Linda {Calling it Home} Linda {Calling it Home}

Off Topic

Alright, let's get a little.... OK, a lot off topic here. Without getting all TMI on you, I need to strongly consider going GLUTEN FREE.  All the signs are pointing to this, and I can't rule it out without trying.

I know there are endless gluten free products available in the supermarket. I have a close friend that I have baked gluten free for...it wasn't hard, and everyone liked it.

The problem? I'm in love with things like this Bruschetta

The Pioneer Woman
I can't imagine a glass of wine without a few garlic knots

Recipe
Do you know anything about Gluten Free living? 

Have you tried it? 

Did you feel different? 

Did you have pasta withdrawals?

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Linda {Calling it Home} Linda {Calling it Home}

Are You a No-Reply Blogger?

I need to thank my friend, Pam @ Simple Details for this one.  As you probably know, I visit a lot of blogs. I try to leave comments to let the blogger know that I was there. And sometimes, I want an answer to a question about the post.


Well, it has been really quiet in the response department. Thankfully, Pam sent me a separate email telling me that I am coming up as "no-reply".  This was particularly strange, because I did not change my settings at all. Pam thought she had read something about it happening to people who joined google+. 
A couple of frustrating days later, and I found this post from Lisette @ Northern Belle Diaries. After following the steps....I am no longer a "no-reply" blogger. I tested it myself to make sure. 

I apologize to anyone who has replied to me and wondered why I hadn't commented back...when appropriate. 

Not sure if this applies to you? Go into your profile and check for this

Northern Belle Diaries
Make sure your email is highlighted.


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Linda {Calling it Home} Linda {Calling it Home}

Spray Painting Safety

I was working in the garage this weekend in between coats of spray painting outside.   
As I was moving back and forth between projects, I was reflecting on a few emails I have received regarding painting techniques. 

I am always happy to help a fellow DIYer out. In general, it's a light sanding, prime, and several coats of paint that gives the best finish. 


I am NEVER asked about spray painting safety.

I am concerned that many of you are wearing this for protection
This is a dust mask and does not offer any protection against harmful fumes.
I wear this when I am cutting wood or lightly sanding something.

I know I have shown you the mask I wear for spray painting, 
but I have never stressed the importance of it.



This is the exact mask I wear EACH AND EVERY TIME I spray paint. 

The warning on the side of the paint can is there for a reason.


This mask has changeable filters designed for paint fumes. I like to have extra filters on hand. 

You can purchase these masks in many hardware stores. The price can vary greatly, so if you buy it online (the best price) make sure you get free shipping....we can have safety and a bargain, too.

Want to know how serious I am about this.....check out the comment I left for Cathy when I saw her husband spray painting without a mask. 
I want everyone to be safe...and then crafty!

Decades from now we probably won't be blogging, although I might want to make changes to the Senior Center I will be frequenting.  
And hopefully we will all have our health.

Do you wear a good mask?

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Linda {Calling it Home} Linda {Calling it Home}

Garden Catalog Time

It's that time. 
For those of you who garden, or have ever accepted one garden catalog request...
you are probably knee deep in garden catalogs by now. Just like weeds, those babies multiply. 

I have done my share of catalog plant purchases....like the time I ordered 9 white bare-root rose bushes. 

My own personal experience is price or patience.

If you shop price, and boy are the prices low....you need to be patient. 
The inexpensive mail-order plants are small and will take a few years to catch up to the higher priced local nursery version.  

Here are some of the plants that are almost fool proof and great for mail-order.

Astilbe


These are shade plants. They will spread over time, and can be divided easily.

Hosta

White Flower Farm
Another shade plant. Unlimited selection, and easily dividable.

Ferns

White Flower Farm
Same as above, shade, large selection....easily divided.

My personal mail-order favorite are Lilies






I can't get enough of them. In fact, I think I have only bought these from mail-order. 
Lilies are much happier when planted as a bulb. If you purchase one from a garden center already in bloom, once the bloom has faded, cut it back to the bulb and plant that.

Do you have a favorite mail-order plant?


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