Home, Garden and Recreation Expo by The Eagle Advertising Department

2011 HOME

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R ECREATION

at the Brazos County Expo Complex Sat. Feb. 26, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sun. Feb. 27, 12 noon - 5 p.m.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

Admission: $3 for adults $2 for seniors (over 65) $1 for children under 12 Tickets available at the door.

For more info go to bcsbuilders.org

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo

Proudly Serving the Brazos Valley Since 2002 www.ecdconcrete.com

NEW

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Concrete DESIGNS

Changing The Way You Look At Concrete

STAMPED CONCRETE

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DiamonD PolisheD ConCrete

Common uses for stamped concrete in residential & commercial settings include but are not limited to: beautiful entrances, sidewalks, patios and interior floors. Do you want the look of a beautiful wood patio without the worry of constant maintenance and repair? How about a rustic cobblestone or flagstone entrance at the fraction of the cost? Stamped concrete is available in many different patterns and it flows naturally with many different styles and decors.

CONCRETE OvERLAY

Polymer cement overlay is a combination of cement, various aggregates and proprietary hybrid polymer resins. The purpose of adding polymer resin to cement and aggregate is to greatly increase the performance characteristics and versatility of conventional cement and concrete materials. In addition, polymer cement overlays are much more resistant to damage from salt, petrochemicals, UV, harsh weather conditions and traffic wearing.

STAINED CONCRETE

Acid stained concrete is a popular choice for residental & commercial establishments. While only a fraction of the cost of traditional flooring, acid stained concrete provides a very durable and low maintenance flooring that is very appealing to the eye. Whether it be a simple stained floor or a multi-color floor with a scored design, acid stained floors add beauty to your establishment.

CUSTOM ENgRAvINg

Have a family brand or company logo you would like displayed? Let us permanently engrave it into your concrete with our state of the art engraving tools. If you can imagine it, we can engrave it. The possibilities are endless.

CONCRETE COUNTERTOP

Concrete countertops have become a favorite of designers and architects because concrete can give warmth and color depth not available in other countertop options. Exquisite Concrete Designs can custom design a concrete countertop just for you. Our personalized countertops are great for your home, restaurants, nightclubs, offices, restrooms and many more. If you can imagine it, we can design it.

CONCRETE SINkS

Choose from one of many stock sinks or let us custom design a sink for you!

Call today for a free estimate

979-218-0174

Make an appointment to view our showroom at 12777 SH 30 2

www.ecdconcrete.com

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo

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Home, Garden & Recreation Expo Sunday, February 20, 2011

President Message

the show on a variety of topics. These include energy efficiency, cabinet lighting, decorating, green building and remodeling, interior design and technologies for aging in place. As in the past, the custom home builders exhibiting in the show will have a seminar both days to answer your questions about the home building process.

As President of the Bryan -College Station Home Builders Association, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our 32nd Annual Home, Garden and Recreation Expo.

This year’s show features Randy French an outstanding President 2011 collection of exhibits BCS HBA with products and services that can provide you with excellent ideas for enhancing your home, garden and recreation needs. Some of the products on display will include state of the art audio and video equipment, security systems, bedding, baths, lighting, cabinetry, granite and cultured marble countertops, cookware, doors, flooring, windows, decorative concrete design, landscaping, lawn equipment and much more. For your needs, many exhibitors are available to discuss their valued services that include mortgage banking, real estate, pest control, interior design and more. Also, this year there is a special focus on energy conservation. Several exhibitors are available to discuss these techniques. Don’t forget to ask about the Chevy Volt. Finally, we have many builders who will be here to discuss the home building process.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Seminars will be offered throughout

Of course, the Home, Garden and Recreation Expo could not be possible without the support of our sponsors. I’d like to thank Atmos Energy and Schulte Roofing for agreeing to serve as the Title Sponsors. I’d also like to thank Boral Bricks for being the Preview Party Ticket Sponsor, The Bank & Trust for being the Preview Party Beverage Sponsor, University Title Company for being the Exposition Ticket Sponsor and First Victoria Bank for being the Seminar Sponsor. Finally, I’d also like to thank our Contributor Sponsors including, Acme Brick, Aggieland Title Company, Anco Insurance, Brazos County Abstract Company, Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation, Gessner Engineering, PrimeLending and Sharp Propane. Finally, I also want to thank everyone on the association’s Home Expo Committee, especially Stacy Dent of First Victoria Bank for serving as chair and Veronica Mitchell of PrimeLending for serving vice-chair for the event. Thank you for coming and we hope you enjoy the show!

Visit Our Booth At The Home Products Garden Show This Weekend! Voted Best Home Builder …in the Brazos Valley 2 Years Running

Southwest Homes From LIVABLE SHELL TO COMPLETE!

• No Down • 100% Financing

• We Will Work with Your Budget! • Please Compare Our Price, Financing and Quality

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION 1532 Baker Street, Bryan 979-822-6055 • fax 779-3991

txsouthwesthomes.com

Chairman Message If you are thinking about building, remodeling, redecorating, or just love to dream, you can’t go wrong by attending the Bryan College Station Home Builders Association’s 32nd Annual Home, Garden & Recreation Expo.

All of this – plus some great giveaways from a variety of companies participating in the show! Hours are 10:00 – 6:00 on Saturday, February 26th and 12:00 – 5:00 on Sunday, February 27th. Admission is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 senior citizens and children under 12 are just $1.00. What a deal!

Stacy Dent Home, Garden & Recreation Expo Chairperson

Over 90 exhibitors, including the ones you know and love, as well as many new and exciting ones will be featuring the latest and most innovative products offered on the market today covering all aspects of the home building world. You will see the trendiest and most exciting indoor and outdoor products this area has to offer. Other popular aspects of the show are the how to forums offered as well as various informational seminars throughout the weekend. Anyone interested in buying, remodeling, landscaping or redecorating a home can get all the information they need under one roof. Speakers and vendors will also be available to answer questions.

The Home, Garden & Recreation Expo is brought to you by the Bryan College Station Home Builders Association. The Bryan College Station Home Builders Association is a local professional trade organization, affiliated with the Texas Association of Builders and the National Association of Home Builders, chartered in 1967 to promote and protect the building industry, and its customers in Brazos County and its contiguous counties. The Bryan College Station Home Builders Association is dedicated to promote positive and responsible growth in the home building industry for the mutual benefit of its members and the seven counties it serves. For more information, or any questions, contact the Bryan/College Station Home Builders Association at (979) 696-0272 or visit our website at www.bcsbuilders.org

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo

WHEN IT’S FREE. BUY

SAVINGS UP TO $5,367.00 OR

A 36" or 48" Professional Range

DWHD630 Emerald™ Dishwasher (or step-up to Sapphire. Starting at $500*) WINE LOVER’S BONUS**

GET A FREE

Any Refrigerator or 2 Freedom® Columns to your cooking system

Bryan: Houston: Spring: Katy:

Any Cooktop, Rangetop and any Double or Triple Combination Oven

AND GET A FREE

The Eagle • theeagle.com

ADD

Receive any Ventilation System for your Cooking Products FREE

Sunday, February 20, 2011

HAVING A PROFESSIONAL-GRADE KITCHEN IS EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE

Add any Wine Cooler and step-up to a DWHD650 Sapphire Dishwasher for FREE

2410 Osborn Lane 4245 Richmond Ave 21250 Foster Road 20226 Park Row

(979) 774-1389 (713) 626-3300 (281) 350-3355 (281) 829-5454

FERGUSON.COM Promotion valid only on select thermador models. To be eligible for the free appliances offered in this promotion, all other appliances must be purchased at their regular price, in one order, and at the same time. Products must be purchased during the promotion period. No substitutions will be allowed. May not be combined with any other offers. Offer valid in the u.S. Only. Valid at participating locations. Product offer may vary in some states. Please see sales associate for complete details. Offer expires December 31, 2011. * Eligible models for “step up to sapphire” include dwhd650gfp, dwhd650gpr, dwhd651gfp. ** To be eligible for the wine lover’s bonus and the free sapphire dishwasher, customer must purchase eligible cooking products plus eligible refrigeration products. (Eligible sapphire dishwasher models include dwhd650gfp and dwhd650gpr)

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo Sunday, February 20, 2011

Pavilion Floor Plan 31

EnTRanCE

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To Pavilion

THE PAVILION EXHIBIT AREA

Street Access to Outside Booths 1-5

PRODUCT

BOOTH #

Company 2D Homes Acme Brick Aggieland Carpet One Aggieland Garage Door Atmos Energy Audio Video B/CS Regional Association of Realtors Barkers Heating & Cooling Batteries Plus Better Business Bureau Bingham Construction Brazos Animal Shelter Brazos Urethane, Inc Brazos Valley Carpet Outlet/Aggieland Lighting Brazos Valley Solutions, LLC Bryan Texas Utilities Budget Blinds Built Green Custom Homes BVSWMA, Inc Climate Masters College Station Utilities Collegiate Specialties Commerce National Bank

Product Home Building Brick

Booth #

Flooring

Garage Doors Energy Consumer Electronics Association HVAC Batteries BBB Home Building Animal Shelter Spray Foam Insulation Flooring/Lighting

Drainage & Foundation Repair Utility Services Window Coverings Home Building Landfill Services HVAC Utility Services Collegiate Hardware Banking Services & Mortgage Lending Water Treatment Products Moving & Storage Teeth Whitening Bedding Flooring Windows Concrete Design Plumbing Supplies Flooring Icynene Foam Insulation Windows Re-Store Cookware Residential Land Community Cookware Pressure Washing Material Maid Services Granite & Cultured Marble Insect Control/Cooling Inspection Services Overhead Doors & Operators

74 56,57 71 60, 61 35 8 75 16 58 46,47

50 26 87 37 41 10 7 2,3 92 42,43,44 78 54 91 53 99 27 88, 89 68, 85

51, 52 66, 67 110 95 76,77 93, 94 40 65 18,19 21 100

Pavilion Booths COMPANY

PRODUCT

BOOTH #

Coufal-Prater Equipment, Ltd. D & M Flagpole & Flags Gendron Home Grown Tomatoes W C Tractor Scentsy Wickless Candles

Tractors, Lawnmowers, Etc. Flagpoles & Flags Tomato Plants Tractors, Lawnmowers, Etc. Wickless Candles, Scents

4,5,6,7 30 11 31, 32 12

61 103,104

The Eagle • theeagle.com

62 108,109 97,98 72,73 80 105 11, 12 86, 101 28 17,20

79 106

82,83,84 39

BRAZOS COUNTY Exposition Complex

5827 Leonard Rd., Bryan, TX 77803

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Windows Propane Walk in Baths Arts & Crafts Home Building Foam Insulation Insurance Services Roofing

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Culligan Water D & D Moving & Storage Diamond Brite Discount Bedding Discount Floors Superstore Enercon, LLC Exquisite Concrete Designs Ferguson Enterprises Flores Flooring Foam Insealation For Life, LLC Green Igloo Habitat For Humanity Hy Cite King Oaks - Bluegreen Communities Kitchen Craft Lightning Clean Pressure Washing Maid Pro Marble-Craft Mr. Mist Systems One Way Inspections & Services Overhead Door Company of South Central Texas, Inc. Pella Windows Railroad Commission of Texas Re-Bath Regelio’s Mexican Arts & Crafts Richmon Homes Rock-Crete Foam Insulators, Inc. Rollo Insurance Schulte Roofing, Inc.

48, 49

Sunday, February 20, 2011

COMPANY

Vacuums & Sewing Machines Propane & Accessories Homeless Shelter Charity Design Services Home Building Design Build Material Window Film Swimming Pools Cabinets, Bath, Flooring & Doors Pest Control Solar Panels, Electric Car Newspaper Subscriptions Landscaping Security Systems Real Estate Decrorative Concrete Flooring Building/Remodeling Building Materials

Sew Vac City Sharp Propane Shelter The Homeless International Projects Silentium Designs Southwest Homes Stearns Design Build Sunshade Window Film Sunshine Fun Pools Surplus Warehouse Swaboda Pest & Termite Control Texas Green Energy, Inc. The Eagle The Ground Crew Titan Security Systems Traditions Real Estate Vanguard Enhanced Concrete Viking Flooring Windham Construction Woodson Lumber Company

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo

Exhibit Hall Booths

itc yM rve 818 a H 2 FM

Easterwood Airport/ McKenzie Terminal

4 33, 34

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo Sunday, February 20, 2011

Home, Garden And Recreation Expo Seminar Schedule for Saturday Feb. 26, 2011 10:00a.m. ENERGY EFFICIENCY, HOW TO SAVE MONEY AROUND THE HOUSE No cost and low cost ways to make changes around the house for energy efficiency to save you money. Presented by: Allen Wood, Paul Buckner and Adam Snidow of BTU 11:00 a.m. UNDERSTANDING UNDER CABINET LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE LIGHTING An explanation of the newest and greatest LED technology for under-cabinet lighting and low voltage landscape lighting including a hands-on demonstration of installing landscape lighting. Presented by: Richard Alan and Paul McWilliams of Ferguson Plumbing

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Beef up your business by reaching a dedicated, targeted audience of over 45,000 readers. Advertise in The Land & Livestock Post!

12:00 noon GREEN REMODELING 101 Information on how to make your remodeling project energy efficient, healthy and green as possible. Presented by: Hugh Sterns of Brazos Valley Green Building Alliance and the Green College Station Advisory Committee 1:00 p.m. CUSTOM HOME BUILDING SEMINAR Question-answer seminar conducted by a panel of custom homebuilders. Get all your questions answered about what it takes to build a custom home, including costs, financing, site preparation, insurance, plan designs, materials, and techniques used in construction, scheduling of work, and anything else about custom homebuilding. Presented by Homebuilders with booths in the show

Call today for your free marketing consultation.

Jesse Wright • (979) 731-4721 jesse.wright@theeagle.com

2:00 p.m. REDECORATING ON A BUDGET Interior decorating using a street budget incorporating inexpensive design tricks of the trade. Presented by: Joan Rockett, Interior Design Coordinator for Brazos Valley Carpet Outlet 3:00 p.m. FOAM INSULATION FOR YOUR HOME – DOING IT RIGHT Learn all about foam insulation for your home including the different materials, application techniques, benefits for energy efficiency, and anything else you would like to know about insulating your home. Presented by: Greg Pruitt from Rock-Crete Foam Insulators. 4:00 p.m. GROWING TOMATOES IN THE BRAZOS VALLEY Come and learn the secrets to growing the best tasting tomatoes in the Brazos Valley. Learn how to prepare the soil, best times to transplant, fertilizing, watering, and placement techniques, and anything else you want to know about growing tomatoes. Presented by: John “The Tomato Man” Gendron from Gendron Homegrown Tomato Farm. 5:00p.m. DESIGNING AND BUILDING GREEN HOMES Learn the basics of designing and building green energy efficient homes. Presented by: Charlie Watts, Chuck Phillips and Larry Haynes of Built Green Custom Homes and by Hugh Stearns of Stearns Design-Build in conjunction with the Brazos Valley Green Building Alliance.

BEEF UP YOUR BUSINESS!

* Seminar events and times are subject to change.

New homes in the $150s to $200s • 3,4,5 & 6 Bedrooms Visit our homes in these South College Station neighborhoods: Dove Crossing, Lakeshore, Reatta Meadows & Shenandoah Come see our model home this weekend at 1100 Beckley Court.

Give us a call at (979) 776-8266, (979) 774-0565 or (979) 774-9633.

(ARA) - Starting any home project can be stressful, especially when undertaking those projects in the most-used rooms of the house, like the kitchen and bathroom. From overall room style to structural changes and fixtures, many pieces of the puzzle need to fit together to create the finished product.

“Whether consumers are purchasing faucets for a remodeling project, replacing an existing faucet or selecting one as part of their new home construction, we’re finding that the finish does matter,” says Jack Suvak, director of research and insights for Moen. “And it’s much more than just selecting chrome instead of brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze. Consumers are looking for product lines that have a number of finish options available to fit any style they desire.”

“As American consumers continue to be more varied in their style choices, it’s becoming more important for manufacturers to offer a variety of finishes on new and existing products,” says Suvak. “While we can’t make style decisions for consumers and tell them that modern or traditional is more their taste, we can provide a variety of options to meet the needs of homeowners.”

selecting instead? Stainless steel and brushed nickel purchases for the bath have increased, growing in popularity from 24 percent in 2007 to 36 percent in 2010. In the kitchen “Research continues to show that traditional design remains popular in the kitchen, but consumers are also looking to incorporate traditional elements in new ways,” says Suvak. “As a result, we’re seeing a demand for finishes that fall into that ‘traditional’ category. But consumers are often having a difficult time finding these finishes on products

that they love.” One such “traditional” finish that consumers are taking a different approach with is oil rubbed bronze. Its warm hue is the perfect addition to any kitchen faucet, and while it is a smaller portion of the market, it has been gaining popularity the past few years. “Nowadays, the applications for oil rubbed bronze include products with transitional and modern styling, and consumers are looking to add a hint of traditional flair to these types of products,” says Suvak.

In the bath “We’ve seen a lot of changes in bathroom finish preferences during the past few years,” says Suvak. “In 2007, more than 60 percent of consumers purchased chrome, whereas now, less than 50 percent do.”

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Consumers are concerned with every detail of a kitchen and bathroom project, especially the finish of their new fixtures, according to new research from faucet-maker Moen.

Chrome is still king in the kitchen and bath, representing 47 percent of all faucets purchased, the research shows. Stainless steel and brushed nickel came in second at 37 percent, and oil rubbed bronze came in third at 7 percent - a number that’s doubled in the past few years.

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo

Hot new kitchen and bath trends: Finishes that fit tastes and lifestyle

Which finish are those consumers

New homes, Reduce energy bills by up to 70%. Call us, your builder may not be familiar with foam insulation, but that does not mean you can’t have all the benefits. We will educate you and your builder to explain how often insulation in a new home foam costs very little when savings in other building material is taken into consideration. If this is a home you plan to live in for a while or hope to sell at a profit then talk to us and let us show you the benefits of foam insulation. Many homes only cost an additional $1000.00-$3000.00. Ask about our Energy Wise guarantee. Existing homes, No Problem! We can Foam your attic creating a semiconditioned attic, and usually drop your bills around 30%. Some people have experienced savings of over 50%. All are more comfortable with attic temp in the 70’s to mid 80’s in the summer, and Foam insulation by Rock-Crete even helps in the winter by not allowing your warm air to escape.

The Eagle • theeagle.com

Greg Pruitt Owner of Rock-Crete Foam Insulators, realized huge energy savings when he installed foam in his own two story home. Foam insulation is the only product that will solve the hot upstairs associated with all two story homes. The blessing is with all 2-story homes you have less roof deck and therefore a much lower price for foam insulation.

Example 1: New home, Mason’s 2652 sq foot 2 story, with 3.5 ton air. Total bill runs $75.00-$125.00 and the A/C average is just $42.22 per month after one year proven by a separate meter. What is your Bill? Example 2: Paul Padron’s existing one story home saved over 45 percent on his heating bills this winter. He can’t wait to see his summer bills! Example 3: The Allen’s electric bill on their single story over one year dropped $1,727.75 with a major drop in August from $550.00 to $194.00, a $356.00 savings! They are ecstatic. Example 4: Missouri City resident Mr. Exley’s home after foam had an aprox. 50% savings, and their neighbors the Swanson’s had a 30% savings. Both are now able to enjoy their 2 story home without sweating in the summertime and they are more comfortable in the winter also. Example 5: Commercial machine shop, large metal building so hot they could not work in the afternoon. Mr. Alley purchased 7 large Commercial A/C units to cool it. After installing foam insulation by Rock-Crete, they now use only one. Example 6: Heather Mathews, had a 2200 sq foot home in which we used our product to create a sealed attic space. Not only did her attic humidity go down, but with average billing she was able to go from $570.00 per month down to $240.00 per month; Heather tells everyone she can! What you see before you are real examples of jobs that we have done. Rock-Crete Foam Insulators has now been in business 7 years, and is one of the most respected and largest names in foam insulation in the region. We regularly confer with builders, architects, HVAC contractors, and home owners. We feel it is our job to make sure you have the lowest utility bills in your neighborhood. This is why we install our product with higher quality installation methods. We strive to offer the best price, but we always deliver the best performance. Thanks, for helping us remain number 1!

1-936-399-4674 • 979-229-3493

www.rock-cretefoam.com

The Eagle â&#x20AC;˘ theeagle.com

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo

Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Eagle â&#x20AC;˘ theeagle.com

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo Sunday, February 20, 2011 The Eagle • theeagle.com

Top 10 innovative products for do-it-yourselfers to kick off 2011 (ARA) - Do-it-yourselfers range from experts to novices, ambitious renovators to weekend handypersons, but one thing they all share is the drive to find products and tools that can make their home improvement projects easy, successful and fast. “Do-it-yourselfers appreciate home improvement products that are new and innovative,” says Patti Price, senior vice president of merchandising for Lowe’s. “They’re looking for products and tools that make projects easier, improve the functionality and efficiency of their homes, solve an old problem in a new way, and are unique and original.” Lowe’s polled a panel of DIYers recently to find out what products they considered to be the most innovative - and useful - for the start of 2011. The top products will be updated quarterly, but for the beginning of the year, here are their top 10 picks:

1. Recessed light conversion kit

If you’re looking for a quick, do-it-yourself lighting upgrade, with professional results, replace a recessed light with a pendant. This conversion kit makes the process quick and easy, and the end results provide, updated style to fit any decor.

Panelists highly rated the product’s innovative features, improved functionality and easy installation.

2. Side-by-side refrigerator

With an array of high-tech features and an ENERGY STAR, the Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerator won high marks for its innovativeness and improved functionality. It helps contain spills easier and it also has more storage space.

3. Re-keyable lock sets

Schlage SecureKey Locksets allow homeowners to rekey the deadbolt lock using a special key. The lock cannot be rekeyed using generic tools so it provides a new solution to an old problem and improves functionality over other similar products.

4. Two-burner patio grill

Although the Lowe’s poll was conducted in winter, panelists were already thinking about warm weather and grilling season when they chose the Char-Broil Quantum 2-Burner Patio Grill. The grill uses the Quantum Infrared cooking system to lock in natural juices for moist, flavorful grilling and offers

See Top Ten page 14

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Your full line Kubota dealer for Brazos and Grimes County

Sunday, February 20, 2011

WCTRACTOR

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo

WCTRACTOR NAVASOTA

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Mow with an attitude ! Get a mower built heavier at a better price

wctractor.com

Home, Garden & Recreation Expo Sunday, February 20, 2011

Home, Garden And Recreation Expo Seminar Schedule for Sunday Feb. 27, 2011 12 Noon SOLAR ELECTRICITY AND SOLAR WATER HEATING Learn all about using solar electricity and solar water heating in your home or business, including what is involved in setting up a system, the costs and rebates available, and what utility savings you can expect. Presented by: Adam Burke of Texas Green Energy 1:00 p.m. CUSTOM HOME BUILDING SEMINAR Question-answer seminar conducted by a panel of custom homebuilders. Get all your questions answered about what it takes to build a custom home, including costs, financing, site preparation, insurance, plan designs, materials, and techniques used in construction, scheduling of work, and anything else about custom homebuilding. Presented by Homebuilders with booths in the show 2:00 p.m. AGING IN PLACE We’ll discuss “affordable cellular technology” that provides caregivers pertinent information to be closely connected to your parents and loved ones as they age in the comfort of their own home or in a senior care facility. Presented by: Robb E. Sullivan, Audio Video

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3:00 p.m. INSECT CONTROL AND COOLING MIST SYSTEMS Learn what they are, the type of systems, how they function, solutions used, how safe are they, their effectiveness, and how to install and service your system. Presented by: Lance White from Mr. Mist Systems

4:00p.m. FENG SHUII – METAPHYSICS OR METAPHOR Learn how Feng Shuii, a worldwide ancient approach to design of a home, can have a profound and surprising impact on your life in your home. Presented by: Hugh Sterns of Sterns Design-Build

* Seminar events and times are subject to change.

Top Ten

from page 12 temperatures that range from intense searing to low barbecuing. What makes it even more unique though, is its convenient side shelves that fold for easy storage, perfectly sized for small patios.

5. Lock and fold hardwood ﬂooring

Installing traditional hardwood flooring can be labor-intensive, so it’s no surprise the Bruce Lock & Fold Hardwood Flooring was impressive because of its ease of use and how it utilizes new innovation to solve an old problem. The flooring, which comes in a variety of finishes, installs without glue, nail or staples by simply locking into place.

6. Self-adhesive tile mat

Ease of use is a hallmark of the products panelists chose, and the Bondera Tile MatSet certainly meets that criterion. It is a double-sided, peel-and-stick adhesive perfect for counter and wall tile. Just peel and stick, then add tile and grout, with no more waiting for mortar or adhesive to dry.

7. Double oven range

When it comes to electric ranges, panelists the Whirlpool Double Oven Range is twice as nice. Users enjoyed the flexibility of having two ovens, allowing them to cook two different dishes - like a pizza and a casserole -

at the same time in one range.

8. Dual fuel gas grill

Among serious grilling enthusiasts debate has long ranged over gas versus charcoal. Lowe’s customers liked having the best of both worlds with the Char-Griller Duo Gas & Charcoal Grill. The grill puts a charcoal-fueled unit side-by-side with a gas grill. Users highly rated the grill’s innovation with both gas and charcoal being available in the same grill and ease of assembly and use.

9. Stylish ceiling fan

Ceiling fans have long been a point of contention for homeowners who love their practicality and designers who loathe the utilitarian look of some styles, especially those with attached light fixtures. Panelists give the allen + roth 23-inch Leaf Light Aged Bronze Ceiling Fan high marks for combining innovation and functionality. The product conceals the fan blades within a stylish light fixture adorned with bronze leaf accents.

10. Pull-down touch faucet

Anyone who’s ever struggled to turn on a faucet with messy hands can appreciate the utility of touch technology. The Pilar Pulldown with Touch 2O Technology earned the approval, because of thestylish and gracefully curved faucet features a pull-down spout and can be touch activated with a gentle nudge anywhere on the spout or handle.

Raven Homes are as unique as their name. Contact: Tom Allen Jr 979.229.4382 Mary Watson 979.777.3517 ravenhomes@verizon.net www.ravenhomes.net Fax: 979.764.6848 110 Lincoln Ave, Ste 110

College Station, Texas 77840

Owners, Tom Allen and Mary Watson, help clients express their creativity through homebuilding. Raven helps to see your dreams and visions come true, and understands the lifestyle you want to live. Their success is based on quality-built custom homes and unsurpassed customer service. Raven has built homes in a vast variety of sizes and styles. Tom and Mary always exceed client expectations and understand craftsmanship is in the details.

(ARA) - The chill of winter winds might have you wishing for the first buds of spring, but garden lovers don’t need to let the cold season get them down. In fact, this can be the ideal time to start planning your landscape for spring and summer. Leaving the work until the last minute, when plants are starting to push up through the ground, will only delay your enjoyment. So harness your excitement for spring and prepare a plan with some expert help.

“There are so many details involved in creating the landscape of one’s dreams that it’s easy to become confused,” says Bobbie Schwartz, president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). “A landscape designer will be experienced in taking on the multiple unique challenges that every property poses. In the long run, hiring a professional, who will get it done

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* Consider the view. Is there a certain room from which you tend to spend more time looking out at your landscape? If so, take the time to really examine what you’re seeing. Take note - literally - of anything that catches your eye, good or bad. Follow the sightlines, and notice where they take your eyes. This will give you a better defined idea of what you want to accentuate, what you want to hide, and what could be adjusted through simple changes like pruning or minor transplanting.

10.8 percent, compared to homes with simply average landscapes.

* Think curb appeal. Having a beautiful backyard retreat is often the goal of a landscaping project, but the view that guests and passersby have is just as important. A well-designed landscape can emphasize your home’s beauty and diminish any potential eyesores, making it more appealing to you, your neighbors and any potential buyers. According to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, it’s been shown that well-designed landscapes can increase home sale prices up to

Thinking about spring is easy in the middle of winter. Instead of just daydreaming about spending warmer days in a beautiful garden, start planning to make that dream a reality. Get in touch with a landscape designer who can help you. If you and your designer have a plan in place ahead of time, you’ll be able to spend less time working on the project in the spring and more time enjoying it.

* Collect inspiration. Flipping through magazines with colorful photos of beautiful gardens is always fun, but it can also be practical. Pull out pages that feature ideas or plants that you’d like to incorporate into your landscape design. Be sure to look at smaller photos, which often have a hard time standing up to full-page images, as they can be just as rich with ideas. Creating a file of images that inspire and excite you is a good idea, and it can be a great way to

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S O N Y

Here are some tips from professional landscape designers that will inspire you to get started with your plans right now.

connect with your landscape designer when you meet.

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Tackling a landscaping plan can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to consult a professional landscape designer who knows the ins and outs of when, where and how to plant and how to install hardscapes. By starting in the winter designers will be more readily available to help you refine your plans, and you’ll be ready to get a head start as soon as the weather breaks.

right the first time, can save money. That professional will keep you from making expensive mistakes.”

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EXPERIENCE

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& Remodeling

Featuring Kent Moore Cabinets Visit the new Kent Moore Cabinets Design Center @ 501 Industrial Blvd. in Bryan 16

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(ARA) - Slim is “in” ... and not just for people watching their weight. Flat screen TVs and the wall mounts that turn the TVs into decorator showpieces seem to grow sleeker and slimmer every year. And when it comes to viewing technology, thinner not only looks better, it has practical advantages, too.

Here are a few reasons why you should go trim and slim when buying a flat screen and wall mount:

Aesthetic appeal

If you bought a flat screen TV in 2006, it may still work well but it probably takes up quite a bit of space on your TV stand or - if you wall-mounted it - sticks out into the room considerably. Older flat screens tended to be several inches thick and could appear bulky, even when mounted high on the wall. Today’s slimmer styles may be just

the home market. Virtually any flat screen - whether plasma or LCD - that you purchase in 2011 is sure to be more energy-efficient and produce a better picture quality than an older version. Some of the ultra-thin models boast super efficiency, requiring no more electricity to operate than a light bulb. Motorized TV wall mounts also offer energy efficiency and quiet operation.

As flat screen technology continues to advance, it’s certain that TVs will become even slimmer and more energy efficient. And with super-slim wall mounts available, that technological showpiece of your home decor can still maintain a low profile when it comes to how much space it takes up in your living room.

Safety factor

The weight of flat screens can be deceptive. Even older models look so sleek that it’s easy to underestimate their weight. But all TVs tend to be heavy, and, if not properly secured to the wall or a TV stand, can tip over, posing an injury risk to people and pets in the household. Less bulk means slim flat screens are a bit lighter than their thicker counterparts. Remember, however, that it’s imperative to properly secure all TVs, including slim flat screens, in order to ensure they’re safe - and enjoyable - for everyone in the home.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Yes, ultra-slim flat screens may cost you a few more dollars initially, but in the long run will probably provide you with enough user satisfaction to justify the extra expense. And don’t forget that prices for standard flat screens dropped precipitously in just a few years after the products entered the marketplace, so it’s likely prices for slim models will follow suit.

an inch or two think, and ultra-slim models can be less than an inch thick. Less bulk means the TV looks better, whether it’s stand- or wall-mounted. And new super-slim full-motion wall mounts like Sanus’ VisionMount VLF311 Super Slim, provide all the advantages and conveniences of wallmounting a flat screen, but without adding a lot of bulk to the TV’s profile. The mounts offer a full range of motion courtesy of fingertip-tilt technology, but place flat screens 36 to 65 inches in size just 1.25 inches from the wall.

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For flat screens and wall mounts, there’s no such thing as too slim

Efficiency

Manufacturers have been improving the efficiency of flat screens since the TVs emerged on

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Beauty. Design. Character. Fireplaces

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*Photos for illustrative purposes only.

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Is your home-renovation project really worth doing? (ARA) - Maybe you’ve watched one too many home improvement shows. Perhaps you’re still stinging from that holiday guest’s comment about how your kitchen countertop has seen better days. Or maybe you’re just really tired of the same old, same old every day. Whatever the reason the remodeling itch has settled into your brain, before you bring in a contractor - or pick up a hammer you should consider two important questions: How will you fund your project? And will it be worth it in the end? A little research and credit self-assessment can answer both questions. In addition to pulling your credit report to see how likely you are to qualify for good loan terms, you should consider the potential resale value of the improvement, how it will improve your life and if it will enhance your enjoyment of your home. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to evaluate the potential resale value. Kitchen and bathroom remodels, adding a deck, or finishing a basement or attic are all popular renovations because they upgrade the most-used rooms in the house or add

living space. In terms of resale value, here are some popular projects with high paybacks, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-2010 Cost versus Value Report: • Adding an attic bedroom - 83.1 percent • Adding a wooden deck - 80.6 percent • Minor kitchen remodel - 78.3 percent • Major kitchen remodel - 72.1 percent • Basement remodel - 75.4 percent • Bathroom remodel - 71 percent Keep in mind that smaller remodels, while costing less than major jobs, can still have a major impact on how your home looks and feels. For example, simply replacing that old front door with a steel version can cost around $1,000 but offers a return on investment of nearly 129 percent, according to the report. Another factor to consider when weighing the value of any remodeling project is how it will affect your quality of life in terms of financial security. It’s important to be sure the

cost of the project won’t be a financial burden that detracts from your enjoyment of the results. To help understand your current credit status and how it might affect your remodeling loan terms, obtain a copy of your credit report. Websites like CreditReport.com can provide you with a credit report with your paid monitoring membership. Obtaining your credit report and monitoring your credit can help you identify any inaccuracies or errors that might lead to higher interest rates, and also catch and resolve potential fraud quickly.

You’ll also find tips on the website for understanding your credit, and tools such as a credit score tracker to help you anticipate how certain financial decisions - like financing a remodel might affect your credit. Remodeling projects will likely remain popular as homeowners continue to stay put in a stillsluggish real estate market, experts agree. With some careful planning, budgeting, research and credit insight, you can ensure you reap the most financial and personal value for whatever renovation you decide to undertake.

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Coufal-Prater is your one-stop shop for everything you need to transform your landscape. Whether you want to seed a garden, mow a lawn or move gravel, Coufal-Prater has the equipment, service and expertise to help. Stop by today, and check out our full line of John Deere equipment.

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