In the South it’s barbecuing, a little further north it’s grilling or in your part of the country, you might say, “grill out.” Whatever the term, it’s all about cooking and enjoying a meal outside.
Executive
Greg
Managing
Suzanne
Copy
Christian Dischler
Contributing
Alyssa Ingram
Grant Parker
Ellie Garner
Art & Design
Suzanne Fox
BY GRANT PARKER
Not only are ladybugs the cutest insects in the animal kingdom, they are one of the most effective ways to naturally rid your garden of pests.
Ladybugs are beneficial insects, which means they eat bad bugs that feed on garden plants. They have an especially voracious appetite for aphids, which are tiny, soft-bodied insects that multiply quickly and feed on sap. They also eat mites, lice, insect eggs and other soft-bodied insects. According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, a single ladybug may eat as many as 50 aphids a day or 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.
HOW TO ATTRACT LADYBUGS TO YOUR GARDEN (AND KEEP THEM THERE)
Plant ladybug food. Ladybugs love floral plants that provide nectar, so try planting flowers like gerani-
ums and herbs like cilantro, dill, fennel and caraway.
Order them in bulk online. When they arrive, store them in your refrigerator to calm them down. Release them during the early evening hours, when they are less likely to fly away. They will be thirsty, so make sure they have enough water. Set up shallow dishes with pebbles and fill them with water. The ladybugs will perch on the pebbles to drink the water.
Say no to pesticides. Resist the temptation to spray if you see pests. If there are no pests for the ladybugs to feed on, the ladybugs will fly away.
BY ALYSSA INGRAM
Are you tired of looking at the same old wallpaper and antiquated fixtures in your bathroom? You don’t have to break the bank to breathe new life into this very personal space that should reflect the tastes and character of your home and family. For the do-it-yourselfer, let’s examine a few simple techniques to give your bathroom a fresh face
REPLACE THE MOVABLE ACCENT PIECES. Sometimes all that’s needed is a trip to the bath store. Consider the impact you can make to the theme and color scheme by changing out the following items:
• drapery
• shower curtain/rod/rings
• rugs
• towels
• counter pieces (toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, soap dishes)
• trash can
• baskets/storage pieces
• wall art
Sometimes all that’s needed is a trip to the
REPAINT OR REPAPER.
Choose from neutral tones that allow you to add splashes of color with your accent pieces or bold tones if you’re going for a stronger statement. Pastels (preferably from the cooler palette) make for a more relaxed environment. If wallpapering, remember that vertical patterns will make your room appear taller while horizontal ones will make it look wider.
One of the easiest things you can do to upgrade your
bathroom is replace the hardware on your faucets, drains, cabinet/drawer pulls, hinges, doorknobs, wall hooks, towel racks or toilet paper rack. These little updates yield immediate results and usually only involve a screwdriver and your hands.
Ideally, your bathroom should offer more than one source of light. The brightest illumination should surround the vanity mirror area. Softer, less direct lighting can be mounted in ceiling fixtures or wall sconces.
For more versatility, install a dimmer on these fixtures so you can dial it up or down as desired.
Sure, you can replace the shower stall, lay a new floor or even gut the whole room, but, before you shell out the big dollars, consider implement-
ing a few of these ideas. Whether your goal is to step up your home’s resale value or simply create a more updated space of your own, don’t be afraid to tackle your bathroom. It’s the most utilized room in your house. Shouldn’t it be the best?
BY ELLIE GARNER
It has been said that every house has its own scent, due to factors such as pet ownership, cleaning products, furniture, flooring choices and, of course, little niceties like candles and potpourri. Both candles and potpourri can work wonders in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your living space, but only the latter can work for you 24/7. Here, we show you how to create a signature batch of your very own.
INGREDIENTS:
Dried materials (petals, buds, leaves, cones, seeds, herbs, spices, etc.)
Scissors
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Scented oils
Spritzer bottle
Water
Bowl
1. Collect dried materials from your home, garden or supply store. If necessary, cut into small pieces.
2. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
3. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange all dried materials in single layer on sheet.
4. Combine 10-20 drops of favorite
scented oil(s) with one tablespoon water in spritzer bottle and shake vigorously. Spray dried materials evenly until bottle is nearly empty.
5 Bake approximately two hours with door open, watching carefully as scorched materials can ignite.
6 Spray remaining scented oil mixture on dried materials, cool and display in decorative bowl.
BY PATRICIA DANFLOUS
IN THE SOUTH IT’S BARBECUING, A LITTLE FURTHER NORTH IT’S GRILLING OR IN YOUR PART OF THE COUNTRY, YOU MIGHT SAY, “GRILL OUT.” WHATEVER THE TERM, IT’S ALL ABOUT COOKING AND ENJOYING A MEAL OUTSIDE.
Whether you are preparing hamburgers and hotdogs, steaks and veggies or rib racks, grilling is a great way to spend a spring or summer evening. If your family is spending more and more time huddled around the barbecue pit, but you are the one going back and forth from your inside kitchen to the backyard, it may be time to consider an outdoor kitchen.
According to Clay Russell of Grass Roots Landscaping in Austin, Texas, taking the time to plan and define
Budget
How much are you willing or able to spend?
Location
Close to your home (extended deck, for example) or freestanding at a distance? Consider which direction the sun shines. Will you need a permit to build?
Design Wood? Brick? Perhaps a few water fixtures?
Utilities
How easy or difficult will it be to run water, gas and electricity to the site?
Appliances
In addition to a grill, do you need a refrigerator, sink, icemaker, smoker or fireplace, for example?
Configuration
Keep appliances close to one another for convenience.
Consider counter space for preparing and serving.
needs and wants is the most important parameter before adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. “The benefits of cooking, eating and relaxing outdoors extend far beyond convenience,” he says. “That only holds true, however, if the kitchen is designed for your individual needs and budget.”
Whether you design and build an outdoor kitchen yourself, consult a specialist in the field or utilize the “how to” consultation services of a local home improvement store, keep in mind:
Roofing
Do you want an overhead covering for shade? Would you rather have an open kitchen to enhance the outdoor experience?
Dining and Relaxing
How big is your family? How often do you entertain? What types of seating and dining furniture will you need?
Once you’ve considered such options, get a few estimates and decide whether to do it yourself or hire a contractor.
STILL THINKING ABOUT IT? THE BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN INCLUDE
• Convenience
• Increased time with family and friends
• Great tasting food and grilling gives you a healthy option
• Easier clean up
• Increased value to your home
The BIGGREENEGG spendingiscostly–lookat about$900for theextralarge,withthestand soldseparately. TheBIGGREENEGGis soldthroughauthorized dealersonly.
BY GRANT PARKER
Are you an EGGhead? If the answer is “yes,” you already know about the Big Green Egg Smoker and Grill and belong to the international fan group pledging loyalty to the ceramic cooker. Yes, the egg-shaped, green cooker has a fan club, with an annual EGGtoberfest saluting the outdoor device.
Introduced in the United States in 1974, the Green Egg is based on the kamado, a steam cooker that originated in southern Japan. Recognized for its versatility and unique design, the Green Egg
The device allows for cooking temperatures from ultra high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking.
Yes, buy one. Benefits include:
Excellent heat retention
No lighter fluid required
Withstands temperatures from below 0 degrees F to 1,800 degrees F
Safe cool surface, minimizing accidental burns
Rustproof ceramic surface
Enclosed cooking design allows for less monitoring
Multi-functional
Easy to move and store
Extensive support and free recipes available on Big Green Egg website
Extensive number of accessories and products to enhance cooking experience No, don’t buy one if you are not willing to make a significant investment and only want a barbecue grill.
is a barbecue grill, steamer, smoker and unique conversation piece in your backyard.
Fueled by charcoal (lump wood charcoal is recommended), the Egg’s ceramic composition provides for a strong, durable cooker and is recognized as one of the best heat insulation units on the
market. The device includes a patented draft door and dual-function metal top, allowing for easily adjusted cooking temperatures from ultra high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking. A permanent porcelain glaze ensures the signature green color will not fade or discolor under any weather conditions.
“Bring on the ingredients and I can cook just about anything on my Green Egg,” said one EGGhead, who appointed himself head chef for a family reunion. From traditional hamburgers and hotdogs to lasagna and jambalaya, the Green Egg appears to handle it all — with no electricity and little clean up. The Green Egg is available in a variety of sizes, including the extra large, which features a 24-inch cooking grid and can accommodate a 20-lb. turkey. The recently introduced mini features a 9-inch grid and the capability to hold two chicken breasts, two pork chops or one steak.
Your guests will love these delicious, easy-to-make snacks.Whip up these bite-size hors d'oeuvres in no time at all with ready-made tart shells.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 box of Pilsbury ready-made pie crusts per box)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 6 eggs
• ½ Tbsp. white pepper
• 1 cup cooked, minced ham
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 2 cups finely shredded Swiss cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Using 4 inch biscuit cutter, cut out dough circles. Continue to re-roll scraps until all dough is used.
2. Spray muffin pans with cooking spray.
3. Press dough circles into muffin pan cavities.
4. Mix heavy whipping cream, eggs and white pepper by hand – do not use mixer. Set aside.
5. Mix ham, green onions and half of the cheese.
6. Spoon ham and cheese mixture into bottom of each shell.
7. Pour egg mixture on top. Be careful not to overfill.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each shell.
9. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes or until puffy and slightly golden.
10. Let set for 30 minutes before serving. Yields approx. 18 quiche.
Scones are tea party staples, and there are lots of easy, delicious recipes floating around out there. Keep it simple with semi-homemade scones.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 box Jiffy biscuit mix
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• pre-made lemon icing
DIRECTIONS
1. Mix biscuit mix, orange juice white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
2. Form a 4-x 12-inch loaf, and flatten to 1 inch thick. Cut into rectangles of equal size, then cut each rectangle diagonally to form triangles. Place 3. inches apart on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake at 375 degrees F for 1520 minutes. Scones should be light golden.
5. While scones are cooling, warm icing until you achieve the right consistency. Icing should be thinner than regular cake icing.
6. Drizzle over cooling scones.
