Fall Landscaping: How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter

Fall landscaping preparations ready your yard for a long winter and glorious spring.

Fall landscaping chores are your last chance to prepare your property for winter, and to protect that curb appeal you’ve worked so hard to create. So pull on some gloves, grab your tools, and get ready to mulch, prune, and plant before snow and frozen ground turn the lights out on your landscaping.
 

Spread Mulch
“Fall mulching is better for the plants than spring mulching,” says Dan Taft, owner of The Cutting Edge in Chantilly, Va. “It helps protect roots from frost and helps retain moisture during a cold and dry winter.”

Spread 2 to 3 inches of fresh mulch around shrubs and trees. Taft warns home owners to avoid using free mulch from municipal piles, which often contain disease spores; instead, buy hardwood shredded mulch from home and garden centers, he says.

“Cheap, dump mulch mainly is made from trees that have died from disease,” Taft says. “Many diseases will linger in the mulch, like leaf spot and pine bark borers. You don’t want ground-up diseased plants around your landscaping.”

Remove the Dead and Dying
Fall isn’t the time to prune, because that encourages growth when healthy plants should remain dormant. But don’t shelve your shears and loppers yet. Fall is the time to neaten your landscaping before putting it to bed for the winter.

“If you remove dead landscaping in fall, you don’t have to look at it all winter,” Taft says.

• Remove dead annuals.

• Deadhead spent blooms, and cut back dead and desiccated ornamental grasses and perennials.

• Lightly prune dead and dying branches from shrubs and trees. Carefully remove dried blossoms from hydrangea, but don’t remove dead-looking stalks, where new buds will form in spring.

• After the first frost, cut back tea roses to about a third of their height.

Wrap Delicate Shrubs
Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can dry and split your delicate and pricey shrubs. To protect your landscaping from the winter elements:

• Hide small plants under overturned plastic pots or buckets.

• Wrap shrubs, such as boxwoods, in burlap.

• Surround vulnerable trees with shredded leaves.

Take Advantage of Fall Sales
Early fall until the ground freezes is a good time to plant trees and shrubs. Not only do cooler weather and autumn rain put less stress on young landscaping plants, nurseries often have sales to empty their shelves before winter.

“They need to sell every plant by Dec. 1,” Taft says. “Nurseries generally pay a third of the price that you’re paying. So don’t be afraid to offer less than the asking price. If you’re buying several things, the manager may give you a break.”

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/landscaping-gardening/fall-landscaping-how-prepare-your-yard-winter/#ixzz3EQnK9O6W

Autumn Maintenance For Your Home

As the leaves change and the days get shorter, take the time this autumn to prepare for the oncoming cold weather. Ready the furnace for the months of work it will have ahead, and clean out the fireplace. Test them both to ensure they’ll be working when you need the heat. Don’t wait until it’s snowing to clear out your gutters. With upkeep in the fall, you’ll have peace of mind in the winter and more time to hibernate.

Inside The House

Heating System Checkup

Be sure to change the air filter in your furnace and check its efficiency before the cold weather begins. Call in an HVAC contractor to test the heating output and give the system a tune-up. This technician can also check for and correct possibly hazardous carbon monoxide levels generated by your heating system. Stock up on several air filters for the winter, and change them every month. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, purchase one for the system to help lower your energy costs.
After your furnace has been tuned up to its maximum efficiency, take a moment to inspect your heating ducts and vents. Dust them off and clear away anything that may have gotten into them over the summer. Then check your windows for any leaks that may compromise your heating efficiency. If you feel cold air coming in, purchase a plastic sealing kit from the hardware store and place the plastic around the window to keep the heat from escaping. Be sure to check your doors as well, and fix their weather-stripping if needed.

Check The Fireplace And Chimney

Most chimney sweeps recommend an annual sweeping, but depending on how often you use the fireplace, you might be able to wait on a full sweep. But if you will be using the fireplace often, call a chimney sweep for an inspection. For further information, read the Chimney and Woodburning Fireplace Safety guide.
Hopefully you will have your older, seasoned firewood now ready for use after sitting for the spring and summer. It’s recommended to keep the firewood at least 30 feet from the house and covered. Seasoned wood is best for fires, as it burns cleaner and longer.

Review Home Fire Safety

The introduction of the heating season brings new potential for fire hazards, so take a moment to review fire safety in your home. Check and replace fire extinguishers if necessary, and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Also go over the home fire evacuation plan with your family.

Outside The House

The Gutters

It’s best to inspect and clean the gutters a few times during the fall, especially if there are many leafy trees around your house. If gutters remain clogged, water will spill over them and onto the ground next to the foundation, which may cause damage to the foundation. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clean and should direct water away from the foundation, as well as from walkways and driveways, so that they do not become slippery or icy.

Yard Maintenance

The orange, yellow, and brown colors of the autumn leaves don’t look as nice on the ground as they do on the trees. Rake the leaves into piles and scoop them into yard waste bags. Most areas have ordinances about burning leaves, so check with your local area government first. When sweeping the leaves off your patio, don’t forget to clean, pack up, and store any patio furniture for the winter. Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the section of pipe just inside the house.

In The Garage

It is recommended that you empty out unused fuel from any gas-powered equipment stored in the garage, such as a lawnmower, because sediment can build up and clog the fuel lines. Store gasoline in tanks out of children’s reach and have it ready for use in your snowblower or emergency generator, if need be.

Test Your Emergency Generator

It’s a good idea to have an emergency generator if you live in an area that sees a lot of ice storms, as these are a major cause of blackouts during the winter. So if you have one, haul it out and give it a test run to see if it is in good working order. Make sure you never run the generator in any enclosed space – like your garage – as it will present a carbon monoxide hazard.

- See more at: http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/fall-maintenance-tips-for-your-home/#sthash.pSl2g60g.dpuf

Go Check Out The New Winston Museum

    


The New Winston Museum covers history of W-S from 1850 to the present. Among its exhibitions are films containing interviews with community members sharing their recollections of the history of WS, such as the events that took place during the Civil Rights era, and looking toward the future of WS. It also includes images of people and places in WS from 1850 to the present.

New Winston Museum is located at 713 South Marshall Street. Summer hours for the museum are Tuesday - Friday, 2 p.m.– 5 p.m., or by appointment. Contact info@newwinston.org or call 336. 724-2842 or visit http://www.newwinston.org



In addition to their other programs, New Winston Museum presents a free monthly Salon Series featuring a broad range of local historians, artists, writers, musicians, crafts-folk and other specialists. Speakers discuss aspects of their work and their process to find interpersonal connections with their work and the broader community. Light refreshments are provided, and guests are welcome to bring brown bag lunches or dinners to the presentations. Unless otherwise noted, NWM programs are free of charge. Donations are encouraged.


Click here to visit http://newwinston.org/

Installing a Spa on Your Deck

Evaluate the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining an outdoor spa to decide if it’s a worthwhile addition to your deck.

Hot tubs and spas come in an array of shapes and sizes, and can be equipped with scores of accessories. Accordingly, they have a wide range of prices. Choosing the right spa depends on its intended use, how big your deck is, and what structural alterations will be required for your deck. In addition, you’ll need to know the cost of installation, day-to-day expenses, and how much you can expect to recoup on your investment should you sell your home.
 

Different types of spas and their costs
It started with that icon of laid-back living, the redwood hot tub. Before long, fiberglass versions with circulating jets appeared called “spas.” Today the terms “hot tub” and “spa” are used interchangeably, but because most units are jetted, spa is the term more commonly used. Spas range in size from two-person models costing about $2,000, to 20-foot-long swim spas costing $18,000 or more. In between are those most popular for decks: 4- to 8-person models costing from $2,500 to $10,000.

Choosing a spa can be challenging. You’ll need to select from a dazzling number of accessories, including cup holders, colored LED lights, iPod docks, stereo systems, pop-up TV screens, and even waterproof keyboards.

“The gadgetry is there to catch your eye while shopping,” cautions Erich Johanson, an experienced spa installer in Olympia, Wash. He recommends choosing established manufacturers and narrowing your choice from there. “Look at the national brands and find one you like,” he says. “Then chose a model that has the features you want.”
His top recommendation is for “full-foam” insulation—a high-density, closed-cell polyurethane foam that fills the cavity between the fiberglass tub shell and the outer cabinet and helps reduce heat loss. In addition, full-foam insulation helps reduce noise and adds stability to the entire unit.

Check installation costs as well. They’ll be dependent on the size of the spa and the ease of getting it where it needs to be. In some cases, limited access may require the use of a crane to lower the spa into place. For an 8-person spa, expect about $300 for delivery and setup.

Adding structural components to carry the weight
The safest—and most cost-effective—location for a spa is the lower level of a deck. A deck only a few steps above ground, if built to code, should be able to support 100 lbs per sq. ft.—a filled 8 x 8 spa at 6,000 lbs. works out to about 94 lbs per sq. ft., just within limits. Check your local codes for any restrictions governing the installation of a spa on a deck.

Even better is a reinforced concrete pad, a great option if you’re planning a new deck or intend to add on to an existing deck. A 4-inch slab will safely bear 115 lbs per sq. ft.

If you want the tub on a deck more than a couple of feet above ground or on an upper level of a deck, things get more complicated. You’ll need to hire a structural engineer to provide specs for a site-specific framing structure to support the weight. Expect to pay an engineer $300 to $500 for these services. The necessary framing for a typical backyard deck may cost only a few hundred dollars, but expect to pay much more if your deck is a high-flying structure perched on a slope.

Accessing power and water
Spas require a nearby source of electricity. Because water is involved, any electrical hookup for a spa must include ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection. This nifty device shuts down the system within milliseconds if it detects the tiniest change in current flow caused by a short circuit. Some spas come with an extension cord with a GFCI built in that can be plugged into a 110-volt, 20-amp circuit.
Larger units require at least one dedicated 220-volt, 50-amp circuit. In addition, there must be an emergency shutoff within sight of the spa, but not closer than 5 feet or farther than 50 feet. A new circuit and shutoff will cost about $800. 

Water access is simple; spas fill with an outdoor hose. The spa then heats and circulates the water. Insulated tub covers limit evaporation, but the tub will need occasional topping off. When it’s time to empty the unit, all spas have built-in hose bibs so you can drain the water.

Safety
Getting in and out of a spa provides opportunities for mishaps. A handrail is a good idea for older—and younger—users. A cover with a lock is must if you have children.

If you plan to build your spa into the deck, it may seem best to drop it into the deck so that the rim of the tub sits on the decking. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for people to fall in or step on the cover, and also complicates getting into the tub. The ideal arrangement is to set the spa partially into the deck so the rim is 17 to 24 inches above the decking. That way, bathers can sit on the rim, swing their feet over, and enter the water.

Hot water feels great, but needs to be indulged with caution. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals recommends keeping the water temperature between 100°F and 102°F, with 104°F as a maximum. A safe soaking duration is 15 minutes. To keep the spa free of bacteria, you must be clean it regularly and add sanitizing chemicals.

Anticipating the cost and value of a spa
It costs as little 50¢ a day to run a spa. That amount can vary according to the amount of use, your local energy costs, the quality of insulation in your spa, and the quality of the cover. Covers typically come with spas, but consider upgrading to a higher efficiency type. The additional cost is modest and the better-insulated covers are often lighter, making them easier to remove.

If you live in a region with a climate moderate enough for year-round use, a deck equipped with a spa should give you a slight edge in selling a home. John Tripp, an appraiser with Foundation Trust in San Jose, Calif., says that spas “normally are assets as long as they have been properly maintained and there is no evidence of leakage or deferred maintenance.”

In other areas of the country, don’t expect much of a return. “They don’t have the payback to meet the cost,” says Richard Koestner, an appraiser with Koestner, McGiven & Associates in Davenport, Iowa. “If they do add any value it would be in the upper price range. It could be detriment if they aren’t in the right market.”

People react differently to the prospect of purchasing a house that has a spa. Some buyers may ask that it be removed as a condition of sale. Others will hardly be able to wait for that first soothing soak.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/pools-spas/installing-spa-your-deck/#ixzz3EQbgEtRG

Energy-Efficient Fireplace Options

Energy-efficient fireplaces, both wood-burning and gas, let you enjoy the glow of a fire without letting your home heating energy go up in smoke.



A traditional wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and romantic ambience to a home’s interior. But most are energy hogs, converting only 15% of wood’s energy into useful heat. Fortunately, new energy-efficient fireplace designs are helping wood-burning fireplaces achieve efficiency ratings of 75% or more. Fireplace inserts and gas fireplaces are even more efficient.

Energy-efficient wood-burning fireplaces
If you’re adding a wood-burning fireplace, avoid the standard design, which sends too much of your home’s heated air up the chimney. Consider these energy-efficient wood-burning fireplaces:

• Rumford fireplaces feature a shallow box design that reflects more heat into the room.

• EPA-rated fireplaces have good performance and high energy-efficiency ratings. They are designed to pull in outdoor air for combustion, and circulate room air around the firebox to extract as much useable heat as possible. In addition, EPA-approved wood-burning fireplaces produce much less air pollution than standard fireplaces.

• Fireplace inserts are sealed metal boxes designed to fit inside masonry fireplace openings. They use outside air for combustion, and are designed to circulate and warm inside air. Inserts burn a variety of biomass fuels, including wood and pellets. Some units are rated at 80% efficiency.

If you already own a standard wood-burning fireplace, make it more energy efficient by installing glass doors. Glass doors limit the amount of room air that is sucked into the fireplace during combustion.

Glass doors work particularly well when a fire is burning down for the night and you must leave the damper open. Otherwise, glass doors block radiant heat; keep them open when your fire is blazing. Expect to pay $300 to $500 for glass doors, installed.

In California, glass or solid metal doors are required on all fireplace openings.
Energy-efficient gas fireplaces
If you want the convenience and low maintenance of a energy-efficient gas fireplace, you have two good options:

• Direct-vent gas fireplaces, which use two-way vents that supply outside air for combustion, have energy-efficiency ratings as high as 77%. That’s better than the top gas fireplaces connected to a chimney.

• Vent-free gas fireplaces are even more energy-efficient because they don’t send exhaust outside. But they release a lot of moisture into inside indoor air.

Tax credits for fireplaces
Some types of fireplaces qualify for a federal energy tax credit of up to $300 until the end of 2013. In addition, certain states may provide tax credits for various types of energy-efficiency improvements, including fireplaces.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/fireplaces-chimneys/energy-efficient-fireplaces-wood-burning-gas-burning/#ixzz3E3PZVziz

Meet Your New Favorite S'mores

This campfire treat is having a major moment. And we've made it better than ever.

An old camping favorite gets a modern makeover. We've traded the classic graham crackers for homemade ones and added a twist: salted caramel!

Grown-Up S'mores
Total: 20 minutes
Serves: 8
To make the salted caramel: Heat 1/2 cup sugar in 3-quart saucepan on medium until sugar melts. Cook, swirling pot (do not stir), 6 minutes, or until dark amber. Stir in 4 tablespoons butter, cut up, 1/4 cup sour cream and 2 tablespoon bourbon (optional); cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Off heat, stir in 2 teaspoon vanilla and1/2 teaspoon salt.
To make the s'mores: Sandwich 1 tablespoon between homemade graham crackers (or store-bought!) with toasted marshmallows and bittersweet chocolate bars, broken into squares.


Pro Tips: Roasting the Perfect Marshmallows
Sure, you've been spinning marshmallows on sticks by the fire since childhood, but here's the foolproof way to get a perfectly crispy outside and gooeyness in the middle.

1. Choose your skewers Long hardwood sticks are best. Avoid woods from resinous trees like pine; they release sap when heated.

2. Perfect the placement
Push skewer all the way through 1 or 2 marshmallows, leaving 1 inche empty at the tip to keep them from sliding off.

3. Go low and slow
A low-burning fire is best. Slowly rotate marshmallows on skewer 2 inches away from heat source for 45 seconds.

4. Cool it down
Like 'em well done? Let them catch fire for 10 seconds, blow out and cool 30 seconds. (Never shake to extinguish.)

Fall Leaf Color Forecast & Events 2014 -

Blue Ridge Parkway & Great Smoky Reports




The Asheville fall leaf color show in the North Carolina mountains attracts visitors from around the world. With the 5,000-foot elevation change within 50 miles of Asheville, our lush Blue Ridge Mountain range puts on one of the longest-running autumn leaf color displays in the country. After enjoying nature's grand show, head to downtown Asheville to enjoy the many local restaurants and shops. See fall color photos from 2013

North Carolina Mountains Fall Leaf Color Forecast 2014

See our mile-by-mile Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.. Ride zip lines on canopy tours through the colorful trees! Take the LaZoom Haunted Comedy Tour on the big purple bus. Fall at Biltmore Estate Whitewater Rafting offers a unique experience for viewing leaves. Take a fall train ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Hike to DuPont State Forest waterfalls. See our Top 60 Waterfalls. See the Shadow of the Bear!

September 18, 2014 Update: Overall, the leaves appear to be changing a little early this year. Leaves in the highest elevations are starting to turn and autumn weather has arrived. If you haven't made your reservations for a B&B, cabin or hotel, you better do it right now! To help you plan your trip, see our new photo collage: Top 50 Fall Things to Do. And see below for our list of festivals and events in September and October.
The number one question is: “When is the peak color?” No matter when you plan an autumn visit in October or early November, you can take a short drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or other mountain roads to find the best color of fall leaves. Elevation and weather are the biggest factors in the color show. Leaves begin their color change on the highest peaks and gradually work down to the lowest elevations. An early frost speeds up the show and warm weather prolongs it. Below is our best guess of the progression of the color show:
October 1-9: Highest elevations north of Asheville above 5,000 feet show the most color, especially in the Mount Mitchell, Craggy Gardens, Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain, Rough Ridge and Graveyard Fields areas.

October 8-16: Color will increase in elevations greater than 4,000 feet, including the Mount Pisgah, Black Balsam, Devil's Courthouse, Waterrock Knob, southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It will also be peak color in the Highlands area, including Whiteside Mountain, with plenty of waterfalls to enjoy, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including hikes to Alum Cave and Chimney Tops.

October 14-23: Many of the surrounding mountains around Asheville show plenty of color, especially in the 3,000-4,000 foot elevation range. Take the Parkway north or south from Asheville. A great hike in Pisgah National Forest would be Looking Glass Rock or Cradle of Forestry. North of Asheville, head to Linville Gorge with hikes to the top of Table Rock and Hawksbill Mountain.

October 20-29: The city of Asheville (2,000 feet elevation) shows the brightest colors, along with areas around Hendersonville and Brevard. This is the perfect time for a waterfall hike in DuPont State Forest or leisurely walk at the NC Arboretum. This is also the peak leaf color for Biltmore Estate.

October 25-November 2: The color show concludes in the Chimney Rock area (elevation of 1,300 feet). Ride to the top of Chimney Rock or take a boat tour on Lake Lure. Also peak at Lake James and South Mountains State Parks.
Also see our favorite Scenic Drives, Motorcycle Drives, Mountain Views, and Pet-Friendly guides.
Also find the best bed and breakfasts, cabin rentals and hotels in the mountains!

Money-Saving Tips on Fall Landscaping From a First-Time Home Owner

A creative solution to a compost bin, fixing a steep slope on the cheap, and the money-saving joy of an edible garden.




I became a first-time home owner in May, but I waited until late September to start doing some landscaping projects. Why? Long-time home owners I know told me that fall is a great season for yard work — the weather is nice, plants are cheap, and veggies are hardy.

They were right! Here are three landscaping projects I did in my yard this fall, and how I saved money on each one.

A salvaged compost bin

When I built my screened-in porch, I started with an existing deck, but the railings were old and warped. I replaced the railings, but put the old ones to good use as a compost bin.

Situated in a natural area in my backyard, my compost bin is 4-by-6 feet with two chambers. On one side, I pile raked leaves so they can become mulch. On the other side, I keep an old trash can with a tight lid that I use to deposit food scraps.

The old deck railings make up the sides of the compost bin, caged with some galvanized steel mesh. The top is made of corrugated sheet metal, also left over from the screened-in porch project, and the front of the bin is removable so I can get to the compost inside.

Because I used materials I already had, the only thing I had to buy was some more wire mesh, which cost about $50. The lumber and sheet metal would have cost about $60.

Money-saving tip: Always shop in your own scrap pile first, and get creative with your salvaged materials — you’ll be surprised how much money you can save.

Saving money on a steep slope

My front yard is very steep and shady, so it’s perfect for a couple of retaining walls — I don’t want to mow a steep hill, and barely any grass will grow there anyway.

So I bought about $100 worth of concrete blocks, enlisted some help, and got to work. Unfortunately, the soil in my yard mostly consists of infamous Georgia clay, so once the trenches were dug and the two walls were stacked, we had to amend the you-know-what out of the soil. Mixing my clay soil with several bags of topsoil turned it into something plants would want to grow in.

The money-saving part of this project came with buying plants — they’re cheaper in fall because nurseries like to clean out their inventories. I bought all my plants on sale for between 20% and 50% off.

I bought vinca, a trailing ground cover, to spill over the front of the walls. Behind the vinca are creeping azaleas in one wall and nandina in the other wall; both should fill the spaces nicely when they mature. Tufts of Emerald Goddess Lilyturf line the front of each wall. The vinca, azaleas, and lilyturf cost me about $60, but the nandina came from a friend’s garden — it had spread too far for her space, so she was dividing the plants. She gave me the part she uprooted.

After a weekend of work, my front yard looks much better:

Money-saving tip: Once a garden is established, gardeners have to divide and cut back their plants, so don’t be afraid to ask if you can take advantage of their unwanted offshoots. Chances are they’d be happy to give them to you.

Good eating from my fall garden

Back in September, I prepared my garden for fall veggies by pulling out all summer plants that were finished fruiting, turning and loosening the soil, removing all weeds, and adding compost. Then, I planted about $12 worth of vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures — broccoli, spinach, and cabbage.

Money-saving tip: Plant hardy veggies that you like to eat frequently so you’ll save money on your grocery bill. My spinach should last through several hard frosts, and the broccoli and cabbage should live until temperatures drop below 20 degrees F. It never gets that cold here in Georgia, so I should enjoy these vegetables all winter long.

How have you saved money in your yard this fall?






Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/blog/landscaping-gardening/fall-landscaping-tips-first-time-homeowner/#ixzz3E3HOYR4h

8 Dirty Secrets in Your Home

Steel yourself: We help you expose — and purge — your home’s dirtiest little secrets.

In denial about the crud that’s festering in the nooks and crannies of your home? The maintenance and cleaning pros we talked to say these eight jobs are among the grossest — and among the most important. One job could even save your life. 

Deep breath …..

 

 

1. Cruddy undersides of rugs

Fold your rug over and vacuum the underside.

 

Look under your area rugs for a nasty surprise — a sea of grit and dust — despite regular vacuuming.

What to do:

• Move furniture, fold over the rug, and vacuum dirt and dust from its underside. Sweep and mop the floor, too.

• While you’re under the hood, check the rug’s condition. If there’s no staining or discoloration, a good floor cleaning and vacuuming of the rug’s underside is enough. 

• If pets, kids, or wine have left their mark, invest in a professional cleaning. A pro will run between $1.50-$3/sq. ft. of rug, depending on the type of rug. Delicate natural fibers are usually more costly to clean than synthetics.

 

2. Disgusting disposal

The citric acid in lemons will disinfect and freshen your garbage disposal.

 

Your kitchen has more germs than even your bathroom. And your garbage disposal and its splash guard flaps just might be the most disgusting place in the house — slimy, smelly, and befouled with old food.

What to do:

• Scrub the underside of the rubber flaps with an old toothbrush and warm, soapy water.

• Pour a 1:1 ratio of white distilled white vinegar and baking soda down the drain. Let it sit overnight and flush with boiling water to sanitize.

• Toss frozen cubes of white vinegar (just freeze it in an ice tray) down the disposal while it’s running. This will sharpen and sanitize the disposal’s grinding blades.

• Freshen up the drain with slices of lemon or other citrus fruit. Peels are OK, but if you have fruit to spare, the citrus acids will help disinfect and freshen. 

 

3. Greasy kitchen vent hood

 

Your range vent hood works hard to absorb smoke, steam, and grease. Just like you change air filters to extend the life of your HVAC, you should clean the vent filter. Not only will this make the vent more efficient, it’s a safety measure. Should you have a grease fire, a greasy hood and filter can spread the fire into your home’s duct work.

What to do:

• Remove the hood filter according to directions for your vent hood model. If you don’t have the paper manual anymore, search online for a copy. 

• Soak the filter in a kitchen-grade degreaser.

• Once most of the grease has dissolved, rinse the filter with soapy water. 

• While you’re soaking the filter, clean the greasy interior of your vent hood.

• Use a kitchen-grade degreaser for the hood like the one you’re soaking the filter in. 

• Wipe the hood’s interior with a sponge or rag.

4. Crumby kitchen crevices

A feather duster will bring out crumbs that fall in crevices between appliances.
 

No matter how spotless your kitchen surfaces are, crumbs, morsels, and drips of stuff have fallen into the crannies between appliances and countertops, tempting bugs and vermin.

What to do:

• For appliances with a bit of ground clearance, like a refrigerator, use the vacuum crevice attachment to suck out the yuck. 

• For appliances with less room to maneuver, attach microfiber cloths to a yardstick with rubber bands. Slide and grab under and between appliances.

• Sneak an old-school feather duster between counter cracks or under appliances. Get one with an extra-long handle ($15-$25) or use a flexible duster specifically designed to slide under appliances.

 

5. Grimy fans and ceilings

Clean a dusty ceiling fan with a microfiber duster that grabs the blades.

 

Dispatching the out-of-sight, out-of-mind dust (sloughed-off skin cells, dust mites, and outdoor allergans) that lives on ceiling fans and light fixtures means better indoor air quality and fewer allergy problems.

What to do:

• Dampen the inside of a pillowcase and slide it over each ceiling fan blade. As you slide it off, run your hands along the sides of the blade to wipe up dirt and dust so the dreck doesn’t rain down on you. Get a spotter if you’re balancing on a ladder or chair.

• For less-dusty ceiling fans, use a microfiber duster that’ll grab the blades. ($7-$20)

• For oily or grimy buildup on ceilings, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, run a flat mop tool with a microfiber or soap-cloth attachment along the ceiling. Dish soap will do nicely. 

• Remove light shades or covers from ceiling fixtures to wipe out dust and bugs. But turn the light off first. 

6. Grungy toilets

When cleaning your toilet, don't forget to clean where the toilet meets the floor.

 

You’re not getting down-and-dirty with your toilet until you scrub where the commode meets the bathroom floor.

What to do:

• Check that the caulk at the base of the toilet is sealing the area. If it’s worn, remove the remaining caulk with a utility knife. Then re-seal it. For extra germ-fighting, choose a caulk with Microban. 

• Slide a feather duster behind the tank to brush off any dirt or dust, and use a sponge or damp microfiber cloth to scrub all the way around the porcelain base.

7. Debris-filled crawlspace

Check your crawlspace annually for water damage and debris.

 

No one wants to crawl around under the house — except bugs and rodents. If you suspect critters are playing house, skip the DIY and consult a pro. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to check your crawlspace annually to check for water penetration and clean out debris.

What to do:

• Wear personal protective equipment, such as coveralls, a dust-mask, goggles, and gloves. 

• If you see mold, don’t disturb it. Call a professional mold remediation company. 

• If you don’t see mold, check your vapor barrier for holes, deterioration, or uncovered areas. If you’re handy and comfortable with working in cramped crawlspace conditions, you can fix it yourself with supplies from your local hardware or home store. Otherwise, call a handyman. If the problem seems more extensive (major holes or large uncovered areas), call a foundation specialist. 

• Make sure there’s no standing water on top of the vapor barrier. That could mean water is coming from leaking pipes or gutters. It’s a recipe for mold and rot. Call a pro who specializes in foundation or crawlspace work pronto. 

• Push out trash through the nearest vent or access door. When you go outside to collect the debris, secure vents and doors so nothing else will blow, crawl, or slither in. 

8. Linty dryer vents

This is one of the most important dirty jobs, because cleaning your clothes dryer’s lint trap and vents will extend its life, improve its efficiency, and save your life. Clothes dryers cause more than 15,000 structural fires, injuring 400 and killing 15 people on average each year. “Failure to clean” is the leading contributing factor to these fires.

http://youtu.be/gdNTcChFkBY

What to do:

• Use a dryer vent cleaner (about $15), a long, flexible, thick metal cord that snakes through the dryer vent’s dark corridors, to sweep out lint and dust. 

• Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to suck out hangers on in the lint trap. 

• Vacuum underneath and around the back of the dryer to clear out any remaining lint colonies.

 read more- http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/maintenance-repair/dirty-secrets/9/

More about N.C.

N.C. History

Learn about North Carolina’s history, from pre-Columbian times, to when explorers first found our coast, to the U.S. revolution and Civil War. More information can be found in NCpedia. Visit North Carolina’s historic sites.

Firsts in North Carolina

First Flight

• The Wright brothers completed the first successful flight of a mechanically propelled airplane over the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903.
• The University of North Carolina was the first public university in the United States to open its doors.
• The first known miniature golf course was in Fayetteville, North Carolina. 
• Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville on March 7, 1914. 
• The first English child born in America, Virginia Dare, was born in Roanoke, North Carolina, in 1587.
• Many people believe that North Carolina was the first state to declare independence from England with the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775.
• Cabarrus County, North Carolina, was the site of America's first gold rush.
• What was probably the first drawbridge built in the United States was built over the Cape Fear River.
• The first state art museum in the country is located in Raleigh.

Famous North Carolinians

• Virginia Dare was the first child born to English-speaking parents in the New World. She was born on Roanoke Island in 1587.
• The pirate Blackbeard is known to have spent time in North Carolina. The probable remains of his flagship Queen Anne’s Revenge were found off Beaufort in 1996. Underwater archaeologists from Cultural Resources expect to eventually salvage more than 700,000 artifacts from the wreck.
• Journalists David Brinkley and Edward R. Murrow were North Carolina born.
• Rev. Billy Graham was born in Charlotte and now lives near Montreat.
• Famed furniture maker Thomas Day was a free African American craftsman in North Carolina in the days before the Civil War.
• Sen. Sam Ervin, head of the Watergate Committee, was from Morganton.
• Andy Griffith, beloved actor. "The Andy Griffith Show" was set in Mayberry, a fictional town modeled after Griffith's home town of Mt. Airy.
• Ezzell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain were the four students who staged the first sit-in protest. The men, students at N.C. A &T, were protesting service for whites only at the Greensboro Woolworth lunch counter in 1960.
• Dr. Oliver Smithies (professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since 1988) Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology 2007. Dr. Smithies and two others were honored "for their discoveries of principles for introducing specific gene modifications in mice by the use of embryonic stem cells."

Natural Beauty, Naturally Fun

Mountains to the Coast: Geography

There are three distinct landforms of the Southeast and of North Carolina: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont and the Appalachian Mountains. The Coastal Plain is low, flat to gently sloping land that extends along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Much of the Southeast lies within the Coastal Plain. The Piedmont, characterized by hilly, rolling land, borders the Coastal Plain. The Piedmont extends from Virginia to Alabama. The Appalachian Mountains, the largest range in the eastern United States, stretch from Canada to northern Alabama.

Wildlife

Wildlife Photo Contest Winner

Awed by North Carolina’s natural beauty and its wildlife, the earliest English explorers described our state as “the goodliest land under the cope of heaven.” North Carolina remains rich in resources, with a stunning array of wild creatures, from Canada geese to painted buntings to white-tailed deer, bog turtles and our native brook trout. This is a great state for hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, perhaps in one of our state parks.

Arts and Culture

Cultural and educational experiences are plentiful. The nation’s first state-supported symphony and art museum continue to flourish in the state. Along with celebrated Native American and Civil War roots, we also commemorate the Wright Brothers’first moments of flight.
Summer theaters, wineries and festivals abound throughout the state, as does outdoor drama. A nationally recognized zoological park and extensive system of aquariums support wildlife education.

Recreation and Sports

Recreational opportunities range from celebrated golf courses to outdoor sports, to college and professional athletics. The state’s beaches, national and state parks and mountains offer boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and skiing. Outdoor recreation areas include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout national seashores, and 36 state parks.
North Carolina’s Pinehurst, established in 1895, is considered the home of American golf. Pinehurst will host the U.S. Open again in 2014. Pinehurst’s nearby Pine Needles was the site of the 2007 Women's U.S. Open.
When you’d rather watch sports than participate, North Carolina boasts an array of professional football, hockey, basketball and baseball teams. The Carolina Hurricanes hoisted hockey’s biggest honor, the 2006 Stanley Cup. North Carolina is the heart of the stock car racing world.
Four universities in the Atlantic Coast Conference, including North Carolina State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University and Duke University, provide plenty of sports rivalry. National Collegiate Athletic Association Conference contenders North Carolina Central University and Appalachian State University also compete nationally with the latter winning back-to-back championships.

Higher Education

North Carolina is a great place to further your education or to send your kids to school.
The University of North Carolina was the first public university in the United States to open its doors and the only one to graduate students in the eighteenth century. The University of North Carolina is a public, multi-campus university dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. It encompasses the 16 diverse constituent institutions and other educational, research, and public service organizations. Additionally North Carolina has 36 private, non-profit liberal arts, comprehensive, and research colleges and universities accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, including Duke University, Elon University, and Davidson College.
NC Community Colleges are one of the most comprehensive community college systems in the nation. Originally created in the years following World War II, in response to the state’s rapid shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy, community colleges in North Carolina continue to be deeply rooted in economic development and workforce training while also providing Basic Skills and literacy education, and pre-baccalaureate programs." North Carolina’s community colleges open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals.

About North Carolina

Scenic beauty, a moderate climate, a culture rich in history and the arts, and world-class sports and recreational opportunities make North Carolina an exceptional place to live and do business. Combine that with quality health care, top universities, a low cost of living and it’s easy to see why most people who live here never want to leave.
Our state is renowned for its natural resources with more than 300 miles of Atlantic coastline and the highest mountain peaks east of the Rockies. Our communities are healthy, attractive and thriving. North Carolina consistently ranks at the top among places to live and do business.

We’re Bigger than You Think

With nearly 9.3 million people, we are 10th in population in the United States. Our more than 9.7 percent growth rate is twice the national average. At $398 billion, our gross domestic product is 10th in the country, the same as Sweden and the 22th-largest GDP in the world. Our state comprises 48,710 square miles.

Health Care

The cardinal is North
Carolina's state bird.

North Carolina has numerous nationally ranked medical facilities along with affordable health care costs. Four respected medical schools produce a wealth of medical professionals who spend some portion of their careers at the state’s six research hospitals and 100 community hospitals.

Cost of Living

North Carolina’s cost of living rivals that of many states across the country. From housing and utilities to everyday supplies and groceries, and from transportation to health care, most North Carolina residents enjoy a cost of living that is below the national average based on the ACCRA Cost of Living Index.

Transportation

We have the largest state-maintained highway system in the nation as well as more than 76 public, 225 private and four international airports. North Carolina also maintains the largest ferry system on the east coast. North Carolina’s Amtrak operates the Piedmont and Carolinian passenger trains, offering daily service to Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte, and nine other North Carolina cities.

More Comparisons

See how North Carolina compares with other states on measurements such as demographics, health, education, human services, law enforcement, environment, recreation, in taxes and spending.

Key Industries

North Carolina is a
powerhouse in pharmaceuticals
and clinical research

Some of the key industries that are thriving here include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation, agribusiness, automotive, biopharmaceuticals, defense, energy, financial services, software and information technology as well as textiles.
Over the past 20 years, North Carolina has transitioned from a traditional economy based on tobacco, furniture and textiles to a global economy that is driven by knowledge-based enterprises. Many of our traditional industry sectors showcase the economic transition. For example, agriculture remains vital with a shift in focus from tobacco to livestock, poultry, and new crops that fuel such areas as wine-making and biotechnology. Our textile manufacturers have evolved by producing high-tech innovations in the area of nonwoven textiles and engineered fabrics.
These industries, along with our universities, community colleges and training programs, provide a continuous stream of workers equipped with the skills that are in demand globally. North Carolina workers are not only highly trained, but also more productive. In fact, North Carolina workers are 36 percent more productive than the average U.S. worker (PDF). That’s because the quality of life here helps people to flourish. And when people are happy and more productive, the companies they work for gain a competitive advantage.

“Creativity Means Business” in North Carolina

A 2009 study shows that creative businesses and individuals contribute a market value of $41.4 billion dollars worth of goods and services to North Carolina’s economy. The creative industry employs 165,000 people directly and sustains almost 300,000 jobs, which is nearly 6 percent of total state employment.

When to Use Home Equity and When Not To

Before cashing out your home equity to purchase something, determine if it's an appreciating or depreciating asset and think about if you'll still be using the item 10 years down the road. Image: marslasarphotos/iStockphoto

With home prices rising in most areas of the country, a lot of us are building home equity again. And when equity builds, it’s tempting to tap it.
Used wisely, home equity can send your kids to college or launch a business. But there’s a real risk to using home equity loans — they can make you more susceptible to foreclosure.
A recent Federal Reserve study found 30% of Los Angeles homeowners who lost their houses during the foreclosure crisis wouldn’t have defaulted had they not cashed out their home equity.

The researchers said borrowing against your home equity causes problems for a few reasons:

• Your payments go up (if your total mortgage gets bigger).

• If home prices fall, you have less equity to lose. That might make you more tempted to walk away from your home.

• If you’re hit by a financial whammy, your financial cushion is thinner.

When to Use Home Equity
Despite that Federal Reserve study, home equity can be a smart tool when you want to build family wealth. During the past two decades, I’ve repeatedly used home equity to buy and renovate rental properties. When the value of a rental property rises, you can refinance, pull cash out, and buy another rental property — although with credit so tight, that’s been tougher to do lately.
Related: There’s no surer way to wealth than home ownership.
During part of those same two decades, my husband worked as a loan officer. A lot of his clients repeatedly refinanced to pull equity from their homes to pay off credit card bills. Although I enjoyed the income those deals created for my family, I think his clients were foolhardy for financing clothes and dinners into years of home loan payments.
Thinking about cashing out your home equity to buy something? Answering two questions can tell you if you’re unnecessarily putting your home at risk:
Question #1: Is the item you plan to buy with your equity going to go up in value (appreciate) or lose value after you buy it (depreciate)?
If it’s an appreciating asset, it makes sense to use home equity to buy it. You’re buying something with a future payoff. Things I would put into the appreciating asset category:

• Training or education (It makes you more valuable in the workplace.)

• Buying rental real estate

• Improving your home (Check the cost vs. value of certain remodeling projects.)

• Starting or buying a business (if you’re ready to gamble your house on its success)

If it’s a depreciating asset, don’t use home equity to buy it. Things I would put into the depreciating asset category:

• Anything you eat

• Stuff you wear

• Most vehicles

• My husband’s Harley (although he’ll argue it holds its value)

Question #2: Will you still be using the item 10 years from now?
Whatever you’re buying should last at least as long as your payments.
There are probably some items of clothing that you could arguably still be wearing 10 years from now, say, Frye boots. I might believe you’ll still be driving a car 10 years from now. My 8-year-old Subaru Legacy wagon is still going strong. But, there are two reasons you’re better off with an auto loan than a home equity line, even though you’ll probably pay a higher interest rate on a car loan.
The length of your car loan is going to match the lifespan of your car (unless you own my car, in which case your car will keep going long after you pay off the loan).
If an adverse life event causes you to crash and burn financially and you can’t make the car loan payment, the bank will repossess your car. If you pay for the car with a home equity line and fail to make the payment, you could lose your home.
Now that I’ve completely bummed you out thinking about your car being repossessed, let me share with you one last great motivation to avoid spending your home equity:
When you grow old and can’t take care of yourself anymore, your kids can sell your house and use that equity to put you in a beautiful nursing home. Spend it all now and you’re going to end up having to move in with them.
What’s your take on equity loans? What have you financed with the funds?

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/blog/equity-loans/equity-loans-advice/#ixzz3D7IVqwxD

Overnight Winery Stays in North Carolina

Stay for the night at varied winery accommodations.






At several North Carolina wineries, the enjoyment doesn’t stop when the tasting room closes. More and more wineries now feature unique overnight accommodations options to extend the great grape experience.

The Mountains

Inn on Biltmore Estate
Asheville
The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers you a unique ticket to a luxurious Vanderbilt-like stay at Biltmore’s 8,000-acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Inn consistently ranks as one of the world’s best hotels and you can enjoy a variety of experiences, including the exclusive Land Rover Experience Driving School, horseback riding, fly fishing, shooting clays, biking, river float trips, indulgent spa services, and gourmet dining. Other highlights of a stay include a tour of the 250-room Biltmore house, historic gardens, and Antler Hill Village. Biltmore Winery offers complimentary wine tastings and guided tours to learn about the art and science of winemaking. Or you can stay in the historic Cottage on Biltmore Estate, a two-bedroom, two-bath home complete with your own personal butler and chef.

Banner Elk Winery & Villa
Banner Elk
Situated in the High Country, Banner Elk Winery & Villa is a luxury bed-and-breakfast one mile from the town of Banner Elk. With names like Zinfandel Suite and Seyval Blanc Suite, the Tuscan-inspired Villa features eight unique suites, with king- or queen-sized beds, fine linens, plush robes, free Wi-Fi, Jacuzzi tubs and beautiful mountain views. Two of the suites have gas fireplaces. Guests of The Villa also enjoy a gourmet breakfast and free wine tasting, as well as the availability of soothing spa services and in-room massages.

 

The Piedmont

Childress Vineyards
Lexington
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at Childress Vineyards furthers NASCAR legend Richard Childress’s passion for the good life. Located next to the winery and offering rooms that overlook the vineyards, the hotel offers premium amenities and services, including a heated indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary breakfast bar (including the legendary cinnamon rolls).

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery
State Road
The historic Klondike Cabins at Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery near Elkin feature cabin experiences paired with Grassy Creek’s Yadkin Valley wines. The large main log cabin has four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, large entertainment and dining areas, full kitchen, antiques and artwork, a covered porch overlooking the lake and the lake, and more. Playhouse and Hanes log cabins come as two-bedroom and two-bath duplexes, with a game room replete with pool table, bar, TV, and stereo. Satellite TV is available throughout the cabin complex.

RagApple Lassie Vineyards
Boonville
Hobson House guest cottage at RagApple Lassie Vineyards features a front porch overlooking the vineyards and much more. Built in 1931 by the father of RagApple’s owner, Frank Hobson, the three-bedroom bungalow-style house features an eclectic mix of furnishings and lots of family memorabilia. There’s a living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, two full baths, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and several patios and porches. You will feel truly welcomed upon arrival with a bottle of RagApple’s award-winning Yadkin Valley wine and an appetizer of cheese and crackers.

Shelton Vineyards
Dobson
The Hampton Inn and Suites at Shelton Vineyards is the only hotel in the well-respected chain that features a wine bar. Conveniently situated up the road from the vineyard, the hotel features a variety of room options (including whirlpool suites), complimentary breakfast, meeting space, free high-speed internet access, and the very popular wine bar, open every evening.

Treehouse Vineyards
Monroe
Treehouse Vineyards, 25 minutes southeast of Charlotte, is aptly named for treehouses adjoining the property. Papa’s Dream Treehouse is the perfect getaway for two in a secluded setting overlooking the vineyards. Amenities include a queen-sized bed in the loft, kitchenette, sitting area, bathroom with shower, a deck with a grill, a tasting for two of Treehouse’s muscadine wines, plus two souvenir glasses. Treehouse Vineyards also features the rustic Date Nite Treehouse, which can be rented for an afternoon or evening to enjoy views from the porch 30 feet in the air.

 

The Coast

The Country Squire
Warsaw
Located between the historic Duplin County towns of Warsaw and Kenansville, The Country Squire Restaurant, Winery and Vintage Inn features two types of accommodations options. The Vintage Inn offers 12 motel rooms with bucolic views of the grounds and vineyard, while the Guest House features four charming rooms with private baths and furnished with antiques and Scottish tartan themes. The Country Squire operation is family-owned and –operated and has been serving guests for more than 50 years.
Lynn and Cele Seldon





from- http://www.visitnc.com/story/overnight-winery-stays

Green Clean Sinks and Drains: Shine ‘em Up and Clean ‘em Out

Homemade sink and drain cleaning solutions are effective way to green clean your sink and unclog your drain.

Sinks and drains take the brunt of kitchen cleanup duties, and they boast the scars and smells to prove it. Rather than reach for harsh commercial cleaners and de-cloggers, opt instead to green clean.

 

Make a non-toxic sink cleaner
Commercial stainless cleaners can run upwards of $10 a bottle, and they work no better than common household items. Add a few drops of a natural dishwashing liquid such as Mrs. Meyer’s ($4.50 for 16 ounces) or Method ($4 for 25 ounces) to warm water and use the solution to clean the surface of the sink. For hard mineral deposits, try squeezing lemon juice onto them, allowing them to sit a few minutes before wiping them away.

Make a simple scouring paste
Powdered cleaning products often contain harsh abrasives, corrosive chemicals, and eco-disastrous phosphates. Try making your own scratch-free paste by blending three parts baking soda to one part water.

De-stink your sink
If your sink stinks, try cleaning the drain with a paste made of vinegar and baking soda, both natural deodorizers. Simply sprinkle a quarter cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by an equal amount of vinegar. Give it time to work overnight. In the morning, rinse it all away with some boiling water.

Clear drain clogs without chemicals
Chemical drain cleaners work by blasting away clogs with caustic, corrosive ingredients like lye, bleach, and potash. Needless to say, they can be murder on your pipes.

The simplest remedy is often boiling water, which melts away the grease at the cost of almost nothing. For more stubborn clogs, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed immediately by half a cup of vinegar. The chemical reaction that occurs will safely—and cheaply—blast away clogs.

Get sparkling dishes
Liquid dishwashing soaps can contain phosphates, which leech into lakes and cause destructive algae blooms. Ditch the detergent in favor of eco-friendly biodegradable soaps from Seventh Generation, Method or Mrs. Meyer’s, all of which rely on ingredients like aloe and essential oils to get the job done. You’ll pay a bit more, but when you consider that you eat off those dishes, the benefits clearly outweigh the cost.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/green-cleaning/green-clean-sinks-drains-shine-em-up-clean-em-out/#ixzz3D75A8DRw

The Home Buying Process

Recipe Thursday: Italian “Drunken” Noodles, And Shaking Things Up A Bit!

  

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 1 large onion, quartered and sliced thinly
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• ½ cup white wine (I used Chardonnay)
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned, divided use
• 8 ounces Pappardelle noodles, uncooked

Preparation:

-Place a large, heavy-bottom pan or braising pot over medium-high heat; add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and once the oil is hot, crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the pan in small chunks (you want to keep the sausage fairly chunky), allowing it to brown in the oil for a few moments on each side; once the crumbled sausage is browned, remove it from the pan/pot with a slotted spoon and place into a small bowl to hold for a moment; next, add the sliced onion into the pan with the sausage drippings, and allow it to caramelize and become golden for roughly 5 minutes or so, stirring to keep it from burning (add a touch more olive oil, if necessary); once the onion starts to become golden, add the salt, Italian seasoning and cracked black pepper, and stir to combine, then add in the sliced bell peppers, and allow those to saute with the onion for about 2 minutes until slightly tender and golden; next, add in the garlic, and once it becomes aromatic, add in the white wine and allow it to reduce for a few moments, until almost completely reduced; next, add in the diced tomatoes with their juice, and return the browned spicy Italian sausage back into the pan, and gently fold the mixture to combine; allow it to gently simmer for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors, then turn the heat off; to finish the sauce, drizzle in about 2-3 good tablespoons of the olive oil to create a silky, rich flavor, and add in the chopped parsley and about half of the julienned basil; stir, and keep warm while you prepare the noodles.

-Prepare the pappardelle noodles according to instructions on package; then, drain the noodles very well, and add them directly into the sauce, using tongs to gently toss and combine the pappardelle noodles with the sauce and all of the ingredients in it; check the seasoning to see if you need to add any additional salt or pepper.

-To serve, add equal portions of the “Drunken” noodles to bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of the remaining julienned basil; you can even top with shaved Parmesan, if desired, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Wacky Wednesday: NC Facts....Did You Know?

North Carolina FIRSTS

The Wright brothers completed the first successful flight of a mechanically propelled airplane over the sands of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903.

The University of North Carolina was the first public university in the United States to open its doors.

The first known miniature golf course was in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville on March 7, 1914.

The first English child born in America, Virginia Dare, was born in Roanoke, North Carolina, in 1587.

Many people believe that North Carolina was the first state to declare independence from England with the Mecklenburg Declaration of 1775.

Cabarrus County, North Carolina, was the site of America's first gold rush.

What was probably the first drawbridge built in the United States was built over the Cape Fear River.

The first state art museum in the country is located in Raleigh.

The first Pepsi was created and served in New Bern, North Carolina in 1898

The first outdoor drama in America, The Lost Colony, is staged every year in Manteo, North Carolina.

Biggest/Smallest/Shortest/Tallest

Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain in the eastern United States.

Jockey's Ridge is the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. Depending on the weather, its height can range from 80 to 100 feet!

Whitewater Falls in Transylvania County, one of over 200 waterfalls in North Carolina, is the highest waterfall on the East Coast.

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is the largest private house in the world, with 250 rooms.

Grandfather Mountain is home to the nation's highest swinging bridge-one mile high.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the United States.

Albemarle Sound is the largest freshwater sound in the world.

Fontana Dam is the tallest dam in the Eastern United States, at 480 feet high.

The world's smallest daily newspaper is the Tryon Daily Bulletin.

30 Things You Need To Know About Winston-Salem Before Moving There

1. Winston-Salemites Look Good In Black And Gold

Source: Flickr user Joe_Focus

Wake Forest University, ranked 23rd by U.S. "News and World Report," offers a world-class education, nationally recognized athletics, a stunning campus and a history of community involvement. You'll be sure to catch the college basketball bug cheering for the Demon Deacons against their Tobacco Road rivals.

2. Explore The Artsy Side Of Tobacco Money

Source: Flickr user Susan Sharpless Smith

Reynolda House Museum of American Art was originally built as a home for the Reynolds family, owners of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, and was converted to a museum in 1967. Today, it offers a collection of American art, restored formal gardens and wetlands for wildlife viewing.

3. Return To Ye Olden Days

Source: Old Salem Museums and Gardens via Facebook

Old Salem Museums & Gardens showcases the original town of Salem founded in 1766 by the Moravians, considered the oldest Protestant denomination. Practice your manners in a 19th century deportment lesson or try the intricate German paper-cutting art known as Scherenschnitte. Visitors can also learn how to churn butter, quilt, make candles or preserve foods.

4. And Stuff Your Face With Fresh-Baked Sugar Cake

Source: Flickr user readontheroad

No trip to Old Salem is complete without stopping in the Winkler Bakery where you can snag a traditional sugar cake, famous Moravian cookies or fresh-baked bread. Moravian cookies date back centuries and use ingredients like allspice, ginger, molasses, cloves, cinnamon and bourbon bean vanilla. Dubbed the "World's Thinnest Cookie" these used to only be made for special occasions, but today can be enjoyed year-round.

5. Then Grab A Local Brew To Wash It All Down

Source: Foothills Brewing via Facebook

Foothills Brewing serves up some of the best beer in the state. Brewmaster Jamie Bartholomaus is known for his delicious IPAs, like Hoppyum and Jade, and seasonal selections such as Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout and Hoppy Medium Imperial Brown.

6. SciWorks Makes Science More Fun Than Your 7th Grade Teacher Ever Did

Source: SciWorks via Facebook

SciWorks offers 25,000 square feet of interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, nature trails and picnic areas. Permanent exhibits include PhysicsWorks, which explores motion, simple machines and light, and BioWorks, which teaches visitors about the forest, animals and conservation.

7. Our Mascot's Got A Mohawk

Source: Winston-Salem Dash via Facebook

What's better than enjoying America's favorite sport with a cold beer and hot dog in hand as the sun sets on a perfect Carolina spring night? That's right, nothing.
The Dash Baseball team, a Class High-A farm team for the Chicago White Sox, get their name from the hyphen in Winston-Salem. While they might not be top of the league, a night spent in the stadium is sure to please. It's also worth going just to see Bolt, the team's odd mascot. A so-called "Bleacher Creature" neither bear nor dog, Bolt is the only minor league mascot with a mohawk.

8. You Have To Try The Fried Girl Scout Cookies

Source: Flickr user ktshawx

Every fall, people come from all over the Piedmont to ride rides, eat fried food and gawk at the animals during the Dixie Classic Fair held each October. The second-largest NC fair pulls in more than 320,000 people over its 10 days and will celebrate its 132nd birthday in 2014. More than 31,000 exhibits competed for $225,000 in categories like livestock, horticulture and baking.

9. Peddle Your Day Away

Source: Flickr user Visit VisitWS

Offering 365 acres of recreation, Salem Lake is one of the area's best fishing spots offering canoe or fishing boat rentals. One of its main attractions is the 7 mile running, cycling or walking trail around the lake.

10. Catch The Next Ben Folds Before He's Famous

Source: Flickr user My Name is Blue Canary

For years, Ziggy's has been one of the South's premier music venues hosting well-known and new acts. Besides giving legends such as Ben Folds, Dave Matthews and Widespread Panic their start, today Ziggy's hosts the likes of Bret Michaels, The Drive-By Truckers and Umphrey's McGee.

11. Or Go For Something A Little More Classic

Source: Winston-Salem Symphony via Facebook

The Winston-Salem Symphony has been putting on concerts since 1946 and brings world-class musicians to the Triad, such as famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. They hold events for kids, a Kicked-Back Classics Series and joint concerts with other symphonies.

12. Wander Around The West End

Source: Flickr user NCBrian

The West End Historic District is a quaint neighborhood of historic homes, antique shops and pubs. Think of it as Sunday antiquing with beer stops. You can grab a gift at Barnhill's Books Wine and More or something for your house at IDEAS Interior Design and Art Studio. Wash it all down with a cocktail at West End Opera House.

13. And Pay A Visit To A Social Club

Source: Old Winston Social Club via Facebook

Old Winston Social Club offers 40 craft beers on draft and a casual place to kick back and play a bar game. They'll even let you bring your dog. They have a projection screen in the back for watching sporting events and regulars will sometimes bring snacks or dishes to share while watching the game. There's a patio, occasional live music and domino tables.

14. Winston-Salem Will Get You Tangled Up In Lights

Source: Flickr user almassengale

Tanglewood Park's Festival of Lights offers four miles and nearly 100 different light displays from late November to January each year. Cars line up for miles to snake through the park. (For best results, pile your friends and a bunch of blankets into a convertible.)

15. Get Up Close To A Fighter Jet

Source: Flickr user Romel Jacinto

The annual Winston-Salem Air Show offers two days of aerial and ground entertainment in all things that fly or move really fast.

16. Small Is The Only Batch Here

Source: Small Batch Beer Co. via Facebook

Three beer lovers started Small Batch Beer Co. and like the name implies, they make craft beer in small amounts. Beers include Bellente, a blonde style ale and a Farmhouse saison. They also offer artisanal bar snacks such as duck or pulled pork individual pizzas.

17. A Step Back In Time Is Just Next Door

Source: Flickr user Jeanette Runyon

A National Historic Landmark, Bethabara Park is home to 20 miles of nature trails as well as a reconstructed village. Run by the city of Winston-Salem, this was the first Moravian settlement in North Carolina.

18. In Winston-Salem, All The Cool Kids Hop Galleries

Source: Flickr user NCBrian

The Downtown Alliance sponsors open galleries on the first Friday of each month at the Trade Street Art District. The party often spills into the streets during nicer months.

19. The Irish Throw A Good Party

Source: Finnegan's Wake via Facebook

While you're walking around Trade Street, quench any thirsts you might have at Finnegan's Wake, an excellent example of the Irish bar in America, especially since the first appetizer on the menu is a pint of Guinness. They also serve Irish sausage and shepard's pie alongside Ireland's drink of choice.

20. It's Time To Climb

Source: Flickr user Derrick Matthews

A short drive from downtown, Pilot Mountain State Park rises 2,421 feet and beckons climbers, hikers and cyclists to make the trek up to its domed peak.

21. Fuel Your Inner Film Snob

Source: Flickr user HPUPhotogStudent

A/perture cinema shows independent, foreign and local movies in three small screening rooms for an intimate setting that will make any true film buff happy. They serve beer, wine, candy and treats from local bakeries to complement your art-house film viewing experience.

22. Check Out These Half Shells

Source: King's Crab Shack and Oyster Bar via Facebook

King's Crab Shack and Oyster Bar serves the freshest seafood in town. Get your oysters on the half shell raw or steamed. For the less adventurous, there are delicious crab cakes, but the real treat is the "Dreamy Steamy Bucket" full of crab legs, shrimp, mussels and other steamed seafood treats.

23. Every Hotdog Needs Mustard

Source: Flickr user rob_rob2001

Pulliams Hotdogs & BBQ should cut BBQ from its name because all anyone wants to eat are the hotdogs. Order one (or two) with chili, mustard and onions.

24. Pitchers Served On The Back Deck

Source: Flickr user LexnGer

Rose's Deli has been serving the best sandwiches and the coldest beer in town since 1989. Their slogan might be too vulgar to repeat, but the t-shirts are cool. Grab a pitcher and a plate of fries and carry them out to the back patio, which is a favorite with the college crowd on beautiful Friday spring afternoons.

25. Kids Come First In Winston-Salem

Source: Children's Museum of Winston-Salem via Facebook

For it's 75th anniversary, the Junior League founded the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, which has a climbing room, garden and a mock factory.

26. You're Expected To Get A Little Artsy

Source: Sawtooth School for Visual Arts via Facebook

The Sawtooth School for Visual Arts offers courses for youth and adults in visual arts such as pottery, photography and drawing. This community school has something for everyone.

27. Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon

Source: Flickr user Jwol3

No trip to the Piedmont is complete without a little NASCAR. Stop in at The Winston Cup Museum, which details the R.J. Reynolds sponsorship of America's number one spectator sport.

28. Salute With Your Wine Glass

Source: Flickr user Andy Ciordia

Wine dinners, live music and a street festival all to celebrate the grapes of North Carolina. Head to Trade Street in May for the 9th Annual Salute! NC Wine Festival.

29. Mmmm. Fig Manhattans

Source: Tate's Craft Cocktails via Facebook

For a perfectly mixed drink, head to Tate's Craft Cocktails. Try the Blackbird Julep.

30. You'll Somersault All Over This Place

Source: Airbound Trampoline Park via Facebook

Your (or your kids') inner gymnast will relish time bouncing and flipping at Airbound Trampoline Park.