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Orchid Society Growers Day

Orchid enthusiasts will gather at the JC Raulston Arboretum on Aug. 6 for a daylong celebration. From 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., attendees will have the chance to learn from the experts how best to grow orchids at home and in the greenhouse. Everyone from the novice to the collector can benefit from the expertise.

Tuition for the Triangle Orchid Society Growers Day is $25 and includes morning and afternoon lectures, lunch, a souvenir orchid and 2011 membership in the TOS. Reservations are required. Send checks to Triangle Orchid Society, c/o Ralph Sears, 10 Thistle Trace, Hillsborough, N.C. 27278. Deadline is Aug. 1.

JC Raulston Arboretum is at 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh.

Do-it-yourself tile workshops

Admit it. You've been longing to retile your master bath or kitchen. But spending hundreds or thousands of dollars for a professional installer is not in your budget . The folks at The Tile Shop in Raleigh are confident that you can do it yourself.

Each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 or so, they offer a free do-it-yourself workshop to teach you the basics. You'll get a quick overview of the differences between natural stones, porcelains, ceramic tiles and which are best-suited to your project. Then you'll learn about accent pieces and borders; how to seal and grout; what size tile to use; and how to install a shower pan and use a wet saw. There's no need to preregister.

The Tile Shop is at 8551 Glenwood Ave. You can also pick up installation pointers, including video instructions, online at www.tileshop.com. Click "DIY." Call 787-9950 to learn more.

Reduce unwanted pitches

In "Cleaning, Plain and Simple," author Donna Smallin offers a great tip for reducing unsolicited mail. Send a postcard or letter asking to have your name removed from all lists to the Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, N.Y. 10512. Be sure to include your name and address exactly as it appears on the mail you receive. Allow several months for the deluge to subside. Registration will not stop mailings from organizations that do not use the DMA's Mail Preference Service. Meanwhile, throw out every catalog and direct-mail offer without looking at it.

If you want to stop telemarketers from calling, write to the Telephone Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 1559, Carmel, N.Y. 10512, and ask to be removed from all national solicitation lists. You can also visit www.donotcall.gov, or call 888-382-1222 from the phone number you want to register. You will get fewer telemarketing calls within 31 days of registering your number.

Keep allergens at bay

Extreme temperatures are pushing us to spend more time indoors. This can be a problem for those allergic to mold, dander and dust. Kudzu.com offers these tips for getting through the summer with minimal itching and sneezing:

Keep windows and doors closed. Relying on your air conditioner will control humidity levels and help keep allergens outdoors.

Replace air filters. Insert a clean air filter into your home's heating and cooling system at least once a month.

Do laundry. Wash all bedding at least once a week in hot water. Also, encase pillows and mattresses in zippered covers.

Avoid carpet and upholstered furniture. These can collect allergens and are difficult to clean. Hardwood floors, tile and other hard-surfaced materials are a better option. Furniture made from wood, leather or other materials are preferable.

Vacuum and dust at least once a week. Regular cleaning can remove dust, dander and other triggers. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, and if you have extreme allergies, wear a mask.

Reduce clutter. The fewer decorative items and knickknacks you have out, the fewer items you have to collect dust.

Bathe pets regularly. Weekly baths will help keep your pet's coat clean and help reduce allergens they may track indoors.