9/10/13

In preparation for the cold winter months ahead, take the time to get your firewood properly seasoned and ready to use in your fireplace. Freshly chopped firewood can have up to 50 percent water content inside, which, when burned, can create air pollution and build up creosote in your chimney. Allowing the wood to properly season -- dry out -- can give you a clean source of energy for your home and is easy to do. Place the firewood in an area that is protected from the elements, and stack it to allow air to circulate. And if you think the firewood needs further protection from the elements, place a tarp on top to protect it.

9/9/13

If you're planning a party or theme event at home, there's no need to spend money on expensive downloads or CDs you're going to use only once. When you're looking for one-time use theme music -- whether it's classical, Broadway or children's tunes -- take a trip to the public library. You can go through the selection of CDs, borrow them for free and return them when you're done. Some public libraries even offer free downloads for a limited time.

9/8/13

When sowing seed for a new lawn or repatching a brown area with new grass, remember this one simple rule: Not all grass seed is the same. First, take note of the type of climate you live in: Do you get lots of rain or very little to no rain? Does your lawn have lots of sunlight, or is it shady for most of the day? Purchase the right type of grass seed that will thrive in the type of environment you're trying to grow. And in the fall, make a habit of overseeding your lawn by spreading grass seeds on top of the lawn. This will ensure a thicker lawn that actually helps crowd out weeds, which then removes any need for chemical herbicides in the spring.