How to Tame Your Jungly Late-Summer Garden

Don’t suffer the ugly anymore. Here’s how to give your garden a fall makeover.

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Your poor, sad garden. The spent vines, stubborn weeds, and greens gone to seed are putting a pitiful spin on your backyard retreat.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some simple tips to tidy up your garden and yard, which will also help prep them for next year.

Bury the Dead

Nothing looks sadder than leggy tomato vines, yellow zucchini leaves, and dried-up perennials that long ago displayed their last bloom. So pull and prune the dead or dying plants in your garden.

Bury spent plants in your compost pile; double-bag diseased and infested plants and place in the trash. (Empty mulch bags are great final resting places for these plants, so be sure to stockpile them in spring.)

If your tomato vines are still bearing fruit, keep staking and pruning them until the first hard frost, when they’ll likely die. And give the birds a break and leave some seed-bearing but spent blooms for them. They love sunflowers, cone flowers, berries, and black-eyed Susans.

Pull Weeds

This is the last time this season to pull weeds. Pluck them before they flower and send seeds throughout your garden that will rest in winter and sprout in spring.

If you have a mulcher, chop the weeds and throw them on your compost pile. If you want to be extra sure that weed seeds are dead, bag weeds in black plastic and place in a sunny place for a couple of months. The heat will kill the seeds. Then throw the cooked weeds on your compost pile.

Harvest Seeds

One way to cut garden expenses is to harvest and store seeds. One large sunflower, for instance, can provide seeds for hundreds of plants next spring. Here are some seed guidelines.

Harvest seeds from heirloom vegetables and standard plants.
Disease can spread through seeds, so only harvest seeds from your healthiest plants.
Don’t harvest seeds from hybrid plants, which often are sterile or will look nothing like the parent plant.
Only harvest mature seeds from dry and faded blooms and pods. Mature seeds are often cream colored or brown.
After seeds are dry, store them in envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dry place.

Gather Supports

Stack and cover metal tomato cages. Bundle wooden or bamboo stakes, and store in a dry place so they don’t rot over winter. And retrieve panty-hose vine ties that you can re-use next spring.

Instead of throwing out broken cages and stakes, repurpose them. Snip off remaining cage legs to use for pepper supports. Broken tomato steaks will support smaller plants if you whittle one end into a point, so it easily slips into the ground.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

New Hope, MN

Located about 10 miles Northwest of Downtown Minneapolis, New Hope is a first-ring suburb that’s a great choice for those seeking large city convenience with small town comforts. Currently home to more than 20,000 people, the city’s population is expected to grow to 22,500 by 2030.

Back in 1936 when Crystal first became a city, not all residents supported the idea. So the rural residents in the western half of the original township broke away from the city of Crystal and formed their own township, which was named New Hope as a reflection of their ambitious endeavor.

Although New Hope eventually incorporated and became a city itself in 1953, it didn’t lose its roots of being a farming-rich community. Its agricultural history can still be seen today through the city’s community gardens and farmer’s market, the only Saturday market in the northwest suburbs, open June through October. The new Hy-Vee store also recently dedicated its own community garden in honor of the daughter of the brand’s co-founder. Sustainability is undoubtedly important to New Hope, and it definitely shows – the city was recently recognized as a “Step 3” Minnesota GreenStep award-winner, one of only 23 cities to receive this honor.

New Hope is a distinctly picturesque city that encourages residents to capture its unique beauty through the annual New Hope In Focus photo contest, which began in 2010. The competition is meant to inspire civic pride, motivate amateur and professional shutterbugs, and encourage those who live and work in New Hope to explore their city. Residents can submit pictures in four categories: people, places, nature, and youth. This year’s nominees can be seen here; voting for the People’s Choice award ends September 15th.

One of the most photogenic aspects of the city is the green space – there’s more than 200 acres of it throughout the city’s 20 parks. Impressively, nearly every New Hope home is within a quarter-mile of a city park. The crown jewel of the city’s park system is Northwood Park, which even inspired a resident to dedicate an entire blog to her beauteous observations. Check out some of the stunning sights here. For more inspiring views of nature undisturbed by human development, head on over to Dorothy Mary Park – six acres of untouched land called home by critters such as grey squirrels, red-tailed hawks, and many others.

Other recreational opportunities for residents and guests include the New Hope Village Golf Course, the New Hope Ice Arena, the soon-to-be Bassett Creek Regional Trail (connecting the city to Plymouth and Golden Valley), and the Milton C. Honsey Outdoor Pool. Open June through August, the facility features a concessions area, an Olympic‐sized pool with a drop slide and diving boards, and a separate shallow water pool with play features for young children. Just a couple blocks away is the New Hope YMCA, featuring an outdoor waterpark, perfect for hot summer (or Indian Summer) days. For those who prefer to fly high and stay dry, there’s a tier-one skate park called the “Sk8 Pad,” which opened in Civic Center Park in 2008. Human New Hopers aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the outdoors, though; there are also several off-leash dog parks throughout the city (see the 2016 resident’s guide for a full list).

New Hope is currently undergoing a period of reinvigoration. Since 2000, almost 800 new housing units have been constructed, with more big development projects in the works. Indeed, one of the city’s primary goals is to focus on the redevelopment of existing land for creative housing and commercial endeavors.

In addition, many New Hope homeowners are also updating their existing homes by expanding or making improvements that better suit their lifestyle. 2006 was the inaugural year of the Residential Property Recognition Program, which spotlights homeowners who have done a particularly outstanding job with property maintenance or improvements; remodeling, renovation or home addition; landscaping or gardens; or environmentally sensitive improvements. Highlighting these exemplary properties helps to encourage residents to display their community pride and to inspire every New Hope homeowner to make their property something special.

There are plenty of housing choices for those who want to share in the New Hope pride of homeownership, ranging from single family homes (previously owned or new construction) to condos, townhouses, and more. Whether you’re part of a growing family or young professionals seeking your first home (check out the MCPP [see page 21 for more info]), you will be able to find a nice, affordable option in New Hope. Since bottoming out in 2012, the city’s median sales price for single-family homes has been steadily increasing to its current level of $227,000 (see chart below).

The city of New Hope is well positioning itself for the future by continuing to provide a healthy economic base, a well‐maintained infrastructure, and public facilities to enhance the quality of life for residents. In 2001, the city established a cost efficient approach to maintaining vital infrastructure. According to the city’s website:

“The New Hope City Council made a commitment to preserve the city’s streets and parks in very good condition. A street infrastructure plan was developed based upon a detailed analysis of pavement condition throughout the city to ensure that street improvements would be made when they were most cost effective. The Council also established street and park infrastructure funds, financed through city property taxes, to pay for these ongoing improvement programs. So, while the city of New Hope’s share of property taxes may seem slightly higher than some neighboring communities, owners of taxable properties in New Hope pay no special assessments for street improvements (which often total $4,000 to $8,000 in other communities).”

Cost savings are not the only reason residents love living in New Hope. In fact, 89% of those interviewed in a recent city survey rated quality of life in the suburb as either good or excellent. One of the main factors contributing to their happiness is its location and accessibility. With the major arterials of Highway 169, Highway 100, I-694, and I-394 all nearby, New Hope has easy access to Minneapolis’ western suburbs and the entire Twin Cities area. The city is also well served by several Metro Transit bus lines and a Park and Ride facility is conveniently located for residents at 63rd Avenue and Bottineau Boulevard.

Furthermore, New Hopers’ high quality of life is, in part, due to the dedication of the public servants. Residents have a chance to thank their local firefighters in person each October, when the West Metro Fire-Rescue District hosts an open house at the city’s three stations (including the centrally-located headquarters, seen above).

New Hope’s nearly 500 businesses also make it easy for residents to live and work all within the city’s borders. One of the largest companies headquartered here is Liberty Diversified International (LDI), which began as a small family-owned business in 1918 and has since grown to a worldwide enterprise with more than 1,500 employees. In fact, in 2006 LDI was presented with the city’s inaugural Outstanding Business Award. In the 10 years since, 26 other New Hope companies (both large and small) have been given the award, which recognizes businesses for noteworthy accomplishments such as expanding or improving a building or property, creating new jobs for residents, reaching a milestone year in business, or providing outstanding community service.

Speaking of longstanding businesses, New Hope Bowl has been a local-loved favorite for over 50 years. Recognized by its bold sign and sand volleyball courts in the parking lot, the bowling alley is so much more than lanes and pins. A popular venue for birthday parties, company gatherings, and wedding receptions alike, the lounge also serves food from the Italian Pie Shoppe. Moonlight bowling will also be starting back up for the year in October, for those who prefer knocking strikes in the dark.

The New Hope Cinema Grill and Outtakes Bar is a perfect option for so many different events: date night (dinner and a movie in one place), watching the big game (they’ve got huge screens), and birthday parties (party packages are available). There’s also stand-up comedy, live music, and an arcade. Check out showtimes here!

For a mid-size suburb, there is a surprisingly wide variety of dining and entertainment options in New Hope. One new hotspot is Pub 42, which took the place of The Sunshine Factory (which relocated to Plymouth after 37 years in New Hope) on the corner of Quebec and 42nd. A great happy hour, diverse menu, and options for private dining all make it a welcome addition to the neighborhood! Another enjoyable eatery is Mountain Mudd & Niko’s Bar (recently rebranded), a chill place to enjoy a cuppa joe and listen to live tunes. Don’t forget to take a look around at the eclectic interior decorations. Another local joint known for its live entertainment is Frankie’s Pizza, which also hosts trivia games every Wednesday night.

Throughout the year, New Hope also holds several seasonal celebrations that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. The annual summer festival, quirkily called Duk Duk Daze, is held the third weekend of July, and features activities such as a fire hose demo, bean bag tournament, and Frankie’s Pizza eating contest. Also at the end of July, the Off Broadway Musical Theatre presents a musical at the outdoor playhouse. Past productions include “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Sound of Music,” “Cinderella” and “Annie.” Lastly, the holidays are a big deal to New Hope residents, who get a chance to put their Christmas spirit on display through the New Hope Sparkles lighting contest. Greg and Jennifer Larson have taken their love for lighting to the next level, making Larson’s Lights a local phenomenon. The display, featuring over 100,000 lights, must be seen to be believed! Luckily, you don’t have to wait long, as this year’s opening night is just over 2.5 months away (check out the website’s countdown!).

If the city’s many amenities, growth opportunities, and entertainment options sound like a great fit for you, then consider calling New Hope home! Contact us today to find out more about moving to New Hope!

Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools	Public Parks & Attractions
District 281	See the full list of city parks here
District 287	New Hope Bowl
Faith Communities	Local Restaurants
Calvary Solid Rock	Cake Box
Evergreen Community Church	Cinema Grill & Outtakes Bar
Holy Nativity Lutheran Church	Country Kitchen
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church	DW’s Diner
House of Hope Lutheran Church	Fat Nat’s Eggs
New Hope Church	Frankie’s Pizza
Northwest Church of Christ	Gion Restaurant
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church	Hy-Vee Market Grille
For more info on life in New Hope, check out this year’s Residents Guide!	Italian Pie Shoppe
	Jet’s Pizza
	Mountain Mudd Espresso
	New Panda House
	New Wok Express
	Papa’s Cafe
	Pub 42

Is it time to replace your front door?

Your front door is one of the first things guests notice when visiting your home. In addition to providing security and protection, your front door can make a bold statement and reflect your personal style.

But whether or not your current front door matches your home’s interior and your taste, if you feel a draft, see any cracks or hear squeaky joints or scraping sounds, it may be time to replace it. Consider your options with some of the most common front door materials and features.

Materials

Wood: Though beautiful, solid wood doors are expensive and sensitive to the elements. Some modern wood doors come with steel cores to minimize warping and reduce cost.
Fiberglass: A durable and cost-effective option is a fiberglass composite door. Their foam cores are good insulators, and they can withstand harsh climates.
Steel: Strong but subject to dents, steel doors are the least expensive of the three. They have shorter life spans and aren’t well-suited for extreme climates, but depending on their core, they can be energy efficient.

Styles
There are multiple styles to choose from, including:

Solid panel doors
Arched doors
Dutch or split doors
Double doors
Decorative doors with glass inserts
Frosted glass doors with ornamental wrought iron overlaid for added security

You could even complement your front door with sidelights or a transom window while also letting in more outside light.

Colors
The color of your front door should depend mostly on the exterior style and colors of your house, your personal taste and the type of door chosen. If your house is mostly neutral in color, don’t be afraid to go bold with your front door.

Use these tips to help make your front door an inviting entrance that not only offers protection from the elements but also reflects your personal style.

Travel Feature: Tokyo, Japan

As we say goodbye to the 2016 Summer Olympics and legendary athletes like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt, it’s time to look to the future, specifically the next Olympic Games. Tokyo, Japan was chosen to host the 2020 Games (and accepted the torch from Rio in epic fashion), and city planning has already been underway for a few years. Before the start of the 32nd Olympiad, the city plans to build a new Olympic Stadium, called the Kasumigaoka National Stadium, on the site of the 1964 Olympic Stadium, which will be one of the most advanced stadiums in the world. Once it – and the rest of the Olympic updates – are complete, the city will surely be even more of a travel destination than it already is. With that in mind, here are some tips for visiting Tokyo within the next few years:

Photo Credit: "Tokyo" by Photo RNW.org © 2007 (CC BY-ND 2.0)

A Brief Overview

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the country’s most populous city, while the Greater Tokyo region is the most populous metropolitan area in the world with about 37.8 million people, according to World Atlas. A strong economy (the city is home to 52 Fortune Global 500 companies) and generally pleasant climate (with seasons similar to the US) make Tokyo a great place to live year-round for Japanese natives or expats alike. It’s also a favorite vacation spot, having been ranked first in the “best overall experience” category of TripAdvisor’s World City Survey in 2014, thanks in part to its “helpful locals,” “best public transport,” and “cleanest streets.” According to CNN, in 2015, 19.7 million tourists visited the country, so you’ll most likely be able to find a helping hand whenever you need one.

Safety Tips

When planning your travels, keep in mind that typhoon season typically lasts from May to October, so you may want to adjust your schedule accordingly. Also, because of its location near three tectonic plate borders and its position on the “Ring of Fire,” Japan can experience large earthquakes, such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, which measured at a magnitude of 9.0 and caused a massive tsunami. While there’s no way for the average resident or traveler to predict occurrences such as this, it is always a good idea to establish some safety nets in the case of a disaster.

Know Before You Go

If you’re visiting Tokyo from the U.S., there will be some notable differences (both behaviorally and culturally) to which you should pay attention. For example, you will need to carry cash and coins (in yen), since credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the U.S. Also, it is a lot less common to walk around while eating or drinking (which helps keep the city clean), so make time to fit regular sit-down meals into your schedule. For more helpful tips on proper etiquette (such as gratuities, do’s/don’ts of talking on your cell phone, and how to get free wi-fi) click here and here.

What To Pack

Socks – and lots of them! Bare feet are considered rude in Japan, so make sure to bring socks with you wherever you go (even if you’re wearing sandals, you should have a pair of socks to put on when you’re inevitably asked to remove your shoes). Also, because it tends to rain a fair amount, it might be a good idea to bring a raincoat or a poncho for those wet days. If you forget, you can always pick up a widely available and ingenious clear umbrella. Otherwise, the temperatures and weather are similar to that of the Mid-Atlantic states here in the U.S., so your clothing of choice really depends on the time of year that you visit.

Getting To and Around the City

There are a couple different options for getting to Tokyo; it is served by two airports – Narita Airport (mostly international flights) and Haneda Airport (mostly domestic) – as well as by several Shinkansen (high-speed train) lines. Once you make it to the island, you’re in luck. As mentioned previously, Tokyo has one of the best public transportation systems among major metropolises, made up of a dense network of train, subway and bus lines. You can get a prepaid/rechargeable Suica or Pasmo cards, which allows you access to all trains and buses without having to mess around with spare change for fare each time.

Things to See, Eat, and Do

While in Tokyo, you should try to make it to every prefecture, each with its own distinct characteristics and landmarks. Head to the Asakusa neighborhood to see Senso-ji, the highly recognizable Buddhist temple. In the Ueno neighborhood, make sure to check out the oldest zoo in Japan, the Tokyo National Museum, and the cherry blossoms in the spring. Missing the hustle and bustle of U.S. cities like New York? Then get thee to Shibuya, which is home to the world’s busiest crosswalk. Take a short train ride to check out the Tokyo Tower, the city’s 2nd tallest structure, which was modeled after Paris’ Eiffel Tower (and actually comes in a few meters taller than it). If you’re in an adventurous mood, you can hike up the 600 steps to the observation desk…or you can just take the elevator. Feeling hungry after all that exploring? You can’t, of course, leave Tokyo without trying the sushi. For the best places to get the freshest fish and more of Japan’s must-have delectable delicacies, head on over to this post on i am a food blog.

Have you ever been to Tokyo? What are your best travel tips? Please share in the comments!

Replacing Rain Gutters and Downspouts

By: Pat Curry

Replace missing gutters and downspouts to prevent serious siding and foundation damage that may cost you $10,000 or more to repair.

Your home may be your castle, but if you’re missing downspouts and sections of gutter, you’ll certainly have a moat where daisies once flourished. Excess water near your foundation risks thousands of dollars in foundation repairs. The good news is that gutter or downspout replacement only requires about $15 worth of materials and three to four hours of your time.

Cost of Replacement Gutters and Downspouts

You’ll find aluminum and vinyl gutter components surprisingly affordable. Here’s what to look for:

Home centers sell 10-foot sections of gutter for less than $8.
A 10-foot downspout costs you less than $13.
Clip-up downspout extenders that snap out of the way when mowing cost about $8.
Gutter sealant runs about $7 for a 10-ounce tube.
Buy additional hangers and clips ($2) — the damage may have occurred because there weren’t enough of them in the first place.
In some cases, you’ll also need some end caps ($7 per set), joint connectors ($6), and a box of self-tapping screws ($6).

How to Replace Missing Gutters

More often than not, an entire 10-foot section of gutter will be damaged or missing. Use a hacksaw and tin snips to cut shorter lengths of replacement gutter.

Grab two ladders and enlist a helper.
Remove any old joint connectors and scrape any sealant or gunk off the existing gutter.
Do a test fit with new joint connectors.
Fill the ends of the new joint connectors with sealant before installing the gutter.
Loosen adjacent hangers if needed to add the replacement section.
Add hangers every 3 feet. Confirm that the gutter is pitched toward the downspout at a slope of 1/4-inch for every 10 feet.

How to Add a Downspout

Fit the new downspout up into the drop outlet (the piece at the end of gutter that feeds into the downspout). Notice that the drop outlet fits inside the downspout section to contain the flow and keep the jointing from leaking.

Fasten the joint with two self-tapping gutter screws. Add additional sections as needed.
Finish the downspout with an elbow positioned at least 6 inches above grade.
Attach the downspout extender (it should extend at least 5 feet into your yard).

Adding All-New Gutters and Downspouts

If there are lots of missing or damaged pieces, you may decide it is time for a whole new set of gutters. Most residential gutters are made of lightweight and durable aluminum. Vinyl, galvanized steel, and even copper also are options.

Aluminum gutters can range from about $4.50 to $9.50 per linear foot installed. On a 2,000-square-foot house with about 180 linear feet of gutters, that’s roughly $800 to $1,700.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

The Best State Fairs Across the United States

As we eagerly await the start of the Great Minnesota Get-Together (now only 10 days away!), we decided to take a look at some of the other state fairs put on across the country each summer. While we don’t think any of them can quite live up to our beloved fair, we’re certainly willing to learn a bit more about their histories and traditions. So whether you’re planning a road trip to hit up the best of the best this year, or if you’re just curious about your fellow Americans’ fave foods-on-a-stick, take a look at our list of the best state fairs in the U.S.:

1. Minnesota State Fair (St. Paul, Aug. 25-Sept. 5, 2016)

Most Daily Visitors

Okay, so we might be a bit biased here, but we do have the facts and awards to back us up! As the most attended state fair on a daily basis (the fairgrounds see an average of 150,000 people per day), we definitely have a claim to greatness. Not to mention the record-setting 1.8 million+ total visitors we had in 2014 – that’s pretty impressive, don’t’cha think? With all-you-can drink milk, cheese curds as far as the eye can see, and big name Grandstand acts (Aretha Franklin and the Backstreet Boys have performed recently), it’s pretty easy to see why USA Today readers named the Minnesota State Fair best in the country!

2. State Fair of Texas (Dallas, Sept. 30-Oct. 23, 2016)

Most Annual Visitors

Now in its 130th year, the Lone Star State’s annual celebration is the most attended state fair countrywide. Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest draws is the endless selection of deep-fried food on a stick (this is the original home of fried butter, after all). But Texas standbys such as corny dogs and Frito pies are top sellers too. Contenders for this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards even include bacon-wrapped Churros and deep-fried Jello. Another sure-to-be fan favorite? The 75 main stage shows, which are all free (with fair admission). That’s right, F-R-E-E. This year’s headliners include Kacey Musgraves and Nelly. If that’s not a big enough attraction for you, then take a gander at Big Tex. The fair’s familiar mascot is 55 feet tall and wears size 96 cowboy boots! The only way you’d be taller than him is by taking a ride on the Texas State Ferris Wheel, which soars 212 feet into the sky (and is the tallest in North America). We guess everything really is bigger in Texas!

3. Alaska State Fair (Palmer, Aug. 25-Sept. 5, 2016)

Most Impressive Produce

Like Minnesotans, Alaskans experience cold much of the year, so they have made warm-weather fun a priority – and a specialty! Locals love the state fair (almost as much as Minnesotans love ours), which is held in Palmer, a city about an hour north of Anchorage. Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, the fair is famous for the massive produce seen in competition each year. Past highlights include a 138-lb. cabbage, a 168-lb. watermelon, and an (almost unbelievable) 1,287-lb. pumpkin. Besides producing award-winners, the fair knows how to receive some recognition itself. In 2012, it was named one of the country’s best state fairs by Country Living magazine and, in 2014, it was named one of the nation’s top 20 events and festivals by Top Events USA.

4. Iowa State Fair (Des Moines, Aug. 11-21, 2016)

Most Epic Butter Sculpture

The Minnesota State Fair may be known for its Princess Kay of the Milky Way butter sculptures, but Iowa could just have us beat with their (nearly) life-size butter cow. Each year, a local sculptor creates a 600-lb. cow out of pure Iowan butter that’s then displayed in the fairground’s Agriculture Building. This tradition dates back 105 years, all the way to 1911. Over the years, the cow has been accompanied by other famous faces including Elvis, Superman, and Harry Potter! Another claim to fame for the fair is that it served as the inspiration for the many retellings of the now-classic State Fair, including the original novel, three motion pictures, and a Broadway musical. Speaking of literature, the fair is featured in the highly trusted travel book, 1000 Places to See Before You Die, as well as its follow-up, 1000 Places to See in the U.S.A. and Canada Before You Die. It’s easy to see why the Iowa State Fair has received so much notoriety. With over 70 foods available on-a-stick, including animal-themed Monkey Tails (chocolate-dipped bananas) and Unicorn Lollipops, the fair has more than earned its motto of “Nothing compares!”

5. Great New York State Fair (Syracuse, Aug. 25-Sept.5, 2016)

Most Years in Existence

Not to be confused with any New York fairs of lesser quality, The Great New York State Fair, is the country’s oldest, having been around since 1841. In 2001, an unprecedented 1,011,248 fairgoers ventured up to the Empire State for the fair (and it still holds the overall attendance record)! The single-day record was set on Labor Day in 2014, with a whopping 122,870 visitors. In 2015, the state thought it was high time to revitalize the fair, which led to a $50 million redevelopment project initiated by Governor Andrew Cuomo. New features include an improved Midway, a restored park in the Historic Quad, and an RV parking area. With only 10 days to the beginning of this year’s fair, guests are surely eager to see all the improvements! Fairgoers are also looking forward to Taste NY, an event held in the Horticulture building, that links consumers to the best products grown and made right in New York state through free samples of food and beverage, and face-to-face meetings with the artisans behind the fair’s homemade fare.

Which state fair are you looking forward to most this year? What’s your favorite state fair tradition? Let us know in the comments!

Simple Homemade Cleaning Solutions

Whether you’re looking for greener ways to clean your home or you just want to save money at the store, there are simple household cleaning products you can make on your own. Use the recipes, tips and precautions below to help you get started.

All-Purpose Cleaner
Create your own inexpensive and effective all-purpose cleaner with liquid castile soap, tea tree oil, vodka, washing soda (not baking soda) and white vinegar. Boil the vinegar in the microwave, mix in the remaining ingredients according to the recipe and put the solution in a spray bottle for easy cleaning.

Laundry Detergent
Avoid questionable foaming agents and heavy fragrance by making your own laundry detergent. Measure the correct amounts of soap flakes or grated bar soap, borax and washing soda, and store in an airtight container.

Tips to Keep in Mind

Avoid mix-ups by labelling and dating each cleaning product when it’s made.
Add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, lavender and lemon to scent your homemade cleaning solutions.
Substitute vodka for vinegar if you want a lighter smell.
Before using a homemade cleaner on delicate surfaces like hardwood floors or marble, first test it in a small, hidden area.

What to Avoid

Do not mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar. The dangerous combination can damage your respiratory system.
Keep hydrogen peroxide and vinegar separate at all times. Together they create peracetic acid, a highly corrosive compound that can lead to chemical burns.
Don’t use vinegar on reactive metal surfaces like aluminum or cast iron.
Refrain from using large amounts of any cleaning solution, homemade or store-bought, in unventilated areas.

When mixed and used properly, homemade cleaning solutions can work as well as, if not better than, commercial cleaners, plus they’re also easier on your wallet. Make sure you know the basics before you make your own cleaning products.

Fun Facts about the Minnesota State Fair

As soon as August arrives, all Minnesotans have just one thing on their mind: the Minnesota State Fair. It’s a time for folks statewide (and even from across the nation) to flock to the Twin Cities and enjoy the best days of summer. What began as an event in the early 1850’s to showcase crops, livestock, produce, and handiwork of Minnesota residents, has since become a cultural phenomenon beloved by all Minnesotans, regardless of their involvement with agriculture or farming.

In anticipation of August 25th (the event’s first of 12 days), we put together a list of some of the most interesting facts about “The Great Minnesota Get-Together.” Take a look:

1.It is the largest state fair in the U.S. by average daily attendance.

2. It is the 2nd largest state fair in the U.S. by total annual attendance (the largest is Texas, which runs about twice as long).

3. The highest annual attendance occurred in 2014, with 1,824,830 fairgoers.

4. The single day record was set on August 30, 2014, with 252,092 attendants.

5. It was named the best state fair in the nation by USA Today readers.

6. Theodore Roosevelt first uttered his famous line “Speak softly and carry a big stick” at the state fair in 1901.

7. Since it began more than 150 years ago, the state fair has only not been held five times (see the reasons why here).

8. The current site is not the fair’s original home. Before 1885 when it settled permanently in Falcon Heights (adjacent to St. Paul neighborhoods Como & St. Anthony Park), the fair jumped from city to city, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Red Wing, Owatonna, and Winona.

9. Each year, the newly crowned Princess Kay of the Milky Way and her royal court have their likenesses carved out of a 90 lb. block of butter. Each sculpture takes about 6-8 hours to complete.

10. For several decades, the soon-to-be-renovated Machinery Hill housed the largest annual display of farm equipment in the world.

11. Before moving to the Walker Art Center and eventually to CHS Field (its current venue), the Cat Video Festival was held at the State Fair Grandstand.

12. Owatonna native Lillian Colton created Crop Art for the fair for over 40 years, winning nine purple ribbons in all. Her work included portraits of celebrities ranging from Prince to Princess Diana.

13. The oldest amusement ride at the fair is Ye Old Mill, which just celebrated its 100th birthday last year.

14. Meanwhile, the Hamline Church Dining Hall is the longest running concession stand, having been open since 1897.

15. Pronto Pups, a highlight of the fair for many, were first introduced to fairgoers in 1947.

16. New food offerings this year include spam sushi and macaroni & cheese curds. Talk about decadent!

17. Perennial favorite Sweet Martha’s Cookies (soon to have a third location in the north end), serves over 1 million warm chocolate chip cookies per day.

18. What goes better with cookies than milk? Nothing! To satisfy your dairy craving, head on over to the All-You-Can Drink milk booth, where approximately 26,000 gallons of the creamy stuff is served per year (in both white and chocolate varieties). If that sounds like a bit too much lactose for you, consider participating in the Milk Run instead – all participants receive a Milk Run T-shirt, fair admission, and a malt coupon.

19. If walking is more your speed, there is a year-round Fair Walking & Cell Phone Tour, which was created in partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society to provide a more detailed guide of the fairgrounds.

20. You know those gopher mascots you immediately identify with the fair? Believe it or not, they actually have names (Fairchild and his nephew Fairborne) and backstories.

Were you surprised by any of these facts? What are your favorite State Fair traditions? What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Get Together? Let us know in the comments!

4 Tips to Determine How Much Mortgage You Can Afford

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: August 20, 2014

Homeownership should make you feel safe and secure, and that includes financially. Be sure you can afford your home by calculating how much of a mortgage you can safely fit into your budget.

Why not just take out the biggest mortgage a lender says you can have? Because your lender bases that number on a formula that doesn’t consider your current and future financial and personal goals.

Think ahead to major life events and consider how those might influence your budget. Do you want to return to school for an advanced degree? Will a new child add day care to your monthly expenses? Does a relative plan to eventually live with you and contribute to the mortgage?

Consider those lifestyle issues as you check out these four methods for estimating the amount of mortgage you can afford.

1. Prepare a detailed budget.

The oldest rule of thumb says you can typically afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. So, if you earn $100,000, you can typically afford a home between $200,000 and $300,000.

But that’s not the best method because it doesn’t take into account your monthly expenses and debts. Those costs greatly influence how much you can afford. Let’s say you earn $100,000 a year but have $1,000 in monthly payments for student debt, car loans, and credit card minimum payments. You don’t have as much money to pay your mortgage as someone earning the same income with no debts.

Better option: Prepare a family budget that tallies your ongoing monthly bills for everything — credit cards, car and student loans, lunch at work, day care, date night, vacations, and savings.

See what’s left over to spend on homeownership costs, like your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and community association fees, if applicable.

2. Factor in your downpayment.

How much money do you have for a downpayment? The higher your downpayment, the lower your monthly payments will be. If you put down at least 20% of the home’s cost, you may not have to get private mortgage insurance, which protects the lender if you default and costs hundreds each month. That leaves more money for your mortgage payment.

The lower your downpayment, the higher the loan amount you’ll need to qualify for and the higher your monthly mortgage payment.

But, if interest rates and/or home prices are rising and you wait to buy until you accumulate a bigger downpayment, you may end up paying more for your home.

3. Consider your overall debt.

Lenders generally follow the 43% rule. Your monthly mortgage payments covering your home loan principal, interest, taxes and insurance, plus all your other bills, like car loans, utilities, and credit cards, shouldn’t exceed 43% of your gross annual income.

Here’s an example of how the 43% calculation works for a homebuyer making $100,000 a year before taxes:

1. Your gross annual income is $100,000.

2. Multiply $100,000 by 43% to get $43,000 in annual income.

3. Divide $43,000 by 12 months to convert the annual 43% limit into a monthly upper limit of $3,583.

4. All your monthly bills including your potential mortgage can’t go above $3,583 per month.

You might find a lender willing to give you a mortgage with a payment that goes above the 43% line, but consider carefully before you take it. Evidence from studies of mortgage loans suggest that borrowers who go over the limit are more likely to run into trouble making monthly payments, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns.

4. Use your rent as a mortgage guide.

The tax benefits of homeownership generally allow you to afford a mortgage payment — including taxes and insurance — of about one-third more than your current rent payment without changing your lifestyle. So you can multiply your current rent by 1.33 to arrive at a rough estimate of a mortgage payment.

Here’s an example: If you currently pay $1,500 per month in rent, you should be able to comfortably afford a $2,000 monthly mortgage payment after factoring in the tax benefits of homeownership.

However, if you’re struggling to keep up with your rent, buy a home that will give you the same payment rather than going up to a higher monthly payment. You’ll have additional costs for homeownership that your landlord now covers, like property taxes and repairs. If there’s no room in your budget for those extras, you could become financially stressed.

Also consider whether or not you’ll itemize your deductions. If you take the standard deduction, you can’t also deduct mortgage interest payments. Talking to a tax adviser, or using a tax software program to do a “what if” tax return, can help you see your tax situation more clearly.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who’s owned her own home for more than 20 years. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

St. Anthony Village

Known simply as “The Village” by locals, St. Anthony Village is a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis. St. Anthony, a former-township-turned-city with about 8,500 residents, should not be confused with St. Anthony Park, a neighborhood in St. Paul, nor with St. Anthony East or St. Anthony West (both are neighborhoods in Minneapolis). Despite its seemingly common name, St. Anthony is truly a one-of-a-kind city, from its geography to its beloved annual events to its emphasis on promoting small business.

The city’s geography is unique in that two-thirds of the city are located in Hennepin County, while one-third is located in Ramsey County (the dividing line is 37th Avenue). St. Anthony is also conveniently located just about five miles northeast of downtown Minneapolis and eight miles northwest of downtown St. Paul. Additionally, both the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses of the University of Minnesota are only a 10 to 15 minute drive from St. Anthony. Despite its proximity to the big cities with their metropolitan amenities, St. Anthony has been able to maintain the advantages of small town living, which locals love. Village residents pretty much have the best of both worlds!

For covering less than 2.5 square miles, St. Anthony manages to pack in a whole lot of must-dos and must-sees. Each year, over the first weekend of August, the city hosts its summer celebration, Villagefest. Even though it’s downsizing a bit this year, attendees can still expect a lot of fun events, including a car show, street dancing, musical entertainment, a kickball tournament, a pancake breakfast, and a fireworks extravaganza. Enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, the festival has an ingenious method to draw in extra attendees this year:

But whether or not you’re a Pokemon Go master, you will definitely enjoy spending some time walking around St. Anthony, which features the beautiful Silver Lake and several parks, including Salo Park. Named after St. Anthony’s sister city of Salo, Finland, Salo Park is located adjacent to the highly walkable Silver Lake Village shopping center on the city’s north end. The park hosts an annual summer concert series at its amphitheater, and musical acts range from the St. Anthony Civic Orchestra to jazz bands and swing ensembles. It’s a perfect way to spend a warm summer evening, and residents appreciate the fun, free, & local entertainment!

It’s really no wonder Villagers enjoys listening to music in the park, given that the city puts such a strong emphasis on arts and culture. The St. Anthony Community Theater, for instance, has grown from putting on a 12-person production in 2001 to being today’s theatrical destination in the area. Since it was established 15 years ago, the theater has put its own spin on popular plays such as Mary Poppins, Seussical the Musical, A Christmas Carol, and The Wizard of Oz. There are plenty of opportunities for performers and stagehands alike, and it’s a great way for creators of all ages to get involved with their community. For artists who prefer slinging paint to singing show tunes, there’s Created to Grow, an arts center that provides creative education in the form of instructor lead art classes and guided open studio creativity. If that sounds a bit too tame for you, then try out Wine and Canvas, where you can combine your love of design with a drink of fine wine. And who knows? Perhaps one day you’ll see your creation on display at Corner Books, a bookshop that showcases the work of local artists.

The median sales price for homes in St. Anthony as of July 2016 is just over $240,000 while the number for the metro area as a whole is hovering around $227,000.

Most houses in the Village were built in the 1940s & ’50s, during the post-war housing boom, thus the abundance of suburban ramblers and bungalows that were favored at the time. However, more recently, the city has seen its share of development, which would explain the newer construction condos, townhouses, and apartments, especially around the Silver Lake area. Considering the housing stock, it comes as no surprise then that a large portion of the St. Anthony population are married couples without children, who like the area for its amenities, walkability, and proximity to both Twin Cities.

If you’re a family looking to move to the area, though, don’t fret – there are plenty of housing options for you too. Over the last six months, single-family homes with 3+ bedrooms in the city have been going for around $250,000 and up. And if you’re searching for an exceptional school district for your children, then St. Anthony might definitely be your best bet. Last year, St. Anthony Village Senior High School was one of ten Minnesota high schools to rank on Newsweek’s Top 500, and in 2014 the school was given a gold medal by the US News and World Report.

High schoolers aren’t the only ones who thrive in St. Anthony; small businesses also experience the perks of being part of a tight-knit community. The St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce, for one, works hard to make sure all business owners who come to the city feel welcome and appreciated, by holding a ribbon cutting for all new businesses. The chamber also hosts a myriad of events to encourage entrepreneurship, including happy hours and workshops that teach local proprietors how to better their businesses. The chamber doesn’t stop there, though. Each year, they name an Outstanding Business of the Year, an award established in 1993 to recognize an outstanding business located in or serving the community of St. Anthony Village. For individuals, there’s the Villager of the Year Award, which honors and recognizes a resident of St. Anthony who has made outstanding contributions to improve the quality of life in the community. Both award winners are honored with a celebratory dinner in April.

Speaking of dinner…the Village has a sizable selection of dining options, ranging from some of the best Mexican cuisine in the Twin Cities at Catrina’s to all-you-can-eat Chinese food at Great Dragon. Maybe you’re in the mood for some basic-but-tasty bar food. To satisfy that craving, you’ll want to head to The Unofficial Dive Bar & Grill, which just celebrated its grand re-opening over the weekend. It’s officially the best place in town to grab a burger or beer or to play some Bingo.

If you’re looking for a city that feels like a Village, or a small town that has access to all the amenities of a big city, then St. Anthony is probably for you! Check it out today!

Neighborhood Resources

Neighborhood Schools	Faith Communities
St. Anthony Middle School	Abu-Huraira Islamic Center
St. Anthony Village Alternative School	Church of St. Charles Borromeo
St. Anthony Village Senior High School	Elmwood Evangelical Free Church
St. Charles Catholic School	Faith United Methodist Church
Wilshire Park Elementary School	Nativity Lutheran Church
Public Parks & Attractions	Local Restaurants
Central Park	Annona Gourmet
Emerald Park	Broadway Pizza
Gross National Golf Club	Catrina’s Mexican Restaurant
Salo Park & Amphitheater	Great Dragon
Silver Lake Village	TeaSource
Silver Point Park	The Unofficial Dive Bar & Grill
Silverwood Park	Village Pub
Trillium Park

Don’t suffer the ugly anymore. Here’s how to give your garden a fall makeover.

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Bury the Dead

Pull Weeds

Harvest Seeds

Gather Supports

Neighborhood Schools

Public Parks & Attractions

Faith Communities

Local Restaurants

A Brief Overview

Safety Tips

Know Before You Go

What To Pack

Getting To and Around the City

Things to See, Eat, and Do

Have you ever been to Tokyo? What are your best travel tips? Please share in the comments!

By: Pat Curry

Cost of Replacement Gutters and Downspouts

How to Replace Missing Gutters

How to Add a Downspout

Adding All-New Gutters and Downspouts

Which state fair are you looking forward to most this year? What’s your favorite state fair tradition? Let us know in the comments!

Were you surprised by any of these facts? What are your favorite State Fair traditions? What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Get Together? Let us know in the comments!

1. Prepare a detailed budget.

2. Factor in your downpayment.

3. Consider your overall debt.

4. Use your rent as a mortgage guide.

Neighborhood Schools

Faith Communities

Public Parks & Attractions

Local Restaurants

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