Pea gravel path changes

Last year, we finally added a pea gravel path around the raspberries  and asparagus. Adding pea gravel paths are so easy. It’s a matter of making and edge of some kind, putting down landscape fabric, and pouring the gravel on, and spreading it out so it’s a few inches deep.

I loved how my rubber boots sounded crunching on the gravel, and it made it a much, much nicer way to pick the raspberries. I love having different paths in my yard,like the lavender lane and the secret garden path. It’s like having different-mini gardens to visit in the same yard.

We had started a second path last year and never finished it. Little, for a while was playing “fairy grave yard” in it and set up a teeny bench, metal fencing, and a tiny stone bench. That kid is only slightly creepy sometimes.

This year, I found my dwarf Serviceberry ( it only gets 15 feet by 4 feet wide), and we connected the two gravel areas. Also, I planted a European beech,Coral bells, and made a planting oasis among the paths.

I did move the flagstone to extend along the path, but I am thinking about getting rid of them and leaving it straight pea gravel. As you can see, Little set up a new fairy garden graveyard by the back Coral bell. It’s still surrounded by mini-fencing. I don’t know what happens in her magical gardens, but it could be the reason the tooth fairy never comes around any more. Tinkerbell may need to watch her back around here. What happens in the fairy gardens, stays in the fairy gardens.

I love having the paths in our yard. They make such a pretty view from the deck, graveyard and all. I control the weeds by spraying them with vinegar. That’s it. They shrivel up in the heat, and die. We finally had a few days without rain and painted the deck! It’s only been a few (lots) of years since we last stained and painted it. While I like the rustic look, it was getting to be  a bit too rustic for our tastes, also the kids kept getting splinters. Plus, we have a huge issue with wood boring bees. They look like giant bumble bees, and eat holes in the wood to nest. They don’t really like treated wood of any kind, so painted or stained wood helps to keep them from leaving giant holes in everything. I am excited to show you how it turned out!

 

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Online Shopping for Home Décor

Sprucing up the house is the most enjoyable and relaxing task for some people. There is a rush feeling in seeing the changes and that anticipation for the final look is priceless. But changing the look of each room can be expensive. It doesn’t help either that buying home stuff can be exhausting.

Good thing there’s internet to the rescue. Finding where to shop for home décor online is easy. Apart from this reason, it is more convenient to buy things online. There are other benefits on home décor shopping on the internet.

 

Online Promotions

One is that online shops have a lot of promotions going on. A month wouldn’t pass without them offering discounts through voucher codes, email links, and other money- saving promos. Huge savings are in your way if you will be diligent in looking for these ads.

 

Rare Items

Another reason is that it is easier to get hold of rare items online. Rather than going around from store to store looking for a particular piece. Most online shops have catalogs that you can browse and it shows how many are available. Seeing in real time what’s there and what’s not, drops the disappointed feeling you get when you’re feet gets tired in hunting for something. You can easily pinpoint which items you like and never have to worry about missing out on them. Out of stock items are also replenished faster and you get updated through newsletters.

 

Following Trends

Shopping home décor online makes it easier to update your style. If you are into following trends, online shops tend to have the newest items faster than your local stores. You never have to wait for the latest home decors to hit the market. Instead, you stay abreast with what’s hot before everyone else.

You can easily sort through the best items and find helpful reviews from people who have bought the same. The best bargains are not the best if they end up flimsy and made in low quality materials. It would greatly make a difference to know what to expect from things you buy online so it is advised that you read buyer reviews.

 

Low Shipping Costs

Lastly, buying online gives you options to having low shipping costs and being able to return items that you don’t like. Although this is also offered in department stores, knowing that you can do the same on online shops lessens the anxiety.

It's natural for anyone to be a bit apprehensive doing online shopping, but you only need to be decisive over your choice of shops. A simple search would take you to shops that have earned a good reputation from their loyal customers. It wouldn’t hurt to ask for recommendations either. With this generation that relies on the internet so much, you'd certainly would have many friends who have done online shopping. If you're the type who values time and effort on top of huge savings, shopping online for home decor can work great for you.

 

Dig/s Home Goods and Housewares is a family-run business, just basically Chuck, Susan and a few helpers. It's these homegrown roots that give our company a great work ethic and a strong foundation on which to expand and develop. Our heart goes into our work, and it shows in everything we do, from the kind of products we offer to the kind of service we provide. Our customers matter to us. You matter to us, and your business is greatly appreciated.

Sending positive vibes your way,

Chuck

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Where to Buy Home Décor: Vintage Shops vs Specialty Stores

If you think for a second that designing homes end up at choosing wall colors, think again. What to put in each room is where the action begins. While it may sound easy, buying home decors is actually a daunting task. Finding the best places where to buy home décor is a job that is not for the weak. It is an exciting task but it requires both a healthy body and a healthy mind. 

While it is much easier to shop online, there is that primal happiness in choosing things that you can hold and inspect in real time. You have two options in shopping for home décor. First, is buying brands from stores that sell home décors or get used items from thrift and vintage shops.

Basically, where to buy home décor is narrowed down to these two kinds of stores. The more appropriate thing to note when buying home accents is not where but the kind of design you have in mind.

Vintage and Thrift Shops

For designs that are more of the classic and require antique pieces, you can find plenty of thrift shops and vintage stores that sell pre-loved items. While it may sound sketchy at first because of the nature of the items being second-hand, there are a lot of interior decorators who do not discount these shops from their go-to lists when shopping for decors. These kinds of stores hold treasures that are worth keeping, they just need to be found first. Also, not all things from these shops are oldies. If you think about it, styles change every year so a lot of people dispose of their stuff through yard sales and in thrift stores. You will never know what to expect and it is quite exciting to find out what items you are going home with. So if you are looking forward to unique items with guaranteed low prices, then head off to the nearest vintage stores in the neighborhood.

 

Home Décor Specialty Shops

Now, if you are not sure about buying second-hand, there are shops that specialize in selling home accents. They can either be an entire shop of home decors or just a part of chain stores and malls. Go straight ahead to these shops when you want shopping to be easy. If your style is more of an upbeat and trendy, most items from these shops are the latest craze in design. They are usually categorized so everything can be found fast. They also have shop attendants who can assist you at the store. They are a huge help especially when you find someone who is not afraid to give suggestions.

 

You have the option to go easy on the job and shop from a décor shop or get down and dirty for a satisfying vintage store hunt. Where to buy home décor is also a matter of style. You will be surprised how much you will discover in yourself just by observing where your items are mostly from.

Listen... if a guy in his 60's can start an online store YOU can too!

Thanks for reading :)

Lots of Love :)

-Chuck 

 

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Make Money From Your Passion: Home Décor Business

 There are people who have the talent of making homes more beautiful. The craft of interior designing is not for everyone. There are schools intended to teach these intricate fields but it doesn't mean that only those who had formal training can be considered as interior decorators.

 

HOW TO START

If you're passionate about home decorating and have piled up enough materials to build another home. Why not make money out of it? How to start a home décor business is only difficult at first but there are shortcuts that can lead you to success.

 

1.    Determine whether you would like to sell all types of home décor, furnishings, and household items or are you going to concentrate on having products of a particular part of the house? If you think you are more interested in revamping the living room, then it would be easy for you to find items that will fit in there. You can start looking for paintings, lamps, rugs, candles, chandeliers, and everything else that will enhance the living room.

 

2.    Focus on a certain theme. While it is safe to have all sorts of items to attract more types of customers, it will also help if you have a certain theme in your items. This is easier if you are still starting up so you can also focus on finding items that fit the chosen theme. For example, sell items that are considered vintage if you are into classical design. It is also easier to build and encourage loyal and returning customers when they know what items to expect from your shop.

 

3.    Offer home decorating tips for customers. Since you are going to run a business, make it a point to interact with your clients. You will meet different types of persons and the only way to know what they like is by talking to them, encouraging them to tell you about their ideas so you can also share your own views. This will also be a great way for you to sell items that you know will fit their homes.

 

4.    Make a portfolio by taking before and after photos of your decorating projects. Better yet, convert a part of your home into a mini studio where you can use your items to decorate the room. Let the customers know that everything they see on the pictures is available at the store. This is one way of showing them how the items will work in their own rooms.

 

5.    If you are able to establish a name and have gained customers, then it is time to expand your reach and make the business bigger by connecting with manufacturers who specialize in home furnishings like fabrics, flooring's, carpets, furniture, and others. This will secure your place in the business even when some customers cannot find the items they want from you. Make them aware that you can look for such items or have them especially made straight from the manufacturers.

 

NEVER LOSE INTEREST TO DISCOVER WHAT'S NEW

And the most important tip in how to start a home décor business is to never lose the interest to discover what’s new. Always have that curious attitude to learn. Observe how the world of interior decorating evolved through the years. Keeping tabs on everything about home decors will keep you excited to see what you can offer your customers. You can present new ideas if you are constantly updated and this will be your key to achieving their trust and confidence. Pretty soon you will have customers who value what you say and will constantly check for the best items from your store.

 

Listen... if a guy in his 60's can start an online store YOU can too!

Thanks for reading :)

Lots of Love :)

-Chuck

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Decorating on a Budget: Find Gems in Garage Sales

Wondering where to buy cheap home décor is a thing of the past... IF you would consider purchasing second- hand items. Garage and yard sales may look dusty and full of trash, but the truth is that there are plenty of things you can find and use for a home decorating project. And the best thing about it? Everything is cheap so a little cash goes a long way.

 

Great Furniture

There are options on what to do with furniture that has lost its beauty through time. They may need repainting, a few repairs, or some revamping with covers. The point is that furniture from yard sales are on bargain prices. With just a little effort and creativity, you get to own unique pieces that will totally add personality to your home.

 

Cool Lighting Ornaments

Lighting fixtures can be made out of absolutely everything. From colanders to tea pots, vases, and even industrial metal items—they can be made into creative lamps by using a cheap lamp kit from a craft store. These kits are easy to use and you can convert anything into lamps in no time.

 

Decorative pieces

Most garage sales have sets of items that are missing a piece or two. A good example would be a tea set that has missing tea cups. While it will look odd to display an incomplete set, using the remaining pieces at empty corners would still look great. The idea here is to make odd pieces useful as a decorative item. You can have it at the lonely spot on the bookshelf, or make a lovely accent on the divider. Another example is incomplete plate sets. In fact, lonely strays are the best for a plate project. Of course you are not going to use it for dinner! Plates can look good as a plate display on the walls. Hang out some of the pieces for a lovely work of art. A sad looking and empty wall will instantly look alive with this idea.

 

Pieces that can hold things are also great finds. Keep an eye out for goblets, glass vases, milk glass, and bowls. Spray-painting them with a solid color can add a fresh look while also making them handy as candle holders or as flower vases.

 

Fabric Finds

Yard sales also hold nice fabrics. They are going to look nice as one of a kind table runner, pillow covers, and even curtain accents. Yard sale fabric may be out of dresses, sheets, and quilts. Just make sure to have matching colors or patterns. Don’t forget to wash fabric finds well and treat it for at least 20 minutes in the hot dryer.

 

Recycling and up cycling are the two main ideas that make garage and yard sale finds the best place to find cheap home décor. The creative possibilities from the items you will find are endless. If you got the time but have little money for a decorating project, then you can do so well out of garage sale finds.

 

Listen... If a guy in his 60's can open up an online store SO CAN YOU!!!

Hope you enjoyed reading :)

Lots of Love,

-Chuck

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Glass Containers Another BEST Alternative | Find CHEAP Deals Here!

Glass Containers

Today’s generation is keen on having a cleaner and greener environment. One of the simplest ways to be more friendly to Mother Earth is to give up plastic packaging which includes food containers.

 

Be BPA-Free

As for the kids’ health, parents often don’t realize the dangers of having plastic containers for their children’s foods. Reusable food containers are being labeled as BPA- free which makes them safe. Yet, most would agree that no matter how safe these containers claim to be. They seem to absorb some of the food odor. For example, tomato sauce. This can be also seen on clear plastic containers that become stained after several uses. And, this is enough reason to stay away from such food containers before the family’s health becomes compromised.

 

Glass Food Containers as a Safe Alternative

If you are on the lookout for a food container that does not release nor keep toxins, glass storage may be the best option for some reasons. First, glass is easier to clean and because they are clear. It is easier to distinguish whether the food is still good or otherwise, and it is easier to check if the container is clean or not before using it. This quality is good not only for OC moms but generally for everyone. Knowing that what you use to store food is clean lessens the worries and apprehensions about what the kids eat when they are not home.

 

 Microwave Safe

Another is that most glass containers are microwaveable. This is great for those who would like to have hot meals for lunch. There are plastic containers that are microwave- safe but you can never be too sure about them compared to glass containers.

 

Many Sizes

Moms also like how there are plenty of sizes to choose from among glass containers. The variety of sizes and shapes makes them versatile because you can choose which type of food to keep in them. For example, smaller sizes can have herbs, sauces, and condiments. While the bigger ones can hold sandwiches, pastas, or even complete meals.

 

 Last Long

Unless you don’t take care of it, glass containers last for so long. This is because they do not deteriorate like plastic. They don’t also rust like the metal containers. Modern ones are also made to be so durable that they don’t break even when dropped.

 

 Safety

So the verdict whether to replace plastic for glass containers? Yes! The most important factor to consider here is the children’s safety, right? Other qualities like durability, versatility, etc. are only bonuses. The best thing about glass containers is that they do not harm the children. It does not release harmful chemicals to the food and it does not keep chemicals from the food. This is what all moms should consider especially those who have school-aged children. It is always a healthier option to send home-cooked meals or snacks that you prepared yourself rather than have the children eat junk food. But the key to making it work is to also make sure that the food-keeper is safe so that the kids can enjoy this effort.

 

Listen... if a guy in his 60's can start an online store YOU can too!

Thanks for reading :)

Lots of Love :)

-Chuck

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New front curved concrete walk

Several years ago, I was tired of looking at how old and gross  the entry up to our front door was. It was the way it was when we bought it. After the kids got a little older, and I had a bit more energy, I started trying out having a curved concrete walk with plants. I eventually ended up using some free limestone as pavers, and grabbing my can of elbow grease, and digging it out and laying stone myself. That was before my 2 herniated discs, and $100,000 new neck. Now, I am happy to let someone else do the heavy-lifting.

I loved the cobblestone path, but to be honest, in the winter it was pain to shovel… and well… Chicago. Now, it was time to replace the walk area, and we decided to do a concrete walk that  would be easy to shovel, and maintenance-free, and easy for aging parents to walk on. We decided to have it curve in front of our house since our home is so linear looking as a split-level. Any curves we can give to the boxy house the better.

The hardest part about it was that we had to dig out all of the existing landscaping. Even though it was a chance to fix some mistakes in landscaping, it had finally grown in beautifully, and I was in love with how it finally looked. Though, we are kind of suckers for punishment, so it is kind of par for the course.

We had the concrete company come out. The hand dug the path way, and framed it out in one day. I felt bad for the guys digging.There were still a ton of huge roots left from where the Ash tree had been.

 

The stone was delivered the second day, and the concrete was poured. We’ve had so much rain lately, we were praying for clear weather.

Luckily, the weather was moderate and not too hot for the pour day, and the rain held off as well.

They came and pulled the framing this morning, and now we have the job of figuring out how to landscape the new curve concrete walk. Since we pulled the walk much farther forward, the entire planting bed needs to be shifted. We are going to replant the Hosta we removed, but now I need to think about the fun part of what else I need to put in (She says, as she gleefully rubs her hands together.).

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