Home Spaces June 2019

Today’s window treatments serve a MULTITUDE OF PURPOSES

By Andrea Busche

Just a few short decades ago, there weren’t many choices when it came to window treatments. Mini blinds, curtains, and the simple pull-down shade dominated the market. And, while there have always been fun fabrics to choose from, window treatments of yore were designed primarily for functionality – that is, to keep our private lives private after the sun went down.

Today’s window treatments serve a variety of purposes. Privacy, décor, energy-efficiency, safety, and even automation are now common considerations. Blackout shades help allow a better night’s sleep, while automatic, remoteoperated window treatments make a carefree addition to any home. Certain types of shades are energy-efficient, while top-down/bottom-up “lifting systems” provide privacy while still allowing plenty of sunlight to stream in from the upper half of the window.

Madelyn Hiltner is an interior designer who specializes in window

treatments at Duluth’s Bradley Interiors. She helps us break it all down, and shares some of the popular choices when it comes to all things window treatments, including styles, colors, safety, automation and more.

Trends

“Most people are looking for privacy or energy-efficiency,” Hiltner said of her customers. “More and more are also asking about drapery, as well, which is unusual, since drapes were going

out of style. But with the new fabrics, which add extra coziness to a room, drapes are coming back.”

When it comes to colors, neutrals are hot.

“Ninety-nine percent of people want their window treatments in neutral shades,” Hiltner said. “Whites, beiges, greys, and ‘greiges’ are really popular right now.”

Energyefficiency

Does your home have drafty windows? The

style of window treatments you select can help address this issue.

“There is a product called honeycomb

Contributed Photo

shades (also called cellular shades), which are great for drafty windows,” Hiltner said.

“These types of window

treatments have four layers of fabric that the air has to pass through. Air doesn’t pass through these pockets, or ‘honeycombs,’ as easily.” In addition to keeping the cold air out, honeycomb shades can also help keep your rooms cool in the summer.

Privacy and sleep

Blackout shades, also known as roomdarkening shades, are constructed of fabric that blocks all incoming light. While these are a great choice for bedrooms, Hiltner wouldn’t recommend them for other areas of the home.

WINDOWS: Page 6

Stephanie Richards and Madelyn Hiltner, interior designer with Bradley Interiors, review the myriad of options for cellular shades at their store on Maple Grove Road.

Design a dream outdoor entertaining space

Upon the arrival of warm weather, many individuals prefer to spend their free time outside, relishing the fresh air and sunshine and evenings spent under the stars.

But cracked patios and makeshift chairs and tables may not establish the desired ambiance. An outdoor entertaining area that offers the same amenities found inside a home can make outdoor retreats both comfortable and functional. Creative planning can help homeowners design dream areas perfect for hosting friends or family.

Establish goals

As with any project, the first step when coordinating outdoor living areas is to determine what you hope to achieve with the space. Will it be a location for lounging? Will people be cooking meals outside? Is the pool the central focus of the yard?

Answering these questions and more can help homeowners decide how to design their entertaining spaces. Remember, however, that goals may evolve as landscape designers and even architects make their own suggestions for the space or present limitations.

Evaluate the space

Look at the lot and decide what will go where, such as where to place the party space, where to create a quiet hideaway and where to locate a poolhouse or outdoor shower.

A large, flat yard can be divided into a series of patios that serve different purposes. Yards that are built on a hill or a slope can still be utilized with creative design elements, such as multi-tiered decking. By working with qualified designers, homeowners can bring their ideas

to life.

Easy food and drink access

Traipsing in and out of the house for refreshments can become tiresome when entertaining outside. In such situations, people also can track dirt inside of the home or leave a trail of pool water in their wake.

Outdoor kitchens allow easy access to food and drink that makes outdoor entertaining much easier. Build outdoor kitchens close to the house to make it easier to run electricity and plumbing to the outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kitchens should include a sink, small refrigerator, built-in grill, and bar area.

Creature comforts

Homeowners should think about the things that make the inside of their homes so comfortable and then replicate that outside. Sofas and loveseats covered in fabric suited for outdoors and plenty of pillows can make for great lounging.

Lighting that can be adjusted for day or night, or even to set the mood, is another consideration.

Shade structures, like a trellis or retractable awning, will keep the area comfortable and can also define outdoor “rooms” and establish privacy.

Fire it up

Many homeowners enjoy having fire elements in their yards. Lanterns and candles may create a romantic feel, but a fire pit or outdoor fireplace may help extend the use of the outdoor entertaining area beyond summer.

How to set up and stock an outdoor bar

Outdoor entertaining encourages homeowners and guests to mingle in the fresh air. Backyard spaces generally are larger and more accommodating to big crowds, which means the fun does not have to be stifled by available space inside. Outdoor parties also are usually more informal, which makes cleaning up a lot easier.

While food is one of the main considerations for outdoor soirées, hosts and hostesses also must keep beverages in mind. A well-stocked outdoor bar can keep guests in good spirits. These tips can help ensure everyone stays hydrated and comfortable while having fun.

Find your location

The bar should be close enough to the action, but in a spot that is

shaded and cool. This will work with the ice and coolers used to keep the beverages and garnishes chilled. Consider a shady spot or an area of the yard that can be covered by a canopy or umbrella.

Make it accessible

The bar should be easily accessed by guests. If beverages are selfservice, ensure that the bottles and glasses can be reached from all sides. This also helps when people congregate around the bar, leaving another area where others can pop in simply to refresh their drinks. It might make sense to have one main bar as well as a smaller bar cart in another area of the yard.

OUTDOOR BAR: Page 5

A well-stocked outdoor bar can keep guests in good spirits. These tips can help ensure everyone stays hydrated and comfortable while having fun.

Creative planning can help homeowners design dream areas perfect for hosting friends or family.

Enjoy summer’s bounty with straw bale gardening

By Andrea Busche

Container gardening has exploded in popularity over the last several years. It’s a good choice for those with limited mobility, time constraints, and a minimal amount of growing space.

Another trend following closely in its footsteps is something called straw bale gardening – a form of container gardening where the straw bale acts as the container. This trend was created and popularized by Joel Karsten of Roseville, Minn.

Mary Marciniak of Cloquet has been using this method of container gardening since taking a Community Education class with Karsten in 2013. While Marciniak herself lives in a rural setting, she said that straw bale gardening would work well in any sized yard.

What is it?

“Straw bale gardening is really another way of container gardening,” Marciniak said. “It simply involves planting directly into straw bales, without the use of soil.”

Many types of plants can be grown in a straw bale, including vegetables, root crops, vine crops, herbs and flowers. Corn is not recommended, since it is too tall and can tip over.

Perennials are also not recommended, as bales typically only last one growing season. Marciniak currently has 24 bales, which she uses to grow tomatoes, peppers, carrots, green and yellow beans, cucumbers, peas, squash (acorn, butternut and spaghetti), zucchini, pumpkins, herbs, onions and lettuce. When planting into

a straw bale, you can either work with a young plant, or plant from seed.

“If planting seeds,” Marciniak said, “I put a thin layer of potting soil on top of the bales, to prevent the seeds from falling through the stalks.”

Plant spacing is the same as when gardening in regular garden soil.

Prep work

Prior to doing your planting, there is a little prep work required. And it involves a bit of patience.

“I buy new bales each year, and then follow a 10-day, step-by-step process of ‘conditioning’ the bales before use, using a nitrogen fertilizer and 10-10-10 fertilizer,” Marciniak said. “Once the straw inside the bale begins to decompose, the straw becomes conditioned and is ready to plant.”

“Getting the straw bales conditioned is an essential part of the process, and should be started approximately two weeks prior to your target planting date.

This process creates a warm, moist, nutrientrich rooting environment for young plants and seeds.”

Supplies

Straw bale gardening doesn’t require much to get started. Your shopping list includes:

• Straw bales –Marciniak sources her bales from local farmers. They can also be purchased from garden centers or feed and farm supply stores. Another option is to contact local businesses and churches after Halloween or Christmas to ask for straw bales used in a display. Old, wet, intact bales are perfect, since they need to be “conditioned” (see above) before use, anyway.

• Nitrogen fertilizer, bone meal or chicken manure (get at local feed and farm supply store)

• 10-10-10 fertilizer

Your straw bale gardens will need a water source and a sunny location – they require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. The bales can be placed just about anywhere: on top of

soil, concrete, or even asphalt.

Great option for beginners

“Straw bale gardening is very easy to do,” Marciniak said. “Anyone can do it. And,

whether you are new to gardening or have done it for years, it’s a great method for people who have difficulties bending over, weeding, or doing the heavy work that is usually involved in tilling up the soil and plowing rows for planting.

“The raised height

of the straw bale garden makes it easier to plant and harvest,” she added. “There is no weeding, as there are little to no weeds in a straw bale garden. Aside from watering, minimal maintenance is required.”

Resources

Marciniak offered several resources for getting started with straw bale gardening, including The University of Minnesota Extension Office, and local community education programs. Additionally, Roseville native Joel Karsten has written several books on the topic.

Straw bale gardening can create a bounty of fresh, crisp produce or bright, vibrant flowers to last the entire growing season.

“Straw bale gardening allows anyone, even those with the worst soil conditions, to grow a garden that is productive,” Marciniak said.

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Photo courtesy of Mary Marciniak

Mary Marciniak’s straw bale garden at her home in Cloquet includes a variety of vegetables. Straw bale gardening, which is essentially container gardening, would work well in any sized yard.

Photo courtesy of Mary Marciniak

Straw bale gardening will require daily watering and sunshine, but weeds are kept to a minimum.

Photo courtesy of Mary Marciniak

The raised height of a straw bale garden is a great benefit to those who have difficulty bending over or kneeling to weed in a traditional garden.

Run air conditioners without wasting energy

Having central air conditioning units serviced before the start of summer can ensure they run as efficiently as possible when temperatures begin to rise.

Few people can make it through the dog days of summer without turning on their air conditioners. Men and women concerned about the environment and conserving energy may try to avoid using their air conditioners, but doing so on especially hot days can be challenging and potentially even deadly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that

roughly 600 people die from complications related to extreme heat each year. Heat stroke can result when a body overheats after prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. The Mayo Clinic notes that the condition is most common in summer and that a lack of air conditioning during periods of sustained hot weather is a risk for heat stroke.

Conserving energy during summer is a noble pursuit, but people should not jeopardize their health in an effort to conserve energy. Air conditioners

might not be the most eco-friendly appliances, but there are ways to run them without wasting energy.

• Use a window unit or zoned system overnight. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) notes that central air conditioners are more efficient than room air conditioners, which are typically installed in windows. But central air conditioning systems that are not zoned may be cooling empty rooms overnight. Apartment dwellers may find window units less wasteful, while homeowners who can afford to install zoned air conditioning systems may rest easier knowing they are only paying to cool certain parts of their homes overnight. Zoned systems come equipped with programmable thermostats that homeowners can adjust when

they go to bed, ensuring they won’t be cooling empty living rooms and basements overnight.

• Have units serviced before summer begins. Well-maintained central air conditioners will work more efficiently.

Routine maintenance of air conditioning systems will ensure that systems aren’t working harder, and therefore consuming more energy, than necessary to cool a home.

• Let fans and air conditioners work together. The DOE notes that using fans and air conditioners simultaneously is an effective way to circulate cool air throughout a home. By running both fans and air conditioners at the same, the air conditioners won’t have to be run as long or as hard as they would if no fans were turned on.

• Conserve energy in

other ways. Because the dangers of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are so considerable, men and women should never keep their air conditioners off on hot days simply to conserve energy. Finding safer alternatives to conserving energy on hot days can be just as effective and won’t put consumers’ health at risk. Unplug appliances that are not being used and prepare cold dinners so ovens that can make home interiors feel hotter won’t need to be turned on. In addition, take advantage of the longer daylight hours in summer and keep lights off until the sun goes down. These are safe ways to conserve energy on hot days. Air conditioners can keep people safe during summer, and there are ways to use them and still conserve energy.

Key to keeping cool is AC maintenance

Few things beat summer heat better than walking into a comfortably chilled air-conditioned home. Air conditioning is often taken for granted, but sorely missed when it is not working. The key to keeping cool all summer long is to ensure that air conditioning systems are functioning properly. Maintaining an AC unit can save money and protect homeowners’ investments. Without regular attention, an AC unit will lose its efficiency, needlessly wasting both energy and money as a result. Poor maintenance also can lead to system failure just when it is needed most. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is about 15 to 20 years. Home Advisor says homeowners can pay between $500 and $4,000 for central air conditioning, with the final cost depending on the unit, additional installation items,

such as ductwork, and installation charges. With regular maintenance, homeowners can keep their units humming properly and avoid premature replacement costs.

So what can homeowners expect as it pertains to air conditioner maintenance? The following are some oftneeded checks and fixes.

• Keep it clean. Vacuum the fins and coils of the AC unit on the external compressor/condenser fan with a soft-bristled brush. This may require unscrewing the metal box surrounding the unit to access the fins. Remove any accumulated debris that may be impeding air flow. Afterward, go inside and change the filter that is installed with the evaporator that’s located in a central duct near the furnace. Inspect the filter periodically to see if it is soiled and needs replacement.

AC MAINTENANCE: Page 5

Having central air conditioning units serviced before the start of summer can ensure they run as efficiently as possible when temperatures begin to rise.

How to conserve energy throughout summer

AC MAINTENANCE

From Page 4

Timing can vary depending various factors, such as the time of year, the accumulation of dust and whether or not pets live in the home.

• Straighten coil fins. The fins on the condenser are easily bent and that can affect the flow of air through the coils. If you cannot easily straighten them, then consult with an HVAC professional to do so.

• Check the thermostat. Ensure that the thermostat is still working properly. You also may want to upgrade an old thermostat to a programmable or smart thermostat that enables you to remotely set and adjust the temperature.

• Consider an in-line duct booster. HVAC professionals can guide you through the advantages of an inline duct booster for forced-air cooling. This can increase the flow of cool air into a room that always seems hotter than the rest. Another option is a vent or register booster fan that sits on top or replaces a traditional floor or wall register. • Deal with condensation. Condensation from air conditioning coils can puddle around the furnace if the condensate drain tube is clogged. Clearing it out will help prevent puddling and the formation of bacteria-laden water in the system.

Periodic maintenance is necessary to ensure uninterrupted service on a home AC unit.

Having central air conditioning units serviced before the start of summer can ensure they run as efficiently as possible when temperatures begin to rise.

Ceiling fans can reduce reliance on costly air conditioners when cooling homes in summertime.

Energy bills tend to be high in summertime, when many people crank up their air conditioners in an attempt to combat the heat. For some households, higher energy bills might be stretching their budgets, while others might be looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints.

Conserving energy can help homeowners save money and help the planet at the same time. And reducing energy consumption in the summer does not require men and women to sacrifice comfort in the name of conservation. In fact, various strategies can help homeowners and apartment dwellers reduce their summertime energy consumption.

• Stop cooling an empty home. A cool home might be the ultimate necessity during

summer heat waves, but there’s no reason to cool a residence when no one is home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), operating thermostats more efficiently can help homeowners trim their cooling costs by as much as 10 percent. One way to be more efficient with thermostats is to keep the house warmer than normal when no one is home. Programmable thermostats can be set so air conditioning units turn on shortly before residents arrive home, ensuring the house is comfortable and no energy is wasted.

• Narrow the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures. The DOE notes that the smaller the difference between the temperature indoors and outside the lower cooling costs will be. While it may be tempting to set thermostats to room temperature (68 degrees Fahrenheit) on days when

temperatures reach 90 degrees or above, that’s an enormous temperature gap that will result in a high energy bill. Instead, the DOE recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees whenever possible.

• Open the windows at night. Daytime temperatures, particularly during the dog days of summer, may necessitate the use of air conditioners. But men and women who live in climates where temperatures drop considerably at night can sleep with their windows open. This reduces energy consumption and saves money, and can be a great way to introduce fresh air into a home during a time of year when air can become stagnant.

• Do not set air conditioner thermostats at lower than normal temperatures when turning them on. The DOE notes that setting thermostats at lower than normal temperatures when turning

air conditioners on will not cool homes any faster than setting them at typical temperatures. Such a strategy will only lead to excessive energy consumption and higher energy bills.

• Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can improve cooling efficiency in a home. According to the DOE, ceiling fans allow people who use air conditioners to raise the thermostats on their AC units about 4 degrees without adversely affecting comfort levels. Those who live in temperate climates may find that ceiling fans are enough to keep rooms cool without the need for air conditioners.

Homeowners can combat high utility bills and excessive energy consumption during the summer with various ecoand budget-friendly strategies.

OUTDOOR BAR

From Page 2

Invest in quality supplies

In addition to a sturdy bar itself (or a table/ counter used for the bar), hosts and hostesses will need other supplies. Quality coolers can be used to keep ice available and house canned beverages, like soft drinks and beer. A small cooler can be used to chill fruit juices, mixers and the other ingredients for classic mixed drinks. Liquor also is needed for those who plan to serve adults. Make sure to invest in a variety of products, including whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, rum, and tequila. These liquors are used for the majority of mixed drinks or those served neat or on the rocks. Display the liquor selection on the bar so

guests know what is available.

Make it unbreakable

Disposable plastic cups are convenient, but not very green or decorative. High-quality, reusable plastic tumblers and goblets can look like glass, but are safer for use outdoors when there’s the risk of dropping items. Certain drinks are traditionally served in specific types of glasses, so it is a good to stock up on various sizes and shapes. Routinely scour the yard for empty cups so they can be washed and refreshed. In addition to alcoholic beverages, offer self-serve dispensers of water, iced tea, lemonade, and other offerings. Ensure kids stay away from adult drinks by setting up their own mini-bar of juice boxes and other kid-friendly beverages.

From Page 1

“Blackout shades would probably be too dreary and block too much light for a living room or a dining room,” she said.

Blackout shades typically come with tracks that are mounted on the side of the window, to maximize sunlight blockage for the entire length of the window.

Another great window treatment option with privacy in mind is a shade using a topdown/bottom-up lifting system. The top can be pulled down, allowing sunlight in, while leaving the bottom half of the window covered for privacy.

Automation

From the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant to app-controlled thermostat functionality, today’s home automation systems are ubiquitous. And now, customers even have the option of automating their window treatments. With the touch of a button, your draperies or shades can be opened and closed on your command. This motorized, and in some cases, programmable, system is a great choice for people who love advanced technology, but they also serve an essential purpose.

“There are some applications where automated window treatments are necessary, such as when the window is very high up,” Hiltner said.

Cost is undoubtedly a concern when it comes to automating your

window treatments, however. Installing this technology can add up to $200 per shade.

Safety

We’ve all heard the horror stories of young children or pets getting caught up in mini blind cords. To address this issue, today’s window treatments are designed with safety in mind.

Many blinds and shades now feature a wand/pole control functionality, rather than a cord. And, for window

treatments that are still using cords, there is typically a cord looping system which is mounted to the side of the window frame, so cords can be safely secured and tucked away.

Need help? Consult a pro

When it comes to window treatments, today’s options are endless. Whether you are looking to dress up a room with a pop of color, ensure a better night’s sleep, or even keep your drafty room feeling toasty, there are options for everyone and every window. And, if you need a little guidance, consider consulting a window treatment specialist like Hiltner.

“Choices all depend on the person,” Hiltner said of the multitude of options. “And what look or function they need in their home.” No matter which window treatment you choose, however, all customers can rest assured that any window covering selected will provide a bit of UV protection. This will help preserve the textiles and fabrics inside your home for years to come.

Contributed Photo

Madelyn Hiltner (left), interior designer with Bradley Interiors, and Stephanie Richards check out the Hunter Douglas Duettes, with the top down/bottom up feature.

SUMMER’S THE TIME TO GRILL’EM UP & FILL’ER UP

FROZEN WATERMELON MARGARITAS

If you prefer your margarita blended, then this fresh watermelon and lime juice frozen version is just for you. Recipe courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups cubed watermelon

1 cup tequila

1/2 cup each lime juice and orange liqueur

1 to 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 cups ice

Directions: Puree all ingredients together in a blender. Divide among glasses and garnish with lime and watermelon.

POPSICLE PUNCH

Nothing screams summer louder than using popsicles in place of ice cubes in this refreshingly fun mango-strawberry lemonade. Recipe courtesy of www.delish.com.

Ingredients:

4 c. lemon lime soda

4 c. lemonade

1 (12-oz.) can seltzer

1 c. sliced strawberries, plus more garnish

2 mangoes, cubed, plus more for garnish

3 Popsicle Strawberry Fruit Pops

3 Popsicle Mango Fruit Pops

Directions:

In a large pitcher, stir together soda, lemonade, seltzer, strawberries, and mangoes. Pour into glasses and garnish rim with a strawberry and mango slice. Place a popsicle in as garnish with lime and watermelon.

SPICY PORK SKEWERS

The marinade—a sweet, spicy, tangy mixture of chiles, garlic, Sprite, vinegar, and dried mushrooms—is so full of flavor, we don’t want even one drop of it to go to waste. That’s why we simmer the leftovers (in a pot on the grill!), then use it to baste the skewers as they cook. Recipe courtesy of Tom Cunanan of Washington, DC and www.bonappetit.com.

SWEET TEA SANGRIA

This spiked sweet tea features peaches, raspberries and a big splash of white wine – perfect for porch sitting! Recipe courtesy of www.countryliving.com.

Ingredients:

6 c. sweet tea

1 bottle white wine

1 pt. raspberries

Sliced peaches

Fresh mint

Directions: Fill a pitcher with 6 cups sweet tea and a bottle of white wine. Add raspberries and peaches. Let chill for a few hours or overnight. Garnish with fresh mint (optional). For extra presentation points, serve in Mason jars with tea bags tied around the lids with twine.

STRAWBERRY COLADA SMOOTHIE

What’s the secret to creating the perfect texture for these too-pretty-to-drink smoothies? Greek yogurt! Recipe courtesy of www.cookingclassy.com.

Ingredients:

8 oz fresh strawberries, chilled, hulled

1 ripe banana, peeled and frozen

1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple

1 (5.3 oz) container coconut Greek yogurt

1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk beverage (found in dairy isle)*

Directions:

Pulse strawberries in a food processor until well pureed. To a blender add banana, pineapple, coconut Greek yogurt and 1 1/4 cups coconut milk. Pulse until well blended, adding an additional 1/4 cup coconut milk as needed. Spoon pineapple mixture into glasses filling about 1/3 full then add a spoonful or two of the strawberry mixture, swirl lightly with a butter knife then repeat twice more. Serve immediately. Alternately, all ingredients can be blended together in a blender versus processing strawberries separately. *Light canned coconut milk can also be substituted, just blend 1:1 with water.

Ingredients:

2 lb. skinless, boneless pork shoulder

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

12 red Thai chiles, coarsely chopped

8 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

1 cup Sprite or 7UP

½ cup soy sauce

⅓ cup cane vinegar (such as Datu Puti) or unseasoned rice vinegar

¼ cup sugar

1 Tbsp. black peppercorns

1 Tbsp. kosher salt, plus more

6 dried shiitake mushrooms

Special Equipment

A spice mill or mortar and pestle

12-16 eight-inch metal skewers or soaked wooden chopsticks or bamboo skewers

Directions:

1. Freeze pork on a rimmed baking sheet until very firm around the edges, 45–60 minutes. Remove pork from freezer and slice

GRILLED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS WITH SAVORY CARAMEL

For this grilled chicken recipe, cooking the legs over indirect heat gives them time to render fully and start to crisp so they won’t become gluey when glazed. Try this savory caramel glaze on whole fish or lamb kebabs. Recipe courtesy of Chris Morocco and www. bonappetit.com.

BEER CAN BACON BURGERS

Just when you thought burgers couldn’t get any better ... try this burger bowl wrapped in bacon! Recipe courtesy of www.delish.com. Watch how-to video at www.delish.com/ cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53148/beer-can-burgers-recipe.

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil (for grill)

4 garlic cloves, finely grated

1 lemongrass stalk, top third trimmed, tough outer layers removed, finely grated

½ cup sugar

¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar

2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

3 Tbsp. fish sauce

12 large chicken drumsticks (about 3 lb.)

Kosher salt

Directions:

1. Prepare a grill for high indirect heat (for a gas grill, leave one or two burners off; for a charcoal grill, bank coals on one side); oil grate.

as thinly as possible. Slice pieces lengthwise into 1” to 2” wide strips.

2. Meanwhile, combine onion, chiles, garlic, Sprite, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, peppercorns, and 1 Tbsp. salt in a large resealable plastic bag. Grind mushrooms in spice mill or with mortar and pestle to a powder; whisk into marinade. Add pork a few pieces at a time, coating well so they don’t stick together and can evenly absorb marinade. Cover and chill 6-8 hours.

3. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade and thread onto skewers. Transfer marinade to a small saucepan and bring to a rolling boil on the grill. Cook 1 minute, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface. Move to a cooler part of the grill.

4. Season pork lightly with salt and grill, undisturbed, until well browned, about 2 minutes. Turn and baste with marinade. Continue to grill, turning and basting every minute, until cooked through and browned all over, about 4 minutes longer.

2. Bring garlic, lemongrass, sugar, vinegar, red pepper flakes, cumin, black pepper, and ½ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, and cook until reduced to ½ cup, about 8 minutes. Let cool and stir in fish sauce. Transfer half of sauce to a small bowl and set aside for serving.

3. Season chicken with salt. Place over indirect heat and cover grill with vent open (if you have one) and positioned over chicken. Grill, turning once or twice, until skin is browned and crisp and meat is nearly cooked through, 25-30 minutes.

4. Uncover and move chicken to hotter part of grill. Continue to grill, turning often and basting with remaining sauce, until lacquered and lightly charred in places, 6-8 minutes longer.

5. Serve with reserved sauce alongside.

Directions:

1. Heat grill to medium.

2. In a large bowl, season beef with Worcestershire and garlic powder. Roll into ½-pound balls, then place a beer can in the middle to shape into a bowl. (Hint: spray beer can with cooking spray before pressing it into the meat) Press beef up the sides of the beer can. Gently twist beer can to come out of burger bowl and season with salt and pepper.

3. Wrap two slices bacon around the bowl. If stuffing with cheddar and jalapeño, top with cheese and jalapeños. If stuffing with peppers and onions, stuff with peppers and onions and top with a slice of provolone.

4. Grill until burger is cooked, 30 minutes for medium.

5. Serve on buns with lettuce and tomato.

Tips for buying a home in a seller’s market

Buying in a seller’s market can be competitive and frustrating, but buyers can employ various strategies to survive such markets and land the homes of their dreams.

The real estate market can be difficult to navigate for both buyers and sellers. Firsttime buyers can easily become overwhelmed as they search for homes, while sellers hoping to get the best price for their homes might be frustrated if offers are slow to come in or fall short of their asking prices.

If met with an underwhelming market, many sellers can pull their homes off the market and wait until it becomes more advantageous to sell. But buyers, particu-

larly those shopping in a seller’s market, may not have that flexibility. Buying in a seller’s market can be competitive and frustrating, but buyers can employ various strategies to survive such markets and land the homes of their dreams.

• Get mortgage preapproval. Sellers’ markets typically feature low inventory, which can make the buying process very competitive. Prospective buyers who do not have a mortgage preapproval letter in hand when making offers may find themselves losing out on their dream homes to fellow buyers who have gotten preapproval from a lending institution. Sellers may be

impatient with buyers who have not yet been preapproved for a mortgage, even accepting a lesser offer from buyers who are ready to begin transactions immediately. The preapproval process is relatively quick and simple, so buyers should not hesitate to apply.

• Stick to your budget. Lenders will indicate to prospective buyers how much they’re willing to lend them, and that figure is typically considerably more than buyers are willing to borrow. In a seller’s market, bidding wars can quickly drive up prices, but buyers should stick to their budgets so they are not house poor after buying. Sticking to a budget can be dif-

ficult in a seller’s market, but such patience will likely pay off in the long run.

• Be ready to compromise. Unless they have unlimited budgets, buyers often must compromise when purchasing a home. That’s especially true in a seller’s market with limited inventory. Buyers who need to buy a home must identify their needs versus their wants and recognize the likelihood that they will have to compromise.

• Work with real estate agents. Some buyers may be tempted to go it alone, searching for and ultimately buying homes without the help of real estate agents. That can be a foolish move in

a seller’s market where competition is high and inventory quickly disappears from the market. Veteran real estate agents have worked in buyers’ and sellers’ markets, and buyers can use that experience to their advantage. In addition, real estate agents likely have access to inventory before homes appear

on popular real estate websites, giving buyers working with them a leg up in competitive markets.

Buying a home in a seller’s market can be fast-moving and very competitive. But various strategies can ensure buyers still find great homes at great prices in such markets.

How to save up for your first home

Home ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners.

But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true.

According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada has been weaker than in the United States.

Various challenges

can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.”

• Determine where your money is going. If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine where your money is going. Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see

various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account.

• Become a more savvy grocery shopper. Another great way

to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local gro-

cer. This is a largely effortless way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to save considerable amounts of money.

Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money.

• Dine in more often.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable

income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home. Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budget-friendly strategies.

Some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.”