Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts
Showing posts with label garden. Show all posts

April 5, 2015

Express Yourself By Winning Scotch Expressions Prize Pack

Scotch Brand’s Expressions Tapes are a fun, affordable tool to help add bright and glam colours to our home, and event décor. Expressions Tapes offer us creative, and easy ways to decorate our home whether it is used to create DIY centrepieces for a party, to add colour to glasses or planters, to do crafting with our children, or to update plain walls with a splash of colour. These Spring Planters are an awesome idea from Scotch to add some creative fun in our home. To make these, you will need... 

June 11, 2014

SmartOnes Precision Sprayer to Keep Out Weeds and Ants

SmartOnes Precision Sprayer
I usually pull out the weeds, with a tool and do not use any type of chemical in our garden. Recently, I learned about the SmartOnes Precision Sprayer, which is a multipurpose tool designed to easily eliminate weeds and ants from our lawn, patio and garden. This tool is designed by Premier Tech, a Canadian company.

October 19, 2013

Better Way to Clean: Win Your Own Rubbermaid Power Scrubber

Whether it is cleaning the kitchen floor or the bathroom, cleaning takes time and effort. Rubbermaid Power Scrubber cleans up to 2x faster than manual scrubbing with its battery operated, oscillation head that scrubs 60 times per second. 

October 3, 2013

Cooking Up Our Fall Pumpkin Harvest

For the first time this year, I planted a couple of pumpkin seeds during spring in our garden. We were super excited to see lots of flowers, huge prickly leaves and a couple of fabulous tasting pumpkins grow in our small pumpkin patch. I saved the seeds from an acorn squash we bought last fall. You too can try growing pumpkins next year with the seeds you save up from this season.

September 4, 2013

Garden Harvested Stir Fry Makes a Delicious Side Dish

stir fry
When the routines of going back to school and cooler weather starts, preparing delicious healthy dinner meals can sometimes become difficult. However, I try my best to make something that everyone in my family enjoys. This easy to make delicious side dish stir fry goes well with bread, rice, couscous etc.

August 1, 2013

Win 1 of 3 Command Prize Packs before School Starts

command hook
Command 3M products are very handy around our home, as it helps us stay organized. I use their traditional hooks and mini hooks in many places around our home. I am starting to think of ways to organize and get everything ready before school starts in September. I like that Command Clear products help us clear up clutter, keep wires in order and make the most of small spaces. They are stylish, easy to use and do not damage the surface it is placed.
command hook
We don't need nails, screws and tacks when we use Command™ Clear products they make it fast and easy to hang and clear clutter. The revolutionary Command™ Clear Adhesive Strip holds strongly on a variety of surfaces, including paint, wood, tile and more. It removes cleanly without making holes, marks, or sticky residue. 
command hook
The advantage of using Command™ Clear Strip allows us to seamlessly show our decor, without the hooks and clips being visible. Rehanging them is as easy as applying a replacement Command™ Clear Strip, so we can take down, move and reuse them again and again. 

They have a variety of clear transparent Command™ products such as Medium hooks, mini hooks, decorating clips, flat cord clips, round cord clips and utensil hooks. I just wish the packaging it comes allows to store the clips back in it until we need to use it again, since all the packages need to be saved for instructions such as the surfaces it can be placed etc.
command hook
Giveaway:
We are giving away 3 back-to-school Command prize packs valued $50. Your prize package will include a variety of fabulous Command products. Win 1 of 3 prize packages before August 26th by entering the rafflecopter below, this giveaway is open to everyone in Canada.
Update: The winners are Jen, Kristy and Tricia

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June 4, 2013

Dad's Will Enjoy These DIY and Woodwork Books

Our dad's will enjoy getting colourful, useful books like this Do It Yourself and Woodwork, as the information on these books will help do quick fixes and larger projects. These go-to books are simple, easy to follow, and has lots of practical tips and techniques. My husband has used the Canadian edition of Do It Yourself to help him fix lots of things around the home from small to big jobs such as adjusting loose toilet seats, changing fuses, unblocking drains, fixing gutters and more. 

May 9, 2013

The Black and Decker Dual line Trimmer and Edger helps keep our garden neat

My husband and I enjoy gardening, as the outdoor gardening season in Toronto is short :) We encourage each other to keep our garden neat so we can admire it throughout the summer. We enjoy spending time watching birds, gardening different flowers, fruits and vegetables so it important for us to make sure our garden looks neat and maintained. To motivate us and not feel as though gardening is a chore, we think it is important to have the correct gardening tools.
The rock and wooden gardening edges in our garden makes it hard for us to cut the grass that grows in the edges using the lawnmower.  This 14" Black and Decker 6.0 AMP Dual line trimmer and edger has helped us overcome this problem. It has also made us perfectionists in the garden, as the trimmer helps us keep our garden neat and clean. 

May 5, 2013

Gardening With CUTCO Tools

cutco gardening tools
When gardening I think one of the most important things to have are reliable tools, which will not frustrate us. I find CUTCO gardening tools to have a good quality that is reliable and durable.
Since 1949 CUTCO guarantees the quality of their products, as they have a forever guarantee for the performance, sharpness and replacement of all their products. We don't need to hold onto the receipts to use their guarantee.

May 4, 2013

O’Keeffe will help heal the cracks and dry skin on our hands and feet

Usually during this time of the year when we are out in the garden I sometimes like using my bare-hands to dig into the soil and plant, which has side effects of ruining my skin. Many people I know have issues with either their hand or feet drying or splitting when the weather is extremely cold or too hot, and look for a solution that works instantly. 
We came across this skin care cream that helps to heal extremely split cracks and dry skin in our hands and feet.

April 30, 2013

No space is too small for a garden

I like growing herbs in the summer in small spaces and pots, so it doesn't spread all over the garden. I find growing our own vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers is rewarding. It is rewarding to plant our own herbs and vegetables, as we can get local, organic food from our own garden that will makes us happy.
Last year I put lots of top soil, manure, compost from Pefferlaw that benefited our garden and helped produce a good crop of tomatoes, eggplant, okra, bitter melon, chillies, herbs and more. 

April 9, 2013

The Birds of North America that visited our garden

House Sparrow
Birds of North America is a complete photographic guide to every Bird species we will see in North America written by experts from Canada and US. We really enjoyed learning about birds from this jargon-free book.  This guide has close up, colourful photography that brings over 650 birds species to life. It is a wonderful reference book to people of all ages with all levels of experience. We liked learning about the social behaviours and nesting habits of the birds we encounter during different seasons. Learning and recognizing the different species of birds becomes easier with a colourful book like this.

April 5, 2013

Mystery of Life: Our survival depends on flowers

Before watching the Disneynature Wings of Life I thought the movie was about butterflies.  However, while watching the movie I realized it is called “Wings of life” because it outlines the importance of pollinators such as beetles, insects, bees, hummingbirds and bats that carry the pollen grains to other plants, so the plants can reproduce. I recommend this heartwarming movie for the whole family, as it points out the importance of flowers. This DVD and Blu-ray combo will be available on April 16th.

I also read the book Rainforest by Thomas Marent, which is filled with beautiful close-up photographs of the rare beauties found in the exciting, but dangerous tropical rainforests.  The pictures are amazing, which shows us the uniqueness and the beautiful details found in nature if we just stop to look at it.  

March 24, 2013

We are planning to take lots of Gardening Shortcuts this Summer

garden
It is that time of the year when we start thinking of gardening projects and designing outdoors.  I totally look forward to spring, as I like to plan and think of all the possible projects we can do in the garden even before the ground thaws.  
gardening shortcuts book
Since we are planning on a trip this summer :) the time I have to garden this year is limited.  I want to make sure that we maximize the fun of gardening by spending as little time maintaining it.  This book Gardening Shortcuts has lots of ideas that will make this possible, and I am sure every gardener will appreciate the tips found in this book.  
garden shortcuts book
The suggested tips and ideas in this book lets us get the maximum benefit of enjoying our garden with less time maintaining it.

Last year, we gave a quick lift to a dull garden space by creating a flowerbed and adding rocks.  Seeing this idea in the book made me feel good that I had come up with this project last year.
garden
To make this flower bed we mounted a lot of soil because we wanted some height.  Then we planted a Japanese maple tree that we bought from Sheridan.  We chose the blood good variety of Japanese maple tree that doesn't grow too tall, and has bright red leaves.  
garden
Around the tree, we placed Pefferlaw deco stones and gravel river rocks that can be purchased in all these locations.  I like how rocks give a serene, natural atmosphere to the garden while helping control weeds in an eco-friendly way.  Usually adding rocks and hard elements to the garden brings the lush colours of plants and flowers to become more focused and attractive. 
garden
We also put a solar spotlight in this area that makes the plants glow at night.  To give the area more colour we planted different coloured pansies and marigold.  To make sure the area does not get a crowded and cluttered we always prune and remove the plants that spread.
gardening shortcuts book
This book gives a lot of ideas on how we can create privacy and sheltered spaces in the garden by adding fences and patio.  It also has lovely decorative projects that we can do without incurring a big cost.
gardening shortcuts book
This book also shows us neat ideas on how we can grow fruits and vegetables in a decorative manner.

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December 5, 2012

Wear holiday cheer using Command

One of the things we like to do during winter holidays are making crafts and hanging them up on the windows. We usually have a hard time hanging these crafts because the tape and suction cups that we have used in the past fall off easily due to humidity on the windows. After we used command hooks to hang crafts, we found that it was easy for us to hang our crafts the way we like without damaging them.

Some craft ideas to place on the windows are stained glass sun catcher or this Paper towel roll flowers and stars.
command hook
To make these shiny hanging ornaments you will need...
Paper towel or toilet paper roll
scissors
modpodge
clothespins
different colour glitter
command hook
Cut the paper towel roll into 1/2 or 1/4" thickness. Then arrange it to make a flower or star shape. Glue the pieces to attach and secure it with clothespins for a few minutes until it holds together. 

Then remove the clothespins and cover the entire flower or star with modpodge and sprinkle coloured glitter all over it. It is better to protect the working surface with newspaper as this could be messy :)  
Let it dry completely before hanging.  
command hook
To hang these crafts on the wall and window we used the Command mini hooks that hold about 1/2 lb.  These handy hooks came in a pack of 18 hooks with 24 small strips, which helped us hang crafts and holiday lights on our window. We also used cord clips to keep the holiday lights organized. These cord clips come in a pack with 4 clips and 5 small strips.

I found it easy to remove and replace the position of the hooks, as I didn't want them on the initial spot I placed them.  Once we remove the hooks we have to put another small strip when placing it in a different location, this is why Command has extra strips in each packet :)  
command hook
There are a variety of hooks such as medium hook, medium and large brushed nickel hooks that are useful to hang a variety of things around our home such as bags, towels, brooms etc.  

Command also has general purpose large outdoor hooks that hold about 5 lbs., which comes with 2 water resistant strips so we can hang things indoor or outdoor.
command hook
Contest:
Enter the contest at Command's Facebook page to get coupons for Command products, which will be useful around your home.
command hook
All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

November 4, 2012

Getting the house ready for the #holidays and a Giveaway

handheld 2-in-1 scrubber

I have been cleaning our home a bit more than usual because we are getting ready for winter and had a few celebrations.  Now with the December holidays approaching, we are anticipating more family and friends to come over and spend time.  My grandpa used to say that a clean kitchen and washroom judges a home :) So keeping a sparkling washroom and kitchen is a priority in our home. Soap scums, dirt caused by humidity are all reasons that make it hard to maintain the washroom, especially if we don't have the correct tools.  I am very happy that this year we got to try these fabulous scrubs and brushes from Rubbermaid.  
I found the extendable scrubber helps us with hard to reach corners more easily.  We have the option of detaching the head or scrubbing part easily to use without the handle.  The pole extends from 24" to 40" and works with switchable pads.      
I like the idea of putting the cleaning liquid into the spraying scrubber.  It allows us to easily spray and clean one spot before moving to another, which is very useful with little ones in the home, as I usually don't get to start and finish cleaning in one time.  The spray scrubber holds about 1/2 cup of liquid at one time.  We have the option of switching the pads for this scrubber depending on the surface we want to clean, which is very convenient.

We found the flexible scrub brush useful as we cleaned the washroom floors and areas where some surfaces are flat and some have curved contour surfaces i.e. bathtub and sink.  The rubberized inset helps to grip it firmly.  When the red button on the top part of the scrubber is pushed, it releases the 3" red part of the bristle to move into any position we like and then locks it into place.  This bendable firm part of the bristle helps us scrub curved areas in the bathroom.
The handheld 2-in-1 scrubber is extra large and is useful for full surface scrubbing for large areas.  I like the detail brush that is on top, which is similar to a giant toothbrush.  This detail brush is handy to scrub around the faucets, grout and small spaces.

We can switch the pads to either disposable, scouring, bristle or sponge.  The pads are available to buy separately.  Scouring pads are good for all surfaces.  Sponge pad is good to clean and wipe.  The bristle brush is handy for heavy duty scrubbing.  The disposable pad come in packs of six to "clean and toss" for messy jobs.  
A lot of thought has gone into designing and making this selection of Rubbermaid products for the bathroom, which makes our job easy.  All these products can be found at Home Depot, and some of these can be found at Walmart and Home Hardware stores. 
Giveaway:
To help one Canadian reader this holiday season, I am happy to bring this giveaway that ends on November 20th.  Please enter through the rafflecopter below. 
Update: The winner is Sam 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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October 14, 2012

Command 3M hooks

3M command hook
I like using Command Traditional 3M hooks because there are easy to use and handy to organize many things around our home.  

Having proper reliable tools help us to stay organized. With Command 3M hooks we can organize and decorate without damaging the walls. There are so many possibilities on how we can use these hooks. The hooks work on all types of surfaces i.e. painted surfaces, wood, tiles and more. I placed the Command Traditional hook behind the washroom door to hang towels, and like how strong the hooks are, as it can hold up to 5 pounds.  

It is easy to use the Command Traditional medium hook to hang seasonal and holiday decorations i.e. novelty lights, streamers, balloons.  We can remove the hooks when we no longer need it, and save it for next time.  This medium hooks can hold up to 3 pounds.   
3M command hook
The hooks can be easily removed without damaging the walls. The hooks don't leave holes or tacky oily residue that affects the paint. 3M's patented stretch release adhesive technology is strong, secure and damage free.  

To remove, slide the hook up and pull the tab about 12" straight down and then release the base from the wall. The hooks come with two strips. When we no longer need the hook in the initial place we put, remove, clean the back with rubbing alcohol (don't use any other type of cleaners), dry the hook and attach the strip with the red adhesive liner to the hook and the black adhesive liner to the wall. Ones we put the hook on the surface, we have to press firmly for 30 seconds and then let it stay for an hour before hanging anything.
3M command hook
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September 16, 2012

Carrots from our garden and sweet carrot dessert

Carrots from our garden this summer.  I put some seeds in directly in the soil a few weeks before the last frost.  We enjoyed these delicious carrots in the beginning of summer. 
Children love pulling and digging out the carrots themselves.  Carrot plants are beautiful foliage and are wonderful border plants.  It is healthy to eat carrots just on its own.  We like making this delicious dessert with carrots and milk, it is known as carrot halwa or carrot pudding.    
4 to 5 big carrots (if grated it will be about 2 cups)
2 cups milk
3 cardamom pods ground
2 to 3 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp ghee 
1 tbsp nuts 
1 tbsp raisins


Mince the cleaned carrots with the milk in a blender.  Cook the milk carrot mince with the cardamom and sugar until it is well cooked.  

When the milk evaporates and the carrots are well cooked it will become vibrant in colour.  Add ghee, nuts and raisins and sauté for a few minutes.  
Add more sugar if needed depending on your taste.  Serve warm or cold.
All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

September 7, 2012

Alliums

Allium has clusters of flowers that come from one point or umbels in the beginning of Summer.  These perennial flowers add lots of drama and beauty to the garden.  

It is easy to grow Alliums as it grows from self propitiating seeds.  We have to be careful when weeding as the small shoots and leaves look like grass.  In the first year, the plant will not have any flowers.  These Allium "Globemaster" grows about 32" tall.  It has a strong stem and low growing leaves.  


Animals don't target these deep violet clusters of flowers as these flowers belong to the lily and onion family.  

If you want to decorate with these flowers cut the flowers and let it stand in a bucket of lukewarm water for 6 to 8 hours before using it for decoration.

All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First

August 20, 2012

Win tickets to Toronto Fall Home Show

Toronto’s largest Fall Home Show presented by Scotiabank runs from September 20-23 at the Better Living Centre Exhibition Place, 195 Princess Boulevard Toronto M6K 3C3.

The show will features more than 300 renovation and home décor specialists offering advice, solutions and inspiration for a wide array of home renovation and décor projects for our home.
  • The Main Stage is presented by HGTV, where local experts and celebrities will offer insight, inspiration and advice.  
  • Design Equations by Casalife and Benjamin Moore bring solutions for today's design and décor challenges.
  • Discover innovative new trending products and design solutions with Tina's favourite fall finds.  
  • Habitat for Humanity will have an ultimate upcycle challenge where we can see household items being repurposed.  
  • Building Industry and Land Development (BILD) and Reno & Decor Magazine will give people opportunity to ask renovators one-on-one free advice.
  • And lots of other programs...
Show dates and hours:
Thursday, September 20, 2012   11am to 9pm
Friday, September 21, 2012        11am to 9pm
Saturday, September 22, 2012    10am to 9pm
Sunday, September 23, 2012      10am to 6pm


Admission:                              
Adults:                            $15.00 at the door / $12.00 online
Senior (65+):                   $13.00 at the door / $10.00 online
Children 13-17:               $13.00 at the door / $10.00 online
Children 12 years & Under:   FREE

Giveaway:
2 people can win 2 tickets each to the show (it is free for children).  Giveaway ends on September 5th.  Open to people in Canada.  Please leave a comment on this post with an email or social media name so I can contact you back.
Update: The winners are Colleen and Victoria
All rights reserved on the opinion of the written content Createwithmom © 2012. Please Ask First