The Container Vegetable Garden
November 30, 2007
If you live in an apartment or town home, you probably think you don’t have enough space to grow vegetables. Lack of space is no longer an excuse since many modern vegetable varieties are perfect for growing in containers on a sunny window ledge or patio.
You can grow salad vegetables and herbs in almost any sunny spot and enjoy fresh ingredients all year round. Snipping off a sprig of fresh herbs from the window ledge garden in the kitchen while you are cooking cannot be bettered.
Here are some tips for the perfect container vegetable garden.
Choice of container. The easiest choice is to go to your local garden center or home improvement store and pick any gardening container that takes your fancy. There’s a wide variety available in plastic, ceramic, wood or clay. Before you pull out your credit card though, take a look around your home and see whatever containers you have lying around. Almost anything that will hold soil can be used for growing, whether it is an old bucket, an empty margarine container or an empty coffee can.
Should I Buy A Cuckoo Clock?
November 30, 2007
Should I Buy A Cuckoo Clock?
by: Doug Mahopac
Are you in need of a quality clock to keep time in your home? Do you want a timepiece that marks each hour by a sound? Are you interested in a unique and historic piece that is sure to bring beauty and charm to your home? Do you want a fabulous conversation piece that is sure to catch the eye (and ears) of all who visit your home? If your answer was “yes” to any of these questions, consider purchasing a cuckoo clock for your home. Cuckoo clocks are fantastically unique timepieces that include a small carved bird in the clock’s bellows to chirp out the time instead of chime the hour. From the kitsch to the modern to the antique, any tastes and decorative style will benefit from a cuckoo clock.
Since cuckoo clocks are delicate in nature, you should only consider purchasing a cuckoo clock if you have the space to hang a clock securely from your wall. Since the chains and weights generally hang beneath the clock, you should ensure your prospective wall has enough room for the weights to swing freely. Cuckoo clocks are not mantle clocks and should only be hung from a wall, so if you do not have the proper space, you may need to reconsider your purchase.
History Of Cuckoo Clocks
November 30, 2007
History Of Cuckoo Clocks
by: Bill B. Carmel
Cuckoo clocks are unique creations that are centuries old. The first cuckoo clock was produced back in the early 18th century in Germany’s region known as the Black Forest. Clock making in this area of Germany dates back to the early 17th century, almost a full hundred years before clockmakers and craftsmen produced the very first cuckoo clock. The father of cuckoo clocks in believed to be the German clockmaker, Franz Anton Ketterer, although there are a great many stories and lore revolving around this unique timepiece.
This early clock was thought to be inspired by a Bohemian design from the late early 1600s that came to Germany from a peddler from the modern day Czech Republic. This method of selling timepieces made the cuckoo clock even more famous, as clock makers all around the Black Forest area of Germany. In the next three centuries, peddlers would travel all around Europe selling these charming timepieces, further influencing different areas of Europe with the unique sound of the cuckoo clock.
Escrow Accounts, Do You Absolutely Need One?
November 30, 2007
With escrow accounts the money for your home insurance and property tax is added to your monthly mortgage payment and is paid out each year. With that said, you may think that having an escrow account takes the responsibility off your shoulders because the bank will make the payment for you each year from your escrow savings account. But beware, because many people have found that their property tax and home insurance have not been paid on time or at all!
Another negative fact about an escrow savings account is that the lender holding it doesn’t have to pay you interest. There are only approximately 14 states that actually must pay interest on an escrow savings plan. You can ask your financial institution if they will allow you to save for your home insurance and property tax in a separate savings account as well.
If you are applying for an FHA or Federal housing Administration loan, try to avoid having to set up an escrow plan. Some lenders may say that you have to have this type of savings account, but it’s not true. As a matter of fact, if you offer to open your own savings plan to save for home insurance and property taxes, your lender is required by state law to comply.
How To Clean A Cuckoo Clock
November 29, 2007
How To Clean A Cuckoo Clock
by: John Marcus
When it comes time to clean your cuckoo clock, it is essential that you take the proper steps to ensure any potential damage to the timepiece. Clocks that are cleaned by improper methods can cause these items to shift, break, or become damaged so that the clock will fail to keep the proper time or stop working completely. If you are concerned about the status of your clock, consider taking it to a professional clockmaker or a jeweler who specializes in clocks for a cleaning or repairs so you can be certain your clock will last to cuckoo again.
When it comes time to clean you cuckoo clock, consider the clock itself is two actual pieces. The first piece of the clock is the case. Typically made of solid hardwoods, the case of your clock should be properly maintained to keep the beauty of the wood. Additionally, most cuckoo clocks are decorated with heavy carvings or wooden figurines, so you should take great care in cleaning the more decorative clocks due to the fragility of these items. Finally, clocks that have painted details or decorations should be carefully cleaned, since some cleansing agents can remove or damage the wood’s finish or the paint itself. Turn to products that will gently remove and dirt, grime, and build up accumulated over the years of display or storage. For general cleaning, avoid using furniture polishes or waxes that can add to your problem. Instead, consider dry dusting or use products made with natural oils like lemon oil or orange oil to keep the wood properly nourished to prevent cracking.
Amish Furniture on the Front Porch
November 29, 2007
While shopping on line the other day at www.stoveramishfurniture.com, I looked at the Amish Hickory Rocker. Now I have looked at this rocker many a time, but I have never thought about it. Think about how many times a rocker like this, over the generations, has rocked a baby to sleep, or a grandpa. Think about those spring, summer and autumn nights on the porch watching the kids play on the streets, or just drinking a glass of cool sweet tea listen to the crickets. How many times has one of these rockers sat in front of the fireplace, and comforted someone to sleep on a cold night.
Now I couldn’t begin to tell you how long the Amish and others have been making this type of rocker, but I have personally sat in one that was 185 years old. That rocker saw the Civil War, WWI, and WWII. That rocker comforted mothers that lost their sons. That rocker saw five generations born and passed on. Amazing, as it may be it has never been repaired or refinished. Yes it is worn with marks of love.
Make Soundproofing A Part Of Today’s Home Improvement
November 29, 2007
Make Soundproofing A Part Of Today’s Home Improvement
by: Ken Morris
Want a simple behind the scenes way to increase the comfort and value of your home? Soundproofing may sound like something only professional recording artists need, but you will be surprised at how much you will enjoy the added quiet that soundproofing supplies to your home environment.
There are many areas where soundproofing can be added in order to make for a quieter space. Sometimes it the outside disturbances of traffic or barking dogs that you would like to block out. Other times, you may want to keep noises from one room inside your home from seeping into other areas. Depending on the way you want to manage and control sound, there is a soundproofing technique that will meet your needs.
Keeping Noise Out
One of the most effective ways to keep street noise from entering your home is to soundproof your windows. Normal windows are given a sound blocking rating on a numerical scale. The percentage of noise that soundproof windows can block out increases substantially with these special windows.
Summer Decorating Tips To Cool You
November 29, 2007
Redesigning your home for summer gives you the opportunity to have fun with your home. A few simple changes can make your home feel refreshed as well as refreshing.
Make your home feel fresh and cooler with these interior design ideas:
Welcome to Our Haven
Start with your exterior to instill the image of a cooling retreat. Provide shade to your front door. If you don’t have sheltering trees, add umbrellas in heavy pots to shade the entry landing. A wall water fountain near the front door adds cooling sounds to support your sense of hearing. You can make a standing water fountain with a small pump, a container with no drainage, a water plant like the common reed, and pebbles. Deep shade and water sounds invite you to linger outdoors while promising further respite inside.
Cool Down With Lighting
Yes, the color of light influences the way you feel. Use white and blue iridescent accent lights. Change out your yellow-casting light bulbs with cooler daylight-mimicking light bulbs. Look for bulbs that simulate natural daylight, the healthiest light source for the human eye, with reduced eyestrain. Soften your room lighting at twilight with more light sources instead of a few bright lights.
Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
November 28, 2007
Preventing Water Damage in the Basement
by: Leo Nov
A wet basement can quickly develop into a complete disaster. Many maintenance systems are installed in the basement. These systems generate moisture leading to potential water related problems. A periodic inspection will provide accurate indications for a water problem somewhere else in your home and can help preventing a much bigger damage.
Heating and Air Conditioning System
HVAC systems must be regularly inspected if located in the basement. Check the drain pans and remove debris to allow it to flow. Do not overlook the filters and replace when needed. When inspecting the HVAC, take a close look at the ductwork. Deteriorating insulations must be treated and sealed.
Ceiling and Walls
Moisture walls are a red flag for a water problem in the basement and may be a hint for internal leaks. Take a look at the walls and search for stains. If visible, follow the trails to locate the source of the problem and fix it. Even the smallest sign for a leak in the basement must be treated promptly.
Pipes
What Exactly Is A Reverse Mortgage And How Does It Work?
November 28, 2007
A reverse mortgage is a certain loan that allows the older generation to take their home equity and turn it into cash. With this type of loan the bank is actually paying you monthly out of the equity in your home. The funds from reverse mortgages can be used for whatever you like. Many people like to use it for taking a trip, home renovations, buying new furniture, or just for day to day living. Most people don’t realize that they have this option with their homes equity.
The age minimum for this type of home loan is 62. You can still get a reverse loan even if you are still paying on your mortgage as long as there is some home equity built up. There are a few requirements though, like the house should be in good condition, not ant or termite infested. It will be inspected before any loan is approved. So before even considering this type of thing, make sure that any deficiencies have been dealt with.
