National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Last night while watching First Lady Michelle Obama, I was so impressed with how fit she looked. We all pretty much love her shapely shoulders and she has put forward a lot with the 'Let's Move' initiative along with Second Lady Jill Biden and a host of White House staffers. The promotion for healthy eating and encouraging more exercise for children is a great initiative that really took off.

In my opinion, the First Lady gave a wonderful speech full of energy and inspiration last night at the Democratic National Convention. I'm sure the White House garden yielded some fresh veggies and fruits this season that made it to the dinner table for the First Family.

The President has proclaimed September 2012 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month to promote healthy living for our children.

Joy in Simple Things

Good Sunday afternoon, I was amazed at the temperatures feeling like fall today. Let's me know what's in store when the seasons change. I hope the slight breeze keeps up.

I won't hold you long as I have some yard sale items to put back in their place. I only had one lady and her son stop by and she bought a clay pot container. One thing I can say is that it was fun just being outdoors after the clouds blew away and sun came out.

It's nice to find joy in the simple things like waving to a neighbor as they go about the day. Also, thankful for my blog visitors and new followers this week. There is always something new and exciting happening here.

Garden Tip - Summer Clearance Items

The home and garden centers like Home Depot or Lowe's are starting to discount their outdoor furniture, seating pads, flower containers, grills and more as the summer season slowly winds down.

If you have been wanting to get some new seating pads for the patio furniture, now is the time to catch these items on sale and store in the garage for next year. Plus, check out the price reductions on flower pot containers to update the curb appeal and patio next season.

 The ceramic pots are really pretty, but can be pricey so catching a mark down will be great. One other item that is popular is the outdoor fire pit that will come in handy as the grill is still getting fired up on a cool fall day or evening.

Quick Beat the Heat Tip

Happy weekend! The topic of conversation these days is all about the heatwave sweeping across the country. Here's a quick beat the heat tip:

Don't lose all your hard work in the garden during this heatwave. Set your clock earlier to water the flowers and veggie garden in the morning. Try to beat the sunshine and heat by giving them a good soaking before the sun comes out and starts to dry them out. All those garden-grown vegetables will delight in any salad or on the BBQ grill.

I told you it was quick, but there is a great photo gallery in the Atlanta Journal Constitution with 12 easy tips for beating the heat. Check it out here.

Weed Your Garden Day

Yep, it's Weed Your Garden Day! The video below features the Orchid flower which is not one you need to weed. I have a green thumb when it comes to house plants, but always thought Orchids required too much care. Not so says the lady in the video who gives great tips for taking care of them.

Orchids are the most beautiful flower and they come in a variety of colors to compliment any room. It's a lovely gift idea for a family or friend's birthday, hostess or housewarming gift. Visit Costa Farms which is a wonderful website full of gardening and plant care tips.

Happy TGIF

Hi everybody, let me start with the Atlanta forecast which is gorgeous. I hope the same can be said in your city. The garden container on my patio is colorful with the petunias and green ivy spilling over the side.

I was looking at the latest weekly ad for Publix that came out yesterday. I make a point to view it online to see what's on sale. The store is having a "Breakfast Sale" with lots of cereals on sale. With the kids out of school for the summer vacation, you might need to load up more on their favorites.

A good staple to have in the pantry are cans of tuna and Starkist is on sale. It's an easy fix for sandwiches or topping on a lunchtime salad. Plus, take them along to the cabin at the lake in case the fish aren't biting. While at Publix, head over to the produce section for a variety of fruits on sale. Load the cart with strawberries, mango, raspberries, canteloupe and watermelon. They all are go-to snacks that pack a healthy punch! It's National Dairy Month with good buys on cheese and Greek yogurt varieties.

Well, this is turning into a money-saving post. Oops, just can't help my frugal self, better quit while I'm ahead;-) Have a happy TGIF!

Focused Friday

The slight morning breeze feels really nice with the windows open. I'm spending way too much time admiring the petunias in the garden container on the patio, they are so colorful. Just put the kettle on for a second cup of coffee as the to-do list gets a glance over. OK, I'm focused.





Quote I read this week ->"Some people will say you are going the wrong way when it's simply a way of your own."

Gardening Tip of the Day

On a rainy day, capture some of that rain in a few buckets or container. The water will come in handy if days go by without any rain for watering the flowers and  veggie garden. Also, it helps save dollars on the water bill. Happy gardening!

Sitting in the Shade

I came across this quote by motivational speaker and author, Les Brown and really liked it. Les Brown speaks to audiences around the world on ways to overcome obstacles, discover your passion and pursue dreams. He has written several books and had his own talk show years ago.

"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." ~Les Brown

31 Days of March

Happy weekend and the last day in the month of March. This time, there were 31 days instead of the usual 30 so we got an added day. We welcomed spring and time change ahead one hour. Plus, the pollen arrived and had many sneezing and visiting the doctor for relief.

I'm ready to put a flowery plant in the pretty hanger at the front door and watch for hummingbirds to stop by for sips of nectar. I'm heading to get more potting soil this afternoon. Here's a tip ->Add fresh potting soil to the indoor plants before watering. They need a boost from the winter season. Enjoy!

Out & About Weekend

Happy weekend and a gorgeous one at that with lots of sunshine and warming temps. Isn't it grand! No tied down chores for me today. I may stop by the consignment store to see what's on the racks. They might be moving the fall and winter stuff out to make room for spring. It's worth a look-see don't you think. Better yet, dash to Home Depot and look around the garden center for spring planting ideas. Yeah, do that too.

I know one thing, listening to music will be a BIG part of the weekend. Don't let the high gas prices keep you inside, plan some out & about fun nearby.

Tipster Tuesday

The mild winter and temperatures in some areas of the country may have us thinking of spring planting soon. A visit to the home and garden centers is probably on the errands list especially on the weekends to look around and get ideas. Here's a tip to keep in mind:

If you plan to travel a lot on business, family vacations or church volunteer trips, avoid planting so many flowers and garden plants that will require lots of watering and care. Your friendly neighbor may not mind watering them while you're gone, but it might become a bit much. Don't lose money on all your efforts for a pretty front door entrance with flowers that dry out and wilt from lack of water. Keep it simple, yet beautiful!

Pretty for the Patio

One of my Twitter followers @CostaFarms tweeted that this Hibiscus flower is great for the patio in the summer. Just thought I would share it and brighten the day!

Gallery | Santa Fe style defines Smyrna home | ajchomefinder.com

Gallery | Santa Fe style defines Smyrna home | ajchomefinder.com
I like the Sante Fe style and the couple has done a nice job showcasing it in their home. The manicured gardens are well-done and the pool makes you want to dive right in, grab your swimsuit.

Infographic: Home gardening in the U.S. | MNN - Mother Nature Network

Infographic: Home gardening in the U.S. | MNN - Mother Nature Network
I like this growing trend and the Inforgraphic shows it well. I need to think more about starting a garden especially with the high food prices.

Sunny & Bright Friday

Two lovely looks for Friday ->Sunny & Bright! I hope everyone is having a productive week and looking to wrap-up a few projects today. I just have to mention that it finally rained in my neighborhood last night. A welcome sight and break from watering the ferns and flowers which are hanging tough in this sizzling heat. I continue to discover many new blogs each week and appreciate all your comments and visits to my blog. I think you will agree when I say bloggers stick together and support each other which is truly a wonderful thing. Thanks!

Credit: Free images from acobox.com

Perfect Potted Plants for Any Space

Nifty Container Ideas ->Perfect Potted Plants for Any Space, goodhousekeeping.com

Super Sunny Sunday

The day can only be described as Super Sunny Sunday in Atlanta, say that 3 times fast :-) I am hoping you are experiencing the same weather today and for the entire weekend. I'm just basking in all the glorious sun as I prepare to plant a few begonias I bought yesterday at a really good price at Home Depot. The place was crowded with lots of shoppers in the garden center. It was delightful to walk around and peek at the shopping carts of items people were buying. One lady had two small trees with yellow flowers on them. I should have stopped and asked the name of them, Bummer. I have one planter that is empty and I'm glad to finally get my fave flowers to fill it up. My neighbor has a big gardening project going on right now. We chatted a few minutes ago before I started this blog post and she mentioned all she plans to do. I can't wait to step back out later to see how it's coming along. I hope everyone is enjoying the day with family and friends. I cannot think of a better way for fellowship, good eats, and laughter than with loved ones. After last week's devastating tornadoes and the lives lost, it's even more important to spend time with others. If you are not able to be there in person, a phone call is just as nice. Be Blessed!

5 garden-to-table recipes | MNN - Mother Nature Network

Check these Out, Delish ->5 garden-to-table recipes | MNN - Mother Nature Network

Volunteer gardeners share their bounty with food banks - USATODAY.com

Simply Wonderful ->Volunteer gardeners share their bounty with food banks - USATODAY.com