FIG TREE LIFE — Treasure Trove of Tips

Every year for the last thirty plus years we have purchased a fresh-cut Christmas tree. Every year I also have fleeting thoughts of Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation when he finds a squirrel in the family tree. It is only a fleeting thought and then I chuckle and continue on with the decorations, that is until last year. Yes, you know where I am going with this ...As we were putting the lights and ornaments on our tree last year something fell out of the tree and onto the floor. From a distance, I couldn't be certain what it was, but I had...

~ The Best Finish Takes Time and Good Prep ~ Nuggets of wisdom learned the hard way by a thrifty and impatient gal! The first thing I would recommend to anyone just beginning is to sand your project outside. Just because the sander has a dust bag does not mean it's a good idea to use it inside your house. The dust goes everywhere, even when you're outdoors, so if you just had your car washed you may want to move it or at least make sure the windows are rolled up...not that I have ever done either of those things before.You will want to wear goggles to protect your eyes and a mask...