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How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden in 6 Easy Steps

May 1, 2025 0

Wildlife is wonderful to have flying about your space, which is why you want to encourage it as much as possible for the benefit of your garden.

Not only is it a wonderful view to be able to lounge outside with all the wildlife buzzing or flying about you, but it can help to boost your garden’s growth of plants and flowers through cross-pollination. 

With that in mind, here are some helpful tips to create a wildlife-friendly garden in six easy steps.

  1. Build a pond

A pond is a great way to attract local wildlife, and if you’re willing to throw in a few fish, then this will assist with additional wildlife finding its way into your outdoor space.

Of course, any body of water, like a pond or a lake, will need regular maintenance. Lake weed removal is important, as is making sure any ponds or lakes are well fenced off from little ones and pets.

Not everyone will find a pond to be useful or wanted in the garden, but if you’re looking to encourage a variety of wildlife, from frogs to pond skaters, then installing a pond might be a good idea.

  1. Compost food waste

To help nourish your soil and attract bugs of all kinds, you should look to compost any and all food waste that you can. Composting food waste is a great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes directly into your trash bin, but also to improve soil health and therefore attract wildlife.

Compost also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which can do damage to the environment over time.

  1. Feed the birds

Birds are a great addition to your garden, and they can be a great way to encourage more wildlife, like squirrels, to the garden too.

Feeding the birds with bird feeders and bird houses so that they can also nest is helpful to the environment. By giving them food and shelter, you’re helping them flourish and thrive in an environment that’s constantly changing. Not only that, but as more green space makes way for property, these bird boxes and bird feeders are crucial.

  1. Native plant selection

Try to select plants that are native to your local area, rather than choosing any species that might otherwise harm the ecosystem. As wonderful as some species of plants and flowers can look, you might be endangering your other native plants as a result.

Try to select the plants that will thrive in your space so that your investment of time and money is well spent, too.

  1. Let the grass grow

Letting the grass grow is a good way of encouraging wildlife to come into your garden and make it their home. If you’re cutting down the grass too short and too regularly, then it’s not going to allow certain wildlife the opportunity to make use of it.

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is important, so make use of these tips to transform yours into a wildlife haven.

A Brownie Sundae Kind of Love: Sweet Treats for Mom, Dad & Everyone in Between 🍨

May 1, 2025 0

You know those little things that make a day feel extra sweet? For me lately, it’s been having a stash of Antonina’s Gluten-Free Brownies tucked away in the freezer, just waiting to be turned into a brownie sundae at a moment’s notice.

They’re rich, fudgy, and honestly? Shockingly good for being gluten-free. I say “shockingly” because, if you’ve tried your fair share of gluten-free desserts, you know they’re not always this indulgent. But these? These are the real deal. Soft, gooey, and totally crave-worthy.

And while I intended to savor them slowly… let’s just say Jayson has been doing his part to make sure the stash doesn’t last long. I’ve only managed to sneak one for myself so far, but it was so worth it.

🍨 A Brownie Sundae Tradition (With a Twist)

We’ve started a little weekend tradition of pulling one out of the freezer, warming it just a little, and topping it with a scoop of vanilla, and a drizzle of fudge and caramel. Simple. Delicious. And yes, totally movie night worthy!

And with Mother’s Day coming up (and Father’s Day right behind it), I can’t think of a sweeter way to celebrate than a brownie sundae on the porch, coffee in hand, family nearby, and something cozy playing in the background. Because sometimes, love looks like holding onto the last brownie in the freezer and saving it for someone else. (I hide it, don’t tell Jayson!)💛

💚 Why We Love Antonina’s

These brownies are one of those feel-good finds I love sharing. They’re:
✨ Certified gluten-free (great for sensitive tummies)
🍃 Made with quality ingredients you can feel good about
🧁 Perfectly portioned, great for spontaneous sundaes or weekday treats
❄️ Freezer-friendly so you can stock up and indulge when the craving strikes

You can find Antonina’s in the freezer section of your local store or browse all the treats here. Their cupcakes, muffins, and cakes are also so good—we might need to build a second freezer at this point.

☀️ Sweet Moments, Slow Mornings, and Sundaes with Love

So whether you’re celebrating Mom, Dad, yourself, or just the arrival of a sunny spring weekend, let this be your reminder that joy doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as a brownie sundae, a shared laugh, and a few quiet moments with the people you love most.

Happy early Mother’s Day to everyone who nurtures, supports, and shows up with love, whether that’s in the form of wisdom, warmth, or a really, really good brownie.

📍P.S. Keep a stash in the freezer, you’ll thank me later.

Multiply Your Plant Babies: Why I’m Obsessed with The Propagation Handbook by Hilton Carter🪴

April 28, 2025 0

There’s something so magical about watching a tiny cutting transform into a thriving new plant. It’s slow, subtle, and full of wonder—which is probably why I’m completely in love with Hilton Carter’s new book, The Propagation Handbook: A Guide to Propagating Houseplants.

If you’ve ever wanted to grow your plant collection (without spending a fortune at the nursery), or if you just love the idea of creating something beautiful from what you already have—this book is for you.

🪴 A Guide for Every Plant Parent (Beginner to Obsessed)

Hilton Carter has a way of making you feel like plant propagation isn’t just a gardening technique—it’s a mindful, creative act. In The Propagation Handbook, he walks you through everything you need to know: from the simplest water propagation to more advanced techniques like air layering and grafting. But don’t worry—it’s all super accessible, whether you’re a total beginner or already have plants in every window.

He even includes a list of which methods work best for which plants—so you’ll know exactly how to multiply your pothos, monstera, or that stubborn fiddle leaf fig.

🌸 Beautiful, Inspiring, and Totally Doable

Like all of Hilton Carter’s books, The Propagation Handbook is stunning. Think: page after page of bright, artful photos, gorgeous plant vignettes, and dreamy displays of “propagation bouquets” (yes, that’s a thing—and yes, I’m trying it this weekend).

It’s the kind of book you’ll flip through again and again, not just for instructions, but for inspiration. And if you’re like me and love filling your home with both plants and purpose, this book checks every box.

🌿 Why It’s a Sweet Greens Favorite

There’s a deeper message woven into this book—one I really resonate with. Propagation isn’t just about more plants. It’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, and practicing patience. Watching a root grow in water, checking your cuttings each morning, sharing little plant babies with friends—it’s the kind of quiet, meaningful joy we could all use a little more of.

Plus, propagation is incredibly sustainable. You’re reusing, repurposing, and multiplying from what you already have. Less waste, more life. 💚

📚 Ready to Get Your Hands (A Little) Dirty?

If you’re looking to grow your collection, try something creative, or just spend more time nurturing green things—The Propagation Handbook is the perfect companion.

You can grab a copy here.

Here’s to tiny roots, fresh starts, and a home that keeps growing—one cutting at a time.

Nourished by Nature: Stone & Spear Tallow Skincare That Truly Delivers 🧼

April 22, 2025 0

Every once in a while, you come across a product so simple, so beautifully made, and so good for your skin, you want to tell everyone you know about it. That’s exactly how I feel about the tallow-based skincare from Stone & Spear. Their products have officially earned a permanent spot in my bathroom, and honestly? My skin (and my senses) couldn’t be happier.

💧 Moisturizing Body Butter = Skin’s Best Friend
Let’s start with the Moisturizing Body Butter. If your skin is dry, sensitive, or just needs a little extra love—this is it. Rich, creamy, and deeply hydrating, it melts into the skin like butter (but better), leaving behind the softest, healthiest glow. I love applying it after a shower while my skin’s still slightly damp, it locks in moisture beautifully without ever feeling greasy. The ingredients are super minimal and clean (just how I like them), and a little goes a long way. It’s the kind of product that makes you want to slow down and take your time with your skincare.

💄 Tallow Lipstick with a Peppermint Kick
Next up: the Natural Tallow Lipstick, and let me just say, I’m obsessed with this one. It smells like fresh peppermint (hello, instant refresh), and it feels nourishing in a way most lip balms just don’t. No synthetic fragrances, no weird aftertaste, just smooth, soothing, pepperminty goodness. It’s the kind of balm you’ll want in every bag, coat pocket, and nightstand drawer.

🧼 The Dreamiest Hand & Body Soap
And finally, let’s talk about the Hand & Body Soap. I’ve used a lot of clean soaps over the years, and this one is a standout. It lathers beautifully, smells delicious, and doesn’t dry out my hands (which, let’s be honest, is rare these days). It’s made with the same care and tallow-based goodness as the rest of their line, and it’s become a daily ritual I actually look forward to.

🌿 Why I Love This Line
There’s something so comforting about products that are made with intention. Stone & Spear’s entire approach is rooted in simplicity, nourishment, and traditional ingredients that our skin truly understands. Tallow might not be trendy, but it’s time-tested, incredibly effective, and one of the most sustainable skincare ingredients around—no synthetics, no plastic packaging overload, no long list of chemicals. Just clean, honest skincare that works.

🛁 Self-Care That Feels Like a Return to Center
If you’re craving skincare that feels like home—simple, natural, and good for both your skin and the planet, Stone & Spear is 100% worth checking out. These are the kinds of products that make you slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the ritual of caring for your body. And that, in itself, is a little act of self-love.

A Fresh Coat of Joy: Why I’m Loving Annie Sloan’s Colorful Living 🎨

April 21, 2025 0

I’ve always believed that a little paint, a little time, and a lot of heart can go a long way—and Annie Sloan’s newest book, Colorful Living: 30 Creative Upcycling Paint Projects, is pure proof of that.

Whether you’ve got a tired piece of furniture begging for a second life or you’re just in the mood to bring more color and personality into your space, this book is like a pep talk and a how-to guide wrapped into one beautifully illustrated package.

🎨 More Than Just Paint

If you know Annie Sloan, you know she’s the queen of Chalk Paint®—and this book is filled with gorgeous projects that use her signature paints to transform everything from furniture to fabric. But what makes Colorful Living so special is that it’s not just about the how—it’s also about the why.

This book is all about creating a home that feels personal, layered, and loved—not perfect. It’s about slowing down, using what you have, and infusing your space with creativity. And around here at Sweet Greens, that’s something we can totally get behind.

🌿 Sustainability Meets Style

One of the things I love most about Annie’s philosophy (and this book) is her emphasis on upcycling. Instead of tossing things that are scratched, faded, or just plain outdated, Colorful Living shows you how to turn them into something new—and completely fabulous.

It’s creative, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s so much better for the planet.

You’ll find projects like:
🪑 Restoring and painting old wooden chairs with bold patterns
🎨 Turning outdated cabinets into colorful statement pieces
🖼 Creating wall art using leftover fabric and custom paint mixes
💡 Even how to give old lamps and accessories a vibrant refresh

Each project includes step-by-step instructions, gorgeous photos, and tips to make it your own. There’s even a peek into Annie’s own home for a little behind-the-scenes inspiration (spoiler: it’s stunning and full of personality).

✨ Why This Book Belongs on Your Shelf

Whether you’re a longtime DIYer or just looking for a fun weekend project, Colorful Living is packed with creative, confidence-boosting ideas that make you want to roll up your sleeves and dive in.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making something old feel new again. You’re not just saving furniture—you’re telling a story, embracing imperfection, and adding character to your home, one brushstroke at a time.

And honestly? It’s a beautiful reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with what you already have—and a single can of paint.

📚 Ready to Add More Color to Your Life?

If you’re looking for sustainable inspiration, a new creative outlet, or just the courage to start painting that table in your garage, Annie Sloan’s Colorful Living will meet you exactly where you are.

You can grab a copy here, and I highly recommend keeping it nearby—because once you start flipping through, you’re going to want to paint everything.

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