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ARTICLE INDEXBackyard Oasis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Happy Medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Keys to Fixing Wet Basements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Budget Friendly Paint Projects to Spruce Up Home . . . . 5Make a Statement with Wood Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Spring Greening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Give Your Home a Green Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Float On - Open Floor Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Add Kitchen Appeal with Bonus Appliances . . . . . . . . . . 9Create Homemade Outdoor Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Tips for Adding Resale Value to Your Home’s Exterior . 11A Kitchen Worth Cooking In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12The Choice for a Home Air Filtration System . . . . . . . . 14Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14It’s Never Too Early . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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The best vacations lift us out ofthe frenzy of our lives, whisking usoff to faraway places that relax andrejuvenate us.

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Instead of throwing a bunch of money at a short-term getaway, con-sider investing a portion of it into transforming your back yard into apersonal relaxation oasis.

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The four most dreaded words ina parent's vocabulary: "Clean upyour room."

The answer to this angst, organ-izing experts say, is to rememberthey are children, with all the feel-ings and motivations that comewith the job.

Motivation"The key thing to remember

when working with children is

they feel things differently thanadults, which is why they crymore openly, laugh more deeply,feel fear more dramatically andplay with more vigor than mostadults," says Wenndi Freer, ownerof Engage The Flow, a space-clear-ing service in Encinitas, Calif."When a parent takes the time torecognize that the room feels goodwhen it's clean, kids get it. If youcan start early and work with yourchild at this level, the feelinglevel, they will quickly recognizethat a clean room just feels betterthan a messy one."

The most effective way to teachthis skill, says Freer, is to be in theroom with your child and breakeach task down into mini steps.

"By gently guiding themthrough the process rather thandoing it for them, children learnto feel a sense of accomplishment,"says Freer.

Organization"Explain to them that every-

thing has a 'home,' just like theydo," says Jan Hayner, professionalorganizer in Sheboygan, Wiscon-sin. "So at night, everything goesback 'home' until the next timethey need it."

Make sure that there is a ham-per for dirty clothes, says Hayner.Add clothes rods that kids canreach. They will hang things up if

they can reach a rod without usinga chair.

For small items, use a hangingshoe bag (the pockets are great),labeled check boxes wrapped incontact paper to match the roomor muffin tins-painted to matchthe room.

Schoolwork"Designate a specific place for

backpacks, lunch boxes andbooks," says Freer. Homeworkneeds to go back into the back-pack as soon as it's completed. Byhaving folders in the backpack,children can use their backpackslike adults filing cabinets, saysFreer.

Toys, toys, toysSelect appropriate shelving and

storage containers that will workfor toys, labeling containers withletters or pictures of the item sothe child will know where theygo, says Barry J. Izsak, a profes-sional organizer in Austin, Texas.When your child gets a new toy,ask them which toy they wouldlike to give away, adds Izsak.When a child is finished playingwith a toy, he or she must put itback before playing with anothertoy. All toys must be put awaybefore dinner, bedtime and otherappropriate times.

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What homeowners are breathing in every day has the potentialto harm their health. According to the Environmental ProtectionAgency, it's the air inside of the home, rather than the air outside,that may cause the most physical harm. Many people seek optionsto reduce the toxicity of indoor air through a filtration system.

Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more toxic than outside air.Newer, energy-efficient homes that are very well insulated againstdrafts may be among the most dangerous. That's because they re-strict the ability for fresh air to seep into the home.

Resident dust mites, harmful airborne particulates and evenmold could be residing in the house along with its occupants. Anair filtration system can be one strategy homeowners can employto clean up indoor air.

Homeowners may want to consider a permanent, whole-houseunit that hooks up to the central heating and air conditioning al-ready set up in the home. This enables every room in the home toreceive filtered air. It is essential that the filters on the unit bechanged frequently. Also, if a humidifier is hooked up to theHVAC unit, then the water should be changed on a regular basisso that mold does not proliferate and get blown throughout thehome. Homeowners who don't have forced-air heating and cool-ing will have to have a different filtration system installed in-stead.

For renters or individuals who don't want a permanent system,there are many portable air filtration units on the market. Thesecan be moved from room to room and even brought along whentraveling.

Air filtration units will vary depending on what they arecleaning from the air. Some tackle mold, others viruses andbacteria. Individuals with allergies should look for filters thattarget dust and pollen. Others can trap fumes and micro-scopic particles through unique processes. Here are some ofthe advanced cleaning filtration systems to consider.

* Ionizers: Emit a small electric charge to the air streamcreating a magnetic-like attraction for pollution particles,which causes them to adhere to the filter.

* Ultraviolet light purification: Air passes through a UVsystem that destroys bacteria, viruses and dust mites of anysize.

* Electrostatic precipitators: These create opposite chargeson metal wires or plates, attracting and holding dust, pollen,smoke, and other particles as small as .0001 microns. The as-sembly often can be removed and washed for reuse.

* High efficiency particulate air (HEPA): These filters aredesigned to remove 99.97 percent of the particulates that passthrough the filters. They will have no effect on fumes, viruses,bacteria, smaller mold spores, or some tobacco particulates.

* Ultra HEPA: An even more efficient form of HEPAcleaners, which typically clean out 99.999 percent of the par-ticulates that pass through them.

* Ozone: Destroys all bacteria that comes in contact withthe ozone, and leaves a "fresh" smell in the air. However, thesafety of ozone inside the home is questionable. The Canadiangovernment has banned the sale of ozone releasing air purifica-tion systems.


Tame the Toys

The "Having a Child" instructionmanual may have talked about2 a.m. feedings and bouts ofcolic, but it may not have men-tioned that having kids oftenmeans acquiring a householdof stuff designed to care forand amuse these little ones-in-cluding lots and lots of toys. Ifspring cleaning means tamingthe toys and games in thehome so that the living roomdoesn't look like an aisle inToys 'R Us, keep in mind thatit's possible to maintain somestyle in the home while cohabi-tating with the kids. Smart stor-age is one of a parent's bestfriends. Look for items that canhold kid toys and accessoriesbut don't look like they weredesigned for kids. Nix the pri-mary colored plastic bins forsomething more sophisticated,like an upholstered ottoman with ahinged cover for storage in-side. Turn wicker baskets andother sleek accessories into toybins. Even magazine holdersand desk organization accessories can hold smallfigurines and children's books.

Parents can even reserve oneor two drawers in a bureau orchina cabinet to quickly stashtoys when company is comingover.

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Did You Know?The pioneer home improvement series, "This Old House," debuted as a one-time, 13-part series on aBoston public broadcasting station in1979. The show has won 17 Emmyawards over its storied history. Theoriginal host was Bob Vila, who in1989 was asked to leave the showafter appearing in commercials forhome improvement competitors to theshow's underwriter, The Home Depot.Carpenter Norm Abrams has beenpart of the series since its inception.The series has spurred several spin-offs and is still going strongtoday.


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et happy - that's the collective message home- and interior-products makers are telling folks this year.

The world has been a pretty tough place for the pastdecade, racked by war and recession.

For 2011, expect to see some "happy" colors in everything from dishesto furniture to throw pillows, says Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute whoalso writes the morealivewithcolor.com blog. The Pantone Institute, which tracks color trends,declared honeysuckle pink its 2011 Color of the Year because "it's an instant pick-me-up," Eise-man shares.

But color is just one way to add a dose of cheer.Of course, just as each of us defines happy in our own terms, mood boosters are a matter of indi-

vidual taste.Still, experts can point to several themes that make a home a happy refuge:

CLEAR AND COMFORTINGSure, a bright throw tossed over a sofa can lift your mood - but only if the view isn't obscured

by piles of unread mail or other anxiety-inducing clutter."What do we want to see, and what do we hide?" asks Seattle architect Milan Heger. Develop-

ing an "aesthetic discipline" to get in the habit of clearing away clutter is the primary step to-wards a happy home, he says. "First we create a good way to store objects," Heger says. Bookshelves, cabinets or even neat piles keep the distractions in their place, he adds.

COLOR-CODEDOrganization clears your space, which in turn clears your mind.Our own reluctance to organize is the only obstacle in the way to clear-headedness. Combine

another mood lifter - namely color - to spur yourself into action.Kate S. Brown, a certified professional organizer in Sarasota, Fla., shares that colorful organizing

tools and files prompt people who hate to put objects intheir place or file get started. "For instance, I've seenpeople who have purchased photo files in a color that coordinates with their room get really excited aboutusing the files - and then after they're through they'reeven more satisfied," Brown shares.

Emotion-enhancing hues vary according to the indi-vidual and with the space involved, underscores AnitraMecadon, host of the DIY Network series "Mega Dens."

"For example, red is a passionate color that stimulatesthe senses - it's great for adding life to an active room,"says Mecadon. On the other hand, Mecadon adds, youcan achieve happiness with "some great soothing earthtones, or pale shades of green-blue, which are peacefuland calming."

Eiseman adds, "Our favorite colors in surroundings always make us feel better. Each color has a different ef-fect, but all bright colors can give us a lift."

FLOWER POWERTake time to smell the roses. And put them in a vase.

And set them out where you'll view them often.Scientific studies, like one recently conducted by Rut-

gers University, find that flowers prompt immediate positive responses, and are even related tobetter social behaviors and memory skills. Moreover, the researchers find the boost is likely to lasteven after the bloom fades a bit. The Rutgers study finds women who received flowers reportedmore positive moods three days later.

SMALL CHANGEJust as you may need a break from your routine to rev up your spirits, adding a dose of differ-

ence to a couple of rooms everyseason can rev up the senses.

"Utilize new candles, colorsand scents," suggests KristinAndress, who runs the Web siteimaginebeing.com. "Add differ-ent throw pillows to the couchor a lively rug to your foyer.The energy of your rooms willimprove with simple changeshere and there."©CTW Features

HappyMedium

With happy-go-luckyhues like honeysucklepink, it's never been easier to organize with mood in mind

)By Marilyn Kennedy MeliaCTW Features

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Keys to Fixing Wet BasementsA wet basement is something thousands of homeowners contend with but

none look forward to fixing. Water entering the basement can be an expen-sive repair job, and it seems like few homes are impervious to water infiltra-tion.

Water can enter a basement or crawlspace in a number of ways, seepingthrough the floor if the surrounding ground is constantly saturated or enter-ing through cracks in the foundation walls. Leaky basement windows couldcause water to enter, while improperly draining downspouts and gutters maycause water to pool around the home's foundation and enter the home.

A wet basement can decrease a home's value and potentially damagewhat's in the home. Standing water in a basement can also pose health haz-ards, such as mold and mildew growth, and can prove a breeding ground forinsects that like moist conditions.

There are a number of techniques used to combat basement water issues. Awaterproofing company can help homeowners ascertain what method will bebest for the type of water issue they have.

* Find the source of water. Sometimes water remediation requires minimaleffort or simple solutions. It may be a grading issue on the property or land-scaping that is causing water to pool around the home's foundation. Fixingthese issues can alleviate water in the basement.

* Create a barrier. A dampness or water issue may be remediated by creat-ing a barrier between the water and the inside of the home. Waterproofingpaints and sealants can be applied to both the outside and inside walls of abasement. However, waterproofing application on the outside of the homemay cause disruption to landscaping and the need for excavation to reachfoundation walls. Inside application is easier, but eventually the product mayneed to be reapplied if water pressure causes the sealant to blister or peel off.A plastic vapor barrier can be installed in crawlspaces that have vented con-crete or dirt floors. This will help to protect against moisture in the space.

* Install drains.Various drainagesystems are de-signed to helpwith basementwater issues. De-pending on thedrain, it may beinstalled at theperimeter of thebasement inte-rior or on the exterior of thehome. Thedrains are designed to capture water from the ground and direct it far awayfrom the foundation. Drains can gradually become clogged with sedimentand dirt and may need to be cleaned or replaced. Newer innovations in base-ment drainage systems that alleviate clogging issues are available throughreputable businesses.

* Use a sump pump. For other water issues, a sump pump can help gathergroundwater in a sump pit and pump it out and away from the home. It's agood idea to have a backup source of power for the sump pump because if thepower goes out, the sump pump will be rendered useless.

Water is the No. 1 enemy of basements and crawlspaces. It behooves thehomeowner to take fast action to correct water issues in the lowest part ofthe home to ensure comfort and safety.

Waterproofing a basement is generally not a do-it-yourself job. It requiresthe expertise of a trained contractor who will do a quality job.

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them up, store them in containers and put them on a shelf," he says. "Thisway I can't miss them and I can use the produce bin for other things thatwon't expire as quickly."

If you're remodeling a kitchen or starting from scratch, design an organ-ized kitchen with these tips from Marlene Buckner, designer and owner ofThe Urban Realm in Portland, Ore.

PANTRY

When a walk-in pantry isn't an option, create the same amount of linearfeet of storage by using cabinetry, such as chef's pantries, bulk foodpantries and specialty pantries with after-market inserts. Ideal size forshelves is 6 inches deep.

CORNER-WALL SUSANFor ones with an angled door, turntable carousels are available to bring

items from the back around to the front within easy reach.

DRAWERS AND DIVIDERSSkip base cabinets with shelves and rollouts. Install drawers instead,

since they open with one motion. To avoid losing items in the back of draw-ers, divide up drawers and keep rarely used utensils in the back.

TRASH ROLLOUTSTrash and recycle rollouts can be installed under sink bases or base

cabinets to help keep out-bounditems out of the way until they areremoved from the kitchen.

COUNTER SPACEKeep at least 24 inches on one

side and 36 inches on the otherside of sinks and cooking areas tomaximize working space.

© CTW Features


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instance, keep two ladles if you tend to make two different pots of soup atonce," she says. Alexander agrees and says multiple sets of certain thingscan actually make your life in the kitchen easier. "For things like measuringcups and spoons, if you have dry and wet ingredients, you don't want to ex-tend your cooking time by washing and drying a measuring spoon in-be-tween steps. But, do you really need more than one ice cream maker?Decide what you'll need more of and what you won't."

Once you decide what's staying inthe kitchen, Schneider suggests apply-ing the "next-to" rule. "If an item has acompanion piece, it should be storednext-to that item. Coffee should go nextto mugs, which should be near the cof-fee maker," she says. Zanella followsthis method regularly. "I keep utensilsthat I'm going to use for certain typesof cooking with each other. I have adrawer where my measuring cups andspoons are that I use for baking closeto my pans for baking, and my silver-ware drawer is near my dinner table,while my utensils drawer is closer to mystove."

FRIDGE FRENZYStretch your grocery budget and

keep your family healthy by organizingyour refrigerator weekly, Schneidersays. "Before making a week's menuand grocery list, clean out the expiredfoods, wipe up messes, make a note ofleftovers that need to be eaten and in-corporate those items into your nextweek's meal plan," she says. To keeptrack of leftovers and opened items,Alexander says to mark cooked dishesand opened items by labeling themwith the date they were cooked oropened. Then place the stuff that willgo bad first near the front of the shelf."If you have children or multiple peoplein the house cooking, it's a great way tocommunicate what needs to be eatenwhen," she says.

Zanella says to be honest aboutwhat will be used. "Think about whenyou're going to use that condimentagain and if you really need it," hesays. "There's no point keeping some-thing in the fridge for months for arecipe you've been meaning to get to,but won't." To make space, Zanella rec-ommends cutting up fruits and veggiesinto small pieces and storing them incontainers. "Instead of whole grape-fruits taking up my produce bin, I'll cut

By Cathy Cassata CTW Features

Deciding what to cook for meals is challenging enough without having to fight through an unorganized kitchen.Make this dreaded daily decision a bit easier by whipping the kitchen into cooking and dining shape with helpfultips from chefs, a kitchen designer and a professional organizer.

PANTRY PERFECTIf your dream walk-in pantry is a nightmare of a mess, divide it into zones. "Put items you don't use often up

high, items that are heavy down low and items you regularly use at eye-level," says Marlene Buckner, designer andowner of The Urban Realm in Portland, Ore.

Make rotating items a habit, says Devin Alexander, host of Healthy "Decadence" on FitTV and author of "TheBiggest Loser Cookbook" series. "Instead of putting a new can of soup in front of an older can, put it behind," shesays. "It takes a little longer, but it's worth it because you'll eat fresher food and throw away less expired food."

To manage the oft-untidy snack cabinet, Lea Schneider, owner of organizerightnow.com has a solution. "Use aneasy-to-reach large basket placed at eye-level to hold opened packages of things, such as cookies, crackers, chipsand granola bars," she says. Then, use a labeled area of a top shelf to hold the new, unopened replacement boxes."Not only does this system encourage family members to eat the already opened packages first, but makes it mucheasier for you to judge when you need to stock up," she adds.

Remember not all dry goods belong in the pantry, says Dean Zanella, executive chef at Rhapsody restaurant inChicago. "Some things make more sense if they're closer to where you'll be cooking," he says. "I keep my spices ina cabinet by the stove rather than the pantry, so I can easily reach them when needed." Zanella says this alsoopens up room in the pantry for bulkier items or appliances you don't always use. "Since I keep some dry goodsthroughout cabinets in my kitchen, the bottom shelf of my pantry is free for things like my blender."

STUFFED WITH STUFFBefore you begin a mad hunt for the best spot for dishes, glasses, utensils and gadgets, Schneider says take

everything out and purge. "Only keep one of each item unless you are sure that you use two at the same time. For


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Given the sluggish economy, now is not thetime most of us want to spring for a costly re-modeling project. But you don't have to spend alot of money to spruce up your home with paint.

The nation's number one do-it-yourself proj-

ect holds that title for a reason (two reasons, ac-tually): Painting is easy and it's inexpensive,making it just right for budget-minded con-sumers.

What's more, even small paint projects cangreatly enhance the appearance of your home.Here are some quick ways to get a lot of mileageout of a little paint, according to Debbie Zim-mer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Insti-tute:

Paint just an interior accent wall. Don't havethe time or energy to paint an entire room? Givethe space an exciting new look by painting justone wall in a different color. A so-called accentwall can add visual interest to a room and intro-duce another hue into your color scheme.

Paint the area above (or below) a chair rail.According to Zimmer, if your home is blessedwith chair rails, you don't have to paint the en-tire wall. "You can choose to repaint only thewall area above the rail, or the area below it,"says Zimmer. "It's a simple project that can dra-matically change the appearance of the room."

Paint the interior windows and trim. Loveyour wall color, but still yearn for a new look?Give the room a makeover by painting yourwindows, molding, and trim. You'll be surprisedhow different a room can look when you change

the intensity of color there.Paint a room's standout fea-

ture. Play up what's specialabout a room by painting it adifferent color. This could be afireplace surround, a curvedarchway, the backs of built-inbookshelves or cabinets, orsomething else. Using a strong"punch" color will draw immedi-ate attention to your standoutfeature.

Paint the front door. Studieshave shown that visitors gettheir first impression about ahome from the condition of thefront entrance, according toZimmer. A freshly painted doorhelps ensure that first impressionwill be favorable.

Paint just a few exterior archi-tectural details. Even if youdon't have to paint your homeexterior for maintenance rea-sons, consider changing the ap-pearance of your home bypainting a few architectural de-tails. Shutters are good candi-dates. "But if you're luckyenough to own a house with or-namental fretwork, call atten-tion to the trim by painting it astrong or vibrant color that con-trasts with your walls," Zimmerrecommends.

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Make A Statement With Wood FlooringNowadays, homeowners renovating their homes often look

to wood flooring to replace existing floors. Hardwood is cov-eted by buyers, and its clean, inviting look makes it a neutraldesign element that goes with many different types of decor.

Today's hardwood flooring is not the hardwood of the past.There are many options from which to choose, including var-ied colors, types of wood, patterns, and inlays. In addition, in-novations in sealants enable hardwood to be durable and holdup better against the daily grind.

About 25 years ago, a homeowner basically had to settle forwood flooring that was solid oak strips at 2.25 inches wide.The strips were nailed in place by a carpenter and finished onsite. Now, more than half of hardwood is fabricated and pre-finished at a factory and is much easier to install -- even bythe homeowner himself.

The range of styles and colors is also very extensive. Plankscan be chosen in thin strips or wider options. Native hard-woods are available, as are offshore woods from differentcountries. Finishes can also be customized with higher gloss ormatte choices.

For homeowners interested in going green, hardwood floor-ing also presents many options. A growing trend is using re-claimed wood that is recycled and then refinished into newitems. Lumber may be reclaimed from old buildings, railroads,barns, homes, and even river bottoms. The varied history ofthe wood adds to its aesthetic appeal.

It's important for homeowners to know that the price pointfor hardwood will vary depending on species and finish. How-ever, the way the boards are cut will also be a considerationfor homeowners. Plainsawn or flatsawn boards have growthrings that run at anywhere from 0 to 45-degree angles to thewide surfaces of the board, with lots of loops and swirls. Quar-tersawn boards have rings that run from 45- to 90-angles andare not as lively in pattern. Quartersawn boards will expandin thickness depending on moisture and temperature. Plain-sawn will shrink and swell widthwise. Quartersawn tend totake wear better and more evenly, contributing to their typi-cally more expnesive price tag.

Homeowners can also choose among engineered woodproducts, which are essentially several layers of wood veneeradhered to a solid backing of plywood and sealed. This layeredconstruction can make engineered flooring more stable anddurable than traditional hardwood flooring. That means itcan be used in rooms where hardwood was long frownedupon, like basements and bathrooms.

Wood flooring will continue to garner mass appeal and bethe preference of many homeowners. With new innovationsand availability, there are more options than ever for discern-ing homeowners.

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Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is something many people do selflessly in an effort to protect the envi-ronment and ensure that the generations to come have a healthy planet at their disposal. But that samelifestyle can also pay instant dividends, helping homeowners save money and creating a healthier atmospherein which to live.

As spring cleaning season gets set to hit full swing, what better time to do some "spring greening"? Home-owners can make the most of spring cleaning by making several manageable changes around the house thatcan protect the environment without disrupting one's current lifestyle.

* Clean green. Instead of using harmful chemical cleaners when cleaning around the house this spring,choose green cleaning supplies that don't release harmful chemicals or toxins into the air.

* Paint with the planet in mind. Spring is a popular time to repaint rooms in the house. Homeownerswith painting on their to-do list this spring cleaning season should choose no- or low-VOC (volatile or-ganic compound) paints.

* Fix those drafts. Chances are, after a long winter homeowners are well aware of which rooms werewarm and which might have had drafts. Visit those colder rooms and plug any air leaks around thehouse. This will result in a lower heating bill next winter and could save substantial amounts of energy.For homeowners with attics, checking the attic for air infiltration should be done each and every year.

* Explore alternative landscaping methods. Xeriscaping, a style of landscape design that requires littleor no irrigation, can save significant amounts of water. However, homeowners should consult a landscap-ing professional to determine if xeriscaping is a viable alternative to more traditional landscaping in

their region. If xeriscaping can be done, then homeowners will save water while also reducing the use of po-tentially harmful pesticides and chemicals commonly used to keep lawns looking lush.

* Go low-flow. Spring cleaning isn't just for clearing out the winter clutter. It's also a time when many home-owners fix up the house. If replacing showerheads, faucets or even toilets is on the to-do list, replace existing fixtures

with low-flow models to save water and money.* Shop for sustainable materials. Sustainable flooring is growing in popularity now that going green has truly taken off.

Search for wood that has been harvested in environmentally friendly ways. Sustainable flooring materials include bamboo andcork, which many homeowners find as aesthetically appealing as it is eco-friendly.

* Double it up. Single-pane windows not only allow lots of external noise into the house, but they also contribute to heat loss inthe winter, forcing residents to turn up the thermostat and waste more energy as a result. Installing double-pane windows will keep

more external noise at bay, and allow homeowners to minimize heat loss in the winter.* Unplug the appliances. Perhaps nothing around the house silently uses energy as much as a plugged-in appliance that's not being used. Certain estimates suggest as

much as 40 percent of a monthly utility bill is going toward powering home appliances that are turned off. While every home is different, it's a safe bet that most homes cansave energy by simply unplugging appliances that aren't in use.

SpringJournal Gazette & Times-Courier Spring HOME imp rovemen t 11

Change the siding? Add new shrubbery? Replace the cracked sidewalk? When it comes time to enhance the curb appeal of your home, there are a multitude ofimprovement projects you can consider --- but which ones will add the highest resale value to your home? According to many experts, home owners should “thinkbig” and invest in projects that make a significant impact on the exterior of your home. Adding window flower pots or garden flags are a nice touch, but they don’tadd lasting value to a home. To enhance your enjoyment while living in your home, and to add resale value when you decide to sell your house, consider projectsthat impressively kick up the overall value of your home. Sometips to accomplish this goal include:

Tip #1 – Create a Bay or Bow Window on the front of yourhome. Take out a few side-by-side Double Hung windows andopt to replace them with a Bay or Bow window. These dramaticwindows extend the living space on the interior of the home andcreate a new focal point for a house. Make certain to maximizeyour investment by insisting on low-maintenance ENERGYSTAR® qualified windows, such as the vinyl Bay and Bow windows manufactured by Simonton Windows.

Tip #2 – Invest in a strong roof with a strong warranty. Theroof is one of the most vulnerable areas of the home’s structure, sowhen it’s time to replace it, start with lots of research. Look for alow-maintenance roof that can withstand fire, high winds, im-pact, hail and severe weather. One company, DaVinci Roofscapes,offers a 50-year limited warranty on their synthetic roofing tilesthat come in slate and shake styles. These roofs laugh in the faceof Mother Nature --- and stand up to hurricanes, tornadoes,snowstorms and searing temperatures.

Tip #3 – Enhance the entryway with brick panels. Set off thearea surrounding the entry door with environmentally-friendlypanelized brick product. Available from Performance Brick, thesepanels are made of recycled gypsum and reinforced with high-density polymer materials. The overlapping and interlockingpanels install quickly to the exterior of the home and come in “norepeat patterns” to assure a one-of-a-kind look. The decorativepanels come in Cabernet Red, Darlington Rose, ManchesterBrown and Pearl Grey color options along with a custom colormatch system.

Tip #4 – Add decorative millwork around windows and doors.Trimless doors and windows equate to a boring home exterior. Byinvesting in low maintenance urethane window crossheads thatsit atop windows, and pilasters that travel vertically up the sidesof doors, homeowners can embellish the exteriors of their homes.Small touches can go a long way. Fypon keystones added to thecrossheads, or pediments added on top of the entry door, createstunning complements to the home’s exterior.

Tip #5 – Replace a window with a decorative glass accent win-dow. Select a front-facing window onyour home’s exteriorthat’s in a hallway orguest bathroom andreplace it with anartistic decorativeglass window to addsparkle inside and out-side the home. Sun-light entering througha Hy-Lite decorativeglass window is trans-formed into colorfulprisms of light. Con-sidered “art for thewalls” these windowsfeature a variety ofclear and colored glasspieces and swirlsaccented by black orpatina caming foradded elegance.

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Create Homemade Outdoor CraftsAs families await the arrival of warmer weather, there are things they can do to prepare for a season of fun in the sun. Engaging in some craft projects are ways to

beat cabin fever while dreaming of warm, springtime weather to come.There are many craft projects families and children can tackle, but ideas that involve projects that can be put to use outdoors may be the most fitting. Fortunately,

there are a number of ideas for crafty projects to involve everyone in the household.* Birdhouse: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Otherwise, chances are items that can be made into a birdhouse probably can be found from

scraps of materials already around the house or in the garage. Scraps of wood, metal, tiles, plastic, and the like can be used to craft a bird house or feeder. Even anempty plastic bottle can be used. Some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, can be placed inside the house to entice birds to take up residence once theweather warms.

* Stepping stones: Stepping stones can be a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. A trip to the craft store for some plaster or even a quick-set ce-ment can be themedium to use for thestones. Experimentwith shapes that canbe used as molds, andgather different mate-rials that can be em-bedded into thestepping stone, such aspebbles, marbles,beads, etc. Use a pen-cil or another pointedtool to engrave a mes-sage or name on thestepping stones beforeallowing them to dryand harden.

* Kite: The begin-ning of the spring sea-son often arrivesbehind a burst ofwind. Make the mostof blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a kitchen trash bag, some sticks andstring.

* Garden gnomes: Craft stores often sell unfinished pottery that can be painted andsealed. See if garden gnomes or other whimsical creatures can be found. Use acrylicpaint to decorate the figurines in your favorite colors.

* Outdoor games:A large piece of ply-wood or fiberboardcan serve as the gameboard for a numberof different activities.Use spray paint tostencil on alternatingsquares of red andblack for a larger thanlife checkerboard or chess board.For those with more time andcreative stamina, use large stonesto paint on letters and make anoutdoor Scrabble® board for funtimes with family and friends.

* Painted flower pots: If thecolors and designs at the localgarden center don't fit with aparticular design scheme, buyunfinished terra-cotta or plasticpots and paint them with the de-signs and colors that coordinatebetter.

Getting crafty doesn't have tomean knitting sweaters or de-coupage hat boxes. By makingitems that can be put to use out-doors, families can usher in thespring season a little early andreap the rewards for months tocome.

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Perhaps no decade has witnessed more rapid technological advancements than the openingdecade of the 21st century. At the turn of the century, cellular phones had still yet to catch on uni-versally, and few households had high-definition televisions. Ten years later, cell phones are soprevalent even many school-aged children have them, and rare is the household that has not em-braced HDTV.

Technology has advanced in other areas as well. Among the more notable advancements isthe increase in eco-friendly technologies. Homeowners hoping to make their homes more environ-mentally friendly have a host ofoptions at their beck and callthat enable them to do justthat. No matter which area ofthe home needs to be ad-

dressed, chances are homeowners can find ways to improve their homes in an eco-friendly way.

CARPETINGCost-conscious homeowners often love how eco-friendly carpeting options are typically lower in price.

Recyclable carpets require few, if any, toxic materials to manufacture. What's more, homeowners whoenjoy changing their home's decor from time to time will find eco-friendly carpet tiles are easy to installand subsequently replace when the itch to change a home's interior arises.

BUILDING MATERIALSWhen building a dream home, homeowners also have a host of green building materials at their dis-

posals. Be it mold-resistant drywall made from recycled paper or eco-friendly siding options, homeown-ers building their dream home or adding on to an existing home can choose eco-friendly buildingmaterials for both the interior and exterior of their homes.

FLOORINGAn increasing percentage of homeowners prefer wood flooring over carpeting. Fortunately, there are

several eco-friendly flooring options that use recycled and reliable wood from old buildings. In addition,homeowners can choose eco-friendly options like cork, rubber or even bamboo for their home's flooring.

But eco-friendly flooring is not necessarily limited to wood flooring. Recyclable linoleum flooring isalso available, and these new products are typically far less toxic than the linoleum floors of yesteryear.

HOME OFFICEWorking from home has steadily grown in popularity as technology has made it easier for employees

to get their work done without having to head into the office. For homeowners who want to add a homeoffice to their homes, it's easy to make that home office environmentally friendly.

Lighting fixtures are often a primary concern when designing a home office, in which men andwomen want to mirror the well-lit environment they're accustomed to at traditional office buildings. Toilluminate the room in an effective and eco-friendly way, individuals can install LED lighting fixtures.Such fixtures have a long life expectancy and use far less energy than their incandescent counterparts.

Another way to go green at the home office withoutspending much money is to make room for some plantsin the office. Plants will absorb toxins in the air andalso improve the indoor air quality, which many officeworkers cite as a problem in traditional offices thatdon't place too great an emphasis on indoor air quality.

When going green, it's easy to assume technologywill be detrimental to the environment. However, ad-vancements in eco-friendly technology have made iteasier for homeowners to build their dream homes ineco-friendly ways.

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Challenge: Open floor plans, though stillpopular, put design skills to the test because

there are few walls to place furniture against. On the other hand, small spaces canfeel as though the walls are closing in.Proposed solution: Pull furniture away from the walls and "float" it in the room.In an open floor plan, this provides a cozy seating area. In a small room, it createsthe appearance of airiness.Bigger challenge: Getting the proposed solution to work.

Airy ArrangementsA floating arrangement is difficult to pull off, since any-

thing other than perfect placement can make furnishings look like "ships cast at sea" or as though someone cleanedthe walls and forgot to move the furniture back, says New York designer Scott Salvator.

For the average person, and even for pros, a successful outcome "requires a lot of arranging and rearranging," saysdesigner Dawn Falcone, also of New York. "You have to set aside time to work with your furniture. Sometimes justpushing something back one inch makes all the difference in the world."

In certain rooms, a floating arrangement simply won't work, no matter how many rounds of "musical furniture"you undertake. "It's really an architecture-driven thing. If the room is big and open in all directions, a floating floorplan works great," Salvator says, though an island of furniture in the middle of the room requires at least 3 feet ofwalking space around the perimeter.

To begin experimenting, remove everything from the room except your largest furnishings, such as your sofa andlove seat. Identify the room's focal point, or create one. In a living room, it's usually the fireplace or television.

The focal point is your anchor, Falcone says, and guides the placement of your remaining furniture. Generally, the sofa looks good directly across from thefocal point, facing it at a comfortable distance. Other pieces can then be angled toward the focal point or oriented around the sofa to create a balancedarrangement conducive to conversation.

Alternately, you can place the sofa and a love seat to form an L, with the arms close together for cohesion. You probably will need to place furnishings withcomparable "visual weight" across from the love seat for balance. An area rug can be used to define and unify your arrangement, Falcone says.

With your primary pieces in place, you need to figure out how to use the rest of the space. "In a huge room, if everything's in the middle you need to haveother groupings of furniture," Falcone says. Against one wall, you could place two chairs with an occasional table between them, for example.

In the best-case scenario, these groupings would accommodate other activities, such as read-ing, Falcone says.

Off the WallsA floating floor plan leaves

you with blank, gallery-likewalls. If smaller furnituregroupings aren't possible, fillin the space with framed pho-tos and artwork, or place a con-sole table against the wall andhang a striking piece of art-work above it, Falcone sug-gests.

For smaller rooms, considermoving furniture off the wallat an angle instead of unmoor-ing it altogether. For example,angle your sofa off the wallslightly and put a table andtable lamp behind it in thewidest part of the pie-shapedspace you've created. Or keepthe sofa parallel to the wall butbring it out far enough to put arectangular table behind it.

One problem with floatingfloor plans is that there's noplace to plug things in, thoughin some homes it's possible toretrofit floor outlets. Make nomistake: "You'll need tablelamps and floor lamps no mat-ter how much natural and over-head lighting you have,"Falcone says.

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Homeowners remodeling their kitchen can look beyond traditional ap-pliances and add specialty tools that may save on space and upgrade roomefficiency.

Not every kitchen is equipped with a trash compactor or wine cooler,but many homeowners are seeing the benefits of rethinking what appli-ances are included in their kitchen layouts and looking beyond the rangeor dishwasher.

Trash CompactorA trash compactor is a device that can be built into cabinetry or used

as a stand-alone appliance wherever there is an available electrical outlet. Compactors have advantages over traditional garbage pails and bags in

the kitchen. They can hold a week or two of garbage in compressed form,reducing the need to take out the trash. Plus, they will not become asodiferous as a regular pail. Compactors also take up less space than agarbage pail and can look more aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen.

Many compactors have filters and deodorizing holders inside the com-pactor. This will eliminate the smell that often results from decomposingfoods and other debris.

Trash compactors can be especially handy for individuals who live inan apartment or where space is at a premium in the kitchen. The com-pactor will flatten the garbage when a button or lever is pressed, reducingthe volume of the trash. It may also beused with plastic and aluminum recy-lables.

Wine CoolerChances are a wine cellar will not fit

in the average house. But a wine re-frigerator can keep wine at the righttemperature and humidity for optimalenjoyment.

Wine coolers are growing in popu-larity as more wine afficionados understand how the flavorof wine can benefit from proper stor-age. A refrigerator will hold wine bot-tles and insulate them from outsidetemperature fluctuations. They willalso be handy and ready for use whenthe time comes.

Drawer DishwashersMost households are already equipped with a dishwasher, but the ma-

jority are a single wash area models. It is well known that for a dishwasherto operate efficiently, the entire washer should be filled before running

the cycle. For many people this can take days of dishes sitting soiled in the dishwasher.Drawer dishwashers split the cleaning area into two unique zones. This enables a smaller load to be washed.

However, this isn't the only advantage. Drawer dishwashers can be more ergonomic, reducing the need for bend-ing over to load the washer. Furthermore, because the two drawers work independently of one another, onedrawer can be used on a light cycle for minimally soiled dishes, while the other runs for heavily dirtied dishes --all simultaneously.Their unique look also makes drawer dishwashers coveted simply from a design perspective.

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By Dawn KlingensmithCTW Features

Challenge: Open floor plans, though stillpopular, put design skills to the test because

there are few walls to place furniture against. On the other hand, small spaces canfeel as though the walls are closing in.Proposed solution: Pull furniture away from the walls and "float" it in the room.In an open floor plan, this provides a cozy seating area. In a small room, it createsthe appearance of airiness.Bigger challenge: Getting the proposed solution to work.

Airy ArrangementsA floating arrangement is difficult to pull off, since any-

thing other than perfect placement can make furnishings look like "ships cast at sea" or as though someone cleanedthe walls and forgot to move the furniture back, says New York designer Scott Salvator.

For the average person, and even for pros, a successful outcome "requires a lot of arranging and rearranging," saysdesigner Dawn Falcone, also of New York. "You have to set aside time to work with your furniture. Sometimes justpushing something back one inch makes all the difference in the world."

In certain rooms, a floating arrangement simply won't work, no matter how many rounds of "musical furniture"you undertake. "It's really an architecture-driven thing. If the room is big and open in all directions, a floating floorplan works great," Salvator says, though an island of furniture in the middle of the room requires at least 3 feet ofwalking space around the perimeter.

To begin experimenting, remove everything from the room except your largest furnishings, such as your sofa andlove seat. Identify the room's focal point, or create one. In a living room, it's usually the fireplace or television.

The focal point is your anchor, Falcone says, and guides the placement of your remaining furniture. Generally, the sofa looks good directly across from thefocal point, facing it at a comfortable distance. Other pieces can then be angled toward the focal point or oriented around the sofa to create a balancedarrangement conducive to conversation.

Alternately, you can place the sofa and a love seat to form an L, with the arms close together for cohesion. You probably will need to place furnishings withcomparable "visual weight" across from the love seat for balance. An area rug can be used to define and unify your arrangement, Falcone says.

With your primary pieces in place, you need to figure out how to use the rest of the space. "In a huge room, if everything's in the middle you need to haveother groupings of furniture," Falcone says. Against one wall, you could place two chairs with an occasional table between them, for example.

In the best-case scenario, these groupings would accommodate other activities, such as read-ing, Falcone says.

Off the WallsA floating floor plan leaves

you with blank, gallery-likewalls. If smaller furnituregroupings aren't possible, fillin the space with framed pho-tos and artwork, or place a con-sole table against the wall andhang a striking piece of art-work above it, Falcone sug-gests.

For smaller rooms, considermoving furniture off the wallat an angle instead of unmoor-ing it altogether. For example,angle your sofa off the wallslightly and put a table andtable lamp behind it in thewidest part of the pie-shapedspace you've created. Or keepthe sofa parallel to the wall butbring it out far enough to put arectangular table behind it.

One problem with floatingfloor plans is that there's noplace to plug things in, thoughin some homes it's possible toretrofit floor outlets. Make nomistake: "You'll need tablelamps and floor lamps no mat-ter how much natural and over-head lighting you have,"Falcone says.

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Homeowners remodeling their kitchen can look beyond traditional ap-pliances and add specialty tools that may save on space and upgrade roomefficiency.

Not every kitchen is equipped with a trash compactor or wine cooler,but many homeowners are seeing the benefits of rethinking what appli-ances are included in their kitchen layouts and looking beyond the rangeor dishwasher.

Trash CompactorA trash compactor is a device that can be built into cabinetry or used

as a stand-alone appliance wherever there is an available electrical outlet. Compactors have advantages over traditional garbage pails and bags in

the kitchen. They can hold a week or two of garbage in compressed form,reducing the need to take out the trash. Plus, they will not become asodiferous as a regular pail. Compactors also take up less space than agarbage pail and can look more aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen.

Many compactors have filters and deodorizing holders inside the com-pactor. This will eliminate the smell that often results from decomposingfoods and other debris.

Trash compactors can be especially handy for individuals who live inan apartment or where space is at a premium in the kitchen. The com-pactor will flatten the garbage when a button or lever is pressed, reducingthe volume of the trash. It may also beused with plastic and aluminum recy-lables.

Wine CoolerChances are a wine cellar will not fit

in the average house. But a wine re-frigerator can keep wine at the righttemperature and humidity for optimalenjoyment.

Wine coolers are growing in popu-larity as more wine afficionados understand how the flavorof wine can benefit from proper stor-age. A refrigerator will hold wine bot-tles and insulate them from outsidetemperature fluctuations. They willalso be handy and ready for use whenthe time comes.

Drawer DishwashersMost households are already equipped with a dishwasher, but the ma-

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the cycle. For many people this can take days of dishes sitting soiled in the dishwasher.Drawer dishwashers split the cleaning area into two unique zones. This enables a smaller load to be washed.

However, this isn't the only advantage. Drawer dishwashers can be more ergonomic, reducing the need for bend-ing over to load the washer. Furthermore, because the two drawers work independently of one another, onedrawer can be used on a light cycle for minimally soiled dishes, while the other runs for heavily dirtied dishes --all simultaneously.Their unique look also makes drawer dishwashers coveted simply from a design perspective.

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Create Homemade Outdoor CraftsAs families await the arrival of warmer weather, there are things they can do to prepare for a season of fun in the sun. Engaging in some craft projects are ways to

beat cabin fever while dreaming of warm, springtime weather to come.There are many craft projects families and children can tackle, but ideas that involve projects that can be put to use outdoors may be the most fitting. Fortunately,

there are a number of ideas for crafty projects to involve everyone in the household.* Birdhouse: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Otherwise, chances are items that can be made into a birdhouse probably can be found from

scraps of materials already around the house or in the garage. Scraps of wood, metal, tiles, plastic, and the like can be used to craft a bird house or feeder. Even anempty plastic bottle can be used. Some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, can be placed inside the house to entice birds to take up residence once theweather warms.

* Stepping stones: Stepping stones can be a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. A trip to the craft store for some plaster or even a quick-set ce-ment can be themedium to use for thestones. Experimentwith shapes that canbe used as molds, andgather different mate-rials that can be em-bedded into thestepping stone, such aspebbles, marbles,beads, etc. Use a pen-cil or another pointedtool to engrave a mes-sage or name on thestepping stones beforeallowing them to dryand harden.

* Kite: The begin-ning of the spring sea-son often arrivesbehind a burst ofwind. Make the mostof blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a kitchen trash bag, some sticks andstring.

* Garden gnomes: Craft stores often sell unfinished pottery that can be painted andsealed. See if garden gnomes or other whimsical creatures can be found. Use acrylicpaint to decorate the figurines in your favorite colors.

* Outdoor games:A large piece of ply-wood or fiberboardcan serve as the gameboard for a numberof different activities.Use spray paint tostencil on alternatingsquares of red andblack for a larger thanlife checkerboard or chess board.For those with more time andcreative stamina, use large stonesto paint on letters and make anoutdoor Scrabble® board for funtimes with family and friends.

* Painted flower pots: If thecolors and designs at the localgarden center don't fit with aparticular design scheme, buyunfinished terra-cotta or plasticpots and paint them with the de-signs and colors that coordinatebetter.

Getting crafty doesn't have tomean knitting sweaters or de-coupage hat boxes. By makingitems that can be put to use out-doors, families can usher in thespring season a little early andreap the rewards for months tocome.

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Perhaps no decade has witnessed more rapid technological advancements than the openingdecade of the 21st century. At the turn of the century, cellular phones had still yet to catch on uni-versally, and few households had high-definition televisions. Ten years later, cell phones are soprevalent even many school-aged children have them, and rare is the household that has not em-braced HDTV.

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instance, keep two ladles if you tend to make two different pots of soup atonce," she says. Alexander agrees and says multiple sets of certain thingscan actually make your life in the kitchen easier. "For things like measuringcups and spoons, if you have dry and wet ingredients, you don't want to ex-tend your cooking time by washing and drying a measuring spoon in-be-tween steps. But, do you really need more than one ice cream maker?Decide what you'll need more of and what you won't."

Once you decide what's staying inthe kitchen, Schneider suggests apply-ing the "next-to" rule. "If an item has acompanion piece, it should be storednext-to that item. Coffee should go nextto mugs, which should be near the cof-fee maker," she says. Zanella followsthis method regularly. "I keep utensilsthat I'm going to use for certain typesof cooking with each other. I have adrawer where my measuring cups andspoons are that I use for baking closeto my pans for baking, and my silver-ware drawer is near my dinner table,while my utensils drawer is closer to mystove."

FRIDGE FRENZYStretch your grocery budget and

keep your family healthy by organizingyour refrigerator weekly, Schneidersays. "Before making a week's menuand grocery list, clean out the expiredfoods, wipe up messes, make a note ofleftovers that need to be eaten and in-corporate those items into your nextweek's meal plan," she says. To keeptrack of leftovers and opened items,Alexander says to mark cooked dishesand opened items by labeling themwith the date they were cooked oropened. Then place the stuff that willgo bad first near the front of the shelf."If you have children or multiple peoplein the house cooking, it's a great way tocommunicate what needs to be eatenwhen," she says.

Zanella says to be honest aboutwhat will be used. "Think about whenyou're going to use that condimentagain and if you really need it," hesays. "There's no point keeping some-thing in the fridge for months for arecipe you've been meaning to get to,but won't." To make space, Zanella rec-ommends cutting up fruits and veggiesinto small pieces and storing them incontainers. "Instead of whole grape-fruits taking up my produce bin, I'll cut

By Cathy Cassata CTW Features

Deciding what to cook for meals is challenging enough without having to fight through an unorganized kitchen.Make this dreaded daily decision a bit easier by whipping the kitchen into cooking and dining shape with helpfultips from chefs, a kitchen designer and a professional organizer.

PANTRY PERFECTIf your dream walk-in pantry is a nightmare of a mess, divide it into zones. "Put items you don't use often up

high, items that are heavy down low and items you regularly use at eye-level," says Marlene Buckner, designer andowner of The Urban Realm in Portland, Ore.

Make rotating items a habit, says Devin Alexander, host of Healthy "Decadence" on FitTV and author of "TheBiggest Loser Cookbook" series. "Instead of putting a new can of soup in front of an older can, put it behind," shesays. "It takes a little longer, but it's worth it because you'll eat fresher food and throw away less expired food."

To manage the oft-untidy snack cabinet, Lea Schneider, owner of organizerightnow.com has a solution. "Use aneasy-to-reach large basket placed at eye-level to hold opened packages of things, such as cookies, crackers, chipsand granola bars," she says. Then, use a labeled area of a top shelf to hold the new, unopened replacement boxes."Not only does this system encourage family members to eat the already opened packages first, but makes it mucheasier for you to judge when you need to stock up," she adds.

Remember not all dry goods belong in the pantry, says Dean Zanella, executive chef at Rhapsody restaurant inChicago. "Some things make more sense if they're closer to where you'll be cooking," he says. "I keep my spices ina cabinet by the stove rather than the pantry, so I can easily reach them when needed." Zanella says this alsoopens up room in the pantry for bulkier items or appliances you don't always use. "Since I keep some dry goodsthroughout cabinets in my kitchen, the bottom shelf of my pantry is free for things like my blender."

STUFFED WITH STUFFBefore you begin a mad hunt for the best spot for dishes, glasses, utensils and gadgets, Schneider says take

everything out and purge. "Only keep one of each item unless you are sure that you use two at the same time. For


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Given the sluggish economy, now is not thetime most of us want to spring for a costly re-modeling project. But you don't have to spend alot of money to spruce up your home with paint.

The nation's number one do-it-yourself proj-

ect holds that title for a reason (two reasons, ac-tually): Painting is easy and it's inexpensive,making it just right for budget-minded con-sumers.

What's more, even small paint projects cangreatly enhance the appearance of your home.Here are some quick ways to get a lot of mileageout of a little paint, according to Debbie Zim-mer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Insti-tute:

Paint just an interior accent wall. Don't havethe time or energy to paint an entire room? Givethe space an exciting new look by painting justone wall in a different color. A so-called accentwall can add visual interest to a room and intro-duce another hue into your color scheme.

Paint the area above (or below) a chair rail.According to Zimmer, if your home is blessedwith chair rails, you don't have to paint the en-tire wall. "You can choose to repaint only thewall area above the rail, or the area below it,"says Zimmer. "It's a simple project that can dra-matically change the appearance of the room."

Paint the interior windows and trim. Loveyour wall color, but still yearn for a new look?Give the room a makeover by painting yourwindows, molding, and trim. You'll be surprisedhow different a room can look when you change

the intensity of color there.Paint a room's standout fea-

ture. Play up what's specialabout a room by painting it adifferent color. This could be afireplace surround, a curvedarchway, the backs of built-inbookshelves or cabinets, orsomething else. Using a strong"punch" color will draw immedi-ate attention to your standoutfeature.

Paint the front door. Studieshave shown that visitors gettheir first impression about ahome from the condition of thefront entrance, according toZimmer. A freshly painted doorhelps ensure that first impressionwill be favorable.

Paint just a few exterior archi-tectural details. Even if youdon't have to paint your homeexterior for maintenance rea-sons, consider changing the ap-pearance of your home bypainting a few architectural de-tails. Shutters are good candi-dates. "But if you're luckyenough to own a house with or-namental fretwork, call atten-tion to the trim by painting it astrong or vibrant color that con-trasts with your walls," Zimmerrecommends.

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Make A Statement With Wood FlooringNowadays, homeowners renovating their homes often look

to wood flooring to replace existing floors. Hardwood is cov-eted by buyers, and its clean, inviting look makes it a neutraldesign element that goes with many different types of decor.

Today's hardwood flooring is not the hardwood of the past.There are many options from which to choose, including var-ied colors, types of wood, patterns, and inlays. In addition, in-novations in sealants enable hardwood to be durable and holdup better against the daily grind.

About 25 years ago, a homeowner basically had to settle forwood flooring that was solid oak strips at 2.25 inches wide.The strips were nailed in place by a carpenter and finished onsite. Now, more than half of hardwood is fabricated and pre-finished at a factory and is much easier to install -- even bythe homeowner himself.

The range of styles and colors is also very extensive. Plankscan be chosen in thin strips or wider options. Native hard-woods are available, as are offshore woods from differentcountries. Finishes can also be customized with higher gloss ormatte choices.

For homeowners interested in going green, hardwood floor-ing also presents many options. A growing trend is using re-claimed wood that is recycled and then refinished into newitems. Lumber may be reclaimed from old buildings, railroads,barns, homes, and even river bottoms. The varied history ofthe wood adds to its aesthetic appeal.

It's important for homeowners to know that the price pointfor hardwood will vary depending on species and finish. How-ever, the way the boards are cut will also be a considerationfor homeowners. Plainsawn or flatsawn boards have growthrings that run at anywhere from 0 to 45-degree angles to thewide surfaces of the board, with lots of loops and swirls. Quar-tersawn boards have rings that run from 45- to 90-angles andare not as lively in pattern. Quartersawn boards will expandin thickness depending on moisture and temperature. Plain-sawn will shrink and swell widthwise. Quartersawn tend totake wear better and more evenly, contributing to their typi-cally more expnesive price tag.

Homeowners can also choose among engineered woodproducts, which are essentially several layers of wood veneeradhered to a solid backing of plywood and sealed. This layeredconstruction can make engineered flooring more stable anddurable than traditional hardwood flooring. That means itcan be used in rooms where hardwood was long frownedupon, like basements and bathrooms.

Wood flooring will continue to garner mass appeal and bethe preference of many homeowners. With new innovationsand availability, there are more options than ever for discern-ing homeowners.

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Keys to Fixing Wet BasementsA wet basement is something thousands of homeowners contend with but

none look forward to fixing. Water entering the basement can be an expen-sive repair job, and it seems like few homes are impervious to water infiltra-tion.

Water can enter a basement or crawlspace in a number of ways, seepingthrough the floor if the surrounding ground is constantly saturated or enter-ing through cracks in the foundation walls. Leaky basement windows couldcause water to enter, while improperly draining downspouts and gutters maycause water to pool around the home's foundation and enter the home.

A wet basement can decrease a home's value and potentially damagewhat's in the home. Standing water in a basement can also pose health haz-ards, such as mold and mildew growth, and can prove a breeding ground forinsects that like moist conditions.

There are a number of techniques used to combat basement water issues. Awaterproofing company can help homeowners ascertain what method will bebest for the type of water issue they have.

* Find the source of water. Sometimes water remediation requires minimaleffort or simple solutions. It may be a grading issue on the property or land-scaping that is causing water to pool around the home's foundation. Fixingthese issues can alleviate water in the basement.

* Create a barrier. A dampness or water issue may be remediated by creat-ing a barrier between the water and the inside of the home. Waterproofingpaints and sealants can be applied to both the outside and inside walls of abasement. However, waterproofing application on the outside of the homemay cause disruption to landscaping and the need for excavation to reachfoundation walls. Inside application is easier, but eventually the product mayneed to be reapplied if water pressure causes the sealant to blister or peel off.A plastic vapor barrier can be installed in crawlspaces that have vented con-crete or dirt floors. This will help to protect against moisture in the space.

* Install drains.Various drainagesystems are de-signed to helpwith basementwater issues. De-pending on thedrain, it may beinstalled at theperimeter of thebasement inte-rior or on the exterior of thehome. Thedrains are designed to capture water from the ground and direct it far awayfrom the foundation. Drains can gradually become clogged with sedimentand dirt and may need to be cleaned or replaced. Newer innovations in base-ment drainage systems that alleviate clogging issues are available throughreputable businesses.

* Use a sump pump. For other water issues, a sump pump can help gathergroundwater in a sump pit and pump it out and away from the home. It's agood idea to have a backup source of power for the sump pump because if thepower goes out, the sump pump will be rendered useless.

Water is the No. 1 enemy of basements and crawlspaces. It behooves thehomeowner to take fast action to correct water issues in the lowest part ofthe home to ensure comfort and safety.

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them up, store them in containers and put them on a shelf," he says. "Thisway I can't miss them and I can use the produce bin for other things thatwon't expire as quickly."

If you're remodeling a kitchen or starting from scratch, design an organ-ized kitchen with these tips from Marlene Buckner, designer and owner ofThe Urban Realm in Portland, Ore.

PANTRY

When a walk-in pantry isn't an option, create the same amount of linearfeet of storage by using cabinetry, such as chef's pantries, bulk foodpantries and specialty pantries with after-market inserts. Ideal size forshelves is 6 inches deep.

CORNER-WALL SUSANFor ones with an angled door, turntable carousels are available to bring

items from the back around to the front within easy reach.

DRAWERS AND DIVIDERSSkip base cabinets with shelves and rollouts. Install drawers instead,

since they open with one motion. To avoid losing items in the back of draw-ers, divide up drawers and keep rarely used utensils in the back.

TRASH ROLLOUTSTrash and recycle rollouts can be installed under sink bases or base

cabinets to help keep out-bounditems out of the way until they areremoved from the kitchen.

COUNTER SPACEKeep at least 24 inches on one

side and 36 inches on the otherside of sinks and cooking areas tomaximize working space.

© CTW Features


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What homeowners are breathing in every day has the potentialto harm their health. According to the Environmental ProtectionAgency, it's the air inside of the home, rather than the air outside,that may cause the most physical harm. Many people seek optionsto reduce the toxicity of indoor air through a filtration system.

Indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more toxic than outside air.Newer, energy-efficient homes that are very well insulated againstdrafts may be among the most dangerous. That's because they re-strict the ability for fresh air to seep into the home.

Resident dust mites, harmful airborne particulates and evenmold could be residing in the house along with its occupants. Anair filtration system can be one strategy homeowners can employto clean up indoor air.

Homeowners may want to consider a permanent, whole-houseunit that hooks up to the central heating and air conditioning al-ready set up in the home. This enables every room in the home toreceive filtered air. It is essential that the filters on the unit bechanged frequently. Also, if a humidifier is hooked up to theHVAC unit, then the water should be changed on a regular basisso that mold does not proliferate and get blown throughout thehome. Homeowners who don't have forced-air heating and cool-ing will have to have a different filtration system installed in-stead.

For renters or individuals who don't want a permanent system,there are many portable air filtration units on the market. Thesecan be moved from room to room and even brought along whentraveling.

Air filtration units will vary depending on what they arecleaning from the air. Some tackle mold, others viruses andbacteria. Individuals with allergies should look for filters thattarget dust and pollen. Others can trap fumes and micro-scopic particles through unique processes. Here are some ofthe advanced cleaning filtration systems to consider.

* Ionizers: Emit a small electric charge to the air streamcreating a magnetic-like attraction for pollution particles,which causes them to adhere to the filter.

* Ultraviolet light purification: Air passes through a UVsystem that destroys bacteria, viruses and dust mites of anysize.

* Electrostatic precipitators: These create opposite chargeson metal wires or plates, attracting and holding dust, pollen,smoke, and other particles as small as .0001 microns. The as-sembly often can be removed and washed for reuse.

* High efficiency particulate air (HEPA): These filters aredesigned to remove 99.97 percent of the particulates that passthrough the filters. They will have no effect on fumes, viruses,bacteria, smaller mold spores, or some tobacco particulates.

* Ultra HEPA: An even more efficient form of HEPAcleaners, which typically clean out 99.999 percent of the par-ticulates that pass through them.

* Ozone: Destroys all bacteria that comes in contact withthe ozone, and leaves a "fresh" smell in the air. However, thesafety of ozone inside the home is questionable. The Canadiangovernment has banned the sale of ozone releasing air purifica-tion systems.


Tame the Toys

The "Having a Child" instructionmanual may have talked about2 a.m. feedings and bouts ofcolic, but it may not have men-tioned that having kids oftenmeans acquiring a householdof stuff designed to care forand amuse these little ones-in-cluding lots and lots of toys. Ifspring cleaning means tamingthe toys and games in thehome so that the living roomdoesn't look like an aisle inToys 'R Us, keep in mind thatit's possible to maintain somestyle in the home while cohabi-tating with the kids. Smart stor-age is one of a parent's bestfriends. Look for items that canhold kid toys and accessoriesbut don't look like they weredesigned for kids. Nix the pri-mary colored plastic bins forsomething more sophisticated,like an upholstered ottoman with ahinged cover for storage in-side. Turn wicker baskets andother sleek accessories into toybins. Even magazine holdersand desk organization accessories can hold smallfigurines and children's books.

Parents can even reserve oneor two drawers in a bureau orchina cabinet to quickly stashtoys when company is comingover.

The Choice for a Home Air Filtration System

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Did You Know?The pioneer home improvement series, "This Old House," debuted as a one-time, 13-part series on aBoston public broadcasting station in1979. The show has won 17 Emmyawards over its storied history. Theoriginal host was Bob Vila, who in1989 was asked to leave the showafter appearing in commercials forhome improvement competitors to theshow's underwriter, The Home Depot.Carpenter Norm Abrams has beenpart of the series since its inception.The series has spurred several spin-offs and is still going strongtoday.


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et happy - that's the collective message home- and interior-products makers are telling folks this year.

The world has been a pretty tough place for the pastdecade, racked by war and recession.

For 2011, expect to see some "happy" colors in everything from dishesto furniture to throw pillows, says Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Color Institute whoalso writes the morealivewithcolor.com blog. The Pantone Institute, which tracks color trends,declared honeysuckle pink its 2011 Color of the Year because "it's an instant pick-me-up," Eise-man shares.

But color is just one way to add a dose of cheer.Of course, just as each of us defines happy in our own terms, mood boosters are a matter of indi-

vidual taste.Still, experts can point to several themes that make a home a happy refuge:

CLEAR AND COMFORTINGSure, a bright throw tossed over a sofa can lift your mood - but only if the view isn't obscured

by piles of unread mail or other anxiety-inducing clutter."What do we want to see, and what do we hide?" asks Seattle architect Milan Heger. Develop-

ing an "aesthetic discipline" to get in the habit of clearing away clutter is the primary step to-wards a happy home, he says. "First we create a good way to store objects," Heger says. Bookshelves, cabinets or even neat piles keep the distractions in their place, he adds.

COLOR-CODEDOrganization clears your space, which in turn clears your mind.Our own reluctance to organize is the only obstacle in the way to clear-headedness. Combine

another mood lifter - namely color - to spur yourself into action.Kate S. Brown, a certified professional organizer in Sarasota, Fla., shares that colorful organizing

tools and files prompt people who hate to put objects intheir place or file get started. "For instance, I've seenpeople who have purchased photo files in a color that coordinates with their room get really excited aboutusing the files - and then after they're through they'reeven more satisfied," Brown shares.

Emotion-enhancing hues vary according to the indi-vidual and with the space involved, underscores AnitraMecadon, host of the DIY Network series "Mega Dens."

"For example, red is a passionate color that stimulatesthe senses - it's great for adding life to an active room,"says Mecadon. On the other hand, Mecadon adds, youcan achieve happiness with "some great soothing earthtones, or pale shades of green-blue, which are peacefuland calming."

Eiseman adds, "Our favorite colors in surroundings always make us feel better. Each color has a different ef-fect, but all bright colors can give us a lift."

FLOWER POWERTake time to smell the roses. And put them in a vase.

And set them out where you'll view them often.Scientific studies, like one recently conducted by Rut-

gers University, find that flowers prompt immediate positive responses, and are even related tobetter social behaviors and memory skills. Moreover, the researchers find the boost is likely to lasteven after the bloom fades a bit. The Rutgers study finds women who received flowers reportedmore positive moods three days later.

SMALL CHANGEJust as you may need a break from your routine to rev up your spirits, adding a dose of differ-

ence to a couple of rooms everyseason can rev up the senses.

"Utilize new candles, colorsand scents," suggests KristinAndress, who runs the Web siteimaginebeing.com. "Add differ-ent throw pillows to the couchor a lively rug to your foyer.The energy of your rooms willimprove with simple changeshere and there."©CTW Features

HappyMedium

With happy-go-luckyhues like honeysucklepink, it's never been easier to organize with mood in mind

)By Marilyn Kennedy MeliaCTW Features

This 'Sunset' rug from Angela Adamsadds both a burst of color and texture toa room.

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The best vacations lift us out ofthe frenzy of our lives, whisking usoff to faraway places that relax andrejuvenate us.

Yet a great vacation can also be agreat financial strain as well --

and really, how relaxing isthat? Especially since once

the trip is over, there'stypically little to show

for all theexpensebeyond a

few snap-shots you can post on Facebook.

So how do you meet the pressing need for a stress-reducing changeof scenery without wiping out your savings in the process? The solu-tion may actually be simpler, and closer, than you think: Open yourown back door, and begin imagining the leisure possibilities right be-yond your doorstep!

Instead of throwing a bunch of money at a short-term getaway, con-sider investing a portion of it into transforming your back yard into apersonal relaxation oasis.

Don't be put off by how big a task that sounds. Start out simple,making additional changes as finances allow, and inspiration strikes.

To begin with, your yard may need some degree of facelift. Hire aquality professional landscaper who can design around native plantspecies, for maximum benefit and minimal upkeep.

Yet landscaping is really only setting the stage -- you still need somekind of show-stopper to complete your yard's transformation.

Backyard-relaxation bliss: Invest in the very symbol of relaxation it-self. Invest in a hammock and hammock stand.

Add an arc-style cypress or faux-wicker hammock stand, and youroutdoor living space becomes not only a gorgeous relaxation destina-tion, but also one that requires no checked-baggage fees or full-bodyscans to get to!

Your favorite patch of yard is finally the primo spot for unwinding, apersonal relaxation space for letting your mind wander to all those dis-tant getaway places you might one day like to go. But for now, you'repretty content right where you are, aren't you?

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The four most dreaded words ina parent's vocabulary: "Clean upyour room."

The answer to this angst, organ-izing experts say, is to rememberthey are children, with all the feel-ings and motivations that comewith the job.

Motivation"The key thing to remember

when working with children is

they feel things differently thanadults, which is why they crymore openly, laugh more deeply,feel fear more dramatically andplay with more vigor than mostadults," says Wenndi Freer, ownerof Engage The Flow, a space-clear-ing service in Encinitas, Calif."When a parent takes the time torecognize that the room feels goodwhen it's clean, kids get it. If youcan start early and work with yourchild at this level, the feelinglevel, they will quickly recognizethat a clean room just feels betterthan a messy one."

The most effective way to teachthis skill, says Freer, is to be in theroom with your child and breakeach task down into mini steps.

"By gently guiding themthrough the process rather thandoing it for them, children learnto feel a sense of accomplishment,"says Freer.

Organization"Explain to them that every-

thing has a 'home,' just like theydo," says Jan Hayner, professionalorganizer in Sheboygan, Wiscon-sin. "So at night, everything goesback 'home' until the next timethey need it."

Make sure that there is a ham-per for dirty clothes, says Hayner.Add clothes rods that kids canreach. They will hang things up if

they can reach a rod without usinga chair.

For small items, use a hangingshoe bag (the pockets are great),labeled check boxes wrapped incontact paper to match the roomor muffin tins-painted to matchthe room.

Schoolwork"Designate a specific place for

backpacks, lunch boxes andbooks," says Freer. Homeworkneeds to go back into the back-pack as soon as it's completed. Byhaving folders in the backpack,children can use their backpackslike adults filing cabinets, saysFreer.

Toys, toys, toysSelect appropriate shelving and

storage containers that will workfor toys, labeling containers withletters or pictures of the item sothe child will know where theygo, says Barry J. Izsak, a profes-sional organizer in Austin, Texas.When your child gets a new toy,ask them which toy they wouldlike to give away, adds Izsak.When a child is finished playingwith a toy, he or she must put itback before playing with anothertoy. All toys must be put awaybefore dinner, bedtime and otherappropriate times.

© CTW Features

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http://www.leisurepoolandspa.com


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