Your Home Inside & Out - Spring 2015

SPRING 2015

A DAILY JOURNAL PUBLICATION

INSIDE

Financing your home purchase

all about sunrooms

Ideas for flora to plant this spring

Raise your home’s IQ with tech gadgets

Your Home Inside & Out SOUTHSIDE

spring 2015

Good Day, Sunshine

Sunrooms offer a bright addition to your home.............3

Time to Borrow

Factors that go into securing a mortgage........................6

Popular Plants

The new year brings new, fetching flora.........................8

Environmentally Friendly

Your yard can be sustainable, just like Purdue’s.......... 10

PAGE 6

Go, Go Gadget

Your home could be real high-tech with these items... 12

Ordinarily Fabulous

Stylish furniture made from wooden pallets................ 14

Staying Safe

Deadbolts the best way to protect your home............ 15

Interior Design PAGE 12

How can couple come to a compromise?.................... 16

Cleaning Up the Mess

10 minutes a day can keep home clutter free.............. 18 Southside Your Home Inside & Out is published by the DAILY JOURNAL

For advertising content, contact the Daily Journal advertising department at (317) 736-2730

For editorial content, contact Paul Hoffman in the Daily Journal special publications department at (317) 736-2721 or by e-mail at phoffman@ dailyjournal.net

Southside Your Home Inside & Out c/o Daily Journal 30 S. Water St. Suite A Franklin, IN 46131

PAGE 15

PAGE 8

PAGE 18

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

3

LET THE

SUN SHINE IN

Sunrooms especially popular with empty nesters

By JENN WILLHITE Correspondent

W

hen John Zotz and his wife, Karen, moved into their Greenwood home in June 2013 all that was missing was a sunroom.

The home had a 4-by-6 foot landing on the back porch that wasn’t even large enough to accommodate a grill, he said. And since their previous home had a sunroom, the addition was a must.

“We didn’t have a sunroom, so we made one,” the 67-year-old retiree said. “And it was worth every penny.

We sit out there every day.”

Built in 2014, the 16-by-10 foot custom designed sunroom has an outer deck to one side and nearly floor to ceiling windows on three sides offering a picturesque view of the Zotzes’ wooded backyard. The climate controlled addition also has a heated floor that helps keep the room at a cozy 74 degrees.

“If I was 20 years old I may not want the sunroom, because I’d be busy working and wouldn’t be able to use it,” Zotz said. “But at my age, and what we do during the day, it’s very practical for us.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

The interior of two sunrooms recently built by Gettum Associates Inc. of Greenwood.

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

4

DAILY JOURNAL

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Before and after photos of the exterior of a sunroom built by Gettum Associates Inc. of Greenwood. Costs can range anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000, depending on several factors.

The popularity and demand for sunrooms has always been strong, said Mike DuKate, owner of DuKate Fine Remodeling Inc., in Franklin.

Popular among boomers Generally speaking, area retailers and contractors say the demographic of clients seeking sunroom additions are families with older children, who are preparing to move out, and couples belonging to the baby boomer generation — individuals 55 years old and older.

“Interest tends to be seasonal,” DuKate said.

“In the fall and spring people think about it more and that’s probably why they buy during that time.”

The cost of adding a sunroom to an existing home is as varied as the styles available.

Prefabricated models start around $10,000 on the low end, DuKate said. At most there’s about a three week wait from the time it’s ordered to

when it’s installed, which can take just a few days, he said.

Also known as “three-season rooms,” prefabricated sunrooms that are not climate controlled can usually be used from around Easter through Thanksgiving without the aid of a space heater, DuKate said.

If you’re wondering about what kind of upkeep prefab sunrooms require, no worries. They’re relatively low-maintenance, DuKate said. There’s general housekeeping, like wiping down panels with a damp cloth and cleaning windows and screens, but you don’t have to mess with painting, insulation or electrical wiring, he said.

If you opt to go with a custom-built sunroom, you’re looking at a bit more cost and time.

According to area contractors, the cost for a custom-built sunroom can start anywhere from $25,000 to $40,000 and takes about 30 to 90 days to complete, depending on design and complexity.

Rick Campbell, president of Rick Campbell

Johnsons

“The Lawn You want...at the price you like” Quality Turf care, Inc.

COMMERCIAL

Core Aeration

Dave 317-878-5620

Builder in Greenwood, said he receives about three to five calls each year from homeowners wanting a custom-built sunroom, with average dimensions of about 16-by-16 feet.

Multiple uses The versatility of the various sunroom designs make them adaptable for any use, such as a TV

room, reading room or study, Campbell said. It is not uncommon to incorporate vaulted ceilings, ceiling fans, heating/air conditioning units, and unique flooring, including carpet, tile and wood.

The trick is offering a seamless match from the new addition to the existing structure.

“With any addition, you want the end result to look like it had always been there,” Campbell

NO INTEREST

UNTIL 2018 CARPET COUNTRY

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SERVICE

Mulching & Delivery Landscaping Over Seeding Tree Planting Flag Poles & Finish Grading Mail Box Installation Hyro-seeding Erosion Control Mowing & Maintenance

Johnson family owned & operated

WWW.DAILYJOURNAL.NET

Chad 317-879-6339 280 South State Road 135 • 317-888-3501 • www.carpetcountry.net Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 7:30pm, Sat 9am - 5pm

DAILY JOURNAL

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

5

Vacation Rooms

Vacation Rooms

SUBMITTED PHOTO BY GETTUM ASSOCIATES INC.

Sunrooms can have multiple uses. Many people choose to include a television. But others use the room as a play area for children, warm-weather breakfast area, a reading room or a study.

tractor. Don’t be afraid to shop around and get said. “What you can run into, if you’re trying to put brick on it or match windows, that color may several quotes. Also, talk to Realtors and research not be available anymore. Those are the things your property, Gettum suggested. you want to make sure you do your due diligence, Oftentimes, people don’t know where their but the builder can help you with that.” property line lies, which can determine just how Before deciding on the type and style of sunlarge of an addition can be made to the existing room that best suits your “It’s an investment. It’s not structure, he said. needs, consider looking at something to really consider if As with any structural other homes in your area, changes you make to your you’re getting ready to move in recommends Jason property, look into what Gettum, vice president of a year or two, because typically different permits may be Gettum Associates, Inc., in you’re not going to get your required.

Greenwood. money out of it.”

“Anything that is on a Utilizing online tools, foundation will require such as costvsvalue.com Jason Gettum some sort of inspection,” offered by Remodeling Gettum Associates Inc. Gettum said. “You also Magazine, to estimate the have to generate a set of plans on how the suncost of your potential project can also be room will be built and submit them for approval. immensely helpful, Gettum said.

There are also certain milestones in construction “It’s an investment,” he said. “It’s not somethat have to be inspected, such as the foundation, thing to really consider if you’re getting ready to move in a year or two, because typically you’re not going to get your money out of it.”

But if you aren’t moving, it pays to do your homework before beginning your search for a con-

Vacation Rooms Vacation Rooms

Vacation Rooms

EXERCISE • RELAX • ENTERTAIN

EXERCISE • RELAX • ENTERTAIN

317.736.9961 • www.dukate.net

EXERCISE • RELAX • ENTERTAIN EXERCISE • RELAX • ENTERTAIN

framing, wiring and anything mechanical before the addition can be insulated.”

One obvious downside to a custom-build is you See SUNROOMS, Page 19

317.736.9961 • www.dukate.net EXERCISE • RELAX • ENTERTAIN

317.736.9961 • www.dukate.net 317.736.9961 • www.dukate.net

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

6

DAILY JOURNAL

get a loan get a home Is timing a factor in securing your mortgage?

F

or most people, buying a house is the greatest investment they will make in their lifetime. Knowing when the timing is right or what type of loan to secure can be perplexing to those seeking a loan for the first time.

Visiting with a loan agent to discuss all of STORY BY CAROL EDWARDS the possibilities can answer many of the PHOTOS BY THINKSTOCK questions facing those contemplating a mortgage, whether they be first time home-

owners or those interested in securing a home equity loan.

Bob Heuchan, president and CEO of Mutual Savings Bank in Franklin, believes those ready to purchase a home should seek a lending agent who is both knowledgeable and qualified. In the long run, he said, borrowers want to receive good advice and not just be a deal made by the lender. Making sure the customer leaves the office with the

best information is vital, Heuchan said.

Looking at the economy is always a part in the decision to secure a mortgage for a home, Heuchan stated. Answering questions like, “Is my job secure?” or “Do I have my bills paid off?” is vital to making a smart decision. The best way borrowers can understand their financial picture is to balance their checking account, Heuchan said.

Borrowers need to be honest about what

Discounts as big as a house. Or condo.

Or apartment.

Gregory Hicks, Agent 1777 W Stones Crossing Rd, Ste 1 Greenwood, IN 46143 Bus: 317-245-6700 www.insurecentergrove.com 1103155.1

See just how big your savings could be.

Your savings could add up to hundreds of dollars when you put all your policies together under our State Farm® roof. GET TO A BETTER STATE.™ CALL ME TODAY. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

DAILY JOURNAL

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

7

Refinancing What: Refinancing at a lower rate When is it a good thing? With closing costs at $1,500-$2,000, can you save enough in the first year to pay for the cost of refinancing?

How can you use this to your advantage? Many people use refinancing as a tool to consolidate loans or make home improvements. It can also be a way to lessen a current mortgage payment or to pay off the mortgage earlier.

they owe. Are there multiple credit cards?

“Don’t bury your head in the sand about what you owe,” Heuchan said.

Heuchan sees no problems in today’s economy that would send up red flags to potential borrowers. With mortgage rates around 3 percent, many people have found it to be a good opportunity to buy for the first time or purchase a second home. Heuchan does not

see mortgage rates rapidly rising in the next several months. If the country were to fall into a recession, however, potential homeowners typically are more cautious about buying a home as they worry about job cuts.

There are several types of loans that potential buyers can secure if they qualify. Heuchan believes the best overall choice is the conventional mortgage, which requires a down payment of 20 percent. VA or FHA

loans are also available for those who meet the requirements.

Ultimately, Heuchan said, potential homeowners make that decision to buy when they sense it is the right time to do so. Some just have that feeling that the time is now to buy that house down the street or on the other side of town.

“Most people will simply go ahead and do it when they get the opportunity,” he said. H

FINANCING

life outside the big cities.

We help rural residents build, farms grow and businesses expand.

FINANCING 100 International Drive, Franklin, IN 46131 1-800-327-5099

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, ACA

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

8

DAILY JOURNAL

Bursts of color for your flower garden You’ll dig these great, new plants for 2015

1

By BETH BOTTS Chicago Tribune

W 2

3

hat’s that rosy glow in the distance? It’s the dawn of a new gardening year! The long trudge of winter may seem to go on forever, but the days are getting longer, and it’s time to start dreaming and planning.

Here are some bright new plants you may want to add to your wish list. It’s too soon to know which retailers will be selling most of these, but search for them online and in catalogs or ask for them at your local garden center. (When we’ve found a source for purchasing, we’ve listed it.)

Sundiascia diascia: Diascia, a tender perennial in the South, is usually grown as a cool-season annual up North. This selection from Suntory has been bred to tolerate summer heat longer and to have its bright flowers densely packed on sturdy upright stalks, perfect for a pot. It comes in six hues under the “Upright” moniker, including Upright Bright Pink and Upright Peach. (suntory collection.com) Berry Timeless coral bells (Heuchera villosa ‘Berry Timeless’): It’s their foliage that has made perennial coral bells a shade garden mainstay; their wispy flowers are easy to overlook. But this new selection from Walters Gardens ( http://

waltersgardens.com) is a much bigger bloomer, with flowers in pink to rosy red that arrive early and keep coming back all summer. Zones 4-9.

(Available at gardencrossings.com.)

The Lady Gardener rose (Rosa ‘The Lady Gardener’): The abundant, fragrant, fluffy roses are a rich apricot that fades to cream, with a strong scent of vanilla and cedar. From David Austin Roses, this shrub can grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 ½ feet wide; it will flower heavily in June and repeat bloom all summer. Zones 5-9.

(Available at davidaustinroses.com.)

Lemony Lace elderberry (Sambucus racemosa ‘SMNSRD4’): Enjoy this attractive shrub for its feathery chartreuse foliage, touched with red.

You’ll also get white spring flowers and red berries in fall (good for birds but not for people). Zones 3-7. (Available at provenwinners.com.)

Bounce hybrid impatiens: Do you miss the impatiens blooms that used to brighten your shade garden before downy mildew mowed down these popular annuals? The Bounce line of hybrid impatiens from Ball Horticultural Co. ( http:// ballseed.com), which includes several colors, has a similar habit and flowers of the older impatiens but resists the disease. The Bounce Pink Flame is an All-America Selections winner. (all-americaselections.org) Forever Pink hybrid phlox (Phlox ‘Forever

4 5

6

SCRIPPS HOWARD

1. Sundiascia Upright Bright Pink diascia tolerates more heat, and provides more blooms on densely packed stalks. From Suntory, this new plant — an annual in Chicago-area gardens — also comes in a variety of other hues. 2. Forever Pink hybrid phlox boasts a vivid color, grows to about 16 inches tall and was bred to resist powdery mildew. 3. Tiny Tortuga is a dwarf version of the native turtlehead. It grows to about 16 inches and has deep pink blooms. 4. Berry Timeless coral bells,a new selection from Walters Gardens, delivers bigger blooms, with flowers in pink to rosy red. Zones 4-9. 5. Bounce Pink Flame impatiens, new from Ball Horticultural Co., were developed to resist downy mildew. 6. Diamond Ball clematis from Proven Winners boasts lovely ice-blue flowers on a long-blooming vine. Zones 4-9.

550Z Zero Turn Riding Mower

HOGUE and SONS

CONSTRUCTION

List $5299

Specializing in: • Remodeling • Porches • Decks • Docks • Framing

• Gutters • Metal Roofing • Pole Barns/ Garages • Dirt Work

• Restoration of Older Barns • New Homes • Insurance claims And Much More!

FREE ESTIMATES!

317-474-4531 • 317-847-2884 richardhogue1@aol.com

30 years experience & insured

SALE PRICE $4999

Professional-grade 550z zero turn riding mowers are easy-to-use for homeowners, but come packed with all of the enhanced features you’d expect from a commercial lawn mower. Welded, all-steel construction, HydroGear tranmissions and steel front axles give this 550 zero turn riding mower the rugged durability needed to take on demanding terrain and tough jobs. Powered by premium Briggs & Stratton Commercial Turf Series and Kawasaki FR730V engines, the 550Z mows grass in no time with a wide 61” deck and speeds up to 8 MPH

QUALITY LAWN EQUIPMENT 2980 S. US Hwy. 31 | Franklin, IN 46131 | 317-738-3947

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE | SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL Minimum monthly payments required. See dealer for details.

550Z

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

7

8

9

10

9 11

12

7. The Lady Gardener is an intensely fragrant, apricot-colored rose. 8. Godzilla Japanese painted fern thrives in the shade, and in a big way: It can grow up to 3 feet tall. 9. Lemony Lace elderberry has a vivid chartreuse hue, with white flowers in spring. It grows in Zones 3 to 7. 10. Bites Cherry tomato is ideal for containers and hanging baskets. 11. Ruby Glow romaine lettuce has a deep burgundy and green color, and a satisfying crunch. 12. Pretty N Sweet pepper is a compact plant (about 18 inches tall) covered with small, sweet edible peppers.

Pink’): Masses of vivid violet-pink flowers bloom in June and return all summer on a compact clump only about 16 inches tall, untroubled by powdery mildew. This perennial hybrid from the Chicagoland Grows Plant Introduction program was bred at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Zones 4-8. (chicagolandgrows.com) Tiny Tortuga turtlehead (Chelone lyonii ‘Armtipp02’): Turtlehead is a U.S. native perennial that blooms in late summer to early fall and performs well in shade. Tiny Tortuga is a dwarf version, with dark green leaves and deep pink blooms on short 16-inch stalks. Try it in a container. Zones

3-8. (Available from waysidegardens.com.)

Pretty N Sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum ‘Pretty N Sweet’): A sparkling array of small, sweet (not hot) peppers covers a compact plant that is both attractive and edible. Just 18 inches high, this new hybrid from Seeds by Design can fit into the ornamental garden or a container. It’s an All-America Selections winner. (all-americaselections.org) Litt’l Bites Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Litt’l Bites Cherry’): Here’s a lovely little tomato for container gardens, small plots, large window boxes or even hanging baskets. A fastgrowing, mounding plant available from Renee’s

Free top down/bottom up until April 3, 2015

Garden seed company, it produces plenty of cherry-size tomatoes until frost. (Seed packets available at reneesgarden.com.)

Ruby Glow romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa ‘Ruby Glow’): The deep burgundy and green color will enliven a salad bowl, and the leaves have that satisfying romaine crunch. The breeder says the red color means this lettuce has an extra dose of the antioxidant anthocyanin. Another bonus: Cool-season lettuce is one of the easiest crops to grow from seed in spring. Days to maturity: 70-80. (Available from burpee.com.)

Diamond Ball clematis (Clematis ‘Diamond

Ball’): Elegant ice-blue flowers with many petals are abundant over a long bloom time on this shrubby vine from Proven Winners. Send it up a trellis or fence in a sunny area to add height to the garden. Zones 4-9. (Available at provenwinners.com.)

Godzilla Japanese painted fern (Athyrium ‘Godzilla’): The folks at Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina did a double take when they spotted this outsize hybrid of a fern that is a shade-garden workhorse. This one grows twice as tall, up to 36 inches. Zones 5b-8. (Available from plantdelights.com.) H cubcadet.com

UNRIVALED PERFORMANCE. UNPARALLELED SERVICE.

XT1™ LT42"

RZT® L 42

• 42" heavy-duty mowing deck delivers the Cub Cadet Signature Cut™ • Spring-assisted deck lift lever with 12 available positions

• 42" heavy-duty mowing deck delivers the Cub Cadet Signature Cut™ • Dual hydrostatic transmission

LAWN TRACTOR

STARTING AT: $

In all of the best products, beauty and function are intertwined. Parasol® Cellular Shades begin with beauty. A wide selection of fabrics in today’s fashion colors are offered in a variety of cell sizes, configurations, opacities, textures and color for the ultimate in energy efficiency and light control.

Ultrasonic Blind Cleaning | New Blind Sales

South North 317-888-2334 317-255-8238

Steve Cambridge Owner

1,499.99 *

ZERO-TURN RIDER

STARTING AT:

2,399.99 *

$

Jacobi Sales Inc. 550 Earlywood Drive Franklin, IN 46131

(1)FINANCING AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED BUYERS. NOT ALL BUYERS QUALIFY. MINIMUM PURCHASE PRICE REQUIREMENT APPLIES. SEE STORE OR CUBCADET.COM FOR IMPORTANT DETAILS. MINIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENTS REQUIRED. TRANSACTION FINANCE CHARGES MAY APPLY. SEE YOUR CUB CADET RETAILER FOR DETAILS OR GO TO CUBCADET.COM FOR FULL DISCLOSURE. FINANCING SUBJECT TO TD BANK, N.A. APPROVAL. PROGRAMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.*Product Price — Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes, freight, setup and handling charges may be additional and may vary. Models subject to limited availability.**See your local dealer for limited warranty details and information. Certain restrictions apply.†as rated by engine manufacturerSpecifications and programs are subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect dealer inventory and/or unit specifications. © 2013 Cub Cadet2PV_3C8

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

10

DAILY JOURNAL

You can follow Purdue’s lead when it comes to

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING

By AMY MAY Staff writer

F

rom its county extension agents to its master gardener program, Purdue University has a long tradition of helping the community further its gardening and landscaping knowledge. Answers to a variety of lawn and yard care questions, ranging from treating tree diseases to bug identification, are available on Purdue’s website, from the county Extension agent or even a nearby master gardener.

But how does Purdue take care of its own green spaces?

In the most sustainable way possible.

“A sustainable landscape is designed to be both attractive and in balance with the local climate and environment. It should build upon existing systems and infrastructure, requiring minimal input of additional resources, including irrigation and pesticide use. The design must be functional, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly,” said Scott Helmkamp, a supervisor in the Purdue University Grounds Department.

Purdue’s Grounds Department has had a longstanding interest in establishing and maintaining a campus landscape that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly, said Helmkamp, who has been with the university’s Grounds Department for 25 years. The Office of Sustainability was created in 2011 to advance and formalize those measures and create partnerships with groups like the Indiana Wildlife Federation for the Landscaping the Sustainable Campus program.

Many of the measures Purdue has in place to care for its own property can easily be done by a

PURDUE UNIVERSITY PHOTOS

Purdue University’s campus in West Lafayette is landscaped in the most sustainable method possible. The school’s tips are available to you, too.

homeowner, Helmkamp said.

For example, if you want to be “green,” you need to reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides, which can contaminate area water supplies and harm wildlife.

“One of the best ways to keep a landscape free of weeds is to maintain the health of turf grass. When turf grass is thick and healthy, weeds are less successful when competing for space. We mow at 3½ inches, use mulching blades and aerate turf, all of which are practical in a residential environment,” Helmkamp said.

If Purdue’s groundskeepers do need to use pesticides and herbicides, they are applied by staff members who hold the appropriate Indiana certifications. As trained applicators, they can manage the process and use the smallest amount of chemicals possible to get the desired result.

“To this end, we use an integrated pest management approach using only spot spraying instead of a general, full-coverage application,” he said.

“When we’re applying fertilizer, which is always phosphorus free, we use calibrated equipment

317-535-7007

The problem with a nonnative species, even attractive ones in your garden, is that it’s possible for the species to spread, crowding out native plants.

Common invasive plants include tree of heaven, garlic mustard and purple loosestrife. Shrub honeysuckle is one of the most prominent invasive plant species and will grow almost anywhere and in a wide range of soil conditions, Helmkamp said. Honeysuckle grows readily in Zones 3 to 8 and often grows under the canopy of a woods and

Our company has been providing superior Remodeling and Construction services in Johnson County since 1990

Conner ContraCting, LLC • Remodeling • Interior/Exterior Renovations • Kitchens • Roofing/Hail Damage

Carpet Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Allergy Relief Treatment Scotchgard Carpet Protector

650 E. Main Whiteland

that allows for targeted application and avoids impacts to the storm water system.”

Planting disease-resistant plant material and selecting plants that are not highly attractive to insects is also a good practice. Purdue uses horticulture oils to control insects whenever possible.

A homeowner can achieve success with similar products and processes quite easily, he added.

Part of maintaining a sustainable landscape is to control or eradicate nonnative plant species and encourage the growth of native plants.

• Bathrooms • Insurance Claims • Room Additions • New Construction

$25 OFF

carpet cleaning [ Minimum of $87 purchase ]

Make us your one call for aLL your home improvement needs!

We look forward to hearing from you!

CaLL today 317-738-3040 www.connercontracting.com

Veteran owned

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

blocks out all sunlight, preventing anything else from growing underneath, including the native plants. It is spread by birds that feed on the berries. Other plants that homeowners may want to avoid include burning bush, English ivy, crown vetch and white and yellow sweet clover. A list of invasive plants is available on the Purdue University Entomology and Plant Pathology website.

“Once identified, homeowners can remove invasive species from their property and replace them with native plants. At my home, I cut large invasive species down and then treat any remaining stumps with a 50 percent solution of glysophate immediately after cutting. I remove smaller invasive plant material by hand or using an herbicide identified for this purpose, targeting only the invasive plant,” Helmkamp said.

“Homeowners may purchase many different types of native plants from local nurseries including a wide variety of wildflowers, which will provide outstanding color throughout the growing season. Many different types of native trees and shrubs can also be used to help attain the desired landscaping appearance.”

One of the benefits of landscaping with native plants and grasses is that they are accustomed to Indiana’s climate and rain supply, so they need less watering.

But if you do need to water, Helmkamp recommends using a drip line to reduce waste. It delivers water directly to the soil and root system in shrub and flower beds.

When watering lawns, it is best to water early or late in the day to minimize evaporation. Lawns require ½ to 1 inch of water a week depending on

11

soil type. Having a simple rain gauge will help to keep track of rainfall and minimize water usage, Helmkamp said.

Homeowners can use a rain barrel to conserve water for later.

“Rain barrels are a great way to collect roof run-off water that can be reused by homeowners, especially for hand watering hanging baskets and small annual beds. You can even connect a small drip system to a rain barrel and just turn a valve to water a small flower bed. Collecting and reusing rainwater for your home landscape is convenient, may reduce your water bill and diverts water from storm water systems, which is particularly helpful and important in older, more established sections of the community,” Helmkamp said.

Being sustainable means helping preserve a

clean environment for the next generation, protecting local water supplies and Indiana’s unique flora and fauna. But you also see more “green” in your wallet.

“As we have adopted an increasing number of sustainable landscape practices, we’ve reduced our use of herbicides and pesticides considerably, which consequently reduces costs. Over the course of the past 20 years, we’ve reduced herbicide/pesticide costs by approximately 70 percent,” Helmkamp said.

“A good example of improved efficiency we are realizing from sustainable practices is our use of natural corn gluten meal on some small areas on campus. This product functions as both weed control and fertilizer, eliminating the need for additional products and the labor required to apply two different treatments.” H

3 Generations of

Plumbing Family Tradition

Since 1976

Water Heaters, Tub Replacements and Much More!

8:00 AM

10:00 AM

1:00 PM

Locally Owned and Operated

by Jamie, Lisa & Kelson Carter

4:00 PM

Locally Owned & Operated By Bill Miller

6:00 PM

Get a Tub or Shower Replaced in a DAY!! $ $

FREE 700 OFF SAVE

Plumbing Estimates

Check our online coupons!

ANY TUB/SHOWER REPLACEMENT —OR— $700 TOWARDS ACCESSORIES* *FAUCET, GLASS DOOR, GRAB BARS, SEAT, ETC.

25

ANY PLUMBING REPAIR OR DRAIN CLEANING

Residential Light Commercial Sales • Service • Installation We service all makes & models

Some restrictions apply. Coupon must be Coupon must be presented at time of estimate. Not valid with any other offers. Cannot combine presented at time of service. Cannot be Cannot be combined with any other offers. Expires offers. Some restrictions apply. Coupon must be combined with any other offers. Expires 5/15/15 5/15/15 presented at time of service. Expires 5/15/15

Call Today!

Financing Available - 12 Months SAC

™

859-9999

www.billmillerhc.com

Franklin, IN 46131

(317) 346-2322

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

12

DAILY JOURNAL

Raise your home’s IQ

It’s not the Jetsons just yet, but smart-home gadgets starting to work together

By Anick Jesdanun Associated Press

I

magine a world in which your garage door opens automatically as you pull into the driveway. The living room lights and heater turn on — perhaps the oven starts warming up, too. In the so-called “smart home,” cars, appliances and other devices all have sensors and Internet connectivity to think and act for themselves, and make your life easier.

We’re not there just yet, but we’re getting closer.

The smart-home concept is known in tech circles as the Internet of Things. Current iterations primarily include our ability to control gadgets such as lights and security alarms or view data remotely through a smartphone app. At the International CES gadget show in Las Vegas recently, manufacturers promoted more devices and functionality. Some gadgets will be able to talk directly with one another, not just to an app.

That garage door? Mercedes-Benz would like people to imagine their luxury car of the future pulling in all by itself, without a driver behind the wheel, to bring its passengers home.

The carmaker unveiled the sleek concept car that it is calling F 015 recently when it turned a stage inside The Cosmopolitan on the Strip in Las Vegas into a scene usually reserved for annual car shows, attracting a swell of people on stage afterward wanting a closer look.

The car’s futuristic look belies some historic inspiration in its design. Zetsche said the wheels were pushed to the outer edges much like a horse carriage, giving ample room inside for seating rather than wheel wells — in this case four modern swivel chairs that can face each other.

And much like those horse carriages, the passengers inside the car of the future can chat, read a newspaper, or even take a nap while their car ferries them home.

“Mankind has been dreaming of autonomous cars since the 1950s,” said Dieter Zetsche, head of Mercedes-Benz. He said his company has been working to make it a reality, albeit still a concept

AP PHOTOS

Clockwise from top left: The Vigilant Rainbow smart toothbrush.

The Smarter iKettle. BeeWi wirelessly controlled lights.

and not in production yet, since the 1990s.

“It’s basically a revolution,” he said of the car.

tice. Many companies exhibiting at CES are laying the foundation

The Internet of Things could mean big business for gadget mak-

for what a smart-home system will eventually do, hoping to entice

ers, too. The Consumer Electronics Association projects sales of

consumers to start thinking about upgrading to smart gadgets. It’s

smart energy and security systems alone will total $574 million this

not always an easy sell.

year, a 23 percent increase from 2014. Although that pales by com-

Consider wearable devices that track fitness and other activities.

parison to the $18 billion spent on TVs and displays, growth has

In many cases, the novelty wears off quickly, and devices end up in

been swift. In terms of people smartening up their homes in ear-

drawers. But what if a wearable device that tracks sleep could tell

nest, though, it will probably be another two years before devices

the coffeemaker to start brewing as soon as you awoke? When the

are cheap and widespread enough for the typical consumer, says

coffee’s done, what if the sprinklers on the front lawn automatically

Eduardo Pinheiro, CEO of Muzzley, which makes a hub that allows

turned off so you didn’t get wet walking out the front door to work?

devices to talk to each other.

Jack’s Heating and Cooling • New Installation • Service on All Makes & Models • Over 10 Years Experience • EPA and NATE Certified • Serving ALL of Johnson County

For now, the smart home is more about possibilities than prac-

Jack Hobdy Owner

812-447-0271 Edinburgh, IN

“It’s these great benefits that we need to explain,” said BK Yoon,

Irish Brothers Pest Control

25 Off

$

Pest Control with this coupon

P.O. Box 94, Whiteland, IN 46184

317.535.1110

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

Samsung’s CEO and chief of consumer electronics. “We can’t just talk about the Internet of Things because it’s so impersonal like a bedtime story for robots. We have to show what’s in it for them.”

That includes freeing people from chores to spend more time with family, pursue more hobbies and, in his case, spend “quality time on the putting green,” he said.

Some examples: Lucis Technologies will soon ship a smartlighting device called NuBryte that can learn your behavior, such as what time you tend to come home. Sensors can turn on the night light if you wake up to use the bathroom but switch on brighter lights during the day. A coffeemaker from Smarter will soon use data from fitness trackers such as Fitbit. If you had a bad night of sleep, the coffeemaker will know to make the java stronger that morning. Other products focus on better notifications: a battery for a smoke detector to alert you on your phone when the alarm goes off, or a bracelet that vibrates when the baby cries in its crib. (Moms rejoice: the bracelet is even smart enough to alternate which parent it alerts to get up.)

“It’s got to be something people are seeing it can do and want it to do,” said Chris Penrose, AT&T’s senior vice president for the Internet of Things. “It’s got to make their lives better and be incredibly easy to use.”

“True consumer value will come when devices work in concert with one another and in many cases across manufacturers,” added Brett Dibkey, a Whirlpool Corp. vice president. “The home adapts to the way consumers live rather than the other way around.”

At CES, Whirlpool will showcase dryers that can run at a slower, energy-saving cycle if you aren’t home and thus aren’t in a rush. The dryer integrates with Google Inc.’s Nest smart thermostat, which has sensors to figure out that no one’s home and then lowers the heat automatically. Meanwhile, a smart-home hub called DigitalStrom plans to take cues from Nest. If Nest is trying to cool down the house, for instance, DigitalStrom will lower automated window shades to block out sunlight.

These are the building blocks for an eventual automated home.

Once those building blocks are in place, services can better predict what you want. For example, Netflix is already good about recommending movies to watch based on your preferences, but it might suggest something different if it could read data from a wearable device or camera and tell that you’re with friends, or stressed out, said Shawn Dubravac, senior director of research with the Consumer Electronics Association.

As we get closer to being able to live like the Jetsons, manufacturers will have to convince consumers that the technology is secure from hackers — and that convenience and peace of mind are worth any risks.

Ann Poletti, who now uses the Nest thermostat at her home in San Francisco, said her first apartment burned down, so she is sensitive to making sure all her appliances are off. The Internet of Things would let her check remotely.

“Toothbrushes and ironing boards, one day it will all be connected. I think that’s great,” said Poletti. “Some people don’t want all the data out there. I’m worried about access to my bank account, less so about whether my heat is going on or off.” H

13

AP PHOTO

The Baby Glgl by Slow Control holds a baby bottle and can record how fast and how much a baby is drinking and it can send that information to a mobile device.

85% OF HOMES HAVE HARD WATER.

YOU CALL...

WE INSTALL!

24 46142 9 1 5 8 8 ) 7 1 Call (3 t. | Greenwood, IN ridian S

101 N. Me

Is your water softener giving you 100%?

If hard water symptoms are creeping back into your home and life, Culligan can help you effortlessly reduce their effects. With Culligan’s exclusive Smart-Sensor® technology you’ll use less salt and water, because the system regenerates only as needed.

In fact, a Culligan Gold SeriesTM water softener patterns itself to the unique needs of you, your family, and even your home.

That’s smart. That’s Culligan.

Why Culligan?

• Patented Smart-Sensor technology saves up to 60% on salt and water • Exclusive Quadra-Hull® tank is designed to provide reliable operation for years to come 100% Culligan® water. 100% satisfaction guarantee*.

$200 OFF

a Culligan® HE Water Softener Limited time offer. See participating dealer for details. ©2010 Culligan International Co. May be subject to credit approval. Not valid with other offers. Dealer participation may vary. Coupon must be presented at time of sale.

Contaminants may not be in your water.

$19.95 Inspect & Check

of your current water softener, no matter the brand!

Limited time offer. See participating dealer for details. ©2010 Culligan International Co. May be subject to credit approval. Not valid with other offers. Dealer participation may vary. Coupon must be presented at time of sale.

Contaminants may not be in your water.

*Offer valid on residential products only. Consumer must notify their Culligan dealer no later than 30 days after purchase.

Offer good at this location and other participating dealer locations.

Petro’s Culligan 900 Arvin Road Franklin, IN 46131 736-5922 or 888-5922

www.culliganindiana.com

REPLACEMENT

CTION U R T S N O C W E INDOWS • N

W

• SHOWERS D 0 0 R S

BEFORE

www.paulsmobileglass.com

AFTER

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

14

DAILY JOURNAL

Making stylish furniture from ubiquitous wooden pallets

By Lizbeth Gray Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

I

magine having an unlimited supply of free building material along with lots of ideas on how to use it. Welcome to the wide and wonderful world of pallet furniture.

The Internet has allowed people around the world to share plans and ideas for reusing the 1.5 billion wooden pallets used each day in the United States to load and transport goods, according to the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association.

Browse Pinterest for a few minutes and you’ll turn up a treasure trove of ideas, everything from a tiered lighted platform bed frame and kitchen cabinets to a wall garden or garden paths. If you’re looking to buy, a search on Etsy returned more than 20,000 items for sale.

Dr. Alex Yergiyev, a pathologist at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center by day, transforms into a pallet carpenter in his free time. Working in the neighborhood on the banks of the Susquehanna River provides a ready supply of abandoned or free pallets. He figured it was not only a good “green” way to do something for the environment,

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

Dr. Alex Yergiyev of Brighton Heights made a clock out of old wooden pallets.

“I don’t’ have to buy it.”

He’s not even sure how he got started. “I think I found something online and thought it was a cool idea,” he said.

Relax ...

ROBARD’S & SONS LAWN CARE, inc.

“Lets Start A Growing Friendship”

Looking for a way to relax, he happened upon

images of pallet furniture one night when Web surfing and things snowballed from there.

One of Yergiyev’s first pallet projects was a buffet, built from plans he found online. He’s received several offers for his pallet buffet but decided to keep it.

“It fits really nice in my house,” he said.

He does sell some of his other work. Wine racks are $50 and entry tables $150 Donna Zang also builds pallet furniture, but it’s more than a hobby. A third-grade teacher in the West Jefferson School District, she started a pallet business last year. Its success is something of a surprise to her.

“We do what is called crafty Christmas, where you have to make your gift,” she said.

Last year, she decided to make a wine rack from pallets for her brother. One person wanted one and then another. Suddenly, she was in the pallet up-cycling business. She created a Facebook page to promote it: “Pallet Restorations: We See Pallets Differently.”

“I wasn’t sure I would sell one. But within 12 hours, I had 10 orders, and that was in the first day,” said Zang.

She sells wine racks for $50-$60, coffee tables for $250, end tables for $125 and towel racks for $45. Frames and accessories range from $15 to $40.

Her creative process is very organic. “Things kind of just grow in my mind. … Then I just pray that it’s going to work out.”

Over the past year, she has gotten good at hunting pallets. “My eyes are always looking.”

The next step is taking them apart, sanding and cleaning. That’s where her boyfriend, Patrick Connelly, comes in handy.

“I joke he’s my only employee.”

She and Yergiyev cautioned that not all pallets are right for reuse. “(They) can be heat-treated or formaldehyde treated,” he said.

Older pallets may have been treated with formaldehyde, a potential carcinogen, but all of the pallets made today are heat-treated, which is safe.

Neither crafter had formal carpentry training. For plans and ideas, they recommend websites such as 1001 Pallets, 101 Pallet Plans or 99 Pallets. H

Let Us Do The Work!

Services include: • Lawn Fertilization • Weed Control • Aeration • Mowing • Mulching • Hedge Trimming • Minor Landscaping • Perimeter Insect Control

Give us a call today for a

FREE ESTIMATE!

422-8411

DAILY JOURNAL

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

15

Locksmiths say deadbolt the key to home security

By Mike LaFollette Angie’s List

Even if you have a deadbolt lock on your door, it won’t make a difference if it’s not used regularly. Cronk said many homeowners find it easier to lock the doorknob and often neglect to lock the deadbolt.

Ball agrees. “Doorknobs are for convenience, deadbolts are for security,” he said.

T

here are many things you can do to boost home security, such as adding an alarm system or getting a guard dog, but unless you have working deadbolt locks and actually use them, your home isn’t secure, locksmiths say.

Lance Cronk, owner of Metro Lock Service in Portland, Ore., said intruders use force to gain entry in a majority of home burglaries. “Because the locks or deadbolts are not functioning properly or they are inadequate, the intruder is able to kick the door in,” he said.

A deadbolt is a type of lock with a steel bolt that extends into the door jamb and strike plate of a door frame. The most common type is the single-cylinder deadbolt, operated by a twist knob on the inside of the door and a key on the outside. Some people prefer the double-cylinder deadbolt, which doesn’t have a twist knob and requires a key for operation both inside and outside the home.

Many burglaries are forced-entry According to the latest FBI statistics, there were 1.9 million burglaries in the United States in 2013, resulting in $4.5 billion in property loss. Out of all burglaries, 59 percent were the result of forced entry. Residential burglaries accounted for 74 percent of all burglaries, and a majority occurred during the daytime.

Single- and double-cylinder issues

“You should definitely have a deadbolt, and it needs to be a quality one with a hardened steel bolt,” said Eric Ball, locksmith at highly rated Broad Ripple Lock in Indianapolis.

For the deadbolt to function properly, the bolt must extend fully into the hole on the door jamb. The hole should be reinforced with a metal strike plate. If the bolt doesn’t extend all the way into the hole or if a strike plate isn’t used, the lock and door frame can be compromised.

“Typically when someone kicks in a door, it’s not the door that breaks, it’s the door frame,” Ball said. “You should use 3-inch screws to reinforce the strike plate into the studs of the frame of the house.”

Homeowners should take note that a single-cylinder deadbolt can be breached if an entry door has glass panels, because a burglar can break the glass and reach inside to unlatch the deadbolt. A double-cylinder deadbolt will protect against this, and Ball recommends homeowners keep a key close by but out of arm’s reach. However, the double-cylinder deadbolt can be problematic in the event of a house fire because a key is required to unlock the door from the inside.

Another solution may simply be to replace the door itself.

Many exterior doors are designed with security in mind, using reinforced glass or small windows far enough away from the lock to prevent a burglar from reaching in.

For additional security, Cronk said, avoid hiding a spare key under the doormat. “Get a secure lockbox for your Hide-aKey,” he said. He also recommends that new homeowners have their locks changed, because there is no way to know who previously had keys to the home. H

Innovative Deck Design Patented Stand Up Deck

• Easy access for maintenance and cleaning • Process takes less than 60 seconds • 24 HP Kawasaki FR730V Engine • 52” or 60” cutting width

0%

FINANCING W.A.C

• Joystick or Twinstick steering available

DAVE’S

FARM SERVICE LLC

50 N. Eisenhower Dr., Edinburgh, IN 812-526-5504 Toll Free: 1-866-778-5504 www.davesfarmservice.com

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

16

DAILY JOURNAL

When couple’s ideas clash on home decorating, compromise is key Chicago Tribune

M

oving in with someone means making sacrifices.

Couples have to adjust to each other’s schedules, surrender some privacy and come up with a fair system to decide who will take out the trash.

But maybe the most unanticipated hurdle of mixing homes is agreeing on how the place will be decorated. His tufted leather sofa won’t exactly complement your white leather sectional. Your framed Edgar Degas prints alongside his mounted taxidermy? Uh, no.

A recent survey commissioned by online art store UGallery found that nearly 60 percent of women respondents thought “managing different home decor styles” was one of the biggest move-in challenges for couples. This includes coming to a consensus on colors and furniture, how to decorate walls and — the most cited in the survey — how to incorporate existing household items with your partner’s.

“The goal is to create a home everyone loves and feels loved and nurtured in,” said Sharon Hanby-Robie, interior designer and author of “Decorating Without Fear: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating the Home You Love” (Thomas Nelson). For that to happen, compromise is a must.

Without it, you’ll both be living in a home that one — or both — of you dislike. That can lead to resentment, and worse. For some couples, redecorating can be so divisive that it threatens the relationship.

A 2013 survey by Houzz, a website for home remodeling and design, found that 12 percent of respondents considered separating or divorcing amid a home remodel.

“One of the things I recommend to my clients is that they shop together,” said Jonathan Alpert, psychotherapist and author of “Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days” (Center Street). That way, both of you can have input and no major decisions will be made without the other person’s consideration.

If the dispute is about whether to keep or discard items you both already own, be empathetic, Alpert advised. Try to understand why your significant other is adamant about keeping something. People’s identities are often formed by material items, so whether it’s furniture, collections or artwork, things can be very near and dear to someone, he said.

On the flip side of that, things are only things: Don’t let someone’s belongings dictate how you feel about them.

“If you fell in love with this person, then certainly you can live with the furniture they might like,” Alpert said.

Keep in mind, though, that if an ugly (to you) couch or R.E.M. poster is driving a wedge in your relationship, it may be indicative of more severe underlying problems. These feelings can manifest through arguments over which wallpaper to put in the dining room or whether to throw out an ottoman.

“It’s not always about what we see on the surface,” Alpert said.

“Sometimes a couch is a lot more than a couch.”

Your Local Plumbing Experts A proud member of the construction team, working with the plumbing contractor Commercial • Residential • Industrial

PLUMBERS SUPPLY CO. Everything Under The Sun. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7-5

(Evening & weekend appointments available)

2785 N. Morton St. (US 31), Franklin, Indiana 46131

317-738-2777 fax 317-738-3985

Faucets • Fixtures • Whirlpools • Pipe • Valves • Fittings • Kitchen & Bathroom Accessories • Water Heaters • Water Softeners

boutiques carrying foreign products.”

One final suggestion Jordan adds with a laugh, “that DAILY JOURNAL Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015 17 for Think about glass cylinders filled is “parachute cloth means you have to keep the contents Rachel Waldron, an interior designer who lives near Seattle, that when she’s consulting with couples she asks each person both of you, and anyone else who lives in the home. tidy.” with seashells and river rocks, wood curtain or to surround said that most of the time there’s one partner who’s dictating to bring in up to 15 pictures of rooms they like and to imagine While you may have spent the last 10 years envisioning your the design decisions. said she prefers when both their ideal space. dining room or bedroom, remember, it’s someone else’s Don’tShelimit yourself topartners the bath receptacles for makeup anddream hair reminiscent of a spa’s m attend meetings to discuss design plans, even if it might lead to “All of us have a place we’ve been that we just love and in the home, too. Someone, don’t forget, you happen to love. bickering. perfect world would have that roombaskets as our own,” for she said. sections of stores, Jordan advises: brushes, rolled towels, and looks like it would “As a designer, you tend to play marriage counselor sometimes,” she joked. But conflict has its rewards.

“I think the most beautiful designs come from opposition,” she said.

Julie Davis Canter of Redding, Conn., understands not seeing eye to eye with your significant other on design. She said she and her husband recently bought a set of chairs to go with their dining table — after a year of searching.

TM “(My husband) thought my choice looked like 18th-century France, and I thought his looked like contemporary Scandinavian,” she said.

Canter said they eventually agreed on a set she particularly liked from Restoration Hardware. She thinks the fact that they shopped for them on her birthday gave her an edge.

“He’s 85 percent ‘it’s got to be utilitarian’ and I’m pretty much ‘it’s got to look great,’” Canter said.

There’s also an emotional payoff when less demonstrative partners are invited to share their perspectives on design, Waldron said. When he or she speaks up — and is listened to — it yields a design that’s illustrative of the couple, not just one person. It also makes both people feel validated.

To foster an atmosphere of cooperation, Hanby-Robie said

Maybe it’s a cafe, a library or a room from your childhood home.

After understanding what each person visualizes, HanbyRobie blends the concepts to create a scheme that fits the personalities and lifestyles of the couple.

Hanby-Robie told a story about one of her clients, a married couple who recently redecorated their master bedroom. The man was intent on having a spacious leather chair in the room, but it clashed with his wife’s more feminine approach for the room’s design.

“He got his leather chair,” Hanby-Robie said. “But it came in a pastel color.”

Fortunately, he was OK with that.

If you and your partner can’t agree on an overall design scheme for your home, decorating room by room might be the solution. Hanby-Robie’s philosophy to this approach is that the person for whom the room is most important is the one who should call the shots. This approach can also be applied to where you display the Lladro collection, baseball paraphernalia, etc.

What’s key for a couple to remember in home decor is that the space should ultimately be a welcoming environment for

MAKE A STATEMENT With Genesis Custom Shades from Lafayette Interior Fashions, any room can make a statement. With a stylish selection of colors, patterns and textures you’re sure to find the right way to make your statement.

Call us today!

Shades • Draperies • Valances • Pillows

Reframing the conflict

Emotions can run amok amid the stress that comes with decorating issues — whether you’re moving in together or redoing an existing home. Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist with experience in advising couples, offers these tips to help you and your partner avoid unnecessary conflict during the process: l Shop as a team. Couples who need to make major purchases like new furniture, wallpaper or paint should go together to pick these items out. This lets both partners voice their thoughts before buying and doesn’t leave anyone feeling snubbed or surprised. l Start fresh. Those moving in together for the first time should try to find a new place of their own whenever possible, instead of one person moving into the other person’s place. The first one to live there might become territorial and falsely believe he or she has a greater say in decorating. That doesn’t bode well for a strong partnership. l Look at the big picture. You might care immensely about your home’s appearance, but is it worth jeopardizing your relationship for? Look at the cost of putting up a fight over certain items and ask yourself if it really matters that much to you. If it does, make sure your partner knows how much you care and why. If not, let it go. H

A-1 GARAGE DOORS Sales • Service • Residential • Commercial

“The Company with the Boss on the Job”

“The “The Company Company with with the the Boss Boss on on the the Job” Job” 20% OFF GENESIS SHADES Of course, window coverings enhance the decor and overall 20% HUNTER DOUGLAS HONEYCOMB SHADES ambiance of aOFF room, but they are also functional.

Deciding DUETTE what you want your window coverings to do is the first step.

FREE DECORATIVE We’re here to help! TAPE ON HEARTLAND WOOD BLINDS Coachman Coachman Collection Collection

Gallery Gallery Collection Collection

Reserve Reserve Collection Collection

Value Value Plus Plus

Grand Grand Harbor Harbor

Avante Avante Collection Collection

Premium Premium Series Series

Classic Classic Line Line

Offer expires Sept. 29, 2010 DEALER IMPRINT

D R A P E R I E S

Sales & Installation Since 1959 Call or stop by Today!

317-887-1728 2 col x 5”

(317)887-1728

“The Company w

A-1 GARAGE DOORS FREE ESTIMATES! Shop at home 515 W. Old South Street

1480 (ON TH

Coachman Collection

www.a1garagedoors.com • DoorsA1@aol.com 515 W. Old South Street

Grand Harbor

A-1 GAR

515 W. Old South Street • Bargersville, IN 46106 Bargersville, IN Bargersville, IN 46106 46106 317.422.5225 • 1.800.755.6351

317.422.5225 317.422.5225

1.800.755.6351 1.800.755.6351

515 W. O

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

18

DAILY JOURNAL

10 minutes a day can clear clutter from home, author says

By ROSE COLUCCI Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

D

onna Smallin’s book “Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness” (Storey Publishing, $10.95) is practical.

You can open to any page and find a quick tip that will help you get a handle on the things you own — and shouldn’t.

A professional organizer since 1999, Ms. Smallin is the author of seven books on the subject, all of them filled with one-minute tips to getting out from under your belongings and organizing your life. These easy reads are perfect for people who want to get organized quickly.

Smallin believes that the less you own, the easier it is to maintain and the more you can enjoy what you have.

“It isn’t about living like a minimalist,” she said in a phone interview. “It is more about that William Morris said, ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’”

As an example, she says every time she settles in a new place, she brings out her antique

Japanese teapot for decoration.

Smallin says that organizing in small chunks can make a big difference. Her book shows how 10 minutes a day adds up to 60 hours in a year, and a lot can be accomplished in 60 hours.

“One of the easiest ways to tackle clutter is while watching TV,” she said. “If you have boxes that you can organize, watch TV and work your way through the box.”

She says a good question to keep in mind is: “What is the worst possible thing that could happen if I let this go?”

The author’s mantra of living with less took on a whole new meaning

when she and her husband, Mike Kuper, purchased an RV in the fall of 2012 with the intent of visiting family and friends from their home base in Michigan. Plans changed and now they live fulltime in the 300-squarefoot motor home.

“We finished downsizing in July of 2013 and took to the road full-time,” she said.

The process of deciding what she needed forced her to evaluate everything. ”You ask yourself, ‘What can I not live without?’ It is not a lot of stuff.

We have everything we need. I feel abundant,” Smallin said.

In fact, she says the RV has bright, beautiful

Live better inside.

things that fill their world. She works from the road, writing books and running her website, www.unclutter.com. Her husband writes a blog about life on the road, www.flyingthekoop. com The process of selling her goods led her to update a previous book, “How to Declutter and Make Money Now.” “So much had changed since I released the original and did this,” Smallin said. She’s also updated her first book “Unclutter Your Home,” and it has been re-released for Kindle.

“A lot has changed since 1999.”

Decluttering will leave you renewed, she believes. “When you make space in your life, you are refreshing your life and allowing yourself room to grow and express yourself instead of wasting so much energy, taking care of things,” Smallin said.

She says that her Facebook page and online support group sees a lot more activity in January. “People want to start moving and making progress. The hardest part is getting started.” H

INVENTORY SALE 10-50% OFF EVERYTHING IN THE STORE!

247 S STATE RD 135 - GREENWOOD, IN 46142 317-300-0104 | SCANDINAVIAN-IMPORTS.COM

NOW UNTIL MARCH 31ST

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

DAILY JOURNAL

19

SUNROOMS From Page 5

will be inconvenienced for a little while, Campbell said. You’re going to have people coming and going through your home and the area will need to be tented to keep dust and debris from getting into the rest of the house.

“The process is much easier if your home naturally has a way to create an opening from the house to the sunroom without necessitating any modifications to create a traffic pattern into that room,” Gettum said. “It depends on the house and the scope of the work that needs to be done.”

All in all, the pros of having a sunroom addition definitely outweigh the cons, DuKate said.

Sunrooms have a “flavor” all their own.

Not only do you add more square-footage and value to your home, but you have the luxury of being outside without actually being outdoors.

And that means no hassles with insects, DuKate said.

“The pros are exactly what you’re looking to get out of it,” Gettum said. “You’re letting in natural light, additional living space and a place to relax.” H

THINKSTOCK

Looking for a bigger home?

SouthSide

h

o

m

e

S

A DAily JournAl PublicAtion

We can help.

Your Home Inside and Out / SPRING 2015

20

DAILY JOURNAL

for all stages of life Now building in

HICKORY ESTATES

an exclusive gated community

Custom Luxury Homes

Stone Village Patio Homes - 1/4 mile west of St. Rd. 135 off Stones Crossing Road

Custom Patio Homes

1 Spec Home Under Construction • 3 bedroom 2 story with sunroom starting at

Cary L. McNeil, Custom Builder/Designer www.buildmcneilhomes.com

$182,500

Only 8 Lots Available

• Granite • Tile & Wood Floors • Pocket Doors • Vaulted Ceilings

Call To Customize Yours Today

(317) 590-5649