There’s a timeless charm in adorning your home with fresh flowers, and what better way to do so than by “shopping” your own garden? This is something I learned from my good friend Eddie Ross, years ago! Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, your outdoor space can be a treasure trove of blooms waiting to grace your indoor vases. Here’s why you should consider picking from your garden for your next floral arrangement:
Embrace Seasonality
One of the joys of gardening is experiencing the rhythm of the seasons. By picking flowers from your garden, you can create arrangements that reflect the time of year, whether it’s the vibrant hues of summer or the muted tones of autumn. Seasonal blooms not only add visual interest but also connect you to the natural world outside your door.
Personalized Touch
When you gather flowers from your garden, you’re not just selecting generic stems from a store; you’re curating a bouquet with personal significance. Each bloom carries memories of nurturing and care, making your arrangement a reflection of your gardening journey. Whether it’s a favorite rose bush or a cluster of wildflowers you stumbled upon, incorporating these elements adds a unique touch to your home decor.
Eco-Friendly Option
Opting for flowers from your garden is not only convenient but also eco-friendly. You’re reducing the carbon footprint associated with commercial flower production and transportation. Plus, you have full control over how your flowers are grown, ensuring they’re free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.
Tips for Creating Stunning Arrangements
Now that you’re inspired to shop your garden for vase-worthy blooms, here are a few tips to help you create stunning arrangements:
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors, textures, and heights. Mix blooms of varying shapes and sizes to add dimension to your arrangement.
- Consider Foliage: Greenery from your garden can serve as the perfect filler for your vase. Incorporate leaves, branches, or herbs to complement your flowers and add visual interest.
- Don’t Forget the Vessel: The right vase can elevate your floral arrangement. Choose a container that complements your flowers and fits the style of your home decor.
- Refresh Regularly: To prolong the life of your arrangement, change the water every few days and trim the stems at an angle. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures your flowers stay fresh longer.
Next time you’re in need of a floral fix, step outside and explore the botanical wonders in your own backyard. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply brightening up your living space, shopping your garden for vase-worthy blooms is a sustainable and soul-nourishing choice.
The sun affects your home in many different ways. Some of them are beneficial, but others can cause damage. Of course, you can’t control the sun. So what can you do? Staying on top of home maintenance is a massive help, from flooring treatments to refreshing the paintwork.
Grimy Buildups in Water
Plant life thrives in the sun because sunlight and water help it create food. It’s a very complex system, so we go into it here. However, what you need to know is that plant life and other microorganisms can take over your home if left unchecked. This is particularly bad for water features like ponds, gutters, and even swimming pools. Hire a pool cleaning service to ensure things like algae and leaves are removed, and power washes the gutters now and then.
Fading Carpets and Wood
Over time, the sun can cause colors to fade. This is noticeable when you remove a picture from a wall! This isn’t usually a concern because you can always just paint the walls once more. But what about expensive flooring such as carpets and wood? The sun will cause these to fade, too. Shading, such as curtains and blinds, will only go so far. Wood and carpet fluorocarbon carpet protector treatments will help prevent the sun from fading the colors of your precious materials.
The Sun Affects Your Home Lighting
Of course, the sun allows light into your home. A home flooded with natural light has many benefits. For example, the heat can help lower utility bills, and a brighter home has wellness benefits. SAD lamps are a great holistic approach to anxiety relief. But natural light is better. Because of this, 80% of people want more natural light in their homes. There are a few things you can try to make better use of natural light. Skylights and glass doors will help.
Cracked and Peeling Paint
Heat from the sun can take its toll on the walls of your home. Over time, exposure to the sun will cause wallpaper to peel and paint to crack. Wallpaper isn’t anything to worry about. However, cracked and peeling paint is potentially hazardous. Paint before the 1980s could contain lead, and this is deadly if ingested, especially to children who like to eat it since lead tastes like sugar! However, even modern peeling paint can cause issues such as particles you can breathe in.
Antibacterial Properties of UV Lighting
There is another well-founded argument for increasing the amount of natural light in your home. Most people aren’t aware that UV rays (natural or artificial) are antibacterial. In fact, most water treatment plants use UV rays to clean drinking water. This makes the case for flooding your home with natural light. The kitchen and bathrooms, in particular, will benefit the most from this. This means that the sunlight you let in can actually help keep your home free from germs.
Summary
Grimy buildups in water, such as in swimming pools, are just one way the sun affects your home. Natural light from the sun is a big help in homes, including creating a sense of wellbeing. And the UV rays from sunlight also have antibacterial properties for a germ-free home.
Step into the world of ‘The Outsiders’ on Broadway and experience a timeless tale of friendship, rebellion, and the search for identity. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Tulsa, this stage adaptation brings S.E. Hinton’s classic novel to life with a talented cast, immersive set design, and electrifying choreography. Follow Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and confront the harsh realities of their divided world. With its poignant themes and captivating performances, The Outsiders on Broadway is a must-see production that reminds us of the enduring power of friendship and the universal quest for acceptance.
We have a block of tickets for June 19th at 7:30 pm for $130 each. EMAIL me to save your spot.
Energy conservation isn’t just about being environmentally friendly; it’s also about saving money in the long run. By adopting energy-efficient practices, you can reduce your utility bills while minimizing your carbon footprint.
One often overlooked area for energy conservation is the garage. In this article, we’ll explore how making simple changes in your garage can lead to significant savings and environmental benefits.
Why the garage matters
The garage is more than just a place to park your car or store your belongings; it’s also an integral part of your home’s energy ecosystem. Unfortunately, many garages are poorly insulated and prone to temperature fluctuations, making them significant contributors to energy loss. During the winter months, cold air can seep into your home through uninsulated garage walls, causing your heating system to work overtime.
Additionally, excess humidity in the garage can lead to mold growth and poor indoor air quality, further increasing energy consumption. By addressing these issues, you can not only improve the comfort of your home but also reduce your energy bills and environmental footprint.
Garage insulation
One of the most effective ways to conserve energy in your garage is by properly insulating its walls. This helps to create a barrier against outside temperatures, preventing cold air from infiltrating your home during the winter and keeping your garage cooler in the summer.
There are various insulation materials available, including foam board, fiberglass batts, and spray foam insulation, each offering different levels of insulation and installation ease. The benefits of investing in insulation for your garage walls is to target heat loss. So, this allows you to improve energy efficiency and create a more comfortable living environment in your home.
Garage openings
Another common source of energy loss in the garage is through its openings, such as the garage door and the entry door to your home. These openings, such as doors and windows, often lack proper sealing, allowing cold air to enter your home and warm air to escape, especially during extreme weather conditions.
This is where garage door weather stripping can make a huge difference. Essentially, it can create a tight seal that prevents drafts and more effectively maintains indoor temperatures. Additionally, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient door between the garage and your home to further improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss in winter.
Humidity management
Excess humidity in the garage can not only affect the comfort of your home but also lead to moisture-related issues such as mold and mildew growth. To combat this, consider installing a dehumidifier in your garage to remove excess moisture from the air.
Additionally, implementing a ventilation system can help improve air circulation and prevent humidity buildup. By controlling humidity levels in your garage, you can create a healthier living environment, reduce the risk of mold and mildew, and improve overall energy efficiency.
Practicing energy conservation in your garage is a win-win for both your wallet and the environment. By insulating walls, weatherstripping openings, and managing humidity, you can significantly reduce energy usage and expenses while minimizing waste. Remember, every small change adds up to make a big difference. Start making your garage more energy-efficient today and enjoy sustainable savings for years to come.
This Mother’s Day, elevate your gift-giving game with Palmer & Purchase. With boutique locations in Rye and Larchmont, and an online store accessible from anywhere, they are your go-to destination for finding the perfect present for mom. Their curated collection of gifts covers a wide range of categories to suit every type of mom:
- For the Gardener: Discover a selection of flower accessories and gardener totes to delight mom’s green thumb.
- Home Gifts: From scented candles to decorative accents, find the perfect pieces to enhance mom’s sanctuary.
- For the Sports Lover: Show mom you support her team spirit with sports-themed clothing and accessories.
- Luxe and Special: Treat mom to indulgent treasures that will make her feel pampered and cherished.
- Monogrammed: Add a personal touch to your gift with a selection of customizable sweaters and wraps.
No matter which category suits Mom best, Palmer & Purchase has you covered. Shop with them this Mother’s Day and make mom’s Day shine brighter than ever.
In the timeless dance between nature’s beauty and human craftsmanship, jewelry has always held a special place. Hearts of Stone NY is taking this tradition to new heights with their stunning collection of semi-precious pendants. Move over flowers, because these gems are here to steal the spotlight!
Gone are the days of traditional pendant chains. Hearts of Stone NY offers a contemporary twist by providing their coveted semi-precious pendants with carabiner locks, allowing for versatility and style customization. Whether you’re drawn to the captivating allure of Topaz, the regal elegance of Amethyst, the radiant warmth of Citrine, the ethereal charm of Prasiolite, or the timeless glamour of Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, there’s something for everyone in this dazzling array of candy jewels.
Picture this: a Topaz heart pendant gleaming under the sunlight, sending bursts of sparkling color with every movement. Or an Amethyst pendant, a symbol of protection and spirituality, hanging delicately around your neck like a precious amulet. These gems aren’t just accessories; they’re statements of style and substance, perfect for adorning the dearest and nearest in your life.
With Mother’s Day around the corner and graduation season in full swing, what better way to express your love and appreciation than with a timeless piece of jewelry? Hearts of Stone Jewelry offers a thoughtful alternative to traditional gifts, allowing you to share the love with those who matter most.
Ready to add a touch of sparkle to your life or surprise a loved one with a gift they’ll treasure forever? Simply send a DM to order your Hearts of Stone NY Jewelry pendant today. Because when it comes to expressing love and gratitude, nothing says it better than a gem that shines as brightly as the bond it represents.
If you are going to be in the Palm Beach area..stop by to visit Marina at Love Shack Fancy
