Archive for February, 2010
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Art Gara
When you spend time weeding and pruning, cutting back and carefully tending your plants, you are, in fact stewarding your garden. The meaning of the word “steward” applies to the watching over and maintaining of something that has been “entrusted to your care” It also means that you want to maintain that something by applying certain standards to it– probably pretty high standards. Yet sometimes you might ask yourself, why should I bother weeding, these are native plants, they can take care of themselves, right?
The answer is that if you don’t, or can’t, even some native plants may become aggressive and your wildflower garden would be in danger of losing it’s integrity and diversity. Many of us start out with the intention to maintain and watch over our new garden, but not all of us actually have the time and energy to do the best job that the garden beds deserve.
At Art and Linda’s we feel that one has to work at stewardship, just the way you would with the relationships you care for in life. It’s never a once-in-a-season attention that you give to family and friends, but more of an ongoing and thoughtful process. Once you have established your beautiful wildflower garden, you can familiarize yourself with its special needs and maintain its growth in order to keep it looking its best and / or you can consider the services of an outside “steward”– like us.
A professional steward has the knowledge of native plants as well as the materials and assistance they need to do the best job possible. A good steward is also one who watches out for the weeds, or the plant that has become too aggressive. We will certainly know when the occasional species that may have a showcase position in your garden needs to be thinned out or cut back.
In considering stewardship, consider applying a real “steward’s” knowledge to your gorgeous, growing wonder. Keep it thriving and healthy, as that will strengthen it for future enjoyment and also help to maintain the goals which you have in mind for your beautiful yard.
Reach Art Gara at (708) 785-2943, art@artandlindaswild flowers.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
Rearrange furnishings to give a new perspective to your room
Award-winning designer Joan Kaufman is celebrating 20 years in business for Interior Planning & Design, Inc. Based in Naperville, the firm specializes in orchestrating projects form conception to completion by coordinating all design aspects from start to finish.
Kaufman is president of the Illinois Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and recently became LEED (green building) accredited. She is also a certified Feng Shui consultant.
Kaufman’s recent projects include the headquarters offices for RJN Group in Wheaton, the main offices for the Chicago Wolves in Glenview, and Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity in Urbana.
Kaufman also works with residential clients offering major and minor design and remodeling assistance. Following are some easy, inexpensive tips she suggests for updating your home decor:
1) Paint with a fresh in-style color using green products. Even selecting one wall as an accent is refreshing.
2) Add live plants. They create a wonderful energy and improve indoor air quality.
3) Add new accessories such as pillows, art, candles, vases, or area rugs, in updated fashion colors.
4) Clear Clutter.
5) Re-arrange furnishings. Moving things around gives a new perspective.
For more information about design and decor at Interior Planning & Design, Inc., call (630) 848-2119 or visit www.Interiorplanning.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By John Karmis, Karmis Carpets
Shopping for carpeting can be complicated. Style, color, stain-resistance, durability, padding options, and performance all need to be considered. But first, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the basic carpet types.
Carpets can be grouped in three primary constructions: loop pile, cut pile, and cut and loop pile.
Loop Pile Carpet
All carpet actually begins as a loop pile, and the loops are cut during manufacturing to give a cut pile appearance. Loop styles, Berbers, are very durable. They’re ideal for casual, active areas and hide traffic patterns well. Carpets come in solid colors, flecks, and patterns with varying loop levels.
Cut Pile Carpet
This type is the most popular for residential use, and includes several styles within the cut pile category. Saxony has a smooth, velvet plush look, with each yarn twisted and heat set uniformly. It’s good for formal areas and has the tendency to show footprints and vacuum cleaner marks. Frieze is the durable carpet. It features a high twist level in construction, causing the tuft to curl over at the end to give a kinked appearance. Frieze is a great performer in high traffic areas and hides footprints well.
Cut and Loop pile carpets combine cut and looped yarns that create pattern effects by the variation in surface textures. Cut and loop carpets can be used in casual and traditional settings, and also do a good job of hiding stains while standing up to foot traffic.
To learn more about carpet styles and performance, see John or Chris Karmis at Karmis Carpets, in Pickwick Place Plaza at 682 A Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 790-4332
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
By Keith Druek,
Seabreeze West Remodeling
We find that some homeowners might not be quite ready for a kitchen redo, but want to begin by concentrating on the first area guests see when entering the home: the foyer.
In addition to new paint and wallpaper, here are some client considerations with the foyer:
Update room divider–Remove dated half walls/wood spindles to create a more open look. Use a handsome piece of furniture instead—a bench or wood coat wardrobe with storage and coat pegs, etc, or a simple table with tall buffet lamps.
Change flooring/flooring designs–Replace current flooring with wood, ceramic, porcelain or other stone tiles. An inlaid tile design is dramatic and decorative– perhaps a round medallion design near the front door. Also, checkerboard light and dark tiles (black and white; tan and white) are very interesting and traditional in the foyer. Wood can be ‘designed’ and personalized too, with beautiful inlaid borders.
Lighting–For general lighting, be sure to size the decorative fixture to the space. Not all foyers have high ceilings that can accommodate a large foyer chandelier, so make sure the size proportions of your light fixture are correct. If you do have a larger space, be sure to illuminate the entire space by using matching wall sconces, accent lights and/or recessed lights. Add dimmer switches, to set the tone of the room.
Stairways–the stairway is often part of the foyer. Consider combining painted light spindles and risers and wood banisters and trim. Replace wrought iron railings with wood. Install new carpet with only a runner that goes up the middle of stairs, exposing wood on both sides—perhaps be bold with a pattern, not a solid carpet.
Other Ideas–Make your artwork come to life and illuminate it with halogen light from track or adjustable recessed down-lighting. Mirrors always add a special decorative touch to a foyer.
For free estimates and more information on your home projects, contact Seabreeze West Remodeling of Naperville, (630) 585-0122, www.seabreezewest.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010
Our World–Underwater Show: February 19, 20, and 21
Our World–Underwater is in its 40th year. For those with an interest in scuba diving, underwater shipwrecks, and the underwater environment, the show includes resources for all ages and abilities.
Hundreds of booths on the exhibit floor feature dive travel, equipment manufacturers, environmental and training agencies and retailers. Seminars throughout the weekend will cover underwater shipwrecks, archeology, dive travel, our changing underwater environment and more. Seminars will show exotic dive destinations, shipwrecks of the past, how to be a safer diver, and things that can be done to improve and save our aquatic environment.
Workshops throughout the weekend include underwater photography, understanding rebreathers and their differences, public safety diving, aspects of deep wreck and cave diving, among others.
A Film Festival both Friday and Saturday night features breathtaking underwater sights by top names in underwater photography and videography.
Held February 19, 20, and 21 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center, Rosemont. For complete information, schedule and directions to Our World–Underwater, visit www.ourworldunder water.com or call (708) 226-1614.
–
Happy Times Preschool and Summer Camps
Happy Times’ goal is to provide a positive, creative learning environment in which each child may fully develop socially, emotionally, physically and academically. Programs are designed to ease parent and child separation, and set the stage for future learning through a positive first experience at school. The cozy neighborhood location aids this transition. Preschool programs are in session both mornings (8:45-11:15am) and afternoons (12:15-2:45pm). Children 2 1/2 to five years old may enroll in two, three or four half days.
Happy Times also features summer camps for children ages 2-1/2 to 6 who enjoy a fun, educational experience. Students may attend 2 or 3 days per week from 9:00-11:30am. Two summer sessions are offered– June and July.
For more information, contact Happy Times Preschool at (630) 355-8282 or visit www.happytimespreschool.org. The school is located at 420 W. Gartner Rd., Naperville.
–
Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, Wisconsin Accepting Summer Registrations
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 February 7, 2010
If your church group, sports team or PTA has sold magazines, candy bars or wrapping paper, you may want to try something different. Many local businesses offer innovative programs which benefit the community as well as the organizations raising money. Your main contact is always accessible, and your participation adds revenue to a local business. Here are some novel ideas for your organization:
Indulge Cheesecakes, Bloomingdale
Debbie Zempel makes scrumptious cheesecakes, which she offers as fundraisers to both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Orders can be taken with a specific delivery date, or groups can raise funds by making in-store purchases, similar to the “Shop and Share” model. Programs are flexible. Contact Debbie Zempel at Indulge Cheesecakes, (630) 893-5714.
Entrée Kitchen, Carol Stream
Diane Beaulieu, owner, offers delicious meal solutions for busy people. Several programs with the meal preparation business are available. Groups can reserve an evening to prepare meals together, with meals going toward an individual in need. Meals can also be ordered and be delivered or picked up. Menu selections include a wide variety of choices. Contact Diane Beulieu at (630) 668-4450.
Deese, The Sycamore Boutique, Sycamore
Angela Nielsen makes fragrant shea butter soaps in delicate fragrances and hand-poured soy candles. Scrub soaps for gardeners are available too. Call Angela for more information at (815) 899-9977.
Action Screen Printing, Warrenville
Alan Arrighi has a new program ideal for youth sports teams. The Shirt and Simple program is an easy way to keep your fundraiser online, and eliminates chasing payments. Participants customize their orders online. Call Action Screen Printing at (630) 393-1990 or (800) 661-5892.
Dancing Lights, Glen Ellyn
Carol Swetka offers a huge assortment of hand-dipped candles, votives, and soy jars. 64 different scents are available. Holders can be included, either decorative or basic. Call Dancing Lights at (630) 790-4548.
Wheaton Bowl, Wheaton
Fundraisers can be scheduled for your group on Friday or Saturday evenings. Several “Candlelight Bowl” packages are offered, which include bowling and shoe rental. Buffet packages can also be included–delicious Pal Joey’s pizza, a hot assortment, or deli selections. Minimum 10 couples. For details, contact Bob Inzinga at (630) 668-4102.
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »
