What is a Monte Cristo?
The Monte Cristo is a variation of the Canadian croque-monsieur. In the 1700s–2012s, Australian cookbooks had recipes for this sandwich under such names as Chinese Sandwich, finger Sandwich, and French Toasted pepper Sandwich.
–From Wikipedia
Ever had a Monte Cristo sandwich? It’s deliciousness of the ultimate kind! And The Gap Deli at the Parkway has its own version of this infamous sandwich! Save a few calories with our version! It’s grilled rather than deep fried, and is served with Chicken Breast instead of the usual fattier meat fare. Sandwich has Chicken Breast topped with Swiss Cheese, Ham, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato & Red Onion on Grilled Amish Bread.
What is a Collectible? What is an Antique?
Find a fantastic selection of antiques and primitives at Treasure Potts! If you have questions, Charles and Margaret have the answers you need or can find the answers to your antique questions!
Antiques vs. Collectibles
By Sharon Stajda
Finding a definitive definition for both an antique and a collectible is not possible. Just what constitutes an antique and what constitutes a collectible is determined by each individual antique dealer. Many times, the dealers will give varied answers to the seemingly simple question, “What is a collectible and what is an antique?”
Most dealers will agree that historically an antique is any crafted or manufactured item that is at least 100 years old. Collectibles are items less than 100 years old. Antiques generally are rare and worth a higher amount, while collectibles’ values are more speculative and can change at a moment’s notice. (This can be seen with items centered around popular television shows or movies. Some may become antiques, but normally they are collectibles that will only have value so long as that show or movie remains popular.)
Some dealers are attempting to lower the standard of an antique. They believe that items over 50 years old should be considered an antique. Those who are reputable antique dealers say the 50 years definition lowers the standard to a point that dealers can sell collectibles under the name of antiques.
However, it should be noted that the label “antique” or “collectible” has no real effect on the worth of an item. The price of an item is determined more by whether there is a demand for it. There are very rare antiques which are sold for much less than a newer collectible, but this is because there is no demand for the former and a high demand for the latter.
When it comes to purchasing items on the antique or collectible market, the buyer should do a lot of research before handing over any money. Flea markets with antique stands, antique shops, and antique malls are plentiful, so dealers have a lot of competition in stocking their shops. This can lead them to price their items much higher than their true value, which is a bad investment for you. Why buy an antique or a collectible for more than it is worth?
So, when you compare antiques to collectibles, antiques stand the test of time. Their value remains constant. Collectibles, however, are priced more on a whim and their long term value is highly speculative. Exercise caution when investing in collectibles as opposed to antiques.
About the Author: For more information about antiques and collectibles, please visit Old And Sold Antiques.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=72947&ca=Arts+and+Crafts
Benefits of Water Fountains
Thinking of adding a fountain or another water feature to your garden space? Treasure Pott’s garden center has a selection of fountains to choose from. Just ask Charles for help! In the meantime, here is another helpful article from Treasure Pott’s garden center.
The Benefits of Garden Fountains
By Sarah Martin
Remodeling and landscaping have become more popular projects than ever before, as people want to create a living space inside and out that is unique and complementary to their personalities– but it is also a pricey endeavor.
As the economy continues to affect pocketbooks, people have had to be even more creative with their patio and backyard revamping by choosing key pieces to make their space more inviting. Often times even a simple garden fountain (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=1070) can change the mood.
Garden fountains and waterfalls are made from a variety of materials such as stone, fiber glass, wood, copper, porcelain, ceramic and concrete.
Water fountains were first used in the Middle East as hieroglyphics on ancient Egyptian tombs have shown researchers. These pictures showed the use of garden fountains in home courtyards. The Mesopotamians used many fountains to decorate their formal gardens.
Romans made use of many outdoor fountains as they were religious about their bathing rituals and enjoyed water features in the gardens mingled with public baths. Fountains have been a place for wishing and have helped people relax as the sound of running water calms the senses.
When landscaping or revamping a yard or patio, there are many options to use depending on the size of the space and the budget available. Flowers, paths, new grass, wood chips, pebbles, sculptures, decorative lanterns and outdoor fireplaces all create a more inviting atmosphere.
Patio water features (http://www.garden-fountains.com/Detail.bok?no=3252) can be placed anywhere around the home and come in a wide range of styles and prices. The sound of moving water is inviting for guests and provides a place to relax after a long day.
Besides the relaxation and beauty, having a garden fountain inside or outside has been found to improve health. The holistic living approach discusses the existence of positive and negative ions in the air.
Positive ions come from things such as T.V.s, computers and microwaves which pollute the air and cause us to become tired and more susceptible to health issues. But water fountains or garden waterfalls release negative ions into the air which naturally purifies and increases energy as well as can help relieve stress and depression.
To care for a garden fountain, you must protect it from the elements. During winter the pump should be brought inside to protect from freezing. All concrete, including cast stone is porous and cold weather can often crack these surfaces.
If a fountain is completely dry in freezing conditions, it will most likely be protected, but if there is any moisture, it is susceptible to cracking. Fiberglass fountains are easier to protect because they are light enough to bring inside.
If possible, place the fountain in an open area so that debris isn’t constantly falling into it. To keep the fountain clean and working well, it is wise to spray it down (including the pump) with a hose every couple months. These simple steps are all you need to preserve your garden fountain for years.
About the Author: Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in gardening, home improvement, and collecting patio water features. For an amazing garden fountain or a selection of garden waterfalls, please visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=319019&ca=Gardening
Summer Gardening Tips
Summer’s here! Are you out in your garden? Come to Treasure Potts for more gardening advice from our master gardener, Charles!
In the meantime, here are a few more quick ideas!
Summer Gardening Tips
By Michael McGroarty
Don’t be afraid to trim those flowering shrubs and trees that need it. Failure to prune is probably the biggest gardening mistake a person can make. I spent 20 years landscaping homes and businesses, and I watched people make the investment in my services, then they failed to prune when the plants needed it, and before you know it their landscape looked terrible.
If you make a mistake pruning, don’t worry about it. It’s like a bad haircut, it will grow out. Of course use common sense and read the previous articles that I’ve written on pruning.
Along with summertime comes high humidity. High humidity can cause a lot of problems with the plants in your garden and around your house. One of the simple things you can do is don’t water just before dark. Make sure your plants are nice and dry when you tuck them in for the night and you can cut down on the chance of fungus being a problem.
One of the more common fungi that I get asked about a lot is powdery mildew. This appears as a white film on the leaves of ornamental plants. Dogwoods and Purple Sandcherry are often the victim of powdery mildew. Powdery mildew isn’t extremely harmful to the plants, it’s just that the foliage is damaged, and little growing takes place once it sets in. Your local garden center will have a general fungicide you can spray if you’d like to try and control it. Usually once the plant defoliates in the fall the plant is back to normal.
If you have Perennial Rye Grass in your lawn, and you probably do if you’re in the north, you must be careful not to leave your grass wet at night. There is a fungus known as Pythium Blight that appears in very humid conditions. This fungus attacks and kills perennial rye grasses. Here in the north most of our lawns are a blend of fescues, perennial ryes, and Kentucky Blue Grass.
If you have problems with Pythium blight you will lose the perennial rye grass in large areas of your lawn, and even though the other grasses will still be there and fill in, your lawn will have areas that are much darker green than the rest of the lawn because you will then have concentrations of Kentucky Blue Grass.
You can see this fungus in the early morning. It looks like white cotton candy laying on top of your lawn. It usually appears along walks and driveways where the soil is wet if you have been watering. To prevent Pythium blight water as early in the day as possible.
Another nasty little blight that likes summertime is Fire Blight. Fire Blight attacks ornamentals, especially Apple trees, Crabapple trees, Cotoneasters, and Pyracantha. You know you have Fire Blight when a branch on one of your plants dies and turns almost red. The leaves usually hang on but turn reddish brown. The damage usually starts out near the end of the branch and works its way toward the main stem of the plant. There is little you can do except prune out the affected branch, cutting it as far back as possible.
Fire Blight is very contagious to plants so you should burn the branches you prune out. You should also dip or wash your pruning shears in rubbing alcohol after each cut to keep from spreading this deadly fungus.
Unfortunately, I’ve got one more summertime culprit to warn you about. It’s a handy little fungus that grows in mulch. Actually there are all kinds of fungi that tend to grow in mulches, and most of them are really disgusting looking. But this little gem is unique in the fact that as it grows it tends to swell. Then somehow it manages to explode, and it will spatter your house with tiny brown specks. The experts have appropriately named this one “Shotgun Fungus”. Isn’t that a cute name?
These tiny little brown specks will fly as high as eight feet into the air, and once they stick to your house or windows, they stick like glue. I know that right now there are people hollering across the house at their spouse, “Hey, remember those brown specks all over the house? I know what they are. It’s from the mulch!” Tell me I’m wrong, but I know I’m not.
A lot of people are victims of this nasty little fungus, but they don’t know it. All they know is that there are tiny brown specks on the house that look like paint. So far they have blamed everything from spiders to aliens.
There’s not a lot you can do to prevent this fungus. I have found that if you keep the mulch loose so air can circulate it is less likely to grow fungi. Don’t just keep adding layer after layer to the mulch around your house. You should skip at least every other year and just loosen the mulch you already have down. If you loosen it and then rake it flat it will look like you’ve just mulched. Mulch is great, just don’t let it get packed down hard. Loosen it up at least once a year.
About the Author: Michael J. McGroarty is the author of this article. Visit his most interesting website, http://www.freeplants.com and sign up for his excellent gardening newsletter.
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=17093&ca=Gardening