041608 PS Home-Garden - Marshalltown PennySaver

Spring 2008
Home & Garden
Special Supplement to
April 16, 2008
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 2
Tips and Trends for Decorating with Art
Contributed article by Pam Swarts
Decorating trends are ever evolving,
but a few basic principles never change.
Many design principles relate to the
way living spaces are accessorized.
That’s thankful news, since art and
accessories are significantly less expensive – and more fun – than the big furniture investments.
Art Defines You
Art is the defining element in any
space. It visually tells the story of who
lives or works there. In the business
world, people with highly public offices
know that their art work not only conveys who they are, but also what they
value.
In a home environment, art is generally defined to include paintings and
decorative wall hangings, photography,
sculpture, ceramics, etc. The broad
realm of accessories encompasses
lamps, mirrors, planters, candles, pillows, and floral arrangements.
Art, then, affords a way to express
your personality and make your living
space all your own. This is true for a
dorm room, apartment, condominium,
custom home, and even a long term care
facility.
Not sure what type of art would suit
you? First, seek out art forms that are
personally compelling to you, ones that
draw you in. Examine photographs of
interiors. Visit galleries and art festivals. Remember that original art has the
added value of a personal connection to
an artist.
Placement Matters
Hanging art on walls creates a big
hang-up! Is it too high, too low, too
close together? Fortunately, a few
“rules of thumb” exist. The first is to
consider eye level. While that varies for
everyone, a standard in the design
industry suggests 60” to 65” from the
floor to the focal center of the art work.
The focal center is typically a bit higher
than the actual middle of a picture.
The next rule of thumb is “it
depends!” In a formal dining room or
office, where people are almost always
seated, the focal center may be lower. In
hallways, foyers, or spaces with high
ceilings, the focal center could be higher.
Relative to a buffet or sofa, the recommended spacing from the top of the
furniture to the bottom of the art work is
ENJOY THE VIEW FROM
YOUR BREATHTAKING KITCHEN.
8-14 inches. The goal is to unite the art
and furniture as a grouping, not to float
the art apart from its grounding element.
Multiples of a singular type of artwork, such as collectible figurines, a
series of plates, or treasured family photos, are far more effective in groupings
rather than scattered about. For a
designer look, layer art on shelves and
ledges or cluster similar pieces close
together. A popular look today is hanging multiple tiles or mirrors in a geometric grouping.
Create Your Own Drama
Making a major impact with art work
sometime means breaking the rules.
Design drama can be achieved by placing artwork on the floor, below a lamp
shade, or high on walls. Entrust these
design decisions to someone who
understands the best way to handle different types of art and who knows the
principles of color and design coordination.
Often the ordinary can become
extraordinary with professionally
designed matting and framing.
Oversized matting, especially at the bottom of a picture, creates a dramatic
statement.
A previously-owned work of art can
be brought to new life with innovative
custom framing. Today’s top decorating
trends – organic, green, and eclectic –
can influence the choice of the frame
and matting. These buzzwords each
need a brief definition:
‘Organic’ design forms have rounded edges, undulating lines, and textural
quality. A philosophy rather than a
color, ‘green’ is the thoughtful use of
natural materials. ‘Eclectic’ refers to
several decorating styles combined
together.
Consumers who better understand
tips and trends can decorate in exciting
new ways. Remember that how artwork
is arranged has as much impact on the
mood of a space as the art itself. Know
that art both defines and enhances your
life.
Written
by
Pam
Swarts,
owner/designer, The Perfect Setting.
How to Restore Heirloom
Beauty to Old Furniture
(ARA) – If you’ve ever inherited a
“family heirloom” covered in 30 years
of dust, you know that it can be hard to
see the heritage and beauty of the piece
beneath the dirt and grime. But it is possible to restore the heirloom beauty of
old furniture with a few simple cleaning
techniques and the right products.
1. Clean off the grime. Never use silicone, water or soap on old wood.
Silicone impregnates the wood fibers
and prevents them from retaining a new
finish. Water can be absorbed into the
wood and soap will dry it out. Opt for a
more natural cleaner like Touch of
Oranges Wood Cleaner.
2. Restore the finish. Try to avoid
stripping or refinishing as this greatly
diminishes the value of antiques.
Choose a product like Howard Restora-Finish to blend out scratches and
blemishes, and restore color and luster,
without dissolving the existing finish.
3. Protect the wood from further
damage. Finally, seal the finish with a
properly applied protectant like Touch
of Beeswax Wood Preserver.
BARKER’S
SALVAGE
110 W. Madison Street
Marshalltown
. . . SIMPLY SUPREME
641-752-1541
121 S. Mill Street
(next to the water tower)
Gilman • 641-498-2184
We buy Salvage Vehicles or Junk Vehicles
(ARA) - Springtime. Time to start
thinking about your flower beds and
curb appeal. If you’re tired of the same
old annuals, or too many choices leave
you bewildered where to begin, this
spring consider thinking outside the
planting box. Plant wildflowers. Lots of
them.
In a world dominated by red geraniums, pink begonias and yellow
marigolds, wildflowers possess a simple
grace and elegance that will enhance
any garden or landscape. Wildflowers
can magically transform a bare patch of
soil into a glorious garden. They constantly color your landscape all season
long. No matter your soil or sunshine,
wildflowers are the answer to beautiful,
bountiful blooms that keep the garden
alive with a continual dazzling display
of color.
Wildflower gardens are gaining popularity for a variety of reasons:
* They require little maintenance.
Native plants are already well suited to
your location.
* Wildflowers offer a diversity of
unusual foliage shapes and sizes and
colorful blooms.
* They can be grown in hard-tomaintain areas -- corners, along fences,
slopes that are difficult to mow or
water.
* Wildflowers attract a number of
garden-friendly visitors, such as birds
and butterflies.
Wherever you live, choose a location
that gets six to eight hours of full sun
and has good drainage. Most wildflowers can grow in heavy clay or less than
fertile soils. The key to growing a
hearty wildflower patch is to start with a
good seedbed.
* Remove any existing weeds or
grasses.
* Till the top 1 to 2 inches of soil.
Tilling deeper than that will stir up
thousands of dormant weed seeds and
the wildflowers will struggle to get
established.
* When planting wildflower seeds in
a new garden area, don't fertilize unless
your soil is extremely sandy; wildflowers don't need fertilizer. They are used
to growing in average soils.
If you'd like to try your hand at
growing wildflowers, you need to start
with good seeds and the right mix for
your geographical location. Remember,
a good wildflower mix contains both
annuals and perennials. This gives the
garden a wider variety of colors, heights
and season-long blooms.
Most people know a gardening gurutype, but the majority of gardeners are
admittedly shy to try new plants, or
blame themselves for less than stellar
results. Wildflowers will change that
and give gardeners fabulous flowers
that get great results with minimum
maintenance or fuss. This spring is the
time to go “wild” right in your own
back yard.
What’s Hiding Under The Rug?
(NAPSI)-Sixty-four percent of U.S.
homeowners have rugs in their homes,
found a recent survey by the Institute of
Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration
Certification (IICRC), but only 40 percent clean them on a regular basis. Like
carpets, rugs require proper maintenance to retain their appearance and
durability. The IICRC recommends the
following steps to keep rugs looking
great:
• Know what type of rug you own.
Machine made, hand knotted or tufted
construction, as well as various fibers
used in the rug, affect the method of
cleaning.
• Use padding underneath the rug to
protect floors, keep the rug in place and
lessen damage.
• Blot spilled liquids quickly with a
dry, white cloth or paper towel.
• Vacuum rugs regularly front--backfront to remove particle soil.
• Store clean rugs wrapped in paper
in a clean, dry location.
When having your rugs cleaned, be
sure to use a certified professional who
specializes in rugs.
• Fertilizing & Weed Control • Weekly Mowing
CALL 641-753-4964
OR VISIT
www.johnsonlawncare.com
Fine cabinetry for the kitchen, bath, or any room in the home.
Stop in and browse our lovely cabinetry showroom, or give
First home
Vacation home
April a call! Because your Showplace begins right here...
FREE $50 Restaurant Gift Certificate
With Qualifying Order...Offer Ends 4/30/08
Corner 2nd Ave. & Main
Marshalltown, IA
641-752-4555
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat. 10-12
6 Model Homes on Display
10 miles south of Knoxville on Highway 5
877-433-8673 Toll Free
www.devorefactorydirect.com
ORDER A NEW HOME AND SAVE UP TO $5,000.00
Larger family home
PAGE 3 - PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
This Spring Take a Walk on the ‘Wildflower’ Side
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 4
Scrub Away the Stress and Toil this Spring Cleaning Season
Many of us continually seek ways
to make house cleaning easier and less
time-consuming. This spring cleaning
season, the secret is revealed.
Determine the level of cleanliness (or
chaos) you can live with and then
establish cleaning routines throughout
the year to help achieve and maintain
that level.
Building a cleaning schedule can be
confusing if one doesn’t know how
often chores should be completed.
Scrub away some of the stress and toil
this spring cleaning season by following a few simple timing guidelines
year-round.
The Daily Dose
Daily tasks vary from family to
family, but it’s easy to determine what
needs to be done each day. Look for
the chores that are repeated, including
the following:
* Nearly everyone deals with dishes every day, whether washing them
by hand or loading them into the dishwasher.
* Large families – or those with
small wardrobes – may need to do
laundry every day. For tough stains, be
sure to use a stain remover right away
so they don’t settle into the fabric.
* Some loathe the smell or sight of
garbage and so choose to take it out on
a daily basis.
Weekly To-Dos
Weekly chores can be the most
time-consuming, so look to employ
shortcuts, like engaging the entire
family in the household chores or
using products that minimize the need
Don't Delay...Try
CLASSIFIED
Today!
for excessive elbow grease. Below are
some top weekly chores.
* Vacuuming and dusting on a
weekly basis prevents buildup of dust
that can trigger allergies.
* Kitchen items like counters and
microwaves get a lot of use, and may
require a quick cleaning each week.
* Guests and household members
appreciate a clean bathroom, which
means there needs to be a weekly
wipe-down of the counters, toilet and
soap-scummed tub.
Calendar of Chores
Handling a few chores monthly will
erase some of the stress that comes
with spring cleaning. It will prevent
scrubbing a year’s worth of gunk in
each room of the house.
* Some items with limited hands-on
use, like ceiling fans and light fixtures,
only require a quick cleaning once a
month.
* Clean out one cluttered area each
month, such as closets and cabinets, so
they don’t have to be dealt with all at
once.
* Kitchen tasks, like cleaning out
the refrigerator and wiping down other
Join Us Downtown for the
8th Garden Extravaganza
Saturday, May 3rd
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Food Vendors, Marshalltown Speedway & Central
Iowa Art Association on the Courthouse Square
• Vendors on main, between 1st St. & 1st Ave.,
selling plants, gardening supplies & crafts
Gold Sponsors
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Hellberg’s Jewelers
Independent Insurance Services
Times-Republican
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Sponsored by
Marshalltown Central Business District
A Main Street Community
For more information contact us at 844-2001 or
[email protected]
kitchen appliances, are too big to tackle on a weekly basis but would be
overwhelming after a year.
Seasonal Housework
Think of the things that should
probably be done every three to six
months, but that won’t bring the world
to an end if they are put off until
spring cleaning season.
* Some household chores are best
to complete in the spring or summer,
like washing the exterior of the windows and cleaning the patio furniture.
* Once a year, bring in the pros to
clean carpets, launder drapes and fabric lampshades.
* An easy one to forget is the
inspection of, and performing maintenance on, heating and cooling units by
cleaning the vents and replacing filters.
* Set up area insect repellents in the
yard so spending summer evenings
outdoors will be almost bug-free.
Cleaning your home doesn’t need
to be a second job this spring and you
should consider ways to make it enjoyable, like downloading a few upbeat
tunes to listen to while cleaning.
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APPLIANCE DOCTOR
206 S. 8TH AVENUE • 641-752-2313
Hours: M-F 8:00-5:00 Sat. 9:00-3:00
How To “Till”
Which Tiller Is Right?
space?"
For cultivating small areas close
to perennials or trees, a maneuverable tiller with a nine-inch swath is
ideal. For bigger jobs, such as
prepping soil for sod or establishing new beds, consider renting a
more powerful rear- or front-tine
model.
Finally, there are details that
make gardening fun. Look for
tillers that start smoothly, run quietly, are fuel efficient and produce
finely tilled, loam-grade soil without multiple passes.
For cultivating small areas, a
maneuverable tiller with a nineinch swath is ideal.
EXPERIENCED. RELIABLE. REASONABLE RATES.
Trimming • Shaping • Removal
“The Care of Trees & Lawns”
Aerial Bucket or Climbing
Stump Grinding & Cleanup
LEDFORD
Tree & Lawn Service
Company
3206 S. 12th St Marshalltown
752-1883
Licensed • Insured
Incorporate native and drought-resistant plants to save water and lessen the
time spent maintaining the yard.
Planter boxes make changing the locations and types of flowers and bushes
much quicker and easier. Planters are
also an inexpensive way to define an
outdoor space and create privacy.
* Keep some of the lawn. Real
estate experts recommend leaving at
least some lawn. Green grass has a natural cooling effect on hot days and
complements woods nicely. It can also
be beneficial when reselling, especially for buyers with young children or
pets.
* Consider your lifestyle. Be practical. Think about how the space is
going to be used and how much time it
will take to maintain. Beauty, durability and ease of care can all come together.
Outdoor retreats, whether for conversation or relaxation, can transform a
yard, add hours of enjoyment, and cut
down on maintenance demands. A little time and investment now will pay
dividends this summer and for years
beyond.
NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT!
Mowers • Mowers • Mowers
SALES AND SERVICE
SEWER EQUIPMENT
LAWN & GARDEN
PARTY GOODS
CHAIN SAWS
AUTOMOTIVE
CONCRETE EQUIPMENT
BUILDERS TOOLS
FLOOR & CARPET
If you have a project - We have the tools!
CONTRACTORS - FARMERS - HOMEOWNERS
Rent From Professionals
603 S. 6th St.
Marshalltown
752-3388
NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT!
(NAPSI)-While the dreamy part
of gardening involves seed catalogs and design, power tillers make
easy work of breaking up soil and
digging holes. How do you choose
the right tiller?
According to the experts, there
are three types--lightweight for
small jobs, rear-tine tillers, and
front-tine machines for heavy-duty
jobs. Your needs will determine
your choice.
Measure your garden, then
assess whether the soil is dense,
rocky or loamy. Are you cultivating existing beds or digging a new
plot? Are you working around
structures or do you have open
ideas for building the perfect outdoor
oasis. Low-maintenance wooden
planter boxes with ornamental plants,
basic and elaborate roofing systems,
accent lighting, and patio heaters are
among the additions helping homeowners enjoy their outdoor spaces well
beyond the summer months.
Real estate and landscaping professionals offer a few considerations for
creating that perfect outdoor getaway.
* Keep it natural. It is an outdoor
space, so use natural materials. Woods
and stones, whether used as primary
materials or as accents, are durable and
relatively easy to maintain.
* Make multi-purpose magic. Add a
wide edge to a planter box or join two
with a bench. Multi-purpose amenities
can transform a space, add function to
decoration and keep costs down.
* Have fun with the space. To add
charm, salvage furniture and decorative pieces not currently in use around
the house or incorporate the whimsical
touch of second-hand finds. Personal
style and creativity commonly found
indoors are every bit as important outside.
* Use low-maintenance plants.
NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT!
wood’s beauty and durability make it a
popular material for pergolas, decks,
gazebos and other structures. It creates
a natural outdoor feel combined with
indoor comfort and design.
A movement toward low-maintenance landscaping is contributing to
the outdoor living trend. Landscape
architects anticipate yard maintenance
costs will increasingly influence the
size of the traditional grass lawn
among cost-conscious consumers.
Converting part of the lawn or garden to an outdoor living space reduces
both maintenance and water usage.
Experts recommend that natural materials play a key role.
Home and garden shows, popular in
the spring and early summer, are full of
NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT! NEED IT? RENT IT!
Four walls and a ceiling no longer
define a living space.
Homeowners who want to reduce
yard maintenance, bring natural environments into their living spaces, and
expand their houses are reinventing the
“great” in great outdoors.
It started as a trend toward outdoor
kitchens. Now it extends to great-room
concepts and other ways to create outdoor retreats from simple to elaborate.
Conversation nooks, pergolas, gazebos, arbors, trellises, raised beds, walkways and benches are all being used to
turn back yards into tranquil retreats
and havens for al fresco entertaining.
Outdoor living spaces commonly
feature natural materials, especially
woods like Western red cedar. The
PAGE 5 - PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
Outdoor Living Cuts Yard Maintenance, Promotes Relaxation
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 6
Hot Home Decorating and Color Trends for 2008
Are you ready to get a jump start on
discovering 2008’s hottest decorating
and paint color trends? Winter is an
ideal time to start planning your interior
decorating spruce ups. And one of the
easiest, least expensive ways to give a
room a new look and feel is with paint.
The 2008 color forecast contains
some extraordinarily vibrant, yet versatile, hues that have been inspired by
everyday life. The depth and range of
this year’s most popular colors provide
extensive options for adding accents to
a room, changing themes and styles, or
even completely redecorating from
scratch.
The five modern and stylish color
themes found in the 2008 Trend Palette
are as follows:
Culinary
Have you ever strolled past a bakery
mesmerized by the brightly colored pastries adorned with intricate details?
Food can have an emotional connection
for many people, stimulating the senses,
including sight. So, why not bring some
of these culinary inspirations into your
home decor with the Culinary palette?
Colors in the Culinary palette
include: A La Carte, Gazpacho, Pink
Chenna, Worn Avocado, Dining
Alfresco, Phyllo, Sous Chef and
Chopping Block.
Travel
Think distant lands and exotic destinations. The Travel palette takes its cue
from faraway locales and memories of
times past. Bring your own journeys
home by displaying your travel treasures against richly colored walls.
Colors in the Travel palette include
the following: African Sunset, Elephant
Watch, Victoria Falls, Slouch Hat,
Soukous, Cheetah Spots, Kwaito and
Open Savannah.
Fashion
Whether it’s a favorite blouse, scarf
or dress, find inspiration in your own
fashionable favorites and dress your
home in color. This year’s Fashion
palette was influenced by saturated Art
Nouveau colors and graphic Deco patterns.
Colors in the Fashion palette include
the following: Roaring 20s, Gazette
Gold, Champagne Punch, Nouveau
Riche, Deco Detail, Floral Appliqué,
Jade Brooch and Paris Metro Station.
Antique & Art Gallery
Nature
The beauty and wonder that come
from the natural world can be a great
place to derive inspiration. By using
colors and textures from the great outdoors, you can create your own scenic
landscape in the comfort of your own
living room.
Colors in the Nature palette include
the following: Leafy Glimmer, Brown
Noddy, Red Clover Blossom, Dark
Forest, Hen House, Haven White,
Purple Loosestrife and Patina Verdigris.
Art
Hot Design Trends
in Today’s Glass
(ARA) – Walls that look like stacked
ice cubes, staircases you can see
through and bathrooms with tiles in all
the colors of the rainbow. The use of
glass in interior design and architecture
has evolved in the past century with
more and more designs featuring glittering, mirrored, frosted and colored glass.
The Glass Association of North
America (GANA) recently held the
Design in Glass Awards featuring much
of this innovation. Winners were named
in several categories that covered both
residential and commercial applications. All of the winners embraced glass
as a viable design tool with endless
potential.
This year’s top trends in glass in
design include:
* Energy efficiency and environmental friendliness are hot trends in all
aspects of home design, including how
glass is used. Allowing natural daylight
into the space using high performance
GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SAL
Everything will be sold at
Rock Bottom Prices!
30% TO 50% OFF
On All Displays
And Merchandise
Sale now in progress
Art-C-Mar-C’s
20 South First Avenue
Marshalltown, IA 50158
(Across from and East of Co
Hours: Tues-Sat 12:30-6; Closed Monday
641-752-9553
Do you have a favorite piece of artwork? If you’re someone who appreciates the classics like Monet or Renoir,
focus on adding more “lifelike” colors
to the home -- like blues and neutrals.
For a more contemporary look, embrace
more unique, energetic colors for an
abstract experience.
Colors in the Art palette include the
following: Minimalist Cream, Picasso’s
Blue Period, Skandi, Bartel Blue, Blue
Tape, Impressionist Blue and Canvas
Sky.
glass cuts consumption of electricity
and adds a cheery element to interior
space.
* Glass staircases have become an
incredibly popular design element, both
in retail stores and public spaces, as
well as in the home.
* Natural stone tile is still popular,
but can make kitchens and bathrooms
seem neutral and dull. Punching up a
basic palette with glass tile in bright,
bold colors makes focal points pop.
* Innovations in LED lighting come
together with glass applications -indoors and out -- with illuminating
results. Walls and windows can now
show their true colors after dark and can
even change like a gleaming
chameleon.
To view photos and videos of the
2007 Design in Glass winners and to
find GANA glass professionals near
you, log on to www.GlassWebsite.com.
Is Your Home In Need Of A Facelift?
Home
Let The Experts At
Is Where Your Health Is...
ROE & JUEL
WINDOWS - SIDING
3 South 4th Ave.
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Marshalltown Medical
& Surgical Center
(641) 754-6353
Give You A Free Estimate!
Remodeling Kitchen & Baths • Insulation
• Decks • Garage Doors
310 S. 4th Ave.
Marshalltown
Chris Juel • Owner
641-752-1222
(NAPSI)-There are a number of
ways to reduce basement moisture and
prevent it from leading to major repair
expenses.
Make sure rain gutters are functioning properly and that downspouts are
clear. Use long leaders or downspout
extensions to carry rainwater far away
from the foundation. Also, slope the
ground around the wall so that water
drains away from the foundation.
Check walls carefully for any cracks
or gaps, and seal them with a caulking
compound designed for your type of
wall. If problems persist, more extensive waterproofing work may be needed.
If you obtain an evaluation from a
qualified waterproofing contractor,
beware of recommendations for major
waterproofing work that are only
designed to remove water that seeps in,
Adding A Decorative Touch
(NAPSI)-A growing number of
homeowners are thinking "green," as in
environmentally responsible, when
complementing the efforts of their green
thumbs.
Gardeners are using decorative
touches made with nature-friendly
materials to add a natural touch and
define their landscaping projects. For
example, edging such as SmartEdge®,
which has a rich woodgrain finish, can
be used to create pleasing visual transitions--both straight and curved--
between plantings, grass and walkways.
Made from at least 90 percent post
consumer recycled materials, the edging
looks great and is very durable, out-performing wood, plastic, fiberglass and
metal. It installs in three simple steps,
making it easy to create professionallooking landscapes. The only tools you
need are a shovel and a hammer.
This wood-composite edging is
made from environmentally responsible
material.
rather than preventing it from infiltrating in the first place. In many cases, it is
more effective and less expensive to
address exterior conditions to redirect
the water away from the foundation.
Since each house and situation is different, you may want to contact a pro-
Simply
beautiful.
fessional. More home maintenance
information is available online at
www.housemaster.com.
Basement wall leaks don’t have to
dampen your day with some proper
maintenance inside and out.
Why You Should Consider
Build Right Institute
• We handle construction
from start to finish
Beautifully simple. • Wood
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methods on the market
That’s the fundamental difference
• 90 days from start to
of a John Wick Homes building
finish
experience. Quality,
• 10 Year Limited
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Structural Warranty
We’re John Wick Homes
Randall Construction
Russ Randall,
Builder
Cell:641-485-7653 Office:641-752-6590
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March 30
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PAGE 7 - PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
Fix Those Damp Basement Walls
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 8
Need More Room? Don’t Move - Improve
(ARA) – According to the National
Association of Realtors, the continuation of a soft market is predicted for
existing home sales in the coming
months. This comes as bad news for
people who are considering selling
their homes in the near future.
Gone are the days when potential
buyers would fight over every listing
that comes on the market, driving up
prices in the process. Now homes may
linger on the market for months, fetching far lower prices. The national
median home price for existing singlefamily homes was $206,200 in the
fourth quarter of 2007, down 5.8 percent from just a year prior. Because
buying a new home typically requires
first selling your current home, many
people who want to “move up” to a
bigger or nicer home are choosing to
stay in their current homes and upgrade
them rather than put them on the market.
Home improvements offer many
benefits: they not only make your
home more comfortable, but can also
be a prudent investment. Popular proj-
ects include: kitchen remodels, bathroom additions, deck additions, siding
and window replacement – all
improvements that, in addition to making a home more livable, may actually
increase the value of a home.
But with the economy being as
tough as it is lately, where will people
find the money to pay for their
improvements? A popular option is to
tap into the equity in the very house
you’re planning to fix up. When it
comes to funding home improvement
projects, consumers with equity in
their homes have multiple options,
such as taking out a home-equity loan,
setting up a home-equity line of credit
or refinancing an existing mortgage.
Here is a quick guide to financing
choices:
Home-equity loan: With a homeequity loan you take out one lump
some of money based on the equity
you already have in your home. The
amount you borrow and the interest
rate are fixed at the start of the loan.
These loans typically last from 5 to 15
years.
Home-equity line of credit
(HELOC): Like a credit card, a homeequity line of credit functions as an
open line of credit, only it is borrowed
against your house like a second mortgage. The benefits of using a homeequity line of credit instead of a credit
card are that the interest rate for a
home-equity line of credit is almost
always lower than that of a credit card
and the interest you pay is usually tax
deductible.
Cash-out refinance: A cash-out refinance allows you to refinance your
mortgage for more than you currently
owe, leaving cash on the table that you
can put toward your home improvements. Unlike a home-equity line of
credit or home-equity loan, a cash-out
refinance does not require taking on
the additional burden of a second loan.
Don’t want to take the gamble of
borrowing against your house? Don’t
despair. Some homeowners that don’t
have a lot of equity in their homes, or
don’t want to tap into that equity, may
find that simply refinancing their
homes can help offset home improve-
ment costs.
Interest rates are near record lows.
If you bought your home a few years
ago you may well be able to refinance
at a lower rate. That lower rate can
yield substantial savings that can go a
long way in paying off your home
improvement bills.
Want to find out which option offers
the best scenario for you? There are
benefits and drawbacks to any home
loan so it’s a good idea to discuss your
options with a trusted financial professional. Once you’ve decided on the
right move for you, connect with a
lender who will offer competitive rates
and terms.
Whether you go with a home-equity
loan, a home-equity line of credit or a
refinance, your interest payments will
likely be tax deductible, and no matter
which financing option you choose,
upgrading your home can add value
and comfort. Better get started right
away though so you can enjoy those
improvements in time for summer.
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(ARA) - Many gardeners who love
their ornamental landscape are not sure
if they want to give up space for a vegetable garden that needs to be replanted
every year. Fortunately, there are
dozens of incredible edibles that add
beauty and style to the garden -- and
provide a bounty of fruits and herbs.
Fruit trees make a beautiful addition
to the garden or in a container on a
patio. Citrus, with its glossy green
foliage and fantastic fragrance, can provide an abundance of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons and limes.
Some
suggest
the
Variegated
Calamondin Orange, with stunning
green and cream-colored foliage. Even
the fruit is variegated with a pale green
stripe. The Moro Blood Orange has
bright red-fleshed fruit with a delicious
flavor; and the Meyer Improved Lemon
produces a crop of juicy fruit twice a
year. Gardeners in colder climates can
easily grow citrus in containers and
winter them indoors.
Pomegranate trees have brilliant
orange flowers and will yield a crop of
big red fruit that are extremely high in
antioxidants. Quince is a spectacular
flowering tree that produces a tart fruit
that makes fantastic jams. Try the Super
Red Flowering Quince and enjoy huge
bright red blossoms, or the Cameo
Japanese variety, with delicate apricotpink blooms.
Blueberries are the hottest edible for
home gardens. Perhaps it’s because this
delicious, antioxidant super-food is
quite pricey in the supermarket, yet one
plant can produce six to seven pounds
of fruit. Blueberries are surprisingly
easy to grow throughout the United
States -- even in warmer regions. The
Southern Highbush varieties like
ONeal, Sunshine Blue, Jubilee and
Southmoon are most suggested. These
are extremely tolerant of heat and
humidity and don’t require a pollinator
to produce fruit.
For the colder parts of the country,
plant the Northern Highbush varieties,
such as HardyBlue, Patriot, and
Spartan, or the really cold hardy HalfHigh varieties Northblue and Northsky.
These do require a pollinator, meaning
that you need to have at least two dif-
ferent varieties with similar bloom
times, planted close together. Blueberry
shrubs have a fantastic array of white to
blush-colored flowers in the spring and
foliage that changes in the autumn from
a pretty green to vivid red and gold.
For something a bit more exotic, try
growing kiwi. This native of New
Zealand is delicious and easy to grow.
It’s a fast-growing vine, so plant near a
trellis or arbor so it can climb and the
fruit can hang down for easy harvesting.
Grapes are another great vine for cover-
ing structures, and you’ll be rewarded
with sweet, juice grapes for eating or for
winemaking.
Herbs will round out your incredible
edible garden. Just tuck in creeping
Rosemary like the Huntington Carpet or
an upright grower like Roman Beauty or
Barbeque, and some lavender, such as
Hazel Spanish Lavender or the dwarf
Thumbelina Leigh English Lavender.
Try growing a Sweet Bay in a container
on your patio and use the leaves for
soups and sauces.
Ready, Set, Mow
(NAPSI)-When a lawnmower has been
in storage, how do gardeners prep for a
summer of fruitful lawn care? The owner’s
manual will have complete details and a
few checks can lead to a quick start and
operation at peak efficiency.
Before storing your lawnmower for the
winter, add gasoline stabilizer, turn off the
fuel valve and run the engine until it stalls.
This empties most of the fuel from the carburetor. Come spring, before you add
fresh gasoline, check to be sure the air filter is dust-free, the spark plug is clean and
properly gapped, and the mower blades
are clean, sharp and in good condition.
A dull blade can be sharpened, but if
bent, cracked or excessively worn, it must
be replaced. If necessary, have your blade
sharpened or replaced by the dealer.
Finally, set the correct blade height,
start the engine and prepare to mow your
unruly grass into submission.
It’s That Time for Spring Clean-Up!
Stop in our showroom and let us
help you find just what you need.
BETTER GET STARTED
CS-370
30125BVE
•30” Mower
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•Electric Start
•5-Position mower lift 1.5” to 4.0”
RON’S
•36.6 cc Power Boost Vortex™engine
•Standard 16” bar and chain with tip
guard included
( optional 14’ and 18” bars and chains available)
•computerized ignition advance
automatically adjusts engine timing
LAWN & GARDEN REPAIR
907 West Lincolnway • Marshalltown • 752-4907
There’s plenty to do around the house this spring.
The good news is, there’s plenty of ways we can help.
Quality products, great service & years of experience
Iowa Builders Supply has BOOM TRUCK CAPABILITY
Stop in to talk to Dave Sharp, Linda & Jeremy
SHINGLES – PLYWOOD – LUMBER
• Pole Buildings • Windows • Cabinets • Insulation • Ag Steel • Doors • Millwork • Sidings
IOWA BUILDERS SUPPLY
DAVE SHARP – MANAGER
313 Front Street • Gladbrook, Iowa 50635
1-641-473-3037 • Toll Free 1-877-700-3037
IT’S
DECORATING
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CENTRAL IOWA MACHINE SHOP 801 N. 4th Ave. 752-7615
www.centraliowamachineshop.com
PAGE 9 - PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
How to Have a Beautiful and Fruitful Garden
Grow Edibles and Enjoy Produce Year After Year
Fashion and home decor trends are
so closely aligned now that we can add
a favorite new look or color scheme to
both our wardrobes and our homes at
the same time. One day you’re shopping
for handbags in the hottest color and the
next day you find yourself reaching for
pillows in a matching shade.
If you’re gearing up to decorate,
fashion is where to look for trends that
also have staying power at home: flowers in full bloom, pink, and neutrals
with metallic and pearl accents. Fashion
and home products designers are
reworking these familiar favorites and
turning them into something new. These
TURN TO THE SKILLED EMPLOYEES OF
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FOR ALL OF YOUR REMODELING NEEDS
SERVICES
• Siding
• Windows
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Doors
• Commercial
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• Insulation
• Decks
• Maintenance
And Repairs
• Building
Additions
• Awnings
• Gutter
Protection
Systems
Serving The Central Iowa Community For Over 50 Years
702 S. 3rd Ave., Marshalltown, IA., 641-753-6666
Lifestyle Homes of Iowa • Creme de la Rose
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 10
Walls Get in Step with Fashion
looks are finding expression in today’s
most inspired wallpaper designs -- an
affordable and beautiful way to revitalize a tired-looking room.
Flowers are springing up everywhere. In wallpaper that translates to
bursts of bulbs that transform average
walls into meadows of color, or single
blooms silhouetted for a sparer look.
Either way, the budding rebirth of
blooms inside the home is a breath of
fresh air.
Pink is all grown up. And while it
remains the color of choice for young
girls, pink’s newfound acceptance in
men’s shirting and every aspect of
women’s wear -- from outerwear and
umbrellas to handbags and heels -allows pink to go boldly where it hasn’t
before in the home. Wallpapers of whisper-soft pink embellished with glass
beads, bold damasks in black-and-fuchsia, and flamingo pink saturated stripes
are giving rooms an elegantly updated
infusion of color that’s fresh and
inspired.
Long a fashion and decorating staple, neutrals have never before shone as
brightly as they do now. Accented with
luminescent pearl tones, metallic overlays and shimmering embellishments,
these otherwise muted hues appeared on
runways as lacy suits of soft gold thread
and soft sequins scattered on day dresses. On the wall, patterns of understated
taupe and cream are infused with pearlized inks for a look of continual candlelight, while copper and distressed silver
accents lend rooms a sense of timeless
glamour and a quiet roar of elegant
style.
Bohemian looks in all their embellished glory have been among the most
enduring trends in fashion for several
seasons and are still going strong. Not
defined by any one particular style,
bohemian blends together different cultures and eras to create an intriguing
mosaic of patterns. Whether it’s an
embroidered jacket or wallpaper patterns inspired by Moroccan tiles and
Indian paisleys, it’s about easy living,
mixing and matching, and an “anything
goes” attitude of foolproof dressing and
decorating.
“Located in the middle of everywhere,” is the
advertisement being used by builder Al Nacin in
promoting his “Creme de la Rose” housing
subdivision in State Center. The growing
community of State Center is only 45 minutes
from Des Moines, 20 minutes from Ames and 15
minutes from Marshalltown.
WE ONLY HAVE ONE 2 BEDROOM UNIT LEFT.
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• Energy Efficient R23 Walls & R30 Ceilings
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Open rooms & high ceilings.
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Carpeted throughout except resilient flooring in kitchen,
bathrooms, laundry & entry areas.
Lifestyle Homes of Iowa; LLC
1-641-691-8088 or 1-641-751-4993 • www.lifestylehomesofiowa.com
(ARA) - Ask anyone if they have
ever taken on a home plumbing project
by themselves and they will likely say
that they have. But how involved was
the project?
Many building professionals agree
that plumbing is one of those tasks that
typically looks a lot easier than it is.
And while many savvy homeowners
may have taken on a simple plumbing
project, such as repairing a leaky
faucet, fixing a toilet that keeps running, or even hooking up an ice maker,
few consumers have actually plumbed
their own bathroom or replaced old,
corroded pipe.
That’s because plumbing has historically required various mechanical
skills and the ability to operate expensive, cumbersome and complicated
equipment. Even those more adventurous who have the know-how to plumb
an extra bath may have avoided the
task since a copper plumbing installation requires soldering. Difficult and
messy, in some cases soldering is also
downright risky, because it introduces
an open flame into a confined area surrounded by wood joists and other flammable materials.
Today, however, you might be more
likely to successfully replace a wornout system or plumb a new bathroom,
thanks to newer products and technologies that make the installation faster
and easier – not to mention safer and
less expensive. FlowGuard Gold
CPVC plumbing systems, for instance,
made of a high-performance plastic
material, require only a handful of
inexpensive cutting tools, a can of solvent cement, some knowledge of
plumbing systems and proper procedures, and careful review of manufacturer instructions.
CPVC is a plastic piping system that
allows easier installation than traditional copper or other metallic systems.
As with any building material, you’ll
need to handle CPVC properly and
install it according to manufacturer
instructions, and local and national
building codes. Improperly installed
CPVC systems can fail, as can ones
that come in contact with chemically
incompatible products during installation or at anytime during their service
life. Keep the pipe and fittings away
from certain oils and lubricants, wires
and cables and some caulks (all Teflon
tape is compatible). For more information, refer to your manufacturer’s
instructions.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to
installing a simple CPVC system:
* Start by cutting the pipe with a
wheel type plastic tubing cutter, ratchet cutter or fine tooth saw. Using a
chamfering tool, pocket knife or file,
remove any burrs or filings; they can
hinder proper contact between the pipe
and fitting during assembly.
* Wipe the fitting socket and pipe
end with a clean, dry rag to remove dirt
and moisture. Then apply a heavy,
even coat of one-step CPVC compatible solvent cement to the pipe end.
Without adding more cement to the
applicator, next apply a thin coat inside
the fitting socket.
* Immediately insert the pipe into
the socket, rotating the pipe 1/4 to 1/2
turn while inserting. The motion
ensures cement is evenly distributed
inside the joint.
* Hold the assembled pipe and
socket for about 10 seconds, allowing
the joint to set. You should see an even
bead of cement around the joint. Wipe
the excess cement from the pipe for an
IS YOUR HOME PROTECTED?
641-752-0986
attractive, professional appearance.
The joint will cure completely in about
10 minutes.
Like all piping material, FlowGuard
Gold CPVC expands when heated and
contracts when cooled, so you’ll need
to allow for this. Expansion is mainly a
concern in hot water lines. Changes in
direction can usually accommodate
this issue, but a long straight run of
pipe may require an offset or loop.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions
for further details.
While the concept of CPVC piping
is relatively new in the do-it-yourself
market, the technology behind it has
been around for decades. Professional
plumbers have been using FlowGuard
Gold CPVC pipe and fittings, for
example, in residential, commercial
and industrial settings for 50 years.
CPVC piping has proven to be reliable,
quiet, energy-efficient and more budget friendly than costly metal systems.
Plus, the plastic piping minimizes condensation and concerns about water
contamination.
It’s important to note, however, that
even with the newer, user-friendly
products, a moderate level of plumbing
knowledge is required. Total plumbing
ignorance may create silly mistakes
that can turn into big, costly
headaches. Do your homework before
tackling any plumbing project.
Regardless of what product or material
you’re installing, always be sure to
research local plumbing codes and
fully read all manufacturer’s instructions before getting started.
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Grape Vines Also Available
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OPEN HOUSE APRIL 26TH & 27TH
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Isle Of Green
609 S. 9th St. • Marshalltown • 752-1999
Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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752-7165
PAGE 11 - PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
Stumped by Plumbing? Newer
Technologies Make it Easier than Ever
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 12
Make a Dramatic Home Improvement with a Small Budget
Do some of your light fixtures look
like they are fugitives from another era,
and are certain rooms in your home better looking with the lights off? If so, it’s
time to do something about it.
Small changes with regards to lighting can make a dramatic improvement
in the look and feel of your home, and
they don’t cost much to do. Here are
some ideas on how to dress up your
home in an instant, starting at the front
door.
* Front Door
When you drive up to your home at
night, what do you see? If the answer is
“not much,” then you should replace
your front entry light with a lamp that
gives off more light. A well lit front
entrance says ‘Welcome,’ while at the
same time enabling you to greet guests
and identify visitors. Not only will
updating your lighting improve the look
of your home from the street, it will
enhance your sense of security because
the front door will be better lit.
* The Dining Room
Want to dress up your dining room
without spending a small fortune on
new furniture? Simply painting those
plain white walls and switching out the
chandelier hanging over the table will
make a dramatic difference.
Not sure what color to go with?
Here’s a guideline:
Soft yellows can be cheering and
make individuals feel sunny. Bright yellow can be used as an accent that
attracts attention and helps to brighten a
room.
Green is the ultimate pacifier. Often
associated with nature, it is both relaxing and reassuring. Pale yellow-greens
conjure images of growth while deep
greens are associated with status and
wealth.
Blue arouses feelings of freshness,
coolness and relaxation. In lighter hues,
blue is airy and open, while dark blues
represent wealth, strength and respect,
evoking the feelings of reassurance in
individuals.
Red attracts attention, causes excitement, and even raises blood pressure.
Intense red is stimulating; however, it
can also be distracting in large amounts.
Red is associated with wealth and
sophistication, while high value reds
(pinks) can make people feel good
Protect your child,
Keep your home lead safe!
Find out if you qualify for grant funding to
make your home lead safe. Contact the City
of Marshalltown Lead Hazard Control
Program at City Hall 754-6583.
To learn more about how to have your child
tested for lead poisoning contact Childhood
Lead Poisoning Prevention at Primary Health
at 754-5336.
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about the way they look.
Once you choose a paint color, move
on to the task of replacing your plain,
boring fixture with one that gives the
room more of a “wow” factor. For a
look of opulence, you may want to go
with a crystal chandelier. For a more
contemporary look, consider a fixture
that features softened and rounded lines.
If you’re going for a modern look,
you’ll want something with polished
surfaces, strong geometric shapes and
asymmetry, while the rustic look
reflects the visual patterns found in
nature.
Adding a floor lamp in the corner of
the room that fits the same theme will
help you really dress up the room. It
will make those extra chairs resting near
the wall a more inviting place to hang
out while people are waiting for the
meal to be ready.
* The Bathroom
And if your bathroom still looks like
it’s circa 1970 with dark paint and globe
lights around the mirror, choose a
lighter paint color and swap out the fixtures for a bold new look.
An ideally lit bathroom will have a
fixture above the mirror with usually
two, three, four or more bulbs. This fixture will provide overhead and top of
the features lighting. The next type of
fixture you will need to achieve a well
lit bathroom are scones. One sconce on
either side of the mirror will help avoid
shadows and fill in the rest of your face
and neck properly. Most bathrooms will
require additional flush mount ceiling
lighting in the toilet area or center of the
room to fill the entire room properly
with light.
Hot Tub Landscaping Tips
(ARA) – With the housing market in
a slump, more homeowners are putting
efforts into smart updates of their current property. For many, this means creating the ultimate relaxation destination
right in their backyard. Hot tubs and
strategic landscaping improvements are
leading the trend as homeowners are
changing their simple backyards into
peaceful havens.
Here are some landscaping tips from
Jacuzzi Hot Tubs and Sundance Spas:
1. Mix landscaping elements for
visual appeal.
Natural stone, brick, block, synthetic
or wood decking, waterfalls, fencing,
grass and flowering foliage all come
together to create a varied and visually
stimulating area.
2. Plants and decor provide privacy.
Gazebos, pergolas, screens, shrubs
and strategically-placed walls afford
modesty and essential privacy for the
backyard and hot tub serenity zone.
3. Customize for an integrated look.
Every backyard is unique and each
hot tub installation can be customized to
integrate seamlessly into your landscape elements. One popular trend is to
recess a portion of the hot tub below
ground level or into the side of a slope.
4. Water features create a tranquil
environment.
Select a hot tub with a built-in waterfall or water feature. These features
bring the feeling of peace and serenity
to your hot tub experience.
5. Lighting effects set the mood.
Today’s hot tubs have amazing,
energy-efficient, multi-color LED lighting effects both under water and around
the exterior.
VOIGT
CONSTRUCTION
Residential & Commercial
Room Additions • Windows • Sunrooms
Interior Remodel • Garage Doors
Siding • Doors
We Do Virtually Everything!
Stacy Voigt; Owner
641-752-7267 • 641-485-1211
Paint is powerful when it comes to
giving a room a new look, and its
impact can be seen on far more than just
the walls. Other design elements in a
room – from kitchen cabinets to tired
furniture – can benefit from a fresh coat.
Paint is a fast way to give a room a
makeover.
Kitchens
Older kitchens may have dark cabinets made of laminate-type materials
that can’t be refinished in a lighter tone.
This project can be completed in a single day by removing the doors, painting
both sides in a light, appealing color,
using the Painter’s Pyramids to paint all
sides without waiting for the first side to
dry, then reinstalling the doors after the
paint has dried. To finish the new look,
replace dated hardware with more modern styles.
Baths
If grungy grout and outdated colors
are dragging down the appeal of your
ceramic tile, paint can reinvigorate the
look of your bathroom. Special paints
are available that are specifically made
for ceramic tile. They are waterproof
and come in today’s top designer colors.
Also, don’t overlook the impact the
bathroom mirror can have on the room’s
mood. If your current vanity mirror is
just a slab of glass, adding a decorative,
painted frame is a quick and easy way to
impart elegance and pizzazz.
Tired bathroom cabinets can also
benefit from a coat of paint, changing
the entire look of your vanity without
the expense of replacing countertops.
For bathroom cabinets, apply the same
painting process you would use in the
kitchen.
Living Areas
Next, look at the furniture in your
living areas. Often, homeowners find
refinishing scuffed or worn wooden furniture is too laborious. Painting it, however, can be much simpler, and can create a big impact on a room’s feeling of
freshness.
Don’t forget the room’s trim as well,
from woodwork around doorways to the
toe moulding and baseboards.
Repainting trim is less time-consuming
than repainting walls, and freshening
the design elements that anchor and
crown your room can make the whole
room look new, even if you do nothing
else.
Art Projects
Finally, dress up your room’s décor
with fresh art projects. Repainting or
refinishing the frame on your favorite
piece of art can punch up the artwork’s
impact on the room. And adding your
own homemade handicrafts, such as a
ceramic vase or decorative platter,
imparts your personal style to the room.
Easy Backyard Upgrades Improve Outdoor Living
(ARA) - In today’s tough housing
market, many homeowners are choosing to upgrade rather than move. Home
expansions can improve your lifestyle,
add beauty as well as protect your
investment. One of the easiest and least
expensive ways to add living space is to
create a backyard sanctuary using lowmaintenance tools and materials.
There are several new products on
the market that reduce time, labor and
costs that will turn your backyard into
an entertainment haven you can show
off to friends and family. Here are some
ideas to create a stress-free backyard
retreat:
* No Mess with a New Deck
A stylish deck that has the look of
real wood but without the maintenance
headaches can add living space while
reducing upkeep costs. There are several types of alternative materials
designed to look like wood -- all with
their own pros and cons. A new type of
cellular
PVC
decking
resists
mold/mildew, scratches from dog paws,
greasy food and even red wine.
* Details that Last for Decades
After installing a low-maintenance
deck, dress it up with planters, window
boxes, a trellis or pergola. There are
beautifully crafted wood look-a-likes on
the market that last for years without
requiring re-painting.
* Easy Tools Create a Clean
Backyard
To create a backyard sanctuary, it’s
important to get rid of the clutter. The
one item homeowners use all the time is
the garden hose, which can often be
found spread across the lawn or hung on
the side of the house in a sloppy mess.
* Block the Season’s Beatings
There are areas of your property that
may have become unsafe over the winter season, whether you’re in a
freeze/thaw zone or damp and rainy climate. Concrete, stone and brick can
especially show signs of wear. Check
porch railings, stone steps, retaining
walls and chimneys for cracks or chips
that can cause accidents.
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Denise Case
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Agent
11 E. Church Street
Marshalltown
w w w.insurecentraliow a.com
641-752-4618
PAGE 13 - PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
The Power of Paint Goes Far Beyond the Walls
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 14
Tips to Make Yard Care Easier on the Body
Oh, our achin’ backs. It’s no surprise
that baby boomers who take care of the
yard have plenty to complain about
when it comes to aches and pains,
including problems with backs, shoulders, arms, legs, hands and feet. And
new research confirms what many of us
know to be true -- that yard care can be
tough on the body, particularly for
adults in the baby boomer generation.
No matter your age, taking steps now
to put less strain on muscles and joints
can help you avoid problems down the
road. Here are four ways to help cut
down on yard care’s stress and strain:
1. Know your limits. Simply put,
don’t overdo it. People with a history of
back or joint pain should think twice
before overexerting themselves in the
yard. And if you start to feel fatigued,
take a break
2. Ask for help. A considerable num-
ber of people are injured while trying to
lift their mowers. Never try to load,
unload or move heavy equipment by
yourself.
3. Choose body-friendly equipment.
Use equipment that adjusts to the
human body -- rather than the other way
around.
4. Use stand-up tools. Instead of getting down on your hands and knees to
weed, plant or till, use ergonomic tools
designed to let you take care of the yard
and garden from a standing position. If
you do need to get near the ground for
occasional close-up work, use smartly
designed hand tools and a padded garden kneeler with sturdy handles to make
getting up and down easier.
This spring and summer, keep pain
and strain to a minimum by using common sense and equipment that works
with your body -- not against it.
Do Your Windows Need Replacing?
(ARA) – As the season for home
remodeling and DIY projects gets under
way, evaluating a home’s list of needs
and repairs becomes top priority.
When determining what remodeling
projects are most deserving, homeowners should consider that windows offer
some of the biggest payoffs. According
to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs.
Value Report,” when updating windows, homeowners can expect up to an
85 percent return on investment.
Coupled with the energy cost savings, it
usually pays to replace.
Below is a checklist to help homeowners decide if replacing windows is
the right choice.
1. Examine Your Existing Windows
If vinyl windows show signs of seal
failure between the glass panes, or
wood windows have severe warping
due to moisture or wood decay, then it’s
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time to replace.
2. Evaluate Problems
Does the window have trouble opening and closing? Is the window drafty?
Do you hear excessive outside noise?
3. Consider Energy Efficiency
Classic signs of inefficient windows
include condensation, drafts and warped
frames due to moisture.
4. Determine How Much Impact
Replacement Will Have on a Home
When choosing replacement windows, look for ones that are designed
for installation into existing window
frames to help make sure the impact to
the exterior of the home is minimal.
Replacement windows, such as
JELD-WEN’s Wood Double-Hung
Pocket Window and Vinyl replacement
windows are easy to install and less
expensive.
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For many long, cold months, the avid
gardener sits inside the house, eagerly
thumbing through seed, plant and gardening catalogs. At last, spring is in
sight. But before turning the first spadefull of dirt, it’s time to gather your gardening friends: those tools that save you
time, defend your garden from pests and
generally make your hobby a delight.
Gardening Web sites are full of
advice for getting a jump-start on the
spring garden of your dreams. It’s easy
to find gardening experts who advocate
choosing tools that make the experience
more relaxing, enjoyable and bountiful.
Here are some tools and tips to help you
do just that this spring:
Start Early
Even if there’s frost on the ground
outdoors, you can start your garden
early by growing seedlings. Nurtured in
a warm indoor environment, these deli-
cate stems will make your work quicker
come spring. Plus, growing your own
seedlings will save you cash at the garden shop and enhance your satisfaction
with your gardening efforts.
Propagation mats are a great way to
get seedlings started indoors. Look for
products, like GroForIt’s Gro-Mat, that
provide heat and durability. A small
Gro-Mat can hold up to one flat of
seedlings, while the larger version can
host three flats. Both sizes provide the
heat and crucial air flow young
seedlings need to grow and thrive.
Defend Your Territory
Once your seedlings are in the
ground outdoors, you’ll want to keep
unwanted animal and insect visitors
from munching on them. As deer populations continue to grow and thrive in
urban areas, deer are among the worst
offenders when it comes to garden dam-
age. Harsh chemicals and fencing aren’t
always practical or even desirable.
Battle the Birds
After deer, birds are top damagers of
home gardens. Crows are notorious
seed stealers, and can pick a garden
clean of seed in an afternoon. As with
deer, sound is one of the most effective,
environmentally responsible ways to
keep birds out of your garden.
The important thing is to remember
non-lethal methods are more effective
and environmentally responsible than
lethal ones.
With some planning and gardenerfriendly tools, you can ensure spring
really is the “most wonderful time of
year” for your garden.
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PAGE 15 - PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008
Tool Tips: A Gardener’s Essentials
PENNYSAVER SPRING 2008 HOME & GARDEN – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008 - PAGE 16
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