When the dog bites, when the bee stings… and a dozen other things that aren’t your favorite… that’s what summer brings along with all the fun and sun.  There’s little chance that you will be able to avoid all of the medical mishaps that come with summer.  Some are more severe than others, but with some patience and a little know-how you can treat most of the issues on the spot effectively.

The key to success here is to know ahead of time what to do and to have a 1^st aid kit prepared with all that you might need.  We have compiled a list of some (but not ALL) summertime 1^st aid situations and the quick remedy.  We have also included a checklist for your first aid kit.  Buy one and beef it up or just assemble the supplies you need in a handy plastic tote or used cookie tin.

savour... preparedness

Spring brings on many new home improvement projects.  Folks all over will be throwing open the windows and putting a fresh coat on a room, a table, or maybe even a dresser.  But after you've chosen the right stain or paint, how do you choose the right tools for the job... and does it even matter?  You bet it does.  Check out this post we wrote for The Daily Basics.  Everything you need to know about paintbrushes is right here. 

P.S. When you get a second look around at some of the other wonderful articles at The Daily Basics.  You'll be amazed at how much good stuff is there.

Spring has just begun.  For many that means time to throw open the windows and blow the funk off of the place a little.  Typically this includes some deep cleaning.  No matter how neat and tidy you are, things can use some extra attention occasionally.  In the kitchen, particularly, food finds its way into places that might not be part of your daily cleaning routine.

Here we have compiled a list of cleaning activities for the kitchen/pantry to aid in your Spring Cleaning mission.

PDF version

What to use:

• Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
• Step-ladder
• Cleaning cloths
• Small bucket with handle
• Sponges
• Vacuum with attachment
• All-purpose cleanser, dishsoap, or mild cleanser of choice
• Oven Cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloths
• Shelf or cabinet liner and drawer dividers
• Broom and mop or towel
• Baking soda solution for fridge/freezer
• A broom stick with an old sock for under the stove and fridge

Finally, don't let yourself become overwhelmed.  Only take on what you can manage and plan according to the time you have.  Be sure to factor in your REAL level of commitment.  Don't be ashamed to hire someone for the really tough stuff or tasks you just don't want to do.

We're taking it easy this week.  The boys are on spring break and we're trying to spend some time together and get caught up in between.  But we didn't want to let you down with no posts to inspire... plus it's so close to St Patrick's Day!  We thought this might brighten things up for you just a bit.

Like so many, we were sucked in several years ago by tabletop fountains.  They were everywhere, and despite their ubiquity, we caved and bought one.  We got it mostly for the soothing sounds but soon realized a CD would have done the same thing.  The fascination with the fountain quickly faded and left us with another space sucker.

Because I am in incurable DIY'er, I tossed the cheap pump and stacked stone insert and kept the granite looking resin base for another project.  I didn't know what the project would be, but I knew it would come in handy one day.  That day, my friends, was today.

savour... saving

What is it about terrariums that attract us?  They are tiny gardens right in our hands.  If you’ve been looking to add some color to a corner in your room or liven up a coffee table, this might just be the project for you.  Terrariums are fun and easy and very inexpensive.  We’re talking total project under $20.

The choices for terrariums are many.  You probably have something you could use kicking around the garage right now.  If you don’t, you will find many inexpensive options at thrift stores and yard sales.  Think beyond the objects customary use.  As long as it is smooth glass, your halfway there.

Creating a terrarium is quick (under an hour) and will be fun.  You might even consider giving it as a very nice housewarming gift…

savour… a garden you can manage

Get the rest after the jump...

Lola is a bit of an expert where bird houses are concerned.  She's seen her fair share and knows what a modern girl likes.  Below we have highlighted some of our favorites from around the web.  

Note: Not all bird houses are for all birds.  On the other hand, some of these are so smart looking, they might just stay inside.

1. Roost Bodega Bird House at habitat design 
2. Birdhouse by cpopp workshop 
3. Nest Birdhouse by arcamita 
4. Birdy Modern Bird House by Vladmir Jackard at Nova 68
5. Burd-Haus by Nathan Danials at Papernstitch
6. Birdbottle Bird House at blend design 
7. Planter Bird House at Jardin Chic
8. Egg Bird House by Jim Schatz  
9. Anderes Bird House by Oliver Krapf at Stadtnomaden

Eggs… we all eat them.  In fact, we eat a staggering number of them.  Egg laying chickens in America produce around 75 billion eggs per year which is 10% of the world’s production.  While many of those end up on our breakfast table or baked into our recipes, many more make their way to the prepared foods or the food service industry.

From a nutritional standpoint, these little wonders add an enormous amount of value to your daily diet.  Chicken eggs supply all essential amino acids for humans.  They also provide many other vitamins including vitamin A, many B vitamins, iron, and potassium.

From a culinary perspective, eggs are nothing short of magical.  Apart from sugar, they might be the most versatile ingredient in your kitchen.  Like sugar, preparing them in different ways and with varying temperature and amount of air can completely transform the finished product.

savour… incredible edible

Get the rest after the jump…