Spring Home Improvement

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Spring

HOME improvement

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ARTICLE INDEX Backyard Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Happy Medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Keys to Fixing Wet Basements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Budget Friendly Paint Projects to Spruce Up Home . . . . 5 Make a Statement with Wood Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Spring Greening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Give Your Home a Green Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Float On - Open Floor Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Add Kitchen Appeal with Bonus Appliances . . . . . . . . . . 9 Create Homemade Outdoor Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tips for Adding Resale Value to Your Home’s Exterior . 11 A Kitchen Worth Cooking In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Choice for a Home Air Filtration System . . . . . . . . 14 Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 It’s Never Too Early . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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So how do you meet the pressing need for a stress-reducing change of scenery without wiping out your savings in the process? The solution may actually be simpler, and closer, than you think: Open your own back door, and begin imagining the leisure possibilities right beyond your doorstep!

Instead of throwing a bunch of money at a short-term getaway, consider investing a portion of it into transforming your back yard into a personal relaxation oasis.

Don't be put off by how big a task that sounds. Start out simple, making additional changes as finances allow, and inspiration strikes.

To begin with, your yard may need some degree of facelift. Hire a quality professional landscaper who can design around native plant species, for maximum benefit and minimal upkeep.

Yet landscaping is really only setting the stage -- you still need some kind of show-stopper to complete your yard's transformation.

Backyard-relaxation bliss: Invest in the very symbol of relaxation itself. Invest in a hammock and hammock stand.

Add an arc-style cypress or faux-wicker hammock stand, and your outdoor living space becomes not only a gorgeous relaxation destination, but also one that requires no checked-baggage fees or full-body scans to get to!

Your favorite patch of yard is finally the primo spot for unwinding, a personal relaxation space for letting your mind wander to all those distant getaway places you might one day like to go. But for now, you're pretty content right where you are, aren't you?

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they feel things differently than adults, which is why they cry more openly, laugh more deeply, feel fear more dramatically and play with more vigor than most adults," says Wenndi Freer, owner of Engage The Flow, a space-clearing service in Encinitas, Calif.

"When a parent takes the time to recognize that the room feels good when it's clean, kids get it. If you can start early and work with your child at this level, the feeling level, they will quickly recognize that a clean room just feels better than a messy one."

The most effective way to teach this skill, says Freer, is to be in the room with your child and break each task down into mini steps.

"By gently guiding them through the process rather than doing it for them, children learn to feel a sense of accomplishment," says Freer.

The four most dreaded words in a parent's vocabulary: "Clean up your room."

The answer to this angst, organizing experts say, is to remember they are children, with all the feelings and motivations that come with the job.

Motivation "The key thing to remember when working with children is

Organization "Explain to them that everything has a 'home,' just like they do," says Jan Hayner, professional organizer in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. "So at night, everything goes back 'home' until the next time they need it."

Make sure that there is a hamper for dirty clothes, says Hayner.

Add clothes rods that kids can reach. They will hang things up if

Spring

HOME improvement

they can reach a rod without using a chair.

For small items, use a hanging shoe bag (the pockets are great), labeled check boxes wrapped in contact paper to match the room or muffin tins-painted to match the room.

Schoolwork "Designate a specific place for backpacks, lunch boxes and books," says Freer. Homework needs to go back into the backpack as soon as it's completed. By having folders in the backpack, children can use their backpacks like adults filing cabinets, says Freer.

Toys, toys, toys Select appropriate shelving and storage containers that will work for toys, labeling containers with letters or pictures of the item so the child will know where they go, says Barry J. Izsak, a professional organizer in Austin, Texas.

When your child gets a new toy, ask them which toy they would like to give away, adds Izsak.

When a child is finished playing with a toy, he or she must put it back before playing with another toy. All toys must be put away before dinner, bedtime and other appropriate times. © CTW Features

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The best vacations lift us out of the frenzy of our lives, whisking us off to faraway places that relax and rejuvenate us.

Yet a great vacation can also be a great financial strain as well -and really, how relaxing is that? Especially since once the trip is over, there's typically little to show for all the expense beyond a few snap-

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HOME improvement

The Choice for a Home Air Filtration System What homeowners are breathing in every day has the potential to harm their health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it's the air inside of the home, rather than the air outside, that may cause the most physical harm. Many people seek options to reduce the toxicity of indoor air through a filtration system.

Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more toxic than outside air.

Newer, energy-efficient homes that are very well insulated against drafts may be among the most dangerous. That's because they restrict the ability for fresh air to seep into the home.

Resident dust mites, harmful airborne particulates and even mold could be residing in the house along with its occupants. An air filtration system can be one strategy homeowners can employ to clean up indoor air.

Homeowners may want to consider a permanent, whole-house unit that hooks up to the central heating and air conditioning already set up in the home. This enables every room in the home to receive filtered air. It is essential that the filters on the unit be changed frequently. Also, if a humidifier is hooked up to the HVAC unit, then the water should be changed on a regular basis so that mold does not proliferate and get blown throughout the home. Homeowners who don't have forced-air heating and cooling will have to have a different filtration system installed instead.

For renters or individuals who don't want a permanent system, there are many portable air filtration units on the market. These can be moved from room to room and even brought along when traveling.

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Air filtration units will vary depending on what they are cleaning from the air. Some tackle mold, others viruses and bacteria. Individuals with allergies should look for filters that target dust and pollen. Others can trap fumes and microscopic particles through unique processes. Here are some of the advanced cleaning filtration systems to consider. * Ionizers: Emit a small electric charge to the air stream creating a magnetic-like attraction for pollution particles, which causes them to adhere to the filter. * Ultraviolet light purification: Air passes through a UV system that destroys bacteria, viruses and dust mites of any size. * Electrostatic precipitators: These create opposite charges on metal wires or plates, attracting and holding dust, pollen, smoke, and other particles as small as .0001 microns. The assembly often can be removed and washed for reuse. * High efficiency particulate air (HEPA): These filters are designed to remove 99.97 percent of the particulates that pass through the filters. They will have no effect on fumes, viruses, bacteria, smaller mold spores, or some tobacco particulates. * Ultra HEPA: An even more efficient form of HEPA cleaners, which typically clean out 99.999 percent of the particulates that pass through them. * Ozone: Destroys all bacteria that comes in contact with the ozone, and leaves a "fresh" smell in the air. However, the safety of ozone inside the home is questionable. The Canadian government has banned the sale of ozone releasing air purification systems.

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Did You Know?

The pioneer home improvement series, "This Old House," debuted as a one-time, 13-part series on a Boston public broadcasting station in 1979. The show has won 17 Emmy awards over its storied history. The original host was Bob Vila, who in 1989 was asked to leave the show after appearing in commercials for home improvement competitors to the show's underwriter, The Home Depot.

Carpenter Norm Abrams has been part of the series since its inception.

The series has spurred several spin-offs and is still going strong today.

Tame the Toys The "Having a Child" instruction manual may have talked about 2 a.m. feedings and bouts of colic, but it may not have mentioned that having kids often means acquiring a household of stuff designed to care for and amuse these little ones-including lots and lots of toys. If spring cleaning means taming the toys and games in the home so that the living room doesn't look like an aisle in Toys 'R Us, keep in mind that it's possible to maintain some style in the home while cohabitating with the kids. Smart storage is one of a parent's best friends. Look for items that can hold kid toys and accessories but don't look like they were designed for kids. Nix the primary colored plastic bins for something more sophisticated, like an upholstered ottoman with a hinged cover for storage inside. Turn wicker baskets and other sleek accessories into toy bins. Even magazine holders and desk organization accessories can hold small figurines and children's books.

Parents can even reserve one or two drawers in a bureau or china cabinet to quickly stash toys when company is coming over.

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Happy Medium

)

Spring With happy-go-lucky hues like honeysuckle pink, it's never been easier to organize with mood in mind

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By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features

G

et happy - that's the collective message home- and interiorproducts makers are telling folks this year.

The world has been a pretty tough place for the past decade, racked by war and recession.

For 2011, expect to see some "happy" colors in everything from dishes to furniture to throw pillows, says Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute who also writes the morealivewithcolor.com blog. The Pantone Institute, which tracks color trends, declared honeysuckle pink its 2011 Color of the Year because "it's an instant pick-me-up," Eiseman shares.

But color is just one way to add a dose of cheer.

Of course, just as each of us defines happy in our own terms, mood boosters are a matter of individual taste.

Still, experts can point to several themes that make a home a happy refuge:

CLEAR AND COMFORTING Sure, a bright throw tossed over a sofa can lift your mood - but only if the view isn't obscured by piles of unread mail or other anxiety-inducing clutter.

"What do we want to see, and what do we hide?" asks Seattle architect Milan Heger. Developing an "aesthetic discipline" to get in the habit of clearing away clutter is the primary step towards a happy home, he says. "First we create a good way to store objects," Heger says. Book shelves, cabinets or even neat piles keep the distractions in their place, he adds.

COLOR-CODED Organization clears your space, which in turn clears your mind.

Our own reluctance to organize is the only obstacle in the way to clear-headedness. Combine another mood lifter - namely color - to spur yourself into action.

Kate S. Brown, a certified professional organizer in Sarasota, Fla., shares that colorful organizing tools and files prompt people who hate to put objects in their place or file get started. "For instance, I've seen people who have purchased photo files in a color that coordinates with their room get really excited about using the files - and then after they're through they're even more satisfied," Brown shares.

Emotion-enhancing hues vary according to the individual and with the space involved, underscores Anitra Mecadon, host of the DIY Network series "Mega Dens."

"For example, red is a passionate color that stimulates the senses - it's great for adding life to an active room," says Mecadon. On the other hand, Mecadon adds, you can achieve happiness with "some great soothing earth tones, or pale shades of green-blue, which are peaceful and calming."

Eiseman adds, "Our favorite colors in surroundings always make us feel better. Each color has a different effect, but all bright colors can give us a lift."

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This 'Sunset' rug from Angela Adams FLOWER POWER Take time to smell the roses. And put them in a vase. adds both a burst of color and texture to a room.

And set them out where you'll view them often.

Scientific studies, like one recently conducted by Rutgers University, find that flowers prompt immediate positive responses, and are even related to better social behaviors and memory skills. Moreover, the researchers find the boost is likely to last even after the bloom fades a bit. The Rutgers study finds women who received flowers reported more positive moods three days later.

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SMALL CHANGE Just as you may need a break from your routine to rev up your spirits, adding a dose of difference to a couple of rooms every 315 N Logan season can rev up the senses.

Mattoon, IL 61938 "Utilize new candles, colors and scents," suggests Kristin Andress, who runs the Web site imaginebeing.com. "Add different throw pillows to the couch or a lively rug to your foyer.

The energy of your rooms will Free Delivery improve with simple changes We Rent UHAULs here and there." ©CTW Features Telephone: 217-235-5004 Fax:217-235-5007 houseofpaint@consolidated.net

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HOME improvement

Keys to Fixing Wet Basements A wet basement is something thousands of homeowners contend with but none look forward to fixing. Water entering the basement can be an expensive repair job, and it seems like few homes are impervious to water infiltration.

Water can enter a basement or crawlspace in a number of ways, seeping through the floor if the surrounding ground is constantly saturated or entering through cracks in the foundation walls. Leaky basement windows could cause water to enter, while improperly draining downspouts and gutters may cause water to pool around the home's foundation and enter the home.

A wet basement can decrease a home's value and potentially damage what's in the home. Standing water in a basement can also pose health hazards, such as mold and mildew growth, and can prove a breeding ground for insects that like moist conditions.

There are a number of techniques used to combat basement water issues. A waterproofing company can help homeowners ascertain what method will be best for the type of water issue they have. * Find the source of water. Sometimes water remediation requires minimal effort or simple solutions. It may be a grading issue on the property or landscaping that is causing water to pool around the home's foundation. Fixing these issues can alleviate water in the basement. * Create a barrier. A dampness or water issue may be remediated by creating a barrier between the water and the inside of the home. Waterproofing paints and sealants can be applied to both the outside and inside walls of a basement. However, waterproofing application on the outside of the home may cause disruption to landscaping and the need for excavation to reach foundation walls. Inside application is easier, but eventually the product may need to be reapplied if water pressure causes the sealant to blister or peel off.

A plastic vapor barrier can be installed in crawlspaces that have vented concrete or dirt floors. This will help to protect against moisture in the space.

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* Install drains.

Various drainage systems are designed to help with basement water issues. Depending on the drain, it may be installed at the perimeter of the basement interior or on the exterior of the home. The drains are designed to capture water from the ground and direct it far away from the foundation. Drains can gradually become clogged with sediment and dirt and may need to be cleaned or replaced. Newer innovations in basement drainage systems that alleviate clogging issues are available through reputable businesses. * Use a sump pump. For other water issues, a sump pump can help gather groundwater in a sump pit and pump it out and away from the home. It's a good idea to have a backup source of power for the sump pump because if the power goes out, the sump pump will be rendered useless.

Water is the No. 1 enemy of basements and crawlspaces. It behooves the homeowner to take fast action to correct water issues in the lowest part of the home to ensure comfort and safety.

Waterproofing a basement is generally not a do-it-yourself job. It requires the expertise of a trained contractor who will do a quality job.

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier them up, store them in containers and put them on a shelf," he says. "This way I can't miss them and I can use the produce bin for other things that won't expire as quickly."

If you're remodeling a kitchen or starting from scratch, design an organized kitchen with these tips from Marlene Buckner, designer and owner of The Urban Realm in Portland, Ore. PANTRY

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When a walk-in pantry isn't an option, create the same amount of linear feet of storage by using cabinetry, such as chef's pantries, bulk food pantries and specialty pantries with after-market inserts. Ideal size for shelves is 6 inches deep.

CORNER-WALL SUSAN For ones with an angled door, turntable carousels are available to bring items from the back around to the front within easy reach.

DRAWERS AND DIVIDERS Skip base cabinets with shelves and rollouts. Install drawers instead, since they open with one motion. To avoid losing items in the back of drawers, divide up drawers and keep rarely used utensils in the back.

TRASH ROLLOUTS Trash and recycle rollouts can be installed under sink bases or base

The key to an organized kitchen is keeping only the items you use regularly - and purging those you don't

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HOME improvement

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

A Kitchen W rth Cooking In

Put everything in its place so there's space for you to prepare, cook and enjoy meals year-round

By Cathy Cassata CTW Features Deciding what to cook for meals is challenging enough without having to fight through an unorganized kitchen.

Make this dreaded daily decision a bit easier by whipping the kitchen into cooking and dining shape with helpful tips from chefs, a kitchen designer and a professional organizer.

PANTRY PERFECT If your dream walk-in pantry is a nightmare of a mess, divide it into zones. "Put items you don't use often up high, items that are heavy down low and items you regularly use at eye-level," says Marlene Buckner, designer and owner of The Urban Realm in Portland, Ore. Make rotating items a habit, says Devin Alexander, host of Healthy "Decadence" on FitTV and author of "The Biggest Loser Cookbook" series. "Instead of putting a new can of soup in front of an older can, put it behind," she says. "It takes a little longer, but it's worth it because you'll eat fresher food and throw away less expired food."

To manage the oft-untidy snack cabinet, Lea Schneider, owner of organizerightnow.com has a solution. "Use an easy-to-reach large basket placed at eye-level to hold opened packages of things, such as cookies, crackers, chips and granola bars," she says. Then, use a labeled area of a top shelf to hold the new, unopened replacement boxes.

"Not only does this system encourage family members to eat the already opened packages first, but makes it much easier for you to judge when you need to stock up," she adds.

Remember not all dry goods belong in the pantry, says Dean Zanella, executive chef at Rhapsody restaurant in Chicago. "Some things make more sense if they're closer to where you'll be cooking," he says. "I keep my spices in a cabinet by the stove rather than the pantry, so I can easily reach them when needed." Zanella says this also instance, keep two ladles if you tend to make two different pots of soup at opens up room in the pantry for bulkier items or appliances you don't always use. "Since I keep some dry goods once," she says. Alexander agrees and says multiple sets of certain things throughout cabinets in my kitchen, the bottom shelf of my pantry is free for things like my blender." can actually make your life in the kitchen easier. "For things like measuring cups and spoons, if you have dry and wet ingredients, you don't want to exSTUFFED WITH STUFF tend your cooking time by washing and drying a measuring spoon in-beBefore you begin a mad hunt for the best spot for dishes, glasses, utensils and gadgets, Schneider says take tween steps. But, do you really need more than one ice cream maker? everything out and purge. "Only keep one of each item unless you are sure that you use two at the same time. For Decide what you'll need more of and what you won't."

Once you decide what's staying in the kitchen, Schneider suggests applying the "next-to" rule. "If an item has a For All Your Home Improvement Project Needs! companion piece, it should be stored next-to that item. Coffee should go next to mugs, which should be near the coffee maker," she says. Zanella follows this method regularly. "I keep utensils that I'm going to use for certain types of cooking with each other. I have a • Floor Sanders • Tillers and Edgers drawer where my measuring cups and and Buffers spoons are that I use for baking close • Trenchers to my pans for baking, and my silverAlso offering: • Pressure Washers ware drawer is near my dinner table, • Auto while my utensils drawer is closer to my • Posthole Augers • Single Payment Notes • Paint Sprayers stove."

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FRIDGE FRENZY Stretch your grocery budget and keep your family healthy by organizing your refrigerator weekly, Schneider says. "Before making a week's menu and grocery list, clean out the expired foods, wipe up messes, make a note of leftovers that need to be eaten and incorporate those items into your next week's meal plan," she says. To keep track of leftovers and opened items, Alexander says to mark cooked dishes and opened items by labeling them with the date they were cooked or opened. Then place the stuff that will go bad first near the front of the shelf.

"If you have children or multiple people in the house cooking, it's a great way to communicate what needs to be eaten when," she says.

Zanella says to be honest about what will be used. "Think about when you're going to use that condiment again and if you really need it," he says. "There's no point keeping something in the fridge for months for a recipe you've been meaning to get to, but won't." To make space, Zanella recommends cutting up fruits and veggies into small pieces and storing them in containers. "Instead of whole grapefruits taking up my produce bin, I'll cut

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Spring

HOME improvement

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Budget-Friendly Paint Projects To Spruce Up Your Home This Spring ect holds that title for a reason (two reasons, actually): Painting is easy and it's inexpensive, making it just right for budget-minded consumers.

What's more, even small paint projects can greatly enhance the appearance of your home.

Here are some quick ways to get a lot of mileage out of a little paint, according to Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute: Paint just an interior accent wall. Don't have the time or energy to paint an entire room? Give the space an exciting new look by painting just one wall in a different color. A so-called accent wall can add visual interest to a room and introduce another hue into your color scheme.

Paint the area above (or below) a chair rail.

According to Zimmer, if your home is blessed with chair rails, you don't have to paint the entire wall. "You can choose to repaint only the wall area above the rail, or the area below it," says Zimmer. "It's a simple project that can dramatically change the appearance of the room."

Paint the interior windows and trim. Love Given the sluggish economy, now is not the your wall color, but still yearn for a new look? time most of us want to spring for a costly remodeling project. But you don't have to spend a Give the room a makeover by painting your lot of money to spruce up your home with paint. windows, molding, and trim. You'll be surprised how different a room can look when you change The nation's number one do-it-yourself projthe intensity of color there.

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Make A Statement With Wood Flooring Nowadays, homeowners renovating their homes often look to wood flooring to replace existing floors. Hardwood is coveted by buyers, and its clean, inviting look makes it a neutral design element that goes with many different types of decor.

Today's hardwood flooring is not the hardwood of the past.

There are many options from which to choose, including varied colors, types of wood, patterns, and inlays. In addition, innovations in sealants enable hardwood to be durable and hold up better against the daily grind.

About 25 years ago, a homeowner basically had to settle for wood flooring that was solid oak strips at 2.25 inches wide.

The strips were nailed in place by a carpenter and finished on site. Now, more than half of hardwood is fabricated and prefinished at a factory and is much easier to install -- even by the homeowner himself.

The range of styles and colors is also very extensive. Planks can be chosen in thin strips or wider options. Native hardwoods are available, as are offshore woods from different countries. Finishes can also be customized with higher gloss or matte choices.

For homeowners interested in going green, hardwood flooring also presents many options. A growing trend is using reclaimed wood that is recycled and then refinished into new items. Lumber may be reclaimed from old buildings, railroads, barns, homes, and even river bottoms. The varied history of the wood adds to its aesthetic appeal.

It's important for homeowners to know that the price point for hardwood will vary depending on species and finish. However, the way the boards are cut will also be a consideration for homeowners. Plainsawn or flatsawn boards have growth rings that run at anywhere from 0 to 45-degree angles to the wide surfaces of the board, with lots of loops and swirls. Quartersawn boards have rings that run from 45- to 90-angles and are not as lively in pattern. Quartersawn boards will expand in thickness depending on moisture and temperature. Plainsawn will shrink and swell widthwise. Quartersawn tend to take wear better and more evenly, contributing to their typically more expnesive price tag.

Homeowners can also choose among engineered wood products, which are essentially several layers of wood veneer adhered to a solid backing of plywood and sealed. This layered construction can make engineered flooring more stable and durable than traditional hardwood flooring. That means it can be used in rooms where hardwood was long frowned upon, like basements and bathrooms.

Wood flooring will continue to garner mass appeal and be the preference of many homeowners. With new innovations and availability, there are more options than ever for discerning homeowners.

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Spring

HOME improvement

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Spring

Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is something many people do selflessly in an effort to protect the environment and ensure that the generations to come have a healthy planet at their disposal. But that same lifestyle can also pay instant dividends, helping homeowners save money and creating a healthier atmosphere in which to live.

As spring cleaning season gets set to hit full swing, what better time to do some "spring greening"? Homeowners can make the most of spring cleaning by making several manageable changes around the house that can protect the environment without disrupting one's current lifestyle. * Clean green. Instead of using harmful chemical cleaners when cleaning around the house this spring, choose green cleaning supplies that don't release harmful chemicals or toxins into the air. * Paint with the planet in mind. Spring is a popular time to repaint rooms in the house. Homeowners with painting on their to-do list this spring cleaning season should choose no- or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints. * Fix those drafts. Chances are, after a long winter homeowners are well aware of which rooms were warm and which might have had drafts. Visit those colder rooms and plug any air leaks around the house. This will result in a lower heating bill next winter and could save substantial amounts of energy.

For homeowners with attics, checking the attic for air infiltration should be done each and every year. * Explore alternative landscaping methods. Xeriscaping, a style of landscape design that requires little or no irrigation, can save significant amounts of water. However, homeowners should consult a landscaping professional to determine if xeriscaping is a viable alternative to more traditional landscaping in their region. If xeriscaping can be done, then homeowners will save water while also reducing the use of potentially harmful pesticides and chemicals commonly used to keep lawns looking lush. * Go low-flow. Spring cleaning isn't just for clearing out the winter clutter. It's also a time when many homeowners fix up the house. If replacing showerheads, faucets or even toilets is on the to-do list, replace existing fixtures with low-flow models to save water and money. * Shop for sustainable materials. Sustainable flooring is growing in popularity now that going green has truly taken off.

Search for wood that has been harvested in environmentally friendly ways. Sustainable flooring materials include bamboo and cork, which many homeowners find as aesthetically appealing as it is eco-friendly. * Double it up. Single-pane windows not only allow lots of external noise into the house, but they also contribute to heat loss in the winter, forcing residents to turn up the thermostat and waste more energy as a result. Installing double-pane windows will keep more external noise at bay, and allow homeowners to minimize heat loss in the winter. * Unplug the appliances. Perhaps nothing around the house silently uses energy as much as a plugged-in appliance that's not being used. Certain estimates suggest as much as 40 percent of a monthly utility bill is going toward powering home appliances that are turned off. While every home is different, it's a safe bet that most homes can save energy by simply unplugging appliances that aren't in use.

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Spring

HOME improvement

11

Tips For Adding Resale Value To Your Home's Exterior Change the siding? Add new shrubbery? Replace the cracked sidewalk? When it comes time to enhance the curb appeal of your home, there are a multitude of improvement projects you can consider --- but which ones will add the highest resale value to your home? According to many experts, home owners should “think big” and invest in projects that make a significant impact on the exterior of your home. Adding window flower pots or garden flags are a nice touch, but they don’t add lasting value to a home. To enhance your enjoyment while living in your home, and to add resale value when you decide to sell your house, consider projects that impressively kick up the overall value of your home. Some tips to accomplish this goal include: Tip #1 – Create a Bay or Bow Window on the front of your home. Take out a few side-by-side Double Hung windows and opt to replace them with a Bay or Bow window. These dramatic windows extend the living space on the interior of the home and create a new focal point for a house. Make certain to maximize your investment by insisting on low-maintenance ENERGY STAR® qualified windows, such as the vinyl Bay and Bow windows manufactured by Simonton Windows.

Tip #2 – Invest in a strong roof with a strong warranty. The roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of the home’s structure, so when it’s time to replace it, start with lots of research. Look for a Heritage® low-maintenance roof that can withstand fire, high winds, impact, hail and severe weather. One company, DaVinci Roofscapes, 30 AR Shingles offers a 50-year limited warranty on their synthetic roofing tiles 30 Yr. Warranty. Algea resistant. that come in slate and shake styles. These roofs laugh in the face of Mother Nature --- and stand up to hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms and searing temperatures.

Per Bdl. Tip #3 – Enhance the entryway with brick panels. Set off the area surrounding the entry door with environmentally-friendly In Stock Colors Only panelized brick product. Available from Performance Brick, these panels are made of recycled gypsum and reinforced with highdensity polymer materials. The overlapping and interlocking panels install quickly to the exterior of the home and come in “no repeat patterns” to assure a one-of-a-kind look. The decorative panels come in Cabernet Red, Darlington Rose, Manchester Brown and Pearl Grey color options along with a custom color match system.

Tip #4 – Add decorative millwork around windows and doors.

Trimless doors and windows equate to a boring home exterior. By investing in low maintenance urethane window crossheads that sit atop windows, and pilasters that travel vertically up the sides of doors, homeowners can embellish the exteriors of their homes.

Small touches can go a long way. Fypon keystones added to the crossheads, or pediments added on top of the entry door, create stunning complements to the home’s exterior.

Tip #5 – Replace a window with a decorative glass accent window. Select a frontfacing window on your home’s exterior that’s in a hallway or guest bathroom and replace it with an artistic decorative glass window to add sparkle inside and outside the home. Sunlight entering through a Hy-Lite decorative glass window is transformed into colorful prisms of light. Considered “art for the walls” these windows feature a variety of clear and colored glass pieces and swirls accented by black or patina caming for added elegance.

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Spring

HOME improvement

7

Perhaps no decade has witnessed more rapid technological advancements than the opening decade of the 21st century. At the turn of the century, cellular phones had still yet to catch on universally, and few households had high-definition televisions. Ten years later, cell phones are so prevalent even many school-aged children have them, and rare is the household that has not embraced HDTV. Technology has advanced in other areas as well. Among the more notable advancements is the increase in eco-friendly technologies. Homeowners hoping to make their homes more environmentally friendly have a host of options at their beck and call that enable them to do just that. No matter which area of the home needs to be addressed, chances are homeowners can find ways to improve their homes in an eco-friendly way.

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CARPETING Cost-conscious homeowners often love how eco-friendly carpeting options are typically lower in price.

Recyclable carpets require few, if any, toxic materials to manufacture. What's more, homeowners who enjoy changing their home's decor from time to time will find eco-friendly carpet tiles are easy to install and subsequently replace when the itch to change a home's interior arises.

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BUILDING MATERIALS When building a dream home, homeowners also have a host of green building materials at their disposals. Be it mold-resistant drywall made from recycled paper or eco-friendly siding options, homeowners building their dream home or adding on to an existing home can choose eco-friendly building materials for both the interior and exterior of their homes.

As families await the arrival of warmer weather, there are things they can do to prepare for a season of fun in the sun. Engaging in some craft projects are ways to beat cabin fever while dreaming of warm, springtime weather to come.

There are many craft projects families and children can tackle, but ideas that involve projects that can be put to use outdoors may be the most fitting. Fortunately, there are a number of ideas for crafty projects to involve everyone in the household. * Birdhouse: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Otherwise, chances are items that can be made into a birdhouse probably can be found from scraps of materials already around the house or in the garage. Scraps of wood, metal, tiles, plastic, and the like can be used to craft a bird house or feeder. Even an empty plastic bottle can be used. Some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, can be placed inside the house to entice birds to take up residence once the weather warms. * Stepping stones: Stepping stones can be a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. A trip to the craft store for some plaster or even a quick-set cement can be the

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stepping stones before allowing them to dry and harden. * Kite: The beginning of the spring season often arrives behind a burst of wind. Make the most of blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a kitchen trash bag, some sticks and string. * Garden gnomes: Craft stores often sell unfinished pottery that can be painted and sealed. See if garden gnomes or other whimsical creatures can be found. Use acrylic paint to decorate the figurines in your favorite colors. * Outdoor games: A large piece of plywood or fiberboard can serve as the game board for a number of different activities. spray paint to Find More Selection in Our New Freezers! Use stencil on alternating squares of red and black for a larger than Fresh Pastries life checkerboard or chess board.

Baked Daily For those with more time and creative stamina, use large stones to paint on letters and make an outdoor Scrabble® board for fun Puzzles, Toys & times with family and friends.

School Supplies * Painted flower pots: If the colors and designs at the local garden center don't fit with a Kitchenware particular design scheme, buy unfinished terra-cotta or plastic Jams & Jellies pots and paint them with the designs and colors that coordinate better.

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

FLOORING An increasing percentage of homeowners prefer wood flooring over carpeting. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly flooring options that use recycled and reliable wood from old buildings. In addition, homeowners can choose eco-friendly options like cork, rubber or even bamboo for their home's flooring.

But eco-friendly flooring is not necessarily limited to wood flooring. Recyclable linoleum flooring is also available, and these new products are typically far less toxic than the linoleum floors of yesteryear.

HOME OFFICE Working from home has steadily grown in popularity as technology has made it easier for employees to get their work done without having to head into the office. For homeowners who want to add a home office to their homes, it's easy to make that home office environmentally friendly.

Lighting fixtures are often a primary concern when designing a home office, in which men and women want to mirror the well-lit environment they're accustomed to at traditional office buildings. To illuminate the room in an effective and eco-friendly way, individuals can install LED lighting fixtures.

Such fixtures have a long life expectancy and use far less energy than their incandescent counterparts.

Another way to go green at the home office without spending much money is to make room for some plants in the office. Plants will absorb toxins in the air and also improve the indoor air quality, which many office workers cite as a problem in traditional offices that don't place too great an emphasis on indoor air quality.

When going green, it's easy to assume technology will be detrimental to the environment. However, advancements in eco-friendly technology have made it easier for homeowners to build their dream homes in eco-friendly ways.

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Spring

Float On

HOME improvement

By Dawn Klingensmith CTW Features

Challenge: Open floor plans, though still popular, put design skills to the test because there are few walls to place furniture against. On the other hand, small spaces can feel as though the walls are closing in.

Proposed solution: Pull furniture away from the walls and "float" it in the room.

In an open floor plan, this provides a cozy seating area. In a small room, it creates the appearance of airiness.

Bigger challenge: Getting the proposed solution to work.

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Anchor the family room with a 'floating' furniture arrangement to create space or at least the illusion of it

Elaine Williamson Designs

Airy Arrangements A floating arrangement is difficult to pull off, since anything other than perfect placement can make furnishings look like "ships cast at sea" or as though someone cleaned the walls and forgot to move the furniture back, says New York designer Scott Salvator.

For the average person, and even for pros, a successful outcome "requires a lot of arranging and rearranging," says designer Dawn Falcone, also of New York. "You have to set aside time to work with your furniture. Sometimes just pushing something back one inch makes all the difference in the world."

In certain rooms, a floating arrangement simply won't work, no matter how many rounds of "musical furniture" you undertake. "It's really an architecture-driven thing. If the room is big and open in all directions, a floating floor plan works great," Salvator says, though an island of furniture in the middle of the room requires at least 3 feet of walking space around the perimeter.

To begin experimenting, remove everything from the room except your largest furnishings, such as your sofa and love seat. Identify the room's focal point, or create one. In a living room, it's usually the fireplace or television.

The focal point is your anchor, Falcone says, and guides the placement of your remaining furniture. Generally, the sofa looks good directly across from the focal point, facing it at a comfortable distance. Other pieces can then be angled toward the focal point or oriented around the sofa to create a balanced arrangement conducive to conversation.

Alternately, you can place the sofa and a love seat to form an L, with the arms close together for cohesion. You probably will need to place furnishings with comparable "visual weight" across from the love seat for balance. An area rug can be used to define and unify your arrangement, Falcone says.

With your primary pieces in place, you need to figure out how to use the rest of the space. "In a huge room, if everything's in the middle you need to have other groupings of furniture," Falcone says. Against one wall, you could place two chairs with an occasional table between them, for example.

In the best-case scenario, these groupings would accommodate other activities, such as reading, Falcone says.

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Off the Walls A floating floor plan leaves you with blank, gallery-like walls. If smaller furniture groupings aren't possible, fill in the space with framed photos and artwork, or place a console table against the wall and hang a striking piece of artwork above it, Falcone suggests.

For smaller rooms, consider moving furniture off the wall at an angle instead of unmooring it altogether. For example, angle your sofa off the wall slightly and put a table and table lamp behind it in the widest part of the pie-shaped space you've created. Or keep the sofa parallel to the wall but bring it out far enough to put a rectangular table behind it.

One problem with floating floor plans is that there's no place to plug things in, though in some homes it's possible to retrofit floor outlets. Make no mistake: "You'll need table lamps and floor lamps no matter how much natural and overhead lighting you have," Falcone says. © CTW Features

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Spring

HOME improvement

MATTRESS Elaine Williamson Designs

8

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Not every kitchen is equipped with a trash compactor or wine cooler, but many homeowners are seeing the benefits of rethinking what appliances are included in their kitchen layouts and looking beyond the range or dishwasher.

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Trash Compactor A trash compactor is a device that can be built into cabinetry or used as a stand-alone appliance wherever there is an available electrical outlet.

Compactors have advantages over traditional garbage pails and bags in the kitchen. They can hold a week or two of garbage in compressed form, reducing the need to take out the trash. Plus, they will not become as odiferous as a regular pail. Compactors also take up less space than a garbage pail and can look more aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen.

Many compactors have filters and deodorizing holders inside the compactor. This will eliminate the smell that often results from decomposing foods and other debris.

Trash compactors can be especially handy for individuals who live in an apartment or where space is at a premium in the kitchen. The compactor will flatten the garbage when a button or lever is pressed, reducing the volume of the trash. It may also be used with plastic and aluminum recylables.

Wine Cooler Chances are a wine cellar will not fit in the average house. But a wine refrigerator can keep wine at the right temperature and humidity for optimal enjoyment.

Wine coolers are growing in popularity as more wine afficionados understand how the flavor of wine can benefit from proper storage. A refrigerator will hold wine bottles and insulate them from outside temperature fluctuations. They will also be handy and ready for use when the time comes.

Drawer Dishwashers Most households are already equipped with a dishwasher, but the majority are a single wash area models. It is well known that for a dishwasher to operate efficiently, the entire washer should be filled before running

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the cycle. For many people this can take days of dishes sitting soiled in the dishwasher.

Drawer dishwashers split the cleaning area into two unique zones. This enables a smaller load to be washed.

However, this isn't the only advantage. Drawer dishwashers can be more ergonomic, reducing the need for bending over to load the washer. Furthermore, because the two drawers work independently of one another, one drawer can be used on a light cycle for minimally soiled dishes, while the other runs for heavily dirtied dishes -all simultaneously.

Their unique look also makes drawer dishwashers coveted simply from a design perspective.

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Spring

Float On

HOME improvement

By Dawn Klingensmith CTW Features

Challenge: Open floor plans, though still popular, put design skills to the test because there are few walls to place furniture against. On the other hand, small spaces can feel as though the walls are closing in.

Proposed solution: Pull furniture away from the walls and "float" it in the room.

In an open floor plan, this provides a cozy seating area. In a small room, it creates the appearance of airiness.

Bigger challenge: Getting the proposed solution to work.

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Anchor the family room with a 'floating' furniture arrangement to create space or at least the illusion of it

Elaine Williamson Designs

Airy Arrangements A floating arrangement is difficult to pull off, since anything other than perfect placement can make furnishings look like "ships cast at sea" or as though someone cleaned the walls and forgot to move the furniture back, says New York designer Scott Salvator.

For the average person, and even for pros, a successful outcome "requires a lot of arranging and rearranging," says designer Dawn Falcone, also of New York. "You have to set aside time to work with your furniture. Sometimes just pushing something back one inch makes all the difference in the world."

In certain rooms, a floating arrangement simply won't work, no matter how many rounds of "musical furniture" you undertake. "It's really an architecture-driven thing. If the room is big and open in all directions, a floating floor plan works great," Salvator says, though an island of furniture in the middle of the room requires at least 3 feet of walking space around the perimeter.

To begin experimenting, remove everything from the room except your largest furnishings, such as your sofa and love seat. Identify the room's focal point, or create one. In a living room, it's usually the fireplace or television.

The focal point is your anchor, Falcone says, and guides the placement of your remaining furniture. Generally, the sofa looks good directly across from the focal point, facing it at a comfortable distance. Other pieces can then be angled toward the focal point or oriented around the sofa to create a balanced arrangement conducive to conversation.

Alternately, you can place the sofa and a love seat to form an L, with the arms close together for cohesion. You probably will need to place furnishings with comparable "visual weight" across from the love seat for balance. An area rug can be used to define and unify your arrangement, Falcone says.

With your primary pieces in place, you need to figure out how to use the rest of the space. "In a huge room, if everything's in the middle you need to have other groupings of furniture," Falcone says. Against one wall, you could place two chairs with an occasional table between them, for example.

In the best-case scenario, these groupings would accommodate other activities, such as reading, Falcone says.

Commercial & Residential Authorized Genie Door & Operator Sales & Service

15742 Moody Rd. Oakland, IL 61943 800-377-2526 217-346-2808 Fax 217-346-2066

Service Dealer

114 Moses Arthur, IL 61911 888-467-0543 217-543-3502 Fax 217-543-3349

Furniture Plus

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Off the Walls A floating floor plan leaves you with blank, gallery-like walls. If smaller furniture groupings aren't possible, fill in the space with framed photos and artwork, or place a console table against the wall and hang a striking piece of artwork above it, Falcone suggests.

For smaller rooms, consider moving furniture off the wall at an angle instead of unmooring it altogether. For example, angle your sofa off the wall slightly and put a table and table lamp behind it in the widest part of the pie-shaped space you've created. Or keep the sofa parallel to the wall but bring it out far enough to put a rectangular table behind it.

One problem with floating floor plans is that there's no place to plug things in, though in some homes it's possible to retrofit floor outlets. Make no mistake: "You'll need table lamps and floor lamps no matter how much natural and overhead lighting you have," Falcone says. © CTW Features

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Spring

HOME improvement

MATTRESS Elaine Williamson Designs

8

Never Clean a Messy Gutter Again!

Clip this ad for a Senior Citizens Discount!

Why risk an expensive injury climbing ladders?

Only Gutter Buddy can: Block out Maple seeds, pine needles, etc. and fit new or existing gutters.

Recommended!

299

Homeowners remodeling their kitchen can look beyond traditional appliances and add specialty tools that may save on space and upgrade room efficiency.

Not every kitchen is equipped with a trash compactor or wine cooler, but many homeowners are seeing the benefits of rethinking what appliances are included in their kitchen layouts and looking beyond the range or dishwasher.

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Trash Compactor A trash compactor is a device that can be built into cabinetry or used as a stand-alone appliance wherever there is an available electrical outlet.

Compactors have advantages over traditional garbage pails and bags in the kitchen. They can hold a week or two of garbage in compressed form, reducing the need to take out the trash. Plus, they will not become as odiferous as a regular pail. Compactors also take up less space than a garbage pail and can look more aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen.

Many compactors have filters and deodorizing holders inside the compactor. This will eliminate the smell that often results from decomposing foods and other debris.

Trash compactors can be especially handy for individuals who live in an apartment or where space is at a premium in the kitchen. The compactor will flatten the garbage when a button or lever is pressed, reducing the volume of the trash. It may also be used with plastic and aluminum recylables.

Wine Cooler Chances are a wine cellar will not fit in the average house. But a wine refrigerator can keep wine at the right temperature and humidity for optimal enjoyment.

Wine coolers are growing in popularity as more wine afficionados understand how the flavor of wine can benefit from proper storage. A refrigerator will hold wine bottles and insulate them from outside temperature fluctuations. They will also be handy and ready for use when the time comes.

Drawer Dishwashers Most households are already equipped with a dishwasher, but the majority are a single wash area models. It is well known that for a dishwasher to operate efficiently, the entire washer should be filled before running

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the cycle. For many people this can take days of dishes sitting soiled in the dishwasher.

Drawer dishwashers split the cleaning area into two unique zones. This enables a smaller load to be washed.

However, this isn't the only advantage. Drawer dishwashers can be more ergonomic, reducing the need for bending over to load the washer. Furthermore, because the two drawers work independently of one another, one drawer can be used on a light cycle for minimally soiled dishes, while the other runs for heavily dirtied dishes -all simultaneously.

Their unique look also makes drawer dishwashers coveted simply from a design perspective.

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HOME improvement

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HOME improvement

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Perhaps no decade has witnessed more rapid technological advancements than the opening decade of the 21st century. At the turn of the century, cellular phones had still yet to catch on universally, and few households had high-definition televisions. Ten years later, cell phones are so prevalent even many school-aged children have them, and rare is the household that has not embraced HDTV. Technology has advanced in other areas as well. Among the more notable advancements is the increase in eco-friendly technologies. Homeowners hoping to make their homes more environmentally friendly have a host of options at their beck and call that enable them to do just that. No matter which area of the home needs to be addressed, chances are homeowners can find ways to improve their homes in an eco-friendly way.

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BUILDING MATERIALS When building a dream home, homeowners also have a host of green building materials at their disposals. Be it mold-resistant drywall made from recycled paper or eco-friendly siding options, homeowners building their dream home or adding on to an existing home can choose eco-friendly building materials for both the interior and exterior of their homes.

As families await the arrival of warmer weather, there are things they can do to prepare for a season of fun in the sun. Engaging in some craft projects are ways to beat cabin fever while dreaming of warm, springtime weather to come.

There are many craft projects families and children can tackle, but ideas that involve projects that can be put to use outdoors may be the most fitting. Fortunately, there are a number of ideas for crafty projects to involve everyone in the household. * Birdhouse: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Otherwise, chances are items that can be made into a birdhouse probably can be found from scraps of materials already around the house or in the garage. Scraps of wood, metal, tiles, plastic, and the like can be used to craft a bird house or feeder. Even an empty plastic bottle can be used. Some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, can be placed inside the house to entice birds to take up residence once the weather warms. * Stepping stones: Stepping stones can be a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. A trip to the craft store for some plaster or even a quick-set cement can be the

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stepping stones before allowing them to dry and harden. * Kite: The beginning of the spring season often arrives behind a burst of wind. Make the most of blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a kitchen trash bag, some sticks and string. * Garden gnomes: Craft stores often sell unfinished pottery that can be painted and sealed. See if garden gnomes or other whimsical creatures can be found. Use acrylic paint to decorate the figurines in your favorite colors. * Outdoor games: A large piece of plywood or fiberboard can serve as the game board for a number of different activities. spray paint to Find More Selection in Our New Freezers! Use stencil on alternating squares of red and black for a larger than Fresh Pastries life checkerboard or chess board.

Baked Daily For those with more time and creative stamina, use large stones to paint on letters and make an outdoor Scrabble® board for fun Puzzles, Toys & times with family and friends.

School Supplies * Painted flower pots: If the colors and designs at the local garden center don't fit with a Kitchenware particular design scheme, buy unfinished terra-cotta or plastic Jams & Jellies pots and paint them with the designs and colors that coordinate better.

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

FLOORING An increasing percentage of homeowners prefer wood flooring over carpeting. Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly flooring options that use recycled and reliable wood from old buildings. In addition, homeowners can choose eco-friendly options like cork, rubber or even bamboo for their home's flooring.

But eco-friendly flooring is not necessarily limited to wood flooring. Recyclable linoleum flooring is also available, and these new products are typically far less toxic than the linoleum floors of yesteryear.

HOME OFFICE Working from home has steadily grown in popularity as technology has made it easier for employees to get their work done without having to head into the office. For homeowners who want to add a home office to their homes, it's easy to make that home office environmentally friendly.

Lighting fixtures are often a primary concern when designing a home office, in which men and women want to mirror the well-lit environment they're accustomed to at traditional office buildings. To illuminate the room in an effective and eco-friendly way, individuals can install LED lighting fixtures.

Such fixtures have a long life expectancy and use far less energy than their incandescent counterparts.

Another way to go green at the home office without spending much money is to make room for some plants in the office. Plants will absorb toxins in the air and also improve the indoor air quality, which many office workers cite as a problem in traditional offices that don't place too great an emphasis on indoor air quality.

When going green, it's easy to assume technology will be detrimental to the environment. However, advancements in eco-friendly technology have made it easier for homeowners to build their dream homes in eco-friendly ways.

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HOME improvement

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A Kitchen W rth Cooking In

Put everything in its place so there's space for you to prepare, cook and enjoy meals year-round

By Cathy Cassata CTW Features Deciding what to cook for meals is challenging enough without having to fight through an unorganized kitchen.

Make this dreaded daily decision a bit easier by whipping the kitchen into cooking and dining shape with helpful tips from chefs, a kitchen designer and a professional organizer.

PANTRY PERFECT If your dream walk-in pantry is a nightmare of a mess, divide it into zones. "Put items you don't use often up high, items that are heavy down low and items you regularly use at eye-level," says Marlene Buckner, designer and owner of The Urban Realm in Portland, Ore. Make rotating items a habit, says Devin Alexander, host of Healthy "Decadence" on FitTV and author of "The Biggest Loser Cookbook" series. "Instead of putting a new can of soup in front of an older can, put it behind," she says. "It takes a little longer, but it's worth it because you'll eat fresher food and throw away less expired food."

To manage the oft-untidy snack cabinet, Lea Schneider, owner of organizerightnow.com has a solution. "Use an easy-to-reach large basket placed at eye-level to hold opened packages of things, such as cookies, crackers, chips and granola bars," she says. Then, use a labeled area of a top shelf to hold the new, unopened replacement boxes.

"Not only does this system encourage family members to eat the already opened packages first, but makes it much easier for you to judge when you need to stock up," she adds.

Remember not all dry goods belong in the pantry, says Dean Zanella, executive chef at Rhapsody restaurant in Chicago. "Some things make more sense if they're closer to where you'll be cooking," he says. "I keep my spices in a cabinet by the stove rather than the pantry, so I can easily reach them when needed." Zanella says this also instance, keep two ladles if you tend to make two different pots of soup at opens up room in the pantry for bulkier items or appliances you don't always use. "Since I keep some dry goods once," she says. Alexander agrees and says multiple sets of certain things throughout cabinets in my kitchen, the bottom shelf of my pantry is free for things like my blender." can actually make your life in the kitchen easier. "For things like measuring cups and spoons, if you have dry and wet ingredients, you don't want to exSTUFFED WITH STUFF tend your cooking time by washing and drying a measuring spoon in-beBefore you begin a mad hunt for the best spot for dishes, glasses, utensils and gadgets, Schneider says take tween steps. But, do you really need more than one ice cream maker? everything out and purge. "Only keep one of each item unless you are sure that you use two at the same time. For Decide what you'll need more of and what you won't."

Once you decide what's staying in the kitchen, Schneider suggests applying the "next-to" rule. "If an item has a For All Your Home Improvement Project Needs! companion piece, it should be stored next-to that item. Coffee should go next to mugs, which should be near the coffee maker," she says. Zanella follows this method regularly. "I keep utensils that I'm going to use for certain types of cooking with each other. I have a • Floor Sanders • Tillers and Edgers drawer where my measuring cups and and Buffers spoons are that I use for baking close • Trenchers to my pans for baking, and my silverAlso offering: • Pressure Washers ware drawer is near my dinner table, • Auto while my utensils drawer is closer to my • Posthole Augers • Single Payment Notes • Paint Sprayers stove."

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FRIDGE FRENZY Stretch your grocery budget and keep your family healthy by organizing your refrigerator weekly, Schneider says. "Before making a week's menu and grocery list, clean out the expired foods, wipe up messes, make a note of leftovers that need to be eaten and incorporate those items into your next week's meal plan," she says. To keep track of leftovers and opened items, Alexander says to mark cooked dishes and opened items by labeling them with the date they were cooked or opened. Then place the stuff that will go bad first near the front of the shelf.

"If you have children or multiple people in the house cooking, it's a great way to communicate what needs to be eaten when," she says.

Zanella says to be honest about what will be used. "Think about when you're going to use that condiment again and if you really need it," he says. "There's no point keeping something in the fridge for months for a recipe you've been meaning to get to, but won't." To make space, Zanella recommends cutting up fruits and veggies into small pieces and storing them in containers. "Instead of whole grapefruits taking up my produce bin, I'll cut

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

Spring

HOME improvement

5

Budget-Friendly Paint Projects To Spruce Up Your Home This Spring ect holds that title for a reason (two reasons, actually): Painting is easy and it's inexpensive, making it just right for budget-minded consumers.

What's more, even small paint projects can greatly enhance the appearance of your home.

Here are some quick ways to get a lot of mileage out of a little paint, according to Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute: Paint just an interior accent wall. Don't have the time or energy to paint an entire room? Give the space an exciting new look by painting just one wall in a different color. A so-called accent wall can add visual interest to a room and introduce another hue into your color scheme.

Paint the area above (or below) a chair rail.

According to Zimmer, if your home is blessed with chair rails, you don't have to paint the entire wall. "You can choose to repaint only the wall area above the rail, or the area below it," says Zimmer. "It's a simple project that can dramatically change the appearance of the room."

Paint the interior windows and trim. Love Given the sluggish economy, now is not the your wall color, but still yearn for a new look? time most of us want to spring for a costly remodeling project. But you don't have to spend a Give the room a makeover by painting your lot of money to spruce up your home with paint. windows, molding, and trim. You'll be surprised how different a room can look when you change The nation's number one do-it-yourself projthe intensity of color there.

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Whether you try one of these quick and easy do-it-yourself projects, or take on more ambitious home painting, Zimmer advises that you always use a top quality 100 percent acrylic latex paint. These paints have superior "hiding" capability when painting over dark colors, they above draperies in Carole Fabrics are stain- and mildew-resistant, many function as both primer Elisa Roberts Interior Design and paint, and best of all ... they offer tremendous durability, so 217-549-4593 in Charleston your paint job will continue to www.elisaroberts.com look great for years to come!

Make A Statement With Wood Flooring Nowadays, homeowners renovating their homes often look to wood flooring to replace existing floors. Hardwood is coveted by buyers, and its clean, inviting look makes it a neutral design element that goes with many different types of decor.

Today's hardwood flooring is not the hardwood of the past.

There are many options from which to choose, including varied colors, types of wood, patterns, and inlays. In addition, innovations in sealants enable hardwood to be durable and hold up better against the daily grind.

About 25 years ago, a homeowner basically had to settle for wood flooring that was solid oak strips at 2.25 inches wide.

The strips were nailed in place by a carpenter and finished on site. Now, more than half of hardwood is fabricated and prefinished at a factory and is much easier to install -- even by the homeowner himself.

The range of styles and colors is also very extensive. Planks can be chosen in thin strips or wider options. Native hardwoods are available, as are offshore woods from different countries. Finishes can also be customized with higher gloss or matte choices.

For homeowners interested in going green, hardwood flooring also presents many options. A growing trend is using reclaimed wood that is recycled and then refinished into new items. Lumber may be reclaimed from old buildings, railroads, barns, homes, and even river bottoms. The varied history of the wood adds to its aesthetic appeal.

It's important for homeowners to know that the price point for hardwood will vary depending on species and finish. However, the way the boards are cut will also be a consideration for homeowners. Plainsawn or flatsawn boards have growth rings that run at anywhere from 0 to 45-degree angles to the wide surfaces of the board, with lots of loops and swirls. Quartersawn boards have rings that run from 45- to 90-angles and are not as lively in pattern. Quartersawn boards will expand in thickness depending on moisture and temperature. Plainsawn will shrink and swell widthwise. Quartersawn tend to take wear better and more evenly, contributing to their typically more expnesive price tag.

Homeowners can also choose among engineered wood products, which are essentially several layers of wood veneer adhered to a solid backing of plywood and sealed. This layered construction can make engineered flooring more stable and durable than traditional hardwood flooring. That means it can be used in rooms where hardwood was long frowned upon, like basements and bathrooms.

Wood flooring will continue to garner mass appeal and be the preference of many homeowners. With new innovations and availability, there are more options than ever for discerning homeowners.

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HOME improvement

Keys to Fixing Wet Basements A wet basement is something thousands of homeowners contend with but none look forward to fixing. Water entering the basement can be an expensive repair job, and it seems like few homes are impervious to water infiltration.

Water can enter a basement or crawlspace in a number of ways, seeping through the floor if the surrounding ground is constantly saturated or entering through cracks in the foundation walls. Leaky basement windows could cause water to enter, while improperly draining downspouts and gutters may cause water to pool around the home's foundation and enter the home.

A wet basement can decrease a home's value and potentially damage what's in the home. Standing water in a basement can also pose health hazards, such as mold and mildew growth, and can prove a breeding ground for insects that like moist conditions.

There are a number of techniques used to combat basement water issues. A waterproofing company can help homeowners ascertain what method will be best for the type of water issue they have. * Find the source of water. Sometimes water remediation requires minimal effort or simple solutions. It may be a grading issue on the property or landscaping that is causing water to pool around the home's foundation. Fixing these issues can alleviate water in the basement. * Create a barrier. A dampness or water issue may be remediated by creating a barrier between the water and the inside of the home. Waterproofing paints and sealants can be applied to both the outside and inside walls of a basement. However, waterproofing application on the outside of the home may cause disruption to landscaping and the need for excavation to reach foundation walls. Inside application is easier, but eventually the product may need to be reapplied if water pressure causes the sealant to blister or peel off.

A plastic vapor barrier can be installed in crawlspaces that have vented concrete or dirt floors. This will help to protect against moisture in the space.

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

* Install drains.

Various drainage systems are designed to help with basement water issues. Depending on the drain, it may be installed at the perimeter of the basement interior or on the exterior of the home. The drains are designed to capture water from the ground and direct it far away from the foundation. Drains can gradually become clogged with sediment and dirt and may need to be cleaned or replaced. Newer innovations in basement drainage systems that alleviate clogging issues are available through reputable businesses. * Use a sump pump. For other water issues, a sump pump can help gather groundwater in a sump pit and pump it out and away from the home. It's a good idea to have a backup source of power for the sump pump because if the power goes out, the sump pump will be rendered useless.

Water is the No. 1 enemy of basements and crawlspaces. It behooves the homeowner to take fast action to correct water issues in the lowest part of the home to ensure comfort and safety.

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Journal Gazette & Times-Courier them up, store them in containers and put them on a shelf," he says. "This way I can't miss them and I can use the produce bin for other things that won't expire as quickly."

If you're remodeling a kitchen or starting from scratch, design an organized kitchen with these tips from Marlene Buckner, designer and owner of The Urban Realm in Portland, Ore. PANTRY

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HOME improvement

13

When a walk-in pantry isn't an option, create the same amount of linear feet of storage by using cabinetry, such as chef's pantries, bulk food pantries and specialty pantries with after-market inserts. Ideal size for shelves is 6 inches deep.

CORNER-WALL SUSAN For ones with an angled door, turntable carousels are available to bring items from the back around to the front within easy reach.

DRAWERS AND DIVIDERS Skip base cabinets with shelves and rollouts. Install drawers instead, since they open with one motion. To avoid losing items in the back of drawers, divide up drawers and keep rarely used utensils in the back.

TRASH ROLLOUTS Trash and recycle rollouts can be installed under sink bases or base

The key to an organized kitchen is keeping only the items you use regularly - and purging those you don't

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Spring

HOME improvement

The Choice for a Home Air Filtration System What homeowners are breathing in every day has the potential to harm their health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it's the air inside of the home, rather than the air outside, that may cause the most physical harm. Many people seek options to reduce the toxicity of indoor air through a filtration system.

Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more toxic than outside air.

Newer, energy-efficient homes that are very well insulated against drafts may be among the most dangerous. That's because they restrict the ability for fresh air to seep into the home.

Resident dust mites, harmful airborne particulates and even mold could be residing in the house along with its occupants. An air filtration system can be one strategy homeowners can employ to clean up indoor air.

Homeowners may want to consider a permanent, whole-house unit that hooks up to the central heating and air conditioning already set up in the home. This enables every room in the home to receive filtered air. It is essential that the filters on the unit be changed frequently. Also, if a humidifier is hooked up to the HVAC unit, then the water should be changed on a regular basis so that mold does not proliferate and get blown throughout the home. Homeowners who don't have forced-air heating and cooling will have to have a different filtration system installed instead.

For renters or individuals who don't want a permanent system, there are many portable air filtration units on the market. These can be moved from room to room and even brought along when traveling.

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Air filtration units will vary depending on what they are cleaning from the air. Some tackle mold, others viruses and bacteria. Individuals with allergies should look for filters that target dust and pollen. Others can trap fumes and microscopic particles through unique processes. Here are some of the advanced cleaning filtration systems to consider. * Ionizers: Emit a small electric charge to the air stream creating a magnetic-like attraction for pollution particles, which causes them to adhere to the filter. * Ultraviolet light purification: Air passes through a UV system that destroys bacteria, viruses and dust mites of any size. * Electrostatic precipitators: These create opposite charges on metal wires or plates, attracting and holding dust, pollen, smoke, and other particles as small as .0001 microns. The assembly often can be removed and washed for reuse. * High efficiency particulate air (HEPA): These filters are designed to remove 99.97 percent of the particulates that pass through the filters. They will have no effect on fumes, viruses, bacteria, smaller mold spores, or some tobacco particulates. * Ultra HEPA: An even more efficient form of HEPA cleaners, which typically clean out 99.999 percent of the particulates that pass through them. * Ozone: Destroys all bacteria that comes in contact with the ozone, and leaves a "fresh" smell in the air. However, the safety of ozone inside the home is questionable. The Canadian government has banned the sale of ozone releasing air purification systems.

Mattoon Farm Pride S. Rt. 45 • Mattoon, IL 234-2105

Did You Know?

The pioneer home improvement series, "This Old House," debuted as a one-time, 13-part series on a Boston public broadcasting station in 1979. The show has won 17 Emmy awards over its storied history. The original host was Bob Vila, who in 1989 was asked to leave the show after appearing in commercials for home improvement competitors to the show's underwriter, The Home Depot.

Carpenter Norm Abrams has been part of the series since its inception.

The series has spurred several spin-offs and is still going strong today.

Tame the Toys The "Having a Child" instruction manual may have talked about 2 a.m. feedings and bouts of colic, but it may not have mentioned that having kids often means acquiring a household of stuff designed to care for and amuse these little ones-including lots and lots of toys. If spring cleaning means taming the toys and games in the home so that the living room doesn't look like an aisle in Toys 'R Us, keep in mind that it's possible to maintain some style in the home while cohabitating with the kids. Smart storage is one of a parent's best friends. Look for items that can hold kid toys and accessories but don't look like they were designed for kids. Nix the primary colored plastic bins for something more sophisticated, like an upholstered ottoman with a hinged cover for storage inside. Turn wicker baskets and other sleek accessories into toy bins. Even magazine holders and desk organization accessories can hold small figurines and children's books.

Parents can even reserve one or two drawers in a bureau or china cabinet to quickly stash toys when company is coming over.

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Happy Medium

)

Spring With happy-go-lucky hues like honeysuckle pink, it's never been easier to organize with mood in mind

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HOME improvement

3

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features

G

et happy - that's the collective message home- and interiorproducts makers are telling folks this year.

The world has been a pretty tough place for the past decade, racked by war and recession.

For 2011, expect to see some "happy" colors in everything from dishes to furniture to throw pillows, says Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute who also writes the morealivewithcolor.com blog. The Pantone Institute, which tracks color trends, declared honeysuckle pink its 2011 Color of the Year because "it's an instant pick-me-up," Eiseman shares.

But color is just one way to add a dose of cheer.

Of course, just as each of us defines happy in our own terms, mood boosters are a matter of individual taste.

Still, experts can point to several themes that make a home a happy refuge:

CLEAR AND COMFORTING Sure, a bright throw tossed over a sofa can lift your mood - but only if the view isn't obscured by piles of unread mail or other anxiety-inducing clutter.

"What do we want to see, and what do we hide?" asks Seattle architect Milan Heger. Developing an "aesthetic discipline" to get in the habit of clearing away clutter is the primary step towards a happy home, he says. "First we create a good way to store objects," Heger says. Book shelves, cabinets or even neat piles keep the distractions in their place, he adds.

COLOR-CODED Organization clears your space, which in turn clears your mind.

Our own reluctance to organize is the only obstacle in the way to clear-headedness. Combine another mood lifter - namely color - to spur yourself into action.

Kate S. Brown, a certified professional organizer in Sarasota, Fla., shares that colorful organizing tools and files prompt people who hate to put objects in their place or file get started. "For instance, I've seen people who have purchased photo files in a color that coordinates with their room get really excited about using the files - and then after they're through they're even more satisfied," Brown shares.

Emotion-enhancing hues vary according to the individual and with the space involved, underscores Anitra Mecadon, host of the DIY Network series "Mega Dens."

"For example, red is a passionate color that stimulates the senses - it's great for adding life to an active room," says Mecadon. On the other hand, Mecadon adds, you can achieve happiness with "some great soothing earth tones, or pale shades of green-blue, which are peaceful and calming."

Eiseman adds, "Our favorite colors in surroundings always make us feel better. Each color has a different effect, but all bright colors can give us a lift."

Angela Adams

14

This 'Sunset' rug from Angela Adams FLOWER POWER Take time to smell the roses. And put them in a vase. adds both a burst of color and texture to a room.

And set them out where you'll view them often.

Scientific studies, like one recently conducted by Rutgers University, find that flowers prompt immediate positive responses, and are even related to better social behaviors and memory skills. Moreover, the researchers find the boost is likely to last even after the bloom fades a bit. The Rutgers study finds women who received flowers reported more positive moods three days later.

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SMALL CHANGE Just as you may need a break from your routine to rev up your spirits, adding a dose of difference to a couple of rooms every 315 N Logan season can rev up the senses.

Mattoon, IL 61938 "Utilize new candles, colors and scents," suggests Kristin Andress, who runs the Web site imaginebeing.com. "Add different throw pillows to the couch or a lively rug to your foyer.

The energy of your rooms will Free Delivery improve with simple changes We Rent UHAULs here and there." ©CTW Features Telephone: 217-235-5004 Fax:217-235-5007 houseofpaint@consolidated.net

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Spring

HOME improvement

ARTICLE INDEX Backyard Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Happy Medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Keys to Fixing Wet Basements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Budget Friendly Paint Projects to Spruce Up Home . . . . 5 Make a Statement with Wood Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Spring Greening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Give Your Home a Green Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Float On - Open Floor Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Add Kitchen Appeal with Bonus Appliances . . . . . . . . . . 9 Create Homemade Outdoor Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tips for Adding Resale Value to Your Home’s Exterior . 11 A Kitchen Worth Cooking In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Choice for a Home Air Filtration System . . . . . . . . 14 Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 It’s Never Too Early . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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shots you can post on Facebook.

So how do you meet the pressing need for a stress-reducing change of scenery without wiping out your savings in the process? The solution may actually be simpler, and closer, than you think: Open your own back door, and begin imagining the leisure possibilities right beyond your doorstep!

Instead of throwing a bunch of money at a short-term getaway, consider investing a portion of it into transforming your back yard into a personal relaxation oasis.

Don't be put off by how big a task that sounds. Start out simple, making additional changes as finances allow, and inspiration strikes.

To begin with, your yard may need some degree of facelift. Hire a quality professional landscaper who can design around native plant species, for maximum benefit and minimal upkeep.

Yet landscaping is really only setting the stage -- you still need some kind of show-stopper to complete your yard's transformation.

Backyard-relaxation bliss: Invest in the very symbol of relaxation itself. Invest in a hammock and hammock stand.

Add an arc-style cypress or faux-wicker hammock stand, and your outdoor living space becomes not only a gorgeous relaxation destination, but also one that requires no checked-baggage fees or full-body scans to get to!

Your favorite patch of yard is finally the primo spot for unwinding, a personal relaxation space for letting your mind wander to all those distant getaway places you might one day like to go. But for now, you're pretty content right where you are, aren't you?

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they feel things differently than adults, which is why they cry more openly, laugh more deeply, feel fear more dramatically and play with more vigor than most adults," says Wenndi Freer, owner of Engage The Flow, a space-clearing service in Encinitas, Calif.

"When a parent takes the time to recognize that the room feels good when it's clean, kids get it. If you can start early and work with your child at this level, the feeling level, they will quickly recognize that a clean room just feels better than a messy one."

The most effective way to teach this skill, says Freer, is to be in the room with your child and break each task down into mini steps.

"By gently guiding them through the process rather than doing it for them, children learn to feel a sense of accomplishment," says Freer.

The four most dreaded words in a parent's vocabulary: "Clean up your room."

The answer to this angst, organizing experts say, is to remember they are children, with all the feelings and motivations that come with the job.

Motivation "The key thing to remember when working with children is

Organization "Explain to them that everything has a 'home,' just like they do," says Jan Hayner, professional organizer in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. "So at night, everything goes back 'home' until the next time they need it."

Make sure that there is a hamper for dirty clothes, says Hayner.

Add clothes rods that kids can reach. They will hang things up if

Spring

HOME improvement

they can reach a rod without using a chair.

For small items, use a hanging shoe bag (the pockets are great), labeled check boxes wrapped in contact paper to match the room or muffin tins-painted to match the room.

Schoolwork "Designate a specific place for backpacks, lunch boxes and books," says Freer. Homework needs to go back into the backpack as soon as it's completed. By having folders in the backpack, children can use their backpacks like adults filing cabinets, says Freer.

Toys, toys, toys Select appropriate shelving and storage containers that will work for toys, labeling containers with letters or pictures of the item so the child will know where they go, says Barry J. Izsak, a professional organizer in Austin, Texas.

When your child gets a new toy, ask them which toy they would like to give away, adds Izsak.

When a child is finished playing with a toy, he or she must put it back before playing with another toy. All toys must be put away before dinner, bedtime and other appropriate times. © CTW Features

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The best vacations lift us out of the frenzy of our lives, whisking us off to faraway places that relax and rejuvenate us.

Yet a great vacation can also be a great financial strain as well -and really, how relaxing is that? Especially since once the trip is over, there's typically little to show for all the expense beyond a few snap-

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