Preparing for Hummingbirds

One of the best things about Spring time in our backyards is seeing the migratory birds return. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species that we see in the US. It has been documented that they will often return to the exact same feeder on the exact same date. So now is the time to prepare for their return.

These charming birds are a delight to see and welcome to your backyard bird world. But they will only stay if there is a good food source provided for them. Beautiful flowers are attractive to them for the nectar they can extract. But if a regular Spring garden of flowers is not a possibility for you, fear not. Hummingbirds love the artificial nectar just as much.

The high sugar content is what they need to give them the energy for their intense wing movement. Therefore, hummingbird feeders need to kept clean and kept filled. Wow, how would you accomplish something like this? Easy, get two. One to fill and set out for the birds, the other to wash and allow to dry.

Hummingbird feeders are not expensive! Unless you want some very artistic and fancy one, the small cheap feeders are just great for the birds. The nectar can easily be made at home, but even the packets or prepared food are inexpensive to purchase. So there isn't a good reason not to care for them properly.

Pick a time of day to replace the current feeder with the clean fresh one.  Then get the dirty one washed and set out to dry. You want it to be ready to go for the next day. Really, we aren't talking about anything difficult.

If you have children, allow them to be part of the care of hummingbird feeders. Have them help you refill the clean feeder and wash the dirty one. Even help them learn to tell time by having them be the reminder for the time when to replace the feeder.

These charming birds are not only fascinating to watch but they are a great part of our backyard bird world. They are only part of our yards for a short time every year. So give them the delight of good food in a clean feeder. You will be rewarded over and over again.

Adding Coastal or Beach Accents to Your Country Porch

A country porch is all about the charm of how we decorate. Flowers, plaids and stripes are one thing, but coastal or beach themes work great on a country porch as well. As a matter of fact, that can be one amazing country porch.

By now, you probably know that we love to create our themes with the accents and accessories. No big redecorating. No painting, no fuss. Just changing out the furniture cushions, the accent pieces that decorate tables, and adding a few little extras are all it takes.

Think about a pair of cute flip-flops hanging from the wall above your country porch rocker. A sand-colored throw blanket over the back of the rocker. A figurine of a shore bird on the table next to the rocker. Presto, instant beach theme. You have created a perfect beach themed vignette on your country porch. With only the changing of 3 rather inexpensive things.

Coastal themes can include anything to do with the ocean, the beach, an island, tropical paradise, even nautical themes. Each of these themes have something of their own color scheme to work with. Ocean themes include blues and whites, reminding you of waves on the water. The beach theme uses whites, pinks and beiges, to remind you of the sand and shells on the beach. Island or tropical themes will have much bolder colors like those found in the lush plant life and bright flowers. Then the nautical theme will include navy blue and white.

Choosing simple accents that flow with your theme and your color scheme are an easy way to decorate. Pick your coastal theme and your accent pieces. You will have a newly decorated country porch in time with very little expense.

Adding Small Accents to a Country Porch

I realize it's winter and you probably aren't thinking about decorating your outdoor living space, but you could. The porch, patio, or deck that you enjoy during the summer and the warmer months is always fun to think about. Especially if a blanket of snow covers your ground.

For two of my daughters, the winter time is still very much outdoor time. They live in warmer climates. Yes, I'm jealous! So they are adding small accents all year long.

It's those little accent pieces that can make a huge difference in the look of your country porch. The effect of a country porch is romantic, often designed around themes of by-gone eras. Oddly enough, most of those by-gone eras were decorated with plenty of little accents.

Sometimes, it's just a few little extras that can make a difference, but don't be afraid to go with lots more if that works for you. Themes that include vintage or country can have plenty of small accents and work well. Even floral themes can include fun accents.

Little extras can be a big part of creating your theme. So don't be afraid to add a little figurine on a side table, an extra centerpiece to your table, even a vignette of small accents to a corner of the country porch. You may be surprised at the result. Certainly you will be delighted.

Have Some Fun with Window Bird Feeders

Any of us who enjoy watching our backyard birds will appreciate a window bird feeder during the winter months. Well, we won't be the only ones. The birds will appreciate it, too.

The value of helping our birds during the cold or snow covered days we know is important. But, we can do that while watching them from the comfort of our own home with window bird feeders. I'm a fan of them, yes. 3 of my windows have the feeders in place.

I will warn you from experience though. Choose the window where you want to put your feeder carefully. You still have to be able to reach it to clean it out and refill it. And I'm not talking about only once a year when you get the ladder out!

Window bird feeders as a rule aren't very large capacity. They hold only a cup or so of bird feed. If you like to feed lots of birds, then get several. But please make sure you refill them regularly. The birds will learn to find food there and will return. Until they discover there isn't any food left! So take care of them.

Just a quick reminder to take a little time to clean the window area where you will put your window bird feeder. This will help the suction cups to adhere to your glass better. Be sure to use the appropriate bird seed for the kinds of birds that are in your area, too.

Outdoor Holiday Decorating

The holidays are creeping up on us and there is nothing as much fun during this time as our setting up our Christmas decorations. At least for me, that's one of the best parts.

This year, I'm looking at all sorts of new outdoor decorating ideas for my porch. Some things unique and unusual, along with some of my old favorites to create an entirely different look than I've had before. To go along with my holiday door mat, I'm looking at wooden stand-ups and extra accent pieces.

Frankly, my brother is completely boring with his porch Christmas decor. He has one set of things and they go up exactly the same every year. That's not the way I enjoy decorating. I love to try out different looks, add new accent pieces and rearrange until I'm happy with the effect.

My country porch has outdoor furniture that I do take in during the worst winter months, but during the holiday season, I leave out several pieces so that I have places to put some fun accent pieces.

I'm planning to add a new stand-up snowman this year. He will stand next to one of my tables and have a welcoming holiday doormat in front of him, or next to him. I'll decide that as I set it all up. He'll be wrapped with some natural evergreen garland for a really unusual holiday accent.

What interesting and different look will you come up this year? Adding some unique holiday outdoor accents along with your holiday door mat can create a great look for you, too.

Bird Watching Mugs - Gift Ideas for Birders

Looking for a fun gift for a bird watcher? How about a funny mug? Yep, there are some great ones and mugs that are just for us bird watchers.

I certainly don't consider myself a professional bird watcher or birder, but I do love great mugs and I love to profess to everyone my hobbies and likes. That's where a bird watching mug makes a great gift idea.

No matter who is on your gift list, a funny, cute or beautiful bird-watching mug makes a great gift idea. OK, for those bird lovers on your gift list that is.

Since I think everyone should have at least a little humor in their day, I found some funny bird watcher mugs that work great whether it's for home or office use. But there are plenty more.

The choices for designs are numerous, but the choices for styles those designs can go on are also numerous and colorful. Any commuter would love to have a bird watcher travel mug that tells everyone they would prefer to be doing something else!

Enjoy Your Outdoor World in Cooler Weather With a Firepit

As the weather cools off, we certainly don't want to just stop using our porch or other outdoor living areas. The days are still warm enough, but the evenings can get cool, even down right cold at times.

A simple addition to your country porch can make a world of difference. A terrace or porch firepit is meant to be used in smaller outdoor spaces. It makes a great way to enjoy your porch during those cooler evenings of Fall.

There are plenty of styles of porch firepits to choose from, so you can pick one that will work great with your own porch decor. There are styles that go well with a vintage look and styles that work great with a modern effect, along with plenty for just about any style.

Consider sizes, too. Some are designed for smaller spaces, while others are designed to warm up large areas. Based on your own country porch size, or the area that you want to warm up, you will make a size selection as well.

Of course, porch firepits are priced in a wide range. You want to not only look at your budget, but also at the features that each offers. Some are fully open which means you have to be careful with young children around them. You also may want to consider how windy your porch may get in the Autumn evenings. If these are issues for you, choose an enclosed porch firepit.

Most of all, take the time to enjoy your country porch or other outdoor living space in the Fall. You certainly don't want to just close things up too early.