The Unexpected Joy of Reclaiming an Overgrown Backyard

Most people don’t actually plan to let their backyards turn into a mini jungle, but it still happens, and even if it happens slowly, before long you’ll be staring out of the window wondering how on earth you’re going to deal with it all because it’s basically got out of hand. But the lovely part is that overgrown backyards have a lot of potential, and although they’re definitely messy, there’s something truly satisfying about bringing a space back to life. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

Photo by Morgane Le Breton on Unsplash

It’s Therapeutic To Start Fresh

Reclaiming an overgrown yard means a lot of hard work to begin with, including pulling weeds, trimming bushes, hauling the mess away, and so on - you’ll be breaking a sweat, that’s for sure. But rather wonderfully, you’ll also be able to see progress right away because as soon as you cut something back, there’s space and parts of the garden you probably forgot existed. It becomes one of those projects where the effort you put in pays off in real time. 

Sometimes that first big step just needs some good pruning shears, but if it’s really become a bigger mess, then it could be wise to start with proper land clearing services just to get the place back to a point where you can work on it. Once everything’s cleared, you can decide exactly how it’s going to look and how you’re going to use it, which is pretty exciting. 

You’ll Stop Seeing It As A Chore 

Once all the big stuff is cleared, you’ll be able to see that your yard - the one you’ve essentially been ignoring - could be something brilliant. Maybe there’s a sunny corner you could use as a reading spot, for example, or perhaps there’s a shady area that’s ideal for a hammock or as a place for a morning coffee in the summer, and so on. 

And once you’re able to use the garden how you really want to because you’ve taken the time to clear it up and get it right, any additional jobs (and there will always be additional jobs) will feel like you’re making things better, and it’ll stop feeling quite so much like a chore - so you’ll be motivated to do more. 

Small Touches Make The Yard Feel Like Yours Again

You don’t need to design a garden masterpiece because even the simplest of improvements make the entire area feel different - in a good way. You could clear a path and add a few lights or make sure there’s a good patch of lawn for the kids to run around on, and of course, you’ll want a seating area too. 

Forget the magazine spreads and the perfectly landscaped and manicured lawns because you’re creating a backyard for real life, not Instagram, so keep that in mind, and your choices should be easier and the results should be better. 

Final Thoughts 

There really is a special kind of joy that comes from knowing you’ve worked hard to reclaim an overgrown backyard, and you’ll feel a little bit of pride every time you look out the window at what you’ve achieved. And the more you use it, the better it will be. 

How To Give Your Business A Strong Chance Of Success

 

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Whatever kind of business you happen to run, it’s valuable if you can make sure that it is going to have a very strong chance of success, and this is something that you should be able to work pretty easily most of the time. As long as you do that, your business should have a much better chance. In this post, we are going to consider some of the things you can do to give your business a strong chance of success, and the following are all going to be incredibly important considerations in that. Let’s take a look right now.

Come Up With A Strong Idea

The idea behind the business is of course hugely important, and you will want to make sure that it is one that you are genuinely passionate about. As long as that is the case, it means that you are going to have a much better chance of being able to grow the business effectively, and that you will find it easier to work hard on the business as well. So all in all, having an idea that you really care about can make a world of difference to your chances of success with that venture.

Get Legal Help

There are so many legal elements to running any business, and you will find it is really invaluable to have the right kind of help here. From the start, it’s therefore a wise move to try and find a legal team who are going to be able to give you the right kind of advice. As long as you find someone that works well for you and whom you feel aligned with, you should find that you are going to have a much stronger business all in all when it comes to the legal side of things.

Develop Your Product

A strong business generally has a well-developed product, and you are going to find it’s incredibly valuable to have thought about this from the start too. The more effectively you can develop your product, and the more fully you do so, the better. Think about what can actually help people, what your target customers are looking for, and how you might be able to give them what they need. This is how you can ensure you develop a product that people are really going to go for in a big way.

Create A Brand

The brand itself is hugely powerful too, and you need to make sure that you are giving yourself the chance to develop a brand that is really going to make a huge difference. If you can do that, it’s amazing how much it can help, and it can have the effect of making your business so much more likely to succeed in no time. Work on your brand until you are really happy with it and you are going to feel so much better about it as a result.

LITTLE HOUSE HOMECOMING

 

Little House was one of my favourites, so I'm very excited for this one.

A homecoming years in the making.

Join Karen Grassle (“Caroline Ingalls”), Dean Butler (“Almanzo Wilder”), Alison Arngrim (“Nellie Oleson”), Charlotte Stewart (“Miss Beadle”), and Wendi Lou Lee (“Baby Grace”) as they travel to the real-life places that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books—and reconnect with the spirit of Little House that continues to inspire audiences around the world.

Featuring heartfelt new interviews with members of the original cast, reflections from devoted fans and historians, and extraordinary footage of the places Laura lived and wrote about, LITTLE HOUSE HOMECOMING is a celebration of a legacy that still feels like home.

LITTLE HOUSE HOMECOMING is a virtual cinema event that will be available to watch for purchase starting on November 26.

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🎄 Movie Review: *Christmas at the Cabin 🎄

Get ready to cozy up by the fire with a cup of cocoa, because Christmas at the Cabin is the holiday film everyone will be talking about this season!  

Starring Todd Terry, Marianne Haaland, Corey Cannon, Sharon Oliphant, and Stacey Sheffield, this heartwarming movie beautifully blends laughter, love, and lessons of faith into one unforgettable Christmas story.  

Set against breathtaking winter scenery, Christmas at the Cabin captures the true magic of the holidays. From stunning snowy landscapes to its original music and beloved Christmas classics.  Every scene feels like a warm hug on a cold December night. The film reminds us that faith, family, and love can guide us through any storm—and that sometimes, the most meaningful gifts come when we least expect them.  

There’s plenty of chaos and laughter, along with touching moments that tug at the heartstrings. It’s the perfect movie for families looking to share a joyful, feel-good experience together this Christmas.  

✨ Why You’ll Love It:

- Gorgeous winter backdrops that feel straight out of a Christmas card  

- A fun, talented cast that brings humor and heart to every scene  

- Beautiful original songs and classic holiday tunes  

- A powerful message of hope, faith, and togetherness  

Whether you’re planning a movie night with loved ones or looking for a new holiday favorite, Christmas at the Cabin is sure to deliver all the festive feels.  

🎬Don’t Miss It!

Christmas at the Cabin hits theaters November 14 buy your tickets now at Christmas at the cabin movie.  

🎁 Giveaway!  

To celebrate the film’s release, we’re giving away a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter by November 19 for your chance to win!  

Disclosure:

Many thanks to FaithChannel for providing a preview copy of the film for this review. All opinions are 100% my own.  Thank you to #MomentumInfluencerNetwork for the opportunity 

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How To Be A Responsible Business Owner

Running a business isn’t just about making a profit or building a name - you also want to be someone people can trust, and that includes your customers, your employees, and even your family. And although responsibility might not sound too exciting, it’s what keeps everything moving forward, especially when the unexpected happens. Being a responsible business owner means thinking long-term, caring about the people around you, and taking ownership of choices in work and life. So with that in mind, keep reading on to find out more. 

Photo by fauxels

Start With Financial Awareness 

Money might not be the most interesting part of running a business (apart from receiving it, of course!), but when you think about it, it’s essentially the backbone of everything else, and being responsible means knowing where your money’s going, how much is coming in, and having a plan in place for when things don’t go as expected. 

That’s why it’s worth setting time aside every month to review your accounts, check your cash flow, and plan ahead for tax or unexpected expenses. Even small steps like keeping your invoices organised or setting up an emergency fund can make a big difference because when your finances are under control, your decisions are easier and much less stressful. 

Look After The People Who Depend On You

If you employ people, being responsible also means looking after their wellbeing, and that includes creating a safe workplace, paying fairly, and giving them the tools and support they need to do their jobs well. 

But it’s not just about your team - it’s about everyone who relies on your business, from customers to suppliers. The more reliable you are, the more they’ll trust you, and then they’ll stay with you and be loyal. 

Think Beyond The Business 

Being responsible doesn’t stop at the office door - your decisions have an impact on lots of people, including your family, your community, and even your future self… Part of being a good leader is making sure that if something unexpected happens to you, the people around you aren’t just left in chaos. 

That’s why planning for the future is just as important as managing the present, and sorting out a will from experienced solicitors might be one of the best things you do when it comes to being responsible. A will ensures your assets, your company, and the people who depend on you are protected, and it’s a simple act that can save a lot of stress and problems when the time comes. 

Keep Learning And Adapting 

Responsibility isn’t about having all the answers and that’s that - you’ve got to be willing to learn because there are always news things coming out that are going to be important and that will help you adjust and keep improving so you can be more and more successful. So staying informed and open-minded is something that’s going to keep your business relevant and also ethical. 

Final Thoughts 

In the end, a responsible business owner is someone who builds something that lasts, and although you don’t have to be perfect, you do have to be prepared. 

What to do with your kid after school

 

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Figuring out what to do with your kid after school is challenging as a parent. You know that their day in lessons has probably tired them out, but you also know that the working day isn't over for them, and that they need to constantly be learning or at least developing in some way. 

That’s where this guide comes into the picture. It explores some of the activities that you might want to check out if your kid is in the middle of the semester. With these, you can really move the needle and put them in the best position to have the life that they want. 

Schedule Facetime With Grandparents

You’ll want to start by scheduling some face time with the wider family at least once per week. This time is critical for them to explore relationships with older people and not just focus on their peer group (which a lot of children are tempted to do when they’re younger). 

If they don’t literally want to sit down in front of the computer for 10 minutes, you can get them to send voice notes. Grandparents love this sort of thing. 

LEGO Therapy

Another thing you can do is get them to do some LEGO therapy. The idea here is for them to build something that expresses the quality of their day. 

For example, if they went through a tough math test, they can write it out in LEGO. Or they can create a sports field if they did some physical education. 

The nice thing about a LEGO resume is that you can photograph their hard work and then store it for posterity. Then, in the future, they can see what they were thinking at specific times on specific dates. 

Give Them A Wind-Down Box

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Since school can be stressful, you might want to give your child a wind-down box. These contain a bunch of items that help them calm down once they get back from lessons. 

For example, you could pack it with things like audio stories and lavender pillow sprays. You could also give them third grade activities like coloring sheets or a chance to write in a journal for the first time. 

Ideally, what you want is something that’s going to soothe them and prepare them for the next day. You need it to be ready to go once they get home. 

Make Sure They Get Some Time Outside And Inside To Themselves

With kids’ schedules so packed these days, it’s critical that they get outdoor and indoor time to themselves. That’s why a lot of parents now institute the “20/20” rule. The idea here is to let kids decide what they want to do outside and then inside for twenty minutes each per day, giving them some freedom.

For example, you might allow your kids to jump in puddles, water the plants, or dance in the garage. 

Go On A Library Tour

You could also take your kids on a library tour to get them interested in reading. The idea is to go in, grab as many books as possible in five minutes, and then slowly work your way through them all over a two-week period.

A lot of libraries now allow you to stay inside and make noise in dedicated areas. Therefore, make sure you carve away a niche somewhere and then read to your kids after school. You don’t need to do it for long: just five to ten minutes. Remember, children naturally love stories, so reading aloud to them can capture their attention and keep them engaged. 

Set Up A Kitchen Lab

Cooking is a skill that’s being lost among many people in the younger generation, and that’s a shame. Not only does it mean they’re missing out on a lot of delicious food, but it also puts them at a higher risk of being unhealthy. 

Therefore, look for a way to set up a kitchen lab with them. Introduce different machines and then teach them how to use them one by one. The more you educate them today, the keener they will be on using them in the future. 

Trade Kids

Another cool idea is to just trade your kids with a neighbor for the afternoon. Getting them out of their usual environment and into another one shows them what life’s like on the other side. It introduces them to new experiences and family dynamics so they don’t stick in the same patterns. 

Usually, this is pretty easy to do. All you have to do is ask another parent and they’ll make it happen for you. 

Pick A Mini Challenge

You could also look into the option of picking a mini challenge with them. This is something difficult that they need to do but that they probably won’t be asked to do at school. 

That sounds complicated, but it isn’t. For example, you might set up an obstacle course in the backgarden or ask them to create a blanket fort inside. 

Just make sure that the mini challenge is something fun. You want it to feel like a fun extra-curricular activity, not something that they have to do. 

Make Space For A Brain Dump

If your child is so inclined, you might want to make space for a brain dump. This is a 15-minute session where they get the chance to communicate everything they’ve learned at school that day and tell you about it. It could also be about the people they met, the conversations they had, or even the trouble they got into. 

As a parent, it’s important not to judge what they say. All you want to do is listen at this stage and provide a space where they can be honest. 

Provide Snacks

Lastly, going to school takes up a lot of energy. That’s why it’s sometimes nice to give your kid some healthy snacks after they finish working. Apple slices, veggies with hummus and other treats are all worthwhile. Just avoid the toxic sugary drinks that are popular these days. 

How To Give Customers A Seamless E-Commerce Checkout Experience

 

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You may feel as though checking out is the simplest part of business, as it is simply crossing the finish line. The truth is that a complicated or clunky checkout section can put customers off quickly. By optimising this stage, you can instantly boost your business as people will remember how they felt. Here are a few ways you can give customers a seamless e-commerce checkout experience: 

Simplify The Entire Flow 

There is no reason to make your website and your checkout system confusing. Keep it as simple as possible by removing unnecessary steps and form fields. With a clean and intuitive layout, you can guide users from start to finish. This kind of thing is incredibly satisfying when you want to purchase something. Every single click should feel as though it has a purpose. It may not seem like a big deal, but more clicks feel like more barriers for them to jump over. It's very easy to lose sales when the flow is awkward. 

Flexible Payment Options 

Shoppers don't want to be stuck with one option all of the time. They want choice and convenience when checking out. By supporting multiple payment methods, you will reduce hesitation and appeal to a wider audience. You could integrate a franchise POS system that works with both online and in-store transactions if that's the kind of route you wish to go down. If you are adaptable with your systems, you will feel professional and seamless to customers. It is imperative to come across as flexible at checkouts if you want to build lasting trust and improve conversions. 

Transparent Communication Methods 

It is essential that customers feel secure when they check out. If you've got something to tell visitors, make sure it is crystal clear for them to understand. Ensure that pricing, shipping costs, and security are there for people to see. This will reassure them that you are legitimate and worthy of their trust. Do not catch them out with hidden fees or surprise totals, as this will make you look incredibly shady. If you are transparent as a business, you will immediately transform certainty into confidence and assurance. Customers want to know exactly what they are paying for, so make sure this is understood right away.

Optimizing For Mobile 

An awful lot of customers shop from their phones in this day and age. They want speed and convenience in almost everything they do. Gone are the days of booting up specific sites and pages; people can simply order whatever they want within seconds. While it’s an amazing feat, it’s something you’ll have to live up to if you want success. Optimize your page performance for mobile and ensure button spacing is right for tapping. Remove pop-ups and redirects if they’re beginning to annoy visitors. You’ve got to keep things swift because every single second of delay increases bounce rates and drop-offs. With a responsive design, you will keep things smooth for those purchasing your goods. By prioritizing speed and accessibility, you will ensure that the checkout experience matches expectations. 

Four Ways to Get Customers to Recommend Your Bar

 In the quickening world of hospitality, success isn't just about pouring amazing drinks, it's about building a loyal community of customers who will spread the word for you. Word of mouth referrals remain one of the most powerful and affordable marketing tools for any bar. With competition on every corner, earning those recommendations takes so much more than a good happy hour deal.

Whether you're using advanced tools like payment processing for QSR to streamline transactions or you're creating memorable guest experiences, the point is to make sure that every customer leaves excited to tell their friends about you. If you're looking to get your customers talking, we've got 4 proven ways to do it.

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1. Work to create a seamless experience from start to finish. Every detail matters in hospitality, from the moment guests walk in to the moment they pay their bill. Long waits for service, incorrect tabs or slow check out experiences quickly sour an evening. The smoother the experience, the more likely guests are to recommend your bar.Train your staff to anticipate customer needs by greeting guests promptly, keeping drinks filled, and making sure that payment is frictionless. Modern POS and payment tools reduce transaction times and errors, which allow bartenders to focus on customer engagement instead of technical issues.

2. Make every visit personal. Personalisation is one of the strongest drivers of loyalty across the service industry. Remembering a customer's favorite drink, a preferred seat or a last visit date creates an emotional connection that makes them feel more valued. This is what is leading to recommendations. You could use data wisely with many POS systems allowing you to keep customer profiles or notes on preferences, birthdays and visit frequency. When a bartender greets a guest by name or remembers their go to cocktail, it's no longer just a transaction, it's a relationship. People love to share stories about places where everyone knows your name, and that's the kind of recognition that turns casual visitors into advocates.

3. Make sure your experience is worth talking about. Your bar isn't just a place to drink, it's a stage for memories and social events. Hosting unique nights or interactive experiences gives people something to talk about and post about. Trivia nights, themed cocktails, live music, and community fundraisers will all help to generate some buzz. When customers associate your bar with creativity and fun, they'll know where the connections are, and they'll eagerly share that enthusiasm with friends and coworkers.

4. Reward referrals. Sometimes all it takes to get customers recommending your bar is a nudge. Implementing a simple loyalty or referral program that offers small perks like a free appetizer or a discounted round can make a difference. Make sure that your rewards are easy to understand and to redeem because digital loyalty programs can integrate directly into your POS system. This can then automate that process and track results. Customers love to be appreciated and rewards can do that, especially when they recommend friends.

Tribute to My Brother-in-Law, David

 

A Tribute to My Brother-in-Law, David

It’s hard to find the right words today, because how do you sum up someone like David? He wasn’t just my brother-in-law — he was truly my brother. From the moment he came into our family, he fit right in. He brought warmth, laughter, and this quiet strength that made everyone around him feel comfortable and cared for.

David was the best husband to my sister for 18 years. He loved her so deeply — with patience, faith, and a kind of devotion that never wavered. When she passed, his world changed completely. But even in the middle of heartbreak, he stayed strong for his kids. He became both mom and dad, and he gave everything he had to Curtis, Raeanna, and Norah.

I tried to help in any way I could — over video chats and phone calls, helping the girls and Curtis with homework or just being there when he needed to talk. I’d send dinner sometimes, and he always made sure to let me know how much he appreciated it. That was David — always thankful, always kind, even in the middle of chaos.

He never failed to send me a picture everytime he went to Texas Road house and it was the first place he took us back in May when we arrived, it was a favourite of ours.  He provided me with my natural sleep aids and the CM cream for aches and pain. 

And then one day, he called me — and he told me he’d met someone. It was the sweetest call, because it was almost like he was asking my permission to date again. That’s just who he was — thoughtful and respectful, always wanting to do what felt right. When he met Lina, you could hear the happiness in his voice again. She brought light back into his life, and he loved her so much. Together they built something beautiful, full of love and peace. My heart hurts they only got 5 months married.  

To his kids — Curtis, Raeanna, and Norah — your dad loved you more than anything in this world. You were his reason, his pride, his joy. Everything he did was for you. And that love will never leave you; it’s in everything you are.

David had a heart like no one else. He showed up for people. He listened. He cared. Whether it was to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer a few quiet words of comfort, you could always count on him. He was steady and true, and he made the world around him better just by being in it.

Our hearts are broken, but I take comfort knowing he’s at peace now — reunited with those he loved, free from pain, surrounded by light. We’ll miss him every single day — his laugh, his calmness, his kindness — but we’ll carry him with us, always.

David thank you for loving my sister, for loving Lina, and for being such a wonderful dad, brother, and friend. You will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, until we meet again.