🌈 Loft and Stair Railing Magic ✨

🛠️ Why Go Outdoor for Indoor? 🌿

🏡 A Perfectly Imperfect Match 🏡

(🌿✨ Before we dive headfirst into our garden bed dreams, let's have a quick heart-to-heart about something super important—using railroad ties in our gardens.

Now, while railroad ties bring that rustic charm and sturdy support to our garden projects, there's a little note of caution we should chat about creosote. Creosote is a preservative used in railroad ties to help them stand up to the elements, but it's not exactly a best friend to our garden party.

Why the caution flag, you ask? Well, creosote can leach into the soil and, in turn, could cozy up to our plant roots. While the jury's still out on how much might actually reach our beloved plants, it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when we're talking about the veggies and flowers we hold dear.

So, here's the Tiff Tip of the day: If you're as smitten with the idea of using railroad ties as I was, consider lining the inside of your garden bed with a thick plastic barrier to keep a safe distance between the creosote and your soil. Or, even better, explore alternatives like untreated wood, stone, or recycled plastic garden beds that keep your green space safe and stylish.

Remember, Besties, our gardens are not just about the beauty we see; they're about the love and care we pour into every nook and cranny. Let's make choices that keep our lives thriving and healthy. 🌍💚

And there you have it—a little wisdom nugget to tuck into your gardening toolkit. Now, let's get back to dreaming up those lush, vibrant spaces that fill our hearts and homes with joy, all while making mindful choices for our planet and our peace of mind. Happy gardening, my green-thumbed friends! 🌸🌼✨)

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Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Guess what? After riding the high of my garden wins in 2017, I've got the green thumb bug big time! I'm buzzing with so much garden gusto that I've decided to go grander this year with my green space! 🌱✨

You all know how I swoon over the charm of a raised garden bed, right? Well, this year, I aimed for more room to bloom and brought railroad ties into the mix as my garden's backbone. Now, let me tell you, those ties are a workout to maneuver, but oh, do they set the stage for a splendid separation from the usual backyard fare!

Why railroad ties, you ask? Well, darling, in true Tiff fashion, I'm all about embracing what's already in our hands—or in my yard, to be precise. It's all about making magic with what we've got, and those rugged ties were my ticket to a bigger, bolder garden.

Determined to dodge the drudgery of weeding (because who has time for uninvited guests?), I layered up with plastic as my secret shield against weeds, then topped it off with a rich blend of topsoil and the same trusty manure/compost concoction that worked wonders last year. It's like giving my plants a five-star bed to thrive in!

Oh, and let's have a little heart-to-heart about last year's garden goodbye—or rather, the lack of it. My cozy beds got a bit wild without their end-of-season spa treatment, ushering in a brigade of weeds this spring. 

Lesson learned: A gardener's work is never done until the beds are tucked in for winter. Not letting that precious soil turn into a weed party again!

Now, the next adventure awaits at my local greenhouse—plant-picking time! 🌼 I'm daydreaming of a tomato and pepper paradise. Who knows what green beauties I'll bring home?

And just for giggles, here's a snapshot of yours truly rocking the 'farm casual' look. Picture this: en route to a bridal shower, barn boots on, and striking a pose for the camera. Farm chic meets party prep! Haha!

Stay tuned, Besties, as we dig into this season's gardening journey together. It's going to be a bloomin' marvelous ride! 🍅🌶️✨

Hey there, Besties! 🌟

Can you believe it? After what felt like an endless winter (yes, snow in April!), Memorial Day weekend is finally here, waving in the unofficial start of summer. I'm all geared up for sunnier days filled with cookouts, bonfires, and, of course, gooey s'mores. 🌞🔥

Summer-Ready with On the Creek: Top Picks to Celebrate

To get this long weekend rolling with a splash of fun, I've rounded up some of my favorite past posts to get you pumped for a season of sunshine and smiles:

- Road Tripping Adventures: Got a road trip on your mind? Check out how I use Roadtrippers to discover the coolest hidden gems. It’s all about the journey, not just the destination!

Sip & Savor the Summer:

- Summer Punch Delight: Dive into the coolest drink around with my summer punch recipe—perfect for sipping under the sun!

- Mom’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake: A treat that’s bound to steal the show at every potluck. Grab the recipe here!

- Classic Homemade Lemonade: Refresh and recharge with a glass of my classic lemonade, always a hit when the heat hits!

- Watermelon Sangria Magic: Elevate your gatherings with my watermelon sangria, a definite crowd-pleaser!

- Elevated S’mores for Sweet Summer Nights: Can’t imagine a bonfire without s’mores? Me neither! Here are 10 irresistible s’mores recipes that take your marshmallow game to the next level!

Stay Inspired with On the Creek

Don't forget, the fun doesn't stop here. Swing by my Pinterest page for a treasure trove of ideas on drinks, potluck dishes, and more. I’m always pinning exciting new finds to inspire your next summer bash!

Have a fantastic and safe Memorial Day weekend, everyone! Let's make this summer unforgettable. 🌟💖

Aaand just like that, I’ve returned to blogging!

I wish I could say that I was ‘OMG!  Too busy to blog!’, but I wasn’t.

I just wasn’t feeling it anymore.

The dark depths of winter crawled in & took any creativeness that I had.  Now that the weather is warming up & it’s so nice outside, I feel my creative side creeping back in.  I guess it’s time to get off Reddit & dust my camera off!  Spring/summer is here!

So here’s what to expect on the blog in the near future:

- Spring blooms:  I cannot get enough!  Fruit blossoms have got to be my favorite thing to photograph right now!

- Instant Pot:  I recently bought an Instant Pot & it has taken over my life.  I love how I can cook things so fast!

- Random Life Posts:  I want to get back into writing random life posts again.

- Gardening:  It’s almost time to get the garden ready!  I have big plans for my 2018 garden that I can’t wait to talk about!

Aaand that’s all I can think of right now!

If you want to see something on the blog, let me know!  I’m always on the lookout for inspiration!