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Carpet Options Abound For Floor-Focused Homeowners Shopping for carpeting? It’s not simply a matter of going into the store and just choosing “car-pet.” There are many different varieties of carpeting from which to select, each with its own unique characteristics. Depending on the room’s use and the homeowner’s needs, there could be a carpet that fi ts with what’s desired.

* Cut pile: This is one of the most popular types of carpeting. When most people think of carpet, this is what they envision. This carpeting is formed by cutting looped carpet fi bers at the top with yarn bundles standing up vertically.

* Berber: Berber has thick, durable loops that are good in high-traffi c areas. This carpeting limits footprints and vacuum marks. The downside is that loops can be snagged and unravel. Also, berber carpeting may trap in dirt.

* Level-loop: Similar to Berber but looser in weave is level-loop. It is also good in high-traffi c areas and will not trap dirt as easily as berber.

* Cut and loop pile: This carpeting has a variation of secured loops and cut fi bers for added tex-ture. This will be a medium-durability carpet.

* Textured: Textured carpet has a soft feel and is one of the carpeting styles growing in popularity. These carpets may have embossed patterns and come in solid colors.

* Saxony: This soft carpet is medium-durability and will show footprints and vacuum marks. Saxonies are tightly twisted cut piles that are heatset straight. Saxonies consist of two or more fi bers twisted together in a yarn.

* Frieze: A highly twisted cut-pile carpet that is good in high-traffi c areas. The short fi bers curl in different directions to hide footprints.

* Plush: These carpets are lightly twisted, uniform-colored fi bers that are soft and usually found in formal rooms. They will hold footprints and show vacuum marks.

Homeowners looking to revamp their rooms can turn to the versatility of carpeting for many of their needs.

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Making the Jump to 3-D Many homeowners are transforming rooms at home into their own personal theaters. When equipping such a space, many may be wondering if they should make the jump to the all-new high-defi nition 3-D televisions on the market, or wait a little while longer for the technology to develop further.

Although 3-D technology has been around for ages, it is only recently that 3-D is making its way into home via HDTV. View-ers wear shutter glasses to view the picture in its 3-D glory. Because this type of home technology is still in its infancy, in-dividuals who want to dive right in should expect to pay a pre-mium for 3-D, by about $1,000 over the cost of a 2-D HDTV. What’s more, while some manufacturers bundle a set of shutter glasses in with the TV purchase, many others do not. An aver-age pair can cost $150. Viewers also will have to upgrade to 3-D Blu-ray or DVD players. There also may be other peripher-als that will need to be purchased to make 3-D possible. All of this boils down to a signifi cant cost investment for technology that is still evolving.

Did You Know?Potatoes are enjoyed world-over and make a versatile addition to any meal. Though many consumers purchase their potatoes at the local grocery store, potatoes can be easily grown in the home garden, too. Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil and full sun and will produce best in a loose, moisture-retentive soil. It is possible to get good potato yields in less-than-perfect soil, however. Home gardeners can begin planting potatoes in early spring, when the soil is able to be worked. Plants will not begin to grow until the soil temperature is at least 45 F. Plant only certifi ed seed potatoes, which are available at most quality nurseries and garden centers. They are less likely to have disease than a potato you picked up at the supermarket and tried to establish. Small seed potatoes can be planted as-is. Larger seed potatoes should be cut into pieces that contain at least one or two “eyes.” Placing the seed potatoes in a warm location can entice them to bud and speed up the sprouting process once planted.



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Did You Know? Highlighting, or up lighting, is a landscaping technique in which light from below is used to accent certain focal points in a land-scape. In many instances, the light is used to illuminate a particularly impressive or unique plant. When highlighting, two or morespot light fi xtures are placed at the base of a landscape component and pointed upward. While highlighting is most commonly usedto illuminate plants, it can be used to draw attention to other focal points of a landscape as well, including sculptures or other gar-den structures. Light fi xtures are aimed away from observers as a means to preventing glare, and oftentimes the fi xtures themselvesare camoufl aged to maintain the natural beauty of the landscape.

Garden Tools No Green Thumber Should Go Without Gardening is a rewarding hobby and one that gardeners know is forever evolving. Organic gardening is one relatively new trend that is growing in popularity. But even trendsetters need their gardening tools, and the following tools are among the many no gardener should ever be without.

* Shovels: Gardening might be relaxing, but it’s no walk in the park, either. Gardeners can expect to do lots of digging, and a good shovel is essential. A round-nosed shovel is ideal for dig-ging holes for plants, while gardeners can use the fl at blade of a square-nosed shovel to edge neatly.

* Spading fork: A spading fork helps gardeners break up soil that’s too rocky for a shovel to handle. Spading forks can loos-en the soil, turn it over and even be used as a spreader.

* Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow helps ease some of the physical demand associated with gardening. Rather than carrying tools one-by-one or manually lifting heavy bags of fertilizer or soil, simply toss these items in the wheelbarrow to make it easier to garden throughout the yard. Plastic wheelbarrows are durable and often much ligther than their metal counterparts.

* Garden hoe: Remove weeds and work on the soil with a stan-dard garden hoe. A Dutch hoe is ideal for larger garden areas as it’s better for breaking up the soil before planting, while a draw hoe is better for working between plants, such as when weeds need to be removed.

* Rakes: A rake is not just effective in late fall when it’s time to clear the yard of all those fallen leaves. Leaf rakes can be used to remove debris, such as grass clippings, from a garden, while a garden rake can be used to spread mulch and smooth out the soil within the garden.


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Carpet Options Abound For Floor-Focused Homeowners Shopping for carpeting? It’s not simply a matter of going into the store and just choosing “car-pet.” There are many different varieties of carpeting from which to select, each with its own unique characteristics. Depending on the room’s use and the homeowner’s needs, there could be a carpet that fi ts with what’s desired.

* Cut pile: This is one of the most popular types of carpeting. When most people think of carpet, this is what they envision. This carpeting is formed by cutting looped carpet fi bers at the top with yarn bundles standing up vertically.

* Berber: Berber has thick, durable loops that are good in high-traffi c areas. This carpeting limits footprints and vacuum marks. The downside is that loops can be snagged and unravel. Also, berber carpeting may trap in dirt.

* Level-loop: Similar to Berber but looser in weave is level-loop. It is also good in high-traffi c areas and will not trap dirt as easily as berber.

* Cut and loop pile: This carpeting has a variation of secured loops and cut fi bers for added tex-ture. This will be a medium-durability carpet.

* Textured: Textured carpet has a soft feel and is one of the carpeting styles growing in popularity. These carpets may have embossed patterns and come in solid colors.

* Saxony: This soft carpet is medium-durability and will show footprints and vacuum marks. Saxonies are tightly twisted cut piles that are heatset straight. Saxonies consist of two or more fi bers twisted together in a yarn.

* Frieze: A highly twisted cut-pile carpet that is good in high-traffi c areas. The short fi bers curl in different directions to hide footprints.

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Homeowners looking to revamp their rooms can turn to the versatility of carpeting for many of their needs.

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Make the Most of Watering Summer weather can be harsh on a lawn. Even the most lawn-conscious homeowner can be help-less against a summer heat wave.

One of the most effective ways to help a lawn combat summer heat is to water the lawn as ef-fectively as possible. This is especially true for homeowners who live in areas that frequently fall victim to drought. Such areas often have drought restrictions that limit how much a hom-eowner can water his or her property. These restrictions highlight the importance of watering effectively.

* Water deeply and infrequently. Light but frequent watering will not promote strong roots. In fact, homeowners who water too frequently can expect the growth of weeds. When watering, water deeply and infrequently. Deep water promotes strong, healthy roots and can signifi cantly reduce the chances of a weed infestation.

* Don’t waste water on the pavement. Be sure sprinklers are placed in spots where no water will be overshooting the lawn and landing on the pavement. Adjust the sprinkler heads so all the available water ends up on the grass where it belongs.

* Water early. Evaporation loss is lowest in the early morning, typically between the hours of 5 to 10 a.m. This is a better time to water than at night, when watering could lead to fungal disease.

* Water newly seeded or sodded lawns more frequently. Newly seeded or sodded lawns require more watering than established lawns. This is to build strong, healthy roots. However, it’s often not a good idea to sod or seed in the height of summer, so homeowners planning to do so should consult a professional before going forward with any project.

* Choose a drought-resistant grass. For those who live in areas that frequently experience drought, a grass that’s drought-resistant could be the best option. Grasses that are drought-resis-tant include Bermuda grass, tall fescue and Zoysia grass. Homeowners who want to replace their existing grass with a more drought-resistant species should consult a local lawn care professional for advice as to which grass is most likely to thrive in that particular climate or region.

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Understand Radon Dangers Radon could cause cancer for individuals living in a household with high concentrations, par-ticularly if radon goes undetected for a while. It’s important for every homeowner to learn about radon and how to detect it.

Radon is a radioactive, cancer-causing gas. It occurs naturally and comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. Radon is colorless, tasteless and odorless. Eventually radon gets into the air people breathe or can be found in well water. Radon can occur anywhere in the country and may be present in all types of buildings, from schools to homes. High concentrations of radon may be found in contained areas of the home, particularly areas that are not exposed to much ventilation, such as basements and attics.

The only way to detect radon is to test for it. Testing is generally inexpensive and can be done with do-it-yourself kits or by a professional service.

There is a clear link between breathing radon gas and experiencing lung cancer. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking, causing 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. Therefore, ensuring radon is of acceptable levels in the home is essential to producing healthy indoor air quality.

A radon level of 4 pCi/L is considered dangerous in the U.S. and should be remedied. Many ra-don mitigation systems are effective for reducing radon up to 99 percent. Some newer homes are even being built with the goal of reducing the amount of radon that can enter a home.

Simply opening up windows and airing out the home frequently can reduce radon as well. But this is only a temporary fi x and a more permanent mitigation method will need to be used.



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Identify All Those Pesky Springtime PestsWhen the warm weather arrives, people venture outdoors and animals wake up from hibernation. Many insects hatch or revive from winter slumber and can be commonly seen in and around the home.

Once temperatures rise to about 60 F, many insects start their life cycles anew with eggs or larva hatching and winged and webbed creatures rearing their attenaed heads. It can be frustrating for homeowners facing an insect infestation, especially when bugs are found in quantities inside or around the perimeter of the home.

There are many insects one might see in spring.

* Ants: Small black ants, called pavement ants, come out of dormancy and begin to forage for food and nests. Al-though pavement ants build their colonies outdoors, they will venture inside for easy food sources. They can be nuisance pests if not quickly tackled. Carpenter ants are large, black ants that are found in and around the home. They build nests and channels in wood, so they can be particularly troublesome to homeowners for the poten-tial structural damage they may cause. If they are seen in number inside of the home, there already may be an established colony inside of the walls.

* Bees: Bees and wasps may overwinter in home attics or eaves and then come out of dormancy. If a large bee is seen inside of the home, chances are it is a queen looking for a good nesting area in which to lay her eggs and set up her new colony. Treat bee and wasp problems early on before established nests can be created.

* Termites: Subterranean termites swarm when it is warm or in the morning. Swarming termites are those taking fl ight to create new nests and colonies. Swarms can be

scary for homeowners as they likely indicate a termite problem inside of the house. Consult with a professional exterminator if termite infestation is suspected.

* Spiders: Where there are other insects, there will be spiders to prey on them. When building a nest, spiders prefer out-of-the-way places that are dark and comfortable. There are some spiders, like the wolf spider, that will actively attack insects instead of lying in wait for a web to snare them. To keep spiders out of the home, make sure it is pest-free. Some homeowners like spiders around the home because they can prevent other insects from becoming nuisances.

* Flies and gnats: Springtime may be a season when certain varieties of fl ies and gnats emerge from their infant stages and take fl ight. Certain fl ies and gnats bite, while others simply are buzz-ing nusiances.

* House centipedes: It’s likely that homeowners will encounter house centipedes mostly in spring and fall because the insects are either coming out due to the warmer weather or retreating indoors to fi nd a warm place to stay. These centipedes prefer a cool, damp place to live, like a basement or bathroom, and generally lay 60 or more eggs at one time. They feed on many different insects, including spiders. But their alarming appearance, which includes 15 pairs of feathery legs, makes few homeowners content to share a residence with them.

As humans and other animals become active and enjoy the warmer weather, so, too, do many insects and arachnids. Springtime is a common season to encounter many of the “bugs” that dis-sapeared when winter weather reared its ugly head.

Bees are among the many insects that return to wreak havoc once the weather warms up.



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Available Alternatives to Granite Countertops Granite has proven a popular choice for kitchen renovations over the last several years. But con-cern about the potential health implications of granite, not to mention cost and maintenance, is causing many homeowners to reconsider granite for countertops and backsplashes.

It’s hard to deny the appeal of granite’s appearance. It can be beautiful and complement many de-sign styles. However, it tends to be porous, and the Food and Drug Adminstration has said that it may harbor potentially dangerous bacteria if not properly cleaned. Furthermore, there is evidence that granite may give off high levels of radon depending on where the stone was harvested.

Fortunately for homeowners who like the look of granite but want something that’s more affordable and easier to maintain, there are many alternatives available that mimic the look of granite without the health concerns.

Solid surface products that are made with composite materials are growing in popularity. Many contain quartz or other stone mixed with plastic and glass binders. These products tend to be easier to maintain than granite, and many come backed with manufac-turer warranties.

Due to the solid surface materials of the past, these types of materials have garnered a bad name. But new innovations are so high-quality, that many consumers have diffi culty deciphering between real granite and look-alikes.

Engineered stone is another option for homeowners. These products are made from bits of natu-ral stone mixed with fi llers and offer the same scratch- and heat-resistance as granite.

Depending on the material, solid surface products and engineered stone can cost anywhere from $35 to $125 per square foot. These surfaces are more cost-effi cient than granite, which can start at around $50 per square foot.

If cost is not a factor and durability the chief concern, homeowners can consider another material -- concrete. Concrete can be tinted or patterned in adherence to a homeowner’s desired design style. Because it can be labor-intensive to install, the price of concrete will likely rival granite.

Homeowners who want to buck tradition and consider a countertop material other than granite have plenty of attractive and durable options from which to choose.

There are many alternatives to granite that can be both attractive and durable.

--ss

--tite e



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Spring Garden Time Few things are anticipated more in spring than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and bud-ding fl owers in the garden. A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors.

There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. A number of peren-nials, annuals and trees begin to fl ower or show new sprouts come the springtime. Here are some plants that can be planted for springtime enjoyment.

AnnualsLooking for fi rst signs of color? Look no further than these wonderful annuals.

* Alyssum: Starting in April, this cascad-ing bounty of tiny fl owers offers a sweet aroma that attracts butterfl ies.

* Dianthus: These vivid fl owers also at-tract butterfl ies and are often a cottage garden staple.

* Gypsophila: Also known as baby’s breath, these delicate fl owers can serve as fi ller in any landscape. Pink and white va-rieties are available.

* Impatiens: One of the best-known plants for the garden, these annuals come in scores of colors and can generally tolerate full sun to full shade.

* Larkspur: Belonging to the buttercup family, these fl owers bloom in shades of white to violet.

* Pansy: These fl owers are some of the earliest spring bloomers, arriving alongside spring bulbs like tulips.

* Petunias: Petunias put on a show of color through the entire season, making them a popular bedding fl ower.

PerennialsThese plants will come back year after year and offer spring shows.

Cherry blossoms are one of the earlier signs spring has arrived.

* Cherry blossom: The fl owers that sprout on cherry trees are some of the fi rst signs of spring. Their pink or white buds are often a spectacle, so much so that towns and cities hold cherry blos-som festivals.

* Columbine: These beautiful blooms attract butterfl ies and can be a nice part of a garden bed.

* Jacob’s ladder: Variegated foliage that is dappled with violet-colored fl owers can add a sweet smell and visual interest to the garden.

* Primrose: These fl owers come in a variety of shades, making them versatile in any garden. They also tend to attract butterfl ies and hummingbirds.

* Sweet violet: These fragrant fl owers are edible as well as attractive. These plants can self-plant, so unless a gardener wants them to spread, they should be kept contained.

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Window Safety Tips How often should family fi re drills be held? What type of glass should you have in windows to help prevent noise penetration and discourage intruders? The experts at Simonton Windows(R) offer fast tips for staying safe in your home and enjoying your windows.

Tip #1 -- Practice safety drills regularly. Small children tend to “hide” from fi re, so make sure children are familiar with escape routes and know how to move quickly out of the home.

Tip #2 -- For homes with bedrooms on second fl oors or higher, make sure safety escape chain ladders are under the bed in every room. Prac-tice operating the window with older children and show them how to use chain ladders.

Tip #3 -- If a door is not safe to exit through during a fi re, exit through an open window or use an escape ladder. Do not break the glass of the window, because it could cause injury.

Tip #4 -- If you live in a neighborhood with lots of active children, or one that is prone to crime, install windows with laminated glass -- at least for the fi rst fl oor of the home. In these units, two panes of glass are adhered to a durable plastic interlayer, much like a car windshield. So, if a stray baseball hits a window, the glass will shatter, but broken pieces remain adhered to the interlayer, preventing glass fallout inside the home. The plastic interlayer is also puncture-resistant, frustrating potential intruders.

Tip #5 -- Remember that window screens are only designed only to keep insects outside -- they will not support the weight of a child or family pet.

Tip #6 -- Looking to protect your home from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays? Request Low E glass in your windows to help reduce the fading of carpet, furniture and window treatments.

Tip #7 -- When windows are opened for ventilation, only open what young children cannot reach, such as the top portion of a Simonton Double Hung window.

Tip #8 -- Keep furniture (including cribs), or anything children can climb, away from windows.

Tip #9 -- Before ordering windows for your home, make sure to examine the unit’s locking sys-tem. Multi-point locks provide more protection against intruders and make it more diffi cult for curious young children to operate.

Tip #10 -- If you need to use window guards on the interior of your windows, make sure they are operable and can be easily removed. Practice detaching the guards with children in case they need to exit through a window in an emergency.

For more helpful window tips, visit www.simonton.com.

This bedroom showcases how furniture should be kept away from windows to prevent young children from climbing up and potentially getting out the window.






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Possibly spurred on by the growing number of DIY cooking shows on television, individuals are experimenting with lavish cakes, cookies and other culinary treats. They want their kitchens to offer the amenities that will enable them to whip up delicious food items.

A lot of the prep work that goes into cooking and baking takes place on countertops in the kitchen. There are many durable counter surfaces, but not all of them are suitable for preparing foods.

Marble counters are one of the coveted surfaces for prepping foods and many baked goods. Al-though marble is also very attractive in the kitchen, it has many properties that make it conducive to the kitchen environment.

Marble is one of the most durable stones available. The price of marble clearly illustrates its enduring nature. Ancient civilizations turned to marble to make buildings and statues because of its durability. Most of these structures are still in good condition today.

Countertops of marble are heat-resistant and will not burn or catch fi re. But it’s best to place a hot plate between the marble and the pan or pot to protect the fi nish that may be on the countertop.

Due to the strength of marble, countertops made from this material are also highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and breakage. However, the sealant on the marble could become scratched or damaged and require stripping. Talk with a countertop installer about the use of the marble in the kitchen to determine the best ways to pro-tect the stone.

Marble is often cool to the touch, making it an ideal surface to roll out pastry doughs and sugar pastes for baking. Many fi ne chefs also rely on a marble rolling pin to avoid sticking of doughs due to heating.

Because marble can be porous, it’s suggested to seal it properly so it won’t discolor or harbor bacteria.

Marble is often prized for its appearance and durability.




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Gardening Fans Find a Growing Garden Pest Just Plain Stinks There’s little escape from a garden pest that has been increasingly showing up in yards and homes in the Northeast. Wreaking havoc on ornamental plants, vegetables and fruit trees, this pest, simply put, stinks.

The brown marmorated stink bug is not native to North America, but it hitched a ride over from Chi-na and Japan years ago. Since 1999, when the fi rst documented cases of stink bugs were made, the bug has multiplied, so much so that stink bug plagues in many residential areas have become commonplace.

A stink bug is a true bug, feeding on many plants by piercing the host plant and sucking out juices with its proboscis. The penetrated area can develop necrosis and damage affected plants in many ways. In Japan, the bug is known to be a pest to fruit and soybean crops.

Stink bugs get their names from the scent glands on the underside of the thorax between the fi rst and second pair of legs. If the bugs are squashed, they can emit a foul smell, which is primarily used to thwart would-be predators.

Stink bugs begin to feed in late May or early June. They can be seen in abundance in outdoor areas, clinging to window screens or walking along decks. Their size and appearance (almost an inch big, with a brown spiky-looking armor) often makes people weary of the bugs. Apart from the damage they do to plants, stink bugs are relatively harmless to people and pets. Although they have wings and can fl y, stink bugs are generally content to travel on their legs.

Homeowners should keep in mind that stink bugs prefer to overwinter inside and hibernate. That means that come the fall season the bugs will seek entry to homes and buildings to beat the cold until they can venture out the next season. This is where they can be vexing to people. Coming across a stink bug tucked inside of a blanket or at the back of a closet can catch individuals off guard.

To prevent stink bugs from entering the home, homeowners can seal any openings to the out-doors as much as possible, caulking around windows and doors. Stink bugs can live up to a year or more and may reproduce several times if the weather conditions are right. It may be diffi cult to completely eradicate all pests.

Stink bugs do not bite or sting. If one is found inside or too close for comfort, the best idea is to have it walk onto something, like a piece of paper or fl y swatter and move it outdoors. Crush-ing the bug can cause it to emit a foul odor, although one bug alone is not enough to stink up a home.

The brown marmorated stink bug is native to Asia, but it is now calling North America home as well.

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Time-Saving Spring Cleaning Tips Spring cleaning is a task most people tackle each and every year. Many projects are tailor made for the warmer weather. Here are some time-saving tips to conquer spring clutter and cleanup projects.

* Wash the blinds. Metal blinds can be removed from the window and taken outside for washing. Use a scouring brush with a mild cleaner and some water to loosen dirt. Hang the blinds on a slanted surface and hose down with the garden hose to clean off the dirt.

* Clean the windows. Use water and dish soap and a sponge to wipe the inside and outside of windows. A rubber-tipped squeegee can be used to remove the excess moisture and provide a nice sheen on the window. It’s less wasteful than using a handful of paper towels.

* Switch fan directions. Ceiling fans set to spin in a clockwise rotation draw air upward and then redistribute the warm that collects at the ceiling. Clockwise is the ideal direction for the winter, but when spring arrives, it’s time to hit the switch to change the blades to spin counterclockwise. Be sure to thoroughly dust the fan blades fi rst, or you could end up with dust bunnies blowing around the room.

* Replace surface protectors. The small, adhesive pads that are placed on chair legs and furniture to protect against wood fl oor scratches need to be changed periodically. That’s because dirt can accumulate under the pads and eventually damage the fl oor.

* Switch the linens. Change out comforters and darker shaded fabrics for lightweight items that bring a fresh, clean feeling that’s perfect for spring.

* Clean the refrigerator. Remove old food and discard and take out other items and place in a cooler. Use a baking soda and water solution to scrub stains and sanitize the shelves and walls of the refrigerator.

* Clean the carpets. Rent a carpet shampooer and thoroughly clean the carpeting. Open the win-dows and let the crisp spring air help dry the damp carpeting afterwards.






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When surveyed, 90 percent of real estate agents have said that hardwood fl ooring is a desirable feature in a home. Those agents also say property with hardwood fl ooring sells faster than one with carpeting or another fl ooring option.

With hardwood fl ooring so prevalent in homes, protecting those beautiful wood fl oors is a major priority for homeowners. Caring for hardwood fl oors only takes some common sense precautions and minimal maintenance. Today’s hardwood fl oors are often produced with durable sealants that protect the wood underneath or are comprised of composite or reclaimed wood products. But that doesn’t mean precautions should be taken to further protect against potential damage to the fl ooring.

* Place area rugs or mats at the doorways entering the home. This way sand, dirt and other debris can be wiped off at the entryway and not carried onto the wood fl ooring where it can cause abra-sions over time.* Pay careful attention to which types of shoes are worn on the fl oors. High heels or cleats can damage the wood. Removing shoes prior to walking on the fl oor is a safer bet.* Choose the right type of cleaner for the fl oor. Do not assume just because a particular cleaner is adequate for wood cabinetry or furniture that it is also fi ne for wood fl ooring. Check the label.* Use area rugs and carpet runners on areas of the fl oor that tend to be high-traffi c areas. This will prevent these areas from being worn down unevenly from other areas of the fl oor.* Do not allow water or other liquids to stand on the fl oor for a long duration. This can cause degradation of the wood and staining.* Use felt or plastic protectors on the “feet” of dining room chairs or other furniture to prevent against scuffi ng or scratches.

Wood fl ooring can be an expensive addition to any home, but one that is sought after for its aesthetic appeal. To ensure a fl oor remains in good condition over the long haul, take action to protect hardwood fl oors as soon as possible.

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From Bland Backyard to Beautiful Vacation Destination The best vacations lift us out of the frenzy of our lives, whisking us off to faraway places that relax and rejuvenate us.

Yet a great vacation can also be a great fi nancial strain as well -- and really, how relaxing is that? Especially since once the trip is over, there’s typically little to show for all the expense beyond a few snapshots you can post on Facebook.

So how do you meet the pressing need for a stress-reducing change of scenery without wiping out your savings in the process? The solution may actually be simpler, and closer, than you think:

Open your own back door, and begin imagin-ing the leisure possibilities right beyond your doorstep!

Instead of throwing a bunch of money at a short-term getaway, consider investing a por-tion of it into transforming your back yard into a personal relaxation oasis.

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

To begin with, your yard may need some degree of facelift. Hire a quality professional landscap-er who can design around native plant species, for maximum benefi t and minimal upkeep.

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

Pools and decks are whopping fi nancial com-mitments. There is, however, a less bank-breaking path to backyard-relaxation bliss: Invest in the very symbol of relaxation itself. Invest in a hammock and hammock stand.

“Repeat customers are always telling me the best mini-vacation they’ve ever bought has been a hammock and a hammock stand,” says J.R. Pelletier, manager of TheHammockCompany.com, an international leader in hammock sales. “A good hammock can feel as if you’ve just caught a fl ight straight out of your stressful daily life.”

Turn your yard into its own vacation destination with the addition of a quality fabric hammock and hammock stand.

Plus, a quality fabric hammock can make your yard look as pretty as a vacation postcard as well. Recent advances in all-weather synthetic textiles have vastly expanded design and color options for fabric hammocks.

“It used to be fabric hammocks were just drab,” notes Walter R. Perkins III, CEO of The Ham-mockSource, the world’s largest manufacturer and seller of hammocks. “Owning one meant watching what little color it had fade like a fl ower by summer’s end. But today, a quality fabric hammock can be a show-stopper for your yard, for many seasons to come.”

Add an arc-style cypress or faux-wicker hammock stand, and your outdoor living space becomes not only a gorgeous relaxation destination, but also one that requires no checked-baggage fees or full-body scans to get to!

Your favorite patch of yard is fi nally the primo spot for unwinding, a personal relaxation space for letting your mind wander to all those distant getaway places you might one day like to go. But for now, you’re pretty content right where you are, aren’t you?


The Stamped Concrete SpecialistStamping Concrete Since 1981

27th YEAR IN BUSINESSPERSONALLY INVOLVED IN OVER 5 MILLION SQ. FT. OF STAMPED CONCRETE

(518) 696-5443 • FULLY INSURED

CUSTOM DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR NEEDS!

Custom stamped concrete has many residential appli-cations. Driveways, patios, pool decks, walkways and basement floors take on the appearance of slate, cobblestone or fieldstone. Yet, is stronger and more durable than conventional concrete. Custom stamped concrete fills the same construction needs as regular concrete.

Architecturally designed stamped concrete is several times stronger than brick pavers and other paving systems. Unlike brick pavers, stamped concrete is non porous when finished-making it waterproof, stain and weather resistant. With custom stamped concrete you avoid the problems encountered with hand-layed products. You no longer have to worry about unleveling due to frost or vegetation grow-ing between individual bricks.

We Also Resurface Existing Concrete That Is In Good Shape

COMPETITIVE PRICINGCOMPETITIVE PRICING

Email: [email protected]

WE TRANSFORM YARDSWE TRANSFORM YARDSSkilled Pruning Service For Fruit Trees, Small Trees, Skilled Pruning Service For Fruit Trees, Small Trees,

Shrubs and Ornamental PlantsShrubs and Ornamental PlantsPonds and Water Gardens Designed & InstalledPonds and Water Gardens Designed & Installed

Perennial and Ornamental Landscape DesignPerennial and Ornamental Landscape DesignLawn Service: Overseeding, Fertilizing, Lawn Problem SolvingLawn Service: Overseeding, Fertilizing, Lawn Problem Solving

925-2655925-2655 Jeff rey Luke Jeff rey Luke925-2655925-2655 Jeff rey Luke Jeff rey Luke925-2655 Jeff rey Luke



Conquer Sidewalk Cracks Most homeowners can identify with the dilemma of a cracked sidewalk. In addition to beinga safety hazard, a cracked sidewalk can also be an eyesore. Whether strolling to the backyardgarden or walking to your home’s entryway, a cracked sidewalk can catch your eyes for all thewrong reasons. Fortunately, repairing a cracked sidewalk isn’t very diffi cult.

* Enlarge the crack. The fi rst thing to do when repairing cracks that are bigger than a hairlinecrack is to enlarge the crack. Use a chisel and hammer to enlarge the crack along its entirelength.

* Undercut the crack. When repairing a crack, you want to undercut the crack. Undercuttingmeans you will be making the crack wider at the bottom than at the top. When it’s time to lay newconcrete, undercutting will help create a stronger bond between the new concrete and the old.

* Remove loose material. Once the crack has been undercut, remove any loose material, thenbrush the cleaned area with a wire brush to be sure no residual materials are still there.

* Apply a concrete adhesive. A concrete adhesive isn’t a necessity, but it will help the newconcrete hold when the time comes to lay it down. Once the adhesive has been brushed into theundercut area, allow it to dry until it has a slightly sticky feel.

Homeowners who prefer not to use a concrete adhesive should moisten the area that needs repair-ing with water. Just moisten the area, as you don’t want any standing water on the area that needsto be repaired with new concrete.

* Apply the concrete as directed. When using a pre-mixed concrete patch, all you will likely needto add is water. For larger cracks, some homeowners prefer to mix their own patch. When mixingyour own patch, you will likely need to add sand and/or gravel. Follow the cement manufac-turer’s instructions if mixing your own patch.

* Tightly tamp the patch into the undercut area. All areas should be completely fi lled.

* Smooth the repaired area down. As the mixture starts to set, use a trowel or wooden fl oat tosmooth down the repaired area.

* Allow the repaired area to dry. Give the repaired area a couple of hours to dry. After roughlytwo hours, cover the repaired area with boards or plastic sheeting.

* Keep the area covered. The repaired area should be kept covered for roughly fi ve days. Duringthis period, wet the repaired area once a day. This allows the concrete to cure.

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331-9091 • 1-800-BUSYDOG

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Now Offering 0% Financing!Now Offering 0% Financing!

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