Home & Garden Decorator Issue 16 Digest

home garden ISSUE 16

D E C O R AT O R 06

ECO-FREINDLY AIR DUCT CLEANING

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CREATE A BRIGHTER BEDROOM

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BACKYARD CAMPING FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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THERE'S A TIP FOR THAT SPRING TULIP CAKE

r e w o l F

Boxes

TIPS TO SAVE MONEY THIS SPRING 1

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issue 16

Contents

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JUMPSTART SPRING WITH ECOFRIENDLY AIR DUCT CLEANING

08

CREATE A BRIGHTER BEDROOM

10

EXTREME SHAKES

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D E C O R AT O R

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FLOWER AND WINDOW BOXES

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FLOWER AND WINDOW BOXES BROCCOLI SOUP BREAD BOWL

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CRUCIAL CARE TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL CANDLES

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SHADE TREE BACKYARD CAMPING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

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CONTROL SHELF CLUTTER

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SPRING TULIP CAKE

home garden ISSUE 16

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LETTER from the Editor

Don't you just love spring? The brown of winter is starting to sprout little signs of green and warm days ahead. The once frozen hydrangeas are peeking green leaves out of their stems and there's pollen in the air.

The bees are buzzing around creating new growth. This time of the year makes me want to grab a paint brush and do some home improvement and dig in the warm dirt. It seems like window boxes are back in style and just in time for beautiful blooms. I hope this issue of Home and Garden Decorator leaves your home and yard a little brighter.

Happy Planting, - Suzanne Fox Executive Publishers Greg and Suzanne Fox Jumpstart Publishing, LLC Managing Editor Suzanne Polk Fox Copy Editor Christian Dischler

Contributing Writers Ann Franklin Beth Frost Mary Talbot Joy Newcomb Nellie Palmer Design and Production Suzanne Fox Claire Thomas

Home Garden Decorator is a quarterly magazine that is a resource for readers in our community for home decor inspiration, creative DIY projects, gardening tips, home selling tips, product reviews and much more.

From gardening to real estate, this magazine has something for everyone!

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JUMPSTART SPRING WITH

ECO-FRIENDLY AIR DUCT CLEANING

BY ANN FRANKIN

NOW THAT WINTER IS RUNNING OUT OF STEAM AND SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, IT'S TIME YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT HAVING YOUR AIR DUCTS CLEANED. ECO-FRIENDLY AIR DUCT CLEANING GETS RID OF DIRT, ACCUMULATED DUST, IRRITANTS, AND ALLERGENS. YOUR HOME'S AIR QUALITY IS IMPROVED FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT. While your home is shuttered up tight against the harsh winter elements, pollutants and contaminants build up inside your home. These particles are pulled into the heating system and recirculated throughout the house on average 5 to 7 times a day.

Allergens like smoke, dust, cooking oil particles, pet dander, and plant pollen are forced back into the air. With time, re-circulation causes a build-up of harmful impuri-

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ties in the ductwork. The dirt collected in the vents might trigger a blockage in the system, resulting in poor heating performance, higher energy costs, and unhealthy interior air quality.

YOUR HEALTH

Regardless of how well you clean, dust is present in every home. House dust and dirt particles are the main culprits for indoor allergies.

Unbelievable as it may sound, the average home can collect 20-40 pounds of airborne particulates each year. According to research studies on pollutants, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more contaminated than outdoor air.

People who suffer from asthma, hay fever, bronchitis, and allergies can get an allergic sensitivity to foreign invaders in the home. These invaders can trigger an immune response from the allergens that result in an adverse reaction to the linings of the eyes, nose, or airway. There can also be some mystifying symptoms

D E C O R AT O R

that your household may experience, like headaches, aches and pains.

WHY CLEAN YOUR AIR DUCTS?

Duct cleaning removes unwanted contaminants in the house by cleaning the HVAC components of forced air systems. Think about your system as your home's lungs as it continuously breathes air in and out of whatever gets drawn into the unit.

A dirty heating and cooling system makes your unit less efficient and shortens the system's lifespan. This inefficiency can result in potential breakdowns and higher energy costs. When your HVAC system doesn't have to work so hard, your system runs at peak performance for a better-quality environment.

COST OF DUCT CLEANING Air duct cleaning can vary in cost according to the size of the HVAC system. Other factors that determine the price include the system's accessibility for the technicians to clean the HVAC and ducts thoroughly, the climate in the region, and the system's contamination level. The service can range in cost from $450-$900.

ECO-FRIENDLY PROCESS

With so much concern about harmful chemicals polluting the environment, green technology companies are the best alternative to traditional air duct cleaning methods.

These companies use professional equipment to remove contaminants in your home with biodegradable products safely.

The cleaning process involves professional technicians using the latest tools to agitate and dislodge the dirt and debris that's inside your ducts. Eco-friendly cleaning is performed without the use of harsh chemicals during the procedure.

Instead of using corrosive and even toxic chemicals inserted into the vents, these companies use environmen-

tally friendly supplies like detergent-free and hypo-allergenic products. These chemical-free products are derived from various plants, including citrus, oils and baking soda The eco-friendly practice does not emit any hazardous fumes escaping back into your home, so you get a deep clean and a safer interior environment. By avoiding using these dangerous compounds that dirty the environment, the house's wellness is improved.

MAKE YOUR HOME A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT Air filters help capture a fair amount of the dust particles that flow through the system, but they don't do the whole job. Having your air ducts cleaned will remove all of the other substances that get stuck on the sides along

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the way. Eco-friendly air duct cleaning will keep the HVAC system working more efficiently, so air quality and flow are improved, and your home is a healthier environment for your whole family.

Air filters help capture a fair amount of the dust particles that flow through the system, but they don't do the whole job.

Slip in a few sprinkles of sparkle with a wall mirror and silvertoned furniture.

CREATE A Brighter BEDROOM

Lots of natural Light

Touches of White

D

BY BETH FROST

ark and dreary bedrooms don't evoke a feel-good, soothing ambiance.

Give your bleak bedroom an uplifting makeover with the five bright bedroom ideas listed below. From touches of white to sprinkles of sparkle, create a cheerful, relaxing vibe in your bedroom today.

Touches of White

Incorporate a few touches of white to instill a bright atmosphere in your lackluster bedroom. Because white radiates a feeling of cleanliness, new beginnings, clarity, hope and simplicity, it's a perfect choice for a brighter bedroom.

For example, outfit your bed with a plush white comforter,

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add white-painted furniture pieces, or lay a white shag area rug on top of your hard-surface floor.

Lots of Light

Fill your bedroom space with lots of natural and artificial light to instantly brighten the look and feel. Replace dark-colored, heavy drapes with lightweight sheers or panels. Install chic fabric shades or wooden blinds, alone or behind your new curtains, for a modern layered appearance.

Add stylish table and floor lamps for targeted light where you need it. Wall lamp sconces on both sides of your bed provide task lighting for small bedroom areas.

Sprinkles of Sparkle

Slip in a few sprinkles of sparkle to inject bits of brightness throughout your bedroom.

Wall mirrors and silver-toned furniture pieces, such as nightstands and dressers, offer dazzling reflections from around the room or outdoors.

Replace an ordinary ceiling light with a brilliant chandelier to add a touch of regally romantic glitter. Accessories, like silver candlesticks, glossy picture frames, shiny vases and polished bookends, help to distribute the sparkly effect throughout your bedroom.

Oodles of Neutrals

Neutral colors, such as barely beige, smooth ivory, misty gray and creamy white, create a bright, upbeat vibe. Introduce lots of neutral tones in your bedroom through paint, furniture pieces, and decorative items. For example, paint your bedroom walls in a light neutral tone to establish a bright atmosphere. Furnish the space with neutral-hued items, such as a woven area rug, upholstered chairs, a fabric headboard and a tufted bench.

Pops of Color

Pops of vibrant color, such as lime green, sunshine yellow, Caribbean blue, and lipstick red, can instantly promote a bright, cheery atmosphere. However, use the vibrant colors sparingly or they can quickly overpower the room. Incorporate pops of color in decorative toss pillows, cozy furniture throws, an oversized canvas print, or a vase of fresh flowers. You can also sneak a few vibrant hues into your bedroom palette with fabric window shades, colored lamp stands, or a painted furniture piece.

A bright bedroom atmosphere is created through a variety of textures and colors. As the article suggested, include dashes of white, tons of light, smidgens of sparkle, bits of color, and lots of light-toned neutrals.

Oodles of Neutrals

Pops of vibrant colors, such as lime green, sunshine yellow, Caribbean blue and lipstick red can instantly promote a bright, cheery atmosphere.

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E M E R T X E S E K SHA

These shakes are popular in ice cream stores and cafes.

One shake can cost you upwards of $20.00. For a family of four, that's $80.00!

Even if you share them, ice cream night might break the bank. Extreme shakes are easy to make and the theory is, the more you can pile on, the better.

INGREDIENTS • Ice cream (any flavor - your preference) • Cupcakes, bundt cake or waffle • Marshmallows • Candy sticks or Twizzlers • Peanut butter or chocolate sauce • Candy pearls or M&M's • Whipped Topping (Can) DIRECTIONS Using your ice cream and milk, make a shake, blending to your desired consistency. Layer whipped topping, then your cake, and candy straws. Spread the top of the rim with peanut butter or chocolate sauce and attach your candy to the gooey mixture. Use the peanut butter or chocolate to attach your marshmallows. Top the whole thing off with more sprinkles and candy. The sky is the limit here...the more extreme, the better! Enjoy!

Start to finish: 20 minutes Serves: 2

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r e w o l F Boxes TIPS THAT WILL SAVE YOU MONEY THIS SPRING

BY JOY NEWCOMB

W

hether you live in a studio apartment or are lucky enough to have a real garden, flower boxes are an essential part of getting your home ready for Spring.

Beautiful, well-kept flower boxes can brighten up your room, and your view, like nothing else. A flower box is a type of container in the form of a planter or box that is usually placed outdoors and used for displaying live plants and flowers, but it may also be used for growing herbs or other edible plants.

The only downside? Flowers can become a little pricey. So if you're looking to beautify your home without breaking the bank, here are a few ways to save money on creating your cheerful flower box.

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Get Advice About the Best Types of Plants to Grow

The key to creating long-lasting, low-cost flower boxes is choosing the best types of plants and flowers. If you're unsure about which plants are best for the climate in your area, the staff at your local garden center will happily advise you. Each species of plant and flower will have optimum growing conditions. Getting advice is free and switching the types of plants you grow can save you a fortune in the long-run. Petunias, geraniums, zinnias, nasturtiums, and begonias are good choices for main-theme flowers. Fill in with things like spiderwort, ivy, euonymus, heather, or vinca, which will cascade over the edge of the box.

Impatiens do well in shady locations.

Recycle Flower Cuttings

When you cut or trim your flowers and plants, the cuttings are a cheap way to improve the nutrient content of the soil in your flower box. Simply leave the cuttings on the soil of your box and the nutrients will gradually nourish the earth. This saves you money compared with buying expensive flower food or fertilizer from a store.

Make Your Own Compost

The 'natural' fertilizer you buy from stores can cost you a fortune, yet homemade compost has most of the nutrients that the soil in your flower box needs to give your flowers sustenance. If you are already composting your organic kitchen waste, good for you! If not, we suggest you buy a special indoors composting bin to

convert waste into valuable compost without causing a stench.

You can save a lot of money while keeping your flower box in top condition.

Water Just Enough

Over-watering your flower box can see you heading out to buy more flowers sooner than you'd believe. Watering too much or too frequently means that fresh air will not be able to move into the soil and nourish the roots of your plants. The key to saving money on flowers and plants is to water just enough. Remember the terms 'deep' and 'infrequent' whenever you water your flower boxes. You need to water to at least one inch and then wait as many days as possible before watering it again.

An easy method to check how deeply you are watering is to cut the tops off drinking bottles and then mark one-inch from the base.

Put several of these in your flower box to help you check the water levels.

Aerate The Soil

Aeration simply means poking holes into the soil of your flower box to get more oxygen to the roots of your plants and flowers.

This promotes growth and is a nocost way to get your flower box ready for Spring. Aerating the soil in your flower box will preserve the lifespan of your flowers and plants and help them look their best.

Get the most out of your plants and flowers and keep them looking fresh and lush for as long as possible.

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A SPRINGTIME FAVORITE

BROCCOLI SOUP BOWL

BY NELLIE PALMER

Broccoli is a favorite for springtime soups and dishes. The beautiful, fresh green makes you think of new beginnings after a long winter.

INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup butter • 1/2 chopped onion • 1/4 cup water • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 4 cups fresh broccoli (florets) • 1 cup thin sliced white mushrooms • 3 cups chicken stock • 2 cups heavy cream • Fresh basil leaves, chopped and whole • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon white pepper • Round bread loaves for bowls • cornstarch 14 home garden

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DIRECTIONS 1. In a stock pot, heat butter, saute onion and garlic until tender.

2. Stir in broccoli, stock, cream, mushrooms and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered until vegetables are tender.

3. Place in a blender and blend until smooth - or if desired, a little chunky.

4. Place back in stock pot and simmer.

If you require a thicker soup, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with milk until dissolved and ad to your soup.

5. Remove tops from bread bowls and dig out the inside, being careful not to puncture the bread.

6. Garnish with whole basil and mushroom slices.

ADDITIONAL TOPPINGS: cheese crumbled cooked bacon red pepper flakes shallots

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mum hours of burn time. A short wick is also less likely to mushroom and produce black soot. If soot does accumulate on the inside of the container, extinguish the candle and let it cool. After it has cooled completely, trim the wicks and relight.

Leave some wax

CRUCIAL CARE TIPS FOR

BEAUTIFUL CANDLES

BY BETH FROST

There is something so inviting and cozy about walking into a home with beautifully lit candles. Candles add ambiance and nostalgic fragrance to your space with little effort. While it's easy to pick a scent that tempts you and showcases your personality, there are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your candle experience!

Sooty glass, lopsided burns and small wax pools will be history after learning these care techniques.

A full melt pool

The first burn of a candle is the most important. It is crucial to allow the wax to pool over the entire surface to the edges of the container.

The candle will burn much more evenly for its lifetime and avoid tunneling. If a

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candle isn't allowed to pool to the walls of the vessel, it will form what's called a "memory ring". It will continue to burn and tunnel from this "memory ring" for the life of the candle. It may take 2-4 hours to achieve a full wax pool based on the size of the candle. The rule is to burn for one hour for every inch in diameter the candle is. Do not burn a candle for longer than 4 hours. The throw of the scent will be improved by a large melt pool as well!

Trim the wicks

Every time you burn a candle, be sure to trim the wicks. Wick trimming is probably the most crucial tip of candle care! Cut wicks approximately 6mm (millimeters) in length to get the most out of your candle. Purchase a wick trimmer for the perfect snip. A short candlewick will produce a smaller flame, giving the candle the maxi-

Discontinue the use of a candle as the flame nears the bottom of its container.

Follow the half-inch rule of leaving that much wax at the bottom of the candle. Once the candle has consumed most of its wax the glass becomes very hot and can heat the surface that it is sitting on.

After snuffing or blowing out the candle, wait for it to cool completely before moving it.

SAFETY TIPS KEEP THE CANDLE CLEAN AND FREE OF DEBRIS SUCH AS WICK TRIMMINGS, PET HAIR AND MATCHES. ALSO, LIGHT THE CANDLE IN A SAFE SPACE AWAY FROM WIND AND DRAFTS THAT CAN CAUSE THE FLAMES TO BEHAVE UNPREDICTABLY. ALWAYS BURN THEM OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS, AND NEVER LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED.

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S I H T R E D I S CO N

WHEN CHOOSING A SHADE TREE

BY BETH FROST

Whether you're looking for one perfect type of shade tree or have several different spots in your yard for different types of trees, knowing what to look for is critical when you're shopping for the best tree variety. Here are three considerations that should be at the forefront of your mind when researching shade tree types.

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Safety for your sewer line, foundation, and asphalt or concrete

This factor is partly related to where you put the tree (and whether you install tree root barriers as needed), but the type of tree you choose also has a lot to do with it.You don't want to leave your foundation, pipes, septic system and driveway open to damage by tree roots.

If you have a septic system, don't choose a tree such as a willow tree, which loves growing in wet spots and is excellent at hunting down water sources.

Instead grow a tree that has a tidier, less wandering root system.

You'll still need to keep it away from your septic system, too.

Ginkgo trees can leave smelly piles of yellow fruit in your yard.

Deciding between fast-growing versus long-lived varieties

Waiting for years and years before your trees get big enough to start earning their keep can be frustrating. But that doesn't mean you should choose a tree just because it's marketed as growing to a certain height within just a couple of years.

Fast-growing trees may reach their mature height so quickly because they have shorter lifespans overall, meaning you'd also need to replace them more often. And there could be a trade-off in stability as well.

Faster-growing trees sometimes tend to grow with flaws in their wood and drop branches often.

So if you think you can muster the patience, try going for one of the old standbys (such as an oak) when you want a longlived tree, rather than choosing faster-growing varieties such as a Bradford Pear.

Differences in tree maintenance requirements

Evergreens, such as live oak trees, drop leaves year-round.

Trees with weak wood or shorter-lived types may require more pruning or more cleanup after storms. Ginkgo trees can leave smelly piles of yellow fruit in your yard. If you want a tree that's less work to maintain, a deciduous tree with tidy habits may be just what you need.

Check carefully into the specifics of the maintenance requirements of each tree you're considering. Look for low-maintenance or carefree varieties, especially if the tree is going to be near a walkway or patio and you don't want the area constantly covered in debris or stained by dropped fruit or walnut hulls.

These three considerations will help you make an informed and judicious decision in your quest to furnish your yard with shade trees or fruit and nut trees.

If you think you can muster the patience, try going for one of the old standbys such as an oak when you want a long lived tree.

ng i p m a C d r a y k c a B FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

BY BETH FROST

If it's been a while since you've had the opportunity to spend a few hours outside, camping style, why not consider camping in the backyard?

You don't have to go to a crowded camp ground to have fun camping. Here are a few tips to make your backyard camping adventure fun for the whole family.

MAKE YOUR TENT COMFY AND INVITING Be sure to pitch your tent in a spot that's as level as possible.

Nobody will be happy sleeping on bumps and lumps. Bring lots of blankets, pillows, and sleeping mats or air mattresses for extra comfort. You'll want to make your camping sleeping quarters as comfy as possible, so that everybody doesn't go scurrying back into the house.

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EXPLORE NATURE You'd be surprised how many interesting things you can find in the nature of your backyard. Arrange a scavenging hunt for the kids, to find as many cool bugs, rocks, or plants as they can, then have a show and tell of what they've found. Remember to always put any captive bugs back where you found them when the hunt is done.

PLAY GAMES Game time is fun for everyone. Set up outdoor games on your lawn, like ring toss, bowling, or hop scotch.

If your family prefers board or card games, set them up inside your tent and get cozy.

Backyard camping will add a whole new twist to family game night!

HAVE A SINGALONG What would camping be without a singalong? Even if you're D E C O R AT O R

not the greatest singer, you're kids are not likely to care.

Singing some of their favorites together can be a whole lot of fun, and maybe you can teach them a few songs from your childhood too.

TELL STORIES Telling scary stories and tall tales is a camping tradition. It keeps kids entertained, fueling their imagination. Read a favorite children's book from their collection, or have each family member make up their own imaginative story.

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l o r t con SHELF CLUTTER

BY MARY TALBOT Having less on display makes cleaning easier.

That's why controlling shelf clutter is as much about clean up as it is about aesthetics. When you use these tips, taking care of excess stuff can make a much more pleasant task.

I

f there is one issue that can affect most lifestyles, it is shelf clutter. People tend to accumulate things because they like to shop. However, they also have well-meaning friends who like to give presents for holidays and birthdays. Even roomier homes with spacious shelving can eventually run out of space.

To tackle annoying shelf clutter, use these tips to keep living spaces tidy and inviting.

1the Function of Understand

Shelves Many homeowners equate shelves with storage, but times have changed. Since these units now function more like accessories, their presence doesn't imply to get more stuff. Even closet shelves benefit from organization and become more efficient when you arrange items properly.

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2Important

Analyze What's

The usefulness of everything stored on a shelf is key. If you have items on display solely because they were presents, remove them. This action might create feelings of guilt, but remember that ownership allows everyone to do what they wish with things.

4Collections

Consolidate

Not only does labeling make it easy to find what you’re looking for, but it also encourages the user to return items to their proper place, so the area stays neat and organized. Labeling also prevents you from losing or repurchasing items, so you save money!

of Extra Items 3 Many people love to read 5 and store books on shelves.

Controlling shelf clutter does Organize Books

Unless you have a designated library space, massive amounts of literature can add significant disarray to an otherwise orderly living space. To reduce this clutter, pick one criteria for display.

You could show off a favorite author or only store hardcovers on shelves.

To make books look more interesting, don't just stack them side by side. Instead, break up the monotony and arrange some of them on top of each other. Place some other items in between to ad character.

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Store or Get Rid

come with one big issue: what to do with the removed items?

When you can't display something but don't know what to do with it, donate it. If that seems like a harsh step, pack these items away. You can store them in an attic, or place them in a basement, garage or closet.

INGREDIENTS • 1 box Pillsbury™ Super Moist® White Premium Cake Mix • 1 Tablespoon Madagascar Vanilla • Wilton® Leaf Green Gel Food Coloring • Wilton® Purple Gel Food Coloring • 2 containers Pillsbury™ White Icing • 1 1/2 cup pistachios, ground • Lime, sliced for garnish • Light Karo® syrup DIRECTIONS • Follow boxed cake instructions, and add the vanilla.

• Spray cake pans with non-stick cooking spray.

• Pour batter into three 8-inch round cake pans.

• Bake as directed, then cool.

• Divide icing into three portions.

• Using small amounts, add green and purple gel to two of the icings until you reach the desired colors.

• Spread white icing on cooled cake.

• Let cake sit for 25 minutes to develop a light crust.

After a crust develops, pipe green leaves up the sides of the cake using tip #123 or #104 • Pipe the tulips on the top of the cake. Complete instructions with picture diagrams are on www.wilton.com

T here's a Tip for T hat!

SPRING TULIP CAKE

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