Columbia High Senior named News 19 Student of the Week
Have you ever heard the saying, 'I don't know how she does it all.'?
Mill Creek Elementary second grader named News 19 Student of the Week
Well, that certainly comes to mind when you think of Karen. She has been able to accomplish so much in her lifetime, from being an honor student to graduating from Calhoun Community College at the same time she graduates high school.
If that didn't seem hard enough, she has held a job at Walmart for almost 3 years now as well.
'She really is so deserving, you won girl. I mean for as hard as she works and the time she puts in for her future, I couldn't think of anyone better to be nominated for this,' said one of her best friends.
Not everyone is blessed to have a support system like Karen, but with her heart and drive, sometimes people feel drawn to her! Karen hopes to become a Mechanical Engineer one day, and she wants to travel and explore the world to broaden her knowledge even more.
While Karen is super special to her teachers and students at the school, she is also pretty special to us here at News 19! Her sister, Karrington Earle produces our 4 o'clock newscast. She is a good big sister and role model because both of them are outstanding individuals.In a few short weeks, Karen will walk through the halls of Columbia High one last time, but we know the legacy she leaves behind will remain.
If you would like to nominate a student of the week email us at studentoftheweek@whnt.com and tune in every Thursday at 6 am, 6 pm and 10 pm to see who made the grade!
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
06-08-2025
- Buzz Feed
If You Want To Actually Enjoy Your Backyard This Summer, Here Are 20 Products To Transform Your Space
A privacy screen for chain-link fencing, because nobody wants to feel like they're starring in The Truman Show when they're lounging around in their own backyard. These wind-resistant screens will allow you the freedom to dine outside, do your yard work, or just relax without Karen from next door *loudly* proclaiming her distaste for your landscaping style. Oh, and it might keep your dog from barking at her, too. Out of sight, out of mind. ✌️ Or a screen disguised as climbing ivy if you'd like a heaping side of ~beautification~ with your privacy. Not only will these expandable sheets block your outdoor space from nosy neighbors and busy streets, but they'll also cover unsightly chainlink with a far more aesthetically pleasing faux-ivy look. A colorful hammock with a steel stand, so even if you don't have two trees to hang it between, you can still move your Facebook browsing from the living room the great outdoors. The stand can support up to 450 pounds, and the actual hammock is made of 100 percent cotton for equal parts durability and comfort. Some shatterproof, waterproof Edison bulb string lights that'll turn your patio into your very own outdoor bistro — in any weather. And I do mean any weather. These strong, plastic bulbs survived not one, but two tornadoes at my parents' house. And they still continue to emit a beautiful, warm glow that makes me want to brave that unpredictable midwestern climate and actually spend some time outside. Some interlocking teak tiles to cover up that hideous concrete "patio" that your landlord insists is an amenity worth charging for. And even though they cost way less than what a contractor would charge for a permanent reno, they still look expeennnnsive. 🤑 These weather-proof tiles are perfect for renters, too — they're easy to install *and* remove, so you can disassemble your handiwork and take it on to the next place. A bug-zapping lamp with a super bright light that'll attract all those pesky mosquitoes — and then give 'em a deadly shock as soon as they touch it. This thing starts working as soon as it's plugged in, and you'll get up to half an acre of bug-protection from a single lamp. Reviewers are loving this product so much that one person even wrote it a poem. Or some mosquito repellent incense that's got citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary if you prefer a more natural, less lethal approach to your bug problem. Just light some of these bad boys up, blow out the flame after about 15 seconds of burn time, and enjoy a mosquito-free afternoon on the porch. A set of magical, mini decorations that'll take your regular old garden from a boring plot of dirt to a fairy-filled paradise. (Fairidise?) This set comes with 109 pieces, like mushrooms and animals, so you and your kiddos can enchant your yard to your heart's content. An HD projector to turn your backyard into a private movie theater and take your laptop or phone viewing to the big screen. This projector has built-in speakers, but if that's still not enough for you, it's Bluetooth compatible, too — so you can hook it up to whatever speakers you'd like to. Yep, including headphones. Not trying to get an 'excessive noise' HOA violation over my Love Island marathon, thanks! A rust-resistant bistro table and chair set that'll add a pop of color to even the blandest outdoor space. Even if you only have a teeny, tiny balcony to call a "backyard," this cute set will make you want to actually spend time in it. This set comes with two chairs, a table (all foldable for easy storing!), and the best part? There's no assembly required. Some magical, fire-coloring packets that you can just toss into the firepit to convince your children that you're an all-powerful wizard who can control flames. 🧙♂️ Or you could explain the science of chemical reactions to them. But there's really no fun in that. An itty-bitty beach chair with a built-in sisal scratchpad for your furry friend so that they can join in on your relaxing staycation. Plus, it'll fit right in with the rest of your patio furniture (unlike other outdoor pet beds). Some Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, a fast-acting fertilizer for evening out your "camo grass," aka those unsightly pale splotches that can come from excessive foot traffic, drought, or even dog pee. No matter what caused these blotchy blemishes — after applying Lawn Food (and ensuring your yard gets the hydration it deserves), the grass *can* actually be greener on your side. A battery-powered, under-the-umbrella light that'll illuminate all the activities taking place on your outdoor table. How is your family's chaotic game of Uno supposed to go on if Dad can't tell the difference between a blue card and a red card once the sun goes down? That's right, it can't. Luckily, with this genius little light, you can win the game fair and square — even if it takes all night. Some ceramic plant labels to make sure the herb garden you worked so hard to cultivate gets the attention it deserves. Reviewers can't stop repurchasing these, and it's for good reason, too. These oversized garden markers are made from hand-rolled and cut clay, making each one completely (and gorgeously) unique. A cedar birdhouse with a predator guard above the entrance, because birdwatching with the kids is so much a raccoon treats itself to an egg sandwich, and you suddenly have to explain the circle of life to a devastated little Suzy. Plus, these bird houses are so enticing to feathery friends that reviewers who have never seen bluebirds in their yard before report nests being built within a week of putting a house up. Or a 12-pack of paint-and-decorate birdhouse kits for a more DIY approach. Each individually packaged kit comes with everything you need for a fun and crafty activity with your kiddos (or a paint and sip with the besties): two birdhouses, paint, a brush, and a sheet of stickers. And after the activity is done, you'll have your very own backyard gallery of one-of-a-kind birdhouses. Orrrr a bat house to prove that you're way cooler than your birdhouse-having neighbors, and so you support some of the most misunderstood, endangered creatures on earth. Bats, despite their spooky reputation, actually play a huge role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem as pollinators and pest controllers. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, one bat can actually eat up to 3,000 insects per night — so if you find your vegetable garden in particularly good health this year, you might owe your local bat colony a huuuuge "THANK YOU!" And what better way to express your gratitude than to literally buy them a house? You get a flourishing yard and some cool new neighbors you can show off to your friends, and the bats get a safe place to rest and an all-you-can-eat buffet of bugs that would otherwise wreak havoc on your plants. It's a win-win! A misting fan attachment that'll finally let you live your dream of being a piece of broccoli in the grocery store's fresh produce section. Plus, if the only reason you're staying inside is because you get hot AF the second you step outside, this thing will keep you cool with a consistent spray of refreshing mist so you can enjoy the great longer than a few minutes. And lastly, a picnic basket with a blanket, an insulated cooler, two sets of stainless steel cutlery, two plastic wineglasses, a bottle opener, AND salt and pepper shakers. If you're anything like me, the idea of a picnic sounds *amazing* but actually eating on the ground where the bugs are sounds...a little less amazing. And this basket actually has a pretty darn good solution to that problem: the lid of the basket turns into an elevated table, so you can keep the creepy crawlies away from your precious tiramisu and actually enjoy the experience of outside dining.
Buzz Feed
02-08-2025
- Buzz Feed
27 Amazon Furniture Items That Have Great Reviews
A five-tier open storage shoe rack to stop everyone from falling over the rogue shoes in the entryway. It's super narrow so it's great for tiny apartments and isn't a boring eyesore like other basic shoe racks. It can hold around 16 pairs of most size shoes (it can hold slightly fewer shoes if they are larger sizes).Promising review: "Great product! I am impressed with the quality of the whole package. Design, sturdiness, ease of assembly, good instructions included." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $39.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors; also available in a 4-tier version) A wicker papasan swivel chair made for curling up in. It looks like the perfect reading chair to me, but I also wouldn't blame you if you took a nap in it. Promising review: "Absolutely love this chair! The cushion is very comfortable- great for sinking in to read, watch TV, play on the Wii, or even nap if you are shorter like me. My nieces and nephew climbed all over it and it didn't break, very sturdy. It even spins completely, which was a happy surprise. Worth the money!" —Karen Price: $153.70+ (available in 15 colors) Or an outdoor hanging chaise lounge complete with an umbrella to keep you shaded. This chair + you + your "to be read" pile = a match made in heaven. Promising review: "I love this chair. The navy blue matched our other patio furniture and looked awesome. I love that it swings. So relaxing. I find myself reading outside much more often. Also, reached out to customer service regarding a question, and they responded very quickly. I would definitely recommend this chair!" —aubreyPrice: $197.19+ (available in 15 colors) Speaking of TBR piles, a five-tier bookshelf because, if you're anything like me, your collection is simply totally out of control and you need somewhere to organize your 435 unread books. Promising review: "I was looking around for a bookshelf for my under-the-stairs reading nook, and I came across this one. It was so easy to assemble; it took no time at all. I love the look of it, and it's very sturdy to hold all my books and decorations." —TiaPrice: $158.99+ (available in four colors) A wood-topped kitchen cart for those who are desperately craving some more counter space. Plus, you can wheel it wherever you need it to be! Promising review: "This kitchen cart is exactly what I was looking for — good storage and added workspace while still looking nice and easily tucking out of the way. It has clean, classic lines, sturdy construction, and serious versatility. I feel it's a real steal for the price, and I know I'll get a lot of use out of it. Overall, it's a great piece for a great price. I'm a happy customer!" — Price: $267.99+ (available in four colors) An electric, adjustable-height standing desk because if you're still working from home (read: your bed) it's about time you get an actual desk. Plus, you can place a walking pad underneath this game-changing desk, meaning you can get your steps in while sending your emails. Promising review: "It is sturdy which is exactly what I had been looking for, when erasing something it won't move at all. All the parts were included, and it fits just right in my room. The color is amazing and it is long enough to have my computer, an ipad and some papers. Extremely comfortable and it took about 2 hours to build but directions were clear so it was not too hard." —SolPrice: $94.99+ (available in six sizes and seven colors) A dining room buffet cupboard with two cabinets and room for nine wine bottles. It's so stylish and versatile that you can use it to store your tableware or as a bar cart. Promising review: "Very sturdy. Great quality. It looks great in my dining room, which we recently remodeled. Compared to others, this is exceptionally priced." —Amazon Customer Price: $139.99 (available in two colors) A vintage-inspired rattan sideboard for, let's face it, hiding away all of the things that don't really have a designated home. Reviewers say it's comparable to a more expensive designer piece, and it'll look so cute in any space. Promising review: "This piece was a beautiful addition to my small apartment. I am using it as a microwave stand, and a liquor cabinet below. I put it together by myself in less than two hours. It's modern and feels sturdy. Highly recommend!" —Lindsay AmosPrice: $159.99 (also available in the sizes/configurations) A stunning makeup vanity set complete with a lightbulb mirror because your life's a movie and you're the main character. There's plenty of storage space, and it even comes with a cushioned stool. Promising review: "I absolutely love this vanity! I have a bad back and this table is perfect to keep my back from hurting while standing to do my hair and makeup. Although I didn't place the lights in the exact place per instructions. It does provide ample light. I would definitely recommend this vanity to anyone." —P. KnightPrice: $79.99 (available in four colors) A wall-mounted medicine cabinet for storing all your bits and bobs. No more balancing your skincare and toothpaste on the edge of that already-cluttered (or nonexistent) bathroom counter. Promising review: "Absolutely love this cabinet; I assembled this on my own (50-year-old mom, aka Nanna). It was very easy; it only took me a couple of hours. It has a whole lot more storage than I had anticipated, very pleased!!!!! If you're trying to decide, trust me, you need to choose this one, you won't be sorry!!" —Karen KeithPrice: $66.99+ (available in eight colors and packs of two) A dining table, chairs, and bench set so you can gather 'round for an intimate dinner party, even in the smallest of spaces. To truly help you save room, the bench comes with shelf space on the bottom. Double-duty furniture at its finest! Promising review: "Don't let the shipping charges change your mind! Even with the cost of shipping, this is the perfect table setup, especially for an apartment or a studio! It's wonderfully made. The assembly is even easy for me! It's sturdy, and it looks great! It tucks away up against a wall nicely to allow for more space, then is easily pulled out when you need it for guests, dining, or work area! Literally, everybody who has walked into my apartment (even the apartment manager!) has exclaimed how much they love this table! Look no further, you've found what you have been searching for!" —Cindy GarrettPrice: $109.99+ (available in three finishes) A sectional sofa for all of your lounging needs. You can move the seats around every which way you like, and some of the seats even lift up to reveal some sneaky storage space. Promising review: "Absolutely loving this couch! It was easy to assemble and convenient to put into place. We've got three small dogs, and it's holding up amazingly well with them playing on it. The texture of the fabric doesn't show any dog nail marks, and it's been a breeze to wipe up. It did take a short while to break the cushions in for comfort because it's pretty stiff foam, but it's now super comfortable and I expect it to last us for years and years. I purchased the extended warranty and love the fact that if I have any issues with it, it's covered, and we can replace individual pieces if needed. The storage in each piece is what I've been searching for for years now!" —SusanPrice: $1,044.99+ (available in five sizes/syles and four colors) A live-edge wooden bench to give your space a nature-chic vibe in the most versatile way. Sit on it, store things on it, rest your feet on it — you can even use it as a coffee table, entryway seat, or at the foot of your bed. The best part? A lil' wear and tear will make it look *even* better. Promising review: "This table is heavy, strong, and easy to put together. It's not wimpy; it's solid. The legs are a strong metal made to support the weight of the wood. The wood is beautifully finished, smooth, and I love the live-edge look. It looks awesome on our patio. I'm very pleased with this purchase. Great value for the dollar!" —Carol $129.99+ (available in three sizes) A four-piece patio set because 'tis the season for backyard BBQs and garden get-togethers. There are two sofas, a storage box, and coffee tables that can also act as a stool, so you have basically everything you need to host your guests this summer. Promising review: "So thrilled with this furniture; clear assembly instructions and size is perfect for under a 10x10 gazebo! I did not expect the oh so comfy pillows!! Pleasant surprise. Also, this came with a cover so do not purchase one! Still don't know about durability but this is a perfect set for our needs. The box for cushions is very roomy and has a liner to keep them clean and dry. Highly recommend." —Amazon CustomerPrice: $379 (available in two colors) A round two-tier coffee table to give your living space some ~curve~ appeal. You can choose from four different finishes, so it can seamlessly blend in with your existing decor. Promising review: "Just what I was looking for. It warms a vacant spot, and my stacked coffee table books look awesome. I'm very happy with the purchase. Sturdy, yet lightweight, makes the table a great value 😊." —Julie A. CharettePrice: $159.99 (available in four colors) A floor lamp that'll help brighten things up without having to switch on the main light. It's dimmable and fully adjustable so you can choose the intensity based on your ~aesthetic.~ Promising review: "I've had this lamp for a little over a month now, and I was honestly surprised how great it is! It was super simple to put together, and the base is heavy enough so my cats never knock it over. I like the dimmable knob feature, which is easily accessible and so much classier than the lamps with a chain or a button. It really makes my apartment feel like home! 10 out of 10." —Andrea CareyPrice: $36.99+ (available in 14 colors) A classic console table for giving guests a stylish welcome in your entryway. It'll look its best when displayed with plant friends, candles, family photos, and all those coffee table books that you've no intention of ever reading. Promising review: "I am so pleased with this table. It is better than I expected. I bought the yellow table and it is as described: bright yellow and very sturdy. It was easy for my husband to put together. I would highly recommend." —GailPrice: $58.28+ (available in 16 colors) An industrial-style ladder shelf that'll store all of your favorite knick-knacks. It has a 4.7-star rating for its design and durability, so if you've been contemplating some new shelving, this is your sign to hit the purchase button. Promising review: "Metal is heavy duty. Cool industrial black. The shelves are super nice and don't scuff or dent easily! Fairly easy to put together! Super sturdy! Gives the perfect look I was going for! Don't hesitate to purchase; the quality is great!! I would rebuy in a heartbeat! I'm so glad I did!" —Just a PersonPrice: $109.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors) A faux leather futon sofa to bring in all of the luxury and glamor of a *real* leather couch without the price tag. It comes in loads of different colors and the ridged detailing gives it a little somethin' extra. Promising review: "It's not too hard for me, and not too soft for me. Li like that I can lower one arm rest to lay on it comfortably but also keep them off for just sitting. The size is great for my small space and the faux leather has a nice feel. My cats love sleeping on it too." —Daniel SederquistPrice: $170.99+ (available in seven colors) A rolling vintage-style bar cart because who says happy hour can only take place at a restaurant? It has mirrored shelves and storage space for bottles and glasses. Get ready to make summer Fridays even more exciting! Promising review: "Lovely gold color with mirrored shelves top and bottom. Plenty of storage to add all the essentials. Great product for the price!" —ChristylinPrice: $64.58+ (available in two sizes and three colors) A set of accent chairs to add some bold, shimmery color to your bedroom, dining space, or home office — basically, anywhere that you want to have a fancy chair. With plush velvet fabric and gold detailing, they look *so* much more expensive than they actually are. Promising review: "These chairs really add to the look of my dining area and match my navy cabinetry and other accents. The velvet is so soft — not all fake crunchy-feeling like some can be! Textures can bother me, but I love the feel of these. While cushioned, the chair is fairly firm and a bit narrow. An above-average-sized person might find these a bit snug. The gold tone is obviously a little fake, with a yellow-y look to it, but it's so low it blends fine with other shades of gold that I have in the room. Well packaged, easy to assemble, and great value!" —SatchesonPrice: $118.66+ (available in five colors) A china hutch that may actually have more storage than you have things. It's an incredibly versatile piece that reviewers use for tableware, mail, glasses, bottles, toys, wine, and more. Promising review: "The picture doesn't do the hutch justice. It's a beautiful piece of furniture. It's very sturdy. It's also got a lot of storage, which I was happy about. The labeling of pieces was easy to follow, and everything aligned correctly." —LegendPrice: $287.89+ (available in five colors) A velvet ottoman for sitting, storing, and everything in between. The plush fabric gives it a luxurious finish and reviewers say that it's extremely sturdy. Promising review: "I didn't quite know what to expect when I ordered this, you never know what you're going to get sometimes. When I open this I was amazed. The quality is awesome, the velvet is so soft. It's a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be which is exciting. It's actually comfortable to sit on. It's nice and sturdy as well. All around 100% love!" —Meg RaleyPrice: $35.99+ (available in two sizes and six colors) A television stand because it's *so* much more than just a resting place for your TV. There's a bunch of storage space inside and out, and it's easy on the eyes, too. Promising review: "I love my TV stand. It took me and a very helpful toddler about an hour and 30 minutes to assemble; I think it would be better with the help of another adult because if one piece breaks, the whole stand will be ruined. It's very sturdy and adds so much elegance to my living room. I love it!!!" —Noemi GarciaPrice: $140.99+ (available in four colors) A simple yet stylish side table to amp up your space in an instant. Reviewers say that it's really easy to assemble and feels pretty sturdy for displaying books, plants, and more. Promising review: "Nice little table that was extremely easy to put together and looks nice. It's a great height for right beside a couch or chair for decor or to put a mug on. It doesn't wobble and feels pretty sturdy. I would definitely recommend this product if you're looking for a simple side table!" —Emily JohnsonPrice: $36.99+ (available in nine colors and in sets of two) A set of dresser drawers since this is the year you stop throwing all of your clean laundry on top of THE chair. These ones are — spoiler alert — made from fabric and are extremely lightweight, but you can't tell me that they don't look just as good as wooden drawers. Promising review: "I've been looking for a dresser or storage unit for some time. I ordered this one not expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised by how much it can hold. If you're looking for storage that's not bulky but can hold a lot, this is it!" —Lynette WorthyPrice: $47.50+ (available in 18 colors) An upholstered platform bed frame aka the foundation of a great night's sleep. The tufted detailing on the headboard makes it look so chic and, according to the over 38,500 5-star reviews, it's very, very well made. Is it bedtime yet? Promising review: "Purchased this to replace my Ikea bed frame. The quality is good and does not make any noise, which is the reason I got rid of the Ikea frame. Assembly was super easy. My nephew and I tackled it in 30 mins. Bed now feels more comfortable and looks great." —Armando CastellanosPrice: $129.99+ (available in sizes twin–king and six colors)
Buzz Feed
01-08-2025
- Buzz Feed
20 Products To Transform Your Backyard This Summer
A privacy screen for chain-link fencing, because nobody wants to feel like they're starring in The Truman Show when they're lounging around in their own backyard. These wind-resistant screens will allow you the freedom to dine outside, do your yard work, or just relax without Karen from next door *loudly* proclaiming her distaste for your landscaping style. Oh, and it might keep your dog from barking at her, too. Out of sight, out of mind. ✌️ Or a screen disguised as climbing ivy if you'd like a heaping side of ~beautification~ with your privacy. Not only will these expandable sheets block your outdoor space from nosy neighbors and busy streets, but they'll also cover unsightly chainlink with a far more aesthetically pleasing faux-ivy look. A colorful hammock with a steel stand, so even if you don't have two trees to hang it between, you can still move your Facebook browsing from the living room the great outdoors. The stand can support up to 450 pounds, and the actual hammock is made of 100 percent cotton for equal parts durability and comfort. Some shatterproof, waterproof Edison bulb string lights that'll turn your patio into your very own outdoor bistro — in any weather. And I do mean any weather. These strong, plastic bulbs survived not one, but two tornadoes at my parents' house. And they still continue to emit a beautiful, warm glow that makes me want to brave that unpredictable midwestern climate and actually spend some time outside. Some interlocking teak tiles to cover up that hideous concrete "patio" that your landlord insists is an amenity worth charging for. And even though they cost way less than what a contractor would charge for a permanent reno, they still look expeennnnsive. 🤑 These weather-proof tiles are perfect for renters, too — they're easy to install *and* remove, so you can disassemble your handiwork and take it on to the next place. A bug-zapping lamp with a super bright light that'll attract all those pesky mosquitoes — and then give 'em a deadly shock as soon as they touch it. This thing starts working as soon as it's plugged in, and you'll get up to half an acre of bug-protection from a single lamp. Reviewers are loving this product so much that one person even wrote it a poem. Or some mosquito repellent incense that's got citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary if you prefer a more natural, less lethal approach to your bug problem. Just light some of these bad boys up, blow out the flame after about 15 seconds of burn time, and enjoy a mosquito-free afternoon on the porch. A set of magical, mini decorations that'll take your regular old garden from a boring plot of dirt to a fairy-filled paradise. (Fairidise?) This set comes with 109 pieces, like mushrooms and animals, so you and your kiddos can enchant your yard to your heart's content. An HD projector to turn your backyard into a private movie theater and take your laptop or phone viewing to the big screen. This projector has built-in speakers, but if that's still not enough for you, it's Bluetooth compatible, too — so you can hook it up to whatever speakers you'd like to. Yep, including headphones. Not trying to get an 'excessive noise' HOA violation over my Love Island marathon, thanks! A rust-resistant bistro table and chair set that'll add a pop of color to even the blandest outdoor space. Even if you only have a teeny, tiny balcony to call a "backyard," this cute set will make you want to actually spend time in it. This set comes with two chairs, a table (all foldable for easy storing!), and the best part? There's no assembly required. Some magical, fire-coloring packets that you can just toss into the firepit to convince your children that you're an all-powerful wizard who can control flames. 🧙♂️ Or you could explain the science of chemical reactions to them. But there's really no fun in that. An itty-bitty beach chair with a built-in sisal scratchpad for your furry friend so that they can join in on your relaxing staycation. Plus, it'll fit right in with the rest of your patio furniture (unlike other outdoor pet beds). Some Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, a fast-acting fertilizer for evening out your "camo grass," aka those unsightly pale splotches that can come from excessive foot traffic, drought, or even dog pee. No matter what caused these blotchy blemishes — after applying Lawn Food (and ensuring your yard gets the hydration it deserves), the grass *can* actually be greener on your side. A battery-powered, under-the-umbrella light that'll illuminate all the activities taking place on your outdoor table. How is your family's chaotic game of Uno supposed to go on if Dad can't tell the difference between a blue card and a red card once the sun goes down? That's right, it can't. Luckily, with this genius little light, you can win the game fair and square — even if it takes all night. Some ceramic plant labels to make sure the herb garden you worked so hard to cultivate gets the attention it deserves. Reviewers can't stop repurchasing these, and it's for good reason, too. These oversized garden markers are made from hand-rolled and cut clay, making each one completely (and gorgeously) unique. A cedar birdhouse with a predator guard above the entrance, because birdwatching with the kids is so much a raccoon treats itself to an egg sandwich, and you suddenly have to explain the circle of life to a devastated little Suzy. Plus, these bird houses are so enticing to feathery friends that reviewers who have never seen bluebirds in their yard before report nests being built within a week of putting a house up. Or a 12-pack of paint-and-decorate birdhouse kits for a more DIY approach. Each individually packaged kit comes with everything you need for a fun and crafty activity with your kiddos (or a paint and sip with the besties): two birdhouses, paint, a brush, and a sheet of stickers. And after the activity is done, you'll have your very own backyard gallery of one-of-a-kind birdhouses. Orrrr a bat house to prove that you're way cooler than your birdhouse-having neighbors, and so you support some of the most misunderstood, endangered creatures on earth. Bats, despite their spooky reputation, actually play a huge role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem as pollinators and pest controllers. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, one bat can actually eat up to 3,000 insects per night — so if you find your vegetable garden in particularly good health this year, you might owe your local bat colony a huuuuge "THANK YOU!" And what better way to express your gratitude than to literally buy them a house? You get a flourishing yard and some cool new neighbors you can show off to your friends, and the bats get a safe place to rest and an all-you-can-eat buffet of bugs that would otherwise wreak havoc on your plants. It's a win-win! A misting fan attachment that'll finally let you live your dream of being a piece of broccoli in the grocery store's fresh produce section. Plus, if the only reason you're staying inside is because you get hot AF the second you step outside, this thing will keep you cool with a consistent spray of refreshing mist so you can enjoy the great longer than a few minutes. And lastly, a picnic basket with a blanket, an insulated cooler, two sets of stainless steel cutlery, two plastic wineglasses, a bottle opener, AND salt and pepper shakers. If you're anything like me, the idea of a picnic sounds *amazing* but actually eating on the ground where the bugs are sounds...a little less amazing. And this basket actually has a pretty darn good solution to that problem: the lid of the basket turns into an elevated table, so you can keep the creepy crawlies away from your precious tiramisu and actually enjoy the experience of outside dining.
