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Outdoor cooking isn’t limited to the simple charcoal and propane grills that many are accustomed to. Modern kitchens designed for the patio can feature high-tech appliances and sophisticated components to create an easy-to-use, luxurious space for outdoor lifestyles. Before launching your project, consider the following design tips and considerations for planning an outdoor kitchen that’s best suited for your needs. Research Outdoor Kitchen Types Determining the best type of outdoor cooking center for your home will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and space....

So, to help you tackle the task and get it done faster with the least amount of effort, here are nine tips to get you out of the kitchen. Buy Several Dishpans A couple of inexpensive plastic dishpans will change the way you do dishes and save you lots of time. Use one dishpan as a spot to put dirty dishes as they accumulate. If you put them in the sink, you’ll have to unload the sink first before you can start washing....

A reliably dry basement expands your living space, often doubling it. A finished basement—or even an unfinished but dry basement—increases your home’s value and guarantees that the home’s structure and upper floors will remain in good condition. Why Your Basement Needs to Be Dry Your basement should stay dry in case you want to renovate it into a habitable space. Minus vital services located in the basement such as the water heater, furnace, and washer and dryer, a finished basement can mirror the square footage of the floor directly above....

What Is Self Service Moving? Self-service moving refers to movers who provide a very limited service. Unlike a full-service mover—one who moves your household goods into a truck, drives the truck to your new home then unloads your things—a self-service mover simply drives the truck. You’re responsible for moving and packing the truck and unpacking it when it arrives at its destination. This is an ideal option for people who want to save some money, but are concerned about driving a large truck, especially through a residential area or an area with narrow streets and lots of traffic....

Finding Nests Hummingbirds choose safe, sheltered locations for their nests, ensuring that their hatchlings are protected from sun, wind, rain, or predators. The most common nest locations are in the forked branch of a tree, along thin plant branches, or sheltered in dense bushes. Thicket-like areas or thorny bushes are especially preferred for the extra protection they provide. Hummingbirds are resourceful, however, and may build nests in unique locations, including such nesting spots as:...

The most recognizable type of begonias are known as angel wing begonias. Native to Brazil, the plant grows on upright stems with interesting dotted leaves, unique colors, and a magnificent display of flowers. The plants are not particularly difficult to grow and can be planted and grown year-round indoors, providing you meet a few basic requirements. They’ll grow at a moderately quick rate, with noticeable growth visible in just six weeks’ time....

Discover more facts about the Anna’s hummingbird with this informational profile, and learn to appreciate these tiny wonders even more. Fast Facts Scientific Name: Calypte annaCommon Name: Anna’s HummingbirdLifespan: 7-9 yearsSize: 3.5-4 inchesWeight: .14-.16 ouncesWingspan: 4.75 inchesConservation Status: Least concern Anna’s Hummingbird Identification This bird’s tiny size and needle-like bill immediately identify it as a hummingbird, but it takes a closer look to carefully distinguish the Anna’s hummingbird from other western hummer species....

Here’s a list of tasks to tackle in the garden in April, region by region, so you can take advantage of the good weather. All Regions Send a sample of your soil to your local county extension office so that they can test it. It is the only scientific way to know what (if anything) needs to be added to your soil. Once your results come back, amend your soil as directed by your extension....

But as an indoor plant, an avocado has plenty of merit as a decorative novelty that grows fast in its pot, potentially growing several feet in one year. Keep in mind that all parts of the avocado plant are toxic to animals. Established plants will do best in sunny windows. Fertilize them regularly in spring and summer with a balanced granular fertilizer. Avocados grown indoors are mostly novelty plants. If you want it to bear fruit and turn into the tree it really is, you’ll have to move your avocado outside, but this may only work if you live in a warmer climate....

These reseeding annual wildflowers are similar to thistles, but they have impressively large pink-purple petals with a creamy center and a distinct sweet and honey-like fragrance. They’re ideal for a child or pet-friendly garden as they don’t have any prickles. The blooms can appear anytime from May to August, but most commonly arrive around May or June. Typically reaching four feet in height, and sometimes even taller, basket flowers are showy, easy-to-grow, and versatile....

Choose Trees and Shrubs Wisely and Keep Them Healthy This may seem obvious, but one of the best practices is prevention. Start by choosing trees and shrubs that are adapted to growing in your area; species that are poorly adapted will struggle and have health issues. Check your USDA growing zone to see if you have the correct climate. Make sure trees and shrubs are planted properly and watered well. This will limit the stress of transplanting....

Not all plants are sensitive to juglone; many trees, vines, shrubs, ground covers, annuals, and perennials can grow in close proximity to a black walnut tree. Which Parts of the Black Walnut Tree are Toxic? All parts of the walnut tree naturally produce juglone, with the highest concentration in the buds, nut hulls, and roots. The concentration is lower in the leaves, twigs, and stem, but when the leaves and stems drop and decompose, they also release juglone into the soil....

Manufacturing Options Some terracotta tiles are mass produced by machines which use relatively precise computer guided sawing mechanisms to create large quantities of the material quickly, efficiently, and with precise common dimensions. These pieces still have the distinct colors of terracotta clay, but they are made to fit perfectly together in patterns or rows. Another option is to purchase handmade terracotta tiles. These are crafted by artisans and are generally less precise and exact than their machine cut counterparts....

If you’re on a tight budget and looking for decent bath towels, there are some surprisingly affordable options on the market. Casaluna’s Organic Bath Towel is a highly-rated towel that can be purchased at Target. The manufacturer claims it is fade-resistant, ultra-absorbent, and low lint. But does the towel actually live up to those claims? I tested a few for several weeks to find out. Read on to hear my final verdict....

The Four Pillars System In Asia, there is a system of astrology that is called the Four Pillars of Destiny, also known as Bazi, that is used in conjunction with feng shui. The most well known part of this Chinese astrology is the twelve zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (Goat or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig (or Boar). These animals are best known for their year connections....

Of course, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all runner rug. There are various runner rug sizes that you’ll need to consider for your space, and while it might take a little bit of math to get the exact size that you need, it’ll be worth it to end up with a runner that’s a perfect fit. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide to choosing between different runner rug sizes—including how to measure a runner rug for your stairs and a few tips for expertly styling your runner once it’s in place....

Materials Needed Gather all supplies together before you begin: Trash container Basket for stuff that does not belong in the kitchen Dish soap Other cleansers you normally use Dishrag or sponge Scrubber for stuck on food Broom, mop or vacuum Housekeeping gloves How to Clean the Kitchen Efficiently Kitchen Cleaning Tips You can make the job easier by using these tactics: