Keep the fresh air flowing
Last week we reminded you to check your home for chilly drafts while looking for ways to improve your home's energy efficiency.
Then the folks at Prevention magazine reminded us that such practices can trap pollutants in your home and make it more difficult for fresh air to circulate. To minimize the negative effects of winterizing your home, Prevention offers these tips:
Open your bedroom windows for 5 to 10 minutes after you wake up in the morning and again before you climb into bed at night; this is enough time to let carbon dioxide out and oxygen in without chilling the rest of your house.
Wash winter blankets, clothes and linens that have been stored away in hot water to get rid of dust or other allergens.
Consider wearing an N95 dust respiratory mask (available in drug stores) before heading into the attic or basement to search for holiday decorations. It'll shield you from 95 percent of airborne particles that set off sneezing fits.
Install carbon monoxide detectors to warn of an accidental buildup of this toxic gas.
Change your heating system filters every three months. Prevention recommends a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of at least 8.
Have a professional service your heating system annually.
Give the teacher one to grow
I was recently in line behind a lady at Target and noticed that she had piled her cart full of silver amaryllis bulb planting tins. As Top Drawer is always on the hunt for a bargain, I had to ask: "Are those on sale?" "No," the woman replied. "But at around $5 each, I just couldn't pass them up." The busy mom of three explained that she uses the tins to make gifts for each of her children's teachers and other friends. She lets them decorate the tins and write personalized messages to the teacher with silver, gold and red paint pens. The teachers simply bury the included white or red flower bulbs in the tin's dirt and "force" them to grow. "They're really pretty and the teachers always love them." Sounds like a deal to me.
Learn about Colonial Christmas
If you've ever wondered what the holidays were like during George Washington's time, head over to the N.C. Museum of History for a little taste. Throughout December, the museum and the Joel Lane House in Raleigh have teamed up to offer a mix of Colonial crafts, games and music in a nod to our forefathers' customs. From 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 1, kids ages 6 to 9 are invited to learn how families celebrated Christmas in the 1700s, listen to a short story and make a Colonial craft. At the same time, kids 10 to 13 will get tips on making holiday presents and crafts. Register by calling 807-7992.
From 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 4 and 5, visitors are invited to an open house held jointly at the Museum of History and the Joel Lane House for period music, Colonial crafts and games. Ride the trolley between the two museums on Dec. 5. We'll highlight other events throughout December. The museum is at 5 E. Edenton St. in Raleigh. Learn more at http://ncmuseumofhistory .org/wgo/Programs.html
Visit holiday open house
In Moore County, you'll find another way to get into the Christmas spirit while learning how settlers celebrated yule at two free open houses at historic homes. From 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5, you're invited to peruse the historic McLendon Cabin and Bryant House, which were built in the 1760s and 1820s, respectively. The homes are at 3361 Mount Carmel Road in Carthage. Both will be decked out for the holidays. The annual Shaw House Holiday Open House follows on Dec. 10-12 and will include old-time decorations, warm apple cider, homemade cookies and tours of three historic homes on Morganton Road and Southwest Broad Street in Southern Pines. There will also be music and period re-enactments for visitors to enjoy. For details, call 910-692-2051 or visit www.moorehistory.com.
Plant spring bulbs now
The Orange County Master Gardeners remind us that November is a good time to start planting spring-flowering bulbs. Dormant bulbs can be planted without watering.
Get the biggest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.
It’s a weekly chore this time of year, but mowing doesn’t have to mean a dull up-and-back. David Mellor, director of grounds for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, recently told the Wall Street Journal’s Developments blog (which is usually about the real estate business) how big leaguers create art in their summer lawns. In addition to writing a couple of books on the subject, Mellor has created swirls, stars, circles, baseballs and his team’s iconic socks in Fenway fescue. Here are three of his top tips for striping: 
The lemon beebalm or purple horsemint has been incredible this spring. 
Those snobs who say there’s no reason not to have a good-looking, pulled-together home are just plain wrong – and irritating. I know plenty of reasons. 
I am not sure what to do with this small room that is just off the front entrance and staircase to our second floor. There is a hallway to the living room and the dining room is on the other side of it. This is an empty room, and we would love to make it a cozy library sitting room or maybe you have a suggestion to help make this a beautiful focal point. I am looking for a classy, rich and elegant look. I can change the room color if needed. I have a neutral eggshell color in the halls and goldish yellow in the dining room. 
When Stephen and Christine Stager were married, one rose bush was planted by the mailbox. Christine’s brother wondered whether his sister’s new husband was going to plant a rose garden. “I never promised her a rose garden,” Stephen Stager said. 
For such sweet-looking things, hanging baskets can be demanding divas. Restricted to small pots and hung in the drying air, their plants often require far more attention to maintain their looks than flowers planted in the ground. Read our feature stories on your time. We'll deliver our best work right to your inbox, for free!
Subscribe to Lifestyles - it's free!
Subscribe to Family & Community - it's free!
Subscribe to Food & Fitness - it's free!
Subscribe to Here's the Deal - it's free!
Subscribe to Home & Garden - it's free!
Subscribe to Travel Deals - it's free!
Subscribe to TriangleMom2Mom - it's free!
