ome H SPRING
MAGAZINE
Supplement to the April 18, 2019 Perham Focus and Wadena Pioneer Journal
EXPRESS YOURSELF Spring interior design to show off your unique style
ENERGY SAVING TIPS
HOW TO MAKE YOUR FRONT DOOR POP
EMERGING DECK TRENDS
PAGE 2 | Spring Home Magazine
ome H SPRING
MAGAZINE
IN THIS ISSUE:
4
EXPRESS YOURSELF
This spring’s best interior design ideas to show off your unique style
7
RENOVATIONS + RETURNS
Pricetags of the most popular projects
8
ENERGY SAVINGS
11
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
12
GARDEN-READY
Tips to save you cash all year long
Simple ways to make your front door pop
8 tips for getting your outdoor spaces ready for warmer weather
13
CATCHING CRABGRASS
14
TOP DECK TRENDS
Why a proactive approach is your best bet
Industry experts’ picks to improve outdoor living spaces
15
POISON IVY
16
COVERING COSTS
18
DEER BE GONE
What you and yours should look out for
6 options for funding your next big project
How to keep your landscaping from becoming their snack
19
DEBONAIRE DEVILED EGGS
A charming twist on the classic recipe
Contributors: Carter Jones cjones@perhamfocus.com Michael Johnson mjohnson@wadenapj.com Editor: Marie Johnson mtjohnson@dlnewspapers.com
Publisher: Melissa Swenson mswenson@dlnewspapers.com Graphic artist: Josie Gereszek jgereszek@forumcomm.com
Spring Home Magazine | PAGE 3
“Florals are huge right now, it brings out this liveliness,” says Veronica Marpoe, owner of North Pines Market.
Succulents are a relatively easy way to incorporate more greens into a home’s decor, as they don’t take as much work to maintain as many other types of plants. Below: Shutterstock
Natural, unpainted wood furnishings are a “huge craze right now,” according to Bailee Schissel, a designer at Refreshing Designs.
PAGE 4 | Spring Home Magazine
Unless otherwise noted, all photos are by Carter Jones, for Spring Home
Express yourself This spring’s best interior design ideas
W
CARTER JONES For Spring Home
hether you’re decorating a whole new home, remodeling or just want to do a little sprucing up, Perham’s design-savvy retailers all agree: the look of your home should be a reflection of your own unique style. “The minute a space feels frustrating, or you’re just like, ‘I can’t make this work anymore,’ that’s when I would say a change needs to be made,” says Bailee Schissel,
designer at Refreshing Designs. “Your spaces should make you feel happy.” Natural woods that aren’t stained or painted will continue to be a trend through 2019, she says: “It’s that Scandinavian feel. Tons of natural wood — whether it’s in furniture, cabinetry, flooring, trim — we’re seeing that natural wood and really earthy tones. Wood accents, florals, plants in general, fake or alive, it’s just a huge craze right now that will stay a trend through 2019.” Veronica Marpoe, owner of North Pines Market, reiterated that interior design is gravitating toward more natural materials such as wood and florals. “Florals are huge right now, it brings out this liveliness,” she says.
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Spring Home Magazine | PAGE 5
While fake flowers used to have a reputation for being stale, Marpoe says that’s no longer the case. “I have a terrible time keeping plants alive. I’m probably one of the worst people to keep a plant alive, but faux florals have come such a long way,” she says. “We actually have a hard time telling if they’re real or fake.” Schissel says every home she goes to now is a different style, based on the homeowner’s unique personal taste. “When you used to walk into a home 10 years ago, everyone had oak cabinets, this hardwood floor and kind of a tan wall,” she says. “Now, everybody is allowed to express themselves differently instead of following an exact path.” Schissel says trends come like a wave that wash the East and West coasts, but it’s hard to pull those separate elements together in the Midwest. “We bring a lot of trends slower. It can take up to three years for trends to actually catch on in the Midwest from
wood, Wegscheid says. “It’s a product that looks like wood, but has more durability. It doesn’t scratch and wear like wood.” More homes are also integrating Smart Home features such as a Nest thermostat and security systems that remotely allow access to plumbers and other service people. “A big thing is having connection through a Nest thermostat, where people VERONICA MARPOE, owner of North Pines Market can monitor their heat,” Wegscheid says. “That’s a the coasts,” she says. “If I change,” she says. “They can big deal. Everybody wants to brought in a whole flower bring it in and have that new know when their heat goes sofa — which I would love trend, but not feel like they’re off and what the temperature to do, don’t get me wrong — so committed to something.” in their house is.” everybody would be like, ‘Oh Architect Kelli Wegscheid Bottom line, don’t overdo my gosh, you can go down to at Harmonious Architecture it, Marpoe says. the thrift store and get a flo- says a modern rustic look that “You don’t need a ton of ral sofa.’” blends white features with items, just keep things simple. Schissel works around distressed and dark wood is Mix different styles together, this by incorporating small becoming very popular. but you don’t have to go overtouches, such as pillows and “Lake home designs are board,” she says. “We’re forartwork, which are easier for becoming more modern and tunate to live in a town where people to slowly adapt to. shedding the traditional ‘cab- we have enough stores that “Adding brass in cabinetry in-y’ look,” she says. you can find all those trends hardware is an easy change for Luxury vinyl plank floorin each store. You don’t have somebody, and if they truly ing is a less formal and more to have a large budget to do don’t like it, that’s an easy lake-friendly alternative to what’s trending.”
You don’t need a ton of items, just keep things simple. Mix different styles together, but you don’t have to go overboard.
The simplistic, Scandinavian approach to design will continue to trend through 2019, according to Bailee Schissel of Refreshing Designs. Shutterstock
PAGE 6 | Spring Home Magazine
Renovations + Returns Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes a “Cost vs. Value” report to give homeowners a greater understanding of how much money popular home projects cost across the nation, as well as which renovations will offer the greatest return on investment. According to their research, these projects improved in value between 2017 and 2018 and can be smart choices for homeowners looking to add popular features to their properties.
Popular projects and the average cost of the renovations: ► Midrange bathroom addition: $44,717 ► Midrange bathroom remodel: $19,134 ► Midrange deck addition (wood): $10,950 ► Midrange entry door replacement (steel): $1,471 ► Upscale garage door replacement: $3,470 ► Midrange manufactured stone veneer: $8,221 ► Midrange minor kitchen remodel: $21,198 ► Midrange siding replacement: $15,072 ► Midrange universal design bathroom: $16,393 ► Upscale window replacement (vinyl): $15,955
Spring Home Magazine | PAGE 7
Some like it HOT. (Others like it cool.)
Either way, there are plenty of ways to save energy and money all year long. BY MICHAEL JOHNSON For Spring Home
W
ith another long, cold winter in the books, how’d your heating costs fair? If the ol’ pocketbook is hurting and you’re looking for new ways to save money this spring, consider a few tips presented to the community during a recent Neighborhood Energy Expo in Wadena.
Many of the people who attended were already conscious of their energy usage, they just hoped to find out more. And more is what they got. Vendors at the expo included members of the energy industry, assistance programs, energy councils and local utilities. They all shared a host of ideas.
Save energy today
One vendor, the Citizens Utility Board, had these money-saving suggestions: Adjust your thermostat based on the weather. For cold weather, set it
at 68 degrees when home and up to 10 degrees cooler when away or at night. If it’s warm outside, have the air conditioner turned on when it is 78 degrees. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically control when the furnace or air conditioner turns on. Mary Williams at Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative said you could see a savings of 10 percent annually by turning back your thermostat 5 degrees over an eight-hour-period. Carmen Carruthers, outreach director with board, said a common misconception is that it takes more energy to reheat your home after turning the heat down for several hours. Based on research she has seen, as long as the home is turned down for at least a few hours, there is a savings, despite the
Cleaning your refrigerator coils regularly, especially if you have pets, and replacing old appliances with more energy-effiicient models can go a long way in saving you money. Shutterstock PAGE 8 | Spring Home Magazine
reheating phase, which in many cases only takes minutes. She suggests that while you wait for your home to warm up, dress in layers. An extra sweatshirt is a lot cheaper than the added cost of heating your home through the cold months of Minnesota. She also adds, never heat your home to fewer than 55 degrees, as that puts your house at risk for frozen pipes in areas that are isolated or near the exterior. Manage the sun. Keep window treatments open on cool days to let in warm sun, and close them on hot days to keep your home cool. Get your air conditioning unit professionally serviced.
Make sure your AC unit is ready to cool you down during hot weather, and is free of outside debris.
Open windows to naturally cool your home and use fans, instead of or with air conditioners, as the weather warms. Redirect ceiling fans
to run counter-clockwise so warm air is not pushed down.
Replace furnace filters. If you have a central air conditioning system, air continues to travel through your furnace. Filters can help with allergens, and clean filters keep your mechanical systems working efficiently.
Sign up for air conditioning cycling programs offered
by your local utility if you have central air conditioning. Take short showers instead of long showers or baths to reduce hot water consumption. Use the bathroom fan to remove excess heat and humidity and keep it from escaping into the rest of your home. Clean refrigerator coils
while you are spring cleaning, and do it twice a year or more frequently if you have pets. Add insulation to your home which can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 15 percent if you don’t have enough. Replace old appliances
with energy star appliances as the cost of using older models over 15 years old typically exceeds the benefits of continued operation.
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Spring Home Magazine | PAGE 9
Use energy efficient heating and cooling systems
Energy trivia Forget about electric rates, find out how you rate with this energy trivia. 1. What’s the biggest expense on the typical utility bill? 2. What is a service charge on your utility bill? 3. What is phantom energy? 4. The average Minnesota household spends how much of their budget on energy? 5. What is a Kilowatt hour? 6. How much energy does nuclear power provide in Minnesota? Answers 1. Heating and cooling your home accounts for about 55 percent of your bill. Cooling your home typically costs more than heating because you’re not just running a blower, you’re running the condenser unit on your A/C. 2. The service charge is a charge you’ll always see on your bill, whether you use any energy or not. It generally covers administrative and infrastructure costs. In many cases, these charges will be significantly higher if you get your electric service from a cooperative utility or live in a rural area, based on the higher cost to serve areas with low population density. 3. The electricity drawn from outlets when equipment is off but still plugged in is called phantom energy or vampire power. Phantom energy can account for 15 percent or more of the total electricity used by these gadgets. 4. Energy spending in 2016 represented 3.9 percent of household expenditures, the first time the figure ever dropped below 4 percent. 5. The basic unit of electricity is the Kilowatt hour (kWh). In simple terms, 1 kWh is the amount of energy used by a 1kW (1000 watt) electric heater for 1 hour. 6. Minnesota’s two nuclear power plants, Monticello and Prairie Island, accounted for 23 percent of the state’s net electricity generation in 2017.
PAGE 10 | Spring Home Magazine
Maybe you’ve implemented all the cost saving options in your home, but still want more from your heating or cooling systems. If so, consider the many rebates available to customers of local utilities like Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative. Water heating: Water heating is often the second largest energy expense in a Minnesota home, and may account for up to 20 percent of a household’s annual energy costs. You can reduce hot water expenses by joining Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative’s energy-wise water heating program, which includes installation of an efficient water heater. Also, you will use less hot water by taking showers rather than baths and by using a low-flow showerhead. Contact the cooperative office at 218-631-3120 or 800-321-8932 to inquire about the availability and member discounted price of the electric water heaters. Lighting: Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can save more than $60 in energy and bulb replacement costs over the life of each bulb. An LED bulb is rated to last 11 years. You can visit Philips Lighting online to find out just what your savings could be when you switch to LEDs. Home heating and cooling: Heating and cooling your home is the biggest factor in how big your utility bill is, accounting for about 55 percent of your entire bill. If you’ve got outdated, inefficient equipment, you could see a fast return on investment if you find the right products for you. ► Heat pumps may be the most efficient heating and cooling systems available. They take the heat energy that is present in the air or in the earth and move it indoors. In the summer, they work in reverse, moving the warm air out of your home, keeping it cool and comfortable all summer long. ► Air source heat pumps work by transferring heat from outdoor air into you home. They are up to 300 percent efficient down to an outdoor air temperature of 26 degrees Fahrenheit, offering an alternative for your spring and fall heating. ► Ground source heat pumps circulate a water-based solution through pipes buried underground to heat or cool your home. A ground source heat pump can completely replace your furnace and air conditioner. ► Room storage heaters are affordable and 100 percent efficient. They offer individual room control and require no duct work. They are housed in a
Michael Johnson / Spring Home To help save on water use in your home consider low-flow shower heads and faucets, which use about a third of the water as most other shower heads on the market. sleek cabinet in a neutral color, to complement any decor. Room units are purchased through local electricians. ► Central storage furnaces use thermal storage technology that converts electricity to heat during low-cost off-peak hours and stores the heat in specially designed, high-density bricks that provide enough heat from storage to heat your home or business during the 16-hour on-peak portion of the day. ► Dual fuel systems combine two heating sources to incorporate a low-cost electric heat source with fuel oil, natural gas, propane, or electric storage as the backup heating system. When demand for electricity is high, the electric heat source is shut off for a maximum control time of 12 hours — and up to a maximum of 400 hours per heating season. You heat with clean, quiet electricity most of the time, and during control periods, your backup heating system provides the heat you need. ► Underfloor heating works from the ground up. Heating components are installed below your concrete slab and heat radiates from the floor, providing even heat wherever you need it. Source: Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative
6 quick and simple ways to make your front door
V
POP!
isitors’ first impressions of a home are often dictated by the front entryway. Just as books are often judged by their covers, homes are often judged by their front door and entryway (regardless of how accurate that judgement might be). Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.
3. Contain plants: Landscaping around the
1. Go bold: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway. Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.
5. Use high-end materials: The relatively
2. Create a custom walkway: Guide guests right
6. Add architectural details: Find out
to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill. This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.
entryway should be neat and well-tended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.
4. Highlight the address: Make sure the home
can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers. Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.
small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury. These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.
which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters and trim are areas to consider.
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Spring Home Magazine | PAGE 11
8
Tips for getting your yard garden-ready
D
uring the cold months of winter, many Minnesotans stare longingly out the window, dreaming of warmer weather and more time spent outdoors. For those with green thumbs, images of tending to the garden and other aspects of their landscapes no doubt dominate such daydreams. Draw inspiration from those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the last remnants of snow and employ these tips to prepare for the upcoming gardening season. 1. Apply a pre-emergent weed killer to get a head
start on knocking out weeds that can plague the lawn during the growing season. Killing weeds at the roots early on can mean far fewer hassles in spring and summer, and may prevent new generations of weeds from cropping up each year.
a prematurely warm day as a sign that spring is in full force and purchase a bunch of annuals, you may waste time and money planting flowers or vegetables only to have them zapped by another frosty day.
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4. Fill in bare patches of lawn now by mixing a
few shovelfuls of soil with grass seed. Apply patches to bare areas, then water and continue to care for the areas until the spots fill in. 5. Spend a day in the garage or shed tending to the lawn mower and other gardening equipment.
Clean all tools and ensure that everything works, repairing parts as needed. 6. Give outdoor entertaining spaces a good scrubbing, clearing
away dirt and grime that may have accumulated over the winter. Use a leaf blower to blow away any leftover leaves.
2. Know the last of the possible frost dates (check The 7. Check if the front porch, railings or decking need Farmer’s Almanac). While it may be tempting to take painting and/or staining.
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en, making it difficult for plants to flourish later on. Speak with someone at a local lawn and garden center about which types of amendments you can add to the soil in this area to enrich it.
Rely on Ruud
Tackle these projects when the weather is cooler so everything will be ready for those peak spring days. 8. Think about any annuals you might want to plant in the landscape
this year that will complement any existing shrubbery or perennials. just crumbling when lifting Come up with a theme so that the entire yard is it. Soil that is too muddy after spring thaw can hard- cohesive.
3. Amend the soil so that it is the right consistency —
How to control crabgrass before it appears
C
rabgrass is a common problem that appears in summer. According to Lowes, crabgrass plants produce thousands of seeds between midsummer and early fall. While the first frosts of late-fall or early winter kill the crabgrass plants, the seeds produced by the plants remain dormant throughout winter and then begin to grow as the ground temperature warms up with the spring and summer thaw. As a result, controlling germination, which is the development of a plant from a seed or spore after a period of dormancy, is the key to preventing crabgrass from becoming an unsightly blemish that can harm your lawn in summer. A proactive approach to crabgrass can save homeowners the headaches of dealing with this unwanted guest taking over their grass. The following tips, courtesy of Lowes, can help homeowners
reduce the likelihood of their lawns being overcome by crabgrass as summer hits full swing.
at precisely the right time. The right time to apply them depends on weather patterns. For example, Lowes notes that homeowners who live in ► Recognize that routine regions that might have expelawn maintenance may rienced warmer than usual not be enough. Even winters will probably lawns that receive need to apply sufficient the herbicides TLC can fall earlier than Crabgrass can victim to usual. While quickly spread on crabgrass. the manan untreated lawn. A proacufacturer tive, crabA proactive approach instrucgrass-spethat prevents its growth tions cific should can keep lawns looking approach always be great through to lawn followed summer. maintenance when applyis the most ing herbicides, effective way to it’s essential that control the problem homeowners take before it pops up. weather patterns into consideration as well. ► Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent ► Wait until the ground herbicides kill crabgrass seed- temperature rises above lings as they germinate. While 60 degrees Fahrenheit. these herbicides are highly Applying herbicides when the effective, they must be applied ground temperature is below
that might render the products ineffective. Gauging soil temperature can be tricky, but Lowes advises monitoring shrubs and trees on the property. Once shrubs begin to bloom and trees bud, herbicide can be applied. ► Wait when treating newly seeded lawns. Pre-emergent herbicides might kill new grass seedlings, so homeowners with newly seeded lawns should wait until they have mowed their lawns three times before applying an herbicide. ► Emphasize uniform application. If an herbicide is not applied uniformly across the lawn, crabgrass can establish itself and ultimately spread to the rest of the lawn. ► Do not thatch or aerate
after applying an herbicide.
Thatching or aerating a lawn after applying an herbicide might break the product’s chemical barrier, thereby rendering it ineffective.
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Spring Home Magazine | PAGE 13
Deck trends ► Established perimeters: “Picture framing” is not a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold in recent years. The term refers to aesthetically appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck boards for a clean finish. Some designs feature contrasting material colors on the ends for even more impact. This helps create refined perimeters for a polished look. ► Roof-top decking: Many new condominium and townhouse communities are incorporating roof-top decks into their designs, particularly in communities with water views or other impressive vistas. HGTV experts suggest rooftop decks feature light-colored materials and fixtures to help keep the area cool even in direct sunlight. ► Distressed hardwood: Builder and Developer, a management resource for professional homebuilders, says that the trend for using distressed hardwoods at home has migrated outside. Some decking manufacturers have recently introduced low-maintenance composite deck boards that mimic the look
PAGE 14 | Spring Home Magazine
Custom-built decks can expand usable outdoor entertaining spaces. Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts’ top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season. For those thinking of revamping an existing deck, or building an entirely new one, these trends are on point.
and feel of distressed, rustic hardwood flooring. This weathered appearance gives the look of age without the upkeep of real aged wood. ► Wooden walkways: Decking can be the more traditional design people envision with a patio table or outdoor furniture. But it also can consist of wooden walkways or a low-laying patio to accentuate the yard. ► Mixed materials: Homeowners may be inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices. Decks featuring composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication and comfort. ► Personal touches: Homeowners can customize their decks with personal touches. It’s not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact. And a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas.
► Fire pit conversation area: Many decks can incorporate water or fire elements for visual appeal. Gas-fueled fire elements can expand the functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or make enjoying them practical on nights when the temperature plummets.
Deck trends continue to improve on the form and function of outdoor living spaces. Shutterstock
How to identify poison ivy
P
oison ivy is an unwelcome guest on many properties. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t recognize the presence of poison ivy until it’s too late and they’ve already fallen victim to the uncomfortable, itchy red rash that is the plant’s hallmark. According to Poison-Ivy. org, a website with information about poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac, the rash from poison ivy may first appear as just a slight itchy spot. But that spot will gradually get worse and can even cover your entire body with giant red sores if left untreated for too long. It’s important to recognize poison ivy and avoid coming into contact with it.
Recognizing poison ivy is the first step in avoiding coming into contact with it.
There are different types of Stems/branches of poison ivy leaves are poison ivy in different places, never side by side. so curious homeowners should visit the site to determine how ► Poison ivy plants never to identify the type of poison have thorns. ivy specific to where they live. Minnesota is home to Eastern ► The edges of poison ivy leaves are never sawPoison Ivy and Western Poison toothed or scalloped. Ivy, though Western is much more common. ► Western poison ivy is a smallish, nonclimbing What are some shrub usually about knee telltale signs of the high, with a single stem poison ivy plant? These are some of the characteristics of poison ivy plants in Minnesota. ► Poison ivy plants always have leaves of three. No poison ivy plants have more than three leaves.
► Poison ivy always grow left, then right. That means that the stem/ Is all poison ivy branch of leaves closest to the root of the plant the same? will always lean left. SubMany people are surprised to learn that all poison ivy plants sequent stems/branches are not one and the same. of leaves can lean right.
and only a few or no branches at all. The leaves can be fairly large but always with three leaflets. ► Western poison ivy often forms colonies, sometimes 20 feet or more across. They grow quickly and can spread aggressively, especially in damaged habitats.
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6
Options for funding your next home project
B
efore starting a home improvement project, either on one’s own or with the assistance of a professional contractor, homeowners must first consider the costs involved. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, more than one-third of homeowners do not understand what hiring a professional will cost, and then cannot successfully budget and secure financing once they have set their sights on a renovation project. HomeAdvisor says some of the more popular projects, such as remodeling a kitchen or bathroom or building a deck, can cost, on average, $19,920, $9,274 and $6,919, respectively. Homeowners may find that the renovations require them to secure some type of financing. Those who have never before sought such financing may want to consider these options, and then visit with their banker to learn more. 1. Cash-out refinancing: With cash-out refinancing, a person will begin the mortgage process anew with the intention of paying off the current mortgage balance, and then taking out additional funds for other purposes. Cash-out refinancing is a way to tap into a home’s existing equity for use on improvements or other expenses, such as college tuition. 2. Home equity line of credit:
This option works like a credit card, with the house as collateral. There is a credit limit, and borrowers can spend up to that limit. The interest rate may or may not be fixed. However, the interest may be tax-deduct-
ible if the financing is used to improve, buy or build a home. 3. Home equity loan: Individuals also can borrow against equity in their homes with a fixed interest rate through a home equity loan. Most lenders will calculate 80 percent of the home value and subtract a homeowner’s mortgage balance to figure out how much can be borrowed, according to the financial advisory site The Simple Dollar. 4. Personal loan: Homeowners can shop around at various financial institutions for competitive personal loans to be used for home improvement purposes. Funds may be approved within one business day, which can be ideal for those who want to begin their improvements soon. 5. Personal line of credit: A personal line of credit allows borrowers to borrow only the money needed at the time, and offers a variable interest rate that is generally lower than fixed loan rates. Again, like a credit card, a personal line of credit gives a person a maximum borrowing amount and is ideal for ongoing purchases. 6. Credit cards: In a pinch, credit cards can be used to finance improvements, but they do come with the cost of very high interest rates if the balance is not paid in full by the time the bill comes due. However, for funding smaller projects and maximizing rewards points through home improvement retailers or specific credit card company promotions, credit cards can be a way to earn various perks in addition to the benefit of improving a home.
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How to protect your yard from deer
D
Deer will seek out an easy meal, but homeowners can take steps to safeguard their trees, flowers and shrubs. Spring Home file photo
eer, which live on all continents except Antarctica, can survive in everything from mountainous areas to wet rainforests to suburban neighborhoods. These herbivores are voracious eaters that will search far and wide for their meals. Home landscapes tend to be easy pickings for foraging deer. Many Minnesotans are excited to see deer in their neighborhoods and yards because they can be such graceful creatures to behold. However, once deer start to munch on ornamental trees, annuals and flowering shrubs, the novelty of the animals may wear off. Furthermore, deer also can be covered in ticks that spread illnesses like Lyme disease. Here are some tips to keep deer at bay. ► Avoid tasty morsels. Deer like English ivy, lettuces, impatiens, pansies and hostas. Fruit trees also are targets. Choose other plants to grow, and wait until after early spring, when deer aren’t as concerned with regaining weight lost during the winter, to get them in the ground.
► Use fishing line to deter deer. Put a few stakes in the ground and then run fishing line at a height of about three feet. Deer can sense movement but do not have keen vision. As the deer approach your garden, they’ll brush against the “invisible” fishing line and then get spooked off. ► Plant plants that produce strong aromas. The experts at Good Housekeeping suggest planting lavender and marigolds, which emit strong aromas. Deer will be reluctant to walk through because the smell can interfere with their ability to find food and assess their environment via their sense of smell. ► Stock up on soap. The tallow in soap helps keep deer away, according to the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science. Scented soaps like Irish Spring may be especially good at warding off deer. ► Plant in levels. Raised beds and sunken gardens can discourage deer from coming into the yard because they aren’t avid climbers, according to the home and garden resource This Old House. ► Employ harmless scare tactics. Deer are skittish, and any unfamiliar movement or sound may scare them away. Cans hung from strings, sundials and lights can help keep them away.
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PAGE 18 | Spring Home Magazine
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Debonaire Deviled Eggs • 12 large eggs • 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional) • 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish • 2 teaspoons prepared mustard • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper • Sprigs of fresh savory or another herb for garnish
Turn the eggs bottom-side up in the carton. Use a pushpin to delicately poke one hole squarely in each center. Fill a large saucepan or small Dutch oven with 2 to 2 1/2 quarts of water (enough to cover the eggs; use two pans if cooking all the eggs at once). Bring the water to a rolling boil. Use a slotted spoon to add six eggs to the pan (working quickly but carefully to get them in at the same time); boil the eggs for 6 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Let the
eggs sit for 6 minutes for slightly soft yolks; add about 40 seconds for firmer yolks. Remove each egg with a slotted spoon and place it on a kitchen towel. Let the eggs cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes, before peeling. (Store in the refrigerator, unpeeled, for up to 1 week; peeled for up to 4 days). Peel the eggs under cool running water. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, gently scooping out the yolks into a medium bowl. Add the mayonnaise, three-fourths of the crumbled bacon (if using), pickle relish, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine (and adjust seasonings as desired). Use a small spoon (or better yet, a piping bag) to insert the filling into the egg halves. Garnish with the remaining chopped bacon and savory, if desired, before serving. Serves 8 to 12 Note: Large eggs are best used for egg plates and are easier to eat in one or two bites.
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PAGE 22 | Spring Home Magazine
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