How To... Series

The weather is finally getting warm here in Central Kentucky! The birds are chirping, the flowers are starting to peek up out of the ground, and you're probably starting to get the itch to clean off the winter doldrums and start fresh for the new season. Now is a great time to wipe away all the salt, dirt, and grime that winter left behind. Here are a few tips to get your Spring cleaning off on the right foot.

Keep, Donate or Toss

Spring cleaning is a great time to get rid of all the clutter that has been collecting since the holidays. Start a Keep, Donate and Toss pile. Anything you haven't worn or used in the last...

You’ve heard the old adage, “April showers bring May flowers”. Put those showers to good use by getting your spring garden ready now! Whether you’d like to plant a hearty vegetable or herb garden or you’d prefer a colorful and fragrant flower garden in your Central Kentucky home, use these tools to help get you started!

Start with a Plan:

The phrase “location, location, location” is just as important in real estate as it is for your garden. Deciding where to plant will determine what you can plant. Survey the lay of the land before you make your gardening plans. Where are the buildings,...

 

Cold temperatures are here in Central Kentucky and that means a lot of people are turning on their furnaces and snuggling up under blankets. But what do you do if your bedroom is nice and toasty, but your living room feels 10 degrees cooler? Before you head to the thermostat to kick it up a few degrees, here are a few things you can do to ensure that your home is heating evenly.

1. Check for drafts.

In some cases, a room might be too cold because heat is...

By now, you’ve probably started to do the bi-annual closet switch, where you put away your summer clothes to make way for your winter wardrobe. It’s a great way to give your closet some extra room and keep it organized. When storing your summer clothes, make sure you put out a little extra effort to make sure that you’re your clothes stay fresh and moth-free during the cold winter months!

1.  Start with clean clothes! Launder all the clothing that you will be storing. Small flecks of dirt will cause permanent...

Want to have an impact on your monthly energy bills? Brightnest.com has some great tips on how to save some green by going through your kitchen and making small changes to your appliances and daily habits. You'll lessen your impact on the environment as well as make a dent in your energy costs.

1. Unplug your electronics. Some kitchen electronics never fully turn off, even if you press the power button. Appliances like toasters and coffee makers will just go into hibernation mode. You can check to see if your particular appliance is a energy-zapping offender by checking the owners manual. Make sure to unplug the electronic when you aren't using them.

...

It's hard to believe that Fall is around the corner in the Bluegrass State! The temperatures are getting cooler and the sun is going down earlier in the day.

Now is the time to start planning and preparing your garden for the colder months ahead. Taking the time to clean up your lawn and garden now will save you time and money when it comes time to plant in the Spring.

Clean Up

Once your plants have died or succumbed to the cold, pull up the stakes or supports. If they're still in good shape, clear off the debris and store them for future use. Rake the garden spot to remove dead leaves and limbs. Pull or dig up old stems and roots. If allowed in your area, burn or discard the debris....