How to Plant Grass Seed
Last spring, we completely ripped up our exhisting yard and planted new grass seed. We crossed our fingers and toes and hoped that it would grow----- and it did. In fact, six weeks after planting the seed it looked like an entirely new lawn! It was a lot of work, but in the end it was definitely worth it. If your grass needs a re-fresh, or you just moved into a new home that doesn't have grass yet, now is the perfect time to take care of it! In fact, they say planting seed in the fall is the very best time of year. Here are 10 steps to help you plant a beautiful new lawn...
1. Kill exhisting lawn and/or weeds. Use a broad spectrum plant killer.
2. Wait for the grass to die (this can take 2-3 weeks)
3. Prep the soil by roto tilling to remove any more exhisting weeds and debris.
4. Continue prepping the soil by making soil amendments (you can send a sample of your soil to a local co-op extension and it will tell you how much nitrogen, lime, and any other soil amendments that need to be made).
5. If you need to, add a thin layer of top soil.
6. Plant the seed with a broad cast spreader.
7. Rake in the seeds so that they are 1/4 inch deep
8. Roll over the lawn with a rolling pin (you can rent these at the Home Depot) so that the seed has good contact with the soil.
9. Water daily for 2-3 weeks, or until the seeds germinate.
10. Don't mow grass until it's 3-4 inches long, and don't fertilize for 8 weeks.
And here is a helpful video:
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Sweet & Savory Peach Recipes
It's my favorite time of the year: PEACH SEASON! I mean, is there anything better than a juicy, fresh peach? I don't think so. If you're like me and love peaches in both sweet and savory recipes, do yourself a favor and try some of these dishes with your fresh peaches. You've got appetizers, dinner, and dessert covered. Bon appetit!
APPETIZERS:
Peach Salsa via Modern Honey
DINNER:
Honey Peach White Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwiches via Modern Honey
Three Cheese Peach & Prosciutto Pizza with Basil and Honey Balsamic Reduction via Cooking Classy
DESSERT:
Best Peach Cobbler via A Pinch of Yum
Brown Sugar Peach Dutch Baby via Modern Honey
ENJOY!
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Cool Dorm Room Ideas
Make your dorm room the coolest place around! Just because you’re living away from home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a comfortable place to study, relax, and unwind. It may not seem like you can do a lot in your dorm, but there are a few things you can do to make a huge difference. Check out some cool dorm room ideas below!
Cool Dorm Room Ideas
Chances are there isn’t a lot of storage in your dorm room. If that’s the case, see if you can lift your bed using bed risers. You’ll have room under your bed to store boxes of out of season clothes, books, or shoes.
Bring in lamps to soften the lighting. Lamps will minimize the harsh overhead lighting and will make your dorm feel much cozier. Add some twinkle lights around your bed to enhance the mood even more.
Speaking of cozy, invest in your bed! Use a mattress pad for extra padding, get a comfortable blanket, a throw, and some pillows.
Add your personality with posters, potted plants, and your favorite knickknacks. Make your posters look even cooler by framing them with washi tape.
Good luck with school this year! Don’t forget that RC Willey has all the electronics you’ll need to help you succeed this year.
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Front Porch Seating
It’s never too late to create some curb appeal by adding front porch seating. Whether your porch is large enough for a full outdoor sofa, or it has just enough room for a simple chair, seating on your front porch will make your home feel homey and inviting. At RC Willey, we have a wide variety of patio furniture to fit any style of home. Check out some ideas below!
Front Porch Seating
What do you have on your front porch?
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How to Organize Your Garage
After a summer of bike riding, yard work, camping, and so many other activities, chances are your garage is a mess. If it’s anything like mine, you may not even be able to fit your car along with all the projects that have taken over. Take the time to organize your garage and get everything squared away before the cold weather comes and you’ll be ready to go as soon as next spring comes!
How to Organize a Garage
via Driven By Decor
First, you’ll want to make sure you’ve set aside enough time to get everything done. Whether it’s a full day or a full weekend, plan on finishing the project.
Pull everything off the shelves and into the center of your garage. Sort into three piles - keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Don’t get emotionally attached to the broken baseball bat or the backpacking bag you’ve never used. This is your chance to clear out the junk!
Put everything together in like piles - yard work, sports, camping, etc. - and then assess the layout of your garage. Think through what actually will work for your life and your lifestyle before you start organizing.
Make sure you label storage boxes and arrange things so you won’t have to dump everything out to get one item.
TIPS:
- Keep items off the floor as much as possible. Things will stay cleaner if everything has a place where it belongs.
- Clean out the garage as you go. Keep a trash bag handy and a shop-vac around so you can get all the dirt up.
Now that your garage is cleaned and ready to go, did you know you can get a garage heater at RC Willey? Keep your projects going year-round with one of these!
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Back To School Party Ideas
Whether you can’t wait to get your kids back into a routine or you’re crying at the thought of your kids starting school, the time has come. School is starting! Make your kids feel like school is a celebration by throwing a back to school party this year. Get your school supplies together and read on for some back to school party inspiration.
Back to School Party Ideas
via Catch My Party
via Satsuma
via Spaceships and Laser Beams
Good luck with this school year! And remember, if your student needs a laptop or tablet to help them succeed, RC Willey has electronics in enough styles and prices that you'll be sure to find what you need.
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How to Get Stains Out of Clothing
As a mom of two little kids, I find myself doing loads and loads of laundry. Yesterday, I had just finished a load of laundry when my one year old rubbed his bean and cheese burrito all over my pants and shirt. They obviously ended up right back into the washing machine and we had another load of laundry waiting. With all these messes, stains are inevitable. Luckily I found the best stain remover and I wanted to share it with you.
How to Get Stains Out of Clothing
via Purex
Fels-Naptha! This laundry bar has been around forever. All you have to do is get the bar wet, scrub the stain, and after letting it sit for a bit, toss it into the laundry like normal. You can find this pretty much anywhere in the laundry area and I promise you won’t regret having this bar of soap in your laundry room.
RC Willey has such a wide variety of washers and dryers to fit any budget and home. Whether you want a front or top loader, or your laundry to be stacked or side-by-side, you’ll be able to find what you need!
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Pool Patio Ideas
Are you lucky enough to have a pool in your yard? If so, I’m jealous! Just because you have a pool doesn’t mean you use it though. If the area around the pool is less than appealing, chances are you haven’t been lounging too much. Take the time to make your pool patio a relaxing retreat!
Pool Patio Ideas
Create a seating area with chairs that will allow you to take advantage of that sun! Include some umbrellas to add shade and some side tables so you have a place to put your drink and book.
via Kansas City Star
Think through your landscaping and include greenery. Planters or pots of flowers will add an earthy feel, as well as pops of color. Be careful about planting trees too close if you aren’t interested in scooping leaves out of the water.
via Structured Settlement Advisors
Put a firepit in so that your night swims can end with s’mores!
via Livabl
Include storage options, like this storage bench, to hide away your swim toys. And speaking of pool toys, wouldn’t this basketball hoop be such a fun addition?
via Bontrager Pools
Don’t forget the outdoor speaker! What’s a pool party without some fun music?
What do you have on your pool patio?
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Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops are an affordable, natural-looking countertop and can add a lot to the overall look and feel of your kitchen. You may love the look of butcher block, or you may love the price, but before you make your final decision, know the pros and cons of butcher block countertops.
Butcher Block Countertops
via Domino
Butcher Block Pros
These countertops are easy to restore. Because wood is softer than other countertops, nicks, stains, and scratches will happen. If the rustic look isn’t for you, simply use fine-grit sandpaper and sand out the imperfections. Remember to oil your countertops after sanding and you’ll never know the difference.
The softness of the wood will actually make your kitchen quieter as well. Plates, glasses, and pans will not make as big of a clatter when you set them down.
Wood looks great with a variety of materials and appliances. It’s easy to mix and match textures and styles with butcher block countertops.
via Domino
Butcher Block Cons
You will need to oil your butcher block about every six months to keep the wood from drying out and cracking. Make sure you are using food-safe oil or wax, but stay away from cooking oil as it will damage the wood.
Standing water is your enemy. Excessive water will damage the wood of your butcher block.
You will need to use hot pads before putting a hot pan or tray on your countertops.
What do you think? Would you put butcher block countertops in your kitchen? If you are redoing your kitchen, check out all the appliances available at RC Willey. You’ll find something you love!
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How to Get Rid of Pet Smell in Your Home
I generally pride myself on keeping our home smell like there is no animal living in the house, but the other day I walked in and caught a whiff. There was definitely a dog smell in our house and I immediately set to work figuring out where it came from. After giving my dog a bath and letting her dry off outside, the smell was gone! Thank goodness.
Is there a dog smell in your home? Are you tired of having your house smell like a pet store? There are a few simple things you can do to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
How to Get Rid of Pet Smell in Your Home
- Keep your pet bathed and groomed.
- Vacuum up any dog hair, including on pet beds and any furniture your pet may sit on.
- Sweep and mop your hard floors frequently. If you pets shed you may need to do this more often.
- Use an air purifier to trap allergen particles and keep the air in your home clean.
- Immediately pick up and clean any messes in your home. If needed, use a pet odor eliminator.
- Wash your pet bed frequently. Most beds have a removable cover you can toss into the washing machine.
- Open your windows and let the fresh air in!
- Change the air filter in your home.
Good luck keeping your home smelling nice and clean!
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