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The Antiques and Garden Show

This past weekend was filled with a lot of events and activities. Some parents of school-aged children were scrambling to find the right solution for the class Valentine’s ~ only to realize that the stores were all sold out and they had to get creative. A recored crowd attended the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, AZ ~ could you blame them, it was 80* there! I heard something about a little football game in Los Angeles, CA ~ did you watch the Superbowl? And, the Antiques and Garden Show in Nashville, TN.

While the golf tournament was 20 minutes from my house, I choose to fly to Nashville for the Antiques and Garden Show. I have been to Nashville many times before and so I knew what a great town it is to spend a little time. The Show was downtown at the Music City Center, a beautiful convention complex.

Downtown Nashville, the building in the foreground is the Music City Center.

Proceeds from the event benefitted both Cheekwood and ECON Charities. Cheekwood is a botanical garden and ECON is an service organization local to Nashville. You can click the links to learn more about them. If you would like to learn about other botanical gardens, click here to read a recent article.

The speaker lineup was impressive. Martha Stewart was the keynote speaker and Bunny Williams was not only the Garden & Landscape Design speaker, she was also the Honorary Chair for the event. The Lifestyle lecture was given by the ladies of The Home Edit, Clea Shearer and Joanna Templin ~ have you seen their show on Netflix or read their books? And, the final talk was given by Alexa Hampton who spoke about the business of design. I attended Bunny Williams talk ~ stay tuned for an article coming next week all about that.

When I was not attending a lecture, I browsed the display hall. The organizers of the event invited many vendors from all over the US, I noted retailers from Georgia, Florida, California, Tennessee and some online retailers. Here are a few photos for your visual enjoyment ~

For more photos, check out bkyd.life on Instagram.

If you get a chance to attend the Antiques and Garden Show next year, I would suggest you go. There are so many ideas to getting the most out of your indoor and outdoor space. If you click over to the official website, you can subscribe to updates for the next show. Start making plans now and I just might see you there!

Botanical Gardens

Have you been to one of the botanical gardens in the US? Almost every major city has one! Botanical gardens promote sustainability and conservation. They are also a great opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of the region.

One of the most unique gardens is the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. It is 140 acres, with 55 of them cultivated for a wonderful sensory adventure. The Garden has many trails and hiking paths where you can see many rare and endangered species. This is a living museum filled with plants that love the dry, arid climate the desert southwest provides. Some of the foliage comes from other places around the world that are just as hot and dry, maybe even hotter and drier.

SONY DSC

The Desert Botanical Gardens is more than a place to spend an afternoon (although, that would be a wonderful afternoon). They offer many glasses ~ from gardening to photography; for children and adults; and so many more learning opportunities. Click this link to find out more of the offerings at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

Two of the current special exhibits are Chihuly in the Desert and the Spring Butterfly Exhibit. While the butterflies arrive at the garden annually, the Chihuly exhibit is extra special. I had the opportunity to visit during the holidays and to see the glass illuminated at night is truly magical.

The Chihuly exhibit is available until June 19, 2022 and the Butterflies exhibit will be available until May 8, 2022. Check their website for more details and to get tickets.

Now the Desert Botanical Gardens may be unique with all the cactus and desert plants, but there are many more botanical gardens in the US. If you can’t make it to Phoenix, Arizona ~ here is a brief list of gardens that may be close to you.

According to Curbed.com, the top 11 gardens are:

I hope you find some time to explore at least one of these living museums this spring.

The 5 Benefits of Spending Time Outside

Spending time outside everyday can improve your overall health and wellness. It promotes mental health and reduces stress. Now, researchers aren’t exactly sure how this all happens, only that time outside does this for everyone!

The Environmental Protection Agency found that 7% of the average American’s life is spent outside. It is time to change that. We need to move away from the screens a spend time breathing fresh air and appreciating the natural spaces around us.

The outdoors can be considered natural medicine. It not only can help people live a longer healthier life, but can also help people live a happier life.

The 5 benefits from spending time outside are ~

  • Happiness ~ While researchers still aren’t exactly sure what links the outdoors and happiness, many studies have shown that our moods take a positive shift when we spend time outside. Research also suggests that spending time in nature can also reduce the risk of developing depression and anxiety.
  • Stress Reduction ~ This goes with being happy, happy people deal with stress better. Spending time outside has been shown to lower stress levels and has similar effects on your brain and body as that of meditating. Although the exact science behind it is unclear, being in a natural setting shows evidence of lower stress levels through a lower heart rate and lower blood pressure. Get outside and take a deep breath of that fresh air!
  • Better Sleep ~ Spending most of the day inside and away from the sunshine can affect your circadian rhythms (this can be a large factor during the winter months with shorter days). Getting outside and enjoying the sunshine can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Energy Boost ~ According to research from the University of Rochester, 90% of people experience increased energy just by participating in outdoor activities. This boost of sudden energy can help inspire you to be more active, too! It’s a bit of a cyclical issue, but I wouldn’t call it a problem!
  • Stronger Immune System ~ Becoming one with nature might have some amazing effects on your immune system. One study showed that adults who hiked twice a day for three days increased their white blood cell count by 40%. Well, that makes me want to get hiking!

Ways you can spend time outside without making too many lifestyle changes include ~

  • Work from home? Take that laptop outside
  • Read a book
  • Start a garden in your backyard (You know we love to garden here at BKYD Life!)
  • Go for a walk, bike ride, hike
  • Eat your meals outside
  • Tennis anyone? (I prefer pickle ball)

Now many of those outdoor activities can be done right in your backyard. No backyard, no problem! Your nearby park is a great place to walk, play, relax. Don’t find excuses, just get outside. Your health might depend on it.

How to Transform Your Yard Into Your Own Getaway Spot

Many people with backyards and patios don’t spend much time using them. Perhaps it’s because the space doesn’t provide privacy or maybe it doesn’t have any inviting features. If this sounds like you, don’t let your outdoor space go to waste. There are many easy projects you can do to make your yard or patio into an outdoor oasis that you can’t wait to use.

Tackle Backyard Privacy Issues

Private space

For many people, the biggest deterrent to spending time outside is that there’s no privacy from the neighbors. Luckily, this is one of the easiest problems to fix.

  • Potted plants or hedges can both make great privacy screens.
  • If you don’t have the patience to grow your own screen, faux plant screens work, too.
  • If the faux plant look isn’t for your, it’s easy to build a basic wooden privacy wall.
  • Building a fence is another option: be sure to document the installation as this project could increase your home’s value.

Give Your Patio a Makeover

Woman sitting in a wicker chair in a garden, writing.

A deck or patio is the perfect place to sit and enjoy some fresh air. However, if your patio has seen better days, it’s probably not beckoning you to spend time outside right now.

  • If your current patio is beyond repair, start from scratch by building a DIY deck.
  • A deck in decent shape can be restored with a fresh coat of stain or an oil finish.
  • Get some comfortable furniture that you’ll actually want to use.
  • Better yet, make a porch swing to sit on.
  • Pick up a few large containers and plant some flowers or greenery to liven up the porch.
  • Put the finishing touch on your patio by using candles, lanterns or outdoor string lights.
  • Enhance the area around your patio by hiring backyard landscaping services to beautify your yard.

Add Kid-Friendly Features

Playing in the backyard

If you’ve got a family, making your backyard appealing to the kids is a great way to get them outside more often. These ideas can make your yard fun and educational at the same time.

  • If you don’t have a playset or swing, consider putting one in.
  • Something as simple as a sandbox can provide hours of fun for little ones.
  • Adding a garden provides a great learning opportunity as well as healthy, whole foods.
  • A garden can also involve children in meal planning and cooking.
  • Use your backyard as a learning opportunity for children. There are several fun activities you can encourage, such as stargazing and building bird houses.

If you’re lucky enough to have a patio or backyard, make sure you put the space to good use. Adding privacy features, making your yard kid-friendly, and revamping your patio will completely transform your outdoor space into a place that feels like true getaway.

This article was written by guest writer, Carrie Spencer of The Spencers Adventures.

Do you have an idea for an article for BKYD Life? Please send us an email at hello@bkydlife.com, we would love to chat about it and maybe you, too, can be featured!

Homemade Ice Cream, without a Machine

When it is hot, I love ice cream. Oh, who am I to talk…I have been known to enjoy an ice cream cone any time of year, in any weather. But, is there anything better on a hot day than a cool treat?

How about homemade ice cream? And even better, let’s make it without a machine. I have too many gadgets in my kitchen so I really don’t want another one. So, recipe first then the process.

Recipe

This recipe will make approximately 1 1/2 quarts of vanilla ice cream

  • 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

HINT: If you want to make the ice cream really flavorful, you can scrape the seeds out of 1 vanilla bean pod and use them INSTEAD of the vanilla extract)

Process

Keep all ingredients cold as you combine them. Pour it into an 8 or 10 inch square baking dish.

I typically use a metal pan (because it freezes so quickly and easily), but a glass pan will also work.

Place it in the freezer for 90 minutes. Remove from the freezer and whisk the mixture, scraping the sides of the pan and breaking up any frozen chunks. Since the mixture is starting to freeze you will need a heavy duty whisk.

Return the pan to the freezer.

After 45 minutes, you will once again take it out of the freezer and whisk the mixture. Again, remember to scrape the sides of the pan. Return the pan to the freezer.

After 30 minutes, you will once again take it out of the freezer and whisk the mixture. Don’t forget to scrape the sides of the pan. Return the pan to the freezer.

Repeat this process every 30 minutes until it is the desired consistency. The more you times you whisk the mixture, the airier and fluffier the ice cream will become.

Making ice cream without a machine does take practice. Good thing it is a long hot summer, it will give you plenty of time to practice.

But now the fun begins ~ top with whatever your heart desires…chocolate, hot fudge, cookie crumbs, fruit, whipped cream, maybe a cherry on top ~ you can’t go wrong with this ice cream as your base!

Tag @bkyd.life on IG so we can see how it turned out!

Stay Hydrated!

Summer is a time to be outside gardening, swimming and playing in the sunshine. It is so important that you get plenty of fluids – on a hot day dehydration can sneak up on you faster than you might expect.

Growing up in Phoenix, AZ, we learned from an early age how to deal with the heat. We always had (and still have) water on hand. Melons were (and still are) a staple in the summer. Hats are a regular part of the wardrobe and sunscreen is a must.

So here are my tips for getting through the summer heat.

5 Tips to Stay Hydrated

  1. Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to drink. If you feel thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated. First thing when you wake up, drink some water and continue to do so throughout the day. Always drink water while enjoying an adult beverage, especially in the summer and even more so if you are out in the sun.
  2. Flavor your water. It can be tough to drink enough water so make it fun. Add some of the fruits listed below to your water. I like to keep a pitcher with fruit-infused water in the fridge so that it is cold and flavorful.
  3. Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies like watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, lettuce, tomato and cucumber can help you get more fluids. You still need to eat during the hot summer months, make it light. You can stay hydrated and enjoy a salad or snack.
  4. When it is really hot (heat advisory hot), stay out of the sun. If you can stay indoors in an air conditioned space then do it, movie theater’s are great for this!
  5. Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Keep a hat and sunscreen handy, too. What you wear can impact how your body deals with the heat. Dark clothing will absorb the heat while light colors won’t. Loose fitting and light weight clothing will help to wick away the sweat and keep you cooler. Do your best to avoid getting sunburned as this will add to the heat you feel on top of being more uncomfortable.

It is best to drink water, but sometimes you need or want something else. Try our favorite, Lauro. It is not only a nice addition to your water consumption, but, if you are dehydrated it has electrolytes to help you.

We talked with Lauren Robson all about her fabulous beverage made from prickly pear puree. You can read that article here.

The heat can be dangerous, so be safe and stay hydrated.