Most of us grew up surrounded by asbestos in our homes. Today, homeowners want asbestos in their ceilings about as much as they want lead paint on their walls. Asbestos was used for decades in the very environments meant to keep us safe; our homes, schools, and businesses. Asbestos was used in the roofs and shingles above us, the walls around us, and the flooring below us. What exactly is asbestos, and why is it so prevalent in our every day lives? Here are Your Asbestos Questions Answered. What is asbestos? According to the California Department of Public Health, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It is mined like other minerals such as iron, lead, and copper. The word "asbestos" comes from the Greek, and roughly translated means "inextinguishable." Asbestos is a … [Read more...] about Your Asbestos Questions Answered
Get Your Back Yard Beautiful on a Budget
Have you already cleaned out your closets, alphabetized your pantry, and polished every pair of shoes you own? This month finds most of us at home experiencing a tight circle of family, and an even tighter budget. Spring is around the corner. Head outside and get inspired by the warmer weather. We have a few ideas to help you get your back yard beautiful on a budget. Plant Purposefully Create a garden in your backyard that is both functional and beautiful. Let your "inner chef" shine through with a lettuce or herb garden. Plant herbs you enjoy and commonly use in cooking - such as parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, mint, and rosemary. Choose a location in your yard that will provide at least a half day's worth of sun. Herb gardens enjoy lots of sunlight. Arrange your taller herbs … [Read more...] about Get Your Back Yard Beautiful on a Budget
April Fools’ Day is Older Than You Think
As with many great mysteries, the exact origins of April Fools' Day remain speculative, however, April Fools' Day is older than you think. The path most traveled by historians leads us to 1582. That year, France switched from the Julian calendar, which celebrated the new year on April 1, to the Gregorian calendar, which celebrated the new year on January 1. Before 1582, the calendar had only ten months and was based on the seasons. Planting season began March 25 at the vernal equinox, and so marked the beginning of the new year. Even in the 1500s, folks celebrated the arrival of the new year with festivals, and no doubt, their very own 16th-century versions of Ryan Seacrest and the Times Square Ball Drop. However, Holy Week also fell during the last week of March; … [Read more...] about April Fools’ Day is Older Than You Think
Stuck at Home? 9 Creative Ways to Feel More Content
Most of us have experienced being stuck at home for one reason or another. It doesn't take long before we feel the walls begin to close in, especially if the days start to add up. There are dozens of projects around your house crying out for your attention. Stuck at home? Here are 9 Creative Ways to Feel More Content. Become a Canned-Food Culinary Genius Yes, those cans. The cans of food with the expiration date so far in the future, you're sure you'll be jetpacking to work by the time they expire. Those reliable cans that stock your cupboards like soldiers. Year after year, they remain steadfast and true, always there to provide comfort and stability to your diet. What better time to bring those tried and true staples to the foreground of your diet? According … [Read more...] about Stuck at Home? 9 Creative Ways to Feel More Content
How to Create a Hummingbird Haven
Who wouldn't enjoy seeing more of these colorful, hypnotic, tiny birds humming around their backyard garden? We have some simple ideas to show you How to Create a Hummingbird Haven and get these fascinating creatures attracted to your yard. Food Source When plotting your hummingbird habitat, an essential factor will be to create and maintain their food source. After all, these little bundles of energy eat all day, flitting from 1,000 to 2,000 flowers a day. Why not make their efforts worth the while by providing proper fuel? Cool Hummingbird Facts Which Flowers Work Best Visit your local nursery and learn which blooms will flourish best in your region before you start planting. You will want to choose a variety of flowers that will provide the hummingbird with a continuous … [Read more...] about How to Create a Hummingbird Haven