Seakrits, You could also go to a website that sells plants and look at the pictures to find the ones that came with your house. I am really bad at remembering names of things, so I use plant markers and I label everything I plant so that I can remember later what it is. You can buy metal markers at the store (like in the Garden section of Walmart), or you can also cut up old mini-blinds and write on them and stick them in the ground. Can you ask Grandma what kind of bulbs she gave the kids? As for mulching, in general you just put it on top of the dirt, being careful not to cover over plants you already have. You can buy "living mulch" that is a combination of mulch and compost, and it will help your soil. Eventually (in theory), worms will come up from the soil into the compost and mix it all together for you. For added weed prevention, you can also put down a thick layer of newspaper (or cardboard) under the mulch. Most weeds/grasses won't be able to grow up through it, and that will cut down on your weeding in the future. Then, to plant plants in that area, you just dig down through the mulch/compost and tear through the newspaper for each hole for each plant, so its roots can get to the soil. If you have a large area you're working on, it'll be cheaper to buy your mulch and/or compost in bulk. There are garden centers that will sell you mulch by the cubic yard for about $30-40 (more if they deliver to your house). A small pickup truck can carry a cubic yard no problem, and you can usually spread it out in one morning. As an example, I can mulch my front flowerbeds, which run the length of my house, so about 60' long by 2' wide, with a cubic yard of mulch (although I actually use the mulch/compost mix). Another good way to make new beds is a method called "lasagna gardening." You can search it on this website (or just google it), and learn a lot. I wouldn't even bother with a vegetable garden if you're wanting to sell the house next year. Too much work for one year's bounty. You could grow a couple of tomato plants in with your flowers, though, and it would work out fine. Here is a link that might be useful: Source to look up what plants you already have

I can't remember the last time I found a penny until my Mom passed away in May. Since then I've found about 15 of them. I'm collecting them in a glass box on my dresser. Other folks I've talked to about this think I'm nuts. It's nice to hear that others are experiencing this. Thanks for sharing everyone... Have a wonderful week! Mary

So in a nutshell, a frugal wedding can be done if you have the cooperation of family and friends and organization on your part. A trick I learned from an event planner--Visualize exactly what you want it to look like and then work backwards to make it happen. borrow as much as you can. Need a fridge in the barn? borrow one. Some people have extras in their garages and don't know what to do with them. A stove to warm things up? borrow. People love to help. Remember to show your appreciation. A mention at the reception or a written thank you. Put the whole thing on paper, from when you arrive at the farm to the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception. all the activities, all the cooking times, when this happens, when that happens. It will give you an idea of what you need, when and where. Invitations--colored paper and envelopes, save the date postcards, card stock, get four out of each piece, thank you's from walmart--or make them yourself, more heartfelt. Clothing--clearance racks, used or borrowed. For the guys, kahki pants and nice shirts and ties that match. (JC Penney) Forget the Tux or suit. Decor--flowers from fields in your area, twigs, grasses and grocery store florists. Make it yourself, many books out there on how to do it. This might even be an idea for your boquets and boutteniers...forget the tulle or use very little. Ribbon is big now. Twinkle lights, fairy lights--I just bought 20 boxes of white Christmas lights for .60$ each after the holidays. Reception--biggest expense. Everything make ahead. Pork loin, Chicken Breasts, a Turkey. Everything paper or plastic, good quality. Make your cake or grocery bakery. rent tables, chairs and tablecloths, you can use the chairs for the ceremony too. Boxed White Zin wine (it's what restaurants use?!, you can cover the boxes with pretty paper), beer kegs, appetizers, chips and dip from Sams or Costco. bottled water and pop. Don't forget cleanup. Maybe the Dad's can bartend? I'd find a couple to "host" the cocktail hour just to make sure things get done (music, food, make sure people are taken care of) and go like you want them to go. Remember, you will be taking pictures and the Mom's will be getting dinner out and the Dad's will be bartending, maybe....get everybody in place before the event, don't wait till the last minute. Always have a plan B for most everything. Have a little money to spend? have a square dance caller and the square dance club out to your place for entertainment and for fun. What would be more appropriate for a farm wedding? OK, these are just ideas, they can't all be solid gold. Make sure you have enough lighting in the barn and around the yard. Can you use square haybales for seating somehow outside the barn? or even inside. Not everyone is going to want to stay indoors if it's nice outside. Music--recorded ahead of time in the order you want it played. Your fiance may like to do this but find someone who can press play and pause for you and doesn't mind doing it all night long, make sure he or she gets a break once in a while during the evening. If you can't afford an MC, maybe you have an outgoing friend who wouldn't mind getting up and announcing activities for you. Don't depend on things flowing smoothly by themselves, have someone in place to help it along. And just a side note--I gradated from college three yrs ago and have yet to pay on my loans due to deferments. They will work with you for a long time.

The professional tile industry is working on developing resources for consumers to assist them in better understanding the requirements of professional tile installations. The National Tile Contractor's Association is hoping to have their new website, with a section for Consumers, up and running in April or May. Many industry experts are involved in this committee. The vast majority of tiled shower installations meet industry standards BUT there is definitely a problem with unqualified labor performing this work and resulting in failures. A detailed guide on "leaky showers" will be among the resources available. This is the conclusion of the message from that document (it's much more lengthy and specific than this): "It is important that you seek the help of an industry QUALIFIED tile professional who uses tile industry standards and approved best practices for shower installations and strictly follows the material manufacturer’s specifications and instructions. It’s helpful to understand this about showers: A properly constructed shower manages and directs all the water that flows through it to the drain, and nowhere else. The shower “fixture” needs to be water tight, utilizing one of the two basic types of showers: a "Water In, Water Out" shower system, which is constructed with a clamping ring drain and waterproof shower pan liner or a "Sealed System" which employs a bonding flange drain and a waterproofing membrane that extends to the shower head. Both systems require that the walls, seats, ledges, niches, and curbs be treated with the appropriate waterproofing product. If the waterproofing, drain components, or any part of the shower system is not installed properly, is damaged, punctured, or compromised during installation, a leak can and will result in failure. PLEASE NOTE: Beware of the claims that a leaking shower can be eliminated by using grout or caulking repairs/replacement or the application of a sealer or coating. These actions will, at best, provide only a temporary fix. Beware of individuals and companies who are NOT insured, licensed where required, or certified by the tile industry. Wisely consider, interview, and hire dedicated tile professionals who have received proper training and have experience in the process of providing a long-lasting and trouble-free shower installation. A qualified tile professional will perform work in accordance with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) HandbookMethods, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards, and the manufacturer’s written instructions."