Page 2 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News
Page 3 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Welcome to Fall! Embrace the season with fall décor inside and out Enjoy fall foods at harvest or in the cold months of winter Fall is not too early to think about summer flowers Anticipate Halloween with spooktacular treats to make with the kiddos Get creative with fun, easy indoor craft and décor projects Is it time to replace your floors? When should you do that and what should you choose? Get your summertime toys and tools ready for a long winter nap Table of Contents This winter enjoy the wildlife you want to enjoy Attract the good and repel the bad 04 06 10 14 17 22 26 30 34
Page 4 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News While fall officially begins on September 23rd, many folks tend to mark the beginning of the season with the passing of Labor Day. Though the days can still be quite warm throughout the month of September, that last weekend of the summer brings us to the place of looking forward to the bulky sweaters, fuzzy boots, and warm pumpkin spice latte’. There are many people who will say that fall is their favorite time of year. Why? Maybe because of the impending change in wardrobe from cool light weight clothing to the heavy snuggly materials that make us feel all warm and cozy inside and out. Maybe it is the latte. That pumpkin spice seems to be the go-to flavor when September and October roll around. Or it could be the drier air when days are warm but don’t feel swelteringly hot because the humidity of the summer is slowing drying out. Whatever the reason may be, and it could be the bonfires and smores by the way, the season brings with it the promise that winter is not going to be all that long in coming. So, we choose to find ways to enjoy the season we love, but at the same time, start thinking about getting ready for the winter cold and that time when we will hibernate, snuggled in a blanket in front of the fireplace. Some of those ways of enjoying the season are wrapped around food. The apples are ripe, the marshmallows are ready for roasting, and it is a great time to warm up the kitchen with a little baking. Fall is also a good time to work on indoor projects, whether it be a home décor project, crafts with the kids, time in the kitchen, preparing for Halloween, or doing something big like installing new floors, this is a good time of year to get it done. And there are some winter preparedness projects that can be completed before it gets too cold, like surveying the garden and seeing which of your tender bulbs need to be dug up and stored away for the winter. It is also the right time to plant some bulbs, such as tulips for spring color next year. If you have a lawnmower or a few summertime toys like campers or motorcycles, it is good to get them ready for a long winter nap as well. Winterizing your home against unwanted wildlife is also a good idea. Finding ways to bring the winter wildlife into the yard can be a goal that becomes somewhat of a balancing act, as sometimes what draws the good also draws the bad. In the 2023 Fall Home and Garden magazine published by Lincoln Daily News, these topics are going to be addressed, with some helpful suggestions taken from local businesses and research on reliable websites. The magazine offers readers food for thought on what needs to be done around each individual home, what can be done to make the season more enjoyable, and how to prepare for the cold that will come, for some of us, long before we really want it to. So, grab that latte’, pull on that warm sweater and those fuzzy boots, and enjoy a good read courtesy of Lincoln Daily News. [Nila Smith] Welcome to Fall!
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Page 6 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News There are a multitude of ways to decorate your home for fall. Pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves and foliage, cattails, and pinecones are just a few of the items readily available to serve as inspiration. You can carry your fall décor from tailgate to Thanksgiving and beyond by choosing one look that will bring fall into your home all season long. Inside you can make your home fireside cozy by doing these simple things: 1. Change your throw pillows. A pop of fall color will instantly add warmth to your space. Change out those cool summer colors for something in the copper or burgundy family. 2. Use layers, patterns, and textures. The feel of flannel, layering blankets, and fur are easy ways to spruce up your décor. Baskets and crates are also a great way to store your fall blankets while adding to the aesthetic. 3. Swap fresh garden flower centerpieces for fall foliage, twigs, and vines. Bringing the beauty of the outdoors indoors can be a great way to make your space feel more fall-like. 4. Break out those fall scented candles and wax melts. Marshmallow, pumpkin, cider, and apple are a few of my fall favorites. Embrace the season with Fall Décor Inside and Out 5. Put Pumpkins front and center. A simple arrangement becomes a fall staple by putting it in a pumpkin. Line your stairs with a trail of pumpkins, make a pumpkin planter by carving out a real one or crafting one from ceramic. 6. Spice up your mantle. Vintage books, copper or amber glass, candles, and fall foliage are autumn staples. Decorating a fall mantle can be as easy as draping a fiery autumn garland, displaying groups of pumpkins, gourds, and lanterns in various sizes and voila! This video by Jennifer Decorates gives you an example of how easy it can be to decorate your mantle for fall without an excessive number of materials. Supplies you’ll need for your mantle: garland, floral wire, wire cutters, string lights, foliage of your choice, ribbon, lantern, battery operated candle. You begin by measuring your garland to your mantle. Cut the appropriate length. Secure Continued --
Page 7 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News your garland with floral wire. Next, weave in warm string lights. Add the foliage of your choice to accent your garland to match your style and color scheme. You can choose to use ribbon as the center point of your garland as the video shows or you can incorporate antiques, vintage books, pumpkins, or anything else that makes you think of fall. Decorate the hearth of your fireplace to add the finishing touch. Debbie Theobald, owner of Debbie’s Downtown Floral in Lincoln loves to incorporate sunflowers and lilies in fall arrangements. Warm light, rustic colors, gnomes, scarecrows, and woodland creatures bring autumn vibes to the downtown store this time of year. To make the outside of your home look festive, Bees Floral and Landscaping suggests mums, asters, Indian corn, pumpkins, gourds, and even some bales of hay. Give your porch a makeover by layering any number of these items to stage the perfect fall display. Add a simple welcome mat with a warm message like the one in this video. Continued -- These easy steps will up your curb appeal in no time. 1. Swap out your summer doormat for one with a fall theme. A simple rattan rug will work, or you can get creative with stencils and paint to create your own one-of-a- kind doormat. Supplies you will need are a rug, computer printer, paper, scissors, sponges or paint brush, craft paint in desired color, and clear coat or modge podge. Create your design, size your design to fit your mat, print the design. After the design is printed you will cut out the middle black section of the letters. Secure the paper design to your
Page 8 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News mat with push pins, paint desired color. After the paint dries use a clear coat or modge podge to seal your design from the elements. 2. Replace your spent summer garden pots with fall flowers, foliage, and vines. Elevate your outdoor landscape with fall- colored pots. Bees Floral has several options to choose from. 3. Decorate your mailbox with fall leaves, miniature pumpkins, and garland. 4. Cozy up your outdoor furniture. Layering neutrals, yellows, greens, and oranges create a fall mix that can last throughout the entire season. 5. More is more! You can never have too many pumpkins and gourds, right? Pumpkin topiaries, pumpkin planters, pumpkin lights, metallic pumpkins, jack- o-lanterns, and painted pumpkins……the possibilities are endless. Fall is a magical time of year. It is a time of reflection, change and comfort. Capture the magic of the seasons and the changing colors. Updating your home for the changing seasons is a great way to lift your spirits and turn your thoughts towards harvest and Thanksgiving. Falling temperatures and falling leaves give way to uplifting spirits. “Fall” in love with your home again as you transition from warmer days to chilly evenings. Snuggle up with those you love and reflect on winding down as you prepare for the end of the year. [Lesleigh Bennett]
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Page 10 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Enjoy fall foods at harvest or in the cold months of winter
Page 11 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News As the fairs end and the kids get back into the swing of school, the corndogs, cotton candy, funnel cakes and endless lemon-aid shake-ups are still hanging out around our waistline. As we head into the fall months many of us look forward to the smell of raspberry cobbler, pumpkin bars and zucchini bread, apple cider slushies and cream cheese pound cake with praline caramel sauce. Autumn means so much more than finally getting back to the routine of school and opening the windows, it’s about the colors of the trees, the smell of the bonfires, the decorated front doors and walkways, the fleece hoodies and flannel jackets and of course, the fall foods. Fall is many people’s favorite time of year. It’s unknown exactly as to why, maybe because of the Halloween haunted houses and kids dressing up for trick or treat. Perhaps it’s an indication of the start of the holiday shopping season or maybe because it’s more acceptable to eat less healthily because we wear more clothes to hide our bodies a little more. Regardless, it’s a time to get out of the summer slump and spruce up the house, yard, and yourself and enjoy fall in a multitude of ways. And what better way than to preserve and enjoy some of those fall foods? Like all seasons, there are many varieties of fall specific foods that can be used in so many ways. Although many gardens planted in the spring or summer are harvested in early to middle fall, this is also the peak season for certain fall fruits and veggies that are the main feature at many season-specific festivals. As the temperatures start to cool down, and the days get shorter and the nights get longer, the kitchens are heating up. Folks are eager to fill the cupboards and freezer with cookies, bread, and garden vegetables. Canning and freezing garden foods and herbs is an excellent way to plan for meals on those cold winter nights. One of the most popular is the preserving of sweet corn. Though done different ways, and often time consuming, when the thought of shucking another ear of corn is disturbing, think about having hot, buttered corn that tastes just like it was picked from the stock on the winter dinner table makes it all worth while. The tomatoes that are canned and stored on the shelf make a great chili. The pickles and zucchini relish are a great way to dress up a hamburger in March. Dried herbs, garlic and horseradish harvested in late fall will come in handy for that Easter ham. The potatoes harvested from their mounds of soil are always a great surprise as we discover how big they really got. Those homegrown spuds make great additions to soups, eggs, and roasts. It doesn’t matter if they are baked, fried, mashed, raw for a snack, when they are home grown they just taste better! Freezing fruits in the fall is easy and delicious and can be used all year long. If you have access to an apple tree, homemade red-hot applesauce is a wonderful treat with any meal, anytime of the year. Pears are also great to preserve in syrup to serve or baked. Although canning and preserving is a bit of work, pre-planning as much as possible with all the right tools and patience can lead to a fun way to show off your gardening abilities, not to mention the healthier choice and economic value. Continued --
Page 12 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News If you are interested in canning, you do not have to have a garden. Go to local farmer’s markets, festivals or even the grocery store to gather produce and fruits. Start out small with just one or two vegetable or fruit varieties and stick to a solid method. Like most any hobby, there are many ways and hundreds of suggestions on how to can or freeze fruits and vegetables. You can find information online or with books from your local farm and home store. However, the first several times you may want to stick with one way or brand that you are familiar with and then add or tweak in the coming years. Another valuable resource is family members, sometimes auntie or grandma are the best resources. If you are not familiar with a certain fall food, a great way to try some of these is to get one or two at your local grocery store or farmer’s market and search for an easy popular recipe. This way you are not obligated to grow or spend money on expensive pre-prepared food, just to find out if you like it or not. An easy and natural way to try the flavor of these foods is by simple roasting. This will allow the true flavor to come out for you to determine whether you want to spend the money and time searching for more extensive recipes. A simple light coating of olive oil and a little salt or herbs and roasting until soft will give you that honest wholesome taste of that food. You can even take it a step further and roast many veggies all together and just serve with any meat dish or by themselves. A great “go-to” is whatever is ready in the garden at that time. In the fall that can be bulbed onions (yellow, white, red), squash (acorn, butternut, etc.), zucchini, eggplant, trophy radishes (when roasting they turn sweet), fall turnips, brussel sprouts, potatoes, and carrots. Continued --
Page 13 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News [JA Hodgdon] Pumpkin, squash, Indian corn, and gourds are another multipurpose fall food that can be used in many ways. They are great to decorate with in October and you can use the seeds to replant the next season. With the pumpkins and squash, it can be cooked, cut up and frozen and used for those fall dishes like pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, or just roasted with other vegetables. Used in many fall decorations indoors and outside, Indian corn grows just like regular corn. It is middle to late fall and is so fun to see what mix of colors fill the ear. Popcorn is another fun fall food that is harvested in late fall. You can enjoy it all winter long and it is fun for the kids. Store the popcorn right on the ear by pulling the shuck back and hanging it up to get good and dry and let the kids watch it pop in the microwave. We can’t forget the farmers in our lives and how important fall is for them. The calculations, patience and crossing of fingers from spring to fall is a very important contribution to us all. The manufacturing of seed corn and soybeans is an art that not everyone has a hand in, but without it our small little communities wouldn’t survive. Harvest time, as so many farmers say, is the reason for so many festivals, the success of so many businesses and is a major factor in what Central Illinois stands for.
Page 14 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Fall is not too early to think about Pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider doughnuts may not seem like the signal to contemplate next year’s flower garden, but if the garden includes summer flowers grown from bulbs, autumn is the perfect time to think about preserving those favorite blooms for next season. Bulbs give us some beautiful spring and summer flowers, but which ones can survive an Illinois winter? What we might generally call “bulbs” can encompass five different bulb or bulb-like structures. According to the University of Illinois Extension website, which is an excellent resource for reliable plant and garden information, corms, rhizomes, tubers, roots, and true bulbs all “have underground fleshy storage structures” which store the nutrient reserves of the plant. In Central Illinois, some bulbs and bulb-like structures are cold hardy enough to survive the winter and flower in the spring. Vernal favorites such as crocus, tulips, and daffodils fall in this category. However, tender bulbs which produce lovely summer flowers, are not cold hardy enough for Illinois winters. Gardeners must know the bulb and the hardiness zone of their area to determine which bulbs can survive the winter. Hardiness zone and tender bulbs USDA hardiness zones are based on the average minimum temperature of an area, and it is crucial for gardeners to know their zone to aid in choosing and caring for plants. Logan County is in zone 5b with annual average extreme minimum temperatures of -10 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants and roots that are not cold hardy will be damaged or killed in a typical Central Illinois winter, including summer-blooming bulbs. These are flowers such as gladiolus, dahlias, cannas, elephant ears, caladiums, and tuberous begonias. These can be treated as annuals and replanted every year, but why not spend a little time rather than money and dig up the bulbs to save for next year? It is especially rewarding if you have favorite blooms that are worth preserving. Summer Flowers Continued --
Page 15 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Fall digging and preservation To save tender bulbs and bulb-like structures for the following growing season, they must be dug up and stored properly. After a frost or when the leaves have died back, cut the leaves to a few inches above the ground. Do not leave bulbs in the ground more than a few days after the first frost in order to prevent the chance of spoilage. Using a garden fork or spade, start loosening the soil well enough away from the buried bulbs so as not to wound or damage the bulbs in any way. Damaged areas create an opening for diseases which can also promote spoilage. Once the soil is loosened, gently remove the bulbs, and even more gently shake or wipe away excess soil. Bulbs will need drying and curing before storing over the winter. The length of curing depends on the type of bulb, which can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Place the bulbs in a well-ventilated area and out of direct sunlight for drying. It is a good idea to research the specific bulb being preserved. For example, the old gladiolus corm should be removed from the new gladiolus corm before storage, however, a dahlia is a tuberous root which should not be divided before storage. Storage Before storing for the winter, inspect each bulb, corm, rhizome, tuber, or root for damage, disease, or insects. One unhealthy bulb could spread spoilage to the rest and should be discarded. Do not let the bulbs touch each other while storing them. For best results, store the bulbs in a medium such as sawdust, sand, or peat moss placed in a crate or cardboard box, and keep them in a cool, dry place. It is also a good idea to label the bulbs, particularly if gardeners will be storing several varieties. Check on the stored bulbs once a month over the winter to identify any signs of spoilage. It is also important to check that the bulbs are not too dry. Very lightly wet the storage medium if bulbs appear too dry, but easy does it– too much moisture may also lead to spoilage. Healthy bulbs should be ready for planting in the spring. With a little effort, gardeners can enjoy their favorite summer flowers year after year! [Stephanie Hall] Sources: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/bulbs/ bulbbasics.cfm https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/ give-summer-blooming-bulbs-second-chancestore-them-over-winter
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Page 17 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Anticipate Halloween with spooktacular treats to make with the kiddos With the hot dog days of the summer almost over, kids back in school, fall festivals popping up all over Central Illinois, and looking towards the discussions of what the cool and creepy Halloween outfit is going to be this year, the mind immediately goes towards candy, desserts and fun looking foods. For the youngsters, the mindset goes straight to the Halloween candy, how full they can get their bag, how many ‘King’ size candy bars there are, and which candy can be traded. Continued --
Page 18 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News The night of Halloween was bittersweet for me since I would allow my kids to eat as much candy as they wanted that night with the mindset that no matter what night Halloween fell on, no matter how much their tummies hurt, they would have to agree to go to school the next day and get their chores done. The next day, they would have to combine their bags into one big bowl, and each kid could choose three pieces a night until they forgot about the bowl on the fridge and stopped asking after supper, which usually meant the only candy that was left in the bowl was the ones that no one liked. After the memories, what comes to mind for me around this time is apples, anything apple, and if cinnamon or caramel is included, it’s that much better! But what about the kids? Getting the kids involved early and giving them fun activities to get into the Halloween spirit is not only fun for them but is also a good opportunity to spend time together, sprinkle a little education with the kitchen tools and measurements, and add a lot of memories that may lead to a family tradition. To help alleviate that once-a-year binge for those youngsters with a sweet tooth, which probably doesn’t eliminate very many kids, why not plan some simple no-bake recipes for a Spooktacular start to the Halloween season? There are even some healthier-than-not choices for those trying to limit the amount of sugar intake during this season. No-bake treats are delicious, and the best part is you can spend your energy having fun with your kids making these sweet treats extra spooky. Who doesn’t love chocolate chips? And they are great for melting and decorating as well. However, I prefer the ease and color assortment of candy melts. By using toothpicks, plastic forks, and knives, you can get creative by adding color, such as 2-dimensional eyeballs and Frankenstein smiles to your spooky masterpiece. The easiest way to melt your chocolate chips or candy melts is to place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl and microwave it in 20 or 30-second intervals on half power, stirring in between. Regardless of the color, shape, or size, regardless of the taste, or lack of it, start a new tradition with your kids, parents, co-workers, friends, or neighbors with some of these recipes. Continued --
Page 19 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Dust off your broom, put on your witch hat, heat up the cauldron, let your eerie creativity take over, and enjoy a Spooktacular Halloween this year with a different twist. Halloween Bark with Candy Corn Deliciously sweet candy corn bark is a white chocolate base with all the colors and flavors of candy corn swirled right in. This looks so pretty on a party platter! Visit the link for compete instructions - funmoneymom.com/candy-corn-halloweenbark/ Frankenstein Drinks Celebrate Halloween this year with a fun and festive drink that kids and adults alike can all enjoy. These frozen whipped zombie brains are adorable and always make the kids laugh. Visit the link for compete instructions - www. beeyondcereal.com/frozen-whipped-zombiebrains No Bake Oreo Mummy Treats No baking required! Just three simple ingredients are needed! Visit the link for compete instructions - brooklynactivemama.com/oreo-halloweencookies Halloween Pretzels A pumpkin, a ghost, an owl, or a mummy. Halloween Pretzels are fast, easy, tasty, and fun to make. Visit the link for compete instructions - themondaybox.com/halloween-pretzels-easyfast-fun/ Monster Teeth Apple slices with peanut butter, marshmallows, and eyeballs Visit the link for compete instructionsplaydatesparties.com/monster-apple-teeth-forhalloween/ Halloween Puppy Chow Halloween puppy chow is such a fun treat. Also known as muddie buddies, it’s a simple treat with rice cereal, melted chocolate and peanut butter, powdered sugar, and seasonal candies – all mixed together for a delicious Halloween dessert. Visit the link for compete instructions - balancingmotherhood.com/halloween-puppychow/ Quick and Easy Mummy Rice Krispie Treats These easy mummy Rice Krispie treats are quick to make and easier than they look! They Continued --
Page 20 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News make fun treats to give at any Halloween party and look adorable in goodie bags. Visit the link for compete instructions - mommymadethat.com/mummy-rice-krispietreats/ Halloween Marshmallow Pops Perfect for Halloween parties, trick or treat gifts or sneaking into lunch boxes for a fun surprise! These Halloween Marshmallow pops are a super cute and spooky treat to make. Visit the link for compete instructions- mamalovestocook.com/halloweenmarshmallows/ Strawberry Halloween Ghosts White chocolate dipped strawberries are easily turned into the perfect Halloween treat as a spooky ghost with a chocolate face! Spooky! Visit the link for compete instructions - www.saltysidedish.com/strawberry-ghosts/ Halloween Party Popcorn Halloween Party Popcorn is a delicious mix of popcorn, white chocolate, Oreo cookies, candy corn, & sprinkles. This popcorn mix is easy to make and such a crowd pleaser! Visit the link for compete instructions- wearenotmartha.com/halloween-partypopcorn/ White Chocolate Halloween Ghosts White Chocolate Halloween Ghosts are scary crock pot candy peanut clusters made extra fun for Halloween. Kids can help make these howling candy ghosts to get ready for trick-ortreating or for a party! Visit the link for compete instructions - www.simplyhappyfoodie.com/whitechocolate-halloween-ghost Spookley Square Pumpkin Cookies These easy Graham Cracker Pumpkin Cookies are delicious and the spooky graham crackers make tasty homemade Halloween treats that still feel extra special. Visit the link for compete instructions - www.theinspirationedit.com/spookleysquare-pumpkin-cookies [JA Hodgdon]
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Page 22 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Get creative with fun, easy indoor craft and décor projects With winter coming and families spending more time inside, doing indoor projects on cold winter days can provide fun activities for all. Using old t-shirts to make tote bags, making your own candles, stenciling walls or borders, and making holiday decorations are just a few of the many projects that families can do together. T-Shirt Tote Bags There are many creative uses for clothes the children have outgrown. For example, old T-shirts can be made into tote bags that do not require any sewing. First, you will want to cut a rounded scoop shape on the neckline and sleeves. Once you have determined how deep you want the bag to be, cut a fringe at the bottom. Each strip of fringe should be about 10 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide. The next step will be Continued --
Page 23 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News to pull down each strip. Grab each strip then tie the aligning front and back pieces together. To secure the knots, take the first top strip and tie to the bottom strip from the neighboring pair. Repeat this step for every strip until you have tied all the strips. If you do not like the fringe look, you can turn the bag inside out for another style. See how to make these t-shirt bags in this YouTube video Candle Making To make candles without having to boil water or use hot wax, consider using sand and granulated wax. The Kalamazoo Candle Company website describes four simple steps for making these candles. Before you get started, you will need a mason jar or other clear glass container and Dixie cups to pour the sand in. Then get either bags of colorful sand and a votive candle or bags of colorful granulated wax and a wick. The first step is setting up a workspace. For easier cleanup, a newspaper or tablecloth is helpful. Then you should pour the sand into individual Dixie cups for each child making a candle. The Kalamazoo Candle Company Continued --
Page 24 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News says, “if using granulated wax, make sure to have pre-cut wick strands ready.” In step two, the container needs to be set up. A votive candle should be placed in the middle of the container if you are using sand. The sand will then be poured around the candle. The wick will be placed in the center of the container if you are using granulated wax. The wax will be poured on top of the wick. The third step is to start pouring. You may need to show children how to do it. The sand will need to be poured in circular motion around the container to provide a layer of color. When you select a different color, repeat the step. Either form a pattern of colors or just be creative with the design. The last step is cleaning up and just requires pouring the sand or granulated wax you did not use into the containers and throwing away your cups. Already made Candles can be decorated by using paint markers to draw a variety of cool shapes and designs on taper candles. Stenciling Walls or Borders Stenciling a wall or border can add a decorative touch to any room. You will need a stenciling brush, dry cloth, or newspaper, acrylic or wall paint, painter’s tape, tape measure and stencil pattern. The Family Handyman website provides the following step by step instructions. For the first step, you need to tape up the stencil, positioning it at the height you want and marking the top edge. When you have chosen the height, make an outline around the room with chalk or pencil. For the best spacing, “measure the easy stencil pattern and mark the actual repetitions on the wall” varying space, as necessary. Use painter’s tape to hold the stencil when you have laid out all the marks. Step two will be to load the bristles of the stenciling brush with paint and use a dry cloth to get the excess paint off. Step three is to “apply the paint to the stencil with light dabbing and swirling motions until the stencil area is covered. Start from the edges and work towards the center, making sure to hold the stencil pattern. Step four is to check the work and fix mistakes such as smeared paint. If you accidentally wipe off some of the area you stenciled, you can do a touch up using the stencil. Step five is to apply a second color if needed for the design. If you use even more colors, go back, and add them after you apply the second color. Once the stencil is completed, the Family Handyman says, “you can create a dramatic effect that is impossible to achieve with a wallpaper border.” Paper Flowers The first step is fold cupcake liners in half then cut out petal and fringe shapes. Next, fold a piece of floral wire in half and twist it around for a fake flower stem. The wire should be poked through the center of three to four paper liners. Finish by wrapping floral tape around the base of the liners and bringing the tape all the way down the stem. Continued --
Page 25 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Creating Holiday Decorations With Thanksgiving and Christmas coming, you can make many different homemade decorations. Pinecones, orange felt, googly eyes and feathers can be used to make turkeys. Just cut the feathers in half and glue them to the back of the pinecone, then glue on the eyes and add the felt to make the beak. Branches can be put in a vase to make a little tree. The family can then write what they are grateful for on paper leaves that will be tied to the branches. Christmas wreaths can be made using craft sticks and ribbon. The article 50 Easy Christmas Crafts says “Stock up on small and large craft sticks, then have the kids paint the sticks three different shades of green. Glue the sticks to a 12” foam wreath, overlapping and mixing the shades of green as you go.” Finally, glue a red ribbon to the top of the wreath. Pre-cut wooden ornaments can be painted and wrapped in colorful yarn. Clear ornaments can be filled with small objects such as miniature bells or green ribbon. Another way to decorate a clear ornament is to pour a tablespoon of craft paint into the ornament and shake the ornament until the whole inside is covered. These are just some of the many ways to keep kids busy by doing projects on days where it is too cold to play outside. [Angela Reiners] Sources: 50 Easy Crafts for Kids to Boost Their Creativity. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/ craft-ideas “50 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids.” https:// www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/ christmas-ideas/g34112389/christmas-craftsfor-kids/Good Housekeeping “Sand Candle Making For Kids (in 4 Easy Steps)” https://kalamazoocandle.com/blogs/ learn-about-candles/candle-making-for-kids “How To Stencil Patterns on a Wall.” The Family Handyman. https://www. familyhandyman.com/project/simple-wallstenciling/
Page 26 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Is it time to replace your floors? When should you do that and what should you choose? When is the best time to replace the floors in your home? According to The Flooring Pros, fall and spring tend to be the most popular seasons. The timing you choose is incredibly important for one specific reason: humidity. Flooring, especially hardwood flooring, needs to acclimate to the humidity in its environment before it can be installed. Spring and fall provide the least volatile humidity levels, making replacing floors quicker than other seasons. Great, you know when to replace your floors, but what types of flooring options do you even have to choose from? The Carpet House in Lincoln has a FAQ page on their website that breaks down the types of flooring they offer. These include carpets (of course), as well as hardwood, laminate, ceramic, and vinyl flooring. While these options all have their merits, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing between them. Hardwood and laminate floorings are not always waterproof. Water can seriously damage these types of floors and even cause warping in hardwood. Ceramic and vinyl floorings can be a bit easier to clean, as they are generally waterproof. Proper maintenance is very important with new floors if you want to make them last. According to The Carpet House, many of these types of floorings should last decades if properly taken care of and maintained. Besides regular vacuuming, how would one maintain a carpet? Well, The Carpet House says hiring professionals to clean your carpets annually is a part of that maintenance process. They also say to use mats in entryways to limit the amount of dirt that is tracked onto your carpets. In addition to these tips, The Carpet House recommends rotating your furniture often. This can keep indents out of your carpets. Not to worry if your carpets do become indented, however. For this, The Carpet House recommends either using a coin to work your carpet back into place or ironing the carpet. Be careful, though, as you should keep the iron at least four inches above the carpet. What about maintaining other types of flooring? Hardwood flooring is not waterproof, Continued --
Page 27 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News so mopping as you might with other types of flooring wouldn’t be an option here. According to Lowe’s, there are many things you can do to maintain this type of flooring. They say you should dust the floors daily and clean them weekly using a cleaner that is made for your type of hardwood floor. The Home Depot recommends a similar cleaning and maintaining method when considering vinyl floors. Dry mop to dust before using a cleaner made for vinyl floors. When it comes to laminate and ceramic tile flooring, on the other hand, they tend to be a bit more forgiving. The Home Depot states that using water to mop these types of floors is a viable option when cleaning and maintaining them. Cleaning and maintaining are not the only things to consider when choosing a type of flooring, however. Many people have pets. Some like to have friends over regularly. What about if you have kids? What flooring is going to best fit your lifestyle? Some may choose a carpet over a hardwood floor, and for good reasons. United Carpets and Beds’ website argues that carpeting will keep your living room warmer and will be more comfortable on your feet. If your family spends a lot of time in your living room, these may be a couple of reasons to consider carpeting. Flooring America’s website argues the case for hardwood floors in your living space. Their website states that, with proper maintenance, hardwood floors can last a very long time. In addition, Flooring America states hardwood floors increase your home’s value. Carpets can get stained, and hardwood flooring can get scratched. In these cases, there are companies that can be called to clean a carpet or repair a hardwood floor. It ultimately comes down to whether a carpet or a hardwood floor will fit your family and lifestyle better. When it comes to flooring, there are so many options to choose from and so much information to learn. This article barely even scratches the surface of the information available to learn about new flooring. The time of year, the type of flooring you choose, the maintenance you are able to put in, and your own personal lifestyle are important to consider when making that choice. If you have been considering getting new flooring, this fall may be just the time to do it. Start by contacting your local flooring expert. The Carpet House in Lincoln is a great resource to anyone in Logan County. According to their website, they are happy to consult with you without requiring you to make a purchase. Reach out, ask questions, and make the best choice for your family if you plan to get new flooring this season. Good luck! [Matt Boutcher] Continued --
Page 28 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Flooring Sources: https://www.homeflooringpros.com/besttime-of-year-to-replace-the-flooring-in-yourhome/#:~:text=Spring%20and%20fall%20 allow%20the,to%20ensure%20the%20 best%20results https://thecarpethouselincolnil.com/faq/ https://thecarpethouselincolnil.com/flooringservices/#consultation https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/caring-forhardwood-floors?irclickid=3sG1e6waUxyPTp bWKZyUEV9vUkFUxlQ1uVEZS40&irgwc= 1&cm_mmc=aff-_-c-_-prd-_-mdv-_-gdy-_-all- _-A560-_-390418-_-0 https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-toclean-vinyl-floors/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901 ef3fd99c https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-toclean-tile-floors/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901e 3d118fc https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-toclean-laminate-floors/9ba683603be9fa5395fab 90a04f37d5 https://www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com/advice/ carpets-by-room/choosing-perfect-carpetliving-room#:~:text=If%20the%20living%20 room%20is,chosen%20for%20its%20 aesthetic%20benefits. https://www.flooringamerica.com/blog/bestflooring-ideas-for-your-living-room
Page 29 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News
Page 30 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Getting your summertime toys and tools ready for a long winter nap
Page 31 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News With winter approaching it’s time to think about storing and winterizing your RV, motorcycle, and lawnmower. Winter can be especially hard on RVs, both new and used. There are lots of areas for water and moisture to hide as well as lots of plumbing. Here are some tips and tricks to get your RV as ready as it can be for winter storage. When you properly winterize your RV, you’ll be ready for adventure as soon as spring comes around. 1. Drain and flush the tanks You can’t let water sit in your RV all winter. The tanks can freeze and cause a host of issues. You’ll need to drain and clean both the black water tank and the gray water tank. The black tank will need a special enzyme cleaner to remove any paper and sediment left. 2. Drain and flush the water heater First things first, turn off your water heater and let it cool down and release pressure. Do not attempt to service the water heater if it’s too hot or is under pressure. Next, you’ll need to hook your RV to a city water supply with the water turned off. Remove the drain plug or anode rod and open the pressure release valve allowing the water to drain out. Once all the water is drained turn the water source on and flush the sediment from the tank for a few minutes. 3. Bypass the water heater Locate the service door on the outside of the RV and line that up to where it feeds inside. Usually there is an access panel that will need to be removed. Some RVs already have a bypass installed. Check to see if yours does before adding any antifreeze to your RV. 4. Drain the freshwater tanks and low point drains Remove the drain plug from the tank, making sure the water pressure is off. You can open the faucets to help the flow. When drained, close the faucets and drains. 5. Locate the water pump Once you’ve located your pump attach the hose to siphon. Some RVs are already equipped with a siphoning hose. Place the hose in a gallon of antifreeze and open the valve. This will allow the antifreeze to flow through the water system. 6. Open the external faucets and valves on the outside of the RV Starting with the lowest drain open all the valves and drains to allow the water to run out. Keep them open until the water turns pink from the antifreeze. Close the valves and tighten the plugs. You should be sure to also turn on any outside showers or faucets running them until the water is pink. 7. Open internal faucets, shower, and toilets Repeat the process listed in step 6 for all the faucets inside as well as the shower and toilets. Start by running one side of the faucet (hot or cold) then turn it off and run the other side. Run until the water is pink. Continued --
Page 32 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News 8. Pour antifreeze in the traps Pour some additional antifreeze down each sink, drain, and toilet to ensure the pipes don’t freeze over the winter. Make sure to double check that the RV’s heating element is off and the faucets are closed. Now that you’ve completed these steps you can safely store your RV for the winter. See you in the Spring! Keep that motorcycle safe for winter In order to ensure that your motorcycle is ready to ride as soon as the winter weather breaks here are a few steps to keep your bike in good condition. If it’s going to sit for the season, then simply starting it every once in a while isn’t enough. Gold Eagle recommends these six steps to ensure your bike starts right up next year and performs it’s best. 1. Store your bike in a dry location It is important to find a dry, covered area to store your bike for the winter. Direct light could cause the paint to fade over time. Cover your bike to prevent moisture from collecting and forming rust. Plastic coverings should be avoided because they hold moisture. 2. Plug the pipes Plug your exhaust pipes to prevent critters seeking shelter. Gold Eagle suggests using a piece of steel wool to plug the pipe. 3. Keep the gasoline fresh Adding a fuel stabilizer will keep your gas fresh for up to 24 months. Today’s ethanolbased fuel blends can go bad in as little as 30 days. 4. Change the oil The oil in your bike should be changed just before storage. To keep the engine clear of last season’s road dirt and debris. Use high quality oil in the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer of your bike. 5. Clean it up To minimize oxidation a good wash and wax is needed. The wax will get it all shined up for spring, but it will also protect the paint during winter storage. 6. Keep the battery charged Keep your motorcycle hooked up to a battery maintainer that will shut off automatically to prevent overcharging. A little bit of work to store your bike will be worth it when it’s time to ride. Properly winterizing will prevent headaches and costs associated with long term storage. Continued --
Page 33 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Keep your power equipment fit by putting them to bed properly for winter It’s important to winterize your lawnmower and power equipment before it sits idle for the winter months. Central Illinois winter is unpredictable and can come on quick. Follow the advice of HGTV to ensure your lawn equipment is in tip top shape when spring rolls around. Let’s start with the fuel If you are already using a fuel with a preservative or stabilizer added to it, then you’re ahead of the game. Gasoline is volatile and can spoil rapidly causing the interior parts of your equipment to deteriorate. You can also choose to siphon the gas left in the tank back into a proper receptacle. Do not tip the equipment on its side to drain the fuel or take the fuel line off the tank. If all else fails, you can just run the gas out of your equipment. Once you’ve emptied the tank its time for some routine maintenance. Clean the underside of the mower and sharpen the blades Always disconnect the spark plug wire and the battery before hosing off your equipment. Next, remove and sharpen the blades. You can choose to sharpen them yourself using an angle grinder or a hand file or you can contact your local dealer for help. Bees Cub Cadet and Farm and Home Supply in Lincoln are both local and offer lawn equipment maintenance. Bee’s Cub Cadet suggests starting your lawnmower once a month to keep your battery up and running. Store your equipment in a cool dry place. Moisture is an invitation for rust and corrosion. Bee’s also suggests putting sea foam in the tank to help with moisture. Finally, it’s a good idea, but not a necessity, to store your equipment off the ground 0n top of some pavers to prevent moisture from collecting underneath. Winterization protects your equipment from the effects of long-term storage ensuring each part is fully functional once the weather breaks. Rest assured, no matter how tedious the task, the results will be worth it in the end. [Lesleigh Bennett] Sources: Camping World October 6, 2021 How to Winterize your RV How to Winterize Your RV - Camping World Blog Gold Eagle.Com 2023 How to Winterize A Motorcycle Step by Step Guide To Winterize A Motorcycle | Gold Eagle Co HGTV How To Winterize a Lawn Mower Author: Derek Trimble How to Winterize a Lawn Mower | HGTV
Page 34 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News When it comes to winter wildlife, it is beneficial to find ways to attract the good wildlife while repelling the bad wildlife. Attracting the good wildlife In “Attracting Winter Wildlife: Don’t Let the Cold Weather Keep the Critters Away” Nikki Thomas shares some ways to attract wildlife by providing them with shelter and food. A yard with trees and shrubs can provide both food and shelter for wildlife. Thomas says, “one example is the red cedar, a juniper that provides food and a protective shelter for many kinds of birds. Hackberry…is dined on by about 50 species of birds, including roadrunners and titmice. Cedar waxwings and fox sparrows are among the birds to feast on the berries of Hawthorn trees in the wintertime.” Other types of trees can provide nuts and acorns for a variety of wildlife. The twigs and branches from trees can be piled up and made into a shelter for wildlife. As Thomas says, “By taking reasonable steps to create a more natural environment This winter enjoy the wildlife you want to enjoy... Attract the good and repel the bad focused on attracting winter wildlife, people can contribute organically to the health of the soil, water and air in local neighborhoods and regional communities.” The Total Pond Blog shares ways for those who have ponds to create a winter sanctuary for wildlife. Making shelters and habitats is one way to help wildlife survive in the winter. As the blog says, “Areas of longer grass, overgrown corners or piles of wood or stones, can offer vital protection for many creatures.” Piles of rock with leaves around them also provide shelter. Additionally, “a compost heap, or log pile in your garden can provide a perfect winter refuge for amphibians.” Planting shrubbery such as white spruce, balsam fir, evergreen shrubs can provide winter shelter. Holly and rose bushes can provide food for both birds and deer. Make sure drinking water is available and accessible to wildlife. Aerators and pondheating units can keep the pond from freezing. Continued --
Page 35 Fall Home & Garden | September 2023 Lincoln Daily News Hang a bird feeder or set out shallow food dishes to provide wildlife with food. The Total Pond Blog says, “Following these guidelines will attract a variety of wildlife to your own backyard. You will not only be able to view and observe new and beautiful types of life but also be providing safety, food, and shelter.” Repelling bad wildlife Though you may want to attract certain wildlife, there is other wildlife you will want to keep away from your property. An article on ways to keep critters aways from your home provides several helpful tips. For example, when trying to repel bad wildlife, fences can be one of the most useful ways to keep them away. However, since installing fences can be costly, that may not be a feasible solution. Cleaning up food in your yard or on your patio as soon as you are done eating will help keep mice and other critters away. Buying safe animal repellents and sprinkling, spraying or placing them around your property or house is another way to keep problem wildlife away. Use wind chimes or noisy lawn ornaments to scare animals away. Make sure you are keeping your yard clean. As the article on keeping critters away says, “Creatures often burrow or hide in piles of wood, overgrown weeds, or accumulated debris where they can nest, hole, and ultimately make into living spaces.” When you clean your yard, you are more likely to keep bad wildlife away. Though bird feeders can attract birds, they can also attract squirrels and mice. In these cases, it is better not to use a bird feeder. Find holes in your siding or attic where mice and other rodents can access your home and seal those holes. Make natural repellents such as dehydrated garlic, garlic water or hot pepper sauce combined with water and dish soap. The Illinois Extension offers other helpful tips for repelling wildlife. For instance, since fencing may be expensive, Extension Energy and Environment Educator Continued --
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