A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
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HOME
Bold and blended Upgrades to revamp your living quarters.
Clutter-free kitchen Tips to help meet all your kitchen needs.
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Table of Contents LETTER from the
EDITOR Thanksgiving is near. We are only five days from filling our homes with family and friends and feasting on all of our favorite traditional foods. With this season of life, I encourage you to take time and reflect on your home and those in it. Focus on the good in your home and not the bad in the world. In this edition you will find ways to make Thanksgiving healthier, keep your kitchen more organized and tips on feeding birds throughout the winter. You will also learn how to turn an unfinished basement into a warm and welcoming space in your home. If you are working on a winter home renovation project I’d love to hear from you! If you would like your story told, please contact me at mrichardson@messengerinquirer.com or 270-691-7233. — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor
BASEMENT TIPS pages 8-9
FEED THE BACKYARD BIRDS
HEALTHY MEALS
pages 4-5
page 11
on the cover
Creating a cohesive look for a space is important and sometimes simple. | PAGES 6-7
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? w o n k u o y d i D
imprinted concrete, is a design element that replicates the look of stone, brick, wood, slate, or other Paving stones are used around the materials in concrete. Stamped house in many different applications, concrete can be used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, and pool including on walkways and patios. decks. Stamped concrete also Sometimes, however, paving may be incorporated into interior stones are beyond homeowners’ flooring designs. Homeowners can budgets. Fortunately, there’s explore their options with regard another alternative that may to stamped concrete by speaking look just as attractive and save with a masonry expert or landscape homeowners money. Stamped architect. concrete, also called textured or Innsbrook Traditional & Loft Contemporary Vent-Free Fireplace Inserts Innsbrook 28,000 Btu Vent-Free Fireplace Insert Shown with Optional 8 x 8-inch metal surround
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feed birds for the
GREATER GOOD BY BPT
The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a free, fun, and easy event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of bird populations. Participants are asked to count birds for as little as 15 minutes (or as long as they wish) on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at birdcount.org.
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When you fill your bird feeders and put fresh water in the birdbath this season, you’ll definitely be giving your feathered friends a helping hand. Take note of the birds that visit your yard, and you’ll be ready to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a four-day annual event during which thousands of people around the world record information about the species of birds they see. The infor mation backyard bird-watchers gather assists scientists in better understanding the movement of species around the globe, howw well dif ferent species are — or aren’t — doing and how factors like climate change are affecting bird populations ever ywhere. And when the bird count is over, you’ll still enjoy a yard filled with the pleasing colors and sounds of wild birds.
also play an impor tant role in maintaining environmental balance around the world. They pollinate plants, scatter seeds so new plants can grow, help control insect populations and recycle nutrients back into the soil. It’s critical for us to have a greater understanding of how bird species are doing around the world, and to do our part to help take care of them.” Bird populations are so diverse, large and widespread that it would be virtually impossible for scientists to gather all the data they need without help from backyard bird enthusiasts who participate in the GBBC. The information gathered help scientists identify species whose numbers are decreasing or increasing, changes in range or migratory patterns and more. Fluctuations in bird populations are often the earliest signs of greater environmental changes.
BIRDS ARE IMPORTANT
Founded in 1998, and co-sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the National Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada, the next Great Backyard Bird Count will be Feb. 17-20, 2017. You can start preparing to participate by taking steps now to make
“We enjoy birdwatching and feeding birds because they brighten our backyards and entertain us with their antics, especially during long winters,” says Richard Cole, co-founder of Cole’s Wild Bird Products. “But birds
WHAT YOU CAN DO
your own backyard an oasis for birds.
START BY OFFERING A VARIETY OF FEEDERS
Dif ferent species prefer dif ferent styles of feeders. Tube feeders are versatile and appeal to a wide range of bird species. They can also handle large (think sunflower) or small seeds (like petite mixes) equally well. Some birds prefer to cling to feeders while dining, rather than perch, so use a versatile Mesh feeder; or tr y a Bowl feeder, perfect for serving suet in kibble form, dried mealworms and fresh fruit. You can find a variety of feeders from Cole’s. Be sure to keep all feeders clean and in good condition to help prevent disease and injury.
SERVE A VARIETY OF BIRDFEED
In winter, seeds with a high fat or oil content are best for birds, so offer black oil sunflower seeds, niger, raw peanuts and suet. To attract the greatest variety of birds, tr y Cole’s Blue Ribbon Blend, which incorporates black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower meats, white proso millet and cracked corn. Special Feeder is a high-energy blend that also attracts large numbers of birds, with the perfect mixture of
black oil sunflower, sunflower meats, black stripe, raw peanuts, saf flower and pecans.
FILL EVERY FEEDER WITH QUALITY FOOD
Birds won’t be satisfied with birdfeed that contains cheap fillers, and they won’t get the nutrition they need. Think of it as the difference between ser ving your family fresh veggies instead of fast food. Ser ve birdfeed that contains quality ingredients and is free of chemicals or other toxins that could be harmful to birds. Cole’s formulates all its feed to attract birds, and uses only natural, top-quality seeds. Their products contain no fillers, preservatives, mineral oils or pesticides. Be sure to also offer birds plenty of fresh water; it can be very difficult for them to find unfrozen water sources in winter. By feeding backyard birds and participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, you can be counted on to help protect the wellbeing of wild bird populations. What’s more, the work you do prepping your yard for the count will benefit you — and your feathered friends — throughout the year.
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BOLD & blended
upgrade your home without a full renovation BY FAMILY FEATURES
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COLOR IS KEY
Daring patterns and color combos are gaining favor in homes across the country, especially in the most used room in the house — the kitchen. Give your kitchen a fresh, new look by taking a multi-toned cabinetry approach. Apply different shades to your upper and lower cabinets to create a completely new feel. Opting for colored cabinets, as opposed to a stain, helps develop a broader palette for the space and produces an identifiable color scheme. A similar approach can be taken for kitchens with islands. Make your island the focal point by opting for a vibrantly colored base or countertop. When it comes to your countertops and backsplashes, you can also achieve a standout look with a high-contrast approach. Pair deeply colored counters or backsplashes with more subtly hued cabinets and flooring to make a dramatic statement.
BLEND IN
Whether your style is big and bold or clean and minimalistic, creating a cohesive look for a space is important. Oftentimes, outdated home appliances get in the way of an otherwise seamless home design. A simple home appliance upgrade can easily change the overall
style of a room for the better. With more homeowners tuned into online and televised DIY resources, manufacturers are challenged like never before to deliver high-end products that blend flawlessly into the background of a living space. One example is Mitsubishi Electric’s Designer Series indoor units. These units are sleek, stylish, slim and available in three different colors — glossy white, matte silver and glossy black — making matching the appliance to the style of a space effortless. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, these units give homeowners the ability to choose their desired room temperature for each zone in their home, while using 30-40 percent less energy than traditional cooling and heating systems, and providing better indoor air quality. Learn more at mitsubishicomfort.com.
A LITTLE TEXTURE GOES A LONG WAY
Also take into consideration textures and materials — tile and stone are the norm, but unexpected pairings such as brick and butcher block can lend a whole new level of style. These simple details can make a drastic difference in the feel of your home, no matter what room in the house you’re sprucing up. In the kitchen or bathroom,
choosing the right style and material of countertop can make or break your intended design. For example, the beauty of granite’s natural patterns make it a one-of-a-kind look for your home, while a newer kitchen design trend, stainless steel, provides a distinctive look. Another easy way to play with the texture in your home is by placing small, decorative objects throughout your living quarters. Natural and organic objects, like shells, stones or twigs, can be used to inject an outdoor feel in different rooms. Most importantly, consider balance when seeking out different textures. Overdoing it can detract from your attempts to liven up your home, making it instead feel cluttered or disorganized.
FIND THE RIGHT FEATURES
While the aesthetic fit of a new appliance is important, so are the features that ensure your purchase answers the needs of your lifestyle. When shopping for updated appliances, look at how the models you’re considering perform in areas such as: • Noise control: Especially if you’re replacing an older cooling and heating system, you may have been battling the sounds it was emitting for years. You’ll immediately notice the difference with
many of today’s appliances, which are designed to offer quiet operation. Some even function at a sound level lower than a human whisper. • Energy management: Look for models that offer features to help manage your energy consumption. One solution is a timer that allows you to create scheduling options to adjust the temperature, and thus the amount of energy, being used in rooms when they are not occupied. • Intelligent comfort: For appliances like refrigerators and freezers, it’s an automatic assumption that they will maintain a consistent temperature. You may be surprised to discover that other appliances can offer the same continuity when it comes to comfort. For example, Mitsubishi Electric’s Designer Series indoor units offer Econo Cool, a temperature control feature that automatically adjusts airflow speed to maintain the desired level of comfort once it has been established. • Programmable functions: With continuous developments in technology, various home appliances now have the capability to connect to smart phones and tablets. Through these apps, you can regulate multiple settings for your home appliance operations from virtually anywhere with just a click of a button.
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RISE OF THE BASEMENT top tips for a better space
BY BPT
Updating your lower level is a sound investment in your home. Remodeling magazine’s 2016 Cost vs. Value Report put the average basement remodel at $61,303, with a 70.3 percent payback — a far better investment return than adding a bathroom or garage.
BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION AND SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY
The start of a new season is the perfect time to check some tasks off of your “to-do� list — whether it’s to get in shape or tackle at-home projects. If you’re planning on making some simple but effective changes at home, here are some tips on how to give your basement a total 180-degree makeover.
easy to work with.
2. OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH A FLOOR
Installing a new floor or updating the existing one can improve the overall comfort level and look of your basement. Many unfinished basements have basic concrete flooring, which is cold year-round. Flooring options are endless — hardwood, laminate, cork and Berber flooring all add warmth 1. SOUNDPROOF IT to a basement bedroom or TV Installing acoustic insulation is room; play mats are great for kids’ the perfect excuse to crank up the subwoofer, host a get-together or let playrooms; and carpets are perfect the kids run wild. Soundproofing is to make any room feel more comfy and welcoming. the ultimate solution to maximize your basement’s peace, quiet and 3. GET CREATIVE WITH privacy. Industr y experts suggest A FRESH COAT OF PAINT using Roxul Safe n’ Sound, which effectively absorbs sound and is Transform the dull and boring to suffer without style. Homeowners can take advantage of today’s beautiful new 2-foot x 2-foot ceiling tiles by adding 2-foot cross tees to their existing grid systems.
FLOORING: THINK WARM AND DRY
Make sure your flooring choices stand up to moisture, too. Patch any cracks in the concrete floor and consider adding a subfloor if the surface slopes or is uneven. Many homeowners gravitate to the warmth and soundproofing effect of carpeting in basements. Low-pile or Berber carpets resist wear and are inexpensive options. A moisture-barrier pad between the carpet pad and the carpet adds another level of water resistance and reassurance. Now is a great time to finish your basement. You’ll enjoy the added living space now, and likely realize a healthy return on your investment in the future.
4. ACCESSORIZE IT
Throw pillows, rugs, lighting, and artwork are simple additions that can immediately enhance or change your basement’s look and feel. Pot lights can modernize, while art work and throw pillows can add a splash of color. Decide on a theme and color scheme for your room and keep your eye out for staple pieces that will make it feel like an entirely new space. Finishing a basement pays dividends in additional space in a home. While the process can be laborintensive, homeowners should follow the proper procedures when doing the work to ensure a great finish. A new and improved basement will make you want to enjoy the space for years to come.
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on time. And since below-grade spaces are usually cool, humid and prone to water damage, consider investing in PROPS FOR YOUR a good dehumidifier and choosing PROPERTY VALUE Depending on local regulations, the moisture-resistant products. additional space can often be added ELEVATE YOUR CEILING STYLE to your home’s total square footage, Ugly or damaged ceilings can making your market listing more ruin the look of your newly updated appealing to buyers and potentially basement space, so take steps to increasing your property value. repair or replace your ceiling. Plaster To recoup the most from your any cracks and replace yellowing remodeling efforts, make sure your tiles. design and decorating choices are If you’re updating the ceiling, attractive and functional — not too look for products from companies quirky or customized. like Armstrong Ceilings that are specially treated to resist the growth LOOK UP, LOOK DOWN: BANISH WATER ALL AROUND of mold and mildew. From there, the Before you begin making sky — or the ceiling — is the limit. decorating choices, tackle any needed Savvy design choices, like coffered repairs, including waterproofing ceilings, or wood planks add style and your lower level. It’s a good idea the results are easier to achieve than to seal your walls and floors first, most people think. and important enough to hire a Stuck with an older, 2-foot x 4-foot professional if you’re short dropped ceiling grid? There’s no need
space into an inviting entertainment oasis or a colorful playroom with a simple coat of paint. When considering the paint, think about what color will compliment your existing furniture. To add some drama, consider adding depth and visual interest to your space with a different colored accent wall.
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A SMART, AFFORDABLE UPGRADE
four easy tips for a makeover
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With fewer homes for sale and good returns on the remodeling investment, more homeowners are reclaiming their lower levels and remodeling their basements. Basements are coming out of hiding these days. And they’re doing it in style, with before-and-after transformations featured everywhere from HGTV to Pinterest and YouTube. What’s driving this trend? A tight housing market, for one thing. With houses at a premium — and a proliferation of DIY how-to’s — more homeowners are inspired to reclaim their unused space and expand their living area.
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Tips to a clutter-free kitchen BY FAMILY FEATURES
every inch of storage space.
Make your kitchen and pantry meet your family’s needs with these tips:
MOVE THE PANTRY ELSEWHERE
Kitchen pantries often become a catchall for more than just groceries and kitchen accessories. If your home’s layout permits, relocate your pantry GET EVERYONE ON BOARD Any effort to get organized will only be effec- to a larger space to stow less frequently used items tive if the approach works for the whole fam- and day-to-day things that tend to accumulate. ily. Get the little ones involved with the kitchen’s KEEP COUNTERS CLUTTER-FREE daily organization by giving them a specific place Kitchen counters typically suffer the most daily to find their favorite snacks. Keep shelving at a height kids can reach so they can take charge of over flow, but redirecting some of that excess packing their own school lunches. Organize gro- elsewhere can give your kitchen a less cluttered ceries by relevance. For example, store the most appearance. Stop the clutter before it starts by assigning each family member a container for commonly used items at eye level. miscellaneous odds and ends. An option such as ClosetMaid’s Chalkboard Fabric Drawers lets MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE It can be easy to transform your pantry into a you choose from three different colors and notate beautiful and functional space. Think practical and what items are tucked away in each bin. A kitchen and pantry makeover might be just start with the basics by upgrading your storage with practical wire shelving, like a ClosetMaid what you need to freshen up the organization in ShelfTrack system, featuring Close Mesh shelv- your home. Whether you simply want to spruce ing that prevents items from tipping or falling up your kitchen space or give your pantr y an through. The adjustable shelves come in a variety overhaul, your finished project will inspire and of depths to store bulkier items and accessories streamline organization throughout the whole such as wire baskets and bins help maximize house.
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MAKE THANKSGIVING HEALTHIER
Thanksgiving is not often associated with healthy eating. From candied sweet potatoes to sausage-filled stuffing, Thanksgiving dinner is full of flavor, but also full of calories and fat. The Calorie Control Council claims the average American will consume more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. Even if you won’t come close to consuming 4,500 calories this Thanksgiving, you may want to take the following steps to make your Thanksgiving feast healthier.
CREATE A CALORIE DEFICIT
ing, but how much you eat that makes the meal so unhealthy. The American Heart Association advises holiday celebrants to practice portion control. In addition, eat fewer high-calorie foods and fill up on lighter fare, such as vegetables and lean turkey. This way you get to enjoy a taste of everything without overdoing it.
CUT DOWN ON BREAD
Bread can be both delicious and filling. But bread is often full of empty calories, particularly if you’re eating refined, white breads. Opt for less bread in stuffing recipes and incorporate more celery, raisins, cranberries, and apples to give bulk to the stuffing. Choose whole-grain rolls and crackers to complement the main course.
A key to maintaining a healthy weight or losing a few pounds is to exercise more and eat less, a strategy that can be employed during the holiday season. Such a regimen will improve your metabolism, and your body will be better at handling the extra caloric load of Thanksgiving without packing on the pounds. CHOOSE HEALTHIER INGREDIENTS Once Thanksgiving dinner is over, go for a walk Substitute low-fat milk or stocks for cream and around the neighborhood. This can facilitate diges- whole milk in recipes. Include steamed cauliflower tion and burn even more calories. in mashed potatoes recipes to make them more filling and healthier. Sweet potatoes tend to be PRACTICE PORTION CONTROL sweet enough without the need for butter, sugar It’s not necessarily what you eat on Thanksgiv- and marshmallows. Skim the fat and oils out of
gravies and sauces before ser ving. Olive oil is a healthy fat that can be used in place of butter or margarine.
FOCUS ON FRUIT FOR DESSERT
Thanksgiving dinner is usually followed with a decadent spread of desserts. These pies and cakes can be delicious but laden with calories. In lieu of traditional fare, ser ve poached fruits sprinkled with a little brown sugar and oatmeal for a tasty and healthy desser t. Low-fat sherbet, fresh fruit salad and rice pudding also make for healthier desserts.
CHOOSE HEALTHY BEVERAGES
It’s easy to overlook the calorie content of beverages. Whenever possible, choose water or a lowcalorie drink. Children can sip on diluted apple juice. Be mindful of how many alcoholic beverages you consume. Spirits can be 100 calories per serving and are high in sugar. Thanksgiving dinner tends to be high in calories. But there are ways to cut calories from your holiday meal without sacrificing flavor.
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