Welcome to my SEASONAL NEWSLETTER
Contents
1-Stress Prevention during the Holidays
If you are looking for stress-free ideas to decorate your home, check out how-to
ideas for easy door decorations and gift-giving projects in
2-Projects
DECK THE HALLS!:Holiday Decorating
4-Growing Indoor Sprouts
The vegetable gardening season may be over in some parts of the country, but
you can still enjoy fresh produce by growing your own sprouts - indoors.
Here's how. Buy untreated seed of radish, mustard, mung bean, broccoli, and
other vegetables from health food stores or mail-order catalogs. Place a
tablespoon of seeds in the bottom of a clear glass jar and soak seeds
overnight. Cover the jar with a fine meshed screen or cheesecloth and place it
in a warm room with indirect light. Rinse the seed with cool water 2 to 3
times a day. In about 5 to 7 days you'll have edible sprouts for salads and
sandwiches.
5- Gardening tip for December from the National Gardening Association:
Shower With Your Houseplants
Large-leaved houseplants such as dracaena, rubber tree, and philodendrons really appreciate a monthly shower in winter. Place the plants in the tub and shower them with warm water. The shower removes dust from the leaves, which inhibits growth and washes away some insects such as aphids and white flies. Let the plants dry in the shower and then move them back to their original location.
6-Monthly Maintenance Tasks for December
Use a file box to keep track of household information so it's easy to
find and use. Include financial papers and bank accounts, car records,
insurance policies and inventories, and school and medical records.
To keep track of home improvements start a file of materials and product
warranties and owner's manuals and a list of decorating details like the
color of paint or wallpaper used in rooms.
Inspect Electrical Receptacles
Replace existing outlets in the bathroom, kitchen, and outdoors with a
ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which is a device that provides
shock protection by cutting the power almost instantly when it detects a
possible dangerous current imbalance. It has a small 'test' and 'reset'
button in between the two receptacles. You need a screwdriver, wire
cutters, long-nose pliers, and some electrical tape. Follow the
installation instructions and remember to turn off the power at the main
panel before you begin.
Save Energy with Lightbulbs
Begin buying energy-saving compact fluorescent lightbulbs to replace
incandescents and you'll save in the long run. While they're more
expensive initially, they'll outlast a regular lightbulb and cost
substantially less to use so you'll save money. You'll notice a decrease
in your energy bills as you gradually make the transition.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Protect water pipes inside the house from freezing by insulating any
that are exposed or susceptible to north winds. Use either insulating
aluminum-backed foam or fiberglass pipe wrap, or flexible, closed-cell
polyethylene foam insulation that is pre-slit to snap around the pipe.
Keep Sidewalk and Driveway Clear
Lay in a supply of sand, ashes, or ground salt for icy conditions.
Inspect Holiday Lights
Check tree and outdoor lights and extension cords to make sure they're
not frayed, and replace when needed.
12 MONTHS OF MAINTENANCE TASKS
7-Getting Ready For Guests
For many of us, the thought of having guests can be a welcome or dreaded
experience. While most of us want to see friends and relatives from time
to time, a little planning can make the experience enjoyable for all.
Plan Ahead
Part of this planning should include mapping out your own schedule. Set
aside time to be with guests and at the same time allow both of you time
for your own activities. If you're working, save time for purely
sociable activities so you don't feel guilty when you have to be away
from your guests.
Everyday Things Aren't Ordinary For Guests
Doing routine things can often be entertaining for visitors. For
example, I've found that taking a guest with me to do errands is a great
way to show them the island and what it's like to live here. Most
visitors are surprised to find that everyone isn't on vacation and enjoy
seeing "behind the scenes" life of those who live here. Your guests will
enjoy knowing what your day consists of and getting to know your town in
this way.
The Guest Room
No matter how small, a guest room can be comfortable and pretty. Here's
a check list:
1. If possible, the room should be devoid of any of your personal items
in the closet and drawers.
2. A comfortable bed is extremely important. If the pillows are filled
with feathers or down, be sure to have non-allergenic extras in the
closet. It's nice to have plenty of pillows for sitting comfortably in
bed to read, a comforter, and an extra blanket in the closet.
3. Keep the furnishings to a minimum. There should be a night table and
reading lamps on each side of the bed, a small dresser and chair.
4. Accessories that make a difference include: a mirror (full length is
practical on the back of the door), a clock, scatter rug on each side of
the bed if the room isn't carpeted, an outlet for a phone (the phone
itself may not be necessary, just the availability for a private call),
a small television is optional, and a fan if needed.
Keeping Things Handy
A wicker trunk or blanket chest at the end of the bed is perfect for
holding all the bed linens and guests can put a suitcase on top.
Small Touches Mean A Lot
If it's summertime the following will make the room special: a linen
table cover on the dresser with a vase of fresh flowers, light and airy
curtains with a shade for privacy, lace trimmed pillow cases, pretty
pastel or pure white sheets freshly ironed, a basket of potpourri in the
bathroom, a basket filled with small bottles of shampoo, conditioner,
moisturizer and pretty soaps.
For Their Information
It's practical and considerate to leave reading material on the night
table. It might include: the local newspaper, books about your area or
books by a local author, a schedule of events, the information guide
from the Chamber of Commerce, and a map of the area. If you know your
guests' reading tastes you might take some books out of the library.
Extra Amenities
If your guests have special interests, check out local happenings before
their arrival. For example, they're interested in art or crafts you
might find a show in the area. If you're having small children, look
into events that might interest them. Plan for rainy day activities and
fill a basket with small toys to bring out when needed. If you have
plans that don't include your guests you might provide them with theater
tickets for the night you'll be away from them, or leave the menus from
several restaurants you think they'd enjoy.
Outdoor Living
If it's summertime, the patio, yard or deck should be carefree and
comfortable. Having guests is a good excuse to get your potted plants
looking good. Set up a badminton or croquet set. A well outfitted picnic
basket is another nice touch to keep on hand.
Mealtimes
Plan ahead meals so even you will feel like a guest. Make it easy for
guests to help themselves or, join in the cooking as an activity. Stock
up on grocery items so you aren't running to the store at the last
minute. Change the pace of everyday by using lovely table linens while
your guests are here. Use fresh flowers wherever possible.
Making Guests Feel At Home
When my daughters were little, we went each year to visit my
grandparents in Florida. What I remember best about those visits is that
nothing seemed like a chore for them. Even when non-family members
visited, my grandparents made them feel like part of the family, rather
than an imposition. There may have been much preparation before we
arrived, but while we were there everything seemed effortless. Planning
your schedule, being flexible about it, letting guests help with
whatever is being done, and feeling relaxed yourself will insure a good
time by all.
*THE ABOVE ARTICLES COMPILED FROM VARIOUS ONLINE SOURCES.