4 Tips to Make Fall Cleanup Enjoyable

 I received products for review. No other compensation was given. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Have you seen those beautiful colors outside? Wow! God is the most amazing artist! Too bad the gorgeous leaves do not last longer. Before we know it, they are scattered all over the place, and it is our job to clean them all up. Instead of thinking of this as a bummer chore that you have to do each fall, how about enjoying the process and getting it done easier?

• Did you know that the design of the basic rake hasn’t changed for more than 100 years? Until now! I just received the awesome Groundskeeper II rake, which features unique wire-like tines that are adept at grabbing and gathering leaves with a single pass, and the head is 21 inches wide for quickly cleaning a large yard. Because of the aggressive angle of the tines, using the rake requires little or no downward pressure. You can stand straight up while using the rake, thereby reducing the pressure on your back and making the job easier. Whoa! Dare I say life-changer?

• While you are raking with this awesome new rake, enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of fall - squirrels chirping, birds singing, geese honking as they fly south, the intricacy of the very leaves you are raking. It makes a difference when you are looking for things to appreciate instead of things to complain about. Don't forget - since the Groundskeeper II weighs in at less than two pounds, is super durable and takes the pain out of raking, you will naturally be enjoying this chore more. Find yours at http://www.best-rake-ever.com.

• Once you rake up all those leaves, now it is time to jump, jump, jump. It is easy to act like a kid when you have kids. But, even if you don't have little ones running around, you can still act like a kid. Rake up a big leaf pile and jump away. I bet you will be smiling and laughing and making great memories!

• Now, how about using those leaves to benefit your gardens and trees by turning the yard and kitchen waste into rich, natural fertilizer? Ever tried a compost pile? We have. But it is pretty ugly. Now, we are using the Compost Sak, which is a bag made of breathable fabric, which allows air flow to the contents inside the bag, and aeration promotes the microbial activity that is the key to successful composting. As you can see below, it looks a lot nicer than our current compost pile, plus it keeps away critters and can be transported easier. Just fill the bag, which is 30 inches wide and 38 inches tall, so it comfortably holds up to 100 gallons of yard waste, with yard waste and kitchen scraps, mix it around a bit with a broom handle or long-handled tool, and let it turn into fertilizer. The Compost Sak is cheaper than other compost bins at only $39.95. Find it at garden center stores and online at http://smartpot.com/compostsak/html/buy_sak.html.

Time to turn these chores into a joyful time to enjoy nature and all it offers us!