executive publishers
Hal G. Fox & Suzanne Polk Fox
managing editor
Suzanne Polk Fox
copy editor
Christian Dischler
contributing writers
Beconrad
Jennifer Christine
Angela Insbrooke
Allen Irwin
Nellie Palmer
Mary Smith
art director
Suzanne Polk Fox
design/production
Claire Thomas
The information contained in Home/Garden Decorator is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Home/Garden Decorator for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Home/Garden Decorator, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Home/Garden Decorator and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Home/Garden Decorator. Readers should not use the information in Home/Garden Decorator for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem.
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As the summer heat approaches, it's important to prepare your home for the hot weather. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay cool and comfortable, and protect your home from the effects of the summer sun. Here are some tips for preparing your home for summer heat.
Plant trees and shrubs: Planting trees and shrubs around your home can provide shade and help to keep your home cooler in the summer. Choose plants that are native to your area and that will thrive in the heat.
Keep windows and doors closed: During the day, keep windows and doors closed to prevent hot air from entering your home. Open them at night to allow cool air to flow in.
Use window coverings: Use window coverings such as blinds or curtains to block out the sun's rays and keep your home cooler. Choose light-colored coverings to reflect the sun's heat.
Use fans: Fans can help to circulate the air in your home and keep you cool. Place them near windows to help draw in cool air at night, and use them to circulate the air during the day.
Insulate your home: Proper insulation can help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Check your insulation and add more if needed to keep your home comfortable.
Service your air conditioner: Make sure your air conditioner is in good working order before the summer heat arrives. Have it serviced and cleaned to ensure it is operating efficiently.
Use energy-efficient appliances: Using energyefficient appliances can help to reduce your energy usage and lower your energy bills. Consider replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models.
By following these tips, you can prepare your home for the summer heat and stay cool and comfortable throughout the season. So take the time to get your home ready now, and enjoy a comfortable summer ahead.
When it comes to buying or selling a home, a real estate agent can be an invaluable resource. These professionals are trained to help you navigate the complex process of buying or selling a home and can make the experience much smoother and less stressful. However, not all real estate agents are created equal. To find the right agent for you, it's important to know what to look for.
Look for an agent who has a track record of success in the real estate market. An experienced agent will have a deep understanding of the local market and will be able to provide valuable insights and guidance.
A good real estate agent should have a thorough understanding of the local market, including trends, property values and neighborhoods. They should also be familiar with the various types of homes available, such as single-family homes, condos and townhomes.
Communication is vital in the real estate process, and a good agent should be able to effectively communicate with you and other parties involved in the transaction. Look for an agent who is responsive, clear and upfront about their intentions and expectations.
Marketing is a crucial part of the real estate process, and a good agent should have a strong marketing strategy in place to promote your property. This may include creating a professional listing, utilizing social media and hosting open houses.
An excellent real estate agent should be able to negotiate effectively on your behalf to get you the best deal possible. Look for an agent who is confident, assertive and able to navigate complex negotiations.
It's important to choose an agent who is honest, reliable and has a strong reputation in the industry. Look for an agent who is transparent about their fees and services, and who has a proven track record of success.
By looking for these qualities in a real estate agent, you can find someone who will work tirelessly to help you achieve your real estate goals. Whether you're buying or selling a home, a good agent can make all the difference in the world.
A CHECKLIST: Maintaining A Garden All Year Beautiful
BY ANGELA INSBROOKEMaintaining a pretty landscape all year requires a bit of planning and effort, but the result is well worth it. Here is a checklist of steps to follow to ensure that your landscape stays looking its best throughout the year.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLANTS: Select plants and flowers that are wellsuited to your climate and soil conditions. Research which plants are drought-resistant, sunloving, or shade-tolerant and choose accordingly.
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MULCH YOUR BEDS: Mulching your flower beds helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Use a mulch that is appropriate for your climate, such as wood chips or pine straw.
PLAN YOUR DESIGN: Take the time to plan out your landscape design in advance. Consider the layout of your yard, the types of plants and flowers that will thrive in your climate, and the features you want to include, such as a patio or water feature. 2 4
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FERTILIZE REGULARLY: Feed your plants the nutrients they need to grow and thrive by fertilizing regularly. Choose a fertilizer appropriate for your plants and follow the recommended application instructions.
PRUNE REGULARLY: Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of your plants, as well as promote healthy growth. Be sure to prune your plants at the right time of year, and use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plants.
PROTECT YOUR PLANTS FROM PESTS AND DISEASES: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can damage your plants. Use natural remedies or appropriate pesticides as needed, and remove and dispose of any infected plants to prevent the spread of diseases.
By following these steps, you can keep your landscape looking beautiful and well-maintained all year. With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a landscape that is a source of pride and enjoyment for you and your family.
ADD ACCENTS: Add interest to your landscape with accents such as containers of flowers, birdbaths, or garden ornaments. These touches can help to bring your landscape to life and give it a personal touch.
The Peggy Martin rose bush is a variety of rose that has a fascinating and poignant history. This beautiful flower is named after Peggy Martin, a resident of Plaquemines Parish, which is located southeast of New Orleans, who lost her home and possessions in Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
After the devastating storm, Martin returned to her home in Plaquemines Parish to find that her rose bushes had miraculously survived the flood. Despite the fact that the rest of her home and neighborhood had been destroyed, these rose bushes were flourishing.
Inspired by the resilience and determination of these rose bushes, Martin set out to propagate and share the flowers with others. She worked with the New Orleans Botanical Gar-
den and the New Orleans City Park to grow and distribute the Peggy Martin roses to residents who had also been affected by the hurricane.
The Peggy Martin rose bush quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of disaster. Its vibrant pink and red blooms became a symbol of the city's determination to rebuild and recover from the devastating storm.
In addition to its symbolic significance, the Peggy Martin rose bush is also known for its hardiness and resilience. It can withstand extreme heat and humidity, making it a popular choice for gardeners in the Southern United States.
Despite its ability to withstand harsh conditions, the Peggy Martin rose bush does require some maintenance to thrive. It should be pruned
BY ANGELA INSBROOKEregularly and fertilized to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms. It is also essential to protect the bush from pests and diseases, as these can quickly spread and damage the flowers.
The story of the Peggy Martin rose bush is a reminder of the strength and resil ience of nature, and the power of hope and determination in the face of adversity. It is a symbol of the enduring spirit of the people of New Orleans and a reminder that even in the face of disaster, beauty and resilience can always be found.
Getting out of debt can be a long and challenging process, but it is well worth the effort. Debt can weigh heavily on your finances and your peace of mind, and taking steps to reduce and eliminate it can greatly improve your financial situation. Here are some steps to help you get out of debt.
The first step to getting out of debt is to understand exactly what you owe. Make a list of all your debts, including the creditor, the interest rate, and the minimum monthly payment.
Once you have a clear picture of your debts, you'll need to set a budget to help you pay them off. Determine how much money you have coming in and going out each month, and look for areas where you can cut back on expenses.
Not all debts are created equal, and it can be helpful to prioritize which ones to pay off first. High-interest debts, such as credit card balances, should generally be a top priority, as the interest can quickly add up.
If you have multiple debts, consolidating them into a single loan can make it easier to manage and pay off. This can also lower your interest rate, which can save you money in the long run.
The snowball method involves paying off your debts in order of smallest to largest balance. This can help to boost your motivation and give you a sense of accomplishment as you pay off each debt.
If you're struggling to get out of debt on your own, consider seeking help from a financial professional or a credit counseling service. They can provide valuable guidance and support to help you get back on track.
By following these steps, you can take control of your debts and work towards a debt-free future. It may not be easy, but the peace of mind and financial freedom that come with being out of debt are well worth the effort.
Getting out of debt can be a long and difficult process, and it's important to stay committed and focused. Keep working at it, and don't be discouraged if you have setbacks along the way.
BY NELLIE PALMER
INGREDIENTS
• 1 3⁄4 lbs peeled fresh carrots
• 3⁄4 cup pure cane granulated sugar
• 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1⁄2 tsp Mexican vanilla
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1⁄4 lb butter, softened
• powdered sugar
Steam carrots until extra soft.
While carrots are warm, add sugar, baking powder and vanilla.
Whip with mixer until smooth. Add flour and continue to mix well.
Whip eggs separately and add to mixture, blending well.
Add butter and blend well.
Pour mixture into baking dish–about half full–as the souffle will rise.
Bake at 350° about 1 hour or until top is light brown.
Let cool, then sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Plump, juicy blueberries aren’t just delicious. They’re high in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and vitamins. Fortunately, for very little effort, blueberries are easy to grow—if you have the right soil conditions.
When you grab a boost of blue, you’re most often eating high bush blueberries. However, the high bush blueberry classification covers a range of different blueberry varieties, each of which is unique in its season, size, shape, color and taste. Depending on the climate and ripening season in your area, certain varieties will grow better than others.
Once you’ve found the right blueberry plant, you’ll also want to find a place it can thrive. Select a sunny location with well-worked, well-drained soil that is free of weeds. Avoid planting near trees, which block out sunlight and suck up the moisture in the soil. It’s best to grow blueberries in an area where water is readily available so you can keep their roots moist throughout the growing season. Raised beds or patio containers are good options for areas where the soil is not ideal.
Soil preparation is crucial to the
health of blueberry plants. Blueberries prefer acidic soil, and if the soil in your area is not acidic enough, you may need to make adjustments, with guidance from your local garden center or Cooperative Extension. Planning ahead is crucial – if changes in your soil’s pH levels are necessary, it’s best to make them a year before you plant your blueberries.
It’s time to get your plants in the ground! In most areas, it’s ideal to plant blueberries in the fall or spring. You can plant blueberry bushes as close as 2 or 2.5 feet apart to form solid hedgerows, or space them up to 6 feet apart so they grow individually. If you plant in rows, allow 8 to 10 feet between the rows.
Blueberries are part of a plant family that includes the flowering azalea, mountain laurel and heather-plants. You can ask your local garden center for fertilizer recommendations, but once established, blueberry plants typically respond
well to acid fertilizers such as azalea or rhododendron formulations. Follow the instructions on the label carefully – blueberries are sensitive to over fertilization! You’ll want to apply fertilizer one month after planting, not at the time of planting. For best results, fertilize your plants once in early spring and again in late spring, always watering thoroughly afterward.
Blueberries do best with 2-4 inches of mulch over the roots to conserve moisture, prevent weeds and add organic matter. Bark mulch, acid compost, sawdust and grass clippings all work well.
Blueberries should be planted either in fall by mid-October or in early spring after severe freeze danger has passed. When you receive your plants, check them to make sure that they look healthy and the roots are moist. For best results, planting should be done within a day or two of arrival.
BY BECONRAD
Having fun is far from child's play, especially when your kids can't find the toys they want. If you have ever endured a tantrum as your child searches in vain for his or her favorite toy, you know just how frustrating a disorganized and crowded playroom can be.
If you want to make playtime more fun for your child and less stressful for you, smart organization is key. No matter how young your child, there are simple steps you can do to make playtime more fun.
❶ Start with a fun toy chest. A chest full of toys is lots of fun, and that is a good place to start. Bigger toys will be easy to find even in a relatively large storage chest.
❷ Set up a donation bin. Your kid may be tired of a particular toy, but that plaything can still provide joy for another child. Set up a donation bin in the playroom and encourage your kids to give their old favorites to someone new.
❸ Place a surprise somewhere in the room. If you want to make play-
time more fun, hide a surprise toy somewhere in the playroom. It could be a brand new toy, or a forgotten plaything from years gone by.
❹ Organize the playroom with small storage bins. Stacking storage bins are great for playroom organization, so pick some up and say goodbye to lost and misplaced toys. Clear storage bins are great for finding toys quickly, while color-coded bins are attractive and provide easy organization.
❺ Set up a casual toy rotation. Playing with the same old toys can be boring, so rotate your child's toys for maximum fun. The rotation schedule does not have to be formal; just shake things up now and again.
❻ Make smart furniture choices. Beds with built-in storage drawers are great for keeping toys and clothes neat and organized. If it is time for a new bed or bedroom set, look for furniture pieces that do double duty.
Encourage your kids to respect their toys. Let your kids know that toys are not free, and that their playthings should be treated with respect. Letting your kids earn their own money and buy their own favorite toys will further encourage them to respect the things they own.
If toys are spilling out of your child's bedroom and threatening to overrun the playroom, it is time to get organized. Every parent has stepped on an errant toy at one time or another, but the right organization can reduce the danger and make playtime a lot more fun. These tips can help you get started, so playtime can be fun for you and your child.
Would you like to discover the art of menu planning?
These days, saving money seems more important than ever. And just about everyone can save money on groceries if they know how. One of the easiest ways to save money in the kitchen is by menu planning.
What exactly is menu planning? It’s writing a list of the meals you want to serve for the next few days, the next week or even longer. Then you check your pantry to see how many of the ingredients you already have and write a shopping list for the ingredients you need to buy.
This way you know what you’re going to have for dinner every night so there won’t be any more mad dashes to the nearest fast food place for something to serve up to your family. And you’ll also save money by not buying any take out.
But there’s an even better way to menu plan. Instead of just looking through magazines or cook books to find recipes that will appeal to your family and then going to the supermarket and buying the ingredients (some of which may be expensive), take a good look at your local supermarket flyers instead.
Mark the food items on sale that appeal to you, for example fresh meat, fruits and vegetables.
Now, think of any meals that you like to serve that contain those ingredients and write them down.
Next, look through your pantry and write down any ingredients that may be useful.
If you don’t have enough meal ideas written down after doing that, then you can look through magazines, cookbooks or even online for meals that contain ingredients that you already have or that are on sale.
Menu planning this way should save you more money than if you just made whatever meals you felt like making, regardless of the cost per serve.
And you have the added bonus of knowing exactly what you’re serving up to your family.
BY ANGELA INSBROOKE
Spring is the perfect time to start planting your vegetable garden. As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, there are a variety of vegetables that can be planted and will thrive in the spring weather. Here are some of the best vegetables to plant in the spring.
bles that can be planted in the spring, as they are cold-tolerant and can handle frost. They are also a great source of protein and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
PEAS
RADISHES are another early spring vegetable that can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. They are easy to grow and mature quickly, making them a great choice for impatient gardeners.
CARROTS are easy to grow and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
LETTUCE is a cool-season vegetable that is easy to grow and can be planted in containers or in the ground.
SPINACH is another cool-season vegetable that thrives in spring weather. It is rich in nutrients and can be grown in containers or in the ground.
BEETS are another root vegetable that are easy to grow and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
TURNIPS are a cool-season vegetable that can be planted in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. They are easy to grow and are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
is a leafy green that is packed with nutrients and can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. It is easy to grow and is a great addition to salads and other dishes.
By planting these vegetables in the spring, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, nutritious produce all season long. So get your garden ready and start planting today!
INGREDIENTS
1 can Pillsbury Crescent Roll dough
1 can blueberry pie filling
1 pint fresh blueberries
4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
DIRECTIONS
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the crescent roll dough into one sheet on the cookie sheet.
Pinch together where separated
Wash and dry blueberries.
Mix half the can of blueberry pie filling with fresh blueberries. Fold to mix, to keep from smashing blueberries. Add pie filling until evenly incorporated. You may not need the entire can.
Brush melted butter on dough. (Leave some butter for edges)
Cut cream cheese into small cubes. Spread around the dough.
Spoon blueberry mixture onto dough, leaving a two inch edge around the dough.
Fold the edges of the dough inward one inch and pinch down along edge to form a crust.
Brush the edges with remaining butter. Bake in preheated oven at 375° until golden brown and bubbly.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to increase the value of your home is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers and make your home feel bright and welcoming.
A well-maintained landscape can make a big difference in the curb appeal of your home. Plant flowers and shrubs, mow the lawn and keep the yard clean and tidy.
A clean and clutter-free home is more inviting and looks more spacious. Take the time to thoroughly clean your home, including the floors, windows and surfaces, and get rid of any unnecessary clutter.
Updating fixtures and finishes, such as doorknobs, light fixtures and faucets, can give your home a fresh, modern look and increase its value.
Adding storage can help to de-clutter and organize your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Consider adding shelving, cabinets, or storage areas in the garage or basement.
The kitchen is often a key selling point for buyers, so consider making updates such as painting the cabinets, adding new counter tops, or updating appliances.
Old, drafty windows can be a major turn-off for buyers. Replacing them with energy-efficient windows can not only increase the value of your home, but also save you money on energy bills.
Energy-efficient features such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances and insulation can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers.
By making these easy home improvements, you can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters. So get started today and watch the value of your home soar!
If you're looking to increase the value of your home, there are a number of home improvements you can make that are relatively easy and cost-effective. These improvements can not only increase the value of your home, but also make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters. Here are some of the easiest home improvements to increase home value.
