Make a Positive Impact by Planting a Tree

(Family Features) There are countless ways you can make your environmental contributions felt. If you’d like to join millions of others in the fight for Mother Earth, consider one of the most popular gifts given back to the world each year: planting a tree.

Consider these tips to properly plant a tree in your own yard.

Choose the Right Tree and Location
Depending on where you live and your desired outcome, choosing the right tree and planting location are critical factors. Larger shade trees help cool homes in warmer climates, evergreens provide privacy and fruit trees offer a grocery store right in your backyard. Consider your available space along with conditions that will impact the tree itself, such as soil conditions, sun exposure, drainage and more.

Dig Safely
Before digging, remember that proper tree placement requires factoring in underground utility lines, overhead power lines and proximity to sidewalks, driveways and homes. Dial 811, the national call-before-you-dig number, to locate underground utilities and consider contacting an arborist or tree care professional to make sure you’ve weighed all the important factors.

Break Ground
Dig a hole that’s roughly 2-3 times wider than the root ball of your tree and equally as deep as the root ball. Be sure the trunk flare (where the trunk expands at the base of the tree) is partially visible when planted. Remove any wrapping or cover from the root ball and trunk. Lift from the root ball, not the trunk, to place in the hole then straighten vertically and firmly backfill soil around the root ball to stabilize.

Add Mulch
Mulching helps maintain moisture and improve soil conditions while controlling weed growth. Place a 2-3-inch layer in a 3-foot radius around the base of the tree without touching the trunk itself.

Keep Soil Moist
Make sure your tree has enough water to grow strong by keeping the soil moist. Typically, this means watering just once per week, barring rain, but may require more frequency during especially hot weather.

Find more tips for giving back to Mother Earth at eLivingtoday.com.

Watch video to find out how!

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eLivingToday.com

(Family Features) Graduation marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, a significant milestone worth celebrating. However, planning a graduation party can be overwhelming.

To host a memorable celebration for your graduate, consider these tips to help take the stress out of planning.

Set a Budget and Make a Guest List
When planning a graduation party, it’s important to start by setting a budget and creating a guest list. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and allocate funds for different aspects, such as food, decorations and entertainment, which can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t overspend.

Next, create a guest list of family members, friends and classmates you want to invite. Consider the size of the venue and your budget when finalizing the guest list. It’s also a good idea to send invitations out well in advance to give guests enough time to RSVP.

Choose the Perfect Theme
The theme of a graduation party can help set the tone and create a memorable experience for guests. When selecting a theme, consider the graduate’s interests, hobbies and future plans. For example, if he or she is going to college, have a college-themed party with decorations and activities related to the chosen university.

Other ideas include having guests bring items that represent memories with the graduate and creating a time capsule to be opened in the future or a travel theme with wanderlust-inspired decorations, food from different countries and activities that celebrate adventure.

Determine Decor
Personalize the party by incorporating elements unique to your graduate’s achievements and personality. Display diplomas, awards and photos throughout the venue. You can also create a photo collage or slideshow showcasing his or her journey from kindergarten to graduation. Remember to match the color scheme to the overall theme of the party and use lighting, such as string lights, candles or lanterns, to help set the right ambiance.

Organize Food and Drink Options
Food and drinks are an important aspect of any party. Based on your budget and the style or party, decide whether you want to have a sit-down dinner, buffet or finger foods. You can hire a caterer, ask friends and family to contribute dishes or prepare the food yourself if you enjoy cooking. Don’t forget to have a variety of beverages available, including non-alcoholic options, and consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests when planning the menu.

Get creative with your food and drinks by incorporating graduation-themed treats. For example, you can serve cupcakes decorated as graduation caps or cookies shaped like diplomas and create a signature drink that represents the graduate or his or her future plans. You can give it a fun name and serve it in personalized glasses.

Plan Entertainment and Activities
To keep guests entertained throughout the party, plan fun activities and entertainment. Consider hiring a DJ or creating a playlist of your graduate’s favorite songs to keep the energy up. You can also set up a dance floor or karaoke station for guests to enjoy. Also consider activities like a photo booth with props, trivia game about the graduate or memory jar where guests can write down their favorite memories with the graduate.

If your graduate has any specific hobbies or interests, try to include them in the entertainment. For example, if he or she loves sports, organize a friendly pickup game or set up a mini sports area for guests to enjoy.

Find more ideas to plan a memorable graduation party at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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eLivingtoday.com

(Family Features) Whether you’re into woodworking, metalworking, building models or another craft or hobby, the right tools allow you to work faster, easier and smarter.

A capable and versatile project partner, the IQ Vise System by Work IQ Tools is a problem-solving bench vise system that is transforming the way DIYers, craftsmen, hobbyists, makers and pros get the job done. It features a ball and socket design that articulates and rotates 360 degrees for optimal work positioning while complementing task-specific jaw sleeves are crafted to create the perfect grip for an extensive range of shapes and materials.

Plus, with four ports built directly into the vise, you can attach the plug-and-play workshop accessories including the IQ Connect Work Light, Magnifying Glass and Cell Phone Holder directly to the vise or take them where you need them around your workspace.

With three mounts – a bench mount to screw directly into your workbench or stud wall, a magnetic mount that can attach to any metal surface and a clamp mount that functions like a common c-clamp for quick and temporary mounting to any surface edge 2 1/4 inches or under – it’s like having an extra set of hands to help tackle whatever project you’re taking on.

Find more tools to help you work smarter at workiqtools.com.

SOURCE:
WorkIQTools.com