Posted in Going Green

I wanted to send a apology that I did not get this post done earlier this week. An explanation will follow below the post. Thanks for your patience!

FREE Garden Ornaments that Help Save the Earth

Each week as I make my rounds for errands, I notice a lot of things at the curb. I am one of those people who seeks those things out. What I have noticed is how much really usable stuff people place at their curbside! Many times there are dressers, hutches, desks, toys, etc that are in useable shape (only needing a quick wash down). I am honestly amazed at how much stuff people just cast to the landfills. This is what I pay attention to when I am driving. Well, not only then because just last night I was on my walk, I called home with bursting excitement! I asked the hubby to come and pick up one of those big wooden cable spools that the cable company had left behind. I was so excited at the possibilities! Yes, this is where my mindset is often.

There are other items that you would normally probably pass over and think, "TRASH!" Think again! Some of those not so wonderful items may be used for a different purpose. Here I go again with the re-purposing, right? YES!

Gardens are a great place display not so great items. I am not talking making your place look like Sanford & Sons. Be selective. Old metal tonka trucks, with a bit of rust on them, can look darling placed properly in a flower bed (I am ready to do this with a garden I am allowing the kids to plant!) Metal wagons stuffed with potted plants look so friendly! Old disacrded planters can be used even if they are cracked. Simply lay them on their side and fill with some type of crawling plant. even old bathtubs can be used as a main focal piece in a garden, also filled with flowers. How cool is that?

I have seen gardens that use the metal head and foot boards of toddler beds for garden decor. VERY CUTE! An old piece of fencing would also make a great addition to a garden. Iron lawn and patio pieces are PERFECT for garden accents! Even an old style rusted bicycle would make a great garden accent when positioned just right. I could go on and on!

The reason these imperfect items that may not be of use in any other way are perfect for gardens, is because their deterioration is of no consequence. They can stay in the elements and will continue to look wonderful. Garden centers have become HUGE! The sell all kinds of garden decor to spruce up your garden. Skip the garden center and find the perfect compliments to your garden for FREE!

This helps you keep your money  in your wallet (where it belongs) AND saves the earth too! It's that simple.

These are my thoughts.

Where have I been? What has been keeping me so busy that I haven't been able to keep my blog schedule? Well if you have spent anytime at the Journey to Simplicity you know that I have been working tirelessly to provide a new website for YOU! After a few months of banging my head against my monitor there are three new websites created to help bless you.

First is the NEW Journey to Simplicity. This site will be the new main location for my posts, so please adjust your book marks. But don't worry if you forget, because the old journey will still be up and stand as the mirror site to the New Journey to Simplcity! I am really excited at how much I will be able to offer YOU as I continue to work on that site! Make sure to sign up for the FREE E-Zine!

Secondly, is the Simple Journey Bookstore. We just had our Grand Opening, and I have been WOWED by the response to say the least! Currently there are 4 titles available, with more on the way from other authors and 6 NEW Titles from me that will be on a rolling release schedule with the next title being released in just a few weeks! One more upcoming add on to the site will be FREE articles for YOU! So stop by the Simple Journey Bookstore and visit for a while.

Lastly, I receive a lot of emails regarding me as a person. I also have be-friended some truly wonderful authors who have such a vast area of knowledge I wanted a place to be able to be more personal and showcase some of their work. So Simple Journey Ministries finally has its own site! This is SO exciting for me! YOU MUST continue to check back often so YOU can grab all your FREE support and encouragement...OH and lots of smiles and laughs too!

A special thanks to all my readers and friends who have been so patient with me throughout this process and provided me so much encouragement. It has meant the world to me!

Leslie Valeska is the lucky wife of Thomas.  With children ranging in ages from 4-16, she has had a lot of time to learn and experience much of the fine art of homemaking. Prior to their move to SW Florida, Leslie was graduated from Bethany College with a B.A. in Education and co-founded, A Child’s Place CASA, Ltd.; a non-profit organization which advocates for the rights of abused and neglected children in court.  Currently, Leslie homeschools her children, writes weekly for Homesteadblogger’s Front Porch, and is also a seamstress for Vintage Vixen, one of the oldest online vintage clothing shops. When time permits she enjoys reading, writing, hockey, scrapbooking, painting, sewing, cooking, and watching old movies, and always has time to hang out with her family and friends. She and her family have a passion for hockey and also spend much time RVing. Simple Journey Ministries was established as a ministry to assist and encourage women, from all walks of life, to engage and continue on a path of Godly Womanhood. For FREE daily tips on simple and frugal living visit her blog Journey to Simplicity. Want to get to know her up close and personal and be notified of all the NEW releases, updates, SALES, events, and GOODIES from other authors, as well as find a good dose of support and encouragement, then visit Simple Journey Ministries. Of course, don’t forget to visit the Simple Journey Bookstore!