Emporia Real Estate Guide

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The Art of Balance PAGE 4

FREE! July 2011

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Farm & Home Real Estate 906 Commercial • Emporia • 620-342-0022 • www.farmandhomecompanies.com realestate@farmandhomecompanies.com

2212 W. 15th $199,000

21 Locust Lane $174,500

2519 Lincoln $108,000

102 Peyton $109,900

Great home for entertaining ~ formal living, On Thorndale lake ~ this home is “move-in� spacious family room. 4 bdrms, 3 baths, ready. 3 bdrms, 2 baths & large country screened-in porch & recreation pool. kitchen. Full basement & 3 car garage

1314 Santa Fe $86,900

724 Waverly Way $114,500

Just Listed ~ over 1,600 sq. ft. with 3 bdrms, 2 baths. Finished family room, fire place & double attached garage. Large corner lot.

Price Reduced ~ Very clean & maintained 3+2 bdrm, 2 bath with full finished bsmt. Double garage & nice corner lot. Logan Ave School.

323 S Merchant $79,500

906 Woodland $85,900

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Great living all on one level ~ spacious, open floor plan. 3 bdrms, 2 baths, family room addition, large fenced back yard. Lets look!

Just listed ~ 3 bdrm, 2 bath with nice updates. Spacious living area. Large fenced yard, attached garage. PLUS 24 x 36 shop.

Great retirement home with parking pad for your RV! 3 bdrms, appliances, large 2 car garage and fenced yard. It’s ready for you.

This bungalow has charm ~ updated colors, hardwood floors, 2 bdrm, 2 bath & bsmt. Very nice kitchen, large yard & 20x27 shop!

809 Dove Run $78,500

1106 Lakeview $69,900

1119 State $62,500

1009 Neosho $59,900

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Nice ranch at the end of a cul-de-sac street. 3 bedrooms. 2 baths and full bsmt ready to finish. Great kitchen storage.

It’s clean, it smells good, & it’s well cared-for! Take a peek at this TRULY Move-In Ready 3 bdrm, 1 bath. Fenced back yard & patio.

Good rental for college students~ 2 units both 2 bedroom OR convert to 4 bdrm home.

Just remodeled and new on the market. Take a look at this 3 bedroom, full bath home with lots of updates. It is nice!

211 S. Constitution $58,000

205 E. Attendorn $38,500

810 Cottonwood $35,000

1105 Peyton $33,500

*Seller Financing Considered* Just move in! Remodeled featuring a great new kitchen & bathroom! Oak cabinets & trim.

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Judy Turner 343-3896 344-6165

Charming cottage in Olpe ~ this would make inexpensive living for your college student. Updated & maintained including appliances!

Seller is ready for an offer! Investors, first-timers, or a down-sizers ~ take a look! Newer floor coverings. Sun room/porch on the back.

Just listed ~ great investment for college students! 3 bedrooms, full bath and good location. Priced to sell.

Bruce Andrews 342-8808 344-8808

Becky Baumgardner 366-0048

John Flott 342-5034 340-3920

Melissa Heinitz 794-3452

Norma Watson, GRI 342-2657 366-0875

Karen Whitmore 340-5222

Jackie Wall GRI 342-1948 341-2503

David Goldsmith 481-3342

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Gail Hancock 757-3906

Visit Our Web Site

www.farmandhomecompanies.com email: realestate@farmandhomecompanies.com We Appreciate Your Business! 1st in Sales and Service Since 1974

Jerry Olmsted Broker 342-3348 757-8853

Page 2

July 2011

Lighting, seating, fire pits transform backyards By Rosemary Sadez Friedmann Scripps Howard News Service

Backyards are popular in summer. Would you like to make yours a haven to enjoy by yourself, with family and with friends? Well, read on. Since the economy doesn’t allow us much leftover spending money, backyards have become the vacation of choice for many. Don’t have to spend money on gas to drive there. Don’t have to spend money on hotels when you get there.

Don’t even have to put your newspaper and mail on hold while you’re gone. Just open the door and there you are! So how do you make your backyard a relaxing and fun refuge? According to the experts, good lighting, fire pits and good seating and/or dining spaces are essential. And don’t forget the grill. OK, so making the backyard a wonderful haven will cost some initial dollars, but it will be there for you year after year, so think of it as an investment, right? Here we go ...

Make the deck inviting. A crumbling, messy deck isn’t pretty. If your deck is made of wood and still in very good condition, go ahead and sand it and re-stain it. If it needs more repair than that, you might consider replacing it with a wood-alternative deck that won’t be needing that sanding and re-staining every year or so. Some of these wood-alternative decks come in colors, too, so you can select one that fits your decor. Be careful with color, though. Neutral usually works best because an intense color might become

annoying over time. Is there space in the backyard for a mini-kitchen? A complete outdoor grilling station can cook a full meal, and this full meal can be prepared while you and your family and friends are enjoying that wonderful backyard. It won’t even seem like work. How about seating? For a comfortable outdoor haven, you are going to need to get rid of those folding patio chairs. They work in a pinch, but they certainly don’t make for that backyard-haven thing we’re go-

ing for. Select seating that is comfortable, and be sure the seating is of your liking and not simply something that is on sale. Sales are important, but don’t be drawn into purchasing simply by the price tag. Remember that you are creating your own personal vacation spot. Select furniture that is waterproof and won’t need sanding and staining or painting on a regular basis. Even some summer evenings can get cool. Invest in heat features such as fire pits. There’s nothing like a controlled bonfire in

your own backyard to enjoy on a regular basis. Even if you live in tropical areas, it might not get cool in the summer, but consider extending your summer into cooler nights in the fall with this fire-pit idea. Well, what are you waiting for? Summer is here, so go out and enjoy it. — Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of “Mystery of Color,” available at Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Amazon.com.

Couple unites on a divided issue By Ed Del Grande Scripps Howard News Service

Q

My wife and I agree that we need to make a change in our kitchen. We’ve been in this home for a year and the kitchen has a solid-surface “manmade” countertop. There’s a built-in flush-mounted kitchen sink that is part of the countertop. But it’s a divided double sink and we want a single-bowl sink. Any ideas on how we can change to a “new style” of sink without removing the countertop? We’re looking for a simple solution that will still give us a nice look. — Fred and Nancy, Texas

A

You need to consult with a licensed contractor who is certified to work with such countertops. This is a specialty trade and you want to first make sure that the old sink can be cut out of your present countertop. Once that has been determined, the next step is to measure to see if the proposed open hole in the countertop can be trimmed to accept a standard “drop-in”-style single-bowl kitchen sink. I would recommend a topmount cast-iron kitchen sink for this project. Castiron sinks are strong and self-rimming. The strength feature is important for

single-bowl applications, and the self-rimming feature is important for covering the edges of the hole. Cast-iron finishes are available in a rainbow of colors, so you should be able to match your countertops. Finally, have your contractor check to see if the countertop can support the weight of the new castiron sink, or if extra support will be needed. Once the new sink is installed, reconnecting the plumbing should be pretty standard. If you address these concerns and your contractor says OK, you shouldn’t have a single issue with getting rid of your double sink.

scripps howard news servicE

Before replacing your sink, consult with a licensed contractor certified to work with solid-surface countertops.

Plumber: Sump pump protects your basement investment A

By Ed Del Grande Scripps Howard News Service

Q

I hope you can help me decide on a good backup power system for my basement sump pumps.

We recently invested a lot of money to finish out our basement, and it’s beautiful. We would be devastated should we have a flood due to lack of electrical power to our new sump-pump system. My plumber has mentioned “battery backup” and I have heard of water-powered pumps that require a constant flow of water from the house system. I have my concerns, and would like other options. What advice can you give me on protecting my basement from water damage during a power failure? — Bill, Ohio

I understand the concerns to protect your new basement investment. I’ve seen many homeowners fix up basements and neglect to invest in a sumppump system, or electrical backup protection for the pump. A sump pump is the last line of defense against basement flooding. Without electrical power to the pump, you can really get stuck up a creek without a paddle, as they say. If you’re looking to have your sump pumps automatically operate during a long power outage, install a small standby generating system. I’m not talking about a portable-type generator that has to be set up for each use. Those can do the job, but they use extension cords and need to be filled with gasoline. I’m talking about standby generators that operate with self-feeding natural or propane gas and that are permanently installed in your home’s electrical system. A standby generator operates automatically, so even if you’re not home, the generator starts and the pumps

can get the power they need. In the past, I’ve mentioned larger standby generating systems sized at 20 kW (kiloWatts) for multicircuit homepower protection. But you may want to tell your professional generator contractor to power up just the sump pumps and maybe one key circuit. For this, an 8kW standby generator may do the job. This can keep installation costs lower and make efficient use of your natural- or propane-gas supply. Bottom line: Protect your property by providing your own personal pumping power.

— Ed Del Grande, master contractor/ plumber and LEED green associate, is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. For more informascripps howard news servicE tion, visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@hgtvpro.com. Always consult local To make sure your sump pump kicks in automatically during a power outage, install a small “standby” generating system. contractors and codes.

Birthday parties can be a piece of cake By Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore Scripps Howard News Service

Whatever happened to the “come over for a slice of cake” birthday party? Remember when it was perfectly acceptable to have a few toddlers over without having an entire petting zoo in your backyard? From kids who hear “Happy Birthday” sung by the cast of a Broadway musical to Sweet 16 parties that equal the cost of tuition for a year of college, kids’ birthday parties have gone well over the top. To a lot of people, it’s not just about keeping up with the Joneses, it’s about crushing them in hopes of throwing the coolest birthday party

for your perfect little dinosaur lover or fairy princess. And don’t even get us started on the favors. That

idea should have been trashed (along with all of the junk) a long time ago. We love parties. It’s just that we’re

advocating a simpler way. You know the old story about the kid who gets piles of gifts but plays with the box instead of the shiny new toys? It’s the same philosophy. Ever notice the power of a simple water balloon or a pinata? Kids don’t need a lot to make them happy. They just need their friends, a few treats and permission to have fun. So when the next birthday rolls around, resist the urge to book the Kid-o-Rama and go old school. Basic doesn’t mean it’s boring. 5 Simple Rules for a Simply Sensational Birthday Party Ditch the favors. Please. As parents, we can attest that the kids don’t give a hoot about these little throwaways. Nobody really ever needed

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another bouncy ball from the dollar store. They are a waste of your time and money and just end up in a landfill. Go simple. Kids love “Duck, Duck, Goose,” “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” or even a simple game of tag. You don’t need to hire a magician to see the magic that is created when kids get together and are allowed to run around and have fun. Set a theme. Sarah’s throwing a low-key backyard birthday with a monstertruck theme for her soon-tobe-5-year-old. The kids will play “Pin the License Plate on the Monster Truck” and “Red Light/Green Light,” and then cool off in the monster-truck carwash (aka the sprinkler). If you’ve got a princess in your house, get some glitter nail

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polish and paint all the little toes and fingers and you’ll have a happy group of little girls. Don’t think you need to be Martha. The kids aren’t going to realize that you whipped up that icing from scratch, so unless you love baking, make it easy on yourself. Get a boxed cake. Same goes for other food. You don’t need to be carving flowers out of carrots to impress kids. They’re thrilled to have pizza delivered. Invitations. It’s the invite that counts, not what it looks like, so don’t fret over embossed invitations. Email is easy for everyone, and sites like evite.com make it foolproof to send out invites. Don’t be afraid to express yourself and be funny.

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July 2011

Page 3

Cottage gets storybook makeover By Lynn Underwood Scripps Howard News Service

For 12 years, Mark and Nancy Morris pined for the “mushroom cottage” on Lake Minnetonka, just west of Minneapolis-St. Paul. They often drove by the ivy-covered early 1900s home that looked as if it belonged in a fairy tale. The fanciful gardener’s cottage, designed in 1919 by Minneapolis architect Harry Wild Jones, was part of a massive estate. Over the years, the property was divided and the cottage became a single-family home. The hand-hewn timbers and thatched roof reminded the Morrises of the cottages in Carmel, Calif., where they were married and often visited. “We loved the architecture and European charm of the Carmel homes,” said Nancy. When the home came up for sale, the couple got their chance to see it close-up. They fell in love. The cottage had small, comfortable rooms, beamed ceilings and a little greenhouse. Best of all, it was only a few feet from the water. They couldn’t buy because they were moving to South Carolina, but they never forgot the cottage. When they came back to Minnesota to visit, they always drove by. And, once a year, Mark would call the owner, who had taken it off the market, to ask if he’d sell. The answer was always “no.” Finally, that answer changed to “yes.” The timing couldn’t have been better. The Morrises had just sold their home in South Carolina and were returning to Minnesota. More than a decade after they had first looked at the house, the Morrises finally bought it. With its age, “we knew from the get-go we’d have to redo everything,” said Mark. “But we wanted to keep the unique character of the original gardener’s cottage.” They also were committed to keeping the cottage’s modest size. Instead of expanding its1,800 square-feet, they wanted to make the best use of the existing space. The Morrises wanted to mange every aspect of the project — from designing the new kitchen to hiring subcontractors. “We’re very interested in design, architecture and construction,” said Nancy. “So we took classes on general contracting since it was the

first time we had done this.” Because they had to find time between their day jobs (Nancy is an interior design consultant and Mark owns a marketing and consulting business), they designed a three-phase remodeling project. In the first phase, they tore out the old radiators, installed a new heating and cooling system, rewired and installed new plumbing. They replaced the original straw-and-horsehair insulation with new insulation. They replaced the roof, replicating its wavy look of handcut asphalt shingles. “It took a crew of five about a month to do it,” recalled Mark. During the second phase, they hired workers to gut and remodel the first- and second-floor bathrooms and widen the cramped entry. Then they “really agonized” over the kitchen, said Mark. “It’s so long and narrow and we couldn’t knock down the wall because the fireplace was on the other side.” They decided to move the “pump house,” which held utilities, to the attic. That allowed them to double the size of the kitchen. To give the space an Old World look, Nancy hired Westwood Cabinets in Minnetonka to create cabinets and an antique-style hutch. In the adjacent dining room, connected to the original gardener’s greenhouse, they tore out worn carpet and installed a heated stone floor. With new divided-light windows, they converted the drafty greenhouse into a cozy computer work area. The Morrises capitalized on the living room’s prime lake view by adding French doors and large picture windows. Now they can hear loons calling and water lapping against the rocks when the windows are open. “It’s rare to be on Lake Minnetonka and be this close to the water,” said Mark. The last phase, and finishing touch, involved designing and building an outdoor room, which they outfitted with a hot tub and a stone fireplace fueled by natural gas. “I always wanted a fireplace in the kitchen,” said Nancy. “But since that wasn’t possible, I can see this one from the kitchen window.” Although the cottage makeover took two years and plenty of work, the Morrises said they enjoyed the process — and the end result.

scripps howard news servicE

Top, the exterior of the cottage owned by Mark and Nancy Morris. They were helped out by Architect Harry Wild Jones. Middle, the living room of the cottage. Left, Mark and Nancy sit on their back patio.

For Sale Abstracts • Title Insurance Escrows & Closings

since 1934

Lyon County Title LLC

Serving All Surrounding Counties

Title Insurance • Closings • Escrows

Ask Your Local Realtor Or Lender For The Very Best In Service

Lyon County Title LLC 423 Commercial Emporia, KS 66801 620-343-1490 Office 620-343-1492 Fax E-mail: lycotitle@yahoo.com

217 W Elm, madison 4 bedroom, 2 bath, large well landscaped yard, partial uitility basement, CH/CA, outbuildings

$49,000 316.734.1602 madison217welm@yahoo.com

Barb, Jim, Eric, Janice Office: 342-1917 421 Commercial Emporia 620-342-1917 fax 620-342-6888

Page 4

July 2011

The art of balance

By Candice Olson

Scripps Howard News Service

Have you ever walked into a room that just felt awkward? If so, you may have come upon a room that was suffering from the “bad-balance blues.” I recently encountered just such a space when working with my clients, Jesse and Anne. The moment I walked into their living room, I knew the room was unbalanced. Everything seemed to “happen” on one side of the room, making it feel heavy and off-kilter. The couple wanted the living room to be the social hub of the house, but didn’t know how to make it happen. I knew that by employing the principle of balance, I could transform their uncomfortable room into a truly elegant space. When designing a room, two forms of balance are key: symmetrical balance and asymmetrical balance. Symmetrical balance is achieved when similar items are placed on opposite sides of an invisible line (such as putting matching side tables By balancing elements in this room, it has become a social hub. on either side of a sofa). Asymmetrical balance is cre- sign. tile with black slate porcelain tion with color and shape. I ated when different elements tile. For above the fireplace, painted the wall black to pick To help the room get its like colors, shapes and sizes I chose a recessed, woodup on the color of the slate. I groove back, I got rid of all are used to create equilibframed mirror that houses a then positioned two gorgeous of the existing furnishings, rium (for example, placing hidden television. Then, to crystal sconces that flank an painted the walls a light gray a side table on one side of a create symmetrical balance, asymmetrical grouping of and started from scratch. sofa and a floor lamp on the I flanked the fireplace with framed photos. In front of other). If you only employ One of the walls conwhite cabinetry and black this wall I set an ash-colored symmetrical balance, a room tained a century-old woodwalnut shelves, and placed sectional sofa and a little raw will seem stiff and formal. By and-stone fireplace. To a beautiful ink-blue lounge oak side table, finishing the adding asymmetrical balance, update it, I removed the chair in front of each shelvensemble with a lovely white you create more interest and ing unit. lacquered coffee table. mantel and had it painted energy. white, clad the front in a carOpposite the fireplace, A large window comrera marble hexagon tile and I created an accent wall With these principles in prised most of the third wall replaced the dated hearth mind, I kicked off my redethat kicks up the composiof the room. Here, to offset

Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. 116 W. 12th 343•9800

Joel R. Phipps Broker/Owner 620-366-0180 joelrphipps@remax.net

Shirley Eubanks

1728 Sherwood Way $217,000 ?ccWYkbWj[ \ekh X[Zheec m_j^ ^WhZmeeZ \beehi" d[m YWhf[j" ^[Wj[Z j_b[ \beeh$

2520 La Guna Court $139,900 L[ho d_Y[bo h[ceZ[b[Z ^ec[ ed gk_[j Ykb#Z[#iWY$ <_d_i^[Z XWi[c[dj" ]h[Wj a_jY^[d

1021 Lincoln $138,000 =h[Wj \eh W bWh][ eh [nj[dZ[Z \Wc_bo$ El[h (&&& igkWh[ \[[j m_j^ jme cWij[h ik_j[i$

831 Constitution $121,000 MhWf#WhekdZ fehY^" j_d Y[_b_d]i" b[WZ[Z m_dZemi" feYa[j Zeehi" WdZ YWhh_W][ ^eki[$

2101 Graphic Arts Road $119,900 JejWbbo h[ceZ[b[Z \_l[ X[Zheec ^ec[ m_j^ d[m hee\" fW_dj" YWhf[j" ^[Wj_d] WdZ W_h$

2716 Rio Vista Drive $119,000 J^_i )!( X[Zheec hWdY^ ^Wi ) XWj^heeci WdZ ( \Wc_bo heeci e\\[h_d] fb[djo e\ ifWY[

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Patrick Werly Sales Associate

620-344-0545

patrickwerly@remax.net

Associate Broker

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aasewell@msn.com

333 Pine, Cottonwood Falls $96,900 >_ijeh_Y X[Wkjo m_j^ b[WZ[Z ]bWii" Xk_bj#_d ^kjY^" WZZ_j_edWb _dikbWj_ed" cWdo kfZWj[i

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Jamie Sauder

two matching pieces of art, a diptych, that help create a lovely composition along the wall. This area now counterbalances the weight of the sectional in the opposite corner. This once-awkward room is now finally on the level. By employing the principle of design balance, I created a room that will be a social hub for Jesse and Anne while keeping them in happy symmetry for years to come.

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the solid-colored fabric on the furnishings, I hung patterned drapes in a muted gold and brought in a large area rug that picks up on the colors of the drapes. Lastly, to help further balance the space, I created a small sitting area along the half-wall opposite the windows by using one of the lounge chairs, a little table and a beautiful little crystal chandelier hanging above it. Flanking the chandelier are

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Beth Henrikson

Real Estate

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MAURICE SCHMIDT 366-3366

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July 2011

Page 5

Adventures in France By Mary Carol Garrity Scripps Howard News Service

Since opening Nell Hill’s 30 years ago, I’ve had so much fun growing the stores and working with so many amazing customers that I’ve hardly taken a day off, let alone gone on vacation. So in May, I did something completely radical for me. I packed my bags and ran off to France! During my magical time in the Aquitaine region of southwestern France, I learned some invaluable things that will influence the way I decorate, and the way I live. Most of you probably already have this one mastered. But for me, it’s been a hard lesson to learn. I love my job and draw energy from being with people at the store all day. But even though I find work exhilarating, sometimes going 100 miles an hour, seven days a week, can wear you down. (I know what you’re probably saying right now: Duh, Mary Carol!) My husband, Dan, gets it. He works hard running the business side of Nell Hill’s. But he is also great about setting aside time each year to travel, exploring new places, learning about its people and their heritage. Usually when Dan asks me to go with him on his journeys, I say no. There’s always too much to do at the stores to take time off. But this year, I decided to give myself an anniversary gift: I took a week of vacation for each decade Nell Hill’s has been in business and went with him. Our trip was an amazing one, not just because of the dropdead-gorgeous scenery, the fantastic food and wine, and

the opportunity to experience such a rich culture. It was amazing simply because it gave me a chance to stop and replenish and spend time with someone I love. Make it a goal to take time off this year, whether it’s going abroad or a stay-cation in your own town. Escape your daily grind, restore your soul and revel in those you love most. Life is fleeting, so stop and smell the roses. After a quick stopover in Paris, we settled into a darling farmhouse in Fumel, taking day trips to picturesque towns like Biarritz and Montinac. Each place we stopped, I enjoyed seeing how the French use color in their daily decorating, whether it was a muted palette of neutrals or an adventurous mix of bold hues. The home-decor shops were showing a very modern, sleek, sophisticated style that revolved around the hip color “grange,” which is a cross between gray and taupe. Similarly, the farmhouse we rented was decorated in pure white. The owners of the cottage, reflecting a hot trend among France’s younger decorators, painted nearly everything in the home white, from the walls to the antique furnishings. At first, I found this pure palette refreshing. But after a few weeks, I was craving color. In sharp contrast, many of the homes, hotels and chateaus we visited embraced an adventurous use of color. We ate dinner one night in a crusty old chateau where the decorating was as memorable as the roast duck we enjoyed for dinner. In one seating areas, the formal chairs were upholstered in a rich burgundy velvet and piped in a playful lavender — two colors

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In France, you’ll see window boxes stuffed with cascading blooms and gates dressed in wisteria, roses and other flowering vines.

I would never have recommended putting together. Yet it worked. And so did the peppy parrot-green ottomans tucked up at the foot of each chair. I think it’s wacky yet wonderful color combinations like these that made so many of the elegant rooms we viewed feel warm and inviting, not stiff and off-putting. When you live in an older home, like I do, it seems like something is always in need of repair. You finally get one project ticked off the list, then have to add 10 more in the constant quest to keep your aging dwelling looking fresh and new. But on vacation, I noticed

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that the French didn’t seem overly obsessed with the upkeep of their older homes. They seemed to be at peace with the imperfections in the buildings and gardens around them, knowing these quirks gave their dwellings more personality and character. I left my time in the French countryside resolved to not get so uptight every time something breaks or goes wrong with my 140year-old home. I am determined not to fret over every episode of peeling paint, every loose cobblestone or dripping faucet, knowing that these things help make my home unique.

During our visit, we saw all sorts of gardens. But my favorites, bar none, were the window boxes stuffed full of cascading blooms and the gates dressed in flowering vines, like wisteria and roses. Picturepostcard perfect, these little vignettes weren’t complicated — sometimes they just featured a few pots of red geraniums — but they were so romantic that they changed the look and feel of the homes they accented. Years ago, when we converted our backyard into a walled courtyard, I planned to enclose the area with an antique or replica iron gate.

I never got to it. But now, installing a romantic gate at the entrance of my garden is at the top of my list. I can’t wait to replicate some of the treatments I saw in France, decorating the gate with a grape vine, wisteria or climbing rose. While I wait for my gate to become a reality, I found one garden look in France that I’m going to do right away: Plant smaller garden urns with a mix of succulents, like hen and chicks. I’m going to find two shorter iron urns at Nell Hill’s, fill them with succulents and place them atop the pillars that stand on either side of my garden.

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Page 6

July 2011

Lowering the stress when moving By Sarah Welch and Alicia rockmore

Scripps Howard News Service

Are you moving this summer? If so, you’re in good company. The end of June through the beginning of September is considered the high season for moving. That’s likely driven by recent graduates striking out on their own and families with children looking to minimize school-related disruptions. If you are moving, are you stressed about it? If so, you’re in good company

there, too. According to researchers, moving is one of the five most stressful things you will ever do. Whether you move across town or across the country, you have to figure out how to organize your possessions, pack them and then unpack them on the other side — and that is just plain hard. Especially when you have a million other “regular” activities to tend to. It’s not as though everything else comes to a standstill just because you are moving. No, you have to fit it into an already-bursting-at-the-seams schedule. So how do you cope without going totally gray? Here are five tips to manage (and master) any move: Bind It Up. Get a binder and use it as your command central. It can be one you make yourself, or a preprinted, tabbed binder with helpful checklists. Not only will a binder or accordion file neatly contain any and

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all papers, it will give you the sense that you have the important things together, at your fingertips. Comparison Shop. Moving is expensive. Once you get past initial bids, which are often artificially low, hidden costs for boxes, tape, other packing materials and, of course, labor quickly add up. Before you spend a dime, get at least three quotes, and ideally five, from companies and really compare the fine print. If you’re just renting a van, compare the per-mile charges; often what appears to be a flat rate is not. If you’re hiring professionals, carefully consider how many hours it will take to move the things in your house. It is not unheard of for companies to try to win a bid by providing a low estimate based on an unrealistic number of hours. Get Insurance. Yes, you need it. Loss of prop-

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erty is the No. 1 headache reported by the moving industry. A moving company only provides the most basic insurance based on weight, so purchase additional coverage. Most homeowners’ or renters’ insurance does not cover goods in the possession of movers, so you can’t count on that, either. Don’t risk being one of the unlucky ones whose moving truck splits open on the interstate, spilling Grandma’s dining-room table, or whose things get “lost” in transit. Moving insurance is worth every penny, because moving does come with its many mishaps. When in Doubt, Definitely Throw it Out. Do you really want to lug that ugly coffee table to your new place if you know you’re never going to use it and it will just sit in the garage or basement? Remember that it costs you to move every little thing, so

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go through your stuff and make some serious decisions. Goodwill, Salvation Army, veterans groups and other charities are waiting for people like you to donate items. So do some good for yourself and others and pick and choose what really gets to come along for the ride. 15-20 Minutes a Day Keeps Chaos At Bay. Even if you choose to have professionals pack, start going through your stuff in 15-20-minute increments as soon as you can. Doing a little bit every night before you head to bed for four weeks or so will set you up for a less stressful move. Start with a few things that you know you won’t be using soon. For example,

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you can box up the Christmas decorations or the kids’ Halloween costumes without worrying that you’ll need them right away. Such items can be sorted and packed well in advance.

You can create an herb garden in 15 minutes By Debbie Arrington Sacramento Bee

No space or time for a vegetable garden? You still can harvest homegrown herbs for daily meals with your own portable herb garden. This garden will grow almost anywhere outdoors; it needs just four hours or more of sun a day. That makes it perfect for a patio or apartment balcony — somewhere close to the kitchen. Water two to three times a week or as needed. Choose a theme for your herb garden such as “Italian favorites,” “Asian accents” or “Salsa stuff.” Or just pick five to seven herbs you use often in the kitchen. For our example, we

chose a Mediterranean mix with golden accents: Golden sage, golden lemon thyme, variegated oregano, lettuce-leaf basil, French tarragon, Italian parsley and chives. For a container planting, select herbs that tend to have compact or low growth. Those include oregano, parsley, chives, tarragon and thyme. Some sages and basil also can be kept small and bushy. This herb garden can double as a summer centerpiece for casual entertaining. It smells as good as it tastes.

What you need

• A shallow pot or container (14-inch round is ideal); make sure it has a bottom hole for good drainage

• Trowel • Potting soil • Herbs of your choice

Pinch herbs to use as needed. Also, pinch back plants to keep them bushy.

Directions

In addition to borders, herbs also mix well with flowers in containers. For possible combinations, check out “Easy Container Combos: Herbs and Flowers” by Pamela Crawford (Color Garden Publishing, 160 pages, $19.95). The herbs flower, too, adding to this living-bouquet concept. An example from Crawford: Mix red-flowered pineapple sage and blueflowered tri-color sage with dill (it adds height and feathery texture), bright yellow or orange marigolds and Mexican tarragon (which also has a yellow flower and is more heat-

Put a layer of potting soil in the container, up to 3 inches from the rim. Transplant herbs from individual pots into the larger container. (To loosen plant in its small plastic pot, smack the bottom of the pot with a trowel.) Loosen the root ball of each plant before setting it into its new container. Arrange the herbs with the tallest-growing variety in the middle and four to six herbs spaced around it. Once plants are positioned, add more potting soil and gently firm it around roots. Water well. Place in a sunny spot.

Herbs and flowers

resistant than French tarragon). See more suggestions and how-to videos at Crawford’s website, www. easygardencolor.com.

When to feed

Add a little compost to the potting soil before planting to get your herbs off to a good start. According to Rose Loveall of the Morningsun Herb Farm in Vacaville, Calif., annual herbs need more fertilizer, usually every two weeks, while perennial herbs need only to be fertilized once or twice a year. In pots, perennial herbs need to be fertilized more often — every four to five weeks, she said. When feeding, use a balanced organic fertilizer.

Water the plants deeply before fertilizing.

When to harvest

By pinching back flowers as they appear, you can keep the plant growing more shoots and prolong its peak. With basil and parsley, pinching back the flowers prolongs the life of the plant, too. “Be sure to harvest your herbs regularly,” Loveall said. “Often, beginners are a bit squeamish about harvesting heavily.” And eat the flowers as well as leaves, particularly from perennial herbs such as thyme and rosemary. “Flowers of perennial herbs are delicious,” Loveall added, “and a bit more robust and sweet- flavored than the leaves.”

Pest control, done naturally, restores order By Joe Lamp’l

Scripps Howard News Service

Gardening is about balance. Light, nutrients, temperature and moisture all work together to make a proper environment for plants to thrive. Gardens are a microcosm where bacteria, earthworms and countless other organisms go about their business, usually in harmony, with the good critters policing the thugs. Imbalance creates conditions that let the hoodlums exploit the others. That’s where IPM — integrated pest management — comes in to help restore and maintain balance and order. During World War II, pesticides became the magic bullet that would save the world from insects. The chemists didn’t count on bugs’ ability to develop chemical resistance. By the 1960s, the magic bullets were missing more than they were hitting, and causing as many problems as they were solving. That’s when entomologists came up with the idea of integrated pest management, steps designed to deal with pest problems starting with the most benign. IPM is holistic gardening: You first gather all the facts about the landscape and everything

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There’s a natural process to pest control and keeping your garden in balance.

going on within it, then decide on the best steps for any problems. They may include spraying a botanical pesticide, changing cultural practices, altering a microclimate or, as a last resort, applying chemicals. But nothing is done blindly. Here’s how to size your garden up for IPM: Decide at what point you must act based on your

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personal level of tolerance: Just how infested and damaged can a plant get before you can’t stand it anymore? Decide whether to save or toss it. Understand the possible pests your plants will face, when to act and the guidelines for what to do. County extension services, horticultural schools, universities and nurseries are great resources.

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They have experience with all the local problems and their solutions. Monitor the situation. I patrol my garden every day when possible to check for the beginning signs of problems. I turn over foliage and inspect for eggs and disease damage, and check for secondary signs, such as yellowing leaves or black sooty mold. Take samples and

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pictures and record your findings in a notebook. You must be sure of what’s causing the problem so you’ll apply the right cure at the right time. Use your findings to keep pests in line. The more methods you can put to work, the better. That’s the “integrated” part of IPM. Some problems may only require changes in culture. Rhododendrons are vulner-

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able to phytophthora root rot, so moving them to a dryer location or reducing watering could eliminate the wet soil where that fungus thrives. Flowering crab apples and junipers both share cedar-apple-rust fungi, so keep them separated in the landscape. You may need to choose a specific pesticide. For me, that means non-synthetic, biological controls. Three products can take care of most problems if and when applied appropriately: Bacillus thuringiensis (commonly known as Bt) targets leaf- and flower-eating caterpillars. Insecticidal soap goes after sucking insects like aphids, spider mites and mealy bugs. Neem oil gets leaf chewers like cutworms and Japanese beetles. With all, follow label directions and apply at the correct stage in the pest’s lifecycle. Spray only the affected plants. Monitor carefully to see if your IPM has been effective, and make changes as necessary. Head off problems before they start. Design your landscape with plants adapted to your climate. Build diversity with lots of species and choose resistant varieties. Understanding and working with nature will always yield better, more satisfying results.

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July 2011

Page 7

Seeking a sense of peace in home decor? Give stone a chance By Tahree Lane Toledo Blade

It was in the ancient city of Bath, England, and particularly while relaxing in a stone-walled soaking pool in 2006, that Elizabeth Pinky Edens became enchanted with the strength and serenity that can be drawn from stone. “Before I left England, I loved stone so much,” she says. “There’s this incredible feeling of peace stone gives you.” So, while still in the most British of isles, she decided that upon her return to Perrysburg, Ohio, she would transform an ordinary first-floor bedroom in her two-level, 47-yearold ranch home into a space conducive to contemplation and prayer. And she knew precisely what the chapel’s focal point would be: a 14inch-by-25-inch marble slab inset with 120 Tiffany tiles that form a golden Celtic cross. “I love how cold stone is,” particularly when it’s juxtaposed with the warmth of objects that embody spirituality, says Edens. “You only really perceive light in terms of darkness and you perceive warmth in terms of coldness.” Indeed, this 12-foot-by16-foot area of calm is a refuge for her fast-working mind. “Years ago, a friend of mine told me she created a serene space in a closet; she called it her prayer closet. I wanted a space that was dedicated to serenity. Our lives are so cluttered aren’t they, with stuff and all the details of life, and I wanted something set apart.” She refers to Psalm 46: 9-11: “I think it’s important to have spaces and times when we can ‘be still and know that I am God.’ “ She reads here, and naps, and prays.

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Far left, A weathered statue of St. Francis of Assisi dominates a corner of the chapel. Left, When she visited England, Pinky Edens fell in love with stone. She used the material to build a chapel in a former bedroom of her home. Above, A closet gave way to this prayer and reading alcove.

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“A friend was over recently and asked to go in the chapel for a few minutes. That’s the sweetness of it.” Entry is through a black wrought-iron gate she designed and had made locally. Just beyond is a standing sanctuary lamp, and then you face a wall of stone with a pair of weatherworn statues at each side, two arched windows and, in the very center, the marvelous Tiffany piece, below which is an arched gas fireplace. The windows offer a view of her 12-foot-by-12-foot biblical garden outside; it’s planted with flowers mentioned in the good book and surrounded by a knee-high

wrought-iron fence. In the corners, large wall pedestals framed in travertine (a limestone) bear cement likenesses of St. Francis of Assisi and an angel. Facing the stone wall is a prie-dieu, its thick kneeling cushion covered with a fabric reproduced from an old English pattern. Behind the kneeling bench is an arched stone alcove, 85 inches tall and 30 inches deep, tucked into what had been a closet that held her late mother-in-law’s clothing. An antique art-glass lamp shaped like an inverted pear hangs above the cove’s snug seat for two that’s overlaid with decorative pillows.

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Here, Edens cozies up with a book or enjoys conversations with daughter Genevieve Wilson when she visits from her home in England. The bareness of the side walls proved an exercise in restraint for Edens, who co-owned a Greenwich Village art gallery for 10 years, collects antiques and loves to display her treasures. She tested a dozen hues of off-white paint on these blank walls before selecting one. Modern meets medieval in the form of off-white chaises flanking the side walls. “You can mix modern with antiques, but the modern has to be simple

lines. Antiques lend themselves to more flourishes,” she says. “The modern shouldn’t take precedent over the antiques.” It took six months in 2007 to complete the room, and began with the purchase of large rectangular travertine tiles swirled with shades of tan and cream. “Nothing was going to work if the floor didn’t work.” After the floor came the stone wall. The bedroom’s old windows and a section of wall were removed to create a bump-out accommodating the fireplace and chimney. She and designer Ron Wolff laid hundreds of

cut-stone rectangles on the floor, moving them around to achieve a pleasant, horizontal composition without a strict pattern. Then Wolff set each stone into position on the wall. He surprised her by installing a stone cross above each window. The alcove was next, also designed by laying stones on the floor. Crown molding around the ceiling is of travertine, spaced just far enough away from the wall to allow for strands of LED lighting to be tucked inside. Floor moldings are also travertine, as are surrounds for heating vents and light switches.

Preparing the garden for when you’re away on vacation By Joe Lamp’l

Scripps Howard News Service

For many, summer’s arrival usually means two things — a thriving vegetable garden and vacations. But the thought of leaving a garden behind for a week or so, just as it seems to need us the most, can cause great angst. Fear not! You can take that time away and feel confident in knowing your garden will be fine without you. Just do a little planning before you leave. In the best-case scenario, you’ll have a gardening friend or neighbor whom you can count on to keep an eye on things when you’re away. The longer you’re away, the more important this becomes. In fact, if you’re away for more than a week, find someone who can at least inspect your garden and report back to you, just in case. For the times we don’t have such a person, we need to think about our garden’s basic requirements and potential problems, and plan accordingly. First and most important, we need to provide water. And that’s where a programmable irrigation timer comes in. For

around $20, you can buy a basic timer that’s super-easy to install and program, and perfectly suited to handle the watering needs while you’re gone. Make sure you have time to test the system before you go so you know it’s cycling properly. Also, have a generous layer of mulch on your garden beds. That way, even with extreme temperatures or a lack of water, plants and roots are more protected and better able to withstand the challenges. If you haven’t already done so, make sure all your plants are adequately supported. It’s amazing just how fast vegetable plants can grow during a week in the summer. Without proper support or staking, the added height and weight of new growth, or even a storm, can cause plants to fall or bend over, which can lead to other problems. It’s an easy fix, and makes a big difference in how plants look when you return. One of the biggest concerns for many is the fear of pests overtaking the garden while they’re away. Although pests are a part of any garden, this shouldn’t be more of a problem just because you’re not there for a week or so. However, it’s still a good idea to scout for

scripps howard news service

Summer heat can be hard on plants. Plan for your garden if you’ll be away for more than a week.

pests, including their eggs and larvae, on the day before you leave, and remove the offenders. Be sure to look under leaves, where you’ll often find culprits. I’ve created a podcast series for Burpee Home

Gardens, one of the underwriters for my national series, “Growing a Greener World,” on public television. It’s created to get you off to a successful start and provide helpful tips all the way from garden prep to harvest. You can subscribe to this

podcast series for free. Find it in the iTunes store and search for “Joe Lamp’l” or under the podcast link at www.joegardener.com. If you start out right in creating and planting your garden, and then do the

things mentioned here, you can relax and enjoy your time away and know your garden will be fine (for a while) without you. Yet getting back to your garden is just one more reason to look forward to coming home, too.

Page 8

July 2011

MEDITERRANEAN DECOR EVOKES SUN & SEA B K C

The Associated Press

Influenced by Spanish, Italian, French, Turkish, Moroccan and Greek seaside lifestyles, Mediterranean dicor is simple and relaxed, and easily adapted to Western homes. The natural hues of the region — marine, almond, olive, sunshine and chalk — frame the palette. In furnishings, the style’s ethnic, often rustic, origins tend to dominate. But modernist interpretations — think of Riviera yachts and summer homes, for example — are just as popular. With quaint fishing and farming villages as well as glamorous seaside playgrounds, the region is one of contrasts. The colors and graphic motifs are overtly handmade, or bold and clean, so if you’re more contemporary than traditional, you’ll still be able to incorporate elements of this quintessential summer style. Designer David Stark loves the style for its painterly origins. “For me, the Mediterranean’s synonymous with the light captured by Matisse, Picasso, and Van Gogh,” he says. In his summer collection for West Elm, Stark has returned to his roots as a painter. “I’m lassoing materials from the painting studio THE ASSOCIATED PRESS to create tableware and dicor reflective of my personal arLeft, Mediterranean tilework-patterned lacquered trays from David Stark’s collection. In his summer collection for West Elm, Stark has returned to his tistic fantasy of the region.” roots as a painter. Right top, A Marrakesh Onion Bulb pendant lamp. At Ballard Designs, hand-blown glass is encased in wrought iron swirls to create this pendant fixture. Right bottom, a Miramar wrought-iron side table. This table can work indoors or out. He’s done an easy, sophisticated collection that with walldressedup.com’s set the Marrakech Onion Bulb Martha Stewart has pomegranates. It’s an invest- but would like to create some includes tilework-patterned Mediterranean atmosphere, of wall transfers. They’d be a ment, but if you can swing it designed the Miramar pendant fixture. The Sevilla lacquer trays, and white you’ll have something wonconsider the olive wreath, a great way to add the theme dinnerware swabbed with Rug recreates antique Medi- wrought-iron side table, handcrafted circle of paper to a kitchen or entry way. a stroke of azure blue. Find terranean tile mosaics in soft, which could work indoors or derful for years to come. and polyfoam botanicals. Six Throw down a blue-andhere also rustic cobalt glassout, and her good-looking, 100-percent wool. And if Otherwise, search offartisanal, Greek Isles iron white-striped cotton rug; fill you’re crafty, consider buyware reminiscent of a little blue-enameled trivet would price stores for alternatives. candlesticks make a striking a rustic blown-glass jug with ing a few yards of the Delray be a useful addition to an cafi on the Greek coast, and Crate & Barrel offers a grouping. some gorgeous ceramics with yellow daisies. outdoor table. Azure fabric, printed in a side table in white or blue a canvas texture. At Ballard Designs, hand- crisp navy and white graphic It’s a laid-back look, but Frontgate’s got a large and that features a tilework motif Recreate the look of beau- blown glass is encased in motif, to make curtains, pillovely mustard-hued terra in laser-cut steel. If you’re it can also be quite sophistiwrought iron swirls to create low covers or tablecloths. tiful Mediterranean tiles cotta urn embellished with nowhere near an olive grove, cated.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Specialist In Electrical Inspections

• Residential • Service Calls • Aerial Reach • Industrial • Commercial • Pier Hole Digging

W. 6th 342-2176 601 Emporia, KS

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