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SEPTEMBER 2013

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Flowers, veggies, and folk art combined

GARDENS GALORE

REINVENT YOUR ROOMS

Joseph Pubillones Weve all been there. You look around your home and wish you could change the way things look immediately. You can! To redecorate your whole house sounds like a lot of work and it is, to a certain point. Think of it as a bit of serious housekeeping. But you can reinvent your rooms as often as youd like. Houses are not meant to be stagnant. So roll up your sleeves and get to work on your home makeover. Redecorating a home with what you already have can be tackled in a similar manner to the way you would reconsider your wardrobe, in which pants, shirts and shoes can be mixed to create a great number of outfits. When items are moved throughout your home, each item as it is paired with another can give your room an exciting new energy. We often get used to the way things look, especially if they have remained a certain way year after year. It is important to keep an open mind and consider that all furniture, art and accessories are fair game to move from one location to another. Many of us feel that our homes have to be perfect. Although that is a good objective to aspire to, the reality is that most homes have some kind of flaw, some more apparent than others. Too big, too small, not the right style, etc. These flaws are usually very visible to the homeowner and generally invisible to everyone else. As food for thought, that kitchen you consider to be too small and boring may be the best-looking and -functioning kitchen for a gourmet chef. It always seems the grass is greener on the other side. But to embark on a no- or low-cost redesign of your home, you need to embrace all of its imperfections. Finding inner peace and serenity in your home has a lot to do with celebrating the art of imperfection. In the Zen tradition, wabi-sabi objects are beautiful yet imperfect as designed by nature. Imperfections are lauded as sublime. Your home should embrace all of its warts and cracks with grace in acceptance of its history and the day-to-day activities of life. Inspiration and tips for reinventing your home: 1) If you enjoy having coffee on your sofa, why not consider placing one in your kitchen? 2) Why not glam your bathroom with a chandelier if it makes you feel like a star? 3) If green is your thing, paint your living room walls the perfect shade of avocado. 4) What to do with a Pepto pink bathroom? Add matching grass cloth to the walls and celebrate the color.

Work with what you have

5) In the mood for an exotic Moroccan fantasy? Layer your rooms floor with Oriental rugs of varying colors and sizes. 6) Your collection of family photos could make a statement on a den wall, all framed in black and hung ceiling to floor. Joseph Pubillones weekly column, The Art of Design, can be found at creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM Creators.com photo courtesy of Daniel A. Newcomb Make that Pepto pink bathroom work for you.

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

www.cadillacnews.com | Setpember, 2013

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September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

Painting trim adds a quick refresher to any room

Sharon Naylor
Give your home a quick refresher with a task thats much easier to complete than painting the walls and ceiling; give your trimwork a fresh coat of paint to restore its original shade. Most homeowners dont notice that their trimwork paint color has faded from age or from sunlight. (Ultraviolet rays from nearby windows or skylights can fade paint color.) Until they take a good, close look at their window trim, molding, baseboards and chair rails, they dont see little knicks, dents and damage that happens over time. Chair rails and window trim are especially susceptible to damage and stains by virtue of being touched and stained by skin oils. So take a look now and really see the difference between your original color choices by holding up the paint color strip you likely have in your home decor file. The difference can be astounding. Whites can look ivory. Pastels can be bland. Brights can be dull. But they wont be for long if you embark upon a trim-refreshing project. Start by deciding whether youll refresh with the same color of paint you originally used on your trim or if youd like to apply a new shade. If you stick with the original, retrieve that old paint can from your garage and buy a fresh, new can in the same shade at your local paint store. If you didnt save the can or paint strip, use an easy iPhone or Android app from Benjamin Moore to snap a picture of a non-faded portion of your trim in quality light, and the app will automatically provide you with the name and color number of an exact paint shade. Technology makes it easy to match your paint color, and it prevents you from having to chip off a section of your paint to have it color-matched at your paint store using their spectrophotometer tool that scans items you can bring into the paint store, such as a pillow or Tiffany blue box, to get a paint match. If youll choose a new paint color, visit the Benjamin Moore website to try out trim colors by using their interactive room visualization tool that lets you see and print out information on the shade you choose for your new trim appearance. Next, inspect every inch of your trimwork from all angles to see where you might have dents and rough spots that need to be sanded before you paint. The experts at FamilyHandyman.com suggest using a 120-grit sandpaper for fine sanding and 80-grit sandpaper to smooth rougher portions before progressing to a 120-grit sandpaper for fine finishing. Experts suggest using no load sandpaper that doesnt clog. Always sand by hand. Do not sand with a machine that can create ruts and ridges in your trim work. Experts say to brush off any remaining sanding dust before the next step. If your home was built before 1979, be aware that your trim paint may contain lead, which makes sanding a

FRESHENING TRIM

Creators.com photo courtesy of Sharon Toris Refreshing trim creates the effect of a newly painted room.

hazard. Check with your local public health agency for advice on lead testing and safe removal. Fill fine holes and scratches with Spackle, and use wood filler to patch up larger dents. FamilyHandman.coms experts say that deeper holes may require an initial Spackling and then a second Spackling after the first application dries to get a completely smooth finish. Next, youll repair the cracks or gaps between your molding or trim and your wall with caulk. Always use a fresh container of caulk, and choose a small-tip opening for a controlled application of caulk in a smooth application along cracks, smoothing with your fingertip. FamilyHandman.com suggests keeping a damp cloth handy to clean your fingers between applications. Allow the caulk to dry completely, according to package directions. Brush on stain-blocking primer to achieve a uniform shade, and let that dry for 24 hours. Then carefully apply blue painters masking tape along the lengths of your trim above and below. Use corner-cut pieces if you paint trim strips on your windows. This protective strip will keep you from splashing paint onto your walls, preventing a larger paint job or unsightly spots that ruin the effect. When painting on your color, The Family Handyman says not to overwork it. Paint starts to dry as soon as you apply it, so continuing to apply can leave brushstrokes on your trim, requiring an extra coat or two to cover. Two layers is often sufficient for a new and pretty paint refreshing on all of your trim. Remove the blue painters tape while the paint is still wet, experts advise, or risk pulling off sections of dried paint.

COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

LAUNDRY OR MUDROOM
Christine Brun

Ideas for maximizing your space

What better room to trick out than your laundry or mudroom? Usually, its the smallest room in a house, so going for fun wallpaper or specialty faux finish shouldnt be frightening. You are not committing to a wild color or pattern for the entire house. It is the perfect room to experiment with a faddish color e.g., a citrus green or bold watermelon as the paint can be changed easily once you tire of the hue. Often this is the room to hang cute signs or a whimsical piece of art. The room also can do double duty as a message center or a room for wrapping gifts. Beyond adding pizazz to a utilitarian room, you can add some functional elements that might prove to be huge conveniences. These ideas are mainly for a laundry in a more spacious home. Ive seen clients install shower pans and low facets so that dirty garden shoes or rain boots are cleaned without creating a mess. People use those same acrylic shower pans as a catch for a drip-dry area to hang hand washables. Sometimes simply adding a door from a laundry to the yard or garage area is a boon. The sink that is pictured here features gentle whirlpool jets to thoroughly launder delicate washables. It is 25 inches long, 22 inches wide and 11 inches deep and uses approximately 5 gallons of water. Careful hand washing extends the life of a garment and is a wise way to treat expensive garments. Other cool ideas include small pet spas and pedicure tubs. For the single woman with resources, what better way to spoil yourself than having your private spa at home? Other amenities might include drying racks or drying cabinets. In Europe, they have had drying cabinets in laundromats since the 1980s because the typical home is too small for residential use. The luxury home market here in the U.S. encouraged a handful of appliance manufacturers such as Asko, Maytag and Staber to supply drying cabinets that are approximately the size of a narrow apartmentsize refrigerator. A drying cabinet is an electrical machine designed to expedite the drying of clothing articles that are delicate and have tags that indicate you should hang dry or not tumble dry. Items such as boots, hats, gloves and bulky coats also can be dried safely in this way. A mudroom is also a logical place for a message board and a charging station for electronic gear, such as cellphones and tablets. Check out the eNook, by Anthro, to see a compact station with a flip-down mini desk. It comes at

approximately 36 inches wide, and when closed, it is a mere 7 inches deep. When open, it is about 22 inches deep, and you can lock the entire thing to keep your devices secure. There is a channel with multiple plugs for charging, and when its closed, your devices remain able to recharge. Simple whiteboards and old-school cork bulletin boards are popular and very useful for the room that everyone passes through on the way out of the house. Racks or hooks for coats are also useful, as are benches with a shelf for shoes. If you are thinking of redoing a space such as a mudroom or laundry, consider multiple shallow drawers about 4 inches deep which might stash away pens, markers, tape, packaging materials, stamps, scissors and paper. If you have a printer or scanner in this area, you need a place for ink cartridges and extra printing paper, as well. You likely dont want printers in the laundry, because the lint and dust isnt conducive to keeping a device in tiptop order. Christine Bruns weekly column, Small Spaces, can be found at creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

Six tips to liven up your laundry room

With the average American family doing more than 400 loads of laundry each year, its no wonder that the laundry room has become one of the most popular remodeling projects in the house. - Often out of sight and out of mind, most laundry rooms are designed like closets rather than efficient utility rooms. But according to Decorator Jenny Komenda, who blogs at The Little Green Notebook, with just a few inexpensive changes, you can brighten your clothes and your mood by transforming your dark and dingy laundry room into a bright, functional (and even enjoyable) place. Check out these tips from Jenny, The Home Depot, Tide and Maytag for the Brilliant HE Clean campaign on how to create more efficient and enjoyable laundry rooms: Dealing with a dark, cave-like laundry room is a chore in and of itself. By taking off the doors on a few of your upper cabinets, youll open up the space and create a place to store baskets. Assign baskets for every member of the house, which makes sorting a breeze. Why not decoupage or paint the insides of your cabinets for a fun pop of color? Its a guaranteed smile each and every time you reach for your detergent. Also dont ignore the door. Adhere some cork panels on the inside of the cabinet doors and create a space to pin all those stain removal tips. Dont like the cabinets, floors and countertops in your laundry room? Every surface can be painted or resurfaced. Update your laundry room with paint and a concrete overlay for less than $30 in materials. Say goodbye to the outdated linoleum, brick pavers and old, dark cabinets. A rolling laundry butler can be your best friend, doing triple duty with a hanging bar, a rolling basket and a drying rack. Its the perfect choice for smaller laundry rooms that havent been updated in a few decades. Dont neglect your laundry room walls. Hanging interesting art and mirrors will elevate your room and make it feel less utilitarian and a little homier. Suddenly those 400 loads of laundry most of us will do this year might actually be enjoyable. A folding station makes all the difference. Use a slab of stone or a simple piece of painted medium-density fiberboard (MDF) on top of washer/dryer units to create a folding station that also prevent socks from slipping in between the appliances. BPT
September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

BUILD YOUR OWN

Pat Logan

WET BAR

Dear Pat: I want to add a wet bar in my combined family room/kitchen. I have seen some wobbly ones, so I want this one to be stable. How should I build it, and how large should it be? Niki P. Dear Niki: A wet bar is a wonderful addition to any home, even if you are not big drinkers. With its sink and small refrigerator, your children will love to use it, especially when sitting on the tall barstools. For entertaining adult guests, the advantages of a wet bar are obvious. The stability of a bar is very important. One reason is that people who have been drinking tend to have impaired balance and may fall against the bar. Also, with the typical tall barstools, even a sober person can lose balance and reach for the bar for support. If one end of a standard straight bar can be attached to a perpendicular wall, this will provide much more stability than a freestanding, totally detached bar. If you are designing a detached bar, design it to be L-shaped to give more depth and stability to at least one end. Another design for increased stability for a detached bar is to build a small storage closet at one end. The closet will provide additional depth at that end to support the bar. Make the closet strong by using a 4-by-4-inch post as its frame. It will be hidden inside a corner of the closet, so it won't take up much space. A homemade bar can be made any size, but a depth of about 24 inches is typical. This is deep enough to provide stability and adequate top surface area. If you plan to use tall barstools, design it with about a 10-inch overhang. This makes it comfortable to reach a drink on the bar top without banging one's knees on the bar front. It is also wise to have a small overhang in the back of the bar. This not only looks good but also provides protection for the shelves and refrigerator from a spilled drink. For tall barstools, the height of the bar top from the floor should be 40 to 44 inches. A 6- to 8-inch footrest ledge is comfortable for an average-sized person. Any typical kitchen countertop material also works fine for a bar. These include solid surface materials, granite, marble, laminate, etc. The heavier countertop materials are popular today, and the additional weight creates more stability for the entire bar. Plan the height and depth of the shelving under the bar

based upon the items you intend to store. Measure the height of the liquor bottles so they all fit, unless you want to place them on shelves on the wall behind the bar. A blender is often used at a bar, as well as the typical mixing tools. Don't forget room for glasses and eating utensils and perhaps a small microwave oven. If you want to get creative with the styling of the bar, consider several options. For a '50s-style bar, consider adding a root beer fountain and ice cream freezer for the children. A stainless steel countertop and black-and-white checkered stool would be nice. Another more contemporary design may use an all-wood countertop and stools. Pat Logan's weekly column, "Here's How," can be found at creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

Connect to color through your passions

Whether you love to sit on the beach or collect antiques, drawing from your personal passions can help you find the perfect colors to enhance your space. If a hobby or activity lifts your mood, surround yourself with things that remind you of it, says David Bromstad, HGTV star and celebrity designer. I always look to a homeowners passions when helping them decorate. And if you start with an established palette of coordinated colors, its easy to follow your instincts. Bromstad recommends the HGTV(R) HOME by Sherwin-Williams color collection, offering eight paint palettes that evoke many favorite pastimes, with colors that create room-to-room harmony throughout the home. He offers these tips for using color to express your passions. Head-for-the-beach colors. If you are inspired by the sea and sand, use maritime blues and dune grass greens to create a fresh, breezy feeling that beckons barefoot comfort. Create an indoor seaside retreat using rattan furniture, Sea Salt (SW 6204) pale aqua walls and a table painted Rapture Blue (SW 6773), both from the Coastal Cool collection. Complete the look with accessories such as seashells and clear vases that evoke sea glass washed ashore. Pick colors fresh from the garden. Let the colors of your favorite flowers, fruits and vegetables guide your color choices throughout the home. Evoke beautiful pink flower petals with Exuberant Pink (SW 6840) on a bathroom accent wall; paint a desk in a fresh, Frolic (SW 6703) green; or bring out citrus colors in the kitchen with orange Tango (SW 6649). Reference the Color Pizzazz collection for more bold inspiration. Cook up some color excitement. Make your kitchen the ideal gathering place with deliciously warm and inviting colors. Spice it up with rich, saturated tones of Peppery (SW 6615) orange and Grandeur Plum (SW 6565), found in the Global Spice collection. For room-to-room harmony, use Garden Sage (SW 7736) or Edamame (SW 7729) in an adjoining dining room. Design around your collectibles. If you are an antiques aficionado, choose colors that celebrate the retro hipness of repurposed objects. Use colors like Bold Brick (SW 6327), or Urbane Bronze from the Urban Organic collection, to add substance to kitchen cabinets. Give a mudroom an eclectic twist with Armagnac walls and a Parakeet (SW 6711) green bench. For additional inspiration and information on HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, visit sherwin-williams. com/hgtv. BPT
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

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Flowers, veggies, and folk art combined

BY MARDI SUHS - CADILLAC NEWS PHOTOS: JODY GRAFF

GARDENS GALORE

From their large, covered back porch, where they play board games on the picnic table, grill and can vegetables, Deb and Al Breining can survey the last 12 years of gardening projects. Heres some of what they see: brick pathways surrounding small floral gardens; barn wood fences; bird baths and a fire pit; a homemade red swing set with five seats for the grandchildren; wooden benches with decorative bird houses; and at the back of the property, a red garage next to the largest garden packed with produce. Throughout their four-acres, multiple gardens are accented with folk art and whimsical touches. Near the swing set is a sand pile strewn with play trucks; the old fashioned garden features a red Flyer wagon, a Coke bottle tree, an old lawn mower and wash tubs surrounded by leafy hostas.

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

The Breinings moved to Cadillac in 2001. At that time, their ranch home on east M-55 had some large trees in the front and back yards, but that was it. There wasnt anything here, Deb said. There were no flowers, no shrubs, nothing. It was all plain. I just started with the stuff around the deck and then moved around to the front of the house. The entire house is edged with gardens to show off her favorite flowers, hydrangeas; huge Annabelles that are blooming into large balls of white delight. For the couple, it was a learn as you go project. We started back here where the sunflowers are, Al stated, pointing to the first vegetable garden. Theres been a learning curve. We started a compost pile out in back by the garage and we just kept adding gardens. continued on page 14
September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News -

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

13

continued from page 13 Next to the first garden is something they brought with them from Owosso, a barn wood garden shed built to mimic the old outhouses with a carved sliver moon on the door. The gardens are a labor of love. Deb, who works for Cadillac Family Physicians, loves being outside when she comes home from work. Al holds down the fort every day for about three hours, weeding, making sure the bugs are taken off the vegetables and watering.

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

Three weeks ago they started canning green beans. As soon as the tomatoes are ready next week, I will make chili sauce and salsa, she said. The potatoes will go down in the cellar and the harvested carrots will be covered with leaves. On the back porch, where the couple discussed their gardens, there were hummingbirds and butterflies fluttering around the flowers, while the family dog Hunter, nuzzled everyone in sight.

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15

Create an

OUTDOOR SANCTUARY

in your backyard

Coming home from a long work day to a place of peace, quiet, relaxation and even harmony is a dream for many homeowners. And by creating an outdoor sanctuary in the backyard, this private place of solace will become the first destination for all members of the family when they need a break. Backyard sanctuaries incorporate peace of mind with a spa-like atmosphere. Some do this with plant features, others with water. Here are some tips to build an outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard. 1. CREATE A WALKWAY - A beautiful walkway around your backyard, through different scenic zones, can help you to clear your mind of troubled thoughts. This walkway can be a paved path, or composed of stepping stones or gravel and woodchips. Consider planting different gardens close to the walkway, inviting walkers to immerse themselves within the blooms and scents wafting from the flowers. 2. INCORPORATE A SEATING AREA - This space doesnt have to be large, but give it a sense of ambiance with an arbor made of cedar to allow plants to grow taller, or a pergola to provide shade and that wonderful natural aroma that cedar gives off. Natural materials like Western Red Cedar weather naturally, and are rot-resistant, giving homeowners a durable and long-lasting material to enjoy for years to come. Using Western Red Cedar for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options

to work around, says Mark Clement, a building expert and co-host of My Fix It Up Life which airs nationally on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio and myfixituplife.com. This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly, easy to work with, ages beautifully, and, when incorporated into an arbor or pergola design, makes a stunning visual element to the space. In this seating space, place a bench, outdoor patio furniture or even comfortable lawn chairs to encourage family members to stop for a rest and settle their thoughts for the day. If the family is into yoga or meditation, consider keeping mats in a nearby storage container for quick and easy access. 3. DESIGN FOR BOTH NIGHT AND DAY - Sometimes a sanctuary space is most needed when the moon is shining brightly. Plan for this with a lighting design in the backyard. Provide illumination to pathways, the deck area, and in garden clusters to give a new sense of beauty to the plants. When designing your lighting scheme, be careful to avoid creating any scary shadows. If you notice this occurring, adjust the lighting to come from a different direction, or try using a different light. Also consider what form of light you would like. Would you prefer low watt electric lights, or candlelight, which would require a person to spend time preparing? Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind. BPT
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

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How to prepare your yard for winter

Changing seasons can be tough on a lawn. Always exposed to the elements, lawns can fare especially poorly upon the arrival of winter, a season known for its harsh and unforgiving weather. Even the most perfectly manicured lawn can suffer at the hands of winter weather, causing homeowners to sit idly by and hope spring arrives that much sooner. But as punishing as winter weather can be on a lawn, homeowners are not without recourse. Much like homeowners can take steps to help their lawns survive sizzling summer heat waves during the warmer months of the year, they also can take steps to help their lawns make it through the often stormy weather synonymous with winter. Removing debris, including dead leaves, from a lawn before the arrival of winter weather can help prevent suffocation. roots of the grass. Aerating also makes it easier for nutrients to penetrate the soil, which encourages a healthier lawn over the long haul. Aerators can be purchased or rented, but homeowners uncomfortable with the process may want to enlist a professional to tackle the job. Parents of small children who spend lots of time in the yard may need to aerate their lawn more than most, as heavy lawn traffic compresses the soil, a potentially harmful process that can be reversed via aeration. Aerating promotes stronger roots, but homeowners might also want to find a winterizing product with potassium and phosphorous, both of which can strengthen roots. Different types of lawns will respond differently to certain winterizers, so discuss your options with a lawn care professional who can help you find the right fit for your property. * Remove debris from the lawn. Debris left on a lawn over the winter can prove very harmful. Piles of debris left scattered around a lawn can suffocate the blades of grass, leading to long-term damage and a potentially unsightly lawn come the spring. In addition, piles of debris might make good homes for organisms that can damage the lawn. As fall moves into winter, periodically remove all debris, including leaves and branches fallen from trees.

WINTERIZING 101

* Take strengthen

steps to the roots.

Putting off the process of winterizing a lawn can put that lawn in jeopardy. Lawns will turn dormant the closer you get to winter, and they may reject the nutrients found in fertilizer as a result. Those nutrients will prove valuable once spring weather returns, so start the winterization process in early fall so the lawn has sufficient time to absorb nutrients and strengthen itself for the seasons to come. * Treat trouble spots. Summer can be even harder on a lawn than winter, especially for those lawns located in regions where heat waves and drought are common. In such instances, certain spots on the lawn seem to be hit harder than others, and those spots should get special attention when winterizing the lawn. Check the soils pH levels before fertilizing or applying any treatments. Such a test will reveal which spots need the most attention, and treating trouble spots now will make spring lawn care that much easier. * Aerate the property. Aerating can help a lawn recover after a long summer and help it survive the potentially harsh months that lie ahead. Aerating, which involves puncturing the soil or removing cores of soil from the ground, can restore a lawn to health by improving its drainage and allowing more water and air to reach the

* Dont procrastinate.

* Make the lawn off-limits once the temperatures dip below freezing. A lawn should

be off-limits once the ground freezes. Stepping on grass that has frozen will leave noticeable footprints, and walking on frozen grass can kill the turf. When winter arrives, people should avoid using the lawn as a shortcut into and out of your home and stick to driveways and sidewalks instead. BPT

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

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September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com
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Offer ends July 31,2012 Offer ends 7/31/2012. Subject to approved credit on John Deere Financial Installment Plan. Fixed Rate of 0% for 60 months. Valid only at participating US dealers. Some restrictions apply, so see your dealer for complete details and other financing options. Subject to approved credit on Revolving plan, a service of John Deere Financial, f.s.b. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. Available at participating dealers. Prices and models may vary by dealer. For consumer use only. 4.9% APR is for 48 months only. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other financing options. . The engine horsepower and torque information are provided by the engine manufacturer to be used for comparison purposes only. Actual operating horsepower and torque will be less. Refer to the engine manufacturers web site for additional information.

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Cadillac News -

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

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Tips for fall gardening and second plantings

People choose to garden for many reasons: Food is fresher and tastes better. Its a healthy hobby that exercises the body. It saves money. Numerous reports show an increasing number of homeowners are growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. As summers end nears, you may think gardening season is over. The good news is with a few strategic tips, you can keep your green thumb going and enjoy a plethora of autumn edibles for months to come. growing in popularity because they look great anywhere in your yard or on your patio, and are easy to move if necessary. Raised garden beds from Outdoor Essentials elevate the plants so gardeners dont have to bend over and risk injury. They are ideal for fall because gardeners can regulate the temperature of raised beds with ease. On hot days, move or add a shade netting to protect plants from the heat; when frost is a threat, cover the entire bed for protection. While youre getting your hands dirty, fall is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs. A little outdoor work now and youll be rewarded with beautiful flowers when spring arrives next year.

Autumn edibles:

Step 1: Select second plantings

Second plantings are the plants you use for the latter part of the gardening season. Late summer is typically the best time to plant these varieties. Call your local extension offices or access information online to find regionalized planting schedules and recommended plant varieties. The length of the fall season and when the first frost will likely hit are important considerations when selecting second plantings. Keep in mind that fast-maturing vegetables are ideal for fall gardening and they should be planted early enough to reach maturity before the first frost arrives. Popular second plantings that yield a delicious late fall/ early winter harvest include broccoli, lettuce, turnips, collards, carrots, peas, radish, spinach, leeks and beets. Some people even claim root vegetables and cole crops like kale and turnips taste better after the first frost.

Step 3: Enjoy the harvest

Step 2: Prepare your garden space

If you plan to use your current garden space for second plantings, remove the early-season plants that are done producing. Add those plants to your current compost bin or create a new compost pile with easy-to-use, stylish options from Outdoor Essentials. Wood-slate bins blend well with the outdoor aesthetic and the design allows oxygen to circulate and facilitate the composting process. Next, prepare your garden space. Elevated garden beds are

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Tend your garden daily for the best results - it may just need a quick check for pests and proper soil moisture. Typical benefits of late-season gardening include fewer bothersome bugs and the soil has better water retention. As plants grow, pick the fruits and vegetables and enjoy Mother Natures bounty. If your plants become crowded, pluck a few out to help remaining plants grow roots and increase the harvest yield. You may be surprised just how many cool months your plants provide you with fresh, delicious produce. Fall is a great opportunity to keep gardening momentum alive. So get started and decide what second plantings are best for your space. In as little as 30 days you could be eating the freshest, most flavorful vegetables youve ever had, all while under the gorgeous autumn sun. BPT
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

Let Us Help You Grow!

Garden Accessories Nutrients & Additives Pots & Containers

Hydroponics Plant Care Growing Media

231-775-7075 916 W. 13th Street, Cadillac Visit Our Online Store: www.Cadillachydoponics.com See our new website: www.greenwaygardenshydroponics.com
September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News -

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

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Install electric radiant heat for the comfort of warm bathroom floors
Mark J. Donovan Keep your bathroom comfy and cozy this coming winter by installing an electric radiant heated bathroom floor system. Installing an electric radiant heated bathroom floor is a bit of a luxury, but it is relatively inexpensive compared with running tubes and installing a hydronic floor heating system. Moreover, there's not the worry and risk of getting a broken tube and having water damage to your home, as is often the case with a hydronic system. A typical wire-mesh mat electric radiant heated bathroom floor system will cost you about $10 per square foot to install. In regard to operating costs, on average expect to spend about 25 to 50 cents a day to heat a bathroom floor anywhere from 80 to 100 square feet in size. Electric radiant floor heating is relatively easy to install. Electric radiant floor heating systems are comprised of mesh and wire mats, which are installed underneath tiled or stone floors, and an adjustable thermostat that is located in the bathroom. With some types of electric radiant floor heating systems, the wire-mesh mat is trimmable so you can tailor it to the particular dimensions of the room. Electric radiant floor heating systems also can be installed underneath carpet, wood and vinyl floors; however, they are not as efficient in these applications. The main reason for this is that, unlike tile or stone, carpet, wood and vinyl flooring do not transfer heat as well. Instead, they act more like insulators. Electric radiant floor heating systems are designed to provide a low heat that mainly keeps the floor feeling comfortably warm. Typically, they heat a floor to approximately 90 to 95 F. This said, electric radiant heated bathroom floors also help to create overall warmth in the bathroom. However, they should be considered a supplemental heating system. Besides the bathroom, electric radiant floor heating is also ideal for kitchens and room additions where tile or stone is the flooring type. Often when building a room addition, a larger furnace needs to be installed in the home. With the use of electric radiant floor heating systems, sometimes the need to install a larger furnace in the home can be avoided.

ELECTRIC RADIANT HEATED BATHROOM FLOORS

Creators.com photo courtesy of Mark J. Donovan A heated bathroom floor is a luxury that is more attainable than you might think. hot water and air heating systems, respectively. Tile and stone, as well as a concrete slab flooring substrate, have a large thermal mass. Thus, they retain heat for a long time after the electric radiant heating system has been turned off. Electric radiant floor heating systems can cut down energy costs on the main heating system, such as an oil or gas HVAC system.

*Disadvantages

*Advantages
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Besides the ease of installation, electric radiant floor heating has a number of additional advantages. Electric radiant floor heating systems are absolutely silent. There is no creaking of pipes or whooshing of air, as is the case with YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

You can't install them after you've installed your new tiled floor. Thus, you need to plan ahead. A retrofit job is not an option. Electricity is expensive. So even though you may save some money on your main heating system's operating costs, your overall energy costs may creep up a bit. If an electrical wire breaks in the wire-mesh mat and the electric radiant floor heating system becomes inoperable, repair is very expensive. That said, the likelihood of a broken or corroded wire is fairly slim because it is in a very static and dry position underneath the tiled floor. Mark J. Donovan's website is http://www.HomeAdditionPlus.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 MARK J. DONOVAN DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

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September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com

Cadillac News -

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

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ENERGY-EFFICIENT WINDOWS
What a window upgrade can do for your home
Eric Christensen Many people have experienced troublesome windows at one point or another. Mold and condensation are unsightly and unhealthy. Years of weathering can make windows difficult to open or close. And drafts can make your favorite room uncomfortable. Installing new windows will not only fix these problems, they can also improve your energy efficiency if you choose models that take advantage of new materials and manufacturing processes. Brian Ng, communications manager of the Energy Star Residential Branch, says the new windows use "a combination of glazings, tintings and reflective glass that helps keep solar heat out of the house. ... Some also use better frame materials that have foam insulation built inside of them that helps increase what is called the U-value of the windows, which is a measure of how well the window itself insulates. And some windows are filled with inert gasses like argon that keep solar heat out of house and that also slightly increases the U-value." Kerry Haglund, owner and founder of Haglund Design Inc. and one of Glass Magazine's 2012 Most Influential Individuals Impacting the Glass and Metal Industry, says, "The coating in the glazing surface has probably the most impact, but it is these technologies used in combination that have greatly affected the thermal performance of the whole window." Unfortunately, those technologies are measured using many technical terms that can be difficult for consumers to understand. U-value is measured on a scale of 0.25 to 1.25, and the lower the U-value, the better the insulation. Visible transmittance is the measure of how much light passes through the window, and it is measured on a scale of zero to one. The higher the number the more light that passes through. Solar heat gain coefficient measures how much solar heat passes through the window, on a scale of zero to one. Ng and Haglund say climates that are cold year-round should look for windows with a higher SHCG, while year-round hot climates should look for lower SHGC. Finally, condensation resistance is measured on a scale of zero to 100. The higher the rating the less condensation that will build up. But climate is not the only factor that should determine which windows to buy for your house. A crucial factor to consider is the orientation of your home. Ng says, "You will want to install south-facing windows with one SHGC, while north-facing windows will have another." Ng points out that consumers can visit the Energy Star website to look for windows based on climate and orientation. Haglund echoes this, saying: "Make sure the windows meet the local energy code and are Energy Star qualified. Look for the efficient properties on the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label. The NFRC label displays wholewindow energy properties, and it is the only reliable way to compare products. Choose products that are right for your home. Use tools found at efficientwindows.org to help educate yourself about the products." A third factor is installation. "Installation is key," Ng says. He recommends consumers "ask contractors if they have any certifications from manufacturers. Typically window manufacturers have their own certification programs for installation. There is also a body called the American Window and Door Institute, which certifies window installers." Finally, he notes that if your house was built before 1978, it may have lead paint on it, so homeowners should consult a lead professional before installing new windows. Energy-efficient windows will reduce a homeowner's heating and cooling costs. Ng says, "You're going to see improvements in energy efficiency, but the payback period is so long that it's usually not cost-efficient to install new windows if you're just looking for energy efficiency gains." Nevertheless, Ng pointed out that there are federal tax credits that go through 2013. The credit is capped at $200 per window. Ng added, "Homeowners can visit dsire.org, and they can search by state for any state or local energy efficiency (tax) incentives." If you are installing new windows, with a little research you can find the right energy-efficient windows for your climate and your home's orientation. And with the right installation, it will make your home more comfortable and reduce energy usage. Those troublesome windows need not bother you any longer. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

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Cadillac News September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

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TIME FOR A FURNACE TUNE-UP

Sharon Naylor

Fall is the perfect time for a furnace tune-up

As the temperature changes from summer warmth to fall coolness, its the perfect time to schedule a tune-up for your furnace. Doing so now, while your furnace is working, prevents the nightmare of a dead furnace in the middle of winter, with its lofty costs for an emergency visit by a repairman, which can run you hundreds of dollars in just a site fee and another possible couple of hundred for repair parts and labor. If your furnace has been operating on straining parts for a long time, you may also run the risk of expense and hassle of having to get an entirely new furnace. That can be prevented by making a simple phone call now to a reputable heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, company to set up your annual furnace checkup and tune-up.

When you do call an HVAC company, be sure to ask for a technician who is NATE-certified. NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence and is an HVAC industry certification of quality. NATE-certified technicians can spot wear and tear in a multitude of furnace systems, and a reputable one will suggest needed new parts in addition to cleaning up the existing ones. Another benefit of scheduling a furnace tune-up is that your furnace warranty might require it. Check your product manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends tuneups and what the warranty states about regular maintenance schedules in order for your warranty to remain in effect. When you get your furnace tuned up, you also arrange for the following:

Saving energy.

Regular maintenance can improve some furnace models efficiency by about onefourth. When your technician removes dust from the air ducts as part of your tune-up, your system will run more easily and use less energy, which cuts down on your expenses. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Alliance for Residential Building Innovation report that regular furnace tune-ups and replacement of parts can result in cooling energy savings of 30 to 50 percent.

Reduce air pollution. Well-maintained heating

and air-conditioning systems will minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and some parts may be Energy Star-marked for eco-friendly use.

Keep your family safe. A tuned-up furnace

may be less likely to create dangerous and life-threatening carbon monoxide leaks. Your technician will test for leaks, encourage you to place a new carbon monoxide detector by your system, and also advise on additional safety hazards, such as storing flammable items too close to your furnace.

Extend the life of your system. A

tuned-up furnace working with less effort creates less wear and tear on parts and on the system as a whole. Tune-ups extend the life of your furnace, perhaps preventing you from having to buy a new one any time soon.

Prevent costly breakdowns. Its not just

26

Creators.com photo courtesy of Sharon Toris A tuned-up furnace saves you money and keeps your family safe. YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

a full system replacement that can be the danger. Your furnace might stop working because a part is out of order, which requires you to call a technician, live without your furnace for days or longer until the technician can make it to your home. The broken part will cost money to replace, plus a lot more money in site visit and labor. These minibreakdowns can cost a lot of money over time, and a tune-up can prevent them.
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

Prevent inconvenient service needs. If you have houseguests for Thanksgiving, that

would be a terrible time for your furnace to break down. In addition to the lack of heat, it can be very embarrassing to have anything break down in front of family and friends. Winters temperature extremes can make this an even bigger concern. Whats included in a furnace tune-up will vary greatly from company to company. Overall, your technician will check vent systems for blocks and leakages, analyze gases, check for a tight seal at the blower access door, check and clean fresh intake grills and louvers, inspect the heat exchange for rust and corrosion, check the burners for proper ignition and flame, check the drainage system for blockages and leaks, check the internal hoses, clean the drains and traps, clean the blower wheel, check the wiring for corrosion and damage, check the filter, oil the motor and check gas pressure and temperature rises, among other checkpoint items. Each of these tasks may carry some risks if you attempt them yourself, so a trained and accredited professionals work is a wise choice since you get their trained eye and top-of-the-line testing gauges. Rather than perform a tune-up yourself, appoint yourself the guardian of your newly tuned-up furnace by changing the filters regularly and keeping flammable items far from your furnace. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM

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September, 2013 | www.cadillacnews.com

Cadillac News -

YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3

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Key methods for cold-weather roofing of asphalt shingles

Mark J. Donovan Regardless of the time of year, if your roof becomes damaged or begins to leak, it needs to be repaired promptly. Cold-weather roofing offers its unique challenges and requires modified standard roofing procedures to ensure the roof repair or installation is done properly and safely. Though the outside air temperature may be below freezing and the winds howling, if roof shingles are blown off or a tree has fallen on the roof, it's imperative that the repairs happen quickly to protect your home. Unless you're a skilled roofing contractor, leave it to the pros. The cold weather creates a number of additional roofing safety hazards. In addition, the roofing materials themselves require special care. Asphalt roofing shingles, for example, are extremely brittle, and roofing tar is like cement in very cold weather. When making a cold-weather roofing repair it is vital from both a safety and an installation stand point that all snow and ice be first removed from the work area. Also, if it is at all possible, store the roofing materials in a warm and/ or sheltered place, such as a garage or shed, until you actually need them. You'll also need roofing tar or cement. Make sure to keep it in a warm space until you actually need to use it.

COLD-WEATHER ROOFING

Roofing Shingles

Creators.com photo courtesy of Mark J. Donovan You can repair your roof with asphalt roof shingles in cold weather, but there are some challenges. to ensure that the shingle will stay securely fastened to the roof even under the worst of wind conditions. By following these two simple cold-weather roofing tips, the shingles will stay properly fastened to the roof. When the temperatures eventually warm up and the sun produces more heat, the adhesive on the shingles will also begin to do their job and provide additional adhesion to the shingles. Also note that the same type of asphalt roofing shingles should be used when making repairs to ensure proper adhesion. Asphalt roofing shingles come in two basic construction types, fiberglass and organic-based. Fiberglass asphalt-based shingles are compliant to ASTM D-3462 standards, and organic-based shingles are compliant to ASTM D-225. Each has its unique construction properties, including the adhesion used. When interviewing prospective roofing contractors for a cold-weather roofing project make sure to ask them how they plan to go about making the roof repair and/or installing the new roof. If their response is not similar to the instructions I've outlined above, find another contractor. Mark J. Donovan's website is http://www.HomeAdditionPlus.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 MARK J. DONOVAN DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM
www.cadillacnews.com | September, 2013

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular type of residential roofing material with approximately 80 percent of residential buildings using them. Cold weather affects their installation in a variety of ways. Besides being brittle in cold weather and requiring extra care not to crack, there is another concern. Asphalt shingles are installed in courses, with each upper course overlapping the course below it. In addition to nailing the shingles in place, there's also a pre-coated layer of heat-activated adhesive on each shingle. This adhesive works in conjunction with the nails to hold the shingle in place and, more importantly, hold the bottom half of the upper shingle to the top surface of the lower shingle. When the air temperature is too cold, the adhesive is unable to work properly and prevents the adhesion of the adjacent shingle courses. As a result, when the winter winds begin to blow, the shingles can easily be lifted up and ripped off the roof. Missing shingles will quickly lead to roof leaks.

Heat-Activated Adhesive

With the sun low on the horizon and unable to produce any significant heat to activate the adhesive on the shingles, another method is required to securely fasten them down. A small dab of warm roofing tar or cement must be installed on the bottom half and backside of each shingle prior to nailing it in place. In addition, roofing nails should be installed per the asphalt shingle manufacturer's recommendations

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YOUR HOME - ISSUE 3 - Cadillac News

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