Installing Brick pavers -start to finish day2 by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

Installing Brick pavers -start to finish day2
Start to finish paver installation including measuring and installing the class 5, lay out the driveway area, place and compact the base material, install the sand, screed it, put the pavers in the field, cut in alongside the edges, place the supports, and finish the project.

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Safer with SafeStreets – *An ADT Home Security Provider

*We believe, now, it’s more important than ever to have a home security system. We’re partnering with SafeStreets on this sponsored post to tell you why it’s a great option for your family and for your peace of mind.

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About three weeks ago, something happened that rocked our quiet little neighborhood. It’s the kind of neighborhood where kids run back and forth, looking for playdates and everyone waves when you drive by. But during the COVID quarantine, some strange things have been happening, and it started with a very scary home break-in.

At around 4:00 am as a neighboring family was all fast asleep in their beds, a masked figure dressed in black broke into their home. He crept through their house and went straight for the home computer. They had no security system to alert them of a stranger in the house. There was no camera footage to show police when they found the computer discarded on the lawn. 

How terrifying. How violating. I cringe to think what he found on that computer. 

Why a Home Security System is a Must in Today’s World

As you can imagine, the news of a prowler on the loose sent ripples through the neighborhood. For me, the thought of a stranger entering my house while I slept, with clear access to my children’s rooms was more than I could bear. Luckily, several nearby neighbors did have security systems and caught photos and video of a slender young man dressed in black with an ND-40 mask, purple gloves, and a black backpack trying to open the front doors of several homes. 

If you think you live in a safe neighborhood, unfortunately so did I. Did you know that 88% of all burglaries are residential in nature? And 3 out of 4 homes in the U.S. will be broken into within the next 20 years? (Source) 

Shockingly, 34% of burglars enter through the front door and identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S., Canada, and UK. There was a reason that prowler went straight for the computer.

Today, more than ever, you need a home security system.

But which one?

These statistics state that burglars will avoid a home if it is too difficult or risky. Among adding a beefy deadbolt to every exterior door and putting a dowel or board in the tracks of all sliding doors, you also need a security camera. There are many great home security choices out there, and something you should research. We went with SafeStreets for several reasons that I’ll lay out below. 

     1. Peace of Mind: SafeStreets is an ADT Authorized Provider. 

2. The Price: With SafeStreets, we got $850 in Free* home security equipment + a Free* Smart Doorbell Camera + a $100 Visa gift card** through this special offer. After installation, their 36-Month Monitoring Agreement (required) is just $36.99 per month, so it’s one of the more affordable options out there. 

*With $99 installation charge and new monitoring agreement. Early termination fee applies.

3. The Package: I get all of the latest surveillance technology guarding my home, 24/7 professional monitoring, and mobile access through my smartphone so I can check my home anytime I’m away. It’s a great package and you can pick the one that’s right for you.

Get in on this Special Offer! 

Right now has never been a better time to get a home security system. If it’s been on your mind, stop putting it off and take advantage of this special SafeStreets Offer today! You’ll get:

• $850 in FREE* equipment
• a FREE* Smart Doorbell Camera with with video package
• a $100 Visa Gift Card** from SafeStreets

For me, the peace of mind I get from having home security is absolutely priceless. That masked prowler is still out there in my community–they never caught him. Knowing my family is safe while we sleep makes me sleep soundly. If you’re worried about identity theft, home safety, packages being stolen from your doorstep, or you just want the peace of mind that a security system offers, check out SafeStreets.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of StafeStreets, ADT Authorized Provider.

—

For full details click Terms and Conditions. One Promo per household.

*$99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at$36.99 per month $1,331.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $36.99 per month $887.76) for California. Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

**Restrictions apply. Visa gift cards issued by MetaBank™, MemberFDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A.Inc. Neither MetaBank nor Visa is a sponsor, endorser or participant in this promotion. Monthly inactivity fee of $2.95 after 12 consecutive months of inactivity. Lost/stolen replacement card fee of $5.00. See the cardholder agreement for more details.

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by Shelley via Home And Garden

How Contractors screw sub contractors pt1 by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

How Contractors screw sub contractors pt1
In this 2 part mini series I take you to do 4 different jobsites that the General contractors successfully screwed me out of money. I tell the stories and share my experiences so hopefully it won't happen to others. If you have your own story please share it in the comments below.

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Start Talking About Race: Books to Help Kids Understand and Learn

Racism can be a difficult topic to teach your children. Children come into this world with no prejudices and completely loving nature. Sadly, that doesn’t always last. I’m a white woman in rural Idaho. Unfortunately, there is little to no diversity here; however, I feel so strongly the need to teach my children about racism and how to combat it in today’s society and forever. I want my children to not stand idly by and allow, but rather identify and work towards eradicating. Only by education can we begin to make a difference. 

In our family, this often means books. Books are a powerful tool in teaching  even seemingly difficult subjects. They spark conversation and allow for new ways of thinking. They allow you not just to examine history to but to observe culture. To find commonalities in diverse races, cultures, religions etc. Simply by exposing your kids to different races and diverse cultures,  you are starting important, lifelong conversations!

Here is a list of books that will help to start the discussions of cultural (specifically the African American culture) and racial diversity in your home. (Most of these books are Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners) I encourage you, as a parent, to read the book first and be sure it’s a good fit for your child. We hope to add to this list constantly, so please add any suggestions in the comments!

1. The New Kid –  This is a graphic novel set in a middle school. Jordan is a new student in a predominately white school. Jordan learns to navigate new culture while still maintaining his sense of self.
   2.  The Undefeated
   Winner of the prestigious Caldecott AND Newberry award, this beautifully illustrated tells the beautiful poetic story of black life in the United States. “It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes.” 
   

3. Little Leaders books
These Little Leaders books are a favorite biographical series. Easy enough for younger kids to understand, intriguing enough for the older kids, these two specifically break down black woman leaders, and black male leaders in history. It highlights exceptional men and women in fields from aviation to science.
 

4. Brown Girl Dreaming
Winner of a National Book and Newberry Award, Brown Girl Dreaming tells the story of a young girl growing up in the 60’s and 70’s in the South. It’s a coming of age type tale that adults and middle school age will all love! Written in beautiful, yet easy to follow poetic form, this is a simply beautiful piece of literature. Powerful and one to remember forever.

5. One Crazy Summer
This Newberry winner (among other awards) tells the story of 3 sisters who travel to California in the late 60’s to meet their mom, who had left them. It’s a moving novel with a funny vibe to it. Good pick for the tween crowd.

6. The Crossover
This is a good choice for a sports lover! It’s written in narrative verse and has a rhythm that is intoxicating. It provides a great look at a tight knit African American family and the bounds that surpass the court. 

7. Jabari Jumps
This is a sweet little book about courage. Jabari learns to swim, but the diving board is a whole other feat. His dad stands by and encourages him and you find yourself rooting for Jabari! It teaches that we ALL have fears we have to overcome and about the importance of encouraging others.

8. Freedom in Congo Square
This is a gorgeously written and illustrated book that tells about the week of a slave in Louisiana and how they would look forward to dancing in Congo Square every Sunday. It “captures a human’s capacity to find hope and joy in difficult circumstances.”

9. Last Stop on Market Street
Every Sunday, CJ and his grandma take the bus home. CJ starts to notice, and question, their differences. Why don’t they have a car? Or fancy technology? His grandma always has the perfect response to guide and help him find joy in his own life and world. 
 

10.  Crown. An Ode to the Fresh Cut
This book won just about every award there is…for good reason. “This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence, and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber’s chair.” A powerful glance into African American modern day culture and self awareness. This is one you need in your home library.

11. As Brave as You

This contemporary novel follows two brothers and their Summer adventures as they grow to learn what bravery REALLY is.  Sometimes bravery doesn’t look like you think it does!

12. The Stars Beneath Our Feet
Teen tries to navigate himself safely in his community of Harlem in the wake of his brother’s death caused by gang violence. This book examines fear, grief and resilience.

12. The Other Side

A beautiful children’s book of 2 girls, separated by boundaries and race, but brought together because of love and friendship.

The post Start Talking About Race: Books to Help Kids Understand and Learn appeared first on How Does She.

by Andrea via Home And Garden

15 Delicious Campfire Foods

15 Delicious Campfire Foods

Who’s ready for camping season?!  I know I am!  Hot meals make camping much more enjoyable, especially on those cool nights or cold mornings.  Here are some recipes that are easy to cook over the fire and perfect to warm you up!

1. Make some yummy Parmesan popcorn for a perfect snack.

2. Warm and Melty Cheese Dip would be a great appetizer.

3. Grill some hot dogs and some yummy veggies in a foil packet.

4. Barbecue Chicken and Potatoes are perfect for scout camp or an easy dinner.

5. These Green Chili Cheese Fries are fit for a king!

6. Potato Boats are would be a a dinner everyone would love!

7. A quesadilla would be delicious around the campfire after a long day of fun!

8. For a yummy potato breakfast that will get you through the morning go here.

9. This Lumberjack Breakfast will be so yummy to wake up to in the morning!

10. Pizza + Nachos + camping = delicious!

11. A delicious Hobo Dinner would hit the spot!

12. Campfire pizza log would be a hit with my boys!

13. Campfire Pigs in the Blankets gets everyone enjoying cooking!

14. Having Apple Crisp while camping would be a real treat!

15. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls would be a favorite for my family!

Do you have a favorite recipe you cook while camping?  Do share!!

 

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by Mariann via Home And Garden

Building a small flagstone wall and prepping for pavers day1 by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

Building a small flagstone wall and prepping for pavers day1
We remove the old driveway, install a small flagstone wall out of extra scrap materials we find on site, Subcut and prep for a new parking spot to be made of out pavers and build a small wing wall to support the neighboring property.

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fast Sod Install day2 by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

fast Sod Install day2
The Sod finally shows up which allows us to start laying it down, finish prepping the grade, cutting in the edges, staggering the seams, time lapse the install and cover Pests that destroy sod. It's a full day and we get the project wrapped up and move on.

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Putting a Lawn care trailer together by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

Putting a Lawn care trailer together
We instal an ez lift gate, then a cone caddy, Green touch trimmer racks, locking back pack blower rack, fuel caddy, tool box, trimmer line spool, gravity fed fuel system, and keep going. We also show how this works on an enclosed trailer. Kory from perficuts runs 70 lawn care crews and takes us through a ton of options. For info on any of the products in this video go to Ballard-inc.com

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Regrading a BRUTAL yard Choked with Weeds 4k by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

Regrading a BRUTAL yard Choked with Weeds 4k
This yard had NO grass- ALL weeds. We work everything back into the soil with a total regrade & new contours. Nothing hauled out or In. We turn the weed hole into a yard ready for grass seed or sod. For more info on the bucket in todays video its at cmpattachments.com

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13 Picks for Summer That Will Heat Up Your Wardrobe

**This post is sponsored by Nordstrom Rack and Shopstyle. I am 100% obsessed with Nordstrom Rack and have been for years!**

 

My kids officially end “virtual school” this weekend and saying we’re excited is putting it lightly. We’re entering Summer with a positive outlook and can’t wait to see what adventures we come up with. 

Whether I’m out hiking with the kids, running to the grocery store, or even just hanging at home – Nordstrom Rack has got your back. You’re going to be ready for whatever life throws at you!

Nordstrom Rack is your go-to for all your favorite summer styles with unbeatable deals this season, offering up to 70% off designer brands and new, extended returns. Just because you’re staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t stop hunting for the best finds! I have found some incredible designer pieces for so much less! It’s honestly one of my FAVORITE stores so it was super fun (and super easy!) for me to find some GREAT picks that will heat things up for you this Summer!

 

 

1. Zella woven Pants: Zella has LONG been my favorite athleisure brand. The quality is always on point, and the prices are fantastic as well. These are a lighter pant that can easily go from errands to a workout and every where in between.

2. Tie Dye cover up: Tie dye IS the print for Summer. I’m seeing it everywhere. I adore swim cover up! Funky but classy all at one time.

3. Huarache Mules: I love everything about these Sam Edelman shoes. Combining the huarache style with a timeless mule? It’s an unexpected combination that goes with just about EVERY outfit. Plus, check out that price!

4. Fedora: In my opinion, a fedora is a MUST have accessory for summer. Not only is it practical in providing sun protection, it also looks mega chic. Throw this on with a simple t shirt and jeans, and you’ll look as pulled together as all those fashion bloggers.

5. Crossback bralette: Not only is the back on this amazing, but check out the colors. So bright and cheery. Wear it to an early yoga session or under a tank top for a little “peek a boo”.

6. Hat: This straw hat comes in 3 different colors and is complete with a ribbon touch. These are fantastic for the beach or a picnic in the park as the brim is big enough to provide some sun protection.

7. Camo leggings – I love this brand and LOVE that they’re under $20! The high waist and subtle camo design are no brainers. You’ll LIVE in these. If camo isn’t your thing, be sure to check out ALL the leggings made by this brand.

8. Kick flare crop jeans: The kick flare crop is THE style of the year, and you’re going to be seeing even more of it this Summer. I actually LOVE it. I feel like it’s a refreshing break from the usual skinny jean.

9. White ruffle sleeve: The flirty sleeve on this top makes it easy and breezy without being too casual. It comes in many colors and I love that it’s a little more special than a basic tee. Tuck this into a fun skirt and call it good.

10. Stance socks: These are, in my opinion, the BEST socks on the market. My husband was first to find them and then I got hooked on the socks for women too! The no show style is summer perfection.

11. Glow powder  As many of you, I tend to wear a lot less makeup in Summer. Getting a little Summer color allows me to go au naturale a lot more. This Becca glow powder is a great way to add a subtle luminosity to your skin. Gorgeous!

12. Bermudas – I prefer a longer length short like these bermudas. I own a few from this brand and adore them. They’re a little dressier than most of my other bermuda shorts. 

13. Madewell tee: I always go back to these basics. They’re super light weight, and that is just what I want in the HOT summer temperatures.

 

Happy Shopping!

 

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by Andrea via Home And Garden

Adventure in a Box: The Perfect Gift for Fathers

The Perfect Gift For Fathers!

Somewhere along the way we grow up.

Fort building and tree climbing are replaced with jobs and responsibilities.  We lose interest in play and using our imagination. We find it difficult to live in the present moment as we let the worry and planning consume our mind. But what if I were to tell you that inside each of us is an inner-child just waiting to come out and play.

Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

 Kids get that.

They live in the moment, create, explore, and pretend. They see their world with wonderment and excitement. Why is it that we don’t take the time to do the same?

This year instead of socks, ties, or tools, I have decided to tap into my inner child and give something a bit different.

I call it, “An Adventure in a Box.”

What’s in it?

I grabbed this bin that looks like a treasure box and filled it with these items which  most of them I picked up either at the dollar store or the dollar section at Target. Get creative… those ropes you see are actually jump ropes that I cut the handles off of. And that treasure map is a scrap piece of wrapping paper with burned edges. And those marshmallow launchers are made out of a PVC pipe and cost under $2.00 to make. Nothing too fancy here folks. Anything goes.

Looking through my counselor goggles, I can’t help but think about all the benefits that a child and parent can receive by adventure playing.

Allowing the child to take part of the journey and the story helps them feel like they have a voice and their ideas matter. I encourage parents to let kids take the lead during play as much as possible.

Not having a plan fosters imagination and being able to be in the moment.

As adults we could use practice in setting aside the to-do lists and taking it moment by moment.

That’s what an adventure is all about right?

Exploring and discovering new things fuels the imagination and encourages children to ask and answer their own questions.

This fosters a love for learning.

Working together builds unity and bonding.

Using their environment in their story promotes creativity. Can you tell this is a bucket full of treasure?

 Exploring their surroundings through binoculars helps them understand perspective.

 Sitting on shoulders makes them feel big and in charge.

Taking the time to sit down and have conversations on their level increases trust and encourages them to feel heard and loved.

 I loved standing back and watching these two sit back and enjoy their time with one another.

 He couldn’t put the binoculars down!

After a great adventure, a child is left feeling loved, heard, and connected .

Give the gift that not only brings out that inner-child but creates memories that will be written on their hearts for years to come.

What else would you put in your “Adventure Box?”

xo.

You can find more of me at: weedstowishes.com

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by Cristi via Home And Garden