Artificial Christmas Trees

Christmas trees, Christmas stockings, Christmas wreaths, mistletoe and other Christmas decorations are part of every home every yuletide season. No home is complete every season of Christmas without any of these decorations. I remember how my brothers and I always look forward every season of Christmas. Other than the gifts from Santa, we also look forward to decorating our home with all the colorful and glittering Christmas decorations. We also look forward to decorating the newly cut pine tree which will serve as our Christmas tree.

Those were the days. As we grow older and wiser, we realize that Santa only exists for the kids. But we still look forward to this month because it is the only time of the year that our loveones come home to celebrate with us. We still look forward to decorating our homes with Christmas decorations. But for the past 20 years we have been decorating an artificial Pine Christmas tree. Artificial Christmas trees are much better compared to the real ones because they are low maintenance. There are even artificial Christmas trees with multicolored lights available now just like the nine feet Green briar Pre-Lit Artificial Pine Christmas with white lights which is standing tall in the middle of our living room. The best part is that they look real enough to be mistaken as the real one except real pine trees have that sweet smell which we love so much. However, since we have gone environmental friendly, we would rather see them standing tall and alive in the wild than seeing them inside our home with all the colorful decorations.

The season of Christmas brings hope and happiness to everyone of us. Christmas trees and other Christmas decorations that we see around us are mere symbols. But the true meaning of Christmas is neither about the number of gifts which we receive every holiday season nor the number of Christmas decorations around us. According to The American magazine, vol. 28 (1889) the true meaning of Christmas is "to give up one's very self — to think only of others — how to bring the greatest happiness to others.

Christmas Party In My Neighborhood

Everybody in my neighborhood is busy today in preparing for the Christmas party which will be held tonight in the clubhouse. This is the third time that my family will be joining them since the tradition in my neighborhood had started five years ago. I wish not go celebrate with them since I am not very good with parties. I turned down their invitation last year and the year before that they have already regarded me as a party pooper and a snob. I have my reasons. The noise and the big crowd always give me a migraine which seems to last forever which is why I try to avoid going to parties as much as possible. But I guess my excuse is no longer accepted.

Going back to the Christmas party preparation, the Homeowners Association decided to hire a catering service for the party to save everyone from a lot of work. We already did so much work in decorating the clubhouse with Christmas decorations. We have a 16 feet Fairewood pre-lit artificial Fraser fir Christmas tree with clear lights standing proudly in the center of the clubhouse stage with the gifts for everyone. The branches of the artificial Christmas tree are lifelike that anyone can mistake it for real. We all contributed in buying the Christmas tree since the association decided to cut no more trees and the 16 feet artificial Christmas tree is a perfect replacement for the real one. It is already pre-wired with lights so all we did was decorate with the other Christmas decors.

Christmas parties just like any other parties can give anyone a lot of stress. I really wish not to go but for the sake of camaraderie and Christmas spirit, I will do my best to attend. I have already set an appointment with my doctor if in case I get sick again like what happened every time there is a party.

Symbols Of Christmas

Preparing our home every Yuletide season to celebrate the birth of our Savior is always a joy to most of us. Since time immemorial, we always look forward to this time of the year. When we were kids, the season of Christmas means more gifts. It is the time where most of us are in our best behavior otherwise Saint Nicolas or Santa Claus will not give us any gifts. But as we grew older and wiser it means a time of giving back all the blessings we have received. 

As adults we all know that this is not the exact birth of the Messiah. But we really do not mind. Christmas can be anytime of the year. However, it is already a tradition that we celebrate His birth every 25th of December. To prepare for his coming we adorn our homes with Christmas and holiday decorations. We always look forward to setting up the Christmas tree which is a popular symbol of Christmas. We would adorn it with Christmas balls, Christmas lights and other Christmas decorations that will make the tree of Christmas bright and lovely. Lighted branches and garlands especially the flowering Chinese lantern garland can also make a great Christmas decoration. With its’ lights that can last an average of 1000 hours it is perfect for both indoor and outdoor decoration. In addition, a Christmas tree will not look perfect without the star of Bethlehem, an iconic symbol that guided the great Three Kings or Three Wise Men (to some) to the manger where our Savior was born.

The symbol of Christmas may differ in every country but the meaning is still the same. It is a commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is why other that the great and colorful Christmas tree adorning our living room, we also decorate our home with the nativity scene which is a reminder what Christmas really means.

Decorate Your House With Hanging Globes For Thanksgiving Day

We are all busy preparing for Thanksgiving Day which is only a few hours away. Soon, our tables will be filled with the abundance of food to be shared with everyone. Our homes will also be filled with our love ones especially with those who have been away for a long time and decided to come home just to be with us even for a day. I am sure that everybody will definitely enjoy the party we have prepared for their homecoming. 

Aside from preparing for the food which will be shared with everyone, we also need to make sure that our house is ready for the party. It is Thanksgiving Day so it is important that our house is not only clean and neat but it should also be beautiful. Hanging globe terrariums with air plants will look perfect in the living room windows as well as the kitchen windows.  It gives the room some spunk. I love them the first time I saw these glass terrariums online. So I decided to buy them. Even the kids adores them especially the 5 inched Double Hook Hanging Bubble Terrarium which hangs on their bedroom door. Moreover, we also need to have our backyard or front yard ready for the barbecue. Surely, everybody will be partying until sundown. We should not forget to double check the bulbs of the exterior wall lights and garden lights or landscape lights because some may not be working well. It is important that the whole place is properly lit not only to prevent accidents but to give the place a cozy atmosphere. 

Preparing our house for the party can be tiresome. But it does not matter as long as everybody will enjoy the party. Besides it is Thanksgiving Day. We have a lot of things to thank for.

Gift Shopping For Our Loveones

We always find a reason to give gifts to our love ones. It is our innate nature to give and to receive. More often than not, we are more pleased whenever we give something to our love ones which makes which makes them happy. In general, the price tag of the gift does not matter to them. The most important thing is that they are remembered. They know in their hearts that they are loved and cherished. 

However, to the giver, giving the best gift and the most expensive ones matters. They would save their hard earned money whenever they can so they can buy the things which will please the people who will be receiving their gifts. Others would wait for Black Friday, a Friday after Thanksgiving Day, which is going this coming November 29^th and risk their neck just to shop.  Who wouldn’t? It is the only day that participating shopping stores like Macy’s put all their goods such as a Victoria Townsend Diamond Bracelet at a very low price. But, with the magic of technology, there is no need for us to risk our necks just to shop for gifts. We can now shop using your laptop, desktop computer, or smart phones just as long as there is an internet connection and have the items deliver straight to our doorsteps or better yet deliver it to the address of your love ones.

 

We all cherish the gifts we receive. It does not matter if the gift cost a fortune or not. But more often than not, we value the gift especially when they are personalized or are unique such as decorative lanterns or terrariums which they can use all the time. If they love gardening, Whimsical Ceramic Mushrooms, Seed Kits and other garden gifts will surely thrill them. We should remember that all the things we thought are important to our love ones may not be as important as we thought. Just like what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “the greatest gift is a portion of thyself.”

Celebrating Christmas

A few more days to go and it is already Christmas. Have you started decorating your home for Christmas? Are you finished with your shopping for Christmas presents for your love ones? To some it is too early to start decorating your home for the holiday season. But in some parts of the world, people have begun decorating their homes with colorful and glittering Christmas decorations such as Christmas wreaths, Christmas trees, decorative lights or Christmas lights, and Christmas stockings as early as September. Even business owners have adorned their commercial space and offices with different Christmas decorations to join in the celebration. You can also hear Christmas songs playing in some radio stations. 

Christmas may not be celebrated by everyone. But to the faithful followers of Jesus Christ, Christmas time is a season which we all look forward. It is a time where every member of the family, friends and relatives gather for a midnight meal and hear mass together. It is also a great time exchanging gifts with your love ones. Moreover, it is also a time where everyone wishes good tidings to everyone they meet on the street regardless if they are strangers or not. I really do not care if it is way too early for Christmas but we also started decorating our home in preparation for Christmas.

Some may say that it is not the exact birthday of Our Redeemer. We all know that but it does not matter if it is His real birthday or not, we are still celebrating because it made us all feel good and blessed. In addition, the mere thought of celebrating His birthday gives us a sense of peace and pride. It also give us a sense of happiness knowing that He came down from heaven to save us all.

Decorative Laterns As Gifts For Christmas

A few more days to go and it is already Christmas time. To those who still believe in the Spirit of Christmas, we look forward to lavishing the people we care about with gifts which will remind them of us whenever they look at the gift. We are always looking for a unique type of gift such as personalized items or those gifts which we made ourselves. However, because of our busy schedule it is kind of impossible for us to get our hands on personalizing the gift for our love ones. Instead we choose gifts which are not so common and yet will surely leave a great impression to the person or persons who will be receiving the gift.

Garden gifts such as the decorative indoor and outdoor lanterns and terrariums or glass globes, gift certificates of their favorite stores or clubs, or a potpourri our love one’s favorite things will definitely make a great present. For this coming Christmas I am planning to give my mom a decorative lantern. Recently, she has been collecting different types of lanterns to adorn our living room and garden. I am sure that she will be pleased with the decorative lantern especially with the Oxford Garden Lantern, Victorian Table Lantern and the Boston Sconce Candle Holder which I found online. Either of them will make a wonderful and unique gift for her collection. I already asked my cousin who is great with plants to enclose my mom’s favorite ornamental plant. That will please her even more.

We always say that it is the thought that counts every time we give and receive a gift from someone especially from the people we value the most. However, we should not leave it like that. It really matters if the present we are giving or receiving is not just any present which can be bought anywhere. It should be something that will make the giver and the receiver smile every time they see or thought of it.

Live Plants As Gifts For Your Loveones

We all wish to be loved and wanted by the people who are important in our lives like our parents, siblings, kids, friends and love ones. These are the things that sustain us and keep us grounded. These are also the things which keep us sane and alive. In addition without the feeling of being valued or unwanted one tends to be suicidal. More often than not, they feel worthless and thus it is impossible for them to value human life as well. It seldom happens that those who lived a life being unwanted by those whom they expect to love them lead a good life and values people.

One of the things which make us feel important and valued is by receiving gifts from the people who are important to us. It is not necessarily expensive. A greeting card, a letter, flowers and even garden plants will do. Gifts which are especially created or handcrafted with our own hands deem more valuable compared to gifts which are commonly bought in stores. If we have a small flower garden at home, we can simply pick them and make a lovely bouquet of flowers and give it to our parents, grandparents or anyone we value. Or if it is really not possible for us to handcraft our gifts with our bare hands, we can give them home garden gifts such as herb kits, seed starting kits and gifts that grow, outdoor spring plants and flowers, or outdoor fall plants and flowers.

It is human nature to want and expect being love and wanted by our family and especially our love ones. It is what makes our life meaningful. Giving gifts is just a simple gesture that will let the other person know that you are acknowledging their worth as a person. A gift as simple as a bouquet of flowers or a live plant, is enough to make your love ones smile.

Gardening Books As A Gift

Have you done your holiday shopping? If not then perhaps it is time that you should. Christmas is just around the corner. It is better to do your shopping early to avoid the busy streets and the crowd. I am not am done with my shopping as well but I planning to do it online since I always find it less stressful and tiresome. There is no need for me to squeeze in the crowd, or waste some gas by going to the stores. Well, I know there are certain advantages and disadvantages to shop online as well as going to the store yourself. It is just that, I always find the web friendlier compared to the sales clerks on the store. Moreover it is also convenient. As an online shopper myself, I am grateful that more store owners are bringing their goods or products online. I can make my reservations early especially when I am planning to give gardening books as a present to my family members and friends. I heard that these books sell like hot potatoes among gardening enthusiasts.

I have a huge collection of gardening books my self. I purchased some books online a few years back some are presents from my family and friends who are concerned about the well-being of whichever plant I tried growing. They are quite helpful especially to the beginners. These gardening books have greatly helped my mom grow her own garden as well. These books include plant care tips, new gardening ideas and what is there to know about plants. It is also quite engaging to plant lovers and garden enthusiasts.

Books as gifts are perfect for all ages. I have been giving them as gifts instead of expensive gadgets or toys for several years now. Books such as Container Gardening and The A-Z Encyclopedia for Garden Plants give useful information about plants which can be used in your garden and plant care. Beginner or nor, these books are nothing but perfect.

Great Gift Ideas For Gardening Enthusiasts

Gardening enthusiasts love exchanging gardening ideas and tips as well as exchanging garden gifts such as seed starting kits and gifts that grow, window garden gift basket, flower pot holders and anything related to gardening. Even organic fertilizers are greatly appreciated. They also love exchanging indoor and outdoor plants and flowers. 

Seed starting kits and gifts that grow are perfect gifts for kids who are just starting to grow their own garden. This garden gift is always included in my wish list in spite of my incapability to grow and maintain a live plant. There was a time though that I have given up on growing my own garden but my ever supportive family and friends never gave up on me. They have even lavished me with different garden gifts and live plants. But as what I have mentioned in my previous blog, the seed kits were always paired with artificial plants if in case my new garden project is another failure.

Another great garden gift for a friend or family member who loves gardening is the window garden gift basket. This gift set includes a garden mini potted plants and a Window Boxes Gift Book. On top of this, is the window box gift set which includes our all time favorite sweets, chocolates and goodies which the entire family will surely love. Just keep the sweets to a moderation though. And of course, the window box which came with the gift set will look great on your window. You can use this to plant your favorite flowering plant, herbs or vegetables.

Garden gifts are much better gifts compared to gadgets and other material things because they create a lasting impression just as long as you take good care of them. They are probably high in maintenance because they require your dedication but eventually your hard work and effort will surely pay off. 

 

Garden Gifts Are Great Gifts

When we were still kids we always look forward to special occasions such as Christmas and birthdays. These are the special occasions in which all our family and love ones gather to celebrate with us. Moreover, it is also the time where the food is plentiful and we were allowed to eat what we want and most importantly we receive gifts. And even as we grow older we are still too excited to receive gifts. We are excited to receive gifts because we love being remembered. Gifts make us feel important. They made us feel good about ourselves especially if these gifts are those things which we really want the most. 

Garden gifts such as herbal kits, jar terrariums, pots, live plants and other garden kits are perfect gifts for garden enthusiasts and those who are just about to start their own garden. They are just as perfect gifts as the gift certificates, mobile phones, tablets and other gadgets, bags, clothes, pieces of jewelry, books and pets which we often give and/or receive regardless if there is a special occasion or not. These gifts, regardless if they are expensive or not, matters, because they give significant meaning to our lives. They help us build relationships with others especially when we are successful in nurturing the live plants. In my previous blogs, I mentioned what I total failure I am when it comes to growing plants and that has not changed one bit. I am a brown thumb forever. But in spite of my failure as a gardener, I still receive garden gifts because they know how passionate I am in growing my own garden. And often times, these garden gifts are paired with faux plants if in case I fail again.

You can say giving and receiving are as important as the air we breathe. These help us grow socially. However, we do not just give any gifts. We give gifts which are significant to the recipient. But with garden gifts, gadgets, gift cards, you cannot go wrong.

Christmas Everywhere

 

Christmas is one of the most celebrated holiday of the year. It is also one of my favorite holidays because everybody comes home during this holiday season to celebrate with their loveones or special someone. Other than exchanging gifts, abundance of food, holiday music, we decorate our homes with christmas decorations such as the christmas tree, christmas stockings, holiday wreaths, christmas lights, christmas candles to name a few, to celebrate the birth of Christ . Aside from these decorations, christmas wreaths and holiday wreaths are also hung on our doors as a sign that we are celebrating Christmas. These holiday wreaths are also present in the entrance doors of shopping malls, offices, and other commercial establishments to greet and wish everyone a merry Christmas.

The Philippines is known to be the country who celebrates Christmas the longest. Celebration starts as early as September and ends until January. Christmas decorations even stays up to the month of February. They celebrate christmas with simbang gabi, a daily mass for nine days which is held at dawn starting December 16. Christmas carols is also done as early as September. This is almost like a tradition to most Filipinos. This is also the happiest time of the year for them because it is also like thanksgiving for them.

Christmas traditions is also different in England. They celebrate the birth of our Lord with a family Christmas dinner. Weeks before that is celebrated with watching the nativity play and Christmas Carols. Christmas decorations also adorn their homes, offices and commercial buildings.

The celebration of Christmas is maybe different in other countries. But it does not matter how you celebrate it. The most important thing is that you understand what Christmas is all about. Christmas is not just about gift giving, parties, and family reunions, it is about God’s love to the world.

Worm Casting For Organic Gardening

 

Worms play a huge role in our ecological system. Sure, they are creepy and icky but they are actually a great helper in our gardens. I must admit that I am not a big fan of worms just like most of you. They are dirty. I cringe at the thought of them. Nevertheless, they are also important in this world. It is known that these live red worms help in keeping our plants healthy because they are not only natural fertilizers but they are also the best. 

But why do we fertilize our plants again? Other than keeping our plants healthy, live worms, specifically live red worms, prevent mineral depletion in soil which are caused by weeds, fungi and bacteria, constant watering and dry weather. Besides, plants do not have the natural ability to replenish the minerals it had taken from the soil to sustain its growth. In addition worm casting and worms do not only keep the moisture in the soil, they also provide soil aeration and prevent bugs and insects from damaging our plants as well. Unlike the non-organic fertilizers, worms fertilizers can provide all the necessary minerals and elements such as phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, calcium, potash and magnesium for the proper growth of our plants. These crawling creatures are a great help to our farmers especially, because they can increase crop production. Crops are heavier and healthier too without the smell of chemicals. These type of fertilization are sought after by organic farmers across the globe because of all the benefits worm casting offers.

Using worm fertilizers is ideal for an outdoor or indoor gardening. What is good about using live red worms for your gardening needs is they reproduce so there is no need for you to buy another one when you have a need for them. Worms may look gross but they are definitely harmless. But if red worms really gross you out, you can also use worm tea or compost which are both organic as well.

Faux Balconies For A Beautiful Home and Office

Mostly in manufacturing business for home and business improvement, balconets are the most commonly manufactured using special materials like wrought iron although these special window grills/railings can also be made from aluminum steel. These are then treated with durable powder-coated paint finish to withstand harsh weather conditions. This is to make it last for a long period of time maintaining its style and beauty.

Even hotels and most business establishment use balconets for security and style purposes. Champs Elysees Plaza Hotel located in Paris also used Juliet Balconies in every window they have looking more elegant and classy. The good thing about these special braces for windows is that they can be customized in sizes, style and designs. Adding such embelishments are effective on Spanish, Tudor and all types of Mediterranean style homes and offices. It really offers you an equisite look without draining your budget.

For residential purposes, faux balconies are your best choice especially if you do not have a secure fence. Adding these to your windows will not only beautify your dull windows but also give additional security to every member of the family.

Hooks and Lattice is one the prominent manufacturers who manufactures stylish faux balconies. They can customize the braces to any size that match your window size and style. If you want your home and office to be more prominent and secure to any intrusion, adding these fixtures is the best choice for you

Your Home Defines You

Most of the time, people identify us with the company that we keep. You can say it is stereotypical but we really cannot stop other people from thinking that way. It is either we do not care what these people think or we stay away just so we will not be identified as one of those crowd unless they are a good crowd of course. This is also similar to our homes. Strangers judge us or those who are living in the house base on its exterior and interior design. If people see that your house is decorated with a fabulous landscape and garden or with ornamental plants and trees,  people will most likely think that we are plant lovers or  nature lovers. Our homes also define our social and financial status and most of the time their judgment is correct.

Every detail of our house define who we are. We decorate our homes base on the things that we like and love such as our favorite color, plants and other ornaments. We also adorn our house with everything that pleases us or make us happy every time we see it such us gifts from our love ones. Moreover, we design our homes so we cannot only live in comfort but also in style. However, home decorating can be stressful. It is for this reason that we seek the expert's advice like Steven D. Smith Custom Home to help us achieve the design we have in mind for our dream house.

Living in a comfortable home is everybody's dream. It is important that we design our home with things that will make us comfortable. For most of us, we ensure that we have a small garden which we can visit anytime. If we have a limited space, we can make use of plant sconces or small planters for our plants. It is known that plants can make your problems go away. They always give comfort. If I have to design my own home, it should be filled with plants. It is not because I am a plant lover but because they always make me smile.

Most of the time, people identify us with the company that we keep. You can say it is stereotypical but we really cannot stop other people from thinking that way. It is either we do not care what these people think or we stay away just so we will not be identified as one of those crowd unless they are a good crowd of course. This is also similar to our homes. Strangers judge us or those who are living in the house base on its exterior and interior design. If people see that your house is decorated with a fabulous landscape and garden or with ornamental plants and trees,  people will most likely think that we are plant lovers or  nature lovers. Our homes also define our social and financial status and most of the time their judgment is correct.

Every detail of our house define who we are. We decorate our homes base on the things that we like and love such as our favorite color, plants and other ornaments. We also adorn our house with everything that pleases us or make us happy every time we see it such us gifts from our love ones. Moreover, we design our homes so we cannot only live in comfort but also in style. However, home decorating can be stressful. It is for this reason that we seek the expert's advice like Steven D. Smith Custom Home to help us achieve the design we have in mind for our dream house.

Living in a comfortable home is everybody's dream. It is important that we design our home with things that will make us comfortable. For most of us, we ensure that we have a small garden which we can visit anytime. If we have a limited space, we can make use of plant sconces or small planters for our plants. It is known that plants can make your problems go away. They always give comfort. If I have to design my own home, it should be filled with plants. It is not because I am a plant lover but because they always make me smile.