Ice Cream Makers with Compressors

Summer is coming up fast -- and we've been whipping up all kinds of ice cream at home. We did a lot of research on ice cream makers -- and here are some notes.  We like the ice cream makers that have their own compressor.  They will really freeze the ice cream.  However, they are more expensive machines due to the compressor.

This Lello is one of the high-end models for the home.  The Lello 4080 has its own compressor, so it makes ice cream fast (less than 30 minutes) and does not take up room in your freezer with a freezer bowl.

The Lello's are high-quality machines.  This stainless steel machine looks beautiful -- but is expensive.  It has a metal stirrer -- which makes the whole machine seem sturdier.






The Lello 4070 is a great option as well.  The Lello name -- with a compressor.  The stirrer is plastic -- but the machine works as well as the Lello 4080 with the sturdy metal stirrer.














DeLonghi has come out with an ice cream maker with a compressor as well.  This look like good options if you do not need the Lello name.












We'll review a few ice cream machines that do not have their own compressor -- so they run more in the $40-$100 range.

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Lawn Care: Aeration & Compost

After days of rain, the sun is out today! There's always a silver lining...

It's best to aerate the lawn after rain, so I will be aerating the lawn later today. Remember to aerate using a device that pulls cores out of the lawn, and doesn't just poke holes.

Aerating is a great thing for your lawn. It removes thatch, loosens compacted soil, and allows nitrients to get to the roots of your lwan more easily. Some tips on aerating:

• A device that removes cores of soil and thatch is MUCH better than the devices that just poke holes in the lawn. You can buy a device that you step on to aerate your lawn or rent a heavier-duty machine.
• Aerate before the active-growing time of your lawn; and not when weeds are actively growing (can stir up weed infestation).
• Don't aerate during periods of heat and drought. Opening up the lawn during times of stress like that can hurt your lawn.

While I'm at it, once I aerate the lawn, I lay down some compost/manure/good topsoil.

• I use a broom or light rake to level the compost.
• This is also a good time to level out your lawn. If there are any dips or lower areas, you can lay a little more in those areas. (Speaking of lower areas, if you DO have minor dips in your lawn, you can lay thin layers every month or so to build that area up).
• Finally, I water everthing to wash things down -- and avoid smothering the grass.

This should give the lawn a good jumpstart to the growing season. Here's to a beautiful, thick, lush, green lawn that you can be proud of.