Frozen in South Florida

Anyone else tired of the frosty nights and rather cold days here in South Florida? I know I am totally out of sweaters and other warm clothing to wear. My skin is drying out and my chip in my car key ring does not work in the cold. As the day warms up it comes back to life.How are your plants fairing? Mine have taken this amazingly well. I did bring in a few of my orchid type plants and left everything else to take care of itself. Even my Christmas Palm is doing well. Our farmers can teach us a lesson. They purposely make icicles on their plants to protect them. The ice actually keeps them warmer and reduces freezing risk. My friend Carol tried to save her Pointsetta shrubs (in the ground) with King-Sized sheets. It didn't work. The beautiful flowers froze, but she thinks she can save the plants. Thanks for the update Carol.

How are you treating your outdoor plants?

January 2010 Freeze

I hope everyone in South Florida brought in their precious plants over the past few days. Especially those orchids–Wee Wee, Hoya, and more. Covering those other flowers and palms with cloth, burlap by staking around the plant and not allowing the cloth to touch the plant. Make sure that the plants are watered well also. This can make the difference between starting all over again, which can be expensive.

I note that my Christmas Cactus is a late bloomer. It finally came around as it does every year, post Christmas. They are most beautiful. My sister gave me two more this year of different colors. I'll hope that they are bloomers for Christmas in 2010. Happy New Year to all!

Home Buying and Selling in 2009

If you were not aware, the first time home buyer $8000 is in effect until April 30, 2010. If you already own a home and want to sell and buy a new, or purchase a second home, you could be eligible for a $6500 tax credit.

Questions? Give me a shout and I'll give out more information.

Christmas Overwhelm

This is what happens when you are experiencing Christmas Overwhelm. I had time to make the centerpiece, and decorate the house. Yet I was unable to meet the challenge of decorating the tree. So here it stands, let's hope it makes it back into the box before March 2010.

This is actually the first year something like this happened. So any other working women who have a story of Christmas Overwhelm, let's hear it.

Fortunately everything else (dinners, brunches, presents, wrapping, baking, family gatherings....) went on as scheduled. So give it up, a tree without trimmings is a beautiful site. Were there decorations at the first Christmas?

Christmas Centerpiece Unveiled

Here is what the centerpiece looks like completed. Proof that it was easy and one can be creative and inspired. I like simple. I like natural looking pieces. This is the finished product by following the directions listed at the link given on this blog. It took me less than 1 hour to put all of this together. That's my kind of project, immediate results and beautiful. I have never taken a floral design course. I used all evergreen scraps from the local "Do-It-Yourself" store. I clipped the Florida holly from a tree at my church. The foam, tray and candles cost about $2. This project gets 5 ***** .

Easy Christmas Wreath Centerpiece

I like this one from About.com, it's easy and doesn't cost much and can be done as a home project with children. Check it out and be creative with it. I attended a Candle party today (spent too much money) and one of the items I purchased was a 7" Peppermint Bark, red and white striped candle. It's beautiful and will make a great focus for the piece. The evergreen will last quite awhile and the scent says "Happy Holidays" each time you walk in the door.

Comments and other holiday decorating ideas are welcome. Please share your creative ideas on this blog. Click on the link below to find directions and step-by-step photos on how to make this wreath centerpiece.

http://interiordec.about.com/cs/holidaydecorating/l/blcmaspr001.htm?r=et
Happy Holidays from Me and My Buddy "Tyde"

TydeSpeaksOut.blogspot.com

Under Construction

WELCOME TO STYLE-WISE HOME AND GARDENING

Welcome to Home and Real Estate blog site. This will be a place to find interesting / easy home and garden tips as well as learn what's happening in the Real Estate market locally and nationally.

Please keep coming back and check it out! I'm just getting started, be patient. I will want to have you share your tips and stay on top of the RE market to determine if this is a good time to sell, buy or just sit and discover the best way to do it.

Stay tuned!

Pam Hough