Blue juniper is not just for winter arrangements. I have been using it all summer in my floral arrangements and it looks beautiful. It makes a perfect filler and makes the flower  arranging so easy. And the blue berries enchance the arrangement like you wouldn't believe!

If you do not know about these amazingly beautiful and easy little bulbs (corms) then google and read up on them. Crocus is where we get that rare and expensive spice saffron. they are the earliest blooms of spring, oftedn poking up right through the snow in feb-mar. they do like cold winters so check your climate zone but i've heard of them growing in cali so go figure. they look like little tulips and come in colors ranging from purple, blue and pink to white and yellow. right now they're on sale...

Take a cotton ball and put a few drops of your Essential oil of your choice on the cotton ball and then put it in your vacuum. I have a bagless one so I put it where the dirt would pile in, it helps keeping the house fresh while vacuum.

Also if you have a couch that the cushions come out of, just put a dryer sheet under the cushions so when people go to sit down a whoosh of dryer sheet scent will rise up!

"I've been using homemade fabric softener in the washer for several months now. It works in the dryer and even for the clothes hung on the line.
1 bottle of hair conditioner (CHEAP.......any brand will work. I like Suave cause it is like $1 a bottle)
2 cups white vinegar
6 cups water
Mix in a gallon jug. I transfer it to a used softener bottle, then use that cap as a measure for the amount to use."

If you have read my blog, then you know I am dealing with clothes moths in my place right now.  HUGE pain!  Be convenient and purchase some cedar chips to put in your drawers, closet, and air tight bins.  You can find a lot of different types now, cedar that goes on your hangers, balls for your drawers, blocks in cute decorative bags to display out in the open.  It is worth thinking ahead on this one!

Tulips are the only flower that continues to grow after they have been cut. Keep this in mind when arranging them in a vase as they may grow an inch or more!

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Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring one cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

If you are ever unlucky enough to "do it yourself", this tip is for you!  Last week I started gutting my bathroom down to the studs. My female friend and I have taken this on by ourselves. While measuring and cutting the durarock (cement board/sheetrock) we used two measuring tapes (one at the measuring location and one at the cutting location). We measured with the one in the bathroom and then went outside to measure and cut the board with the other one.  Everything was off, we were fustrated...

They used to eat my tomato plants, but not any more since I learned this trick. You get some hair clippings (should not be washed) and back in the day they would spread it around the plants. (with the intention of choking the rabbits). But what I do is put the hair in old nylon footies and tie them on various spots on the plant holder. This way they will catch the scent and not bother your plants, but there is no harm to the rabbit. This however does not scare the squirrels. Does anyone have any...

Yesterday I floated 3 of my last beautiful peonies in my bird bath. You would not believe how many compliments I received. I must say they did look cool. In the past I have added floating candles but did not yesterday because we were indoors before the sun went down. Always use an odd number when doing so. You will LOVE the results. You can also float rose petals for a different look.

Just read  in Family Circle Magazine to plant window boxes and patio containers with cheerful marigolds. Beside adding a jolt of bright color, these easy -to- maintain flowers natural repel pesky mosquitoes. My friend said she has been planting them for years and it really does work.

Speaking of mosquitoes Nancy Hinkle, PhD, a professor of entomology at the University of Georgia says "A few saucers under flower pots can produce mosquitoes for the whole neighborhood. She also suggest since mosquitoes...

Use cooking spray to prevent candles from sticking to votifs!  Give the bottom of votifs a little spray before dropping tea light candles in.

If you are an apartment dweller like me, you don't have the vast resources of a flowering garden to bring a bouquet as a gift...

Well, I love love love giving and getting fresh cut flowers but save big bucks by recycling old vases!  I bring a vase to the florist and ask him/her to make it look pretty within my budget.  It makes a huge splash with a mere dent in my pocketbook!