Issue Date: June 17, 2007
Easy ways to hide unattractive views
Here are some ways to obscure the views of air conditioning units, satellite dishes and other eyesores:
Evergreen trees. Fast-growing types include Pinus strobus, known as Eastern white pine (12 inches per year, hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8), and Emerald Green Arborvitae (4 feet per year, zones 2 to 7). Plant according to the size (especially width) that it will be at maturity.
Perennial grasses. Moderately priced and fast-growing, at maturity they act like tall screens to block views. Arundo donax, also known as the giant reed, can reach 20 feet tall within three or four years (zones 7 to 10). Miscanthus "Giganteus," which is giant Chinese silver grass, can grow 12 feet tall (zones 5 to 9).
Pergola. Especially effective for hiding air conditioning units: You can build (or have built) an arbor or lattice cover (big-box hardware stores have the supplies) to loosely enclose your unit. To cover the pergola in the first year, plant morning glory seeds, a fast-growing annual. If you simultaneously plant a climbing rose bush such as Lavender Lassie, Climbing Iceberg (both zones 5 to 10) or New Dawn (zones 4 to 9), it will be covered by the second year.
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Every cook needs these top 10
Yes, fresh produce is great, but make sure you always have these 10 staples on hand, too.
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You don't have to avoid all processed foods to eat smart. Try my 10 favorite staples.
1. Fat-free half-and-half. This naturally thickened nonfat milk adds "cream" to soup, mashed potato, fettuccine Alfredo and sauces.
2. No-salt-added canned tomatoes, tomato sauce. Get the antioxidant lycopene without heart-damaging sodium.
3. No-salt-added canned beans (kidney, pinto, etc.). Get high antioxidants and steady blood sugar without high salt.
4. Canned salmon. Red and pink canned salmon have as much disease-fighting omega-3 as fresh wild salmon. Virtually all canned salmon is wild. Eat bones for calcium; discard skin.
5. Dried cranberries. An antioxidant-packed alternative to raisins. Use as baked fruit topping; toss in salad, pilaf and stew.
6. Balsamic vinegar. Intense, sweet flavor means you'll use less oil on salad. Use vinegar of all kinds with abandon. The acid helps suppress blood-sugar spikes and curbs appetite.
7. Walnuts. High-antioxidant, good-type fat, excellent as a snack. I routinely toss a handful into a green salad. Refrigerate opened packages of nuts.
8. Oatmeal. Add a whole-grain fiber boost to cookies, baked fruit, stews and casseroles. It helps your heart, blood sugar and immunity.
9. Canned hot peppers. My favorite: sliced jalapeños in vinegar. Add to sandwiches, salad, stew and casseroles. All peppers are antioxidant-rich. The hot bite helps lung function.
10. Frozen spinach. It's loaded with antioxidants, such as lutein. Sauté or microwave with olive oil and garlic. Or add to soups, stews and casseroles. May help aging brains and eyes.
Contact Contributing Editor Jean Carper at jeancarper.com.
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How to set a limit on kids' TV time
American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state that kids should watch no more than two hours of TV per day. Of course, the AAP isn't the one who has to tell your kids to shut it off. The Bob TV/video game time manager from Hopscotch Technology can help with that. The device ($99 at usebob.com) lets you limit the time each family member can use a TV, computer or gaming system, by the day or week. Simply plug whatever device you want to set limits on into Bob, and a key lock secures the cord in place. Then connect Bob to a standard power outlet. A user punches in an assigned PIN, and when the time runs out, Bob shuts off the power.
You also can try Time-Scout Monitor ($89.95, time-scout.com), which uses a card swipe instead of a PIN. Parents can add time to the cards (three are included) in 30-minute increments.
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Pilates: Backbone of strength
One of the best ways to improve your core strength is via Pilates, an exercise method designed to lengthen the body and improve strength and flexibility.
"Pilates is the perfect fitness foundation," says Alycea Ungaro, author of Pilates: Body in Motion. "The systematic symmetrical strengthening you realize with it will prepare you for every other activity you perform."
Many gyms across the country now offer Pilates classes. If yours doesn't -- or if you hate going to the gym -- try using a book or downloadable podcast. Go to iamplify.com or podfitness.com for sample audio and video workouts.
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