A backyard retreat is a special place where you can relax and escape the stress of the day. One of the best ways to create a backyard retreat is to choose the right plants. One of the most effective ways for many people to relax and find their happy place is by gardening. Growing herbs and vegetables has many therapeutic benefits that can help you find your center, recharge, and feel better. Few things can be as relaxing and tranquil as gardening. Growing plants and being surrounded by plants helps one practice patience and enjoy the moment. Gardening doesn't require a lot of space to have an impact. A small garden space, a back deck or a balcony makes a great backyard retreat. You can get the benefits of having a relaxing and tranquil garden almost anywhere. Planting and growing herbs, like the ones listed below, will get your new garden off to a good start. Editor’s Note: This story is a companion piece to Create a Stress Reducing Outdoor Retreat. So please read that story, … [Read more...] about Backyard Retreat: How to Choose the Right Plants
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Eco-Friendly Cat: 10 Ways to Reduce Your Cat’s Environmental Pawprint
Do you have an eco-friendly cat? Have you ever considered how your cat impacts the environment? Many of us humans do our best to reduce, re-use, and recycle in order to help the planet and combat climate change. But pet parents often find it hard to extend their green lifestyle to their kitties. Buying cat products can be a big part of the annual cost of caring for a cat. The good news: it takes just a few minutes to choose an eco-friendly option for each aspect of your feline’s life. Here are 10 easy steps to an eco-friendly cat. Follow these simple tips to reduce your cat’s carbon footprint (or should I say, pawprint). We have included links to the recommended products on Amazon. Home Garden and Homestead is an Amazon affiliate, and we receive a small commission. Thanks for supporting this website! 1. Buy eco-friendly cat toys Look for toys made from natural or recycled materials and/or those that can be composted or recycled after use. These felted wool … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Cat: 10 Ways to Reduce Your Cat’s Environmental Pawprint
How to Reduce Noise in Your Home
It’s frustrating when your home isn’t quiet. If your house isn’t peaceful and quiet, then considering how to reduce noise in your home is probably near the top of your “to do” list. When you first moved in, you might not have minded the barking dogs, blaring car horns, and noisy neighbors. But now this noise pollution diverts your attention and disturbs your sleep. Now you’re thinking, “I’ve had enough. It’s time to come up with a solution.” After all, everybody deserves uninterrupted periods of concentration and a peaceful night’s rest. Unfortunately, many older homes don’t have the sound-dampening construction that newer homes do. With a few small tweaks, however, you can turn your home into a noiseless paradise. Below, we share six effective ways to reduce noise in your home. Hang Heavy Drapes The first tip for how to reduce noise in your home is: consider the drapes. Drapes and curtains not only make a room feel homey, they can complement the other décor in your … [Read more...] about How to Reduce Noise in Your Home