So, I spent the last 2 weeks eating raw vegetables, fresh fruit, smoothies, granola bars, chicken breasts and fish - so I could lose a few inches to wear this dress for an upcoming family wedding.
And YES, it finally fits! Now I have to remember to not sit, dance or eat at the wedding so it will continue to fit - KIDDING!
Now you can be "fat" with a new line of hair products from Samy called "Fat Hair" and "Fat Foam" hair dye.
It's suppose to give your hair more volume and allow you to put the products in your hair and then go about your everyday lives...not sit with your head in a sink for hours dying your hair all day.
See for yourself by clicking here.
I couldn't believe that Cher busted out her legendary 80's no pants, leather jacket and big hair look at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards!
And you know what, I loved it! I suppose when you have that much money to get plastic surgery you can still look great in those clothes when you're 125 years old.
Go Cher - you're hot!
Purchase your own Lexus this weekend at the Golden Opportunity Sales Event happening at Lexus of Brookfield until September 7th.
And if you say you're a Mix listener, Lexus of Brookfield will offer you 2 years of 24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance for FREE with the purchase of a brand new vehicle.
Check out the Lexus that's right for you this weekend on the corner of Bluemound and Barker Road!
OK, the car that I drive has a few dents and rust spots and sometimes the A/C can cut out, but check out what Lexus of Brookfield dropped off at the radio station this week! It's the new IS 350.
Despite my poor driving record, they're even going to let me take a spin with the top down! All you have to do is push a button and in twenty seconds you're cruising around in a convertible.
The inside is gorgeous, white leather interior with dark gray bird's-eye maple wood trim with navigation, bluetooth capabilities and an adapter for your iPod or Iphone (and that's just to name a few of the car's luxuries).
If you ever dreamed about owning a Lexus now is the BEST time to make that dream a reality. That's because this weekend is the Lexus Golden Opportunity Sales Event that ends September 7 at Lexus of Brookfield. Check out all of the models at Lexus of Brookfield on the corner of Bluemound and Barker Road.
And if you mention you're a Mix listener you will receive two years, 24,000 miles worth of scheduled maintenance for FREE with the purcase of a new car.
See you on the road!
Do you have a hard time finding jeans that fit? Maybe they're too tight or are they are too big in the waist.
I have the hardest time finding blue jeans - until NOW.
Levi's jeans has launched a new line that "honors your curves."
And I LOVE them.
Check this out if you're on the hunt for a new, sexy pair of blue jeans.
The list is out again from onmilwaukee.com "100 Hottest Milwaukeans".
Here are some of the people who made the list:
Shelby Croft, WISN Ch. 12
Danny Gokey, national recording artist
Brandon Jennings, Bucks basketball player
Erin Lobdell, "Survivor" contestant
Me (not sure why, but totally flattered nonetheless)
So what do you find "hot" in a person? For me, it's all about how someone carries themselves. Confidence (NOT arrogance)Â and a great sense of humor are very attractive qualities in a person (nice teeth and smile help too).
Check out the full list here.
Well, my husband Aaron attempted to refinish our hardwoods floors (he's never done this before). And I have to tell you, he was a natural. Above is how the floors looked right after they were sanded before he was able to do the edge sanding.
Here's the mineral spirits drying on the floors.
Here comes the stain!
It took 3 days, but WOW, do they look nice. (Did you notice our feet - Aaron's shoes kept breaking through the booties, so he taped his undershirts to his tennis shoes!)
Oh, and the window is splattered with "knock down" - the replacement windows go in next!
I'm finishing up the remodel on this beautiful dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
Is it true when they say good lighting can really add the perfect touch to a room?
Of course we'll have standard lighting on the ceiling, but what about lighting under the cabinets or even INSIDE a few cabinets, perhaps with a glass door?
I'd love to hear your ideas. What have you used in your kitchen, or better yet, what would you like to have in the kitchen of your dreams?
And don't forget you can check out the kitchen when it's finished in the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th in Oak Creek.
What is your preference when it comes to a stove  - gas or electric? Does one cook better, which type of stove is easier to clean?
I'm in the final stages of designing a dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
So far, your suggestions on countertops, lighting, flooring and cabinets has been extremely helpful. Now the little things (like which stove most people prefer) has been overlooked, but is just as important as everything else when it comes to this remodel.
Let me know by leaving a comment here - if you could have your dream kitchen, what type of stove would you want?
Don't forget you can see the finished kitchen during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour, August 21st - September 12th in Oak Creek.
I'm in the final process of designing the dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
We have the cabinets picked out, the flooring, backsplash, appliances, countertops and even lighting.
But what color? The cabinets are on the darker side and the flooring is kind of a lighter/blonde type of wood mixed with some darker grains of wood as well.
Dark walls, light walls or a combination of both (sort of like an accent wall)?
Please let me know - all of your suggestions so far have been great. I can't wait for you to see the final result in the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour, August 21st - September 12th.
I'm almost done with the dream kitchen that I'm working on with Kaerek Homes in West Allis (it will be featured in this year's MBA Parade of Homes Tour).
I'm a big time wino and I thought it might be neat to add a built in wine rack to go with this beautiful kitchen. What do you think? Does it run a big risk of making the kitchen too personalized if not anyone enjoys wine? Or will it add class and elegance and become a beautiful place to showcase some vintage wine or sparkling wine glasses?
Please send me your suggestions - they have all been great suggestions so far and I can't wait for all of you to see the finished product during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th.
Everyone loves a big kitchen, and more counterspace is a plus too!
I'm putting the finishing touches on the beautiful, dream kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes tour.
Quick question for all you savy kitchen experts. Is it best to purchase a microwave range hood compared to a regular range hood? I would think that by doing that it would save counterspace, except there are some really cool looking range tops too.
What would you do if money wasn't an issue and you could have whatever you wanted in your dream kitchen?
Keep in mind you can see this stunning kitchen when it's finished during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th.
My husband Aaron and I bought lots of stuff over the weekend for our new duplex. Two water heaters, a new screen door and a microwave range top.
Needless to say, we easily ran out of space in our small SUV. Instead of calling my in-laws to help us take some of the load, Aaron decided to take off the head rests in the front seat. Now we both had to lean forward while he drove 20 mph on the road with our flashers on.
Why won't men just ask for help?
I'm in the process of designing a dream kitchen with the wonderful people at Kaerek Homes in West Allis. This has been so much fun, but I never knew how many aspects of a kitchen there really are! This kitchen in particular is going to be featured in the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
With that said, my hope is that this kitchen will be functional, stylish and a place where a family will be able to enjoy each other's company.
I'm still stuck on the lighting though. I'm not sure what most people would prefer to have in their kitchen. If you could design your dream kitchen, what would you prefer: track lighting, a light fixture, recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting - there are SO many options.
Your suggestions are greatly appreciated, so feel free to leave them here under comments.
And make sure to check out the finished product during the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th.
I'm getting close to finishing up the kitchen design for the Kaerek Homes in West Allis MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
We've finished a lot so far - countertops, floors, cabinets, appliances and so much more. Now I need to decide how else we want to use this space.
What are your thoughts on an island? If you prefer an island, would you like there to be storage, maybe another sink or an area to put bar stools?
Other options might be a breakfast bar? Or maybe you like your kitchens to be more open and don't go with either option.
Either way, please let me know what you would prefer because my hope is that this kitchen will not only be my dream kitchen, but instead a dream come true for one lucky family who move into this house.
And if you want to see what the finished kitchen looks like, make sure to check out the MBA Parade of Homes Tour running August 21st through September 12th.
Also, if you're looking to build a new home or perhaps remodel your existing home, trust me - you can with Kaerek Homes!
A friend of mine is very passionate about the Gilda's Club of Southeastern Wisconsin and they are having a very fun event for everyone to enjoy!
It's the Gilda's Fashion "Show of Support" fashion show and lunch.
It's happening Thursday, May 13 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center from 11am - 1:30pm.
For tickets call (414) 962 - 8201 ext.102.
Gilda's Club is a free cancer support community that was created in honor of commedian/actress Gilda Radner by her husband Gene Wilder.
I was surfing the internet the other day and I came across this cool photo of a kitchen. At first I couldn't figure out why I liked this kitchen so much. Then I glanced up at the ceiling and there it was - an enormous sky light window!
I LOVE how big this sky light is. Plus, I'm a huge fan of natural light.
I was googling kitchen designs because I'm currently working on a new kitchen with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour. I enjoy seeing what interesting design features other people have used. I wonder if Kaerek Homes wouldn't mind adding a sky light.
What do you think? Feel free to submit your comments and design ideas here. Maybe you have a unique feature in your kitchen you'd love to share.
And if you want to see what the finished kitchen looks like, make sure to check out the MBA Parade of Homes Tour running August 21st through September 12th.
I had to get a new driver's license photo. Yes, I did full hair and makeup for this photo opportunity. Let's face it, this photo might be on my license for a LOOOOONG time and I want to make it look good.
My husband thought I was nuts (by the way, he wouldn't even crack a grin in his photo - he looks angry). In my opinion I think it looks alright.
Here's a few photos of the other dogs with Huey for the dog costume parade at Congregational Nursing Home in Brookfield.
Our dog Huey won the for "Best Costume" - he was a cow.
I am really enjoying this kitchen design process that I am doing with Kaerek Homes in West Allis for their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
Now when it comes to cabinets, there are thousands of choices. I have no idea where to start. Please help?!?! Is it best to go modern and smooth or mix the the design of cabinets up - some with design, some without?
I've also heard it can be very attractive to have a few cabinets with a glass door to add some more open space. Either way there are a lot of options and I can't decide on which ones look best. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated...so what would you choose for your dream kitchen?
And don't forget, you can see the unveiling of this beautiful kitchen at the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st â September 12th.
Plain and simple are double ovens a "must have" in your dream kitchen?
I'm working with the talented people at Kaerek Homes in West Allis for the kitchen in one of their upcoming MBA Parade of Homes.
So many people I've been getting kitchen ideas from stress that a double oven is every cook's dream. Is it true? What else would you recommend when it comes to these luxury items.
Would you like the idea of a pot filler by the stove top or something else?
Again, all of your ideas so far have been extremely helpful as I continue this design process. I can't wait to hear your recommendations on this topic too!
Please keep in mind, you can see the unveiling of this beautiful kitchen at the MBA Parade of Homes Tour August 21st - September 12th (maybe your suggestion will be the "buzz" of the tour).
I'm continuing to work with Kaerek Homes designing the kitchen for the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour. Now I need your suggestions on flooring.
What would you prefer to have in your kitchen? Hardwood floors, tile, stone, etc. Personally, I'm a fan of hardwood floors, but I'm not sure if it can withstand the traffic that happens in most kitchens.
Again, all of your suggestions so far have been extremely helpful - I can't wait for all of you to see the reveal of this beautiful kitchen in the upcoming months.
Take a look at this outfit. At this year's Masters in Augusta Shingo Katayama of Japan wore this heeelarious outfit!
I understand that golf has it's own type of style and I enjoy my golf shoes and khaki shorts, but I feel like golf would be a lot more fun if we could wear cowboy and cowgirl hats!
I'm a couple weeks into designing the kitchen with Kaerek Homes for the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour, but I'm stuck on wha type of backsplash to choose.
Honestly, I thought just painting the walls was enough, but the glass tile look is really popular and I've seen a few kitchens with slate and tile.
What are your suggestions?
And don't forget you could WIN $1,500 cash with Kaerek Homes by clicking here.
Can you imagine being able to design your dream kitchen?! What would you include?
Kaerek Homes in West Allis has actually picked me to design the kitchen of MY dreams for the upcoming MBA Parade of Homes Tour.
This is such a fun opportunity, but I realized I have NO IDEA where to start!!! I have lots of ideas, but how do I pull them together and will other people like what I choose?
Let's start with the countertops. What would you suggest -Â Granite, silestone, marble, concrete or laminate?
Any advice would help, I really want to make this kitchen beautiful for a family to enjoy.
LOVE the Oscars and I can't wait to see all the tearful speeches and beautiful dresses. I wasn't able to see all the movies this year, but here's my picks:
Best Picture: Avatar
Actor in a leading role: Jeff Bridges in Crazy Heart
Actress in a leading role: Sandra Bullock in The Blind Slide
Actor in a supporting role: Woody Harrelson in The Messenger
Actress in a supporting role: Mo'Nique in Precious
Congratulations and good luck to all the nominees! Watch the Academy Awards this Sunday on ABC starting at 7pm.
I realize she may be old news, but I actually like Kate Gosselin's new hair. The REALLY, long hair extensions weren't doing it for me, but this look is nice (even though it's a bad picture).
So what do you think?
Get rid of that unwanted hair, just in time for summer with Ideal Image, the experts in laser hair removal.
I'm a client of Ideal Image and I love the results - silky, smooth skin! Laser hair removal really is a more permanent solution to saying goodbye that embarrassing hair.
And here's a video showing what happens during my treatments.
In my opinion, Pink's performance of "Glitter in the Air" at the 2010 Grammys was a little much.
Personally, I didn't get it - and I even started laughing when she was dipped in water and raised above the crowd getting all the stars dressed in million dollar outfits wet.
I understand, there's a need to be artistic and "wow" the crowd, but this did nothing for me except make me laugh. I laughed even harded when I read a review that called it "sexy".
Check out this website my sister sent me http://myparentswereawesome.tumblr.com/
It's a website where people can upload old pictures of their parents when "they were cool".
We get your letters...
What an amazing weekend!
First of all, a very big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Grafton and Mukwonago and waited in line amid cold, windy and rainy conditions for those Wisconsin Dells Season Opener Cards.
For me, it is a chance to meet / hang out with YOU the listener and give you goodies!
Second, got this letter from our 99.1 The Mix Contact Us forum, from the Dawson family of Port Washington and was truly surprised that my "simple gesture" warranted the following...
Question: Your Name:
Answer: Michelle
Question: Your City:
Answer: Port Washington
Comments:
Yesterday I took my parents to Grafton to wait for season opener cards. It was quite a cold morning. We arrived at 10 because in the past there have been huge lines. My mother is recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. She is a very petite older woman.
Van McNeil was interacting with people people in line and I asked him if it would be possible for my mom to going to the bank to warm up. He unexpectedly took my mom's hand and escorted her into the building. He was so kind to her and gave her a hug. He made sure she was warm and dry and took very good care of her.
My mom and dad are thrilled to be going to the Dells. Unknown to Van my dad just got out of The hospital last Friday after 4 1/2 weeks of being in. It's been a very rough couple of months for my parents and their health. My mother was just beaming about how nice Van was.
I wanted to thank you for the season opener cards which will allow my parents and my family to enjoy a vacation in Wisconsin this summer, and send a special thank you to Van for being so wonderful to my parents.
You're welcome and THANK YOU Michelle!
Just doing what I do because that's how my mama raised me!
Enjoy the Dells!
-Van
#everylistenermatters
Perennial Garden Renovations
Give your tired perennial garden a boost without a total renovation. Topdressing your garden with compost every year or two provides most if not all the nutrients your perennials need.
Pull back the mulch if needed. Then spread an inch of compost over the soil surface. You can buy a quality compost or make your own.
Leave the compost on the surface or lightly mix it into the soil. The earthworms, ground beetles, and other organisms will take it from there – moving the compost into the soil and around the plant roots where it is needed.
Or, do a bit of vertical mulching. Use an auger bit on your cordless drill. Simply drill holes into the soil between plants. Then fill the holes with compost. This gets the compost closer to the plant roots and soil organisms that will help mix it into and improve the soil.
Soil preparation and repair will help transform your garden.
A bit more information: Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ spray to increase plant vigor and their natural ability to tolerate environmental stresses, insect attacks, and disease problems. These natural products aren't fertilizers or pesticides. They can be applied to established plants at the beginning of the season to boost their ability to deal with stress or as soon as problems arise.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Growing Banana Plants Indoors or Out
Add a bit of the tropics indoors or out with a banana plant.
The large leaves are great for screening views and creating a bit of privacy on a balcony, patio or in the yard. Add a wicker planter or chair and you have your own tropical get-away.
The fiber banana (Musa basjoo) is hardy in zones 5 to 11. It grows in full sun. It will die back to the ground and benefit from winter mulch in northern areas of its hardiness zone.
Less hardy and smaller, the blood banana (Musa acuminata 'Zebrina'), has large leaves with red markings on 6 to 8 foot plants. It's only hardy in zones 10 to 11, but can be overwintered as a houseplant or allowed to go dormant in other areas.
Combine these tropical beauties with palms, ginger and bird-of-paradise. Or add some hardy tropical look-alikes such as Japanese forest grass, large leaf hostas and trumpet vines.
A bit more information: Push the limits of your growing region with special wintering techniques developed by Dr. David Francko, author of Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths: Warm-Climate Plants for Cooler Areas. And for those in warmer regions check out Creating the Tropical Look.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Preserving the Asparagus Harvest
Preserve the flavor and nutrition of asparagus to enjoy year round.
This flavorful vegetable is low in calories and high in Vitamins A and C as well as fiber. Unfortunately, it is most readily available and at the best price in the spring.
Insure the best flavor with proper harvesting. Select young tender spears 8 to 10 inches tall. Wash, remove the ends, and then cut to fit the freezer bag or container.
Blanch the asparagus before freezing to lock in flavor, color and texture. Dip the asparagus into boiling water. You'll need a large pan with a lid. Blanch small spears for 2 minutes, medium spears for 3 minutes and large spears for 4 minutes.
Remove and immediately set the blanched spears in ice water for 5 minutes to cool. Drain and freeze.
And, if you don't have an asparagus patch, you may want to consider planting one this year.
A bit more information: May is National Asparagus Month. For tips on planting and harvesting asparagus listen to my audio tip. And check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation website for helpful tips and guidelines for preserving your harvest.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
Add a little color and flavor to your garden and salads with Mexican tarragon.
This subtle beauty is really a type of marigold, but the leaves and flowers have a tarragon fragrance and flavor.
Wait until after the danger of frost has passed to plant this zone 8 to 10 hardy plant. Grow it in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. It is somewhat drought tolerant. Northern gardeners can treat it like an annual and those in the northern range of its hardiness zone may see it die back to the ground in a hard freeze. But don't worry its root hardy.
The yellow flowers appear in late summer and persist through fall. The 14 to 20 inch tall plants make a nice addition to herb gardens and flowerbeds.
Harvest the new growth to use fresh. Preserve the flavor by freezing the leaves or storing in vinegar. They tend to lose their flavor when dried.
A bit more information: You can find this plant listed under several common names including Mexican tarragon, Texas tarragon, pericon, and sweet mace. No matter the common name you can use the leaves and blossoms in soups, sauces and chicken dishes as well as salads. Some gardeners even seep it for tea. Visit Bonnie Plants for more information and gardeners ideas for growing and using this plant in the garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Year of the Watermelon
Year of the Watermelon
The National Garden Bureau has declared 2013 the Year of the Watermelon. Be part of the celebration and consider planting watermelon in this year's garden.
Don't let the sweet flavor deceive you – these are nutritious as well as delicious. High in Vitamin C, low in fat and calories - it is a great way to boost your energy. Plus, all parts are edible.
You can pickle the rind, eat the fleshy portion fresh or roast or grind the seeds for flavoring. In china they stir fry watermelon while the Russians often pickle it before eating. You may want to try some new ways of enjoying this tasty summer treat.
Grow watermelon in full sun and well-drained soils. Save space by growing these plants on a trellis or decorative obelisk. Just secure the heavy fruit to the support with a cloth or macramé sling. Or plant a few seeds in a container and let the vines wander over your balcony or trellis.
A bit more information: Try planting one of the large picnic-type watermelons that can weigh 15 to 50 pounds. These are sure to get everyone in the family excited about growing and eating this, the largest edible fruit in the United States. Or perhaps you want to try one of the icebox melons that is much smaller at 5 to 15 pounds and easier to squeeze into the fridge. And don't forget about those with unique colored rinds and flesh and of course those that lack seeds.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Clematis Stem Wilt
Clematis Stem Wilt
Your clematis looks beautiful until suddenly the stems and leaves start turning black. Though it looks bad your clematis will survive.
The fungus that causes this disease enters your plant through wounds and cracks in the stem near ground level. Fortunately new growth arising below this point will be disease free.
Reduce future problems by pruning out and destroying infested stems. Disinfect tools between cuts to reduce the risk of spreading this disease.
As new growth emerges from the soil carefully secure it to the support to reduce the risk of cracking and damage. Eliminating the entryways for the fungus will reduce the risk of disease.
In the future consider planting the crown of the clematis below the soil surface. This allows the plant to produce new shoots below the point of infection.
Try growing small flowered clematis that tend to resist this disease. Alpina, macropetala and the viticella types are a few to consider.
A bit more information: For a disease to occur you must have the causal organism (fungus, bacteria, virus) present, disease-promoting weather and susceptible plants. Remove one of these factors and you eliminate the disease. Keep this in mind when managing clematis stem wilt and other plant diseases in your garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
I'm a fan, are you?
Who doesn't LOVE a good Roller Coaster? Am I right?! I've been so very lucky to been have rasied in the Midwest, a stones throw away from Six Flags Great America, where I practicaly spent my summers as kid with my best bud Edgar!
Mom and dad would drop us off at open and pick us up at close. 10a-10p. Don't think I could handle that now. Heck, I could barley make it on one run of Batman The Ride Backwards!
Yes, that's right, for a limited time this season, (BTW... I tried to find out when from officials, they wouldn't budge, so get there soon!) Batman The Ride will be running BACKWARDS!!
MOBILE USERS: Click here to WATCH Van rides Batman: The Ride Backwards!
www.SixFlags.com
My Lucky Brewers Socks
I've been wearing these sock to the last few games I have attended at Miller Park and the crew always wins when I have them on. Do you think my socks lucky?
Matt Nathanson AND Plain White T's coming to Festa!
YES! That headline is correct...Matt Nathanson AND the Plain White T's will be performing at Festa Italiana, Saturday night, July 20th and I have the honor of being your ON STAGE HOST!!
I'm super stoked and looking forward to hanging with Platinum-selling singer-song writer Matt Nathanson, and Grammy-nominated Chicago-bred Plain White T's again!
Check out the videos from both groups last visit to The Mix Studios:
WATCH Matt Nathanson Interview and Performance.
WATCH Plain White T's Interview and Performance.
Watch for and Prevent Borers on Trees and Shrubs
Extreme heat and cold, droughts and floods can leave our plants stressed and more susceptible to damaging borers.
These insects are the immature stage of moths and beetles that feed under the bark and inside the stems of plants. Their feeding weakens and in some cases kills the plant.
Many borers are opportunists, attacking already stressed trees. We can't control the weather but we can help reduce stress on our plants. Start by growing plants suited to the climate and growing conditions in your landscape.
Mulch the area under and around the base of trees and shrubs. Organic mulches like wood chips keep the roots cool and moist and reduce competition from grass and weeds.
Be sure to water new plantings thoroughly and as needed the first few years. And do the same for established trees and shrubs during extended drought. This will keep them healthy and help ward off borers.
A bit more information: Incorporate trees and shrubs into perennial planting beds. You will create an attractive garden and better environment for the plants. Plus, planting beds as well as mulching will reduce the need for hand trimming and will keep weed whips and mowers away from the trunks of the trees. And don't pile soil or mulch over the stems of shrubs and the trunks of trees. These practices create entryways for pests and encourage disease problems.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Lawn Revival
If sparse, bare spots or lots of weeds describe your lawn, it is time for a little lawn revival.
Start by evaluating the current state of your lawn. If more than 60% is bare or filled with weeds, it is time to start over. Look at this as an opportunity to properly prepare the soil, select a more drought tolerant lawn or convert it into a no mow or low maintenance lawn or planting bed.
Overseed thin sparse lawns. Core aerate first or use a slit seeder to insure good seed-to-soil contact. For small bare spots use a lawn patch kit or make your own. Mix a handful of quality grass seed into a bucket of topsoil. Remove any dead grass and roughen the soil surface. Then sprinkle the commercial or homemade lawn patch over the prepared bare spot.
Keep the soil moist until the grass seed begins to grow.
A bit more information: Larger areas will benefit from the addition of organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil before sowing the grass seed or laying sod. Keep the soil moist until the sod has rooted into the soil below and the grass seed begins to grow. Consider overseeding the lawn to help create a more uniform appearance in the lawn. For more information, click here.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Check out this website my sister sent me 
