June deals

June begins on Monday. Where or where did May go? Seems like it was only yesterday that I was writing about May Day.
That whine aside, it's the start of a new month and time to talk deals for June.
Did you know June is National Dairy Month? Nope, me neither, but now you do. That might be why ice cream is on the list of good deals in June.


Also in the food category:
-popsicles
-soda
-bottled water
-iced tea mix and tea bags
-other dairy products (but once you have ice cream -- do you really need any others??)

In the non-food category; look for:
-home fix-it tools and materials (a nod to Father's Day, I suspect)
-summer fashions (because you know fall clothes will be out on the racks by mid July)
-TVs and portable music players

So, enjoy this month and start thinking ahead to Father's Day. I know ties didn't make the list, but come on, we know they should have!

-reenie

10 Lawn Care Tips

My daughter and I were walking the dog the other day and happened by a neighbor's lush, green lawn. Even my daughter commented on how healthy and beautiful the lawn looked (perhaps it was a veiled critique of our rather sad-looking back lawn). I started doing some research on tips for a healthier, do-it-yourself lawn. Here they are:

1. Water thoroughly at least once a week (and more during really dry spells). If you leave footprints while walking on the grass -- you probably need more water.

2. Take care of the weeds and pests FAST. Don't wait for them to take over. Be sure to get the right supplies at your local garden center.

3. It is OK to leave clippings behind if they are not too long. The clippings can add nutrients back to the soil. In season -- that might mean mowing every five days. Cut back when the weather gets very dry.

4. Make sure the blades on your lawn mower are sharp. If they're dull you end up tearing and hurting the grass. If you tend to hit debris (like rocks and sticks) while mowing -- you will probably have to sharpen the blades more often.

5. Reseed the bare spots early fall or spring.

6. Fertilize correctly. Check with the folks at your local garden center for proper application timing and tips.

7. Have you aerated your lawn? You can do this with raking, a dedicated aerator or even aerating shoes. Adding space to the soil allows the grass to breathe and grow better.

8. Don't cut it too short. And avoid mowing when the grass is wet.

9. Change up your mowing direction. You'll mow more evenly if the blades of grass don't get into a set growing pattern.

10. Clear large debris before you get the mower going. Saves you time later and helps to protect your mower blades.

And, if all else fails and doing your own lawn is not your thing -- look for a local professional.

Happy mowing,

-reenie

Memorial Day Weekend... Let the painting begin

So, I stumbled on this cool product and it got me thinking about Home Improvement chores. Sure, Memorial Day Weekend is about barbecues and seeing friends, but it's also that time when we get stuff done around the house. This Paint 'N Pour lid by Homax looks like a great way to make painting chores just a little easier. I don't know about you, but I hate dealing with paint can lids, and always fear I'm not getting them back on correctly (and worry that my paint will dry up in the process).

If you are planning on painting this weekend. Make sure you have all you need on hand. There's nothing more frustrating than having to run out for supplies mid-project.

I found a good list at doityourself.com if you're painting:

-screwdrivers (for removing hardware)

-sandpaper

-patching compound

-putty knife/scraper

-painting or masking tape

-drop cloths (we use old shower curtains)

-caulk

-paint tray/brushes/rollers

-mixing bucket

-clean rags

-wall cleaner and sponge/sponge mop

On your mark, get set, PAINT!

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Be sure to make some time for friends and family!

-reenie

Is your car ready for Summer vacation?

I just had my car in the shop. A kind stranger noticed my headlight was out and got my attention in the parking lot. I'm not sure how long it had been out or how long it would have stayed out without someone mentioning to me. I haven't been driving after dark very much - so it may have taken a long time. In any case, my quick trip to get the bulb replaced reminded me that summer vacation driving is ahead and it's time to check out a few things.

I found a great article at Road & Travel Magazine.

Keep these tips in mind:

If you stick to the vehicle maintenance schedule -- that's your first step in avoiding vacation road trip mishaps.

Try to get your car checked out at least one week before a planned driving vacation -- to allow time for any issues.

Have your mechanic:

Check all fluid levels.

Check tire pressure and treads. Don't forget the spare tire. (Make sure you have everything you need to change a tire in your car before you hit the road for vacation.)

Check the brakes.

Check all belts and hoses.

Make sure all lights are in working order.

Replace the windshield wipers if the blades are old.

Check that the AC is working properly.


Things for you to keep in mind:

Pack an emergency kit (blankets, water, extra fluids, small tools, flares, first aid kit, etc).

Pack your car lightly if possible. Extra weight and extra heat are not a great combination for the engine.

Remember your pets -- never leave them unattended in a parked car during the summer. Not even for a short time. The interior temperature shoots up way too high and the heat can be deadly for your furry friend.

Memorial Day weekend is upon us -- the unofficial start of summer. Get your car ready now for a summer of smooth sailing, er, I mean driving.

-reenie

Unique Wedding Gifts

Wedding season is upon us. I love seeing some of the newer ideas for gift giving. It was a whole different (teeny bit boring) routine when my friends were getting married. It's way more fun now.

As couples wait to tie the knot it seems they are more situated in life. Some own homes together or are merging their homes, and just don't need the kitchen and household stuff their parents needed.

Gift registries are great things, but I also like these more creative ideas:

-Outdoor furniture and accessories... think about comfortable lounge chairs or a chiminea; or a garden center gift certificate for new perennial plants and trees.

-If two homes are merging... think about offering to pay for an interior designer or professional organizer. It may make the merging process run a bit more smoothly.

-For the couples who already have the stuff they need... how about a monthly bouquet of fresh flowers program.

-One website I saw mentioned that a fine wine is the choice of "older couples." Somehow I think younger couples would enjoy, too.

-Again, for couples who have the "usual" stuff.... how about new sports equipment like snow skis or water skis.

-One source suggested helping out with the honeymoon costs or even offering up the first married night in a luxury hotel (this is a plan-ahead gift).

-I read about some financial institutions setting up financial registries where family and friends can contribute to specific financial goals; like a first house, honeymoon trip or vacation retreat.

-And, finally, some couples are suggesting guests donate to favorite charities in lieu of a gift.

I love all of these ideas. I do. I do!

-reenie

Nutty Fudge Day

Did you know today, May 12, was National Nutty Fudge Day? I didn't either until I stumbled upon it in Bon Apetit's daily food calendar. So, here's my theory -- if you don't make fudge, today is a day to buy yourself a little treat. Plain and simple. All is good in the world when there's chocolate.

And if not a little treat for you -- how about for a special Mom? (So she knows Mother's Day is not just a once-a-year kind of thing.) You know, sometimes the small unexpected treats are the best kind.

-reenie

Gembows

Normally I do not send my readers away to other websites.  I like keeping them to myself (selfish, I know), but I stumbled upon a sweet site today - and I feel the need to share.  Mother's Day is Sunday -- maybe seeing these two girls working their hearts out kicked my motherly instinct up a notch.  Gabby and Emma have created a website where they are selling duct tape bows. 

Their net proceeds are going to the We Can Solve the Climate Crisis Campaign because the girls are concerned about the environment and want to take action. Personal action.  The bows are adorable, and I applaud these enterprising young ladies for being so proactive.  Check them out.  I think there is a bow or ten in my future.  And what better way to add a fun touch to that gift you've picked up for Mom ? (OK -- so it won't get to you in time for Sunday, but you can let Mom know it's en route.  She'll be impressed.  I'm sure of it.)

To all the Moms and the ladies who are Moms without the actual title (like my Aunt Betsey) -- HAVE A GREAT MOTHER'S DAY!

-reenie

Shopping made easy

I was flipping through a 2008 holiday gift guide the other day -- yes, I keep them for that long. I stumbled onto this item and was amazed. Talk about getting you organized. The SmartShopper allows you to type in or record the grocery items you need (depends on which model you buy). In any case, keep this baby in your kitchen and anyone in the family can add items to the list. When you're ready to run your errands, check the list, make any edits and press print (did I mention it also lets you add errand stops like the post office and bank?). The SmartShopper organizes the list by category so you're not left wandering in the grocery store aisles. Saves time, and I imagine saves you money as you navigate quickly through the store. You're not as inclined to pick up stray items because you know which aisles you need to travel. I'm liking this one. Grocery shopping is always a challenge for me. This little gadget might just make it more fun.

-reenie

May Day and Mother's Day

Flowers. Flowers. Flowers.

Need I say more?
Today is May Day, and there is no better reason to surprise someone with a special basket of blooms. The ritual is to leave them on your neighbor's step or hanging on their door knob, ring the bell, and run like crazy. May Day is a big deal for me. It was celebrated at my school every year. Our May Day Festival included games, food, and, of course, dancing. Every elementary grade did a dance, but the 6th graders did the traditional Maypole dance. It was the final dance, and it was something you looked forward to as you as you graduated to each higher grade. It was quite the ritual, and one I remember very fondly.

AND... as long as we're talking flowers. Plan now for Mother's Day; a short nine days away!

A quick tidbit about Mother's Day for your next Trivial Pursuit game: it was first celebrated in 1908 and Congress made it an official day in 1914.

Consider me a person waiting for a basket of flowers on my doorstep,

-reenie