Al Fresco Dining
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In the South it’s barbecuing, a little further north it’s grilling or in your part of the country, you might say, “grill out.” Whatever the term, it’s all about cooking and enjoying a meal outside.
home garden DECORATOR
Executive Publishers
Greg and Suzanne Fox
Jumpstart Publishing, LLC
Managing Editor
Suzanne Polk Fox
Copy Editor
Christian Dischler
Contributing Writers
Alyssa Ingram
Grant Parker
Ellie Garner
Art & Design
Suzanne Fox
7 EASY TIPS TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR GARDEN
BY ALYSSA INGRAM
1.
Move existing mulch away from garden and reserve. Pull ALL weeds from mulch and from ground beneath.
2.
Cut back woody winter perennials.
3. Remove all dead plants and shrubs.
4.
Add a layer of fresh organic topsoil. Be sure to purchase soil enriched with vitamins.
5.
Return existing mulch to garden and turn, flip and fluff. You will purchase less mulch if you clean and fluff what is leftover from the previous year. Try rotating organic mulching materials from straw and bark mulch to keep your garden’s full appearance.
6.
Have fun with your garden! Do not get frustrated if perennials fail to bloom and multiply the first year after planting. Most perennials require three full seasons to reach maturity. Plant some colorful annuals and have patience with your perennials.
Always purchase plants that thrive in your specific zone.
7.
Deadhead your flowers when they wilt. Deadheading means to remove the spent buds. Plants will be able to send energy to the bulb.
Be sure to read tags concerning hardiness zones before purchasing plants. Always purchase plants that thrive in your specific zone. North America has
more than 100 zones indicated on tags when purchasing plants. If you are purchasing plants from a nursery, ask questions! “Garden talk” is a great way to learn about plants, meet other gardening enthusiasts and enjoy spring cleaning your garden.
SAVING SUNLIGHT: WHY USE SOLAR ENERGY?
BY GRANT PARKER
Solar energy will never run out, doesn’t produce harmful greenhouse gases and is environmentally friendly. It is also sustainable, renewable and clean. Use of solar energy as a main source of power doubles every year. In China, India, Germany and states like California and Utah, solar energy is encouraged and sometimes even required.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Solar energy uses stored energy from sunlight and converts it to electricity for unlimited backup power. Products like water heaters, pool heating systems, attic fans and outdoor lighting systems are available due to the brilliant engineering behind modern usage of solar energy.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Solar panels on rooftops of homes and buildings are expensive in the short term and may even be an eyesore for some, but the long-term economical and environmental benefits are well worth the investment. Because of its complicated engineering, solar products are more expensive to install and to produce. However, using solar energy will save money after a period of time. Eventually, you will have no electricity bill and may even receive tax credit.
HOW TO GET STARTED PROS AND CONS
Start conservatively. Try purchasing a few solar garden lights and enjoy the glow you receive at dusk from saving energy from sunlight throughout the day.
Research the possibility of a tax credit in your state by going to the website for the department of revenue and taxation in your state.
If you are purchasing a home for remodel, consider including the cost of adding solar panels into your remodel budget. It is well worth it in the long run.
If you plan to refinance in the future, consider adding the cost to your new loan.
PROS: Solar energy is environmentally friendly, sustainable and clean and produces NO harmful greenhouse gases. Some states offer as much as a 30 percent tax credit, which makes the cost more appealing.
CONS: It is expensive in the short term. According to researchers, it has low energy density compared to other energy sources. It is useless in low-light conditions, and is unreliable as a power source in cloud cover.
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THE BEST NATURAL PEST CONTROL
BY ALYSSA INGRAM
Not only are ladybugs the cutest insects in the animal kingdom, they are one of the most effective ways to naturally rid your garden of pests.
Ladybugs are beneficial insects, which means they eat bad bugs that feed on garden plants. They have an especially voracious appetite for aphids, which are tiny, soft-bodied insects that multiply quickly and feed on sap. They also eat mites, lice, insect eggs and other soft-bodied insects. According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, a single ladybug may eat as many as 50 aphids a day or 5,000 aphids in its lifetime.
HOW TO ATTRACT LADYBUGS TO YOUR GARDEN (AND KEEP THEM THERE)
Plant ladybug food. Ladybugs love floral plants that provide nectar, so try planting flowers like gerani-
ums and herbs like cilantro, dill, fennel and caraway.
Order them in bulk online. When they arrive, store them in your refrigerator to calm them down. Release them during the early evening hours, when they are less likely to fly away. They will be thirsty, so make sure they have enough water. Set up shallow dishes with pebbles and fill them with water. The ladybugs will perch on the pebbles to drink the water.
Say no to pesticides. Resist the temptation to spray if you see pests. If there are no pests for the ladybugs to feed on, the ladybugs will fly away.
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DIY EASY BATHROOM MAKEOVERS
BY GRANT PARKER
Are you tired of looking at the same old wallpaper and antiquated fixtures in your bathroom? You don’t have to break the bank to breathe new life into this very personal space that should reflect the tastes and character of your home and family. For the do-it-yourselfer, let’s examine a few simple techniques to give your bathroom a fresh face.
REPLACE THE MOVABLE ACCENT PIECES. Sometimes all that’s needed is a trip to the bath store. Consider the impact you can make to the theme and color scheme by changing out the following items:
• drapery
• shower curtain/rod/rings
• rugs
• towels
• counter pieces (toothbrush holders, soap dispensers, soap dishes)
• trash can
• baskets/storage pieces
• wall art
Sometimes all that’s needed is a trip to the
A bright new rug and decorated room partition add a splash of color to a white palette.
bath store.
REPAINT OR REPAPER.
Choose from neutral tones that allow you to add splashes of color with your accent pieces or bold tones if you’re going for a stronger statement. Pastels (preferably from the cooler palette) make for a more relaxed environment. If wallpapering, remember that vertical patterns will make your room appear taller while horizontal ones will make it look wider.
UPDATE THE FAUCETS AND HARDWARE.
One of the easiest things you can do to upgrade your
bathroom is replace the hardware on your faucets, drains, cabinet/drawer pulls, hinges, doorknobs, wall hooks, towel racks or toilet paper rack. These little updates yield immediate results and usually only involve a screwdriver and your hands.
DON’T FORGET THE LIGHTING!
Ideally, your bathroom should offer more than one source of light. The brightest illumination should surround the vanity mirror area. Softer, less direct lighting can be mounted in ceiling fixtures or wall sconces.
For more versatility, install a dimmer on these fixtures so you can dial it up or down as desired.
Sure, you can replace the shower stall, lay a new floor or even gut the whole room, but, before you shell out the big dollars, consider implement-
ing a few of these ideas. Whether your goal is to step up your home’s resale value or simply create a more updated space of your own, don’t be afraid to tackle your bathroom. It’s the most utilized room in your house. Shouldn’t it be the best?
Pastel wallpaper and a flea market dressing table painted white give this bathroom a bright yet soft new look.
A new faucet and sink is an inexpensive makeover with a huge impact.
Softer lighting can be mounted in ceiling fixtures or wall sconces.
The BIGGREENEGG spendingiscostly–lookat about$900for theextralarge,withthestand soldseparately. TheBIGGREENEGGis soldthroughauthorized dealersonly.
PRODUCT REVIEW: BIG GREEN EGG
BY ELLIE GARNER
Are you an EGGhead? If the answer is “yes,” you already know about the Big Green Egg Smoker and Grill and belong to the international fan group pledging loyalty to the ceramic cooker. Yes, the egg-shaped, green cooker has a fan club, with an annual EGGtoberfest saluting the outdoor device.
market. The device includes a patented draft door and dual-function metal top, allowing for easily adjusted cooking temperatures from ultra high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking. A permanent porcelain glaze ensures the signature green color will not fade or discolor under any weather conditions.
The device allows for cooking temperatures from ultra high-heat searing to low-and-slow smoking.
Yes, buy one. Benefits include:
Excellent heat retention
No lighter fluid required
Withstands temperatures from below 0 degrees F to 1,800 degrees F
Safe cool surface, minimizing accidental burns
Rustproof ceramic surface
Enclosed cooking design allows for less monitoring
Multi-functional
Easy to move and store
Extensive support and free recipes available on Big Green Egg website
Extensive number of accessories and products to enhance cooking experience No, don’t buy one if you are not willing to make a significant investment and only want a barbecue grill.
Introduced in the United States in 1974, the Green Egg is based on the kamado, a steam cooker that originated in southern Japan. Recognized for its versatility and unique design, the Green Egg is a barbecue grill, steamer, smoker and unique conversation piece in your backyard.
Fueled by charcoal (lump wood charcoal is recommended), the Egg’s ceramic composition provides for a strong, durable cooker and is recognized as one of the best heat insulation units on the
“Bring on the ingredients and I can cook just about anything on my Green Egg,” said one EGGhead, who appointed himself head chef for a family reunion. From traditional hamburgers and hotdogs to lasagna and jambalaya, the Green Egg appears to handle it all — with no electricity and little clean up. The Green Egg is available in a variety of sizes, including the extra large, which features a 24-inch cooking grid and can accommodate a 20-lb. turkey. The recently introduced mini features a 9-inch grid and the capability to hold two chicken breasts, two pork chops or one steak.
WASABI HONEY TERIYAKI GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
Recipe adapted from Ted Reader. You can find more of Ted’s delicious BBQ recipes in his cookbook, Gastro Grilling, or on his website TedReader.com.
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp. (10mL) wasabi powder
2 tsp. (10mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 oz. (30mL) sake
½ cup (125mL) honey
1 Tbsp. (15mL) soy sauce
3 Tbsp. (45mL) hoisin sauce
1 tsp. (5mL) prepared horseradish, drained of excess moisture
1 tsp. (5mL) minced ginger
1 green onion, minced
12 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of cinnamon
¼ cup (60mL) crushed wasabi peas
1 tsp. (5mL) toasted sesame seeds
1 Tbsp. (15mL) chopped fresh cilantro
juice and sake. Stir in honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, horseradish, ginger and green onion.
2. Set the EGG for direct cooking (no convEGGtor) at 450-550 degrees F/230290 degrees C.
3. Season both sides of the thighs with kosher salt, black pepper and a pinch of cinnamon.
4. Grill the thighs for 6-8 minutes on one side, turn the thighs over and begin to baste with the wasabi honey baste. Continue to cook for another 6-8 minutes, basting with the sauce until fully cooked, minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees F /70 degrees C. Remove from EGG.
5. Sprinkle with crushed wasabi peas, toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
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Embrace the Joys of Spring Embrace the Joys of Spring
BY ELLIE GARNER
As the weather warms and flowers bloom, there’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of spring than by dining al fresco.Whether you’re hosting a small family brunch, a garden party with friends, or a romantic dinner under the stars, creating the perfect outdoor dining experience is easier than you think. Choosing the Perfect Setting
Start by selecting an inviting outdoor space. A patio, deck, garden, or even a cozy balcony can be transformed into an elegant dining area. Consider shade options such as a pergola, an umbrella, or a string-light-covered canopy to create ambiance and comfort.
Stylish Tablescapes
A thoughtfully set table elevates any out- door meal. Use a lightweight linen tablecloth or a floral runner to add a soft, natural touch. Opt for durable yet stylish tableware like melamine plates or bamboo serving trays for a polished yet practical look. Woven
placemats, colorful napkins, and vintage-inspired glassware add charm and personality. For a seasonal touch, incorporate fresh flowers as a centerpiece. A simple bouquet of tulips, daisies, or wildflowers in a mason jar adds a rustic and cheerful vibe. Scatter small votive candles or LED fairy lights to enhance the evening’s glow.
Comfortable
Seating & Atmosphere
Comfort is key for a relaxed dining experience. Use cushioned chairs, outdoor rugs, and throw pillows to make guests feel at home. If dining into the evening, consider adding citronella candles or a small fire pit to keep insects at bay and create warmth.
The Perfect Menu
Spring is the ideal time for fresh, seasonal ingredients. Create a light yet flavorful menu featuring grilled vegetables, herb-marinated meats, or fresh seafood. Offer
refreshing salads, fruit platters, and artisanal cheeses for a balanced spread. For drinks, serve chilled lemonade, infused water, or floralinspired cocktails. End the meal with a simple yet elegant dessert like lemon sorbet or berry tarts.
Adding a Personal Touch
Personalize your al fresco dining with handwritten menu cards, name tags, or small party favors like potted herbs or handmade coasters. Play soft background music to enhance the mood, and let nature be part of the experience with the sounds of birds or a gentle breeze.
With these simple yet effective ideas, your outdoor dining experience will be both beautiful and memorable. Whether hosting a casual brunch or an elegant evening gathering, al fresco dining is the perfect way to embrace the joys of spring.
QUICK & EASY FLOWER ARRANGEMENT
1.Use a cake decorating rotating base to make it easy to turn your arrangement. Put a piece of double stick foam on the bottom of the candlestick to mount to the cake base.
2.Use wet foam that is higher than the bowl. We stacked
two together and used a skewer to hold them together.
3.Start with large flower in the top center. Place it at the height you want your arrangement to be. Take roses and peel off any brown or torn petals. Use fingers to push out
the petals layer by layer, starting with the outside, until they are full and open like garden roses. Place roses in bunches of three around the upper middle. Turn tray to make sure they are even.
4.Place poms and hydrangeas in between roses to fill in the
holes. Alternate the two.
5.Finish with spray roses around the base of the arrangement even with the top of the glass bowl. Fill in with greenery.
Once the fresh flowers in this arrangement die, remove the silk flowers and store for your next party!
Create a light yet flavorful menu featuring grilled vegetables, herbmarinated meats, or fresh seafood. Offer refreshing salads, fruit platters, and artisanal cheeses for a balanced spread. Set The Mood with candles in a variety of colors and sizes.
HA M & SWISS MINI QUICHE
Your guests will love these delicious, easy-to-make snacks. Whip up these bite-size hors d'oeuvres in no time at all with ready-made tart shells.
INGREDIENTS
1 box of Pilsbury ready-made pie crusts (2 per box)
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6 eggs
½ Tbsp. white pepper
1 cup cooked, minced ham
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 cups finely shredded Swiss cheese
DIRECTIONS
1. Using 4 inch biscuit cutter, cut out dough circles. Continue to re-roll scraps until all dough is used.
2. Spray muffin pans with cooking spray.
3. Press dough circles into muffin pan cavities.
4. Mix heavy whipping cream, eggs and white pepper by hand – do not use mixer. Set aside.
5. Mix ham, green onions and half of the cheese.
6. Spoon ham and cheese mixture into bottom of each shell.
7. Pour egg mixture on top. Be careful not to overfill.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each shell.
9. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes or until puffy and slightly golden.
10. Let set for 30 minutes before serving. Yields approx. 18 quiche.
SEMI -HOMEMADE WHITE CHOCOLATE SCONES
Scones are tea party staples, and there are lots of easy, delicious recipes floating around out there. Keep it simple with semi-homemade scones.
INGREDIENTS
1 box Jiffy biscuit mix
½ cup orange juice
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup dried cranberries
pre-made lemon icing
DIRECTIONS
❶ Mix biscuit mix, orange juice white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
❷ Form a 4-x 12-inch loaf, and flatten to 1 inch thick. Cut into rectangles of equal size, then cut each rectangle diagonally to form triangles. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
❸ Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. Scones should be light golden.
❹ While scones are cooling, warm icing until you achieve the right consistency. Icing should be thinner than regular cake icing.
❺ Drizzle over cooling scones.
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DIY POTPOURRI
BY MICHELE ROBERT POCHE
It has been said that every house has its own scent, due to factors such as pet ownership, cleaning products, furniture, flooring choices and, of course, little niceties like candles and potpourri. Both candles and potpourri can work wonders in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your living space, but only the latter can work for you 24/7. Here, we show you how to create a signature batch of your very own.
INGREDIENTS:
Dried materials (petals, buds, leaves, cones, seeds, herbs, spices, etc.)
Scissors
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Scented oils
Spritzer bottle
Water
Bowl
DIRECTIONS
❶ Collect dried materials from your home, garden or supply store. If necessary, cut into small pieces.
❷ Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
❸ Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange all dried materials in single layer on sheet.
❹ Combine 10-20 drops of favorite scented oil(s) with
one tablespoon water in spritzer bottle and shake vigorously. Spray dried materials evenly until bottle is nearly empty.
❺ Bake approximately two hours with door open, watching carefully as scorched materials can ignite.
❻ Spray remaining scented oil mixture on dried materials, cool and display in decorative bowl.
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DIG, PLANT AND CREATE: FRESH HERB GARDEN
BY ALYSSA INGRAM
Is crisp, fresh spring air bringing out your inner green thumb? Planting a fresh herb garden is an easy, cost-efficient way to bring new life to your backyard, outdoor living space or even your kitchen window. An herb garden will create a beautiful, aromatic ambiance, and it will inspire you to use homegrown mature herbs in recipes, warm teas, bath and facial scrubs and vase arrangements. The following tips will help establish a thriving garden of fresh herbs.
1. The easiest way to start an herb garden is to purchase young organic plants at a local farmer’s market or nursery rather than growing plants from seeds.
2. Choose the location of your garden wisely. Herbs need six hours of sunlight per day. If you do not have an outdoor spot, try planting in small containers in front of a bright window.
3. If planting in an outdoor garden, keep 2-4 inches between each plant.
4. Once you find the perfect spot, loosen the soil and add natural compost or peat moss. Be sure to mix the soil well.
5. Always plant during mild mornings or evenings to help prevent wilting.
6. Once herbs are planted, they should be watered after surrounding soil is dry. Do not over water.
7. As soon as herbs begin to mature, begin harvesting gently. Never remove more than a third of the plant. Harvest from the top of the plant. Herbs can be harvested for several months if they are carefully harvested and watered.
DIG DEEP
Gardening is a therapeutic experience and helps reduce stress.
Some herbs also have medicinal properties known to decrease inflammation, fight bacteria and help detoxify the body.
BEST HERBS TO GROW:
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OUTDOOR LIVING STARTS IN THE KITCHEN
BY GRANT PARKER
In the South it’s barbecuing, a little further north it’s grilling or in your part of the country, you might say, “grill out.” Whatever the term, it’s all about cooking and enjoying a meal outside.
Whether you are preparing hamburgers and hotdogs, steaks and veggies or rib racks, grilling is a great way to spend a spring or summer evening. If your family is spending more and more time huddled around the barbecue pit, but you are the one going back and forth from your inside kitchen to the backyard, it may be time to consider an outdoor kitchen. According to Clay Russell of Grass Roots Landscaping in Austin, Texas, taking the time to plan and
Budget
How much are you willing or able to spend?
Location
Close to your home (extended deck, for example) or freestanding at a distance? Consider which direction the sun shines. Will you need a permit to build?
Design Wood? Brick? Perhaps a few water fixtures?
Utilities
How easy or difficult will it be to run water, gas and electricity to the site?
Appliances
In addition to a grill, do you need a refrigerator, sink, icemaker, smoker or fireplace, for example?
define needs and wants is the most important parameter before adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. “The benefits of cooking, eating and relaxing outdoors extend far beyond convenience,” he says. “That only holds true, however, if the kitchen is designed for your individual needs and budget.”
Whether you design and build an outdoor kitchen yourself, consult a specialist in the field or utilize the “how to” consultation services of a local home improvement store, keep in mind:
Configuration Keep appliances close to one another for convenience. Consider counter space for preparing and serving.
Roofing
Do you want an overhead covering for shade? Would you rather have an open kitchen to enhance the outdoor experience?
Dining and Relaxing
How big is your family? How often do you entertain? What types of seating and dining furniture will you need?
Once you’ve considered such options, get a few estimates and decide whether to do it yourself or hire a contractor.
STILL THINKING ABOUT IT? THE
BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN INCLUDE
• Convenience
• Increased time with family and friends
• Great tasting food and grilling gives you
a healthy option
• Easier clean up
• Increased value to your home
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FIND THE BEST REALTOR FOR YOUR HOME
BY GRANT PARKER
Selecting a physician, an accountant, even a hair stylist … these are all decisions we take seriously. Choosing the right real estate agent is no different. After all, you entrust your realtor to sell your most prized possession, your home, and to find you a new one. What can you do to make sure this individual is the best for the job?
1.Talk to his past clients. Were they satisfied? What was the original asking price versus the selling price? How long was the house on the
market? The more recent the transaction, the better the indicator of his current work.
2.
Ask how long she’s been in practice. Five years is a good benchmark, but not all agents are created equal. Less experience can mean she’s hungrier for sales, while more can mean greater knowledge of and connections in the area.
3.
Check out his current listings. Are they in your desired neighborhood? How similar are they to your own? Does he have enough business to demonstrate a healthy practice but not so much that you’d get lost in the shuffle?
4.Put her to the test. Ask her about another listing in the same locality. A dialed-in realtor should really know the area, street
“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”
- Red Adair
by street, and be able to provide a few details about any of its properties off the top of her head.
5.Find out if he belongs to the National Association of Realtors. All members are required to abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics, a document that outlines their responsibil-
ities to clients, the public and other realtors.
6.Avoid part-time agents and friends or relatives. You want someone who can show your home or take you to a new property at a moment’s notice. And you don’t want someone giving unsolicited advice or, worse, holding it back.