For the most part I’m very tolerant of all the world’s creatures, but I really hate slugs. I don’t think I could stand to look at their disgusting sliminess even if they were benign, harmless creatures. But the fact they can wipe out a flat of seedlings overnight – after I’ve spent a month or two nurturing the tiny plants – makes them an especially despicable enemy.

Recently a group of my friends had an impromptu discussion on Facebook, regarding organic methods of slug control. I have to admit, I never had much luck with some of the home remedies that have been touted for generations – like beer, for example. I kept shallow pans of beer embedded in my garden soil all spring one year, and don’t think I ever found a single drowned slug in them.

But several gardeners I know suggested an organic product called Sluggo, which is said to be completely safe to pets and wildlife when used as directed. Its active ingr

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Aluminum sliding doors are known for their strength and durability. They will, however, be affected by dirt, debris and so on if not cleaned regularly. While aluminum will resist corrosion, lack of cleaning will make it appear dull and gray. In addition, harsh and abrasive particles of grit may ultimately scratch the surface, too. Most Aluminum sliding doorsare suitable for both interior and exterior use for years without beginning to show any kind of aging. This can, however, only be maintained if they are regularly cleaned.

In summer, the doors should be allowed to cool down before attempting to clean them. A solution of a gallon of water with a teaspoon of a mild washing up liquid can be used with a soft rag to wipe down the door’s frame, handle and track. For stubborn grit, etc, it is possible to use a brush with Nylon bristles. Read more…

During the summer, you might find yourself having a home full of children. They all might not be your children, but you’re still responsible for what happens to them. Avoiding accidents and paying mind to basic safety tips can make summertime more enjoyable for everyone. When babysitting extra kids, keep these basic tips in mind to prevent chaos.

Locate First Aid Supplies

You should always know where you first aid kit is, and it should also always be stocked. In addition to having bandages, antibiotic cream and other essentials, it’s important that you know how to use the supplies. Purchase a basic home safety book is beneficial, because if you have a kid that has hit his/her head or one that has a severe cut, you will know how to properly deal with them.

Be Creative

Planning activities for the children can help prevent accidents, because you can suggest less dangerous activities. Plu

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We in the log and timber home industry sometimes forget that terminology we use on a daily basis may be new to those who are just starting to investigate their dream of owning a mountain style home – or even those who have been looking around for years.  This week we take a second to define some of the more common vocabulary terms you might see as you gather information.

Log or Timber Trusses

A truss can be either a functional brace to hold up part of your structure, or a decorative element which brings character to your log homes. In most cases, it is both. Truss styles include: Arched King Post, Scissor, Arched Queen Post, Hammer Beam, Barrel Truss and a Standard King Post.  Learn more about Trusses.

Turnkey

Turnkey cost refers to the total cost to build your log home or timber home, not including land or site improvements.  The term turnkey originated with the idea of the homeowner “turning the key” in the front door and walking into their completed home. Turnkey

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Imagine you splash out on a new office chair with all the latest gizmos and adjustments. It really looks the part, initially you’re really pleased with it. It’s definitely a big improvement on the old one. And yet after a couple of months you’re starting to find those niggling aches and pains are coming back. How so?

Why poor sitting habits cause you discomfort Very often the reason an office chair becomes uncomfortable is not wholly down to the chair. It’s often as a result of not sitting properly in it. And the thing is it’s actually far easier to sit badly in a chair than it is to sit well. Maybe you remember the old adage of sitting upright that your parents and teachers drummed into you when you were growing up. Somehow it doesn’t appear to help.

Why sitting up straight doesn’t work On the face of it sitting up straight seems like a good idea. The reality i

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Who are the Midcity Artists?

They are a diverse and talented group of around 40 professional artists who have come together for the purpose of promoting their art and the Dupont/Logan neighborhoods in the city they call home.

What is Open Studios?

Open Studios is a bi-annual event that allows the public to see where the artists based in the Midcity neighborhood create and get first-hand look at their most current work.  This year’s Fall Open Studios event is Saturday, October 22nd and Sunday, October 23rd.

Be sure to stop by Vastu to check out the work of Brian Petro and Colin Winterbottom.

Brian Petro

Colin Winterbottom

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To keep up with Midcity Artists, check out their Facebook page

or follow them on Twitter.