Planning and Creating your Garden

Author: Cristian Stan

We all love to have a creative and personalized atmosphere outside. If you have a patio or courtyard perhaps you are trying to find creative decorating ideas to give it a more relaxed and comfortable feeling. Regardless of the size of your home you can give it a high quality and look design to it while being within a budget.

Planning Your Garden
One of the first things you need to do is plan your garden. What do you want to get from your garden? Are you interested in growing fruits or vegetables or just having a flower garden? There are a number of options and you can even opt for growing herbs. Consider the space you are going to have set aside for your garden as this plays a huge role in what you grow or create.

Make sure it’s not going to be cluttered and free from things being in the way. You want it to be a garden and a centerpiece as well as a conversation piece. Consider sitting down in the area to see what kind of feel it gives and determine if you want it to be a place for dining as well as entertaining.

Are you interested in placing a fountain in your garden? If you do, you are going to need to get a professional involved for the plumbing of your fountain. Do you want wind chimes as well for light music when the wind blows?

Creating Your Small Garden
Once you have taken the time to think about what you want from your garden as well as the purpose it will have, it’s time to start building it. You need to consider what you are going to use to hold your plants in. Are you going to use porcelain or plastic pots? There are wooden ones as well as clay o cast iron planters to choose from to fit your garden’s appearance.

You want to determine the location for your plants as well as what plants you want. Make sure they are going to be in ideal growing conditions as some plants require more sun and others are not going to require much at all.

Consider the type of soil you want to have in your garden as well. You should use a soil that is going to provide for your plants. You need to keep your plants watered as well. There are some soils that help retain moisture and these are often better for those who have hectic lifestyles. Having your own garden can take a lot of work and if done properly, can become a focal point of your yard. Consider adding in some color to your garden and try to steer clear of same colored flowers. This can add more volume and can allow you to have a garden that is unique and truly your very own.

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Can you believe it is already the end of January 2012? Here we are in the middle of winter. So far the winter weather has not been too bad here this year, but I know that many other places in the country have not been so lucky. I wanted to review some tips for safer winter driving.

1. Check the weather forecast
That is something that is easy to do, but I sometimes forget to check it myself. If there is some nasty weather coming your way, you can adjust your plans. You may need to leave earlier or cancel your trip.

2. Avoid driving in very bad weather whenever possible
If the weather is REALLY bad, I mean when the National Weather Service has issued a severe winter storm warning or a blizzard warning, just stay home! Call in at work. School will likely be cancelled, but even if it isn't, keep your kids home. Your life and the lives of your children are more important than school or a job.

3. Keep your car maintenance up to date
Keep it tuned up, the oil changed, and the tires rotated. Winterize your car if needed. Replace old windshield wipers, and fix anything that could cause a breakdown. Remember to keep your gas tank full. That way you can keep warm if you get stuck.

4. Drive properly for the conditions
If the road is slick - slow down! Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. Start breaking long before you actually have to stop to avoid skidding. If you do skid, turn into the direction of the skid without slamming on the brakes.

4. Have an emergency kit in your car
Emergency preparedness is very important. Every year I hear about someone freezing to death because their car got stuck, and they couldn't keep warm. There are many things that are important to have in your emergency kit. In the winter keep a very warm blanket in your car. Some hand and foot warmers would help keep you warm also.

The Esurrance blog had a list of the top 11 must haves for your winter kit.
---Chains
---Jumper cables
---Cat litter. If you get stuck, it can create the traction you need to get unstuck.
---Shovel
---Basic tool kit including pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pocket knife, duct tape, rope.
---Flashlight (and extra batteries)
---Warm clothes
---Food and water
---First aid kit
---AM/FM radio. (Battery-powered)
---A good book - in case you are stuck there for a long while.

I hope these tips were helpful to ensure your safe winter driving. Remember that winter is already half over, and soon it will be warm again.






I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Helping Christian Organizations With A Family Focus

Are you a Christian who is looking to donate your time or your services to those who may be in need? If you are, you will find that you have an unlimited number of options. A large number of individuals and organizations can benefit from your time, money, as well as other donations.

While volunteering or donating to most reputable Christian organizations or programs is worth the time or money, you may want to place most of your focus on supporting programs and organizations that have a family focus. Many devoted Christians are concerned with the way that school systems have eliminated much needed after school programs. Others want to help families that are having difficulty raising their children.

If you decide to offer your support to Christian organizations, you will find that you can do so both online and locally. Although both options are good approaches to take, you should know that helping your own community members has a number of different benefits. You may also find it easier to offer your services to families or organizations in need of volunteers and donations on the local level.

When looking to volunteer or donate money or other goods to local Christian organizations, you will find that you have a number of different options. These options are most apparent when looking at the goals of each local organization. For instance, there are a large number of Christian organizations who aim to help those with marriage problems. Although your main goal may be to assist those with children, marriage counseling or support may be able to accomplish just that. When children are involved in divorces, especially difficult divorces, they are impacted in many ways.

There are also a number of Christian organizations that aim to help parents become better with what they do and how. Those who are young parents, single parents, or those who suffered abuse as a child themselves often use these programs and organizations. Although many of these organizations focus on the parents and the parents alone, it is important to remember that your volunteer work, especially from a support and mentor capacity, could have a positive impact on the lives of countless children. You may also want to volunteer as a babysitter for parents who are unable to make childcare arrangements to attend Christian parenting classes.

As previously noted, you also have the option of volunteering with online Christian organizations. They are ones that tend to try and help those in need over the internet. Single parents or parents who may have a difficult time raising their children, may prefer getting guidance and support online. In addition to having transportation issues or childcare problems, it is not uncommon for some parents to feel as if they failed their children when reaching out for support.

If you are interested in volunteering your time, money, or other goods to online Christian organizations that have family focuses, you may want to perform a standard internet search. This internet search should be performed with keyword phrases, such as “family Christian programs,” or “families in need Christians.” You may also want to examine the Focus on Family, the Family Research Council, and the Youth for Christ organizations. They all have outstanding reputations and strive to help families in need.

Yoplait Frozen Smoothies Coupon

Yoplait frozen smoothies newest flavor is Chocolate Banana. It sounds good! You can download a printable *coupon for $1.00 off one package of Yoplait® Frozen Smoothies.

*This coupon offer is not valid in the following states: including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

I received this information and the coupon offer from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark. I did not receive any reimbursement for this post.

An Example in Tim Tebow

I have to admit that I don't know much about football, but even I have heard about Tim Tebow. He is the Denver Broncos quarterback who kneels in prayer before, during and after games. He promotes John (3:16) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

From what I have read, people either love him or hate him. It is wonderful that kids have a popular sports figure who is shares about his faith. He points to "The One" who is deserving of our worship. It got me thinking about how I can share about Jesus more in my everyday life.

How do you share about Jesus?

Free TurboTax Online

I wanted to let you know about the TurboTax Online Free Edition. I always use TurboTax, but I haven't tried the online free edition. I am thinking about using it this year. Have you tried it?

"Your biggest tax refund, guaranteed. 100% accurate calculations, guaranteed. Up to date with the latest tax laws to help ensure your taxes are done right. Fastest refund possible, with free e-file." Click Here to try it.

Free T-Shirt

1 FREE Customized T-Shirt! Choose from a variety of designs and add your own text to make your design unique! The T-Shirts are made of 100% Pre-Shrunk cotton and are available in sizes from S to XXL The T-Shirt is FREE, just pay for Shipping and Processing! Click Here

Easy and Healthy Casserole Recipes

Free eCookbook: 27 Easy and Healthy Casserole Recipes For You, featuring over 35 pages of tasty and healthy casserole recipes + FaveDiets Quick and Healthy Recipes newsletter for FREE! Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection of quick and easy healthy casserole recipes perfect for any meal. You'll find tons of easy and casseroles, including healthy chicken casserole recipes, vegetable casseroles and much more! The eCookbook has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for favorites, including Make Ahead Healthy Chicken Casserole (page 15), Hearty Amish Beef Casserole (page 26) and Cheddar Sunrise Hash Brown Casserole (page 32). Click Here

6 Coupon Inserts This Week

There are supposed to be 6 coupon inserts in the Sunday paper this week. Sometimes it varies by location.

Check out the list here: Coupon List

God Adopted Us

God Adopted Us

A fellow blogger, Yeo KH, posted this. When we accept Christ, we adopted by God.
Check it out.

Dish Network Deal

Do you have Dish Network? We have it and love it! When we had cable some of the channels were fuzzy, but on Dish Network they are all very clear. I mainly wanted Fox News and some kids channels. There are several packages available, and you can get it for around the same price as cable.

I wanted to let you know that I was notified about a promotion where you can get $50 off your bill! It is a referral type thing. If you want me to send you a referral certificate for your $50 off, just leave a message here or send me your email to:
donna444444 AT yahoo DOT com.

I would receive a referral bonus if you sign up, but I did not receive any compensation for posting this. I really like Dish Network.

Cat Hugs Baby Kitten Having Nightmare

The Survival Podcast

I wanted to let you know about a great podcast that I love. It is called The Survival Podcast by Jack Spirko. He has tips about being prepared, gardening, food storage, and much more. And the great news is: It is free! He does have a section that costs for extra benefits, but the podcasts are free. His goal is "Helping You Live the Life You Want, If Times Get Tough, Or Even If They Don't". I would definitely recommend The Survival Podcast.

I did not receive any compensation for this post. I love the site!

We Are All Criminals Now

Steve Quayle: We Are All Criminals Now - The Countdown Begins
by Omega Man
Airdate: Tue, Jan 3, 2012

All Christians and those who are curious - please listen!

Listen to internet radio with Omega Man on Blog Talk Radio

Mountain House Sale at Safecastle

It is a new year and a time for new beginnings.

It is also a time to think about your preparations for hard times.

Safecastle is having a great sale on their cases of Mountain House products thru January 15. It is 25% off which is the maximum allowable discount on Mountain House products.

Free shipping to the continental US.

Buyers Club members get special reward gift certificates for their MH cans case purchases ($50 for every three cases). They also get Royalty Rewards which are more things free for buying certain quantities.

I like the Buyers Club, but you don't have to be a member to get the 25% off Mountain House. I have ordered from them several times, and the process was great. Their customer service is very good. I am a happy customer, so I became an affiliate. Check out Safecastle today!

New Year's Day

Happy New Years!

I hope and pray it will be a better year for us. We have had many health issues in my family, and unfortunately I lost my sister in December. I will post more about that later. Christmas was tough, and I just couldn't blog much. I wanted to expain my absense.

I am going to try to blog daily if possible. I have several reviews and giveaways to post.

Best wishes to you this year!