Ky Creative Living April

CreativeLiving Features 4 6 13 16

Fabulous new recipes for spring Check out these palate pleasers that are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Fast beauty hints Great ideas for time-pressed moms.

What’s in a name? A great gift idea, that’s what Read about great, personalized gift ideas for mom.

The land of make-believe Creating playful kids’ rooms on a budget.

Editor’s note Mark your calendars: Mother’s Day is just around the corner. This issue includes an article that gives some unique, personalized gift ideas for that special woman in your life.

And before I forget – I love you, mom, happy Mother’s Day! Also, check out some fabulous new recipes for spring entertaining. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Finally, for the home decorators, there’s an article on how to redo your child’s room. It has lots of fun and interesting ways to create a room that both you and your child can be proud about.

Specialty Publications Editor

Contact Creative Living is a monthly advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.

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Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com.

Topics Business 3 Local Goods • Services

7 Health & Fitness Mind • Body • Spirit

& Entertaining 4 Dining Recipes • Restaurants

for mom 10 Gifts Happy Mother’s Day

7 Looking Good

Home 12 At Decor • Repairs

Fashion • Skin care

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Spring’s harsh weather can damage roofs Even though April showers bring May flowers, the hail and high winds that accompany thunderstorms can damage your roof and cause expensive repairs.

Justin Shoemaker, who estimates roof damage for RoofTime, states that if you think your roof has sustained damage, don’t wait, because it won’t get better by itself.

“The very best thing you can do if you think you have damage is to call a reputable roofer, who will come out and give you a free estimate,” Shoemaker said. “A good roofer will get up on the roof, not just measure from the ground. He will also get up into the attic and check the inside of the roof. When you call Roof Time, we do it all; we know homeowners don’t like surprises, so we look under and on top of a

roof.” tions and quality work,” he Typically, the Cincinnatiexplained. “Our reputation Northern Kentucky area sees stands for itself. We are preferred very strong winds in April, and roofers at 13 different insurance hail at the end of June and July, companies, we use the same softbut so far, ware, and the thunwon’t “The very best thing you can do if we derstorms make you have you think you have a damaged roof wait for the brought insurance is call a reputable roofer...” companies some hail along with to pay the gusty before getwinds. Shoemaker says many ting your roof back in shape.” times a homeowner will get Roof Time is a third generascared and allow a company tion, family owned company that without a reputation to survey proudly offers the complete the roof, and that company might Owens-Corning line of shingles, tell the homeowner he needs a siding, gutter toppers and attic whole new roof when he really insulation. The company is a only has minor damage. member in good standing of all “We have been an Angie’s List the major trade associations, such award recipient for four years as the Kentucky Roofing because of our excellent qualifica- Contractors Association, the

N.R.C.A. the HBA, and always installs projects according to OSHA specs.

“Sometimes when a storm is over, you think everything is okay, because there is no damage immediately evident,” said Shoemaker. “But damage can be missed until the next storm comes and suddenly you have a leak. If you don’t take care of it immediately you risk higher costs, mold, and lost property values, not to mention the fact that insurance companies have a limited time for homeowners to report damage.“ So if you are nervous after the next big storm, or you just think it is time to replace siding or gutters, give Roof Time a call at 859341-TIME. Or you can visit www.time2roof.com for Internet only offers!

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Discover FABULOUS new

RECIPES this spring

Rain showers and blooming flowers aren’t the only things that will be kind to your sense of smell this spring. It’s also the time of year when you start to bake up homemade breads, cookies, and moist crumbly muffins.

This year, mix in some new recipes with some longtime family favorites. Here are some tips for making yummy treats that will have the entire neighborhood gathering outside your kitchen this spring: • Bake quick breads in the center of the oven rack for best heat circulation.

• Use a spring-handled ice cream scoop (No. 20 or No. 24) to fill muffin cups or a melon-ball sized scoop for mini muffins.

• To tell if yeast bread is done baking in the oven, tap the crust. If the bread sounds hollow, it’s finished.

• Boost the nutrition level in your cookies by using whole wheat flour.

This works really well for drop cookies. Find several favorite recipes to try at www.GoldMedalWholeWhe at.com.

• When making biscuits, make sure the baking pow-

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der or baking soda ingredients are fresh. Look for expiration dates on the bottom of the box or can.

• And if you’re looking for an easy way to add some whole grain to your diet, whole wheat flour adds a special flavor and texture to your baked goods.

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• Bread dough made with whole wheat flour will be stickier because the bran and germ in the whole grain keep the dough sticky.

Don’t add more flour; this will make your bread dry and heavy. Instead, try lightly oiling your hands to work with the dough.

For more tips, go to

www.GoldMedalFlour.com to sign up for the Scratch Bakers’ Club, an online community with recipes, message boards, how-to videos and baking advice from baking expert and author of “The Cake Bible,” Rose Levy Beranbaum.

Thursday April 15, 2010

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Fine wine, good times found at StoneBrook Winery StoneBrook Winery is a small farm family winery located in Camp Springs, Ky., just 20 minutes south of Cincinnati.

StoneBrook offers magnificent vineyard views, a renovated 120-year-old farm house converted into a cozy wine tasting room, old country charm and a little bit of history.

StoneBrook produces a variety of wines including the estate-bottled Vidal Blanc, Estate, Cabernet Franc and Domain wines as well as a wide variety of other fabulous, awardwinning grape and fruit wines.

The tasting room is open on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays

from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For $5 you are able to taste five palette pleasing grape or fruit wines.

Tours through the award-winning vineyards and carriage rides are also available by appointment, weather permitting.

StoneBrook also offers unique, monthly dining experiences that have become a local favorite Visit StoneBrook and enjoy award winning wines and captivating scenery on a fifth-generation family farm.

For a unique dinning experience be sure to make reservations for one of our bi-monthly dinners.

StoneBrook Winery.

Recipes from page 4 Register today, and enter the Gold Medal Flour Scratch Bakers’ Club Baking Contest as well.

And, to get your spring baking season started off right, try this recipe.

Springtime Slice-and-Bake Confetti Cookies Makes about four dozen cookies Ingredients 1 1 ⁄4 cups sugar 1 ⁄2 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 ⁄2 cup butter-flavored shortening 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 3 ⁄4 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour 1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking soda 1 ⁄8 teaspoon salt 10 drops red food coloring 16 drops yellow food coloring 9 drops green food coloring 3 tablespoons pastel-colored confetti candy sprinkles

Directions Heat oven to 375 F. Line bottom of a loaf pan, 9-by-5-by-3 inches, with plastic wrap. Beat sugar, butter and shortening in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed or mix with a spoon. Stir in egg, milk and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Divide dough into thirds.

Knead one food coloring into each dough. Press one of the colored doughs in the bottom of the pan. Top with remaining colored doughs, pressing each layer firmly to seal. Turn the pan upside down and remove the plastic wrap from the dough.

Cut dough lengthwise into thirds.

Cut each third crosswise into 16 slices.

Place about two inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles.

Bake nine to 11 minutes or until bottoms are a light golden brown. Cool for one minute, remove from cookie sheet and place on a wire rack.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

CreativeLiving • Kentucky

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Fast beauty hints for today's time – pressed moms With today’s hectic lifestyles, time is often hard to come by.

As many of us try to juggle multiple responsibilities, the thing that often gets the least attention is our beauty regimen.

“Fortunately, you can still look and feel good without spending a lot of time,” says Joy Bergin, cofounder of the Hot Moms Club and a parenting and style expert. Bergin has shared her style tips with TV’s “ET,” “The Insider” and “Inside Edition,” and has the inside scoop on time-saving beauty secrets employed by some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

For women who want to look and feel their best, Bergin offers a few time-saving beauty tips for your regimen:

The eyes have it “Eyes aren’t just the window to your soul, they say a lot about your overall health, vitality and mood,” Bergin says. Making your eyes appear larger enhances your entire face. If you don’t have time to apply full eye makeup every morn-

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ing, simply using a waterproof mas- that have added benefits,” Bergin cara can get you through the day. says. Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay Beauty, which combines Dawn’s cleaning power and revoluA show of hands, please tionary hand care technology effec“There’s an old saying in tively cleans your dishes while Hollywood – you can’t hide the hands,” Bergin says. According to a transforming the look and feel of Harris Interactive survey conducted your hands. on behalf of Dawn Hand Renewal The scent of beauty with Olay Beauty, about three in Scent is an easy way to create an five (59 percent) women believe aura of beauty. You don’t have to hands are one of the parts of a woman’s body that most reveal her spend hours trying on perfumes until you find the right one and you age. Eighty-one percent of women don’t have the reapply your scent polled believe it is at least someevery few hours. You can create what important to maintain soft your own personalized “designer and youthful-looking hands.

“If you’re short on time for salon scent” – one that you can easily stay with you throughout the day. Mix or paraffin treatments to help your hands look and feel your best, look for products that you use everyday Beauty, see page 10

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Gentle Dental Care offers gentle touch Imagine going to the dentist and being totally relaxed!

Oh, it’s possible at Gentle Dental Care because, for patients who need that extra help to relax, Gentle Dental offers oral conscious sedation.

Most people’s fear of the dentist are due to a previous bad experience, explains Treatment/Financial Coordinator Brenda Humphrey.

“We’ve heard it all,” she says.

“It’s unbelievable that someone has been treated so badly by their dentist. Once they come to our office – a lot different than most – they see that there’s a staff that truly cares about people.”

Once people learn they can take care of several years worth of dental care, in just a few visits, while they sleep, “they can’t believe they didn’t find us sooner,” says Brenda.

First, Gentle Dental reviews your medical history. If cleared by your MD, you are given a pill to take one hour prior to your dental appointment. You will

The Gentle Dental Care team.

need a companion to drive you to and from the dental office. The pill works quickly to create a relaxed state so you will be drowsy when you arrive.

During treatment, your vital signs will be monitored while you are in a sleep-like state. You will be able to respond to any given commands or questions, but will not likely recall events while the drug is in effect. This is ideal for the dental phobic patient.

Beyond creating an optimal

agrees: “I was extremely scared and nervous and they managed to make me feel comfortable. I believe I have found a dentist for life.

A.R., also of Alexandria, almost didn’t show for an appointment.

“I so wanted to turn my car around and not show up for my appointment, but I just knew that I had to go,” A.R. said. “I am really glad that I did because of the staff. Thanks to them – so much – for caring and yes I will be back for my appointments. I environment for you, sedation would not change a thing they dentistry allows Gentle Dental to do in their practice,” complete multiple treatments in Brenda says it’s very rewardone appointment. You can fully ing to work at Gentle Dental. relax while they improve your “It feels great when you’re smile. able to help someone overcome “Everybody in the office is their fear and get the care they professional while also being perneed and deserve,” she says. sonable. The whole experience “From the first time they call, made my first-in-a-decade you can hear their fear and then appointment relaxing and comwhen the work is completed, the fortable! Thanks to Dr. Dallmann ‘thank you’ and the hugs – it’s a and her team,” says J. B. or great feeling.”

Erlanger.

Patient, C.F., of ALexandria,

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Thursday April 15, 2010

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Snore? Can’t tolerate CPAP? Dr. Kitzmiller has a solution Do you snore or know someone who sleep apnea can cause. does? Do you have obstructive sleep “We used to think that snoring was apnea but just can’t tolerate your CPAP normal, but when Tim would stop machine? breathing for up to 20 seconds at a time You’re not alone! An estimated 40 and then wake with a gasp, I got scared. million Americans snore and nearly 20 After being diagnosed with sleep apnea million have sleep apnea, a condition he tried to use CPAP but his sleeping where the airway collapses during sleep, habits made it too difficult to use. He’s causing the person to stop breathing and been using and treating patients with awaken multiple times oral appliance every hour with a gasp.

Therapy now Sleep apnea is a life for years … threatening sleep disorder and now we’re that left undiagnosed and both getting a Not sure if you have sleep untreated can shorten restful night’s apnea? Take a quick quiz at your life span up to 18 sleep!” Lori www.cincisleep.com to see if years! While CPAP is the explained. you are at risk. gold standard of sleep Want to see apnea treatment, many what a differpeople can’t tolerate the masks and pres- ence oral appliance therapy can be to sure. treat your snoring or sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is an FDAGive Dr. Kitzmiller a call at 248-8848 approved CPAP alternative that fits over to schedule your complimentary consulyour teeth and holds the lower jaw fortation. Dr. Kitzmiller and his team can ward, keeping your airway from colcoordinate your entire care process, lapsing. A sleep apnea sufferer himself, including scheduling your diagnostic Dr. Kitzmiller and his wife Lori know sleep study, treatment visits, insurance firsthand the disruptions that untreated and follow up.

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If I were a cavity, where would I be?

Well, that depends!

There are things we all do or don't do on a daily basis that can determine where, how many and how quickly cavities develop.

Drinking an excess of sugary or acidic drinks like alcohol, sweet tea, soda, sports drinks and coffee with sugar can lead to cavities between the front teeth and at the gum line.

Using a straw to get these drinks past your front teeth can help, as well as rinsing with water after drinking any of these.

The prolonged use of sippy cups or baby bottles throughout the day is notorious for causing “baby bottle syndrome.”

The constant protein exposure from milk and acid and sugar exposure from juice will typically cause decay between the front two to four teeth.

It is best to limit these to meal time and snack time as opposed to letting the child carry them around all day.

If a child insists on having a bottle or cup through out the day, water is a good solution.

Chewing gum that is not sugarless and sucking on mints or candy typically causes decay to form in between or on the side of the teeth where the candy is kept, or the gum is being chewed.

Using sugarless gum and candy can reduce your risk for decay as well as lower the amount of

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The Mortenson Family Dental team.

hidden calories being consumed.

Chewing tobacco commonly causes decay on the root of the tooth where it is kept as well as damage to the bone and tissue in that area. If tobacco is chewed often the acid that pools in the mouth can cause widespread decay.

Using whitening toothpastes and home whitening systems too often can also lead to a handful of cavities over a period of time.

Whitening products work by stripping the waxy coating off of the tooth to allow the whitening products to enter the tooth.

This process can also allow sugars and acids to enter as well if the whitening process is repeated to a point that the teeth don't ever get a chance to “re-mineralize.”

Even for the person

with a generally healthy diet and lifestyle, not flossing regularly traps food and plaque in between the teeth causing not one but two cavities at every sight due to the fact that the teeth are tight together and touching.

Flossing can be awkward and inconvenient, using floss picks can make this task a little easier.

Having regular check ups at your dental office will allow your dental team to spot any of these problems as they are beginning which will save you time and money.

If you do not have a dental team that you are thrilled with, you are welcome to give Mortenson Family Dental a call (5257586).

Let Mortenson Family Dental “wow” you with customer service and excellent dentistry! They look forward to meeting you!

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Try out Curves $30 for 30 days Spring is here and hot summer days are looming. Beach trips.

Outdoor games.

Relaxing poolside.

Bulky sweaters that covered up our gloomy winter weight gain are gone.

Whether we like it or not, it’s time for shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits. The question is – are you ready?

Your local Curves is the answer. In fact, if you would like to experience what just 30 minutes a day at Curves can do, but aren’t sure you want to commit, then call Curves to take advantage of a great special!

From now until May 29, you can experience 30 days at Curves for only $30.

Besides helping you Melinda Vest of the Florence Curves says exercising helps her manage stress. get swimsuit ready, isn’t good health minutes of exercise three times a week. worth it?

It includes all five components of a comStudies have shown that routine exer- plete exercise program: warm up, cise has long-lasting health benefits. The strength training, cardio, cool down, and Curves workout is one of the most stretching. important things you can do to reduce Whether you are interested in exerrisks associated with obesity-related dis- cise to lose weight or inches, tone museases. cle, gain strength, relieve stress, or to That’s it. For just $30 for 30 days, you help get you into that swimsuit, Curves can experience the Curves workout and can help establish a routine that will weight management classes at a low cost enable you to reach your health and fitbefore making a commitment to add ness goals. regular exercise to your life.

Call 1-800-CURVES30 or visit The Curves workout consists of 30 curveskentucky.com to find out more.

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Beauty, from page 6 your favorite designer lotion with a similar scent to extend quantity. The scent will remain strong longer and the lotion will last longer, too.

Skip the facial; scrub instead Instead of time-consuming facials, buy a soft loofah and gently rub your face in a circular motion with your normal exfoliate cleanser to smooth skin texture and remove dead cells. Replace heavy oil-based foundations with a loose mineral powder to top off your look and give you a natural radiance.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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The Scuba Shack is offering a free “Try SCUBA Experience.”

Take a dip – try scuba diving for free Jim Barrie wants to share his love for scuba diving, so he’s letting everyone try it for free.

His dive shop, The Scuba Shack, (www.TheScubaPlace.com) located in Florence, is offering a free “Try SCUBA Experience” to anyone interested in diving.

“Scuba diving is not a sport. It’s not a hobby. It’s a lifestyle! We want to expose as many people as we can to this exciting way of life,” Barrie said.

The Scuba Shack conducts free onehour dives every Saturday.

Barrie has owned The Scuba Shack for 11 years, and in that time has been told by countless people that they would love to try diving.

He knows that if they do, they’ll love it! So he wants to give them the opportunity.

All those who would like to try scuba diving will be geared-up and go for a dip in The Scuba Shack’s indoor, heated, 10 foot-deep, diver-training pool.

The dives are led by The Shack’s certified instructors.

Reservations are required, and can be made by calling 859-283-1550.

The Scuba Shack also offers scuba

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certification training. Through comprehensive classroom and pool training, divers learn proper technique, safety measures, and how to use the equipment.

Divers certified at The Scuba Shack are given unlimited training classes at no extra charge.

The Shack also provides unlimited access to their pool and use of scuba equipment for certification students.

Once certified, a diver is ready to go on one of the shop’s many trips to dive locations in the United States and abroad.

In the next 14 months, The Shack will lead trips to locations such as: St. Lucia, Hawaii, Bonaire, Cozumel, Florida, Fiji, and the Bahamas. Pricing varies by destination.

Many trips are enjoyable for both divers and non-divers, so the diver can easily bring a spouse or friend.

However, trips specifically for divers are noted.

“There’s nothing quite like a group trip,” said Barrie. “Both divers and nondivers come back with a group of new friends, having seen some of the world’s most beautiful locations,” he said.

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G I F T S

What’s in a name?

A great gift idea, that’s what Ah, the monogram – is there any more definitive statement of personalization and ownership – not to mention class – than the artistic rendering of one’s name or initials on a gift?

Truly, a monogram can elevate the most mundane gift to a sublime level of personalization.

Monograms have traditionally been used to personalize towels, linens, robes and dress shirts, but today it’s possible to put a person’s name on virtually anything.

In fact, some popular gifts are getting a personalized spin this season.

Here are a few popular gift categories that now offer some fun and impressive options for personalized gifts.

Home decor A personalized home decor gift can be elegant, nostalgic or just plain fun, depending on the personality of the person you’re giving to.

Is your recipient a homebody? She might appreciate the chance to wrap up in a plush, personalized throw on a chilly winter night.

Shopping for a cooking fan? A personalized wall decoration declaring the ownership of the kitchen might be a fun option.

Or, go with a crock of cutlery and cooking uten-

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sils bearing the name of the kitchen’s “top chef.”

For the pet lover in your life, consider a welcome mat personalized with the pet’s “paw prints” and name, or a picture frame adorned with the furry friend’s name.

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Check in for a hearing checkup during Better Hearing Month Do you ask people to repeat things? Do you struggle to hear telephone callers clearly? Do others complain that your television is too loud?

If so, you’re not alone.

Hearing impairment is the third most common chronic health condition in the country, and sadly, almost 20 million Americans have not sought professional help.

Untreated hearing loss can cause tension in your relationships, hinder your performance at school or at work, and disrupt your life... no matter what your age.

But you can change that. Research has proved that hearing aids can

improve the lives of people with hearing loss… and their families. Sharon Christopherson, owner of Christopherson & Clark Hearing Center, has gained an excellent reputation among her patients for fitting hearing devices that have changed the way they hear, helping them to regain confidence to participate in their homes, churches, offices, and relationships.

Sharon and her associate, Amy Smith, take advantage of the best in new technology to fit patients with aids that are comfortable, stylish, and discreet.

At Christopherson & Clark Hearing Center, you

will find an audiologist you can trust, with more than 30 years of experience at helping you select the best hearing aids for your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Patients also enjoy the personal attention they receive, lifetime in-office servicing of their hearing aids and financing availability.

In celebration of Better Hearing Month this May, they are offering complimentary hearing consultations to help you improve your hearing health. Call 598-9444 today to schedule your free consultation or for your free copy of The Consumer’s Guide to Hearing Aids.

Jewelry It’s been said a gift of jewelry is always welcome. Instead of giving her (or him) yet another watch this year, or going with the crowd and giving the “in” item of the season, why not make a jewelry gift truly unique by having it personalized?

You can put the recipient’s name on virtually any piece of jewelry, from a pendant to a charm bracelet. Or, personalize the gift by choosing colored stones that represent the recipient’s birth date or the birth months of his or her children.

You can opt for monogrammed or personalized jewelry in virtually every metal, from silver to platinum, in pieces ranging from pendants and rings to bracelets and even toe rings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Lasting Impressions …

Lasting Impressions in Bellevue, Ky., is definitely the place to visit if you need inspiration for your spring/summer decorating!

You will be very sur-

surprised … because most people wouldn’t expect this kind of beauty in a warehouse. Trust me; it’s there!

It’s well worth your time to take a little trip to

“When you care enough to make your home a warm, welcoming place for family and friends … you need to visit us.” prised and pleased as you enter a showroom overflowing with beautiful home accessories, unique home décor, and customdesigned floral arrangements.

Why would you be

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Bellevue, enjoy lunch at Newport on the Levee or one of the terrific eateries on Fairfield Avenue, and visit Lasting Impressions at 241 Grandview.

Any home seems more warm and welcoming

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with just a touch of spring greenery, and now is the time to create that “fresh” feeling in your home to last right on through the summer months.

“Bring the outside in” with a very natural, lifelike custom floral design

by Linda or Judy. They are more than happy to use one of your own special containers or you might select one from the showroom.

Maybe you are an artsy person who likes to add your own touch of creativity to your home decorating.

You will find all colors and styles of beautiful silk stems which make it so

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Directions: Traveling south or north on I-471: Take Exit 5 (Newport/Bellevue) Turn right onto Route 8 (Fairfield Avenue) Continue to Taylor Avenue and turn right

much easier to create your own lovely centerpiece or door decoration … and they are more than happy to help with whatever advice you may need to get started.

Excellent customer service is an everyday occurrence at this beautifully decorated store.

If you are looking for a mantle display … something beautiful for the top of your cabinets … a breathtaking custom floral … this is the place to find it!

Travel six blocks to Grandview Avenue Turn right on Grandview Enter the warehouse through the Lasting Impressions door on the right Prepare to be amazed …

If you need more than just a little spring lift, you might want to consider an In-Home Consultation ($90) with Linda Barbian.

Linda is excellent and will be glad to assist you with color selection, room arrangement, accessories, window treatments, area rugs, etc., for one room or for an entire house.

New spring merchandise continues to arrive weekly!

Artwork from Ashton

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Banish winter blahs with new interiors If the bright spring sunshine shows your kitchen to be more dull and drab than you would like, it may be time to explore new cabinets and furnishings.

Fort Mitchell Interiors in Crescent Springs can redo any room in your house, and they don’t contract out any work – familiar faces are on the job from start to finish.

“Cornices and Roman shades are very popular right now in window treatments, and we have thousands of fabric sample books to browse through,” said Mary

Pennington-Wolfe, owner of Fort Mitchell Interiors.

“Darker finishes on cabinets are in style right now, but we have 40 different styles of cabinets to choose from,” she said.

“And we can do any flooring, from ceramic tile to carpet to the newest trend, which is bamboo flooring.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Wolfe and her technicians can create any look that will unlock the secrets of your home, and make you fall in love with your home all over again.

“Since everything is

blooming fresh and new in spring, it is exciting to bring new life into your home with new window treatments, or new cabinets, or new flooring,” said Pennington-Wolfe.

“When you call us, we sit down with you and work out a plan that fits both your dreams and your budget.”

So spring on into Fort Mitchell Interiors on Hazelwood Drive across from McDonald's, and begin to create the look you want for your home.

Mary Pennington-Wolfe can be reached at 859-3315327 for an appointment.

Top 10 reasons to call Kentucky Home Crafters 1. They will answer your call. That’s right! If you call, you’ll never have to leave a message during business hours. Someone will always answer your call and talk to you about your project.

2. They’ll meet your schedule. When you call, they’ll set up a time to meet with you. This is the first step toward getting your project scheduled.

Whenever you’re ready and whenever you want to meet, they’ll come and talk with you about your project.

3. How your project is quoted. When they arrive, they’ll analyze your project based on the information you give. Kentucky Home Crafters will supply the know-how, the tools and the labor. The labor cost will be quoted separate from the material cost. They don’t buy materials and mark them up, you can spend as much as you want on the quality and brand of materials. The labor cost will never change from the quote.

4. They’ll put it in writ-

ing. The description of your project along with the cost of labor will be detailed on an easy-toread form called a labor estimate. You’ll have all the information in writing so that you can decide how and when you get your project started.

Call 578-5501 to advertise

Kentucky see page 16

Lasting from page 14 and Picture Galleries is on display as well as the Ashton custom mirror line which gives you the flexibility to add just the right framed mirror to a special space.

You may choose from many styles of frames to make your beveled mirror

Kentucky

your own creation at a very reasonable price.

Linda, Judy, and Nancy are looking forward to seeing you soon at 241 Grandview in Bellevue.

It’s a shopping experience you are going to enjoy and repeat again and again!

Thursday April 15, 2010

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The

land of make-believe: Creating

playful kids’ rooms on a budget Most parents can relate: Redecorating your child’s room often turns out to be far more challenging than freshening up the decor in other areas of your home.

After all, kids have their own personalities and tastes – and what you like might not mesh with their ideas of the world’s coolest bedrooms.

Obviously, as parents, we want the best for our kids but we also need to be budgetconscious these days. And, redecorating projects often spiral into endeavors that gobble up not only your budget but also your sanity. Often, what started out as a fun redecorating project can quickly turn into an overwhelming task that everyone in the family dreads finishing.

But, if you do it right and with some thoughtful pre-planning, redecorating kid spaces doesn’t have to be draining to your bank account or your patience, notes Donna Schroeder, Dutch Boy color marketing and design manager.

“There are a few basic decorating foundations that can have a huge impact on a child’s room, with color being at the forefront,” Schroeder says. “Aside from floors and window treatments, the largest area where color is used is on the walls. Luckily for parents, painting their child’s room is a fun, easy and very inexpensive way to update a living space. It’s also a great way to involve your child in the decision process

so they can help create a memorable space to call their own.”

When choosing paint, a little forethought and some fundamental knowledge on color selection are all that’s needed. Don’t make the mistake of thinking there are “right or wrong colors.” Let creativity – and your child’s tastes – be your guide.

Redecorating a fresh, new space for children goes beyond selecting paint colors and decorating themes.

If you’re planning a significant revamping of a room, or are perhaps welcoming a new baby, look into doubleduty furniture, such as changing tables that convert easily into a bureau, so once a baby is out of diapers, the table can still serve a purpose in the room.

If your children are older, there’s nothing wrong with refurbishing hand-me-down furniture to give their rooms a new look – and save some money. A little ingenuity, paint and some old-fashioned elbow grease can turn a beat-up, dated old armoire, bookshelf or desk into a whimsical piece of expression in any room, not to mention handy storage for toys, clothing, books and more.

Speaking of storage, more is always better – over-plan rather than installing just enough for current belongings. Let’s face it: kids come with lots of stuff that seems to multiply nightly. The cabinet that can hold a few blankets and books today likely will end up stuffed with clothes, toys and collectibles even a year or two down the road.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Kentucky from page 15 5. No deposit required. They won’t ask you for any money until the job is done. (However, they may ask you to pay for materials as needed).

6. They won’t start another job until yours is completed. When you project starts, they will be there until it is completed. They will never start another project while they are working on your project.

7. Eighteen-month warranty.

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They offer the longest warranty in the business, and why shouldn’t they? If the work is done right, it should certainly last longer than a year! Most handyman warranties are one year, they think they can do better.

8. They have the tools to do the job. They carry lots of different tools for a variety of different projects including carpentry, masonry, plumbing, painting, drywall repair and installation

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and all sorts of specialty tools to get all your projects done.

9. They’re insured. No mater what company works on your home, you shouldn’t have to worry about the cost of replacement or repair if something goes wrong. That’s the only way to do business.

10. They enjoy the work. They have been working in Northern Kentucky for more than 18 years.

They have more than 100 com-

bined years of experience in the home repair business. They look forward to the challenge of doing a good job each time they to someone’s home. Any project done right is hard work, big or small, but they think it’s a lot of fun too!

For knowledgeable friendly service, call 630-4065 today.

Thursday April 15, 2010

Kentucky