Pollert Winter Newsletter

DESIGN Interior Design Services

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Fine Furnishings

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Accessories

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www.pollertdesign.com

Carpeting Fall/Winter 2011

Holiday

Open House

Please join us for our bi-annual

Sunday, November 20, 2011 12–6pm

C

ew nts All n rname as O m t s i off hr

30%

All kinds of fun, new holiday decor, including ornaments, pillows, wreaths, candles, table-top and floor decorations

Furnit ure and a , ar t work c drastic cessories ally re duced !

with fun refreshments to start the Holiday Season!

Marked down items thru-out the store!

New studio merchandise including monogrammed items and new candle line!

The best selection of formal and fun ornaments in town!

More Happiness, Less “Stuff” he times we have been fortunate to have traveled in Europe, and even in larger cities here in the US, my wife, Natalie, and I are always so thankful for the roomier home we have (compared to Europe) and the yard or land to roam. All the “stuff” we have, as well, to fill those spaces make us realize how fortunate we are.

I am as guilty, or more so, than any, but we must develop a mind shift to have ethical values about our eco-system and how it is already affecting us. This will not happen quickly, but one person, one company, one community, one industry at a time. Remember what we do to our environment we do to ourselves.

As our country developed at birth, it was a simple life. People came from Europe to the free country and many had very little. They were thrilled to be able to have some land and possibly build a home and either farm or start a small business.

What about the growth and prosperity of our country, especially in this economy? How can we be earth– friendly while still making money and enjoying our prosperity? Well, here are some thoughts:

Industrialism hit big and many people were working and increased the productivity of much “stuff” we all thought we needed and were able to buy. Fast-forward to today where we still get rid of our old tube televisions and buy the flat screens because of better technology.

The hot tubs, large stereo systems, single-cup coffee makers, chocolate fountains, are just some of the “stuff” we think we need.

Well, today we are all in trouble because the toxicity of our disposed, outdated items is now endangering our world and the world of our kids and grandkids, our future! So, when we talk of recycling this or that, that’s a start, but what we really need is an entirely different mind-set, a growing set of ethics to realize how to get out of the mess we’re in.

The ethical, “right” thing to do, is to not be a part of our throw-away society. So many things we buy are not quality items any more, they are temporary items that cannot be repaired and are simply thrown away. We have done this to ourselves, and each of us is a part of the problem either as an end user – consumer, producer, or specifier.

The sale of services should grow – nothing wasteful there.

The sale of low-impact products should grow, and those that are not should shrink. It would be great if the market shares of sustainable companies would grow and those companies that are not would shrink – to zero!

Each of us has a role to play with our dollars, our vote, and the way we live. Think of the environment and our children’s children when you throw things away instead of either giving to those in need or to the correct recycling facility. It is time the community of Columbus step up it’s recycling efforts for each taxpayer and make it easier for all of us to be green as well.

To get where we need to be requires a definite mindshift, but less is more, as I always say, and I do think less “stuff” can mean more happiness!

President’s Message

by Bruce Pollert

Elegance–

It is not always easy! e know it when we see it. It is usually understated, pure and natural. It can be simple, looks effortless, and timeless – not trendy, flashy or showy.

It is tasteful, graceful, and comes without trying too hard.

So, if elegance doesn’t come naturally to us, how do we create it?

1. Bring nature inside.

Fresh flowers and branches with leaves and blossoms are always elegant.

2. Display collections coherently.

cannot believe that the Holidays are just around the corner! It has been such a long time since we have sent out a newsletter, mainly because we have been very busy and that is a good way to be in this economy!

I have a big favor to ask each of you. We would like to email our newsletters and invitations to all of you that have email; otherwise, we will continue sending

by US Mail. Please send your email address to susan@ pollertdesign.com or nancy@pollertdesign.com. If you do this before our open house on Sunday, November 20, you will receive a small gift for helping us out with this!

I think you will enjoy this newsletter. I have included the up and coming colors which are fun to see. It is always good to remember how we attain elegance, as you will read about. We have a few photos of projects we have completed, a reminder on how to maintain those expensive area rugs of yours, and some great recipes to try as well.

Be sure to join us for our open house on Sunday, November 20, from noon to 5pm. We would love for you to join us for the festivity, fun and wonderful desserts and drinks we have planned. PLUS we cannot wait to show you all the new, fun holiday decorations we have just received!!

Happiest of Holidays to each of you. May the birth of the Christ Child enter your heart and home throughout this season and thru the New Year!!

A personalized space is elegant. Display similar family photos or other collections together as a grouping, possibly in similar frames or ones having something in common with each other, e.g. - all old.

3. Use neutral colors or soft shades of one color.

Black and white can be elegant as well as white alone. Bright colors like pink and green are not elegant, but red can be especially in rich textures. Softer, soothing colors are great as well.

4. Invest in beautiful window treatments.

Long, beautiful drapery treatments in fabrics that have a wonderful hand or beautiful texture are so-o-o elegant. Soft, fabric blinds that are crisp, yet neutral and tailored can be elegant, depending on what else is in the room as well.

5. For upholstery, use linen-looking, silk-looking,

or natural fibers.

Natural materials are inherently elegant but not always practical or possible. There are many synthetic blends now that look like linen, or silk, but are more usable as upholstery and can endure the sun.

6. Don’t try too hard!

A room can be overdecorated – stuff everywhere.

It becomes confusing and you don’t know where or what to look at first.

Caring For Your Oriental Rug he inherent qualities of wool make oriental rugs beautiful, durable, and easy to clean.

DURABILITY

Wool has consistently proven that it outperforms any other fiber. Wool is strong and can take repeated abuse because it’s natural fibers have incredible resilence and memory that enables them to keep their shape.

FLAME RESISTANCE

Unlike synthetics (olefin, polyester or nylon),wool carpet will not melt. Wool is naturally flame resistant and is self-extinguishing when the source of the flame is removed.

AESTHETICS

There is no equal to wool because of it’s chemical structure. Wool fibers draw color to it’s center creating a molecularbond, which lasts for the life of the carpet.

CLEANABILITY

The scaly, outer coating of a wool fiber naturally hold dirt high in the pile enabling the wool fiber to release the dirt easily as it is vacuumed.

WATER-REPELLANCY

Each wool fiber is covered by a thin membrance which is highly repellent. Spills can easily be mopped up with a sponge rather than being absorbed

DAILY CLEANING

Vacuum the rug on a regular basis. Always vacuum with the beater-bar set on high. On hand-knotted rugs, vacuum the back at least once a year.

Be careful the vacuum does not eat the fringe!

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

Recommended for every 1- 2 years for heavy traffic, 3-5 years for all other area rugs.

RUG PADS

Recommended for non-slippage and comfort of feel.

Non-skid pads like Durahold brand pad with a 10year warranty are recommended.

ROTATE

Once a year to insure even wear and fading.

STAIN REMOVAL

Clean up spills promptly as you would with any good wool carpet. Use mild detergent and white vinegar for acid-based stains (alcoholic beverages, excrement, mud, sauces, regurgitated food).

Glycerin should be used for coffee stains and for oily spills, dry-cleaning fluid. Always try a small spot, dry back. Always check with a reputable rug cleaner for recommended procedures.

Holiday Recipes for You to Enjoy!

Amaretto Chunk Cookies

Four Color Miscues

(these are the best chocolate chunk cookies ever!)

Prep time – 30 minutes plus cooling Bake time – 10 minutes per batch Makes about 4 dozen cookies 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup butter or margarine (2 sticks), softened 1 cup packed brown sugar ½ cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon amaretto liqueur

2 teaspoons almond extract

2 cups semisweet chocolate chunks

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1 cup sliced almonds Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On waxed paper, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.

In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in eggs, amaretto, and extract. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture just until blended. Stir in chocolate chunks, coconut, and almonds.

Drop dough by heaping measuring tablespoons 2 inches apart, on ungreased large cookie sheet. Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes or until golden around edges. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

Repeat with remaining dough. Store cookies in tightly covered container at room temperature up to 1 week or in freezer for up to 3 months.

Greek Salad serves 6 to 8 (always a family favorite!)

3 tomatoes, diced 1 cucumber, diced 1 green pepper, diced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and diced 1 can ripe, pitted olives Mix all of the following well before adding to above vegetables: 1 tablespoon each: lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, and parsley flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper ½ cup salad oil Chill 4 hours and sprinkle with feta cheese before serving.

Holiday Recipes for You to Enjoy!

Beef Bourguignon (wonderful option instead of the traditional holiday dinner!) ½ lb. bacon, diced 1 drop Tabasco sauce 1 ½ medium onion, diced ground black pepper 4 lbs. sirloin tip, cut into chunks 2 bay leaves ½ cup flour 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 2 cups dry red wine 1 lb. mushroom caps, washed and trimmed 2 cans beef broth (14.5 oz) 1 large jar pearl onions (2 cups) 1 teaspoon garlic salt ½ cup chopped parsley 1 teaspoon Kikkoman soy sauce 1 tablespoon kitchen bouquet

occasionally uncovered. At the end add pearl onions, parsley and remove bay leaves. You may refrigerate at this point. It keeps quite well when made in advance. Just reheat, and serve over buttered noodles or rice.

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Design Associates, Inc. 724 Franklin Street Columbus, IN 47201

In large pot, cook bacon until half done. Drain; add the diced onion and sauté with bacon until transparent. Add beef cubes and sear over high heat, stir constantly. When seared, sprinkle beef with flour and stir. Add garlic salt, soy sauce and Tobasco sauce, pepper, bay leaves, tomato sauce, mushrooms, wine, broth, and kitchen bouquet and stir. Reduce heat and simmer 2 hrs, stirring