Gregg Maul - What's new in Tucson Real Estate

Every well-run household has its own unique solutions and quick fixes to keep it humming smoothly. Here are some of our favorite pearls of domestic wisdom to add to your collection.

• Have you tried baby wipes on carpet stains? They work so well, you'll be wondering why no one told you sooner!
  
• Keep candles in the refrigerator for several hours before use to slow down dripping and make them last longer.
• The best way to attack cooked-on spatters in your microwave: Heat a half-cup of water for two minutes on high. The steam will soften the food and the mess will wipe right out.
• To eliminate cooking odors (fish, fried bacon, gar1ic, etc.) heat white vinegar in an uncovered pot on the stove. (Don't boil.) Remove after 30 minutes. The light vinegar smell dissipates quickly, taking odors with it.
• When run through your coffee grinder, a handful of dried rice will sharpen the blades.
• After your next party, share flat, leftover beer with your garden. Plants love the yeast.
• Place unusable remnants of soap in a ventilated plastic bag and pack it away with seasonal clothes. This will keep the moths away, and your clothes will smell much better when you take them out of storage.
  
• Ants hate anything spicy. Sprinkle ground pepper, cayenne, even cinnamon, in their path, and you'll stop them in their tracks.
• After your next party, share flat, leftover beer with your garden. Plants love the yeast.
• Your chimney will stay clean if you throw a handful of salt on the fire.
• To clean tarnished silverware: Line a large cake pan with aluminum foil. fill with 8 cups of warm water 150°) mixed with 1/4 cup of baking soda. Lay silverware in pan, and watch the stains disappear.
• Fill nail holes with a paste made from cornstarch and water. Works just as well as putty!
  
• Leather needs to breathe, so never hang coats or jackets in plastic. Instead, make a dust cover from a pillowcase by cutting a hole in the top for a hanger.
• When a wooden door or gate sticks, bring out the hair dryer. By blowing hot air directly on the wood where it's sticking, you'll remove the moisture and the swelling will go down.
• Squeaky doors? For a dripless solution, use petroleum jelly on the hinges instead of oil.
• Simmer a sliced apple and a couple of cinnamon sticks in water on your stove. Your whole house will smell like apple pie.
  
  

In a world turned upside down...

Ever go beyond the NO's?
Back to College, a once in a lifetime trip, an adventure you always dreamed of? With one step, make it happen! The NO's can become YES!

FALL INTO FUN

Summer might be ending, but that doesn't mean the party's over.

When we think of summer, we think of taking Fridays off, lying by the pool, and barbecuing with friends on weekends. Then, fall comes, and it's back to the old routine.

Not so fast! Autumn can be just as much fun as summer, if you fall into it with the right attitude. After all, you've got at least another month of nice weather before winter creeps in.
Here's how to make the most of it.

A Reason to Celebrate

It might surprise you to know that September has as many national holidays as July and August combined. If you're looking for a reason to get out of the house or give a gift, try these occasions:

Labor Day, First Monday of the month
This federal holiday gives most people the chance to celebrate work by not working. Traditionalists take advantage of the day off by camping over the long weekend, or having a cookout. For something different, try delivering a platter of ready-to-grill goodies or party snacks to your favorite boss or employee.

Grandparents' Day, First Sunday after labor Day
At the very least, you could call to say how much you appreciate Grandma and Grandpa. Even better, drop by with a basket of their favorite cookies. At best, nominate one of them for Grandparent of the Year (see www.grandparents-day.com). If they're no longer with you, take some time to share memories of them with children or friends.

Citizenship Day, Every September 17
This is the day to pop a cork and toast being born or naturalized in the U.S.A. If you know somebody who's gotten citizenship this year-or is in the process of doing so-invite them over for dinner, or offer your favorite book on American history, or write them a note of congratulations.

First Day of Autumn, Varies
This is also the fall equinox, when day and night are the same length. Take a cue from ancient religions, which gave thanks for the harvest on the first day of fall. Cook seasonal foods like corn and squash, or offer roasted nuts and apple butter to your neighbors.

PLACES TO VISIT:

Labor Day: Local parades; museums or art exhibits on union labor; the site of your dream job.

Grandparents' Day: The family home; retirement community where family or friends live; a genealogical library.

Citizenship Day: The city or county seat or state capitol; local history museum; commemorative immigration site, such as Ellis Island.

First Day of Autumn: Farmer's market; nearby orchards; friends or relatives who enjoy cooking with fruits
and vegetables.

Need more excuses to get together with loved ones? September has no shortage:

- Show appreciation for your blended family on Stepfamily Day, September 16.
- Take, a trip to the Closest historic tribal site on September 23, Native American Day.
- Sign up for a fall Spanish class at your community college in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, September IS-October 15.

Welcome to my new "What's new in Tucson Real Estate" area, where you can check back periodically for current events, home owner tips, and information about buying or selling your home.