October 2012 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS
DIY Seven inexpensive ways to update your home now
RAKING IT IN Prepare your lawn for winter weather Go Online to view this section!
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
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Alberni Valley News 3
Prepare your lawn for winter weather Every weekend of the last few months you have spent mowing, weeding, edging, and trimming your lawn so that it will look its best. In order to ensure your lawn makes a complete recovery after winter hibernation, you may want to spend the fall taking steps to help your lawn survive the winter months ahead.
soil of nutrition, but autumn presents a great opportunity to strengthen those roots. Consider a slow-release formula designed for winterizing that will feed the lawn all winter long. Edge the garden beds. Take advantage of the cooler weather and slow-growing grass to re-edge around flower beds. Even though the grass above the surface of the soil will stop growing, the roots will remain viable and the lawn will still be sending out rhizomes and tillers to produce new grass blades in the spring. These can easily encroach on garden beds. Edge now so you will have less work to do in the spring.
Remove fallen leaves and debris.Raking leaves can be arduous, but it is well worth the effort. Fallen leaves can smother grass and lead to dead spots and decay next season. Cut your lawn short. Unless the season is unseasonably wet and warm, your lawn shouldn’t grow too much in October and November. Continue to cut your lawn until there is no visible growth for about two weeks. It pays to give it a short cut before frost arrives so that long piles of dead grass will not smother any new growth in the spring. Fertilize. Now is the time to give the lawn fresh food to overwinter and also replenish the strength of the root system. All summer long the lawn has been depleting the
Seed bare patches. Scour the lawn for bare patches and put down some seed in these areas. The cooler weather will enable the seeds to germinate without having to compete with weed growth that is dominate in the spring. Once you have prepared your lawn for the winter you can bring in any lawn tools that Raking leaves is fall tradition that need repair and have them set and packed protects lawns. away for the spring.
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
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Seven easy and inexpensive ways to Oftentimes, buying a home opens up a bottomless pit of opportunities for projects and improvements. While some homeowners engage in different repairs and fix-ups out of necessity, many others like to freshen-up their spaces out of personal preference instead of need. But even the most well-intentioned projects can be waylaid if budgets are tight. What many homeowners may not realize is that there are many ways to make updates and changes to a home that do not require a major overhaul or a large price tag. The following are seven projects that won’t break the bank.
Add lighting. Lighting at different levels in the room can
create a vibrant impact. Many homeowners mistakenly put in a couple of table lamps and think that will be adequate. However, properly illuminating a room means varying the lighting to create different moods at different times. Plus, more light can make a room feel more welcoming.
Add new pillows or drapes. Chang-
ing a few aspects of a room can give it an entirely new look. If you want to add a splash of color but don’t know what to do, think about incorporating some new throw pillows or change the curtains. An accessory here and there in a bright color also can incorporate a new hue without it being overwhelming.
Move around furniture. You may be able to change the look of a room without spending any money. Interior designers know how to arrange furniture for maximum appeal, but the average homeowner can do it, too. Find A quick change of knobs a focal point in the room and angle the furniture updates cabinetry. Change knobs or small accents. toward it. Don’t make the focal point the televiGive a room a new look by focusing on the small sion, however. Try changing the placement of chairs and sofas. details. Switch out cabinet knobs for something updated and Simply moving a curio cabinet from one corner to another may modern. Take inventory of wall outlets and light switches and also make a difference. continued next page
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Alberni Valley News 5
update every room in your home from page 4 think about selecting new ones that coordinate with your home decor.
Use plants. Empty corners or spots you’re not certain how to fill may benefit from a plant. Plants are inexpensive ways to add instant color and visual appeal to a room. Plus, having live plants can help improve indoor air by filtering out contaminants. A home with plants also feels more cozy.
Hang new wall art. It may be time to look at your photos and artwork and make a few adjustments. Finding new prints to hang could instantly change a room’s ambience. And you needn’t spend a lot of money on professional photography, either. Grab your camera and take a few close-up shots of flowers or take in a landscape scenery. Many of today’s home printers can produce professional-quality prints in minutes.
Throw cushions are an easy and inexpensive way to add “wow”.
Try a new coat of paint. After you’ve exhausted other
match them up to a paint color, you will have scores of opportunities to explore fresh new colors for your home.
avenues, choosing a new paint color may be the new look you desire. Painting is one of the least expensive yet most dramatic methods of changing a home’s interior. With dozens of hues to choose from, and new apps that enable you to take snapshots of things in nature or in your life and
When you get inspired to make improvements to the home but fear how much it may take out of your wallet, consider inexpensive tricks like these that can induce a big “wow” factor.
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Last minute entertaining tricks & tips Though some hosts may not flinch at such a daunting task, others may fret at the idea of opening up their homes for a last minute gathering. But hosts faced with the task of throwing a last-minute affair can take the following five tips to heart to ensure their party goes off without a hitch.
fresheners combine with odors throughout the home and make things worse. Look for products that clean the air or use scented candles, a pot of boiling herbs or essential oils to freshen up.
devote the same amount of time to cleaning. Consider hiring a professional or take inventory of the rooms and spaces where the event will be held. Do a cursory cleaning, paying special attention to removing clutter (or simply hiding it). At the least, bathrooms should be clean and sanitary and kitchen cleaned. Empty the dishwasher so that you can simply place soiled cups, dishes and silverware inside as they are used.
ready-made items, such as cold cuts and rolls, salads, fruit, quiche, and any other foods that require minimal heating and prep. Hosts pressed for time can also throw a pot luck dinner, wherein guests bring one dish with them, reducing the host’s workload.
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Banish odors.
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Make clean-up easy.
Be sure to keep several visible trash cans and recyclable bins around so guests can discard their used items accordingly. Disposable plates and cups are usually coveted for these types of events, but some people would like more environmentally friendly options. In this case, look for disposable items that are made from recycled materials. Choose individual servings of beverages, including canned soft drinks or small bottles of water. This will cut down on the number of cups or glasses used. If you prefer buying larger containers of beverages, look for new party cups where you can scratch names onto the front of the cup, ensuring it doesn’t get lost or tossed in the trash prematurely.
Relax.
If you are close to your guests, relax. They will understand how much work goes into hosting a party. Chances are they won’t judge your convenience foods, frantic cleaning or time-saving strategies.
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
8 Alberni Valley News
Doors, windows recoup cost best
According to Remodeling magazine’s 2011-2012 “Cost Vs. Value Report,” replacement projects perform better in resale value than other types of remodeling projects. Siding, windows and door replacement projects all recoup between 69 and 78 percent of their initial costs. Replacement projects perhaps recoup so much value because, with the exception of roofing projReplacement projects, like windows ects, each of the projects get the best return on investment. examined in the report are priced at less than $19,000. Replacement projects also tend to rely heavily on durable, low-maintenance products, reducing the overall cost of the project while helping owners eventually regain more of their investment. In addition, replacement projects are known to instantly increase curb appeal, helping homeowners make a strong first impression with prospective buyers.
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
Alberni Valley News 9
Clean cars have better resale value Windows
cleansing agent. Most automotive supply stores will sell an upholstery cleaner designed for car interiors. You also can use a mixture of laundry detergent and water applied with a slightly damp rag or sponge. Go over each area that is soiled so you can devote adequate time to each stain. The same process can be used on the vehicle’s carpeting. Use a brush to really clean heavily soiled areas. Leather upholstery can be more delicate than cloth upholstery. When cleaning a leather interior, use only products that are designed specifically for leather so as to avoid damaging the interior.
thing with a dry cloth or towel afterward.
from page 14
Console and dashboard detailing
A barely moist cloth can be used to clean the plastic components of the dashboard and consoles of the vehicle. The goal is to wipe away any dust and any minor stains or sticky areas without saturating important electrical components. It is always better to spray polish or cleaning agents on your cloth than directly on the dashboard. In hard-to-reach-areas, consider using a soft-bristled paintbrush or cotton swabs to clean in crevices. Wipe down every-
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Having clean windows is essential to driving safely. Cleaning the windshield and windows is relatively simple to do with a glass cleaner spray and a lint-free cloth. Use caution when cleaning the rear windshield if it has a defogger/defroster grid on the window. These wires can be damaged easily. Clean with the direction of the defroster grid lines.
Freshen the car
Place an air freshener or spray a product on the air intake vent to eradicate musty smells in the car. It also is important to replace the cabin air filter periodically, otherwise you could be breathing in dust and dander that is trapped in the filter. These are the basic steps to cleaning a car’s interior. Other detail work can be done depending on your preferences and the make of the car. Routine maintenance helps others see you have pride in your vehicle and can ensure a better return on your investment down the line if you choose to sell.
Tips for saving fuel With no end in sight to high gas prices, consumers who modify their driving habits and properly maintain their vehicles will get more kilometres per litre. Be Car Care Aware Canada recommends the following ways to drive smart and save gas money: • Observe the speed limit. Fuel efficiency decreases rapidly above 100 km/h. • Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets zero kilometres per litre. • • • Avoid quick starts and stops. Aggressive driving can lower fuel efficiency by 33 per cent on the highway and five per cent in the city. • Consolidate trips. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much gas as one longer multipurpose trip. • Don’t haul unneeded items in the trunk. An extra 45 kilograms in the trunk reduces fuel efficiency by 1 to 2 per cent. • Check the gas cap. Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air. • Replace dirty or clogged air filters on older vehicles. • Replace dirty spark plugs, which can decrease fuel efficiency by .85 kilometers per litre. • Change oil regularly to gain an additional 0.5 km per litre. • Keep your car properly tuned. • Keep tires properly inflated. To learn more, visit the Be Car Care Aware website at www. becarcareaware.ca.
10 Alberni Valley News
Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
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Distracted driving dangerous, illegal A 2012 Ipsos Reid survey, conducted on behalf while using a cell phone or other electronic device,” of ICBC, reveals that 44 per cent of respondents said Dr Lloyd Oppel, an emergency physician and believe that driving is a complex task and yet 40 per Chair of the B.C. Medical Association’s Council on cent of those who own cell phones admit they’ve Health Promotion. “And the key thing is that these used their hand-held phone while driving. tragedies are completely preventable. Placing lives This tells us that while drivers recognize the dangers at risk so that we can enjoy a convenience is simply of distracted driving, and the majority of responnot worth it.” dents even consider texting while driving to be just “We want everyone to keep their attention on the as risky as drinking and driving, many still make road so they get to where they’re going safely,” said excuses or misunderstand what is and isn’t allowed Donnie Wing, ICBC’s senior VP of corporate afunder the law. The reality is, distracted driving is fairs. “We’re encouraging drivers to plan ahead to now the third leading cause of fatal car crashes in avoid distraction. ICBC is offering free downloadB.C. able ringtones that remind drivers not to respond Police are targetting Police are stepping up enforcement across the provto calls or texts while driving. If you need to use a distracted drivers. ince and will be checking for distracted drivers. mobile device behind the wheel, find out what the “We see many motorists trying to hide their mobile most common misconceptions are and talk to your devices from view by using them from their laps while driving,” family and friends about them.” said Chief Constable Jamie Graham, Chair of the Traffic Safety As part of this year’s distracted driving campaign, six free Committee of the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of downloadable ringtones are available at icbc.com/drivesmart. Police (BCACP). “We’ll be out there this month and if you’re The ringtones are in a variety of genres from country to reggae distracted, you won’t be able to hide it. If you can’t seem to and help remind drivers to leave their phones alone while drivavoid the temptation to answer, turn your phone off or put it in ing. ICBC invests in road safety to help change driver behaviour the trunk before you start driving.” and make our roads safer for everyone. “Far too often emergency room physicians see the results of Read more of the common misconceptions and a fact sheet on those injured in a car crash because a driver was distracted ICBC’s website at www.icbc.com
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
Alberni Valley News 11
Take control when taking a test drive When shopping for a new vehicle, some drivers know exactly which model of car they want to buy, while others are not so sure. Though price and features often carry the most weight when making a decision, a test drive can narrow down the prospects as well. It is easy to become awestruck by the look of a new car, and even easier to fall into the eager hands of a salesperson. One of the best ways to judge a car is to take it out for a test drive. • Pick a time when you feel focused. Doing a test drive on your lunch hour or right before you’re expected at a meeting or carpool is not the ideal time to make an assessment of the vehicle. • Avoid distractions. Sometimes schedules conflict, and you may have to bring other people, including children, along on the test drive. However, when possible, only include those people who will be driving the vehicle in the test drive. It is also perfectly acceptable to ask the salesperson to be quiet during the test drive and reserve explaining the features and attributes before or after the drive. • Research the vehicle. It helps to go into a test drive already knowing the majority of the specifications on the vehicle. This way you’ll be able to tell if the sales information you are receiving is accurate or embellished.
• Try out different terrains. Most test drives consist of a short jaunt to and from the dealership. But if you’re familiar with the area take a test drive on your terms. Try different road surfaces and speeds. Also be sure to make turns to gauge the turning radius. This can be as simple as making some turns in a parking lot. • Change lanes. Take the opportunity to change lanes so you can judge the visibility of the vehicle. • Adjust the seating. This will help you determine the comfort level of the vehicle and if it will fit your frame. You don’t want the car to be uncomfortable to drive. • Test the radio and the climate control. See how the car functions, including whether it takes a long or short time to reach a comfortable temperature. • Have a passenger ride in the back. If you won’t be distracted by it, have a friend or family member ride along and pay attention to the things you might be missing while focusing on the road. A test drive is an important component of buying a car. It can often make or break a sale, so be sure to include it on your must-do list.
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Home and Car Care ~ Fall 2012
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more than sitting in a car seat succumbing to heat stroke or lack of oxygen. • Make sure kids stay buckled in. As a child graduates from 5-point harnesses to regular safety belts, they are likely to be able to unlatch the belt to exit the car. NHTSA estimates note that the risk of injury by properly wearing safety belts and using safety seats correctly is reduced by 50 to 75 percent. Children moving around a vehicle are not only putting themselves at risk but the driver as well. A driver may become distracted by movement in the car. Furthermore, in the event an accident occurs, a child who is not wearing a seatbelt becomes a flying projectile who might injure others in the car. • Keep all limbs inside the vehicle. It may seem like a game for a child to lean his or her head or arms out of the window while the vehicle is in motion, but such behavior is inherently risky. On narrow roadways or where the car comes close to roadside signs or passing cars, parts of the body outside of the vehicle can be hit and broken or even torn off. • Be mindful of kids being injured when around a car. It’s not only when a child is in the car that an injury may occur. Children who sprint into the street after a rolling ball or dash through parking lots may be hit by motorists who are not paying attention or do not react quickly enough. Drivers of SUVs and minivans often find it difficult to see a short child behind a car when backing up. Car trips can be done for business or leisure, and many times children come along for the ride. Ensuring their safety in and out of the car requires knowledge Parents are the first line of defense in keeping children safe while travelling in a vehicle. of many of the hazards that vehicles present.
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Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
Alberni Valley News 13
Keeping kids safe in the car is about Car accidents are the leading them correctly. According to cause of injury for children. the National Highway Traffic Ensuring kids are safe in the Safety Administration, at car goes beyond securing them least 72 percent of the 3,500 in the right child safety seat. It observed child vehicle safety means taking added precaurestraints being used inditions to avoid injuries. cated improper use. When According to the Canadian poor use happens, the risk Transportation Safety Board that the child will suffer an reports that roughly 160,000 injury rises. One of the rearoad accidents occur in Canada sons children are harmed in each year. This translates to vehicular accidents is because 2,800 to 2,900 people killed on the child is moved to a larger the road every year. Car accirestraint system or an adult dents are also the leading cause seat prematurely. of acquired disability, such as brain injury and paralysis, for • Do not leave a child unatKeep kids happy and safe while travelling in the car. children nationwide. tended. Injuries can occur to Most people are aware that they children when they are left to should use the requisite child safety seat for their kids but do their own devices in or around a vehicle. Although there are not heed other safety warnings. Here are some ways to keep certain safety precautions built into a car, they are not always children safe when riding in vehicles. foolproof. A child may shift a parked car into gear and roll into the street from a driveway. Other injuries may include getting hurt from powered accessories in the car, such as moving seats or liftgates. A kid also may become trapped in a car or trunk, • Recognize that having a car seat is not enough. Even parents who have child safety seats for their kids may not be using
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14 Alberni Valley News
Home & Car Care ~ Fall 2012
www.albernivalleynews.com
Keep your car clean inside and out Much like curb appeal improving the chances of a sale on your home, having a car that is presented well inside and out may boost the amount of money and potential of a resale on your vehicle. Even vehicle owners who don’t anticipate selling their vehicles in the near future should maintain the vehicles to ensure they are safe and sound. After home and work, a car is where many people spend most of their time. As a result, a vehicle can easily become soiled, scratched or overrun with clutter. Maintaining the interior of your vehicle need not take much time or effort, but it should be done often enough to keep on top of the mess. Here’s how to start.
Remove Clutter
The first step in cleaning the interior is to remove the excess items that may have accumulated in the car. Busy families tend to leave toys, books or clothing in their vehicles. There also may be discarded food wrappers or beverage containers. People who commute also may accumulate a number of items in their cars, including business materials. These items should be sorted through and put where they belong before tackling the rest of the cleaning work.
easily be removed with a vacuum. A shop vac will have enough power to thoroughly clean upholstery and mats. If you do not have one, visit a self car wash. Remove the floor mats and set them on a flat surface. Thoroughly vacuum the mats to clear them of dust, dirt, food crumbs, and any other debris. Vacuum the floor of the car as well as any seat upholstery that may be a catch-all for crumbs. Using a soft-bristled vacuum attachment, you also can remove dust from the vents, speakers and the center console of Keeping your car’s interior clean your vehicle . can increase its resale value.
Spot cleaning
Spills and stains do occur in vehicles, just as they do elsewhere. Cleaning these stains may require a little elbow grease and a
Vacuum
Much of the dirt and debris that accumulates in vehicles can
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l.i.v.
Magazine ~ Fall 2012
Alberni Valley News 15
Prepare your car for winter driving Winterizing your vehicle should be a top priority, saving you from the inconvenience of being out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs. Be Car Care Aware recommends the following steps for winterizing your vehicle:
mission filters at the same time. If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems. Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and that headlights are properly aimed.
Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
Motorists should also keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines.
Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly. Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals.Have your technician check the fuel, air and trans-
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Home
Drivers should check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication. To learn more, visit the Be Car Care Aware website at www.becarcareaware.ca
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OCTOBER 2012 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS
TESTING THE METAL
How to conduct a test drive
CLEANING YOUR CAR Simple steps to a clean interior
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