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SPRING KLEIN MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2019 VOL. 8, NO. 4
s e g a p See 7 16-1
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LOCALLY
SPRING KLEIN MAGAZINE
SUMMER 2019 VOL. 8, NO. 4
Neighborhood Publications LLC 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite #205 Spring, Texas 77379
www.springkleinmagazine.com Editor Leanne Donelson Head Writer Candy Cruz
Assistant Editor Erin Lewis Contributing Writers Josh Arcemont
Social Media Editor Madi Wheeler Graphics Photography Mike Reeves Audree Garcia, Kellie Cataldo Publisher Neighborhood Publications
Summer is a time that holds many fond memories from when I was a child and with my children. The days of fun spent at the lake or the beach seemed to never end and made up for the other boring days of summer. Those family vacations had a magical way of bringing our family closer and reminding us that we were blessed to have time together.
TABLE
of CONTENTS
6 Revitalize Kids’ Toys In No Time 8 How To Keep Your Bike In Top Form 10 Make Simple Work Of Household Chores 12 How Bulk Cooking Can Make Meals Easier 14 The Many Uses For Vinegar 15 Food Storage and Safety Tips 16 Solar Shutters? 18 Do Difficult Things 20 Redifine A Space With An Interior Decorator’s Help 22 Make the Most of Small Living Spaces 26 Simple Techniques To Help You Relax 28 Easy and Budget-Friendly Ways To Add Curb Appeal 30 How To Find More Time To Travel
Enjoy your summer vacations with your families because they create memories that last a lifetime. Happy summer y’all.
See page 8
Thank you, Leanne Donelson Neighborhood Publications
DISCLAIMER: All articles, information, website addresses and cartoons in this publication express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Neighborhood Publications LLC or its employees. Neighborhood Publications LLC is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles, information website address and cartoons submitted by others. The Publisher Neighborhood Publications also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication and ad warranties, representations and endorsements made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding it’s content should be taken up with the advertiser. Neighborhood Publications LLC disclaims and denies any and all liability, therefore The publisher Neighborhood Publications LLC assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and /or misprints in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes. Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish on a timely manner. This is not an official publication of your particular subdivision, (although we print more interesting information and take better photos) and your particular subdivision does not endorse, affiliate or associate itself or its affiliates with this publication. Neighborhood Publications and it’s Associate Publications/Business Interest, whether business or person, do not accept any assumed benefit of the QR Bar Code Readers/Bar Codes, etc. published in any of the Neighborhood Publications or it’s affiliate publications whether in print or electronic. The publisher is not liable for ANY DAMAGES for failure of the Post Office to deliver the magazine in a timely manner, so long as the publisher has delivered the magazine to said delivery point by the contracted date. All articles and photos in this publication are copyrighted. PUBLISHED BY: Neighborhood Publications, 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite 205, Spring, Texas 77379.
4 Neighborhood Publications
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Revitalize Kids’ Toys In No Time machine’s gentle cycle. Place the stuffed toy in a light-colored pillowcase, being sure to securely close the pillowcase to protect the plastic eyes and other components of the plush. Wash and tumble dry on low to refresh the toy. Adding a little more stuffing to a plush toy can make a world of difference as well. Find a seam and make a small hole in the stitching. Stuff in some more batting or loose fill purchased from a craft store. Use an unsharpened pencil to push the stuffing into hard-to-reach areas, such as thin arms and legs of the doll. Then stitch up the hole before giving the toy back to your child.
Clean gummed-up electronics.
C
hildren can be rough on their toys, and many a toy has found its way into the garbage pile long before parents could have imagined it would when they purchased the item. But there are various, easy ways to rehabilitate toys so they can go on to have more utility and not end up in the garbage prematurely. The following suggestions can help restore some of the luster that made kids love their now-damaged toys.
Fix tangled doll hair.
Dolls come out of the box looking pristine, but after a few play sessions, their nylon locks can become a knotted mess, and brushing only seems to make it worse. Rather than giving
6 Neighborhood Publications
that princess doll a “buzz cut” to remedy the bad hair day, visit your laundry room. Fill a spray bottle with a 50-50 mix of water and liquid fabric softener. Spray the solution onto the doll hair. Use a comb or brush to work out the tangles, then rinse the hair with clean water. Allow to dry before putting it back into your youngster’s toy box.
Clean up plush toys.
Plush toys are often children’s first and most beloved companions. As a result, they can become grimy from constantly being dragged here and there through areas that are not always very clean. Many plush toys can be run through a washing
Electronic toys are favorites for many children. Toys with keyboards or buttons that need to be pressed can become stuck over time, rendering the toy useless thanks to debris that accumulates. It can be challenging to clean electronic toys because they are sensitive to water. Use a rag soaked with dish liquid and water. Ring out the rag before wiping down the surface of the toy. This will help clean up any sticky residue and other dirt. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean in between tight areas, such as between keys. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so it is generally safer to use on electronics than water. The alcohol also can help disinfect the toy. Before discarding kids’ toys, parents can first explore the many ways to give the items new life. h
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Neighborhood Publications 7
How To Keep Your Bike In Top Form
Maintenance is a part of keeping bikes on the road and ensuring they operate efficiently.
B
icycle riding is one of the best things a person can do for the environment and his or her personal health. Riding a bike requires only the power of the body and does not produce any noxious emissions. It’s quiet, and bikes are able to gain access to places where cars are not permitted. According to Glumac, a full-service engineering company specializing in sustainable design, using one gallon of gasoline in a car produces about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions directly, or 26 pounds if you account for processing the fuel. Opting for a bike instead of a car can have profound environmental benefits. Bicycles are most useful and efficient when they are properly maintained. Failing to maintain a bike means it could be relegated to a dusty corner in the garage. To keep bikes in ideal working order, consider these bike maintenance tips.
8 Neighborhood Publications
Keep the bike clean. A bicycle is a collection of moving parts. Over time mud and debris can get lodged in gears, tires and other components, impacting the performance of the bike. Regular washing ensures that the bike will operate at peak capacity whenever you decide to go for a ride. High-pressure hoses may damage sensitive bearing systems, so it’s better to use a damp rag
to carefully clean the bike. Brushing or buffing away debris can be handy as well. Consider how frequently you ride the bike and where you ride it when determining how often to clean the bike.
Maintain proper tire pressure. Much like with car tires, air pressure in bicycle tires can impact the continued
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ride and likelihood of damage. According to the CARE Exchange, a group of riders involved in fundraising cycling events, too little air in tires can increase the likelihood of punctures to the inner tube. Low air pressure can put more pressure on bike components and accelerate wear and tear. Plus, it can make for an uncomfortable ride. Similarly, too much pressure can cause the tires to blow out or provide a less enjoyable ride. Always keep tires at the pressure rating listed on the tire’s sidewall.
Keep the chain well lubricated. One of the most crucial steps to maintaining a bicycle is to keep the bike chain and other moving parts lubricated. This reduces excessive wear caused by friction and can prevent gears from ceasing up. Lubricants also can help prevent rust and corrosion. Apply lubricant to the chain, brake and derailleur levers and cables. But too much lubricant can be a bad thing, attracting dirt and reducing performance. Use only as much as the bike needs and wipe away the excess.
Get a tune-up. It’s beneficial to periodically have an experienced bike mechanic look over your bicycle. Bearings may loosen slightly, and brake and gear cables can stretch. Take the bicycle into a bike shop so the staff can give it an overhaul, addressing any areas that may need a little finetuning. Bike shop employees typically are knowledgeable in bicycle maintenance, and they can provide a wealth of information on other cycling-related subjects. Bike riding is a popular pastime and an activity that is beneficial to the environment. Maintaining a bicycle is a great way to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible.h
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S T U DY
Neighborhood Publications 9
Make Simple Work Of Household Chores
There are many ways to make the job of cleaning your home a lot less daunting.
M
aintaining a clean and orderly for yourself by cleaning floors and home can sometimes be overother surfaces and then dusting off whelming. Homeowners jugshelves or cleaning cobwebs from the gling the responsibilities of work ceiling. Always work your way downand family may find they have little ward when cleaning your home. energy for everyday household chores. Patio Covers, But homeowners can employ Outdoor Living Rooms, some simple strategies to Outdoor Kitchens, keep their homes clean and orderly without taking up Screened Porches, too much of their time. Room Additions . . .
Enlist a buddy.
Work goes much more quickly if you have someone to help you. Make a list of all the jobs that need to be done and then split them among your cleaning helpers. Kids can get involved by taking care of the simpler tasks, such as dusting or wiping down counters.
Clean from top to bottom.
Dust and dirt will settle at the lowest possible points, so do not create extra work
Keep stray item baskets in main rooms. Items from other rooms will inadvertently gravitate to places
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where your family spends most of its time. Cleaning takes a lot longer if you’re constantly interrupting your tasks to put things where they belong. Instead, toss them into a catch-all basket and make your rounds to other rooms at the end of the cleaning session.
Try a chore each day.
Some cleaning enthusiasts advocate performing a different chore each day. Breaking cleaning down into more manageable chunks can make the task of cleaning a home a lot less daunting.
Keep cleaning items in the bathroom.
Bathrooms get daily use, and they need a lot of attention. Store a set of cleaning tools and cleansers in the bathroom so they will always be at the ready. Consider keeping a spray bottle of a bleach-and-water solution or mildew cleaner near the shower so you can simply spray down the walls right after showering.
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Multitask as much as possible.
Do laundry daily.
Laundry can quickly sneak up on you, especially in a busy household. Instead of devoting an entire day to doing laundry, try to do one full load per day. This will make the pile of dirty clothes much more manageable and ensure that you and your family members always have some clean clothes available. Find a cleaning schedule that works and then stick with it, and soon you will discover that maintaining a clean and orderly home is not so difficult after all.h
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Multitasking works at the office, and such an approach also can pay dividends when cleaning your home. For example, unload the dishwasher while your lunch is heating up in the microwave. This saves you some time and makes use of the time you would otherwise be standing around.
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Neighborhood Publications 11
How Bulk Cooking Can Make Meals Easier
H
ealthy family meals can get lost in the shuffle of busy schedules. Convenience may win out when parents are short on time, and it’s hard not to be enticed by the ease of fast food or the lure of frozen foods. While these options are certainly fine on occasion, there is a more nutritious solution for time-crunched families. Planning is a big part of enjoying a homecooked meal, and cooking in bulk can help families enjoy more homecooked meals. By thinking ahead about meals, you can more easily enjoy homecooked dinners than if you were to wait until the last minute to think about what’s for
12 Neighborhood Publications
dinner. If bulk cooking is a foreign concept, the following are some resources to help you along. • Get started by browsing cook books, online recipes or speaking with friends and family members about their favorite meals, espe cially those that may be popular with younger eaters. Concentrate on a specific meal each day. Dinner is the meal many families hope to share, as breakfast and lunch are often eaten outside of the home. Make a list of the ingredients that go into your
family’s favorite meals, selecting recipes that use many of the same ingredients. • Wait until you have a free schedule and ample time to go to the store to shop for all of your supplies. Have a list on hand and check off each item as you find it. Cooking in bulk also means you can buy in bulk. Very often bulk-size foods are discounted, saving you both time and money. Shop for the staples that are needed for most meals, including fresh herbs, cheese, spices, oil, and whatever flavorings your family continued
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finds most appealing. Large bags of rice and potatoes also are handy to have available.
a spouse or friend take the children for the day so there will be no interruptions.
• Take advantage of warehouse club membership fees or manu- facturer or store coupon deals on multiple buy specials.
• Gather all items that need to be chopped or sliced and set them aside.
Buying jumbo-sized packages of food makes more sense when you intend to cook in bulk. • Clean out the refrigerator and freezer, as you will need plenty of room to store your ingredients, and later, your prepared meals. Figure out when you will be doing the cooking so you know what will need to be refrigerated or frozen once you return from the supermarket. • Establish a dedicated cooking day. Many bulk cookers cook on the weekend. You may be able to have
Leave ample time to chop or slice, which can take a lot of time. Use all of your available cooking resources, such as the grill, stovetop, oven, and
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slow cooker, at once. Then just drop the ingredients in as necessary. • Have plenty of freezer-safe storage containers on hand. Divvy up the meals into containers and label clearly. Now each day of the week you have a fast meal that can be heated up in no time. Fresh bread and a salad may be the only other components you need. h
Did you know? Opening a dresser drawer to find clothes disorganized and stuffed inside can be frustrating. Bulky clothes may not seem to fit correctly and other items can become stuck at the back of a drawer, making it difficult to close the drawer properly. Although you may be tempted to purchase an entirely new dresser or give up and store items solely in the closet, try a new tactic. Various organizing experts advise folding and layering clothes vertically in drawers to create more space and keep things neat. An additional benefit to this method of storage is you can more readily see just what you have in the drawer, rather than lifting and looking underneath your clothing. Anyone can give this a try to free up space in their drawers. This method also works especially well with children’s clothing, giving kids the opportunity to see their clothes and choose their own outfits.
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Neighborhood Publications 13
The Many Uses For Vinegar Check your kitchen pantry and you will probably find a bottle of vinegar. While this substance can add muchneeded tang to favorite recipes and even improve the leavening function of some baking ingredients, its power extends far beyond the kitchen. Many are surprised upon learning how much vinegar can do. A sour-tasting liquid that contains acetic acid, vinegar can be used as a cleaning product and an influential ingredient in many recipes. Vinegar also is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective home staple. If you are ready to get more from that versatile vinegar in your kitchen pantry, explore the following ways to put it to use.
CLEANING
Vinegar is an effective cleaning fluid, perhaps best known for producing streak-free windows. Vinegar also can dissolve dirt from painted walls and remove grime from woodwork. By boiling 1 ⁄4 cup of white distilled vinegar in the microwave with a cup of water, you can loosen splatteredon food and deodorize the appliance. Vinegar also can be used to deodorize garbage disposals, coffee makers and kitchen drains. It’s an effective means to removing pet odors from carpeting as well. Around the bathroom, use vinegar
14 Neighborhood Publications
Vinegar can not only be delicious in salad dressing, but it also can make windows squeaky-clean.
to remove soap scum film from shower doors and tile surfaces. Remove stubborn toilet bowl stains as well. Corrosion and hard water can clog showerheads, and by soaking the shower nozzle in vinegar overnight, you can dislodge any material. You can rely on vinegar when cleaning up around your home office as well. Vinegar can help clean sticky scissor blades or remove ballpoint-pen marks from surfaces. A vinegar-and-water solution can be used to clean keyboards and other electronic equipment. Apply with a damp cloth rather than spraying the solution directly onto the electronics.
LAWN AND GARDEN
Vinegar makes an effective weed deterrent and can kill grass that grows between the cracks on sidewalks and driveways. Acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons or azaleas, can benefit from a little vinegar mixed in when watering. If you want to keep ants at bay, use vinegar when cleaning outdoor patio furniture or spray it around areas that are susceptible to ant infestations. You may find the ants steer clear of the smell.
HEALTH AND BEAUTY
Some people say that vinegar can be used as an appetite suppressant. Using it on prepared foods may help you to eat less. Vinegar is handy for relieving the pains associated with sunburns and jellyfish stings. Dot irritated areas with vinegar to relieve pain and itching. Because vinegar can act as an antibacterial, gargling it can alleviate some throat ailments. Even if it can’t prevent illness, a vinegar gargle can soothe throat soreness. Apple cider vinegar also may help soothe an upset stomach. Use two teaspoons of the vinegar to one cup of water. Some people have used vinegar to soften skin and remove corns from feet. It also may dissolve warts. Be sure to check with a doctor before using vinegar to verify its safety with regard to your particular situation. In addition to each of these uses, vinegar is handy in the laundry room, helping to remove stains and rinse detergents from fabrics more easily. h
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Food Storage and Safety Tips Lettuce and other leafy vegetables are the exception. Wash these items and drain thoroughly. Afterward, store in a sealed bag with paper towels, which will absorb excess moisture.
SEPARATE MEAT AND POULTRY
B
uying in bulk can reduce trips to the supermarket and save you money. When buying in bulk, you can cook perishable foods all at once or store foods for later use. When taking the latter approach, there are certain storage and safety tips home cooks can take to ensure their food stays fresh and safe to eat.
BE PREPARED
Before buying a large amount of food, ensure that your refrigerator and freezer are in good working order. Use a food appliance thermometer to get an accurate reading of the internal temperature of the freezer and refrigerator. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends refrigerators be kept at or below 40 F (5 C), and the freezer at or below zero (-18 C). A refrigerator or freezer that is too warm can cause the growth of unhealthy bacteria in stored foods and decrease the shelf life of stored items. Purchase freezer-safe plastic storage bags or containers to hold divided food. Also have a permanent marker handy to label containers with the date and type of food enclosed.
WASH LATER
Wash produce and fresh foods prior to eating. If items are washed before they are stored, the moisture trapped can accelerate spoilage.
Individual pieces of meat and poultry should be separated before freezing, as this makes it easier to take out the right portions when defrosting for meals. Small, thin packages will freeze faster and more evenly than other types of containers. They will also defrost quickly for use later on. Keep hands clean when handling raw foods by placing one hand in a small plastic sandwich bag to grab the pieces of chicken or meat. Then turn the bag inside out on your hand and the piece of food. Place these wrapped pieces into a freezer-safe bag. The double layer of protection will safeguard against the formation of ice crystals and freezer burn, which can affect flavor. Bulk ground beef or turkey purchases are another popular buy. Place in a large storage bag and flatten the ground meat as much as possible. Use a spatula to indent the meat almost through to the bottom in a grid pattern. This perforation allows you to access as much of the frozen meat as necessary.
proper defrosting practices can cause that bacteria to grow. If the food is not cooked thoroughly, illness can result. Plan ahead to defrost foods in the refrigerator. It can take up to a day for this method of thawing, so plan meals well in advance. A cold-water bath also can defrost foods. They should be in a leakproof package, and the bag should be submerged in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. Small packages of meat, poultry or seafood – about a pound – may thaw in an hour or less. Microwaves also have a defrost setting. Just remember to cook foods immediately afterward if you defrost them in a microwave. Purchasing larger quantities of food can save money and time. Proper storage and food handling afterward ensures meals will be safe and tasty. h
DEFROSTING
The USDA advises to defrost foods properly to avoid foodborne illnesses. Freezing suspends bacteria trapped in food indefinitely. Im-
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Neighborhood Publications 15
SOLAR SHUTTERS? BEFORE AFTER
16 Neighborhood Publications
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AFTER
BEFORE The look of Plantation Shutters on your windows! This is a Solar Screen for use on the outside of windows or you can place the screen inside of your window also. To help save the cost of installation. Solar Screens are the most energy efficient window coverings, by stopping heat and glare before the sun’s rays reach the window. When combined with our Latex printing technology, the screen is no longer noticeable, and instead, gives the outward appearance of plantation shutters; all while allowing a clear view to the outside. Preserve the view, both inside and out. No more ugly plain black solar screens. The window therapists at Spring Shutters and Blinds can help you with your interior or exterior shading treatments. Call us at 832-698-9789 to schedule your free in home consultation. h
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Neighborhood Publications 17
Do Difficult Things Tips from Master Josh Arcemont
By pursuing difficult tasks, we are challenging ourselves to become better. Completing difficult tasks gives us a sense of pride in ourselves. Hardship is not to be avoided; it’s to be sought out. This is why martial arts is so beneficial, it is extremely difficult to master, but the challenge of pushing yourself physically, mentally and emotionally helps you in all aspects of life. Surround yourself with teachers, coaches and mentors who push you past your comfort zone, who set up challenges for you to overcome. This is one way to achieve greater self- respect and self-belief. You will begin to see yourself as the kind of person who can do great things, because you will have proven it to yourself time and time again.
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Redefine A Space With An Interior Decorator’s Help Interior decorators have the expertise and connections to help homeowners realize any project.
T
hough it may seem like interior decorators are a luxury reserved exclusively for the rich and famous, interior decorators work with people of all budgets. Homeowners sometimes wrestle with the practicality of hiring a decorator, wondering why
20 Neighborhood Publications
they should spend the money when they can do the work themselves. But just like homeowners may hire professional electricians or landscapers, hiring a professional interior decorator can ensure the job is done right, within budget and completed within a reasonable amount of time. Those who have already invested quite a bit of money into their homes but want to add some finishing touches would be wise to hire interior decorators or designers. Homeowners often have no idea where to begin when attempting to establish flow from room to room in their homes. Decorators can help
homeowners tailor the interiors of their homes to the homes produce the desired vibe. Hiring a designer can help a person avoid making potentially costly design errors. An aesthetically appealing house also can increase the home’s value, setting a property above others in terms of appeal. Even though the designer will charge a fee, the investment may be well worth the expense when the room is done right the first time. Interior decorators have numerous resources at their disposal. Fine tuned to the world of design, they understand which trends will come and go and also which design ideas have staying power. In addition, decorators will be in touch with vendors in the industry, connecting homeowners with the best of the best in terms of providing furniture, housewares, photography, and additional special touches that help make a house a home. In addition to expertise and resources, interior decorators have eyes that will be trained on things homeowners may not have noticed or even realized can be done. A designer may envision removing a room to create more space or knocking a wall down to let more natural light into a room. Designers and decorators are trained to think differently and spatially to achieve concepts homeowners may never have envisioned for themselves. They can help tell stories through design and improve spaces immeasurably. h
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Make the Most of Small Living Spaces
T
iny houses are a recent phenomenon and have spurred many businesses – from builders to decorating experts – looking to connect with consumers who want to go small. The small house movement advocates for living simply in small homes, some of which can be as small as 100 square feet or less. Although living in a tiny house is not for everyone, many people prefer small-space living to living in larger, more spacious homes and apartments. For those looking to make the most of their small living spaces, there are ways to make such living arrangements feel larger.
22 Neighborhood Publications
Light is your friend. Establish adequate lighting in a room that includes at least three working lights. Varied light sources from different angles will eliminate dark corners and shadows that can make a space feel smaller. Lighting also can draw the eye where you want it and distract attention from the room’s flaws.
Make use of vertical space. Homes where space is at a prem-
ium may have limited storage areas. An often-overlooked storage option is vertical space. Space above doors, shelving, and areas above cabinetry are ideal places to store items. Use hooks on walls to keep belongings off the floor.
Choose light-colored paint. Choose lighter hues for your home furnishings and wall colors. You do not have to limit this to white (unless landlords require white walls). Pale colors will help reflect light and can make the room seem larger than it continued
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Perhaps you can establish a crafting center in a portion of your laundry room. Garages have long served as catch-all spaces in homes. Apart from storage, they can be subdivided for home gyms or even a place to gather and watch a ballgame.
Hang mirrors to “expand” rooms. Mirrors can trick the eye into believing there is more space in a room. Mirrors melt away room borders and can accelerate the flow of light. Hanging them throughout your home can make spaces seem larger.
Think about built-in furniture. Traditional furniture may not be practical for small spaces and can waste a lot of room. Custom-built furniture is often the way to go to maximize the area you do have. Employ a little do-it-yourself initiative as well, customizing items for the perfect fit.
Work with a designer. If you’re having difficulty making a small space work for you, consult with an interior designer or a contractor for some ideas. h really is. Using a dark color on the f looring can make other lighter shades really pop in contrast.
Conceal the clutter. If you cannot keep personal belongings to the utmost minimum in a home, experiment with clever ways to keep items out of sight. Furniture that serves dual purposes can help with this task. Storage ottomans will conceal small toys or linens and also provide seating options in a room when guests come over. A dresser can be used as a dining room buffet piece, and the numerous drawers can hold knickknacks or silverware. Furniture with built-in, hidden storage is well worth the investment when living spaces are limited.
DO YOU FIND A CHILD SMOKING APPALLING? SO DO WE! It’s shocking to see a child smoke. It triggers every protective instinct we have! We want to take that cigarette out of their hands. After 20 years of independent study, research reveals that using national brand cleaning products in your home as little as once per week was as damaging over time to respiratory health as
SMOKING A PACK OF CIGARETTES A DAY FOR 20 YEARS. Call Mike to discuss better, safer, all natural products!
Create dual-purpose rooms. Lack of space means getting creative with the space you do have. A nook in your bedroom can be devoted to a miniature home office.
281-999-5344 A N
I N D E P E N D E N T
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S T U DY
Neighborhood Publications 23
24 Neighborhood Publications
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THREE LOCATIONS SERVING THE SPRING AREA: 5211 FM 1960 West at Champion Forest 281-440-5353 7312 Louetta Road at Stuebner Airline 281-376-2442
Shop Rachael’s FOR YOUR CARD, GIFT & ACCESSORY NEEDS
14223 FM 2920 at Hwy 249 281-255-8300 rachaelshallmark.com
CHECK OUT Outdoor Roller Shades CONTACT US FOR FREE ESTIMATES.
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Spring•Klein Magazine’s Social Media Corner! We love connecting with our Spring Klein Readers on Social Media.
If you have favorite photos you would like to share with our followers and staff, please send them to us at: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net. To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net
Neighborhood Publications 25
Spring Shutters & Blinds Summer is coming before you know it, so plan any remodeling projects now! Penny ClisSOLD Gleannloch Resident
713-208-2100
Lynsey ClisSOLD
Chase ClisSOLD
832-526-5667
281-743-5349
19059 Champion Forest Dr., Suite 103
281-580-SOLD
Contact us for free estimates.
Call The ClisSOLD Team, “When you list with CLISSOLD – It’s SOLD” 26 Neighborhood Publications
“SUMMER SALE” 832- 698 -9789
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ip h s r wne ent O ew agem N r e Man d n U & Great food, service, homemade dishes, and a vast array of appetizers, soups, salads and a fresh taste of Mexican flair!
Rico’s Mexican Grill 8765 Spring Cypress Road • (832) 241-2367 In the Kroger Shopping Center across from Gleannloch Farms
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Neighborhood Publications 27
Easy and Budget-Friendly Ways To Add Curb Appeal
Curb appeal can set your home apart from others, and improving curb appeal doesn’t have to be expensive.
C
urb appeal can help a home get noticed in a bustling real estate market. Curb appeal also can contribute to the aesthetics of a neighborhood for residents who plan to stay put, and many homeowners feel an attractive exterior is just as important as a comfortable interior. Homeowners do not have to spend a fortune to improve the curb appeal of their homes. With these strategies, anyone’s home can take on a more appealing look.
toys in the backyard rather than strewn across the front lawn. These simple steps can improve curb appeal instantly.
CLEAN UP
DRESS TO IMPRESS
A messy, untamed front yard can detract from a perfectly acceptable home. Cleaning up your yard and home’s exterior is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to give the place a makeover. Cut back overgrown shrubs, plants and trees. Make sure the front door is clearly visible and that any walkways are edged and accessible. Store garbage pails behind a barrier and keep trash out of sight. Store children’s
The entryway to a home is the first thing visitors will see. Be sure the front door and entryway are in good repair. A pop of color can’t hurt, either. If you do not like the idea of painting the door a vivid hue, dress it up with a colorful wreath or another decorative accent. Carry your interior design style to the outdoors as well. Welcoming accents, such as cushioned chairs or potted plants, also add curb appeal. Consider painting
28 Neighborhood Publications
SPRUCE UP THE LAWN A well-manicured lawn can go a long way to making a home more appealing. If your thumb is anything but green, hire a professional lawn and garden service to help you establish a lush, green lawn.
house numbers on a terra-cotta pot and filling it with plants. The pot will be decorative and functional.
RELY ON SYMMETRY Symmetry is pleasing to the eye and easy to arrange. Use it to frame your entryway and throughout your property. Symmetrical use of lighting fixtures, plants, trees, and decorative items really can have an impact.
DON’T FORGET LIGHTING Outdoor lighting adds appeal and safety to a property. Use lighting to accent a special landscaping feature or to illuminate a walkway. Few people enjoy approaching a dark home, and outdoor lighting can ensure your property always is well-lit. Remember, curb appeal is applicable both day and night. Improving on curb appeal can make a difference in how others view your home. h
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Enroll Now! Summer Ages 6 – 9 years
Champions Fall Ages 18 months – 6 years Montessori Start their world SCHOOL off right! 281.257.2700 16715 Champion Drive Louetta @ Champion Drive info@championsmontessori.com
AFFILIATED WITH THE
AMERICAN MONTESSORI SOCIETY
education that transforms lives
www.championsmontessori.com
SUMMER SALE CONTACT US FOR FREE ESTIMATES.
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Neighborhood Publications 29
How To Find More Time To Travel
F
Fridays can extend those trips to include the weekend preceding or following the trip. This gives you a better chance to explore the city where conferences or client meetings are being held, as business trips typically leave little time to get to a know a city or see its attractions. Business travelers can plan family trips around their work trips, giving families a great and often costeffective way to see various locales. • Use your allotted vacation time. A 2013 study from Oxford Economics found that American workers took an average of 16 days of vacation in 2013, which represented a roughly 20 percent decline from 2000, when workers took an average of 20.3 vacation days. The United States Travel Association discovered a similar pattern, finding that in 2013 workers used just 16 of their nearly 21 days of earned time off. Perhaps the easiest way working men and women can find more time to travel
• Reconsider when you travel. Building a trip around a long weekend is an easy way to find more time to travel. Consider the holidays that fall on a Monday, such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Plan a getaway for these long weekends and you won’t even need to use a vacation day. If you have the vacation time to burn, extend the trip one day by leaving on Friday or returning on Tuesday. By the time your trip ends, you will have enjoyed a threeday getaway without using any vacation time or a four-day extended break during which you used just a single day of vacation time. Planning a week-long trip on a holiday week is another way to save a vacation day for later in the year. • Extend business trips. Business travelers who typically travel on Mondays and/or return home on
is to make use of all of the vacation days they earn as oppose to letting them fall by the wayside at the end of their companies’ calendar years. • Negotiate with your employer. Many employers have grown increasingly flexible as technology has made it easier for employees to work remotely. Men and women who want to find more time to travel should
ew people would likely say they don’t enjoy traveling. Travel provides an opportunity to experience different cultures, visit idyllic locales and enjoy some rest and relaxation. But as much as people love to travel, finding more time to do so is not always so easy, even for those people with a sufficient amount of vacation days at their disposal. Oftentimes, finding more time to travel requires some extra and earlier planning.
30 Neighborhood Publications
not be afraid to negotiate more travel time with their employers, even offering to work remotely from whichever destination they plan to visit. This can be an especially effective way for parents to extend family vacations in the summertime, as one parent can take the kids in
the mornings and afternoons while the other works. Come nighttime, the whole family can still enjoy all the fun of a typical vacation. Travel is a luxury that even busy men and women can enjoy if they employ certain strategies to create more time to get away. h
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