Homefront | Fall 2018 by Leader Telegram

Leader-Telegram Magazine Fall 2018

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Graphic Designer Angela Rediess Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator Edie.Litzkow @ecpc.com 715-833-9239 Next issue: November 2018 Published three times a year by the Leader-Telegram Advertising Department. P.O. Box 4001. Eau Claire, WI 54702. Copyright 2018 All rights reserved.

Available online at www.leadertelegram.com

kitchen basics

kitchen tech

home tools

8 common grilling mistakes For your grilling pleasure

Hex keys

home chores

outdoor garden

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End-of-summer checklist Protect pipes from freezing Reap rewards with a fall garden Fall tree & lawn tips Furniture and Carpeting

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Fairytale gardening

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kitchen basics

Cooking food over an open fire imparts all sorts of flavor. Grilling tends to be quicker, less messy and more convenient than cooking in the kitchen - particularly during the dog days of summer. Outdoor grills occupy backyards across the country, but just because everyone has one doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean everyone is employing the right techniques. Becoming the ultimate grillmaster involves understanding the subtleties of grilling.

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kitchen basics

NOT PREPPING THE FOOD: The French culinary term for preparing to cook is “mise en place.” This is especially important when grilling, as cooks must deal with faster cooking times than they would otherwise encounter when cooking meals in the stove.

Preheating the grill ensures that foods will cook quickly and as evenly as possible. Otherwise, meats can lose moisture and even stick to cooler grates. Reader’s Digest suggests preheating to between 350 F and 450 F depending on the food.

Grilling does not require much intervention. Repeatedly flipping and squeezing meat and poultry can cause flavorful juices to leak out. Then you’re left with dried-out food. Resist any urges to prod and poke food. And minimize how many times you lift the grill cover to take a peek, as that can cause temperatures to fluctuate. Use a thermometer to determine when food is done. And don’t forget that meat will still cook a bit after it’s taken off the grill.

FORGETTING TO PREHEAT:

IMPROPER SEASONING:

OVERRELIANCE ON LIGHTER FLUID:

Basting food with sugarladen sauces and marinades too early can cause flare-ups and burning. Quick rubs can help lock in flavor, and then reserve the sauce for the last few minutes of grilling, says cookbook author Dave Martin.

The chemical taste of lighter fluid can transfer to foods even when the fluid is used sparingly. Consider using a chimney starter when grilling with charcoal. And avoid repeated pyrotechnics with fluid, or worse, gasoline.

DIRTY GRILL: Make sure the grill is cleaned before and after each use. Grease can quickly build up on a grill, leading to flare-ups that can cause foods to char. Frequent cleaning also helps grillmasters avoid a tiresome cleaning process at the start of the season.

TOO MUCH DIRECT HEAT: Food should not char on the outside before the inside has a chance to cook. A two-zone fire, according to food experts at Serious Eats, enables grillmasters to cook over high heat to sear and then move the food to a lower temperature to continue to cook evenly.

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PLAYING WITH FOOD:

DIGGING IN TOO SOON: Give meats a chance to rest for between five and 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute through the food. This improves flavor and tenderness.

Check out the tech on the next page for help with your grilling woes.

Fall 2018

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kitchen tech The August dog days are here, and although it may seem like we’ve reached the last pages of summer’s final chapter, there’s still plenty of time to dig out the spatulas and Sweet Baby Ray’s and flip out some char-streaked fare. Throughout the course of history, grilling slowly evolved from a simple method for cooking food to the backyard pastime we know today—one which somehow manages to always bring families and friends together for hours of food, fun, and festivities. Since the grilling season is still alive and well, however, it’s important that you maximize all of your charcoal-filled pursuits. In order for you to achieve the best experience possible, we’ve By Nikki Lanzer compiled a list of tech tools and gadgets to make your grilling ventures seamless.

for your grilling pleasure

Grill Daddy Pro

Cleaning your grill is always the unwelcome chore that follows any cookout. Fortunately, the job doesn’t have to be quite so tedious with the new Grill Daddy Pro—the steam-producing grill brush that cleans quicker and easier than traditional tools. Just fill the device with water, ignite your grill, and let the resulting steam effortlessly cut the grease from the grates. With a more effectively-cleaned surface, your grilled foods will taste better too!

Looftlighter

Forget matches and lighter fluid—the Looftlighter is the only tool you need to ignite your coals and get your grilling fun going. This wand-like device is the cleanest and fastest lighter around, taking just 60 seconds to get your charcoal, wood, and anything else requiring a flame lit with its super-heated air technology.

FireBoard Thermometer

Having to keep a constant eye on your sizzling grill fare can make you miss out on the company of family and friends. With the FireBoard Thermometer, you can cut down on the amount of time spent hovering over the food and monitor it remotely from your smartphone device. The techy tool can connect to up to six temperature probes, allowing you to keep tabs on everybody’s food while it cooks to the desired degree of doneness.

Cuisineart Grilling Sheets

With all the fun of grilling comes the unpleasant hassle of cleaning up. Luckily, Cuisineart has developed nonstick reusable grilling sheets to help make the tidying process a little smoother. The sheets not only protect your grill top, but they make the perfect surface for foods that tend to fall through the grates, such as chopped veggies or eggs. Don’t worry about sacrificing flavor or those flawless sear marks either–grilling sheets allow you to still have both!

City of Eau Claire Housing Division Housing Rehabilitation Program The City of Eau Claire Housing Division is taking applications for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. The Rehabilitation Program is federally funded and offers loans up to $20,000. This program is for homes in need of repair, not for extensions or cosmetic renovations.

For eligibility information and application call (715) 839-8294. The hearing impaired may contact this office by TDD at (715) 839-4943. If there are other specialized needs due to handicap, i.e. sign language interpreter, wheelchair accessibility, reader, please contact this office. 6

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Type of Work: • Roof and window replacement • Plumbing repairs or upgrading • Electrical repairs or upgrading • Carpentry repairs

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Eligibility Requirements: HUD Income Guidelines: FAMILY SIZE MAX. INCOME • City of Eau Claire resident 1 $38,550 • Assessed value not to exceed $146,500 2 $44,050 • Property a minimum of 25 years old 3 $49,550 4 $55,050 • Owner Occupied (at least 1 year) 5 $59,500 • Good Credit History 6 $63,900 • HUD income guidelines apply 7 $68,300 8

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kitchen tech

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Whether it’s fussing with the charcoal or finding the best sections on the grate to cook your food, traditional grills definitely have their drawbacks. If you’re looking to up your grilling game—or perhaps just indulge in a hi-tech grilling experience—than you may want to try the SmartGrill by Lynx. This gas grill connects to your smartphone device, allowing you to program cooking preferences and ensure that all your food is ready to go at the same time. The apparatus even responds to voice commands and tells you when to adjust your food on the grill or follow a particular step in a recipe.

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home tools

Hex Key

size hex key, as attempting to use one that is too big may damage the fastener or tool.

commonly known as an Allen key or Allen wrench

Hex Advantages

The terms “hex key/wrench” and “Allen key/ wrench” refer to the same tool: an L-shaped hexagonal handheld tool designed to fit and drive bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket. Some people assume hex keys are relatively new, but this isn’t necessarily true. Records show that the concept for a hexagonal-shaped screw drive was around back in the mid-to-late 1800s. Of course, it wasn’t until 1910 when the concept was turned into a functional product. During this time, William G. Allen filed a patent for a cold-forming screw head featuring a hexagonal shape. He later marketed the new screw head under the name “Allen safety set screw.”

The indented portion of the hexagonal socket in a bolt is less susceptible to wear and damage, and can be turned with less force than a conventional, six-sided nut or bolt. Hex hardware features six pressure points. More pressure points make “gripping” the screw or bolt easier. In turn, making it easier to drive in or out. Hex hardware can reduce fatigue while allowing you to work more efficiently, especially on large projects. There is less risk of stripping when the hex design is used. Hex screws and bolts can still be stripped, but it takes longer some than other designs.

TIPS FOR TOOL CARE

Hex keys come in a variety of sizes, which are measured by across-flats (AF). This is essentially the distance between the two opposite ends of the flat side. It’s important to choose the right

Establish a place for everything

Nothing can be more frustrating than wanting to begin a project only to spend precious time looking for tools. Hardwood or metal tool chests feature various drawers and cabinets that can house tools of different sizes. By keeping tools in a chest, they’re easy to find and more likely to stay sharp and in good condition. Metal tools should be stored in a cool, dry area, as dust and moisture can cause rusting issues. One way to alleviate rust is to spray metal tools with a product like WD-40 to serve as a moisture barrier, then store them in closed drawers or containers. All tools do not have to be stored in a garage or work shed. Keep smaller tools in the house so that frequently used items are within reach. A hammer, wrench, pliers and a few screwdrivers are handy tools to have around inside the house.

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Put tools back

Remember to return tools to their proper storage spots when finished so they can be easily found when needed. Tools that are left lying around can become tripping hazards or end up in the hands of children.

Hang garden tools

Whether garden tools are kept in a shed or inside the home, hang them so they don’t crowd the floor. Keep cords neatly wound and secured as well.

Rely on original cases Power tools are typically packaged in hard plastic cases. This keeps the tools secure and can also help protect from humidity. Label each case so tools are easily identifiable when stacked on a shelf or in a cabinet.

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Clean tools after use

Hand tools and gardening tools can be cleaned with rags. If these tools are especially dirty, give them a wash with soap and water. Dry the tools thoroughly after washing them. LifeHacker advises wiping down wooden handles on tools with linseed oil to keep them in good repair. Power tools may benefit from compressed air being blown into smaller crevices to dislodge sawdust and other debris. Lubricate any moving parts with a product recommended by the manufacturer.

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Protect pipes from freezing When temperatures dip below freezing, the risk that pipes will freeze rises. Should a pipe burst, the damage that results can be extensive and costly. Any pipe can freeze, but those that are directly exposed to the cold are the most vulnerable. These include pipes that feed outdoor hoses, swimming pool supply lines, pipes in unheated indoor rooms (i.e., basements or garages) and any pipes that run close to the outdoors through uninsulated walls. Water expands as it freezes, and that expansion can place pressure on whatever is trying to contain it â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including pipes. To avoid serious damage, homeowners need to prepare for the arrival of colder weather and be smart about how they protect pipes.

Drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines prior to the onset of cold weather. Drain water before freezing temperatures arrive, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to drain outdoor garden hoses and store them inside after watering season has come and gone. Close indoor water valves that feed outdoor spigots/ bibs. Open the spigot outside to allow water to drain out. Keep the outside valve open so that any water that has accumulated will continue to drain and expand outward without damaging the pipe. An insulated bib dome also can help prevent frozen pipes.

Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes inside of cabinets. Keep the doors open to spaces that may not be heated or insulated as well as other areas of the home so that heat can find its way inside. Consider wrapping these pipes with an insulating material as well, such as heat tape or pipe sleeves. Maintain a consistent thermostat temperature. Ensure the temperature inside your home does not drop below 55 F; otherwise, problems can arise. Use a programmable thermostat to keep the house comfortable even when you are not home. Individuals who are traveling should set the thermostat so that it will keep the home at the recommended temperature to avoid frozen pipes.

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Open one faucet. When it is very cold outside, particularly at night, let water slowly drip from one faucet to prevent freezing. Choose the sink that is furthest from where water enters the house so water is flowing through all of the pipes to reach that faucet. Increase insulation around where pipes enter the house. Use insulating foam to seal any drafts where pipes enter the house from the outdoors. Frozen pipes cannot always be avoided. Therefore, it is important that everyone in the household knows how to shut off the main water valve in the event a pipe bursts. This can prevent expensive damage to a home.

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outdoor garden

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Gardening is a rewarding hobby that can help people relax and produce an enviable landscape. Many gardeners even find their meals are more flavorful when using items they grew themselves. While gardeners do the bulk of their gardening in the spring and summer, certain plants thrive in cooler temperatures. That group includes autumn vegetables that are ripe for the picking when leaves begin falling. Fall gardens provide a reason to enjoy the autumn air. So many different vegetables come to life in the autumn, and they can make wonderful additions to the dinner table. Broccoli, kale, collards, spinach, squashes, artichokes and beets are just some of the many autumn planting options you can try. Celery is also best in the fall, and its harvest continues through winter in temperate climates. By replacing crops that have been harvested through the spring and summer with fall-friendly alternatives, you can keep your garden productive for most of the year. Begin the process by counting back 12 to 14 weeks from the expected first frost date for where you

outdoor garden live. Begin seeds for your autumn plantings indoors, because summer heat and dryness are not the best conditions to nurture young seedlings. Enrich the soil with compost so that you can replenish the nutrients lost from the last crop harvested. Each region is different, so learn about when to put plants in the ground for your region. Many plants still need the sun and warmth of late summer to thrive and produce well into the fall. If you are unsure, consult with a local garden center, where you can learn about various aspects of autumn gardening. Onions, shallots and garlic are best planted mid-fall after the soil has cooled. Gradually introduce seedlings to more sunlight and outdoor temperatures before they go in the ground, as they need time to adjust to the unfiltered sun. Be sure to thoroughly water the garden. Newly planted beds should be kept moist to germinate and so established plants can take root. In addition, consider a shade covering so that the soil doesn’t dry out or get baked in the sun. Mulch also can help retain moisture and keep the conditions ideal for your autumn vegetables to grow. Remember that moisture and cooler temperatures can attract garden pests, so you may need to employ some strategies to keep them under control. For example, insect barriers and all-natural baited traps can keep slugs and snails from munching on your autumn plants. Fall vegetable gardens can be worthy endeavors, yielding plenty of crops and providing the fun and fulfillment of gardening into the fall.

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TREE CARE TIPS

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It’s important that property owners tend the trees on their property. The types of trees you have may influence when it’s time to trim and prune. There are a few tricks to pruning trees that you should keep in mind when dusting off your gardening tools. PRUNE AT THE RIGHT TIME. The Arbor Day

Foundation¨ notes that pruning during dormancy (i.e., winter) is the most common practice. Pruning in late winter, after the season’s coldest temperatures have passed, can lead to impressive and healthy growth in the spring. Novice landscapers should confirm with landscaping professionals about the best time to prune trees on their properties to ensure they are not inadvertently harming the trees or making them more vulnerable to fungus.

use a pole pruner or hire a professional tree service. Novices should avoid anything too risky, leaving the more difficult jobs to the professionals.

FOLLOW THE RULES OF PRUNING. When

10 o’clock or 2 o’clock angles with the trunk.

WATER CORRECTLY.

Like lawns and gardens, trees need water to thrive. Insufficient watering can make it hard for trees to thrive in summer, but overwatering can be harmful, too. The ADF suggests that watering each tree for 30 seconds with a steady stream of water from a garden hose equipped with a diffuser nozzle should be sufficient. Newly planted trees may need more help as they try to establish deep root systems, so consider laying mulch. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture and form deeper, stronger root systems.

pruning trees, the ADF advises homeowners follow the one-third and a quarter rules of pruning. In adherence to these rules, no more than a quarter of a tree’s crown is removed in a single season, and main side branches are at least one-third smaller than the diameter of the trunk. When USE APPROPRIATE trimming deciduous trees, TOOLS. When removing homeowners should never branches, use sharp tools prune up from the bottom to minimize damage to the more than one-third of the bark. The ADF notes that tree’s total height. Finally, More information about young trees are best pruned where possible, homeowners caring for trees is available with one-hand pruning should aim for side branches at www.arborday.org. shears with curved blades. that form angles that are For trees with high branches, one-third off vertical to form

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outdoor spaces FALL LAWN CARE TIPS Tending to lawns and gardens is a year-round job. Fall is the last significant chance before the new year that homeowners will have to address the landscaping around their homes. Fall lawn care differs from spring and summer lawn care, even if the warm temperatures of summer linger into autumn. Homeowners who want their lawns to thrive year-round can take advantage of the welcoming weather of fall to address any existing or potential issues. Keep mowing, but adjust how you mow. It’s important that homeowners continue to mow their lawns so long as grass is growing. But as fall transitions into winter, lower the blades so the grass is cut shorter while remaining mindful that no blade of grass should ever be trimmed by more than onethird. Lowering the blades will allow more sunlight to reach the grass in the months ahead. Remove leaves as they fall. Allowing fallen leaves to sit on the ground for extended periods of time can have an adverse effect on grass. Leaves left to sit on the lawn may ultimately suffocate the grass by forming an impenetrable wall that deprives the lawn of

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sunlight and oxygen. The result is dead grass and possibly even fungal disease. Leaves may not need to be raked every day, but homeowners should periodically rake and remove leaves from their grass, even if there are plenty left to fall still hanging on the trees. To make faster and easier work of leaf removal, keep these tips in mind. Mow over thin leaf coverage. If only a few leaves have fallen, use a mulching mower to shred the leaves until they are small enough that they won’t suffocate the lawn. The small pieces will decompose in the lawn, reintroducing nutrients as a result. Use an ergonomic leaf rake. Ergonomic rakes can prevent back and arm pain, much in the way that ergonomic shovels do when shoveling snow.

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LAWN CARE

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Fall Clean-Up Mowing, aeration, fertilization, lime, power edging, shrub trimming & stump grinding.

Spread out the job. Do not attempt to remove all fallen leaves in a

single day. Schedule a few cleaning days during the season to make lighter work of the job.

Repair bald spots. Summer exacts a toll on lawns in various ways, and even homeowners with green thumbs may end up with a lawn filled with bald spots come September. Autumn is a great time to repair these bald spots. Aerate the turf. Aerating reduces soil compacting, facilitating the delivery of fertilizer and water to a lawn’s roots. First have soil tested so you know which amendments to add after the ground has been aerated. Gardening centers and home improvement stores sell soil testing kits that measure the pH of soil, but homeowners who want to test for nutrients or heavy metals in their soil may need to send their samples to a lab for further testing.

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FAIRYTALE GARDENING

magic, imagination & pixie dust By Nikki Lanzer

What if it were possible to recreate the enchanted lands nestled in the pages of your favorite childhood storybooks? Or to assemble a real-life replica of those pixie dust-filled dimensions that once belonged to the crevices of untampered imagination? The concept of creating “fairy gardens” emerged over a century ago as a whimsical hobby for green-thumb enthusiasts. Inspired by the bonsai dish creations at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, gardeners began to put their aesthetic skills to the test by crafting miniature structures and landscapes perfectly fit for magical sprites. While the fairy garden trend reached its peak of popularity in the late 20th Century, it remains a cherished pastime for experienced and first-time gardeners alike. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: When it comes to constructing tiny, floral worlds, intricacy and precision are key, and a heightened attention to detail is a must. Finding an appropriate container or defined space is a good place to get started, since doing so will help you create a predetermined size or scale to follow. From there, you can decide what sort of location will best suit your fairy home. This could be beneath a tree, in a birdbath, tucked in the corner of a porch or anywhere that caters to your particular design goals. PLANTS & LANDSCAPING: Before adding any structures, you’re going to want to include all necessary plant life and landscaping. Moss and succulent varieties work well for fairy gardens and are easy to maintain. Alpine and other compact plants are also favorable choices because you won’t have to worry about them getting too big and overcrowding your space or container. Whatever you pick, selecting plants of varying shapes and colors will make your mini garden all the more interesting and eye-catching for humans and pixies alike! Along with greenery, adding pebbles or colored rocks to your garden will complete the foundation before moving on to the final step of making your garden habitable. STRUCTURE & ACCESSORIES: When you build your first fairy garden, it’s important to add all of the structures and accessories last so that you know you’re satisfied with its overall aura and appearance. Many stores and online retailers have an assortment of little houses and buildings specifically designed for fairy gardening. However, if you’d rather keep a more DIY, natural look, you can always just paint and decorate stones and pieces of wood to look like tiny dwellings. Whichever method

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home grown 6 STEPS TO CREATING FAIRY GARDENS FOR KIDS Gardening encourages creative thinking and can make for an ecofriendly activity as well. Adding a touch of whimsy to gardening can make it that much more attractive to children. Here are six steps to get your child’s fairy garden up and running.

1. Choose your container or location.

Inside or outside? Hollowed-out tree stumps are both contained and outdoors. Otherwise, use containers you already have, such as old pots, hanging baskets, picnic baskets or cookie tins.

2. Choose a theme.

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you prefer, both will allow you the freedom to either base your design solely on imagination or to model it after a certain theme, such as Rapunzel or Alice in Wonderland. And don’t forget the most important part — the fairies themselves, just like the accessories, can be purchased from a number of garden suppliers or online. After all, what would a fairy garden be without elfin inhabitants? HELP GETTING STARTED: If fairy gardening sounds like a hobby you may want to explore, there are usually several classes in the Eau Claire area to help get you started and equip you with some tips and tricks. Check local gardening centers for details.

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Themes help children decide what to include in their gardens. For example, a seaside retreat may work well with little reclining chairs, sea grasses and succulents.

3. Draw up your design. This gives you and your

child an idea of how the finished product will look. Before planting gently place plants and other components in their spots and move them around until you find the desired look.

4. Include similarneeds plants. Help them

select plants that require similar levels of sunlight, prefer similar soil conditions and require roughly the same amount of watering.

5. Don’t forget a fairy dwelling. Small bird houses can

work, but you also can consider old teapots, bird-nesting boxes or even homemade houses assembled out of bark and twigs. Let them use their imaginations and the garden will take on a life of its own.

6. Invite the fairies.

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BLINDS/SHADES

Precut blinds and shades are available in a variety of styles and colors to complement your décor. Options include aluminum blinds, cellular shades, faux wood blinds, natural shades, roller shades, vertical blinds and vinyl blinds, all of which can be cut to custom widths.

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CUSTOM BLINDS/SHADES

Custom blinds and shades are made to fit your windows and come in a variety of styles and colors.

DRAPERY

Accent your windows with a selection of drapes available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. Panels, scarves, tier sets and valances are some of the options you might consider. Complement your drapes with decorative drapery hardware available in a variety of finishes and designs, including tie backs, cord cleats, rings and a few other options to complete the job.

WINDOW FILMS & APPLICATIONS

Frosted window film, mirror window film, black window film and decorative stickers can add a nice touch to the project and provide privacy or glare control .

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PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME

Your supply list should include a tape measure, screwdrivers, wall anchors, screws, a drill, a ladder, cleaning tools and accessories.

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COMPLETE EXTERIOR REMODELING

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Make cut flowers last Here are some ideas to try to prolong the life of beautiful blooms.

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Clean vases of bacteria Be sure that vases or other vessels are completely clean. Bacteria can cause flowers to decompose prematurely. Use a diluted bleach-and-water solution to clean vases between uses.

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MATTRESS

Watch flower placement Sunlight and heat may dry out blooms. Prolong the life of flowers by placing them in the darkest, coolest area of the home.

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FURNITURE

Trim stems before immersing in water The natural emollients and sap in the stems of flowers cause a film to form over the bottom of the stem after it is initially cut, reducing the flower’s uptake of water. To alleviate this, cut the stems at a 45-degree angle once the flowers are home. This allows for the most water absorption. You can recut at each water change.

Treat the water To preserve flowers, do your best to reduce bacteria, provide a food source for the flowers and manage the pH so that the uptake of water will continue to be strong. Sugar can be an adequate food source. Methods for preserving flowers include vinegar and sugar, conventional flower food, bleach, aspirin and a penny. The bleach, aspirin, copper penny and vinegar work as antibacterial agents. The sugar and the plant food help nourish the blooms. Most blooms remain strong for three to four days. Purchase immature blooms Although many desire an arrangement of all opened flowers, bouquets that have some closed buds or those that are just beginning to peek out will likely last longer than bouquets that have already bloomed.

home paint PAINTING TIPS Few changes are as refreshing as a new coat of

paint and you don’t need to hire a professional to get professional results.

PREP THE WALLS

Lightly sand the surface to be painted before you start, to smooth uneven spots created the last time the walls were painted and to help new paint adhere better.

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DON’T SKIMP ON TAPE

New, quality painters tape will help you obtain clean lines for a more professional result.

SHAKE THINGS UP

If your paint isn’t completely mixed, you won’t get a uniform color on your walls. A mixing stick alone may not do the job. Instead, put the lid on the paint can and hold it tightly in place with your thumbs. Then, shake the paint can up and down for a few minutes.

NO PRIMER NEEDED

Many paints now have the primer built in. However, if you’re making a dramatic color change especially from a darker shade to a lighter shade, or painting new drywall, you will need to use primer.

FOLLOW A PAINT PLAN

The ceiling should be painted first to avoid spills or splatter on walls or trim. Next, paint the trim boards so you don’t have to worry about taping off the wall. Painting the wall should be your last step.

DON’T DILLY DALLY

When painting walls, use a brush to paint a border at the corners, but don’t wait too long before finishing with a roller or you may end up with a contrast in the colors.

CONSIDER TWO COATS

Even with a one-coat paint, you may not cover every square inch of the surface evenly, so for a more even, richer finish, add a second coat.

REMOVE TAPE ASAP

Once you’re finished painting, gently pull off the painters tape at a 90-degree angle. As a general rule, if you leave the tape on a wall too long, there’s a greater chance the paint will come off with the tape. This article sponsored in part by:

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indoor garden

How to tend an indoor herb garden Fresh herbs and recently picked ingredients can add flavor to any meal. A home chef can even improve the flavor of store-bought or prepared foods with an herb garnish that can transform otherwise bland dishes into something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to eat again and again. Harvesting fresh herbs is easy for homeowners who have gardens right in their backyards. However, everyone does not have a backyard, and even those that do might find their gardens threatened by changing seasons or unwanted critters. When gardens are moved indoors, the bounty of fresh ingredients continues no matter the date on the calendar. Herb gardens are perhaps some of the easiest gardens to cultivate indoors because they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require large pots or much space. The plants themselves are relatively compact, and it only takes a pinch of herbs to give a meal some extra flavor.

When growing herbs indoors, your indoor growing area must have adequate light to simulate the longer days of summer; otherwise, the plants may go dormant. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideal to have a southern exposure on the herbs, with at least eight hours of sunlight per day. If you do not live in a particularly sunny locale, consider supplementing the plants with grow lights, which will provide the full spectrum of light the plants need to thrive. Indoor air can become too dry for herbs, so you will need to compensate by providing humidity. While there may be added humidity in a kitchen greenhouse window, it still may not be enough to keep the plants healthy. Think about misting the plants daily to create some extra humidity, or place herb pots on top of a water-filled tray with pebbles so the evaporating water will add moisture without making the roots soggy. Insects are another threat to indoor gardens because there is no cold weather to inhibit the hatching of insect eggs. Soil from outdoors may be more susceptible to insects that are already living in the dirt. Instead of soil from outside, use packaged soil or a nonsoil alternative that will hold moisture without the added risk of bugs. If small insects appear, use a mist of soapy water to kill the bugs without harming the plants or making the herbs unfit for eating. Group herbs together according to their watering needs to make maintenance that much easier. New sprouts generally need more water than established plants. Prune the herbs as needed for recipes. If the herbs experience a growth spurt, trim some of the plants and freeze the herbs for later use. Many indoor herb gardeners begin by growing parsley, chives, oregano and basil, but you can experiment with just about any herb.

This article sponsored in part by:

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