Ticoze Patio Lights G40 Globe Patio/Party Light Review #patiolights

Note: This website contains endorsements for products and services, which means when you click on a link that we recommend, we may receive a commission to help pay for the maintenance of this blog.  Not every link is an affiliate link, but some are.  I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate program.

patio light ideas, product reviews

 

I’ve been looking for outdoor lighting for some time.  I was given an opportunity to review the Escolite Patio Lights G40 Globe Party for an honest review, I accepted the opportunity.  I’m like a kid at Christmas when I’m expecting a box.  It finally box arrived, and I couldn’t wait to tear it apart.  I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the globes on the lights.  It could just the lighting, but the lights give a soft white glow versus the yellow shown in the picture above.  The picture below is taken in my breakfast area. The lights are still in the box, but it gives an excellent display against the black background. I think this gives a true picture of how they will look outdoors at night.

outdoor space, patio lights, garden lights

 

I couldn’t wait to hang the lights on my deck railing so I could get an idea of what they would look like when I was entertaining.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough clips that I had planned to use to hold the lights onto the railing.  However, we were able to stretch the strand along the railing.  Each strand of light is about 25 feet long.  The strand wasn’t long enough to hang along the entire length and width of my deck, so I will have to purchase another set.

The lights do offer a different look and feel from the lights that are normally used during the Christmas holidays.  The bulbs are 5 watts each.  There’s a total of 25 lights per strand, so you will have a total of 125-watts.   You can connect up to 3 strands of lights.  They don’t generate much heat, but they do change the mood of the area. They create an ambiance that brings you into the environment and you want to stay.  I can see myself sipping a glass of wine with friends on the deck while enjoying the glow of the lights.

I would also use the lights for Christmas parties, around trees, for wedding, on the mantel and more. They will change the mood in any room or outdoor space, and you will want to enjoy the glow for hours. I highly recommend these lights.  I will be purchasing two more strands for an upcoming party.  Head over and check out these Ticoze patio/party lights, and be sure to pick up a strand or two.

 

 

101 Style Guide For Busy Moms: Wear Flats

We simply love flats: loafers, espadrilles, slipons, Mary Janes, gladiators – you name it!  Flats are a living proof that you don’t have to be uncomfortable in order to be stylish.  And, they offer a great starting point for coming up with head-turning looks. However, it’s not always easy to decide on what kind of outfit can go with different types of flats.  Today, I’m sharing a style guide for busy moms.  Additionally, we have tips on how to create various looks: from business, casual, and urban, to feminine and edgy.  Who says you need to wear heels to look stylish.  You can look great and empowered wearing flats.  
fashion tips, fashion for moms, sandal ideas
Casual and On Point
For a daily casual summer look, try espadrilles.   Furthermore, they are trending big time and look best with rolled up pants, skirts and shorts. For a simple look, try skinny jeans with a light fabric pastel colored blouse (or floral print) and espadrilles within the same color range. Finish the look with a messenger purse or drawstring bag.  Accessorize with a pair of Wayfarer glasses for a cool look.
Girly and Relaxed Style
Gladiators offer a chance to mix up different looks, but they go best with rompers and shorts. Whether they’re ankle-length or knee length, you can style gladiators perfectly for a girly look. Our style guide for busy moms suggests that you try a soft denim short dress or romper.  A simple shoulder bag will do the trick.  Choose the same color leather as your stylish gladiators. Finish your look with wavy hair or a messy bun and keep your jewelry simple. Consider bracelets in vivid colors to make your look bold and interesting.
Business Look
Also, for a boss and sleek look moccasins are a great choice.  But, you can explore many different styles. Try the timeless black-red-white combination: opt for red moccasins and combine them with the simple nylon black business pants and a white cotton no-sleeve turtleneck. Add a red tote bag and you’re all set for a successful day at work!
Edgy and Sexy
So, for a night on the town consider a bolder look that includes leopard print Chelsea boots. If you prefer a more comfortable and edgier look, try wearing ripped black skinny jeans, accompanied with a black top and a leather jacket. If you wish to add more sexiness to your look, replace the jeans with a mini skirt and you’ll definitely be in the spotlight!
Timeless Parisian Chic
Furthermore, flats are known as the essential part of business and casual outfits, but they are a great option for feminine looks, too. Parisian women have a reputation for their unrivaled glamorous sense for fashion. For a tasteful look follow this simple rule when choosing footwear for your outfits: if the length of the skirt or a dress is above the knee, flats are the way to go. If it’s below the knee, heels make a great choice.  For a perfectly styled feminine look, try out fashionable tight dresses: pick the fabrics that contain elastin since they’ll follow your body line beautifully and enhance your curves. We suggest you try out trendy knitted off the shoulder dress (length above the knee) in the nude color and combine it with the classic black ballerina flats.
So, finish up your look with a black cross body purse, or you can opt for a red one and combine it with your lipstick and nail polish. Style your hair in big waves and you can even add a beret. Stick to the nude and tan shades, and of course the timeless B&W for a sleek
Parisian look.
Finally, these are our top five ideas on how to wear flats and create different kinds of looks. Feel free to experiment with the information given in our style guide for busy moms!
Author BIO:
Sophia Smith is Australian based beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger. Additionally, she is also very passionate about DIY projects, latest fashion trends and organic beauty products. Sophia writes mostly in beauty and fashion related topics, mainly through blogs and articles. She is regular contributor at High Style Life.
Find her on: Facebook  Twitter  Google +

Sunday’s Best Linky – #85

back to school, back to school tips

Welcome to Week 85 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. We’re continuing our Back To School Party this week. Heading to bus stops will soon become a part of our morning routine. So can chasing after the school bus because we got out the door a few seconds too late. We need to prepare, so we’re looking for tips on how and where to purchase school supplies and clothing, lunch box ideas, after school reading lists or activities 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 link those too. They’re great for inspiration.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. 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 Linkup 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 featured bloggers.

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

In addition to the Reader’s Choice and Host selections, 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 host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

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.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin 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.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. If you are selected as a Featured Blogger 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!

Sunday’s Best Featured Posts Are:

Kim U. selected DIY Bottle Wrapper from Wesen Art

DIY bottle wrap, birthday gift ideas

 

Rhonda selected Sesame Street Cookie Monster Cupcakes from Jenny Evolution

birthday party ideas, Sesame Stree party ideas, Cookie Monster Cupcakes

 

 

Kim M. selected Red, White, Blue Boozy Slush from Pink Heels Pink Truck

red white blue ideas, red white blue cocktails

 

 

The Post with the Most Clicks

Easy Muffins Filled With Jam  from Honey and Birch

 

muffin recipes, jam recipes, breakfast ideas

Our Favorite Back to School Theme Post(s):

Back to School Organization from Old Time Pottery

back to school, school organization tips

and

First Day of School Printable from Oh My Creative 

back to school, back to school photo ideas

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you linking up. 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!


Container Gardening Tips for Flowers

Container gardening tips for flowers are the topic for the day.  Container gardens can bring decks, patios, front porches and sidewalks to life. Today, I’m going to share a few container gardening tips and gardening tricks for flower container gardens. So, you can add containers to benches, tree stumps or any other areas that needs a bright spot.

Next, the best way to save money is to start plants from seed.  You can start them inside under a grow light and transplant them into containers in the spring.  However, not everyone has the time or desire to take that route. So, if time isn’t on your side the clearance rack on your local Walmart or Lowes is a good place to start.  I enjoy seeking out plants on clearance that are on the brink of death and nursing them back to health.  Seeing them flourish in a container or in your yard is so rewarding.  

 

 

 

flower container gardens

 

Again, I find the best bargains at Lowes, Home Depot and Wal-M art clearance stands.  Creeping Jenny, a Spike and French Marigolds fill the container below.  I companion plant marigolds with my tomatoes and peppers in my vegetable garden every year too.  I purchased a few extra pots of marigolds on clearance and decided to incorporate them into the containers on my deck.  Spikes, Sweet Potato Vines, and Creeping Jenny  are my most expensive plants during the summer.  Unfortunately, I have never seen them on sale or clearance.

 

 

Container Gardening Tips for Beginners:  

 

So, Creeping Jenny is an invasive plant.  But, it is so beautiful in containers.  Actually, planting it in containers is the only way to control it. When I planted the Creeping Jenny initially, I wasn’t expecting it to return year after year.  This is the third year that it has returned in the pot below. The contrasting color (light green) of the Creeping Jenny, and it’s ability to hang over the pot’s edge makes the pot come to life. 

This pot contains:

  • 1 Spike
  • Yellow Marigolds
  • Purple Petunias
  • Creeping Jenny 

 

 

flower container gardening tips

 

 

 

I carried on the French Marigold and Spike theme on the other side of the deck.  Since I planted the Creeping Jenny in one container garden on the deck, I planted a Sweet Potato Vine in my other container.  Planting the Sweet Potato Vine on the side of the container garden allows it to cascade down to the floor of the deck.  I’ll be planting this trailing vine again next year.  Sweet Potato Vines can be pricey, so I’m going to try growing my own next season.

 

This pot contains:

  • 1 spike
  • French Marigolds
  • 1 Sweet Potato Vine

 

 

 

 

 

flower container gardening tips

 

 

 

Additionally, Moss Roses fill this pot along with a Spike, which give the plant some height.  This plant is easy to grow, and can take hot, sunny spaces.  I love that it produces pops of color all summer.  If you’re lucky, this plant will return for several years.  It produces beautiful flowers in a variety of colors.  White, pink, yellow, and red flowers brighten this spot.

 

This pot contains:  

  • 1 Spike
  • Moss Roses

 

 

 

flower container garden tips

 

 

 

Finally, my boxes that I use on my deck railing always filled with petunias.  I change colors periodically, but purple, red and white are the usual colors.  Occasionally, I add in pink. I add Vinca to create a trailing effect.  I usually add 3 Vinca to my boxes; however, this year I only added 1 and used more petunias.  It really cut the cost of the expenses for the 4 boxes.

This box contains:

1 Vinca
Variety of Petunias 

 

flower container gardening tips

 

 

 

Get creative and mix what you love in your containers and watching them come to life.  You can use simple designs or get elaborate all depending on your space.  Also, head out to your local flea market, yard sale or clearance isle and grab a few pots this gardening season.  

Last, container gardening is a great way to bring in color and liven up your outdoor living space.   So, try a few pots on your deck or patio this summer.

You may also like these Container Garden Ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday’s Best Linky – #84

 

back to school, back to school tips

Welcome to Week 84 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup.  We’re continuing our Back To School Party this week. Heading to bus stops will soon become a part of our morning routine. So can chasing after the school bus because we got out the door a few seconds too late.  We need to prepare, so we’re looking for tips on how and where to purchase school supplies and clothing, lunch box ideas, after school reading lists or activities 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 link those too. They’re great for inspiration.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. 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 Linkup 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 featured bloggers.

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

In addition to the Reader’s Choice and Host selections, 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 host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

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.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin 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.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. If you are selected as a Featured Blogger 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!

Sunday’s Best Featured Posts Are:

Kim U. selected Bookworm Brownies from Growing Up Gabel

 

brownie recipes, back to school ideas, lunch box ideas

Rhonda selected US State Map Quilt from Flamingo Toes

DIY, quilting, sewing

Kim M. selected Organized Back to School Shopping from Real Coake

back to school ideas, orgaization tips

 

 

The Post with the Most Clicks

Eggs Benedict Cups from Jayz Eats

recipes, eggs benedict recipes, breakfast ideas

Our Favorite Back to School Theme Post(s):

How to Create a Homework Station from Clean and Scentsible

back to school ideas, back to school ideas, DIY, crafts

 

and

Start Your Own Little Library from Our Whimsical Days 

back to school ideas, how to create a library

 

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you linking up. 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!


5 Fashion Tips for Busy Moms

Most moms spend a considerable amount of time taking care of the needs of her family, and in the process she ignores her own needs. She just doesn’t have the time or the energy to perk herself up on a daily basis.  Deep down all moms want to look and feel great.  So, today I’m sharing fashion tips for busy moms.  Luckily, it’s easy to look great in less time and without any drama with our tips!  Being fashionable is a great way to empower yourself.  When you look good, you feel good.  
fashion tips for moms,


#1 Keep it Simple

Have you ever wondered how celebrity moms manage to look so trendy?  They ae just as busy in their personal and professional lives as you, but they always manage to keep personal appearances.

The secret lies in their simplicity. They love keeping their daytime look simple without looking untidy. Keep your look simple, from makeup to accessories to clothes. Don’t overdo any of your pieces. Opt for stylish basics, they really do go a long way in the life of a busy mom.

 

#2  Add More Solids In Your Wardrobe

Most women don’t want to wear a dress to the office because she knows that she cannot wear it again for several weeks. We think that someone at work might notice the last time that it was worn.

Therefore, it is recommended that you invest in solids.  Solids are less remembered than prints. A good black jacket will be a blessing here.


#3 Put Some Thought Into Your Bag

The kind of a bag you carry speaks in volumes about you. Go for a bag that suits your personality and taste. Don’t forget to explore the world of clutches. Look for designer clutch bags, particularly the Crystal Clutch Bag.  This clutch is perfect for formal occasions or girls night out.


#4 Simple Shoes

Busy moms should opt for comfortable shoes only. They don’t have to be tennis shoes or rubber flip flops. Canvas skimmers are a good option to indulge in.  They come in varied colors and prints, from florals to plaids. They are also inexpensive and comfortable.

 

#5 Apply Natural Makeup 

Most busy moms don’t wear a lot of makeup, especially if they spend the majority of their time at home with the kids. If you do decide to wear makeup, use only natural-based products. Keeping a basic makeup kit will come in handy.  A tinted moisturizer with zinc induced SPF,  lip gloss, and mascara will do a great job in keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Don’t forget to apply a concealer around your nose and eyes before stepping out.  Applying these basics will take five minutes or less.

It is very easy for fashion to take a backseat in a busy mom’s life; however, don’t let fashion overwhelm you.  Look for ways to boost your look and confidence by employing or fashion tips for busy moms into your daily life.

You may also like Spa Day Ideas and Party Favors.

Author Bio:
Sloane Beck is a fashion blogger by interest and a creative designer by profession. She lives and breathes fashion which reflects in her brand – Alysse Sterling, a line of stylish women clutches. “Live, laugh, and let your style be expressed” is her motto for life.

Eksel Grill and Oven Mat Reviews

 

BBQ tips, grill mats

 

 

This post contains affiliates.  If you make a purchase, I may make a small profit.  However, there will be no additional costs to you.

 

I was offered a discount on these ekSel Grill Oven BBQ Mats I purchased the product in exchange for a review.  I took advantage of the bargain, and I glad I did. You get two per box, a black and a brown.  You can use the mats either on the grill or in your oven.  However, the box did not contain instructions.  All was not lost, I used the box for guidance.  I’m a visual person, so this worked for me.

This time of year, BLTs are big in my house.  Summer brings fresh lettuce and tomatoes.  Furthermore, there’s nothing better than fresh ingredients on a BLT.  I stopped cooking my bacon on top of the stove years ago.  Not only because of the grease splatter, but because I think bacon cooks better in the oven.  As a result, I was eager to see if the bacon would crisp the way I like it.  Additionally, I wanted to see how the mat would handle the oil from the bacon.  I decided to use the black mat to prepare my bacon for my BLT in the oven.

20160805_172732

 

Take a look at this bacon.  It looks and tastes delicious.  I prefer Butcher Cut bacon.  It doesn’t shrink, and it’s perfect for sandwiches or anytime.  My granddaughter loves bacon so much, she wants it for a snack.

 

grill mat

 

Furthermore, you can cook chicken, sausages, pork chops and anything else on the mats.  They’re perfect in the oven or on the grill.  I hate using public grills.  This grill mat is the answer to yummy public picnic grills.

Having grill marks on burgers, hot dogs, sausages and chicken are a sign of heaven to a grill master or backyard BBQer.  Being able to get grill marks while using these grill mats is not a problem.  Just as important, not having to use spray or foil on your grates puts the icing on the cake for me.

Personally, I prefer to us a charcoal grill versus gas grills.  If your preference is gas, you will be happy to know that the grill mat can be used in gas or electric oven and on most gas and charcoal grills and smokers.  Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions and recommendations.

Also, the grill mat is dishwasher safe.  Place them in the top rack or you can wash them by hand and just dry them.  You can use the grill up to 100 times before they need to be replaced. Did I mention that you can bake cookies and pizza on them too.  Great gift idea or keep them for yourself.  Just head over and grab a pack or 2 of the ekSel Grill Oven BBQ Mats  You will be happy that you did.

 

 

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #83

 

back to school, back to school tips

Welcome to Week 83 of Mother 2 Mother’s Sunday’s Best Linkup. Heading to bus stops will become a part of our morning routine. Chasing after the school bus because we got out the door a few seconds too late can become our part of routine too. To celebrate, we’re starting our Back To School Party this weekWe need to prepare, so we’re looking for tips on how and where to purchase school supplies and clothing, lunch box ideas, after school reading lists or activities 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 link those too. They’re great for inspiration.

Don’t have posts that fit into the theme, link up whatever post you would like to share. We would love to have parenting tips, DIY projects, homesteading, homeschooling, makeovers, cocktails, and your posts on family and life. Your linkups and giveaways are welcome here too. 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 Linkup 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 featured bloggers.

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

In addition to the Reader’s Choice and Host selections, 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 host, please contact me for details at rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts.

Your Sunday’s Best Hosts Are:

mother 2 mother sunday's best co-hosts

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother ~•~ Kim U. at Pinterested Parent ~•~ Kim M. at Life in a House of Testosterone
 

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.

The Pinterested Parent: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Bloglovin 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.

Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. If you are selected as a Featured Blogger 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!

Sunday’s Best Featured Posts Are:

Kim U. selected Pizza Necklace from Living Lavida Holoka

craft ideas, kids crafts

 

Rhonda selected Jamaican Jerk Chicken Wings from Take Two Tapas

chicken wing ideas, jerk chicken wing recipe,

Kim M. selected 30 Ways to Get Organized from Clean and Scentsible

organization tips, organizational tips

The Post with the Most Clicks

The Rewards Of Being a Step Mom from Crystal and Comp

parenting, step parenting tips

 and

It’s Not A Skin Color Problem from Sandy’s P.O.V.

Image-Its-not-a-skin-color-problem

We didn’t have any posts that fit into The Beach Party Favorite Theme Posts this week. So we selected Summer Themed Posts instead:

How to Save Summer Memories from The Jenny Evolution

  scrapbook ideas, memory box ideas

and

How to Grow Beautiful Flowers from Oh My Creative

 

gardening, flower gardens,

 

and

Grilling Tips from The Perfect Storm BFFs

grilling tips, BBQ tips, summer cookouts

Congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you linking up. 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!


10 Beautiful Sunflower Varieties

Sunflower varieties are endless, and they are a favorite for many backyard gardeners.  Each year I look forward to starting my sunflowers from seed.  Browsing  catalogues and websites in search of the perfect variety to grow each  summer is a favorite past time for me.  Once I decide on a variety, I plant the sunflower seeds in my bottle greenhouses during the winter.  When the seedlings emerge in the spring, I transfer them into the garden.  Today I’m going to give you gardening tips on my favorite sunflower varieties.  

 

 

gardening, sunflower varieties, sunflowers

 

I have become fond of a few varieties of sunflowers, but searching for new ones can be fun.  There are a few sunflower varieties that always find a place in my garden every summer.

 

Here’s a list of my favorite sunflower varieties:

  • Lemon Queen – A must have in my garden.  The Lemon Queen sunflower has pale yellow petals.  I live in Zone 6B.  My Lemon Queens usually get about 4 – 5 feet tall. My Gold Finch love them.  They usually produce 1 – 2 heads per stem.
  • Autumn Beauty Mix – The Autumn Beauty sunflower is an excellent flower for cutting. They can have several heads open on one stem at once, and they make beautiful bouquets. They normally grow around 5 – 6 feet.  The flowers are produced in a variety of colors. Usually in orange, red and yellow.
  • Butter Cream – The flowers on the Butter Cream sunflower are a pale yellow with brown centers. I add these to the Autumn Beauty and Evening Sun Mix bouquets. They look beautiful among the dark flowers in the mix.  They normally grow 4 – 5 feet.
  • Teddy Bear – Children love Teddy Bears and these Teddy Bear sunflowers are no exception. They are a dwarf variety and perfect for containers and/or borders.  Additionally, they look great on patios, front porches and decks too.
  • Evening Sun – The Evening Sun sunflower mixture produces flowers of red, yellow and burgundy, which grow to 6 – 7 feet. I add the Butter Cream variety into the mix for bouquets.
  • Mammoth Russian –  Mammoth Russian sunflower can grow 8 – 12 feet tall with huge sunflowers.  I’ve had some flowers that have grown to the size of a dinner plate. I roast the seeds from the Mammoth Russian and snack on them through the winter.  My backyard birds love them too.
  • Moulin Rouge – The Moulin Rouge sunflower is an absolute beauty.  It is deep, rich, burgundy and is beautiful with the Butter Cream variety in boutiques.  It grows from 5 – 8 feet.
  • Super Snack Mix – Grow your own Super Snack Mix sunflowers.  The seeds are large and great for snacking. The plants grow about 4 – 5 feet and attract butterflies.
  • Mexican  – Additionally, this is one of my favorite flowers for attracting butterflies and humming birds.  Mexican sunflowers make great cut flowers too.
  • Dwarf  – The Fire Cracker and Sunny Smile sunflowers are perfect for containers.  They are dwarf varieties, and are great for container or borders.  They provide a nice contrast to the Teddy Bear.

 

Finally, there are other varieties that are worth checking out.  These are just a few of my favorites.  Before you plant, decide if you want to use them for seed snacks, wild bird feed, give the heads to the squirrels or in bouquets.  Do your homework and purchase your plants or seeds accordingly.  Additionally, sunflowers can be found in a variety of colors other than the typical yellow.  There’s burgundy, orange, crème, and more. Start your search for next season’s garden and have fun.

Also, you may also like Sunflower and Finches in the Garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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