• Apples/Apricots
  This is a new one for me... I didn't know that apples, apricots, cherries, peaches and plums could harm my "Oscar" and "Scarlett" (they are Pugs and thank you for asking!) These five fruits contain a type of cyanide complex that can poison your dog if he/she ingests even the stems, seeds and leaves. This can cause dilated pupils, breathing problems, hyperventilation, shock, and apprehensiveness.
• Chocolate
  Chocolate is harmful for 3 reasons: the chemicals theobromine and caffeine, and its high fat content. theobromine and caffeine are nervous system stimulants. Stimulants are harmful to your dog if he eats too much. Noticeable effects of overdose include hyperactivity, restlessness, muscle twitches, increased urination and excessive panting. Seizures may occur in the most severe cases of overdose. These chemicals increase as the chocolate gets darker.
• Coffee Grounds and Beans
  You may have a dog that will eat anything, especially if they're enjoying a prohibited treat from a trash can. Coffee grounds and beans have caffeine and dogs that eat them can suffer from caffeine overdose.
• Macadamia Nuts
  Also known as the Australia Nut and the Queensland Nut, Macadamias are one of the mystery harmful foods when it comes to your dog. Although researchers still have not determined what causes the problem, as few as six nuts, running as high as 40 nuts, can cause severe overdose. The symptoms of your dog may have from macadamias include abdominal pain, vomiting, pale gums, stiffness, lameness, difficulty walking, tremors, weakness, and depression. The symptoms usually dissipate in 12 to 24 hours.
• Nutmeg
  Nutmeg is a popular spice at Christmas time, especially for egg nog and baking. High levels of nutmeg can kill your dog. Symptoms include seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems and death.
• Onions and Garlic
  Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, which is harmful for dogs. If you feed him onions of garlic regularly, his red blood cells may weaken and literally fall apart. The thiosulphate can reach harmful, even deadly levels, if he eats too much of either food.

• Use high energy food
• You dont have to put bird feeders "everywhere"... a handful carefully placed will soon become a magnet to a varied range of birds.
• Once winter is over continue to put food out, birds need the calories for nest building and raising their young.
• To attract a good range of birds you only need to find a SAFE place for a few different feeding stations.
• Different birds like different food and the greater selection you put out the more birds you will attract.

• Mixed seed will attract house Sparrows, and Chaffinches.
• Peanuts will attract Nuthatches, Siskins, Great tits, Blue tits
• Nyjer seeds attract Goldfinches
• Meal worm attracts Robins or Wrens
• Water is very important to make available for drinking as well as washing. The traditional bird bath will work but add a few drops of a special liquid that prevents water from freezing. Don't worry this Avian version of anti-freeze is completely safe!
• Enjoy your birding...birds bring us joy...we can bring them a kinder life.

• Wildbird.com
• Kansasbirds.com
• Ksbirds.com
• SeedCake.com
• nottawawildbirdsupply.com

• Check and maintain proper ventilation of flue and chimney.
• Clean or replace air filters regularly.
• Don't block air intake areas near appliances.
  
• Don't use a gas range or space heater to heat your home.
• Don't start your car, lawn mower, snow blower or any combustion engine in a closed garage.
• Don't operate your gas grill inside your home, an enclosed porch or closed garage.
• If you see a yellow flame instead of a blue one, it's a warning sign that your natural gas appliance is not operating properly or is not vented properly.

You can dispose of still-functioning appliances and fixtures by donating them to a favorite charity rather than sending them to a landfill. Or visit www.Freecycle.org to find out how you can donate them to individuals who can use them.

Appliances and fixtures that no longer work also can be recycled. Call your municipal solid waste agency, contact the Steel Recycling Institute at www.recycle-steel.org, or visit www.earth911.org for local options.                                                   

Save on Home Insurance


Not all homeowner’s insurance policies are created equal. While most policies cover property, liability and loss of use, they don’t all cost the same. InsWeb, an online insurance resource, suggests several ways homeowners can save on their insurance premiums.

• Shop around. By comparing coverage and rates from several carriers, you’ll know if you’re getting the best deal.
• Look for multi-policy discounts. Does your auto insurance company also provide home insurance? Many insurance providers will offer their customers discounts for buying more than one product.
• Only buy the coverage you need. If you don’t live in a flood-prone area, for example, you may not need costly flood insurance.
• Review your insurance policy limits once a year. Update your home inventory and notify your agent of any major purchases or additions to your home. Also keep in mind that many insured possessions depreciate over time. As you update your inventory, the value of your possessions could mean more or less coverage.
• Consider raising your deductible. Increasing your deductible by a few hundred dollars can reduce your monthly premium.
• Look for homeowner discounts. If your home has safety features such as dead-bolt locks, fire extinguishers, an alarm system, and smoke detectors, you may be able to get a lower premium. Some insurers also offer discounts to homeowners over age 55 and to smoke-free households.

Creating Curb Appeal

The area I live in has a monthly newsletter. I put in a little "blurb" about sharing bulbs and plants with each other (when you thin them out). Amazing! The things we exchange and receive. Hope you find the Free Landscaping Ideas Blog beneficial.

Happy Gardening,

The Free Landscaping Ideas Blog

• Make a plan that includes a schedule of tasks and rough sketches of your design to help you determine what items you need. For assistance, consult with an expert at a local gardening store or home improvement retailer.
• Plan the project in phases and purchase products as money is available. The phased-in plan also helps you avoid the interest and fees associated with home-improvement loans or credit card purchases.
• Don't sacrifice quality. Ask the staff at local specialty shops for recommendations about the best products available. If you are inexperienced with landscaping, consider spending a little extra for professional assistance.
• Carefully inspect plants for diseases and insect problems, especially if you didn't purchase them from a nursery. Diseases and pests can spread to other plants. Also ask the gardening retailer if they offer warranties on their plants.
• If you plan ahead, you can take advantage of off-season prices. For example, buy lumber in the winter when it is cheaper and store it until you are ready to use it. Shop for trees, shrubs, perrennials, mulch and soil late in the season when prices go down.
• Purchase products online or from catalogs, or join a gardening club, which may offer discount prices as well as helpful advise.

WORK WITH A CRS AGENT
Buying a home is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions you will ever make. So it's important to work with someone who can provide sound advice and steady, guiding hand when you need it.

That's why a CRS agent is the best person for the job.

A Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is among the top 4 percent of all agents in the country. CRS agents have achieved a high volume of transactions and advanced training in areas such as business planning, real estate investing, marketing and technology. They must also maintain membership in the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and abide by its Code of Ethics.

Why work with anyone else when you can work with a CRS?