EEOne FTRake
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Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects rare woods that are no longer available brand new. • Salvaged wood has character. It’s difficult to mimic the natural age marks and character that older wood may have. Instead of being raised on farms, wood harvested decades ago probably grew in natural environments, making the wood both durable and strong. The color and grain of salvaged wood may also be unique. • Look at objects in a new way. Doors are versatile pieces of reclaimed lumber because they’re already flat and rather large. Doors can be turned into headboards, tables or benches. Staircase or porch posts can be turned into candlestick holders, and wood shutters can dress up walls and provide a place
to hang artwork and other wall items. • Reclaimed wood can be found everywhere. Most people do not have to look too far to find wood they can salvage. Check salvage yards, landfills, dumpsters in front of older homes being renovated, or older, unused barns in rural settings. You also can collect driftwood or discarded shipping crates. While some reclaimed wood can be used as-is, some pieces may require millwork, including sanding, cutting, shaping, and finishing. If you do not have these skills, you probably will have to hire someone who does. The Internet is awash with ideas for putting salvaged wood to use. Get inspired and then find the pieces that will fit your project.
Local realtors met at the State Capital to learn about and discuss policy issues impacting the real estate industry. Left to Right: Sandra Thomas, Le-Ann Holmes, Bobbie Himel, Deana Dixon and State Representative John Maddox. met with Representatives and Senators to discuss the current issues they want them to support. The realtors also observed sessions and watched the legislative process. Governor Asa Hutchinson also took the time to speak to the group.
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Assisted Living - A Place to Call Home
Immediate Openings Available
PIP’S
The Oaks at Mena is committed to providing personalized care that exceeds the expectations of our residents. Quality care is provided by our staff of respectful and compassionate team members.
515 DeQueen Street • Mena, AR 71953
At our assisted living community, residents enjoy meals, a beautiful, convenient apartment, maintenance-free living, and countless ways to fill their calendar every day. Come in for a tour to experience the great life at The Oaks at Mena. To set up a tour give us a call or come by for a visit.
AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING
Office Hours: Monday - Friday • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Office: 479-394-1588 Emergency Number: 479-385-1009 Tom Pipkin, Owner HVAC LIC #2117733 Pipkint@sbcglobal.net www.pipsair.com
Owner, Tom Pipkin, has 22 years experience and over 100 years of Carrier Technology at his fingertips. This makes Pip’s the one to call for all your sales, service and installation needs!
1341 Mena Street • Mena, AR 71953
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Repurposing salvaged wood is a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate the three Rs of green living into your lifestyle: reduce, reuse and recycle. Reclaimed wood is often used in flooring, beams, wall treatments, and doors, but it also can be turned into furniture or home accent items. Reclaimed wood adds warmth and historical interest to a home’s decor that newer materials may lack. Although finding wood that can be salvaged takes time and some legwork, such efforts can quickly pay off. Many businesses are now devoted to reclaimed timber, which can help make the process of finding and using salvaged wood even easier. Homeowners considering reclaimed wood may be interested to learn that such wood can serve various functions aside from benefitting the planet. • Match old-growth wood. New regulations may prevent certain species of trees from being cut down. That means it can be challenging to match old wood in a home, particularly if you’re looking to maintain historical value and authenticity. Relying on salvaged wood items can alleviate this concern, ensuring that you can find
479-243-0033
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March 2017
How to make spring projects more eco-friendly The arrival of warmer weather means different things to different people. Some anticipate opportunities for outdoor fun, while others may be considering redecorating or remodeling their homes. For the latter group, home improvement season provides a great opportunity to make homes more eco-friendly. When planning home improvement projects, it’s best to first choose a project and then look for ways to make the project more environmentally friendly. Such an approach may not only benefit the environment, but it also may benefit homeowners’ bottom lines.
Interior decorating
Longer days and warmer temperatures often translate into wanting to freshen up the interior of a home. Heavy draperies and comforters are put away, and lighter fabrics are taken out of storage. Whenever possible, reuse or repurpose items you already have rather than purchasing new items. Longer drapes can be cut and hemmed to be used as window treatments in other rooms. Making a patchwork blanket out of old T-shirts is a crafty project that makes use of items that would otherwise be destined for landfills. When laundering linens, skip the energy-using dryer and let items line dry in the sun and fresh air. If you decide to purchase some new items, look for products made
from sustainable or organic fabrics. Hemp and bamboo textiles have grown in popularity. Hemp and bamboo plants grow quickly, and their durability makes these materials smart choices. When replacing items around the house, donate older items to a charitable organization.
Flowers and plants
Spring and summer call to mind beautiful blooming plants. Relying on native, sustainable plants is practical, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. According to the National Wildlife Federation, sustainable plants are native plants. Native plants sustain local wildlife more effectively than non-native alternatives, so include native plants in your sustainable garden. Native plants also are less reliant on pesticides and herbicides to keep them healthy and viable. Don’t forget to bring plants indoors as well.
Even though you may be opening the windows more, indoor plants can filter and purify indoor air. The NASA Clean Air Study, led in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, found that certain common indoor plants naturally remove toxic agents such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. Efficient air cleaning is accomplished with at least one plant per 100 square feet of home or office space.
Proper disposal
Spring cleaning is another tradition for many families come the end of winter and dawn of spring. Many people use spring as a time to go through closets and garages to remove items they no longer use or need. In an effort to clean up fast, some people may dispose of chemical products, paints, treated lumber, and many other items in ways that can be damaging to the environ-
ment. Always learn local municipal guidelines for proper disposal of potentially harmful products. Area recycling centers may have drop-off areas for stains and paints, used motor oil and other potentially harmful products. Before discarding something, see if it can be donated or sold. This will result in fewer items ending up in landfills. Exercise caution outdoors as well. Runoff from cleaning products used on home siding or driveways can leach into the surrounding soil or find its way into sewage drains that ultimately direct fluids to public waterways. Choose environmentally responsible products whenever possible. Springtime renovation and cleaning projects provide the perfect opportunity to adopt eco-friendly practices that pay dividends for years to come.
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Garage organization 101 Freshen up your home for the spring season
Garages are coveted by homeowners across the country, offering a space to park a car and protect it from the elements. But many people do not park a car in their garage, only to find the garage become a home to clutter. Garages tend to become the official catchall of a home. When an item cannot be crammed into a hiding space elsewhere, it often ends up dumped into the garage, where it joins the long list of other abandoned items. It can be easy to let garages become a wasteland because everything put inside a garage is behind a closed door. That mess can quickly build up, and reclaiming your garage requires energy, time, organization, and a plan. Organizing a garage will take some time. An entire weekend or two consecutive days may be necessary depending on the level of disarray. Taking everything out of the garage and going through the sorting process may take the most time. When sorting, separate any broken items, which can immediately be put at the curb for trash pick-
up. Examine things that you have not used in some time. If you haven’t missed it, there’s a good chance that you can discard the item or donate it. Create separate piles for donations and trash. Move the items that will be kept into a separate pile. After all of the trash and donations are removed from the premises, then you can look at what is remaining and begin planning out a more organized storage system. There may be things in the “keep” pile that are simply out of place in the garage and may be better stored elsewhere. Think about which items can be moved to a basement or attic because of their infrequency of use, such as holiday decorations, suitcases, and collectibles. You may prefer to move lawn and garden items out of the garage and into a shed in the backyard. After completing the sorting process, look at the garage as a blank space and measure out the room that you have. This will provide an empty canvas as a starting off point. To maximize the amount
of space you have as a work area or a place to park your car, invest in as many tools as possible to utilize vertical space. Shelving, hooks and cabinetry will take things off of the floor, while storage units with doors can hide items that lack aesthetic appeal. Rolling tool caddies and cabinets can keep all tools neat and in organized drawers so you’re never hunting and pecking for a tool again. A cabinet that has a lock and key can be utilized for dangerous chemicals that need to be kept out of the hands of children and away from pets. Think about how the garage will appear from the curb when the door is raised and create a design that will be functional and neat. Take the opportunity while the garage is empty to give walls and floors a fresh coat of paint and improve the lighting in the garage. A brighter garage makes for a better work station. For those who can use a little extra help, there are professional garage organization companies that can come in and install custom cabinetry and work surfaces. This is an option if you desire a high-end garage. When putting items back into the garage, label where everything is stored until you become accustomed to the new organization. This way you’ll be able to find everything easily. Organizing a garage can be tedious, but the reward is ultimately worth the effort.
Fresh flowers, new throw pillows and lightweight draperies are some easy ways to transform a home in time for spring’s arrival. After a few months of chilly temperatures, come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open their windows and doors and breathe new life into their homes. Simple changes made now — even before the weather begins to warm up — can improve interior spaces and brighten the atmosphere of a home. • Go plant shopping. Research from NASA suggests adding at least one plant in your home per 100 square feet is efficient enough to clean air. Fresh foliage also makes a home feel warm and inviting. Watering and misting plants introduces moisture into indoor air, which can make rooms overcome with dry air from heating systems feel comfortable. Just be sure to avoid overwatering plants, which can lead to mold growth. • Swap out throw pillows. Accent pillows on beds and sofas are quick and inexpensive ways to add new bursts of color to rooms. You may be able to make over a room’s entire color scheme with new pillows. Invest in pil-
lows that you can switch with each season so your decor will never look tired or dull. • Clean existing light fixtures. Another way to brighten the mood in a home is to periodically clean light fixtures to make sure they are working effectively. Spend time dusting them and cleaning off any accumulated debris. If need be, switch out old lamp shades for newer ones that let more light shine through. If inadequate lighting is a problem no matter how many lamps you have, consult with an electrician about installing more overhead and accent lighting. • Give rugs and floors a deep cleaning. Recirculated air may be full of dust and other microscopic particles that end up blowing throughout your home. Also, it’s easy to track in dirt and other materials on your shoes that become imbedded in carpeting. At least once a year, rent or enlist the surfaces of carpet and upholstery cleaners to give floors a thorough cleaning. You may be surprised at how clean and
fresh a home looks and smells once rugs and carpets are deep-cleaned. You also can make a dry carpet cleaner using baking soda, corn starch and desired fresh herbs for fragrance. Sprinkle and then vacuum up after a few hours. • Color-coordinate bookshelves. Group all books with similarly colored covers together for an instant and eye-appealing look. • Simmer some homemade home deodorizer. In a large pot, boil water and some scented herbs, such as rosemary, citrus rinds, vanilla, or lavender. The aroma will waft through the home, creating a pleasing scent. • Invest in new window treatments. Lightweight draperies or new blinds or shades can transform the look of a room. Be sure to keep curtains and blinds open during the day to maximize the hours of sunlight. Homeowners can make some simple changes while they’re stuck indoors and reap the benefits when the weather warms up again.
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Vicki Agee Sales Associate 234-3626
March 2017
Janet Corcoran Associate Broker 394-8541
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Norma Trammell Executive Broker 216-4313
Eudell Head Sales Associate 216-3544
Tiffany Lane, CRB Principal Broker/ Owner
www.century21perry.com • www.century21.com
8862 COX LAKE AREA Nice home in established neighborhood, 3 br, 2 ba, 1376 sf, original hardwood floors in living room, new windows. MLS#16004440 $68,000. 8925 61 ACRES & HOME! Beautiful 61 ac farm featuring unique custom built, 1940 sq ft house, pastures fenced and cross fenced. Two ponds, two barns (with horse stalls and views). MLS#16031881 $265,000. 8926 GREAT DEAL! Such a cute home! 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Mena! Great price! MLS#16032302 $69,900. 8937 VICTORIAN CHARM - Sitting on a corner lot, offering hardwood floors, Central A/C downstairs, and updates! Roof, plumbing and ten windows (including the bay window) have been replaced within the last three years. This home is ready for you to move right in and make it your own!! $115,000. 8938 MOUNTAIN VIEW OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS! Custom tiled master bath w/jacuzzi tub w/inline heater, double sinks, tiled flooring details. Kit w/ custom cabinets, pull out trash cans, 30" ceramic glass cooktop, 30" self cleaning oven, stainless steel refrigerator stays. Zoned H/A, 2 heat pumps, Riannai tankless water heater. Pool house w/equip, 12x24 shop, 26x32 garage finished & insulated, 8x40 rear porch w/ceiling fans, 16x36 inground pool w/multi colored LED lights, seating area w/massage jets, auto vac. $269,900. 8939 FORECLOSURE SPECIAL! Lots of room for a small price, ready to move right in. Great kitchen with lots of cabinets. Property for sale on HUD www.homestore.com. HUD homes are sold AS IS. www.HudHomeStore.com Case #031-376083 $31,500
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1118 Highway 71 S. • Mena, AR 71953 (479)394-6500
Amanda Warrington Executive Broker 234-8114
8940 NEEDS A LITTLE INSPIRATION - Imagination and a little work will reward you with a real dream house. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath home on a corner lot. Priced to sell quickly. $34,900.
8946 20 ACRES of woods with a year-round creek running through. Great hunting land or find the perfect home site! $40,000.
8941 HILLSIDE RETREAT surrounded by mountain views, not far from town, with a large front porch overlooking a private pond. Spacious rooms, a wide hallway, breakfast nook, large eat-in kitchen, separate laundry, plus a game/recreation room, CH/A and a wood burning stove, 2 water heaters! Washer, dryer and refrigerator stay. National Forest boundaries, a two-car garage/shop, extra storage, and so much more. $204,900.
8949 PANORAMIC MTN VIEWS from the decks of this multi-level home, large windows in the living area. Close to the Ouachita River, finished partial basement w.den/family room and outside access. 2 br, 2 ba on main level, 1 br/ba in the basement. Office space, and fireplace separates living/dining. Bid on this foreclosure property on xome.com. $225,000.
8942 HOUSE AND GUEST HOUSE - 3.3 acres, imagine the view of the mountain range from the front porch. Beautiful log home, outbuildings, 3 br, 1 ba, detached garage and shop. Separate little cottage, 1 br, 1 ba, separate utilities. Trees and pond on property. open, country close to town! $79,900.
8951 MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING – Name your business! Ready to start working? Used as a gift shop. Price includes all fixtures and inventory. New roof in 2016, 7 separate inside booths, reception area. $80,000.
8943 LARGE COUNTRY LOT in South Polk County! This 1080 sq ft home is ready for your purchase and completion of renovation. Vinyl sided 1 1/2 story home on 1.42 acres, near Highway 71 South. Utilities at property, make it your fixer-upper today. $30,000.
8954 MOUNTAIN VIEWS - Fenced for livestock, good location in Parks, AR, with a large shop, screened in back porch, garden spot. Partially finished basement. Bid now so you don't miss out on a fantastic deal! Case#031-446033 HUD homes are sold "as is." Bidding now open on www.HudHomeStore.com. $195,000.
8945 COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL! Great land opportunity!!! Highway frontage and located near the East/West runway of the Mena Airport, with the added amenities of underground electric already run to the east side of the property, as well as a city water line to the center of the land. Nice, level land - cleared and ready for you to take advantage of this location!! Thinking of an airport related business? Many options here! $53,000.
8955 FORECLOSURE SPECIAL!! Gorgeous wood ceilings and walls throughout this 2 story country home, open living spaces. Sold "as is," has had some decking repaired. Buyers must be pre qualified before p u r c h a s e . $134,900.
Let One Of Our Professionals Show You The Beauty Of The Ouachitas!
March 2017
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Incorporate flowers in various ways Weddings are special moments for couples and the guests they invite to share their happiness on their big days. Beautiful weddings require substantial planning, as every last detail must be considered for couples to enjoy the wedding of their dreams. Flowers play a big role in many weddings, and couples can add beauty and ambiance to the event by using floral arrangements in various ways. Modern floral arrangements are stunning, and many couples may not know that herbs, spices and flowers have been used in weddings for centuries. Today, flowers are used to decorate wedding venues, impart sweet fragrances and complement formal attire, but in ancient times they were used differently. Flowers were used to bestow good luck on the couple and keep bad omens away. Brides carried aromatic flowers and spices to keep evil spirits from spoiling the festivities, and some even tucked bulbs of garlic into their bouquets. In ancient Greece and Rome, both the bride and groom wore garlands made out of strong-smelling herbs flowers around their necks or heads. These wreaths were considered gifts of nature, and thus extremely appropriate for a
Apart from bouquets, flowers can enhance weddings in several different ways and take their cue from historical traditions. wedding. Traditionally, bridesmaids would be responsible for fashioning these floral components. In ancient Sweden, young girls would carry small bouquets of fragrant herbs down the aisle and the groom would put thyme in his pocket. These aromatics were thought to help keep trolls at bay. Besides warding off spirits or hungry trolls, flowers also served more practical purposes throughout history. During the Middle Ages, people bathed less frequently than they do today. Bathing might only have occurred twice a year, once during summer and then again at Christmastime. Because many
weddings took place in the spring, flowers were used to mask bodily odors. Not only were flowers and herbs carried, but they also would be sewn into clothing. Modern brides and grooms may no longer see their wedding days as times for opportunistic evil spirits. But that doesn’t mean that couples cannot borrow from ancient traditions and incorporate flowers into their weddings in various ways. • Wreaths and garlands: Ask the florist to weave small flower buds, berries and vines to a headband, wreath or piece of twine so that the bride and groom can wear these flowers in the way they were worn by ancient
Greeks and Romans. When coupled with Grecian-styled wedding gowns, brides can look like beautiful god-
desses on their wedding days. • Fragrant favors: Tuck dried rose petals and other fragrant
flowers into sachets that are embroidered with the wedding date and couple’s names. Guests can use these sachets to keep clothings smelling fresh in drawers or as subtle air fresheners around the house. • Edible flowers: Ask the caterer to make meals flower-friendly by including some edible blooms in the salad or as a garnish on meals. • Raining petals: In lieu of bubbles or birdseed, guests can shower the newlyweds with rose petals after the ceremony. • Memorial: Some couples like to honor departed family members. Floral arrangements with small placards can make for fitting memorials.
RICH MOUNTAIN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. We look forward to serving your needs! WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!
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Your Local Energy Partner 515 Janssen • Mena, AR 71953 • (479) 394-4140
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Add upcycling to your home improvement tools
Jewelry Armoire (see photo) into a more stylish, modern piece for her bedroom. She gave it a new coat of paint, new silver/glass pulls and flocking on the drawer interiors. You can see the entire process by visiting Woodworking Adventures and searching for “The Jewelry Armoire Makeover.” An Irwin Marples Blue Chip Chisel was used for the disassembly that was required to add new hardware and make other changes to Lori’s armoire. To remove the residue from old finishes and
polish, Lori chose Norton Soft Touch Medium 120-180 Grit Sanding Sponges for the contour detailed areas and Preppin Weapon Sanding Blocks, loaded with Mirka Abranet 23⁄4” x 8” Sanding Sheets, for flat areas. Once the sanding was finished, all the pieces were cleaned with General Finishes Furniture Cleaner using handy Star Wipers rags. Three coats of General Finishes Black Gel Stain were applied to the armoire. Although each coat was allowed to dry overnight because of
other commitments, the actual time required between coats is two to four hours. (Gel stains come in 12 other colors including the popular java.) Two coats of General Finishes High Performance Satin Water-Based Top Coat were applied next. To prep for the new hardware, Golden Oak Water-Base Famowood Filler was used to plug screw holes. More chiseling was required before a pair of 11⁄2” X 11⁄8” Satin Nickel Stop Hinges could be installed. Before reflocking the drawers, Bulls Eye Seal-
Other Popular Upcycling Products Soy-Gel is a 100 percent biodegradable, virtually odorless coating remover. Restor-A-Finish can be used to clean and restore the luster to a clear finish, as well as hide minor issues like scratches. It will also remove water rings. Milk paint is a popular coating, especially for furniture. General Finishes Milk Paint is premixed and available in 28 colors that can be mixed to make custom colors and
lend themselves to decorative effects such as distressing and antiquing. Old Fashioned Milk Paint is a powder that comes in 20 colors and is good for use on porous surfaces such as bare wood and raw masonry. A special effect Old Fashioned Milk Paint Crackle Finish provides a weathered look. The 23-lb. portable QuikBENCH™ is a lightweight, easy-to-set-up workbench capable of holding up to 300 lbs. Convert two QuikBENCHES to sawhorses, and together they will hold up to 2,000 lbs. Two or more benches can be connected together to form a workstation. Each bench has a 24”-wide by 31⁄2” opening vise and a 15-amp, circuit protected, three-outlet power strip, plus four plastic bench dogs. To learn more about these and other upcycling products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.
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Jewelry Armoire Makeover Inspired by the upcycling trend, many Woodcraft employees have completed projects, including marketing manager Lori Haught, who transformed a 1980s
coat Universal Sanding Sealer was applied to the interior of the drawers and the dividers. Wearing an Anti Microbial Dust Mask and 6 mil Medium Powder Free Nitrile Gloves, Lori applied Light Blue Donjer Flocking, using a Donjer Mini Flocker. Reassembly of the armoire required System Three 5-Minute Epoxy and a Bessey K-Body REVO Jr. 24” Single Parallel Clamp.
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(MS) — Upcycling is not just for craft projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your home décor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save money and reduce your contribution to the local landfill. Woodcraft can help you with upcycling ideas, products and advice. For the past year, Woodcraft retail stores have hosted upcycling demonstrations on the third Saturday of the month to help customers discover the potential for upcycling in their home projects. “To support this upcycling effort, Woodcraft. com added an Upcycling Resource Center to our website (http://www. woodcraft.com/media/ upcycling.aspx) to introduce viewers to upcycling and announce demo topics and dates,” Vince Grlovich, vice president for sales and marketing, said. “Viewers can also watch a segment of Lifetime’s Designing Spaces where Woodcraft product development manager Kent Harpool shows host Aliane Baquerot how to create a shelf from a wooden pallet.” Both Woodcraft’s Pinterest page (www.pinterest.com/woodcraftsupply/upcycling) and Instagram gallery (http:// instagram.com/woodcraftgallery) include upcycling ideas, and the blog, Woodworking Adventures (http//:blog. woodcraft.com) has featured upcycling several times.
2200 Hwy 71 N. Mena, AR
479-394-4111
125 Hwy 270 East P.O. Box 540 Mount Ida, AR 71957
1-870-867-2000 www.actionrealtyar.com
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March 2017
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Safety measures can help reduce bathroom injuries Installing safety features in the bathroom is a key way to reduce the risk of accidents. Many manufacturers have even designed these features so they blend with bathroom decor. When renovating bathrooms for safety, consider the following options. * Anti-scald features: Burns can be serious business. Few people have been spared the momentary burst of hot water that occurs in the shower or at the faucet when another household member flushes a toilet or uses a large amount of cold water elsewhere in the house. Anti-scald showerheads and faucets prevent sudden bursts of hot water. Use in conjunction with turning down the temperature of the hot water heater to eliminate burns. * Nonslip mats: Bathroom injuries often occur when people are getting in and out of the shower. Having a non-slip mat on the inside of the shower or tub as well as one with a grippable surface and plush top layer on which to step after exiting the shower can reduce falls. Don’t step out of the shower onto a flimsy towel that can slip out from underneath your feet. * Safety bars: It can be tempting to grab onto towel racks or faucets to get in and out of the shower, but these items cannot
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Falls cause many injuries inside a home. Seniors are especially susceptible to harmful falls in the bathroom, where slippery tiles can prove too difficult for older men and women to navigate. A 2011 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 234,000 Americans ages 15 and older were treated in an emergency department for nonfatal bathroom-related injuries in 2008. That adds up to roughly 640 people per day. More than 80 percent of bathroom-related injuries were caused by slips and falls, mostly while getting in and out of the tub or shower, and about 30 percent of those injuries included cuts, scrapes and bruises. Bathrooms can be more dangerous than other rooms of the house for a variety of reasons. The bathroom is generally comprised of hard surfaces that can become slippery when wet or exposed to high humidity. A bathroom may become hotter than other rooms because of the steam that accompanies a hot shower. Heat may dilate peripheral veins and lower blood pressure in some people. This may lead to dizziness that can result in falls. Furthermore, people tend to rush in the bathroom as they get ready for work or school. Rushing around can lead to slips and injuries on wet surfaces.
provide the necessary leverage to safely move in and out of the shower or bathtub. Safety bars with a brushed surface for traction are more secure. Grab bars need to be securely attached to a wood stud in the wall and not into drywall or the tub enclosure. * Regular cleaning: Routinely ridding showers and tubs of soap
scum and mildew can reduce the slippery coating that forms as a result of these substances. Also, be sure to keep clutter in the bathroom to a minimum to stop trips and falls over errant items in the area. Bathrooms can present many dangers, but certain safety tools and renovations can help reduce the risk of injury.
DUGAN RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LAWN CARE LANDSCAPING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
479-394-2699
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March 2017
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Create kid-friendly spaces at home Maintaining a home that is welcoming and kid-friendly can be challenging. Kids are full of energy and oftentimes put fun ahead of tidiness. But no matter how energetic their youngsters are, parents can still employ several strategies to ensure their homes are both sophisticated and child-friendly. • Consider an open floor plan. Rooms that flow into one another make it easier to keep tabs on children. Such rooms also allow residents and guests to mingle in separate rooms but not be too far away from one another.
• Choose washable fabrics. Upholstery will need to stand up to the abuse kids can dish out. Sofas and chairs with slipcovers can be advantageous because many slipcovers can be easily removed and laundered. Patterned fabrics will hide some stains, while treated fabrics may resist liquid spills for easier cleanup. • Create a catch-all spot. Special bins or other organizational tools in the entryway can help to cull clutter when children come in the house from school or play. Be sure the keep cubbies, containers and coat
hooks at a child-friendly height. • Look for high-traffic rugs. Rugs designed for high-traffic areas will be more forgiving when children march across them several times per day. There are no rules that say you can’t bring an outdoor rug inside, and these rugs tend to be easier to clean. • Ensure there is plenty of seating. Sectionals give children ample room to spread out. And ample seating ensures there is enough room for kids to invite their friends over to hang out. • Think outside pink and blue. For chil-
dren’s rooms, make sure they’re colorful, but consider other hues to give the rooms some personality. Focus on a hobby or activity and borrow the color scheme from the accessories used for decorating. • Hang whimsical artwork. Employ framing and lighting to make kids’ artwork look like professional pieces. Routinely change the pictures when a new look is desired. • Designate a place for play. Devote an entire room or a nook in a house for imaginative play. Store toys here so these items will not cre-
ate clutter in individual bedrooms. Creating child-friendly spaces while ensuring a
home maintains a sophisticated feel is easier than parents might think.
How to create extra space for guests
Homeowners who enjoy entertaining frequently sometimes host overnight guests. While many hosts and hostesses have spare bedrooms for overnight or long-term guests, many others do not. But those among the latter group willing to get a little creative can find more places for overnight guests to rest their heads. • Sofa: Living room or den sofas can double as bedding for overnight guests. As a short-term solution, a night or two on the couch can be
comfortable enough. Be sure to cover the sofa with freshly laundered sheets and provide those amenities one would expect in a guest space. Such items will make guests more comfortable. If your living room or family room has a door that can be closed, this will help create more privacy for guests. • Convertible bed: Marketed frequently under the brand name Murphy Bed, convertible beds can incorporate sleeping options into rooms with limited space. When closed, the
bed can look like a decorative storage closet or armoire. Some convertible beds come with bookcase accessories to expand storage space and also make the piece look like a more cohesive unit. Designers also have experimented with these beds, and some transform from a desk or even from a low-lying bookshelf or bench into a bed. • Sofa bed or chair: Sofa beds and chairs have a foldout bed nestled beneath their cushions. Depending on the
size of the couch, a twin, full or queen-sized bed may be housed within. Sofa beds vary in regard to their comfort levels, so prospective hosts should investigate their options to ensure guests have the most comfortable sleeping situations possible. Many popular furniture retailers offer couch brands that can be equipped with a bed. And if space is especially tight, consider a convertible chair that has a twinsized bed tucked away. • Bunk beds: Bunk beds
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Roberta Northcutt Branch Manager NMLS 137301
Home Financing Made Easy!
Hooper Home Inspections (479)243-5581 Buddy Hooper HI-1830
1308 MAGNOLIA AVE hello@hooperhomeinspections.com MENA, AR 71953 hooperhomeinspections.com
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Conventional, FHA, VA & RD. (479) 394-2500
512 7th St • Mena, AR 71953
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may seem like child’s play, but they make great use of vertical space. Share a kid’s room with your son or daughter and let the guest take your own bedroom. Otherwise, equip a home office with bunk beds and have two more sleeping spaces available. Accommodating guests when you don’t have a guest bedroom can take some creativity, but those willing to think outside the box can find options that don’t compromise guests’ comfort.
Jeremy D. Thornton, President
MENA TITLE COMPANY, INC.
“ON THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE” SERVING POLK COUNTY SINCE 1899 LET US HANDLE YOUR NEXT CLOSING, TITLE INSURANCE, OR CONTRACT ADMINISTRARTION. 301 DeQueen St. (478)394-5264, ext. 307 Mena, Arkansas 71953 Fax: 394-5258 Email: jeremy@menatitlecompanyinc.com 3982v
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The DOS and DON’TS of basement finishing Remodeling a basement is a popular home improvement project. A finished basement makes the space more functional and, when done correctly, can add a considerable amount of living space to a home. Finishing a basement pays dividends in additional space in a home that doesn’t require the same level of investment as putting an addition on the house. Also, the groundwork for a finished room is already there, as most basements are already set up with a poured concrete floor and some walls, usually cinder blocks. Some electrical components, plumbing and the creature comforts of drywall and a more inviting floor might be all that’s necessary to finish a basement. The process can be labor-intensive, and many people prefer to leave it to a professional contrac-
tor. Whatever finishing method is chosen, homeowners should follow the proper procedures when doing the work. DO start with a detailed plan. Measure out the basement and mark any items that cannot be moved, such as a furnace, water heater or pipes. Create a design board that showcases the materials you plan to use on the project. Think about ways you plan to arrange furniture and consider all of the possible uses for the room. Will it be a home theater? Will someone be sleeping down there? Each scenario will require certain amenities and safety requirements. DON’T plan to finish the entire basement. Doing so will leave you without a storage or utility area where you house holiday decorations, tools, luggage and similar items. DO get the scoop on
building codes. Knowing what the municipality allows in basement remodeling will help you to customize a plan that is functional, safe and legal. No one wants to be slapped with fines for failing to follow the rules. Plus, failure to meet building codes could mean the work that has been done must be torn out and redone. It pays to follow the chain of command and secure permits while having all work inspected. DON’T overlook adequate lighting in your refinishing plan. A basement is likely one area of the house that has limited natural light pouring in. With traditionally small windows, or no windows at all, a basement needs ample lighting in its design scheme. This may include a combination of overhead and task lighting. Ample lighting will help the room feel
like part of the house and not just a forgotten storage area. DO take into consideration moisture issues in the basement. Many basements are plagued by moisture issues ranging from water seepage to condensation forming on walls. These situations may vary depending on the weather throughout the year. Certain materials may need to be used to mitigate water issues before finishing can take place. The installation of water-barrier systems, drainage, sump pumps, or encapsulation products could drive up the cost of a basement renovation. It is essential to have a professional assess the basement water issues prior to starting any finishing work. DON’T simply cover up potential hazards, such as mold or mildew. Have them treated instead. Otherwise, you
could have a breeding ground behind drywall that could lead to unsafe conditions in the home. DO have a radon test. Radon is a hidden killer that can cause lung cancer. Because it occurs naturally in the soil and water surrounding a home and is impossible to detect without a specialized test, many people are unaware of the presence of radon until it is too late. Radon may be more concentrated in the basement, where the foundation is touching the soil. Therefore, rule out radon before considering renovation of a basement area. DON’T limit furniture choices to one type. You may need to be flexible in your furniture choices, even selecting modular pieces, like sectionals, because entryways to basements may have small doorways or obstructions that make add-
ing furniture more challenging. DO keep the possibility of flooding in the back of your head. Homes that are near waterways or at low elevation may be at risk of flooding. Basements are especially susceptible to flood damage. Therefore, think about the practicality of finishing a basement if you are prone to flooding. If you decide to move ahead, take certain precautionary measures, such as keeping electrical wiring up higher and using a more water-resistant flooring material, like tile or vinyl. House important electronics and items on shelves so they are not at ground-level. Finishing a basement is a job that can add a lot of usable space to a home. Go about the project in the right way to keep within budget and have a room that is safe and functional.
What to look for in outdoor furniture be moved around quite frequently, such as to protect it from inclement weather or changing seasons. As a result, the weight of the furniture bears importance. While you don’t want furniture that’s too lightweight and will blow away any time a strong gust of wind comes along, it’s a good idea to choose furniture that isn’t too heavy. This makes it easier to move should a storm suddenly appear and it won’t require the entire household to help move the furniture into and out of the garage when inclement weather arrives.
* Comfort: The whole idea behind an outdoor entertaining area is to have a relaxing place to spend time outside. So be sure to choose furniture that’s comfortable and can handle the elements. Metal furniture, for example, might be durable, but such furniture can also get very hot if out in the sun. * Versatility: Many homeowners enjoy changing their home’s interior decor from time to time, and it can be just as enjoyable to do the same to a home’s exterior decor. That said, look for furniture that can be
accented with a variety of accessories, so you can change the look of your outdoor entertaining area easily. * Protection: Protecting exterior furniture from the elements should be a priority. When shopping for outdoor furniture, figure out if protective covering is available or if it will need to be custom made. The latter alternative can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider more generic furniture that comes with standard protective coverings to make it more affordable.
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Outdoor entertaining areas have always been popular among homeowners. The ability to entertain friends and family or simply relax by yourself is something homeowners cherish, particularly during the warm weather seasons. Finding the right furniture to match your outdoor area, be it a deck, patio or poolside lounging area, is essential to making the most of this special area of the home. When shopping for outdoor furniture, consider the following. * Weight: Unlike furniture inside the home, outdoor furniture will
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March 2017
Select Realty Bobbie Himel Owner / Principal Broker (479) 437-9348
It’s the sign of success! 2611 Hwy 71 S • Mena, AR 71953
Office: (479) 394-7676 • Fax: (479) 394-7677 • Toll Free: (877) 394-7676
Helping your dreams become a reality
#1588 YOUR DREAM COME TRUE! • 4 Bedrooms, 3 baths! • Approx. 3,092 Sq. Ft. & 3 acres! • Game room & Safe room! • Large fenced yard! • On private corner lot! MLS#16022149 $159,900
#1831 STARTER HOME! • 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths! • Approx 1,288 sq. ft.! • Victorian style home! • Wrap around porch! • Carport & small shop! • New roof in 2009! MLS#16011751 $47,900
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Le-Ann Holmes Realtor/Owner (479) 234-7310
Jan Atchley
OSE, MA, ABR, CRS, GRI, CRB Executive Broker (479) 243-6475
Sandra Thomas Realtor (479) 234-3952
Misty Miller Administrator (479) 394-7676
Visit us online at www.menaselectrealty.com
#1839 GREAT INVESTMENT! • 3 Bedrooms, 3 baths! • Approx. 1,692 sq. ft! • Living room w/ brick accent wall! • Kitchen has eat in area! • Back yard has chain link fence! • Full home warranty upon sale! MLS# 16014944 $78,000
#1843 A FIXER UPPER! • 3 Bedrooms, 1 bath! • Approx. 904 sq. ft! • Eat in kitchen w/ large window! • Mud/ laundry room! • Mature pecan, plum trees & rose bushes! MLS#16016716 $25,900
#1846 RENTAL? • 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths! • Approx. 1,264 & 1 acre! • Large bedrooms & living room! • Mountain views! • Full front porch! MLS#16020593 $65,000
#1852 FAMILY HOME! • 3 Bedrooms, 1 bath & ½ bath! • Approx. 1,189 sq. ft! • Has new carpet! • Extra storage room off the carport! • Spacious back yard! MLS#16021949 $75,000
#2018 LOOKING TO RETIRE? • 2 Bedrooms, 2 baths! • Approx. 1,160 sq. ft! • Built-in bookcases! • User-friendly kitchen with pantry! • Bonus room for hobbies! • Over-sized yard! • Storage building & shed! MLS#16034874 $45,000
#2028 NEW LISTING! • 3 Bedrooms, 1 bath, ½ bath! • Approx. 1,502 sq. ft! • New flooring though-out! • Deck off back of house! • Carport attached to house! • Detached garage plus storage building! MLS#17005191 $79,000
#2029 NEW LISTING! • 3 Bedrooms, 2 baths! • Approx. 1,369 sq. ft. & 9.20 Acres! • Small pond & fenced garden area! • New paint & flooring! • Beautiful landscaping! • Mountain Views! MLS#17005702 $139,000
March 2017
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SEARCH FOR YOUR
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The relationship between paint and mood Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. The colors homeowners choose for their walls can give rooms their own unique feel and even affect the moods of the people within them. Finding the right shade for a bedroom or kitchen involves more than just selecting the first color that catches your eye. Design experts and psychologists alike say it may be worthwhile to choose a color that helps you feel good rather than just following design trends. The paint color you pick may add energy to a space or create a tranquil retreat where you can unwind at the end of the day.
Blue
To create a spa-like environment and a more serene space, look to shades of blue in soft variations. Cool blues are soothing colors that can help lower stress levels and promote sleep. That’s why blue is a frequent fixture in bedrooms and bathrooms. Just be advised that too much blue can make a room appear
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Orange
Many people do not immediately consider bright orange for their homes, but when used as an accent shade, orange can really brighten up a home. Orange is considered a shade that expands creativity and imparts a youthful appeal to a space. Consider an orange accent wall or a burst of color with orange throw pillows. If pumpkin orange is a little too bold for you, tone it down by choosing a more pastel, peachy hue, which is equally warm and energizing.
Red
Red stimulates energy and appetite, which is why the shade is so popular in restaurants and home dining spaces. Red is a good choice for social gathering rooms but may not be the wisest choice for a bedroom, as the color may prove overstimulating.
Green
Green can evoke composure and tranquility and works in any room of the
house. Since green is the primary color of nature, it also works well for those people who want to bring some of the outdoors inside and work with the fresh starts and new growth that green can inspire. To make green feel less subdued and sleepy, work with its complementary opposite, red, by using a few bold red accents here and there to balance out the tranquility of green.
Purple
People have long related purple to royalty, and this dramatic color can add a formal, regal aspect to a home depending on the hue. Purple also may help stimulate the creative side of the brain. In paler shades of lavender, purple can seem almost ethereal and spiritual. Some designers suggest avoiding purple in a bedroom because that is a place you want your brain to rest rather than be stimulated.
Yellow
Few colors are more vibrant than yellow, which can help stimulate conversation and make thoughts more focused. A luminous shade of yellow is an ideal way to make any space more welcoming and bright. Just use it sparingly, as too much yellow may not be a good thing. Yellow accents mixed with touches of purple can offer the balance needed to prevent yellow rooms from overwhelming residents and guests. Home decorators should keep in mind that colors can be blended to create the desired environment. A color scheme based on complementary colors, or those opposite on the color wheel, may fit. Otherwise, analogous color schemes, or those colors that are next to one another on the color wheel, can create a variation that suits your design needs.
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Ouachita Equine Clinic 2920 Hwy 71 N • Mena, AR 3777V
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cold and stark, so balance out blue with some warmer accents.
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