Groundbreaking this summer for Prairie Wind. Act now to make it your new home!
Unlike any other independent living community in the Cedar Valley, Prairie Wind will offer the benefit of being attached to a dynamic new wellness and community space.
• Swimming pool • Walking/jogging track • Fitness room • Weights and cardio equipment room • Salon/spa with massage therapy • Multi-purpose space for concerts and events • Theatre and immersion experience space • Restaurant, bistro cafe and pub • Convenience store • Rehab outpatient therapy
Prairie Wind will be located just west of Prairie Parkway in Cedar Falls.
Imagine: maintenance, shoveling, yard work and housekeeping done for you; secure underground parking and storage provided; chef-created menus to choose from in the restaurant; trails, physician offices and retail areas close by. Nearly 2/3 are reserved. Residents are choosing their flooring, countertops and cabinets. Get in on the action and pick your floor plan from 1,110 to 1,450 square feet, with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchens, washer/dryer and a patio or balcony. Enjoy the thought of your new lifestyle at Prairie Wind as you take time to prepare for moving in late 2016!
Call Judy Staff at (319) 277-2141 today.
www.WesternHomeCommunities.org
CONTENTS
2015 Summer PUBLISHER
David A. Braton AD DIRECTOR
Tara Seible PROJECT MANAGER & AD SALES
Sheila Kerns
319-291-1448 sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com EDITOR
Melody Parker 319-291-1429 melody.parker@wcfcourier.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Amanda Hansen CONTRIBUTORS
Brandon Pollock, photographer Matthew Putney, photographer
cv-hg.com E LE ME NTS
NEUTRAL COLOR PALETTE 4 CANDY COLOR 6 OUTDOOR LIVING 8 STRIPES 12 METAL ACCENTS 13 HOT HACIENDA 14 MID CENTURY MODERN 15 TREASURE HUNTING 16 FIG & FROLIC 17 WHAT'S NEW 62
F E AT URE S MODERN VERNACULAR FAMILY PLAN STAMP OF APPROVAL SOPHISTICATED RETREAT PARADE OF HOMES
18 28 34 40 60
E NT E RTAI NI NG Additional sources: The Associated Press, McClatchy Newspapers and Washington Post. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited. Published quarterly by Courier Communications.
SUMMER SALADS ROSE WINES LEMON CHEESECAKE BARS
46 51 52
C UT T I NGS SUCCULENTS 54 WINDOW BOXES 56 YEAR OF COLEUS 58 cv-hg.com
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neutral territory There are plenty of practical reasons to decorate with neutral colors. The shades we think of as neutral — whites, beiges, tans — don't clash with anything. They are calm, soothing and never go out of style. There's just one problem. Beiges and neutrals can be boring. So, what’s the trick for making a neutral room feel edgy and exciting. Bring in the only color that isn’t bland: Black. Mixing in the right amount of black accents, print fabrics or furniture can make the white, beige or tan shades in a room look more interesting, putting them in the spotlight. How much black is too much, and how do you make sure a room done in this color scheme really pops? Here are six ways to interior designers mix the darkest and lightest of shades for beautiful results:
Summer 2015
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Six ways to add pow to boring beige
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01 You don't need an entirely black wall or a solid black sofa. Add things like print fabrics that include black, such as black-banded throw pillows. Or consider a mix of charcoal, brown, taupe and black that is fresh and modern.
02 Black metal accents. Consider a black lamp shade on a lamp with an antique brass metal base, a black metal chair legs, and windows with just the casements painted black.
03 A sleek, shiny, black dining table or black grand piano conveys drama and elegance. But even if your decorating style is more casual — maybe farmhouse chic or beachy — you can still make black work. Look for distressed, rubbed finishes.
04 Make it look less overpowering by mixing it with lighter materials, such as glass, wrought iron and driftwood to take some “weight” out of it.
Beige and black can be wonderful together, or awful if you use the wrong shade of beige. Stick with sand tones with a lot of white in them. Avoid flesh-toned or yellowish beiges. A mix of pale gray and beige – “greige” – is a good alternative to white. It’s warmer than true white.
06 Another way to make a neutral room look fabulous is to add brown as well as black. Throw in some cream or oatmeal, and the room becomes casually elegant and yet still neutral. Look for the black and brown pairing in furnishings and lamps.
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Source: Associated Press
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candy colors Craving color? Many people are Crayola color-phobic. If not used properly, colors, especially bright ones, can make your living room look like a kindergarten or worse, a Marvel comic. Follow these four tips to keep cheery colors in check.
01
02 Let color flow. In the same way that
you want to spread pops of color throughout a room, you want to carry those pops of color throughout your house, particularly if your house has an open plan. You should always consider how color flows from one room to another. For example, if your living room opens onto your foyer, use pops of the same color to unite them. Blue pillows and a blue lamp in your living room? Try a blue vase on your front hall table.
03 Use a paint deck for guidance. Paint
decks usually show a gradation of color from light to bright (or dark). When you choose a bright accent color for your room, complement it with items that represent the full spectrum of that color, just as you would see on a paint deck. By layering the lighter shades of a color, you make the brightness of that color less pronounced. For example, you might layer a sage or mint green pillow with a Kermit the Frog-green pillow on a sofa.
04
Ground colors with black, brown or gray. Any color in the spectrum looks good — and more sophisticated — when it is offset by strong, dark colors like black, dark brown or gray.
Summer 2015
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CB2’s 19-inch embroidered multi-colored striped pillow ($29.95) is an updated take on a traditional Mexican serape.
Source: Elizabeth Mayhew, Washington Post
Use color as an accent, not a focus. If you keep a room all neutral without any color pops, you have nothing to guide your eye through the space — your room ends up looking like one boring beige blob. Adding small pops of color is like accessorizing an outfit — think colored earrings or a necklace on a woman, a colorful tie or pocket scarf on a man. Try small strokes of color, not huge ones: three to five colorful elements peppered throughout a room. Don't glop them all together. And remember, a book jacket, flower or candle can add just as much color as a throw, pillow or tray.
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phone: 319.232.4404 2118 kimball avenue waterloo, iowa 50702 forgoodnesssakewaterloo.com
Acadia St.
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Add a splash of color to your coffee table or kitchen counter with West Elm’s lacquered trays (from $29)
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“classic and whimsical gifts and home accents for every occasion”
The Land of Nod’s Mixed Media Table Lamp in teal or pink ($79) combines wood, coated steel and a contrasting color cord.
complimentary gift wrap World Market’s pieced metal stools (from $59) can be used for extra seating or side tables.
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Brown Jordan Marin lounge chair in flame suede with leather pillow.
Summer 2015
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OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES HAVE COME A LONG WAY from the days when "outdoor furnishings" meant a few inexpensive folding chairs around a flimsy plastic table. Today's outdoor chairs might be wrought iron or wrought aluminum, with upholstered seats. The table might be stone or wood or an elegant faux version of either, and would not look out of place inside in the dining room. Add outdoor sound systems, carpets and lighting, and the backyard or balcony can look and feel like
an extension of the home. Getting the right look can be tricky; you don't want it to seem like you just plunked a sofa from the living room down onto the patio. Watch for midcentury modern styling in outdoor pieces to coordinate with this popular interior style. Global elements stay as strong in outdoor furnishings as they are in indoors: Those Asian ceramic stools show no signs of disappearing, and are offered in more colors and patterns than ever.
Look for Moroccan influence in lanterns, Mediterranean motifs in textiles, and Silk Road accents like elephant-shaped tables, daybeds and handcrafted accessories. While dedicated dining areas remain popular outdoors, there's also a trend toward "chat and chill" configurations of furniture. Indoor-style seating includes comfy lounge chairs and sectional pieces that can be grouped or separated, with ottomans, side tables and coffee tables that can also be used for casual dining. Watch for new, portable fire pits, bars and coffee tables. Deep indigo looks fresh and new, and so does coral. Dark blue looks nautical and preppy paired with crisp white, apple red or sunshine yellow, so think about mixing things up in a fun way by putting the brighter hues on the furniture pieces — a wicker or Adirondack chair, perhaps — and the blues on accent pieces. Or get a more dressedup vibe by keeping the pops of color on accessories while the outdoor space is anchored with darkertoned furniture. The natural neutrals — sand, mocha, charcoal, cream — stay strong for 2015. Their versatility makes them good choices whatever the climate. Designer Elaine Smith has a new collection of luxury outdoor pillows reflecting her love of fashion, nature and exotic locales. There are Latin American and African kuba cloth prints; menswear-inspired hound's-tooth; chinoiserie florals; whimsical bird motifs; and Missoniinspired prints in soft green and gold. She's added "jewelry" to some pillows, with braided frog trims and pewter medallions. Echoing an interior-design trend, this look combines hand-hewn wood and stone (or facsimiles) and rustic touches like chickenwire doors and weathered-look metals with contemporary seat materials and colors.
Source: Associated Press
inside-out living
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Above, and previous page, bottom right: Gloster’s Pepper Marsh collection pairs woven synthetic fiber with teak arms and legs.
Visit Our New Showroom located at 1925 Center St. in Cedar Falls
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Designer Elaine Smith’s Machu Picchu block print design outdoor pillow in cobalt blue, white and lime.
Smith’s Acapulco Hula outdoor pillow with effervescent fringe. 1022 Alabar Ave • Waterloo, IA 50701 Mon – Sat 10 - 5:30 pm
319-234-1266
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37th Annual
Cedar Falls, Iowa | West 23rd and College
June 19-20, 2015 Friday Noon - 8 pm Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
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concrete gains ground THE PANTHEON. The Panama Canal. The Hoover Dam. When you think of concrete, you might imagine great feats of engineering, or at least highway overpasses and other sturdy, stolid structures. But concrete has become a stylish medium in the home, thanks to interior designers and artisans. "Concrete is such an amazing and cheap material. I can get an 80-pound bag from Home Depot and turn it into tables, vases and planters without using power tools," says Bostonbased designer Ben Oyeda, who offers instructions for several projects on his website, www.homemademodern.com . Oyeda uses Lego blocks to make the molds for his tables; his pendant fixtures start with plastic bottles. "Working with concrete has changed the way I see waste," he says. "Every plastic bottle or box has the potential to be used as a mold for making a concrete object." Eric Boyd of Charlotte, North Carolina, makes creative countertops by mixing concrete with other materials. Aggregate additions such as recycled glass or semi-precious stones give the concrete a terrazzo look, and he hones the slabs to emphasize their geologic characteristics. He has used shells, mother of pearl, tiger's eye or bands of copper to create one-of-a-kind slabs for homes and stores.
Restoration Hardware dining table with teak base and honed concrete top.
Malay table has teak root cast in allweather, lightweight cement.
Nico concrete stool from AllModern.com.
Outdoor concrete ping pong table from Restoration Hardware.
Source: Associated Press
College Hill Arts Festival
ELEMENTS
around the
campfire
GAS-OPERATED FIRE PITS, fire rings and fire-pit tables are emerging as modern-day substitutes for campfires. Flipping a switch to ignite the flames is a whole lot easier than kindling a stack of firewood. Safer, too. “The outdoor living trend is continuing to gain momentum,” said Ross Johnson, sales and marketing manager for The Outdoor Great Room Co. in Eagan, Minn.. “It started with grills and then people began spending money for outdoor furniture. Fire pits have evolved, with consumers moving toward gas for less expense and a multitude of issues.” Fire pits, fire rings, and fire-ring or fire-pit tables come in all sizes and shapes, in-ground or portable. Fire pits are holes dug into the ground to keep flames from spreading. They vary from intimate cooking fires for two to elaborate, gas-fueled burners that become conversation centers for large gatherings. Fire rings are cleared flat surfaces with protective metal, stone or concrete built around them to contain the burn. They often include cooking grills fueled by wood or gas — either natural gas or propane.
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stripes into stars
Accent your home with some distinction
THE STRIPE IS THE ULTIMATE FIX. Need to make a room to look taller? Paint or paper vertical stripes on the walls. Need to make a room look wider? Try horizontal stripes. Need to pull together a disparate color scheme? Find a striped rug that incorporates each color.
"Stripes are a problemsolver," says Annie Selke, designer and owner of textiles companies Pine Cone Hill, Fresh American and Dash & Albert Rug Co. (the last of which is popular for its approximately 150 striped rug patterns). They can make a bold statement when wide or
act as a textured neutral when thin. They can read as nautical when blueand-white or classy when used tone on tone. It's no wonder that while other patterns come and go in popularity, stripes are here to stay. Stripes never go out of style.
Here are a few tricks to using this versatile pattern:
1302 1st St. W., Independence, IA 319.332.0273 Open 7 days a week 9:00-5:00 daily & Thurs. til 8:00 www.shopdistinctions.com Designers Guild’s Varese Throw Pillow with striped flange.
Use stripes on a headboard to create a focal point. Stripes can be subtle, too, and should be used carefully and sparingly for a low-key, elegant look. If a room needs a focal point, try bold-colored stripes on any piece of upholstered or slipcovered furniture. Stripes can even help with a blank, empty room. Find a striped pattern that you like, Selke suggests, and pull out colors for paint and accent colors in the room.
• Custom Shower Enclosures • Mirrors • Residential Glazing and Commercial Repair • Visit Our Showroom
Safavieh Mercer Green Club Chair
Stripes of different thickness can have different effects. A wide stripe draws the eye, while a thin stripe can act like a neutral.
www.alliedglassproducts.com 12
Lafayette Lamp in navy stripe
Paint or paper walls in stripes — vertically for a traditional look, or horizontally for something different.
Use stripes in fun ways such as dinnerware, serving pieces, sheet sets and accessories like lamps
Source: Washington Post
Is there anything more clastsically preppy than navy and white stripes?
Serving Our Customers for Over 50+ Years The Cedar Falls Source for Professional Glass Service
Stripes can be a great way to add pattern for people who are afraid to add pattern.
ELEMENTS
test your LOOKING FOR AN EASY WAY TO ADD POLISH TO YOUR HOME? Metallic accents — copper, brass, silver and platinum — are having a moment in today's interiors. They create a feel of "relaxed luxury," says Wisteria head designer Marlene Kennedy, adding sophistication without pretension. When used sparingly,
today's metals can also help make gilded heirlooms look expertly eclectic in modern rooms. "So many people inherit amazing pieces from their parents or grandparents. … People want to keep those treasured items, but they want to freshen them up with new pieces," Kennedy says. To achieve this, she suggests
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The Lissa Nailhead Chest, made of hardwood and canvas and accented with solid brass nailheads. $3,399 from Horchow. Try shiny pendants — such as Original BTC's Stanley Pendant in brass, copper or nickel — over a white table or tablecloth in the dining room $598-$898.
Use a modern metal shade, such as the hand-finished Metal Drum Lampshade from Shades of Light in pewter, gold or black, to refresh a lamp $89.
Spring & Summer Hours Room & Board's Shimmer Pillows come in a subtle gold, taupe, copper or silver $99.
Monday - Wednesday 10:00 - 5:00 Thursday 10:00 - 7:00 Friday & Saturday 10:00 - 5:00 13
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hot
hacienda
1302 1ST ST. W INDEPENDENCE, IA 319.334.7199
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THE EXUBERANT COLORS, textures and patterns of Latin America crafts are injecting an easy, comfortable and fun aesthetic into home decor. The look includes textured rugs, throws that evoke serape motifs and furniture with an authentically hand-turned appearance. For example, Ralph Lauren Home's La Hacienda fabric collection includes traditional florals and graphic woven prints in earthy reds and turquoise with punches of black, white and sunbaked brights. It's not all about the fiesta, however. Mexican Modern is a look characterized by contemporary furnishings and quiet color, with one or two artisan pieces as counterpoints. Fair trade companies offer crafts from Brazil and other countries to add punch to your home decor.
Locally owned & operated by Karl Morehouse & Tom Ridder
319-553-0171
5424 University Ave. | Cedar Falls
We now carry Sub Zero & Wolf. Peruvian tapestry, Zosimo Laura, Novica.com
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Alejandro Ch谩vez mirror frame
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SLEEK LINES AND GEOMETRIC SHAPES are hallmarks of the mid-century movement. Furniture from this era is characterized by clean, straight lines which play up the natural beauty of the design. Pieces that are stripped down to a simple form often speak louder than those with excess detailing. Simplistic kitchen chairs or cabinets with wood detailing in the living room are perfect ways to play up this modern design theme in your home. Looking for one piece of iconic furniture to make a statement? Find an impressive Eames lounge chair featuring a wood and leather combination to act as the focal point for a sitting room or bedroom. Mid-century modern design showcases quality pieces of furniture or accessories rather than decor on the walls. White or neutral color palettes are typical on the walls, but your space comes to life with accessories, bright colors, various patterns and textures. Opt for lamps with curved bases paired with narrow lampshades, accent pillows that tout bright orange and geometric shapes, or retro art to add mid-century modern personality throughout the home.
Open Tues - Sat 319-231-5140 319-464-5672
114 W 5th St Cedar Falls www.figandfrolic.com
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STATE SPOONS, COMMEMORATIVE PLATES, salt and pepper shakers, souvenir pillows, shells and snow globes … Remember when vacation meant tucking a few memories into a suitcase before heading home? Eventually, they’d find their way into boxes in the attic or garage to gather dust. Nowadays we’re fullfledged treasure hunters
on the trail of artisanmade handicrafts and art or something really special to bring home. Interior designer, author and TV star Vern Yip describes these objects as “a way of imbuing a home with soul. Curating your home with thoughtfully selected purchases from each special place you've visited is a wonderfully physical way to make
walking through your front door a daily highlight. Here is Yip’s advice: 1| Take some basic measurements and empty suitcase with you. 2| Seek the real deal away from tourist traps. 3| Stick to palettes that work for you. 4| Bring or ship home one great thing.
FIG & FROLIC
diy stripes
Add stripes for a playful look or serious architectural element to furnishings. Getting them just right on a DYI project can be tricky. Here are Fig & Frolic’s simple steps for crisp clean stripes.
01
Paint the entire piece one color (paint the lighter of the two colors first).
02
» If the width of the stripes are 2 inches or less, use painters tape to create perfectly straight lines. » Apply the first row of tape across the center of the piece you are striping. » Apply a second row of tape, just below the first row. » Apply a third row of tape, just below the second row. » Slowly remove the middle row of tape and put it back down it under the third row. » Apply a new row of tape under the fourth row. » Repeat this process until entire area is striped.
03
If the wide of the stripes are more than 2 inches, use a yardstick and a level to mark where your tape should line up.
» Place the yard stick on the piece, make sure it's level. Holding your yardstick at a slight angle will create uneven stripes, so this step is important. » Place small tick marks in pencil, no more than 18 inches apart along the yardstick. Carefully apply painter's tape to connect the tick marks.
MJ
Margie Jenkins CRS, CRN The Jenkins Group, LLC Experience . Integrity. Integr Results.
04
To prevent paint from bleeding under the painter's tape, lightly sand all edges of the pressed down tape. Wipe off the dust. This tip works great! We use 220 grit sandpaper when using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®.
D
SOL
05
Paint the second color over the whole piece (paint over tape).
06
When dry, SLOWLY remove the tape. It is important to remove very slowly or you may pull off some of the base coat.
07
Use a small artist brush to touch up any areas as needed.
Margie Jenkins, CRS, CRN, Realtor®
Exceptional service for all your real estate needs.
319.389.0723
mjenkins@skogman.com www.margiejenkinsrealtor.com 17
Modern vernacular WRITTEN BY
Summer 2015
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Melody Parker
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Brandon Pollock
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MODERN VERNACULAR
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Summer 2015
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hen this couple decided to build a home, their desires were straightforward: Find a lot with plenty of space, privacy and views, then work with a builder who could relate to their taste for modern touches and industrial chic. Finding the right piece of ground was a tall order and took months of look-sees. At last, they were ready to build and reached out to Kyle Larson of LGC Designs to transform their dream home into reality. They’d toured several of his homes during the annual Cedar Valley Parade of Homes, and liked what they saw. “Kyle is able to successfully blend the old and vintage with the new. It creates a wonderful vibe to blend those together, and for us, the result is a warm, functional family home,” says the homeowner. Larson appreciated their requirements to incorporate unique elements, industrial chic and a hint of tradition within that quintessentially Midwestern architectural wrapper, Prairie style. “The Prairie theme lends itself to many modern interpretations because of its clean, horizontal lines, open floor plan and how it fits in with the landscape,” says Larson. That clean aesthetic is evident in the great room. There’s a casual air to the space that would be just as comfortable in a downtown loft as it is in this residential area.
Broad windows offer outdoor views of the deck with its glass railings and backyard beyond. Hands down, the focal point is the monochromatic stacked-stone fireplace and gray tile-clad hearth that mimics concrete. Linear blonde bookshelves are staggered strategically on the same wall, adding even more texture to the scene. Deep teal and turquoise accents provide subtle pops of color against neutral gray sofas and white woodwork. White oak floors are practical and fresh, and the white-washed patina gives it vintage appeal. Painting the woodwork white is a visual trick that frames the rooms while giving the effect of more floor space. The dining area is defined by yellow-and-white trellis wallpaper on an accent wall. The pattern has a classic feel but the design has been reinvigorated with contemporary flair. A trio of round glass orbs housing Edison-style light bulbs direct attention to the kitchen counter, a thick slab of quartz two-times thicker than the usual countertop. “It gives the kitchen some heft, and the gray base anchors it to the space. It’s one of those unique elements the homeowners wanted,” Larson explains. Custom kitchen cabinetry is white with modern, frameless Euro-styled doors. Pretty dishware is exposed behind glass fronts on upper cabinets
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faucets from the Kohler Purist collection and subway tiles. Heated floors are cozy against wet feet and twin pivoting mirrors and a floating tub are sophisticated, vintage touches. On the lower level, there’s plenty of room for the homeowners’ youngsters to run around and draw on the chalkboard wall in the toy room. Exercise equipment is tucked into an extra room. The TV lounge area includes a bar for entertaining. H&G
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that flank a gleaming stainless steel vent hood above the industrial cooktop. White subway tiles echo horizontal lines found throughout the house. The master suite shows the versatility of gray as a soft neutral on the walls, upholstered bed frame and area rug and a companion for colors like burnt orange for accent pillows and stylized bed covering. Euro styling continues in the custom bath with quartz countertops, undermounted sinks, minimialist wall-mounted
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Summer 2015
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SUBLIST LGC Martinson Weber Electric Lumens.com, Rejuvenation, Ikea Al Gordon Fergusson Supply, Kohler, Delta Daltile, Prosource, Rubber Flooring, FLOR Sherwin Williams, American Landscaping and More Christie Door Crestline Acclaim, Jeld-wen Menards, Probuild, James Hardie Mike Fereday McDonald Construciton C&S Improvements Dalton’s Midland Concrete Products, American-Bosnian Masonry Mike James Custom Concrete Direct Appliance, Viking Surface Solutions DuraSupreme AGS Stainless Lindgren Glass Design 1927, LGC Design Gary Thomas Woodshop System Services, Maximum Sight and Sound
cv-hg.com
Advanced Refinishers
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family plan Melody Parker
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Brandon Pollock
cv-hg.com
WRITTEN BY
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FAMILY PLAN
R
Summer 2015
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emember the saying — “The cobbler’s children have no shoes?” It’s a quaint way of saying the cobbler spends so much time repairing customers’ shoes that he has no time for his own children’s shoes. The same might be said of any profession, including home builders. Finding time to devote to building their own home can be a tricky balancing act in the midst of home projects for clients. Travis Boyle, owner of Concept to Creation LLC, faced that dilemma head-on when it came time to build his own home. He solved it by working nights and weekends with his crew last summer. He moved his family into their new, 5-bedroom home last fall. There is 1,875 square feet on the main level and a 1,200 square foot finished basement. Vaulted ceilings and skylights in the great room give the space a lofty effect. Now Boyle spends his free time with wife, Claire, and their boys, ages 5 and 1 ½. The open floor plan lends itself to family togetherness, and the stylish kitchen is the hub of activity. While he’s whipping up one of his favorite suppers — skillet-seared salmon with lemon butter glaze or meatloaf, and Claire is setting the table, they can keep an eye on the kids playing in the great room. Arts & Crafts design gets a nod here, but Boyle incorporated contemporary concepts
into the home’s overall style. In the great room, walls are painted gray. “We didn’t want it to be cold, just a little more streamlined with modern details. I’m intrigued by gray because it is a timeless neutral that can go in so many directions. We steered toward the warm gray — without blue undertones.” The boys love using the sofa’s crisp gray upholstered cushions to build a fort. A graphic gray, white and blue area rug anchors soft furnishings arranged in a conversational grouping in front of the fireplace. In the midst of all this gray, a crisp white accent wall frames the oversized fireplace. Boyle installed a statementmaking wood mantel, gray tile surround and smoked glass front, which fits the family’s enthusiasm for modernity. Gray-toned strand bamboo flooring flows underfoot, a hard-wearing surface that can stand up beautifully to whatever two boys and a 10-year-old beagle can throw at it. “It’s one of the biggest, most visible features in the home, and we fell in love with it,” Boyle says. Baseboards are painted gray for continuity. An island and bar stools act as a physical divider from the great room. “I like the island because it’s a handy workspace and space for serving, and as the kids grow up, we can serve meals at the counter,” says Claire. Euro-style cabinetry is custom-stained
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FAMILY PLAN
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From start to finish, we’ll team up with you to construct a home...
Built with care from
Concept to Creation.
Check us out at: concepttocreationdesign.com Or call: 319.610.5590 cv-hg.com
dark java that lets the maple grain show through, and frosted glass adds interest to cabinet doors. Metal-flaked Silestone counter tops from the Platinum Series sparkle against stainless steel appliances. The master bedroom is simple and functional, while the master bathroom is a spa retreat. Double sinks are separated by linear cabinets for balance — and additional storage. The large tile shower (3 ½ by 6 feet) features 12- by 24- and 6-by -24-inch porcelain tiles arranged in alternating and staggered rows for interest. “We gave up a spa tub for the larger shower, and we’re glad we did because the shower is a showpiece,” Boyle says. H&G
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STAMP OF APPROVAL
Summer 2015
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WRITTEN BY
W
approval
Melody Parker
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
hen Alex Von Ahsen acquired an older bungalow five years ago, he had to work within the existing footprint and re-imagine the space. He wanted to give it his personal stamp yet preserve traits that make it a charming small home. That’s the sort of thing the interior designer does for his clients at Phelan’s Interiors in Cedar Rapids, where the goal is always to create interiors that fit the client’s taste and lifestyle. The well-kept home was built in 1923. With no major repairs to undertake, Von Ahsen saw it as a blank canvas. Although he spends his days elbow-deep in the latest design, color, furnishings and accessories trends, he had the experience and self-assurance to create a defining vision for himself. “Actually, it was fun working for myself because I could take risks and be bolder than my clients usually are ready to be. My home became my laboratory to try things that could carry over into my work. In a house this size, all the spaces have to be multifunctional. The living room is my family room, the place where I entertain or relax and hang out with my dog. The dining room is part of the space, defined by the framework.” He began with an earthy palette of rich browns, warm tans, metallics, grays and black, letting the colors flow from room to room for
Brandon Pollock
cohesive, layered and textural appeal. Then he filled each room with a mix of investment furniture and vintage, new and inexpensive furnishings and accessories that play nicely together. And Von Ahsen is happy to hold out for what he really wants, like the Thomasville sofa clad in a multi-tone herringbone upholstery. It has a casual vibe, but contrasting cording adds an air of formality. “I loved that sofa at Phelan’s for over a year before we had the fabric I wanted. It’s a good mix of style and comfort with clean lines,” he says. “My big thing is to create a canvas with color and core furnishings that last, and add in those statement pieces that really make a room stand out.” Like the mid-century Plycraft chair in the living room — “that has a special place in my heart” — and clear acrylic “ghost” chairs in the dining area, he says. The round dining table was a Craigslist find that he refinished in high-gloss black, and the ceiling above the dining table is wallpapered. Accessories range from family photographs, Zebra-print pillows, glass art, contemporary wall art, orchids and tropical foliage plants, both real and faux. A large cowhide rug embellishes the sense of flow in the room and ambient lighting, including a funky tripod light stand and elegant table lamps add the final polish.
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The master bedroom is sophisticated and restrained with the focus on a high headboard, masculine bedding and the symmetry of matching bedside tables. In the guest room, Von Ahsen opted for subtle glamour and an Art Deco-influenced setting with the focus on a dramatic headboard with custom nailhead trim from Norwalk, a Thomasville “Spellbound� chest and a wing chair he found at a thrift store and had reupholstered in a glistening velvet. Von Ahsen also has spent time transforming the landscape around his house to create a Zen-like retreat in the backyard with plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. H&G
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Summer 2015
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UnIqUE HomE FURnISHIngS & InTERIoR DESIgn
Featured Home by
Interior
Designer
Alex Von Phelan’s Ahsen 728 Third Avenue SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 (319) 365-2163
oF
Phelan’s 39
Summer 2015
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Sophisticated Retreat Melody Parker
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Brandon Pollock
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WRITTEN BY
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SOPHISTICATED RETREAT
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Summer 2015
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medley of cool grays, silver and mirrored surfaces make this master suite a sophisticated and serene retreat. This air of relaxation, quiet luxury and comfort invites lingering, all part of the layered design achieved by Kathy Flack, ASID, registered interior designer. The light and airy space was built around a monochromatic color scheme. “I’m a minimalist,” the homeowner says, “I don’t like a lot of clutter, and I didn’t want anything fancy. I wanted a master suite that was elegant with simple, clean lines. I knew what I wanted, and Kathy and our contractors were able to make it happen.” She confesses a “love affair” with all things white, but was won over by the subtle use of gray and silver as soft neutrals with crisp white underpinnings. From concept to completion, Flack worked with the homeowners and contractors to maximize space and effectively and efficiently incorporate all of their desires. Rather than increase the size of the home’s footprint, the existing master bedroom and bath were gutted and walls and door openings moved to accommodate new amenities. A dropped soffit around the perimeter of the bedroom makes the ceiling appear taller and recessed lighting provides
ambiance. The new floor-toceiling linear-faced gas fireplace wall and sconce lighting, creates a focal point, Flack says, and balances the bed on the opposite wall. The tall headboard is statementmaking in white leather with contemporary tufting. Matching mirrored storage chests and drumshaded lamps on either side of the bed add symmetry to the space . “It’s an electic room, classic but contemporary. The layering of the textures adds dimension, and the fireplace is a striking feature,” Flack explains. Soft pile carpet in the bedroom and closet softens acoustics in the space. A reading corner is set near the patio door leading to the swimming pool, which is visible through wide-slatted shutters. A new walk-in closet with loads of storage — even a small moveable storage island — provides maximum space for hanging and folded clothing and a place to organize and store shoes. The overall feeling of serenity is carried through into the master bathroom, which the homeowner describes as an amazing transformation. The spa-like bath features white marble-look, largescale porcelain tiles and Cambrian quartz countertops (“Minerva”) with flecks of silver, offering “low maintenance and sustainability, yet all the luxury and elegance they
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desired,” Flack says. The doorless shower fits like a glove in the room, she notes, and features body sprays and rainhead shower fixture and a concealed linear floor drain system, also known as an infinity drain. His-and-hers vanities have builtin lighting for applying make-up and shaving. Solar tubes save energy and brighten surroundings and built-in lights transform them into recessed lighting fixtures at night. “In the day time, it’s wonderfully light and airy, and at night, it’s exactly how I wanted it to be, a soothing cocoon,” adds the homeowner. H&G
Kathy Flack, ASID Registered Interior Designer, PLC 319-239-5080 fidakathy@aol.com
SUBLIST Kathy Flack ASID, registered interior designer
Make an appointment and find out how your project can benefit from a consultation or coordination of products and services
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45
Fresh & easy summer salads Summer 2015
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ENTERTAINING Make these your go-to salads for easy, fresh summer meals. These flavorful and colorful salads are perfect for a week night supper or pretty enough to take to a backyard party. All of these recipes are from the expert kitchen of Chef Jim Nadeau at Cedar Falls Hy-Vee. SOUTH OF THE BORDER CHICKEN AND QUINOA SALAD Serves 4 to 6
Pound chicken under plastic wrap until thin. Place in a large plastic bag. Combine oil, red pepper flakes, cumin and lemon juice. Pour over chicken and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Spray pot with cooking spray. Add onion and sauté until tender. Add lemon zest, pinch of ground chipolte chili, broth and quinoa, salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook until all liquid is absorbed, around 35 minutes. Let sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Cook chicken on grill over medium high heat. Remove from heat and let rest. Cut into cubes. Combine quinoa, chicken, vegetables, vinegar, second lemon juice, ground mustard and cilantro. Mix well. Serve warm or chilled. If desired, leave out chicken for a vegetarian salad.
BLACK RICE SALAD WITH MANGO AND PEANUTS Serves 4 to 6 2 oranges 1/4 cup (or more) fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam; optional) 2 cups black rice (preferably Lotus Foods Forbidden Rice) Kosher salt 2 just-ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, cut into 1/2" dice 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup finely chopped red onion (about 1/2 large onion) 1/2 cup unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts 6 scallions, thinly sliced 2 jalapeños, seeded, minced Remove peel and white pith from oranges. Working over a medium bowl to catch juices and using a small sharp knife, cut between membranes to release orange segments into bowl. Squeeze membranes over bowl to release any juices. Strain juices through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl; reserve orange segments. Add 1/4 cup lime juice, oil, and fish sauce (if using) to bowl with orange juice; whisk to blend. Set dressing aside. Bring rice and 2 3/4 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan. Season lightly with salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes. Spread out rice on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with dressing, and season lightly with salt; let cool. Place mangoes and remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add rice and toss gently to combine. Season lightly with salt and more lime juice, if desired.
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12 ounces boneless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon cumin 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup quinoa, rinsed Zest of 1 lemon Pinch of ground chipolte chili pepper (or substitute Cayenne pepper) 1 large carrot peeled and medium diced 1 medium jicama peeled and diced-about 1 cup 1 red pepper seeded and cut into strips 1 small red onion cut into strips- about ½ cup 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon stone ground mustard 1/3 cup chopped cilantro Salt and pepper
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ENTERTAINING/HY-VEE
CURRIED COUSCOUS TURKEY SALAD Serves 4 to 6 1 cup chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 cup golden raisins 1 tablespoon minced crystallized ginger 1 cup mayonnaise 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 3 cups cubed turkey 1 cup couscous 1/3 cup chopped celery 1/3 cup green onions 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds 1 cup seedless red grapes, cut in half 1 orange, peeled & cut into pieces 3 tablespoons fresh parsley Bring broth, salt and curry powder to a boil in medium saucepan over high heat. Stir in couscous, raisins and ginger. Remove from heat, cover and let stand 5 minutes. Uncover, cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, blend together mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add turkey, celery, onions, almonds and couscous mixture; gently stir together. Fold in grapes, orange and parsley. Cover and refrigerate several hours before serving.
ENTERTAINING GREEK PASTA SALAD Serves 4 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup red wine vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoon basil 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano 3/4 teaspoon pepper 他 teaspoon sugar (or more to taste) 8 ounces pasta, cooked 3 cups mushroom, thickly sliced 15 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup red bell pepper, cut into strips 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup green onion, chopped 3 1/2 ounces black olives, whole 3/4 cups pepperoni slices, cut into strips Prepare pasta according to package direction. Mix together oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, pepper and sugar. Add remaining ingredients and toss until all ingredients are well coated. Cover and chill 2 hours or overnight. Pack into a container, if desired, and take it along on your picnic or neighborhood grill-out.
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ENTERTAINING/HY-VEE HONEY CRISP APPLE CHICKEN & FENNEL SALAD Serves 4 to 6 1 whole roasted chicken, skinned & boneless, shredded 2 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ cup toasted walnuts 2 ribs fennel bulb, shredded 2 cups honey crisp apples, washed & diced Salt and pepper to taste Parsley to garnish Combine all ingredients into a large bowl and mix together. Chill until ready to serve.
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ENTERTAINING
bouquet of SUMMER CAN SEEM ENDLESS – how perfect! – and hot, so it’s time to chill down those bottles of rosé. Here are some picks to make your season bloomin’ delicious! The spectrum of colors goes from pale onionskin at one end through peachy gold, pink, rose and on to coral and a deep rose just this side of red. Particularly pale examples are sometimes labeled “blush.” The best strategy for finding the style you prefer is to pick up half a dozen different bottles from a trusted retailer. Throw a rosé tasting, then go back to buy more of the ones you fancy.
rosés
2012 Charles & Charles Rosé A gorgeous pink, the Charles & Charles rosé from Columbia Valley in Washington State is scented with rose petals and cherry. This blend of mostly Syrah with Mourvèdre and tiny amounts of Cinsault and Grenache is ripe and smooth on the palate, very fresh and harmonious.
2013 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Vin Gris of Pinot Noir Los Carneros Year after year, Robert Sinskey turns out carefully crafted rosé from a dedicated block of organic Pinot Noir. Dry and crisp, his vin gris has a refreshing tartness reminiscent of rhubarb. Best experienced well chilled and with food, even if it’s just a bowl of olives or a dark purple smear of tapenade on croutons.
2013 Dragonette Cellars Rosé A southern French-inspired blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre with just a dab of Syrah from the Vogelzang vineyard in Happy Canyon, one of Santa Barbara’s newest AVAs. A lovely pale onionskin in color with flashes of coral, it carries the scent of strawberries and melon. The taste is clean and bright, with a mineral tang.
2013 Château Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé The second vintage from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s wine estate in southeast France is a spectacular rosé from an unspectacular year. Made by the Perrin family of the renowned Châteauneuf-duPape estate Château de Beaucastel, the 2013 Château Miraval rosé is elegant and fresh, with a scent of wild strawberries.
cv-hg.com
Source: Tribune News Service
2013 Lioco Indica Rosé Lots to love about this California example made from dry-farmed Carignan, with its pretty floral nose and bright red fruit flavor tempered with lime and notes of mineral.
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Heavenly
(and crazy citrus-y good!)
lemon cheesecake bars
Summer 2015
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PHOTOGRAPH BY
Brandon Pollock
ALAN SIMMER/ON COOKING
Craftsmanship
Limited only by your imagination Cream cheese does not like to play nice. I'm not sure if it thinks it's better than everyone else or if it's just shy, but it needs to be coaxed into interacting with others. That's why the mixing process is the most important part of creating a cheesecake. It's not a hard process, just a tedious one, because you can't add too much too fast. If you toss three eggs into your mixing bowl full of cream cheese and sugar, the resulting batter will never be smooth. When a recipe says to add eggs one a time, there's a method to the madness. The other key is scraping well and scraping often. That means bowl and beater, even—especially, actually—those pain-in-the-neck KitchenAid paddles. Don't think of scraping between ingredients, think of scraping during ingredients. Add, mix, scrape, mix, repeat. You've just dislodged a bunch of unincorporated batter, so give your mixer a chance to rectify that before tossing something else in to the fray. Now that you've got the process down, what to create with it? May I recommend Lemon Cheesecake Bars? Lemon curd is, to me, the quintessential citrus experience. It's my favorite expression of my favorite flavor. But incorporating it into a cheesecake was not a simple task. One of the great unfortunate truths of baking: Water baths really do work. The insulating effect of the water makes sure the edges of a cheesecake don't overcook before the middle—farthest from the conductive pan walls—has a chance to set up. The extra moisture also helps keep the top from cracking. This makes springform pans problematic. The separate ring and base that make unmolding a cheesecake so easy also allow water to seep into the batter, which will ruin the finished product. Wrapping the pan in foil can prevent this, but it's not foolproof. So I thought inside the box—a 13-by-9 box. The solid walls of a rectangular cake pan won't leak, while lining the pan with foil allows the finished product to be lifted out
without fuss. Using some of the lemon curd as a glossy topping gives this dessert just the right touch. It's perfect for summer but delicious year round.
LEMON CHEESECAKE BARS Lemon Curd: 2/3 cup juice from 4 lemons 4 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch salt Heat lemon juice in small, nonreactive saucepan over medium heat until hot, but not boiling. Whisk eggs and yolk in medium nonreactive bowl; gradually whisk in sugar. Whisking constantly, slowly pour hot lemon juice into eggs, then return mixture to saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until mixture registers 170 F on an instant-read thermometer and is thick enough to cling to the spoon, from 4 to 6 minutes.
Mark Schleisman, LLC Contractor
Design-Build New homes, Additions, Remodeling.
319-404-4091
phonmeoi
Immediately remove pan from heat; stir in cold butter until incorporated; stir in cream, vanilla and salt, then pour curd through a fine-mesh strainer into a small nonreactive bowl. Cover curd surface directly with plastic wrap; refrigerate until needed. Makes approximately 2 cups. Crust: 7 ounces animal crackers, crushed 1/4 cup sugar 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Adjust an oven rack to the lowermiddle position and preheat oven to 325 F. Create a foil sling in a 13x9 cake pan by placing a piece of foil across the width of the pan, leaving it hanging over the edge by a few inches. Run a second piece of foil the length of the pan to line it.
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Recipe continued on page 59 1030 Ansborough Ave., Waterloo, IA 50701
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CUTTINGS
dishing about succulents
Summer 2015
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CREATE YOUR OWN DISH GARDEN or fun and funky living conversation piece with succulents. Go vertical, go charming or make your own hypertufa containers to house these charmers. Be as creative as you want because succulents are tough, adaptable and thrive in hot sun. Sempervivums — hens and chicks types — and sedum are generally the best succulents for Zones 4 and 5. As the popularity of these plants has grown, garden centers and nurseries are offering a greater variety of succulents in all shapes, colors, forms and sizes. So mix-and-match to your heart’s content. Use your imagination to add decorative elements to create habitats ranging from fairy gardens to deserts. Your containers should be welldrained and the soil must be friable and light; too soggy or slow-draining soil will kill succulents. You can use a cactus soil or make your own mix using 4 parts plain (no fertilizer included) potting soil, 5 parts perlite and 1 part coarse sand. Experts suggest top-dressing containers with small river rock, gravel, poultry grit (crushed stone available at feed supply stores) or aquarium rock. Place the garden in full sun. Succulents store water in their leaves. Water thoroughly when the plants need it and let water run out of the drainage hole. You need to get water to the roots or they’ll die. Or if the plants are kept too wet, they’ll die. Watering will depend on whether it is hot and dry or humid. How do you know when it’s time to water? Place a stone on top of the soil and wait a bit. Pick up and turn over the stone. If it is moist or damp, don’t water. If it is dry, water thoroughly. Add 1 tablespoon white vinegar to 5 gallons of water when watering to increase acidity (succulents like it!) Hardy succulents can overwinter in their containers by moving them indoors.
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CUTTINGS
bloomin' beautiful boxes WINDOW BOXES — in all shapes and sizes and overflowing with plant material — are inexpensive and quick ways to brighten your home. You can grow everything from flowers and herbs to a small salad garden. First, decide if it is going to be a permanent addition to your home or a seasonal pick-me-up. Cedar and redwood box planters are durable and long-lasting, while pine makes an attractive painted box. Plastic works fine, too. All window boxes should extend the entire width of your window. A general rule-of-thumb for height is 20 percent of the height of a tall window and 25 percent of the height of a shorter window. A 6-foot-tall window needs window boxes that are 14 inches tall, and window boxes on a 3-foot-tallwindow should be 9 inches in height. When in doubt, go larger. Often windows boxes are too small to fit the scale of the window and the house. Will it be attached to the windowsill with a shelf and brackets? Placed in a window box hanger on the
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CUTTINGS back porch? A shelf with circular openings cut to hold flower pots? After all, it doesn't have to be the traditional rectangular wooden window box. Add embellishments to the box such as stencils, plywood cutouts and decorative molding (available at home supply centers). Window boxes can weigh a ton, so make sure the box has a strong support system — and is easy to access for watering and care. Mount the window box so that the top edge is just below the windowsill. Don't forget to make drainage holes. Use a lightweight peat-based soil mix. Water plants before transplanting. Half-fill window box with soil; stand root ball or bedding plant in window box and add soil mix up to the level of the plant. Firm gently. Water thoroughly. Make sure the soil is kept moist the first couple of weeks. Window boxes dry out quickly. If the potting soil feels dry when you push your finger into the soil about 1 inch, water. Dead-head blossoms regularly and fertilize with a time-release fertilizer. Arrange plants with tall ones in the back and short ones in front. Include a variety of colors, shapes and textures for interest. Rule of thumb: Plants in the back should be upright and provide a backdrop; center plants should have a mounding habit; and front plants should trail.
5814 Westminster Dr. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 319.266.7160 cambriangranite.com
57
CUTTINGS
foliage favorite COLEUS IS AN EXCITING, easy-care and indispensable foliage plant in the garden. It’s the year of the coleus, according to the National Garden Bureau, so let’s celebrate and invite coleus to your garden party! Coleus is versatile, too, lovely in pots or planted in garden beds. Look for interesting leaf textures, patterns, splashes, blotches, streaks, fleck and margins in a remarkably wide range of colors and color combinations. The wide range of coleus can be grouped into three basic plant forms including upright, rounded and prostrate/trailing. Sun coleus can tolerate more direct sunlight but may need extra moisture. Darker cultivators tolerate sun more than lighter varieties. Aim for morning sun and dappled afternoon shade. They will languish in deep shade. They’ll thrive in average soil, enjoy heat (above 55 F and under 95 F). Damp soils will cause leaf drop; lightly fertilize when watering. To maintain plant form, pinch back every few weeks to prevent flower formation. When pinching off flowers, do so throughout the entire summer to create a full, lush plant. Pinch just above a set of leaves or branching junction for the best appearance (don’t leave a stub!).
Fuseables Chocolate Symphony
Henna
Green Halo
Wizard Sunset
Colorblaze Sedona
Painted Desert combo
Wizard Velvet Red
Summer 2015 Honeycrisp
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Mighty Mosaic
Florida Sun Rose
Continued from page 53 In a food processor, process the cookies to fine, even crumbs, about 30 seconds. Add the sugar and pulse two or three times to incorporate. Add the warm melted butter in a slow, steady stream while pulsing; pulse until mixture is evenly moistened and resembles wet sand, about 10 1-second pulses.
319-277-1403 deckworkscv.com
Transfer the mixture to a 13x9 pan and press evenly into pan bottom. Bake until fragrant and golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cheesecake: 3 8-ounce bricks cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 eggs 2 cups lemon curd, divided 2 tablespoons heavy cream Beat cream cheese in the bowl of a standing mixer on medium low until smooth. Scrape. Add sugar and salt and mix. Scrape. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping between each. Reserve 3/4 cup lemon curd for topping. Add remaining curd to batter in three portions, scraping between each. Add cream. Scrape. Pour batter atop cooled crust and smooth top with spatula. Set the pan inside a roasting pan and place on oven rack. Fill the roasting pan with enough hot tap water to come halfway up the sides of the pan.
TRUST OUR NAME WITH YOUR COMFORT
Bake for 40 minutes or until instantread thermometer inserted in the center of the cake reads 150 F; cheesecake may be slightly jiggly in the center but will set as it cools. Chill for at least 2 hours, spreading reserved lemon curd atop cheesecake before serving. Chef's notes: The lemon curd and crust can certainly be done in advance. The softer the cream cheese, the easier it'll mix, so be sure to leave it out to soften. Cut into 1-inch chunks and left on the counter, the cream cheese will be acceptably soft after 30 minutes or so, though longer won't hurt.
SALES | SERVICE | INSTALL ATION | FREE ESTIMATES
Source: Adapted from America's Test Kitchen recipes.
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PARADE OF HOMES
Make plans to join the Parade! The 2015 Parade of Homes, sponsored by Courier Communications, Veridian and Northeast Iowa Home Builders Association is one of the Cedar Valley’s most anticipated events for new construction and remodeling. This year’s event is Thursday, Aug. 27 and Friday, Aug. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 in advnace at Hy-Vee and Veridian locations: $10 at the event.
New, custom-designed and remodeled homes by local and area builders and remodelers will be featured. The public will see the latest in home design and remodeling during one of the area’s largest real estate events. Stylish, efficient kitchens and bathrooms, open concept design, emphasis on details, the blending and cost-effective designs are among the main trends in home building.
SCHEDULE A FREE HOMECHECK®
Stop by and see our newly remodeled showroom at 4802 Sergeant Road
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Get a variety of energy- and money-saving products when you schedule a free* HomeCheck with MidAmerican Energy Company. Plus, receive a $200 bonus payment when you upgrade three qualifying recommended items, including insulation improvements, within 12 months of your energy assessment. Call today to see if your home qualifies. The power is in your hands with MidAmerican Energy.
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WHAT'S NEW
present time
You’ll never miss your favorite TV program or have to ask, “Does anyone know what time it is,” when you incorporate a quirky clock (working or not!) as a home accessory. Here are a few of our favorites found around the Cedar Valley.
Add vintage appeal to your space with this clock face , $18, Fig & Frolic, Cedar Falls
Call it industrial chic or steampunk, this clock rocks, $99.95, Basket of Daisies, Cedar Falls
Take these clocks at face value … $9.50. They don’t tell time, but are charming accents tucked into a lantern, $18.95, Basket of Daisies
A classic cookie jar with a clock flame proclaims “Cookie Time” – and we agree! From Waterloo’s Calico Henhouse, $40 Summer 2015
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Talk about two-faced! Check the time on either side of this clock, $65, Fig & Frolic, Cedar Falls
Vintage metal wall clock, $110, Little Red Schoolhouse, Independence
HOME EQUITY LOANS
AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
University of Iowa Community Credit Union is having a limited time special on home equity loans. Enjoy an incredible 1.23% APR* welcome rate for 5 months. After that it’s a short hop to fixed rates as low as 3.25% APR*. Use the funds to add curb appeal, buy a car, or whatever you wish. You’ll enjoy a great rate, line-of-credit convenience, up to 100% financing, and the benefits of tax deductible interest (consult your tax advisor).
Home Equity Loans
1.23%
APR*
5 month welcome rate Fixed rates as low as 3.25% APR* thereafter
YOU CAN JOIN if you live or work in eastern Iowa. *APR is Annual Percentage Rate. 1.23% APR introductory rate is fixed for 5 months from the loan origination date. At that time, all balances will convert to the fixed rate of the loan program that you have chosen. Options include a fixed rate loan or fixed rate line of credit. Rates as of March 1 are as follows: Fixed Rate Home Equity Line of Credit as low as 3.25% for a 5-year credit line (example of monthly payment for $25,000 loan is $250). Home Equity Loan rates are as low as 3.25% for a 5-year term, 3.75% for a 10-year term, 4.25% for a 15-year term. Proof of homeowner insurance required. $225 closing costs, unless full appraisal needed. Limited time offer. No internal refinances. Consult tax advisor on tax deductibility. Rate and loan approval are subject to credit qualification and Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio.
800-397-3790
www.uiccu.org 63
Go ahead. Treat yourself.
www.kochconstruction.org | 319.266.0807
Give your home the renovation it deserves.