Home/Garden Decorator Issue 13 TAB 8 page

home garden

D E C O R AT O R 02

THINKING OUTSIDE THE CLOSET

06

HOME WARRANTIES ARE THEY WORTH THE COST?

07

KEEP CALM AND AQUARIUM ON

08

DEVILED EGGS THREE WAYS

THE HISTORY OF THE

BIRDHOUSE

t e s o l C

THINKING OUTSIDE THE DINA ZELDEN

DREAMING OF A BEAUTIFUL, ORGANIZED CLOSET WITH A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE? FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO GET AND KEEP YOUR CLOSET IN TIP-TOP SHAPE.

1.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER Any closet organization project should begin with a purging session. Start by tossing items that are showing signs of wear and tear then move to pieces which you own in multiples. Donate items which you like but haven’t worn it in one season. Now, with what you have chosen to keep, group like things together in a way that make sense for you. You can organize by occasion, garment type, or season to name a few.

2.

MAXIMIZE SPACE There are several tricks to getting the most of the space you have. One unusual but effective secret is to hang the main rod slightly higher. Portable drawers can be placed under blouses, tops, and skirts.

Hang shoes on the door to keep shelves open for other items. Consider attaching a towel bar to empty wall space as a convenient place to hang scarves, belts, and various accessories.

3.

UNIFORMITY Go for uniformity in organizational tools to prevent visual clutter. Purchase the same kind and color whether it is hangers, bins, or baskets. This will go a long way in presenting a clean, organized space.

4.

HINK “OUTSIDE THE T CLOSET” When you are looking for organizational tools, look beyond your typical closet items. Office, bath, and craft organizers can be used in unique ways. For instance, shower hooks make it easy to hang purses from a rod. Thread racks make great jewelry hangers and magazine files work well as holders for clutch purses and wallets.

Look for new ways to use existing storage items in your closet. Bulky sweaters, for example, can be rolled and stored in hanging shoe keepers.

5.

A ROOM OF ITS OWN Finally, when you are done, add some pizzazz. Treating your closet like other rooms in your house helps you to respect the space. Try adding a rug to define the space and proper lighting to help find items. Adding a mirror and some decor, like a pretty picture, will motivate you to keep it organized.

We wear 20% of the clothes we own 80% of the time. The rest just hang in our closets.

ROASTED TOMATOES STUFFED WITH SPINACH AND MOZZARELLA INGREDIENTS

• 6 medium tomatoes • olive or avocado oil • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese • 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt • 1/8 teaspoon pepper • fresh basil - chopped (at least six leaves, more if desired) • chopped shallots for garnish

DIRECTIONS

 Cut the top off each tomato and set aside. Scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/2-in. thick shell. Invert tomatoes onto paper towels to drain.  Add olive or avocado oil to skillet. Add spinach; sauce 10 minutes.  In a bowl, combine bread, parmesan cheese, basil and Italian seasoning. Set aside 1/4 cup for topping. Add spinach to remaining Parmesan mixture.

 Line baking dish with parchment and place tomatoes in pan and sprinkle tomato shells with garlic salt and pepper; stuff with spinach mixture, then mozzarella slice.  Sprinkle remaining Parmesan over tomatoes.

Replace the top of the tomato, bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.

HISTORY OF THE

BIRDHOUSE

B

irds are looking for nesting cavities in which to build their nest. Song birds that use tree cavities are not capable of creating their own nesting cavities because their beaks are specialized for hunting insects or gathering seeds. In an undisturbed ecosystem songbirds such as wrens, chickadees and nuthatches look for tree cavities created by other birds such as woodpeckers.

While we normally think of birdhouses as a way to protect nature and increase the amount of birds in our area, that was not always the case. Birdhouses in some places in Europe were used initially as a trap to capture eggs and even birds.

A nest box, also spelled nestbox, is a man-made enclosure provided for animals to nest in. Nest boxes are most frequently utilized for birds, in which case they are also called birdhouses or a birdbox/ bird box, but some mammalian species may also use them. Placing nestboxes or roosting boxes may also be used to help maintain populations of particular species in an area. The nest box was invented by the British conservationist Charles Waterton in the early 19th century to encourage more birdlife and wildfowl on the nature reserve he set up on his estate.

Birdhouses have been part of Western culture for hundreds of years in both North America and Europe. Over the centuries baskets and clay pottery were used as the initial birdhouses in Europe while birch bark was used in North America. The first use of man-made birdhouses in history was around the 15th 16th century.

Nest boxes are getting more attention because industrialization, deforestation and other human activities since the mid20th century have caused severe declines in birds' natural habitats, introducing hurdles to breeding. A nest box can help prevent bird extinction.

CONSTRUCTION { GENERAL Nest boxes are usually wooden, al-

though the purple martin will nest in metal. Some boxes are made from a mixture of wood and concrete, called woodcrete.

Ceramic and plastic nestboxes are not suitable.

Original Nest boxes were made from untreated wood with an overhanging, sloped roof, a recessed floor, drainage and ventilation holes, a way to access the interior for monitoring and cleaning, and had no outside perches which could assist predators. Boxes may either have an entrance hole or be open-fronted. Some nest boxes can be highly decorated and complex, sometimes mimicking human houses or other structures.

Original nest boxes were made from untreated wood with an overhanging, sloped roof

NEST BOX { BIRD CONSTRUCTION

The diameter of the opening in a nestbox has a very strong influence on the species of birds that will use the box. Many small birds select boxes with a hole only just large enough for an adult bird to pass through. This may be an adaptation to prevent other birds from raiding it.

The size of the nest box also affects the bird species likely to use the box. Very small boxes attract wrens and treecreepers and very large ones may attract ducks and owls. Seasonally removing old nest material and parasites is important if they are to be successfully re-used.

Placement of the nest box obviously is also significant. Some birds prefer their nest box to be at an optimum height. For many birds orientation relative to the sun is of importance with many birds preferring an orientation away from direct sun and sheltered from the prevailing rain.

The nest box was invented by the British conservationist Charles Waterton in the early 19th century to encourage more birdlife and wildfowl on the nature reserve

fixtures and appliances of equivalent quality.

Some home warranties may only offer to replace your fixtures and appliances with the most basic models. Although a particular plan may appear to include everything on your list, it’s often worth taking a second look. When it becomes necessary to replace the family oven, you don’t want to be surprised with a downgrade.

E S HOAM NTIE

WAARERTHEYRWORTH THE COST? W

BY KAI BRAGG

hen it comes to buying a home, insuring your new property against potential damage is essential. While, the purchase of a comprehensive home insurance policy can help provide protection for many aspects of your home, a home insurance policy alone will likely not provide total coverage. Despite the added cost in the short-term, the addition of a home warranty to your existing home insurance policy can help save money in the long run.

HOME INSURANCE Although not a legal requirement of owning your own home, the purchase of a home insurance policy is a smart idea.

Home insurance policies predominately cover unexpected damages to the struc-

ture of your home, resulting from events such as natural disasters and vandalism.

Be sure to research your individual policy thoroughly, as not all circumstances are covered. A home insurance policy can really help the frantic homeowner in times of need; however, home insurance does not cover normal wear and tear of appliances and household systems. The most frequent and costly home repairs, such as the replacement of an oven or air-conditioning unit, can be covered by a home warranty.

For more thorough coverage of household appliances and systems, consider coupling your home insurance policy with a home warranty.

HOME WARRANTIES First-time homebuyers are often

COST COMPARISON To better outline the potential merits of a good home warranty plan, it can be helpful to look at the numbers. On average, a basic home warranty ranges from around $350 - $600 a year, but can cost hundreds more depending on the need for additional coverage. Consider this as compared with the cost of a replacement fixture or appliance. Typically, a new refrigerator can range from $500 - $1500 and up. By selecting a comprehensive home warranty plan that provides coverage and replacement of your specific make and model, the purchase of your new refrigerator may be completely covered. Taking into account the balance between coverage and ongoing expense is essential when choosing a plan.

surprised by what their home insurance policy will not cover. Helping to fill the gaps left uncovered by an insurance policy, home warranties can be well worth the cost. Focusing on replacement of household appliances and systems damaged through normal wear and tear, home warranties can extend protection to some of the most heavily used household fixtures. With coverage on everything from roof replacement to plumbing issues, home warranties can help provide added financial security and peace of mind to the homeowner. Coverage may vary greatly from plan to plan, so it is crucial that you select one that highlights the areas in which you need added protection.

QUALITY COVERAGE Not all home warranties provide the same quality of coverage, so, be sure to thoroughly research each option. Take care to select your plan wisely, and ensure that it not only extends coverage to all necessary items, but also, that it supplies replacement

TAKE AWAY For most people, home warranties are worth the cost. Buying a home can be expensive, and it is crucial that new homeowners understand where it is safe to cut costs.

While a home warranty plan may seem an unnecessary additional cost, purchasing the right warranty now can save you a lot of money on major repairs in the future. When deciding to purchase a home warranty, research what you need covered, weigh your options carefully and find a plan that works well for your investment.

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KEEP CALM AND AQUARIUM ON

BY DINA ZELDEN

W

aterfalls, babbling brooks, ocean waveshumans have a natural fascination with water.

Aquariums are a great way to bring a bit of water indoors. Do you notice a sense of calm when you gaze at colorful fish swimming in a beautifully decorated tank? Aquariums can enhance your life with several benefits for both mind and body.

Aquariums can improve the health of all ages. The modern pace of life has many of us stressed and anxious.

Spending time near an aquarium can have a calming effect. This can be helpful for hyperactive children. It can also help lower blood pressure and improve the mood of those suffering from anxiety. Aquariums have been shown to improve the appetite of Alzheimer’s patients, while reducing aggressive

behavior. Have you ever wondered why many medical and dental offices have an aquarium in the waiting room?

Studies have found that patients who watched fish while waiting for their procedure, required less pain medication.

Fish may not be the interactive equivalent of a dog or cat but helping to maintain an aquarium can teach children responsibility and encourage caretaking qualities. Like other pets, you need to consider your schedule and lifestyle. Keeping an aquarium clean and caring for aquatic life takes time and money. Temperature and water chemistry changes take place quickly in a small tank. A larger one will be more forgiving of mistakes, so if you are just starting out, experts recommend getting at least a 10-gallon tank.

With its smooth glass and metal, an

aquarium makes a great addition to modern dĂŠcor. It can be a conversation piece in the family or living room, however, you may consider other places in the home as well. An aquarium in the bedroom can help you relax and be a sleep inducer. Aquariums have been shown to increase productivity, so you may want to place one in your home office. It is a common feng shui practice to have an aquarium in your space. The Chinese believe that placing a fish tank somewhere in your house will bring financial good fortune and wealth.

Aquariums require a small amount of money to set up. Once you learn the basics you can enjoy setting up a beautiful scene and adding lots of colorful fish.

Think about which room in your home will be the best place for you to enjoy the fish tank, then sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

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DEVILLED EGGS THREE WAYS

I once met a chef who prepared 100 different kinds of devilled eggs. I can’t imagine 100 different ingredients to add to devilled eggs, but it proves the versatility of this staple. › DEVILLED EGGS:  6 boiled eggs, cooled in ice water for an hour (for each recipe).

If making all three recipes, use 18 eggs  2 tablespoons mayonnaise per recipe  2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard per recipe  1 tablespoon sweet relish per recipe  1 tablespoon dill relish per recipe  1 tablespoon chopped pimento per recipe

 1 tablespoon chopped basil per recipe  3 slices bacon – fried crispy and crumbled  2 tablespoons chopped shallots  1 tablespoon Tobasco or hot pepper jelly  1 tablespoon finely chopped apple  Paprika for garnish  Spicy season-all  Dash of salt  White pepper

› RECIPE ONE: Use mayonnaise, brown mustard, sweet relish, dill relish, pimento, top with bacon and shallots, season with spicy season all. › RECIPE TWO: Use mayonnaise, brown mustard, dill relish, pimento, chopped apple, top with bacon and shallots, season with dash of salt and white pepper. › RECIPE THREE: Use mayonnaise, brown mustard, basil, hot sauce and top with Tobasco or hot pepper jelly, season with dash of salt.

To make the best devilled eggs, first you must boil the perfect egg. Anyone can boil an egg, something most take for granted....but knowing how to do it perfectly is the key.  Place eggs in your pot before adding cold water to keep them from cracking.  Place pan over high eat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and cover. Let stand 15 minutes. Drain and place in bowl with ice water. This prevents the yolks from turning green around the edges. For easy peeling, crack the eggs slightly and leave in ice water for an hour.