Pizza Hot Off the Grill

Dear Homeowner/Pizza Lover,

 

      Grilled pizza is an easy, fun and fast way to serve summer's garden-fresh produce, so fire up the grill and get cooking.

 

      The intense, direct heat of the grill approximates that of a wood-fired pizza oven. This gives the pie's veggies and cheese a pleasing smoke flavor, meats real sizzle and the crust a delightful crunch.

 

Get grilling

 

• To grill on a charcoal grill, be sure the coals are white and medium-hot. For a gas grill, close the lid, turn it on high for 5 to 10 minutes, then lower the heat. The grill rack should be 3 to 4 inches above the coals or lava rocks.
• These thin-crust pizzas cook quickly, usually a minute or two for each side. Exact cooking times depend on the fire.
• Because the pizza is on the grill for such a short time, vegetables, shrimp, chicken, meat and any other shredded toppings must be precooked.
• On a floured board, roll one portion of your favorite homemade or store-bought pizza dough into a 10-inch circle about 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick.
• Carry the dough to the grill and carefully slide it onto the rack. Within 1 to 2 minutes, grill marks will appear on the underside of the crust as it starts to puff up and become firm. At this point, use tongs to turn the crust.
• Add the toppings. Cook 1 to 2 minutes more or until the cheese is melted and the dough is cooked through. Check to make sure the underside is not burning.
• Place on a wooden board and cut into wedges. Serve immediately. Enjoy!!

 

For more home-and-family tips, contact Val Ogletree at Sugar Pine Realty at Valo@valogletree.com

 

 

Rocher

Turn Clutter Into Cash

Dear Homeowner,

 

      When you're having a garage sale, little things make a big difference. These simple tips can add a lot to your profits.

                   

• To get the best prices for your items, you need to display them in the best possible light. Launder linens, polish silver and make simple repairs. Investing a little elbow grease can pay big dividends.

 

• Separate your goods into categories and lay them out so they are easy to see. Books and record albums should be positioned spine up so the titles are visible. All items should be assembled. Store items in clear plastic bags instead of cardboard boxes.

 

• A trip to local garage sales or a second-hand store can help determine appropriate asking prices for products in your area. Additionally, make sure every item is priced. Customers will often pass over unmarked products instead of asking their cost. Be prepared to haggle.

 

• Clean the garage, doing your best to remove unsightly stains and odors. Install the brightest light bulbs allowed.

 

• Have mirrors and a dressing area available for customers to try on clothes. Position appliances near an electrical outlet so they can be tested.

 

• Provide coffee and other beverages. Set up some lawn chairs to give weary customers a place to sit. A brief rest or a cold drink can refresh shoppers and make them more likely to buy.

 

• Most importantly, be friendly. The more helpful you are, the more you'll sell.

 

 

For more tips on holding a garage sale, call Val Ogletree at Real Living Sugar pine Realty at (209) 586-3242

 

 

Growing Up Gardening

Dear Homeowner,

     

     Gardening helps to teach children responsibility, respect, self-assurance and love of nature — but most importantly, it lets kids have fun digging in the dirt! Here's how to capture their interests and lure them into gardening.

Toddlers

Design the garden so it can't hurt exploring toddlers and so they can't hurt it. Smooth gravel paths help teach them where it is and is not okay to walk. Bite your tongue and let toddlers touch, smell, rip, tromp and otherwise experience the garden.

Ages 6 to 12

Use the garden to stimulate physical and intellectual abilities during this growth stage. Give a budding artist a book about Monet or a young scientist a microscope. Look for ways the garden can be used in school projects.

Adolescents

The child who once loved gardening may now hate it. If a teenager doesn't want to garden, don't push it. If they have a garden of their own and want to make unusual decisions with it, respect their opinions. Some slack given at this stage will help them enjoy the activity as adults.

Theme Gardens

To spark interest, try planting a theme garden. Some examples are a rainbow garden; a pizza garden with tomatoes and herbs planted in a circle; or a pet garden to raise parsley for hamsters, corn to dry for squirrels or catnip to entice the family cat.

      As children's gardens grow, nature not only bewilders them with the cycle-of-life, but sets their imaginations to work.

For more gardening tips, call Val Ogletree at Real Living Sugar Pine Realty at (209) 586-3242

Blinds and Shades

Dear Homeowner,

Purchasing window treatments can be a major investment. You can protect this investment by engaging in proper maintenance for your blinds and shades.

·         Blinds and shades will stay in shape if you dust them monthly with a soft cloth or vacuum's brush attachment. For heavier dust on mini-blinds, use a finger-like brush designed to clean five slats at a time. Clean stained-wood blinds with furniture polish.

·         When metal or plastic mini-blinds need a more thorough cleaning, take them outside and wash the slats with a sponge and soapy water. Then, hang the slats from a clothesline and rinse with a hose. Shake off excess water, drain rails and towel dry to avoid water marks and rusting.

·         If you can't take your blinds down, fill one bucket with a solution of grease-cutting household detergent and another bucket with water. Working from the top down, wash both sides of each slat, then rinse using a second sponge dipped in plain water. Dry slats with a towel.

·         Fabric roller shades should also be taken down for a good cleaning. Place the unrolled shade on a flat surface and sponge with lukewarm water and mild soap, trying not to soak the fabric. Work in sections, removing excess moisture with a dry cloth. Hang the shade at the window, pull it down to full length and let it dry. Then, roll the shade to the top and leave it for a few hours to give a crisp, ironed look.

·         Some non-washable shades can be cleaned with wallpaper cleaner, others need dry cleaning.

For more home-and-family tips, call Real Living Sugar Pine Reality at (209) 586-3242.