April 29, 2012

SPRING EDITION

MorningStar

The

www.vernonmorningstar.com

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, RENOVATIONS AND LAWN & GARDEN MAINTENANCE

has sprung!

SO GET YOUR HOME & GARDEN READY & SHOW OFF YOUR STYLE

S2 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

Vernon Home Owners are Saving Big on Hydro Bills

#104 - 1710 Kosmino Road, Vernon

250.549.5251

Shade at the push of a button * Block the Heat Not the View * Motorized or manual shade solutionss

75 M.P.H. Wind Rated Saves Energy * * * *

Instant Privacy Reduce Glare Stop UV Damage Be Cool and comfortable this summer

Shade Solutions from as low as

5.50

$

Vernon home owners are discovering an inexpensive and innovative new way to cool their homes without using electricity. With hydro rates steadily rising and increasing environmental concerns, many Vernon residents are realizing the benefits of using an exterior shade screen product. Developed in the Sun-Belt states like Arizona and California; exterior shade screens have proven to be the most effective and economical way to cool a home or R.V. These screens block up to 90% of the sun’s heat and lower interior temperatures by up to 10° Celsius and they don’t block your view like blinds or drapes.

Studies by the U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development have proven that shade screens on the outside of the window is up to 7 times more effective at stopping heat than blinds, drapes or shade products on the inside. The state of California even offers a rebate program to Californians who install exterior shade screens. This reduces the huge drain air conditioners have on California’s energy supply.

According to the U.S. Dept of Energy, air conditioners use

per Square Foot

up to 16% of U.S. electricity and consume 43% of the U.S. peak power load in the summer.

“Shade screens have replaced awnings as the most popular method of stopping the heat” says Ray Waddell, owner of local awning company, Central Tarp & Awning. “We’ve installed shade products for over 30 years in the Vernon area and the exterior shade screen product, EZ Snap™ Exterior Shades, have become the #1 method used to cool homes.

They are very effective and costs about 75% less than awnings”, says Waddell.

With over 2000 hot sunshine hours a year in the Okanagan, the use of exterior shade screens will continue its rapid growth. Like fluorescent lighting, exterior shade screens are one of those rare products that actually pays for itself through energy savings. For more information on how exterior shade screens will save you money, contact Central Tarp and Awning at 549-5251 and view their web-site at www.centraltarp.com or the EZ Snap web site at www.ezsnapdirect.com.

Finally we can block the heat without blocking the view.

PAID ADVERTORIAL

Visit our showroom or ask for a

Free On-Site Estimate Download a brochure at: www.centraltarp.com/Brochure.pdf

EXTERIOR WINDOW SHADES

✔ Blocks up to 90% of the Sun’s Heat

✔ 7 times more effective than blinds or tinting - Without blocking the view

✔ As low as $5.50 sq. ft. installed

Call 250-549-5251

View Video at www.ezsnapdirect.com

Central Tarp & Awning Ltd. Serving Vernon for 25 Years

Your Style Spring Edition

Create a

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S3

Fireplaces Baths Home Decor

Blinds

on a budget!

T h e key to creating a beautiful room is planning. Designers do it and so should you. Measure the dimensions of the room and create a sketch of the area using graph paper or computer software. Be sure to plot any windows or doors on the drawing so that you will be aware of obstacles.

Homeowners unsure of what they want should browse through magazines or pictures on the Web for inspiration.

Once a particular style has been chosen, create a design board just like the professionals. Cut out swatches of fabric, select paint swatches, find magazine pictures that fit with your goal and arrange them on a piece of poster board. See how the items work together. If you are unsure of colors, see which shades were used in the inspiring picture and determine if it will coordinate with your home.

When designing, identify or create a focal point in the room and build off of that. This may be a large window, fireplace, or even the entertainment center if it’s a family room.

Place furniture around the focal point and then move outward.

It’s also important to keep scale in mind. Large walls or tall ceilings will create plenty of wall space. A small print or wall hanging will be lost in such an area. Be sure to choose furnishings and accessories that fit with the scale of the room. In other words, a huge sectional may overpower a small living room.

When choosing colors, make sure they are cohesive. Research the color wheel that artists use to help with designing the room. Some colors are complementary or opposites and still work together. Homeowners nervous

about color should choose a color from fabric or furniture and use a few different shades of the same color in the room. Select an accent color that can be used on trim or as a spot of color on a pillow or accessory.

When plotting wall hangings or other decor, odd numbers often look more pleasing to the eye. Experiment with different sizes of framed artwork or different shaped accessories for visual appeal. For example, a few rectangular shaped items with a circular clock and a conical flower vase can mix it up in the room.

Many stores sell items that mimic the look of higher-priced items. When copying a designer room, select pieces that are similar, but not necessarily the same brands. Consider shopping at second-hand stores or antique shops for discounted pieces. With a little new fabric or stain, many items can look like new again. Shopping online also may enable shoppers to find items more readily and see how they look in staged rooms.

When designing, it never hurts to think outside of the box. Items that were intended for outside may work well inside as well. Hanging lanterns or plant stands could be put to use in a rustic room. Save some money by making some items yourself. For instance, if you cannot find a particular throw pillow or drapery that fits with your style, go to a fabric store and purchase fabric to make your own.

Decorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune or look like you pieced odd items together. By following the guidelines of a designer room and selecting lower-priced items that mimic the shape and scale of similar accessories, it’s possible for any homeowner to create a room for less.

Doors & Windows

Vanities

Flooring Lighting

Paint D&S Gardens

NOW OPEN! Great selection of

Bedding Plants!

Annuals & Perennials

Home Owners helping homeowners 4601 27th Street, Vernon BC

250-545-5384

S4 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

Sell or Renovate?

Before you decide ... put my 22 years of experience to work for you!

Dave Bissell

I will do a FREE No Obligation Market Evaluation.

Call today.

w w w.davebissell.com • 250.54 5.5371

WINDOWS, DOORS & KITCHEN CABINETS

BEFORE

AFTER

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATIONS OKANAGAN DOOR AND WINDOW SALES

2001 - 43rd St., Vernon 250-542-1294 www.odws.ca

Basalt Landscape Rock

LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL • LOCAL

Lady King Basalt In 2010 Spectral Gold Corporation discovered a very unique deposit of Columnar Basalt west of Vernon, BC Canada; which has been called the Lady King Basalt deposit.

This large, commercially viable, deposit is conveniently located adjacent to good haul roads only a short truck haul from Highway 97 and only a short distance from Vernon BC. In 2011 the first of several Lady King Basalt production sites was developed and a supply of product has been transported to our business location at 7879 Hwy 97 just north of Vernon where it is available for market commencing in spring 2012. A second site is scheduled for development in 2012 and additional sites are available for future development.

Columnar Basalt is a very popular landscape commodity that is frequently used to create waterscapes, stairs, walls, landscape features, fountains, garden accessories such as birdbaths, benches or tables, barbeque enclosures, gate posts, driveway curbing, garden borders, ground cover --- let your imagination soar. The Company’s deposit produces an excellent array of Basalt Columns ideally suited for such uses. Customers can select one or two pieces for small projects or larger volumes to meet most any need from our yard in Vernon or can arrange direct hauling from the mine site.

The Lady King Basalt business is being created in order to supply the Okanagan Valley and markets to the east in Alberta, Saskatchewan and points beyond – even into the western USA; with an alternate reliable, competitively priced supply of this multipurpose landscape product which are presently mostly transported from the lower mainland or north central BC. A review of mining costs for production from the Lady King deposit and Basalt product prices in the Okanagan and Lower Mainland markets clearly shows there is a good profit margin to be earned at the volume wholesale level and more so at the retail level.

The Company is seeking a Joint Venture Partner to provide financial assistance for market development and Basalt production to advance this project to a commercial level.

Columns • Fountains Wall Rock • Stairs

250-542-5173 Lady King Basalt 7879 Hwy. 97, just north of Vernon www.lady-king-basalt.com

For further information call 250-542-5173 or see our website: www.lady-king-basalt.com Information submitted by Basalt Landscape Rock

Your Style Spring Edition

E IV R

Annuals ~

D

Few things are anticipated more in spring than the arrival of new leaves on the trees and budding flowers in the garden. A landscape awash with fresh colors can brighten the spirit and make anyone want to head outdoors.

There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. A number of perennials, annuals and trees begin to flower or show new sprouts come the springtime. Here are some plants that can be planted for springtime enjoyment.

A

6 ACRES

Looking for first signs of color? Look no further than these wonderful annuals. * Alyssum: Starting in April, this cascading bounty of tiny flowers offers a sweet aroma that attracts butterflies. * Dianthus: These vivid flowers also attract butterflies and are often a cottage garden staple. * Gypsophila: Also known as baby’s breath, these delicate flowers can serve as filler in any landscape. Pink and white varieties are available. * Impatiens: One of the best-known plants for the garden, these annuals come in scores of colors and can generally tolerate full sun to full shade. * Larkspur: Belonging to the buttercup family, these flowers bloom in shades of white to violet. * Pansy: These flowers are some of the earliest spring bloomers, arriving along side spring bulbs like tulips. * Petunias: Petunias put on a show of color through the entire season, making them a popular bedding flower.

Perennials ~

These plants will come back year after year and offer spring shows. * Cherry blossom: The flowers that sprout on cherry trees are some of the first signs of spring. Their pink or white buds are often a spectacle, so much so that towns and cities hold cherry blossom festivals. * Columbine: These beautiful blooms attract butterflies and can be a nice part of a garden bed. * Jacob’s ladder: Variegated foliage that is dappled with violet-colored flowers can add a sweet smell and visual interest to the garden. * Primrose: These flowers come in a variety of shades, making them versatile in any garden. They also tend to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. * Sweet violet: These fragrant flowers are edible as well as attractive. These plants can self-plant, so unless a gardener wants them to spread, they should be kept contained.

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S5

LI TT

OF GREAT SAVINGS ON QUALITY STOCK

LE ,

E! SAVE A BUNDL

Largest selection in the North Okanagan!

COLDSTREAM 6800 Learmouth Road, Coldstream BC

NURSERY www.coldstreamwillows.ca

250.260.3446

(10 mins of Polson Mall, turn right off Hwy 6)

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Mon. - Fri. 8:30am - 5:30pm Sun. & Holidays 9:30am - 4:30pm

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VERNON ROOFING & RENOS Custom Sheet Metal Design 5997 Dedecker East Road, Vernon • Commercial • Residential • Torch-On / Flat Roofing • Custom Sheet Metal • Shingles • Renovations • Emergency Service

FULLY INSURED & LICENSED

The Team You Can Trust!

OFFICE: 250-549-4819 | CELL: 250-306-4401

Solid Wood Furniture • All Leather Furniture • Sofas & Loveseats • Dining Room Suites • Outdoor Furniture Area Rugs • Lamps • Bedroom Suites • Mattresses • Home Decor Accessories • Blinds & Custom Draperies

Designers Gallery #304 - 2520 53rd Avenue, Vernon • 250-542-5955 www.designersgallerycanada.com

CANADIAN MADE WITH GREAT PRICING Outstanding Service for over 20 years!

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S6 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

COMPOSTED CHICKEN MANURE $ 00 Only 4 /Bag (Bags provided) Self Serve

24/7 (Pay on the Honour System) $ 00 30 /Tractor Bucket - We Load 3950 Wood Ave. Call Ahead • 250-546-9732

ARMSTRONG

Commercial Growers and Farmers Delivery Available for Large Quantities

ELECTRICAL & COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACTORS * Service & Maintenance * Commercial * Industrial * Budgets

Welcome with a

As temperatures begin to climb, thoughts turn to the backyard: is it ready for spring? If your outdoor living space needs some serious TLC before the flowers bloom, here are some great ideas for creating a natural, authentic backyard oasis.

Get decked out. The heart of any backyard is a solid wooden deck. It’s the perfect spot for grilling, sharing family meals, relaxing with friends, playing with the dog, and enjoying nature. Whether you have a deck that needs a little updating or you’re thinking of building a new wood deck, download the free Authentic Deck Guide at www.realoutdoorliving.com for information on upkeep, construction and building material selection.

Add an outdoor room. Already have a wood deck? Great! So what’s next for your yard? Think outside the box and create a lovely little outdoor living room for your family and friends. Start with a nice, quiet spot under a tree or off in a corner.

Add a garden bench and a couple of wooden chairs, plus a fire pit or chiminea, and top it off with a deep arbor covered in a climbing vine. Involve the entire family by building a simple bench and chairs, and let Mom pick out the perfect flower for the arbor. Then, sit back, toast some s’mores and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

* Voice, Data * Fiberoptics * Wireless * Automation

1901 48th Ave. Vernon

250-545-3254

DESIGN YOU CAN SEE QUALITY YOU CAN TOUCH COMFORT YOU CAN FEEL ...STYLED TO SUIT YOUR TASTE

Create a room that reŇects your unique sense of style with our huge selecƟon of quality fabrics and accessories for your home and paƟo. We have a large selecƟon of drapery panels, drapery rods, cushion covers, and pillow forms to use in a variety of ways to add style, texture, design and character to all of your favorite rooms, inside or out.

SPRING FASHION FABRICS NOW IN STOCK

• Outdoor PaƟo Furniture Fabrics • Cushion Covers • Outdoor Drapery Panels & Rods • Spring QuilƟng BaƟks 5509 - 24th St., Vernon

250-542-0338 www.fabriclandwest.com

Mon. to Thurs.: 9:00am - 6:00pm Fri.: 9:00am - 9:00pm • Sat.: 9:00am - 5:30pm Sun.: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Keep it real. Your deck and other outdoor living projects should mesh with your backyard and be a seamless partner with nature. Unless you have plastic flowers and trees in your yard, why choose fake decking? Truth is, pressure-treated wood is the best option for decks and outdoor projects. It’s beautiful, strong, durable and affordable. Wood doesn’t conduct heat like other decking materials can, meaning no burned feet in the heat of summer. When treated properly, wood is impervious to rot and pests. And treated wood is proven to be people- and pet-safe. Sure there’s a little bit of upkeep -- no building products are truly maintenance-free. Every spring when you clean your home and wash and wax your car for the first time, take a look at your deck and see if it needs a little cleaning or perhaps another coat of sealant. That’s all it takes.

Concerned about our forests? Choosing wood for any home improvement project is a very wise environmental decision. Thriving, sustainably managed forests create a healthier environment for all of us. Choosing forest products -- wood -- encourages US landowners to keep replanting trees. The forest industry plants more trees than they harvest every single year, ensuring wood will be around for generations to come.

Wood is one of the only naturally renewable building products available, and the only energy it requires to manufacture it comes from the sun. You can’t get much more green than that.

Your Style Spring Edition Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S7 Homeowners remodeling their kitchen can look beyond traditional appliances and add specialty tools that may save on space and upgrade room efficiency.

Many homeowners are seeing the benefits of rethinking what appliances are included in their kitchen layouts and looking beyond the range or dishwasher.

trash compactor A trash compactor is a device that can be built into cabinetry or used as a stand-alone appliance wherever there is an available electrical outlet. Compactors have advantages over traditional garbage pails and bags in the kitchen. They can hold a week or two of garbage in compressed form, reducing the need to take out the trash. Compactors also take up lesss space than a garbage pail and can look more aesthetically pleasing in the kitchen. Many compactors have filters and deodorizing holders inside the compactor. This will eliminate the smell that often results from decomposing foods and other debris. Trash compactors can be especially handy for individuals who live in an apartment or where space is at a premium in the kitchen.

wine cooler

Appliances A li tto Add Kit Kitchen h

Chances are a wine cellar will not fit in the average house.

But a wine refrigerator can keep wine at the right temperature and humidity for optimal enjoyment.

Wine coolers are growing in popularity as more wine afficionados understand how the flavor of wine can benefit from proper storage. A refrigerator will hold wine bottles and insulate them from outside temperature fluctuations. They will also be handy and ready for use when the time comes.

drawer dishwashers Most households are already equipped with a dishwasher, but the majority are a single wash area models. It is well known that for a dishwasher to operate efficiently, the entire washer should be filled before running the cycle. For many people this can take days of dishes sitting soiled in the dishwasher.

Drawer dishwashers split the cleaning area into two unique zones. This enables a smaller load to be washed. However, this isn’t the only advantage. Drawer dishwashers can be more ergonomic, reducing the need for bending over to load the washer.

Furthermore, because the two drawers work independently of one another, one drawer can be used on a light cycle for minimally soiled dishes, while the other runs for heavily dirtied dishes -- all simultaneously.

2800 C 45th Ave.

250.545.2272 www.ardentile.com

Your DIY Headquarters s

able C g n i Heat ck In-Sto

tone S & Tile ck In-Sto

10% - 40% off regular priced in-stock tiles.

Heating cables in-stock 20% off with this ad. (Valid until June 30, 2012) • Vinyl Planking Now Available: • Hardwood - Engineered - Solid

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S8 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

VERNON LOCK & SAFE LTD.

How to Equip Your

st

3101 - 31 Avenue, Vernon • www.vernonlock.ca • 250-545-0139

Kids keep losing their keys?

We carry electronic locks We also rekey It’s cheaper than buying new locks!

We do more than just cut keys!

Need fill for your potted plants?

Peanuts

vs.

• Retains water • Good aeration • Lighter than rocks

1 cubic ft bags $ 4.95

Rocks • Will not retain water • Heavy to carry • Good aeration

T: 250.549.3020 F: 250.549.3027 store104@theupsstore.ca 3104 - 30th Ave., Vernon, BC V1T 2C2

The UPS Store® Working from home is growing more popular each and every year. Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever before for the nation’s workers to login from their home environment.

While working from home has its advantages, one notable disadvantage concerns the furniture. A cubicle or office at an office building comes fully furnished at the employer’s expense, while a home office typically must be furnished entirely by the employee. Those about to furnish their home office should consider the following tips.

A+ RATING

* Don’t overdo itit. Home offices need not be as crowded as the standard office building office. In today’s computer age where most files are stored electronically than in file cabinets, a home office does not have to be filled with numerous file cabinets, shelving units or tons of drawer space. When working from home, especially when working from home only part-time, the office does not have to be fully stocked. The essentials will probably do the trick.

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* Be flexible with choice of desk. A desk for a home office can be effective whether it’s a folding table or an aesthetically appealing oak desk.

Oftentimes, the individual will know what he or she needs. For example, an architect will need a larger desk to spread out blueprints while a writer might be fine working on a smaller desk because he or she does not need much more than a computer. * Be choosy with the chair. Employers often look for chairs that discourage slouching and will keep workers comfortable and productive throughout the day. People working from home should also be choosy when finding a workday chair. Cost should not be a major consideration. Instead, comfort should take precedence or it could have adverse effects on an individual’s health over the course of time. Also, be sure the arms of the chair fit under the desk. * Install a second phone line. It’s not ideal to rely on an existing home phone line as the primary means of contact for work. Family or friends might call and force workers to miss important work-related phone calls. Many employers provide a phone line connected to the actual office where the business is located. However, they do not often expect workers to have a work-specific line at their home.

Pruning Tips

FOR TREES AND SHRUBS One commonly overlooked element ement of an aesthetically appealing home is the role trees es can play.

Trees can add an element of beauty to a yard while also playing a practical role, such as shading the grass from intense summer sun.

Homeowners hoping to get thee should consider some pruning ng

Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S9

THE BEST GARDEN WORKFORCE Front Tine Tiller Light Weight SALES SERVICE PARTS

SAVOY EQUIPMENT

LTD.

Variable cultivating widths Chain driven forward and reverse

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FT900

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559.99

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3202 29TH Street, Vernon 250-545-0627 most out of their trees guidelines:

www.savoyequipment.com

- Fruit trees

Low Vibe and Smart Start Easy handling 23.5” cut length Weight 5.3 kg

❯

If the buds on a fruit tree have already started swelling, you’ve waited too long too prune. In general, fruit trees are best pruned in late winter or early spring. When pruning, be sure to remove all branches growing inward as well as limbs growing straight up.

$

SAVE

299.00

Before

- Berry bushes Typically pruned in late fall or early winter, once you have finished harvesting the berries. When pruning berry bushes, keep in mind the importance of shape with respect to a berry bush’s aesthetic appeal.

DOUBLE SIDED

$90.00

122 HD60

e worry h t g n i k a t ome out of h ns... o renovati After

- Rosebushes Generally best pruned in late winter, with early spring the latest possible cutoff date. Remove any older shoots and leave between four and eight canes while removing any that are growing inward. When cutting them down, try to cut them to right around two feet above ground, and cut close to an inch above a bud or strong shoot.

- Evergreen shrubs

We can help you get started or manage the entire project!

Evergreen shrubs won’t flower, but they can be pruned after they have produced cones or shrubs. That typically occurs between late winter and early spring, so this can be done as the weather begins to warm up as part of your early season spring cleanup.

• TILE • CARPET • HARDWOOD

- Evergreen trees

FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATIONS

In general, evergreen trees do not need to be pruned. It’s generally obvious when an evergreen does need to be pruned, as the tree will be noticeably larger and in obvious need of pruning. Evergreens that do need to be pruned typically need it in late spring or early summer, and they will likely not grow much after a good pruning.

Duane Vankeimpema

250.938.2994

- Deciduous trees and Deciduous shrubs Deciduous trees are generally only pruned for shaping. For those looking to shape, mid to late winter is the ideal time to do so.

Mid to late spring is often the best time to prune deciduous shrubs. That’s generally after they have flowered, and it will be obvious when they are in need or pruning, as they will likely have lots of unsightly branches evident to the naked eye.

Renovations & Flooring

Serving the Greater Okanagan area

Is Your Tub Rough? Is It Hard to Clean?

Are You Tired of the Colour?

• • www.bathmaster.com • mrtubs@shaw.ca •

www.jaydeeassociates.com duanesin@telus.net

Reglazing • Wall Surrounds Tub to Shower Conversions Acrylic Bathtub Liners Removal and Installation Call Rick 250-558-8543 of tubs

S10 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

Convenient IN TOWN Location • Delivery Available • FREE Onsite Loading

• Topsoil • Bark Mulches • Decorative Rock • Flagstone • Landscape Supplies

Authorized Dealer

OWNERS: KEVIN & LORI WOURNELL

250-542-8191

4620-23rd Street

www.vernonlandscape.com • Behind ICBC OFFICES, OFF SILVER STAR RD.

We Carry a Full Line of Exterior LighƟng

Sun Dial Lighting 2801 44th Avenue, Vernon • 250-545-7370

www.sundiallighƟng.ca

Simply Quality Service, Quality Products at Quality Prices.

Hardwood • Laminate • Carpet Fiber Floor • Tile & Stone • Cork

5103 - 25th Street, Vernon BC • 250-260-1042

In the home decor industry, much like in fashion, change is inevitable and what was once considered past often returns to become the latest trend. This reality best describes the recent movement in home decor of incorporating a more rustic look and feel to interior designs. Leading the way as the focal point of this desired look is hardwood floors.

More and more consumers are looking for a more rustic look from their flooring choices and have found durability, unique graining patterns and a wide range of colours with hardwood floors.

Its hardness and durability make it an excellent option for high traffic areas. Wood typically comes in many shades ranging from golden beige to full-bodied brown.

Darker two tone stain colours follow the trend towards pronounced colour variations in flooring that is now in vogue. Hickory stain colour cleverly refines the wood’s rough and textured side with its gold, brown, and orange hues. It immediately becomes the focal point in a room.

Rustic floors gives you the feeling of being at your favourite ski lodge or chalet.

What ever it is combined with, wood can add a bold design, make brightly colored objects stand out, or make a monochrome environment, which is bound to turn heads. Colours are available in solid, engineered and LOC versions in varying widths.

Granite & Marble

The popularity of granite has dramatically increased in recent years. Its beauty and durability make granite an ideal choice for kitchen countertops and vanities.

Granite is the countertop material choice for interior designers. It defines elegance in a kitchen. The natural beauty of a granite countertop compliments any style of cabinetry.

The durability of granite as a countertop makes it a favorite of homeowners.

Second only to diamonds in hardness, granite is simply the best work surface available.

With many multi-faceted colors to choose from, granite offers the elusive one of a kind beauty that home owner’s desire. As a result each unique granite countertop adds its own character and warmth to kitchens, baths and other areas of the home.

Granite surfaces are easy to clean and maintain (mild dish soap, soft cloth) Granite and marble kitchen countertops have proven to be a very good investment for homeowners. While the cost will be higher then other countertop materials, Granite will out last other materials and will maintain its value for years to come.

Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S11

YOUR CENTRE FOR

• Lawn mowers • Tillers • Generators • Pumps • Trimmers • Outboards

• Lawn mowers

Whether it’s renovations, building, garden & lawn maintenance, mechanical needs, or holding a special event,

see us for all your rental needs

RENTAL & SALES LTD. 2810 - 27A Avenue, Vernon • 250-542-4331

Information supplied by Adriatic Granite at www.adriaticgranite.com

ADRIATIC

GRANITE & MARBLE WORKS LTD.

Commercial & Residential Fabrication to Installation

Class, Quality, Customer Service.

Kitchens | Vanities | F Fireplaces | New Homes & Renovations

~ Marble ~ Granite ~ All Natural Stone ~ Caesarstone, Silestone, Cimstone, Handstone, Zodiac ~ Stainless Sinks

Come Visit Our Gorgeous New Showroom!

8106 Highland Place Vernon, BC

www.adriaticgranite.com 250-545-2028 Toll Free: 1-866-545-2028

MEMBER

Supplied Granite to Tommie award winning homes ‘08, ‘09, ‘10, ‘11

Bringing European Craftsmanship and Quality to Your Home.

Outstanding Customer Service & Over 20 Years of Fabricating Experience.

S12 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

Make Ceiling Fans ®

SUPERIOR CEDAR PRODUCTS

• Decking • Timbers & Beams • Fencing • Tongue & Groove • Siding • Reclaimed Lumber SPRING SPECIALS 5/4 x 6 Northern SelectTM...14’ @ $1.00/ft.

2 x 6 Northern SelectTM...14’ @ $1.25/ft.

1 x 6 Fence Boards...5’ & 6’ $2.25/ea.

www.cedarsolutions.ca

250-838-0899 • Enderby, BC

The CLEAR Choice Frameless Shower Door Glass custom made to Ƥt your shower enclosure, providing a seamless design.

BUILDING OR RENOVATING? We can help enhance the beauty and elegance of your bathroom decor.

CALL US TODAY FOR AN ESTIMATE 3415 Okanagan St., Armstrong

250-546-8845 24 Hour Emergency Service• 250-546-9611

We Fix Panes!

Auto • Residential • Commercial

It would seem the ceiling fan is the bane of a designer’s existence, especially if one lends creedence to television’s slew of interior designers. When such designers prepare to overhaul a room, the ceiling fan is often the first item to go.

Although there are certainly ceiling fans that aren’t the ideal decorating centerpiece, are they all an eyesore? Most people would agree not. Plus, ceiling fans can provide an invaluable service in the home; they can help moderate a room’s temperature whether it is winter or summer and use less energy for heating and cooling.

Whether homewoners love or hate ceiling fans, there are ways to develop a relationship of compromise with the whirling wonder. Consider these design tips for working with fans. ~ Explore the different fan options.

Ceiling fan designs of today are not what they used to be. For those installing or replacing a ceiling fan, choose a sleek style that matches the wood trims in the home. Or consider a fan that simply fades into the background and is not a focal point at all. ~ Swap out the bulbs and shades.

Part of what makes many ceiling fans unsightly are the bulbs and coverings on the bulbs. These may be floral or frosted glass. Generally country in style, ceiling fans clash with

many homeowners’ styles. One can purchase replacement bulbs and shades if the goal is to simply make the fan look better without a major replacement. ~ Blades and brass. Many homes are outfitted with ceiling fans reminiscent of the 1980s. That means they could be full of brass accents and blades that feature designs or inlaid bamboo patchw o r k .

Whatever the case, these looks do not blend in with today’s more upscale styles.

Disassemble the fan, replacing the blades and simply spray painting the hardware to cover up the gaudiness of brass. ~ Loud and proud. If it’s the noise generated from the ceiling fan that is more of a nuisance than its look, it may be time to replace the fan. There could be a mechanical problem or the ceiling fan might be coated with accumulated dust. The fan should not detract from a person’s quality of life. ~ Dangling eyesore. The pull chains for a ceiling fan can be distracting and unsightly. Many fans now come with remote controls, eliminating the need for pull strings.

Also, a homeowner can consider eliminating existing strings and simply use a light switch to control the fan.

Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S13

We do FREE in-home window treatment consultations

There’s no substitution for true beauty.

Hunter Douglas is your first choice for style and innovation.

Don’t settle for anything less than our truly distinctive designs.

From May 1st to August 31st, 2012, ask us how you can receive a Hunter Douglas Manufacturer’s Rebate.

Manufacturer’s

Rebate

Scan with your smartphone to view video.

Financing available OAC

#102 - 3105 28 Ave, Vernon

250-545-4571

S14 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

Reimer’s

FARM SERVICES

Fir or Cedar Bark Mulch ~ Regular & Screened Sizes ~

Shavings & Sawdust • 10 - 150 yard loads

250-260-0110 Debbie Tolpinrud

By Inspired Design

Real Estate Staging Specialist

Tel: 250.306.4569 www.byinspireddesign.ca debbie@byinspireddesign.ca

Real Estate Staging

Interior Decorating, Design & Redesign

Preparing your home for sale

One day home makeovers

Colour Consultations Sourcing / Shopping Revive with new colours

Time for change in furnishings and fabrics

Equipping the A room in the house devoted entirely to male interests is becoming much more popular in recent years. The “man cave” is no longer relegated to the garage or a dusty corner in the basement. Today’s guys are devoting an entire room to a particular interest of their choice. Some prefer a work-out room with equipment that rivals the nearest gym. Others want to deck-out the room in surround sound and a projection screen to create the ultimate home-theater experience.

No matter what the man cave will entail, there are some steps guys can take to ensure the plans go smoothly. * Create the theme. This is a chance for the man to dream up any design style he prefers. Maybe the walls will be covered in sports memorabilia. Perhaps he desires a dark, solitary space. The room can also be a mix and match of any style, as long as it’s the desire of the guy. * Tech it out. Chances are the focal point of the man cave will be a big-screen television. If budget allows, go for the biggest and best TV with all the peripheral equipment. If budget is a bit more modest, shop around for a deal and see what can be picked up from swap Web sites or online bidding sites. Also, check out the classified section of the newspaper to find local deals on equipment being unloaded by others for a steal. * Furnish the place. The cornerstone piece of furniture could be a large leather sectional to fit many guy friends. Or, if the man cave is to be a solitary spot, a comfortable recliner. Remember to also include a small refrigerator for refreshments. * Lock it up. For those who want to keep the man cave off-limits, install a lock to keep unwanted visitors out. * Enjoy the space. The man cave is a place where guys can kick back and relax and do what they prefer -- something that may be off limits in the rest of the house.

COMPLETE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Commercial • Strata • Large Private Properties

• Regularly scheduled Grass Mowing, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, garden maintenance

THE

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GROUNDS GUYS HAVE:

Clean Shiny Trucks; Friendly Uniformed Personnel; 3 Hour Call Back Guarantee; State of the Art Equipment; Quality Control Reports

250•545•3863

www.groundguys.ca

W

Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S15

e Have A

ayWithWater

Since 70% of the human body is water, the water we drink and cook with must be the highest quality water.

WaterMax® is a patented, comprehensive water treatment system; truly the right water cleaner for our age of conservation -- the world’s most efficient water treatment system.

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From our computerized solid-state Systems Control to our exclusive directional flow screens, only the most advanced manufacturing processes and materials have been used to build WaterMax®. We employ the most innovative engineers in the industry and have won 7 U.S. patents ensuring that WateMax® provides years of trouble-free water treatment in your home, which is why it is known throughout the world.

The WaterMax will work for you in ensuring that your entire house receives the benefits of soft, clean water. You’ll be able to taste the freshness of sweet corn, feel the softness of a new shirt and say goodbye to that film around the tub.

And it won’t just do good work, it will look good too. The styling of a WaterMax® is as impressive as its operational capabilities. There simply is no better looking unit on the market today. Even the texture of the cabinet is quality you can feel.

www.clearwatersolutions@shaw.ca Information supplied by Clear Water Solutions Inc.

Is your water softener water-ef¿cient?

You can save as much as 27,000 litres a year with an Aquamaster vs. a conventional softener.

Now Available at: Clear Water Solutions Inc.

Ph: 250-306-5803

www.clearwatersolutions.ca

S16 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

for family-friendly decorating Active families will require a design style that fits with their lifestyle, not vice versa. That means individuals should examine how they live and fashion rooms accordingly. These designs will have to take into account that children often have accidents, get into things they shouldn’t touch, and entertaining company will lead to stains, and perhaps pets will cause their own mayhem.

Here are some other family-friendly design tips. * Choose a paint color and finish that hides scuffs and stains. Semi-gloss finishes may be wiped down to clean off some items, like crayon or dirt. In a child’s room, consider painting one wall (or a portion of the wall) with chalkboard paint.

This way you can deter drawing on other areas of the home. * Avoid long drapes. Such drapes are tripping hazards and choking hazards, and kids typically can’t resist pulling on them. Opt for shutters, shades or miniblinds.

Many parents worry about sharp edges or fragile items in living areas. This can be remedied by choosing rounded designs that are easier on limbs and heads should falls occur. Consider an upholstered ottoman to serve as a coffee table instead of something wood or metal. Not only will it be soft, many ottomans have flip-up covers where toys or extra pillows and such can be stowed away. They also double as extra seating when guests come around.

* Use stain-guard sprays or cover dining room chairs with a protective covering so that they can hold up to tomato sauce and other food items that might drop on kids’ chairs. * Buy durable items. It may cost a little more to by a dependable brand, but it will pay off in the long run when Junior is using the sofa as a trampoline. * Keep spaces for the kids. It’s inevitable that toys will stray out of bedrooms and into other areas of the house. Build baskets and other storage devices into the design so there are places to quickly store items out of the way.

Don’t overload furniture and shelving with a ton of knick-knacks. It gives you more work in dusting and cleaning and give kids a greater number of things to touch and potentially break.

Consider hardwood floors or tile. Should spills or accidents occur, they can be mopped up rather easily. This way you don’t have to contend with or worry about damaged and stained carpeting.

* Don’t wait to decorate until the kids are older. Then you’ll have a room full of mix-matched things pieced together over the years. Select quality pieces in forgivable fabrics and materials, and you can have a room everyone can enjoy.

4309-27th Street, Vernon

250-545-3212

Your Style Spring Edition

LAWN MAINTENANCE

IKEA KITCHENS

WATERING – WATER 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK!

A large range of styles Quality hardware Soft closing doors & drawers

Your new lawn requires 1 inch of water per week to stay green and hydrated. Water 2-3 times per week, NOT daily to encourage deep roots. Deep roots will reach for water and will maximize the water it receives in the stored soil.

During drought conditions, your bluegrass lawn will go dormant and recover quickly when watering resumes.

THE BETTER CHOICE THE BETTER PRICE

MOWING – KEEP MOWER BLADES SHARP! Mow often, removing no more than 1/3 of the height at once. Lopping grass off at high heights stresses it and short clippings provide mulch, which feeds your grass instead of mulch that piles up and turns into thatch.

FERTILIZING – FEED YOU LAWN! Fertilize your lawn 3 times per year. Fertilizing provides nutrients that are lost over time and healthy, thriving bluegrass chokes out weeds.

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S17

CALL 250-307-1512 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Quick delivery and installation by Livin’ Colour Vernon WWW.LIVINCOLOUR.CA

DROUGHT MAINTENANCE Drought conditions in the Okanagan mean people are conscious of water usage. As a member of the Drought Response Team for the North Okanagan Regional District, Lavington Turf Farms personally helped with the development of a local drought response plan.

Information provided by Lavington Turf Farm

We’re heavily involved within our community because we believe in a green world. Our goal is to teach people how to look after their grass with minimal amounts of water. Our professional team of experts will tell you how to look after your grass so you don’t have to waste valuable water resources.

Serving the Okanagan Since 1989

Visit us at www.lavingtonturf.com

BUY LOCAL

* DEPENDABLE * SERVICE * QUALITY * • Drought Tolerant Kentucky Bluegrass • Pick/Up & Delivery Available

250•549•2967 Toll Free: 1-800-453-8873 Email: lavingtonturffarms@shaw.ca (Located between Vernon & Lumby)

S18 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

• Shavings

David

• Sawdust

HAVE A FUN & SUCCESSFUL GARDENING YEAR!

• Wood chips • Hog fuel

Lumby, BC

• Bark Mulch • Cedar Mulch

250-549-0324

• Fir Mulch

or

• 10-40 Yard Loads

250-547-6815 FREEES ESTIMAT

ATTENTION! Home Owners

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION New or Finished Homes starting at $65 per inlet BRUCE COAD

Call 250-542-BEAM

FINDLAYS Vacuum & Sewing 3101 - 48th Avenue in the Andre’s Plaza • 250-549-2730 www.findlaysvacuumandsew.com

Just A Short Drive Away!

Annuals Perennials Fruit Plants Fruit Trees Shade Trees Evergreens Flowering Shrubs Vegetables

EN!

OP NOW

A Growing Nursery in the Okanagan 18 Years in Business

Mon - Sat: 8am - 5pm Sun: 10am - 4pm (April thru June only)

250-546-8181

1871 Pleasant Valley Rd., ARMSTRONG - Only 10 minutes from Vernon! www.bluemountainnursery.ca

How exciting it is to be planting the hanging baskets for the year. I love the color and texture and how they grow and surprise you all season long.

If you have never planted your own hanging basket or if you have bought one already made up and haven’t been able to keep it happy all season here are a few hints to help you have success.

Always start with fresh soil. Using old soil means you might have a fungus, a bug who laid his eggs there, dead soil with no nutrients left or even mold. If you want your beautiful plants to stay healthy start with healthy soil.

There are many great soils in bags. I like to use soil with gel mixed in so watering is not such an issue. If your

soil is too heavy the plants also have a hard time making it. A plant that needs to grow in a hurry and bloom like crazy all season needs nice loose soil for it’s roots to spread into. We like to use a slow release fertilizer as well when we plant. This eliminates the need for someone to fertilize your plants if you go away for a vacation.

Just watering works for a short period.

Make sure you pick plants that will grow together happily. Don’t put shade plants and sun plants in the same planter – one or the other will suffer by not getting the right light.

We like to fertilize our baskets every time we water. Use Miracle Grow or Triple 20. These mix easily in water. We use ¼ the strength they suggest on the box and that way you can feed your plants constantly. This keeps them much happier.

Pruning and clipping every couple of weeks keeps the blooms all along the stems instead of just at the ends.

By doing this by weekly you will never run out of blooms.

Be creative and plant a basket up with your favorite colors. Then enjoy looking after it and reap the rewards of extreme beauty you created.

Debbie Morris, along with her husband Don, have owned Blue Mountain Nursery in Armstrong for the past 18 years. Find them on Facebook or at www.bluemountainnursery.ca

Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S19

We can raise it so you don’t have to replace it!

Leather furniture is among the more popular options, but some shoppers shy away from leather because of preconceived notions about the material. Despite what many people think about leather, most of the common beliefs are actually myths, and leather is easier to care for than many consumers might think.

With W ith either either MUDJACKING MUDJACKING or or POLYURETHANE LIFTING wee ccan POLYURETHANE L IF TING w an ffix: ix:

Leather is hard to clean.

Leather is a natural material made from the hide of different animals. In general, all a person needs to clean stains and spills is a damp rag. Leather furniture should be routinely dusted. Conditioning products can be applied once or twice a year to keep the leather supple.

D Driveways riveways S Sidewalks idewalks W Walkways alkways

P Patios atios G Garage arage F Floors loors Basement Basement F Floors loors

C Commercial ommer cial Floors/Ramps Floors/Ramps Pool P ool D Decks ecks

Leather furniture is too expensive.

The up-front cost of leather furniture may be more than other options.

However, while many other fabrics wear out over time, leather only gets better and better. Leather will develop its character and patina through frequent use.

Leather furniture isn’t comfortable.

Leather furniture indoors is not like sitting on leather seats in a car that is subject to the temperature fluctuations from outdoors. Inside with moderated temperatures, the leather will stay pleasantly cool in the summer and will warm to your body heat in the winter. Try to keep leather furniture away from windows and the sun, which will heat it up and may fade the color prematurely.

Leather isn’t for children or pets.

Finest in the Okanagan

Imagine!!!

Children and pets can be hard on furniture, but leather can often withstand their abuse. There are special leather sealants that can provide an added measure of protection in high-traffic homes.

Before

After

Call C all us us ffor or a F REE FREE estimate! estimate!

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www.accurateconcrete.ca www.accurateconcrete.ca ““Family Family O Owned wned & O Operated” perated”

Okanagan’s Finest Kitchen Store

HOURS: MON-FRI. 8:00-4:30 • SATURDAYS BY APPOINTMENT

8111 Highland Place (North of Swan Lake) • 250-558-5112

S20 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

Your Trusted Renovation Specialists

TIPS

FOR CREATING AN

SPACE

Outdoor living areas have become an extension of the home’s interior, with many homeowners creating outdoor living rooms and dining areas so they can relax and eat meals outside just as they do indoors. But homeowners thinking of creating outdoor living spaces should consider a few tricks of the trade before beginning their projects.

* Strategically place the space.

Keep in mind that the outdoor space is more likely to be used if it’s easily accessible from the inside of the home. Whenever possible, plan the outdoor living space so it’s easily accessible from the home’s interior, preferably from the kitchen so it will be easier to carry meals outdoors when dining outside.

* Emphasize comfort 2011 Best Home Repair

Many homeowners look at their outdoor living areas as places to kick their feet up and relax, so comfort should take precedence when planning the space. Forgo the plastic patio chairs of yesteryear for furniture that’s more sturdy and roomy so you won’t feel cramped or sweaty on warm summer evenings and afternoons. In addition, don’t forget to shade the area. Some homeowners choose to build pergolas, but oftentimes an umbrella or two can do the trick at a fraction of the cost. If the outdoor living area is near trees, they might provide sufficient shade from the often blistering summer sun.

* Illuminate the area Summer nights spent relaxing in the outdoor living area make for great memories. Tiki torches might do the trick for some, while others who want to avoid giving their outdoor area a luau feel might prefer solar-powered accent lights, which won’t require any wiring. If your backyard attracts its fair share of insects, look for insect-repelling lights or lamps.

* Keep the design consistent with your home.

2011 Best Home Builder

In addition to providing an outdoor respite from the daily grind, an outdoor living space can also increase a home’s resale value. One of the goals when designing an outdoor living space should be to create a seamless transition from the home’s interior to its exterior. The best way to do that is to keep the designs of both living spaces consistent.

* Don’t forget the fire pit A fire pit provides a great focal point for an outdoor living area. Instead of sitting at the dinner table, families and friends can gather around the fire pit and relax with some s’mores and share stories. But even when guests aren’t coming over, a fire pit makes kes for a great place to relax and let the time go by.

250-549-7405 • Fax: 250-503-1562 www.redgwellconstruction.com

Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S21

Upcycling

R

U

euse edesign eupholster

pcycling is an innovative design concept with practical and cost-effective solutions to style your home.

Don’t throw out a worn sofa or chair. Keep it out of the landfill and give it new life with a bit of creativity. Give Grandma’s furniture a second chance. Rescue items from the local thrift stores. There are many opportunities available to those with a discerning eye!

Not all furniture is worth reclaiming, but if it is well built and has good design, give it some consideration. Furniture from the 1920s to 1960s were made by amazing craftsmen and have good ‘bones.’ If the framework is sturdy, it can be worth the effort to redesign or refurbish it.

Old pieces can be stripped to the frame, reupholstered and recovered with fresh fabric - keep it vintage or kick it up a notch! Exposed wood on the piece can be refinished to bring back the old luster or redone in a current stain colour.

If you want, create a new piece. A sofa can be made into a chaise lounge or love seat,. A small ottoman with great legs can be rebuilt into a larger one. Exceptional components - carved wood arms or legs, for example - can be used to create entirely new chair or table.

With a bit of work and imagination, you will end up with a very well built piece that will last for a very long time, give you much pleasure and help the environment.

Check out the show room at AKA Room Services where they have started salvaging pieces. They have brought furniture back to life - stripped them down, redesigned and restyled them. Pick one of their finished pieces or select a ‘work in progress’ and customize it by selecting your own style and fabric.

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Information submitted by aka Room Services.

Serving the Okanagan Since 1983 • FREE Estimates • 100% Canadian

Financing available OAC

#102 - 3105 28 Ave, Vernon

250-545-4571

S22 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

Spring Cleaning Event

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Rock your yard!

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Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S23

Top tips to make a home

A well-planned, high performance home costs less to operate -- and as importantly, high performance is the promise of premium resale value.

Sustainable components include energy-efficient heating, lighting, cooling and water systems, as well as the reduction of natural resources like wood.

Clip this checklist as a preliminary guide for both you and your builder: Build for lifestyle convenience where you can walk, cycle, or take public transit.

Consider north-south positioning to maximize use of the sun’s energy and heat.

Install solar panels and generator to offset public energy supply. Add a solar water heater.

Build with concrete. There are new and advanced wall systems that build with pre-assembled forms, each one stacked, reinforced, and then filled with concrete. Once locked together (like Lego) the system creates a solid, monolithic concrete wall. This method has shown to deliver energy savings of up to 70 percent and delivers a building envelope up to three times more sound resistant, four times more fire resistant, and nine times stronger.

Premium green choices should include low- and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and sealants, plus high-performance windows, roofing and flooring.

Design your gardens for low use of water and pesticides. Plan with drought-resistant native plants, perennial groundcovers, plus flowers and shady canopy trees.

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S24 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

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Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S25

TRIUMPH

ON-GROUND POOLS! We at Backyard Pleasures are on the leading edge of technology with our energy efficient pool pumps, heaters, filters and LED lights for pools and hot tubs and for our environmentally friendly pool and hot tub chemical supplies.

The Triumph On-ground system as developed by Highbury Pools is an excellent solution for the home owner who wishes to have the quality of an in-ground swimming pool with out the extensive construction burden and costs.

Triumph On-ground is a perfect solution to sloped backyards and is versatile enough to be buried from half way to all the way into the ground.

The Triumph On-ground system is constructed using 14 gauge, commercial quality galvanized steel. This pool can withstand anything mother nature has to offer. Be it a freezing cold windy winter or a hot sultry summer.

This affordable, flexible and versatile system gives the option of stairs instead of a ladder and is great project for the do-it-yourselfer.

Information supplied by Backyard Pleasures Ltd.

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250.545.1836

S26 Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star

Your Style Spring Edition

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ROCKS

The h b backyard k db barbecue b is one off the h most b beloved, l d iconic traditions. d S Summertime entertaining season is upon us once again, meaning it’s time to perfect your grilling game.

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1 KM NORTH OF SWAN LAKE NURSERYLAND

The following tasty tips and simple tricks will help ensure your backyard blowout is the best party on the block.

Keep the heat out of the kitchen. Most summer hosts and hostesses think about cooking meats on the grill, yet rarely realize the potential for grilling snacks, sides and even desserts. Serve this “100 Percent Grilled” menu at your next summer soiree and get ready for your guests’ rave reviews:

* * * *

For an unexpected appetizer, grill quesadillas stuffed with cheddar cheese and corn and black bean salsa. Top with sour cream and cilantro.

Sprinkle chicken breasts with a few seasonings and top with a sauce of your choice as a finishing touch.

Brush fresh vegetables like asparagus, zucchini and mushrooms with an infused olive oil before grilling for incredible color and flavor.

Place buttered slices of your favorite pound cake on the grill until just heated through. Top with grilled peaches, ice cream and caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.

Savor seafood. Place shrimp, peppers and onions on a skewer to make a spectacular shish kabob. Salmon is healthy and delicious when grilled on a cedar plank, while adding hickory chips to your coals can add incredible flavor to grilled seafood, meat or veggies. Just remember to soak cedar planks or hickory chips beforehand to prevent them from catching fire on the grill.

Cook your family’s favorite meals on the grill this summer to deliver incredible flavor without the mess in the kitchen.

Paving & Asphalt Recycling • Need a pad to park a boat or RV? • Driveway cracked or broken?

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Box 1462 Vernon, BC V1T 6N7 • 250-546-6610 • fax 250-546-6613 • email doug383@telus.net

Your Style Spring Edition

Sunday, April 29, 2012 - The Morning Star S27

How to get a cleaner, healthier home this Springtime is the best time to get your home and outdoor equipment ready for the approaching warm weather, and the sooner you start the sooner you will be ready to enjoy the spring and summer months.

Here are some suggestions to make your home as healthy and as clean as possible.

Get rid of mold and mildew When the house is closed up tight for the winter, it’s easy for mold and mildew to take hold and grow, and such growths can adversely affect your respiratory system while potentially causing sinus congestion and eye irritation. Mold and mildew growth also creates unsightly stains, damaging paint and wall finishes as a result.

Prevent mildew by venting bathrooms or opening a window to dry out the room after showering. Also check for and remedy any leaks that can contribute to mold and mildew growth. In attics, basements and utility rooms, consider the use of a desiccant, which will remove moisture from the air.

Say ‘Au Revoir’ to Odor Readying a home for fresh, spring days also entails ridding its interior of odor. Homeowners should use an odor eliminator in their kitchens, on carpets and even their musty basements, ensuring the home is odor-free for the long winter months ahead. Think about adding houseplants as well.

Plants are natural air filters and can go a long way toward cleaning the air of contaminants and odors.

Outdoor equipment The warm-weather season is also barbecue season.

When cooking food on the grill, do not reuse marinade after it has touched raw meat or poultry. Use a cleaner that dissolves grease, fat and burned-on food for quick cleanup with less effort. Promptly scrape down the grill surface while the barbecue is still warm to remove most of the drippings and scraps of food for easier clean-up.

Protect against allergens, virusPatio Furniture es and bacteria Effectively cleaning a home can involve several preventive measures to keep everyone free from viruses and bacteria. Disinfect surfaces from harmful bacteria, including those associated with food poisoning, whooping cough and even infections such as MRSA. Another way to redue the spread of illness is to make sure everyone in the household washes their hands when coming in from school, work or from shopping.

The warm weather enables people to venture outdoors and commune with nature. Prepping the patio furniture for a new season of use often involved a lot of elbow grease and time. Use a cleaner that kills germs, helps control mold and mildew and destroys bacterial odors while digging out grease, grime, fingerprints, bird droppings, suntan lotion, and other tough stains from outdoor and poolside furniture.

OPEN HOUSE 1 - 3PM SUNDAY 4607 20th St. GAVIN

TAYLOR

HOME FOR SALE AWARD WINNING BUILDER 36 YEARS OF CUSTOM HOMES, RENOVATIONS & RESTORATIONS 250 545 3971 • WWW.GAVINPARSONS.COM

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1,450 sq. ft.

3 bedr’m / 2.5 baths full basement • lane access hardwood floors / fireplace stainless steel apliances zoned for Carriage house $

369,000

HST Included

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Monday - Saturday 9 am - 5:30 pm

5309 26th St., Vernon

410 Banks Rd., Kelowna

250-542-3399

250-763-8847

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