Home/Garden Decorator Issue 1 by Fox Printing and Digital Publishing

home garden

D E C O R AT O R 08

STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

8 TIPS FOR A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN GALA

HOW TO MAKE CHALK PAINT

CREATE THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS

The Garatyrden P

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With Spring comes sunny skies, beautiful crisp days and bright flowers. Reason enough for a garden party!

HGD01SP

Contents

heen T Gard y

t r a P

With Summer comes sunny skies, beautiful crisp days and bright flowers. Reason enough for a garden party! page 20

Cleaning with vinegar, lemons and salt.

There’s a whole lot more to selling a house than simply putting a sign in the yard.

HOW TO GREEN YOUR CLEAN

ADD FLUTTER, COLOR AND SONG TO YOUR GARDEN

CREATING A WELCOMING FOYER

home garden

PRODUCT REVIEW – RYOBI RYI2200 OUTDOOR GENERATOR

Sort it, Pitch it, organize it, be done with it!

Chalk Paint, the easy way to refurbish without the expense.

CONTROLLING KIDDIE CLUTTER

STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

D E C O R AT O R

HOW TO MAKE CHALK PAINT

THE MIND BODY BENEFITS OF GARDENING

DISCOVER YOUR INNER GREEN THUMB

CREATE THE KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS

home garden

D E C O R AT O R Executive Publishers Greg and Suzanne Fox Jumpstart Publishing, LLC Managing Editor Suzanne Fox Copy Editor Chad Ruiz

Contributing Writers Michele Robert Poche Patricia Danflous Michelle Fouchi Esneault Christina Leidenheimer Contributing Photographers

Orleans Image Consulting Richard Vallon Spencer Palmer Fox Article Contributors Paint Consultant Paul Carpenter Master Gardener Jane Hirling Artist Karen Katz Creative Team Director Dianne Waller Design Tra Pham Production Claire Thomas

AD AD

How to GREEN Your Clean By Christina Leidenheimer

ARSH CHEMICAL CLEANERS CAN BE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT. GIVE YOUR CLEANING ROUTINE AN ECO-FRIENDLY MAKEOVER WITH THESE FIVE GREEN CLEANING TIPS. YOUR HOME WILL BE SAFER, SUPER SANITIZED, AND FRESH, FRESH, FRESH! First things first, you will need to stock up on a few eco-friendly products. You can either buy pre-made products that are made by green companies, or you can simply make them yourself—don’t worry, you do not have to be a chemist to whip these up.

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Here is how to formulate your own green cleaning products: • pickling vinegar (more concentrated than white vinegar) • baking soda • borax powder • lemons • a few essential oils • mild dish soap • a couple of spray bottles.

These simple ingredients are very effective, inexpensive, and, above all, non-hazardous. Both vinegar and borax powder are commonly used in cleaning because they contain natural disinfecting properties. Baking soda can safely mix with other products, and its mildly abrasive nature makes it very effective for scrubbing surfaces and removing tough stains. Essential oils are used for their amazing aromatic and therapeutic qualities, while certain potent oils, like tea tree oil, effectively kill germs and control mold and mildew.

Vinegar; edible and non-toxic is the perfect natural all-purpose cleaner for the kitchen.

Vinegar is excellent for use in your dishwasher too. Add a cup of vinegar to your dishwasher to remove any stagnant odors; it will leave the interior shiny and squeaky clean.  KITCHEN: Use vinegar to create a natural all-purpose cleaner for the kitchen. Vinegar itself is edible; it contains no toxic chemicals that would be harmful if ingested, so it is a perfect cleaning product to use around food. D.I.Y. all-purpose cleaner - using an empty spray bottle, combine a solution of half pickling vinegar, half warm water and one tablespoon of dish washing liquid. This solution can be used to clean the counter top, stovetop, refrigerator and microwave. Vinegar is excellent for use in your dishwasher too. Add a cup of vinegar to your machine to remove any stagnant odors; it will leave the interior shiny and squeaky clean. You can also add it to your water when washing dishes by hand, the disinfecting power is sure to kill any bacteria and germs on your dinnerware. Vinegar has a distinct odor, but don’t worry; the smell will dissipate once it dries. Caution! Some surfaces, like marble, tarnish when treated with vinegar & other acidic substances. As with any product, it's best to test a small area to make sure it is safe to proceed. BATHROOM: Bathroom cleaners are among some of the harshest chemical cleaners. You can make your own bathroom scrubbing solution

to clean toilets, counter tops, fixtures and tubs/shower without the offensive fumes. D.I.Y. tub and shower scrubbing solution – combine half a cup of vinegar, three fourths a cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of lemon juice, mix together to form a thick paste (add more or less baking soda until desired consistency is achieved). Using a sponge, apply the solution on sinks, tubs, showers and fixtures in small circular motions. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, scrub with a sponge and rinse with warm water. To clean bathroom counter tops, use the all-purpose solution created for the kitchen. Knock out toilet stains and odors with one cup of undiluted vinegar. Before pouring the vinegar in the toilet, it is best to flush the toilet and allow the water to go down, the water descends, pour the vinegar around the inner rim then scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. WINDOWS AND MIRRORS: The kitchen solution works here too. Simply spray and wipe for squeaky clean windows. Save paper towels and instead use old newspapers; they won’t leave behind any lint.

WOOD AND TILE FLOORS: Nothing spreads chemicals in the air faster than mopping the whole house with a toxic chemical cleaner. You can easily make your own mopping solution that will clean and disinfect your floors safely. D.I.Y. floor cleaner: In your mop bucket mix one cup of pickled vinegar, one gallon of water, one tablespoon of mild dish soap and the desired amount of your favorite scented oil. Your house will smell so fresh, and the best part is, your home will be thoroughly sanitized and chemical free. CARPETS: Many carpet fresheners have a fruity or floral scent bearing the disguise of toxic fumes that can potentially be harmful to your health. It is very simple to make your own fresh smelling carpet deodorizer, and it will be safe for the family and pets too. D.I.Y. carpet deodorizer: Combine one cup of baking soda with one cup of borax in a plastic bag, add the desired amount of your favorite essential oil, and then mix together. Sprinkle the powder solution on carpets, let stand for 20 minutes, then vacuum. Your house and carpet will smell delightful. HGDecorator book pick

Salt, Lemons, Vinegar, and Baking Soda by Shea Zukowski

The Fab Four: Salt, lemons, vinegar and baking soda, the all-you-need cleaning all-stars for the home. From personal hygiene and grooming to household cleaning and gardening, this powerful quartet has a long history of usefulness that is modern, green, cheap and effective. This book gives a brief introduction to each of these amazing essentials along with household hints (indoor and out; for people and pets) and hundreds of smart solutions for better living.

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Staging your home for

SALE By Michele Robert Poche

here’s a whole lot more to selling a house than simply putting a sign in the yard. Whether you choose to work with a realtor or list by owner, there are many ways you can increase your home’s selling potential and decrease all that waiting until the act of sale.  CLEAN Seems like a nobrainer, right? But it’s surprising how much is overlooked by the person actually living there day-to-day. Grime in the bathrooms and kitchen and dust everywhere else should be addressed before every showing. Store a bottle of all-purpose cleaner in each room for easy access. And dust rags? You just can’t have too many.  DECLUTTER Counters, shelving, tabletops, closets, hallways, the garage … the more clear and sparsely-decorated, the more spacious that area will appear. Before showings begin, pack away all mementos, snapshots and assorted personal effects. Then label the boxes. You’ll be thrilled when the movers come.  PURGE Boxing up everything is helpful but do you really still need those old bowling shoes from college? Paring down your belongings is helpful at selling and moving time. Consider having a yard sale, listing a few things on eBay or donating to a local charity to lighten your family’s load.  INHALE Every house has a smell. Ensure yours is a good one by emptying all trash receptacles, checking the refrigerator and disposal for food odors and, if you have pets, hiding all evidence. Create pleasant smells by burning scented candles or, according to legend, baking cookies.

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Remove personal items and organize for a neat, clean look.  REPAIR Address things that need repair. If a door sticks when closed, fix it. If the cabinet handle is loose, tighten it. Now is the time to get to all those little jobs you’ve been putting off. So break out your tools, light bulbs, filters and WD-40 and get to work. You don’t want a leaky toilet costing you a house sale!  NEUTRALIZE Yes, it was fun painting stars on your son’s ceiling and the princess mural on your daughter’s wall. But now it’s time to get back to basics. Nobody wants to buy a house filled with immediate projects. Invest in some good, white paint (or go crazy and get off-white) and start “everyman-ing” that house.

 LANDSCAPE Trim the bushes back from the house. Pressure wash the sidewalks and bricks. Freshen the lawn, garden, annuals and mulch. As the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression. When prospective buyers drive by the house, you want so much curb appeal that they can’t help but pull over to dial the number on the sign. If all else fails, hire a stager. Yes, there are people who are actually paid to handle all of this work for you!

Happy Selling!

A well organized, de-cluttered garage is a huge selling point.

THE

Mind-Body BENEFITS OF GARDENING By Christina Leidenheimer

WHAT DO EXERCISE, GOOD NUTRITION, AND A HEALTHY MIND HAVE IN COMMON? THEY CAN ALL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH GARDENING; ESPECIALLY IF YOU EAT THE FOOD YOU GROW. GOOD FOR THE BODY You may not look at pruning shears as exercise equipment, but gardening certainly does get the blood pumping. In fact, I see it as a calorie burning session of fun, without the repetitions. You can achieve some of the same movements in your garden that you might do in a gym setting. Squatting, bending, twisting, reaching, are all common movements required for gardening. You can burn up to 400 calories per hour from general gardening.

GOOD FOR THE MIND Not only can you burn some major calories, but gardening is an exceptional activity for the mind. Digging in the soil provides a much needed break from the rigors of life. Allow your mind to wander as you shack weeds and perfect pansies. What is more, a little fresh air and sunshine is good for the soul. In fact, experts claim gardening helps alleviate depression. Some doctors even prescribe it as treatment for their patients.

CALORIE

EXPENDITURE CHART Watering lawn or garden 122 Trimming shrubs (power) 284 Raking 324 Bagging leaves 324 Planting seedlings 324 Mowing (push with motor) 364 Planting trees 364 Trimming shrubs (manual) 364 Weeding 364 Digging, spading, tilling 404 General gardening 404 Calories based on one hour of activity by 180lb male. Information above is from an article by Dan Hickey, former editor of "National Gardening."

Add Flutter,

Color&Song

to Your Garden by Patricia Danflous

epidopterists and ornithologists are not the only ones with the magic to entice butterflies and birds to gardens. Adding a rainbow of butterflies and twittering birds to your landscaping is not difficult. All you need is food, cover, water and space. By planting native flowers and plants, you will have what you need with just a little tender care. Prepare a pollination-friendly, no pesticide garden with flowering plants – herbs such as oregano or sage also work well – to provide feeding opportunities. A combination of native wildflowers, trees, grasses and shrubs provide ample food for butterflies to flourish. Trees offer numerous nooks and crannies for butterflies and branches for sheltering birds. A decaying log or a pile grass clippings also makes for a good home. A birdbath, decorative feeders and flat stones (for resting), water features, or containers filled with water or seeds enhances the personality of your garden and helps to create a prime haven for winged friends. Butterflies prefer open and sunny areas and birds are drawn to trees providing shade, cover and food sources.

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Plants that attract butterfly larvae (caterpillars) • Borage • Fennel • Grasses • Hollyhocks • Lupine • Milkweed • Nettle • Thistle • Willow • Passionflower Plants that attract butterflies • Alyssum • Aster • Bee balm • Butterfly bush • Calendula • Cosmos • Daylily • Delphinium • Dianthus • Fennel • Globe thistle • Goldenrod • Hollyhock • Lavender • Liatris • Marigold

• Musk mallow • Nasturtium • Oregano • Phlox • Purple coneflower • Queen Anne's lace • Sage • Scabiosa • Shasta daisy • Stonecrop • Verbena • Yarrow • Zinnia Plants that attract hummingbirds • Ajuga • Bee balm • Begonia • Bleeding heart • Butterfly weed • Canna • Cardinal flower • Century plant • Columbine • Coral bells (heuchera) • Cleome • Crapemyrtle • Dahlia • Dame's rocket • Delphinium

• Fire pink • Four o' clocks • Foxglove • Fuchsia • Gilia • Geranium • Gladiolus • Glossy abelia • Hollyhocks • Impatiens • Iris • Lantana • Liatris • Lily • Lupine • Nasturtium • Nicotiana • Paintbrush • Penstemon • Petunia • Phlox • Sage • Salvia • Scabiosa • Scarlet sage • Sweet William • Verbena • Yucca

• Zinnia

add a personal touch with a vase of flowers

CREATING

a welcoming

foyer

by Michelle Fouchi Esneault

lot in there. Remove everything that doesn’t belong. Foyers often become a depository for mail, shoes, coats and other items that get dropped the minute we walk in the door. Take down anything on the walls and remove the furniture.

 REMOVE THE CLUTTER. Though it is usually the smallest room in the house, we manage to pack a

 BRING IN A LITTLE COLOR. Now that it’s empty, freshen up the walls with a new coat of paint. If you can see adjacent rooms, coordinate the colors. Lighter colors make a small room seem bigger. Don’t forget the

othing says “Welcome Home” better than a beautifully decorated foyer. It’s often the first room your guests see when they come to visit, but it’s usually the last area to get a little tender loving care. Here are some quick and simple ways to make sure your foyer makes a good impression.

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front door! You can either paint it a complementary shade, or give it some style of its own with a pop of color. Add a pretty coordinating rug!  ADD STORAGE. Make the most of the small space by using a table with drawers or with room underneath for baskets. You want it to have a presence of its own, so don’t put a dainty table there. Add a bowl or basket for keys and other small things. If your family finds themselves taking off their shoes in the foyer, add

create a focal point with a mirror over the table

a basket for shoe storage. Use an armoire that hides anything you need to store. A smaller area might be the perfect space for a storage bench.  CREATE A FOCAL POINT. Create vertical interest by hanging art or a mirror over the table or bench. It can be one large piece or a grouping. Just make sure it is visually the same weight as the furniture and it is hung at eye level.  A PLACE TO HANG YOUR HAT. If you don’t have a coat closet, hooks or a coat rack neatly organizes jackets, purses and umbrellas.

LIGHT. Update your overhead lighting fixture to brighten the room and add a lamp or two for a more intimate glow.  ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH. Place something special in the room: a vase of flowers, an interesting collection or a small sculpture. Create a beautiful, functional foyer by playing around with the furnishings and accessories until you find an arrangement that works for you. Keep the clutter to a minimum and don’t be afraid to mix it up occasionally to keep things fresh and seasonal.

 LET THERE BE

RYOBI RYI2200 Outdoor Generator The

by Michele Robert Poche

t’s not often I write a product review that has my husband jazzed. (“Wait … you’re getting a generator??”) I was excited, too. Because I hate when the power goes out and I’m left in the dark with no technology, no electronics and most importantly, no frozen snacks. That won’t be happening to me anymore … thanks to the Ryobi RYi2200. I started it myself on the first try. It’s small, lightweight and ridiculously portable. All excellent qualities in a generator because not

everyone is using them for power outages. They’re also great for camping, tailgating, remote construction and other outdoor activities. Special features?

 Quiet Operation (Normal conversation is louder.)  Clean Power (For sensitive electronics)  Fuel Efficient (Runs longer when less is needed)  Parallel-Kit Capable (Hook two together for twice the power)  Warning Indicators (No overloads)  Three-Year Warranty

What can it power? With 2200 starting and 1800 running watts, it can sustain multiple small (lamps, fans, laptops) simultaneously OR a large one (microwave, refrigerator) individually. It even comes with cables to charge a car battery. As with all generators, the Ryobi RYi2200 should only be operated outside in a fully-ventilated area with extension cords running into the home. For more information, visit: www.ryobitools.com.

unny skies, beautiful days and bright flowers. Reason enough for a garden party! Whether you want to celebrate a holiday or just have friends over to enjoy the day, a garden party is just what you need. You've seen pictures of garden parties and tablescapes and thought, “Wow, that's beautiful, but what a lot of trouble!” That's where you are wrong, my friend! You can create a garden party with as little or as much effort as you want and for as little or as much budget. Before decorating for any occasion, walk through your house and storeroom to see what you have that can be used or re-purposed. If you can't find any ideas from walking around your house, go to your local boutique gift shop. You'll see an abundance of ideas to help you get started; that one piece of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing. Every party must have a favor. Get

By Suzanne Fox

Select a theme, even if it's just a color. Once you have a theme, let your ideas go wild! Here are some tips for setting up the perfect garden tablescape.

2. 3.

Every table needs linens and every home has sheets! If you don't have linens, save money and use a pretty sheet in pastel.

Think outside the pot. Glue something around the outside of pots for more dimension. Try moss, burlap, fabric, flowers, cinnamon sticks, glass pebbles, etc.

home garden

Decorate your table in layers. Centerpieces at different heights give your table more depth. Cake plates make great risers and allow your to group pieces at different heights.

D E C O R AT O R

, n u f d n a t n a g e l e s i e d i s t u o . r s e i b l l e u d b t n h a g h i l c f o A with birds in p lace ing it out! r b , a n i h c ve a h If you

Chargers are a great way to start your place settings. There are many options for unusual chargers that you might not normally think to use. Try a certificate sized picture frame from the dollar store and press flowers onto a pastel colored piece of construction paper or wrapping paper. Put it together and your guests will love it! Use eclectic serve ware. If you have china, dust it off and bring it out! Make your own serve ware with clear plates from the dollar store. Cut flower shapes out of tissue and glue them to the back of the glass plate. Outline flower in gold or silver sparkle paint. Once dry, paint over the entire back of the plate in pastel colors of your choice, top off with a sealer.

Even if your party is outside, hang some sort of decoration over the table for an added WOW! What says WOW more than a chandelier? If you have an old brass or outdated light fixture, paint it a pastel color or white and hang crystals, ribbon or flowers from it. A hula hoop or a picture frame make great starters for a hanging centerpiece.

Use a bird-bath or fountain to serve drinks. Fill with ice and place bottled water and drinks along with oranges, lemons and flowers for decoration. Remove labels from water bottles or get creative and make your own. Make sure drinks are colorful and go with your theme. Orange drinks and green bottles are refreshing. Make a pink lemonade spritzer punch in a clear drink dispenser, or add champagne if you want to make it lively.

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Your table is decorated, now what do you serve? Think light, colorful food and desserts like green salads with fresh fruit, cheese dishes, light pasta dishes with colorful vegetables. Cream cheese with colorful jellies and toast points add whimsey color to your table. Save the barbecue and heavy food for another time. For your garden party; think light, sunny, colorful. Let them eat cake! You can't forget the dessert for this cheerful day! Trifles are a colorful way to serve a light dessert. If you are pressed for time, make our semi-homemade, no-bake trifle.

double duty out of the favor by making it part of the table decoration. Wrap flowers in pastel doilies and place them at each place setting. Each guest takes home a bouquet. For a bird-themed party, use pastel-colored peeps. Place in a clear bag or a small basket with a card and ribbon that says “take a peep.” Place on a small table near the exit so each guest can take one.

You can never over-do a party!

Semi-Homemade, No-bake "Berry Good" Trifle INGREDIENTS: Store-bought round pound cake or angel food cake. 1 can sweetened condensed milk Instant vanilla pudding mix – prepared as directed 3 cups berries Whipped cream tub – not from the can mint leaves for garnish 1. Start with slicing the pound cake into three layers. 2. P ut one layer of pound cake on the bottom of your trifle dish or clear bowl. 3. Drizzle 1/3 can sweetened condensed milk. 4. L ayer pound cake, 1/3 condensed milk, 1/3 pudding, 1 cup berries, 1/3 whipped cream until you have used all three layers of pound cake. 5. Top off with whipped cream, berries and mint leaves. Refreshing and beautiful!

Easy Spring Mini Salads INGREDIENTS: glasses Finely chopped romaine lettuce Cherry tomatoes Coarse ground Parmesan cheese Dressing – equal amounts of: Strawberries – reserve some slices for garnish on each Pepper jelly Balsamic vinegar Olive oil Martini

Make a dressing with equal amounts of strawberries, pepper jelly, balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a blender. Toss in finely chopped romaine. Place in martini glasses and top with tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Get creative and add nuts, crab, shrimp, mushroom slices, chicken or even tofu. Refreshingly Elegant

Send pictures of your projects to editor@HGdecorator.com, we will post them on our celebrations page and may feature you in our next issue.

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DISCOVER YOUR INNER

GREEN THUMB By Patricia Danflous

GROWING A GREEN THUMB IS NOT POSSIBLE. CULTIVATING ONE IS ACHIEVABLE AND SATISFYING.

egin with patience. Expect a few bumps along the way and be prepared to get your hands dirty, even if you do wear gardening gloves. Master Gardener Jane Hirling says gardening does not have to be time-consuming or back-breaking. “If you have limited time and space, but still want to brighten your home with greenery, flowers or vegetables, begin with a few established plants in window sill pots or set aside a small area outside your kitchen door for a contained garden. Follow the guidelines that come with young cuttings and you should see success within a few weeks.” If time is not a concern, you may want to enroll in a Master Gardener course. “In addition to a little taste of everything essential to gardening, you will come away with materials and resources to continue the learning process,” Hirling said.

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“Volunteer hours, in community gardens or parks, for example, are required to maintain certification as a Master Gardener and that’s where you will really learn how to develop a green thumb. Rely on the experience of long-time gardeners, ask questions and dig into projects ranging from herb and vegetable gardens to wildflowers and colorful seasonal gardens.” Hirling’s suggestions for successful gardening include:  Know what to grow before you start.  Know what your planting area looks like at different times of the day and year. Consider sun, shade, and potential weather hazards in your area.  Will your plants need protection from critters and creatures? Should you build a fence around the garden?  Do you want to go pesticide free? Research information available about plants and insects that are natural pesticides.  Don’t give up. No matter what you plant, there’s no harm in starting over or transplanting as you find the perfect sun and shade spot.  Rely on the resources available. Garden supply personnel are always willing to help you select and maintain a garden.  County and state agricultural organizations offer a wealth of

"Research information is available about plants and insects that are natural pesticides."

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Join a Garden C lub

knowledge as well as region-specific gardening information on respective websites. Free classes and free brochures on special topics are usually available as well.  Join a garden club. You will find friends with similar interests while learning from guest speakers and other members. Once a garden is planned and off to a healthy start, maintenance is the next green thumb challenge. Again, check with local experts for advice on weather precautions and guidelines. You will want to make sure you cover the roots of your plants during a freeze and water frequently during summer’s dry heat. “Remember that flowers and plants are more hearty than you think,” Hirling said. “Many varieties that turn brown and limp after a winter storm, for example, will bloom again after you cut them back. Don’t pull up anything until you give it a chance to regenerate.” Weeds won’t kill your plants,

but they will hide your efforts and diminish all that hard work just don’t look good. Regular weeding will keep your garden fresh and easier to maintain overall. When you see a weed sticking up, pull it right away – don’t wait until the job becomes an all-day chore. Investing in expensive gardening tools won’t give you a green thumb, but you will need a few essentials for upkeep. Basic supplies include: a large and small shovel, a soil knife, pruning shears, hand trowel, rake, watering can, hose with sprinkling capabilities, and a storage caddy to keep small tools organized. Don’t forget gloves, a water resistant hat with a UPF certified sun rating, and sunscreen.

"Start diggingntoer develop your in" green thumb

tter u l C e i d d i K l Contro

. t i t r o S h it. Pitcnize it. a g r O nate it. Do By Patricia Danflous

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ix-year-old Will knows the secret to keeping his room clean and neat. “You see these doors,” he explains as he walks to his double closet doors. “You just close them and no one sees the mess.” Sounds like a good philosophy for a first-grader, but not cool when he can’t find his favorite superhero figure, clean underwear or the other school shoe. And what happens when the clothes, toys, and miscellaneous “stuff” starts to spill out the closet doors, generating piles that cover the floor and the bed?

Been there moms and dads? Forget about the yelling, screaming, threats and bribes, bravely step into that room and take charge. Your mission (and do include your youngster in the task), is simple:  Sort the clutter  Throw away anything that is broken or doesn’t fit  Design an organizational system  Donate useful, but no longer necessary, items to a favorite charity. (Extra benefit - a good lesson in giving and sharing for your child.) Okay, you have the basics. Ready to get started? Take a deep breath, gather trash bags for throw-aways and giveaways and prepare to tackle the clutter.

Sort it!

Depending on the state of the room, you may want to begin by clearing the floor, before addressing the overflowing dresser drawers and closet. Sorting categories should include: clothes, toys, books and school essentials. Place outof-season clothing that can be worn next year in a storage container for the attic or other storage area – you may have out-of-the-way extra room at the top of a closet. Downsize your child’s clothing to a reasonable, manageable amount. If you can’t part with favorite t-shirts or handmade items from Aunt Jane, start a memory box for attic storage. Use a similar method to sort through toys. Most organizational specialists and parenting experts recommend a rotating toy system for optimum management and entertainment. Pack half of your child’s toys and some books away (not the favorite bedtime books) and take them out again in a few months to replace the

Sorting bins help kids organize!

existing toys – your child will be delighted to see “new” toys. Use this revolving system on a regular basis throughout the year, especially near birthdays and Christmas when there's risk for accumulation.

Pitch it! Donate it!

Discard items or toys that do not fit, are stained and ripped, have missing pieces and those that are not age appropriate. It can be difficult to part with children’s clothes and toys, as there is often a sentimental attachment. Put nostalgia aside however, and donate those good-condition items to a local charity.

Organize it

Over the door canvas shoe organizers make terrific stuffed animal displays!

Now comes the potential fun, productive part of decluttering. There are several ways to organize – you can design a storage plan yourself, check with home improvement stores and organizing companies for diverse ideas and examples, or pay someone to advise and develop a custom-built solution. You will have a better chance for continued clutter control if you develop an organizing format that reflects your child’s age, height, interests and favorite colors. First, find a place in your child’s room to bend, kneel or squat down to look at things from his or her viewpoint. Amazing isn’t it? The things you see and can reach from that angle will make a difference in arranging the closet and deciding which drawer is the best for

"K eep that kiddie clutter under control, donate!

finding underwear, socks and school clothes on a busy morning. Organization professionals recommend a bottomup approach to organizing dressers. Undergarments and socks at the bottom, school and play clothes in the middle area and top drawers reserved for random items such as gloves, hats, bows. Keep the adult-height clothing rod for once-in-awhile clothing, such as raincoats or Sunday outfits, but place a low rod for your child’s everyday clothes. You’ve not only arranged two types of clothing styles, but also made it easier for your child to select and hang up his own clothes. If there’s room, be sure to add shelving to the closet. If not, consider adding a childsized bookshelf or cabinet in the room. Store toys, books, miscellaneous small collectibles in clear or colorful storage bins and baskets that are easy to access and easy to put away. Even if your youngster is not old enough to read now, incorporate a labeling system for the storage bins – it will help you stay organized and help your child as she learns to read. Use the same bottom-up rule for organizing toys and books – favorites and frequently used at the bottom. Storage bins with lids are the best for blocks, toys with many small pieces or collectible figures. There are many container options available for organizing kiddie clutter. You can invest in a system that is sturdy and adaptable as your child grows from specialty stores; try the home improvement stores for a variety of budget-friendly options or use your creativity to decorate and label inexpensive containers. Labeling is highly recommended for all containing methods. When the room is sufficiently decluttered, finish the job by taking a trip with your child to donate the items you previously set aside.

o t w Ho k l a h c e k ma

t n i Pa By Suzanne Fox

Paul Carpenter

HALK PAINT, THE NEW CRAZE, IS NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH CHALKBOARD PAINT. Chalkboard paint made its splash a few years ago. When a surface is painted with chalkboard paint, you can write on it freely with chalk, wash and repeat. It can be used to paint kids rooms so they can draw on walls to spark creativity. Chalk paint is used to paint furniture and surfaces without using primer and/or lengthy prep work. The paint adheres to glossy surfaces, eliminating the need for primer and oil-based paint altogether. Chalk paint is easy to use, easy to make, and very durable , according to our paint expert, Paul Carpenter. Carpenter says, making your own chalk paint can save you lots of money on your remodel project. Name brand chalk paint is expensive and the colors are very limited. By

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CHALK PAINT INGREDIENTS • One quart, any type of latex flat paint, any color • A small jar of Plaster of Paris from the hardware store or pottery plaster from a craft store • Cold water • Paste Wax making your own, you can buy the cheapest paint available, plus choose any color you like. Here are some more tips from Carpenter for your chalk paint home projects: Beware of Biters! If you are painting baby furniture, be sure to use a safe sealer that will not harm children if they chew on the furniture. Tape Test It! If you are trying to decide whether a piece of furniture needs sanding prior to painting; take a piece of blue painter's tape and apply it to the surface. If paint comes off with the tape, you must sand the furniture before re-finishing with any type of paint. Will Clog Do not use chalk paint in your paint sprayer. The sand in the plaster

is sure to clog your nozzles. Weathered Out Use an exterior sealer on outdoor furniture instead of waxing. Small Batches Carpenter suggests making one quart at a time because the paint does not store for long periods. Try to use your chalk paint within 30 days.

CARPENTER'S STEPS TO MAKING YOUR OWN CHALK PAINT ARE SIMPLE: Step 1 Make sure your surface is dry and clean. Sanding is like insurance to help you get better coverage, but not at all necessary. That's the benefit of chalk paint, to save time and money. Step 2 Add 6 tablespoons of pottery plaster to ¼ cup cold water to make a paste. Step 3 Add the paste mixture to 1 quart of flat latex paint. Step 4 Stir paint with plaster until it is the consistency of pancake batter; nice and velvety. Some paints are thicker than others, so adding small amounts of water or plaster to achieve the right consistency is sometimes necessary.

Step 5 Using a nylon polyester brush made for latex paint; brush on liberally, covering all areas with no regard for brush strokes. Step 6 For a distressed look once dry, use 80 grit sandpaper to sand the entire surface applying more pressure in certain areas to reveal the under paint. After distressing, use 150 or 220 grit fine sandpaper on the entire surface. If you want a clean, all over paint look, skip the distressing process and proceed directly to the fine sanding. Step 7 Brush away all dust from sanding and apply paste wax with a cloth in small sections, rubbing into the surface. Buff with a lint free cloth for a final finish.

Send pictures of your projects to editor@hgdecorator.com We will post your pictures on the projects page of our web site and may feature them in our next issue!

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Create

the KITCHEN of your dreams by Michelle Fouchi Esneault

oday’s kitchens are a multifunctional hub of activity. Sure, we cook and eat in them, but the kitchen is also where homework is done, bills are paid, friends are entertained and schedules are made. It is the heart of your home and remodeling it into a warm and efficient area to meet all those needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, prefer to leave it to the professionals, or somewhere in between, here are a few guidelines to help you create the kitchen of your dreams. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! Remodeling a kitchen, or even doing a quick makeover, isn’t something you do on a whim. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends you research and plan your new kitchen for at least six months. Changes can be expensive once you start. Tour show-houses, visit kitchen showrooms, read design books, magazines and websites and collect photos of what you like. Consider how you use your kitchen. Do you cook a full meal every night or do you use the microwave more often? Do you need room for entertaining or for the kids? Find the layout that fits your lifestyle. Make a note of what you wish was different about

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Today's kitchens are a multifunctional entertaining hub your current kitchen. Then, measure so you know what you have to work with. DECIDE WHAT TO CHANGE Take a look at your existing kitchen and decide if you need to completely remodel or if a quick makeover would suffice. Countertops and cabinets usually form the backbone of a kitchen so you want to get something you really love. A backsplash can be done inexpensively. Get creative with it and make it a major focal point. Updating appliances and flooring is more expensive but makes the kitchen visually appealing. Paint is A new backsplash and an arch make the stove a major focal point.

a low-cost way to freshen a room. Finally, changing the lighting fixtures can instantly update a kitchen and give it a whole new look. Make a master list of what you consider the essentials and of anything you would like to change. DRAW UP A BUDGET Once you know how much you have to spend, decide where you will allocate the funds. Splurge on things that matter the most to you and find ways to save in other areas. Perhaps you can save money by doing some of it yourself. Your preliminary plans should give you a starting point. Build some leeway into your budget to allow for unexpected costs. WORK WITH PROFESSIONALS Even if you are doing the work yourself, you still need to order appliances, cabinets and other items. Work with electricians and plumbers may also be needed. Professionals can simplify the renovation process and foresee potential problems, saving you money in the long run. Ask for referrals and get at least 3 different estimates before making your choice. Creating your perfect kitchen takes a lot of thought and planning but when it is done properly, it’s all worth it in the end.

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