VALLEY HO E IMPROVEMENT VALLEY AUCTIONS VALLEY HEALTH

Rake: With numerous materials and shapes to choose from, finding the right rake can be intimidating. A basic fan-shaped rake with metal fingers is a universally accepted, long-lasting option. Select a model with plenty of give in the fingers if you’ll be raking large areas and don’t want to damage the ground below. A rake made of firmer metal allows you to work and smooth soil. Purchasing the broadest width you can comfortably handle allows you to cover more ground, which means less work.

Depending on the space you’ll be tending, you may also consider purchasing a garden fork, which has fewer tines than a traditional rake and is ideal for aerating, weeding and turning small sections of soil.

Hoe: Whether flat or pointed, a hoe is essential for a weedfree garden. Flat versions can also be useful for breaking up clumps and hard spots on the surface while pointed hoes make quick work of rows and mounds to protect and irrigate your plantings.

Shears: A variety of shears are available to accomplish a wide range of garden tasks. Larger shears are ideal for big jobs such as shaping hedges, while smaller pruning shears are meant for snips and sprucing. Quality metal and sharp blades are important features. Be sure to choose a model with a safety latch to lock blades when not in use.

Gloves: Even if you eagerly embrace the chance to get your hands dirty, no tool shed is complete without a sturdy pair of gloves. Choose a material tough enough to protect from thorns but pliable enough to allow for free movement. Proper fit is key to avoiding blisters.

Find more gardening tips and advice at eLivingtoday. com WE

Continue from Page 5 to clean beneath and around the base of the appliance. You can also wipe the areas down to remove crumbs, stubborn food smudges, grease and grime.

Cleaning tools

That’s right - your cleaning tools need a little TLC too. Your cleaning supplies deserve the same attention as the rest of your home to avoid simply spreading around the dirt and grime.

On top of emptying your vacuum regularly, make sure to remove dust, hair or threads clinging to the beater bar or brush. You can disinfect toilet brushes, mop heads and smaller tools like brushes and sponges in a hot water and bleach solution regularly to help you get a more thorough clean and ensure that your tools are ready for your next big deep clean.

Knowing how to uplevel your cleaning routine can help you maintain a cleaner space and a happier you. To find more tips and product recommendations like these, visit Clorox.com.

THEME: U.S. STATES

ACROSS

1. Attired

5. *Alabama, for short

8. Type of pit, at a concert

12. *Nevada’s “biggest little city in the world”

13. October birthstone

14. Don’t do this to words?

15. Elusive Himalayan

16. Poet Sandburg

17. Come to pass

18. *Home of the Bourbon Trail

20. Not us

21. Winds to a ship captain

22. *Dish popular in the 50th state

23. *Largest state, by area

26. Dick ____ of “Bewitched”

30. Tombstone acronym

31. Spews

34. Succulent medicinal plant

35. Cast member

37. Greek “t”

38. Gibson garnish

39. Evade payment

40. Like certain pentameter

42. Lenon’s wife

43. Fashionable

45. Barely audible words

47. Casino’s pull

48. Bear down under 50. Sound bounce-back

52. *a.k.a. Commonwealth

DOWN

1. Have a bawl

2. Potato’s soup partner

3. Initial stake

4. Happenings

5. Lickety-split

6. Shenanigans

7. Friend in war

8. *State with longest freshwater shoreline

9. It’s enough?

10. Pond gunk

11. Joaquin Phoenix 2013 movie

13. Relating to eye

14. *Michigan’s “____ City”

19. Selfish one

22. Pavlova’s step

23. Middle East natives

24. Permissible

25. In a fitting way

26. Half a ticket

27. Sober Ness

28. Not a soul (2 words)

29. Operatic voice

32. *Home to Arches National Park

33. Tucker of “Modern Family”

36. *State with panhandle

38. Round openings

40. School of thought suffix

41. Google search category

44. Often-missed humor

46. Hide craftsman

48. Little one

49. Lowest deck on a ship

50. Timeline divisions

51. His was a merry old soul

52. Tiny bottle

53. *”Field of Dreams” movie setting

54. Port in Yemen

55. Tax pro

58. Bit of work size and style of the piece, as well as any specific features or details you’re looking for. What is your budget? Knowing what you want will help you refine your search and make the process less daunting. Shop locally: If you still need new furniture, consider shopping locally, which reduces transportation emissions and supports small businesses. Look for resale stores in your community or browse online marketplaces, like OfferUp, that allow you to search for items in your area. Download the mobile app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store - or visit OfferUp.com.

Consider the materials: When shopping for pre-owned furniture, consider how it’s made. Look for items constructed from sustainably sourced wood, bamboo or other renewable materials. Avoid items made from materials that are harmful to the environment, such as plastics or synthetics. Antique and vintage items tend to be of higher quality, will usually last longer and can add unique character to your home.

Don’t discount the imperfect: When shopping pre-owned, it’s important to carefully inspect items before you buy them. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents or stains. Make sure the piece is sturdy and functional. However, minor imperfections can often be fixed with a little bit of DIY work or by hiring a professional to complete repairs. Sometimes by simply cleaning an item thoroughly, you can bring it back to life.

Stay open to negotiation: Many resale stores and online marketplaces allow for negotiation on price. Don’t be afraid to make an offer that fits within your budget. Ask about the piece’s backstorywhere it was originally purchased and how long it was owned - so you can be sure you’re getting a fair price.

Get creative: One of the best things about buying pre-owned furniture is the opportunity to get creative and personalize your space. You can paint or refinish a piece to give it new life or mix and match styles for a unique look. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your unique finds.

Choosing to shop for preowned furniture instead of new is a step toward reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future. With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can find beautiful and unique pieces that will give your home a fresh new look while also protecting the planet.