Archive for January, 2010
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Have you ever wanted to be a zoo keeper, or veterinarian? Cub Creek Science Camp has over 200 animals of more than 100 different species. Campers handle and care for the animals themselves as part of the Adopt an Animal course.
At Cub Creek Science Camp, kids enjoy all the traditions of a spectacular overnight camp, plus more hands-on science and animal related activities than any other camp! Cub Creek offers one of the only Jr. Vet programs in the country, as well as riflery, crime science, pond study, pottery, arts and crafts, survival skills and so much more. Cabins are air-conditioned and spacious, and amenities include a swimming pool, over 240 forested acres, great food, and excellent staff. Cub Creek Science Camp is ACA Accredited.
For info, visit www.MyAnimalCamp.com or call (573) 458-2125.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Founded in 1926, Camp Anokijig is an overnight camp with a wide variety of traditional camp activities, including horseback riding, water sports, as well as specialty camps. Sessions range from 3 days to 1 or more weeks of summer fun, during which kids make new friends, experience personal growth, and positive values. Traditional activities include archery, crafts, swimming, boating, riflery, music, drama & dance, nature, and photography. Specialty camps include horseback riding, fishing, teen adventure challenge, babysitters’ training, and competitive swim. Adventure trips for older campers include canoeing and kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, and wilderness camping.
Camp Anokijig is ACA Accredited and has a history of 84 years of camping excellence. To learn more about why kids and parents love Anokijig, call (800) 741-6931 or visit www.anokijig.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Sally Kennard, Woodworking Unlimited
By Sally Kennard, Woodworking Unlimited
In order to create a new kitchen, there are a few items that need to be determined:
Appliances: Make a list of what you would like to fit into the plan/space. Take an evening out to consider each type, rather than trying to do it all at one time and getting overwhelmed.
Countertops: Determine the type of material you will be using, so we know if it needs extra support. Make an appointment at a showroom or look at the larger pieces so you can see their characteristics.
Sinks and faucets: Decide on the size and type of sink and faucet you wish to incorporate. By knowing this, we can get closer to the look you wish to achieve. Different models require different cabinet and spaces. Learn the pros and cons on each type before you make a final decision.
Cabinets: Style, construction type, and manufacture of the cabinets are important so the proper sizing and type are used. If one size isn’t available, you may not get the look you are after and have to substitute or be disappointed.
Flooring: If replacing your floor, what is the new thickness and size, and does it need to be done prior to the installation of your new cabinets? Look at all of your options and what it looks like with your thoughts on cabinets/countertops.
When you’ve given some thought to these things, we can help you better design a quality kitchen. Call Woodworking Unlimited at (630) 871-1282 for a design appointment.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
By Steve Purduski, Case Remodeling
The kitchen is more than a place to cook and dine. It’s where parties begin and end, bills are paid, homework is done, pets are fed, and the day’s events are recalled over cups of coffee. Your kitchen should complement your personality and taste, as well as fit in with the overall look of your home. Four of the most popular design styles are traditional, contemporary, country, and eclectic. Do you know which one describes you best?
Traditional
Fine woods, such as maple, cherry, or painted wood, are the hallmarks of tradition. Colors are deep and rich. Cabinetry is generally full overlay and stacked crown moldings abound. Granite countertops and hardwood or ceramic tile flooring complete the traditional style.
Contemporary
Clean and sleek design with simple lines sets the tone in contemporary kitchens (pictured). Maple and birch are often used, with light background colors highlighted with bold accessories. Frameless cabinets feature minimal hardware, or none.
Country
Country kitchens include furniture-like cabinetry. Wood cabinets or glass and wood pieces have rustic finishes, often with valances to dress up the cabinetry. Styling includes decorative onlays on the cabinets and plate rails inside. Rustic touches such as beams, paneling and exposed brick completes the country look.
Eclectic
Eclectic kitchens combine new and old styling. Stainless steel commercial grade appliances are paired with rustic wood finishes. Countertops can be granite or concrete. Furniture-like pieces are mixed with sleek, contemporary pieces.
For a free consultation about your kitchen project, call Case handyman and Remodeling of Naperville. (630) 357-7171
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Homeowners today are investing in furnishings that they expect to be heirlooms. The desire for large windows and open views are destroying that investment because of sun damage. Closing the blinds and drapes is not the answer. The best solution to this dilemma is window film. The benefits go beyond protecting furnishings. It saves you real money in reducing your electric bills.
Dianne Matecki, owner of Wheaton Window Tinters says “Window film is an investment and will pay for itself in 2-3 years. One customer in Geneva called me back to say that his electric bills were $100 to $130 less per month after filming his east, south and west windows. Now his air conditioning is more regulated throughout his home.”
Window film is applied to the inside of the window. The R-50 film by Llumar starts blocking 66% of the solar heat gain and 99% of the UV rays immediately. The film is an added layer of insulation, so it retains about 20% of the indoor heat in the winter.
Wood floors and furniture can look brand new for decades longer when window film is a first priority in a new home. Deterioration is slowed by the combination of heat reduction and blocked UV rays that only window film provides. Without protection from direct sunlight, leather furniture will dry out and crack, draperies will fade, and precious artwork and photos will be ruined.
One of the biggest misconceptions about window film is that it will make the room dark. Newer generations of film are designed to let all the visible light in but keep out the heat and UV rays.
Washing filmed windows is the just the same as before, but using products that contain ammonia and vinegar will damage film. Wheaton Window Tinters recommends using Sparkle window cleaner and paper towels. The scratch-resistant coating on window film is smooth, and dust will not build up as it does on the rough surface of plain glass.
For those who have skylights and love the light, but hate the heat, there is more good news. Skylights can also be filmed. Films can block up to 80% of the heat and still keep the sky view.
One of the new benefits of the R series film from Llumar is that it now qualifies for the Tax Energy Rebate. Not all films have qualified for this energy saving rebate, so check before you buy. That’s real money saved.
The price of window film ranges between $6.50-10.00 per square foot. In-home estimates are usually free and by appointment.
For more info, contact Wheaton Window Tinters at (630) 853-8468 or (773) 307-8468.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Design professionals say the trend in updating countertops is stone, stone and more stone. While there are several appealing engineered products on the market, nothing says quality and beauty like natural granite. Granite, with close to three thousand color and style variations, is the number one choice for homeowners updating kitchens and baths according to designers.
In the past, homeowners trekked to granite showrooms to physically look at and pick out slabs to be used in their projects. It can be an overwhelming chore. Marble Tech, an importer and fabricator, has streamlined granite shopping with exclusive patent-pending technology that allows homeowners to shop for countertops online at http://vim.tgcompanies.com/PreviewSlabs.aspx.
Marble Tech Virtual Inventory shows every stone slab in inventory in high-resolution imagery. There are hundreds of actual slabs to peruse without leaving home.
Another innovation Marble Tech features is custom Vein Matching Technology. A laser-vision optic system maps the project and lines up veins and movement in the granite up to one hundred times better than the human eye. The result provides the most precise cuts possible, with stone seams that are nearly invisible.
Marble Tech has showrooms in Naperville (Design Pointe), Wheaton, Geneva, Schaumburg, Chicago, Lincolnwood, Barrington, Highland Park, Algonquin and Crystal Lake.To learn more, visit www.marbletechinc.com or call (888) 551-0885.
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