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[nest] Mr. Midwest Goes Green, Pt. 2

Jenn Garvin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:55:57 +0000

When I spoke with Joel Spedding last month, he was suffering from green lethargy. While the idea of being transformed from posh, carefree, urban consumer into a posh, mindful, urban hippie had its allure at the onset, he was dragging his feet a week into the project. I voiced the suspicion that he had fallen victim to smelly tree-hugger stereotyping. He didn’t argue otherwise.

Preparing for our first follow-up since his green mini-revolution, I was nervous that I would have nothing to report. I was afraid that our second interview would present no results better than a half-hearted “I, um, recycled some cans on Saturday?”

Readers, let me tell you; I didn’t give the man enough credit.

Joel now recycles glass, aluminum, and plastic. He has begun replacing all of his household cleaning supplies with Seventh Generation’s natural, more sustainable line. He is making an admirable effort to weed out any groceries that come individually wrapped, “snack sized”, or bundled in wads of unnecessary plastic packaging. He’s walking more and driving less. He’s learning how to preserve fresh produce and reduce food waste.

On the phone, he is eager to tell me about all of his discoveries and accomplishments. “I’m not as tired as I used to be. I was working out constantly, and was always sore and exhausted at the end of the day. Now I’m staying in good shape without having to run all of the time or crash diet. It’s the food I’m eating. It makes me feel so much better than I used to.”

He hasn’t done anything drastic, and he certainly hasn’t blown his budget. The changes he made are simple and easy. He’s cooking one or two meals a week from fresh, organic ingredients. He’s replacing snack foods with yogurt, fruit and oatmeal. He drinks more water and passes on beer. To Joel, who is body-conscious and overworked, the rewards are worth the effort. Even the way he sounded over the phone (first thing in the morning, I might add) made me feel energized by association.

And he’s not stopping here, either. Next on his to-do list; making space in his 9th floor apartment kitchen for more fresh food and a finding a small compost bin that he can use as a middle-man between dinner and his dad’s suburban garden. He also wants to sample the delights of local farmer’s markets and find ways to add variety to his new diet before he suffers from juice and celery burn-out. Luckily, Wichita has an abundance of local food suppliers and organic food stores. The challenge will more likely become fitting all he finds into two cupboards.

Despite all of this, what impresses me the most is the natural ease in which he talks about some truly monumental developments in his daily routine. “I’m using the same water bottle now. I mean, what’s the point of buying more?” I melted. If only everyone in the country could be so commonsensical!

After I hang up the phone, I sit in awe at how much one person can improve in a single month. With only a few suggestions and a little bit of amiable nudging, Joel Spedding has probably cut his carbon footprint down by a quarter. If he can go this “green” in a downtown high-rise apartment, what can you accomplish?

Check in next month to see how this 23-year-old restaurant manager is developing into an Eco-Superhero. (Somebody get this guy a cape and a phone booth!)

[nest] Inside Innes Station

Denise Grays — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:03:16 +0000

As a lifelong Wichitan, I’ve watched Old Town evolve and develop over the years. Time passes and formerly polluted ground becomes shops and clubs, and neglected warehouses become trendy loft living spaces. I was curious about what the living spaces were really like on the inside. Not just an empty model space a property manager would show you, but a home once someone moves in and breathes life into the place.

I met artist Kyle Kolkovich at a tweetup at Old Chicago in Old Town, where she mentioned she lived in Innes Station. I thought, what a great opportunity to get a peek inside and share with verb[ICT] readers!

Kyle and her husband Richard were kind enough to allow me to ask a few questions and show off their home.

Where are you and your husband from originally?

My husband Richard and I are both originally from Georgia. He grew up just on the Georgia/South Carolina line. I grew up just north of Atlanta on a fibers farm.

What kind of work do you both do?

Currently I’m a full-time fiber artist creating accessories for home and life in my apartment studio. I used to design bedding, fabric, and carpet. Richard is a software developer. He works from home.

How did you find Innes Station?

When we first visited Wichita we loved the Old Town area, so when we looked for apartments we decided to find one in that area. Actually, I called our apartment building and asked if they had something in the size we needed and applied for it without ever seeing the place. We saw it the day we moved in. Luckily, we were happy with it.

How do you describe the style of decor of your home?

I would describe as comfortable, modern, and eclectic. We like the bold bright colors and graphic prints that modern design has, but love the comfortable, homey feel of casual design. We have many items that have been given to us that we’ve made work by refinishing, painting, or recovering. I think decor-wise, we relate with Crate and Barrel, though we own a lot of Ikea.

The Kolkovichs enjoy the ample space loft living provides and the downtown location is great for being in the midst of entertainment and cultural events. Kyle mentioned that many of their neighbors are not originally from Wichita, but from larger cities. Hopefully downtown loft living will catch on with native Wichitans as well.

[nest] Great Car Repair Shops in Wichita

Maria Mannani — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:58:29 +0000

I’m convinced that living life without a car would be very difficult or impossible for me. I need my car. It takes me anywhere I need or want to go. It’s reliable. However, there are two things that keep it in working order: gasoline and maintenance. The only unpleasant aspect that comes with owning a car is vehicle maintenance and repairs. It can get costly. Fortunately, there are several affordable car maintenance centers here in Wichita that do quality work.

Chris’ Mobile Auto Service (1905 S. Lulu St.) offers quality work for a fair price. Most oil changes are below $42, and their service is impressive. Speaking from experience, they are friendly and reliable. Aside from oil changes, they are experienced in transmission repairs and maintenance. Chris, the owner, is the only female mechanic in Wichita. She ensures their prices are affordable for their customers. Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Basics and Beyond (1001 E. Pawnee St.) is also an affordable option for car repairs. Their oil changes are $29.95 and they offer a variety of other services, including major transmission work and tire repairs. The staff is very familiar with both domestic and foreign vehicles. Basics and Beyond is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tracy’s Automotive (three locations in the Wichita area) is a well-established automotive maintenance and repair shop. They offer a variety of services, from basic maintenance to major work. Oil changes, alignments, transmission repairs, and engine repairs are all services the staff is very familiar with. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Unruh Automotive (four locations in the Wichita area) has been in business for over 60 years. Some of the services they offer are air conditioning repairs, brakes maintenance, oil changes, and other basic maintenance. All of their technicians are ASE certified and are qualified to work on both foreign and domestic vehicles. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

These are just a few of Wichita’s reasonable and honest automotive repair shops. There are many more. Are there any that stand out to you for their excellent service, quality work, or reasonable prices?

(Image Credit)

[nest] Mr. Midwest Goes Green, Pt. 1

Jenn Garvin — Tue, 25 May 2010 13:25:59 +0000

The man you see pictured is quite the up and comer about Wichita. He graduated college a little over a year ago and has since worked his way up the social food chain to become a recognizable face in College Hill. Have you been to the cozy little Il Vicino that faces Douglas? Have you sat at the stretch bar on a cold night or taken your salad and wine to the patio on a warm spring day? A lot of Wichitans have, and many of them know this man by name. This is Joel Spedding, and he’s the neighborhood’s fusion of pizza-guy and savvy entrepreneur. He lives nine stories up in an apartment that overlooks the heart of the city, with a wine cabinet, a flat screen, and a shiny new SUV parked behind a security gate. So why am I sitting across from him at a café, lecturing him on the wonders of compost? Because Joel, the high-rise urbanite with new suede kicks and a Bumble and Bumble-worthy ’do, is about to go green.

When I first asked him about participating in this little experiment, he was enthusiastic. He wanted to tell me all about efforts made at Il Vicino to recycle and waste less food, and his ideas for the business’s future. I was overjoyed. I had been expecting him to resist, to fuss a little, to put it off. Yet there I was, notebook in hand, smiling like an idiot because I had the easiest assignment ever. He seemed like a regular eco-cheerleader.

Then came the second meeting. I wore an enthusiastic smile, but it was met with a wrinkled nose and a few epic eye-rolls. I tried to think of what might have changed since last week, and it hit me mid-interview. The best justification for his depleted zeal had to be the fear of social stigma. Talking with him, it becomes obvious that he’s taken a bit of heat for this volunteer project. He’s probably told a couple of acquaintances, and they’ve laughed or painted pictures of unwashed hippies chained to trees, subsisting on soybeans, bicycles and patchouli. Joel was looking at me like I was holding a Frisbee in one hand and a woven hemp sleeping mat in the other. I was, in fact, wearing Steve Madden sandals and handing him a business card. At first, the whole second meeting was rather insulting, but by the time I was home and typing up notes, I realized that it was exactly the task I had wanted to undertake.

Here is a classic Midwesterner. He’s Kansan-born and bred, with a religious upbringing and a KSU degree. His family gets together to watch football on TV and whittle away at coolers full of beer. He’s always talking about someone he knows (through church, school, or his cousin’s husband’s fraternity) that you might know, and he’s almost always a little overworked, putting off airs of a war veteran in the way he’ll sit, look past you, and nod his head in fatigue-beyond-his-years. He is the ideal representative for young Kansas, and I couldn’t ask for a better volunteer. In my mind, if I can get this Midwest golden boy to recycle cans and learn to cook with organic produce, then Kansas is not as bad off as some might have thought. Joel Spedding, in short, may be the key to improving our cultural identity.

With his continued (albeit skeptical) cooperation, I will help Joel separate out recyclables, use less water, learn about reusable energy and diminish his carbon footprint. I’ll provide him with resources, connections, and a few tools that will allow him to make the transition from “I’m glad my parents have started to recycle and everything, but it’s just too expensive.” to “ Don’t throw that away, put it in the compost box under the sink.”

Will I succeed? I definitely think so. Over a single cup of coffee, he came up with four ways to live green that I had never even considered. Despite the hesitation and the fear of being stereotyped, Joel is, I believe, determined to prove that being Kansan doesn’t mean you can’t be progressive and cosmopolitan. And as a Kansan myself, I would have to agree.

Over the next few months, Joel will be taking baby steps toward greening his ninth-floor apartment. If you see him at Il Vicino giving a wine recommendation or shouting instructions into the open kitchen, know that he’s walking more, wasting less, and living better. Pat him on the back and give him your soda can to recycle.

Any words of wisdom, encouragement or ideas for Joel?

[nest] Container Gardening

Stephanie Cloud Seery — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:45:37 +0000

I live on several acres, out of town, and I already have two garden patches going. Yet, I’m a BIG FAN of container gardening. Why? It allows me to keep kitchen herbs, well, in the kitchen. Also, some things are better in containers. Mint, for example, will take over your yard and can kill off other plants by stripping moisture out of the soil. Keeping it in a container is convenient and less of a hassle than trying to keep it confined to it’s own bed. Also, some plants work well as ornamentals and still can be harvested for food. Once again, we’re pretty much talking about plants like onions, garlic, and peppers, but they actually DO make good houseplants! The first plant I ever grew was an onion that my daughter made my plant after we found it sprouting in the back of our fridge, about 15 years ago. It grew, and grew, and we were hooked.

That’s just a one example. Except for plants that require extensive sprawl to develop a root structure (like potatoes, other tubers, and legumes), most anything can be grown in a container. You can even grow pole beans if you are able to use a small trellis. Grains may be the only container exception. I hear that people have successfully grown baby corn in containers but I’ve never heard of any other grain. If you know of a way, chime in the comments and let us know!

Here are a few container gardening tricks:

Containers

Just about anything can be a container. I’m a fan of reusing and recycling, and not much of a “looks” snob, so I will use quart size yogurt containers (cottage cheese would work, too), plastic coffee cans, and even old plastic buckets that kitty litter comes in. Especially until a plant has reached it’s maximum size, I don’t see the point of spending a lot of money on containers. If you do decide to use a household container for planting, puncture holes in the bottom for drainage, and consider lining your container with old or cheap knee-high pantyhose to keep all your soil in.

Another consideration is that the “pantyhose” method makes transplanting a breeze! You just gently lift out the pantyhose “liner”, peel it off your root ball, and then put the plant into its prepared new pot! Finally? If you choose to use old coffee cans, they fit very well into the short, medium sized gift sack. Have a few on hand in case company is coming, and feel free to change them based on your décor and your mood! Just remember to take your plant back out afterwards, and place it in a pan or tray.

That being said, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with commercial containers. Many have built in water reservoirs, many are really beautiful, and all of them will work. I love terracotta, but unless it’s glazed, I don’t advise it. It sucks water into the pores of the container and away from the plant, something that’s a little self-defeating. If you choose to buy ornamental terracotta planters, consider using a plastic “liner” pot inside. In addition to trapping water next to your plant, this will give you something lighter to pick up if you decide to move the container. You’ll be able to safely move the pot without worrying about the plant, because it’s already out and waiting. Remember when you choose containers to think about how often you’ll have to move them and choose accordingly. That azure blue glazed planter at you’re favorite home décor shop might be gorgeous, but the third time you’re lugging it in or out of your house because there’s hail…you might be hating it.

Soil

For hanging planters and smaller containers, you can use potting soil. For larger containers, you have to decide if you’ll be moving them frequently. If you will, you’re going to want to invest in a high quality, lightweight, soil less growing mix. Pro-mix and Jiffy-mix are commonly found in small bags at places like Target and Wal-Mart, but for larger bags you’ll have to go to a nursery, or a home improvement store. Soil less mixes retain moisture well, so it’s terrific with tomatoes and peppers. If you have access to high-quality garden soil, you might consider picking up compost (also available at nurseries, home improvement stores, some health food stores, and if you live in a small town, maybe your local co-op), and making a combination of garden soil, compost, and either vermiculite or perlite. Now, a word about vermiculite and perlite- these are good products. As a kid, however, we often used plain old packing peanuts in place of them. You can chop them roughly with a garden knife or kitchen knife to make them a little less bulky, and after that they work really well-especially in large containers!

Sun

Before you fill up your container, particularly if it’s going to end up large and heavy in the end, think hard about where your sun hits your home, your yard (or terrace if you’re in a apartment), and how much time everyday your plants need in the sun. If you have several containers, and limited outdoor space, consider rotating them. Keep your high sun need plants outside most of the time, but rotate in and out the pots that don’t need as many hours of direct sunlight. Let’s face it, tomatoes are sun hogs, but most herbs can go out every other day, even one in three days, and still thrive. If you decide on a “bookshelf” structure for your terrace or yard, don’t forget to rotate your plants from time to time so that everyone gets some sun!

Water

Many people complain that the problem with container gardening is all the watering. Well, I’m here to tell you that if you have a “real” garden, you’ll do plenty of watering anyway. This is Kansas, and the rain isn’t guaranteed. Container gardening allows you a few freedoms that in-ground gardening doesn’t. If your containers are those designed for plants, you should look for the kind that have either a water reservoir on the bottom or a saucer like catch for overflow. If you’re using homemade containers, it’s time to go thrifting! Look for pie plates and round cake pans, in glass or aluminum. These are terrific for holding extra water for the roots of your plant to soak up as needed, or to catch any overflow if you should over water by accident. If thrifting isn’t your thing, you can find disposable round cake pans in any grocery store-use them until they crumple, then recycle them!

Another word about watering: if you have to leave your plants for a few days, consider a “kiddy” pool. About 3 feet in diameter, these hard plastic pools can be a real lifesaver. For houseplants, I put all my houseplants in one, in a bedroom where the cats can’t get at them and away from prying eyes so I can leave the blinds open. Fill the pool with a few inches of water, and away you go. For outdoor containers, pick a shady spot. Yes, I said shady! There’s two purposes here: if you’re going to be gone, your plants have more to risk from sudden storms, and the protection of a building or tree might save them. Also, they will be fine for a few days without direct sunlight, but if all the water evaporates and they dry out, there may be no saving them. Once again, add the plants, and then a few inches of water.

There are great books on container gardening, and plenty of articles out there. I can’t begin to list all my favorites. I’m a big fan of the K-State Extension website for information, and I will call our Sedgwick County Extension Office with all kinds of crazy questions. The gardening folks there are cheerful and friendly, so don’t feel shy if you’ve looked everywhere and still can’t find an answer; give them a call!

(Image Credit)

[shop] Garage Sale-ing for Dummies

Shea Sylvia — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:25:58 +0000

I love garage sales. I love estate sales. I love rummaging through other people’s junk, hoping to find something to take home and love forever… Or at least until I sell it at my own garage sale.

Wichita is a garage sale aficionado’s paradise, with sales starting on Thursday morning and continuing through Saturday afternoon. True treasure hunters pore over the garage sale listings in the Wichita Eagle and on Craigslist and map out their plan of attack. I prefer the less structured approach of driving through my favorite Wichita neighborhoods and hoping for the best, usually with a latte in hand and my boyfriend in the passenger’s seat. Bringing along a garage sale-ing buddy is beneficial for multiple reasons; you have someone to laugh with when browsing through what can best be described as tragic home decor, an extra set of muscles when buying something heavy, and someone to convince you that you really don’t need that 8-track player no matter how nostalgic it is.

I realize the idea of shopping in a complete stranger’s driveway may not seem super enticing, but I promise it’s worth it. Some of my recent garage sale bounty includes a huge white ceramic platter for $2, two mid-century modern chairs for $5, a stack of like-new, recently released books for fifty cents apiece, a Cusinart ice cream maker for $3 and a floral wreath with the Target tag still on it for $5.

Should you be so inclined to give garage sales a try, here are a few tips straight from the pros (or, um, me):

Go early for the best selection, but go late for the best bargains. Thursday mornings are prime time for those who want to snag the best items, but Saturday afternoons usually net the best deals. Hot, tired and bored homeowners are ready to close up shop and are willing to negotiate (or start giving things away).
Bring cash. And make sure you have lots of ones on hand for small purchases – books, DVDs, housewares and clothes.
Don’t be afraid to haggle. I know, I know… It seems silly to try and wheel and deal when an item is only a few bucks to begin with. That said, people tend to think their junk is worth more than it is. If you think something is overpriced, make an offer that seems reasonable. More often than not, your offer will be accepted. And remember – you are shopping in someone’s garage, not Nieman Marcus. Haggling is totally acceptable.
Try before you buy. If you’re eying something electronic, plug it in and make sure it works. Anything mechanical (like a lawn mower) should absolutely be tried first before you hand over the cash.
Know your neighborhoods. If a garage sale is in an older, more established neighborhood, you’re likely to find a bounty of “vintage” items (read: old stuff). Newer items can usually be found in newer neighborhoods full of young families. Eclectic neighborhoods like College Hill and Riverside have a nice mix of both.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. If you like the lines on a piece of furniture, but hate the color, you can always turn it into a DIY project with a little bit of paint or fabric. A dirty vase or dish can easily be washed until it sparkles like new.

Are you a garage sale guru? Share your tips in the comments!

Photo courtesy of Steph Barnard

[nest] Sacred Home

Maria Mannani — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:40:41 +0000

Home is supposed to be the place where you feel at peace, comfortable, and relaxed. What makes your home special to you? Maybe you have an old, broken-in couch that reminds you of simpler times. Maybe you have a painting or piece of art that makes you or your home feel tranquil and inviting. If your place is lacking that home-like feeling, a few changes can make your home feel and look how you want it to.

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art, is designed to use energy from the home to give it the best outcome and benefits. This means that rearranging furniture, using windows for natural light and fresh air, and removing clutter will bring a good balance within the home.

Another old, but less-known art form is Vaastu Shastra. It is an ancient Indian architectural and design philosophy that emphasizes the five fundamental elements: earth, wind, fire, water, and spirit. Vaastu Shastra is the belief that incorporating the five elements into the home will create a better living environment.

Here are some tips to make your home your own:

Scent is the strongest sense tied to memory. This can always remind you of places you’ve been or where you used to live. Find an aroma that appeals to you and make sure to have it on hand. Lavender is supposed to be the most relaxing scent.
Music also plays a role in how you feel in your home. Some people chose to play things like rolling waves or outdoor sounds. However, if sounds aren’t your idea of relaxing, play something that makes you feel comfortable.
Make sure to adjust the lighting in your space to something that you’re comfortable with. Some people feel dim lighting is dreary, while others say it makes them feel cozy. If you are a natural light guru, opt for opening blinds and windows and use soft white light when possible.
Decorate you space with colors that you enjoy, but avoid colors like bright red and Pepto-Bismol pink. These colors tend to conjure up rage and unpleasant emotions. When decorating, use items that bring feelings of security, comfort, and life. Flowers, pillows, art and photographs are commonly used items.

Everyone has different styles and tastes, but it’s important to make your home (whether it is one room or an entire house) the place that you want it to be. Need some more fresh ideas? Check out our guides to great Wichita decor shops, art galleries and furniture stores.

[nest] Shop for Home Decor in Wichita

verb [ICT] staff — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 06:44:49 +0000

For this article, verb writers Bailey Ketterman and Jana Curl both explored the best places in Wichita to deck out your home. Each of them had some great suggestions. Read on!

Bailey:

For home furnishings, Abode Home (1330 E. Douglas) has an expansive selection of furniture for every room of the home. Their design services also allow the somewhat choice-challenged, like myself, to make appropriate decisions regarding the pieces to select and the placement of your purchases. As a bonus, the store is very involved in improving ICT, from sponsoring BARKitecture for the Kansas Humane Society to hosting a window-front contest to benefit The Wichita Children’s Home to membership in the Douglas Design District.

Also be sure to check out a new shop in town, Roo Grayson (515 N. Woodlawn). Seasonal decorations are showcased in natural earth tones that would complement any scheme. Ornate wood products in a variety of textures and sizes, beautiful clocks and lamps, and wall furnishings fill every corner of this small shop. Beautiful framed artwork hangs on every wall, surrounded by timeless wreaths and garland that are uniquely Kansas. While you’re there, pick up some of Roo Grayson’s unique jewelry – the selection is outstanding and the prices beat any other shop in town (and you know I’ve looked)!

All Dec’d Out in Andover (149 S. Andover Road, Suite D) is filled with lamps, rugs, wall finishings, and my favorite, ornate crosses in every size, that she has purchased with specific homes in mind. In this way, the owner (a real estate agent and, full disclosure, my aunt) is more than capable of throwing together pillows, scarves, and candle sticks to create masterpieces I could have only dreamt of! Her jewelry and clothing collection is extensive, as well, which just makes the home decoration shopping a little bit more fun. When the going gets tough, the tough buy a sweet little cuff bracelet to take the edge off!

Jana:

Decorating your home can be a daunting task. At least, that is, if you are anything like me. I am not Martha Stewart, I don’t watch HGTV and I simply don’t have that “knack” for putting things together. Lucky for me, Wichita is jam-packed with some great stores that can help anyone, even the designer-impaired, put together a look of style for their home.

A friend recently turned me on to Dock 410, a great place to explore. As “purveyors of antiques and cool stuff,” they have a very eclectic collection of items to peruse. You will find styles from English Country to travel and nautical themes.

Another fine place to find some treasured antiques is Juliana Daniel Antiques. They have a knack for putting together displays in the store that help you really visualize how it can work in your home. You will find everything from 60’s vintage to Victorian at Juliana Daniel.

For a more traditional approach to home décor and design, Traditions is the place to be. They have a large selection of items for every style and just walking through the store will spark your imagination.

Two of my favorite spots to visit during the holidays are Dean’s Design and Twigs. Both stores always have the newest, most creative holiday decorating ideas on display. But they aren’t just for holiday festiveness; you will find inspiration all year round. Unique use of floral arrangements, collectibles, candles and more in a variety of styles and colors can be found at both of these great Wichita stores.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some non-local stores when talking about home décor. For the bargain shopper and the hunter-gatherer in all of us, there are some great finds at great prices at places like TJ Maxx, Gordman’s and Tuesday Morning. You need patience and persistence to shop for décor at these stores, because they won’t always have exactly what you are looking for. Inventory changes often so you have to keep at it, but if you do, you can find some really great pieces at low prices.

Share your home decorating and shopping ideas in the comments!

[shop] Home Shopping Parties

Amanda Mundt — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:48:22 +0000

Since the beginning of mankind, there have been hunters and gatherers. Changes in societal structures and technological advances have led us to a different type of living. The rudimentary definitions of “hunter” and “gatherer” don’t apply to most of us anymore. But it’s still there. It’s in our blood. It’s crying out within you, “Hunt!” and/or “Gather!”

And that’s why women shop.

“Gatherers” spent time foraging for sustenance. “Hunters” planned and executed attacks on game. Yes, hunters still do this. It’s in their blood. That’s why they play sports. Ahhhhh…..that explains the obsession with that little ball; it’s the “game” they’re hunting! So, to fulfill these roles programmed in our genetic code, we go about our modern ways of “hunting” and “gathering.”

The extreme, harsh Kansas weather conditions do challenge gatherers to fulfill that call. You can scan the advertisements and look for great deals, but when you look out the window at the snow on the ground and imagine the blistering wind, you simply sigh in defeat.

Don’t give up, gatherers. There are other options to shop ‘til you drop that will allow you to fulfill that gathering need that is programmed into your genetic code.

No, I’m not talking about online shopping. Forget about scouring eBay for that must-have item. There is a better option. A MUCH better option: home parties.

Home parties allow you to shop in the company of your friends and family, in the comfort of your own home, and while snacking and sipping on party refreshments. If you are not familiar with a home party, it typically works something like this: A “hostess” decides to throw a party. The hostess contacts a “distributor” of this product. The hostess invites as many people as she can to the party. At the party, the distributor demonstrates and discusses the products. Party guests place their orders. The hostess earns free products or credit towards her purchase based on the party sales totals of her guests. Many parties also have games that give the party guests opportunities to win prizes.

There are many types of home parties. The following is a list of popular options.

Slumber Parties: You’ve heard of “saving the best for last,” but I just don’t believe in that. I say the best should be first! And that’s what Slumber Parties are – the best in home parties. Also known as “toy parties,” Slumber Parties are for women only over 18 years old. The distributor will show a variety of products in a humorous but professional manner. These parties can be lengthy and are also supposed to be entertaining. They are a good chance for girls to hang out and have a good time. The distributor you choose is important here. Try to get recommendations before you visit the company website for suggestions. A party with a charismatic distributor who is funny and laid back will be a lot more fun than a boring distributor. Products include massage products and lotions, bath products, couples games, novelties, and adult toys. Ordering is done privately and confidentially so guests feel comfortable.

Scentsy: Scentsy is a wickless candle company. Parties allow guests to test out and determine which of the over 80 scents they prefer. They can see the warmers and ask questions about products.

Party Lite: Party Lite products include candles, home accents, and bath and body products.

Premier Jewelry: Distributors bring the bling! You and your friends can “oooohhhh” and “aaahhh” each other as you look at and try on a variety of jewelry.

Uppercase Living: These parties will give you ideas on personalizing your own home or apartment. They have “rub on” decorative letter expressions and decals. The decorations are also removable, so it’s a great option for renters. The distributor will demonstrate how to properly apply the products.

Pampered Chef: These parties allow you to use the products you’re seeking to buy while learning and preparing new recipes. Shopping, cooking, and eating with your friends… what’s not to love?

What are some of your favorite home party companies? Are there any home party products you just can’t live without?

[nest] Planting Bulbs in the Springtime (Really!)

Stephanie Cloud Seery — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:56:05 +0000

It seems like everywhere you go, there are bulbs for sale. Fiery red tulips and snow-white crocuses, sunshine-yellow daffodils and indigo hyacinths: they all scream “Spring is almost here!” to me.

However, if you’re living in an apartment, or you’ve moved in the past year, perhaps you didn’t get those bulbs bought and in the ground last October when you should have. Does this mean you will have to wait another year to enjoy their cheerful colors in your home? No, no, no! If you buy the bulbs you want now, and I do mean NOW, you can still “force” them to sprout and bloom in about three months.

Inducing bulbs to bloom when you want them to, rather than when they normally do, is known as forcing. In late summer, most bulbs are in a dormant stage. As soil temperatures cool, the bulbs begin root growth, which continues until the temperatures become very cold. When spring approaches and the weather starts to warm, shoots appear and are followed by flowering. During all this, the foliage helps store food in the bulbs for the dormant stages of the year. Forcing is simply manipulating this cycle. Here’s how to do it:

For the first spring, plant your bulbs indoors and transplant them outside after they are done blooming. There is no scientific evidence for this, just my own experiences. I’ve had some luck getting crocuses and irises to bloom outside after being “forced”, but not much luck with any other bulbs. The following spring, however, they’ve done just fine.
For indoor planting, any container will work. The size depends on the number of bulbs you plan on put into it; use your common sense and don’t try to put six bulbs into a small windowsill pot, or one lonely bulb into a 4-foot-high planter. The best soil mix for forcing bulbs contains equal parts of soil, spaghnum moss, and perlite or vermiculite. Ordinary potting soil retains too much moisture to be optimal for bulbs, but “soil-less” potting mixes work just fine.
When it’s time to plant them outside in the fall, choose areas of your yard that drain well. Planting bulbs directly under the downspout for your gutter won’t give you the cluster of color you’re aiming for. They only need a light covering on top of the bulb, and some need no soil on top at all. Do some research of your own on the specific bulbs you’re planting.
Now it’s time to “force” the bulbs. That means keeping them cold for about 14 weeks. If you have a garage, put the pots there and ignore them until the time is up. Now that we are getting fewer and fewer nights of hard freeze, you can put the pots on an apartment terrace. I did this one year, but I put them in cheap Styrofoam coolers to help protect them from frost and put straw around the sides and across the top of the pots to help insulate them. Of course, if there is an unseasonably warm day, you’ll be risking the bulbs trying to sprout too soon. If you’re cramped on space, try putting the bulbs in a brown paper bag and placing them in the fridge BEFORE you plant them. If you do this, put them where where they are unlikely to get anything spilled on them (wet is bad). Give them 14 weeks in the fridge, then pull them out and plant them.
If you’ve bought or received some tulips in a pot, don’t try to plant them outside until after the ground warms up, sometime in late April or early May. To increase their longevity, keep them somewhere in your home that gets cool at night, such as near a window. Around 60 degrees is ideal, but I don’t think anyone sets their thermostat quite that low! Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, and water them only often enough to keep the soil moist but not wet. Standing water, as I mentioned before, causes problems with bulbs.

For the record, my “go to” guy for gardening is Paul James. I love him because he’s in Tulsa, so he’s familiar with our climate. Also, he’s a little wacky, and that works for me. I also rely heavily on the K-State and Sedgwick County Extension office websites for information, and they’ve never steered me wrong.

If you have any other tips on planting or caring for bulbs, or if you have a website or book on the subject you’d like to recommend, let us know!

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