Article By: Mirna Cacic

This adorable vintage-style beehive fits in perfectly on any porch during these warm spring days. With summer fast approaching, it’s time we get our porches in tip-top shape for porch season! This beehive would look great on a small side table next to your porch swing or patio furniture! It’s so easy and cheap to make and it costs less than $10 to put together! Everyone will think you purchased it at a vintage shop, since it looks so realistic! Make a couple of these to arrange in groups, maybe one large beehive with one or two smaller ones next to it. If the color isn’t suited to your tastes, break out the acrylic paint and paint it a fun color to match your decor!

Supplies:

1) Metal bowl

2) Hot glue gun and glue sticks

3) Rope

4) Permanent marker

5) Scissors

Step #1:

Begin making your beehive by wrapping the rope around the rim of the bowl. Add a few drops of glue as you go along to hold the rope in place. Remember, you’re only gluing the rope pieces together, not actually gluing the rope to the bowl!

Step #2:

Keep wrapping and gluing the rope until you have covered the entire bowl.

Step #3:

To finish off the beehive, leave about an inch of rope at the end and form it into a loop at the top, then feed it through the bottom before eventually cutting it.

Step #4:

To take the beehive off the metal bowl, you want to place it inside the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then you can gently take it off the bowl by wiggling it side to side until it slides off completely. Leave the beehive to come to room temperature, then cut a piece of rope for the entrance to your beehive.

Step #5:

Glue the rope in a circle and color in the entrance with the permanent marker. You don’t want wasps to take up residence by actually cutting a hole in your beehive!

If you like, you can paint your new beehive or you can add a few pom pom bumblebees to it! Place it on your porch just in time for this year’s porch season!

Photos: Confessions of a New-Old Homeowner.

Summer is coming up fast, which means lots of fun in the sun and nighttime campfires. The one thing that always sends people packing back inside are mosquitoes! Keep these pests at bay by planting these 8 plants in your garden! Growing plants such as rosemary and lavender is a great and all-natural way to keep mosquitoes away. If you’re worried about harsh chemicals from sprays, going all-natural is the way to go! Take a look at our list of 8 plants below and pick out your favorite!

1. Rosemary

Not only is rosemary a great herb to use in the kitchen, it also keeps nasty mosquitoes away! Rosemary is a hardy plant that requires little water and lots of sun.

2. Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal flowers look great as a groundcover and they can also be used in the kitchen! It works well in many fish dishes if you’re looking for a special boost of flavor. Butterflies love Pennyroyal – they just can’t seem to stay away!

3. Lavender

Lavender is also an all-natural mosquito repellant! Lavender is an easy plant to grow, and requires well-draining soil and lots of sun. It also makes a great tea!

4. Basil

We all know that basil is the star in every tomato sauce, but did you know that it repels mosquitoes, too? Basil will thrive if you live in a hot and dry climate, and it needs well-draining soil and lots of sunlight.

5. Peppermint

Many bugs hate the smell of peppermint, which is great news for us since peppermint is an herb that is a must-have in any garden and kitchen! Use it to make tea, soothe mosquito bites, or add it to your lemonade!

6. Citronella

Citronella is a common ingredient in most store-bought mosquito repellants. It’s a tall grass that can grow up to 6 feet tall and works great in a climate without frost. If you live in an area with frost, you can simply plant it in a pot and bring it inside during cold weather.

7. Horsemint

Horsemint grows quickly and loves the shade. It loves sandy soil and its leaves can be used to make a delicious tea.

8. Catnip

For the cat lovers out there, planting catnip is a must! Catnip is a member of the mint family and is super easy to grow. It’s drought tolerant and not only keeps mosquitoes away, but also flies, termites, and cockroaches!

Photos: Deux Dilettantes, Wikipedia, Parfait Image, Everything Lavender, My Everyday Oils, Rawyaelgammal, Garden Guides, Img Arcade, My Medicine Woman.

In this article we’ll be showing you how to store all of your seasonal clothing! Summer is over, and now it’s time to put all of our summer clothes away to make room for our winter stuff! Take a look at our tips on how to get your seasonal clothes organized and make more room in your closet!

Before Storing Your Clothes

Always wash your clothes before storing them. If your clothes have been dry-cleaned, remove them from the bag. The bag can encourage mildew and trap moisture. Use cotton garment bags or cotton sheets to protect your clothes from dust. Pick a storage location that’s cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Don’t store your winter clothes in your attic, since the heat in the summer can damage the fibres. Always store clothes away from direct sunlight, as it can fade your clothes.

Pick the Right Hangers

Avoid thin wire hangers and store jackets and coats on padded hangers or thick wooden hangers. Hang pants by the cuff or hem to avoid creases. Hang your skirts from waistbands using skirt hangers. You can use wooden or plastic hangers for shirts and blouses.

Storing Your Clothes in Boxes

When storing your clothes in boxes, avoid boxes made out of cardboard. Cardboard is acidic, and the glue on it can attract pests. Use plastic containers with a lid instead. Always label the containers using a permanent marker.

Keep Moths Away

If you have moths in your area, mothballs can help protect your clothes that are made from natural fibers. Mothballs should only be used in sealed containers. Never place them directly on stored clothing. Don’t wear clothing immediately if it has been stored with mothballs. Air it out for at least a day before wearing. For a more natural way to keep away moths, you can place sachets of lavender with your clothes.

Storing Seasonal Clothes

You can use a rolling garment rack to store your clothes. They’re inexpensive, sturdy, and can hold a lot of clothes. As an alternative, you can store your clothes in suitcases. Don’t forget to label them! If you have a closet with a high ceiling, you can add a hanging rod to hang up your seasonal clothes.

Photos: Literally Organized, Scholastic, Improvements Catalog.

This veggie flatbread is perfect for vegetarians, and extremely easy to make! Loaded up with zucchini, red peppers, onions, and tomatoes, this flatbread is super light and makes a great appetizer!

To get started, heat your oven to 400 F. Then, roll out the dough to create a large rectangle. Place the rolled-out dough on a piece of parchment paper sprayed with non-stick spray. Take the goat cheese and spread half of it onto the dough. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese on top, along with half the dill.

Fold the other half of the dough on top of the side with the cheese. Sprinkle the rest of the goat cheese and Parmesan. Arrange the veggies on top and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and the remaining dill over the veggies. That’s it! Super easy, filling, and perfect for summer!

Roasted Veggie Flatbread with Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients

• 16 oz. refrigerated or frozen pizza dough
• 6 oz. soft goat cheese or herb cheese spread
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 zucchini (thinly sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1 red pepper (thinly sliced)
• Olive oil
• Salt and Pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Roll dough into a large rectangle and place it a piece of parchment paper sprayed with a non-stick spray.
3. Sprinkle half of the goat cheese, half of the dill, and half of the Parmesan onto one half of the dough.
4. Fold the other half of the dough on top of the cheese. Sprinkle remaining goat cheese and Parmesan cheese.
5. Arrange vegetables over the top and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and remaining dill.
6. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Cut in half lengthwise, then slice into 2-inch long slices. Serve warm.

Photos and recipe: A Spicy Perspective.

This Mexican grilled corn salad is loaded up with peppers, zucchini, and beans, and tossed in a cheesy zesty dressing. Serve it at your next BBQ with grilled chicken, ribs, or steak. Finish off your meal with a light fruit salad, and you’ve got the perfect BBQ to finish your summer off with a bang!

Mexican Jalapeno Corn Salad

Ingredients

• 6 ears of corn (leave the husks on)
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ zucchini, cut into thick slices for grilling
• 1 large or 2 small fresh jalapeno’s left whole
• ½ cup canned black beans, washed and drained
• 4-6 scallions, tops and bottoms sliced
• ½ cup chopped sweet red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• juice from one lime
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sriracha
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 8 ounces Queso Blanco cheese, crumbled by hand (you can use Cotija cheese instead if you like)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Peel the corn husks back (but don’t remove) and take off all the silk from the ears. Fold the husks around the ears. Fill a large pot with corn, salt, and water to cover the corn. Soak for 15 minutes.
2. Heat your grill to medium heat.
3. Remove the corn from the water and drain the excess water. Place the corn (with husks) on the grill and cook for 15 minutes. Turn the corn every 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
4. Turn your grill to high heat.
5. Brush vegetable oil on zucchini slices and grill both sides for 1 minute, or until there is a nice char. Don’t over cook! Set aside to cool.
6. Place the jalapenos on the hot grill and grill until the sides are black and blistered. Remove from the grill and place them in a paper bag for a few minutes to loosen the skin. Remove skin and discard. Cut the pepper down the center and discard the stem and seeds. Cut into small pieces and set aside.
7. Remove husks from the corn and discard. Using a bundt pan, place the corn pointy end down in the center of the pan and with a knife, cut kernels off and let them fall into the pan. Place the cut corn in a large mixing bowl.
8. Cut zucchini into small pieces and add to the corn. Add in jalapeno pieces.
9. Add in the rest of the ingredients, along with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 1 hour. After an hour has passed, serve.

Photos and recipe: A Family Feast.

These popsicles are made with creamy Greek yogurt and blueberries. Try using different berries or combinations of berries for a different flavor. Serve them for dessert after a delicious BBQ, or eat them as a healthy snack.

Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles

Enjoy these healthy popsicles guilt-free as a snack or dessert. Try making them with raspberries or strawberries for a different take on this yummy snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions

1. In a bowl, pour the milk into the yogurt and mix well.
2. Add in honey and mix. Taste for sweetness.
3. Place blueberries at the bottom of your molds, spoon in half of the yogurt mixture, and add more blueberries. Place sticks into the molds. Divide the rest of the yogurt mixture into the molds and top with blueberries.
4. Freeze for 5 hours or overnight.

Photos: Give Recipe.

This delicious sandwich has teriyaki marinated grilled chicken, sweet honey, and melted pepper jack cheese. Serve it up at a BBQ or picnic. Your guests will be begging for more, we promise! Pair it with a simple balsamic green leaf lettuce salad, and you’ve got the perfect summer meal! Without any further ado, here’s the mouth-watering recipe!

Honey Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Sandwiches with Honey Cotija Avocado Spread

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 buns of your choice

Honey Teriyaki Sauce

• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup cider vinegar
• 3 coves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp grated ginger
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Cotija Honey Lime Avocado Spread

• ½ cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 large Avocado
• ⅓ cup finely grated Cotija cheese
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne
• ¼ tsp pepper
• salt to taste

Toppings

• 4 slices pepper jack cheese
• lettuce
• tomatoes
• red onion

Instructions

1. Pound chicken to 1/2 inch thick. Whisk all the marinade ingredients together except for the cornstarch. Add 1/4 cup of marinade to a large freezer bag and add in chicken. To a seperate freezer bag, add the remaining marinade along with the pineapple. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, preheat your BBQ or indoor grill to medium heat. Add chicken and grill for 4-6 minutes each side or until cooked through. Add the cheese in the last few minutes of cooking. Add pineapple slices onto the grill and cook them for 1-2 minutes each side. Toast the buns by placing them face down on the top rack of the grill. Close the lid. The buns should be done in 1 minute.
3. To make the Honey Teriyaki Sauce, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch to the reserved marinade that you removed the pineapple from. Add it to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 seconds until thickened.
4. To make the sandwich, layer the chicken covered in cheese, add Cotija Honey Lime Avocado Spread (simply mix all ingredients listed together), layer tomatoes, drizzle with Honey Teriyaki Sauce, add red onions and lettuce to finish.

Photos and recipe: Carl’s Bad Cravings.

We enjoy light snacks and meals during the summer, and who doesn’t? Light food that’s easy to prepare and requires no cooking is welcome during these hot summer days. This granola fruit salad can be made with any of your favorite fruits and favorite yogurt. Healthy granola adds crunch and sweetness to this salad, and we encourage you to try it for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!

Healthy Summer Granola Fruit Salad

Try this granola fruit salad for a healthy snack during these hot summer days. Customize it with your favorite fruit and yogurt, and don’t forget the crunchy granola!

Ingredients

• 1 6 oz. container Key Lime yogurt
• 1 small pineapple, chopped
• 1 cantaloupe, chopped
• 2 cups green grapes
• 1 cup strawberries, chopped
• 1 cup blueberries
• ½ cup honey almond granola

Instructions

1. Add all the fruit to a large bowl and top with the yogurt. Toss until combined.
2. Put the salad in the fridge until it’s ready to serve. When serving, sprinkle with granola.

Photos: Carl’s Bad Cravings.

Serve these salmon kabobs as an appetizer at your next BBQ! All you have to do is marinade them in a simple sauce, put them onto skewers, and toss them onto the grill! The marinade is made up of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Deliciously healthy, these kabobs are sure to become a new favourite!

Citrus Grilled Salmon Barbeque Kabobs

Try these kabobs at your next BBQ, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillet without skin
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 pinch black pepper
• fresh lemon slices
• 12 skewers

Instructions

1. Slice the salmon into small chunks. Thread the salmon pieces onto soaked wooden skewers, alternating with lemon slices. Place them in a shallow dish.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, ginger, honey, pepper, and garlic. Mix well. Pour the marinade over the skewers and coat well. Leave it to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. When you’re finished marinading, transfer the marinade to a small saucepan and simmer for a few minutes.
4. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
5. Oil your grates lightly. Cook your skewers for 4 minutes each side. Brush them often with the marinade until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Photos: Community.Epicurious, My Invisible Crown.

We’ve all heard stories that you shouldn’t wash your wooden deck with a power washer. If done improperly, a power washer can actually etch the wood and ruin your deck. With these helpful tips, your deck will look good as new, and with a power washer, can be done in the blink of an eye.

How to Choose the Right Pressure and Tip for Your Deck

Power washers are versatile and they can be used for almost any task. They have different pressure ratings and tip styles depending on what you need to use them for. To clean wood, use the following pressure and tip selections:

1. Make sure you use a low pressure as possible, while still effectively cleaning your deck.

2. Soft wood like cedar or pine needs to be cleaned at about 500 psi. Harder woods may go higher, but never use more than 1200-1500 psi.

3. Preferably, you should use a fan tip or a rotating tip.

4. Start the water pressure by depressing the trigger away from people and windows, and at least 24 inches away from your wooden deck. Feather the water pressure into the range of 12-18 inches from your deck.

5. Never get closer than 12 inches from your wooden deck (unless it’s at a low pressure).

6. Before washing your entire deck, test the pressure and effectiveness in an inconspicuous area.

Washing Technique

1. Set your pressure first to 600 psi to see if it will be effective on your deck. Increase pressure as needed to clean the deck properly without damaging the wood surface.

2. Engage the power washer trigger away from the deck and lower the wand to 12 inches from the surface. Use a sweeping motion to clean the deck. Keep a consistent distance as you sweep.

3. Work with the grain of the wood by spraying lengthwise with the deck boards. You want to get an even clean without any cleaning edges visible.

If you are unable to wash your own deck or do not have the power tools, consider hiring a professional. One of our favorite Long Island power washing companies is Beyond Maids inc. at 74 Newark st. Lindenhurst NY 11757 call 631-774-2685.

Raised Wood Fibres

Sometimes during power washing, raised wood fibres can appear and create a rough surface. You can fix this by sanding the area smooth. Make sure you check for raised fibres around handrails, as they can give you splinters.

Photos: PRT Landscaping, Grime Blaster, A Glass Act.