Michiana House and Home - March 2023

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796

Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2362 www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLISHER

Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER

Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com

EDITOR

Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS

BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kimberly Zellers

MARKETING ASSISTANTS

Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com

Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION

Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

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Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2023

editor’s note...

Hello all! It’s another issue of Michiana House and Home. As you flip through the pages, the main theme is everyone involved in this publication is ready for spring. It doesn’t matter that we haven’t had a lot of snow this winter. We’re done with the grey dreary days and are ready for warmer, sunnier days, to get outside and play in the dirt (literally!)

Home show season continues, this time the Builders Association of North Central Indiana will have two shows in Warsaw and Plymouth. Both shows have expanded this year with more vendors participating.

Home shows are a great opportunity to see what’s new and chat with vendors about those upcoming home improvement projects. Both BANCI shows will also be offering educational seminars for those attending.

Writer Dani Messick did an article on how to update the bathroom on a budget, a project I will hopefully be undertaking in the near future. My faucets are slowly but surely starting to come apart due to the hard water and lime scale. But it makes no sense to replace the faucet unless I’m also willing to get a water softener.

BethAnne Brink-Cox wrote about creative ways to garden, regardless of how much space a person has or doesn’t have. I found the

article really interesting since I have a lot of trees and not much sun on my property. I tend to do a lot of container gardening for things such as herbs and tomatoes since the sunniest spot is part of my driveway.

BethAnne also did an article on composting and how to do it correctly to get the most bang for the buck.

For the recipes this month, I included a granola recipe from my cousin, Daniel Birch. Daniel and his wife are excellent cooks and their daughter, Jojo is eager to get in on the action when they’re in the kitchen. While Jojo is still a bit young, Daniel thought the granola recipe would be a good one to do with kids- they could toss the ingredients into the bowl while a grown up mixed everything and handled the hot oven.

The second recipe is from “The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook.” I am an avid mystery reader and noticed some of the private eyes I read about know their way around the kitchen. This is a fairly simple, but delicious, sounding chicken recipe that sounded perfect for a weeknight supper.

So enjoy this month’s issue of Michiana House and Home and I’ll see you next month!

By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

BATHROOM on a Budget

Is your bathroom in need of a spruce up? Renovations can run upwards of $30,000 depending on what you’re doing, but if you’re on a budget, take an inventory and consider what you really need to do to make yourself comfortable in your bathroom again. Here are some tips to reset your bathroom without breaking the bank.

JUST PAINT IT

A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. It can take your bathroom from grandma’s Mid-Century Modern style to just about anywhere else. White or bright, it doesn’t really matter, although style influencers suggest shades of white, ivory or cream for those doing makeup in the mornings. They also suggest homes with colorful bathrooms tend to fare poorer in the resale market. Whatever color you choose, opt for mold-resistant paints and primers, which help prevent peeling and help the paint bond to the wall. Cabinets and trim can also be painted to fit your new style.

UPDATE THE HARDWARE

Speaking of cabinets - what about the hardware? A simple update of knobs and handles can have a drastic impact on the look of any space and bathrooms aren’t an exception. Choose brushed nickel or bronze and consider pairing them with a new faucet, lighting fixture, door hardware or all of the above, if your budget allows. Newer models of fans also do a much better job at removing moisture, so consider updating the fan as well.

UTILIZE STATEMENT PIECES

Does your shower have a door or a curtain? Yep, those can be swapped out for new, too. Just be sure whatever you choose matches the paint and the hardware you’ve chosen. Shower curtains are massive, so they take up a lot of the visual space in bathrooms that are notoriously tiny by comparison. Don’t skimp on this. Find a style you love and go for it. Mirrors can also be easily swapped out in most bathrooms. This Old House rec ommends re placing an old window with stained glass, or simply hanging one from chains in front of the original window. You can also buy your own materials and create a faux stained glass look.

VANITIES

There are so many style options when it comes to vanities and as such a staple of the room, why not consider updating your storage space to something you love. You can also get mirrors that match in many circumstances. The Home Depot suggests updating the faucet at the same time. If the budget doesn’t allow for a new one, again - you can always paint the old one and add new hardware, but also consider hunting down a flea market find for revitalization. Better Homes & Gardens suggests repainting it, removing the doors and any extra shelving needed, then using decorative storage baskets, perhaps one for each family member.

thisoldhouse.com

ADD NEW DECOR

A new towel rack, battery-powered LED candles, and a wall-mounted cabinet are all suggestions This Old House has for ways to better your bath. Wallpaper is also coming back into style with a vengeance. Gone are the days of floor-to-ceiling floral or stripes. New varieties have about anything your heart desires. You can opt for a wild display of zebras or a casual paisley design on a single wall of the bathroom as an accent. You can also opt for wainscoting, beadboard or subway tile. n

wallsauce.com

Julie Young House and

For 40 years, the BANCI Warsaw Home & Outdoor Show has given homeowners the chance to find everything they need for their home improvement project all under one roof. No matter if you plan to DIY or call in the pros, you’ll find a wide range of professionals in every area who are ready to talk about the latest trends in their respective fields and give you the tools, tips and expertise you need to get the job done.

Where else can you learn about the latest trends and technologies, speak with professionals in a no-pressure atmosphere and get inspired to get things done? Find a local professional with whom you click? Why not book an appointment right away

and take advantage of any special pricing/ show promotion they may have to offer?

Best of all, visitors can shop with confidence knowing BANCI only books the highest quality of vendors for their events and their members subscribe to a strict code of ethics that can help homeowners feel good about doing business with a local firm knowing there is a reputable Builders Association behind them.

Kim McKibbin, executive officer for BANCI, says the Warsaw Home & Outdoor Show has been expanded this year to include a number of new vendors and special presentations throughout the event.

“Educational seminars will be available at individual booths, and we are pleased to

have Toasted Roast Coffee with us as well,” she said. “Over the course of the weekend, we expect to have more than 1,500 people come through the doors and we are excited to give the public the opportunity to get those remodeling projects accomplished that they have been putting off!”

Kosciusko Connect is the premier sponsor for the 2023 Home and Outdoor Show. Cottage Watchman Security Systems is the gold sponsor.

Once again, admission and parking for the 2023 Home and Outdoor Show is free. The show runs from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, March 24; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 25; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26. n

House hunting is all about the checklist. It can be hard to find a home that checks every box. But at Interra, we make it easy to find a mortgage that does. Because everyone’s needs are di erent, so is every loan—and we’re always here to help you navigate the process. Afterall, the only debt you should worry about is the one you owe to the people who help you move. Pizza, anyone?

We’ll unpack the paperwork. So you can unpack… everything else. Get moving at interracu.com/mortgage.

MARCH 1-31 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more.

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 1105 Northside Blvd., 574-282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

MARCH 1-31 | WINONA LAKE “VILLAGE MADNESS” SHOPPING CONTEST

Pick up a Village Madness Passport at any shop or eatery and shop to collect passport stamps. Contest lasts all month. Downtown area. 574-268-9888 villageatwinona.com

MARCH 24-26 | WARSAW

BANCI HOME & OUTDOOR SHOW

Admission and parking is free. Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday T-RAC at Warsaw Community High School, 1 Tiger Lane buildnci.com

APRIL 1-2 | PLYMOUTH BANCI HOME & OUTDOOR SHOW

Admission and parking is free.

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Zone Sports Complex of Northern Indiana, 2923 VanVactor Dr. buildnci.com

around michiana

MULTI-EVENT VENUES

LERNER

THEATER

| ELKHART

• March 10-12, “The Drowsy Chaperone” musical farce, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, $14 to $27.

• March 13, Killer Queen — A Tribute to Queen, 7 p.m. Monday, $39 to $74.

• March 18, Schoolhouse Rock Live!, 3 p.m. Saturday, $14 to $27.

• March 23, Tim Hawkins Live in Concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, $35 to $75.

• March 26, Elkhart County Symphony — 75th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration, 4 p.m. Sunday, $14 to $35. 410 S. Main St. 574-293-4469 thelerner.com

GOSHEN THEATER | GOSHEN

• March 17, Free Movie: “Hoosiers,” 7 p.m. Friday.

216 S. Main St., 574-312-3701 goshentheater.com

POTAWATOMI ZOO | SOUTH BEND

• March 5, 18, 19, “Winter Days!” Concessions and Potawatomi Express open, weather permitting, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $7.50/adults, $6.50/ children and seniors.

500 S. Greenlawn Ave. 574-235-9800 potawatomizoo.org

WAGON WHEEL THEATER | WARSAW

• March 9-12, “Dearly Beloved,” 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $15 general admission

2515 E. Center St., Warsaw 574-267-8041, 866-823-2618 wagonwheelcenter.org

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND

• March 10, “The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Gary Elwes,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, $18.50 to $53.50.

• March 17-19, “Legally Blonde — The Musical,” 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $83.50 to $103.50.

• March 20, “Oh What a Night! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, 7 p.m. Monday, $58. 211 N. Michigan St., 574-235-9190 morriscenter.org

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS | SOUTH BEND

• March 18-19, 50th Annual Sugar Camp Days, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, BW, $8 per vehicle.

St. Patrick’s County Park (SP), 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend; Bendix Woods County Park (BW), 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle; Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park (F/B), 57057 Ash Road, Osceola 574-654-3155 sjcparks.org

REES THEATRE | PLYMOUTH

• March 5, “King Kong” movie, 2 p.m. Sunday, $5/adult, $3/children 12 and under.

• March 10, Kennedy’s Kitchen: All Things “Irish,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, $20 to $40.

• March 12, “Hoosiers” movie, 2 p.m. Sunday, $5/adult, $3/children 12 and under.

• March 18, Brad Stine Christian Comedy Show, 7 p.m. Saturday, $25 to $50.

• March 24, Newberry & Verch, 7 p.m. Friday, $25 to $45.

• March 26, “Smokey & The Bandit,” 2 p.m. Sunday, $5/adult, $3/children 12 and under.

100 N. Michigan St., 574-337-7337 reestheatre.com n shutterstock.com

COMPOSTING

is easier than you think

Tramper Truck composting on the move! The breakdown process begins immediately, and it will be easily transferred once home.

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

When was the first time you heard the word ‘compost’ and what was your reaction? Did you think you wanted to know more, and wanted to try it? Or did it just seem too flower child/commune kind of thing? Well, it’s not.

According to the Compost Foundation, most early civilizations practiced some form of composting by spreading manure and plant waste on fields to improve fertility. The literal definition of composting is “a controlled, aerobic (oxygen-required) process that converts organic materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch through natural decomposition.”

Compost isn’t just tossing every little bit of waste into a bucket or a hole in the ground, though. There are certain things you should never add, such as meat and dairy or fatty things. They decompose slowly, smell and attract rodents. Eggshells are all right, but whole eggs are not, for the same reason.

Annette Webb, co-owner of R.A.W. Sustainable Living Worm Castings, knows all about this. She’s so committed to it that while in Texas, on a ‘tramper tour’ with husband Bob for the Austin Marathon, after having decided she’d just throw things away on the road trip she couldn’t stand it.

“I went out and bought a tote and I’m now packing and carrying all the compostable items from our daily diet. We eat lots of fruits and veggies and I just couldn’t stand throwing all that material in the trash. Yep, I’m gonna bring it home and compost it!” When asked if you could add things to the compost year round, she said, “I do, because I don’t want it to go to landfill. It all works out, it freezes in the winter, but it eventually breaks down. Some things are slower than others. We take turns carrying things out when the snow is deep!”

Asked about preparing things for composting, Webb agreed with the way things are done around here (it’s always good to know you’re doing it right).

“Definitely, you can buzz things in the blender, cut them down into smaller pieces, like melon rinds, and crumble the eggshells. Break down anything you can so the compost will break down faster. Help it do its work!” Webb said compost can be used for anything that grows in soil, from houseplants and container gardening to any other size or design of garden.

And while you shouldn’t use dog or cat feces in your compost–this is not the place to empty the litter box–rabbit or chicken manure is just fine. So, too, is worm dirt.

Wondering what that is? Webb will be happy to tell you.

“I worked as a dental hygienist for someone who gardened, and I was asking what the heck, how do you do that, tried what was recommended and then I was all, what the heck–again–did you see how much better my garden is growing? I got to know the owner who was selling the business, and I said, “You can’t sell! I love your worm poop!” “I know, that’s why I’m calling you. Wanna buy the business?”

That business, formerly My Garden’s Best Friend, was renamed R.A.W Sustainable Living. When asked why, Webb said, “I came up with R.A.W because it’s the first letters of our names Robert and Annette. Plus I wanted our customers to know our product was ‘raw’, meaning exclusively just worm castings, no fillers or added ingredients, pure worm castings only.” Worm castings don’t need to be mixed into your compost, though. Webb said they help the plants retain water and grow stronger, and they become more disease resistant. Just a few tablespoons are needed per plant, twice a year on annuals and three times a year on perennials.

Webb said stripping out the garden in the fall isn’t as smart as you might think. “It’s like standing outside naked in the winter! DON’T do it in the fall. Everything is exhausted from the fall feeding frenzy, and they need rest. They’ll go into dormancy as happy

little campers, and in the spring, come out well-rested and ready to go. You just cut down things as harvesting is done, but you don’t leave the ground bare. Everything left behind after the harvest will return to the soil, ready for next year’s use.”

The Webbs Greenhouse, with their bottle path in the form of a peace sign, perfect for an organic farm.

A view of the bottle paths the Webbs love to create wherever possible — another way to recycle, beautifully.

Obviously, composting and gardening go hand in hand, and Bob and Annette are passionate about something called a keyhole garden. “Picture the old skeleton keys? The middle is empty, with the plants all around the circle. Except it isn’t empty. That’s where the compost goes, and it’s covered with iron mesh to keep pests away and let in maximum air flow. This way the compost breaks down and returns immediately and continually to the plants all around it. We made one of these for my mom and in the first year she got enough green beans to can 43 pints!” A pint is about the same size as a standard size can you’d buy at the store. Picture a shelf full of home grown and canned green beans in place of 43 cans, and the jars are reused over and over. This is an example of multi-purpose recycling at its very best, not to mention how much better those beans are going to taste. Spring is here–get your gardens ready, and see what you think of composting and worm castings! n

Annette’s mom, Marsha Evans, with the keyhold garden created for her yard.

Marsha’s garden in the works. Note the bottle placement just beginning.

Keyhole garden, lush and productive.

Creative Ways To Garden

By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Time was, if you had a big enough yard, you had a garden. Maybe it was the Word War II Victory Garden that kind of hung on for the next generation; maybe it was you lived on a farm, so of course you had a garden! A neat, orderly patch, straight lines, many rows. (And in a surprisingly short time you’d be spending some extra hot days canning the fruits of your labor.)

Gardening has taken on all kinds of shapes and styles these days, though, from hydroponic to raised beds, living walls and everything in between. Emily Kresca oversees the Purdue Extension Master Gardener Program in Kosciusko County; her official title is Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator.

When asked what if you don’t have a yard? What if you do, but you’re not allowed to garden because you rent? What if you do, but it’s so small it seems hopeless? Kresca said, “We talk a lot about small container gardening. You don’t have to buy lots of pots for container gardening, either. Basically, you can turn anything that will hold dirt and has holes for water drainage into a way to grow things creatively.”

Starting plants in eggshells? Newspaper pots? “That would be taught in our Master Gardener classes. Peatpots are popular, too. Paper and such decompose, having the compost in the soil adds more nutrients.”

The Master Gardener Classes equip those who have attended the 14 week course to work in the community, sharing what they’ve learned. Kresca said, “We’ve gone to schools and showed the kids how to make windowsill gardens.”

It’s been suggested if children choose and raise their own vegetables, they’ll be more likely to eat them and that theory is certainly worth a try! She knows what she’s talking about.

Look at any Pinterest page or gardening site; go to home and garden shows and shops. Ideas are everywhere. Have you heard about straw bale gardening? A straw bale makes a great growing medium; it’s a raised bed in which soil, compost and plants are all inside the bale.

Kresca said, “I’ve seen when we talk about small container gardening that some will buy a bag of soil, just ordinary stuff you can buy in the store and they cut a square in the top and poke holes in the bottom and add plants!” Tires, bathtubs, barrels and buckets are often used today. The possibilities are endless.

How about getting creative as in planting seeds from food you’ve eaten, sprouting garlic, onions or potatoes, or bottoms of celery? Kresca said, “I know there are a few of them who do that to get the most of the crop.”

Food prices being what they are now, this may be something a lot more people try to do this summer. It’s not hard to grow your own sprouts, either; a jar in a sunny windowsill is a good way to start.

Gardens for condo dwellers or renters can be managed too, especially if you have a deck. Look for dwarf varieties of the things you want to plant; potatoes, chard, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, peppers, summer squash all do well in containers and so do herbs.

And for fun you can go even smaller: miniature vegetables! Mini lettuce, baby broccoli, snack sized sweet peppers and miniature peas. You don’t have to have bushels of produce; you might just want to guarantee the freshest of salads all summer long. And if you do have a yard, albeit small, it can look incredibly lush if you have a fence: you can hang bags of soil, burlap is a popular look, or something as simple as a plastic milk or juice bottle, fitted with a loop to hang and holes drilled for drainage on the posts.

It gives the illustration of window boxes, especially if you’ve filled them with trailing plants or exuberantly blooming flow-

ers. You can also plant herb gardens in rain gutters and attach them to siding on the back side of your house or garage.

Kresca said for those who don’t know where to start, can’t envision, “Part of what I would do if the homeowner calls, I could make a house visit. If it’s some-

thing I need to visually see and can’t get the info over the phone or email or some such, I’ll go to their house and show them what would work and where.” Tap into this knowledge, grab some seeds and start a compost going; this could be your healthiest and most delicious summer ever. n

On with the show!

The BANCI Plymouth Home & Outdoor Show is coming April 1-2

By Julie Young, House and Home Feature Writer

Don’t be fooled into thinking all home shows are exactly alike! The Builders Association of North Central

Indiana’s Plymouth Home & Outdoor Show

April 1-2 is your

find a wide range of professionals ready to help you tackle your 2023 “To

With nearly 50 vendors covering both interior and exterior home improvement industries, the BANCI Plymouth Home & Outdoor Show has been a staple in the area for 25 years! No matter if you are planning to DIY all or part of the work or looking to find a local firm you trust, homeowners are sure to find it at the Home & Outdoor Show.

“We’ve expanded the show this year to include a number of new vendors and we are really excited about that,” said Kim McKibbin, executive officer for BANCI. “There will be educational seminars at vendor booths and we will

even have Toasted Roast Coffee of Argos, on hand for those who enjoy specialty coffees.”

The Plymouth Home & Outdoor Show is a great place to learn about the latest trends in the industry, speak with professionals in a no-pressure atmosphere and get inspired to get things done. Best of all, you can shop with confidence knowing that BANCI only books the highest quality of vendors for their events and their members subscribe to a strict code of ethics helping homeowners feel good about doing business with a local firm knowing there is a reputable Builders

one-stop

Do” List!

shop

to

Association behind them.

“Over the course of the weekend, we expect to have nearly 1,000 people come through the doors and we are excited to give the public the opportunity to get those remodeling projects accomplished that they have been putting off!” McKibbin said,

Ready to make the most of your time at the Plymouth Home & Outdoor Show? We have the tips to help make your time a success.

· Plan Ahead. Examine the vendor list and venue map to determine which booths you want to visit and what you don’t want to miss. Leave some space for happenstance. Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans, so leave some time to wander and see what catches your eye.

Stay organized. Take notes and photos about what you saw and where you saw it so you can refer back to it once you get home. Jotting a quick note on the back of a business card is also a helpful reference.

Follow up. Firms book appointments quickly after a show, so you will not want to wait to get on their calendars. “Spring” to it and make the call.

Bin There Dump That Michiana is the premier sponsor for the 2023 Home and Outdoor Show. Cottage Watchman Security Systems is the gold sponsor.

Once again, admission and parking for the 2023 Home and Outdoor Show is free. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 1; and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2. n

photos: shutterstock.com

BANCI HOME & OUTDOOR SHOW

The Zone Sports Complex of Northern Indiana, 2923 VanVactor Dr., PLYMOUTH

April 1-2

Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. Parking and Admission is free. For more information, visit www.buildnci.com

House hunting is all about the checklist. It can be hard to find a home that checks every box. But at Interra, we make it easy to find a mortgage that does. Because everyone’s needs are di erent, so is every loan—and we’re always here to help you navigate the process. Afterall, the only debt you should worry about is the one you owe to the people who help you move. Pizza, anyone?

We’ll unpack the paperwork. So you can unpack… everything else. Get moving at interracu.com/mortgage. NMLS#

When: April 1-2 2023

Where: The Zone Sports Complex of Northern Indiana, 2923 VanVactor Dr. Plymouth, IN 46563

How to be a nurturing plant parent in 3 easy steps

(StatePoint) Plants add color, life and vibrancy to your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces and can even improve indoor air quality. However, if you are new to plant ownership, you may be wondering how to make your foliage thrive. Here’s three tips for healthier plants:

Make a move:

Many plants that do well outdoors in the warmer months can’t tolerate the cold. So don’t wait for subfreezing temperatures to bring planters indoor for the season. Be sure to give your newly-transported plants the right amount of light. This may require using special grow lights. Keep in mind though that different types of plants thrive better with different color spectrums and intensities, so group plants under the right lights accordingly. If your indoor air is dry in winter, you may find that misting the leaves of your warm climate and tropical plants will help provide needed humidity.

Prevent pests:

Unfortunately, keeping houseplants often attracts insects that can harm them and bug you. But there are steps you can take to prevent a pest problem in your home. One important thing you can do is to be sure you are not overwatering plants. Too much water in affect drowns plants. It can also create standing water that becomes a breeding ground for flying insects. You can also provide roundthe-clock protection from fruit flies, gnats and flies by plugging a Zevo Flying Insect Trap into a regular outlet near your plants and wherever flying insects enter your home or gather. Rather than chemical insecticides, the traps use multi-spectrum light technology to attract flying bugs into a discreet glue sheet cartridge. When the cartridge is full, replace it and toss the used one without ever touching a dead bug. To learn more, visit zevoinsect.com.

Know your lifestyle & limitations:

There are many plant species that while beautiful, don’t require much care. So, if you’re new to owning plants, consider starting out with lower-maintenance options, such as succulents or snake plants. Because these plants don’t need much water, they are also great options for those who are simply forgetful? Have furry friends? Always check whether a given plant is toxic to pets before bringing one home.

Having a green thumb can seem like magic. However, with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can become a nurturing plant parent.

Italian Chicken

By Brad Meltzer.

The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook.

Copyright 2015.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cut up chicken

Seasoned salt

Black pepper

garlic salt

1 cup Italian Dressing

Directions:

1 - 8 ounce can mushrooms, sliced or stems and pieces- drained

Grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Spray baking dish with cooking spray.

Brush Italian dressing on the skin side of the chicken and place skin side down in prepared baking dish. Brush remaining dressing on chicken to coat.

Bake chicken for 30 minutes Remove from oven and turn chicken so the skin side is up.

Put mushrooms around chicken. Sprinkle cheese on top of the chicken. Bake for another 30-40 minutes, until chicken is nicely browned. n

Olive Oil Granola

By Melissa Clark, New York Times

6 cups oats

Ingredients:

2 cups coconut strips

2-3 cups nuts and seeds

1 cup honey

1 cup olive oil

Directions:

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cardamom

Preheat oven to 300. Mix ingredients and spread evenly over two parchment lined baking sheets. Bake 20 minutes and mix. Then, bake an additional 20 minutes.

Let cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes

Move granola to a bowl and mix every 30 minutes until cool.

photos: shutterstock.com

Did You Know?

Party Beyond St. Pat’s In March

By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer

While it is tempting to “go green” this month by donning your favorite shade, baking some soda bread or knocking back your favorite Irish ale, you can party beyond St. Patrick’s Day. March is full of famous and lesser-known occasions that are worthy of celebration so why not commemorate a few of our favorites?

March 6: Tennis Day

Order on the court! Whether you are new to the sport or have played for years, tennis is for all ages and stages of life! Break out the racquets and balls and head out to the back yard for an afternoon of family fun! You don’t need a full-sized court to enjoy the basics. Grass court lawn tennis can be a great workout for the young and young at heart.

March 9: National Popcorn Day

Get poppin’ and pay tribute to Indiana’s own Orville Redenbacher. Born in Brazil, his name is synonymous with the fluffy treat so why not make a movie night of it and try some new toppings or indulge in an old favorite? For an extra explosion of flavor, consider melting dark chocolate over freshly popped kernels and enjoy a sweet (and savory) snack!

March 12: Plant A Flower Day

It’s never too early to create a pot of pansies or other cool weather flowers to brighten your front porch. Why not invite a group of neighbors and friends over to create pots of their own or host a seed exchange to prepare for the growing season ahead. Don’t forget to serve a floral shaped dessert and rosé wine!

March 14: March Madness Begins

The NCAA tournament tips off and you don’t want to miss any of the action. Get your bracket ready and get ready to stream all of your favorite basketball teams until the champion is crowned on April 3.

March 20: First Day of Spring

Whether you get out of town for a week-long vacation or plan to stay close to home, take some time to welcome the season by enjoying an outdoor activity. Go for a long walk, watch the birds build their nests, dine alfresco…there are a myriad of ways to celebrate spring. Too cold to get out? Stream nature sounds and read a book that will sweep you away to a warmer climate!

March 23: National Puppy Day

Whether you have a new furry friend or a veteran four-legged family member, today is their day to be spoiled! Take them to the dog park, treat them to a new collar or bake them a “ScoobySnack” to show your puppy some love! Don’t forget the kitties in your life! Respect Your Cat Day is March 28!

March 26: National Purple Day

If you don’t geek out for green, perhaps you will go gaga for grape, lavender or even vibrant violet. If so, then National Purple Day is for you! Find the hue that’s right for you and show off your royal style. Don’t forget to set the mood with Prince’s “Purple Rain” soundtrack! n

... and now you know!