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According to Simon Medcalf, the Managing Director of Guardian Security & Fire Home Security Services, the most important components of a home security system, in order of importance, are an intruder alarm of around 100 decibels to startle a trespasser, a camera system, and door/window contact sensors. In addition, security expert Chris McGoey recommends having clear and visible alarm lawn signs or alarm decals on the windows as these alone are often enough to discourage criminals from entering your home....

“In commemoration of the miracle, we light a menorah (or a candelabrum) with nine branches,” says Rabbi Willie Balk, an academic advisor for students at Yeshiva University. “We began with two candles and add an additional candle from left to right for each night of the holiday.” To find the best menorahs, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each pick’s dimensions, materials, and lighting method. We also consulted Rabbi Balk for additional insight....

There are a variety of companies that offer a wide selection of custom window treatments. To help make the decorating process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best custom blind providers based on online reviews, the range of products offered, pricing, and location availability. Based on our research, Stoneside Blinds & Shades proved to be the top choice for custom blinds. Keep reading to learn more about the best custom blind providers that can help fit your windows....

Joybird, a custom furniture and modern home decor company, recently studied the most popular houseplants in each state based on what residents search for. Americans love making things easy, and this proves to be true with the top five most popular houseplants—they’re all extremely low-maintenance. Check out which indoor plants made the cut. 1. Aloe Plant Unsurprisingly, the aloe plant tops the list of most popular houseplants, almost twice that of number two in popularity....

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The colonists and indigenous people ate pumpkins and squash frequently in the 1600s, so gourds were probably served at the first Thanksgiving. However, they didn’t have butter, sugar, and other sweet ingredients to turn the pumpkins into dessert—which means there was no pie. So how did we get from plain pumpkins to a whipped-cream-topped dessert? The iconic recipe actually has an interesting backstory: In 1796, a woman named Amelia Simmons published a cookbook titled American Cookery....

Gather a variety of tools to make this cute raccoon pumpkin. A pin tool (like the one you’ll use to poke holes along the stencil lines) is useful for creating small circles, such as the ones that form this raccoon’s pupils. A drill fitted with a tiny bit works well, too. Make sure the drill bit is long enough to completely puncture the pumpkin wall; otherwise, candlelight won’t shine through....

2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter, softened 2 teaspoon vanilla 8 cup powdered sugar (2 pounds)

Jimmy Turner, former director of gardens at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, recommends some modern cultivars of old-time favorites. Turner’s top recommendations are tough, adaptable, and attractive plants. They bloom reliably without pampering, aren’t bothered by pests, and will not outgrow their spots in the garden. Flowering Quince “My new favorite flowering shrub is Double Take flowering quince (Chaenomeles spp.)”, Turner says. “These quinces surprised the living daylights out of me....

Provide good air circulation for roses, and full sun. Many gardeners swear by going out in the morning and washing off the foliage with a squirt of the hose. The leaves have ample time to dry before nightfall. Many roses are great in many climates. A little polyantha variety called ‘The Fairy’ can scramble around a tall shrub and produce its clusters of tiny pink flowers for months with no worries....

1. Pick Your Purpose Or is your new garden shed an outdoor retreat for savoring a quiet cup of coffee or hosting outdoor gatherings? Maybe it will be the site for serving drinks during your next summertime party. Outfitted with comfortable chairs and a side table or two, a shed is a perfect backyard escape. Start with a list of all the ways you would like to use your shed. Your list will be invaluable as you decide what size and style of shed you need....

2 ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup shortening ¼ cup butter, cut up, or shortening ½ cup ice water If the lemon curd is thick enough to make it difficult to mix with the whipped cream, try this step first: In a small microwave-safe bowl microwave the lemon curd on 100 percent power (high) about 10 seconds to thin it slightly.

Caring for Fosteriana Tulips Fosteriana tulips, like all tulip bulbs, require well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of bright sunlight per day. Tulips do best in soil that is relatively dry in summer and well-drained in winter. Wet, boggy soil in winter quickly leads to bulb rot. The best time to plant tulips bulbs is mid-fall when the nighttime temperatures consistently hover in the 40s. Prepare the planting bed, breaking up any soil clods as you dig a 6- to 8-inch-deep planting trench....

Durability is important, but perhaps even more important is the fit of the garden gloves. If they’re too big or loose, you won’t have the dexterity you need, and gripping tools and plants properly could be tricky. They should have a snug or adjustable cuff to keep soil and debris from falling inside the glove. While gloves should fit snugly if they’re too tight, they’ll limit your movements and wear out more quickly....

To Store Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze up to 2 months. To serve, reheat in a toaster. Vegan Coconut Whipped Cream: For filling, chill a 1, 13- to 14-ounce can coconut cream overnight. Open can and loosen firm cream from edge of can. Pour any separate liquid into a small bowl. Place firm cream into chilled bowl. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla....