar to www.treeservice-fortworth.com.  Look for companies who will help you cut back any errant branches.  Make sure that your yard looks neat and tidy.  Additionally, check for any paint cracking and peeling.  If found, pick new paint colors and start painting when the weather is warm enough.

Let The Light In

It’s time to turn off your heating and add a little natural warmth to your home.  Open curtains and let the sunlight flood in.  Not only will the natural light give you a little extra vitamin D, but it really will warm up your home.  If you have a pet cat, you’ll absolutely see it lounging in the pools of sunlight on the floor.  The only problem with filling your home with sunlight is that it might just illuminate  patches of dust.  Get out the duster, and remove any dirt and dust that has accumulated over the winter months.

Update Your Décor

spring decorating tips

Image

During the winter, we go for darker colors like red and green.  But spring is the time of new life, of rebirth and nature.  It’s time to ditch those Christmas colors and go for apple green, periwinkle blue and pale yellows.  You don’t have to redecorate your entire home, but why not buy some new art prints.  Paint an accent wall in a couple of your rooms.  You could also add new pillows and rugs to your living room in bright, fresh colors. Add a spring-like quality to your decor.  Finally, why don’t you add some plants? They’ll add some greenery to your home along with plenty of fresh clean air.

Finally, we hope that you enjoy our spring decorating tips, and will implement a few ideas into your décor.

Tips For New Mothers and How to Adjust to Motherhood

For expectant moms, it can feel like pregnancy takes an eternity.  After all, you are so excited to meet your new baby. As a result, you would prefer to skip labor.  It’s amazing moment when your little one enters the world.  But it can bring a wealth of challenges in the months to come.  Motherhood can be overwhelming for new moms.  Many feel overwhelmed or struggle with their new role.  But know you will get through it.  Here are a few parenting tips for new mothers and how to cope in the first few months with your newborn:

tips for new mothers

 

 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Many new moms think they are a failure if they have to ask for help.  After all, there’s so much online and on TV talking about moms having a mother’s instinct.  But whatever you may have done work wise, and no matter what your age, you may struggle when you have a baby.  It is a know fact that not all mothers bond immediately bond with their newborn.  However, rather than struggling on your own ask for help. After all, there will be lots of people around who can assist you with tips for new mothers during this stressful time.

For one thing, your mom or mother-in-law may be able to help you.  Some friendly advice and a helping hand can ensure you become a confident mother.  Friends are also useful.  Especially girlfriends who are already moms.  A visit or phone call may be all a new mom needs.  Most importantly, take advantage of any services available from your midwife or hospital.  After all, it’s their job to assist with any questions you may have about your newborn or motherhood.  So, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Tips for new mothers is only a question or phone call away.

Get everything you need before baby arrives

As much as you might want to wait before buying a lot of things for your newborn, you need to be prepared before the baby arrives.  After all, you don’t want to have to head to the store because you don’t have the basics for your newborn. In fact, not being prepared for the baby’s arrival and not having essentials could contribute to you becoming stressed out.

Emphasis should be put on nursery furniture; however, moms tend to forget about other stuff.  For example, ensure you have baby bath products, a thermometer, and a sterilizer.  If you will be nursing, remember to get items like nipple cream, breast pads and a breast pump.  Educate yourself before your baby arrives. Check out Babiesforlife.org.  The site has helpful information from  dealing with diabetics, morning sickness, postpartum depression and more.

 

tips for new mothers

 

Take care of yourself

A lot of moms are so focused on taking care of their baby in the first few months that they forget to look after themselves.  You must ensure that you are not neglecting your health.  If you are exhausted and not eating right, you are not going to have the stamina to look after your baby.

Let your hubby or your parents take some of the pressure off while you take a nap or have a meal. You will be surprised by the boost that you can get from an hour or two nap.  And as it says on http://thestir.cafemom.com/, having a good dinner can also help you to feel brighter while looking after your newborn!

Don’t put too much pressure on you and the baby

It’s so easy to look at other new moms and wonder if your newborn should be doing the same things as other babies of that age.  This type of thinking can put pressure on you and the baby.  After all, every baby is different.  So, your child might not do the same things as others at the same time. And as long as the doctor says that your child is progressing and is healthy, you have nothing to worry about.

Therefore, stop comparing yourself to others.  And remember, while baby books are a useful tool they are only a guide.  For example, your child might end up sleeping longer than the average baby.  Or your baby may be going through nappies a lot quicker than the book says.  Therefore, use it as a guide.  Remember every baby is different!

Join a baby group

Your life changes dramatically when you have a newborn.  While your close friends will stick by you, there’s a chance that some might drift away.  Being a new mother can make it harder to communicate with them. One thing you might consider doing is joining a baby group.  It can give you the support you need to cope, and to build friendships with new moms.  Being able to relate and talk to  other moms can give you a boost.  It will also give you an opportunity to get out the house, and into a different environment.

Find out what works for your newborn

You might have planned exactly how the first few months would go with your newborn. After all, we all have an ideal of the time we spend with our baby.  However, things may not go as planned.  After all, your baby might not be receptive to breastfeeding as you had hoped.  Also,  http://www.webmd.com/ has information on formula; however, we advise you to consult your doctor for advice and tips for new mothers.

To help you adjust to motherhood, don’t be afraid to try different things until you find what works for your newborn.  You will eventually get into a routine with your baby.  And remember to take each day as it comes.  There will be good and bad days with a new baby.  But it will get easier.  Before you know it, you will be a pro.

We hope that you enjoyed our tips for new mothers.  Remember, anyone who gives birth for the first time is a new mother.  They survived and so will you.  Before you know it, you too will be a pro.

Tips for Implementing a Zen Garden

Have you ever looked at your garden and thought oh no it’s getting out of hand again!  Gardening can be a pleasure, but it can also be so time-consuming.  But there is one particular style of gardening that looks amazing.  And,  it fairly easy to keep in check.  The solution is a Zen Garden.  A Zen garden is designed to be a calming retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Are you wondering how can you create a Zen garden in your back yard?  Check out our gardening tips  below on how you can create a Backyard Zen Garden.  

 

 

 

zen garden tips

 

 

 

Design and Aims

First,  you need to consider the design of your garden before you implement our Zen garden tips.  Ensure that it fits into a Zen theme.  Check out the designs at  architectureartdesigns.com.  Straight lines work well as they are easy to maintain, and they give you the desired calming sensation. That means squares or rectangular beds are they best choice.

It’s also a good idea to ensure that the different sections of the garden are clearly delineated. You might do this by keeping the borders trimmed and clear of overgrown grass. Or you may chose to edge the areas with stones, wooden sleepers or short fencing.

Another aspect that you need to consider about the design, is balance. While it is often easier to go for an overall linear effect in the design you will want to balance these aspects out. To do this use more curvy lines and circular features, which create a sense of flow.

Lastly, you also need to consider space and placement in a garden of this sort. One of the key principles of a Zen-style garden is that you are looking to create a sense of expansion and space. That means it’s vital to not overfill a garden of this type, and only include some choice elements that add particular value to your outside space.

 

Beds

Beds in a Zen garden are unlike traditional flower beds. This is because it’s not the goal to fill them chock full with riots of color and texture. Instead, the idea is to create order and peace by regularly spacing smaller plants and shrubs out.

That is why succulents, in particular, make an excellent choice for this style of garden. They are usually Alpine plants, so they don’t take a huge amount of looking after to be successful, and can grow pretty much anywhere.

They also grow in pleasingly repetitive and symmetrical shapes. Which helps to create that sense of order that you are looking for. In addition, while there is some variation in colour in succulent breeds, rarely will you find ones in bright or intense colour. So this muted plated suits such a garden very well.

 

 


 

 

Lawn

Now deciding what to do with your lawn is also essential when creating a Zen-style garden. For some folks, going down the more traditional route, they may chose to remove the law altogether and replace it with a rock and sand garden. The idea of this being that it not only will it look very simple, but you can also rake it into different shapes and flow for that Zen feel.

 

zen garden tips

 

 

However if you have a family that still wants to use the garden for BBQs and gatherings, it is possible that this might be a step too far. But don’t stress, because you can still rock a modern Zen type garden with a lawn. Just follow the steps below.

First, it needs to be seriously manicured to work well in this style of garden. That means keeping it mowed and the edges sheared.  Or if you prefer, use a service like the one at collegefundlandscaping.com to help you with maintenance.

 

 

 

zen garden tips

 

 

It also needs to be in great condition, crabgrass, patches, and weeds are a big no-no for a Zen-style lawn. Which should be green, of an even height and texture.

Lastly, it can also work very will in this setting to divide the lawn up. Either into two halves with a stepping stone path down the middle. Or into four quarters with slate or gravel around the outside.  Which will emphasis the geometric and symmetrical theme.

 

Zen features

Of course, just because you are aiming for geometric simplicity, doesn’t mean that you can’t include a few garden accessories as well. In particular, mirror balls work well. No, not the one you get at the disco! But stone balls with a mirror finish. Which can be placed carefully at opportune spots in the garden to draw the eye.

 

 

zen garden tips

 

 

Additionally, water features are a very popular and a great Zen addition to this sort of outdoor space.   Just remember that they need to fit in with the style of the garden. That means out with the decorative stonework, and in with raw natural materials instead. For example, a slate piece foundation or monolith would work well in this setting.

We hope that you enjoyed our Zen garden tips, and will implement them into your outdoor space.

16 Budget Friendly Spring Break Ideas for Kids

Spring break is around the corner.  Vacations at the beach and Disney World are being planned.  But, not everyone wants to head to the beach or can afford a trip to Disney.  No worries, we sharing a few parenting tips on spring break ideas

So, having fun and getting a little R & R doesn’t require families to spend big bucks.  With a little planning, a staycation can be the perfect solution for a family.  Check out our list of spring break ideas:

 

spring break ideas for kids

 

1.  Plan a sleep over for the kids and their friends – First, put this idea at the top of your list.  Kids love spending the night with friends.  Have a few friends bring their sleeping bags.  Clip a few coupons from you local pizzeria.  Additionally, mix up a batch of punch and watch a few movies.

2.  Send the kids to grandma’s  –  Second, the kids would love to spend a few days at grandma’s.  And I guarantee grandma would love have them.

3.  Visit local museums –  Spend the day visiting a local museum, car show, or art gallery etc.

4.  Check the library for story hour or other programs –  Furthermore, many libraries offer preschool story hour and other activities.  For example, our local library is offering a Lego Challenge, Minecraft Computer, classes on Japanese Culture etc. So, hope on-line and check the activities.

5.  Plan a craft day for the kids –  Next, check out Pinterest for spring crafts that you can make with the kids.

6.  Go bike riding –  Clean up the bikes and helmets and head out for the day.

7.  Set up a Sundae Bar – Next, don’t spend money at Sweet Frog.  Make your own sundae bar.  I set up a bar with my grandchildren and they love it.  Check out my post How to Set up a Sundae Bar for Kids.

8.  Reward the kids with movie night in the backyard –  If you don’t have a project or screen, try to rent or borrow one.

9.  Visit your local Family Fun Center – In addition to playing games at home, spend the day playing games and snacking at your local family center.

10.  Play Miniature Golf – Kids love playing miniature golf.  Check out the local

11.  Have game day with yummy snacks –   Chess, Twister, Checkers, Operation, Candy Land and others make great game day games.  Also, it’s a way to unplug and spend quality time together as a family.

12.  Campout in the backyard  – Additionally, build a campfire and pitch a tent.  Plan a hot dog and marshmallow roast.  Use these Marshmallow Roasting Forks.  They’re great for roasting both hot dogs and marshmallows.

13.  Head to your favorite family restaurant – Plan a day to go out to eat. Check out our 22 Places Kids Can Eat for Free.

14.  Check out the local theatres – So, many of the theatres have matinees that are affordable.  Check out local theatres for a possible family outing for plays, concerts or shows.

15.  Plan a trip to a hotel – Also, consider booking a hotel room for a day or two.  Make sure the hotel has an indoor pool and a restaurant.  It’s a mini vacation away from home.

16.  Head to the beach or an amusement park– Last, if you live in a warmer area head to the beach.  Pack snacks and sandwiches and relax while the kids have fun.  Also, check out spring break discounts for your local amusement park.

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our spring break ideas.  Most importantly, we hope that they inspire you to implement a few.