Easy summer landscaping tips

The first thing that people see when they pull up to your home is the landscaping. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Summer is the perfect time to get your landscaping into tip-top shape. Here are some easy landscaping tips that will get your yard looking terrific.

Fertilize

The lawn needs to be fertilized on a regular basis during its growing season and it is growing the fastest during the summer months. Like people, the grass and the plants need fuel to produce at the highest levels. Think of it as going to work without breakfast, not good for you and not good for your lawn, flowers and bushes. Not all plants need the same fertilizer so take your time choosing the one that is best. One for the lawn and one of the flowering plants is a good option. Read the package carefully, not all fertilizers are all-purpose.

Water

In the summer, the heat can get extreme. If you are using your air conditioning every day, chances are your lawn and plants can use a watering as well. If you can afford it, a built-in system is a big help. If however, you don’t have a sprinkler system then you will need to do the watering yourself. You can use a hose for larger areas and a watering can for smaller plants and areas. It is better to water early in the morning or later in the evening but not when the sun is high in the middle of the day. Of course, if you notice your flowers wilting, by all means, give them a drink.

Mowing

Lawns need to be mowed in the summer every seven to ten days. If the weather has been very hot, let it go on the longer side. Depending on the type of grass that your lawn is composed of, it may be burned by the heat especially if it is too short. You don’t want to allow grass to clump as this can lead to fungus. You want to cut it about one-third of the length of the blade. Nitrogen is an important element in the growth of the lawn and you want to allow the clipping to get it back into the soil.

Planting

While the lawn is the canvas, the plants are the art. Summer is the perfect season for a profusion of color. A wide variety of annuals can be added every year which allows you to get creative. It is also helpful to have perennials that you can count on.

Beginning your summer landscaping

Start with the larger bushes. Try to choose ones that don’t all bloom at the same time. You will want to have a continual floral show all summer. Bluebeard Shrub is a colorful late summer bloomer. The Butterfly Bush is a midsummer into fall bloomer and has the additional benefit of attracting butterflies. Hydrangea and oleanders are also great choices.

Once you have a plan for your garden, it is time to fill in with a variety of perennial and annual plants. Geraniums, impatiens, vinca, balloon plants, irises and lilies just to mention a few are all easy to grow and colorful. You will need to consider the amount of sunlight the plants will receive when making your choices. Fillers such as creeping myrtle and hostas are plants that will grow and grow and grow. You can choose to have beds, planters or a garden. Don’t forget the roses either.

Summer is the perfect time to let your landscaping creativity have full rein. Pick one color or go for the rainbow. Why not let the joys of landscaping make your house one that will get the neighbors talking for all the right reasons.

Women's Rights and the Legacy of Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams was a woman born ahead of her time. She would have fit right in with the women of the twenty-first century. In a time and place where women were the property of their husbands and had no authority in their own right, we hear her telling her husband that he should be more supportive of women's rights. Though asking his opinion on the major decisions of running their farm, we know that communication took months and the reality was she was making decisions. She was making sure that he had the money to carry out his mission. She really was the better money manager and he was undoubtedly very grateful for the dedication she showed to his best interests.

Abigail Smith Adams was born into a prominent Massachusetts family. Her father was a minister and had been educated at Harvard and her mother Elizabeth Quincy was from a well-to-do Braintree family. She received the typical education of girls of her time period, she could read and write and do sums. She and her sisters spent hours reading in their father's library and were familiar with the works of Shakespeare and Pope. She developed a love for education that would remain a part of her life. She was one of the best-read women of her time.

Her choice of the slightly chubby opinionated and stuffy John Adams surprised almost everyone but it was indeed a very good choice. For all his pomposity he was very appreciative of the gem that his Abigail was and encouraged her to express herself to him, if not to the world in general. She was certainly always the woman behind the man. In one of the many letters she wrote John she told him that the Republic ought to have "learned woman, as well as Hero's Statesmen and Philosophers". And later "great benefits must arise from literary accomplishments in women".

Abigail Adams may well be the original feminist. She was very vocal in her belief that the new United States should take the opportunity to not only give women their full legal status but also put an end to slavery. She believed that women were equal to men in intelligence and should receive an education. She was always very sad that she had not received a formal education and she made sure that her daughter did. She also believed that women by their very nature were more suited to keeping the home fires burning.

Abigail was a big advocate of the family. While she stepped outside of the normal sphere of women in her time, it often made her uncomfortable. She would have enjoyed having John around to ask opinions of and even if she would have disagreed she would have felt better about having done so. As it was she spent very little time with him. During much of their marriage, they spent years apart.

It may be honestly said that Hilary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren are the legacies of Abigail Adams. She was a woman who was not willing to be relegated to the kitchen alone and she made a very wise decision in her choice of husband. It is doubtful that any of the other great men of that time period would have tolerated the amount of opinion she expressed. Through her writing, we meet both sides of her personality. She was a very strong determined woman who opposed British oppression and also a loving wife who longed for a husband to be at her side and shoulder some of the burdens.

When she died in 1818, everyone was shocked that the tiny little dynamo had succumbed. John most of all could hardly contemplate a life without her after 54 years of marriage. He said to his children "How shall I offer you consolation for your loss when I feel that my own is irreparable." He survived her by eight years and died on July 4, 1826, the same day as his old friend Thomas Jefferson.

"Abigail Adams" by Benjamin Blythe -  Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
Additional reading:
Founding Mothers

Pros and Cons of buying your wedding gown in a thrift shop

For many brides, the wedding day is one that is anticipated from childhood. A dream image has been created that is often centered more on the bridal gown than on the man who will be prince charming. Finding this perfect gown is so much a part of the bridal experience that several shows that have grown out of it. If you ever watched  "Say Yes to the Dress" and wondered how you were going to be able to create that same experience yourself within your budget, then there are several options for you to consider. Finding a wedding gown at a thrift shop is one of them. While this may not be the perfect option, there are some very important points to consider.

Pros

The most obvious positive of getting your wedding gown at a thrift store is the price. If you have been watching TV shows you know that gowns can cost thousands of dollars. At a thrift shop, a gown will be much less. Depending on the shop, it can be well under $100. If you are on a strict budget, this can be a very strong incentive. It is possible that you can find a gown that has never even been worn.

Buying a wedding gown at a thrift shop is also a very "green" option. You are basically recycling a wedding gown and all the material that went into it.

If you have an unclear vision of what you want, enjoy the vintage style, love saving money and are thrilled to find something that has been previously loved then, buying a wedding gown at a thrift store may be a really good idea for you.

Cons

The main con of buying a wedding gown at a thrift shop is fit. Finding a gown that is your size is going to be a tricky proposition. Since most wedding gowns need to be tailored, this is not so unusual, but there is likely not going to be someone in the shop who can tell you if it is possible and where to get it done. It is probably a very good idea to have a seamstress already available before you go to look for gowns and it might even be a good idea to ask her to come with you when you try on the gown at the shop.

If you are superstitious, wearing someone else's wedding gown may seem like bad luck to you, especially if the gown is obviously new and it is likely that the wedding was canceled.

Finding a style of gown that matches your dream dress can also be a matter of sheer luck at a thrift shop. If you have a certain vision in mind, it can be even harder to fill that vision when counting on finding that gown at a thrift shop.

You need to allow plenty of time before the wedding to begin your search. Unless you really don't care about the style, it can take months to find the right gown at a thrift store. You are counting on someone bringing in the gown that you want, which may not happen. You need to allow yourself at least six months just in case you can't find anything and need to order a gown from a traditional shop.

Buying a wedding gown at a thrift shop has both pros and cons and it is important that you consider all of them before choosing that option. This is one of the most important days of your life, and you want it to be everything that you always dreamed of.

Turning a pumpkin into a Jack o Lantern

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. Part of the fun of the season is choosing just the perfect pumpkin. This can be done at a farm stand or in a field where you choose your own. While a pumpkin is a fine decoration, it cannot compare to a jack-o-lantern. This is an age of tradition of carving a face into the pumpkin. It is quite an art form. While no two are ever identical, it is the pumpkin itself that determines its personality. With some simple steps, you will have no trouble turning a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.

Choose a pumpkin

There are two distinctive schools of thought when it comes to choosing the perfect pumpkin. Some people think that short and round is the perfect shape while others prefer and taller more lean appearance. The basic shape of the pumpkin will lend itself to what type of face suits it best. One thing that you do need, no matter what shape you prefer is a flat bottom. You want your jack-o-lantern to sit flat on the steep or table which will be its home on Halloween.

Take off the top

Now that you have chosen the perfect pumpkin you need to remove the stem. When you do this you create a top that will lift off of the pumpkin so that you can get to the inside to remove the pulp and seeds. Choose a spot on the top of the pumpkin and with a sharp knife insert it into the skin. You can draw a square on the top and just keep making small incisions until you have gotten all the way around or you can do it freehand. Whatever you are comfortable with.

Scooping out the inside

Once the top has been safely removed you need a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp that is inside. The seeds are edible and make a very tasty snack. If you plan to roast them, have a baking sheet ready. You can wash the seeds and throw out the pulp. Add a little salt and olive oil to the seeds and place them in the oven at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

Carving

Now the most important part, the carving of the face. You can purchase a carving kit it will have all the tools you need or if you prefer a more personal approach then use a kitchen knife and go freehand. You may want to draw a face on the pumpkin or you can buy a pattern. Start small, maybe an eye. Insert the knife into the pumpkin, this will take a little bit of strength and a sharp knife. Make sure the second cut overlaps the first and so on until you can push the piece that is now the eye into the pumpkin.

Continue with the other eye and then the nose which is usually an upside-down triangle. The most import feature is the mouth and teeth. You also have to decide if you want a happy face or a scary face. You can make the face as complex or as simple as you want. Every opening you make will be showing the light that you place inside so the more openings the more light that will be reflected.

If children are going to be carving they need to be supervised since it takes sharp knives and lots of pushing to get good results.

You can use real candles inside of the jack-o-lantern or use a more modern and safer version by using battery operated lights. The good thing about the batteries is that they last longer and you can light the pumpkin for several days before or after Halloween.

You are now ready to celebrate Halloween with your family, friends, and neighbors. All that is needed is the trick or treaters.

Alternative treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a mysterious ailment which is a multitude of symptoms with no definitive cause. Alternative treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be one of the best options. One of the ways to treat it is to treat the individual symptoms. This can be done in a variety of ways and among those proving to be the most promising are the Eastern Alternatives of yoga, acupuncture, herbal therapies and Tai Chi.

Yoga has been practiced for over 5000 years. Yoga is the union of body mind and spirit. The word yoga means "union". Through its exercises yoga seeks to bring these three parts into a more perfect union. These exercises result in a feeling of well being as well as improved posture, increased flexibility and an improvement of muscle tone. The mind becomes clear and it has been found that the calm that results can be a big help in controlling the pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. There have also been some lessening of the mental fatigue and lack of ability to focus and think clearly that are often symptoms of CFS.

Among the many symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a fogginess in the thinking process and difficulty in making decisions. The relaxation techniques that are a part of yoga are also helpful in alleviating these symptoms. Sleep can also be improved greatly through the use of yoga breathing exercises. It cannot be stressed firmly enough that yoga cannot and does not cure CFS however it does help to control some of the debilitating symptoms.

The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture involves using tiny needles that are inserted into the body at specific points. Twelve spots on the body associated with all the "vital energy" that flows through the body have been identified by the Chinese. Acupuncture has been used to help control the pain that is part of CFS. Acupuncture has been shown to help improve muscle and joint pain, headaches, aching eyes and irritated bowel. Acupuncture is also not a cure for CFS but has been shown to be very effective in treating many of the symptoms.

Muscle pain is a large part of CFS and the use of Therapeutic Massage has had some excellent results in some patients. It helps with relaxation and lessening stress. Feelings of well being associated with a massage have been very helpful in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Herbal Treatments

There are several herbs that have been used with varying success in treating CFS. One of the favorites is ginseng. It helps to increase energy when taken in doses of 100-300mg. twice daily. Echinacea which is typically used to help prevent colds and to stimulate the immune system has also proven successful. The optimal dose is 200 mg twice daily. It can be found in a liquid form that is more effective at your local herbalist.

Herbs may also be used in the form of essential oils. Peppermint, rosemary, and jasmine, when added to a warm bath, can help promote a feeling of relaxation which when done in the evening may be effective in helping with the sleep process.

Nutrition

Nutrition is a large part of the treatment of CFS. Stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine are best avoided as is processed foods. Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and whole grains can help promote a healthy lifestyle. The part that allergies may play in CFS has not been fully defined, it may be best to avoid dairy and gluten products if there is any chance that you may have a sensitivity to one or both of them

Dietary supplements may be prescribed. Some of the most popular are magnesium, fish oil, evening primrose, beta-carotene, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Many of these can help with the effects of fatigue but they should not be taken in high doses except under a health care provider's supervision.

Homeopath

Homeopathic therapies are appropriate for treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The homeopath will consider all the factors before determining appropriate therapy. Some of the most common choices are pulsatilla to help provide calm, gelsemium when the patient is suffering from mental exhaustion, Arsenicum to help with fatigue and sulfur also for fatigue.

CBD

Given how much CBD has been on the news it needs to be addressed as relates to the treatment of CFS. No research specific to chronic fatigue has been done to date so definitive proof does not exist. Claims about what it can do make it seem as if it might address some symptoms but claims are all that is available as of this date. It is not a cure-all by any means. 

CFS is a very complex disorder that requires an aggressive treatment regime. There is no universal answer so it is wisest to try all options that may be available. Each case is different and what works for one patient may not work for another. Treatment needs to be designed to treat the individual symptoms of the sufferer. As with all alternative treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, be sure to check with your physician before beginning any new treatments. To learn more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the CDC offers lots of information.

What every woman needs to know about car maintenance

There was a time when the little woman would never have thought about taking care of her own vehicle. That was left to the men, who were often referred to as grease monkeys if they enjoyed working on cars themselves. Today, every woman needs to know about car maintenance. 

There isn’t always a man who can be relied on to help with minor car issues and even if there is a man, we are women and we can do a lot of things for ourselves. Women and car maintenance are words that can go together.

Tires

Tires are filled with air. It is not a magical process; it is quite easy to do and to check. There is something called a tire pressure gauge. If your tire seems soft, check your driver’s manual and find out what the optimal pressure is for your car.

There is a valve stem on your tire that has a screw cap, unscrew the stem cap and fit the tire pressure gauge firmly onto the stem pressing down. You should get a reading of the amount of pressure in your tire. If you have less pressure than your manual suggests you need to add air. You can do this at a gas station in a machine that they offer or you can buy your own compressor, which is quite small and portable and plug it into your car charger. You tell it how much pressure you want and it will stop when it reaches that pressure. Replace the stem cap and check the other tires, it is that simple.

Check the oil

The oil in most cars needs to be changed every 3 to 5 thousand miles. This is not something any needs to do on their own, you can go to a service station and have it done quite inexpensively. What you do need to know how to do is to check and see if you need to add oil to your car especially if you have an older vehicle. If you check oil, engine light goes on you need to know what to do.

Check the battery cables and terminals

A car battery has two cables. One is red and one is black. They attach to two terminals on the battery. The red is the positive and the black is negative. This is handy to know if you ever need to charge your battery. Corrosion can accumulate around the terminal and also on the cable bolt. This can make your car lose the charge and refuse to start. With a wrench, you can remove the bolt and clean the inside of the bolt and also the terminal. This needs to be cleaned, a small wire brush can accomplish the job.

When your car won’t start, this is one of the first things to check. Also, check to make sure that the cables appear to be in good condition. These can be replaced quite inexpensively.

Add water to the radiator

Warning, never open a radiator when it is hot. It can blow up in your face and you will end up being scalded. If your car is overheating, pull off the road and let it cool off. If you think that you are low on water, you can add some but not directly into the radiator, instead, open the overflow cap and add the water into the overflow.

These are just small things that every woman needs to know to feel safe on the road. Women and car maintenance shouldn't be mutually exclusive. Having a AAA membership is a good idea and it goes without saying that you always carry a cell phone in the car. Keep a gallon jug of water in your trunk as well as a can of Fix a Flat and it helps if you know where your spare tire is. This can make it safer to be a woman on the road. 

Stylish rain gear any woman will love

Rain gear includes a great rain jacket or coat, stylish rain boots, and a fashionable umbrella. You can find all of these, you just need to know where to look for them. Whether you want to shop online or go to a brick and mortar store to try things on, here are a few tips to get you started finding stylish rain gear every woman will want.

If you are looking for a classic trench coat, most of the major retailers can give you exactly what you are looking for. From double-breasted and belted styles in neutral colors to trendy coats with zippers in fashion colors, there are lots of coats being offered.

If you are a DKNY fan, Donna Karan has an outstanding selection of raincoats at prices from $100 and up. Her 3 in 1 style offers a classic trench, a vest and a jacket all for the price of just 1. It is both stylish and practical.

Burberry offers the classic trench for the more upscale fashionista. Customers at Nordstroms give it a 10 out of 10 stars rating. London Fog is another classic at a more affordable price that can give you the coverage you need with style.

For a perfect rain jacket, it is hard to beat L.L.Bean. Women will love their Storm Chaser which offers multiple ways to use your jacket. It comes with a fleece liner which can be removed and worn separately. You get three jackets for the price of one. Do you see a trend here?

Rain boots have come a long way in the last few years. They come in Wellie style but now they come in a wonderful variety of colors and patterns. If you are looking for great patterns and style, Dav offers an amazing selection of boots that come in an English riding boot style and a Moto look as well as the Wellie style. Whatever you are looking for, Dav has something really stylish in rain gear.

Totes produce an amazing umbrella and they are sold all over the Internet and in stores around the country. This company has a history that can trace its roots back over 90 years and they are certainly a leader in this industry. 

These days when it is raining out you can be sure that you will be able to have a stylish coat, boots, and umbrella. You can use the Internet to help you find your style and many local stores will also stock some great option. Bring on the rain.