In The Know: OMG! My Daughter Just Got Her License! Now What??

"Hey Mom, where are the car keys? I am going to practice, then over the Megan's to study."

We have all heard the words - it never gets easier. Being a parent of a teen driver is most likely one of the most terrifying experiences that you go through. I have four girls and two of them are in their twenties and have had their license for several years, and yes - I still worry! She will ALWAYS be your five year old in pigtails - it is IMPOSSIBLE that she is backing out of the driveway right now. (I could totally relate to this guy....but not his choice in vehicles:) You NEVER stop worrying.

You do your best to establish rules, guidelines and expectations. You lecture, lecture, lecture about the use of cell phones, not wearing seatbelts, having too many people in the car, etc., until you are blue in the face. You show them horrific videos of teen driver/drunk driving car accidents (yes, readers - I show my girls these videos, because I would rather scare them NOW rather than having an officer at my door giving me the live version of a Mother's worst nightmare LATER.)

What has helped me through the years? Educating and arming myself with ideas and resources to help them and being the best role model I can be while they are in the car with me.  

So as we dive into the beginnings of prom night/graduation parties/summer fun, let's make sure to arm ourselves as parents and once AGAIN, take the time to have the discussion of safe driving with our kids. You may get the infamous eyeroll, the sigh, the "Jeez, Mom, AGAIN, really??!!" But aren't they worth it?

Perhaps these great resources will help you, as they have me.

How safe is your Lexus?

Watch Videos of Kansas Teen Driving



http://www.safercar.gov/parents/driving.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/Teen_Drivers/

http://www.nhtsa.gov/Teen-Drivers

A GARDEN OF IDEAS FOR SPRING

So the weekend came and went (way too fast we think!) and you missed the Johnson County Home and Garden show! Not to worry, we've got you covered! Check out these gorgeous ideas for your spring projects around the house. And just for fun, we thought we would show you some ABSOLUTELY STUNNING lawns for inspiration. Who needs Joe Gardener anyway?

What a beautiful idea for a Welcome sign for your front door! A trip to Michaels or Hobby Lobby for the chalkboard and some fresh pink and white roses and peonies and lush greenery of your choice from Tobler's and you are all set!

This Kansas City legend is known for beautifying the Plaza streets with HUGE colorful hanging baskets.  Rosehill Gardens projects range in size from planting a single shrub or tree through our elegant Garden Center in Martin City, to designing and installing everything from patios, walls, water features, and outdoor kitchens for your enjoyment.  To complement your exterior design they provide top quality plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers to give you the outdoor environment you’ve always dreamed of!

Picture yourself  having your morning coffee on this beautiful deck. I would never want to leave! Whether you prefer cedar, composite or hardwood - All Weather Decks can bring you several choices of designs and styles to suit every homeowners needs.

When it comes to backyard dreams, tens of thousands of U.S. homeowners have trusted the familiar “diving lady” symbol—making Blue Haven the local swimming pool builder / pool contractor of choice. Now this is living!

Creating this beautiful hardscape is easy when you follow the steps that Creative Outdoors provides you here.

Their roots are in growing plants – and at Family Tree Nursery they continue to grow the very best bedding plants in the area. Their bedding plants look better because they’re grown better – they grow almost every bedding plant they sell at their own greenhouses. They travel nationwide scouting trial gardens and test sites to uncover the best varieties for tough growing conditions and continually push to grow them bigger and better. With several locations across the metro - it's easy to start growing your beautiful garden today.

Nothing gives your home a look of welcoming warmth like good outside lighting. It's glow draws you in and invites you to stay a while. A great way to enhance your backyard and garden area, is by installing outdoor lighting around your property. It also dramatically increases property values! Talk to the experts at Lights and Design by Dan in Kansas City today for ideas and all your outdoor lighting needs.

Their the guys in the red trucks. You see them everywhere. They are Ryan Lawn and Tree (and the author of this blog uses them every year and they are AMAZING. Their attention to detail and care is second to none. They are professional and communicative.  My lawn has never looked better.


So there you have it. Several vendors right here in Kansas City that can make your lawn and garden look amazing! For more vendors that exhibited at the Johnson County Home and Garden show click here.

PS. Here are a few photos of our favorite lawns and gardens across the country - ENJOY!