One thing that I have probably failed to mention is that my husband is one of those modern-day homesteaders (I am not there yet but hope to be one day). He has been perfectly content with cutting wood every summer and fall so that we can heat save on heating costs.  Yes I was a bit nervous when he came up with the idea of replacing our worn out furnace with a wood stove but it has worked out well and he never complains about chopping and hauling wood. Of course other aspects of the modern homesteader is growing your own food and plenty of do it yourself projects.  For this reason,  outdoor storage sheds are a must. Read more »

Wind chimes are a nice way to add serenity to an outdoor space. Sitting outside on a porch swing on a quiet day and listening to the different sounds that wind chimes make can be very relaxing. The type and size of wind chimes will determine the sound that the wind chimes make, and with so many themes to choose from, that will fit into any budget  you can easily find the perfect wind chimes for yourself or your gift giving needs. In fact, wind chimes make great wedding, shower or housewarming gifts and are also the perfect gift idea for those hard to buy for. Read more »

I did some after Christmas shopping today and it was no surprise to see  Valentine’s day items being displayed. It used to amaze me how early stores put out new merchandise but anymore it doesn’t surprise me. We may have a long winter ahead but I know that it will be no time at all before we start seeing spring and summer merchandise being displayed such as grills, picnic tables and  patio umbrellas. And I can only imagine that those living in warmer climates pretty much shop for outdoor items year round. Read more »

Now that January is almost here I will be counting down the days until Spring and will soon begin prepartions for our upcoming  garden. My husband and I will most likely start the seeds ourselves come Feb. There is just something about doing it all from scratch that really gives the feeling of accomplishment. This year we hope to expand our garden and enjoy it not just for the food we grow but the beauty of it. One way to add both beauty and functionality to our garden is with a garden weathervane. Read more »

This year for Christmas we have let everyone we know that we are downsizing and don’t need anything. In fact, having a fairly small house with very little closet space means constantly trying to get  rid of excess clutter only to find more making it’s way in. I never thought it would happen to us but I think we now qualify to be on the “hard to buy for” list. Read more »

While it is still technically fall until Dec 21, these frigid temperatures have me thinking that winter has come early this year.  Still, it wont stop me from cooking on my barbecue grill.  In fact, around here we usually grill year round.  Don’t get me wrong, I love cooking my favorite comfort foods in the oven and use my crock pot a lot during the fall and winter season but nothing beats barbecue chicken or the occasional steak cooked outside on the grill. Read more »

During the winter it is often a challenge to find activities that don’t involve being cooped up indoors.  If you live in a cold climate there is ice skating and sled riding, which wont cost a lot of money providing you already have a supply of skates, sleds and warm clothing.. Then you can end the day by relaxing next to a warm fire inside or even filling up a big thermos full of hot cocoa and heading out to the backyard and relax around an outdoor fire pit. Read more »