At
HOME
Tom Blue Furniture Local business still thriving after 78 years
Sittin’ Pretty
4 ways to make your home comfortable for pets
A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
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Table of Contents LETTER from the
EDITOR
Growing up, my dad taught me the importance of well mowed lawn. We not only mowed our lawn every week, but we used the weed eater, sprayed for bugs and weeds, raked grass clippings and made sure no toys or bikes were laying in the yard. Our yard was immaculate. I hated doing the yard work, but was happy there were four people to split the duties between — mowing the yard was a family affair that took almost an entire day. Now that I am a homeowner, I still appreciate a well-kept lawn, but keeping it “perfect” takes a lot more work when it’s just me, my husband and my dog who is allergic to grass (that’s a story for another day). In this edition of At Home, not only will you learn some fun facts about grass and how to keep your lawn looking great during the dog days of summer, but also ways to improve and decorate the inside of your home. At Home also features Tom Blue Furniture and a local homeowner who gives tips on how to tackle remodeling projects. “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” — William Morris — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor
NURSERY DIYS page 10
WATERING 101 pages 8-9
GARDENING page 12
on the cover
photo by greg eans
Third generation of furniture makers continue to serve Owensboro. | PAGES 6-7
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Saturday, July 30, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
to creating a safe home BY BPT
For millions of Americans, pets are a member of the family. They provide companionship and countless memories that last a lifetime. Having a pet-friendly home increases the likelihood that these memories will be positive. These tips can make pet ownership simpler, and create a safer, healthier environment for your four-legged companion.
PET-FRIENDLY FLOORING
Carpeted flooring can be a challenge for pet owners. Carpet traps unpleasant odors and is difficult to clean. Hardwood, bamboo, laminate and other alternatives — when properly maintained — offer a surface that’s easier to clean, doesn’t trap allergens and doesn’t hide fur or other debris.
A SPACE TO CALL THEIR OWN
Many pets seek shelter when startled by loud noises. Whether it’s the clap of thunder or a boisterous guest, an unexpected noise can send your animal fleeing (or peeing). Having a dedicated space for your pet, be it a mudroom, doorless closet or comfy bed, provides a safe place for your animal during times of stress. Also, pets need a little down time every once in a while. A cozy nook away from direct sunlight provides a perfect place for them to relax and recharge.
PICKING THE BEST PAINT
Even the cleanest of pets can leave marks on your walls. Choosing the right paint can make the difference between a permanent stain and one that’s easily removed. Lower sheens can be difficult to clean, so opt for semi-gloss or satin. Also, depending on your climate,
At Home
FOR PETS
you may prefer a light or dark paint color. Light colors can help keep your pet cool by reflecting the sun, while darker colors absorb the sun’s heat and can warm the home environment.
PROTECT YOUR CURIOUS PET
Pets are inherently curious. If it’s within reach, chances are it will be investigated with a detective’s attention. Even if the food is safe for pets, the packaging may be harmful. Medications, cleaners and cosmetics should also be kept on high shelves or behind a latched cabinet. Most pet owners know to keep food and toxins off accessible surfaces, but it’s easy to forget something on a bedside table or the edge of a counter. Pets require time, attention and love. They will return the favor more naturally in an environment that’s comfortable and safe. Consider these tips for creating a pet-friendly home.
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s k c i r t Tips &
to tacKLe home
RENOVATIONS Make the process less stressful by remembering to follow these easy steps STORY BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
Saturday, July 30, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Home renovations are typically exciting, as homeowners get to see the visions of their dream homes come to light right before their ver y eyes. Turning an outdated kitchen into a modern chef’s dream or an empty basement into the ultimate man cave strengthens the sense of attachment homeowners have with their homes. But few home renovation projects go from start to finish without experiencing a few bumps in the road along the way. Such bumps can be difficult to handle for homeowners working on their first renovation projects, but there are many ways for novices to navigate the sometimes murky waters of home improvement projects and come out relatively unscathed on the other end, where a newly renovated home awaits. Heidi and Jeffer y Mitchell are newlyweds and new homeowners who braved the adventure of completing some home renovations before moving into their house off J.R. Miller Boulevard a little over a year ago. Some of their tasks included ripping up carpet to replace with hardwood floors, refinishing the kitchen by installing a new sink, laminate tile, backsplash and refacing the kitchen doors. They also replaced the back door to their house. Some of Mitchell’s tips for renovating your home space include completing the main jobs first, prior to moving in, if possible. “It’s easier to get a lot of projects out of the way before moving in, especially refinishing floors,” Mitchell said. “We learned that refinishing the hardwood floors meant dealing with a lot of dust.” She said her and her husband chose to do these projects themselves because it was cheaper and they had a lot of help from family. The Mitchell’s spent about three months working on and completing the home renovations. “It took a while because we did a little bit at a time,” she said. “But it added a lot of value to our house. We made the upgrades for personal reasons to make the house look better and reflect our style, but also so it would have more value when we decide to sell.”
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Some other tips for a smooth home remodel are:
HAVE REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS
A renovation project may exceed its budget and take longer than initially expected. Understanding that these potential setbacks might be part of the process will make it easier to handle them when the foreman speaks to you about any issues that arise.
ACCEPT THE MESS
Construction work is messy. There’s no way to maintain a pristine house when contractors are entering and exiting all day. Dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fill up rooms. A home in disarray can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result and the mess won’t bother you so much.
ESTABLISH A CONTINGENCY PLAN
Bathrooms and kitchen renovations are typically the most disruptive home improvement projects. Going without a kitchen can make it difficult to enjoy meals at home, while a bathroom remodel may require you to navigate water shutoffs. If your project is scheduled to take several months, establish a contingency plan to deal with the consequences of your renovation project. Speak with family members about using some of their home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them later on when you don’t have access to your stove.
HEIDI AND JEFFERY MITCHELL
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SEEK THE HELP OF EXPERTS IF NEEDED
Some flippers think they’ll save the most money by doing all of the work themselves. This isn’t always the case. Professional architects, designers and contractors may help you save money. Contractors have an intimate knowledge of where to buy materials and may be able to negotiate prices based on wholesale or trade costs. In addition, experts can help you avoid common pitfalls because they’ve already done this type of work time and again. It’s smart to rely on expert advice, even if it means investing a little bit more.
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A custommade bedroom suit on display and for sale at Tom Blue Furniture on Veach Rd.
PERRY BLUE
Tom Blue Furniture
Oldest furniture store in Owensboro still thriving BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
Through flood, fires, death and heartache, Tom Blue Furniture has seen it all. The oldest furniture store in Owensboro has rallied through bad times and is now serving the community with its third generation of workers. Tom Blue Furniture began in a backyard of an Owensboro home in the late 1930s after Tom Blue, a furniture maker, moved back to Owensboro after a massive flood forced him out of Louisville. Established in 1938, the furniture store has become an Owensboro staple through the years. Even after the death of Tom Blue in 1987, his son carried continued on with the business. Perry Blue, the son of Tom, co-owns the store with his daughter Ruth Ann Mason and her husband. All three of them agree that Owensboro has been
wonderful to them and the business. “I’ve told a lot of people if you drink the water in Owensboro for six months, you’ll want never leave,” Blue said. Aside from loving the people and the community, Blue said he is proud of the store and the quality work they produce. While many furniture stores sell pieces made from veneer, paneling or plastic, the handmade furniture at Tom Blue are still made of solid wood, such as cherry or walnut. While the store has always been a family business, the store has changed with the times. The staff at Tom Blue make bedroom sets, reproductions of antique furniture as well as contemporary/transitional pieces. “Our transitional pieces appeal more to the younger generations,” Blue said. The store also carries five or six lines of other quality furniture, bedding, room accessories and mattresses. “We want these quality pieces to be
passed down to people’s children and grandchildren,” he said. He said just last weekend he had a couple come in with a broken drawer from a piece they had bought at Tom Blue in the 1970s. Blue said they were able to find a piece to repair the drawer and made it good as new. Blue said he regularly hears compliments from customers who say the staff at Tom Blue Furniture are professional, caring and friendly. “We’re unique in that we actually make some of our furniture, while other stores in Owensboro do not,” Blue said. “If you walk around out store you will see there is no junk, it’s all quality.” Blue, who is 86 years old still comes to work everyday. He’s been working since he was 14 years old and says he has no plans of stopping anytime soon. In fact, he said he just got full control of the Coca-Cola machine and he said he is not giving that up anytime soon. “I love working,” he said. “I love meeting people. Back through the years,
Photos by Greg Eans, MessengerInquirer.com/ geans@messenger-inquirer.com
RUTH ANN MASON
I used to love the working in the shop.” Now, Blue’s son-in-law Mike Mason works in the shop and loves the challenge of difficult pieces, just like Blue. “I’ve seen him make pieces that back in the years I would not have attempted,” Blue said. Aside from their handmade furniture, Tom Blue Furniture also sells room accessories such as lamps and paintings as well as upholstered furniture they from markets and vendors. “Not everyone wants what we make, so we offer other options,” Mason said. One of their “other options” are Serta mattresses. “We think we are the oldest Serta dealer in America,” Blue said. “We’ve been selling them for more than 60 years.” “Someday this store is going to go out of business or its going to be sold or something,” Blue said. “But I want to be here before that happens. I want to keep pushing on. We’ve gone through some tough ones, but I just love it here.”
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1 0 1 g n i r e t Wa HELP YOUR LAWN THRIVE IN THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Saturday, July 30, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Summer can take its toll on just about ever yone. Even the most ardent fan of summer eventually grows wear y of a heat wave, which can make something as simple as walking down the street seem exhausting. Sur vival in the sumer heat can be more difficult for your lawn and garden. Certain grasses and plants thrive in hot weather. But when the dog days of summer arrive, even those grasses and plants built to withstand the summer sun can suffer. That’s why watering takes on such importance in the summertime, when grasses and plants need water to avoid dr ying out and possibly even dying. The following are a few basic watering techniques to help homeowners keep their lawns going strong through the next summer swoon.
WATER WHEN IT’S COOLEST
Watering when the temperatures are their lowest might seem counterintuitive. After all, homeowners might think their grass and gardens need water most when the temperature is at its highest. But watering when the temperature is cooler decreases evaporation, meaning your lawn will get the water it needs and won’t lose any to steamy conditions that cause evaporation. This is especially important when the amount of water you can use is limited by a drought restriction. You’ll want to make sure the water you can use is actually going to the lawn and not evaporating as you’re watering. Watering in the early morning or in the evening, when the sun is not as strong and the temperatures are generally at their coolest, also reduces the likelihood that your grass will burn. That’s because water attracts the sun, and a lawn that’s wet in the middle of a hot day might attract too much sun and cause the lawn to burn.
RECOGNIZE THAT NOT ALL PLANTS ARE THE SAME
How much water a plant needs and how frequently it needs to be watered largely depends on how deep its roots are. A plant with shallow roots won’t need to be watered for long periods
of time, but it will need to be watered frequently, whereas a deep-rooted plant like a tree or a shrub will need to be watered for long periods of time but not as frequently. Research the plants around your property to determine the depths of their root systems and water accordingly.
LEAN ON MULCH TO RETAIN MOISTURE
Mulch is often considered an aesthetically appealing addition to a landscape, but it ser ves a practical purpose as well. Mulch retains moisture during the hot summer months, reducing the need to water — a valuable benefit during a drought restriction. Mulch also makes it difficult for weeds to grow, which can keep homeowners from spending hot summer afternoons pulling weeds out of their gardens and flower beds.
STRATEGICALLY LOCATE SPRINKLERS
Sprinklers should be located so no water is ending up on the driveway or sidewalks around your property. Watering the concrete or asphalt is wasteful, and that’s water that could be going toward your plants. When watering by hand, be sure all of the water is finding its way to plants and not on any walkways. Successfully watering a lawn and garden during the dog days of summer can greatly reduce the risk of ending summer with a lawn full of bald spots and a garden filled with wilted plants.
GET TO KNOW YOUR LAWN
Several variables combine to determine how much water a lawn needs. Understanding these variables helps homeowners understand how much to water their own lawns. Local climate is a variable to consider, as is whether or not a lawn was fertilized (experts typically recommend a lawn be fertilized several times, beginning in the spring and ending in October). Soil type and grass type also help to determine how much water a lawn needs, and homeowners who need to determine the type of soil and grass on their property can consult a local lawn care center or landscaping professional.
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GRASS FACTS • Grass is defined as any plant of the family Gramineae, a group of vascular plants that grow across the globe. • There are as many as 10,000 varieties of grass in the world. These range from grass to rice to wheat to bamboo. • Grass can withstand many different climates and has been discovered at the North Pole and at the equator. • Twenty percent of Earth’s vegetation is comprised of grass. • Grasses have been transformed into paper and home decor items. Bamboo, which is a type of grass, is frequently used for flooring because it is durable and sustainable. • Grass is mostly comprised of water, which makes up about 80 percent of grass and 90 percent of grass clippings. • The average lawn releases enough oxygen to sustain four families of four.
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nursery decor
HANDMADE
BY FAMILY FEATURES
Whether you’re working on a budget or simply looking to infuse a little handmade love, DIY projects can bring a special heartfelt touch to a baby’s nursery. Even if you’re not expecting a little one, these projects make great gifts. Themes for a nursery range far and wide: everything from bold patterns and shapes to animals and objects representing favorite pastimes. You can go completely DIY and make
e v o l h t wi
items such as the crib skirt, bedding and curtains by hand, or you can expand on pieces you purchase with creative accessories such as this wall art or mobile, both created by the crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. Each can be fully customized to match the color scheme and theme you have selected to welcome your little one.
Hot Air Balloon Mobile CRAFTING TIME: 1-2 HOURS SUPPLIES AND TOOLS:
Hot air balloon templates 1 fat quarter each of 3 patterns (sample used Straw Hat Grey, Tweetly Tweet Blue and Flower Bed Blue by Cloud 9 Fabrics) 1 package Pellon Perfect Loft Cluster Fiber Fill 1 package Pellon 987F Fusible Fleece 1 package Pellon SF101 Shape-Flex 1 package Pellon 72F Peltex II 1 craft-sized package Pellon Nature’s Touch White Cotton Batting embroidery thread dowel, embroidery hoop or stick for hanging
Geo Art Wall Canvases CRAFTING TIME: 3-5 HOURS SUPPLIES AND TOOLS:
3 12-by-12-inch canvases Home decor chalk in grey black permanent markers printed art icon of choice foam brushes Mod Podge Paint entire canvas grey. Allow to dry. Apply additional coats if needed. Use markers to draw geometric shapes all over canvas. Allow to dry. Choose and cut out icon from printed art. Apply light coat of Mod Podge to back of art and adhere to canvas. Apply thick coat of Mod Podge over entire canvas. Make sure to push out any air bubbles from under paper. Allow to dry.
Print and cut out templates found at joann.com (search by project name). Trace 2 balloon templates onto wrong side of each patterned fabric and cut out. Trace 6 balloon templates onto fleece and cut out 1/4-inch smaller than traced line. Fuse one piece of fleece to wrong side of each balloon cutout. Determine layout of fabrics. Place first two right side together (RST) and sew 1/8inch seam along one edge. Continue until all pieces have been joined, making sure to leave a 3-inch gap along one seam for turning. Turn right side out through gap. Using embroidery thread, add loop to top and bottom of balloon for hanging and to add basket. Using fiber fill, stuff balloon to desired level. Hand stitch opening closed. Cut two 1-by-3-inch rectangles of fabric and one 1-by-3 rectangle of Peltex II for balloon basket. Place fabric rectangles wrong sides together with Peltex II in between and fuse. Stitch 1/8-inch seam around all edges with zig zag or satin stitch. To form basket, bring short ends together and hand stitch in place. Connect basket to bottom of balloon with embroidery thread. Fuse Shape-Flex to one side of batting. Trace small and large cloud templates twice onto Shape-Flex then flip and repeat. Carefully cut out all eight cloud pieces. Embroider or decorate as desired. Place two coordinating pieces with Shape-Flex sides together and sew around the edges, leaving a small gap. Stuff with fiber fill to desired level and sew gap closed. Repeat with remaining clouds. Use embroidery thread to attach balloons and clouds to dowel, stick or embroidery hoop to create mobile.
t r a Sm ways to baby-proof YOUR HOME Saturday, July 30, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
WINDOW COVERINGS
When you’re decorating the nursery, it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the little touches that make the room feel complete. However, adding too much flair can create some safety concerns, especially when it comes to windows. The crib may look just right centered under the window, but once your little one can reach the curtains, you may be in for some problems. In fact, as your infant becomes more mobile, the same concerns apply to windows throughout the home. Curtains are a temptation most young children can’t resist. They’re perfect for peek-a-boo and pretend forts, but can also pose a suffocation hazard, and if tugged on too hard, bring the whole rod ensemble crashing down. That’s why it’s a good idea to skip floor-length curtains and opt instead for valances or bolsters that still add a decorative touch but are well out of reach of curious hands.
FURNITURE
For most families, it’s not practical to re-furnish your home before a baby arrives. Fortunately, there are ways you can baby-proof the items you already have and as your little one grows, work on teaching boundaries to ensure safety. Options like adhesive foam can soften the sharp edges of coffee tables, while anchors help prevent large, heavy items from being tipped or pulled over.
outside of the bathroom door frame in the event a child locks themselves inside the room. Never leave standing water. Infants can drown in very little water.
NURSERY FURNITURE
Place mobiles high enough to be out of the child’s reach. A low-hanging mobile can cause damage to the child if they pull it down and hit themselves, or mobile parts could become accessible for the infant to stick their mouth. It’s also a good idea to never place crib by a window. However, in the event a window is broken or open it’s best to never place furniture or objects where children can climb and fall out. Before bringing the baby home from the hospital, make sure the crib meets current safety standards. When your child is in the crib, do not use bumpers, unnecessary blankets or stuffed animals, as these can easily suffocate the baby.
CLAMPS, GUARDS AND LATCHES
NOW
REMODELING
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NO JOB TOO SMALL
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Install clamps for toilets — that way no objects are curiously flushed. Foam door guards also should be put into place to prevent pinched fingers. Children are naturally curious, so all electrical outlets should be plugged with protectors. Wide grip latches should also be installed for drawers and cabinets to protect children from cleaning supplies or other belongings that are off-limits. DOOR BLINDS Unplug appliances when they are not For new parents desperate for sleep, being used, so children don’t shock blocking the light to create a darkened or burn themselves. If your home has room may be a top priority. However, stairs, purchase and install baby gates some light-blocking options also pose at the top and footing of stairways or a risk to children. Window and door other rooms that may be off limits, but blinds are a common solution because be aware children can climb or knock they allow the versatility of being raised them down. or lowered and opened or closed to create different looks and lighting BATHROOM filters as needed. However, many blinds Adjust your water heater have exposed cords, which not only temperature to 120 degrees F to present a strangulation and choking prevent scalding. Hang a key on the
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First-time parents quickly discover how little they know, especially when it comes to critical tasks like baby-proofing the home. When a tiny tot’s safety is at stake, the entire house can seem like one giant danger zone. Before you pull out the hard hats and safety “bubbles,” take some time to sit down and assess where changes can be made. Tackle the project room by room and you’ll be surprised how quickly the chore grows more manageable. Be sure to give special attention to common safety pitfalls like open stairways, electrical outlets and cords.
hazard but also can cut off circulation and cause permanent damage if wrapped tightly around extremities and limbs. Look for cord-free styles or opt for a semi-permanent film or tint instead. Another concern is window-paned doors, which pose a similar challenge to windows when it comes to managing privacy and light. An option such as ODL Add-On Blinds for Doors is a low-maintenance and easy solution. The blinds are easy to install and use, efficiently block light and don’t have any exposed cords. As kids grow older, you’ll also appreciate the enclosed design, which eliminates the banging and swinging experienced with traditional door blinds.
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p o t 5 trends in container gardening BY BPT
Gardening is a peaceful activity that eases tension, reduces overall stress and promotes longevity. With these benefits, there are ample reasons why people of all ages and lifestyles should start digging in the dirt. You don’t need a big yard or lots of room to enjoy a beautiful garden. With so many options for indoor and outdoor container gardening, there’s no limit on the number of gardens you can have. Container gardening is a great way to color up a small space, add depth and height to your yard or easily change up the look of your patio. No matter your skill level, enjoy the benefits of gardening with these container trends:
FOLIAGE GARDENS
Foliage plants are no longer just accessories for your small space garden. You can create an entire display simply out of rich, colorful foliage plants. Fountain grass, papyrus, vinca and grassy rush are all great additions for adding vibrancy to your container garden. Mix and match with various textures to find a unique display that speaks to you.
PETUNIA TOWER
A petunia tower is a great way to add an unexpected element to your container garden collection. A flower tower is easy to make and sun-loving Tidal Wave Petunias will bloom all season long on a patio, deck or pool area. You will need only three Tidal Wave plants. The Red Velour have great color and texture and make a strong statement. Plant them with good potting soil into a 10 to 12 inch wide plastic nursing pot. Place a three-foot metal tomato cage into the pot. The cage should be as wide at the bottom as it is on the top. Now slip the entire plastic pot into a glazed pot that’s about one to four inches wider, and voila!
HANGING BASKETS
Hanging flower baskets bring your plants to eye-level, where everyone can enjoy their wonderful scents and sights. Add beauty to an otherwise dull porch, wall or rafters. Try planting succulents for a virtually care-free container garden. Petunias, calibrachoa and pansies also make wonderful additions to hanging baskets.
COMBINATION CONTAINERS
Who says your container garden can only have one plant? Get creative and play with different color and texture combinations of plants and flowers. You can make up your own mix or search online for combo recipes by other inspiring gardeners. Mix foliage with flowers and use a color scheme to build a balanced and beautiful container.
INDOOR CONTAINER GARDENING
Take your favorite hobby inside. Even if you have a small apartment, there’s no need to rule out house plants. Find the best place for each plant, depending on their light requirements. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different locations until you find the best spot for your indoor containers. For sun-loving plants, just be sure to place them on a windowsill for maximum light exposure. With so many options and room for creativity, container gardening is a trend that’s here to stay. Tap into your inventive side to build a container garden that brings joy and wellness both indoors and out.
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