Do you ever wonder how to be a good neighbor? It can be as simple as waving hi, chatting up the family next door, or helping someone out when they need a hand. Remember, it’s never too late to strengthen your bond with the people who live next door, across the street, or at the end of the block. Here are 12 simple ways you and the kids can connect with your neighbors today and every day.

1. Ask them their name. This seems like a no-brainer, but so often we don’t know even know our neighbor’s names!

2. Exchange phone numbers. A simple gesture that says you’re looking out for them.

3. Bake something. The holidays often bring this kind of tradition, but why not invoke it on a random Wednesday? Few people will be disappointed in freshly baked bread, cookies, or other goodies. And everybody loves coffee cake.

4. Plant it. A cutting from your favorite houseplant or a pre-potted begonia: even a small bouquet of flowers is a sweet and inexpensive way to say, “Hey!”

5. Arrange an interview. Use this get-to-know-your-neighbors guide to help your kids interview your neighbors.

6. Make it a double. Next time you’re at the store, grab an extra bar of soap, dishwashing liquid or another cleaning product and gift it to your neighbor. It doesn’t need to be expensive, and keep in mind many people have chemical and scent sensitivities.

7. Make a hello card. Have the kids paint or draw a simple card that just says “Hello, neighbor!”

8. Carry the load. Help unload the trunk of the car or pick up a package from the bottom of the stairs and place it in front of their door.

9. Invite them to dinner. Make dinner at your house or meet them at your favorite place. There are so many options for your comfort level.

10. Do a work exchange. Mow their lawn, shovel their driveway, pull weeds or something similar. Even if you live in an apartment building you can help tidy up communal spaces or carry their recycling down to the street.

11. Organize a pot-luck. If you don’t have the space to do this in your own place, use a nearby park or community center. Make simple invites that you hand-deliver and set a time limit.

12. Start a club. If you share a passion or hobby with your neighbor, do this hobby together or start a group in your community. This could be a book club, knitting club, woodworking club and so on. The options are endless!

—Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier

 

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Now that the summer is officially fading (sad, we know), it’s time to step up our fall decor game—what better decor style to channel than fan-favorite farmhouse chic? We took a deep dive into Amazon’s webiverse and found some pretty amazing deals and steals (a gorgeous pillow below is just $11!). So if you’re like us and want to spruce up your home with some autumn spirit (with a healthy bent towards white-washed items and natural fibers), check out the below and snag this fall decor that can be on your farm-inspired doorstep in two-days flat.

Ticking & Faux Leather Pillow

blue and white pillow with faux leather accent
via Amazon

Ticking (the durable blue and white stripe fabric traditionally found on mattresses and bedding) gets a modern update with a faux leather accent. Available in five colors, this 18" x 18" pillow is such a steal you can outfit an entire bench or sofa with these decorative cushions.

Buy it on Amazon, $11.

Set of Faux Potted Plants

via Amazon

Quite possibly our favorite find on Amazon, these versatile faux potted plants come in a handy tray and work as a centerpiece (as shown above) for when you have guests over, or you can break up the set and use them to decorate around the house (and use the tray for collecting letters or wayward keys), or keep them together and put them in the windowsill—adding a touch of greenery to your life without the commitment of keeping something else alive. 

Get them on Amazon, $29.

Speckled Jug Set

via Amazon

Collections are a farmhouse decor staple. Whether you want to add to a current collection or use these as your starter set, these multi-purpose ceramics can be filled with flowers from the yard or elegantly styled on a bookshelf.

This set of 3 is available at Amazon for $37.

Assorted Harvest White Artificial Gourds & Pumpkins

fall decor on amazon
via Amazon

This mix of white pumpkins and gourds will match any style of fall decor. Made from high-quality dense foam, the gourd and pumpkin set comes in an off-white color that can be kept as-is or be painted if you're super crafty! Can you ever have enough pumpkins come autumn? We think not.

Snag a box of 12 from Amazon for just $24.

Vintage Galvanized Metal Milk Jug Planter

via Amazon

Rustic decor is at home during the fall season, and this galvanized metal milk jug is the perfect place to add some faux florals. Dried lavender, cotton buds, sprigs of eucalyptus or strands of berries would bring the perfect festive vibe.

This is currently on sale at Amazon, for $15 when you apply the coupon!

Faux Cotton Stems

faux floral cotton stem
via Amazon

Nothing is more low maintenance than faux florals and these dried-cotton stems add the perfect amount of rustic and fall-inspired look while being neutral enough to match any style.

Purchase 15 bolls (8 stems) for $10 right now on Amazon.

White Washed Crates

via Amazon

Stuff with blankets or pumpkins, or set in a corner for a fall vignette––these handy crates are both functional and decorative. 

Grab a set of three for $55 on Amazon.

Welcome Sign

via Amazon

This wood sign hits all the farmhouse elements we love—a bit of rustic ribbon, some black and white buffalo check, a touch of fans eucalyptus that results in a warm welcome for family and friends.

Available on Amazon for $14.

Happy Harvest Pillow

via Amazon

Soften up your fall look with some comfy and themed throw pillows. Whether you like buffalo check, solids or cute printed designs like this Happy Harvest farmhouse version, there are tons of pillow options to check out.

This 18" x 18" pillow is only $6 on Amazon.

Pip Berry Wreath

via Amazon

Nothing says a change of seasons like a new wreath added to the front door. This grapevine and faux pip berry wreath can be personalized with your choice of ribbon and your choice of scent!

Get yours on Amazon for $87.

Gray & White Plaid Throw Blanket

via Amazon

The return of fall means relaxing on the couch with a cozy blanket and a good book. This gray and cream plaid throw blanket is neutral enough to match almost any decor style while still giving off that warm feel.

Find this throw blanket on Amazon for $23.

Gather Welcome Doormat

doormat
via Amazon

This durable, non-slip doormat made of coconut coir fibers is warm and welcoming for anyone that shows up at your door—and helps keep dust and dirt at bay. 

Purchase yours on Amazon for $20.

Can’t get enough of the farmhouse look? Check out more farmhouse decor finds on Amazon.

––Karly Wood with Andie Huber

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Most shoppers make a quick pit-stop in the garden section before heading inside on their Trader Joe’s run, and you’ll definitely want to now that fall products are arriving. On a trip this weekend, our editors spied a spooky and sweet new succulent: baby toe’s!

Known officially as Fenestraria Rhopalophyllathese potted succulents grow in individual stems that look oddly enough like adorable baby toes that you love to nibble. The pretty plants come in brightly colored porcelain pots and are perfect for the spooky season (because baby toes not attached to a baby foot are the stuff of nightmares).

The petite plant is easy to care for, just needing a lot of sun and water when the soil becomes dry. You can also easily propagate if you’d like a total garden of baby toes, which could be the ideal way to scare your neighbors this Halloween.

You’ll find the potted succulents in the usual garden section of your local Trader Joe’s during the fall season for less than $5.

––Karly Wood

 

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A pop of greenery is just what you need right now—trust us! And you won’t have to add yet another thing to your to-do list as these plants will totally survive if you forget about them for the next two weeks. Get one delivered to your home today, or send one to a friend for a housewarming gift!

The Sill

Bird of Paradise—with its broad vibrant green leaves, this tropical plant really delivers on the summer vibes! It’s great for outdoor patio and porch spaces, too. $57

The Sill

Summer Succulent—A colorful mix of hens and chicks (Sempervivum), this succulent requires bright light but little else, making it perfect for anyone traveling this summer. $45

The Sill

Philodendron Birkin—Sought after just like the bag it shares a name with – this unique hybrid houseplant has lush green leaves with white/yellow pinstripes. $48

The Sill

Monstera Adansonii—A fun, quirky plant! Related to the popular Monstera deliciosa, the leaves of the Adansonii are slightly smaller but with even more pronounced leaf holes. $40

The Sill

String of BananasString of Dolphins—Two unique trailing succulents perfect for summer. Drought tolerant, they only look difficult to care for. $34

The Sill

Philodendron Prince of Orange—Low maintenance like most philodendrons, yet unique in its leaf color, which changes from bright orange to green as the leaf matures. $43

Bloomscape

Pet-Peromia Collection—This too-cute threesome of pet-friendly peperomia plants will look lovely on a windowsill or in your office. $69

Bouqs

Oasis Snake Plant—Sssspice up your life with this sleek snake plant. Upright green and yellow leaves are known for promoting focus and helping boost your memory. This plant purifies the air, reduces allergens and is low maintenance. $59

Bouqs

Desert Love—This set of two Hoya hearts basically shouts, “Life would succ without you!” Potted in sweet lil’ cement planters with pink rocks, these babies live for bright sunlight. We love this sweetheart’s heart-shaped leaves. $44

—Kate Loweth

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What do you get when you combine one of the most popular plants with comedic TV classic? A Golden Girls Mini Ceramic Planter with an artificial succulent potted inside!

Forget about boring faux ferns and other indoor plants. This top Amazon pick is the perfect choice for any Golden Girls fan. The sculpted ceramic planter features none other than Sophia’s face—over-sized glasses and all.

Not only do you get a Sophia-sized planter pot with this purchase, it also comes with the succulent. Don’t worry if you’re not exactly a plant-care whiz. The contents of this sweet ceramic 3D sculpture won’t require a green thumb. The succulent is 100 percent fake, making this decorative item a no-fuss, no-muss choice for the busy Golden Girl-loving plant parent.

Find the Golden Girls Mini Ceramic Planter for $17.99 on Amazon here!

—Erica Loop

 

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If you grew up binge watching rom-coms then you may remember How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. The movie has many memorable moments but none so much as the “love fern.” Now you can have your very own fern inspired by the flick. 

If you haven’t seen the movie, here’s a quick rundown. Advice columnist, Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), sets out to write a piece about how to get a man to leave you in 10 days while Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey) bets his friends he can make any woman fall for him in 10 days. When they meet, both plans backfire.

Andie leaves the fern at Ben’s apartment to stake her claim, after only a few days of dating. Benjamin freaks out and subsequently winds up killing the “love fern” which doesn’t go over so well, as you can imagine. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson)

Now Urban Stems is partnering with Hudson’s King St. Vodka to launch their limited edition collaboration, The Love Fern. 

Love Fern

UrbanStems x King St. Love Fern ($55) is a potted Blue Bell fern which comes with a King St. Vodka mister for easy watering.  

This gift is the perfect gift for your spirit-loving Galentine or Valentine. Each Love Fern comes with a unique 15% discount code for King St. Vodka on ReserveBar.com.

Cue up How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and here’s to hoping your “love fern” fares better than Andie’s! 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Urban Stems

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This year, decorating for the holidays is even easier. Walmart is helping customers bring their favorite traditions home without ever having to head out to the store. This holiday season, Walmart will hang your lights, or deliver a live Christmas tree right to your doorstep.

Christmas

The service doesn’t end at trees. If you desire holiday greenery, poinsettias or an amaryllis, Walmart has it covered. 

To have the perfect Christmas tree delivered, just go on the website, chose your tree and set a delivery time. Customers can also select whether they’d like a fresh-cut tree or a potted option in sizes ranging from 3 feet tall to 9 feet tall. All you need to do is decorate!

Do you feel like Clark Griswold when it comes to hanging the Christmas lights? Walmart, in partnership with Handy, will hang your lights for you. Don’t worry if you don’t have lights. Lights of every variety are available on Walmart.com and can be purchased alongside an installation.

To get lights installed, simply add Christmas Lights Installation Service to your cart. After checkout, Handy will reach out via email to schedule an installation appointment. You just need to supply the lights, clips or anchors, and extension cords. Once that’s done, a professional will complete the installation.

For $129 in single-story homes and $199 in two-story homes, Walmart ensures all of the joy with none of the hassle. As a bonus, having the lights taken down is only $99 for a single-story home and $159 for two-story homes.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Dana Tentis from Pexels

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If it just doesn’t seem like the holidays without the fresh scent of Christmas tree in your house, we have the list for you! These Christmas tree farms and nurseries around Phoenix, Arizona offer fresh-cut Christmas trees in all sizes from mini to 10-feet tall. Head on over to choose the perfect one!

Valley View Christmas Trees
For over 40 years, this farm has imported fresh-from-Oregon Christmas trees to the delight of families all over town. Stop by and pick out your tree to take home with you or have it delivered. You may even find Santa there when you visit! You can reserve your tree online to make sure you get the one you want. 

3165 E Guadalupe Rd
Gilbert, AZ
Online: valleyviewchristmastrees.org

Tolmachoff Farms
Note: Website not yet updated for 2020. This four-generation family farm offers Douglas, Grand and Noble firs for purchase. You can make a day of it with chickens to visit, s'mores to eat and Santa to visit while you are there.

5726 N. 75th Ave.
Glendale, AZ
Dates: Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Dec. 24 when they close at 5 p.m.
Online: tolmachoff-farms.com

Whitfill Nursery
With three locations to choose from, you are guaranteed to find the perfectly-sized tree to fit your home this holiday season. Buy one that's already cut or go green and choose a potted version to plant in your yard when the holidays are over.

2647 E. Southern Avenue
Phoenix, AZ

824 E. Glendale Avenue
Phoenix, AZ

820 N. Cooper Road
Gilbert, AZ
Online: whitfillnursery.com

Moon Valley Nurseries
This spot has a number of locations around Phoenix and typically has pre-cut as well as live, potted Christmas trees for purchase. If you have your heart set on a potted tree, order yours in advance online.

You can find all of their locations here.
Online: moonvalleynurseries.com

Seasonal Farms
You may know these spots as offering pumpkins in the fall months, they also offer Oregon and Wisconsin Christmas trees for sale in December. Varieties include Noble, Grand, Nordmann and Douglas Fir as well as Christmas wreaths for your front door.

1819 N 99th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ

700 N. Higley Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
Online: seasonalfarms.com

 

—Kate Loweth

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To all the moms whose kids don’t ever sit still, I know your day is long.

I understand that these are the longest days you have ever known in your life, and you are hanging on by your teeth. Dad’s, you’re in it too, I know. There seems no reprieve from the endless drawl of open time, and the little ones don’t play by themselves for very long. At least the ones who don’t ever sit still. And if they are sitting still panic shoots through your chest in the realization that trouble is afoot. They have found the flour in the pantry and have decorated the living room quietly. They have unearthed your poor potted plant from its cage and released it into the wild nature of the bathroom. Granted, the bathroom does have wall hangings of flowers and leaves stenciled in patches, and the toilet wand is in the shape of a small tree, a gag gift given by a friend at some point that seemed a shame to waste. The kids can be smart, you can’t blame your budding conservationist for seeing the connection there, and wanting your sweet house plant to be in its rightful place.  

Let’s be honest. The bubbles poured all over the air hockey table in the basement was pure genius. You only wished you had been in the room when your little Einstein turned it on to see if the air would make the bubbles blow. It did, making one tiny three-year-old face light up with great joy. It almost didn’t matter that the wood surface of the hockey game was already swollen and ruined by the time your oldest child reported the misdeed. These are the confusing things with our children who don’t ever sit still. They destroy every ounce of peace, and most of our furniture, but they curate such love and admiration at the same time, you almost break in half every single day trying to parent them. They are amazing and infuriating, and they don’t ever sit still.

I know absurd things are coming out of your mouth these days, things that make you stop and ask yourself if you really just said that? Did you really spend ten minutes convincing your toddler that they can’t wear the same jammies four days in a row and then sleep in them again? I mean, three days is the limit. Or challenge your preschooler during “gymnastics” time to a pushup competition and then cheer when you won, and they lost? Because just dipping your tummy doesn’t count, you have to bend your arms! And should you be worried? No, probably not. Quarantine is an alternate universe that knows no time or space or specific dictations on how to set appropriate rules or boundaries with children who don’t ever sit still.

When your kid is jumping from the couch to the coffee table and back, cheer them on. When they run circles around the room, throw on a backpack with a few books in it, so they get some heavy sensory work out of it. When they are carving your kitchen table with a fork because you forced them to sit for lunch instead of gnawing on a cheese stick as they wander around bugging the other children, calmly hand them one of the dozens of amazon boxes stacking up in your recycling to destroy. Someday you will look back fondly at that table and think, I remember that day of quarantine 2020. That was hell. Then vow to carve up the table when all this craziness is over and keep that one piece of wood that has your kids’ artwork, albeit angry and maniacal slash line art, but still, your little one made it. Put it in their baby box for future fun. Or is this one of those things we say in quarantine that makes you wonder, is this okay? Should I be worried? Nah, it’s just a table, right?

It may not help you right now, but it’s worth it to say that children who don’t ever sit still are the ones who will dig in and work the hardest on their passions. They are the ones who will put endless hours into their families when they grow up. They are the ones who will run the longest in a race and cheer everyone on and hold everyone up because they have the energy to do it. They are the ones who will take every ounce of your energy to parent them, and drain you and climb on you, need more from you than you think you can give, and then refuse to go to bed at night.

They will wake up early as hell and make you dream of swimming in coffee, infusing it directly into your pores because you are so damn tired, and there is nowhere else for them to go. Nowhere else for you to go. Know that you are not parenting in vain. The key is to sink in when you want to run. Let go when you want to force your way. Hug tight when you want to scream. And when you think you can’t give another inch, remember you always have the bathroom with the houseplant in it because no one ever really cleaned that up yet.

Have a seat and take a breath, read one page of a magazine, bring some chocolate that you stole out of your wildest kids candy stash, and tell yourself you are a great mom. You are a great dad. As long as your kids know they are loved, they will be just fine. Your house may need a few touch-ups at the end of all of this, but paint is a magical thing. In the meantime, Godspeed. Keep going, and remember this one truth: there is always time for a dance party in quarantine. Alexa, play some gangster rap, please.

 

 

 

Krissy Dieruf is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, loves to sing and dance around the house and has a soft spot for rebels and crazy hair.