Country Living Tips, Ideas and Fun!

Great Stocking Stuffer Idea for Kids of All Ages 2013

2013-11-28T14:45:00.002-08:00

I live in Texas. Central Texas. I don't know if this is just happening here, but I would guess it is pretty much the new thing in most places. What is the new, hot thing to put in stockings this year? Loom Bands! My kids, their friends, and just about most kids we see are loaded with bracelets made from loom bands. And not just preteen! From elementary school aged kids to high school kids. They love loom band bracelets. So, if you are looking for a great gift idea that you can put into a stocking that will actually get used, go for loom bands. You can find these and other ideas about what people of all ages are wanting here.

How to Put Words or Lettering on a Bow

2013-10-23T11:28:00.002-07:00

If you live in Texas, or heck just about anywhere down south, you know how important it is to have just the right hair bow. The bigger and more personalized your bow, the better.

When I first moved to Texas, I was shocked at the size of bows that girls were putting in their hair. They seemed HUGE. But now that I have been here more than 10 years, I am used to them. I even try to find great bows for my own girls.

When trying to find the perfect bow, whether it is a cheer bow, dance bow or one for every day, you may wonder how and where people are able to get lettering or rhinestone designs on them. Well, wonder no more, I am about to let you in on the secret!

The custom lettering and logos you see on bows and ribbon is vinyl. It can be applied to your bow in any design with your household iron. You can find some here.

People who make cheer bows and things for a living will probably have a commercial heat press, but it is not mandatory.

When applying your design to your bow, make sure that the steam setting on your iron is OFF. Completely off.

Turn your iron onto to the wool setting. Or as high of a setting your fabric will take without ruining. You may need to test a small portion. Place your design where you want it and cover it with a thin cotton material that can withstand heat or a sheet of vellum. Hold the iron in place all over your design. If it is vinyl, you can gently move the iron in circles to cover the design. If you are using rhinestones, do not do this. Hold the iron in place over each portion of the design and do not rub. Make sure each portion of the design gets direct heat for about 22 seconds. You may need to play around a bit with timing for your design.

Pull up a small corner of the cover material to make sure it is adhering. If it is done, pull it up and you have an awesome, personalized bow!

I Killed Wasps...or Hornets

2013-10-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

I am not originally from Texas. I am a native Californian (I know, this already turned some of you Texas people off). But it is fact. I moved to Texas to get away from a very lucrative job working 6 or 7 days a week. But I had fought cancer and won and wanted to slow down!! I wanted to get a family, etc. Now 3 kids later, I realize I work harder and make less. But I am loving my kids!!

Anyway, I am not a bug person. I absolutely hate bugs. I mean...SERIOUSLY HATE. I am terrified of any kind of bug. Unfortunately, I have passed this on to my kids who are all born Texans. Not really great when your little boy, who is supposed to be super tough, runs from an ant. And no, I am not afraid of ants. Except stepping on one of Texas' ant hills.

Back on topic. I recently moved on my own to an apartment with 3 kids in tow. Moved from a nice house, but away from a relationship I hated. So, we are happy. Anyway, there was a wasps nest on our patio! Normally, I would not handle this. But it was all me. So, I went to the store, bought the spray, stuck one arm out the door and sprayed like crazy. Then I slammed the door shut and felt so proud as I saw these demons fall to the ground.

A small moment for those of you who are countrified. But huge for me!!! Had to share.

How Do You Get Rid of the Big Water Cockroaches??

2013-04-17T07:22:00.000-07:00

OK. I admit. I am originally from California. I know for some in Texas this is not a favorable thing. I have heard every comment imaginable about why are all of the people from California moving to Texas. Well, for me, it was to be close to elderly parents. But I will say this, people in California also notice a lot of Texans moving there! So, let's call it a draw and just move on! Anyway, the reason I mention it is that there seem to be less bugs there. So, I am not accustomed to dealing with bugs...HUGE bugs.

I am a neat freak. I like things clean. Clutter and messiness will set me off like a firecracker. So, why on earth are these ugly, creepy, huge cockroach thingies finding their way into my home about once a month?? And they fly AT YOU when you try to kill them!! What the heck?! I am so not a bug person, I would guess no one is. But come on! I don't want them in here!

I am hoping someone will read this and tell me what the heck to do to keep water cockroaches (I don't even know if that is what they are really called), out of my home. PLEASE someone give some ideas! It will help everyone.

Thanks!

When Should Kids Stop Trick or Treating?

2012-11-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Well, Halloween has come and gone. I am thankful it is over as soon we will get to focus on Christmas. We love Christmas around here! I have a pet peeve, though. And from talking to my friends, it is quite common. We recently moved to Katy, Texas. We also moved into a neighborhood. Before, living out in the "country" we had no trick-or-treaters. So...I was excited to be able to give out candy to princesses and goblins. And my kids had their own neighborhood to go out in. But, we had a lot of old kids trick-or-treating! I mean old boys (I think all the old kids were boys) ranging in age from 15-17 or 18!!! And all but one of these didn't even bother with a costume or makeup or anything! I silently debated telling them they wouldn't get candy. But, I did give candy to all. I am a little mad at myself now for handing them candy. Where are these kids' moms? What type of parent sends or allows their kids out to do that? I would never do that!! I had to ask two of the groups of these boys to please not cuss around little kids. C'mon people, parent your kids! At what age do you turn people away? How do you handle it? I am dying to hear what everyone has to say about this.

If You Are Country, You Gotta Bling at Friday Night Football!

2012-08-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Are you REALLY ready for Friday night football? If you are from Texas, you know just how important this is! Especially in a small town. On Friday night everyone in town is at the football field cheering on their hometown team. And if you are a country woman, you know you GOTTA bling! Get mascot rhinestone shirts that are sure to impress. And let me just tell you...the stones always look their best under the stadium lights. Just want a transfer to add to your own, great-fitting shirt? No problem. Get it here: rhinestone transfers. Have the shirt but want the number? No problem...you can get that, too!

Red Velvet Cupcakes - Yum!

2012-08-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Red Velvet Cupcakes are a yummy treat. I think of them as kind of the perfect little treat for country living. You can't go wrong. Think of the cute, elderly southern belle inviting you in for a great, homemade red velvet cake. Only, these are portable! My whole family just adores a great red velvet cupcake. For us, they beat the cake because they are portable, mess-free and we won't have a whole cake sitting in the kitchen calling to us. One cupcake is just fine. Nothing more. There is a cupcake trailer now in the San Marcos Outlet Center called "Hey Cupcake" that serves wonderful red velvet cupcakes. I admit, I was wary to try them because I felt cupcakes in a trailer had to be brought in and could not be fresh. But, we just had to. They were delightful and fresh! No hard cupcakes out of the 4 that we tried. I want to try a red velvet cheesecake cupcake next. Anything that involves the word cheesecake works for me and that just sounds heavenly. Any suggestions or recipes? Anyone?? Come on you southern ladies!! I know you can cook and bake (and look great doing it!!). P.S. There is no picture on this post. That is because I will have an excuse to go get another cupcake (just for the picture of course). :)

Are You Raising Girls That Hunt?

2012-07-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I started as a city girl. I am originally from California and I do not hunt. I am not the outdoorsy type unless it involved a beach {or any area without bugs}. I know it is not very country of me....but I do love the country air, country decor and most of all...the country born and raised people! Talk about manners! I love it. But I have gotten off track. Do you raise little girls who are daddy's hunting buddies? Are they bow hunters? I think bow hunting is so awesome. If there were no bugs and critters in the areas I would need to go, I would love to try it. Bow hunters have to get closer to their prey. They have to maintain their composure and control when approaching their potential capture. It is all so exciting. Well, if your girls are bow hunters, there are perfect girls hunting bows here. Happy Hunting! Is this what your daughters' future looks like?

The Best Austin Towing Service

2011-11-25T15:58:00.001-08:00

OK. So this may or may not really go with the theme of the blog here. But if you need towing in Austin Texas, you should consider a towing company that I have used.

This company has top-notch equipment and very professional drivers that know what they are doing when they load up your vehicle. That is important!

For the best towing in Austin, or the surrounding areas, contact Harpers Towing at 512-443-1000!

Add Some Bling and Support Your Team With These!

2011-11-04T11:53:00.000-07:00

If you live in the country and in a small town, no doubt you love your local school/mascot! I know here in Texas we take great pride in supporting our local team/school mascot. Friday night football is a huge deal in most small towns.

Being in Texas, not only are local sports a big deal, but so is making sure we sparkle. We need our custom rhinestone shirts so that we can make sure we support our team in sparkly style. The more bling the better.

Well, now there are rhinestone car decals! Yes, add some sparkle to your car. They are very hot right now. Be among the first to be seen with one of these!

Country Kids Love to Barrel Race!

2011-01-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

OK...So I know very little about barrel racing. Very little. But I have sold shirts at several big barrel racing events and I have friends who not only do it themselves on the weekends...but their kids do, too.

So, if barrel racing is huge for country folk...and so is all things sparkly....you need to get your hands on a Rhinestone Barrel Racing Shirt!

Do you like the idea but want something other than barrel racing? Visit Custom Rhinestone Shirts and ask. They can do anything!

Keep Cool at Sporting Events

2010-06-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

sI live in Texas. I have two girls in sports...fastpitch. And ugggghhhh it is hot! I also have a baby under two years who does not handle the heat well. So, admittedly, the two of us don't make it to every single game.

But I am mom first, I love my girls, I love softball. So, I do make it out for a game or two every tournament. During this time, I am looking for a way to keep cool.

Last night, there was another lady with a baby and she had a portable fan that blew pretty hard for a portable! So, I set off today to find fans online that we all could enjoy.

More Pretty Hummingbird Feeders

2010-05-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

OK. So, I talked about how great hummingbird feeders are last week. And, in my travels I found some beautiful hummingbird feeders that I just had to share. For those of you who want something a little extra fancy or special....these are just for you! Find the unique hummingbird feeder just right for you.

Let's Get a Hummingbird Feeder!

2010-05-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't done the research, I admit, on what season is the best for hummingbirds. But I can tell you that my mom lives out in the country and she has two big, beautiful picture windows that each have a hummingbird feeder in front (on the outside of course). The hummingbirds visit constantly. It is very relaxing and fun to watch.

The feeders get interest from every visitor to my mom's home as the hummingbirds that frequent the feeders have distinct personalities. The bully. The hummingbird that tries to steal a drink and leave before the bully comes over. And one little hummingbird that fights with the bully to get her drink.

It will relax you and be very enjoyable. Imagine the fun you will have with your hummingbird feeder.

Hummingbird Feeder - Gold Luster

What to Do When Stung by a Wasp

2010-05-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

Wasps are a definite nuisance. Most people do not like to see them at all. Wasps stings just add to the general hatred of wasps.

Most people are not allergic to a wasp sting and will only suffer the initial pain and general discomfort, itchiness, slight swelling at the sting site, and a bit of pain. It should not cause many problems.

However, there are those who are allergic to a wasp sting. For those who are severely allergic to wasp stings, they may suffer from anaphylactic shock. If you find that you feel sick or the location of the wasp sting is swelling beyond what a normal bee sting would....contact your doctor immediately. If you feel sick and keep getting sicker, go to the doctor's office or emergency room. Do not wait for an appointment. Go immediately.

Some of the things that you should do when stung by a wasp are:

Keep the area that was stung lower than the rest of the body.
Apply ice or a bag of frozen vegetables to the affected area.
Avoid scratching or squeezing the affected area.
Keep the area clean with soap and water.
If the area is very itchy, apply a paste of baking soda and water overnight.

These are some of the things to look out for and do when you or someone you love is stung by a wasp. Use your best judgment, and if in doubt, see a doctor.

How to Get Rid of Wasps

2010-04-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ok. So you may have found some wasps on your property. Something that no one wants to find. But, unfortunately, if you live in Texas....or a bit out in the country somewhere...you will probably have a little or a lot of wasps. So, now you may be wondering how to get rid of wasps from your property.

There are always those people who feel that the wasps should be left alone and extermination is not an option. But a wasps sting is not only painful, but it can cause a person to go into anaphylactic shock. This would require immediate treatment by medical professionals. It would not be a good position to be in.

Also, there are some types of wasps that when they sting you, the pheromones attract other wasps and you can come under attack.

There are some things you can do to reduce the population of wasps on your property.

Watch for the location that the wasps return to at night and leave from in the morning. This will let you know where the major nests are. If it is way up in a tree, you will need to use a projectile spray that will travel up to 20 feet. You will want to handle this at night or in the morning while all the wasps are in the nest. Whenever you approach, or attempt to treat, a wasp's nest, make sure you wear layered clothing. A wasp's sting can penetrate most light clothing. Be ready to retreat quickly.

If your wasps nest is in a confined area, you may want to call a professional exterminator. The wasps may want to attack. It is best not to take chances. Plus, wasp sprays are generally poison.

Once you have the wasps nest cleared of live wasps, you can knock it down. However, it may take a few treatments before there are no wasps left. Do not knock it down until you are absolutely certain the wasps nest is clear.

If the wasps nest, or a hornet's nest, is in the ground. You can just fill the hole with paraffin wax and cover it with earth.

If ever, you are afraid or have any hesitation at all, it is best for you to contact an exterminator.

Check out this waspinator! It has received numerous great reviews and seems to be a safe way for you to greatly reduce your wasp numbers. Worth a try! Click the link below the picture to read the great reviews from actual customers.

Waspinator Pest Control

This sprays up to 20'!!

Where Do Wasps Live?

2010-04-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

As Summer approaches, you may be wondering, "where do wasps live?". Once you have established where they are making themselves at home on your property, you can make a plan to get rid of them.

Wasps make their nests out of small pieces of bark or cardboard that the mix with their saliva to form a great product for forming their nest, cellulose. So, most often they will live a spot that has trees nearby.

Last summer, my daughter got stung in the face while swimming in her grandma's pool. A wasp was determined to get a hold of her. He followed her around and kept trying to get on her face. I splashed at her and it would go away and come back. Finally, it landed and just as it landed, I grabbed it with my hand, placed my hand under water, then threw it. I don't know where it ended up. My daughter had a wasp sting. She was scared (still is), but luckily was fine.

Some people are very allergic to a wasp sting. So, it is a good idea to get rid of them when you see a wasp's nest beginning to form. Where to look? Where do wasps live?

under awnings and eaves. Always look under eaves of roofs.
Underground in small burroughs. Watch out for these when gardening.
In small openings or holes in trees or walls.
In hedges or bushes.
Our wasps, from that day, lived in a ceiling fan that my mother had out on the patio. Once we had this figured out, we sprayed for them and had to repeat a day later. It made a big difference in the amount of wasps in the area.

Next time we will go over some of the ways to get rid of wasps.

Time to Get the Pool Ready!

2010-04-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you pool has been covered over the winter, it is time to get it uncovered. The coldest days are over and it is time to have some outdoor fun!

You wouldn't want to be caught with the only covered pool in town now, would you? My kids are already swimming and I am so happy. They should do well in swimming lessons this year. I want to raise strong swimmers.

And for you grandparents, nothing draws grandkids over like the uncovered pool. Hint, hint!

Those of Us in Texas, Time for Bluebonnet Pictures!

2010-03-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

I live in Texas. For the last couple of years there were not any bluebonnets to speak of. Yes, there were bluebonnets here and there, but ever since my girls were 1 & 2 years old, I have not gotten a great bluebonnet picture.

When my dad was alive, he wanted the bluebonnet pictures every year. Their property produced a ton of the bluebonnets when my first daughter was one...and I blew it. I didn't show up. Then, the great picture. Then....we waited. My dad passed away and we have still been waiting. This year it is GREAT! We went over there and got some great bluebonnet pictures. My son (1 year) was not interested...but we got the shots.

What is the point of this rambling post? Get out there and take your bluebonnet pictures! Who knows when we will have this great of a year for them again. Take advantage. Enjoy some time outside. The flowers are so nice.

What to do When You See a Snake

2010-03-24T15:15:00.000-07:00

Although I want to say up front that I can't guarantee that you won't get bit by a snake, I sure have looked up what to do if I come across one! I am scared of snakes! Let me share what I have found.

The majority of snakes are harmless to humans. But why take your chances? If you are unsure, it is best to treat all snakes as though they will harm you.

The best advice that I could find...and I found it from many sources....is to back away slowly or to be still. Most snakes will not attack unless they feel threatened. If you back away slowly and quietly or be very still, you have the best chance of being fine.

If you need a snake removed, call a local snake expert. If you can't find one, call animal control and they should be able to find someone to help you. Do not attack or pick it up.

I can not guarantee you will not be bitten, but I am just sayin....

Snakes are Ready to Come Out of Hibernation!

2010-03-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

As the weather warms up it is much nicer to be outside. But not just for us...for the snakes, too. Snakes are getting ready, or may have started, to come out of hibernation. Are you ready? Have you done what it takes to keep them out of your yard?

Some of the preventative tips to keep snakes out are the same as keeping skunks out. These include:

Keep the grass mowed and control your weeds. Make the snakes uncomfortable! Don't let them move about undetected.
Get rid of all of your wood piles and rock piles. Why supply hiding places? Also, the snakes will look for nooks and places to hide in the shade. (Yes, they like to sun themselves, too).
If you are really having a problem, remove bird feeders and anything like them that may attract small animals and rodents. Snakes eat these.
If money is no object, there are snake fences.

You can also use products that will repel snakes and keep them out of the area of your yard. Snake Away is a product you can use. I am sure there are others. There are also humane snake traps, though I am not sure these are for me. They may be for you!

Dr. T's DT364 Snake-A-Way Snake Repelling Granules 4 Pound

Would You Know What To Do With a Skunk Sprayed Dog?

2010-03-13T17:23:00.000-08:00

If you live in the country, you need to know what to do with a skunk sprayed dog. It is very important that you are aware of the first steps to take when your dog or cat get sprayed. Skunk spray effects on pets can be harmful, even deadly at times. Although most of the time, it is just a smelly nuisance, the effects can be dangerous.

The very first thing you should do when your dog or cat get sprayed is to check your pet from head to toe for scratches or bites. If you find one of these, call your vet immediately.

Also, check to see where your dog has been sprayed. When he has been sprayed in the mouth or eyes, this is what can be dangerous. Be sure to call your vet and let him know. Follow his instructions and watch your pet carefully.

For more information about what to do if your dog is sprayed by a skunk and how to REALLY get rid of the smell of skunk Click Here!

Want to Get Rid of Skunks?

2010-02-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, I understand that some of you don't mind having skunks on your property. They do eat mice and other small critters that some farmers may not want to deal with. But if you want to get rid of skunks, there are some preventative steps you can take to make sure they stay away.

Take a look around your your yard or property. Do you see anything that would be a perfect hiding or living spot for a skunk? Get rid of any place or situations that would be welcoming for a skunk. For specific instructions, visit Keep Skunks Away. There is a lot of skunk information at Skunk Smell Removal.

Welcome to Country Living Ideas

2010-02-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to country living ideas! Living in the country presents it own set of challenges, benefits and surprises. Facing a skunk or another challenge? There are some things you can do. Wondering how to decorate that wonderful country home of yours? You will find tips here!