Posts Tagged Local Business
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
The days of stiff, scratchy carpeting are long gone, says John Karmis, owner of Karmis Carpets in Glen Ellyn. Today’s carpets feel like soft cotton, Karmis says, with better stain resistance than ever.
John Karmis, Karmis Carpets, Glen Ellyn
The technology for integrating stain repellent qualities into the carpet fibers has vastly improved–it’s far superior to the topical application of the past. According to Karmis, it’s been a boon to customers–but hardly one for retailers.
“Homeowners used to replace carpets about every five years,” says Karmis. That’s when foot traffic and soil made it look tired. “Improved technology has given carpets a longer life,” he says, “with many carpets lasting up to ten years.”
Homeowners shopping for new carpeting should shop and compare, Karmis urges. When Big Box stores quote prices for installation, they can be misleading. He says most times a specialty carpet retailer is very competitive with a Big Box store, is more knowledgeable about the products, and delivers superior service.
To see samples of new soft fibers in carpets, hardwood, tile, area rugs and more, visit Karmis Carpets on Roosevelt Rd. at Park Blvd.
(near Trader Joe’s) in Glen Ellyn. (630) 790-4332
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Prospective grooms sometimes need a little nudge when it comes to getting ready for wedding photos. That traditional ring picture highlights hands that could probably use a little pampering.
“Your hands shouldn’t look like an auto mechanic’s unless you are an auto mechanic,” says Lois Bugg Shadrick, owner of LadyBugg Nails–On the Go. Shadrick has included services for men along with women in her services, which include manicures, pedicures and pampering massages at clients’ homes.
Men making business presentations and shaking hands in business must have well-groomed hands, says Shadrick. A manicure and pedicure can also massage the tension out of hands and feet, she says.
Shadrick says many men are shy about admitting they appreciate salon services. You’d be surprised to hear that the defensive line of the Chicago Bears gets pedicures every Tuesday after a home game.
“It’s important for mens’ hands to look clean, neat and healthy,” says Shadrick. To shine or not to shine is a matter of taste.
To learn more about healthy-looking hands and nails, call Lois Bugg Shadrick at (630) 240-6201.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Angela Nielsen, Owner, Déese, The Sycamore Boutique
Angela Nielsen, owner of Déesse, The Sycamore Boutique, got into designing fragrances about six years ago. She was frustrated and unable to find fresh scents that she liked in body products. Nielsen researched fragrances and suppliers, and has sampled thousands of scents to create her custom collection of soy candles, shea butter soaps, and body products.
“I started out making soy candles,” says Nielsen, which quickly led to shea butter soaps, and then body creams and lotions. “Shea butter soaps are wonderful for dry skin,” says Nielsen. Dozens of delightful fragrances are available in the soaps. Florals include Gardenia, Yellow Rose, Hyacinth, Jasmine, Lavender, Lilac, Lily of the Valley and many more. That’s just the beginning–herbal scents star as well, with Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Green Tea, Hayride, Olive Blossom and Wood Rose among others. Fresh scents include Cucumber, Morning Dew, Irish Linen and more.
Besides shea butter soaps, the shop also carries glycerine soaps. One style is the soap-by-the-slice, and the other is rock soaps in a colorful assortment of gemstone designs.
Fire Opal soap
Scrub soaps are featured too, with loofah qualities in a variety of fragrances.
Finally, African Black Soap follows a recipe from the tribeswomen of Ghana. The base, roasted plantain leaves, cocoa pod shells, and oils is obtained from a dentist working with Doctors Without Borders (to help support women in Ghana). Raw shea butter is added, and the ingredients are cooked together so soap can be made into hard bars for resale. African Black Soap is said to deep clean skin, relieve acne, clear skin blemishes, prevent premature wrinkles and more.
“We ship soaps all over the country,” says Nielsen. “We do suggest that customers come in first to sample the fragrances when possible.”
Déesse, The Sycamore Boutique is at 321 W. State St. (Rte. 64) in Sycamore. (815) 899-9977. www.thesycamoreboutique.com
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Sports massage is geared toward athletes of every kind, from world-class professionals to weekend joggers. The particulars of the massage are specific to the athlete’s sport of choice and are often focused on a particular troublesome area, like a knee or shoulder.
Aspects of massage are gaining popularity as useful components in a balanced training regimen. Sports massage can be used as a means to enhance pre-event preparation and reduce recovery time for maximum performance during training or after an event. Athletes have discovered that specially designed massage promotes flexibility, removes fatigue, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries, and prepares them to compete at their absolute best.
As we age, our joints tighten and we lose the range of motion we once enjoyed in our youth. One of the main reasons we become less flexible as we get older has to do with certain changes that take place in our connective tissues. As we age, our bodies gradually loose fluid and dehydrate. Massage therapy is an effective treatment for increasing and maintaining flexibility and motion.
Call for a Sports Massage today at Massage Envy, Glen Ellyn at 709 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn (630)790-4400, www.massageenvy.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
In today’s uncertain economy, families are looking to cut back on any expenses that seem like a luxury. Evidence suggests that cutting that gym membership may be exactly the wrong move.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inactive adults have significantly higher direct medical costs than active adults.
“To put it in perspective,” says Valerie Divelbiss, owner of the Curves women’s fitness center in Warrenville, “for every dollar you spend on wellness, you save as much as five dollars on illness.”
Curves has partnered with major health insurance and third party providers who see huge financial benefits in wellness programs and offer reimbursements and incentives on Curves gym memberships.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota recently completed a landmark study that found that people who went to the gym at least eight times a month had significantly lower healthcare costs than those who did not. These frequent gym attendees had:
· 39 percent fewer visits to the ER
· 41 percent fewer hospital admissions
· 18 percent lower overall claims costs
Everyone knows that the human body thrives on regular exercise, and that staying fit and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to significantly reduced risks for diseases and other debilitating conditions.
Divelbiss adds: “Your health is your most precious asset, and not taking care of it is going to cost you more in the long run.”
To help women save even more money, Curves of Warrenville is offering 30 Days Free from 12/28/09- 2/28/10. For more information, contact Valerie Divelbiss at (630) 836-0100 or vdivelbiss@aol.com. Visit: www.curves.com.
Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010
Second Chance founders include, from left, Dave Scavotto, Ron deVries, and Pete Leonard. Employee Jim Short is to the right
Open your car window Monday and Wednesday mornings to smell the coffee roasting in downtown Wheaton. The aroma wafting around Carlton and Childs St. is from Second Chance Coffee Company’s “I Have a Bean” roasting plant. Specialty grade I Have a Bean Coffee is hand selected and imported from countries around the world.
I Have a Bean Coffee is just the beginning of the story, though. The Second Chance Coffee Company was created by three friends to make a difference in the lives of ex-offenders. Recognizing that gainful employment is crucial to staying out of jail, Dave Scavotto, Pete Leonard, and Ron deVries joined together in developing Second Chance Coffee Company to provide job training and employment to help ex-offenders get a fresh start.
“Wheaton is our first location,” says Dave Scavotto. “We hope to set up similar roasting sites throughout the country soon.” deVries says they’ve had many applicants apply for work with Second Chance Coffee Company. Candidates must be part of an established re-entry program or have graduated from one to be considered for employment. “We can only address part of the solution ex-prisoners need. But it’s a start,” says deVries. Second Chance Coffee Company also works with post-prison support and re-entry programs, donating part of their profit to these groups.
Coffee is available for purchase via the www.ihaveabean.com web site and can be picked up at the plant or delivered the same day it’s roasted for peak freshness. There are usually six to seven varieties of coffee available, including decaf. A coffee sample pack includes six varieties of coffee, including their decaf. Coffee can be ordered by the pound and remain whole bean, or ground by the company to your specification, including espresso, home brewer, French press, or just about anything in between. The company also offers coffee gift boxes for special occasions. Orders may be shipped, picked up at the roasting plant, or can be delivered to your home or office, (within 5 miles). There is a one dollar local delivery fee. Shipping charges are extra.
Nelson’s Today readers will get a discount by entering NT1-8452 on their order during checkout. The 10% discount is valid through February 15, 2010.
I Have a Bean Coffee is located at 657 Childs St., (next to the Wallfill building), in Wheaton. For more information, visit www.IHaveaBean.com or call (630) 390-8787.
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