Home& Garden Decorator 5

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

08

VINTAGE DIY LIGHTING

12

GARAGE SALE TIPS

16

INDOOR LIVING OUTDOORS

30

EASY WINDOW COVERINGS

Bring Your In doors Outdoors Spring 2017

1

AD

2

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

AD

Spring 2017

3

Contents Composting is the process of collecting and storing organic waste, allowing (and even assisting) it to decompose, then recycling it as soil fertilizer. We’ve all read about it for years, but how many of us have actually tried our hand at cultivating our own homegrown compost?

Composting is the process of collecting and storing organic waste, allowing (and even assisting) it to decompose, then recycling it as soil fertilizer. We’ve all read about it for years, but how many of us have actually tried our hand at cultivating our own homegrown compost?

DIY COMPOSTING MADE SIMPLE

06

08

10

12

16

18

20

24

26

30

34

36

CREATE AN URBAN GARDEN SPACE BE THE NEXT GARAGE SALE SUCCESS STORY!

SPRINGTIME PICNIC EASY AS 1-2-3

3 DIY HACKS TO WAKE UP YOUR WINDOWS

VINTAGE DIY LIGHTING

LATEST TRENDS BRING INDOOR COMFORT OUTDOORS

FLAVORFUL FLOWERS EDIBLE BLOOMS FOR YOUR GARDEN

BEAT WINTER DRAB WITH GARDEN FAB

4 OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS FOR ALL AGES ZOKU SLUSH & SHAKE MAKER

DIY COMPOSTING MADE SIMPLE

REFINANCING CONSIDERATIONS

home garden ISSUE 05 - SPRING 2017

D E C O R AT O R

LETTER from the Editor Your home is your castle, make it your own.

Whether you rent or own, there’s a need for giving your home your personality and making it your own. Some call it nesting, we call it decorating.

Home and Garden Decorator gives you ideas for projects that can be done easily on a shoe string budget. Our home selling and home buying section helps get you started on your way to finding the home you can make your castle, while our garden section helps you stay green. Easy do it yourself projects give you quick ideas to use before and after you buy your new home, or if you just want to make your existing decor more trendy. Lastly, don't forget to take time with your family to have a picnic or play some outdoor games. No matter what you do this spring, we hope you have fun doing it!

Please share your projects! We would love to see them! Send pictures to editor@hgdecorator.com Happy Decorating!

Suzanne Fox

Executive Publishers Greg and Suzanne Fox Jumpstart Publishing, LLC Managing Editor Suzanne Polk Fox Editor Liz Genest Smith Contributing Writers Tami Charbonnet Patricia Danflous Michele Robert Poche Liz Genest Smith Creative Director Jennifer Caballero Art Director Tra Pham Graphic Design Dianne Waller Web & Marketing Neal Boyd Production Manager Debbie Weldon National Sales Vivian Dugas Melissa Foster Michelle Dunn Pam Rogers

Spring 2017

5

A

BY TAMI CHARBONNET

CREATE AN URBAN GARDEN SPACE

6

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

re you a city dweller who lives in an apartment with a small patio or balcony? Your home may be a perfect setting for an urban or community garden.

It is unnecessary to spend hours working tediously on a perfect design. Start simple, and perhaps you’ll channel your inner green thumb and develop creative urban garden ideas. The following tips will allow you to plan a suitable location, choose appropriate containers and select plants that will thrive in your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

If you do not have a plot of earth, you can grow plants in containers.

From vintage to traditional to modern, pots and planters are available in various styles, shapes, sizes and colors. Urban gardens are sometimes even grown in creative wall or vertical arrangements.

The ambitious urban gardener couples companion plants to give a colorful, aromatic ambiance to patios, porches or even small window spaces. With a little forethought, gardeners can even enjoy the added benefit of harvesting fresh fruit,

vegetables and herbs.

Be selective when you are choosing your containers, and always use sturdy pots with saucers. If you have a community garden space, simply find larger planters and fill them with good quality potting mix.

Be creative! Never limit your space to one or two plants per pot.

Try to group plants together. Companion planting allows plants that grow happily in tandem to give your garden depth, texture and a more sophisticated “townie� appeal.

BEGIN YOUR URBAN OASIS WITH EASY COMPANION PLANTING Basil, tomato, lettuce Garlic, fruit trees, roses Kale with any aromatic herbs Parsley, peppers and onions Sage, rosemary and thyme

AD Spring 2017

7

s t i K g n i t h g i L Vintage

2 BRILLIANTLY SIMPLE LIGHTING PROJECTS

BY SUZANNE FOX Whether you want to add a vintage touch to a modern motif, or continue an already-established rustic design aesthetic, these charming do-it-yourself projects are an easy, inexpensive way to put a personal stamp on your home.

Vintage lighting kits are available at any craft or home improvement store. The wire lamp shades allow you to get the full ambiance of the vintage bulbs.

Mason Jar Kit

We took the mason jar kit and made three types of lamps. You can either leave the jar empty for a clean look, or fill it with decorative items or whimsical artifacts -- such as sea shells, marbles or race cars, as we did -- to reflect your personal style or the theme of the room. Filling it with sand from your seaside wedding ceremony or favorite beach vacation is a great way to commemorate those special occasions. Other ideas we came across were corks from your favorite wines, rocks or pebbles your kids have collected, colorful gemstones or any small collectible you want to display.

Want to start a collection, but not sure what to do? Try these ideas: • When you are celebrating with champagne or wine, write the occasion and date on the cork, and save it in your mason jar lamp. • If you are hosting an event, have your guests sign a shell or pebble, and save them in your jar lamp.

Write the occasion and date on a plaque and attach it to your lamp with twine.

8

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

Wine Bottle Kit

Use a wine bottle from a special occasion, or simply use one that has a unique shape.

The kit has a cork with a light bulb attachment, so it is the easiest project ever! Simply place the cork in the bottle, add your favorite vintage bulb and wire lamp shade, and you have a memorable lamp under $10.

AD

Spring 2017

9

4

OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS FOR ALL AGES

BY LIZ GENEST SMITH

Who says aesthetics have to suffer when creating backyard recreational areas?

And why should kids have all the fun?

G

one are the days when your only options for creating a functional backyard space limited you to ugly plastic playground equipment or an outdoor kitchen and/ or lounge area. For adults who want to enjoy some outdoor recreation, it’s time to break some barriers.

Many landscape designers are recognizing this new trend, as their clients are making some unusual requests.

GIANT CHESSBOARD

Like a stylish pair of glasses, this feature will make you look hip and intelligent! Whether you repurpose an existing patio or create a board using pavers, what a fabulous, whimsical focal point this will create in your backyard. Amazon.com and many other online retailers offer giant chess

10

home garden

pieces, with and without roll-out mats.

CORN HOLE

Sort of like horseshoes 2.0, this bean-bagthrowing hobby has taken a generation by storm, and its court can easily fit into any long corridor of grass you have on your property. The portability of the boards -- which people have taken to building and personalizing on their own -- makes it easy to store them away when not in use. This protects them from the elements, and restores your yard to a more pastoral setting.

MINI GOLF

While the concept of a backyard putting green is nothing new, mini golf adds a fun new spin to the old idea. The size and scope of the green or greens depends on individual taste, space, and budget, but it retains one

D E C O R AT O R

of the best benefits of a putting green -- use of artificial grass creates a nomow, no-weed zone!

OUTDOOR SCREENING AREA

Okay, so this isn’t really an active activity, but it’s hard to find fault with

the entertainment and overall coolness factors that come with creating an outdoor theater. Whether you’re watching movies or sporting events while surrounded by nature, it certainly beats being cooped up indoors.

AD

Garage S a le Success Story!

Be the Next

BY MICHELE ROBERT POCHE

You’ve picked the date, gathered the merchandise and secured an old cigar box for the money.

You’re ready for your garage sale, right? Well, not exactly. Garage sale success rates vary wildly. Here are a few ways to help make yours a great one.

ADVERTISING There are many free outlets. List your sale on websites like Craigslist.com, GarageSalesTracker.com, and GarageSaleHunter. com. Search Facebook for local community groups and announce on your own page. Post flyers on community bulletin boards at places like churches and coffee shops.

SIGNAGE (before event) Less is more. All you need is date, time and location, plus arrows can be helpful. To be sure your signs are legible, drive by in your car. Can you read them? Oh, and be uniquely awesome and take them down after the sale.

SIGNAGE (during event) Make these signs: “All Sales Final,” “No Restrooms” and “No Later Pick-Ups.” You’re welcome.

STAFF Do you need more change?

Is a line forming at check-

12

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

out? Does a customer have a million questions?

The best garage sales are manned by many.

Enlist your kids, friends and even neighbors so everything runs smoothly.

SAFETY Cut the grass and check for tripping/injury hazards on your property. Make adjustments where necessary. Remove any dog mess and, for that matter, dogs from the area. Many people are allergic or fearful, and it could cost you a sale.

PRESENTATION Hang clothing, shelve books and organize items, in general. It not only makes for a more attractive sale, it also sends the message that these items were cared for in their past lives. Group things by category and place a hot item or two near the street to attract drivers-by.

AMENITIES Have batteries and outlets available for customers who want to try out an item before purchasing. If it’s hot outside, offer water and paper cups. Turn on a little background music.

PRICING Mark everything at ¼ to ½ of the original price.

Price at the quarter mark for easy math. To simplify, you can make signs that offer blanket pricing (“All books $1”) or deals for bulk purchases (“$2 each” or “2 for $3”).

CHECK-OUT Have bags, newspaper for wrapping, calculators and change at this table. Someone should ALWAYS be with the money. Accept cash only.

When making change, put the money handed to you in view on the table so there’s no “Wait, I gave you a $20 bill!” dispute.

AD

Spring 2017

13

AD

14

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

AD

AD Spring 2017

15

Bring Your In doors Outdoors

If you are looking to enjoy the outdoors and your backyard a little more this summer, a few changes may make the experience more enjoyable and just plain fun. According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), contemporary consumers are trending toward landscaping that brings the indoors out, creating comfortable landscapes that are both functional and beautiful.

BY PATRICIA DANFLOUS

“...we’re seeing a shift toward sustainable landscapes that reflect a renewed sense of mindfulness for the Earth and its ecosystems,” says NALP Vice President of Public Affairs Missy Henriksen.

16

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

TRENDY LANDSCAPING IDEAS

1.

FULLY CUSTOMIZED OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES. Landscapes are becoming extensions of interior spaces, complete with furniture and appliances. Beyond basic decks and patios, more landscapes this year will be transformed into full-service kitchens with brick ovens and grills, comfortable living and dining rooms featuring fireplaces and firepits, and romantic canopy bedrooms.

Themed spaces, such as yoga gardens or bocce fields, further personalize outdoor retreats.

2.

LIGHTED AND HIGH-TECH LANDSCAPES. A natural extension of the outdoor living trend is equipping landscapes with creative and functional lighting and technological

enhancements. Dramatic and boldly colored lights, twinkling accent lighting in walkways and backyard WiFi and TV installations are becoming more common.

3.

ECO-FRIENDLY AND NATIVE GARDENS. “Naturescaping” — selecting and growing native plants to attract birds, insects, and wildlife — is one method landscapers will continue to employ to appeal to an increased interest in developing environmentally conscious landscapes.

Naturescaping encourages the use of low-maintenance perennial native plants and innately manages water runoff. The installation of solar-powered lighting or energy-efficient LED lights is another way landscapes are going green.

4.

EDIBLE LANDSCAPES. The demand for lowmaintenance options has made container gardens grow in popularity.

When combined with a preference for the natural and organic, a new trend emerges: edible landscapes. Fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables add texture and color variety to landscapes, while providing a fresh supply of ingredients.

5.

FRESHWATER FEATURES. The techniques used to manage stormwater will not be hidden. Rain barrels, rain gardens and stone retaining walls add stunning dimension to landscapes, while serving an important purpose of collecting, cleaning or stopping water. Water

and other non-plant features, including sculptures or pottery, are becoming landscape focal points.

6.

SOOTHING HUES. The blending of rose quartz and serenity, soft, nature-inspired pink and blue hues will bloom in gardens this year as heritage rose bushes, Catherine Woodbury daylilies, Angelique tulips, blue lace delphinium, French hydrangea and others.

Spring 2017

17

For more information, visit zokuhome.com or amazon.com

BY MICHELE ROBERT POCHE

ZOKU SLUSH & SHAKE MAKER

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been looking for a machine that makes frozen desserts since I was a kid. I remember seeing commercials for products during Saturday morning cartoons, but whenever I managed to convince my mom to buy them, I always learned the same thing: There’s no such thing as a good frozen dessert maker. Until now.

18

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

I was shopping for my husband, a frozen coffee lover, when my daughter spotted the Zoku at Williams-Sonoma. (Cut to me remembering all the failed efforts of my childhood.) I was skeptical, but when I asked the salesperson about it, she beamed and said, “We can’t keep them on the shelves!”

My daughter looked excited. I looked at the price tag ($19.99), and figured, “Fine, we’ll take it.”

My husband was the first to try it, but he looked skeptical. (No wonder we’re married.) He took the slush maker out of the freezer

(where, per the directions, it had been for 8+ hours) and poured milk, half & half and coffee concentrate into the frozen cylinder. Then, he used its custom spoon to scrape the inner edges as the beverage froze. Within minutes, you could see the liquid crystallizing. After 10 minutes, his beverage was ready. We couldn’t believe it.

So, we let the kids go crazy. Chocolate milk, juices, sodas… you name it.

As long as the liquids were chilled, it worked perfectly.

Since then, we’ve purchased three more units, and we’ve given several as gifts, always to happy recipients.

TRIPLE BERRY ALMOND SLUSH

FROZEN CAFÉ AU LAIT

 1 cup assorted berries (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries)  1 cup almond milk  Sweetener (optional)

 6 oz brewed coffee  1½ tsp sugar  2 oz whole milk  ½ tsp vanilla  ¼ tsp cinnamon

 Blend berries, milk, and sweetener (optional).  Pour mixture into slush maker.  Slush according to directions.  If using unsweetened almond milk, added sweetener may be desired.

 Brew coffee and add sugar.  Chill.  Pour coffee mixture, milk, vanilla and cinnamon into slush maker.  Slush according to directions.  For lighter options, decaf coffee, Stevia sweetener and/or 2% milk can be substituted.

AD

Springtime s a y s a e Picnic 1.2.3

BY SUZANNE FOX

1

BY SUZANNE FOX

As the weather warms up, and the trees and flowers begin to bloom, everyone is bound to want to venture outside to enjoy nature’s beauty. It's a perfect time for a springtime picnic, and we've got three essential elements to make it a success.

Bring back the painted floor canvas and use it for a picnic blanket.

Do you remember when the painted floor canvas was all the rage? Make a reusable, waterproof painted canvas for picnics this spring. Here's how:

. . . . . .

tart with a 5” by 8” canvas drop cloth from your S local home store. Apply one coat of gesso (found at a craft store).

Top off with an enamel background color of your choice. ext, have your kids go to town and paint their N favorite designs.

Seal the entire surface with a clear enamel. rim the edges in any shape you want -- round, T oval or square. The paint will keep the edges from fraying. oll it up and keep it in your car for a picnic any R time! We love the fact that spills are easily wiped up and won't spoil the day. If the surface is damp, no problem -- the enamel coating is a great moisture barrier.

Spring 2017

21

2

Homemade chicken salad wraps and chips in tin lunch pails are not only quaint, they’re easy to set up and serve.

WALNUT CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS

INGREDIENTS • 1 cup diced chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 1/2 cup chopped grapes • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup ranch dressing • 1/4 cup dried cranberries • 1/4 cup chopped celery • 1 tsp Season-All • 1 carrot stick • Spinach or sundried tomato wraps

DIRECTIONS 1. Mix together all ingredients except carrots.

2. Place a carrot stick in each wrap, add chicken salad and roll.

3. Slice and place wraps in each lunch pail.

Prepared ahead of time and served in individual jars, David’s Famous Banana Pudding becomes adorable and portable.

3

DAVID’S FAMOUS BANANA PUDDING INGREDIENTS • 1 pkg vanilla instant pudding mix • 6 oz sour cream • 1 can sweetened condensed milk • 1 pkg Cool Whip • 1 box vanilla wafers • 2 - 3 bananas

DIRECTIONS 1. Prepare pudding as directed, and add sour cream and condensed milk before mixing.

2. Layer bananas, vanilla wafers and pudding.

3. Top with whipped cream.

If you are preparing the pudding in a bowl to serve, make two layers.

For individual jars, start with cookies, bananas and pudding, then top with Cool Whip.

Add a basket of fruit and this picnic is complete -easy to set up anywhere!

22

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

AD

s Daylilie

Hibiscus

Borage

Lavender

BY LIZ GENEST SMITH

FLAVORFUL FLOWERS

as l o i V

Edible Blooms for Your Garden Pleasing to the palette and palate... how delightful to grow flowers that satisfy both your appetites for splendor and flavor!

Technically, any flower that isn’t poisonous or doesn’t cause any type of negative reaction is considered edible -- but, that certainly doesn’t mean it tastes good.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best-tasting buds you can grow in your own garden (as climate zones allow).

NOTE: Please be very sure you’ve properly identified your flowers before consumption.

24

home garden

BORAGE Also known as the starflower, the borage comes in hues of pink, violet or blue, and tastes similar to cucumber.

It makes a pretty and flavorful garnish for summery drinks, like a Pimm’s Cup, or can be sprinkled over soups, salads or dips. These plants tolerate a broad range of soil conditions, and can be grown in full sun to light shade.

DAYLILIES Ranging from sweet to peppery, depending on the variety, daylilies

D E C O R AT O R

can mimic the flavors of anything from green beans to radishes.

They can be used in Asian cuisine, salads or desserts, or they can simply be deep fried or sauteed with garlic. They grow best in moist, but well-drained soil with full or light shade.

VIOLAS These lovely blooms’ sweet perfume and flavor -- which has a grape essence, sometimes with notes of wintergreen -- make them a natural ingredient or garnish for salads, hors d'oeuvres or

desserts. Exposure and moisture requirements for the plants vary, but most varieties grow best in moderately moist soil in partial shade.

HIBISCUS There are many different species of hibiscus, but the Hibiscus sabdariffa L.(or Roselle) is the variety most commonly used for tea and as a cocktail garnish. Its distinctive, tart flavor is often compared to cranberry or pomegranate. These large, fast-growing plants prefer lots of sun

and moist, but welldrained soil.

LAVENDER With their sweetly floral essence, which sometimes mingles with pine, rosemary, and/or citrus notes, these blooms not only flavor honey, desserts, teas and other beverages, but they often complement cheeses, fruits, vegetables and fish or poultry dishes.

The English varieties (L. angustifolia) are said to have the best culinary flavor. They grow best in well-drained soil with full sun.

AD

DIY

COMPOSTING MADE SIMPLE Composting is the process of collecting and storing organic waste, allowing (and even assisting) it to decompose, then recycling it as soil fertilizer. We’ve all read about it for years, but how many of us have actually tried our hand at cultivating our own homegrown compost?

THE BENEFITS ARE NUMEROUS:  It’s free. Everything comes right from your home.  There are no unnatural chemicals involved.  Healthier soil has better moisture retention, so water is conserved.  Less waste is sent into the landfills.  Composted soil yields plants with fewer pests and diseases.

26

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

BY MICHELE ROBERT POCHE

STEP 1

Get a container.

For the urban dweller, there are many small kitchen-counter composters available, but for those with more real estate, larger outdoor models enable you to recycle much more material. Or you can create your own compost bin by using something as simple as a plastic container, a pail or even a coffee can. The important thing is that your receptacle is fully lidded.

Not only will it keep pests out, it will also keep odors in, and help maintain the proper moisture levels.

STEP 2

Start collecting your compostables.

From the kitchen: fruit/ vegetable remnants, breads, grain, pasta, rice, spices, herbs, boxed pantry items, coffee grounds, tea leaves (without bags), eggshells (crushed), etc. From the house: cardboard, paper towels, tissues, cotton balls, newspaper, junk mail, paper (not glossy or waxed), etc. From the yard: grass clippings, leaves, weeds, vines, small branches, etc. Avoid adding meat or fish scraps for the inevitable odors (and flies!) that will result.

STEP 3

Promote rapid decomposition.

Ideally, your compost materials should always remain slightly moist. An overly dry mixture will stall the decaying process while an overly wetted one will become a slimy mess. Help your compost pile along by consistently adding a diverse blend of new materials to the concoction to “feed” it.

And it’s a good idea to turn it (that’s composting lingo for stir) every few days to reintroduce oxygen to the buried areas and get things moving.

Every compost pile has its own “best by” date.

By nurturing your blend according to the tips outlined above, you’re sure to create beautiful, brown, nutrient-rich earth to support all of your planting efforts.

“The success of my garden is built on the compost of my failures.”

- Jimmy Turner, Director of Gardens at Dallas Arboretum Spring 2017

27

AD

AD

AD

Spring 2017

BY LIZ GENEST SMITH

3 SIMPLE WAYS TO WAKE UP YOUR WINDOWS

One of the quickest ways to freshen up a room is to update your window treatments. While the results are instantaneous, finding just the right style, color and material can be challenging.

Many options can prove to be incredibly expensive, while shopping for more reasonably priced choices frequently means settling for a painfully limited selection. That’s where DIY hacks come in handy!

30

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

REPURPOSE HOUSEHOLD LINENS

If you have flat sheets or large tablecloths just lying around taking up space, why not do what clever DIYers have been doing for years? You can simply hang them on rods with ring clips, or add a simple stitch or ribbon ties for extra flair. If your linen closet is bare, you can shop your local

discount departments stores, thrift stores and flea markets for affordable deals. But why stop with sheets and tablecloths when fabric shower curtains can open up another world of color and pattern possibilities? You can even transform a pillowcase into a shade by removing the stitching, pressing flat and fusing a ribbon down the middle. Anything with color and texture that strikes your fancy is fair game for repurposing.

Adding streamers to the front of your curtains changes the look without a lot of fuss or sewing.

PERSONALIZE PLAIN CURTAINS

There’s certainly nothing wrong with the cleanness and simplicity of solid sheers or panels, but for those who like a little extra panache, basic curtains can become the perfect blank canvas for creativity. From geometric patterns to paisley to pineapples, your favorite craft store is bound to have a selection of stencils and fabric paints to appeal to your particular aesthetic.

You can also customize your curtains by gluing or stitching on some embellishments, such as beads, silk flowers or decorative trim.

Anything with color and texture that strikes your fancy is fair game for repurposing.

PRETTY UP YOUR PANES

Painted fabric used as a valence over sheer curtains makes your window a work of art.

Solar window films have been used in commercial and residential building since the 1950s to reduce the sun’s damaging impact on furniture, floors, people and energy bills. In addition to its tinted practical purpose, it has now become a popular means of maintaining privacy and/or expressing personal style. This clingy glass-enhancement product comes in a wide array of styles, ranging from elaborate stained glass to a simple frost effect to naturescapes and everything in between. Most large home improvement and bed and bath stores offer a generous selection of options to browse through, many of which come in sheets or rolls that you can cut to your specific measurements and -- with a little patience and care -- you can install yourself.

Spring 2017

31

AD

AD

BEAT WINTER DRAB WITH

Garden Fab

BY LIZ MCGEHEE You’ve probably noticed the resurgence of container gardening over the last several years—and for good reason. Planters are one of the simplest ways to spruce up your living space and keep nature close during those gray winter months.

Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned horticulturalist, creating your own container garden is fun, easy and inexpensive.

You don’t need to be a DIY expert to unleash your creative side—you just need to start somewhere!

Choosing your container is the fun part. While there’s nothing wrong with classic wooden boxes or terra cotta pots, they can be hard on your wallet and appear drab. Your planter should reflect who you are, and inspire your guests, without breaking the bank. Think outside of the box (and pot)—literally!

34

home garden

Take a moment to inspect your household for unused items like that basket you’ve been meaning to get rid of. Not only will you free up space by upcycling, you’ll also save cash in an environmentally friendly way. Tires, tool boxes, shoes, jars, toys, colanders, drawers and other weather resistant items make excellent outdoor planters, as well. If you’re looking to use something on the smaller side, consider teacups, cans or bowls, or sift through the recycling bin for inspiration.

Collect craft materials, such as spray paint, stickers, stencils, yarn, rope and brushes. Find a short, but meaningful, quote to stencil onto your container, or consider eye-catching patterns and colors that complement the space.

Container gardens are a great way to introduce pops of color into your home.

Next you’ll want to choose your plants. (Be sure to research plant care before making a decision.) Add a small layer of rocks to the bottom of your container for drainage followed by a small layer of potting soil.

Transfer the plant, covering the roots in potting soil.

Be sure to cover the top and sides of the roots, and add water as needed. Now you have your very own container garden!

D E C O R AT O R

AD

BY PATRICIA F. DANFLOUS

S

REFINANCING CONSIDERATIONS

Should you or shouldn’t you refinance your home?

It isn’t prudent to rush to a yes-or-no, quick-andeasy answer. Your house may be the most valuable asset in your financial portfolio, so you should carefully consider whether or not to refinance.

Essentially, refinancing is paying off an existing mortgage to create a new one – with all the paperwork involved in the original home purchase. And if you remember, that was not a simple process.

36

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

To help you with your planning and decision-making, The Federal Reserve Board offers several refinancing pros and cons.

CONSIDER REFINANCING IF IT HELPS YOU:

• Lower your interest rate • Increase or decrease the length of your mortgage • Change from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage • Negotiate an adjustable-rate mortgage with better terms • Get cash from the equity built up in your home

(Note: If you are looking to consolidate debt through refinancing, you may want to talk with a certified financial adviser before you choose this method of paying off creditors. There may be more beneficial options.)

IT MAY NOT BE A GOOD IDEA TO REFINANCE IF: • You’ve had your mortgage for a long time.

• Your current mortgage has a prepayment penalty.

• You plan to move from your home in the next few years.

Not everyone with home equity is eligible for refinancing. Lenders review your income, credit score, debts, assets and the current value of your property along with the amount you want to borrow before making a decision to approve your refinancing loan. If your credit score has improved, you may be able to get a loan at a lower rate. If your credit score is lower now than what it was for the original mortgage, the interest could be higher.

Also keep in mind that refinancing is not free. Most lenders have fees ranging from three to six percent of the outstanding principal. This is added to any prepayment penalties and any other penalties or costs associated with refinancing.

If you plan to refinance, do shop around. Different lenders offer different terms, rates and fees.

However, you may want to start with your current lender. That lender will want to retain your business, and may be willing to reduce or eliminate some of the associated fees.

Your bank, homestead or financial advisor can provide additional information on refinancing a mortgage. The Federal Reserve Board’s free "A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancings," is available in print and PDF (www. federalreserve.gov/pubs/refinancings).

AD

Community

RESOURCE DIRECTORY

38

home garden

D E C O R AT O R

AD

AD