Add color to your condo

Check out this great article on adding color to your condo with hanging baskets

Get a jump on garden planning

By Kate Forgach, Ottawa Citizen; Canwest News Service

Pardon the pun, but gardening is rapidly growing into the No. 1 North American hobby. Maybe we're trying to save money by growing our own veggies or maybe gardeners are returning to the soil as a means of working off stress. Whatever the reason, gardening is one of the most "fruitful" returns on investment one can make.

Unfortunately, novice gardeners can end up spending more on seeds, tools and the other doodads required for a startup patch.

The good news is there are a few tricks that can save you money while still turning out a good crop. Here are 10 tips to get you going.

1. PLAN EARLY

Plot out your garden before turning the first spade of earth. Several websites make it easy to plan your garden either at no cost or free for the first 30 days. I'm particularly partial to GrowVeg.com,which helps you plot out the amount of space you'll need for each plant and where each should go in relation to other plants.

The Farmers' Almanac is still one of your best guides to when you should start planting and what kind of weather you can anticipate for the growing year.

2. UNDERSTAND YOUR LAND

Before you shell out a ton of cash for new plants, ask your neighbours what plants thrive in the soil of your region. Keep in mind plants appropriate for your growing zone might not work in your garden due to variations in soil composition, microclimate, pests, sunlight exposure and water availability. Visit your local nursery or call your municipality to learn how to get an analysis of your soil and recommendations for suitable plants.

3. DIG DEEP

Digging a deep garden bed can increase the number of plants you grow and ensure roots have plenty of room to thrive.

4. MULCH

Mulching your garden -- or covering the surface layer with plastic, wood chips, etc. -- will feed the soil, keep the soil and plant roots cool, retain moisture to reduce watering and prevent weeds. Also, mulching will reduce the amount of time you spend watering and weeding.

5. PLANT FROM SEEDS

Bedding plants are 10 times more expensive than seeds and often are sold long after the plant should have been unpotted. (Never buy plants with roots growing through the bottom of the pot.) Starting seeds indoors is cheaper and will give you a jump on the season. Save even more money by creating your own seed-starting pots.

6. SAVE AND SWAP SEEDS

Seed packets often contain far more seeds than you actually need, so consider starting or joining a seed exchange in your area. You can also harvest and store seeds for use the following year.

7. PROFIT FROM YOUR PLANTS

If you have limited space, consider planting produce that costs the most in a store or at a farmers market. You get the best bang for your buck by growing cilantro, salad greens, chives, tomatoes and squash.

8. BE SUN SAVVY

You'd be surprised how often experienced gardeners put a shade-loving plant in full sun or a sun-loving plant in the shade. Daylight is a moving target, so it can be difficult to ascertain the best location for each plant. Before plotting out your garden, spend time studying the movement of the sun over that patch of land, paying particular attention to heavily shadowed areas.

9. BE SMART ABOUT WATERING

Consider installing an evapotranspiration (ET) controller, if you have an in-ground sprinkler system. These systems use real-time weather data sent by satellite to control when your sprinklers turn on and off. This can cut your water usage by up to 30 per cent. Controllers cost between $300 and $400, depending on system size, but some municipal water agencies offer rebates, particularly in arid regions.

10. INSTALL DRIP IRRIGATION

If you don't have an in-ground sprinkler system, consider installing a drip-irrigation system. You'll save on water bills because the water won't evaporate as quickly and plant roots will receive a more thorough soaking.

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

It's the Snuggie! The blanket with sleeves!

Ok, I totally had to post this for all the Snuggie naysayers out there (Heather, I am talking to you!). I read this hilarious article in the Edmonton Journal today. So, Snuggie doubters, read on, and remember: when you decide to take the bull by the horns and give one to someone you love, you will find them in the center aisle of the store!

Snuggie cult engulfs another devotee
by Celia Rivenbark

When I opened the birthday gift from my mother-in-law, I gave a snobby little chuckle. Wow. Didn't see that coming. A Snuggie. As seen on TV. My mother-in-law gave me a blanket with sleeves. Just the thing I'd need to wear as I dragged through the sycamore leaves and to the mailbox to see if my Cash 4 Gold money had arrived yet.

"Oh. It's a Snuggie. I've seen them on TV. Thanks." MIL had a playful look in her eyes, a knowing look now that I think about it.

Didn't she know that I'd lampooned the Snuggie? It was nuts, this impossible wad of fabric that claimed to be cool enough to wear to bars and ballgames with your (lame) friends.

"Try it on," she said.

"OK," I said. This Snuggie was emblazoned with the UNC Tar Heels logo and was easily big enough to accommodate the entire team. What was she thinking?

I used scissors to free it from its wrapping and Snuggie immediately expanded like a life raft, filling MIL's den and threatening to knock Duh Hubby's portrait off the wall along with the collection of candles flickering just below.

"Wow!" I said. If this thing didn't work as a cozy cover-up, it would make a fabulous drop cloth for, uh, Switzerland.

Because of its immensity, it took a few seconds to find Snuggie's actual sleeves. I haven't been this kerflummoxed by an article of clothing since I bought my first thong. Also my last, since you ask.

While the whole family watched, I put Snuggie on as best I could and figured I'd just model it quickly and give everyone a good laugh. Except that's not how it went.

Snuggie had me in its warm embrace. It was like those "rebirth" blankets you hear about people using to re-create the womb experience except without all the gooey placenta.

No! It was nothing like that. Snuggie wasn't some crackpot psychology experiment; it was the real deal. I never wanted to take it off. I would wear my Snuggie everywhere I went, conducting my daily errands, all while wrapped, nay, swaddled in this marvelous monklike monstrosity.

I take back every hateful thing I ever said, thought or wrote about Snuggie. Because there's nothing worse than criticizing something you haven't even tried (I'm remembering you, deep-fried Oreos).

Snuggie has changed my life, forcing me to feel adrift and helpless for 40 minutes every week as I wait for it to finally emerge from the dryer.

So, look elsewhere, hons, if you want to deride the Snuggie or mock its cheesy advertising campaign. Snuggie is a gift from God. OK, actually Walgreens, but still.

Awww

We're not the only ones in love with Warm Buddy!

The new Red Panda Bear at the Valley Zoo in Edmonton, Sha-lei, loves her cozy Warm Buddy stuffed animal. The rare mammal, born in the spring, enjoys the softness and warmth of her Canadian-made comfort-creature. Made by the Warm Buddy Company, the stuffed animals contain removable packs of herbs and natural grains which can be heated to sooth babies - and adults - to sleep. In fact, the product has been used by the zoo for years to comfort newborns, orphans and injured animals.

For more information and pictures, click here!

Breast Friends Cookbooks

The Breast friends Cookbooks have now raised over one million dollars for cancer causes! If you have never heard of them, The Breast Friends Cookbooks are written and produced by a group of 10 women from Foam Lake, SK. The ladies gathered together to create these books in support of cancer research and also for projects like shuttle services and mammogram machines. (And, in fact, have even donated to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation's Mammography Program!)

This article appeared in last Saturday's Edmonton Journal. An excerpt:

Cookbook proceeds have allowed the Breast Friends to donate more than$33,000 to digital mammography, which they said they continue to support as donations allow.

"The nice thing about these books is that we get to decide where our hard-earned money goes. And it makes a difference in people's lives, and their family's lives--people that are suffering," Helgason added.

Another excerpt from their website:

Their first book won its national gold seller seal in three months, their second in just under two months and the way things are stewing, number three may beat both of those to the golden seal.

“Breast Wishes” is a celebration of life. It is dedicated to the many women living with, and in spite of breast cancer. It speaks to the small positive steps that are being made toward combating the disease. It talks about the strength of women and the importance of girlfriends. It makes us laugh and it serves up food for thought.

Each book has over 400 different delectable recipes. They are tried and tested family favorites which whet ones appetite for more. They are not complex and they reflect these rural women’s ethnic backgrounds.

Net profits from each book are donated to help fund breast cancer research.

The group makes every effort to make donations in areas where books are sold.

We are proud to offer the Breast Friends cookbooks at Home Hardware, and, in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will feature recipes from the cookbooks throughout the month of October.

Remember that our Purse Party is in support of local Breast Cancer initiatives, and we will be featuring a door prize draw for one of these cookbooks as well.

For more information, please visit their website, www.breastfriends.ca

Catch the wave... the canning wave!

Canadian canning sales have increased by over 88% and why not? With more people growing their own food, it seems logical. But even if you don't grow your own, you can still can with items from the local farmer's markets or even the grocery store! I wouldn't call it a trend, but a resurgence of appreciation for delicious, homemade goodness.

An excerpt from the above article:

"It's not just a grandma thing anymore," says home economist Jennifer MacKenzie, the Toronto-based author of The Complete Book of Pickling.

"People are much more conscientious now about what they're eating: Where it came from, what the ingredients are, and what it's doing for their body."

According to Michael Levenston of City Farmer, which styles itself as Canada's "office of urban agriculture," the canning comeback is tied to a do-it-yourself food movement that has seen vegetable gardens sprout up everywhere from "the White House to Buckingham Palace to the [Vancouver] mayor's front lawn."

Among those growing their own greens is Robert Lanham, the bestselling author of three books on popular culture.

"The ritual itself seems cleansing and somehow more honest than obsessing over the latest foodie trends in Bon Appetit or Gourmet," says Lanham.

If you've never canned before (like me) you can get the basics at this website (click here). My sister, who has also never canned, is inspired. Our grandmothers used to can but sadly we no longer have them around to teach us. If you want to see Sarah canning, send a comment and encourage her! We will post pictures (and maybe video) if we can get her going.

Heather, though, is an avid canner. She even has her homemade salsa recipe available for you near our canning supplies at the store.

Today I was inspired to pick up the Lloydminster Malanka Dancers Ukrainian Cookbook at Sobey's (it had some neat Ukrainian recipes that I don't have copies of) and it included a recipe for soup. A great way to use your homegrown tomatoes, and also a canning recipe! If you have any recipes you want to share, post them in our comments section! Send us some pictures, too, and we will post them as part of our canning series.

I have never tried this soup but it sounds delicious. Enjoy!

Spiced Tomato Soup

16 cups tomatoes, peeled and cored
3 1/2 cups onions
2 1/2 cups celery
2 cups red pepper
1 cup carrots
7 bay leaves
1 TB cloves
1 clove garlic
1 cup packed brown sugar
Salt and Pepper

Chop up veggies and put in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are soft. Discard bay leaves. Puree soup in small batches and return to saucepan. Add sugar, salt and pepper, to taste. Heat soup to a boil and place into 500 ml jars. Boil for 25 minutes in canner.

In the news...

Did you see our "Thank You" in the local papers? Below is an excerpt. See who else is helping out the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation by clicking here.

Home Hardware Supports Local Mammography Unit! Our local Home Hardware Building Centre recently made a very generous contribution to the brand new Mammography Unit at Lloydminster Hospital. Funds were raised through their annual Christmas Gift Wrap program, as well as a special Mother’s Day Gift Card promotion hosted in the store. Pictured is Sarah Rurka, left, manager at Home Hardware, with Kristine Alexander, Marketing and Development Coordinator with Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. Thank you Home Hardware for donating close to home!

In the News--Composting!

How timely! The Edmonton Journal recently ran this article called "Taking the 'Yuck' out of Composting", which features this beautiful composter available at Home Hardware.

• - Locking lid
• - Tea collection reservoir
• - Drain for tea
• - Compost mixing tool
• - Holes for aeration
• - Rear door for access to compost

BENEFITS:

• - This decorative solution to composting is very
  unique and functional
• - Several features to make composting easy and
  effective
• - Made of durable rotationally moulded plastic that
  will resist cracking, chipping and fading

5010-510 $139.99

Hot off the "Press"

Trudeau's Garlic Duo was recently tested and reviewed in the Edmonton Journal, coming out on top as the author's favorite garlic press.

The bonus with this press is that it includes an additional side that creates fine slices of garlic.

We're Covergirls (and boys!)

Our store is featured on the cover of the March/April 2009 Hardware Merchandising Magazine! And Miss Hannah got dressed up in her work clothes for the photoshoot, too. Mom and Dad were out of town, so they pulled an old photo of them to include in the article. (Poor Dad still has his moustache in the photo and Mom had what she refers to as her "prisoner of war" haircut! Oh well, at least they are in it!) Lori also gets a nod, with the line "A love interest eventually drew Lori away to Okotoks, AB").

The photoshoot was a blast, even though Peter and Heather had to take Hannah flying around the store to occupy her for the shots she wasn't in.

The article highlights the changes we have made in the store and what we are hatching for the future. Stay tuned!

Exclusive to Home

Just writing a little love note about the Reactor. This nightlight/emergency light/flashlight is available exclusively at Home Hardware and is one of my favorite new products. It is a light-sensor nightlight, turning on automatically in darkness, and off again in daylight. It also functions as a flashlight, with a bright white LED, so we're not talking a wimpy little light here. To recharge, simply plug back in.

And the best feature? It is an emergency light as well, will turn on automatically when the lights go out, and go strong for up to 7 hours. The emergency light feature is especially good because if you are like me, when the lights go out your first thought is "Crap! Now where the heck is the flashlight? Or a candle? And then I would need a lighter...but I can't find anything now, because it is pitch black!" With the Reactor, problem solved. Just follow the path to the lovely white glow and you are in business. Its flat top also allows you to rest it on the counter or table, if you are planning on playing a black-out game of Crib or Uno (as often happens in our family).

I recommend having a few in handy locations around the house, or at least one on each floor for emergencies. The Reactor is $12.97 and was the top-ranked nightlight in a recent review in the Edmonton Journal.

In the News

The Bella Band was featured as part of the article "Wardrobe must-haves for expectant moms" in the Edmonton Journal today. Here is an excerpt:

This versatile accessory allows you to use your pre-pregnancy pants or skirts unzipped as your belly expands. This stretch fabric can also be used to cover your bump in the later stages of pregnancy or to hold up your too-big-pregnancy-pants once baby arrives.

To read the article in it's entirety, click here. Like the Bella Band? Try the new Everyday Cami, Ruched Tank, Leggings or Everyday Pant, available now.