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&&T H E C O M P L E T E R E S O U R C E M A G A Z I N E F O R Y O U R H O M E A U G U S T 2 0 1 3
Complimentarywww.michianahouseandhome.comm i c h i a n a
Romper Room
Aging In Place
Get In The Spirit
www.concreationsllc.com
Our Newest Location at 1749 Fieldhouse Ave.,
Elkhartbehind Heinnies Restaurant
7 Large OutdoorDisplays
Available Anytime
• Stamped Concrete• Stained Concrete
For Sales or Information Call Scott:574.849.0956
[email protected] • Voice Mail: 574-642-260810521 C.R. 42, Millersburg, IN 46543
• Stenciled Concrete• Tear Out & Replace Driveways
0665 N. State Rd. 5, Shipshewana, IN 46565www.idealcoatings-inc.com
Dean Yoder(574) [email protected]
Merle Miller(574) 457-6111
Showroom Location
(574) 533-2070 2114 Elkhart Rd., Goshen, IN 46526www.hoosierhardwoodfloors.com
HOOSIERHardwood floorsH
“Supplying Expert Services and Quality Flooring to the Michiana
Area”
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 3
contents
www.michianahouseandhome.com
PUBLISHER................................Ron Baumgartner: [email protected]
BUSINESS MANAGER .............................Collette Knepp: [email protected]
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ....................Kip Schumm: [email protected]
ADVERTISING MANAGER...........................Vicky Howell: [email protected]
MARKETING ASSISTANT...............Darlene Eichelberger: [email protected]
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE........................Karen Johnson: [email protected]
EDITOR..............................................Rebecca Whitesel: [email protected]
FEATURE WRITERS......................................Julie Young, Shelley Swift, Teresa Nicodemus
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS................................................Maymie Ankrom, Elaine Stichter
DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION..............................Jerry Ryan: [email protected]
Michiana House & Home (“H&H”) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, designand remodeling. H&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorialcontent, nor does H&H or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial con-tent appear in any publication.
H&H reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publicationand to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.
House & Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised hereinand has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. H&Hmakes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding thoseservices or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readersare advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation profes-sionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.
No reproduction of Michiana House & Home is allowed without express written permission. Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $23.00 for one year; and $38.00
for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House & Home,P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.
Copyright © 2013.
PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. • Milford, IN 46542800.733.4111/Fax 574.658.4701
Editorial & Advertising Ext.: 2362 • www.michianahouseandhome.com
Member of:
4Around Michiana
5Get In The SpiritDecorative bars and wine display.
8Aging In PlaceBaby boomers face important decisions –downsize or re-size?
10Remodeling?Will you DIY or HAP?
11Ask the ProWater softener know-how
12Romper RoomKids’ furniture – from classic to contem-porary.
14Home Improvement TIpsFor Buyers and SellersInspections, painting and flooring
16Make A Change in 2013Start smart this school year.
18year ‘round gardening –
The Art of Flower ArrangingBeautiful bouquets are just flowers away.
20Pamper Your PetsThe latest trends in pet supplies andservices.
22The Slice It Dice It Man
24Business Gallery
Fairs. Festivals. Fun in the sun! AsAugust begins we are relishing thejoys of summer in all of its glory.But every now and then we over-hear remarks like, “I can’t believesummer is nearly over!” Viewingrow after row of school supplies innearly every store convinces us it’strue.
August is a month of transi-tioning from summer to fall. So thisissue of Michiana House & Home
is designed to help families with the process. Writer Julie Youngdescribes how to employ green practices with the kids withback to school planning and shopping. Her monthly green fea-ture also addresses energy efficiency and gives tips on healthyeating throughout the year for families on the go.
Shelley Swift writes about selecting furniture for children’srooms, some of which can take your offspring from infancythrough college. This can be another family project as enlistingthe help of the kids helps make sure their bedrooms will reflecttheir personalities.
Many people are remodeling existing homes to suit theirneeds and tastes. Terrie Nicodemus provides details of trans-forming space to accommodate present and perceived futureneeds. Of course, home improvement is vitally important tothose wanting to sell or purchase a house.
This issue also contains inspiration for customizing an in-home bar in a home’s entertainment area. Another fun featureaddresses pampering the pets that reside in your home.
Cut some beautiful flowers from your garden (yes, wehave a feature to help you arrange them) and savor each mo-ment that remains of summer 2013!
Rebecca Whitesel, EditorEmail: [email protected]
editor’s note...
August 2013V O L U M E 1 0 N O . 4&&
T H E C O M P L E T E R E S O U R C E M A G A Z I N E F O R Y O U R H O M E A U G U S T 2 0 1 3
Complimentarywww.michianahouseandhome.com
m i c h i a n a
Romper Room
Aging In Place
Get In The Spirit
cover photo: shutterstock.com
Page 5
Page 8
Page 14
4 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
For all your new construction & remodeling productsand services, call your local builders association!
BAECwww.baec.com574.293.0997
BAKFCwww.bakfc.com
574.267.6125
August 10
School DazeNappanee’s Second Saturday will feature thesecond annual Farm to Dinner Auction atThe Upper Room, a garage sale and fleamarket, and a swap meet from 7 a.m. to 3p.m. at Dutch Village Market.www.nappaneechamber.com
August 23
Middlebury EventsDowntown Middlebury is the place to be onthe third Friday of each month, when thecommunity gathers in the town center tohear live music, visit with friends and enjoygreat shopping! Check the website listedbelow for updates on all that is happening inthis northern Indiana town.inMiddlebury.com
August 23
Bus Tour of HistoricDistrictsVisit local historic districts in South Bend ona two-hour guided bus tour. Group tours andself-guided tours are also available at othertimes and dates. Visit the website for moreinformation.574.282.1110www.restoremichiana.com
August 24
Taste of the GardensThis unique event combines fine art, musicand cuisine from area restaurants all withinthe beautiful setting of the gardens.Admission charge.Wellfield Botanic GardensElkhart, IN574.266.2006WellFieldBotanicGardens.org
August 24-25
Living History Daysat the Old FortCannons thunder. Muskets fire. ExperienceAmerican frontier life with colonial artisans,battle reenactments, merchants and tours atthe historic fort.No admission charge.Fort Wayne, IN260.437.2836oldfortwayne.org
August 30-September 2
Marshall CountyBlueberry FestivalThis weekend will be packed full of children’sactivities, food booths, a carnival, paradeand 15k and 5k runs, in addition to a classiccar show, craft booths, horse pull, gardentractor pulls, sports competitions, HistoricAmericana demonstrations, a bicycle cruise,fireworks and more.No admission charge.Plymouth, IN574.936.5020blueberryfestival.org
August 30-September 2
Labor Daze FestivalThe Michigan City Summer Festival bringsfour days of fun to the community inWashington Park. Get ready for rides, music,food, arts, crafts and plenty of entertainmentfor the entire family over Labor DayWeekend. From ribs to the famous elephantears and fried veggies, you can expect allyour favorites to be in attendance. Michigan City, INmcsummerfest.org
Now Through October 1
2013 Quilt Gardens TourThe annual colorful garden tour features an-nuals planted in gigantic gardens and handpainted super-sized murals, all located in theheart of northern Indiana’s Amish country.Visit www.amishcountry.org for locations.
Saturdays Through October 12
Syracuse Artisans andFarmers MarketEnjoy the talents of local artists and harvestof local farmers. Up to 40 vendors convenein Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Millto sell fresh produce, baked goods, pre-serves, handcrafted items and diverse art-work.9 a.m.-2 p.m.Veteran’s Memorial Park at Crosson Mill1013 N. Long Dr.Syracuse, IN574.457.3440www.syracuseparks.org
August 1-4
Amish Acres Arts andCrafts FestivalThe 51st edition of this nationally recognizedevent will feature 300 artists and crafters,festive food and free entertainment.There is an admission charge.Amish AcresNappanee, INwww.amishacres.com
August 2
Family CarnivalEnjoy a carnival in the park for the entirefamily with children’s entertainment, games,activities, face painting, a dunk tank andmore! Also, sign up the kids for PenguinPoint’s Big Wheel Race that will be held inconjunction with the carnival.6-9 p.m.Central ParkWarsaw, INwww.koscvb.org
August 2
Celebrate SummerCelebrate all things summer with summer-time activities in downtown South Bend. Onthe River is happening this weekend as wellas Michiana’s Rising Star Block Party, Musicin the Garden, and dodgeball on the grid-iron. Downtown businesses will be havingsidewalk sales Friday evening, and restau-rants will be offering outdoor seating andseasonal specials.Downtown South Bend 5-9 p.m.South Bend, INwww.dtsbfirstfridays.com
August 2-3
Sand BlastFor two summer days, Main Street in down-town Goshen will be transformed from a cityroad to a rockin’ outdoor sports arena. Theevent features a recreational and competitivesand volleyball tournament, a basketballtournament, live music by Main Squeeze aswell as kids’ activities in the IU Health Kids’Zone!Goshen, INwww.cityonthego.org
August 2-3
Pierceton Days FestivalA car show on Friday Night at 5 p.m. and aparade on Saturday at 4 p.m. will highlightthis annual hometown festival. Enjoy fairfood, craft tents, carnival rides, activities forkids plus free carriage rides through town onSaturday.Downtown Pierceton, INwww.koscvb.org
August 4
Ice Cream SocialEnjoy Free Family Sunday with an OldFashioned Ice Cream Social at the historicRuthmere mansion.1-4 p.m.Ruthmere102 W. Beardsley Ave.Elkhart, IN574.264.0330www.ruthmere.org
August 6-10
Miller Stove And FireplaceOpen House$200-$500 off every stove on display. Free refreshments & rrinks, BigGreen Egg grilling demos, grand door prize. Open House Hours: Tue-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Miller Stove and Fireplace LLC2570 Beech Rd.Bremen, IN855.426.2699www.millerstove.com
August 9-10
Middlebury SummerFestivalLive music, festival food, crafters, children’sactivities and more will highlight this smalltown festival. A parade is scheduled for 1p.m. Saturday.Memorial and East parksMiddlebury, INwww.middleburyfestivals.com
Fridays August 9, 16 and 23
Central Park Concert SeriesRelax with free summer concerts in Warsaweach Friday, a perfect opportunity to spendtime with the family, enjoy familiar tunes andexperience new types of performances.August 9 – Junk Yard Band (oldies and clas-sic rock)August 16 – My Lost Tribe (rock)August 23 – Bel Airs (Rockabilly)7-9 p.m.Central Park PlazaEast Canal St.Warsaw, INwww.koscvb.org
August 10
Restore MichianaThe Restore Michiana partnership of IndianaLandmarks and Historic PreservationCommission of South Bend & St. JosephCounty offers informative workshops on howto restore and improve interior and exteriorelements around the house. This month’shands-on workshop participants will takeapart a historic window, repair and glaze thesash, re-rope the weights and get experi-ence improving a sash’s energy efficency.9 a.m.-3 p.m.William Kizer House803 W. Washington St.South Bend, INwww.RestoreMichiana.com
michianaaround
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 5
by shelley swifthouse & home feature writer
Whether it’s a beer among brothers or a glass of vino among friends,there’s a type of solidarity that exists when gathered around the bar.
Residential watering holes are the focal point in many home entertain-ing areas. While most take up residence in a finished basement, others can be found in living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens.
A home bar can be as simple or elaborate as your imagination andbudget allows. Some can so elaborate they become the most popularfocal point of the house. “The more you dress it up by incorporating spe-cial touches like masonry work or lighting, you’ll give it that wow factor,”said Collin Hobson, a designer at kitchens etc. in Elkhart. “A custom bargives your guests something to talk about. You have in your home some-
thing that’s truly unique, not cookie cutter. It takes that little extra creativityand customization to really get a unique look.”
Hobson created an elaborate high-end bar for a Parade of Homeshouse in 2012, complete with a floating glass top and LED lighting. “Forthe floating top, we used lower base cabinets and ran steel rebar into theslab of the basement. Then we put decorative stainless steel tubing overthe rebar, put some plates on it to create a 6-inch rise, and the bar topwent on top of those plates. So you when you’re standing back the top ap-pears to be floating. It was a great look for a very modern house,” he said.
get in the
sp ir i t
photos courtesy of kitchens etc., Elkhart, IN
decorative barsand wine displays
574.264.5155
www.kitchensetcinc.com
professional design...quality installation
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM at 1150 N. Nappanee St., Elkhart
CUSTOMIZED WATERING HOLESSuch unique bars are becoming even more popular lately, as the economypicks up and homeowners feel better about investing in such fun andunique amenities. “We’re doing a lot of small wet bars and wine storageareas,” said Hobson. “I’m designing one right now that’s an 8-foot wine barwith two under-counter refrigerators and a big wine rack base cabinet inthe center. We’re also inserting a floor-to-ceiling wine bottle storage rackthat’s 8 feet tall into the wall.”
Fancy wine racks and custom cabinetry are among the manyways to make a custom bar look truly unique. “There are all sorts ofdecorative ways to display wine bottles,” said John Howard, a de-signer at Modern Kitchen in Elkhart. A small collection can bestored in a decorative tabletop wine rack on top of the bar, while alarger collection may require a built-in rack that can be either hid-den away below the bar or put on display on a back wall.
Whether it’s for wine racks, bar tops or cabinetry, glass and stoneare popular options in high-end home bars. Glass shelving createsa sleek display for liquor bottles, while glass-panel doors create anice look while showing off colorful bottles and stemware inside. “Alot of people like to use decorative glass on their bar cabinets togive them a more distinct look,” said Kerstin Hudson, a designer atCana Cabinetry in Elkhart. “Seeded glass has little air bubbles in it,which gives it some added texture and interest. Reeded glass hasgrooves in it, like a ripple effect, which diffuses the light. Both arevery popular in bar cabinet doors,” she said.
In addition to glass, stone and polished concrete are also eye-catching elements of design. Decorative stone is a popular choicefor backsplashes and bar bases, while polished concrete, slateand other types of stone work great as bar tops.
The Granite Shop in Elkhart sells a wide variety of natural stonebar tops sure to make a statement on any bar. “We can do onyx orquartzite or many different types of marble,” said storeowner GeneMiller. “We also have quartz that has petrified wood in it, which
looks spectacular. It’s translucent and can be backlit for a really greatlook,” he said. Miller alsosells black granite, whitegranite and a wide vari-ety of marble, all ofwhich create a high-endlook that’s hard to repli-cate with manufacturedstone. “You just can’tmimic the natural beautyof granite. There’s noth-ing else like it,” he said.
Lighting is anothercritical factor, which canplay a role in numerousways. Install overheadlights to showcase a dis-play of liquor bottles, orrope lighting to create adecorative look aroundthe edge of the bar. Orlight up glass-door cabi-nets from within.
Decorative barlights – whether hangingpendants or an oblong chandelier made of colorful stained glass – arealso great additions to any bar space. Lighted bar tops are also gainingwide appeal, said Hobson. “They’re not the most cost-effective, but if youhave some money to spend and really want to spruce up the basement orman cave, that’s definitely a great way to go,” he said.
A lighted bar top can be created using glass or translucent stone.Some solid surface countertops on the market are also designed to letlight pass through.
SERVE IT UPWhether you’re serving beer, wine, liquor or all of the above, you’ll needspace to store all of your libations and a fridge or two to keep them at theiroptimal temperature. This can be as simple as making room for a refrigera-tor and a few shelves, or as elaborate as incorporating a specialized winefridge, keg cooling system or individual taps for beer. Bar equipment sup-pliers even sell coolers used to keep certain types of liquor chilled.
6 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
photo courtesy of kitchens etc., Elkhart, IN
photo courtesy of kitchens etc., Elkhart, IN
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 7
Wine enthusiastsshould look for a spe-cialized wine fridge toassure that their fa-vorite Pinot or merlot isalways ready to serve.Kegerators and othercooling systems – in-cluding refrigeratorsthat can pour rightthrough the door – arewidely available tokeep brew cold andready to go.
If your budget al-lows, consider addinga beer tap or two toyour bar. The Internethas a vast array ofwhimsical beer taps,including customizeddesigns to make anybar complete. Plus,your friends will enjoy freshly served beer while you get the feel of running your very own pub.
NOT JUST FOR BASEMENTSA home bar doesn’t necessarily have to take up residence in the base-ment. Many homeowners are finding the convenience of having a bar onthe main living area of the home in the living room, dining room or kitchen.“I have a customer who is doing a bar off the kitchen, using different glass
RESOURCES:
Bontrager ConcreteSpecialties, Inc.598 Shawnee Dr.Nappanee, IN574.773.7311www.bontragerconcrete.com
Cana Cabinetry2712 Old U.S. Hwy. 20 WElkhart, IN574.262.3637www.canacabinetry.com
The Granite Shop1740 Markle Ave.Elkhart, IN574.296.1113www.graniteshop.biz
kitchens etc.1150 N. Nappanee St.Elkhart, IN574.264.5155www.kitchensetcinc.com
Modern Kitchen30513 Old US 20Elkhart, IN574.674.9989www.modernkitchen.net
to distinguish it a little bit from the rest of the room,” said Hudson.In a family room or office, furniture pieces like armoires and roll-top
desks can serve as bars that blend right in with the rest of the décor. Closethe desk or doors when not in use, then open them up at happy hour. In adining room, a buffet table or rolling cart can store all your bar essentials.
“No matter where you have your bar,” said Howard, “a designer canhelp you create a beautiful look that blends in seamlessly with your home.”
photo courtesy of Bontrager Concrete Specialties, Inc., Nappanee, IN
Take usfor
granite.The Granite Shop
1740 Markle Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46517574-296-1113 574-296-1114 fax
www.graniteshop.bizGranite | Quartz | Marble | Onyx | Soapstone • Countertops | Vanities | Fireplaces
E-mail: [email protected] 10 am-5 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm
Your Idea Becomes My Creation!
4665 N 450 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565260.562.2220 tel | 260.562.3698 fax
Select any Wood Type and Finish
2712 OLD U.S. HWY. 20 WEST, ELKHART, IN
8 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
by teresa nicodemushouse & home feature writer
Increasing numbers of baby boomers are reaching re-tirement age and reaching a crossroads in decision
making when it comes to where they will live out theirretirement years. In Indiana, adults age 65 and oldermade up 13 percent of the population as of Census
2010. This number is projected to grow to 20 percent ofthe population by 2030 as reported in “In Context,” a
publication of the Indiana Business Research Center atIU’s Kelly School of Business. Many homeowners willchoose to stay in their homes on into their retirementyears. They will choose to “age in place,” which is arelatively new phrase and philosophy in which seniorcitizens decide to live in their own homes as they ageand adapt their home environment to their changing
needs.
BUILDERS WITH CAPSThe aging in place trend has opened newdoors for building contractors as theyseek to meet the remodeling needs of thisgrowing segment of the population. “TheNational Association of Home Builders of-fers builders a specialized certificationprogram in which builders can earn theCertified Aging-in-Place Specialist desig-nation,” states Joni Truex, executive offi-cer for the Builders Association ofKosciusko Fulton Counties. “Whenbuilders earn this designation, they havetaken specific courses related to homeconversion suitable for people as theyage who choose to remain in their exist-ing homes.”
According to David Zehr, owner ofZehr Construction Inc. in Goshen, whohas earned the CAPS designation, theeducational aspect and reason behindthe designation is to develop commonthought processes for renovating andmodifying existing homes for those whowish to stay in the home as they age, asopposed to considering nursing homes orassisted living. “To a degree, the aging-in-place phenomenon for homeowners is
agingin place
baby boomers face important decisions –
downsize or re-size?
becoming more common,” he says. “TheCAPS curriculum gives builders a well-rounded approach to meeting the needsof the aging-in-place population. One ap-proach is the understanding that morepeople other than the homeowner andcontractor need to be involved in theplanning of aging-in-place design.”
The contractor can help implementthe plan, but the physical therapist ordoctors involved in the homeowner’s careshould also be in the pipeline during thebuilding and design process. The con-tractor can be the liaison between thephysician, physical therapist and thehomeowner to help provide the bestbuilding solution. “With the CAPS certifi-cation, contractors now have the back-ground knowledge to understand what isneeded and how to create effective solu-tions for the homeowner that fits the homein the best way possible,” commentsZehr.
UNIVERSAL DESIGN “The CAPS designation doesn’t just apply
years in public spaces and whichare now being translated intohome design,” adds Zehr.
The NAHB defines universaldesign as “the design of productsand environments to be usable byall people, to the greatest extentpossible, without the need foradaptation or specialized design.”
REMODELING OPTIONS Common modifications for aging-in-place remodeling have to dowith mobility, such as ramp accessto the home and making bath-rooms more accessible and safer.Richard Newberry, president ofOakbrook Homes in Elkhart, rec-ommends creating a first level
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 9
RESOURCES:
Builders Association OfKosciusko Fulton Counties313 S. Buffalo St.Warsaw, IN574.267.6125www.bakfc.com
Oakbrook Homes30677 Old US 20 W.Elkhart, IN877.674.9912wwww.oakbrookonline.com
Zehr Construction, Inc.914 N. Third St.Goshen, IN574.533.4677www.zehrconstruction.com
to aging, but also to those whohave mobility issues or restric-tions,” says Zehr. “Once the NAHBin collaboration with HomeInnovation Research Labs, NAHB50+ Housing Council and AARPdeveloped the curriculum forCAPS and studied the issue ofaging in place, they recognizedthat it encompasses more than justthe aging population.”
A burgeoning trend in homedesign is the movement towarduniversal access for anyone withlimitations, similar to the AmericanDisabilities Act regulations for pub-lic buildings, “which we havetaken for granted over the last 20
bedroom and bathroom in a two-story home that originally had allbedrooms upstairs. Remodelingoptions for aging-in-place homesor new construction for olderhomeowners should be wheelchairaccessible, and all doors anddoorways should be 36 inches inwidth. “When we have older clientswho are building a new home, wesuggest universal design elementsin all aspects in the home,” saysNewberry, “ such as levered doorhardware, so homeowners arepushing down rather than turninga doorknob; low-pile carpeting;eliminating as many stairs as pos-sible in the main living area; and to
promote easyaccess in thekitchen, wesuggest openand pull-downshelving andglass cabinetryto visually seethe interior ofcabinets.”
Other uni-versal accessalterations inthe kitchen in-clude easy-to-read controls onall appliances,a raised dish-washer withpush-buttoncontrols andvaried heightand adjustablecountertops.Upper wall cab-inetry should be3 or 4 incheslower than con-ventional heightand cabinetryshould provideas many rollouttrays and LazySusans as pos-
sible. Newberry also recommendsto clients who are older, the op-tions for convenient pre-pro-grammed thermostats and securitydirectly wired to emergency servic-es.
The exterior of the homeshould not be ignored; low mainte-nance is key. “Aging-in-placehomeowners may have olderhomes with painted wood exteriorsand stained wood decks. We rec-ommend vinyl siding or stone forthe exterior of the home for low up-keep. Also, aging homeownersshould scale down landscaping,”comments Newberry.
You can focus on the largeraging-in-place renovations, but
photo courtesy of Zehr Construction, Inc., Goshen, IN
along the way, remember, “it’salso the small changes like chang-ing grab bars, bench seating andhandheld shower heads, lever-handled shower valves, low step-over thresholds into showers, ther-apeutic jets, color contrastsbetween walking and vertical sur-faces, etc., that are all geared tomake everyday living easier forthose with limitations,” says Zehr.■
300+ Mouldings In Stock!Plus fast turn-around on custom profiles and finishes
Up to 40% Off Retail!Casing from 74¢/ft or less*Base from 94¢/ft or less*Crown from 73¢/ft or less*Plus door stop, shoe, corner, trim, corner blocks, chair rail, railings, S4S, and more!
*Contractors & large-volume buyers save even more!
Custom Framing at factory-outlet prices!
Public Welcome!
201 W. Belvedere Road, Elkhart, IN Monday – Friday, 7 am to 5 pm
Call 574-264-3129 xt. 333 or see it all at NickellMouldingOutlet.com
Made in Elkhart
THE TIME IS RIGHTTO RENOVATE.
WE CAN HELP.
574-533-4677574-533-4677
DAVID ZEHR CGR, CAPS, CGP
ALWAYS QUALITY. ADDING VALUE.
10 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
is a proud member of
Remodeling?Will you DIY or HAP?
Remodeling projectsare on the majority
of homeowners’“to do lists”eventually.
If you are contemplatinga remodeling project,you may be thinking,“I can do this myselfand save money.”
That may be true,however, there are
some importantitems to consider
when undertaking aremodeling project.
Do you really have the time it is going totake to complete the project? (Let’s be honest,do you really know how long it will take andeverything involved – including the proverbialsurprises you may uncover or discover)? If youplan to work around your regular schedule, whattypes of inconvenience will this cause for yourfamily and for how long? Could your time be bet-ter utilized in other areas?
What if you start the project and then dis-cover you can’t complete it? Will it cost more tobring in someone to complete the project than itwould have to have hired a professional remodel-er in the beginning? Enlisting the services of atrained and experienced construction professionalallows you the benefit of the person’s knowledge,supplier relationships and legal regulations, not tomention cost understanding and scheduling ben-efits.
Do you have the skills necessary to under-take the project? What is your experience levelwith this type of remodel project? If you don’thave the experience, are you willing to take a
There are professionals who have the experience/education, talent, skills and tools to complete theproject in a timely, professional manner. These professionals will add value to the single largest invest-ment made in most lifetimes – your home. For a listing of professional remodelers and contractors,
visit www.bakfc.com or your local area builders association website.
313 S. Buffalo St., Ste. BWarsaw, IN
574.267.6125www.bakfc.com
course to learn how to do this? If you plan to learnon your job, what effect will this have on the endresult? Will your DIY attempt affect the resale valueof the home?
Do you own the tools you may need? Someof the tools you may need are very expensive, es-pecially if you are looking at a one-time use.
Are you aware of the codes, regulations, per-mits and/or inspection requirements? It will takeyou some time to gather the facts in order to be incompliance.
Where will you obtain the materials you willneed to complete the project? Professionals haveknowledge of the availability and cost of materialsand have built a relationship with the suppliers.
Even though you may be able to completethe project yourself, is it worth the time, effort andcost involved in doing it yourself? There are manyhidden costs that may surprise you, from tool pur-chases to replacing materials. Your time is valuableto you and to your family.
Other considerations include your safety andthe structure of your home.
shut
ters
tock
.com
OR
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 11
pro
WHY HAVE A WATER SOFTENER IN THE HOME?A water softener eliminates the potential for scale buildup, which canmake plumbing perform better over time. It also helps with the waysoap reacts to water. If we can treat the hardness in water, then soapswill perform the way they were designed to and you can use less ofthem to get the job done. You’re not only saving money but dispensingless soap back into the environment.
WHAT’S THE KEY TO PROPERLY MAINTAINING A WATER SOFTENER?Keeping salt in the water is really the best way to keep it performingwell. There are cleaners on the market designed to erode the ironbuildup and clean the softener’s internal workings that might be usedon occasion, depending on what water quality you have.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU ADD SALT?The salt usage would depend on the way the water softener is set up,the home’s water quality and the number of people in your household.Just be sure to have enough salt in the system at any one time. Youcan either fill the tank all the way whenever it gets empty, or just add a40-pound bag regularly to make sure it stays full enough to work prop-erly.
HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN YOUR SOFTENER NEEDS SERVICING?You’d notice the water didn’t feel as soft as it did. Or your dishes usedto come out very clean, and now they’re spotted. Or that you needmore detergent when doing laundry. There could be numerous reasonsfor that, like a part failing internally or a change in water usage. But inthe instance of mechanical problems, it requires an expert to bring itback to normal operating condition.
ARE NEWER SYSTEMS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENTTHAN OLDER SYSTEMS?
The newer systems would have very accurate electronic controls thatwould allow a system to regenerate on a very small amount of water.Newer systems can help us document a very accurate history of waterusage, which can be really valuable in pinpointing problems if things gowrong. There are also systems on the market that capture some of thesalty water discharge during regeneration and reuse that water the nextcycle, which can save as much as 35 percent of salt consumption overtime.
water softenerknow-how
ask
the
by shelley swift, house & home feature writer
No one likes to step out of the tub or shower feeling anything less thanclean. Yet that’s exactly what could happen if you don’t have a watersoftener or if yours isn’t running at optimal levels. Curt VanCuren ofHawkins Water Tech in Middlebury and Elkhart, has spent over adecade educating customers on all that water softeners have to offer –softer water, less rust and iron, and that squeaky clean feeling aftereach shower and bath. As vice president and general manager atHawkins, he’s a member of both the state and national Water QualityAssociations. Below, he shares what everyone needs to know aboutwater softeners:
RESOURCE:
Hawkins Water Tech2200 Cassopolis St.Elkhart, IN574.262.2292 www.michianahouseandhome.com
Produced & Published By
&&T H E C O M P L E T E R E S O U R C E M A G A Z I N E F O R Y O U R H O M E
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Karen JohnsonAccount Executive
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Curt VanCuren
and929 S. Main St.Middlebury, IN574.825.2645www.hawkinswatertech.com
Water Treatment Systems • Water Softeners • Water CoolersBottled Water Delivery • Rental Programs • Water Softener Salt
Drinking Water Systems • Household ProductsCommercial/Industrial Applications
HawkinsWater.com 800-360-9292
Or, enjoy drive-through convenience at 2200 Cassopolis Street • Elkhart
MYTH: Water softeners waste water and salt.
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F A C T : Newer water softeners provide demand-controlled regeneration, meaning they re-charge only when their hardness-removing capabilities are reduced. These softeners use less salt and water than time-clock softeners, which fire up at pre-set times regardless of whether the system needs to be regenerated or not. These new super-efficient demand cotrol softeners provide maximum conservation of both salt and water by monitoring household usage.
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12 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
by shelley swifthouse & home feature writer
They say a man’s home is his castle. But a boy or girl’s room can be acastle, a jungle or just about anything else he can imagine. Finding theperfect furniture for your young dreamer’s bedroom is the first step tomake all of his or her dreams come true. Luckily in the Michiana area,
you can find experienced artisans who are experts at makinghandcrafted furniture fit for a king – or a princess.
RomperRoom
At Weaver Furniture Sales in Shipshewana, customers can choose fromseveral species of hardwoods and dozens of different stain and paint col-ors to create a custom furniture set. “We carry red oak, cherry, gray elm,brown maple and quarter-sawn oak, but sometimes people choose otherwoods as well,” said Marty Weaver, owner of the popular furniture shop.“Customers can choose from 100 to 150 different types of stain or paintcolors. We can also do stain matching,” he said.
Weaver’s company builds a full line of furniture to equip every type ofroom, with plenty of options for children’s bedrooms including beds, con-vertible cribs, dressers, mirrors, toy boxes and decorative storage cabi-nets. Hardwood furniture is built to last, he said, unlike some furniture oflesser quality. It’s often handed down from one generation to the next.
The craftsmen at Legacy Furniture in Middlebury have been handcraft-ing furniture for the past 20 years. Owner Junior Schlabach often hearscustomers say how furniture has been passed down throughout the years.“It’s built to last,” he said.
BEDTIMEWhen it comes to beds, kidstend to have more optionsthan anyone else in thehouse. There are loft beds,bunk beds, trundle beds andthe standard twin, full, queenand king variations.
Loft beds are a great op-tion for the kids’ room sincethey make for extra floorspace. Lofts feature a bedon a raised platform, oftenwith a desk area or second
kids’ furniture –from classic to contemporary
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 13
bed underneath. Some loft beds have atwin bed on top and a full bed below.You can also put a desk or seating areabelow a raised loft. Loft beds maximizespace, which comes in handy incramped college dorms or children’srooms, where space to lounge aroundis essential.
While you might not plan to sendyour child’s bedroom furniture off to college, you might consider buying aset that can carry him or her throughout childhood. Conversion furniture isbuilt to grow with your child, changing as his or her needs change. A con-version bed, for example, can start out as a crib, then transform into adaybed or twin size bed. Schlabach sells a conversion bed that transformfrom a crib to a toddler bed, then to a bed that holds a full-size mattress.He also sells changing tables that convert into dressers.
To convert one bed into two, consider equipping your child’s room witha trundle bed. Trundles hide away under the main bed, and can easily bepulled out to accommodate overnight guests. They’re also good for takingup space under the bed, which is handy for keeping monsters away.Trundles are also a great solution for families with limited space. Two sib-lings can share a room that might only have space for one bed.
If room allows, consider getting a full or queen mattress for your son ordaughter. They might seem like a small fish in a big pond at first, but chil-dren do grow, and will grow into the mattress sooner than you might think.Tall teenagers especially may have trouble getting comfortable on a twin-size bed, so consider starting out with a larger bed frame that can carryhim or her throughout the teenage years. Your child could one day use thesame bed in his or her own apartment or starter home.
DRESSERS & MOREWhile beds might be the most essential component, they aren’t the onlythings to consider when it comes to furnishing a child’s bedroom.Dressers, night stands and chairs can all play an important role.
When it comes to children’s dressers, it seems like there are neverenough drawers to hold all their stuff. Be sure to find a dresser withenough space to store all those clothes, socks and accessories. Some
children’s dressers come with pulloutwicker baskets, rather than drawers,which can help them stow their stuffmore effectively. Nightstands are the per-fect place to stash a journal and pen, aswell as a reading light and alarm clock.The more drawers the better!
A seating area is also a great addi-tion, if space allows. A futon can serveas both a couch and bed for sleepovers,while a papasan chair or other fun chaircan create an inviting reading retreat. Adesk is also a great addition to any bed-room, providing children a quiet, private
place to study, read and doodle from time to time.If closet space is lacking, consider adding an armoire that can accom-
modate hanging clothes. Or convert an entertainment armoire to serve asa storage space for clothes, toys and other essentials.
AWESOME ACCESSORIESNo kid’s room is complete without the right accessories. Whimsical lamps,garbage cans, even light switch covers can create a distinctly personalfeel. Seek out accessories that fit with the decorative theme or that reflectyour child’s individual tastes and interests. Many custom furniture storesalso sell a variety of lamps, artwork and knickknacks to help complete thelook of any room.
Don’t hesitate to get creative. A baseball player might love to use abaseball as a doorknob, or a bat as a curtain rod. A budding musicianmight prefer a curtain rod made from a trombone. Get your child involvedin online searches for ways to make his or her room one of a kind, and atrue reflection of his or her personality. ■
RESOURCES:
Brandenberry Furniture1045 N. SR 5Shipshewana, IN260.768.3270www.BrandenberryFurniture.com
CountryHome Furniture13456 N 950 WNappanee, IN574.773.8908
LJ Wagner Home Interiors1200 E. Market St.Nappanee, IN574.773.5000www.ljwagner.com
Legacy Home Furniture108 S. Main St.Middlebury, IN574.825.1902
Weaver Furniture Sales7870 W. 075N (1/4 mile south ofUS 20 and SR 5)Shipshewana, IN260.768.7730www.weaverfurnituresales.com
Open Mon-Sat 9-5 and by Appointment (260) 768-3270 BrandenberryFurniture.com
Junction 5 & 20, south of Shipshewana
Customcrafted in the Heartland...the Amish way!™
Brandenberry Furniture... committed to providing the highest levels of craftsmanship and personal service.
Brandenberry’s furniture is an investment, meant to be as beautiful and functional years from now as it is today. Our pricing is competitive, and the experience unmatched.
to answer all of your questions about handcrafted wood furniture and design...assuring you leave with the piece you love.
© Copyright Weaverland Furniture, Inc. 2012. All rights reserved.
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photos courtesy ofLegacy Home Furniture,,
Middlebury, IN
14 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
KNOWLEDGE IS POWERA proper home inspection conducted by a qualified professional can givebuyers and sellers a lot of information about a house. It is not an appraisalto determine the value of a home, but rather offers insight about the struc-ture and major components in the home that may be unknown to either theseller or the buyer. Experts say that this information is very important whenit comes to knowing what repairs are necessary to the home and who isgoing to pay for those repairs prior to closing.
Experts say that it is important for homebuyers and sellers to find aqualified professional to handle their home inspection. Family and friendsare a great source for referrals and whenever interviewing someone for thejob, be sure to ask for any and all qualifications, double check referencesand avoid working with anyone who may have a conflict of interest (i.e.brother of the listing agent, makes referrals to specific contractors, etc…)Be sure to ask questions and attend the inspection to see what is (and isnot) being examined. Don’t forget to ask if there is an additional charge fora follow-up inspection.
Calvin Bolt of Calvin Bolt Inspections and Testings in Warsaw has beenin the inspection business for nine years and says that a thorough inspec-tion not only protects the homebuyer but can be an important investment
by julie younghouse & home feature writer
No matter if you are buying or selling a house this summer, home improvement is a big part of the process. Home sellers strive
to showcase their property in a way that encourages prospective buyersto feel comfortable while homebuyers hope to find a functional placewith plenty of potential. Before looking or listing, consider a few of
these home improvement tips that give home sellers a leg up inthis competitive market and home buyers the tools
they need to buy with confidence.
inspections, paintingand flooring
home improvement tipsfor buyers and sellers
Great News in the New Home Market!22 New Home Permits in June 2013!
99 New Home Permits Since January 2013All in Elkhart County!
Contact The Elkhart County Builders Associationat 574-293-0997 for a builder affiliated with the
Indiana Builders Association andNational Association of Home Buildersor go to our website at www.baec.com
Selling a Home? – Call Calvin Bolt for acomplete and comprehensive home inspection.
Existing Home Owner Inspections –Attics, crawlspaces, roofs, exterior, foundations,water penetration issues, odors, noises, decks,mold, radon, septics, safety issues, drinkingwater & more. Save money with early detec-tions!
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for the home seller as well. “It’s important for sellers to have their home in-spected before they list it as a proactive measure so that if there are re-pairs that need to be addressed, they can do so prior to putting it on themarket,” he says. “Then they can leverage those repairs and negotiate theprice of the home accordingly. It really can save you money in the longrun.”
He mentions that an inspection should take more than half a day. “Itdepends on the age, the size and the condition of the house, and howmuch remodeling has been done to the home, and whether or not it hasbeen done properly.” The end report should be approximately 20-50 pagesin length and should include the home’s HVAC system, interior plumbing,electrical systems, roof, attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, win-dows, doors, foundation, basement and visible structure. Some home in-spectors may offer additional services such as energy audits as well asmold and radon testing, but those may require an additional fee. If theclient attends the inspection, he or she should allow the inspector spaceand time to think, to perform his or her duties during the inspection.
“I do have a la carte services that can be purchased if someone de-sires them, but my inspections include the major systems of the house aswell as appliances. I do not check appliances for performance, but ratherfunctionality so that a buyer knows what they are getting into and a sellerknows where they stand,” Bolt says. “The important thing to remember isthat a home inspection offers you information about the home. It is notmerely a list of defects.”
COLOR YOUR WORLDNothing brightens a room like a fresh coat of paint. It is one of the simplestand easiest ways to make your home stand out to potential buyers and aneasy way to customize your new digs to reflect your personal style. Butaside from aesthetics, how can you know when it’s time for a paint job?Experts say it’s not as hard as it looks.
Scaling and cracking are some of the more obvious signs that painthas grown old and needs to be removed. A formation of white powder(known as chalking) can cause color fading over time. Loose caulking, dis-coloration or presence of lead paint can also denote a need to changeyour “tone.”
Julia Johns with Sherwin Williams in Elkhart says a fresh coat of paintcan make a big difference to both homebuyers and sellers. She says thatthe SW 6106 is a great neutral look for a home on the market that will bepleasing to potential buyers and that it can be a small investment that canreflect your personal style from the moment you move in.
“We have a lot of sales throughout the year too, so it’s a great way tospruce up the house without spending a lot of money,” she says.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT FLOORINGFlooring is another area of the home that can be affordably updated priorto and just after the sale. There is a big canvas under your feet and it is im-portant for homebuyers and sellers to find the flooring option that fits theirpersonal style.
“When you are selling a home, a clean, good-looking carpet can makeall the difference, especially in an empty property where every flaw is mag-nified,” says Susan Johnson, design consultant for Collins & Company in
Bristol. “Flooring catches people’s attention and buyers are looking forsomething that looks good right away and not something that they have tochange immediately.”
Flooring offers a wealth of styles and price points that enable both buy-ers and sellers to find the option that is right for them. Johnson suggestsmaking sure that the carpet is a uniform color throughout the home so thatpotential buyers are not overwhelmed by colors, textures and patterns, andthat buyers who want to make flooring changes immediately after their pur-chase should do so before moving in.
“Who wants to move all of their furniture again?” she asks. No matter which side of the purchasing table you are on, there are up-
grades and improvement projects to consider, so take a moment and de-cide what is important to you as a buyer or a seller and get ready to makean investment in the place you call “home.” ■
StatePoint Media contributed to this story
RESOURCES:
Calvin Bolt Inspectionsand Testings1310 Oriole Dr. Warsaw, IN574.551.6680www.inspectionsbetterbybolt.com
Collins & Company17880 Commerce Dr. Bristol, IN574.848.1118www.collins-n-co.com
Sherwin Williams 3245 Interchange Dr.Elkhart, IN574.266.6200 www.sherwinwilliams.com
www.daveslawnscaping.com
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Our Goal is to provide our customers with quality service at a fair price while exceeding your
expectations at every step in the process. We will help youenhance the beauty and value of your home!
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 15
16 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
start smart thisschool year
make a change in
by julie younghouse & home feature writer
There is something exciting about the start of anew school year: new clothes, new friends, new teach-ers, a fresh set of supplies and plenty of new things tolearn. As our children head out to begin another yearof academic success, why not give our homes an in-
tellectual upgrade as well? There are a number ofways to help your home become “smarter” and more
effective in terms of energy conservation and now is agreat time to make the change!
USE YOUR TIME WISELYRemember when teachers used to tell us to use our timewisely? It was great advice and still applies to all as-pects of our lives. By purchasing a programmable ther-mostat and syncing it to a smart home app on your cellphone or other portable device, you can lower your ener-gy costs throughout the year and keep your home com-fortable when you are in residence and energy efficientwhen you are not.
The team at Advanced Heating, Inc. in Elkhart isready to schedule an appointment to help you get themost from your HVAC system with Bryant controls andthermostats that will help you manage your home’s tem-peratures with unparalleled precision.
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“Programmable thermostats give families access to their HVAC sys-tem from anywhere. They also get e-mail alerts for maintenance issues sothat they know to attend to these issues promptly,” owner, GregLongbrake says.
Local utility companies are also doing all they can to offer energysavings programs and rebates for those customers committed to improv-ing their home’s IQ. NIPSCO has a number of options including energyaudits, old appliance rebates and an air conditioning cycling programthat enables customers to cycle off their A/C unit for 15 minutes duringpeak hours in order to earn bill credits during the summer months.
You can also get the most out of your appliances by cooking severalmeals at once and using your microwave, Crockpot or countertop ovento reheat when necessary. This will save plenty of time and energy whenit comes to making sure your family has a hot (and healthy) meal everynight. Also be sure to buy seasonal produce and freeze it so that healthi-er and “greener” food choices are available throughout the year for yourfamily
SET A GOOD EXAMPLEWhen you demonstrate your commitment to conservation, the childrenwill naturally follow. Though it can be exciting to think of all of the “new”things that are wanted/needed for the upcoming year, sit down togetherand decide what must be purchased new and what can be repurposedand recycled for the new semester. Are their markers still in good shape?Do they really need a new set of Fiskars? What about their backpack?
Penny-wise parents know how to make the most of their budget byorganizing a clothes swap with other parents and seeking out the bestdeals for back-to-school shopping. While there is no way to eliminatesome “new” purchases, you may be able to find lots of items for a frac-tion of what you might pay in retail stores.
“Not only do you save money when you shop consignment, but youare recycling at the same time,” says Kelly Crabill, owner of KidsKonsignment in Mishawaka. “We purchase items outright, which not onlyhelps parents earn money for what their kids have outgrown, but also af-fords them the opportunity to buy for less.” ■
RESOURCES:
Advanced Heating, Inc. 57986 CR 9Elkhart, IN574.294.2005www.advhtginc.com
made easyLawn care
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| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 17
Kids KonsignmentMishawaka, IN574.257.4258
NIPSCOwww.nipsco.com
18 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
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year ‘round gardening
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| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 19
by teresa nicodemushouse & home feature writer
A quote from Anne Morrow Lindbergh tells us that the simple act of “arranging a bowl of flowers in the morning can give a sense of quiet
in a crowded day—like writing a poem or saying a prayer.” A peaceful morning cutting flowers from your garden and bringing
them indoors offers good therapy and beautifies your home. A few tips and tricks from local florists will help you enhance a store-bought bouquet or artfully arrange your own cut flowers.
THE PERFECT BOUQUETWhat does your garden grow? Certain flowers make better cut flowerarrangements and thrive better indoors than other flowers. MarkVanderwall, designer and manager of West View Florist, Inc. in Elkhart, rec-ommends these flowers for bright, beautiful indoor bouquets: daisies, lark-spurs, snapdragons, marigolds, zinnias, dahlias, oriental lilies and hy-drangeas. “Daylilies are not recommended. They usually last one day andclose. Don’t pick the geraniums and petunias from your garden for an in-door bouquet; they do not keep well indoors,” comments Vanderwall.“Gladiolas, a lovely tall flower gives instant color to an arrangement.Sunflowers and cosmos with its tall wispy foliage make striking additions toan indoor bouquet.”
You can arrange your bouquet in unique ways to show off your gar-den blooms. Create a tight bundle of flowers by keeping all the flowers thesame length in your container for a dense, compact display. For example,says Vanderwall, if you have a 6-inch vase, flowers should be 8 to 12 inch-es tall to add slight variance to the bouquet. Place the larger flowers in thevase first, and use smaller blooms as filler flowers. For a loose, airy flowerdisplay keep stems long and let the flowers flow gracefully in the vase.Use grasses and other foliage from your yard to fill in the gaps.
Linda Sizemore, owner of DeCloedt’s Floral Place Inc. in Mishawaka,uses a crisscross method of flower arranging, starting with tall straightflowers like larkspurs or snapdragons, she crisscrosses the stems usingvarious flowers in odd numbers in a circular pattern around the flower con-tainer, filling in empty space with Queen Anne’s lace.
TLC FOR LONGEVITYNow that you have created your original flowering work of art, you’ll want topreserve the masterpiece for as long as possible. The process of preserv-ing your flower arrangement starts immediately when you cut the flowersfresh from your garden. Sizemore suggests having a bucket of water near-by and placing the newly cut flowers immediately in the water. To help thewoody stems of hydrangeas soak up water more easily, take a hammerand lightly pound the stems, which helps them draw water more quickly. “Change the water every day,” advises Vanderwall. “Cut flowers flourish infresh water. Add a small amount of 7-Up or aspirin to the water if you don’thave the flower packets of powder preservative. Trim the stems slightlyeach time you change the water. Trimming allows the flower stem to soakup more water and prolong the life of the flowers.” ■
RESOURCES:
DeCloedt’s Floral Place, Inc.Mishawaka, IN574.259.6336www.decloedtsfloral.com
West View Florist, Inc. Elkhart, IN574.264.3112www.westviewflorist.com
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August Back to School Sale!
20 | michiana house & home | august 2013 |
the latest trends in pet supplies and servicesby julie young
house & home feature writer
Remember the days when homeowners picked up their petproducts one aisle over from the trash bags and picnic supplies atthe local supermarket? I sure do. The selection was limited, quali-ty was poor and there were only a handful of specialty stores that
catered to what was considered primarily a “niche” market.
My how times have changed! With 62 percent of American householdsowning some kind of animal companion, pet supplies, food products andother non-veterinary services have grown into a multi-billion dollar industryand include a myriad of unique items that improve Fido and Fluffy’s quality oflife.
Ready to learn more? Read on to find out about the latest trends to pam-per your pet!
– PURRFECT PRODUCTS FOR DOGS AND CATS –
NATURAL FOODS AND INNOVATIVE ITEMS TOP THE LIST OFTODAY’S MUST-HAVES.No matter what kind of pet one plans to bring into a home, all require a foodsource, a bed (cage/container), a few diversions and plenty of TLC. Ofcourse a dog or a cat also needs a collar, leash, carrier, crate, grooming toolsand a host of other necessary items to get you off on the right foot.
The products run the gamut in terms of availability and affordability. Thereare the celebrity-endorsed lines, tried and true brands such as Kong,Nylabone and Yellow Dog Design, designer pet couture and a wealth ofunique items one can hardly imagine.
When she noticed cocker spaniels, springers and basset hounds consis-tently landing their ears in the water every time they took a drink, RhondaGraham-Cretcher of Warsaw created the No Ears In Here water bowl. Theraised bowl allows long-eared dogs to reach their water without making amess.
“It’s a very durable bowl and people really seem to love it,” she says. “It’scarried in several local pet stores and it’s caught on through its online pres-ence as well.”
“There are a lot of elaborate pet products on the market,” says Dina
pamper your pets
| michiana house & home | august 2013 | 21
– EXPERIENCE COUNTS –
SPA SERVICES AND DOGGIE DAYCARES ABOUNDIf having the latest and greatest nutritionaloptions, toys and décor is not enough, an-other hot new trend in pet keeping is the“experiential” service that moves far be-yond a typical grooming appointment. Petday spas are all the rage and range from atypical bath and trim to more elaborate mas-sage therapy, training classes, bark park
Cats: Cat food and dishes
Litter and litter box
Toys First aid suppliesCat carrierCollar and identification tag
Grooming toolsBedding
Above all: Keep your veterinarian’s number programmed into your
phone and be sure to get your pet micro-chipped in the event of a loss.
Dogs: Dog food and bowls
Pooper-scooperToysCrateFirst aid suppliesCollar and identification tag
LeadBedding
RESOURCES:
No Ears In Herewww.noearsinhere.com
Paws and ClawsWarsaw, IN 574.267.2338www.pawsandclaws.com
Pet PalaceGranger, IN 574.272.7387www.petpalacespa.com
Must haves for dogs and cats
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Bowser of Paws and Claws in Warsaw. “There are dog strollers, fancy catcondos and raised canopied beds, but we don’t get a lot of call for thataround here. What has become popular are the running fountains that offerpets a fresh, filtered water source that is actually good for their system andencourage them to drink more.”
Bowser says that while pet owners certainly have no trouble spoilingtheir four-legged friends, the hottest trend she has seen is the number ofpet owners looking for natural foods and pet care products.
“That has been really big lately. They want that grain-free, gluten freefood and they are willing to pay more for it. There has also been an up-swing in the amount of pets that have allergies so there is a push for morehypoallergenic shampoos and sprays,” she says.
Some of those natural food brands include Precise Holistic Completeand Foundation, Holistic Select, Eagle Pack and Earthborn. On the petcare side, Paw Earth, Bio-Groom, Espree and Natural Chemistry are somego-to names for safe and effective products that will not aggravate yourpet’s allergies.
“We have a wide array of products to choose from, but we can’t stockeverything. If it’s available, we’re happy to get it for you and of course weare here to answer any question you may have about your pet. Paws andClaws is a fun place to shop for your furry, scaled and feathered compan-ions,” she says.
memberships and all-day services that can rival care for a small child. “We’re finding that as people work more, they don’t want to leave their
pet at home all day so they are looking to day spas and doggie day caresto provide an outlet for socialization and stimulation,” says Byron Appersonwho owns the Pet Palace in Granger with his wife, Helen.
The Pet Palace is one of several grooming/boarding and doggie daycare operations in the Michiana area that offer a day of fun and excitementfor pets. In their 36 suite facility, dog rooms are equipped with raised beds,flat screen TVs, piped in music and recess four times a day in five playareas that are grouped by the dogs’ compatibility.
“We even have a pond for dogs that like to go swimming,” he says.“We charge $22 a day for the day care and we stock the top 20 brands offood on site so that we don’t disrupt a pet’s eating habits. If we don’t hap-pen to carry the kind of food you need, we ask that the owner bring it withthem. Right now, we have about eight to 10 dogs who come here on a reg-ular basis and they always seem to have a good time and greet theirowner with a happy wag of the tail at the end of the day.”
In addition, pet stores now offer plenty of training classes to teach petsmanners and even advanced skills for those who have moved beyond“sit,” “stay” and “come.” Resorts have even warmed up to furry friends andhave began to create pet packages to encourage pets and their owners totravel together.
“Pet services are a booming industry,” Apperson says. “Folks find thatthere isn’t a lot of time at the end of the day to go for a walk or to play, so adoggie day care and day spa fills that need so that the pet gets the love,attention, socialization and exercise they need each day and the time theyspend with their owner at the end of the day is quality time indeed.” ■
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He was the Harold Hill of the exhibition hall circuit.A traveling, one-act performer who hosted a 30-minute cooking demonstration in which he promisedbetter, healthier and more convenient meals in lesstime…provided that you bought whatever culinarywonder he was currently hawking.
He was the “slice-it-dice-it man,” and he was mychildhood hero. Part carnival barker, part infomercialspokesperson and part Harry Houdini, the slice-it-dice-it man was a staple at the Indiana StateFairgrounds and I was attracted to him like a mosqui-to is to bare flesh. No matter if it was the fair itself, thehome show or other exposition, it didn’t take me longto find him, push my way to the front and watch as hesliced, diced and julienned vegetables into works ofart.
“Oh Mom, we’ve gotta get one of those,” Ipressed after the slice-it-dice-it man showed off hisfancy Japanese Ginsu knife. That thing was truly amodern marvel. Not only could it slice bread thinenough you could practically see through it, but alsoit cut meat better than an electric knife. It could hackinto a tree (a fact he demonstrated by lacerating hiswooden cutting board), saw an aluminum can and re-main sharp enough to gently segment a tomato with-out turning it to mush.
“It’s a knife no kitchen should be without,” theslice-it-dice-it man agreed, thrilled to have an unpaid
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ringer helping him make a sale. He immediately pointed out the “free” gifts that were
included in his special “show only” price of…say it withme…$19.95: two paring knives, a set of steak knives,and some kind of screw that you popped into a potatoand twirled around until you turned the spud into aslinky. As an added bonus, the slice-it-dice-it man threwin a second double-sided Ginsu. Looking back on it, thisdoesn’t make a lot of sense. I mean, if it were supposed-ly indestructible, why the need for a second one?
Logic aside, my mother actually bought into thespiel, purchasing the Ginsu thanks, in part, to my per-sistence. The slice-it-dice-it man proudly handed overher new kitchen tools complete with a certificate of au-thenticity and money back guarantee. These last twoitems were a LOT smaller than they appeared on TV andrequired a powerful magnifying glass to read properly. Ido remember her using the orange handled knife quite abit over the years, but can only recall one meal that in-volved curly cued potatoes.
In the years that followed, I have seen the slice-it-dice-it man graduate to cookware, choppers, high-techthingamajigs and a number of handy-dandy devices thatno self-respecting cook should walk away from.Thankfully, I have a tad more sales resistance than I didas a child and can enjoy the show with my bank ac-count intact. However, I always pause to take in a bit ofhis act. I can’t help it. Like sno-cones, elephant ears andthe hog barn, the slice-it-dice-it man was a part of myIndiana State Fair experience…and something no child-hood should be without. ■
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