Before applying paint, paper or other covering to your walls, you need to repair any holes.
Before you get startedFill nail holes and small punctures with spackling compound. When dry, sand lightly. If the hole is next to an electrical outlet, you may be able to conceal the damage with a larger outlet box or an oversized outlet cover plate. For larger holes, you will need to patch the damaged area.
CAUTION! Determine where the electrical wiring is located before cutting into a wall.
Small Dry Wall Patch HolesIf the hole is no bigger than two inches, repair with fiberglass tape. Stretch tape across the hole. Apply two or three coats of joint compound and sand between coats.
Step 1: Enlarge and Square UpCut a square area larger than the hole with a utility knife or keyhole saw.
Step 2: Prepare Backer BoardsCut two backer boards so they are 2 to 3 inches wider than the hole.
Step 3: Secure Backer BoardsPlace a backer board inside the hole at top edge. Secure with 1-1/4 drywall screws, holding the board in place as you work. Tighten until screw heads are below the surface. Place second backer board inside lower edge of opening. Secure with screws.
Step 4: Install PatchCut patch to fit opening. Screw patch to the backer and tighten until screw heads are below the surface.
Step 5: Tape SeamsApply strips of fiberglass tape over seams.
Step 6: Apply Joint CompoundCover tape with a thin coat of compound. When dry, sand lightly. Apply two more coats. Feather and sand each coat until the surface is smooth.
Patching Large HolesFor holes larger than 8 inches, cut drywall back to middle of the studs bordering the hole. Butt backer boards to studs and secure behind drywall with screws. Fit patch into opening. Secure to the studs and backer boards with screws. Finish with fiberglass tape and joint compound.
Materials you will need:

• 2 pieces of 1 x 3 inch scrap wood for backer board
• Drywall scrap for patch
• 1 and ¼ inch drywall screws
• Self-sticking fiberglass tape
• Joint compound
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Tools you will need:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or keyhole saw
• Wood saw
• Screwdriver
• 6-inch taping knife

Content furnished by Foremost Insurance.

From genetically modified crops to the environmental and health effects of pesticides, more and more Livingston and East Texas residents are questioning whether they should grow what they eat.
 
Wherever you stand on the issues surrounding today’s food supply, however, there are several good reasons to start your own garden:

• You’ll know exactly where your food was grown, and what went into growing it.
  
  
• You and your family can enjoy great-tasting vegetables — better than store-bought, some believe.
  
  
• Many people find gardening provides both physical and mental benefits and gives them an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
  
  
• Finally, there’s that sense of satisfaction that comes with eating food that you have grown yourself!

 
Clearly there are plenty of benefits to gardening. But how do you get started?
 
Here are some important tips from the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service, which, like similar services around the country, provides helpful community resources on agriculture and other topics.
 
Pick the Right Site


“Choosing a garden site is as important as selecting the vegetables to grow in it,” according to the OSU Extension website. “All vegetables need sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil, and they will contract fewer diseases if the site has good ventilation.”
 
Here’s what to consider before marking your garden plot:

• Sunlight. Look for a shade-free site. Vegetables need a minimum of six hours of sunshine a day.
  
  
• Soil. How is the natural vegetation? If weeds and grass are healthy on the site, the soil will probably be good for vegetables, too.
  
  
• Surroundings. The roots of trees and large shrubs can suck nutrients away from your vegetables.
  
  
• Proximity. Make it easy on yourself, with water access nearby. Otherwise, you might be less enthusiastic about caring for your garden.

 
Choose What to Plant


Check with a local gardening organization or search the Web for what vegetables are best for your specific situation and climate. Here are three factors to keep in mind when you’re getting ready to plant, according to the OSU extension:

• Season. Plant your seeds at the right time to avoid damage from temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Follow the instructions on the seed packet.
  
  
• Depth. If you plant your seeds too shallow, they can wash away or dry out, but if they’re too deep, they might not come up at all.
  
  
• Spacing. Each plant needs its share of sunlight, nutrients and water. Don’t make them fight for it! Putting seeds too close together usually results in smaller vegetables, too.

 
Water Wisely


The best way to water is by monitoring your garden, rather than simply adhering to a set schedule. Follow guidelines for your specific plants, and avoid these common problems, as noted by the OSU Extension website:

• Frequent, shallow watering. This can promote root development in surface layers of the soil, making plants very susceptible to stress and damage.
  
  
• Overwatering. Yes, you can “drown” plants; too much water can leave little to no oxygen in the soil.
  
  
• Postponing watering. Check your plants regularly. If they appear to need water, don’t wait.

 
For more specific advice on gardening in our zone in East Texas, check with the local university extension program. And, don’t worry; you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy homegrown food. You just need to be willing to put in a little time and effort — and get your hands dirty!
 

Is your hard-working kitchen getting cluttered and unmanageable? If you need more storage, but every cupboard, shelf, nook and cranny is filled, it's time to take a second look at your use of space. Chances are you can reorganize and reclaim more storage than you ever thought possible.

Well-planned cabinets, drawers and shelves maximize space, save steps and eliminate frustrating searches for necessary kitchen tools and gadgets. An organized kitchen doesn't cost a lot of money, but does require a practical plan to keep items handy and easy to reach. Here are a few ideas to help make efficient use of your kitchen space and create some new storage areas as well.

Clear the Clutter

​Your kitchen holds an awesome amount of stuff. The more stuff you collect and store in the kitchen, the more you have to manage. It makes sense to get rid of anything you don't need or want anymore. Reducing clutter is a must. If you do nothing else to organize your kitchen, do this.

A well-designed, folding step stool is an indispensable tool for your reorganizing strategy. Choose one that helps you access storage space without requiring much of its own. Be sure it's sturdy and can easily hold your weight while you're stretching and reaching into upper cabinets, shelves and closets.

Pick a starting point and begin at the top. Work one shelf, cupboard or drawer at a time and remove everything you find. Most items you run across will require a decision, so group your “stuff” into categories.
For each item, ask yourself:

• When was the last time I used this?
• Do I want to keep it?
• Donate it to charity?
• Save it for a yard sale?
• Transfer it to another area of my home?
• Throw it away?

Create separate stacks for each category and stick to the plan.

Remember these tips:

• Put dishes, pots and utensils you use every day into one stack where they can stay until you are ready to reorganize the kitchen.
• Place items to be banished from prime kitchen space, but are still too good to throw away, into another stack. For example, pans you don't use, dishes you don't like and specialty cooking tools that are more trouble to clean than to use can all be given to a friend or neighbor, donated for the church bazaar or put away for your next yard sale.
• Round up the stray “stuff” that ends up in the kitchen when it really belongs in other areas of your home. Put them into another stack to be redistributed.
• Throw away any broken or chipped dishes or glasses, lids without bottoms, canned or packaged goods that have expired or look past their prime. If you can't remember when you bought a cake mix, or how long the spices have been on the shelf, throw them out. Discard any swollen or old cans, and donate canned goods you won't use to a food bank.

Look For Extra Storage

To make the most of potential kitchen storage, think beyond the individual cabinets, shelves and closets to every available inch. A careful inventory of existing space can help you plan how to use it effectively. Start your planning process by searching for unused or underused spaces. Examine all surfaces, including the area above or below appliances, behind doors and unused floor space. Grab a notebook and pen and make a list of any potential storage spots or areas that can be better organized.

• Make the reorganization of shelf space, cabinets and drawers your next consideration. Visit a home center or discount store to find new ways to increase your kitchen storage. For example, buy different sized stacking platforms and place them in taller shelf spaces to save room, or install pullout shelves or baskets that can utilize all the space in a cupboard. Transform a jumble of pan lids by mounting lid racks on cabinet doors.
• Reclaim your wasted drawer space by inserting compartmentalized organizers. Put together drawer partitions of various shapes and sizes inside wide drawers or stack two in deep drawers. Turntables and other handy cabinet organizers not only store things in their correct places, but also make them much easier to reach. Use products such as racks for glasses and hooks for cups to maximize every bit of cabinet space.
• Corner base cabinets are notorious for dark, difficult-to-reach corner space. The most common solution to maximize accessibility and storage in a corner cabinet is to install a lazy Susan. Choose from a full turnaround in which the entire interior of your cabinet revolves, half-moon pullouts that rotate on a pivot or half turns that are a fixed semicircle. You can set a lazy Susan on fixed shelves as an independent unit, or install it on a center pole that pivots.
• Individual turntables are perfect for organizing and storing spices. Just a small twist of the wrist puts each spice at your fingertips when they are placed on either a single or double-tiered turntable. Turntables can be used inside cabinets or on your counter top. You could also add a narrow shelf along one wall at eye level for spice jars, sauce bottles, salt and peppershakers or other small items that require quick and easy access.

These quick and simple pointers will also help you gain extra kitchen storage in unexpected places:

• Mount under-cabinet racks to display your prettiest stemware or teacups. Paper plate holders, electric can-openers, automatic coffee makers, or even a small TV can also be mounted beneath cabinets to provide extra room on your countertops.
• Reduce paper clutter by hanging a bulletin board on unused wall space. Don't overlook the insides of cabinet doors to display your most used phone numbers, recipes and emergency information.
• Buy a butcher-block cart on wheels for moveable storage from a home center or discount store. This handy “island” is a good place to store small appliances or baking equipment.
• Use a muffin tin filled with small kitchen odds-and-ends as a drawer divider.
• Hang potholders and dishtowels on a section of wood trellis or weathered wooden stepladder that has been securely attached to an unused wall. Or, install a hat rack at the kitchen door for shopping bags.
• Use your oven for hiding seldom-used pots and pans, but remember to remove them before turning on the oven.
• Install a series of corner shelves to hold collectibles or cookbooks.
• Hang a graduated trio of wire baskets from a kitchen ceiling corner and fill with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Get Reorganized

Now that you've cleared out the clutter and discovered a few new storage areas, it's time to take your final step toward creating an efficient, well-organized kitchen. Think of your kitchen as a single room with three separate work centers: preparation, cooking and cleanup. Keep in mind where, what and how you use an item before you put it back into each cabinet or drawer.

Easy access and return is important. If you can get to something and return it to its designated space without a hassle, the chance of your kitchen staying organized is greater. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Place food supplies and cooking utensils as close as possible to the area where you'll use them most.
• Save easy-to-reach shelves and cupboards for items you need every day and store items used less frequently on top shelves and out- of-the-way places.
• Put pots, pans and other cookware such as griddles, casseroles and other specialty cooking dishes near the range or oven for easy access.
• Stack saucepans by size with lids in a rack alongside them. Place large pans and skillets in a nearby cabinet.
• Store baking sheets, muffin tins and cake pans in a cabinet next to your oven or in a cabinet beneath a built-in oven. Arrange them by size and those used most often. A rack works well to store baking sheets on their side.
• Stack mixing bowls by size and store in the cabinets or drawers where you do most of your food preparation.
• Keep large knives, spoons, spatulas and other preparation tools in a top drawer near the dishwasher and counter where you prepare food.
• Store staples such as flour, sugar and spices near your food preparation area.
• Locate flatware, dishes and glasses near the dishwasher so you don't have to haul them across the kitchen to put them away.
• Put cleaning supplies, the wastebasket and kitchen linens closest to your clean-up areas like the sink and dishwasher.
• Place microwave containers in the cabinet nearest the microwave oven along with leftover storage containers.

How to Arrange a Food Pantry

When your pantry or food storage cabinets become packed with food that isn't sorted or organized, you will eventually have a huge mess on your hands. The pileup of ingredients can be avoided without spending a lot of time or effort. It just takes about an hour from start to finish.
Start by emptying pantry shelves and moving everything to boxes or a nearby countertop. Clean shelves with warm, soapy water and wipe dry. Before you put things away, think about how you will fill prime and non-prime spaces. For example, prime, eye-level shelves should be reserved for your items used most often.

• Store canned vegetables, fruits and soups together, organized by contents, for quick access.
• Keep all baking ingredients together on one shelf, such as flour, sugar, baking soda and baking powder. Cake mixes, muffin mixes, Jell-o and pudding mixes go on the same shelf with baking ingredients.
• Place pastas, rice and boxed quick meals together on another shelf.
• Designate a lower shelf for paper storage, then place napkins, paper towels and plates together.
• Keep heavy items, such as soda bottles, on a lower shelf.
• Place smaller items in a shoebox or plastic container that keeps them easy to find.
• Put single ingredients like dried beans, rice, and noodles in clear containers or canisters so you can easily find what you are looking for.
• Rotate dried and canned goods, using those with the closest expiration date first.
• Throw out old food or items you aren't likely to use again.
• Keep your pantry organized by putting things back in the spots you've designated for them.

Kitchen Storage and Organizing Resources

• www.getorganized.com
  This site has hundreds of reasonably priced space-saving items that help organize kitchen cabinets, shelves drawers.
• www.organizedhome.com
  Get a free printable household organizer then surf this site for practical kitchen organizing and storage articles. If you have a storage problem, post it on the message board to see how other people have solved it.
• www.improvementscatalog.com
  Lid organizer racks, wire-shelf liners, turntables, a magnetic rack system and other kitchen storage items and ideas can be found here.
• www.lowes.com
  Look under the home organization section and click on kitchen storage and layout for simple, but effective pointers.

Solar panels can be economically and environmentally sound, and they’re more accessible than ever. According to one research firm, U.S. homes and businesses installed a new system every four minutes in 2013.
 
But, is solar power right for you here in {city, state or region}? To help you address the question, here are five things to think about before making the switch:

1. The different options for installing a solar system. Oftentimes you don’t have to foot the full cost of going solar yourself. Instead, you may be able to lease a system from a company that installs and maintains it, or enter into an agreement where a third party actually owns the system and bills you (likely at a reduced rate) for electricity. Just keep in mind that installing and owning your own system may provide the best long-term return, and tax credits or rebates may help to lower upfront costs.
   
   
2. Your current energy costs — and your future needs. Depending on your situation, you could have relatively low energy bills now and not be as motivated to pursue solar as someone with higher costs. But what does the future look like? If your family is growing, your energy costs are probably about to grow, too, and investing in solar might be worth your while.
   
   
3. The power a system would generate. Have a reputable solar company measure the amount of sun your home gets, taking into account things such as shade, trees, etc., so you can make an informed decision about expected savings.
   
   
4. What your homeowners policy says. With any improvement that increases the value of your home, you need to make sure your insurance policy reflects the change. Give us a call to see if your policy already covers solar panels. If it doesn’t, we can help you amend it.
   
   
5. Your goals. Are you mainly looking to save money? Help the environment? Both? Knowing your goals will help you determine whether solar is the right choice for you, as well as which option makes the most sense. No matter what you choose, even considering solar means you’re thinking about energy a little differently. And that’s a good thing.

Renewable power – it can help protect your from rising energy costs and even power outages, not to mention the good it does for the environment. Just be sure to consider your options and all the costs involved before making the leap.

Content provided by Safeco Insurance. 
​

by The Foremost Creative Team

​Regular maintenance will keep your siding looking new and lasting longer. Why is it so important to regularly maintain your siding? Like the skin on your body, there are two main purposes that siding fulfills: appearance and protection. It protects your home against natural elements and pests, adds stability to the frame of your home, helps insulate and it also adds character to the outside of the home.

Although there are several different types of siding you can choose from for manufactured homes, the three most popular include metal siding, like aluminum or steel, vinyl siding or a natural wood siding. And each kind of material needs to be maintained differently.

Washing

Give your home a good washing for a fresh new look.
Note: Don't wash wood siding. Heavy exposure to water might result in decay, chipping, bowed or expanded panels, disintegration or shrinkage. Read below to learn about proper maintenance for wood siding.

• Make sure you close all the windows, doors and vents.
• Cover anything on the house you don't want to get wet. Use plastic bags and tarps with duct tape to cover bushes, outdoor furniture and light fixtures.
• Attach a soft car-washing brush to your garden hose and wash off the dirt.
• Remove tree sap and any other stubborn stains. First soak the sap with raw linseed oil, mineral spirits, or auto bug and tar remover. Let stand until soft. Wipe with a clean cloth.
• You can use household detergent to clean the siding or purchase a cleaning compound specifically for your siding material. Several varieties are available at manufactured home supply stores.
• Wash your siding from top to bottom to keep the lower area wet, preventing detergent lines.
• Rinse off the cleaner. Attach a spray nozzle to your hose to increase water pressure
• Dry the siding with a towel from the top down.

Vinyl Siding

• Don't rely on a rainstorm to keep your siding clean. Give it a good cleaning at least once a year to keep sediment and grime off its surface.
• Replace any damaged panels. New panels are quick and easy to install.
• If your vinyl siding has a wood grain or pebble finish, it will hold dirt and require more frequent washing.
• If you do not have rain gutters, your house will need more frequent cleaning.
• Rubbing compound scratches vinyl surfaces.
• Vinyl siding is brittle in very cold weather. Be careful not to hit or strike it, or it might shatter.

Keep grills from vinyl. Exposing the vinyl to intense heat will melt the siding.You might think that a paint job would be an inexpensive and easy solution to make faded vinyl siding look like new again. But paint does not hold well to vinyl's surface because it continuously changes with the weather. Vinyl soaks up heat causing expansion and contraction as temperatures rise and fall. Instead of a short-term painting job, consider replacing your siding altogether. Check with a several retailers to see the variety of colors and textures to choose from. Ask them about lifetime warranties or guarantees that they offer.

Wood Siding

Cedar, Cypress and Redwood sidings are popular siding choices that offer natural beauty to the outside of a home. But wood siding requires more upkeep than most siding because of its natural surface. With regular maintenance and care, you can prevent damage and keep your wood siding looking beautiful for several years.

• Caulk any joints, holes or cracks with a paint-able caulk. Seal the bottom of the panels and any chips.
• Paint or stain the wood every four years. Check the manufacturer's guidelines to see what kind of paint or stain works best with the wood on your home.
• Keep an eye out for critters. Birds, insects and rodents love to make a home or a meal out of wood siding.
• Keep sprinklers away from the home. Heavy exposure to water might result in decay, chipping, bowed or expanded panels, disintegration or shrinkage. Wood siding resides best in dry regions
• Check the paint for flaking and re-cover any exposed surface.

Aluminum Siding

Keep aluminum siding looking like new with a regular cleaning every six months to prevent oxidation and/or corrosion over time. For metal siding, oxidation and corrosion are common problems that wear and tear at the outside of your home. Taking care of these problems as soon as they occur could save you from having to replace your siding altogether.

Corrosion

Corroded areas leave dark spots on the siding. These are caused by moisture being exposed to the metal surface for extended periods. Check for rust-colored stains in places that tend to stay wet longer, such as under eaves or recessed entryways. If you find corroded areas, be sure to get rid of the spots before they spread further. For both aluminum and steel siding, sand out the corrosion blisters down to the bare metal, then spot prime with an anti-rust primer.

Oxidation

Oxidation leaves a white chalky film on the siding that can dull the exterior of your home. Keep your siding clean to prevent oxidation from forming. If your siding looks faded from oxidation, contact a professional manufactured home washer. A professional can clean your house in less than an hour with high-pressure hoses.

Scratches

Keep a minor scratch on your metal siding from becoming a major problem.

• Lightly rub the scratched area with a fine rubbing compound. This will remove dirt, grease and loose paint.
• Rinse with water and dry.
• Cover larger areas with a primer coat to improve to help prevent the formation of rust. Allow to dry.
• Use a small brush and cover the scratch with touch-up paint. Apply as many layers of paint as you need to make the scratch less noticeable. Allow drying time between coats, and allow two weeks for the paint to completely harden.
• Use a fine polishing compound to blend the area into the surrounding paint. Apply a coat of oil-based wax to the entire area.

Painting Metal Siding

Apply a fresh coat of paint to the siding of your home to keep it looking like new. If you need to paint just one panel, consider taking that panel to an auto body shop to be painted. They should be able to match the color. If you plan to paint the whole exterior of the home and want to tackle the project yourself, wait for a calm and overcast day to paint. Paint needs to dry slowly and the sunlight and wind will only speed up the drying process.

Prepare to paint:

• Thoroughly wash the exterior of your home
• Repair any dents.
• Caulk any cracks or holes along the panels, around corners or around windows with a paint-able caulk.
• Cover everything you don't want painted (windows, doors, the roof, etc.) with newspapers, drop cloths, tarps or masking tape. It's much easier to cover these areas beforehand than to remove paint later.

Before you're ready to apply an oil-based metal paint primer, the siding needs to be completely dry. Mix one gallon of the oil-based paint primer with one pint of paint thinner. Tint the primer to a lighter shade of the paint color you choose. The primer will help the new paint adhere to the surface and provide an extra color coat. Let the primer dry completely before adding the next coat of paint.

Use an acrylic-based, latex exterior house paint over the primer. A high volume of acrylic resin in the paint will make the paint job last longer. Invest in premium paint, brushes and roller covers. Bargain paint is no bargain if you're looking for better coverage, longer wear and a more washable surface.

How much paint do I purchase?

To compute the amount of paint needed, multiply the height of the house times the entire perimeter. Do not subtract for windows because this area will roughly equal the trim, eaves and soffits. Divide the total square footage by the number of square feet per gallon cited on the label of the paint.
​