at home southwest florida living magazine by kimcarmellcreative

at home

august 2006

southwest florida living

some fun bring it home island style

ARE Y OUR K IDS B ORED THIS SU M M ER ?

s p e c i a l : aT h o m e m i s s i o n s h o w c a s e

capture the emotion of island style

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID

FT MYERS, FL PERMIT #803

index

august 2006 • Volume 1 • issue 2

n Special Feature: Kids Bored This Summer? ................................. 4

some things to do together before school starts

n Create an Art Gallery . ......................................................................... 6

in your home

n Can I Have a Puppy? . .......................................................................... 7 n Make Sure Ice is .................................................................................... 8

safe and clean

n New Survey Reveals ............................................................................ 9

consumer’s sleep habits

n Upgrade Your A/C .............................................................................. 10 n Mango and Turkey Salad ................................................................. 10 n Bill Paying Tip . ..................................................................................... 11

for the household CFO

n Bringing It Home . .............................................................................. 13

at home mission showcase

n August Feature: Island Style . ......................................................... 14

capture the emotion of island style

n Island Fruit Salad ................................................................................ 16 n Essentials for the Gardening Shed . ............................................. 17 n Dryer Sheets: . ...................................................................................... 21

not just for the dryer

n Summer Cleaning Surprises . ......................................................... 22 n Hair Care Corner ................................................................................. 22 Guest Commentary: Bruce Todd

Bruce Todd Salon • 239.772.7755

n Identity Thieves Don’t Take Vacations ....................................... 25

but they could ruin yours

n Five Easy Furniture Fixes................................................................... 26

at home southwest florida living

Please submit all correspondense to: 4905 Chiquita Blvd S., Suite 104-A Cape Coral, FL 33914 p: 239.541.1667 • f: 239.540.4111 Copyright © 2006, at home • Southwest Florida Living. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of at home is prohibited. at home reserves the right, with respect to submissions, to revise, republish, and authorize its readers to use the tips submitted for personal and commercial use. All articles and tips submitted to any at home publication become the sole property and copyright of at home • Southwest Florida Living. Information furnished in this magazine is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies or for the information’s use. at home logo is a trademark of at home • Southwest Florida Living. All other brands and product names are trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective holders.

w w w.at h o m e s w f l. co m • w w w. at h o m e i n p a ra d i s e.com 2

from the editor

w e l c o m e t o at h o m e • s o u t h w e s t f l o r i d a l i v i n g

That’s All I Know . . .

ith the recent month change, we welcome in the eighth month of our year. The month of no national holidays. The last month of summer. What do you know about August? Here’s what I know: Kimberly M. Boone • August was named in honor of Augustus Editor / Graphic Artist Caesar, the first Roman Emperor. • It is said that August has 31 days because Augustus demand ed as many days as Julius Caesar’s July. • August was placed in the eighth spot on the calendar because that was when Cleopatra died. (It was placed by Augustus.) • Before Augustus renamed August, it was called Sextillis (Latin). • In Brazil, superstition has dubbed August as the month of misfortune and is associated with bad luck. • In Finnish, August (called elokuu,) means “month of reaping”. • August is National Back To School Month and • National Psoriasis Awareness Month and • National Investors Month and • Women’s Small Business Month and • (finally!) Admit You’re Happy Month (I don’t make these things up. I swear.)

Wow. Who knew this last-grasp-for-summer-fun month had so much going on? As a native Northerner, August always meant hot days spent at the lake (or whining about it when we couldn’t be there.) Laying on an old bath towel, (an approved downgrade that could only be mother approved,) in full sun-worship pose, purposely facing, tolerating the blistering sun. We slathered up with slickery, warm baby oil (we didn’t know), and flopped sporadically. The cool lake breeze blew through the dock slats giving us brief relief from the sizzling rays. You felt so happy lying with eyes closed, smiling satisfied with anticipation, thinking about how good we were going to look later, all sun-baked, golden-roasted brown. Sadly, so tanned and beautiful, more often would end up burnt, water-blistery, “DON’T TOUCH ME” painful with itchy, snakeskin-like peeling skin to look forward to later. If you have never been part of or witness to a “who-can-peel-the-biggest-piece” contest... you haven’t lived. Eventually the peel spots would blend back into your normal skintone. The carnivals and fairs would all leave the local towns. Fireflies couldn’t be found where before they lit up the whole backyard. And someone would put the brakes on our summer vacation by inevitably speaking the unspoken... “hey, school starts in two weeks.” “Nooooo!!!” We screamed like it would make a difference. The end of summer. One more ice cream cone before the Tasty Freeze closes for the summer. Gone is the seasonal perfume of bug spray, baby oil, and red Kool-Aid. Bonfires and S’mores. As for August . . . That’s all I know.

We’re an Important Piece of the Puzzle!

Melissa Chilson

Dawn Rinell

Sr. Loan Officer

Loan Officer

239.265.8086

239.218.3296

Liany Solano

Danielle Rahilly

Loan Officer

239.822.6450

239.243.1206

Mortgage Depot Associates, Inc. Puzzled over the ever-changing interest rates? This is the perfect time to take advantage of the current low interest rates. We can help you finance your dream home - whether that means moving up, a second mortgage for renovations, or a cash-out refinance to consolidate or redecorate. You may even be able to lower your payments or eliminate PMI! Give the professionals at Mortgage Depot Associates, Inc. a call - We’ll be happy to discuss all your financial options and the many ways to save you money. V

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“Our Customers... Simply The Best!”

are your kids

will be starting soon. Summer is almost over and school fun with your kids. Take some time and do something l attractions and Following is a list of some of the loca family: activities that are fun for the whole ium • Calusa Nature Center & Planetar 5 3390 FL rs, Mye Fort , Ave. 3450 Ortiz .com 239-275-3435 • www.calusanature

aviary, gift shop and meeting Museum, nature trails, planetarium, s, birds of prey talks, snake walk ed guid ing Offer . and picnic areas rfly Talk, a Live Animal Butte , show Deer a feeding show, Meet . daily s show Presentation, and Planetarium

• Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve 0 SE 23rd Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 3399 t al.ne ecor 239-574-7395 • www.cap

s, a 4,500-ft. walking nature Pristine canoe and kayak waterway and a quiet picnic area. hes mars trail through mangroves and

• Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 33912 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers, FL ile /sixm .org arks 239-432-2004 • www.leep

the mile-long boardwalk trail. 2,200-acre wetland ecosystem on self-guided trail brochure ves, encla Observation decks, seating d. roun years walk ed guid free and

• Four Freedoms Park 4 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral, FL 3390 t 239-574-0804 • www.capecoral.ne

hitheater, several kiosks with Shaded playground, outdoor amp a recreational building. The and , grills BBQ and s table ic picn rams, and special events for prog es, class of ty varie a s center offer ils. deta for children to adults. Call

• Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary a, FL 33982 41660 Horseshoe Road, Punta Gord rg life.o wild gon .octa 239-543-1130 • www

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! The conservancy for exotic aniand ing learn tion, a rescue, rehabilita monkeys are among the and es wolv mals. Leopards, cougars, ofit organization). resident list at Octagon (a not-for-pr

• C.R.O.W.

(Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife)

3883 Sanibel-Captiva Rd., Sanibel, FL 239-472-3644 • www.crowclinic.org

33957

more than 3,400 injured, sick C.R.O.W. provides medical care for y year, with the goal of returnever nts patie and orphaned wildlife .W. is a non-profit organizaC.R.O ing them to their natural habitat. program and exhibits. al ation educ daily a s offer that tion

ory • Southwest Florida Museum of Hist 2300 Peck St., Fort Myers, FL 33901 om/museum 239-332-5955 • www.cityftmyers.c

its and artifacts tracing preHistoric train depot housing exhib exhibit, downtown walking ling trave a s offer It da. Flori ric histo ts. even ial spec and trips bus tours, escorted

• Imaginarium Hands-On Museum 6 2000 Cranford Ave., Fort Myers, FL 3391 inarium imag om/ ers.c ftmy .city www • 239-337-3332 gh a force of a hurricane, or run throu

Touch a cloud, feel the ides hours of fun with over 60 thunderstorm! The Imaginarium prov s and live animal shows. shark fish, live plus its exhib e activ inter

• Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum 33957 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd., Sanibel, FL .shellmuseum.org 239-395-2233 • 888-679-6450 • www ding

around the world, inclu The museum features shells from ds. The Children’s Learning islan er barri da’s Flori t hwes Sout Laboratory features live shells.

ter • Ostego Bay Marine Science Cen h, FL 33931 Beac rs Mye Fort rf, Wha an’s 718 Fisherm rg 239-765-8101 • www.ostegobay.o

s on tank. Touch a starfish, Interactive exhibits, aquariums, hand , see how sea turtles hatch, shark a of th mou the in put your head and more!

• Germain Arena 33928 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero, FL a.com aren main .ger 239-948-7825 • www

and host to over 100 events Sports and entertainment facility, size hockey rinks, public ice NHL two ring annually. Facility featu urant. resta and skating, arcade, party rooms

Satu rday Para dise , Au 490 Landi 5 Ch n gust g s Cap e Co iquita B Group 12t ral, FL 3 lvd., 390 h 4

this summer ?

• Alliance for the Arts 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919 239-939-2787 • www.a rtinlee.org

Art galleries featuring loc al, regional and nationally known artists and craftspersons. 150 -seat features concerts, live the theater plus outdoor amphitheater atrical performances and festivals.

• BIG ARTS 900 Dunlop Rd., Sanibe l, FL 33957 239-395-0900 • www.b igarts.org

Audiences enjoy jazz, classical and popular concerts, dance performances, art exhibit ions, lectures, theater, film and more than 160 art classes.

• Broadway Palm Dinne r Theatre 1380 Colonial Blvd., For t Myers, FL 33907 239-278-4422 • www.b roadwaypalm.com Entertainm

ent and dining. Featur es Broadway musicals comedy hits. The Childre and n’s Theatre features full-sca le professional productions that are suit able for all ages.

• Florida Repertory Th eatre 2267 First St., Fort Myers , FL 33901 239-332-4488 • 877-78 7-8053 • www.floridarep. org

Live theater in historic downtown Fort Myers pre senting musical and dance performanc es. The Theatre offers Cla sses for all ages, Student Matinees, and Lunchbox Theatre. Call for more info.

• Cultural Park Theatre Co., Inc. 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990-121 2 239-772-5862 • www.c ulturalpark.com Live

theater of plays and mu new material. Offering Sum sicals, including both classics and mer Camp for ages 7 - 14.

• Barbara B. Mann Perfo rming Arts Hall 13350 Edison Pkwy., For t Myers, FL 33919 239-481-4849 • www.b bmannpah.com Broadw

ay musicals. Prominent entertainers, popular and music concerts. Check we classical bsite for performances.

• BMX Strausser Sport s Complex 1410 SW 6th Place, Cap e Coral, FL 239-458-1943 • www.c apecoralbmx.org Com

e take a spin around this fun BMX track. For info and photos of the track, rmation please visit the website.

• Mike Greenwell’s Fam ily Fun Park 35 Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral, FL 33909 239-574-4386 • www.g reenwellsfamilyfunpark.c om Fun for

the whole family! Go car t tracks, miniature golf, arc paintball field, fish feedin ade, g dock, batting cages, playground and snack bar. Who would n’t have fun here?!

• Sun Splash Family Wa terpark 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 239-574-0495 • www.s unsplashwater park.com Wh

en summer boredom stri kes, backstroke your wa Splash Family Waterpark y to Sun . Your entire family will enjoy the 12 acres of water slides, poo ls, food and fun found onl y right here at Southwest Florida’s larg est waterpark. Slide into all the fun at Sun Splash!

• Fossil Expeditions 213 Lincoln Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33972 239-368-3252 • www.foss ilexpeditions.com Fossil

guide service offering fossil collecting day trip s and fossil shell trips in SW Florida. Also, teacher wo rkshops and educational presentations for schools, libraries, cor and functions. porations

• The Shell Factory 27878 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, FL 339 03 239-995-2141 • www.s hellfactory.com Nat

ure park, petting zoo, environmental education botanical trail and sho center, pping. The world’s larg est collection of shells, fossils and cor al, also has an arcade, min iature golf, pitching cage and a bum per boat lagoon.

• Eagle Skate Park 315 SW 2nd Avenue, Cap e Coral, FL 33915 239-242-3950 • www.c apecoral.net 27,

000 sq. ft. of ramps, rails and pipes. Offers extrem for skateboard, rollerblad e fun e, and bike enthusiasts of all ages.

Create an Art Gallery in Your Home

ummer parties mean more people viewing your décor and less time for you to spend on decorating your house. Creating an art gallery in your home is a great way to achieve high impact with modest effort. Your art selections will tell your guests a lot about your personal style. Plus, a home art gallery is easily changeable to suit the season, a special occasion or your mood. The art preservation experts at Tru Vue, a Chicago company that makes preservation quality glass for the framing industry, offer these tips for creating your home art gallery: • Choose your theme. Will your gallery consist of works by favorite artists? Shadowboxed mementoes from personal experiences or family history? A portrait gallery of family members? Or, a mix of all these styles? Practically anything you treasure - movie tickets, theater playbills, old record covers, sports memorabilia, musical instruments, clothing - can be framed and displayed in your art gallery. • Select the location. You will want a spot where guests are sure to see - and admire - your gallery. It’s up to you if you want the gallery to be a focal point for a room, or a subtle compliment to an overall design theme. Avoid spots where your artwork will be exposed to direct sunlight, but also keep in mind that indirect light and artificial light can both damage artwork too. Never hang important pieces directly over a heat source or in an area with high humidity - such as a bathroom. • Consider creating a family portrait wall. Galleries also look great lining a staircase wall. Hang artwork at eye level for someone of average height. Place smaller, more detailed pieces in small spaces, like hallways, where impact is less important than content. When creating groupings, select frame styles that are compatible with the room décor, and mat styles and colors that coordinate well with each other. You might consider organizing pieces with a particular theme that compliment a specific room in the house. For example, you might frame pictures of family members cooking or sharing a meal to create a food-themed art gallery in your kitchen. • Lay it all out. Once you’ve chosen a theme and location, arrange your gallery pieces by laying everything out on the floor first. This will help determine adjustments, accurate measurements and the overall look of the collection. Whenever possible, align the tops or

bottoms of various pieces in the group. • Do it right. To ensure you and your guests will enjoy your art gallery for years to come, be sure to properly frame and preserve each treasured piece. A custom framer can create display cases and frames to show off and protect each memento or piece of art. “An independent custom framer can enhance your pieces through their design talent, creativity and knowledge of preservation products like acid-free mats and ultraviolet protection glass or acrylics,” says Kathy Carter McLin of Tru Vue. “Galleries and museums maintain a controlled environment so that light and humidity do not damage their artworks. Each piece in your home gallery is just as important to you.” Custom framers can help protect your gallery pieces from fading, becoming brittle or yellowing with age by using the proper mounting techniques and quality glass such as Tru Vue Museum Glass and Conservation Series glass and acrylics. Acrylic products, are more lightweight than glass and provide a secure environment for artwork. They are a great alternative to glass if you are creating a gallery for a child’s room, a high traffic area of the house, or if your home is located within an earthquake zone. Tru Vue products are available at most custom framing shops. To learn more, visit www.tru-vue.com. [ Courtesy of ARA Content ] n

“Can I Have a Puppy?”

ooner or later, every parent is likely to hear: “Please, can I have a puppy?” Rather than dodge the question, parents should consider whether their family is ready for a pet, says Sharon Bergen, senior vice president of education and training for Knowledge Learning Corporation, the nation’s leading provider of early childhood care and education. Bergen suggests that parents weigh the pros and cons of adding a pet to the household before agreeing to a child’s request. “A pet can teach children responsibility and become a wonderful addition to a family — or it can be a burden,” she says. Bergen recommends families consider the following before deciding. Who will care for the pet? Families should agree beforehand who will be responsible for feeding, walking, bathing and cleaning up after the pet. Do you have space for a pet? Families living in apartments or townhouses may prefer a cat, a bird or fish, rather than a Labrador retriever. Check the library or Internet to learn more about different types and breeds of pets to determine the one most suitable for your family. Owning a pet is time consuming and may be expensive. Family members should realize that they may have to give up other activities to properly care for a pet.

If the prospect seems too daunting, parents may suggest waiting until the child is old enough to help care for an animal. Bergen recommends the whole family meet the animal before deciding to take it home. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, so think carefully before adopting a furry new family member. [ Article courtesy of NAPSI ] n

Puppy Tip:

Take your new puppy for its first veterinarian visit within the first few days and establish a vaccination schedule. Most puppies should have received at least 2 to 3 vaccinations before leaving their breeder. Give the vet the health record provided by your breeder. The health record should include all immunizations, wormings and any treatment that your puppy has had prior to “coming home.”

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Make Sure Ice is Safe and Clean

ou may think that all ice is the same, but if you have contaminated ice, you and your family could be risking your health. As the weather begins to heat up, so does ice consumption to keep beverages and food cold and fresh. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a picnic at the park or a daily glass of iced tea, people need safe, clean ice. Recent news reports have shown that some ice in fast-food restaurants is dirtier than toilet water. Whether processed and packaged from a moldy ice machine, mishandled through the use of dirty buckets or even hand-scooped by dirty hands, it is difficult to know exactly what you’re buying and consuming. Here are a few tips for purchasing clean, safe ice: • Ice should be clear in color as well as odorless and tasteless. • The bag should be properly closed and secure. • The bag should have the manufacturer’s name, address and phone number. • The bag should be free of any foreign objects. • The bag should have a product code. According to a recent study conducted by Michigan State University, there is a heightened concern with safety of foods among consumers. In fact, 63 percent of the consumers interviewed are Don’t let contaminated ice ruin an otherwise very or fairly lovely day. Look for the IPIA quality seal concerned about to ensure your packaged ice comes from a the safety of the trusted source. foods they eat and almost half of the respondents said they do not buy foods that are likely to be unsafe. This summer, the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA) wants you to know that all ice is not created equal and that ice shoppers need to be selective. When buying packaged ice, look for a product that has been packaged by a certified IPIA member and carries the IPIA seal. The seal means that the packaged ice consumers are buying meets the association’s strict quality and safety policy. The stringent Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards (PIQCS) are mandated for all IPIA members to ensure safe and quality ice. The standards regulate employees’ personal hygiene, sanitary operations of the facilities, equipment and utensils used in making ice, quality of the water source and continuous microbiological testing of the finished product. To learn more about safe ice, visit www.packagedice.com. [ Article courtesy of NAPSI ] n 8

7 6 6 1 41-

the process may not seem ver y appealing... but the end results

are prett y impressive.

ads • logos • brochures • flyers postcards • newsletters • posters publications • marketing collateral give us a call. we’ll put the coffee on.

do you look professional ?

New Survey Reveals Consumers’Sleep Habits

ave you ever wondered how your sleep patterns compare to others, and whether changing certain habits could help you get a better night’s rest? Pillow and bedding manufacturer Hollander Home Fashions recently announced the results of its first-ever Pillow Poll, an online survey conducted to uncover the latest consumer trends on sleep style and pillow use. The Pillow Poll, which was administered on Livecomfortably. com, asked a variety of questions regarding sleep positions, sleep habits, and pillow preferences. The results indicate a stark difference in sleep styles of men and women and a reluctance to replace pillows that are past their prime. While both men and women overwhelmingly report sleeping on their sides, men are more likely to sleep on their backs and women are more likely to sleep on their stomachs. Some intriguing statistics from the survey include: • Twenty-one percent of male survey respondents sleep on their backs, while only seven percent of women do. • Twenty-seven percent of women report sleeping on their stomachs, compared with only 11 percent of men. • Sixty-two percent of survey respondents, both male and female, sleep on their sides. Additional findings include that 32 percent of women report regularly waking up groggy and wanting to go back to sleep, versus 25 percent of men. Alternatively, 46 percent of men report that they usually wake up feeling somewhat rested, although

not as much as they would like, compared with 38 percent of women. Interestingly, only 13 percent of all survey respondents report waking up feeling completely rested with no grogginess. “To attain the best possible night sleep, it is important to select a pillow with the appropriate type of support for your individual sleep position,” said Beth Mack, senior vice president of basic bedding for Hollander Home Fashions. “Stomach sleepers should choose a soft pillow with little elevation, back sleepers should choose a medium pillow with moderate elevation, and side sleepers should choose a firmer pillow with maximum elevation.” Experts recommend that pillows be replaced every one to two years to ensure proper support and hygiene. Forty-two percent of survey respondents said that they didn’t know when they would replace their pillows, which is more than three times the number who said they planned to replace their pillow in the timeframe suggested by experts. Thirty-one percent of respondents have had their pillows more than two years, which experts say can lead to body aches and can also result in the build up of dust mites. Visit: www.Livecomfortably.com [ Courtesy of ARA Content ] n

Upgrade Your A/C

pgrading your central AC unit can save you some cool cash-if it’s done correctly. Federal regulations recently raised the minimum seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) to 13, from the previous minimum of 10. Higher energy costs might prompt many homeowners to upgrade their systems this year. A central air-conditioning unit has two parts: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. Some homeowners may be tempted to save money by just replacing the outdoor unit, but that may wind up costing them money later on. In central air-conditioning systems with a 13 SEER or higher rating, the two units must be perfectly matched for the system to function properly. Improperly installed systems may function, but not at peak performance, and could prematurely fail. Experts at the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) suggest that homeowners ask their contractors to confirm that the outdoor unit is well matched with the indoor coil by giving them a Certificate of ARI-Certified Product Performance. This certifies that the product they purchased will perform as stated by the manufacturer. Homeowners can also check if the system is perfectly matched by using the ARI Directory of Certified Product Performance at www.aridirectory.org. To be sure a technician has the experience and training to properly install the air-conditioning system, experts also recommend consulting a NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified technician at www.NATEX.org. [ Courtesy of NAPSI ] n

Mango and Turkey Salad 2 ripe mangos 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 cups mixed salad greens 1 lb. smoked turkey, cut in 1" pieces 1 cup cucumber cubes 1 cup halved grape tomatoes With narrow side facing up, slice mango on each side of pit to remove “cheeks.” With a knife, crisscross cheeks to make small cubes but do not cut through skin; press skin so cut side pops outward; cut or scrape off cubes. Peel center section; cut off mango pieces. Repeat this process with second mango. Set aside 3 cups mango cubes; place 1 cup of trimmings and smaller pieces in a food processor or blender and puree. In a small bowl, whisk together mango puree, vegetable oil, lime juice, cilantro and pepper. In a large bowl, toss mixed greens, mango cubes, turkey, cucumber and tomatoes with mango dressing. Serves: 6 Per Serving: calories: 180, total fat: 5.7g, saturated fat: 0.57g, protein: 19g, carbohydrate: 15g, cholesterol: 34mg, fiber: 3g, sodium: 472mg.

Bill Paying Tip for the Household CFO

hether they’re corporate executives or soccer moms - or both - many women have one title in common: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of their households. In a recent Harris Interactive survey sponsored by MasterCard RPPS, 75 percent of women said they are responsible for managing their household’s financial activities and that includes paying bills. While creating a household budget, balancing a checkbook and paying bills can be time consuming, many household CFO tasks can be made easier with online bill payment. According to the survey, 40 percent of women already pay bills online. Not paying bills online can mean you’re spending more time than you need to on managing your family’s finances. Here’s what you should know: • Security. Financial institutions employ electronic safeguards to protect the privacy and confidentiality of your information, and most post their security policies on their online bill-payment sites. A confidential log-in and PIN or password are required to access personal account information. Research has shown that online bill payers are less likely to have their identities stolen than those paying the traditional way. • Limited liability. Many financial institutions cover 100 percent of any losses incurred if your account is accessed fraudulently. You may want to ask your bank about its liability policy. • Time savings. Financial experts estimate that online bill payment at your bank’s Web site can cut the time spent on monthly

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bill paying from two hours to just 15 minutes. • Greater control. You decide who gets paid, when and how much. • Ease. You can make one payment or several at once, any time of day or night, even after the kids have gone to bed or before you head to work in the morning. • Quick, convenient enrollment. Simply go to your bank’s Web site with your paper bill in-hand. Enter the basic account information, including biller name and address and your account number, one time, and you’re ready to start paying your bills online. It’s that easy for any household CFO to make online bill payment the central organizing mechanism of her personal financial management style. To find out more, visit your financial institution’s Web site. For a free pamphlet about online bill payment, call 1-800-2560856 or e-mail: billsonline@ mastercard.com. Online bill payment can help handle the complexity of the household financial situation. [ Article courtesy of NAPSI ] n

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ROCK HARD SHOTCRETE, INC. NEW POOlS • FRONT-END WORK • RESTORATION JAmES HATCHEl

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Custom Home Solutions is one of only a handful of State Licensed Low Voltage Experts in the area. Many local companies that Al Valdes offer this specialized Owner/Operater kind of installation are not licensed for low voltage. Soon Lee County will require permits and inspections on all Low Voltage installations. This protects the consumer and eliminates nonqualified and unlicensed companies from doing this kind of very high-skilled work. Go with the Licensed Experts... Go with Custom Home Solutions.

• Mom’s New Media Room (The Kitchen!) • Baby Room Monitoring • High-end Home Theaters • Structured Wiring • Distributed Audio • Keypad Systems • Central Vacuums • Network Wiring and Wireless • Speakers • Plasmas • LCD’s and DLP’s • All Video and Audio • Low Voltage Lighting Authorized Dealer for: • Pioneer • Denon • Stewart Filmscreen • Toshiba • Philips • Knoll Systems • Russound • and Crestron (a high-end audio video system for the entire house)

We Pride Ourselves On Customer Service Ask For Our References! 4519 SE 16th Place • Unit 104 • Cape Coral

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bringing it home...

At Home Mission Showcase

Thanks Al Valdes -

Custom Home Solutions

one of our comAt Home magazine is proud to showcase g dedication to the munity business owners and his outstandin mission of At Home. tions, Al Valdes, the owner of Custom Home Solu ral refer at repe and ion was excited about the At Home miss June of th mon the g Durin . network in our growing community our of one s, ction Refle nt Elega to he referred two customers act contr r unde ntly curre is rals refer fine affiliates. One of Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for a custom swimming pool creation. packages in Al will be completing the sound and video Al, ks on behalf of the pool areas for these customers. Than rs. With these efforts the At Home community of business leade her. toget fit our companies and clients will bene ly presented Al with proud dent, Jay Hennessy, At Home presi uets) for his leadBouq K & K by ted a beautiful gift basket (crea of companies. unity comm our n withi ts ership in referring clien rtising source. At Home is more than just another adve ess leaders with Our mission: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building a community of busin orking and branding passion and vision of repeat referral netw us. with within our neighborhood.â&#x20AC;? Come grow

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island style CApTure THe emoTIoN oF ISlANd STyle

he key to decorating today is to focus less on function and more on emotion. Not that you should bypass the latest conveniences, but to capture a satisfying, cohesive look for your home, begin by asking yourself how you want it to feel. When you see a setting that taps your emotions, that creates that “Aha” - or “Ahhh” - moment for you, study its elements: What combination of furnishings, fabrics, colors, textures, accessories, even scents and sounds make that look, that lifestyle, come alive for you? Today’s sophisticated interiors demonstrate that a comfortable, relaxed look need no longer be cottage- or country-cute. Sun- and water-inspired colors, seductively soft fabrics, natural textures, and authentic materials and decorative elements can evoke the sense of an exotic locale, even if you live in a suburban neighborhood, city high rise, or, should you be so fortunate, on the coast. “Surrounding yourself with the elements of relaxation in your home is a great way to turn off the stress when you walk in your door,” says Florence Chaix, a licensing designer for Tommy Bahama Home. “We want to find ourselves at a table where the food is always good, the conversation inspiring, the setting tranquil, and life is simply one long weekend.” The ways to create that emotional calm in your own home abound. But remember, it’s the synergy created by blending these pieces that makes it work. No beautiful piece of furniture or high tech gadget alone can capture the emotional experience we’re seeking. If you’re starting from scratch, incorporate flowing interior spaces with openings on at least two sides for cross ventilation; changing ceiling heights for a feeling of intimate and open spaces; window seats and wraparound porches for taking in the views.

on the Floor: Think natural - rich wood tones, natural jute or stone. For an old world feel, use a traditional oriental rug, but in muted, natural colors that feel as if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in the family for a generation or two. rugs patterned with foliage or flowers lend a more contemporary feel. on the Walls: look for sun-, sand- and-sea-drenched colors, rich but muted. Create texture with stucco (more rustic) or grass cloth (more sophisticated). Finish off with wall dĂŠcor in a botanical theme. overhead: A slowly turning fan creates a natural breeze and brings down a high ceiling. rustic beams suggest a home and lifestyle built to endure. Furnishings: look for lightly distressed, bold, traditional forms with tropical inspired carvings and meticulous detailing. While still traditional or colonial in feel, these suggest the hand of a local craftsman rather than a precious classical antique. Textures: mimic nature with layers of different textures. let fabrics be ultra soft, supple, and inviting (remember, this is your version of paradise). Balance with natural materials such as rattan, bamboo, metal, and natural or artificial palms and ferns. continued on page 14

islandstyle

continued from page 15

One of the original purveyors of the island lifestyle, Tommy Bahama Home, for example, uses abundant natural motifs and woven materials to reflect a natural, coastal environment. Its newest Curacao Reef collection incorporates carved banana leaves, sunbursts, bamboo and textured fabric panels. Upholstery is sumptuous, not Spartan. Lighting: Where possible, let in lots of natural sunlight, or substitute muted ambient cove lighting that adds an all-over glow. Choose fixtures in wood, cane, antiqued metal, and ceramics, both porous and glazed.

Island Fruit Salad 1 large pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into bite-sized pieces 2 red plums, pitted and sliced 2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 tbsp. Tabasco® green jalapeño sauce

1 tbsp. lime juice 1 tbsp. grated lime peel 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted

Combine pineapple, plums, star fruit, brown sugar, Tabasco sauce, lime juice and lime peel in large bowl until well mixed. To serve, sprinkle fruit with toasted coconut. 6 servings. n

Ambience: And to round out your retreat’s island state of mind, appeal to the senses with candles, dried flowers or herbs, subtle incense or flowering plants. Add a fountain or waterfall to wash away your cares. Set the CD to some soft island rhythms. And, Tommy Bahama might add, don’t forget the ice. Picture 1 (page 12) : No vacation retreat‚ even the one you recreate at home‚ would be complete without a handsome bar around which friends can gather to quench their thirst for camaraderie. Creating emotion in your room means including references to all the senses. Furnishings from Curacao Reef by Tommy Bahama. Picture 2 (left page 13) : Inviting the art of relaxation into your home includes creating an inviting place to put your feet up to watch your favorite movie or tune in soothing island rhythms. Banana leaf and bamboo carvings lend this flexible entertainment wall from Tommy Bahama‚ Curacao Reef collection, a laid back, island appeal despite its high-tech purpose. Picture 3 (right page 13) : Bamboo-carved detailing and a sunburst headboard on this elegant Tommy Bahama bed add subtle tropical notes to a room made tranquil by soft fabrics and pale colors. Palms, botanical prints, and soft lighting add to the emotional appeal of an exotic retreat. [ Article courtesy of ARA Content ] n

• Did you know that Costa Rica is considered The Jewel of Central America? • Did you know that over 100,000 Americas have purchased property in Costa Rica? • Did you know that Costa Rica is a land of Rain Forests, Waterfalls, Mountains and Beaches? • Did you know that Paradise Landings Realty is a local Real Estate company with exclusive property available in Costa Rica? • Did you want to know more about Investing in Costa Rica? • Did you know that CHUCK HUFF is your local Costa Rica Investment and Acquisition Expert?

Call Today for FREE Information! 16

Essentials for the Gardening Shed

Why Do I Need Title Insurance? A home is probably the largest, single purchase a person will make in their lifetime. We know to protect our property against fire and other damage with hazard insurance, but what about protecting our title - our right of ownership? Title problems are defects that occur in the actual property documentation and can remain undisclosed for a very long time. Even the most thorough search of the public records won’t reveal these “hidden” defects or mistakes. These errors could actually delay the sale of your property, make it unmarketable or, in the worst case, cause you to lose your property. Title insurance covers defects in the title prior to when you purchased your property. The title insurer, without expense to you, will defend you against an attack on the title to your property.

by Rebecca Kolls he right tool can help make any job easier and the garden is no exception. More than 91 million households gardened in 2005, the most ever, according to the National Gardening Association. Gardening is an incredibly enjoyable activity, but if you don’t want to end up sore, blistered or itching, it’s important to be properly prepared before you begin. Here are some essential items that I keep in my garden shed: • Gardener’s First-Aid Kit – The most important thing in my shed is my first-aid kit for common garden emergencies including sunburn, bug bites, cuts, and poison ivy, oak or sumac. Every gardener I know dreads poison ivy because the itch can last for weeks. A tiny brush against one of these plants can cause a whole lot of itch, but it doesn’t have to with the help of one of my favorite products, Cortaid® Poison Ivy Care Treatment Kit. It can be used to defend against an outbreak, help to prevent spreading and treat an itchy reaction. • Gardening Gloves – While I believe in getting my hands dirty, nothing beats a great pair of high-quality leather gardening gloves. The right gloves can protect hands from thorns, an unexpected bee or spider, sharp twigs or sticks and blistering. • Shovels/Spade & Trowel – A good shovel is the difference continued on page 19

Before buying real estate, give Builders TitleCorp a call. Ask how simple it is to insure yourself against title loss . . .

You’ll see why it’s so important to call us BEFORE you need us.

Looking for your first home? This doll house needs nothing but a loving new owner! Brand new roof, top-of-the-line appliances and 18” tile thru-out, new carpet and paint in all 3 bedrooms. Room for a pool and affordable financing available!

Wow! This 5 year new Baywood, quality-built home has all the bells, gourmet kitchen, upgrades everywhere you want them, lush landscaping with your own fruit trees and a dazzling pool in an established neighborhood that is convenient to all your needs.

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New and affordable! Enjoy a 4 bedroom home with room for a pool on a quiet street in a park-like setting. Open great room with upgraded kitchen in popular SW Cape. Affordable Financing Available! Move in immediately!

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The privilege of waterfront living gets no better than Cape Harbor. Bring your sailboat and relax and enjoy the ammenities of this beautiful gated community in the professionally decorated unit in the heart of SW Cape Coral.

A rare find! Unique 2-story waterfront home with over 3200’. Courtyard and a guesthouse separated by a designer pool surrounded by balconies to enjoy every possible view! A boat lovers paradise between Lakes Saratoga and Kennedy in SW Cape.

435,000

Looking for a brand new home with a SW Cape address? This Tuscan styled pool home is nestled in the SW Cape on a quiet waterfront street near Cape Harbor. Exceptional quality abounds in this 3 bedroom with private den, Andalusia built home.

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(1) Corner lot, (2) beautiful new baths, (3) car garage, and (4) bedrooms! This SW Cape home is a house hunters dream! A Baywood quality built home with 2000’ spacious living area, huge laundry room, loads of storage! Beautiful designer pool!

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435,000

continued from page 17

between making your garden work easier and giving you a backache. Look for one with a long handle (to take pressure off of your back) and flat ledge, which creates a surface for your foot. A trowel is a must. Find one with a wide, curved blade that fits comfortably in your hand. â&#x20AC;˘ Pruners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pruning, deadheading (picking the dead flowers off of plants) and trimming plants goes on all year long. Look for â&#x20AC;&#x153;bypassâ&#x20AC;? pruners that make a clean cut on the plant without crushing or tearing it. â&#x20AC;˘ Wheelbarrows and Carts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Toting things around the garden can become a chore. Save yourself a backache and find a lightweight yet sturdy and steady cart to help with heavy work. â&#x20AC;˘ Watering Essentials â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A good hose has a 5â &#x201E;8-inch opening, is reinforced with a mesh layer and is kink resistant. It should handle 50 pounds per square inch of water pressure. Cost usually reflects quality, so spend the extra. For areas your hose canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach, invest in a sturdy watering can. With tools like these, gardening will truly be a pleasure, so get out there and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get Your Hands Dirty.â&#x20AC;? Rebecca Kolls, a master gardener, is host of HGTVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nationally syndicated gardening series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rebeccaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden.â&#x20AC;? [ Article courtesy of NAPSI ] n

Showcasing Your Neighborhood Home Builders

SATURDAY

AUGUST 12 th 10:00am - 4:00pm A day of fun for the whole family!

While the kids are enjoying the Bounce Houses, Slide, Dunk Tank and all the fun, Mom and Dad can grab a bite to eat and visit all of our sponsors’ tables. There will be several of the area’s finest home builders showcasing their latest models, along with the family of companies that are the Paradise Landings Group.

FREE to our friends & neighbors! Please come join us!

BUILDERS: RESERVE YOUR TABLE TODAY! (Space is Limited)

Hurry! Call Patty at 540-4446

Dryer Sheets: Not Just for the Dryer

n average, people put more than five loads of laundry in the dryer each week. Many of those loads contain dryer sheets, used to control static and infuse the clothes with a light scent. Dryer sheets, however, are increasingly making their way out of the laundry room and into other parts of the home. For example, home researchers at Procter & Gamble recommend using dryer sheets:

• in the linen closet to help keep linens smelling fresh day after day; • in shoes to help give odors the boot;

• in the gym bag to give odors a workout; • in dresser drawers for fresher sweaters, lingerie and socks;

Accepting applications and resumes for the following positions:

Mortgage Brokers & Loan Officers

Aggressive, enthusiastic and motivated Brokers and Loan Officers to join our energetic team. We offer professional and complete training. ––––––––––––––––

Advertising Sales Executives

Highly motivated, aggressive, team player needed immediately for At Home magazine. Ad sales experience a plus. ––––––––––––––––

Swimming Pool Design Consultants Come join our exceptional custom swimming pool design and sales team ––––––––––––––––

• behind curtains to help freshen the whole kitchen; • in the diaper bin to give it a clean, fresh scent.

These are all great, useful ideas, and by logging on to www. BounceEverywhere.com, you can find a remarkable collection of additional dryer sheet uses with some very surprising benefits. In addition to the tips recommended by P&G, the following is just a small collection of ideas suggested by consumers like you across the country: • Got a white streak on your clothes from your deodorant? Just take a used Bounce sheet and wipe it lightly across to remove the stain. • Put a dryer sheet in the air conditioning vent-it will make the whole house smell fresh and clean. continued on page 22

GREENCASTLE, INC.

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We have a new way to build single family homes. At Greencastle, we implement only the most innovative forms of construction. ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms) Construction Remarkably quiet, ultra energy efficient, storm and fire resistant and GREEN

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Summer Cleaning Surprises

ouse cleaning is an endless task, but it doesn’t have to be a boring one. While you’re packing away last season’s clothes, washing the windows and sweeping behind appliances, consider some “outside-the-box” tasks. Clean up your home computer hard drive. Shockingly few people perform what should be routine computer maintenance - from defragmenting to spyware detection. Make sure you’ve downloaded and installed all available updates for the software you use most. Update virus software subscriptions and definitions. Archive data and delete unimportant files. Gather up spare change throughout the house. Most of us have a family change jar, but we also tend to leave change throughout the house. Collect change from under the sofa cushions, empty the change jar, and pick up that stack of loose

dryersheets

continued from page 21

• Use Bounce in the shower to clean pesky soap scum. Just wet the sheet, rub and rinse. It breaks up the soap scum on glass doors and leaves them sparkling. • When putting clothes away for the season, put a fabric sheet or two in the storage bag/container for freshness next season. • Clean away stubborn food. Put a Bounce sheet in the pan and let it soak overnight. For more inforomation, please log onto www.BounceEverywhere.com. [ Article courtesy of NAPSI ] n

coins from the laundry room. Coinstar estimates that the average American household has about $99 in spare change floating around. Why not use that cash to reward yourself for cleaning? Coinstar offers free coin counting at select supermarket locations when you put that change on a gift card such as Amazon. com, Starbucks, Pier1 Imports or Borders. To find a Coinstar location, visit www.coinstar.com. [ Courtesy of ARA Content ] n

Hair Care Corner

his is an exciting time for us here at Bruce Todd Salon! Partnering with At Home Magazine has opened up an opportunity to communicate directly with the community, to let you know Bruce Todd who we are and what we are doing. We Master Hair Stylist have been in business for 14 years and have enjoyed being a part of the changes and growth of our beautiful community. Fourteen years ago, my Mother and I had a vision to create an education driven, upscale salon, with a warm and friendly environment. World class hairdressers in a real world salon. By the time she retired, eight years later, we were able to accomplish this vision, and have become a reputable staple in this city. Old school and new school combined to create what has been a wonderful and successful journey. And they told me it couldn’t be done! Moving forward, I’m proud to announce the first phase of a new chapter in our growth! Bruce Todd Salon Academy of Beauty! The chance to make a positive impact in the beauty industry is within our reach. We plan on breaking ground within the year, and becoming operational by 2008. A big undertaking, but working with the right people has made this dream slowly turn into a reality. At Home will be informing you of our progress as we get closer to the scissor-cutting ceremony. In closing, I would like to personally express my gratitude to the people of our community, for giving this business the opportunity to succeed and grow with them. Bruce Todd Salon will strive to continually provide you with superior and compassionate service. We look forward to the future, and thank you for your support! Bruce Todd is the Owner and Master Stylist of Bruce Todd Salon in Cape Coral (239) 772-7755. n

What is Montessori Education? Montessori encompasses a philosophy by which children are allowed to develop naturally and fully. Under the guidance of a certified Montessori Directress, in a specially prepared environment and using carefully formulated materials, children are given the opportunity to learn in the best ways- by choice and by discovery. The dual qualities of independence and a love of learning, natural tendencies for the children are nurtured in such a way that both competence and confidence result. These competent and self-confident young people have the necessary tools for successful future learning and living. A Young Children’s Montessori Acadamy (AYCMA) is dedicated to inspire children to be creative, independent learners, and to cultivate the child’s fullest potential. We encourage them to build a sense of community within their school and society. AYCMA is committed to excellence in Montessori education and philosophy. At AYCMA education fosters children’s natural curiosity and instills a life-long love of learning. It prepares young people to become compassionate, responsible and contributing members of society, respectful of each other and of the environment.

Mission : The mission of A Young Children’s Montessori Academy is to instill in every child the Love of Learning, making the path of education a joyful life long process! Our goal is to foster educational excellence by nurturing the whole child, fulfilling Montessori true vision.

Learn More About Us : Please visit our website and get a feel for what we are all about. By surfing our site you will be able to meet our faculty, see our students and view our school. We encourage you to visit our school personally and experience the peaceful feeling of children gathered for a common cause. We invite you, just as we do our children, to experience Montessori first hand.

3221 Chiquita Bloulevard S. u Cape Coral Phone: (239) 540-9400 www.aycma.com “If help and salvation are to come, they can only come from the children, for the children are the makers of men.” –– Dr. Maria Montessori (1870 – 1952)

pool

by Ele

gant

Refle

ction

Create a new living space in your home! • Extend your living area with a new screen enclosure for your pool & patio • A pool enclosure will reduce the use of chemicals, reducing cleaning • Entertain without annoying insects

• Enhance your privacy

• Protection from harmful UV rays

• Eliminate outdoor debris

SCREEN ROOMS • FRONT ENTRIES • • RESCREENS • POOL ENCLOSURES • • RAILINGS • SPIRAL STAIRCASES •

•

239-574-5343 1112 S.E. 9th Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33990 Fax: 239-731-2878

“Fabrication Technology at its Finest” 26

Identity Thieves Don’t Take Vacations... But They Could Ruin Yours

ummer vacation – a chance to escape the day-to-day stress of work, household chores and hectic schedules. But identity thieves don’t take a vacation - they know that summer, when people travel, is a great time to strike. You probably take certain precautions already to protect your identity, such as shredding receipts and unsolicited credit card offers; giving out personal information such as your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary; and checking your credit report on a regular basis for unusual activity or fraudulent accounts. When you’re leaving on vacation, there are a few extra steps you should take to ensure that your personal information is safe while you’re having fun in the sun. Here are some measures you can take to make sure the memories of your summer vacation don’t include identity theft: • If you’re asking a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your house and your mail, make sure it’s someone you can really trust. Identity theft is often perpetrated by people who know their victims. According to a study, when identity theft victims can identify the perpetrator, nearly half (47 percent) of these crimes are committed by someone they know. • Protect sensitive information that you leave at home while

you’re gone. This can include your passport; credit card and bank account numbers; Social Security cards; extra credit cards; and old receipts. You might consider using a locked file cabinet, fire box or safety deposit box to keep these items safe. • Protect incoming mail. Have the post office hold your mail during your trip. A mailbox stuffed with bills, bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers can signal that you’re away and gives thieves an opportunity to prey on your personal information. Remember to suspend newspaper subscriptions until you return. • Monitor your credit regularly, especially after a trip. It’s quick and easy with a product like Equifax Credit Watch Gold with 3-in-1 Monitoring which notifies you of changes to your credit file from all three nationwide credit reporting companies. Credit monitoring such as Equifax Credit Watch can serve as an early warning system to alert you to potentially fraudulent activities. • Guard your personal information while you travel, especially if you are traveling with a group. Secure purses and wallets in a locked suitcase if you are not taking them with you for the day’s outing. Also, be careful with rental agreements which are often printed with at least your name and address. Instead of keeping them in the glove compartment of a car, put them in a secure place, such as a hotel room safe. For more information on protecting your identity, visit www. equifax.com. [ Courtesy of ARA Content ] n

• Fossilized natural stone • Architectural grade • Reef - flash frozen in time • Over 300 million years old • Home interiors / exteriors • Pools / spas / outdoor bars • Over 60 colors / textures / sizes • Petrified tree boulders • Finest quality stone available

The more creative the project, the more it makes sense to use Heartland Stone. Call today to take a look for yourself.

We’re only a “stone’s throw” away!

• 25 years experience

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• Patios / roadways

• Paver drives

• Paver pool decks • Stone pool coping • Firepits / outdoor BBQ’s • Rock features • Rock Waterfalls • Landscapes • Large selection of patterns and colors

Five Easy Furniture Fixes

by Bruce Johnson f your home is everyone’s favorite gathering place, you may appreciate some handy hints to keep your furniture in tip-top shape: 1. Remove white rings. Thanks to all those guests who didn’t put a coaster down under their wine glass, you now have white rings on your coffee table. These white rings are moisture trapped in the finish. To remove them, use ordinary lemon oil and lightly rub on top of the white ring with fine #0000 steel wool. 2. Conceal scratches. For those pesky little scratches on the finish of your dining table, you don’t necessarily have to refinish the whole surface. Take a Minwax Stain Marker, match the right color marker to the wood and fill in the scratch. You may want to blend more than one color to get the best effect. Then take a clean rag and wipe off excess stain. 3. Lift candle wax. Candles are great for special occasions but can drip onto furniture. Don’t try to wipe off the wax. This will only drive it further into the finish.

Wait until the wax dries and then place an ice cube on top of the wax. This will make the wax brittle so you can scrape it off gently with a plastic scraper or credit card. 4. Fill in holes. Furniture may get holes from nails or small gouges from wear and tear. For minor nail holes, use a touch of Minwax Wood Putty, that comes in different wood colors to match your furniture. Apply putty into hole and wipe off the excess. 5. Perk up the finish and add an overall luster to your furniture with a thin coat of Minwax Wipe-On Poly finish. Using a clean rag and a clean surface, apply the finish, working it into the wood and wiping off the excess. This can bring back shine and protect the wood. For more helpful tips on wood finishing and wood care, visit minwax.com. Bruce Johnson is a noted author, craftsman and expert on wood finishing and antiques restoration. [ Article courtesy of NAPSI ] n

This home could be yours! Beautiful, waterfront, two-story courtyard home. Bring your jet ski’s, this home is located only seconds from Lake Kennedy and Lake Saratoga. MLS Listing #200533767

435,000

For more info about this home, please call

NANCY TREWYN at Paradise Landings Realty

239-292-2455

Call us for a FREE Mortgage Consultation 540-4446

• Fax: 540-4111

www.mortgage-depot.com

Sonya Hennessy

Nancy Toscani

cell: 239-560-1981

cell: 239-333-6871

v nOW OFFeRing ~ Underwater Sound Systems by custom Home Solutions v

ou can rest assured that Elegant Reflections has the interests of each customer in mind throughout the entire design and construction process. We go to great lengths to make sure we understand exactly what you want, and then we go to work making it a reality. We create only custom designed pools. Escape the â&#x20AC;&#x153;cookie-cutterâ&#x20AC;? pool shapes idea... There are more options!

At Elegant Reflections, we offer unique ideas, the latest product innovations and personal job supervision. From custom design waterscapes with vanishing edges, beautiful rock waterfalls, free-shape therapy spas and so much more... Come, let us impress you with a personalized design presentation of your own.

FREE Pool Cleaner with pool ( $ 495 value) FREE Pool Service for 30 days FREE Customized Pool Design Complete Pool Packages starting at $ 34,900 Visit Our Showroom at: 4 9 0 5 C h i q u i t a B l v d . v S u i t e 1 0 2 v C a pe Coral (across from Publix)

239.541.POOL (7665) Lynn Seaver

Donna Fortunato

Holly Henri

Design Consultant

owner / PresiDent

(239) 699-2995

(239) 699-1460

www.ERPools.com

Financing available ~ call Melissa chilson (265-8086) or Dawn Rinell (218-3296) at Mortgage Depot associates, inc. 540-4446