Outdoor
Backyard Wildlife: How to Coexist with Native Animals in 2025
Has it ever happened that a squirrel made a fast dash across your yard and you found your once-groomed plants were destroyed by its antics? I used to find them annoying until I realized they are part of the local ecosystem and if we plan a bit, we can share the space. If you, like me, want to attract wildlife to your yard but not let them harm your garden, this article is just for you. I’m about to share how you can enjoy nature’s visitors without sacrificing your garden’s beauty. Why Supporting Local Wildlife Helps Your Garden Let me start by saying that I wasn’t always on board with the idea of “sharing” my garden. At the beginning, I thought I could scare away the squirrels, birds and rabbits, but as I found out…
Read More »Safety Guidelines for Summer Fire Pits: Cozy Nights Without Risk
It started with a spark. Literally. We had just finished roasting marshmallows in our backyard that had been renovated, when a gust of wind blew some sparks right onto the outdoor cushions. I got the chills, but it wasn’t a pleasant feeling. We hadn’t given much thought to how to keep our house safe from fires. If you already have a fire pit or are considering getting one for your summer, you’re in good company. Fire pits are now a favorite part of many outdoor areas, but they do require us to be responsible. If we miss a few important steps, a spark of romance might end up regrettable. In this article, I’ll show you the safety measures that really helped us at home. These aren’t just guidelines pulled from a manual—they’re habits we built…
Read More »Choosing Weatherproof Electronics for Backyard Entertainment 2025: What Worked for Me
Has it ever happened to you that your backyard party plans were ruined by the weather? It’s a nice sunny day, your music is playing, your projector is set up outside and then the rain starts. Suddenly, all your outdoor entertainment plans are in jeopardy. If you’ve experienced this or just want to stop worrying about rain, you’re not the only one. I decided this summer to address this challenge by buying weatherproof electronics for my backyard setup. The result? You can enjoy music, movies and games without stress, even if the weather isn’t cooperating. I’ll explain what helped me and give advice on picking weatherproof electronics to make your outdoor area a place you can enjoy all year. Why Weatherproof Electronics Are a Game-Changer It turned out that after years of always covering my…
Read More »The Growing Popularity of Backyard Chickens in America
The first step was buying a box of pricey organic eggs and a strange feeling I couldn’t put into words. Seeing the shelves at my local store get clear again made me stop for a moment. Why did eggs feel like a luxury lately? Similar to others, I wanted to feel a little more in control. Something tangible, grounding. That’s when the idea of backyard chickens began to grow in my mind, even though I had zero experience and a tiny suburban yard. If you’ve ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard or just wanted to feel a little closer to nature without giving up your morning latte, you’re not alone. I’ll explain what happened when I added chickens to my home, why so many women are making the same choice and…
Read More »Outdoor Entertainment: How I Built a Backyard Bar That Actually Works
I never thought a small corner of my backyard could become everyone’s favorite gathering spot. Then one day, as the sun dropped below the clouds and fed us with light, I saw: we had made a wonderful thing together. We didn’t start with a plan. Just a desire to make our outdoor space feel more like “us.” If you’ve ever looked at Pinterest-perfect patios and thought, “I wish I had that,” I’ve been there. This post is not about ideas that never get past the planning stage — it’s about what was successful. You’ll discover how to design, construct and decorate a backyard bar that matches your space, budget and way of life. No fluff. It’s been a mix of some errors and lots of successes. There’s More to an Outdoor Bar Than Being a…
Read More »Outdoor Shade Solutions for High UV-Index Areas: What Actually Worked for Me
Have you ever spent time in the sun and noticed the burn starting? You can notice the second you realize the sun was much brighter than you expected? I felt that way about summer until I figured out how to block the sun without staying indoors. We all know it’s important to take extra care in the sun when the UV index is high. Still, it can be hard to keep your skin healthy when you’re spending time outdoors. As a result, in this post, I’m sharing what I think are the best options for outdoor shade. You’ll discover how I enjoyed the sun safely and still kept myself healthy. Why You Need to Think About UV Protection I didn’t know that UV protection involves things other than sunscreen. You should apply SPF, but there…
Read More »Summer Backyard Safety Tips for Kids and Pets: What Really Worked for Us
Have you ever let your kids and pets enjoy the summer air, but found yourself checking on them every little while? That was me not too long ago. I’d be relaxing in the sun, drinking my iced tea and suddenly I’d worry about what they were doing. It soon became clear to me that looking after everyone’s safety in the backyard needs more than a quick check. It’s all about building an area that allows your kids and pets to have fun outdoors without you always having to worry. This article will share the simple, yet effective backyard safety tips I’ve used to ensure my family (human and furry) has a carefree summer. Creating a Safe Outdoor Space for Play Here’s the part I didn’t expect… I used to think I had to be constantly…
Read More »How to Safely Host Outdoor Gatherings in the Summer Heat 2025
Have you ever hosted an outdoor gathering on a hot summer day and felt the sweat running down your back before even saying “hello” to your guests? Trust me, you’re not alone. The sun can quickly make a fun day feel sticky and uncomfortable. I’ve found myself in that situation, trying to keep everyone cool as I tried to have fun. Even so, I’ve learned a lot over time and I’m ready to share my advice for hosting a summer gathering that’s both safe and enjoyable for everyone. I’ll share what has helped me in this post, from picking the right time to hike to handling water, meals and shade. After reading this article, you’ll know all the best ways to stay cool and still enjoy your day. Planning Ahead: Why Time & Location Matter…
Read More »The Importance of Soil Health in Summer Gardening: What Worked for Me
Have you spent a lot of time planning your summer garden, but your plants still struggled in the heat? I know I have. For years, I was mostly interested in choosing flowers, herbs and vegetables that would make my yard look nice. It was when the flowers lost their color and the leaves turned yellow that I realized. It wasn’t the plants that mattered, but the soil. If you’re also puzzled by why your summer garden isn’t doing well, despite your best efforts, I know how that feels. This article covers what I found out about the role of soil health in summer gardening. You’ll get easy-to-follow tips, tricks and simple changes that really worked in my garden this year. Why the Health of Your Soil is Important for a Successful Summer Garden The part…
Read More »How to Create Edible Landscapes in Urban Spaces: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever noticed that you’re surrounded by buildings in your city but wish there were more green spaces? I felt the same way, until I chose to add a bit of nature by turning part of my small city garden into an edible landscape. Having fresh herbs and vegetables on my balcony let me enjoy nature and made my home a mini food garden. If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make your apartment or balcony into a place where you can grow both beautiful plants and food, read on. I’ll share with you how I created an edible landscape from the beginning in this guide. You don’t need a beautiful garden or gardening skills—just a bit of space, time and some creativity will do. Ready to grow something you can eat? Let’s…
Read More »
