Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

05
Jun

Do-It-Yourself with PEX

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PEX tubing is the best friend of do-it-yourself plumbers, and professional plumbers once they experience how easy it is to work with.  There are different brands including one named PEX, but PEX tubing is cross-linked polyethylene tubing that is increasingly being used for water supply lines in new home construction, and for renovation projects. 

By sweating one fitting to your existing copper supply line PEX can easily be used to convert the rest of your water supply, or expand your water supply for a new bathroom, laundry room or exterior faucet. 

sweating-copper-smallSweating copper pipe involves the use of an acetylene torch, and should be done by a professional.  It can be dangerous, especially in close quarters. 

Sharkbite fittings offer a tool-free connection option that many do-it-yourself plumbers prefer (click ‘sharkbite’ and check-out the YouTube video to see how easy it is).

In addition to being easy to work with, PEX offers a much more affordable solution to plumbing than traditional copper.

I’ve always found Menards to have a better PEX selection than Home Depot, but all major home building stores carry some type of PEX product.

Be sure to check your local building codes and permit requirements before undertaking any do-it-yourself project.

 

 

30
May

DYI Stone Garden Markers

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I don’t think that Martha Stewart is the end all to gardening or signage for that matter. Every year I plant bulbs and perenials in my garden. In the spring I go to weed my gardens and I am never sure what is a weed and what is a plant just breaking ground. The bulbs aren’t so hard to identify, but I often forget which bulbs I put where. Martha’s idea is not original, in fact people have been painting on stones since the dawn of time all around the world (cave paintings, fun images, and park signs). 

cave-painting-smallpark-smallrock-face-small

Martha just told me what I’d need in case I didn’t want to think too hard.  It is easy and super inexpensive.  All you need are some smooth stones (the north shore has some great stones if you happen to be in the area).  They can be large or small, and you can choose how you want the finished product to look.

stone-herb-markers-smallUse a permanent dye-based ink and a set of alphabet stamps (or freehand if you are that good), stamp or paint the names of your plants on cleaned stones and then put them in your garden next to the corresponding plants.

If you want to get your kids involved, you could also use a paint brush and an exterior paint. Let the kids paint the words on the stones (you may need to spell the words out for them).  It’s a fun weekend project for the whole family.

Just leave those stones in your garden when winter comes and next year you’ll know exactly where all your perenial herbs, plants and bulbs are. PLUS every surface the stone covers is that much less area to weed!!!

29
May

St. Paul Raingardens Walking Tour

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Join a free walking tour of Como area raingardens!

Saturday, June 13, 2009 – 10:30 am-12:30 pm
Location:
Como neighborhood, St. Paul

The tour is free and open to all, but capacity is limited.  To sign up, email Meghan Dudle, mdudle@fmr.org or visit the event website http://fmr.org/participate/events/raingarden_tour-2009-06-13

21
May

Need a House?

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Have you ever considered acquiring a home through a real estate auction? How about a foreclosure?

The Minneapolis Convention Center will be hosting a Real Estate Foreclosure Auction on May 30, 2009 in Room 200

Contact Information:
Real Estate Disposition Corporation
(800) 793-6107
www.ushomeauction.com

Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2nd Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403
conv_ctr@ci.minneapolis.mn.us
Phone: (612) 335-6000
Fax: (612) 335-6757

http://www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com/

20
May

Visit the Arboretum this Summer and Learn

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One of my favorite places to visit is The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.  This summer I intend to take advantage of what they have to offer.  I’d like to learn how to use the rain barrels I’ve had sitting around for years to capture my rain water and feed my garden.  I think the Arboretum will be a great place to educate myself.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Summer Exhibition is called ‘Waterosity’  GO GREEN WITH A SPLASH.  It opens June 6 and runs through Oct. 4. 2009

Use Water Wisely

Use Water Wisely

Areas of interest include:

  • Harvesting your rain
  • Water-wise living and landscaping for your lawn
  • Garden art

Visit “Waterosity” this summer at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/waterosity.aspx