Home & Yard Handbook

There are two kinds of people in the world.  There are those who open their blinds on sunny winter days to “let the heat in” and those who know better.  Dave Burns, co-owner of Ray Sands Glass, is one who knows better.  

“The winter sun isn’t strong enough to increase room temperature”, Burns told me.  “But it is strong enough to be a menace to the interior of your home.”  Being one of the other kind of people, I asked how.  “The sun does it’s worst interior damage in the winter”, said Burns, “because it’s lower on the horizon.  Although the rays aren’t as strong as they are in the summer, they’re perfectly positioned to blast right into the room.”   Burns went on to explain that the summer sun is further from the earth but stronger, and also poses a considerable hazard to hardwood floors, rugs, leather couches, fabrics, and art.  

Then Burns told me that Ray Sands Glass carries a variety of highly efficient line of solar energy films that block out up to 99% of damaging ultraviolet rays to help protect interior furnishings and keep them looking new for years.  I admit, when I hear window tinting I think of a dark film that peels off and has stubborn air bubbles scattered throughout.   Luckily Burns is too polite to laugh at me.  Instead he introduces me to Panorama window tinting film – a virtually clear film that offers comfort, savings, and a great look.  

Panorama® window tinting film from Bekaert offers three solutions in one product.  One, it is a reflective, transparent window film that rejects the sun’s heat rays and keeps your home cool. Two, it blocks UV rays and keeps your interior new for a longer time. And three, Panorama®  window film keeps glass shards together in the event of breakage. Glass actually becomes safer. 

I asked Burns what Ray Sands Glass customers like most about their window film.  He said his customers like saving money on their heating and cooling costs while feeling more comfortable in their homes.  “In the summer, window tinting films reflect the hot sun, reducing AC costs, and in the winter, it reduces inside heat escape by 20%.” 

Panorama® is one of the few window tinting products that doesn’t absorb heat into the glass.  Panorama® is reflective; most other window tinting films are absorptive, and absorption leads to seal failure and other problems down the line.  The film has a long life span, a lifetime + 5 years transferable warranty (no other film meets that), and meets various international standards and regulations.  Thanks to the stimulus plan there’s never been a better time to experience residential window tinting.  Ask the folks at Ray Sands Glass how you can qualify for a federal tax rebate of up to $1500.  

I think the real beauty of Panorama® is… well, its beauty.  Because the film is transparent sunlight enters freely (that’s sunlight, not sun-heat or damaging sun rays) and the view is virtually undistorted.   Whether you are looking for energy savings, comfort enhancement, added privacy or fade control, the experts at Ray Sands Glass can help you select the right window tinting product from the wide variety of window film tints, finishes and performance levels available. 

Ray Sands Glass is an independently owned and operated glass retailer, family-owned and family-run in state-of-the-art facilities in Rochester, Batavia, Canandaigua, East Rochester, Holley, Leroy, and Ontario.  Dave and Frank Burns and the rest of their team have grown their business and their reputations with expert craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.  

In addition to window tinting, Ray Sands Glass is well-known for its “Get the Fog Out” thermopane window repair.  “Get the Fog Out” refers to a patented restorative window repair technology used to repair insulated glass windows that have developed foggy areas due to moisture between the window panes.  Burns is understandably proud of this technology, both because it is “green” – windows are repaired rather than replaced – and also because it saves his customers money.  “On a typical residential window “Get the Fog Out” saves a customer more than half the cost of replacing the window”, said Burns.  “We had a customer recently who was going to replace his foggy window.  We saved him $1000 by restoring it instead.”  The procedure is minimally invasive, and the work can usually be done from outside.  

“A lot of people are trying to sell their homes right now”, said Burns.  “It makes sense to take care of the windows before putting a house on the market.  It shows potential buyers that you’ve taken care of the house, and it’s one less thing to have to worry about.”  With many new home builders touting their “green” buildings, why not make your home “greener” to  potential buyers?  

The Ray Sands Glass professionals are skilled in all types of residential glass needs.  They’re happy to consult with you about your specific goals and needs.  No matter what product or service you’re looking for, I guarantee you’ll find the folks at Ray Sands Glass ready, willing, and able to give you objective information, the wisdom born of experience, and friendly, personal service.�

Watering, fertilizing and proper mowing are all important aspects of lawn care. But to maintain that healthy, lush lawn you also need to be smart about seeding.

Fixing some bare spots on the lawn or filling out thinning grass requires the right type of seed, a little know-how and the patience to, literally, watch grass grow. 

“Even the most well-cared-for lawn can develop a bald patch here or there over the winter,” says John Marshall, manager of The Scotts Training Institute for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. “And if your turf has multiple bare spots or is just thin all over, proper seeding can be the solution for your lackluster lawn.” 

Paying attention to four factors when seeding can help turn your lawn from flop to fabulous:

Timing is Everything

Many people wait until warm weather to turn a critical eye on their lawn, even though the very best time to seed is in the fall. But seeding can successfully spruce up your spring lawn — if you start early enough. 

Even if you suspect your region may experience one or two more frosts before spring, go ahead and seed. “Cold will not hurt grass seed,” Marshall says. “Better to seed too early than too late.”

If you’re unsure of proper timing for your area, check with a local lawn expert or university extension program for advice.

Prepare the Ground

Failing to prepare the ground to receive seed is one of the top mistakes homeowners make, Marshall says. If you are seeding bare spots or dead areas, take a rake and scratch the spot until you see more dirt than dead grass. In order to take root, grass seeds must be in direct contact with soil.  

If you’re overseeding an entire thin lawn, rent a core aerator or slit seeder and go over the lawn first in order to achieve the best possible seed/soil contact.

Choosing the Right Seed

Watering deeply and infrequently is the usual recommendation for an established lawn, but a newly seeded lawn requires more watering than usual because grass seed dies when it dries out.

In order to get the most out of your grass seed, opt for a seed, such as Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed with Water Smart, that helps create a good looking lawn with less water. The seed is wrapped in a super absorbent coating that actually holds water to keep the seed moist even if a day of watering is missed. The coated seed will require water once a day and possibly even every other day depending on the climate where you live. Hotter regions may need more frequent watering.

Non-coated seed, by contrast, requires watering multiple times each day in order to keep the seed wet. “When grass seed dries, it dies,” Marshall says.

Caring for Your Grass Seedlings

Once your grass seedlings appear, some simple steps can help you care for your growing lawn, including:

• Fertilize the lawn — Remember to fertilize the same day you seed. After that, for most areas of the country, it’s OK to fertilize your lawn every two months during warm weather.
• Keeping off the grass– Contrary to popular belief, simply walking on grass seedlings isn’t likely to do much harm, but it’s a good idea to avoid walking on them if possible.  If you’ve seeded in a high-traffic area it’s a good idea to rope off the spot until the seed is well established — usually after the first mowing.
• Mowing is good for your grass seedlings - Once grass seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches in height, it’s time to mow them. Marshall recommends setting your mower on one of the two highest settings. Trimming the top off new grass actually encourages it to grow laterally, spreading out to fill thin areas.

For more tips on successful seeding and general lawn care help, visit www.scotts.com or call Scott’s consumer help line at (888) 270-3714. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Next month is National Arthritis Month.  Arthritis affects more than 46 million Americans.  It also affects more than 10 million dogs.  Severe forms of arthritis can be disabling to your pet and can affect many aspects of daily living.

Arthritis in your pet can be caused by many things: 

• Traumatic injury resulting in joint instability.  
• Genetically weakened or unstable joints (hip dysplasia, for example) 
• In young dogs, failure of proper bone development. 
• Overweight pets or obesity 

What do you do if your dog is diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia?

• First, deal with any problems of obesity – fitness and exercise are vitally important. 
• Surgical repair of ligaments may be necessary to stabilize the joint. 
• Anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, or herbal medicines could all give great benefits – seek the guidance of your veterinarian. 

How can Invisible Fence Brand help?

• Give him an Invisible Fence® Brand containment solution to move freely around his yard!
• Bring home an Invisible Fence® Brand agility course to challenge him physically to lose weight!
• Keep blood flow strong and loosen stiff joints—give him an Invisible Fence® Brand heated bed.  
• DID YOU KNOW?  Eight hours of heat can be more therapeutic than medicine!  
• Use an Invisible fence® Brand automatic feeder to help regulate his diet!

For the chance to win a free Invisible Fence® Brand containment solution and a free heated pet bed, visit us at the Arthritis Walk—Saturday, May 9th at Seneca Park.  Dogs are welcome!

For your free in-home consultation to talk about how Invisible Fence® Brand can help with Arthritis, call 585-271-1700 or log onto www.InvisibleFence.com! 

Kate Siwik is the Director of Sales & Marketing of Invisible Fence® Brand of Upstate NY—National Dealer of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  Her dog, Princess, was adopted from Lollypop Farm in 2007.  Contact Kate at 271-1700 or email her UpstateNY@invisiblefence.com.

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Does your bathroom resemble the bathroom of your childhood? Does it have the same unappealing colors, cold tile floors and dated decor as the day you bought the house?

If your bathroom is stuck in the ‘60s, ‘70s and even ‘80s, then it’s time to upgrade. But don’t worry, you can transform it into a modern day showplace on a budget. Here are some tips to get you started:

Apply a fresh coat of paint

Nothing cleans up damaged and dingy walls better than a new color. Because the bathroom is a high-humidity area that is also enclosed, look for paints that are mildew-resistant but don’t contain harsh chemicals. Be a little artistic with your painting as well. Find textured paints to create barely-there patterns on the walls, or use two different paint tints to create shading or bold contrasting wall colors.

Update your hardware

Bathroom faucets and accessories have evolved over the decades, and style is the new design. Today’s products are able to match tastes ranging from exquisite vintage to ultra modern so you can transform your out-dated style into something perfect for a guest bath, master bath or children’s fun bathroom. Visit Faucet.com to find the right style for you.

Change your lighting

A single light fixture or a worn-out overhead lamp just doesn’t give a bathroom the illumination or style you need. A properly-lit bathroom provides comfort, charm, fashion and function. You may need lights above the sink or wall sconces to illuminate any dark shadows. Find all the latest lighting styles at LightingShowplace.com.

Bring comfort into the shower

A new massaging shower head is vital to making your shower inviting. Accompany the new fixture with a beautiful curtain and curved shower rod to match the rest of the room’s decor. Look for curtains that do not contain vinyl or PVC materials, because a 2008 study found vinyl curtains contain many toxic chemicals which can be released into the air when opened and hung. But don’t block out all that new light you just installed. Use a shower curtain that allows light into the tub area.

Warm up the floor

Don’t forget the cringe you feel every time you step onto your cold bathroom floor. If the tile is in good shape, or you don’t have the finances to install radiant heat throughout the bathroom, try a decorative rug instead to keep your feet warm. You can forget about the old shag carpets with rubber backing. The styles, shapes and colors available are endless, in materials ranging from cotton to wool. Find a theme carpet for your children’s bathroom, or a beautiful bouquet of flowers to spice up your guest bathroom. To find your style, visit RugShowplace.com.

“You will be better able to enjoy your bathroom once you get it brought into the 21st century,” says Daniel Auer from Faucet.com, a leading online retailer of decorative plumbing products. “And you can find the necessary items for your remodel quickly by shopping online while saving money at the same time.”

Cooking at home is the hottest trend today. In the difficult economic times, preparing the family meal with ease and fun, while saving lots of dollars is the way to go. If you are a viewer of WHAM 13 TV, you may have watched me prepare delicious meals that are budget friendly and restaurant good. My family owned an Italian restaurant, and while growing up, I learned how to make wonderful, classic, Italian meals. Now that I have recently been married, my husband and I are becoming reacquainted with the kitchen, and having a wonderful time, while saving many dollars. This month’s article is not about the perfect kitchen, but what is essential in the kitchen in order to prepare many great meals.

There are some tools in your kitchen are absolute must haves. A good working kitchen should always have an assortment of pots and pans. A large non- stick frying pan is a must, make your quick marinara sauce in it. So is a large stock pot for soups and pasta. A strong blender is needed for smoothies and drinks, but also for sauces and dressings. When making a smoothie, add a banana or fruit sorbet to thicken it. Food processors, now available in colors, can process your dips and spreads, make pie dough, and chop vegetables. Use it to grate your hard parm cheese. My favorite large appliance is the Kitchen Aid mixer,{ I received a stainless steel model for a wedding present}. I use it frequently, and it is so handsome. I leave it on the counter all the time, like a centerpiece.

Lately, I am into new knives. I have purchased the new colored varieties that have their own sheave. They stay so sharp and cut so perfectly. Tomatoes can be cut so paper thin, that you can see through them. And the colors are fun too, lime green, orange and pink- if you see these while shopping, grab one, they are worth the money. Layer thin tomato slices with thin mozzarella slices, drizzle with olive oil add salt, pepper and basil and you a have caprese salad. Another new purchase is a microplaner. Lemon zesting has never been easier. I use zest in so many recipes, try lemon zest in your next batch of blueberry muffins. The taste is so fresh. Another item to own is a lemon reamer, squeezing fresh lemon juice with a good olive oil on your greens makes a perfect and tasty salad.

Certainly we all have baking pans. Now on the market are beautiful colored ceramic pans. They are reasonably priced and make a beautiful presentation of lasagna. Own a few of these in different sizes and colors. A good solid wood cutting board is worth the dollars. Use it for chopping veggies and herbs, but always use a different board for cutting meats and poultry {I use plastic for this}.

Other must haves are, of course, measuring spoons and cups, a set of mixing bowls- having one with a pour spout can make pancake making very easy, especially for the kids.Trendy kitchen tools come and go. Remember the bread baking machine and the vegomatic? The old stand bys resist time, but new and improved equipment can turn your cooking ho-hums into cooking hoorays.

Tune into the morning show on WHAM 13 and watch me prepare Italian classic food, using all these tools I have talked about. Get back into cooking for yourself and your family. Teach your children how to prepare healthy food.

Jump back into your kitchen, it’s vogue again!  

Lana Torre is the owner of Evergreen Interiors and recipient of multiple Interior Design Awards including several Best of Show for Homearama.  Contact Lana at 223-8776 or email her at: lana@homeandyardhandbook.com.

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Now that spring is here the unscrupulous, fly-by-night contractors will shortly follow. “They will descend on the area like the returning geese from the south each year”, said Carmen Santora, Executive Director. Along with their return, will be the problems that they bring to unsuspecting homeowners contemplating a remodeling project for their home.

The Better Contractors Bureau, (B.C.B. as it is known) a thirty year old, non profit consumer protection agency operating in Monroe and the five surrounding counties would like to help to prevent most problems consumers will face by offering the following guidelines when dealing with a home improvement contractor:

• Always obtain three written estimates from similar size companies. More will confuse you!
• Check out the contractor’s reputation and complaint record with the Better Contractors Bureau.
• Check to be sure that the contractor carries the proper liability & workmen’s comp insurance.
• Make sure the contractor’s contract contains all the requirements under Article 36A of the NYS Business law. (Call the Attorney General’s office at 327-3240 and ask for a copy of the “Home Improvement Fact Sheet” to be sent to you.
• Never give large down payments unless specialty items are needed for your project.
• Never fall for the gimmick that your house will be used as “demonstration”.
• Rule the contractor out that uses “high pressure” tactics to get you to sign a contract immediately.
• Be cautious of the contractor who comes to your door unsolicited, especially if they tell you that they have left over material and can give you a terrific deal if you sign now!
• Don’t fall for the false claim that a particular contractor will be giving you an exceptionally long guarantee. One-year labor guarantee is usually the rule of thumb in the area.
• Don’t deal with a contractor that has out of state license plates on their vehicles or who uses a P.O. Box number for their address unless you can verify their actual business address.
• Never pay by cash and if pressured to do so be leery of the contractor even if they offer a discount for paying cash. Only pay by checks and only made out to the company name!
• Don’t make final payment or sign a lien release until you are satisfied with the work!
• Check with the city or town building departments to insure any necessary permits required have been obtained!
• Remember the old saying, “if it sounds too good to be true it probably isn’t”.
• Don’t go by contractor given references, they certainty won’t give you any that have complained and some may even be friends or relatives of the contractors.

Most contractors are honest, hard working, professionals and it is only the few “bad apples” that makes the Home Improvement Industry the constant most complained about business. 

Carmen Santora is the Executive Director for the Better Contractors Bureau.  The BCB is a non-profit consumer protection agency established in 1974 to be of assistance to the homeowner.  Its goals are to “protect & inform” the consumer, eliminate unscrupulous contractors, and upgrade the image of the home improvement industry.

For a FREE copy of the Better Contractors Bureau’s annual Consumer Guide call the office at 338-3600 or visit the BCB website at www.the-bcb.net

Driving habits could affect your car’s fuel efficiency

Is your spring cleaning really as clean as you think it is? Spring cleaning is supposed to be a ritual of purging the accumulated dirt, germs and odor from a winter-weary home to create a clean and healthy living space. Unfortunately, the often caustic and toxic ingredients used in most conventional cleaning products can be just as harmful as the dirt and germs they are meant to eliminate.

Even some so-called natural cleansers can contain these same or similar nasty ingredients. And you would know this only if the manufacturer practices full disclosure of ingredients on its labels, which is not required on home care products. Think about it — when was the last time you saw a full ingredient listing on your spray cleaner?

The best way to make sure your living space is clean and healthy is to use safe, natural cleaning products you create yourself, using natural and inexpensive ingredients you can pick up at any natural grocery store. It’s cost-effective, not difficult and, like the task of spring cleaning itself, it’s satisfying and rewarding. You can craft your own, homespun versions of everything from carpet cleaner to furniture dusting polish — and have the satisfying assurance that you really are keeping your home green and clean.

Whether you’re shopping for prepared natural cleaning solutions or making your own, keep in mind that the word “aromatherapy” is now being applied to everything scented — from dishwashing liquid to laundry detergent. The true practice of aromatherapy relies on using pure essential oils extracted from plants. According to Tom Havran, aromatherapy product developer at Aura Cacia, “These natural plant essences nurture us on mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual levels.” He adds, “While house cleaning isn’t exactly a spiritual exercise, adding the effects and properties of essential oils to your homemade household products can enhance the experience and the effectiveness of your task.”

Essential oils have potent antimicrobial effects along with their clean, pleasant natural aromas. Here are a few “classic” homecare essential oils suggested by Mr. Havran: lemon (clean, sweet, uplifting scent; deodorizing), peppermint (minty, fresh; air purifier; mild pest repellent), and eucalyptus and tea tree (air and surface sanitizers; fresh, therapeutic aromas).

Tom also has a shopping list of key ingredients for making your own homecare products:

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) — Gently abrasive scouring powder, odor absorber and an excellent base for making your own cleaning preparations.
• Washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• Borax (sodium borate) — Natural mineral compound, laundry booster, multipurpose cleanser, fungicide/insecticide.
• White distilled vinegar (acetic acid)
• Liquid soap (sodium hydroxide) — Choose from vegetable oil-based soaps such as olive oil or sweet almond.
• Distilled water — Clean, distilled water acts as a better carrier and dirt solvent. Tap water will often contain salts and minerals that can lead to spotting and build-up.
•  Essential oils
•  Spray bottles
•  Natural bristle scrubbing brushes
•  Squeeze bottles
•  Cotton dusting cloth
•  Hemp or jute fiber scrubbing cloth
•  Tote to put it all in

Follow these simple recipes for making your own basic homecare products:

Basic Spray Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon sodium borate
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
• 36 drops essential oil

Gentle Scouring Cream

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Liquid soap
• 18 drops essential oil
• Add essential oils to baking soda and blend. Next, incorporate the liquid soap, several drops at a time, until a creamy paste forms.

Window Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
• 36 drops essential oil

Wooden Furniture Polishing Oil

• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil

Carpet Deodorizing Powder

• 1 cup baking soda
• 18 drops essential oil

Carpet Cleaner

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap
• 18 drops essential oil

For more information and eco-friendly cleaning tips, visit www.auracacia.com. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Respect the ‘Staycation’ and discover the art of taking time off at home!

If you are among the many who are opting out of a pricey out of town vacation this year, you may be looking for ideas on what to do during your “spring break”.  You may not have got that hefty bonus this year but hopefully you still get that paid time off. 

“Staycations” describe a growing movement among folks who are spending their downtime right at home.  The problem is, it’s hard to get away at home.  The laundry piles up, the grass keeps growing and your neighbor still runs his leaf blower at 7 pm.  All can put a damper on your downtime.  Don’t get discouraged yet.  There are a variety of ways to get the most out of your at-home get away!

• Schedule your staycation just as you would an away vacation.  Run your errands, catch up on your home and yard chores and let your co-workers, friends and neighbors know that you are taking a staycation before the time comes.  
• Hold your mail for the duration of your staycation and pre-arrange any deliveries and contracted lawn maintenance.
• Decide on a budget.  If you don’t own a hot tub, consider renting a soft tub for the week.  If you have kids, check out a party rental store for fun ideas.  Bounce houses can be fun for grown-ups too.
• Make a staycation itinerary. You may prefer to be spontaneous, but some people find that being at home can guilt them into chores or projects.  If you make a schedule you’ll be more likely to do stimulating activities, instead of thinking about what needs to be done around the house.
• Make a list of attractions in your area.  Engage your family in planning places to visit.  Include activities for weather fair and foul.
• Unless it’s one of your favorite things to do, don’t cook.  Make dinner reservations-you’ll be more likely to stick to them.  Be adventurous, exotic or romantic.  Anything but homestyle.
• Consider asking a relative to sit your pets.  It’ll be nice to be able to come and go on your own schedule without concern for their care.

Follow these tips and your staycation can feel like a real vacation with significantly less expense and stress.   Relax and enjoy… and don’t forget to sleep in a little! 

Brenna Hartmann is the co-founder of Fixin’Chix Inc., a do-it-yourself enterprise that includes a comprehensive home improvement website; how-to workshops, seminars and publications; and a product line. Brenna is dedicated to empowering women “do-it herselfers” (DIHers) who have the passion and desire to improve and green their homes. She is the co-host of “Home & Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick” on ESPN-AM (950). Brenna lives in Webster with her husband and two children. Email Brenna at fixiechick@homeandyardhandbook.com.

Q: I have heard many different opinions on whether vinyl siding can or should be painted or not. What is yours? – Mary A from Holcomb

A: There  are not many things that can’t be painted, the question is whether or not it makes sense, will it hold and is it the best means to an end. Most, if not all vinyl siding manufacturers will void their warranty if you paint the siding, so that is the first consideration in my mind. If you are okay with that then have at it using these tips. It is imperative that the siding is clean from dirt, mildew etc… a good power washing will take care of that. Mildew can be removed with  a 3 to 1 water/bleach mixture but be sure and protect any landscaping with some plastic. Vinyl siding is prone to chalking, especially older vinyl and it is important you remove that as well. Let the siding dry completely after rinsing thoroughly and then try in a test area first. I would recommend a high end 100 percent acrylic latex in a flat finish. If you have a trusted paint store then see what they say. Keep in mind that vinyl holds heat well and so do dark colors, so the darker you go the warmer it gets and that can result in the vinyl warping or “oil canning.”  I would try and stay lighter than the color of the original vinyl if possible. 

Send Us Your Questions!      Email your questions to: AskLen@HomeAndYardHandbook.com