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Let the Decluttering Begin
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A Glimmer of Hope to Cling To
Think back to a low point in your life. Don't struggle with this, just try to recall when you were going through a difficult season and life seemed bleak. Now recall that first glimmer of hope you clung to as you could see that things were beginning …Read more.
Homemade Solutions Are Budget-friendly
Dear Mary: Do you have a homemade recipe for bathroom air freshener refills? I have Air Wick brand, and I'm wondering if there is an easier and cheaper way to refill it when it runs dry. — D.R., California
Dear D.R.: Four to eight drops of …Read more.
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Oh, Christmas Tree!As tempting as a pricey artificial pre-lit Christmas tree may be, few things about the holidays are as satisfying as a fresh, real tree. Consider these fun facts and tips: Fresh test. Gently grasp a branch between your thumb and forefinger, and pull it toward you. Very few needles should come off in your hand if the tree is fresh. Shake or bounce the tree on its stump. You should not see an excessive amount of green needles fall to the ground. Keep it fresh. The best secret for keeping your tree fresh is water, water, water. Once you get your tree home, cut 1/4-inch off the end and immediately put the tree into water. Never allow your tree to run out of water. If a fresh tree is properly cared for and watered, it should stay fresh through New Year's Day. Additives. The National Christmas Tree Association does not endorse any additive to the tree's water. Your tree will stay fresh with just plain water. Whoops. Within four to six hours of exposure, the tree will form a sap seal over the stump and it will not absorb water. If you forget to make a fresh cut and the tree is set up and decorated, do this: Remove the water from the stand (a turkey baster works great). Drill holes into the side of the trunk below the water level. Immediately refill with water, making sure none of the holes are above the water line. Size. When choosing a tree, the most important characteristic is water capacity. A good rule-of-thumb is one quart for every inch in diameter of the tree's trunk.
Fire hazard. The National Fire Protection Association tracks fires and their causes. According to their data, of all residential fires, real Christmas trees are involved in less than 0.1 percent. Sensational blazing trees on the evening news are often doused in a flammable liquid to create a show, or are very old and dried out. Why real? If the nostalgia of a fresh, fragrant tree is not reason enough to go natural, consider these facts: Artificial trees will last for six years in your home (got storage space?), but for centuries in a landfill. One to three seedlings are planted in the U.S. for every harvested Christmas tree — a total of 41 million were planted in winter/spring 2010,alone. Ninety-three percent of real Christmas trees harvested are recycled in community programs providing mulch for landscape and replenishing the Earth's soil. An industry. There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas trees in the U.S., and at last count over 100,000 people are employed full- or part-time in the industry. Caution: Never burn a tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Pine trees have a lot of sap that can flash and also create a chimney fire. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website. You can email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM
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