2013 Home & Garden Guide by Herald Newspapers

Home & garden

Cabinets By

Showroom Hours: Mon-Tues-Thurs & Fri 9-5 Wed 9-7 â&#x20AC;˘ Sat 10-3 fine fi ne cabinetry for the home 204 N. Main Street Cape May Court House, NJ (609) 463-0400 www.cabinetshopnj.com

Contents Professionalism Paramount in Protection

Beauty & Power in Three Words

& garden 2013

Home

Inner Designer at Your Shore Home 8 Monograms & Makeovers

Time to Add a Half-Bath?

Gardening for Beginners

Think of It as a Little House

Add a Little Luxury

Shopping For a Fire Pit

Construction You Can Afford

Cultivate an Herb Garden

Time For Solar Energy

Green Ways to a beautiful home

Modern Master Suite

Outside Living Screened Porches 30 Round The Clock Plumbing

Choosing Plants & Professional Gardners 34 The Right Grass Seed naturally 36 Beyond the Traditional Kitchen 38 Home & Garden Business Directory 38

Professionalism Paramount in Protection When you need someone to protect your valuables, you cannot afford amateurism. Or worse — think about doing it yourself. Murphy Fence Company Incorporated has been, “Protecting your most valuable assets since 1965.” Located at 507 Seashore

Road, Cape May, Murphy Fence is well known for their professionalism, which has been cultivated and refined over these 47 years. So when you think about enclosing and protecting your home and property, you want to engage an established, dependable business.

New this season is Murphy’s “Mocha Walnut” wood grain vinyl fencing. “Even from two feet away it looks like wood,” said Amy Litton, one of the owners at Murphy’s. You pick out the fence you need, and it’s manufactured right there. And don’t be limited by their name; Murphy Fence also provides railing and even pergolas. And when it comes to valuables, Murphy includes your family. “Many people start thinking about getting a pool put in during the winter months,” Litton said. “They start digging in February then think about fencing later. You want the pool enclosed

When it comes to valuables, Murphy includes your family. before the water is put in!” So you need to think about pool enclosure when you think about pool construction. The pros at Murphy Fence can evaluate your property in line with your township’s requirements. “Pools must be childproof,” Litton emphasized, “and we can manufacture a fence in heights of three, four, five, or six feet.” One call to Murphy Fence Company is all you need to get your fence project started. They’re open year-round MondaySaturday. Call (609) 886-1635. —Jim Vanore

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Beauty and Power in Three Words Exotic. Timeless. Exquisite.

These words exemplify the beauty and power of Natural Stone. La Terra Stone has the area’s largest and most comprehensive display of Stone such as granite, marble, travertine, stone veneer and backsplash designs. • Exotic: Strikingly unique, our natural stone is imported from all over the world from Italy to Greece to Saudi Arabia. Mined from the depths of the earth, there is nothing more remarkable then having this intricate and valued beauty right

within your own home. • Timeless: Natural stone has been forming for millions of years, standing the test of time. It was used to build places such as the Coliseum, the Parthenon and the Pyramids. Unlike manufactured brick pavers or composite countertops, our stone will not fade deteriorate, peel, or weaken. • Exquisite: Natural Stone is uniquely rare with its moving variation in each piece of stone. No two pieces are the same, giving your home a one and only.

Exquisite does not mean more expensive, as natural stone can be competitive in cost with some brick paver prices, manufactured countertop and cultured marble. The quality, however, cannot be compared. Come in to La Terra Stone and meet with our expert craftsman who will help you choose your perfect piece of natural stone, pavers or backsplash design.

The very same people will come to your home, template, fabricate here at our shop and then expertly install it. A very small handful of local employees, who take great pride in their work, will be involved in your project. Owner, Bryan Marriner, has been in business for more than 20 years, valuing honesty and quality in both his products and his employees.

Unlike manufactured brick pavers or composite countertops, our stone will not fade deteriorate, peel, or weaken.

Extend the Life of Your Deck by Enclosing it with a Three or Four Season Sunroom! Sunrooms allow you to Enjoy the Outdoors throughout the Year, No Matter the Weather. Traditional Windows or our Versatile Eze-Breeze Windows protect you from rain, dirt, bugs, pollen and wind while you Entertain or Relax on your Porch. A Sunroom quickly becomes the Favorite Room in the House ~ It is Full of Light and provides a Perfect Atmosphere to Unwind, Free of Pesky Bugs!

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8 Summer is right around the corner, and now is the time to start thinking about updating or replacing worn out or out-of-style furniture. Decorating at the shore — or for your vacation house — can be quite different from decorating your primary residence. One usually wants to incorporate a “beachy” feel to the property inside and outside. But how do you get away from the cliché of seashells in every room? One option is to speak with either Dan Powell or Werner Tedesco from Coastal Designer Outlet. Both are experts at helping homeowners design their interiors with whimsical, bright, and colorful furniture suited to the Jersey Shore and surrounding areas. Many second home owners are renting their properties during the summer. Furniture choices need to be attractive and functional.

Bring out your inner designer at your shore home Above all else, they should be able to withstand a bit of abuse that comes whenever other people share your home and resources. One of the more popular decorating trends

Decorating at the shore — or for your vacation house — can be quite different from decorating your primary residence.

is painted furniture. You will find painted dressers, end tables, and many other items at Coastal Designers. Custom ordering is also available. Sleeper mattresses can be quite tr comfortable these days. c In fact, many sleepers now use inflatable mattresses. They are a bit more expensive but well

worth the extra investment. Don’t forget about your walls and accessory items, like artwork, paintings, lamps, etc. Adding tasteful touches like a custom pillow here or there can make a real difference and help a home feel warm. Let Coastal Designer Outlet guide you through the maze of seashore decorating. Call Dan or Werner today at (609) 624-1544 for all your designing needs.

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REALTORS:® Defending the Rights of Home Owners Since 1908. The National Association of REALTORS® takes great pride in protecting the American Dream of home ownership. We feel that home ownership is under attack and being threatened for the ﬁrst time in generations. Please join our efforts in making sure that elected

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Refurbished Dining Table and Chairs The more I got into redecorating our living room, the more I realized that our current dining table and chairs needed to go. After being Hey I’m Becka, a lover moved to and from two difof crafting, decorating and ferent apartments and then to Pinterest. From wreaths to our house, the set had seen pillows to curtains and refurbetter days. The seven year bishing furniture I’ll attempt old Martha Stewart for KMart pretty much anything. I’m a set served us well, but it was natural organizer and plantime for an upgrade. ner. Every good day starts I had remembered seeing a with a to do list and ends table and chair set at the thrift with a glass of wine. Hang on store when I was searching for for this design adventure! the dresser to refurbish. When I went back to check it out, I The “new” dining room table and chairs. couldn’t pass it up for $160. Looking past the then sandpaper to get in shiny table top and all the details. tacky chair cushions After sanding it is imcovered in plastic, portant to use a tack cloth I loved to character to remove all the dust and of the chairs and the residue left on the piece. curved legs of the I primed everything using table. Zinsser Cover Stain and In our house the let dry for 24 hours. UsRe-covered cushions dining table is a well ing a high quality roller and used piece of furniture foam paint brush I painted for $15 allowing half a yard so I knew I needed to Before three coats of the black paint, per chair. Since I had never do my research to make sure allowing at least 24 hours in reupholstered anything before the paint I chose would be du- ion had a TON of staples to pry between coats. It is important I consulted Pinterest and found rable and didn’t mind investing out. I found the best method to note that this particular this great tutorial. When I had in a quality paint. Everyone at was to pry the staples up with type of paint was quick dry- removed the plastic and fabric I the Soltz paint store was very a screw driver then pull them ing so I had to take my time realized the cushions needed to helpful and suggested using out with pliers. Then, we and make sure to cover any be replaced too. I bought one PPG Breakthrough Fast Block went to town sanding, using imperfections immediately. I inch foam from Hobby Lobby Interior/Exterior did do a light sanding between for $28. Covering the cushions paint in black satin. It coats to remove any flaws. is definitely a two person job. is high quality and can Because the table and chairs Using a staple gun and having stand being well used, would be getting a lot of use, I a lot of faith in the Hubs to not perfect for furniture let everything cure for 7 days staple my fingers, the cushions and cabinets. I bought before using. It was so hard, were covered. a gallon for about $50, but definitely worth it. I loved how the black chair but have more than The fabric I chose was from looks with the fabric. half of it left. Fabric.com. It is Premier The table and chairs look First step was to Prints Suzani Twill in Powder perfect in our dining area and remove those awful, Blue. I purchased two yards cost under $275. plastic covered chair Stripped and sanded cushions. This was probTo see more of Becka’s blog go to ably the most time consuming a palm sander on the larger part of the project. Each cush- parts of the table and chairs

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12 When it comes to renovating a home, homeowners expect to spend money. No home renovation or home improvement project is free, but some are less costly than others. The addition of a halfbathroom is a popular project among homeowners, and it won’t necessarily break the bank. If converting existing floor space into a half-bathroom, such a renovation can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, making the addition of a powder room one of the few home improvement projects where the value added to the home exceeds the cost of the renovation. Before deciding to add a half-bathroom, it helps to consider some of the pros and cons of the project.

Pros

The addition of a halfbathroom is a project that often makes practical and financial sense.

Is it time to add a half-bathroom? The addition of a half-bathroom is a popular project among homeowners, and it won’t necessarily break the bank.

* Convenience: A halfbathroom is often added on the home’s main floor or in the basement or attic. This makes it more convenient for guests to use the restroom during a dinner party or when coming over to watch the big game in a basement home-theater area. * Problem-free: Halfbathrooms are smaller because they don’t have a shower or bathtub. That means common bathroom problems like mold and mildew are not as big a concern as they are for full bathrooms. * More choices: Because mold and mildew aren’t likely to present a problem in a halfbathroom, homeowners have more options at their disposal when choosing floors and countertops.

Cons * Space: As their name implies, half-bathrooms are much smaller than full bathrooms. As a result, they tend to feel cramped.

* Va l u e : T h o u g h a n inexpensive half-bathroom addition might recoup its value and then some at resale, the project won’t add as much resale value to a home as a full bathroom addition might. * Loss of storage: If storage around the house is sparse, homeowners might be better off keeping the area designated for the half-bathroom as a storage closet instead of a bathroom. Once the pros and cons have been weighed, homeowners who want to go forward with the project should then check with their local municipality to ensure the codes and requirements won’t restrict their project. Size or window restrictions might curtail the project or limit what homeowners can do, which might change their minds on the project altogether. The addition of a halfbathroom often makes practical and financial sense. But before making any addition, homeowners must weight the pros and cons to make the best decision possible.

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Gardening tips for beginners * Determine what you Gardening is a rewarding hobby that many enthusiasts should plant. Where you live will go a long way toward determining what you should plant. While you can plant anything you can get your hands on, the United States Department of Agriculture as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have determined specific plant hardiness zones that indicate which plants are most likely to thrive in given locations. Maps of these zones can be found at www. usda.gov and www.agr.gc.ca. By adhering to the maps, gardeners can significantly increase their chances of growing successful gardens. When in doubt about what to plant, consult a local gardening center or seek advice from a professional landscaper.

credit with helping them to peacefully escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Though gardening can be both relaxing and rewarding, it’s not as easy as it may seem, and the more time and effort a person devotes to his or her garden the more likely it is to be successful. Gardening can be a little daunting for beginners who have little or no experience planting flowers or vegetables. But gardening need not be so intimidating, especially for those beginners who adhere to the following tips aimed at helping novice gardeners start their gardens off on the right foot.

* Think location when beginning your garden. Beginners with large yards have the luxury of choosing the right location on their properties to start planting. When choosing a spot, consider how much sunlight a location gets on a daily basis and the spot’s proximity to a water supply. If planting flowers, try to avoid planting in areas with heavy foot traffic so the flowers are less likely to be

stomped. If you’re planting flowers to accent walkways, then consider erecting a barrier around the flower bed to safeguard the flowers from foot traffic.

* Get started before you plant. Preparing the soil a few weeks before you start planting can help the plants thrive down the road. Add some organic material, such as compost or fertilizer, to the soil roughly three weeks before planting. This helps the soil retain water and nutrients, which will help your garden thrive.

* Time your planting. When you plant is sometimes as important as what you plant. Some climates allow for year-round planting, but many do not. When buying seeds, the packaging might suggest what time of year to plant the seeds. Adhere to these suggestions or your garden might not grow much at all. In addition, keep in mind that many seedlings need significant light throughout the day in order to grow, so choose a time of year with ample daylight.

* Don’t forget to mulch. Mulch can be as aesthetically appealing as it is effective. Mulch retains soil, helping roots to grow stronger, while deterring bugs and preventing weed growth. And many gardeners find mulch adds visual appeal their garden, and does so in a very inexpensive way.

* Clean your tools. Beginners rarely recognize the importance of cleaning gardening tools before putting them away. At the end of each gardening session, clean your tools thoroughly, as soil left on your garden tools can play host to potentially harmful microbes that might kill your plants. Gardening can be a labor-intensive yet gratifying hobby. By sticking to a few simple rules, beginners can develop a thriving garden to reward all of that hard work.

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Think of It as a ‘Little House’ Do you think of your outdoor shed as little more than a “barn?” Something to throw your outdoor implements into when they’re not in use? “Our sheds are more like little houses,” said Amy Litton of Seashore Sheds & Gazebos, 507 Seashore Rd., Cape May. You put a lot of time, work and expense into keeping your home’s appearance presentable — inside and outside— so why neglect the other structure on your property? Seashore Sheds specializes in sheds of all manner: potting

sheds, gazebos, storage sheds, pool houses, even garages. “We have Amish builders that will build the shed of your choice right on your property,” Litton said, “and at a fraction of the cost of a stick-built shed.” The entire process, Litton noted, takes about a day-anda-half. “We have even constructed three-car, two-story garages,” she added.

And if you have other ideas, Seashore Sheds can work with you. One customer had a twostory ‘high-barn’ made into a pool house, fully wired and functional with the second floor transformed into a play house for his children. “A place for the kids to ‘camp’ overnight,” Litton said.

Yo u c a n c a l l S e a s h o r e Sheds, or better still, stop in, check their brochures, and go through their samples. They always have about 30-40 sheds/ garages on site. Or design a shed yourself. The professional staff can help you. Call (609) 884-3381. —Jim Vanore

Why neglect the other structure on your property?

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Adding a Little Luxury to Your Home (Family Features) Seventytwo percent of homeowners plan to decorate or redecorate in the next two years, according to the 2012 Houzz and Home Survey; and 86 percent said that improving the look and feel of the space was their most important goal. You can find plenty of dĂ&#x2C6;cor inspiration on sites such as Houzz or Pinterest. And with the right materials and a little creativity, you can add a little luxury to your home, too. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Paint

You can add a fresh look to a room with a fresh coat of paint. You can also add richness and depth with a specialty paint treatment. Textured paint allows you to give your walls the look of soft suede, leather, linen or even vintage plaster. Metallic paints can be used with stencils to create elegant patterns, or on textured wallpaper to create the look of antique tin ceiling tiles.

Textiles

Fabrics are a great way to add color and texture to a room. Browsing the remnant tables at a fabric store can lead you to some beautiful bargains. You can use remnants to recover pillows, add banding to drapes, or make runners for the table or buffet. Try adding a luxurious throw to the sofa or a small wool rug on top of existing carpet for a cozy, layered look. You can also consider investing in having a quality piece of furniture reupholstered. Look for a fabric that is not only beautiful, but durable as well, so you get more bang for your buck. For example, Sensuede is easy to clean, child- and pet-friendly, yet is soft, comfortable and luxurious to the touch. Learn more, and explore the more than 200 colors available, at www. sensuede.com.

Accents

Sometimes little things can add up to a big difference. Change out some of your accent pieces to add a special touch to any room. Metallic colors and materials such as gold, silver, bronze and copper add warmth and elegance. Vases, picture and mirror frames, decorative bowls and trays are simple ways to bring beautiful metals into any room. Richly colored candles add color and scent to a room, and their soft light will make your metallic accents glow.

Flooring

Sometimes the floor can get overlooked as a design element in a room. But a beautiful floor can pull the whole look of a room together. Refinishing hardwood floors, installing laminate or stone

flooring, replacing carpets, or investing in quality area rugs are all ways you can add the perfect finishing touch to a room.

There are a lot of ways you can add luxury to your living spaces, so start exploring creative ways to make your home the picture-perfect place youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted.

Shopping for a fire pit (Family Features) People have sat around an open fire outdoors for centuries. Not only does fire provide warmth and light, but also it offers a relaxing setting for conversation and socialization. The outdoor fire pit has transformed the concept of backyard entertaining. Homeowners understand how a fire pit can add value to a home and make their yard an inviting place to be on a summer evening or a chilly autumn night. Outdoor fire pits are a relatively new creation that continue to grow in popularity. Once available strictly through specialty retailers, fire pits can now be found on the shelves of many home improvement and big box stores as well as online. Fire pits can add a lot to a home’s exterior entertaining area. Some fire pit styles and materials will last longer than others. Homeowners should assess their needs and the space available before choosing a fire pit for their home. First, homeowners

m decide if they want a must permanent or portable fire p pit. If you are ready to make p aan enduring change to your yyard and landscape, then a permanent fire pit is the way p tto go. These can be made of sstone or brick and are often vvery durable. Permanent fire pits can be incorporated into p llandscape designs to create a professional patio look. They’re also some of the safer T ttypes of fire pits because they ccannot be knocked over and tthe bricks or retaining wall

construction provide a barrier c around the fire. a Portable fire pits are freestanding units that can f be b moved around the yard on o a whim. They also can be b loaded into the car and taken to a neighbor’s house t or o even to the beach. Portable fire pits are less expensive than permanent models, and t some homeowners prefer a s trial run with a portable pit t before deciding to install a b permanent structure. p Portable fire pits are

Once you have chosen a fire pit, safety should prevail. Here are some tips to consider. * Keep the fire pit away from the home and objects that can burn. Maintain a safe distance from the fire pit at all times. * The best place to have the fire pit is on hard stone, cement or tile. Portable fire pits can be placed on patio stones in the lawn. * Use a screen to keep embers and sparks from escaping during use.

* Keep children a good distance away from the fire pit and always supervise when the pit is in use. * Make sure the fire is completely extinguished before going in for the night. * Do not use any accelerants to make the fire bigger or light faster. * Buy a vinyl cover to protect the fire pit from the elements when not in use.

made of metal and usually m ccoated with a fireproof paint. Over time, exposure to the O eelements can cause the metal tto rust or weaken, something homeowners should consider h prior to purchase. p Homeowners also must cconsider a fuel source. Wood iis a common fuel source ffor fire pits. Wood can be iinexpensive, especially when gathered from around w tthe yard. However, a woodburning fire will constantly b have to be fed with new h branches. If you want to have b a roaring fire but don’t want to maintain it, then a gas-fueled m fire pit is better. Natural ggas fire pits can run off of a portable propane tank (think p barbecue tank) or be directly b cconnected to a home’s natural ggas supply. Now you can decide on tthe style. Gas fire pits will ggive you a greater number of design options, but there are d sstill plenty of choices with wood fire pits. From bowlw sshaped pits to rectangularsshaped pits to barrel-style pits to chimineas, there are p designs to fit most preferences d aand size constraints.

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Construction at an Affordable Price As a category, “home improvements” can cover a lot of ground — literally. But how you cover that ground, and at what cost, is where the process must begin. And a good partner to help you start can be found

most people just can’t do that. They want to save as much money as they can.” And that’s where Mill Run comes in. Focusing mainly on additions to existing property — like an additional room or a second floor — Mill Run will come out to your location, help you with the design and drawings, secure all necessary permits, and construct the foundation, frame, and form of the addition. “A lot of people are handy enough to do the inside finishing themselves,” said Novak. “We build the structure; the client does his own finishing and saves a lot

at Mill Run Builders in Del Haven. “If you’re wealthy, you can simply hire an architect and go from there,” said Mill Run’s Bill Novak, who has been building in south Jersey for 35 years. “But realistically,

of money. That way, you can add a room for an affordable price.” Building doesn’t have to be a costly headache. Mill Run can do the heavy work; you can add the finishing touches…and save a lot of cash for those nice little family amenities, like perhaps a big screen TV? Give Bill Novak a call at (609) 898-7478 and see how much Mill Run can save for you. —Jim Vanore

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It is essential to pinch off flowers that form to encourage the herb plant to continue producing leaves, which are the parts of the plant most associated with seasoning and aroma.

Cultivate an herb garden Many people cultivate gardens both inside and outside of their homes with a focus on adding aesthetic appeal to their property. But a garden that boasts plants that are edible and pleasing to the eye is a possibility as well. Planting an herb garden is a creative way to enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of a wide variety of plants. Using fresh-harvested herbs in culinary endeavors imparts a taste that dried spices cannot match. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, fresh herbs are often easy to cultivate. Herbs are versatile, capable of lending great flavor to foods while also

playing different roles in personal health and beauty. Herbs can be grown to perfume homes and bodies. There are herbs that are also purported to help with ailments, from upset stomachs to anxiety. When planting an herb garden, you may want to pay particular attention to the types of flavors and smells you like in your home and cooking. This will help you to narrow down the types of herbs you will plant. Many would-be herb gardeners tend to start small to see what luck they have when cultivating herbs. Fortunately, herbs can grow well in containers

Recipe When you have an abundance of tomatoes and basil in your garden, try this easy recipe thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sure to please. These are especially nice for large gatherings.

9-inch prepared pie crust, unbaked 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided 4 medium tomatoes 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves 4 cloves garlic 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper Additional basil for garnish

indoors, provided the soil is amenable and there is plenty of sunlight. Herbs will grow best in well-prepared soil. Make sure that it is rich in organic matter and drains well. Also, for plants like parsley, be sure to have deep pots or dig deeply in the garden to establish long taproots. Until the weather warms up, you may want to begin herb cultivation indoors and then transfer plants outside during the summer. Basil, for instance, is a tropical plant that does well in warm conditions.

Therefore, it will need to be kept away from drafts and get several hours of direct sunshine a day. Place most herb planters in a south-facing window of a home to ensure they get ample sunlight and to allow the soil to dry adequately between waterings. With many herbs, leaf production will diminish on any stems that flower. It is essential to pinch off flowers that form to encourage the herb plant to continue producing leaves, which are the parts of the plant most associated with seasoning and aroma.

Tomato-Basil Pie Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Unfold the pie crust, and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Flute the edges or press with fork tines. Pre-bake according to the package directions. Remove from oven and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Cool on a wire rack. Cut tomatoes into slices and drain on paper towels. Arrange the slices on top of the melted cheese in the baked shell. Coarsley chop basil and garlic. Sprinkle over the tomatoes. Combine the remaining mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan and pepper in a mixing bowl. Spoon cheese mixture over basil mixture, spreading to evenly cover the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm garnished with basil leaves. Serves 4 to 8.

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Never a Better Time for

Solar

It’s a buyer’s market. Just talk to Gayle Rowe at JBS Solar (609-884-7373) in Cape May and within a very short time you’ll know if installing solar panels on your home or business is a profitable venture. But be forewarned, it most likely will be. G a y l e ’s h u s b a n d , J o e , acknowledged that the average time it takes for solar energy panels to pay for themselves is about five-and-a-half years. And the return on investment averages 12-15 percent, according to Joe. Just try to get that return from a CD or bank account. Plus, there are additional benefits, like government rebates and Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) that can be collected for 15 years. But the big news, of course, is that your electric bills go away. “You are done with the electric company,” Joe said explicitly. To find out if solar panels will work for you, start by calling JBS Solar and giving them your address. They’ll pull up a satellite photo of your location

Green Ways

to Beautify Your Home

(Family Features) When it comes to improving your home, it’s easier than ever to make eco-friendly choices that save you money, are better for the environment and make your home more beautiful. Here are a few easy ways you can go green all over the house.

Light it Up As you make the switch from incandescent bulbs, it’s important to look for a bulb that will not only conserve energy and save money, but that gives you the kind of illumination you want. Look for an alternative with even light distribution, such as 3M LED Advanced Light. It lights up a room as beautifully as you would expect, and lasts for 25 years, delivering energy efficiency without compromise. It uses one quarter of the energy used by an incandescent light bulb and can save you up to $140 worth of electricity over the bulb’s lifetime. In addition, it contains no mercury and does not need special disposal. Learn more at www.3MLighting.com/ LED.

Decorate with Recycled Materials Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or want to buy readymade items, there are plenty of options that keep materials out of landfills. Look for furniture made from reclaimed wood, carpets made from recycled plastic, flooring made from sustainable resources such as bamboo or cork, and wallpaper made from managed timber sources. You can find glassware, dinner sets and accessories made from recycled glass, and textiles like curtains and blankets made from organic fibers.

and do the property evaluation right from the office. “Not all sites are conducive to solar energy,” Joe said. “Factors like roof position and tree covering may prevent (the necessary) sun exposure.” Plus, there are areas of New Jersey that are “closed” to solar energy. But most are open, so let JBS Solar look at your electric bill to decide just how large or small a system you need, because installers must size the system appropriate to your needs. Now add in the recent drop in price of solar panel components, and you’ll realize why there has never been a better time to install solar panels and be done with the electric company. —Jim Vanore

You are done with the electric company!

Save Water with Style Upgrading your water-using devices can help you use less water and save money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that products with the WaterSense or EnergyStar labels will cut down on your water usage. For example, replacing faucets and aerators with WaterSense models can save you an average of 700 gallons of water per year. Replacing your showerhead could save 2,900 gallons of water per year, and a new toilet could save you 13,000 gallons of water per year. Look for the EnergyStar label on dishwashers and washing machines - they can use up to half as much water and 40 percent less energy.

Clean Green Keep your home sparkling clean with eco-friendly cleaners and detergents. Look for products with plant-based ingredients and that are free from artificial chemicals, colors and fragrances. And learn to make your own cleaners, too. Baking soda and vinegar are natural products with a lot of cleaning power. Making some green improvements around your house is easier than you think - and the payoff is a beautiful home and a better environment. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Solar Leasing

Say goodbye to high electric bills. Solar saves you up to 30% or more for the next 20 years. Residential and Commercial

Call JBS for a no-obligation site visit

609-884-7373 or visit www.JBSPV.com Lic. # 13VH04939800

(Family Features)

hen it comes to adding technology to your home, the bedroom might not be the first place you would consider. But the reality is that high tech is becoming an integral part of every living space — including the bedroom.

“High-tech is here to stay,” said Emily Henderson, HGTV “Design Star” winner and designer on “Secrets from a Stylist” on HGTV. “Technology can make your life easier in so many ways. And with so much activity centered in the master suite, it makes sense to add useful tech devices into that living space, too.” Here are a few of Henderson’s favorite ways to modernize the master bedroom in style: Emily Henderson

| Bed control “It shouldn’t take a lot of work to get comfortable enough to relax,” said Henderson. “Traditional beds only have one position, and that’s not going to be a good fit for everyone or every activity. That’s why I love Leggett & Platt’s adjustable bed bases. With a wireless remote I can easily change my position to be comfortable no matter what I’m doing.” Henderson says that today’s adjustable base beds are not only more functional than old models, but they’re more attractive, too. “You can find a style to fit your room and a model that offers the level of technology that you’re comfortable with,” she said. “For example, the Leggett & Platt Designer Series has intuitive digital remotes that let you adjust both the head and the foot of your mattress so you can find exactly the right position. They even have a massage feature for a little stylish pampering and a bed skirt option for a more traditional look.” Learn more at www. lpadjustablebeds.com.

| Motorized window treatment control “It’s such a luxury to be able to lie in bed and use a remote to open your curtains or shades in the morning,” said Henderson. “I think it officially means you are a grown up, but in a good way.” Henderson recommends that you get shades or curtains that have blackout lining, and ideally two settings — one for privacy

and light control, which would be lighter and thinner, and one with the blackout lining for that perfect dark room that you can sleep in. Blackout curtains also muffle outside noise. “I’m a big fan of The Shade Store motorized window treatments, which are all custom made. They are super high quality so less likely to break down and are still very attractive.” You can find motorized shades or shutters with a timer, which lets you program them to open and close whenever you like. Some have wall switches, while others have a remote control so you can operate them from anywhere.

| Remote control TV mount “Wall mounting your TV isn’t anything new, but being able to lie in bed and control the exact placement (right, left, tilt up, tilt down) is a total luxury,” said Henderson. “Many companies are starting to do this so you don’t have to have the TV across from your bed, instead you can put it on a side wall and have the long extendable arm bring the TV to you — by remote.” Make sure that your wall mount is compatible with your television. • Check the weight rating on the mounts and brackets to make sure they can support your TV. • Some mounts have different shapes to fit different

Adding technology — and style — to the bedroom screen sizes. Check the specification on the packaging to be sure. Hide ugly cables with a cord concealer. You can find lowprofile paintable flat screen cord cover kits at your local home improvement stores. Paint them to match your wall and they’ll blend right in.

| Heat control Sleeping at the right tem perature is crucial for a wakeless night’s sleep, but finding an attractive thermostat can be tricky. “There are thermostats which you can control with your iPhone even if you are traveling, so that when you are headed home you can make sure it’s warm enough without wasting a lot of energy,” said Henderson. These thermostats are intended to save you energy and money by automatically learning your patterns and behavior and adjusting itself accordingly. You can also create your own personal comfort zone within the bedroom with temperature controlled pillows and blankets. And there’s nothing quite like waking up and putting your feet down on heated flooring.

| Music control You want to listen to music on good quality speakers, but you don’t want a huge speaker in your bedroom; nor do you want to have to get up and turn the stereo off. “Also, I don’t always like the music right next to my ear, on the nightstand,” said Henderson, “so instead I recommend a Bluetooth or wireless speaker that plugs into your wall. You can find speakers that are small and attractive with a great sound and can be controlled by your smartphone next to your bed.” When choosing a speaker, keep a few things in mind: • Bluetooth reach is limited to about 30 feet. Some speakers use Wi-Fi wireless network technology, which has wider coverage. • Some models have a dock for smartphones or other devices, as well as additional audio inputs for connecting other devices such as your TV. Make sure the model you choose is compatible with your devices — some only work with iOS or Android systems. •Some wireless speakers come with remotes or voice recognition controls, but the quality varies. Read user reviews before making your decision.

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609-886-4218 www.SeashoreExteriors.com

Ron Frame & Ron Frame, Jr. • Owners/Operators Lic. # 13VH0495100 - A Division of Seashore Home Builders

Fully Licensed & Insured

Porches, Old or New, Outside Living at its Best A new, high-quality, screened patio enclosure will keep bugs and leaves out of your patio area and increase your home’s living space for much less than the cost of adding a new room to your house. You are free to start enjoying your cozy screen enclosure in any way you want, immediately after the new screens have been

installed on your patio enclosure. Your new screen enclosure will provide your family a bug free seating area. We are all aware that bugs and mosquitos carry diseases that have caused widespread illnesses. Window screens, introduced in the 1880s, were called “the most humane contribution the

19th century made to the preservation of sanity and good temper.” We are still enjoying their many uses today. In the summer you can have meals, entertain friends, play games, relax while watching the sunset, or just read without having to swat at a steady stream of backyard pests such as mosquitoes and flies. During the colder months you will be able to spend more time outdoors, in the fresh air, because with the correct screens you can also cut down the wind chill factor. Simply add a small, inexpensive space heater to your patio enclosure and you have a comfortable room with fresh air, all year round. If your screen enclosure is showing its age and needs some work, Screenmobile provides screen repairs and replacement services to bring back its original beauty and usefulness. With your choice of insect or sun control screening fabric, you will be enjoying

your screen enclosure, screen room, or pool area again in no time, completely protected from pesky insects, blowing leaves, and airborne debris. Repairing screen enclosures occasionally requires new frames to replace the older, damaged frames. There are a variety of options for replacing the screen frames on your porch including wood and aluminum. And of course you can choose the color to match your home. In our area, we have many older homes in historic areas. It is important to maintain the historical integrity of your home by blending repairs and rescreens to preserve the look of your home. This can be done with a variety of fabric colors as well as the frames themselves. Whether your porch is old or new, call Screenmobile of Cape-Atlantic at (609) 465-5688 for your porch and patio needs. Call us for a Free Estimate. You call; we screen.

ELECTRIC • HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Smallest Repair To Complete Projects-

Specializing in the Unico Heating & Cooling System. Specifically designed for older aand historic homes.

We Do It All, So Give Greg A Call!

GENERAL CONTRACTING ALL PHASES OF CONSTRUCTION * Kitchen & Bath Remodeling * Doors • Windows • Decks * Handyman Services & Repairs * Masonry Work * Backhoe/Loader/Dump Truck Work

Phone 609-861-0373 Serving Cape May County and Surrounding Areas Since 1982 Licensed- Bonded- Insured • Lic # 13VH0498800

The Unico system is a high velocity air system which uses small tubing that is ﬁshed thru walls and ceilings eliminating the need for standard cumbersome ductwork which would cause interior drywall damage and major construction repairs.

www.unicosystem.com/iah

You Call

We Screen®

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We Come To You! • Porch Screening with Super Screen

• SUNAIR Awnings

• Sliding Screen Doors (custom ﬁt)

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• Pet Screens • Window & Door Rescreens • New Screens for Window & Doors

• PHANTOM Retractable Screen Doors & Motorized Screens

609 465-5688 Serving Cape May & Atlantic Counties NJ Lic#13VH06390100

www.screenmobile.com/cape-atlantic

Celtic Air Adds Round-the-Clock Plumbing Celtic Air is a family owned and operated heating and air conditioning service located at 39 Rt. 47 South in Cape May Court House. For 16 years, Celtic Air has been an Authorized Bryant Dealer, but they do service all makes and models. Specializing in heating, airconditioning, and whole-house air purifying systems, Celtic Air has now added plumbing to their service with the addition of two expert plumbers with more than 20 years’ experience each. If you’re getting ready to do a water turn-on in a summer home, now is a good time to give Celtic Air a call. And if a plumbing emergency arises, Celtic Air has technicians available 24/7. And when installing a new heating, air conditioning, or air purifying system, remember that the warranties usually do not include routine maintenance that your system needs to run efficiently and most manufacturers require. However, your Celtic Air Maintenance Agreement will help keep your warranty safe. “The new air purification systems can save homeowners money,” said Jen Cormican, who, along with her husband, Turlough, own Celtic Air. “The ductwork is air-tight and they use less electricity.”

Visit us in Ocean View at 2584 Route 9 • 609-624-1991

We’re with you every step of the way from application to ﬁnal payment.

Most people are not aware that the air inside their home is often less healthy than the air outside their home. A purification system answers that problem. Even if your home has radiator heat, or perhaps you’ve added an addition — a ductless system can be installed with an outside condenser and a small wall unit. So even an older home can now have a fresh, cool environment. Celtic Air is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call (609) 898-9100, email celticair@comcast.net, or check their website: www.celticair.com. —Jim Vanore

If a plumbing emergency arises, Celtic Air has technicians available 24/7.

JIM STANFIELD PAINTING CONTRACTOR 609-408-3602

Call for you r FREE Estima te!

• 31 Years Experience • Clean, Quality Workmanship • Attention to Detail • No Job Too Big or Too Small • Reliable & • Referrals Upon Request Dependable Service • Interior ~ Exterior • Committed to 100% Customer Satisfaction NJ License #13VH03446200 “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10-31

Heating & Air Conditioning

609-898-9100 www.celticair.com m

HIC # 13VH01537500 MP LIC # 12904

Choose Plants; Choose Professional Gardeners • Lagerstroemia indica, • Rhapheolepis umbellata, • Nyssa sylvatica, • Nepeta faasenii. • Buxus koreana Latin is the universal language of horticulturalists, scientists, and physicians. It doesn’t make us smarter or better, but if there is a command of it, it is usually sign that time has been invested in education, and the willingness to know the minute differences between species of plants and how they fit into your world. The above list is a quick selection of some outstanding plants for our area. Look them up or ask your favorite garden professional about them. They are sure to delight and perform for you with interest and meaning for years. Choosing trees and shrubs for your home is no easy task. Understanding what species will grow, under what conditions, what size they will attain and how they blend with other plants is daunting at best. If it was easy, there would be no need for professionals.

And yes, there are professionals. These are people who have studied horticulture, design and botany. They are serious gardeners, Master Gardeners, Certified landscape designers, Landscape Architects and long-established and trusted Landscape Design/ Build Contractors with years of experience in this county. Put your trust in these businesses. Ask for references, review their portfolio, and visit their offices, nurseries, and jobsites. Invest wisely. The differences in ability, knowledge, intent and “style”

will become apparent. Often the choices that are made for entry level foundation plantings are based on impulse, color and curiosity. Even choices made for privacy screens and shade trees are made based on “availability.” Take a breather; make an appointment with a designer, visit an established garden center and do some research. What options you have may be quite varied and unique and give you a more personal and intimate feel to your landscape. It is often said, “Why do

people spend so much time working with professionals about lighting, window treatments, tile, carpet, paint colors, doors and other building materials that stay consistent once installed, yet go it alone on plants in their yard and watch monsters emerge and swallow their well-designed house?” Let’s mention these in English: Leyland Cypress, Alberta Spruce, Golden Thread-branch Cypress, Crimson Barberry, Burning Bush, Bradford Pear, Silver King Euonymus, Purple Sand Cherry, Atlas Cedar are among many plants that consistently get put in wrong places (and get bad reputations). Used correctly, they can be wonderful additions to the landscape, but they are very often misused. A well-chosen plant should work for you today, tomorrow and in 15 years. We are looking forward to your call. — Stan Sperlak, Cape Shore Gardens

NJ Reg. Builder 40622 NJ # 13VH00540000

Choose Grass Seed Wisely One of the best ways to improve your lawn and reduce the use of pesticides is by over-seeding with a high quality grass seed. It sounds simple enough, but most home owners do not realize the difference between varieties of grass seed. Some grass favors sun, some favor shade. Others need more water; some need less. And some are resistant to disease and insects. So how do we know what to choose? Every bag of grass seed has a label or a tag that will tell you several things. It tells you the types of grass by weight, species, and variety. 1. Never use any grass seed blend that contains “Annual Rye Grass” for a lawn unless you have bare ground and need quick cover. Annual Rye Grass has its uses, but not in seeding an established lawn. It germinates quickly and dies off in late spring, leaving any areas that it dominated bare. 2. Tall Fescue — choose

high quality endophyte enhanced varieties. These are resistant to chewing insects such as sod web worms and chinch bugs. 3. Perennial Rye Grass — look for the letters or words GLS, GLR, GL or GR after the name of the variety on the label. These types of perennial rye grass are resistant to grey leaf spot.

4. Kentucky Blue Grass — look for new improved cultivars that are more disease resistant. Ultimately a blend of Tall Fescue, Perennial Rye and Kentucky Blue Grass that have the attributes previously discussed will provide the greatest diversity. When the Turf Grass is not under pressure from disease and insects, it is better able to thrive with less water. Call Naturalawn of America at (609)465-1405 for your lawn care needs.

Your yard is an eco-system It takes more than grass seed to have a healthy eco-system. Minerals, nutrients, plantlife, animals and insects all play a role in keeping things in the proper balance. Our holistic approach to your yard targets harmful pests without harming beneficial ones (what is called Integrated Pest Management, or IPM).

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INDEX BLINDS Budget Blinds ....... Page 12 BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS 84 Lumber ............ Page 19 Hawthorne Davis Development, LLC . Page 35 Mill Run Builders... Page 23 Scattolini Brothers Page 21 Seashore Home Builders...............Page 11 FENCE COMPANIES Murphy Fence Company ................ Page 5 FINANCIAL SERVICES Franklin Bank........ Page 32 FIREPLACES Quality Home Ctr. ... Page 4 FLOORING Quality Home Ctr. ... Page 4 FURNITURE Coastal Designer Outlet ................. Page 40 Osborne’s ............. Page 13 HOME IMPROVEMENTS 84 Lumber ............ Page 19 Coastline Contractors, LLC .. Page 30 JBT Aluminum ...... Page 15 Scattolini Brothers Page 21 Seashore Custom Exteriors ............ Page 29 INSULATION Cape Insulation....... Page 8 KITCHENS AND CABINETS Le Rêve Designs .. Page 39 The Cabinet Shop... Page 2 Quality Home Center .................. Page 4 LAWN CARE, LANDSCAPING & HARDSCAPING Cape Shore Gardens ............. Page 34 DiPalantino Contractors ........ Page 36 Naturalawn ........... Page 37

PAINTERS AND SUPPLIES Jim Stan¿eld Painting.............. Page 32 PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Advanced Power Electrical Contractors ........ Page 30 Celtic Air Heating & Air Conditioning .. Page 33 Schafer Mechanical Services ............. Page 22 POOLS AND SPAS Klenswite Pools & Spas ............... Page 16 REALTORS Association of Realtors ............... Page 9 SCREENS, WINDOWS & DOORS Screenmobile........ Page 31 Twin Glass Company ............ Page 22 Wildwood Glass Inc.... Pages 8 & 25 SHED COMPANIES Seashore Sheds & Gazebos ......... Page 17 SHOWER DOORS, MIRRORS & TUB ENCLOSURES Twin Glass Company ........... Page 22 Wildwood Glass Inc.... Pages 8 & 25 SOLAR & WIND ENERGY JBS Solar & Wind LLC ........... Page 27 STONE, GRANITE & MARBLE La Terra Stone ........ Page 7 SUNROOMS South Jersey Sunrooms ............ Page 6

© The Seawave Corp. 2013. All rights reserved. All property rights for the entire contents of this publication shall be the property of The Seawave Corp. No part hereof may be reproduced without prior written consent. Neither participating advertisers nor the publisher will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors. Submitted content becomes the property of the publisher; the publisher reserves the right to edit or refuse any submitted material.

Moving Beyond The Traditional Kitchen Visit any American home on any given evening, and you will probably find that the center of the activity is in the kitchen. The kitchen has become a comfortable, friendly place to eat, chew the fat, cook and relax. Whether it’s routine family life or weekend entertaining, it’s all happening in and around the kitchen. The kitchen is the new heart of our homes and lives. As our social and family life move to the kitchen, the room should emanate the personality of the people who live there. Not everyone’s kitchen should look or feel the same — in style or design. A kitchen needs to function efficiently and fill the needs of each particular home. Moving beyond the traditional workspace, people increasingly want their kitchens to reflect the way they really use or want to use the space. This could mean making dinner while watching the news, helping kids with

homework, or just sitting around gossiping with the neighbor over a glass of wine. Many people choose to center a party or holiday around the kitchen island. The era of the kitchen being closed off from the rest of the house has ended. The trend is using more comfortable seating, whether it is at the island or at the kitchen table. We are also seeing more people using fireplaces in the kitchen and large islands used as a gathering spot. Even the dining room (and its table) is becoming part of the kitchen. As people are looking to remodel and update, they are increasing the size of their kitchens, while opening them up to the other rooms of the home. From the beginning of your day to the end of your day, take a moment to reflect on how much time your family has spent in the kitchen. —Tami Derrick of LeReve Designs

SHOWROOM

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“We’re right behind the Wawa Exit 17 GSP” • Open Mon. thru Sat. 10am-5pm / Sun. 11am-4pm

556 Sea Isle Blvd in Ocean View Plaza, Ocean View • 609 624-1544