While there are many items that make wonderful Easter gifts, such as spring flowers or chocolate bunnies, consider giving beautiful hand painted eggs this year. Already established in some other countries, the craft of egg painting is gaining popularity in the UK, as well.
Inexpensive and easy to make, hand painted eggs are appropriate for anyone. Male or female, young and old alike, designs can be customised to each recipient.
Prepare the Eggs
To remove the contents, place the egg in an eggcup or similar sized container. Holding it gently but firmly, use a needle to poke a small hole in one end and a slightly larger hole in the other. Insert a long needle or thin wire through the larger hole and stir the insides. Hold the egg over a bowl and blow through the small hole to dispel the contents.
Once the egg is empty, submerge it in a mixture of three parts water to one part vinegar. Fill half full, shake gently and blow the liquid out of the eggshell. Shells needing additional cleaning may be left to soak a while in the water/vinegar mixture. Once the shells are clean, let them dry overnight. (more…)
Many types of treatment systems are available to address a variety of water issues. Some treatments deal with hard water only while others actually purify contaminated water to make it safe for human consumption. Following are some common water treatment methods and the problems that they correct.
Water Conditioners – Addresses hard water only. Prevents lime scale without adversely affecting the drinkability of the water. Improves the efficiency of soaps. Improves heating efficiency and extends the life of appliances that use water. Water conditioning systems, such as ScaleWatcher, are inexpensive to own and operate. (more…)
The sound of running water is soothing for both mind and spirit. Imagine relaxing next to a babbling brook as it gently cascades across pebbles and drops into small pools. Enjoy this experience at home with a simple tabletop fountain.
Part of Holland lies below sea level and land on which to build new homes is scarce. In addition, the rising sea level in the Netherlands over the last century has claimed some land and this trend is expected to continue during the current century. In answer to these significant challenges, the Dutch have started constructing houses on the water.
Add elegance or create a special mood in your garden with lighting. Available in types and styles to suit any purpose or setting, outdoor lighting is a valuable addition to any home. Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner for two on your own patio, bathed is soft light. Install a series of floodlights where bright illumination is desired or use miniature spotlights to create a focal point of a special garden feature.
A wide variety of outdoor lighting choices are available. Recessed lighting allows for fixtures to be placed unobtrusively, flush with a wall or decking, or level with the ground. Uplights and downlights work well on flat vertical surfaces where stationary lighting is appropriate, such as home or garden walls, while adjustable spotlights can be strategically placed to call attention to trees or other plantings. (more…)
Every woman (and man) knows what a nice bath can do to soothe a tired body. The heated water relaxes aching muscles, calms the mind, softens the mood. This fact was well known even back in the ancient times, we all know that Cleopatra, the most beautiful woman of her times, was fond of bathing in goat milk which softened her skin and made her look vibrant and fresh. Today, not many of us have the possibility to use milk to bathe in but there are many ways of preparing a miraculous bath.
Growing a windowsill herb garden is easy and fun! Best of all, if located in or near the kitchen, fresh herbs are always close at hand during meal preparation. All that is needed are a few pots filled with good potting soil, the chosen plants and a sunny windowsill. To make the herbs really happy, add organic liquid fertiliser and a tray with a layer of gravel to the list.
The first step is to select the spot. While there may be only one sunny window available, if there is a choice, select the most convenient window that has adequate sunlight and space for the plants. For best results, a south-facing window is needed.
Next, chose which types of herbs to grow. Consider what recipes are favoured and grow herbs to enhance these dishes. Basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme are popular favourites. Although herbs can be grown from seed, this takes time. To speed the process, consider buying small plants at the nursery. (more…)
You never known when a natural disaster or other crisis may occur that could adversely affect the safety of your drinking water supply. Be prepared. Know where the closest water source is located and how to purify water for your family in the event of an emergency. Please Note: Never use floodwater for drinking, even if it has been treated.
Boiling water for drinking is the preferred way to destroy harmful organisms. If needed, water should be filtered and settled to remove as many impurities as possible prior to boiling. Filtering can be done through clean pieces of cloth. Once settled, the clear water should be boiled vigorously for a full minute in most areas and three minutes at high altitudes. (more…)
Keeping houseplants healthy is not difficult. In fact, houseplants are more likely to suffer from too much kindness than from neglect. To ensure that your houseplants live a long and healthy life, follow these simple care guidelines.
Optimal Growing Conditions
For each plant, try to mimic the natural environment as closely as possible. For instance, place plants that come from a tropical environment in a humid area such as the bathroom. Conversely, a cactus will thrive in low humidity.
Proper Watering
Over-watering of houseplants is a common problem. Each plant variety has specific watering needs. Avoid watering all plants on the same schedule. As a general rule, water plants thoroughly once the top of the soil is dry and never let pots sit in standing water. (more…)
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