Archive for October 2nd, 2009
Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009
Mohawk Industries teamed with the Birmingham Zoo in Alabama to put its SmartStrand carpet to the mightiest tests of stain resistance and durability. The carpet was installed in the indoor enclosure of a 2,800-pound rhinoceros.
Ricko the Rhino spent two weeks in the enclosure eating, sleeping and rolling his 50-pound ball around and doing things that just come naturally. SmartStrand carpet came through the challenge successfully–showing off the permanent stain-resistance qualities engineered into the carpet fiber. Revolutionary SmartStrand stain protectors are built into the manufacturing process, and most tough stains can be removed with warm water.
To see the carpet that passed the Rhino Challenge, visit Karmis Carpets. 682A Roosevelt Rd., in Pickwick Place Plaza by Trader Joe’s, Glen Ellyn. (630) 790-4332
Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009
By Keith Druek, Owner,
Seabreeze West Construction
Keith Druek
As winter approaches, consider the following steps to prepare and protect your most valuable asset:
– Visually inspect your roofing and siding materials. Look for missing shingles and loose siding.
– Visually inspect your gutters and downspouts. Remove any visible debris. Gutters do their job best when clean.
– Check the caulking around your windows and doors to ensure they are properly sealed from the weather. Re-caulk around the doors and windows as necessary.
– Verify the proper operation of all windows and doors. If they are not closing properly, make the adjustments now before the cold snap arrives.
– Since you will be using your fireplace during the winter, we recommend that it should be cleaned before you start enjoying it.
– Change your furnace filters and have your HVAC system inspected.
– Now is the time to also winterize your lawn sprinkler system and outdoor pool to maintain these systems for future years – we know everyone loves green grass and a nice dip in the pool!
– If your property has trees, look at the branches. If there are dead branches, trim them before the first ice storm of the season. Not doing so can lead to property damage if these branches fall.
– Remember, you are investing in your home–invest wisely and use a professional!
To learn more about remodeling projects for your home, contact Keith Druek, Seabreeze owner, at (630) 585-0123 or visit www.seabreezewest.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009
Joe Dix, The Lawn Doctor
How well next year’s lawn will look can be greatly affected by what work is done to the lawn now, says Joe Dix of locally owned and operated Lawn Doctor of Wheaton-Glen Ellyn-Winfield.
Spring is when everyone thinks about how beautiful they want the lawn to look, but right now is really the time to do something meaningful, such as core aerating followed by seeding.
Seeding should be done now for several reasons, according to Dix. Fall’s warm days, cool nights, and ample precipitation are ideal for proper germination and early turf development. In addition, grass seedlings sown in the fall can establish themselves more quickly, due to reduced competition from broadleaf weeds. Fall seeding also enables the use of pre-emergent crabgrass treatment in the Spring. The seeding should be done in conjunction with fertilization. Lawn Doctor uses select fertilizers to encourage root development in the new seedlings, says Dix.
“Lawn Doctor’s exclusive Power Seeder’s patented reciprocating action uniquely prepares the seed bed to the proper planting depth without damaging existing turf,” Dix said, “then the exclusive ground metered-distribution Airmix process delivers exactly the right amount of customized seed with the soil contact that builds high germination and rapid plant development.”
Call Joe Dix of Wheaton-Glen Ellyn-Winfield at 630-681-8580 to learn more about getting the lush, beautiful carpet of green you have always wanted. www.lawndoctor.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009
By Sherry Nelson
Did you ever touch a table or the wood floor in your home when the sun was shining directly on it? That heat you felt is called “solar heat gain,” according to Dianne Matecki, owner of Wheaton Window Tinters. That solar heat gain is impacting your furnishings by drying them out and fading them. It’s also increasing the energy use in your home by making your air conditioner work harder.
Matecki has been a local Wheaton business owner since 1978, specializing in custom drapery making and home decor. She, and her husband Bob, have also been tinting windows for 18 years. (They drive the distinctive red and green plaid vans throughout the area). While it’s disconcerting to think about sun damage in this northern climate, Matecki highlights facts about its effects and window tinting that may surprise you.
Interior furnishings such as draperies, furniture, carpeting, artwork and photos are all affected by UV rays. Only window film blocks 66% of the solar heat gain and 99% of the UV rays. Deterioration is slowed by the combination of heat reduction and blocked UV rays that only window film provides.
One of the biggest misconceptions about window film is that it will make the room darker. Not true, says Matecki. The film is undetectable and designed to let in all the visible light. Window film is applied to the inside of the window.
Window film offers substantial energy savings. The new R series film qualifies for the Tax Energy Rebate, saving homeowners up to $1,500.
“Closing the blinds to keep out the sun is still not as effective as window film,” says Matecki. “The blinds act like a radiator after getting heated by the direct sunlight.” Installing window film provides instant savings and protection by reflecting the suns rays before they enter the room.
Skylights are especially important to film, she says. Film designed for skylights can block up to 80% of the heat and still keep the light and sky view.
To learn more about window film and how it can protect your most valuable asset, call Diane Matecki at Wheaton Window Tinters, (630) 853-8468.
Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009
Glen Ellyn’s Treasure House on Pennsylvania Avenue is far more than just a resale shop. It is a fundraising center for Metropolitan Family Services, which provides a host of benefits to local needy families. The funds raised support services such as counseling and mental health, child and youth development, legal aid assistance, violence prevention, and community development.
“We were founded by volunteers more than fifty years ago, and are still run by volunteers,” says Treasure House manager Tillie Thorpe. Thorpe is one of four paid staff, heading up a force of more than one hundred volunteers monthly who man the shop. “All the money raised by Treasure House stays right in DuPage County,” says Thorpe. “So, people can be assured their donations benefit those in their communities.”
Volunteers are always welcome. They can work once a month, or several times a week. It’s a wonderful ambiance for retirees, says Thorpe.
Donations are eclectic, according to Thorpe. There’s a wide assortment of apparel, plus an outstanding selection of home accessories. Shelving sparkles with crystal, china and silver items. Plus, seasonal decorations, toys and furniture pieces are always in stock. “I encourage people to donate things that they would purchase, and not to bring remnants from garage sales,” says Thorpe. “The quality of the merchandise is stunning.”
To donate items to The Treasure House or to volunteer, contact Tillie Thorpe at (630) 469-6907. The Treasure House is at 497 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn.
Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009
Happy childhood memories will “Trick ‘n Treat” you Sunday, October 25, at the Antique-Collectible Toy & Doll World Show. Come to the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 South Randall Road (just south of Route 64) in St. Charles, Illinois, from 8am-3pm and enjoy the largest display of toys and dolls ever accumulated in one place. Vintage Halloween collectible will add to the fun.
Treasures representing a hundred years of children’s playthings are a fantastic sight and a solid investment. The show is bursting with desirable toys and dolls that will be valuable additions to any collection. Exhibitors take pride in the condition and quality of items they bring to the show, which include cast iron and tin automotives, robots, early space ships, action figures, bisque dolls with kid bodies, composition dolls, vintage doll houses, Steiff animals, Disney toys, pedal cars, puzzles, games, die cast cars, and more.
The show is also a place to find marvelous buys on “second hand” American Girl Dolls, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, GI Joe, Star Trek toys, Star Wars toys, Tootsie toys, and every other toy and doll item manufactured for playful fun.
Toys and dolls are the most charming of all collectibles, representing the imagination and vitality of the dress, transportation, fantasies, and leisure activities of bygone eras. The dreams of each generation live on, forever symbolized in childhood keepsakes.
Admission is $7 for adults, children under 12 are free. Free parking. At the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 South Randall Road, St. Charles.
Presented by Antique World Shows, Inc.
For info, call (773) 736-5140 or visit www.chicagotoyshow.com.
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