East/Northeast • August 2009
INSIDE: Wow Windows The beauty of fall
Family Bridges The right caregiver
Preview Productions Clearance sale
Chores Made Easy
CreativeLiving Features 7 9 11
Household chores made easy A simple solution to make completing chores an easier task.
Intergenerational activities link young and old Read about ways to connect with a younger generation.
Fitness fun with your family Stop being couch potatoes and take some tips from this helpful article on how to stay healthy!
Editor’s note I once had a passion for keeping my home clean and organized. It seems, however, the older I get, the busier I get and I just don’t have a lot of time to devote to keeping house as I should. I’m certain many of you are in the same boat. Between work and family who has time to keep things spic and span? There is hope. In this issue you’ll read about a simple solution – softened water and how it can make cleaning quick and easy so there’s time to organize – and time for more important things like family outings. Since you’ll have more time for family bonding, be sure to check out the article on ways to stay fit as a family. Also in this issue you’ll read about fun ways for grandparents and granchildren to connect with one another.
Specialty Publications Editor
Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.
See page 7
Departments Home 3 At Decor • Repair
Business 7 Local Restaurants • Specialty Stores
Living 5 Senior Apartments • Care
8 Health & Fitness Mind • Body • Spirit
Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. For advertising call 248-7685.
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ers may be feeling the effects of hard water without even realizing it. The minerals in hard water make it difficult for soaps, detergents and shampoos to lather, which in turn forces you to scrub harder when cleaning your home. In fact, the term “hard water” originally referred to water that was difficult or hard to work with. Installing a water softener in your home can greatly reduce the natural hard minerals found in water. Inside the water softener, salt pellets are used to charge thousands of tiny resin beads with sodium ions. As hard water moves over the resin beads, the minerals are replaced with sodium ions, creating soft water. After all, wouldn’t you rather spend more time and energy on family fun than tiresome household tasks?
Household chores made easy I
f you find yourself spending too much time on household chores and not enough time with your family, there’s a simple solution that can make your life easier: use softened water. Dreary tasks such as washing dishes, doing laundry and cleaning up the bathroom and kitchen are easier and less time-consuming with softened water – and
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Courtesy of ARAcontent
softened water brings added benefits such as softer skin and shinier hair. Hard water forms when naturally occurring minerals enter water sources, a very common problem in this country. Eighty-five percent of the geography in the United States has hard water according to the U.S. Geological Survey. As our population grows and becomes more diverse, many homeown-
Protect your home from water
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ave you been experiencing problems with standing water in your yard or have you possibly had water in your basement? A common problem for houses large and small, old and new, is poor yard drainage, which can be a serious threat to your home’s foundation. Solve your water problems now by calling Joe Honthy at Honthy Trenching. Honthy Trenching specializes in yard drainage systems. “A homeowner’s underground downspout system may be obsolete or nonexistent, and when it rains the water running
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off a roof into a downspout may not be draining properly. “All water should be piped away from the house. Water leaking into a basement may be a sign that a new underground downspout system is needed,” said Joe Honthy, who owns the business with his wife, Laurie. Joe Honthy has more than 17 years experience in providing trenching services to both residential and commercial clients. He prides himself on providing quality workmanship at reasonable rates. Honthy Trenching
utilizes trenching equipment that has a long, thin rotating blade that cuts a thin slit in the ground at various depths. Quality piping and materials are then installed with laser precision to create an effective high-quality drainage system. This method is less invasive and therefore allows for quicker lawn recovery time. In addition to installing downspout lines and yard drains, Honthy Trenching can also dig for electric lines and provides limited waterproofing services. For a free estimate call 934-1347.
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Your home, your style
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our home is who you are – at least that’s how it should be, according to interior designer Jillian Dowd. So, when it came time to pick a name for her new business she decided on Inspired by You Interiors. She operates the interior design consulting firm out of Mason with her mother Sallie Gregory. They serve the entire Tristate area. Sallie, who is a seam-
stress, has been in the industry 20 plus years. Jillian has been in the industry 8 years. Together they’ll work with you to discover your unique style and create the home of your dreams. “Your home is your haven – a place you should feel the most comfortable,” says Jillian. “It should be a place that’s beautiful and your own. It should be everything you are. ” That’s what Jillian
strives to create for her clients. She enjoys visiting homes and working with family photographs and other items owned by her clients. She’ll even help you pick out paint colors and new accessories, as needed. Inspired by You also offers a lovely custom bedding line. For details, contact Jillian and Sallie at 2667560 or e-mail inspired_ byyou@yahoo.com.
The beauty of fall, right outside your window
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ust when you’re sick of the summer flowers in your windowboxes along comes fall with the mums, cabbages and pansies, like ribbons of color! Wow Windowboxes offer four seasons, so your boxes are never empty. This is a full-service company that sells you the box, fills the box, hangs the box and irrigates the box. You do nothing but enjoy the beauty.
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Wow Windows is starting fall planing at the beginning of September, so please get your order in the very beginning to enjoy the richness of fall! Winter plantings are started around Thanksgiving. Call Sue Schneider at 277-9550 or email sschneider1372@yahoo.com. You may also contact Bret Schneider at 519-5131 or by e-mail bret@ wowwindowboxes.
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Here's a bright idea:
Intergenerational activities link young and old choose the five most often used light bulbs.
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ow many seniors does it take to change a light bulb? It only takes one, but it can be a lot more rewarding if it takes two – a senior and a youth, a grandparent and a grandchild, an “acorn” and an “oak.” Intergenerational activities increase cooperation, interaction and exchange between people of different generations, according to Generations United – an organization that began in 1986 and is the country’s only membership organization promoting intergenerational public policies, strategies and programs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these activities can prevent unnatural age segregation and apply the strengths of one generation to meet the needs of another. For youth and children, these activities can enhance social skills, improve academic performance, decrease drug use and increase stability. For older adults, these activities can enhance socialization, stimulate learning, increase emotional support and improve health. There are many ways that children or youth and older adults can work together. They might enjoy reading to one another, baking together, going fishing, playing card games or sharing music. It can be as simple as a game of Crazy Eights, building a bird house or getting a car ready for a Cub Scout pinewood derby. When the two generations team up to help the environment, it’s a win for
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• As with all activities involving electrical outlets, the adult should supervise the child and ensure that the bulbs are installed safely. • Make sure lamps/fixtures have been turned off and are cool. • Remove the bulbs. If you have been happy with the light output take note of the specific wattage of the incandescent bulb. • Note the type of fixture in which the bulb is used – e.g. track light, ceiling fan, chandelier, vanity strip, enclosed fixture, pendant or table lamp. • Take a trip to the hardware or discount store light bulb aisle. Read the package and match the bulb type – such as standard, decorative, globe or reflector. • Check the CFL package for information that will tell you the equivalent light output or wattage. everyone. Young and old can gain a greater sense not only about how the environment is relevant and of vital importance to their wellbeing, but also how it contributes to the wellbeing of their family, community and world. The many environmental projects that young and old could enjoy together include: • recycling newspapers, cans and glass, • planting flowers, shrubs or trees, • purchasing or making a reusable cloth bag to hold purchases when shopping, or • changing out incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). The experts at GE lighting suggest that changing to CFLs is not only an intergenerational activity that is fun and easy, but also one that will save energy and money. • First take inventory in the home and
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• Purchase what you need; take them home and screw them in. ENERGY STAR qualified GE Energy Smart bulbs consumers save money on energy costs. They last up to 10 times longer than a standard incandescent and now come in soft white and daylight color temperature options. They are sized to fit most common household sockets and fixtures. There are even CFL bulbs available that are dimmable or three-way products. GE recently introduced a new covered CFL that features a GE Spiral CFL inside the glass bulb. With this new CFL, the electronics fit in the neck of the bulb. The result is a profile that’s almost identical to a standard incandescent light bulb so you can easily use it with clip-on lampshades or smaller table lamps. For more information on saving energy, visit www.ge.com. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Exciting things are happening at Sutton Grove Community
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Call 248-7685 to advertise in CreativeLiving.
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here’s always something exciting going on at Sutton Grove Retirement Community. A luau event with real hula dancers takes place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17. On Aug. 20, the Christensens are coming in for a sing-along with residents. Located in the heart of Mount Washington, Sutton Grove is a peaceful and secluded independent retirement community designed for your pleasure and living enjoyment. Seventy-five spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments are located on three floors. Elevator service accesses the second and third floors. The apartments are unfurnished so you can surround yourself with your own furniture, pictures and decorations so you feel right at home.
Weekly housekeeping, nutritious meals and most activities are included in your monthly rent. There are pet-friendly and petfree areas, as well. Recently, Aaron, the new cook, joined the staff. He brings fresh ideas to the kitchen and always has a smile on his face. Although Sutton Grove is an independent living community, personalized support and health care services can be designed for your individual needs by a home health care agency. The home health care agency helps to promote maximum independence and dignity while provid-
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ing such services as bathing, dressing, medication reminders and assistance with other daily living activities.
“The home health care agency helps to promote maximum independence and dignity …” You’re not just a resident at Sutton Grove, you’re a member of a family. You’re known by name and cared about. That’s why the facility is very reasonably priced, something that is especially important during these tough economic times. For more information or to arrange a tour, call 231-0008.
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Why choosing the right caregiver is so important A
s the number of seniors in the U.S. continues to growindeed, the first “baby boomers” will turn 65 in 2011 – so does the market for non-medical senior homecare. Chances are, you will at some point be looking for a caregiver for an elderly family member. Family Bridges Home Care is one of the areas leading providers of nonmedical senior homecare. According to Michael Garfunkel, owner of Family Bridges: “At Family Bridges, we are dedicated to working with clients and their families to ensure the best possible non-medical homecare. “Nothing is more gratifying than providing the quality care that allows an
elderly client to stay in their own home. “Today’s seniors wish to maintain their independence and quality of life as long as possible. “At the same time, their adult children are often sandwiched between taking care of their own offspring and helping their elderly parent, who may live hours away,” he said. “That’s why the Family Bridges non-medical homecare has become popular in the Cincinnati area. Many seniors do not require a nurse, but simply need the assistance Family Bridges provides helping with the tasks of daily living,” said Garfunkel Family Bridges services include, meal preparation, basic household chores,
personal hygiene, shopping, companionship and, in some case, simply providing a respite for family caregivers. Due to the increased need for such assistance, many non-medical homecare agencies are sprouting up across the landscape. However, not all agencies are alike, and it’s important to understand the differences. Most have only been open a few years or less and may not have stringent hiring requirements. For more information on how Family Bridges is the best non-medical homecare provider for you and your family please contact one of the case managers at 531-9600 or 770-0600 and visit www.familybridges.com.
Preview Productions is holding a clearance sale I t’s time to go shopping for great deals on clothes and accessories for your favorite doll with Preview Productions’ clearance sale, for selected items, now in progress. The savings are amazing with $1, $2 and $3 price tags! Discover the exciting doll fashions of summer when you visit Preview
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Productions in Newtown. You’ll find lovely sun dresses, skirt sets and sport outfits, as well as western wear. There’s plenty of accessories too from bows to jewelry to shoes! Fall is around the corner and owner Joyce Rosselot and her assistants Susan Lehr and Sarah Watters have been busy designing, sewing
and stocking the doll clothing boutique with the latest in fall fashions. For Halloween, Preview Productions features handmade witch and wizard costumes, as well as a line of mermaids and recognizable princesses. The best selection is always in the store, located at 6720 Main St. in Newtown. Call 271-2524 for details.
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Fresh ideas for fitness fun with your family
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ith kids and adults alike banking more hours than ever in front of the TV and computer, it’s time for a fresh outlook on staying fit. Working out by doing fun activities with your kids is not only healthy for everyone, but it’s a great way to bond and build memories. Here are some unique exercise ideas that will get you and your family in shape:
1. Swing those hips with hula hoops Hula hooping is just as much fun today as it was in your younger years. Buying a couple of hoops is an affordable way to get the family together, moving and smiling at the same time. Turn on some music and see who can hula the longest. For mom and dad, consider using a sports hoop. These weighted hoops help you to burn 110 calories with just 10 minutes of activity. These superior hoops help build cardiovascular fitness and muscles. Plus, the circular motion helps promote correct body alignment and posture.
2. Juggle your way to fitness fun Do you know how to juggle? If so, spend some time teaching and practicing with your kids. If not, take to the Internet for instructions. Learning a new activity will take some time, but showing your children that even adults can learn new things is a great life lesson. Plus, your kids will love showing off their new talent to their friends.
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Juggling burns calories and is a great way to increase hand-eye coordination. Add an extra healthy element by using tennis balls instead of balls filled with sand. Why? Tennis balls bounce and roll when you drop them, so you’ll be chasing them all over, thus getting more physical activity.
3. Shake your groove thing Get your whole family together to practice different types of dancing. Have each person pick their favorite tune and follow their dance style– it can be silly, fast, slow or traditional. It’s a great way to let each person’s individuality show while moving your whole body. Have a little more time? Coordinate a routine with your family and practice together. Have each person give input on the steps. You’ll have a great time bonding together and you never know when the routine will come in handy at a party or family gathering.
4. Pump up park time Taking a walk to the neighborhood playground is commonplace for families, but what if you took this fun activity one step further? Pack
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some extras in a backpack for when kids are done with the monkey bars and slides. A Frisbee, lawn tennis and water guns offer additional fun for kids. And don’t just sit on the blanket under the tree – get out and get involved. Be the parent who climbs all over the swing set. Run around after the Frisbee as your 4-year-old learns how to properly throw it. You’ll be the coolest mom or dad in the park.
5. Be exercise class buddies More gyms and community organizations are offering classes for both parents and their kids. Try taking a swimming lesson together. Perhaps yoga is something unique you and your daughter could share. Even karate classes are now being offered for families. Check around in your community to find out what options are available. Learning together as a family is a great experience. Have your own fun family activity planned? Whatever it is, just get moving and you’ll build memories and muscles at the same time. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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