Archive for June, 2010
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Tips From Pond Builder John Loudon
John Loudon, Artistic Design Garden Ponds
Transforming a yard to a retreat by adding a pond is John Loudon’s passion. Loudon, owner of Artistic Design Garden Ponds is the salesman, designer and pond builder who makes sure his customers are satisfied. Whether the pond is 4′x6′ or as large as 26′x26′, Louden suggests homeowners keep the following points in mind:
• Position your pond near the house so you can enjoy its beauty and tranquility.
• Keep it away from low spots, as water run off can be a problem.
• Draining and cleaning need only be done once a year, provided you work in harmony with Mother Nature and follow a five-part maintenance program.
• Koi can be kept in ponds year round. Pond depth, at least 2′ deep, generally freezes only 8″ down even in our area.
• Ponds can be a great asset to a home, unlike a swimming pool, when it comes to resale value.
Loudon uses Aquascape Professional Grade products exclusively. He says, “Our price is fair and competitive. All our work and products are top quality.”
To learn more about getting your own backyard retreat, call Loudon at (630) 995-5275. To see more examples of water gardens, and Loudon’s 20-Step installation program, visit www.adgponds.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
By Sherry Nelson
Frog man Tom Lossman says frogs made ideal first pets. Lossman, in the animal business full time for 19 years, travels the country doing animal shows. His specialty is frogs and geckos. Frogs, he says, are appealing because of their vibrant green color–plus, they’re relatively easy to care for.
“It’s important to provide a suitable vivarium,” says Lossman, “Then, remember to feed them some crickets every other day, and your frog will live 10-20 years.”
A vivarium is a self-contained bio-system. Lossman ships moss, vivarium supplies or complete systems across the country. Systems may be pre-ordered and picked up at shows also. A vivarium contains soil or a substrate along with a complement of living plants, moss, and water making its inhabitants feel at home.
Lossman is a regular exhibitor at Scott Smith’s All animal Expo, with twice-monthly shows at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. To learn more about frogs and geckos, see him at the show Sunday, June 20. Call him at (715) 212-7378.
For the complete show schedule, visit www.AllAnimalShow.comn.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Bargain hunters and antique collectors are sure to visit Sandwich during the summer season. It seems to be the center of the Antique Universe, with shows, malls, shops and boutiques galore. Sandwich, about 30 miles west of St. Charles, is home to the oldest continuing county fair in Illinois. The Sandwich Fair has been held every year since 1889.
The monthly Sandwich Antiques Market is held at the park-like Sandwich Fairgrounds every month from April through October. Crafts, flea market items, garage sales and business booths are featured in the West Field, while The East Field highlights antiques and collectibles from the 19th and 20th centuries. To learn more, call (815)786-3337.
Sandwich Antiques Mart is the oldest mall in Sandwich. Specializing in elegant to primitive antiques and collectibles, dealers in the mall are proud of offering outstanding customer service. Mall owner Sharon Rogers is celebrating 21 years in business this season. The multi-dealer mall is at 2300 E. Rte 34 (just east of Sandwich). Reach her at (815) 786-6122. Check the ad in this issue for a 15% discount offer.
Farmer’s Daughter Antiques is a tidy collection of five specialty vendors. Located in a charming house in the heart of Sandwich, the specialty is primitive country home decor. There are hand-crafted textiles, candles, wood furniture, and accessories. Johnston Benchworks custom upholstered furniture is one of the signature offerings. See the ad in this issue for a 10% discount offer. Farmer’s Daughter Antiques is at 303 S. Main St., (815) 786-6370.
Olde Timers Antique Centre is an expansive mall in historic downtown Sandwich featuring more than 100 vendors. It is located at 131 Church St. (Rte. 34), (815) 786-6430.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Most moms no longer have the same shape they boasted as teenagers. It makes sense, then, to switch out of the jeans worn by those with youthful bodies.
“Not Your Daughter’s Jeans are cut to make the most of a woman’s body,” says Claudine Scanlon, owner of Sassy’s Originals in Bloomingdale. NYDJ fit well because they have a missy rise and a tummy control panel, says Scanlon. They also “magically” offer an instant butt-lift, with the lycra content hugging the jeans close.
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans come in straight leg or boot cut styles, with plain and embellished pocket detailing.
Sizes 4-16 in denim and black are in now at Sassy’s Originals, 360 W. Schick Rd., Bloomingdale. (630) 894-139, www.sassysoriginals.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
By Dr. Steve Biagini
When I was in the grocery store checkout line last week, I overheard two women talking about the dentist:
“My dentist said I needed a crown. I don’t know why he can’t just fill it,” said one.
“Be glad it’s in the back,” said the other, “These caps on my front teeth don’t match, and I’ve got an ugly black line near my gum.”
Patients have many questions like that every day in our practice.
There are several situations that call for crowns. Most often, it’s because a tooth is broken down because of a large area of decay. A filling isn’t strong enough. If the tooth is in front, a crown can be made to exactly match other teeth. Also, a tooth that has been root canaled should be crowned. After a root canal, the tooth loses its blood supply and becomes more brittle and susceptible to fracture.
To put in a crown, the tooth is shaped so the crown can be slid on over the tooth–much like a thimble slides over your finger–and cemented in place. The crown covers the tooth, protecting it from further breakage or decay.
Several types of crowns are available. The first is a full gold crown. Generally done on molars only, they are shiny yellow. An excellent material, the gold stands out, and patients have been moving away from them in recent years. The second type is a porcelain fused to metal crown (PFM). This type is used most often, but does have a couple drawbacks.
When used on front teeth, the natural translucence of teeth is lost. Light cannot pass through the tooth because of the metal composition of the crown. The second issue is the dark line right at the gum line, which cannot be completely concealed.
One of the biggest breakthroughs in cosmetic dentistry is the Porcelain Empress Crown. New bonding technology has allowed dentists to bond these ceramic crowns directly to teeth. This strong bond has made the crown strong enough to function under even heavy chewing pressures.
These all porcelain crowns are the most beautiful and natural-looking crowns I’ve ever placed in a patient’s mouth. There is no metal so they have none of the drawbacks of a PFM. A newly developed pressing system allows them to fit the tooth more accurately, giving incredible fracture resistance.
In the last year, we’ve placed Empress crowns on front teeth almost exclusively, and wherever aesthetics is a concern to the patient. To learn more about all porcelain crowns, ask your dentist, or give us a call.
Dr. Steven Biagini, Dr. Theresa Jansky, and Dr. Mark Beck would like to introduce you to the compassion in dentistry. Glen Ellyn Family Dental Care is at 658 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 858-0216. www.changing smiles.net
Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
“A quality watch is usually the core of a man’s jewelry wardrobe, along with cuff links–if he uses them–and a fashionable ring,” says Steve Woodworth, owner of Matthew Erickson Jewelers in Aurora,“For partying, though, a man can let his imagination go a little further. Necklaces and bracelets–and even earring studs–have all gained acceptance, especially among younger men.”
Daring designers are making men’s jewelry from materials that aren’t associated with gold or precious stones. Leather and rubber, for instance, are finding their way into fashionable men’s jewelry. Men are also discovering platinum; and titanium provides a very modern look. Even stainless steel is being used for necklaces, rings and cuff links in combination with gemstones, for a look that’s both stylish and masculine.
It’s conventional for men to favor dark-hued colored stones, such as onyx and black star sapphire. Diamonds and more vibrant colored stones are gaining ground though. A diamond or ruby stud in the ear can add extra flash on a Saturday night; and cuff links with small diamonds or colored stones go well with a business suit. For formal wear, setting cuff links and shirt studs with pavé diamonds is a modern idea. Even black Tahitian pearls and other pearls are now finding their way into high-fashion men’s jewelry.
Matthew Erickson Jewelers is at 4421 Fox Valley Center Drive (on the outer ring at Fox Valley Mall), (630) 820-0300 and www.matthewericksonjewelers.com.
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