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The fresh scent and taste of mint (Mentha spp.), hardy in USDA zones 3-11, makes it a tasty addition in cooking and beverages. Preserve mint leaves and their flavor by drying, freezing, infusing, making mint syrup, or layering in sugar.
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Ways to use lemon tree leaves include adding them to floral arrangements and other decorations and using them to wrap food while cooking to add a citrus flavor.
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Preparing your water lines for winter is critical in protecting the money you have invested in your inground pool. Although you try to empty all the water from the lines, antifreeze works as insurance to prevent any remaining water from racking pipes or valves during the dead of winter.
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Having a swimming pool close by in the summer makes the season enjoyable. The only cause for concern might be the coldness of the water if you jump in first thing in the morning.
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Figs are warm-weather-loving plants that grow fast if around the right plants and under the right circumstances. In areas where the winters drop below freezing for several weeks, try planting figs near a southern facing wall where more warmth will collect.
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Sage is a perennial garden herb popular to many as an easy plant to grow. So when, on the rare occurrence, the soft perfumed leaves wilt and even shrivel, it can be alarming to the home gardener. There are several causes for this, one simply being old age.
Read MoreCotton is a natural fabric that many people prefer to synthetic fabrics. Since it is made of fibers, the stains can be a little more difficult to remove. Do not just throw the sweater into the laundry and expect everything to wash out.
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Draining the hot tub is a necessity for every hot tub owner. The timing of the draining intervals depends on the number of users in the hot tub every day and may be as often as every two weeks for commercial settings or as little as every 75 days for a single user.
Read MoreLemongrass is a sweet cane that is related to the citronella plant, widely used in Thai cooking, although it is native to India. Extracts have been taken from this plant as far back as the Pharaohs, who used the sweet, lemony fragrance to freshen the tombs.
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With the cost of living increasing from year to year, many people are turning to smaller houses that cost much less to live in. A small house the size of a shed is not much different than a large house, except that everything is space orientated.
Read MoreWhirlpool dishwashers are a common addition to many kitchens and they offer many options from pre-rinsing to scrubbing pots and pans. Read the owner's manual to learn how to run your specific model.
Read MoreUsually people just buy ready-mixed stucco, but you can certainly make your own. With just a few materials, you can make a batch of stucco to use for your backyard project. Make sure you get your eye and hand protection because you don't want to have the alkaline stuff get all over you.
Read MoreSometimes you may find that you need to remove a bush from your landscaping. Cutting it down is not usually a problem as much as what to do with the remaining stump. Several methods are available, but the simplest approach may be the best.
Read MoreSo many people enjoy the warm ambiance of a cast iron pot belly stove and look to restore older ones found in garage sales and antique shops instead of buying new. They are using them for heat as well as for decorations in their homes.
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It is always disappointing to find out that somehow you have managed to get creosote on your clothes. However, do not despair. There are ways to remove the sticky stuff so that your clothes will be clean again.
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Mixing latex with mortar or concrete is not new. Since the 1940s, companies have added latex to add durability and strength to regular mortar. However, many states and municipalities are studying mixing latex paint with the dry concrete in place of a percentage of the water.
Read MoreSitting outside in the evening with your feet propped up in front of an open crackling fire is a relaxing way to end the day. Friends and family will be drawn to sit with you lending time for great conversation and friendship building.
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Using steel wood to polish wood might seem out of place and actually harmful to the surface of the wood, but it isn't if done properly. The steel wool is very fine and will actually scrape off a very fine layer, leaving a silky smooth finish often referred to as a hand rubbed finish.
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