spring home 2012

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

Hello, Everyone!

You arecordially

invited to join us

at the

Moore County Ho

me Builders

Association Sprin

g home and Gard

en

Exposition and Pa

rade of Homes. Th

e

Expo takes place

Friday, Saturday

and

Sunday,March 2

, 3 and 4, at the C

arolina

Hotel inPinehurs

t.

This is the 32nd y

ear we’vepresente

d

the Expo. Over th

e years, we’ve chan

ged

locationsfrom the Pineh

urst Hotel to

Pine Needles, to t

he Pinehurst Fair

Barn,

and backagain to

the Carolina Hote

l. At

differenttimes, w

e’ve added new fea-

tures, including ed

ucational semina

rs,

live building demo

nstrations and, m

ost

recently,the Para

de of Homes. Eve

ry

year more and mo

re exhibitors have

joined the show, a

nd the exhibits be

come

more dramatic wi

th emerging techn

olo-

gies thatare often

the highlight of th

e

show.One thin

g that hasn’t chan

ged is the

quality of the Exp

osition itself. Year

after

year, theMCHBA

strives tobring yo

u the

best, most compr

ehensiverepresen

tation

of contractors and

building-related

serv-

ices andproducts

in the Sandhills.

This year is no ex

ception.The Spri

ng

Home &Garden E

xpositionis the be

st

opportunity you, a

s a consumer will

have

to see the produc

ts and speak to th

e

experts you need

to help you comp

lete

any building proje

ct, froma simple

win-

dow replacement to th

e home of your

dreams.

Once you’ve been

throughthe

Exposition hall, gr

ab your directory

and

head outto the Pa

rade of Homes. Th

e

Parade again take

s place for two we

ek-

ends, and feature

s eight new homes

around Moore Cou

nty. It’s agreat opp

or-

tunity tolearn abo

ut new homes “Inside

and Out,” which i

s the theme of ou

r Expo

this year. It’s even

possiblefor you t

o

purchaseone of th

e homesfor sale o

n the

tour.So, gathe

r up your notes a

nd ideasand

head to the Carol

ina Hotel! We’re wait

ing

to welcome you wit

h open arms.

Regards,

Tom Panek2012 Sp

ring Home & Ga

rden

Expo and Parad

e of Homes Chair

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012 THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. PAGE 3

4 Seasons Heating & AirAberdeen Carpet & Textiles, Inc.

Backyard, Etc.Bath Fitter

BB&TMortgageBest Bath Systems

Bill Reaves Construction Co.Blarney Stoneworks Inc

Bliss DesignsBonville Construction Company, Inc.BVH Construction Services, Inc.

Carolina Home Improvement CenterCentral Security Systems, Inc.

Classic Sun ControlComfort Made BlindsCox's Distributors

Daniel Adams ConstructionDreamHome Design

Ferguson Enterprises IncGentry Curb & Gravel

Granite TransformationsHeffner Landscaping & GroundMaintenance

Hubbard Pipe & Supply, IncInsulating, Inc.

Integrity Builders of The Sandhills LLCJarrett Deerwester Construction

Keller Williams RealtyLeaf Filter of NC

Leclaire Construction IncLocust Lumber Company,Inc.Mark Wesley Parson, Inc.Masters Properties, Inc.

Moss BrickPella Window & Door CoPinehurst Homes, Inc.

Pinehurst Patio & Casual FurnishingsPMAS, Inc

Premier LightingPremier Power Generations, Inc

Quality EquipmentRe-Bath of the TriangleRenewal by Andersen

RJF VenturesSandhills Designer Glass

Sandhills Heating & RefrigerationSet in Stone

Southern Exposure SunroomsSouthmoore Heating & Cooling, Inc.

Stewart Construction & Development CompanyStorage Solutions of Central NC-Monkey Bars

The Plumbing Knight, Inc.The Southern Landscape GroupTotal Design Solutions, Inc.

Spring Home & GardenExpo Exhibitors


Say “farewell” to the older, ine cient refrigerator or freezer you keep in the basement as a “back-up.” It’s making your electricity meter spin—and using valuable energy.

Central Electric member-consumers can have the older appliances removed and recycled free of charge, AND earn a $50 credit on their electricity bills for each appliance.

Just have your account number ready and call toll-free 877.341.2310, or go to www.GoRecycleToday.com to schedule a pick-up time.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

SHADER & SON LLC1008 Stanton Hill RoadCameron, NC 28326

Demolition Work - Fill DirtTopsoil - Stone

Land Clearing - GradingGravel Driveways - Ponds Dug

We Sell Fresh Eggs

Bill & Kathy ShaderDisplay Site: 417 Hwy. 15/501Carthage, NC (dirt and stone)

Office/Fax: 910-947-2407Cell Phone: 910-635-7105Pick Up and Local Delivery

(MS) -- Few industries have grown asmuch in the last decade-plus as the do-it- yourself home improvement indus-try. Whereas it was once commonplacefor homeowners to have a handymanon speed dial, nowadays homeownershandle not only the routine upkeepnecessary to maintain a home, butmany home improvement projects aswell.Home expert Danny Lipford, host of

the nationally syndicated TV show,Today's Homeowner, and radio show,Homefront, said, "Today you've got notonly an amazing selection of tools tohelp with every project, but they alsoshorten the time it used to take tocomplete the project. When you couplethat with all the DIY instruction andprogramming out there, it's no wonderwe have the confidence to do more onour own."As popular as home improvement

projects have become, many home-owners still find themselves pressedfor time when it comes to tacklingprojects around the house. For home-owners without much time during the

week, Woodcraft offers the followingprojects tailor-made for weekend war-riors.

Ready The DeckFor Summer Fun

With spring on the horizon, the sea-son to relax on the deck and soak upthe sun is right around the corner.Homeowners can upgrade their deckand create an incredibly strong wood-to-wood bond with the Kreg Deck JigSystem. Compatible with compositedeck boards and ACQ treated lumber,the Kreg Deck Jig System can helphomeowners create a beautiful andfunctional deck surface that's com-pletely free of exposed fasteners andpainful splinters. The Kreg Deck JigSystem's easy grip handles help DIYersgain a secure hold and completely con-trol each and every joint, while the sys-tem's three separate drill guides allowfor easy installation of deck boards in avariety of hard-to-reach areas. Whencombined with a few simple toolshomeowners already own, the KregDeck Jig System ensures homeownerscan vastly improve their deck no mat-

ter how pressed for time they might be.Paint A New Look Inside

Spring is often seen as a season ofrejuvenation, so why not give yourhome a brand new look by repaintingthe interior? Veteran DIYers can nodoubt recall when painting took asmuch elbow grease as it did time, buttimes have changed. Thanks to the newFein MultiMaster, the tedious andtime-consuming job of scraping oldpaint with a putty knife and sandingtight spaces with paper wrappedaround your finger is a thing of thepast. The MultiMaster's profiled sand-ing pads make scraping old paint easi-er than ever before, while its multipleuser-friendly accessories that scrape,cut, shave, sand, polish, and removegrout make the MultiMaster an idealcompanion for homeowners with sev-eral projects on tap this spring.

Tackle IndoorProjectsOnRainyDays

Spring might be synonymous withfeelings of rejuvenation, but it alsobrings spring showers. On rainy week-ends, tackle interior projects with the

Rockwell BladeRunner. Whether youwant to cut and install base molding,chair rails or hardwood flooring orframe and trim windows and doors,the lightweight, portable BladeRunner

See Weekend, page 5

Easy Home Improvement Projects for Weekend Warriors

Regardless of individual skill level, user-friendly tools like the Fein MultiMastermake home improvement projects saferand easier for homeowners.

About this IssueSpring Home & Garden is anannual issue that is timed in

coordination with theSpring Home & Garden Expo

Cover DesignScott Yancey

Articles provided by:Metro Creative Graphics

ARA ContentStatePoint Media

Ineedagreatarticle.com

Supplement Design/LayoutMechelle Butler

910-692-7271www.thepilot.com


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is your go-to tool. This precision cut-ter's variable-speed motor control andsimple blade changing mechanismallow you to easily cut wood, metal,ceramic tile, aluminum, and plasticusing a T-shank jigsaw blade. You canoperate the BladeRunner on a bench-top or use the convenient wall mountbracket. Attach the tool's dust port toyour shop vac for easy cleanup.

Prepare Tools In AdvanceWhile there are several projects

homeowners can complete in a singleweekend, no project is likely to be suc-cessful without properly maintainedtools. Homeowners should take inven-tory of their tools before beginning anyprojects to ensure the tools won't causeany delays. The Work Sharp(R) Knifeand Tool Sharpener can bring toolsback to life in a matter of minutes. Thishandheld, motorized tool sharpens anyknife as well as scissors, tin snips, gar-den shears, and even lawn mowerblades for green thumbers. The sharp-ener's patented Flex-Tek(TM) belttechnology conforms to the shape of

any blade, practically guaranteeing asharp edge and ensuring your nexthome improvement project will startoff on the right foot.

Work SmarterTackling a home improvement proj-

ect in a single weekend might not beeasy, but DIYers can take steps tomake such projects easier. For exam-ple, Vibe-Away Anti-Slip Pads aremade from recycled tires and designedto reduce the transfer of vibration thatoccurs in most woodworking tools andstationary equipment. This shockabsorption pad helps reduce sound,vibrations, and pulsating of routertables, scrollsaws, table saws and otherbenchtop or stationary machines, mak-ing it easier to complete a project mis-take-free and in less time.LOC-Blocks Interlocking Material

Gripping Blocks grip both the worksurface as well as your project withoutthe use of any clamps. The nonslippads support work during assemblywithout leaving marks, while the non-marring pads allow homeowners to liftwork above the surface while finishingedges.To learn more about products that

can help you successfully completeyour home improvement projects this

WeekendFrom Page 4

Many homeowners experiencetermite or ant infestations in andaround the home. Differentiatingtermitesfrom certaintypes ofants can beconfusing,leaving home-owners toguess whichunwantedintruder isaround thehouse andhow to handlethese potential-ly harmfulhouseguests.There are cer-tain determining fac-tors to help individuals tell the dif-ference between these two insects.Ants have elbowed antenna, a nar-row waistline and two pairs of

wings. The front wings will bemuch longer than the back wings.Termites, on the other hand, havestraight, beaded antennae, abroad waistline, and two pairs of

wings that are equal in size.Both ants andtermiteshave thepotential toswarm.This is amethod of

dispersal tostart new colonies elsewhere.

Subterranean termites usuallyswarm in the spring on a warm

day. Homeowners having trou-ble determining which type ofinsects have invaded their

home should consult an extermina-tor. Termites can damage woodenstructures around the home, so it isimportant to get the problem takencare of as soon as possible.

Distinguishing termites from ants


Visit our Booth at theHome & Garden Expo

March 2nd-4th

at The Carolina Hotel

Showroom HoursMon-Fri 9:00-5:00

Saturday 10:00-3:00

Comfort Made Blinds195-E Pinehurst AveSouthern Pines, NC

(910) 692-5500

The correct window treatment enhances a room’s overall appeal.We will help bring life & character to your room with beautiful

custom made blinds, shades, shutters & more!

www.ComfortMadeBlinds.com

(ARA) - You've probably been hearing the talk of federallight bulb regulations for years, but in January 2012, the talkbecame reality, and these regulations will begin to takeeffect.While California residents began the transition inJanuary 2011, the federally mandated phase-out of less effi-cient incandescent light bulbs begins with the 100-watt lightbulb so now is the time for the rest of the country tomakethe switch tomore efficient bulbs.Before you begin considering your options, here's a quick

review of how the new regulations will work:* Incandescent, or traditional, 100-watt light bulbs for

general purpose, household shape lamps will no longer beavailable in stores beginning January 2012. Retailers will beable to sell-through any existing inventory, but the tradition-al 100-watt incandescent bulbs will not be replaced on theshelf.* Incandescent 75-watt light bulbs will be unavailable in

2013.* Incandescent 40-watt and 60-watt light bulbs will be

phased out in 2014.As these rules phase in gradually, it's a great time to edu-

cate yourself on the different types of energy-efficient lightbulbs available. Lowe's is joining the effort to advise con-sumers on the types of options available. In addition tooffering a comprehensive light bulb buying guide on its web-site, Lowe's offers the following tips as you bring your light-ing into the future.

Learning about lumensAs we transition away from incandescent bulbs, the lingo

used to describe the brightness of the light bulbs is changing.

We've become accustomed to identifying the brightness of alight bulb by the amount of power - watts - that it uses.However, more efficient light bulbs emit the same amount oflight - measured in lumens - while using less electricity.For example, the following light bulbs all produce roughly

the same amount of light (450 lumens): 40-watt incandes-cent, 29-watt halogen, 11-watt compact fluorescent (CFL)and 9-watt LED. It's still important to pay attention towattage tomake sure you don't exceed the recommendedlevel for your lamp, but it's increasingly unlikely that you'llexceed that level as you purchasemore efficient bulbs.

Types of bulbs availableAs youmove on from incandescent bulbs, you'll want to

familiarize yourself withthe different types ofmore energy-efficientbulbs available. Thesebulbs will consume lessenergy and last longer,saving youmoney onmonthly utility bills.Compact fluorescent:

CFL bulbs aremoreexpensive than incandes-cent bulbs, but use up to75 percent less energyand last up to 10 times aslong, making it easy foryou to quickly recoup themoney you spend on

them. You can save up to$70 per year by placingCFLs in your fivemostcommonly used lamps,according to theEnvironmental ProtectionAgency. You've likely seenthem in spiral or tube-likeshapes, but CFLs also comein the A-line form commoninmost incandescent bulbs.Halogen: These bulbs use

the same technology asincandescent bulbs but lastup to three times longerand are about 50 percentmore efficient. Halogensare known for producing the highest quality light but aren'tas efficient as CFLs.When changing halogens, you'll want tomake sure you use a rag because oil from your skin canreduce the bulb's longevity.LED: Lowe's began offering the industry's first Energy

Star-qualified LED bulb this year - the GE Energy Smart 9-watt LED light bulb. LED bulbs take the efficiency and dura-bility of CFLs even further, as this bulb is rated to last morethan 22 years and uses slightly less energy than a CFL bulbthat also produces 450 lumens.Formore information on what the light bulb legislation

means for you, visit the Lowe's YouTube channel for a lightbulb tutorial.

Lumens, CFLs and LEDs: A light bulb guide for new regulations


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Planting a successful, water-wisegarden need not be difficult –unless, of course, you expect natureto do all the workIn most cases, gardens aren’t likely to

receive the prescribed amount of rain, nomatter where you place them. Therefore,proper irrigation plans and watering sched-ules are essential ingredients in the recipefor a thriving plant community. It’s espe-cially important to water frequently whilethe plants are establishing a root system.To help make sure you won’t be looking

at wilted or dried stems, and to preventplant leaves from becoming superhighwaysfor troublemaking bugs, a few simple tipsare in order.The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a

map of 20 zones based on the average min-imum annual winter temperature. Tied tothose zones are requirements for the area’snative plants to flourish. In most cases,planting should be done in the fall to givethe plants a chance to develop before beingsubjected to the heat and drier conditionsof summer. Don’t disregard mulch, whichhelps keep the soil moist through the yearand at a relatively even temperature duringcolder periods. It doesn’t look bad, either.

Minneapolis, for instance, is in the 3A and3B area. Plants that thrive there, such asthe rose shrub, can shrug off frigid temper-atures in winter and blossom into showcaseplants in spring and summer.Once the weather warms, though, rain

won’t always keep the soil moist, so payattention to watering. Pansies, snap drag-ons and geraniums often are a focal pointin this locale and need only occasionalwatering to keep going strong. However, anabundance of bug activity makes pest con-trol a major concern.But having a green thumb doesn’t mean

you have carte blanche to do somethingfoolish, like taking plants that flourish inSouthern California and stuffing them intoyour back yard in North Carolina.In addition to dealing with differences in

temperature andmoisture, the soil’s aciditymight be just the opposite of what’s neededfor a particular item.Here in the Sandhills, sometimes it’s not

enough to pick the right plant and offerproper watering. The soil might need amakeover. Ever seen anything grow incaliche besides prickly weeds? That soil isthe closest thing to a sidewalk this side ofconcrete. Yet by tilling the hard-packed

ground and adding gypsum to help break itdown, and by including about 6 inches oftopsoil, a garden can work well. Sand willaid in drainage.In zones where the sun almost is

omnipresent, shade and frequent, slowwatering is essential. Since water has a ten-dency to run off quickly in this area and notreach a plant’s roots, the emphasis inwatering is on “slow.” Don’t count ondownpours to do your job.But in areas a whole lot closer to the

water table, such as New Orleans, wheremuch of the city is below sea level, it’s oftennecessary to build up your garden so theplants’ roots aren’t soaking in stagnantwater, which will cause root rot.Whenmaking irrigation channels in ele-

vated gardens, make sure the stem of theplant is at a higher elevation than the waterpassing through the recessed ditches, orelse you’ve probably wasted a lot of time.Also, when mulching, don’t build up the

mounds too close to the roots, or you’ll beproviding shelter for rodents. Slugs andsnails always are nocturnal nuisances, sokeep an eye out – it’s amazing how fastthey can move.Around here, yuccas and hostas can make

even the most careless gardener appear toknow what he’s doing. Blackeye daisieshave a propensity to endure even in themost adverse conditions.A good rule of thumb for watering: Dig a

little hole in the soil. If it’s dry only in thetop inch, don’t water. Once the soil is dry toa depth of 1.5 inches or deeper, then water.Hardy marigolds, which come in a variety

of vibrant colors, flourish, especially in thefall, provided they receive copious amountsof water in the early stages. Portulacas,meanwhile, are drought-tolerant and idealfor rock gardens.Whatever you do, if you fertilize, make

sure the soil is moist, and that you periodi-cally mix in organic matter rich in nitrogen,phosphorous and potassium.

Water Smarts for Luscious Lawns, Gardens


(StatePoint) Maintaining a cleanhome can seem like an exercise infutility, especially for parents andpet owners.If the constant struggle has you

down, it’s time to explore ways tosave time and effort in your clean-ing routines.Combat ClutterClutter can spread faster than

wildfire. Avoid the details of yourlife from taking over every surfaceby giving everything a proper place.Make clean-up time easy on your

kids with big sortable toy bins, andshelves for board games and books.If they “forget” to put somethingaway, it will be easy for you to pickup after them.Create a mail center and deal with

mail as soon as you get home. Anearby recycling bin will encourageimmediate disposal of junk mail.Consider reducing your pile byreceiving bills and bank statementselectronically, and requesting a stopto catalogs.Don’t be a hoarder. Periodically

assess your closet. If you have cloth-

ing that doesn’t fit, is fraying, or outof date, get rid of it. You don’t needto take up valuable closet space withunusable garments.No More StainsArt projects gone awry, muddy

dog paws, party fouls. Anyone withpets, children, or a love of red wineknows that fabric stains on furni-ture, pillows and blankets happenall too easily. And once items arestained, they’ll never look cleanagain. But you don’t need to con-stantly flip those cushions or turnyour children into little adults tokeep your home looking great.“All it takes is a staple gun and

some special fabric to turn your barstool or dining room chair into anew piece of furniture that willrepel stains and moisture,” saysRandy Rubin, co-founder ofCrypton, a textile manufacturer thatdevelops eco-friendly fabrics thatare stain, liquid and odor-causingbacteria resistant. The companyrecently launched CryptonHome, aresidential product line of pet prod-ucts, furniture and tabletop acces-

sories like placemats and apronsthat are all made with this innova-tive fabric.Consider outfitting your home

with such stain-proof fabrics. Youwon’t need to sacrifice style either.Crypton’s fabrics, for example,come in a variety of colors, patternsand designer styles.No More MoldMold is not only an eyesore; it

poses a number of health risks. Andcleaning it is a big job that can beexpensive. Avoid mold build-up byfollowing some simple steps.Test the humidity level of each

room, including closets. If yourRelative Humidity (RH) is 55 per-cent or higher, invest in a dehumid-ifier.Fix leaky faucets immediately,

and use a fan or open a windowwhen taking a shower.Inspect your roof twice yearly,

keep your chimney free of cracksand clean your gutters regularly.The key to cleanliness is preven-

tion. Take steps this spring to elimi-nate extra work in the future.

Make Your Spring Cleaning Last longer


(ARA) - Home sweet home. With morehomeowners deciding to stay put in theirhomes, rather than attempting to sell inthe current market, that old adage is moremeaningful than ever.Staying put doesn't mean homeowners

are settling. Many are upgrading or redec-orating their abodes, turning their oldhome into the stylish - yet comfortable -home sweet home they've dreamed of formany years.Upgrading and redecorating a house can

be done in small steps, or in one overhaul,depending on your available time andfinances, and the upgrades you want to do.For example, redesigning your kitchenwith new appliances, cabinetry, flooringand wall color will require a lot more time,money and decision making on your partthan redecorating a bedroom with newlinens, wall color and rearranged furni-ture.No matter if you want to have everything

done in one large overhaul, or intend tospread your upgrades out over severalyears, you need to develop a working plan- one that can be constantly tweaked andupdated as the project progresses. Hereare some tips to get your working planstarted:

* Plan on a budget. You can develop atotal budget for all the work you want todo, or an annual budget, which will helpyou divide up all the projects so you areable to afford them over a period of time.When planning your budget, it's a goodidea to overestimate the cost of a project,just in case something unexpected pops uprequiring additional cash. Many a homeremodeler can tell you about the simplehome improvement project that turnedinto something much bigger than original-ly anticipated.* Set a timeline. This is to determine

your availability to work on the project. Ifyou find that you only have a day or twoavailable, you probably will want to planfor a much smaller project. Or you maywant to hire out any work you won't beable to finish yourself.* Make a list of equipment you need. If

you're going to be purchasing larger sup-plies like wood boards and drywall, youprobably need to update your truck with atruck bed rack system. Your truck will beable to transport up to 500 pounds ofhome improvement supplies on the rack,which sits neatly behind the cab andsecures your load with eyelets. And don'tforget about finding a secure place in your

home or garage to store supplies while theproject is ongoing. If you live in a homewhere storage is limited, consider keepingyour tools in your truck bed, covered andsecured with an tonneau cover. Thecover's locks keep your tools safe and dryuntil you need them, and when you'reready to get started on the project, thetonneau truck bed cover can easily beremoved, granting you access to every-thing.* Ask questions. As you get started in the

planning of your project, talk to friendsand family who have done something sim-ilar, as well as the experts at homeimprovement stores. The more informa-tion you have, the more prepared you willbe to address issues as they arise.Staying in your current house and

revamping it into that dream house youalways wanted can really pay off. You mayfind yourself inviting family and friends tocome and vacation at your house, so youcan stay home and enjoy it.

Upgrading your home into home sweet home


(StatePoint) Did you know that a disor-ganized household can cost your familymoney?From failing to make necessary repairs

before it’s too late, to mismanaging thehousehold budget, there can be a highprice to disorganization. Don’t accrueunnecessary expenses that could be avoid-ed by simply streamlining your household.“The key to running a happy home is

having a system to keep everything neatand orderly,” says Elizabeth Dodson, Co-founder of HomeZada, a revolutionaryhome organization online software appli-cation.There’s no better time than spring to do

some house cleaning and get your homelife in order. Here are some tips to get youstarted:MaintainEach year, 15,600 dryer fires occur,

resulting in property damage exceeding$75 million. And the leading cause is lackof maintenance. Preserve the overall valueof your largest asset, your home, with reg-ular maintenance of your house and appli-ances.An online program can secure documen-

tation and help you keep details straight,such as when you last tested your smokedetectors or replaced your air filters.

TrackIn this digital day and age, make paper

tracking of your families’ schedule and to-do lists a thing of the past. By going digi-tal, it will be harder to make costly mis-takes like missed appointments, and over-due bills.Online organizational tools are replacing

the chore wheel, the calendar and themessage board, consolidating all thisinformation in one place. Opt for a safeand secure service that sends alerts andreminders to users about what tasks needsto get done.Plan AheadNobody likes to think about challenges

like burglaries, fires, and floods. But thesethings can and do happen, so it’s best tobe prepared for anything. Unfortunately,most people have incomplete recordsabout their home and possessions, andoften, this information is scattered in mul-tiple boxes, filing cabinets, drawers andspreadsheets.An online tracking tool can help you

maximize your insurance benefits in theevent of emergency, by storing the impor-tant details of your possessions in oneplace. Look for a service that even will letyou track upcoming warranty expirationdates, sending you reminders to your

phone or email. More tips on what to lookfor in an online home management toolcan be found at www.homezada.com .When it comes to running an organized

household, there are a lot of moving parts.But by getting them together today, youcan save your family money andheadaches tomorrow.

Better Home Organization Can Save You Money


According to the Home Safety Council,a nonprofit organization dedicated topreventing home injuries, half of the chil-dren who die before their first birthdaydie from choking or suffocation. Manytimes such tragedies can be averted.Parents of very young children can and

should take it upon themselves to safe-guard their youngsters from variouschoking and suffocation hazards aroundthe house. The Home Safety Counciloffers the following tips to parents hopingto do just that.* Keep smaller items out of reach. In

general, anything that can fit through atube of toilet paper is big enough to causea child to choke. This includes hard can-dies, coins, peanuts, and even latex bal-loons. Always store these items in closedareas or in places that are beyond achild's reach.* Make the crib a kids-only zone.

Pillows, toys and comforters in a crib cancause a child to suffocate. Make the criboff-limits to these types of items, andalways put children to bed on their backs.* Clip window cords. Window cords,

such as those that hang from blinds, can

be very dangerous if they make their wayinto the hands of young children. Clip theloops in these window cords and makesure they are always high up the windowwhere curious kids cannot reach them.* Read all toy labels. Kids have so many

toys that parents can easily overlook toysthat might be safety hazards. Parents ofespecially young children might feel a lit-tle run down from raising their youngsterand unknowingly let a few toys slip pasttheir radar. However, it's imperative par-ents read all toy labels before handing thetoys over to a child. Pay specific attentionto the recommended ages for each toy, asthose recommendations are often madewith child safety in mind.* Keep kids at an arm's length at all

times when around water. Anotherpotential threat to kids' safety around thehouse is water. Children can drown in aslittle as an inch of water, and it mightonly take a few minutes to do so. As aresult, parents must be mindful andattentive whenever kids are aroundwater. Bathtubs, toilets and, of course,pools present serious safety hazards toyoung kids. Whenever kids are around

water, always stay within arm's length.* Erect a fence around a pool or spa.

Many communities have laws in placethat require pools to be fenced in. Butthose laws often only mandate the yardwhere the pool is located be fenced in.While that might be sufficient, it can alsohelp to erect a fence around the poolitself and keep a lock on the gate to pre-vent curious youngsters from makingtheir way to the pool unsupervised.* Turn buckets and wading pools

upside down when not in use. Many par-ents purchase wading pools so their kidshave a fun place to relax on hot days.When the kids aren't living it up, emptythese pools and turn them upside down.Do the same with any buckets you havearound the house. Whenever possible,store empty buckets outside the reach ofchildren.* Prevent burns. Adults know to be cau-

tious around hot water, but kids oftenlearn the hard way. To prevent burns,keep hot water at or below 120 F.More information on making your

home a safer place is available atwww.homesafetycouncil.org.

Make your home safer for kids

Cords that hang from blinds present aserious safety risk to young children if nothung beyond a child's reach.


5 Steps to a Fantastic Herb GardenA handful of homegrown herbs

goes a long way in the kitchen.Here's how to make the most ofyour herb garden

Let's face it: Some gardens are justmore tasteful than others. A variety ofcooking herbs can be grown outside yourhome, allowing for some savory additionsto your recipes. And you don't need to bea culinary expert to get started. But youdo need to plan before you plant. "Whenpeople are creating an outdoor herb andspice garden, they often do not take thetime to plan before they plant," saysJaneen Wright, educator/horticulturalistat the Herb Society of America inWilloughby, Ohio. "They need to considertheir time, experience, space, sunlight,access to water and their budget. All ofthese things play a role in planning out agarden and, when considered, can help toavoid frustrations in the future." Whetheryour taste buds steer you toward basil,sage, oregano, thyme, dill or cilantro,here are five ideas you won't want toignore.

Embrace Earth and Sky"Herbs generally prefer a garden loam,

which is a combination of clay, silt, sand,and organic matter," Wright says. "Herbsgrow well in a soilwith a pH between6 and 7.5. It paysoff to amend yoursoil to get the prop-er pH level that isneeded for optimalgrowth. You cannever go wrongwith adding organicmatter such as com-post, peat moss andmanure." Mostherbs originate inMediterraneancountries, so theyrequire lots of sun-light, Wright adds.They are usuallyplanted in full sunwith the exceptionof southern climates where afternoonshade is sometimes needed. "Manyrequire 4-6 hours of sunlight a day, and6-8 hours is even better," Wright says.

Observe Thyme And Space"You want to plant herbs in the late

spring when all chance of frost is gone.Especially if you are planting basil - it

dies at 38degrees!" saysDonnaFrawley ofMidland,Mich., whoruns Frawley'sFine Herbaryand is atrustee of theInternationalHerbAssociation."Make surewhen you areplanting yourherbs thatthere isenough spacearound themfor them to

grow and have good air circulation."Basil, thyme, parsley, sage, bay and rose-mary do well in containers, Wright says."When trying to decide between contain-ers and the ground, keep in mindwhether or not you will be bringing the

plant indoors for the winter. How muchgardening space and sunlight you haveavailable (containers are better for limit-ed space and can be moved to sunnyspots), and how big the plant will get,"Wright says. "For example, certain vari-eties of dill are not great choices for con-tainers."

Feed to Taste"You want to lightly fertilize your herbs

in the spring with fish emulsion or 12-12-12," Frawley says. "If you fertilize toomuch you will have a lot of growth butthe essential oils that give the herb theircharacteristic flavor or fragrance will nothave time to accumulate and they won'thave as much flavor." "Use it sparingly, ifat all," Wright says of fertilizer. "Do yourresearch and become familiar with thegrowth requirements for your individualplants."

Keep Feet DryA well-drained soil is a must for grow-

ing herbs, Wright says. "Herbs do not likewet feet, meaning they do not like to beconstantly sitting in water-logged soils,"

See Herb, page 13


says Wright. Weather and growing condi-tions of each plant affects their waterrequirements. For example, Wright says,during long, hot and humid periods,plants will require more water. Water onan as-needed basis and avoid light sur-face sprinkling. Individual herbs have dif-ferent water requirements so it is helpfulto do your research and know their needsfor healthy growth.

Get Picky"Herbs like to be picked. It makes them

grow bushier, which increases your over-all harvest," Frawley says. "If the plant isan annual, its only job is to make seed fornext year. If the flowers are allowed toremain, they will make seed and send amessage to the plant to stop growingbecause our job is done. By removing theflowers, it will keep growing and produc-ing more leaves." You can harvest as soonas your herbs are big enough to be cutwith enough remaining to continue pho-tosynthesis, Frawley says. The best timeto harvest herbs is in the morning, afterthe dew is gone but before the hot suncauses some of their oils to release.

HerbFrom Page 12

(MS) -- If you were given a chance todesign a dream home, what featureswould you choose first?Take a look at the most popular wish

list in 2011 from Nudura, a leading firmin building technology:1. Curb appeal. Home exterior, drive-

way, and landscaping must attractadmiring attention.2. Concrete and natural stone, rather

than wood framing and brick. Thesehomes (nudura.com) are not only beauti-ful, they are stonger, more sound resist-ant, and far more energy efficient thanwood frames and brick.3. Maximum energy efficient through-

out from top to bottom.4. Solar panels in the roof to generate a

personal energy source.5. A large, designer kitchen with natu-

ral stone countertops and futuristicappliances, cabinetry and waterworks.6. Natural hardwood flooring like

Brazilian cherry and sustainable bam-boo.7. A sunroom, a front porch, and a

backyard finished patio.

8. Vessel sinks, or freestanding bowlsabove the bathroom countertop, accom-panied by wall-mounted faucets.9. Bedroom walk out or balcony.

10. Designer bathtubs and walk-inshower with marble tile, a seating benchand rainfall showerhead.

Top 10 dream home features


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Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Surveyindicate that homeowners annually spend billions of dol-lars improving outdoor living areas.One of the most popular ways to do just that is to add a

deck to a home. Decks are beneficial in many ways.Grillmasters love decks because they make the perfectplace to set up a grill and a table and cook for family andfriends. Those who simply love being outdoors find decksthe perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idleaway the evening hours.But homeowners who want to build a deck should know

a few things before that process begins.* Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be

especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it.Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors,make certain you know which permits you need and howto get them. If the proper permits are not secured beforethe project begins, you might have to tear down the wholeproject and start all over again.* Decks don't have to go on the back of the house. If the

back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it'sprobably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that's per-fectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow,decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and put-ting a deck on the side might be more comfortable.* Decks don't have to be made of wood. It's easy to

assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, deckscan be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural orsynthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most pop-

ular material for decking because it's not very expensive.But manmade materials that are a mixture of recycledplastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular becausethey require no maintenance. But homeowners shouldknow that manmade materials can get hot in the sun,which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes.* Expect to do some digging. If you're going to build

your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Localbuilding codes will dictate how deep you will need to digfor the pier footings, which support the deck's weight. Justhow deep you'll dig depends on your climate's specificfrost line, but it's safe to assume you'll get a workout inwhen digging.* The deck can have multiple levels. Though many peo-

ple associate decks with one level, it's possible to have amulti-level deck if you simply don't have enough room tobuild a deck that will be big enough to meet all of yourneeds. A multi-level deck can break up those long flightsof stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere togo to escape the sun on a hot day.* You will want to protect the deck. Decks are a costly

investment, and you will want to protect that investment.If you're building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun willbeat down on the deck for most of the year. You can pro-tect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen forthe deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the mate-rial. Once you've finished painting, apply sealant, whetherit's oil- or water-based.* Don't forget fasteners. Fasteners will hide the screws

for aesthetic appeal. But not all woods and fasteners arethe right fit, as certain woods are only compatible withcertain fasteners. Find out which fasteners make the rightfit ahead of time. Because fasteners conceal the screws,they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but

homeowners should learn as much as possible aboutdecks and what goes into building them before makingany decking decisions.

Things to know before building a deck


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Replacing a roof is a costly venture nohomeowners look forward to. Accordingto Remodeling magazine's 2010-11 "Costvs. Value" report, the national averagecost of a roof replacement is nearly$22,000, a costly endeavor consideringthe tenuous nature of the economy.What's more, homeowners who choosemore upscale roofing materials canexpect to spend almost $40,000 on theirroofs.Such costs make it no small wonder

that many homeowners fear the dreadeddiagnosis that their home needs a newroof. While there's little homeowners cando to reduce the cost of a roof replace-ment, there are warning signs homeown-ers can look for that might indicate aroof replacement is on the horizon.Recognition of these signs can helphomeowners be more financially pre-pared should the day come when the roofneeds to be replaced.1. The presence of algaeIf the roof has lots of dark streaks and

stains clinging to it, that is likely algae,which can grow on the roof for quiteawhile. Algae does not necessarily do anydamage to a roof, but it does do somedamage to a home's physical appearance,

as algae on the roof is not very pleasingto the eye. Algae is most often found onthe roofs of homes located in climatesthat have warm, humid summers. Ifalgae is a problem on your roof, spraywashing with a mixture of water andbleach can effectively remove it.2. Buckling shinglesLike algae, buckling shingles are anoth-

er unsightly problem on a roof. But buck-ling shingles are more than just an eye-sore, they actually might indicate signifi-cant problems. When shingles buckle,that's typically because hot air from theattic is forcing the shingles away fromthe home. Buckling shingles also indicatethat the roof is poorly ventilated, whichcan take years off the roof's life expectan-cy while driving up home cooling costsalong the way.3. Granule lossGranule loss is typically a byproduct of

normal shingle wear and tear that resultsfrom inclement weather, such as hail.Older roofs might experience granuleloss, but granule loss can also occur on anew roof if a defective roofing productwas used. Any granule loss, even if slight,should be addressed, as the side effectsof granule loss include a weakened roof

and leaking. If granule loss is notaddressed, the consequences could besevere the next time a storm occurs.4. MoldUnlike the warning signs already dis-

cussed, mold is not visible on the outsideof the home. Instead, homeownersshould look in the attic of a home to seeif there is any mold growth. If there is,the roof is likely leaking, and the healthrisks of mold growth in a home are sub-stantial. Mold is not necessarily easy todetect, so a professional inspection mightbe in order if mold growth is suspected.If a professional determines mold is, infact, present, then the mold will need tobe removed and all options, including aroof replacement, must be considered tokeep mold from coming back.5. Roof rotPerhaps the most discouraging sign a

homeowner can see on his or her roof isroof rot. Roof rot appears when a roof isin considerable decay and, if notaddressed, its consequences can stretchfar beyond the roof, damaging otherparts of the home thanks in large part towater getting through the roof. If roof rotis either not noticed or just ignored, itwon't take long for water to get through

the roof and blaze a destructive paththrough the rest of the home.Homeowners might fear a full roof

replacement because of the cost associat-ed with such a project. But if ignored,problems with a roof could eventuallyprove far more costly than the price ofreplacing the roof.

Should a roof exhibit any signs of decay,homeowners should address those issuesimmediately to avoid further damage.

5 signs your roof might be wearing down

(MS) -- If you want professional-lookingresults when painting exterior wood,approach the project as if you were a profes-sional painting contractor. That means fol-lowing four simple rules that come secondnature to experienced painters, says DebbieZimmer, spokesperson for the Paint QualityInstitute.For the uninitiated, here are the four rules

that great painters swear by:1. Take time to prepare the surfaceproperly.According to Zimmer, this is where a lot

of inexperienced painters go wrong."It's important to fight the urge to start

painting as soon as possible," says Zimmer."Even the best paints can fail if they'reapplied to a poorly prepared surface."Before beginning to paint, clean the sur-

face thoroughly. This can be done with rent-ed power-washing equipment or by scrub-bing with a long-handled brush using plainsoap and water.Afterward, remove any remaining loose,

flaking, or peeling paint by scraping or wire-brushing. Next, sand down rough edges onthe old paint, as well as areas where thepaint is glossy.Finally, brush off the dust and particles

left from the sanding and scraping. Thensand and prime any areas where the woodis bare.2. Buy top quality paint."To get the best-looking and longest-last-

ing paint job, it's important to use the high-est grade of paint," advises Zimmer. "On

wood andmany other exterior surfaces, topquality 100 percent acrylic latex paint is thebest choice."Because these paints containmore solids

than run-of-the-mill paints, they form athicker, more durable paint film.What'smore, they hide better, so they'll often con-ceal the old paint color in fewer coats, sav-ing a lot of extra work ... and savingmoney,too."Top quality 100 percent acrylic latex

paints also have better adhesion, so they geta better grip on a properly prepared sur-face," says Zimmer. "And they remain flexi-ble, so they can expand and contract withchanging temperatures. These attributeshelp top quality paints resist peeling andflaking, which adds to the life expectancy ofthe paint job."Top quality 100 percent acrylic latex

paints typically last 10 years or more, com-pared to three or four years for lower quali-ty coatings, according to Zimmer. So, theyare amuch better value in terms of cost peryear of service -- no small consideration inthese trying economic times.

PAGE 16 THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

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3. Use quality brushes and equip-ment.For the best results when applying top

quality paint, use quality brushes and acces-sories, says Zimmer. "Better quality equip-ment makes the work easier and helpsapply the paint in a thicker, more uniformcoat for a better-looking paint job."She advises homeowners to choose brush-

es that are well-balanced and springy, withmultiple lengths of split bristles packedtightly in a 3/4- to 1-inch thickness on astandard 4-inch brush.When working with latex paints, it's

important to use brushes with syntheticbristles -- ideally, polyester. According toZimmer, polyester bristles will hold theirshape andmaintain the proper stiffnessregardless of the amount of water theyencounter.4. Paint in the right weather condi-tions.After you have your quality paint and

tools in hand, choose the right type of day toapply the paint. Doing so will enable thepaint to form a tough, durable, protectivefilm.Zimmer says it's best to do exterior paint-

ing inmild weather, ideally when tempera-tures are above 50 degrees F, and when thewind isn't strong.On very hot days, try to avoid painting in

direct sunshine, since surfaces sitting indirect sun can be 10 to 20 degrees hotterthan the air temperature. One way to copewith this and still keep the jobmoving is topaint on the shady side of the house.The four rules for perfect painting involve

a lot of common sense and take a little self-discipline. But, if you follow them, you'll berewarded with a beautiful, professional-looking paint job that will last for years.For more advice on paints and painting,

visit theWeb site of the Paint QualityInstitute at www.paintquality.com.

PaintingFrom Page 16

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Outdoor entertaining areas have alwaysbeen popular among homeowners. Theability to entertain friends and family orsimply relax by yourself is somethinghomeowners cherish, particularly duringthe warm weather seasons. Finding theright furniture to match your outdoorarea, be it a deck, patio or poolsidelounging area, is essential to making themost of this special area of the home.When shopping for outdoor furniture,consider the following.*Weight: Unlike furniture inside the

home, outdoor furniture will be movedaround quite frequently, such as to pro-tect it from inclement weather or chang-ing seasons. As a result, the weight of thefurniture bears importance. While youdon't want furniture that's too light-weight and will blow away any time astrong gust of wind comes along, it's agood idea to choose furniture that isn'ttoo heavy. This makes it easier to moveshould a storm suddenly appear and itwon't require the entire household tohelp move the furniture into and out ofthe garage when inclement weatherarrives.

* Comfort: The whole idea behind anoutdoor entertaining area is to have arelaxing place to spend time outside. Sobe sure to choose furniture that's com-fortable and can handle the elements.Metal furniture, for example, might bedurable, but such furniture can also getvery hot if out in the sun.* Versatility:Many homeowners enjoy

changing their home's interior decorfrom time to time, and it can be just asenjoyable to do the same to a home'sexterior decor. That said, look for furni-ture that can be accented with a varietyof accessories, so you can change thelook of your outdoor entertaining areaeasily.* Protection: Protecting exterior furni-

ture from the elements should be a prior-ity. When shopping for outdoor furni-ture, figure out if protective covering isavailable or if it will need to be custommade. The latter alternative can be quiteexpensive, so you might want to considermore generic furniture that comes withstandard protective coverings to make itmore affordable.

What to look for in outdoor furniture


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(MS) -- Home is where the heart is,where families grow, and generally wherethe most of our leisure time is spent.Working with green technology for the bestinsulation will keep your house warm, wel-coming, comfortable and cozy -- and willsave you money, all at the same time.Insulation advancements are on the hori-

zon at all times, experts say. Take a look atinnovation by Icynene, for example. Theirsoft, expanding spray foam insulation andair barrier material protects homeownersfrom the harmful outdoor environmentand from energy-robbing air leakage.Icynene pioneered the spray foam technol-ogy and now leads in industry training.Why are homeowners turning to spray

foam insulation? Experts tell us that olderinsulation types, such as fibreglass, willsettle, compact and sag over time, decreas-ing their insulation properties. Spray foaminsulation is energy efficient, and it has ahigh R-value due to its ability to seal andinsulate at the same time.The spray foam solutions are created

with water blowing agents and renewableand recycled content, which help reducegreenhouse gas emissions to support a

healthier environment. Spray foam insula-tion can be used in new home constructionor additions and insulation upgrades toexisting homes (attics, crawlspaces) duringremodeling projects. With spray foaminsulation you can maintain healthy indoorair while reducing your HVAC equipmentneeds and saving on energy bills. In addi-tion, homeowners can conserve construc-tion materials without the need for excesssealing and still achieve optimal airtight-ness. Spray foam insulation doesn't passoff gas over time, performs at peak levelsfor the lifetime of your home, and, becauseairborne moisture is controlled, the dura-bility of the building remains unthreatenedby the growth of mold and mildew.More information on this topic is avail-

able online at www.icynene.com.

Save money on energy bills(MS) -- As you tear apart the wallpa-

per, replace the cupboards and strip thefloorboards, experts caution not to reachfor that bucket of paint before investi-gating the innards of your walls.Insulation and infrastructure are sig-

nificant to the foundation and value ofyour property, so bringing in a homeinspector or appraiser allows you tomake corrections early, before you'vefinalized the renovation plans.Common problems centre on air leak-

age and poor insulation issues, expertstell us. The latest research, for example,indicates that traditional fibreglass andcellulose insulation are less reliable thancontemporary spray foam insulation.Foams, like those from Icynene, are

known to decrease the presence of com-mon airborne irritants, reduce air andwater penetration and reduce energycosts. When you sell your home, sprayfoam insulation stands to give a betterreturn on investment than dated insula-tion.More information on this topic is

available online at icynene.com.

Planning your renovation smartly


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(ARA) - Upgrading the kitchen is onmany homeowners' "to do" list. And forgood reason. A minor kitchen remodelranks fourth on the list of the top 10 homeimprovement projects that deliver returnon investment, according to Remodelingmagazine's 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report.But whether you're in it for the invest-

ment, or just to freshen up the space inyour home where people spend the mosttime, a new kitchen look could be a fun,impactful improvement to your house.Some may start with a weekend projectand a $40 can of paint, while others willjump into a $50,000-plus remodel. Eitherway, one thing is for sure - you can't gowrong with a beautiful, highly functionalkitchen.A simple refreshIf time or budget constraints limit you to

changing just a few basic elements of thekitchen, focus on things that make themost impact. Even novice do-it-yourselfhomeowners can complete many of theseitems on their own:* Paint the walls. Painting always tops

the to-do list when a mini makeover is inorder. It's an affordable, high-impact wayto change the decor of a kitchen. If you'renot changing out cabinets or countertops,be sure to select a color that complementsthose major elements.* Add new accessories. Switching out

the small decor details in a kitchen canmake the room feel entirely new. Maybeit's replacing bar stools at the island,reupholstering pillows or a bench cushion,or even hanging a few new pieces of art orphotos on the wall.* Change the faucet. Often underesti-

mated, the kitchen faucet has a lot ofinfluence in the overall style of the room.Choosing a more up-to-date pull-down orpull-out faucet not only improves the lookof the room, but can add significant con-venience and functionality."Faucets in the kitchen are much more

than what they used to be," says KevinMcJoynt of Danze, a manufacturer of dec-orative plumbing faucets and fixtures.

Planning your new kitchen - renew or redo?

See Kitchen, page 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012 PAGE 21

"They play an important role in setting thedecor and focal points of any kitchen."A full remodelHomeowners throughout the country

are staying in their homes longer thanthey once did. Because of that, significantremodeling projects tend to rise to the topof the priority list. If you're in it for thelong haul (or even to ensure you get thatreturn on investment), a complete kitchenremodel could be for you.When the entire room footprint is your

canvas, the possibilities are exciting. Whilea contractor is recommended for most ofthese projects, make sure you're involvedin exploring the options that will help youuse this space as wisely as possible (yetprovide beautiful decor in the process):* Install display shelves. This hot

kitchen trend is an eye-catching alterna-tive to hanging wall cabinets. Taking downcabinets is a pretty simple task for two andhanging the shelves is even easier.* Evaluate the flow of the workspaces.

Adding more water sources to your roomcould improve efficiency and ease.Consider a simple, yet beautiful faucet on

the island for prep, a pot filler by the stoveto help while cooking, and a hard-workingfaucet at the main sink for clean-up.*Mix and match your surfaces.

Replacing countertops is one of the mostnoticeable changes to any kitchen venue.Quartz surfaces are a popular choice, pro-viding a unique combination of quality,hygiene and a look of natural stone.Selecting a lighter color surface for theperimeter and a darker, bolder color forthe island is a great way to add anotherdesign element to the room."With today's growing popularity in

cooking and a rise in the number of at-home chefs, kitchen flow and workspaceneeds are critical aspects to consider whencompletely remodeling your kitchen,"adds McJoynt. "The sink and faucet choic-es for each of these areas can play a bigrole in the functionality and enjoyment ofthe space."Manufacturers such as Danze offer a

wide range of faucet styles in various func-tional designs. So, whether you're lookingto enhance a traditional decor, add sleek-ness to a contemporary professional-graderoom, or something in between, leveragingfaucets and other elements can help setthe tone for the entire room.To learn more about the beauty and

variety of Danze, visit danze.com.

KitchenFrom Page 20


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Landscape Tips From the ProsWork out a plan to conserve

two of your garden’s most pre-cious resources: your time andenergy.

For most people, an ideal garden wouldbe full of flowers and require no mainte-nance at all. But short of using silk flow-ers, that type of garden just doesn’t exist.One can, however, minimize mainte-

nance with careful planning.“Low maintenance does not equal bor-

ing,” says Doug Jimerson, longtime Iowagardener who founded and ran the pio-neering Web site Garden.com from 1996to 2000. “You don’t have to settle for ashopping-mall landscape just becauseyou are time-starved.”What follows are 10 tips to get you

started. And if all else fails? Well, try theultimate low-maintenance approach:Hire a gardener.1. Use plants that are appropriate foryour climate.Choosing the right plants is half the

battle. The more stress plants are underfrom inappropriate soil and climate, themore likely they are to succumb toinsects and disease.2. Have a less-formal garden.Instead of rigid borders and beds with

everything evenly spaced, try a more nat-uralistic approach with plants such asferns and wildflowers that are supposedto look a little messy and freeform.3. Use hardy plants that don’t requiremuch care.Annuals, for example, need to be dug

up every year. Vegetables are highly sus-ceptible to pests. But ornamental grassesand herbs can fend for themselves inmost situations.4. Eliminate or downsize your lawn.Favor more trees and shrubs and flow-

ers over grass. “A lawn takes more main-tenance than just about anything elseyou can plant,” Jimerson says. “You haveto mow and fertilize it and keep it dis-

See Landscape, page 23


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ease-free. It also takes a lot of water.”5. Leave your lawn long.If you can’t live without grass, raise the

blade on your mower to 3 inches or so. Aclosely cropped lawn – say 1 or 2 inchestall – increases plant stress, which inturn increases maintenance. And becausetaller grass more effectively shades theground, it discourages weed growth.6. Avoid concrete.When planning patios and walkways,

resist the urge to economize by usingconcrete instead of stone or brick. “Stoneand brick are easily replaced if theycrack,” says Michelle McKay, owner ofMcKay Landscape Architects in Chicago.Concrete, on the other hand, must bebroken up and carted away.7. Don’t forget to mulch.Mulching inhibits weed growth and

helps soil retain moisture. A layer oforganic mulch should be between twoand four inches deep. Avoid using saw-dust as a mulch, as it eats up nitrogen as

it decomposes.8. Water wisely.“A conventional sprinkler is one of the

most inefficient and wasteful ways ofwatering your garden,” Jimerson says.Far better, he says, are various drip-irri-gation systems: porous hoses concealedunder mulch that distribute water whereit’s needed. There are also systems forcontainer gardens that consist of a mainhose with smaller tubes every few inchesthat go directly into different pots.9. Avoid overkill with herbicides andpesticides.Are a few dandelions such a bad thing?

And if they are, why spray the wholelawn? Go dig them up. The same is truewith insects. “People tend to panic whenthey see an insect or insect damage,”Jimerson says. “The key is to know yourenemy. A single tomato worm can do alot of damage to a tomato patch, but it’sonly one worm. Find it and squish it.”10. Fertilize sparingly.A single application of time-release fer-

tilizer at the beginning of the season isenough for most gardens. If you addenough compost and manure to the soil,you may not have to fertilize at all.

LandscapeFrom Page 22

There are many items around the housethat may seem relatively harmless, buthave the potential to be quite dangerous ifconsumed or if they enter the eyes, nose,or get on the skin.Here is a list of many of the items that

should be kept away from children, whoare very susceptible to poisoning due totheir inquisitive natures and smallstature.

AmmoniaAir FreshenersAntifreezeBleachAfter-Shave LotionsInsect KillersCarpet/Upholstery cleanersColognes/PerfumesFertilizersDishwasher DetergentsFalse Fingernail RemoversGasolineDisinfectantsHair RemoverGluesDrain CleanersHair Styling ProductsLotions/Creams/OilsKerosene

Fabric SoftenersHand SanitizerLighter FluidsFloor CleanersMakeupLimeFurniture PolishesMedicationsLyeInsect KillersMothballsPaintsLaundry DetergentsMouthwashPaint ThinnersMetal CleanersNail-Polish RemoversPool SuppliesOven CleanersRubbing AlcoholRodent KillersRust RemoversShampoosTurpentineScouring PowdersShaving CreamsWeed KillersSpot RemoversSoaps/DeodorantsWindshieldWiper Fluids

Common Household Poisons


(ARA) - As you anticipate what excitingthings this year will bring, you mightnotice your home decor has been leftbehind. Fortunately, you can easily beau-tify and modernize your home using hintsfrom design experts on the hottest colortrends. Don't worry that you'll need tobreak the bank - simply updating theshades of your walls can create the feel ofan entire new home without the cost ofbuying one. And you'll enjoy starting theyear in fresh, contemporary surroundings."Our world has become increasingly

complicated and fast-paced in recentyears, to the point that many people arenow taking steps back to re-evaluate theirlifestyles and consider what's truly impor-tant," says Donna Schroeder, Dutch BoyPaints manager of Color + Design. "As welook back to simpler times, we also seehow design and style have evolved. Our2012 color forecast is based on this reflec-tion and the self-expression of what peo-ple find meaningful. This year's diversecolor trends are rich and full of history,helping people create spaces that trulyshow their inner selves."Featuring five groupings of the hottest

colors in home decor, the color forecastoffers options for any room or personal

taste. The 2012 trends palettes are as fol-lows:Ethereal.Whether it's the search for

enlightenment or just the best cup oforganic coffee within 20 miles, the path isabout more than the ground covered. TheEthereal collection floats above othercolor palettes, airy and atmospheric withtea-stained and faded hues evocative ofthe lightness of the sky under the middaysun. Light colors from this palette includeEpidermal, Faded Mint and Feather Lite.Primitive. A meandering path through

the forest takes us past colors only to befound in nature. Deep barks, shocking cit-rines and raw earth inspired the naturalcolors of this palette. The Primitive colorsare as mysterious as the shaded canopy ofthe woods that inspired them. Suffusedwith energy, they speak to growth, regen-eration and life. This natural paletteincludes Raw Garnet, Symbiotic Greenand Indigenous Teal.Fundamental.We've walked far away

from the beige computer housings of the1970s, only to find the hues from thisbudding technological era coming backfull force. Retro office meets geek chic fora new take on '70s style, as seen in thisgrouping. The Fundamental color palette

makes full use of classic, contrasting neu-trals like beige and gray - designed towork as the perfect foil for bold mainaccents of green, orange and vibrant blue.Basic colors in the Fundamental paletteinclude Ink Blue, Aged Cognac andRudimentary Beige.

Pastimes. It's time for a road trip backin time to motels boasting refrigeratedair, a gallon of gas that cost a dime andthe game of miniature golf that was every

Spring into 2012 with the hottest colors for your home

See Colors, page 25


family's obsession. The Pastimes colorpalette is filled with exuberant shadesreminiscent of lazy summer days at a lakehouse without a television, or the intensi-ty of the circus coming to town. It'sAmerican culture from the 1940s and '50s- a simpler time, an antidote to the fast-paced buzz and hum of modern technolo-gy. Bright Pastimes hues include Clown'sNose, Kiddie Pool and Orangesicle.Compose. A street of dreams with a

focus on soft femininity and vintage 1930sfloral fashions are at the heart of theCompose color palette. Rich, dark huesare offset by bright pops of color thatdespite their origin in an earlier era, lookfresh and new. This is a collection thatworships the creative being in all of us,and encourages self-expression throughhome decorating. This inspired palettecontains shades such as Purple PencilSkirt, Lip Stain Pink and Theatrical Teal.Choose any path to fit your home,

whether it's a light, shimmery mint fromthe Ethereal palette, or a natural naturalgreen from the Primitive palette. Usingthese cues from the color professionals,you can ensure your home enters 2012 instyle.

ColorsFrom Page 24

(MS) -- Keeping your home at a comfortable temperaturebecomes an increasingly expensive proposition with steadily ris-ing energy costs. With the full force of winter upon us, you cankeep air leakage and energy loss in check with a mini energyaudit of your home that includes these three quick stops:#1 - CHECK FOR DRAFTSAir leakage (especially in the basement, on the main floor or

through a windward-facing wall) can make your home drafty,uncomfortable and difficult to heat, no matter how much youturn up the thermostat. Address air leakage by plugging thebiggest leaks first, such as in the attic and around electricalholes, plumbing vents, basement rim joists (where the founda-tion meets the wood framing), recessed lighting, windows anddoors.#2 - CHECK YOUR INSULATIONIf you have conventional fiberglass or cellulose insulation, set-

tling and sagging can compromise its performance and lead to abig hit on your energy bills. Look for gaps and signs of moistureproblems in your insulation, especially in the attic, in the base-ment and in the room over the garage. If you're planning homeimprovements or an addition, consider installing an insula-tion/air barrier (like innovative Icynene) for complete air seal-ing and energy savings of up to 50 percent over conventionalinsulation. More information about your insulation options isavailable online at www.icynene.com.#3 - CHECK YOUR FURNACEHow old is your furnace? If it pre-dates 1992, it might only

operate at about 55 to 78 percent efficiency. A new Energy Star-qualified furnace can operate above 90 percent efficiency as aresult of more efficient heat exchangers and electronic ignition.

How to control air leakage and energy loss in your home

Spray foam insulation can help overcome many issues associ-ated with conventional fiberglass or cellulose insulation, such assettling, sagging and potential moisture problems.


In the classic film "TheWizard of Oz,"Dorothy famously uttered the phrase,"there's no place like home." Now, severaldecades later, that sentiment remains verydear to people's hearts.While homes are sanctuaries for many

people, a home can be dangerous. The U.S.Home Safety Council states that everyyear, nearly 20,000 people die and 21 mil-lion medical visits are needed due to homeaccidents in the United States. The HuronCounty Health Unit says that the majorityof injuries that occur in homes in Canadaare attributed to falls. The same can besaid for those living in the United States.The elderly and children are the age

groups most susceptible to home acci-dents. Research by the Harvard MedicalSchool has found that accidents and thechance for fatalities increases dramaticallyover the age of 65. However, accidents canoccur in any age group, and making safetychanges around the house is a proactivestep to avoid accidents. Here are some ofthe common injuries that occur around thehome.* Slamming fingers in doors and win-

dows: For small children, severe injuries --even amputations -- can result fromslammed fingers in doors and windows.

* Falls:Falls, especially down the stairs,cause more trips to the emergency roomthan any other accident in the U.S.* Cooking injuries:Burns and scalding

from cooking top the list of injuries athome. Cuts from a knife while preparingfood are also leading dangers.* Electrocution:All it takes is a faulty out-

let or a frayed cord to provide a shock, onethat can prove fatal.Safety itemsIn some towns, cities and provinces, laws

mandate a home be equipped with certainsafety items. Others are smart choices tohave on hand. Although not all injuriesaround the home can be foreseen, themajority of them are preventable. With acombination of certain safety items onhand and precautionary actions, home-related injuries can be reduced.* Fire extinguisher: This can be kept on

hand for minor fires.* Smoke alarm: These alert to the pres-

ence of smoke, which could be indicative ofa home fire.* Carbon monoxide alarm: These alarms

are a necessity to detect carbon monoxide,a colorless, odorless gas that can causedeath if inhaled in high amounts. Carbonmonoxide alarms are frequently installed

by furnaces and bedrooms.* Adequate lighting: Since falls are so

common, having lights on landings andentryways can alleviate falls due to theinability to see.* Radon detectors: Another gas that is

difficult to detect by smell or sight isradon, which may be leaching from sur-rounding soil into a home, particularlyproblematic on the lower level of a home.* Wire organizers: Bundles of wires

behind televisions and other electronicscan be tripping hazards and cause shocksor electrocution if touched in an improperway. Storage devices can keep them safelytucked out of sight.

* First aid kit: A medical kit will have allof the supplies necessary to treat minorinjuries.* Grab bars: People who have mobility

issues can install grab bars in hallways andbathrooms for extra support.* Door and window guards:A number of

safety devices exist for windows and doors,including foam protectors that preventslammed fingers or hands.* Fire escapes: Those who live in multi-

level homes can invest in retractable lad-ders that attach to windows and provide anemergency point of exit.Accidents around the home are prevalent

but often preventable.

Promote safety around the home

Smoke alarms are a vital part of home safety.


(MS) -- With allergy season on the horizon,many people are preparing for all the sneezes andsniffles the season typically brings. For longtimeallergy sufferers, the season is one they'd prefer toavoid. However, there are several ways to preparefor allergy season and ensure there's more timespent having fun in the spring sun than fendingoff pesky allergies.* Take spring cleaning seriously. Much like

allergy season, spring cleaning is a springtime riteof passage for millions of families across the coun-try. When spring cleaning, be sure to do morethan just remove a winter's worth of clutter.Molds are dormant during the winter, but oftenemerge at the first sign of spring. To avoid suc-cumbing to any dust- or mold-related allergies,clean the house top to bottom, removing any dustthat might have settled and solving any issueswith mold that might have developed over thewinter months.* Emphasize crisp and clean air inside the

home. Who can the blame the family who wantsto open the windows and let that refreshingspring air come pouring in? Unfortunately, thatair is typically accompanied by harmful allergensthat can trigger an allergy or exacerbate one that's

already arrived.While it might be impossible to stop allergens

from entering the home entirely, it's not impossi-ble to fight them off once they do come in.Employing electrolyzed water technology, theSANYO Air Washer PlusTM utilizes a HEPA fil-tration system to remove 99.97 percent of air-borne particles and allergens while simultaneous-ly suppressing airborne bacteria and germs andeliminating unpleasant odors in the home. Withcrisper, cleaner air in the home, families are farless likely to succumb to spring allergies.* Circulate indoor air. Even if a home's windows

are open, it's possible for indoor air to stagnate ona lazy spring day. If air is stagnant, allergens cansettle in and eventually aggravate an existingallergy.* Get to the doctor early. Visit the doctor before

the arrival of pollen and mold season. Doctorstypically suggest anything from prescription nasalsprays to non-drowsy antihistamines. Regardlessof what's prescribed or suggested, it's ideal to startallergy medications 1-2 weeks before the arrival ofallergy season.For more information on the Air Washer Plus,

visit www.us.SANYO.com.

Ready Your Home For the Coming Allergy Season

Families can effectively combat allergy season with an indoor air wash-er.


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Top three innovations to improve home efficiency(MS) -- Our homes are a great measur-

ing stick of how far we've progressed inthe past 20 years, especially when itcomes to their efficiency in terms of sav-ing us energy and money.Here are the top three innovative tech-

nologies that can improve the efficiency ofour homes:

Home Automation* It wasn't that long ago that an auto-

mated home was a focus of science fic-tion. Today, adding the convenience andcontrol of our indoor climate, lighting,electronic media and home security isincreasingly affordable and accessiblethrough home PCs, smart phone andtablet applications. With home monitor-ing systems, you can track energy andwater usage in real time, spot key sourcesof energy loss and make immediateadjustments.

Insulation* If your home is more than 10 years

old, there's a good chance it has fiberglassor cellulose insulation behind its walls.While these were once the insulations ofchoice, there are many holes in thesetechnologies. Since they are difficult toinstall perfectly and can sag or settle overtime, they can leave gaps and seams. It'slike leaving a window open 24 hours a day

in the freezing cold.* Experts remind us that insulation

advancements (like those from leadinginnovator Icynene) have brought us sprayfoam insulation options that won't settle,sag or leave any gaps. Spray foam acts asan air barrier and can deliver up to 50percent energy savings over older insula-tion options, while making our homeshealthier, quieter and more comfortable.You can compare insulation options atwww.icynene.com.

Appliances and HVAC* Appliances and heating/cooling sys-

tems are essential in American homes --and not surprisingly, they are constantlyundergoing improvements. New energy-efficient refrigerators use less than halfthe energy of models that are 12 years oldand use 75 percent less energy than thoseproduced in the late 1970s (Source:National Resources Defense Council).* If you have a conventional natural-

draft furnace made before 1992, it mightonly operate between 55 to 78 percentefficiency. Upgrading to a new induced-draft condensing furnace can increaseefficiency to above 90 percent as a resultof more efficient heat exchangers andelectronic ignition (Source: Mother EarthNews).

Advances in home automation, insulation and appliances have become increasinglyaffordable and accessible to more homeowners, saving them energy and money.

(MS) -- What do houseplants, a boilingpot of pasta and your shower all have incommon? They all add moisture to yourhome's interior. And, while some humidityin the home is good, excessive moisture canbe uncomfortable."We often get calls from homeowners

who are concerned that their windows are'sweating' or leaking either inside or out-side the home because they see moistureon the glass," says Christopher Burk, tech-nical product manager at SimontonWindows(R). "In reality, that's simply notthe case. While condensation may collecton the interior or exterior of energy-effi-cient windows, the units are really doingtheir job by helping serve as a barrier in thehome."Burk points out that windows do not

cause condensation -- they simply preventthe moisture in the home from escaping tothe outside."If the inside glass surface on double- or

triple-glazed windows show excessive mois-ture, you can be reasonably sure that themoisture is also collecting on your wallsand ceilings," says Burk. "This means youshould take steps to reduce the humiditylevel in your home by using exhaust fansand dehumidifiers."

WHEREDOESCONDENSATION COME FROM?

You'd be surprised howmuch watervapor homeowners create themselves on adaily basis. A family of four can add a halfpint of water vapor every hour to the homejust through normal breathing and perspi-ration. And, if you take a five minute show-er, you produce another half pint of watervapor. Even the simple act of cooking din-ner on a gas stove can produce two and ahalf pints of water vapor."Invisible water vapor is everywhere in

the home," says Burk. "The key is forhomeowners to monitor the levels of mois-ture in their homes and then take steps tomanage the humidity levels."

WHATCANAHOMEOWNERDOTOHELPREDUCECONDENSATION?Water vapor is part of our lives and our

homes. To help control the amount of con-densation in the home, experts atSimontonWindows recommend the fol-lowing tips:* Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust

fans.* If you have a humidifier, set it to the

correct outside temperature.* If your home is overly humid, or if you

have a damp basement, use a dehumidifier.* Properly vent clothes dryers, gas appli-

ances and stoves.* Open a window in the bathroom.* Make sure your attic, basement and

crawl spaces are well ventilated and freefrom obstructions.* Store firewood outside. Freshly-cut

wood can consist of up to 45 percent water,which adds water vapor to the home. Evenwell-seasoned firewood generally has a 20to 25 percent moisture content.* Open curtains and blinds to allowmore

air circulation around your windows.

WORRISOMEWINDOWSHomeowners with the most cause for

concern are those with older, less efficientwindows."Windows are just like any other major

part of the home," says Burk. "They wearout over time and need to be replaced. Ifyour windows have air leaks, don't closeproperly, or are failing to act as a solid bar-rier to the environment, then it's time toconsider replacing them with energy-effi-cient windows."Burk also recommends knowing the dif-

ference between condensation on the glassand between the glass panes of the window."If you are seeing moisture, fogging or

cloudiness between the panes of glass inyour window, this is a strong indicationthat the seal of your window has failed andit's time to replace your window," saysBurk. "In operable window units, a failedseal can often be corrected by simplyreplacing the sash. However, seal failurereduces energy efficiency and the unit will

not work as effectively to help you keepenergy bills low and enjoy comfortable liv-ing in your home. While condensation onthe interior or exterior of the glass is man-ageable, moisture between the glass needsswift attention by homeowners."The experts at SimontonWindows offer

several free consumer booklets on how toknow when it's time to replace your win-

dows, energy efficiency of windows andselecting windows for a new home. Thecompany has also introduced the newbrochure, "Understanding Condensation inYourHome." Consumersmay call 1-800-746-6686 to request free copies of thesebrochures or visit the company's Web site athttp://www.simonton.com/Information/Tips/formore information.


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For homeowners, spring cleaning is oneof the annual rites of spring. The return ofwarmer weather presents the perfectopportunity for homeowners to open thewindows, let some fresh air in and tidy upafter a few months spent cooped up insidewhile the weather outside was frightful.But now that spring has arrived, the

time to clean up around the house hascome. Homeowners about to start ontheir annual spring cleaning should con-sider the following before beginning.

Get the right toolsThe right tools won't necessarily be a

hammer and nails, but cleaning productsthat can make spring cleaning more effi-cient. Rubber gloves, cleaning products(preferably natural products that are goodfor the environment) and enough garbagebags to discard a winter's worth of cluttershould all be on hand before you begincleaning. If they're not, you'll likely needto make a trip to the store while cleaning,which can be time-consuming and pro-long the process.

Take some inventory

Many people have no problem buyingnew clothes, but they do find it hard to getrid of older items. Part of spring cleaningis tossing old items you no longer use,and that includes clothing. Clothing cantake up a significant amount of space, sotake some inventory on your wardrobeand decide which items you want to keepand which ones you can afford to discardor even donate.

Address the windowsYou might not have looked out the win-

dows in quite some time. Unfortunately,those windows might have accumulatedquite the amount of dirt and grime whileyou were huddled inside. When washingthe windows, do so on a cloudy day, asthe sun can actually cause streaking. Inaddition, be mindful of what you're usingto wipe down the windows post-cleaning.Microfiber rags typically give windows agreat shine without any streaking.The blinds and drapes will also need to

be addressed, as they have likely accumu-

Getting started on spring cleaning

When spring cleaning, don't forget to clean and reorganize bookshelvesSee Cleaning, page 31

lated some dust over the last few months.Dust the valance and the frame, and wipethe blinds down with a damp cloth. Youcan also use your vacuum's upholsteryand brush attachments to further cleanblinds and drapes.

Tidy up the bedYou likely wash your bed linens regard-

less of the season. When spring cleaning,toss these linens into the washingmachine and don't forget to wash themattress pads and bed skirting as well.While those items are in the wash, flip allthe mattresses in your household.

Don't forget the kitchenThe kitchen is not immune to clutter,

and it's especially easy for items to over-stay their welcome in the refrigerator andthe kitchen cabinets. Look for old takeoutcontainers in the refrigerator that havemanaged to stick around, and throw theseout as well as any items that have passedtheir expiration dates. While items in thekitchen cabinets might not have an expi-ration date, it helps to remove them from

the pantry and then dust and wipe downthe shelves. When doing so, discard anyitems that no longer seem appetizing.

Beat the rugsArea rugs have no doubt collected dirt

and dust over the last several months.Though vacuuming these area rugs mightbe enough during the year, take advan-tage of the pleasant weather and take therugs outside to beat them and rid them ofdust and any other particles the vacuummight have missed over the last fewmonths.

Empty and clean the bookshelvesBookshelves are one the biggest collec-

tors of dust in many homes. Open thewindows in the home and then removebooks from the shelves. Once the bookshave been removed, dust the shelves andwipe them down with a damp cloth. Anddon't forget to dust the books and reor-ganize titles before returning them totheir newly cleaned shelves.Spring cleaning is something all home-

owners must do to keep their homeshealthy and clean. Spring cleaning isannual event at many households, and afew simple strategies can make it go muchmore smoothly.


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