CNA-SS-04-18-2014

Your Home 821 Grand, Afton Move in ready 2 BR ranch home in Afton with hardwood floors and a nice private backyard. Unfinished basement that would make a great family room and another bedroom. See Carter Agency on page 8.

Look inside to see what these following businesses have to offer: Akin Building Center Bluegrass Board of Realtors Boyd Appliance Center, Inc. Callahan Real Estate Carter Agency Cook Video & Appliance Creston Chamber of Commerce First National Bank Green Valley Realty ISSB J&A Flooring J&J Plumbing & Heating PCSB Bank State Savings Bank Stewart Realty Vernie’s Window Fashions Zellmer’s

1445 Marks Way, Creston Custom built home, overlooking McKinley Lake in the Ryan addition. 4 BR, 4 BA. Large kitchen with walk-in pantry, dining area opens to a large screen room with a great view.

3-car garage with its own entrance to the lower level, walkout basement, ground source heat & air. See Stewart Realty on page 3.

April 18, 2014

Page 2c— Creston News Advertiser — Friday, April 18, 2014

How to repair dead grass A patch of dead grass on an otherwise lush lawn can be a frustrating eyesore for homeowners. Whether lawn care is your passion or just something you do to maintain the value of your home, dead grass can be exasperating.

But as unsightly as dead grass can be, addressing it and restoring the dead patches can be somewhat simple. Before you can restore grass, however, you must first identify the source of the problem. Grass often dies because of urine damage, which is typically characterized by a dead spot surrounded by otherwise green grass. Grub infestation might be at fault when dead grass appears, and such an infestation often produces patches of light brown grass that are scattered through-

out the lawn. It’s also possible that dead grass is a result of human error. If your lawn was overfertilized, then patches of gray-green grass may appear. Fungal disease is another common culprit behind dead grass, and such disease can manifest itself in different ways. Once you have identified why the grass is dead, which may require the help of a professional, then you can begin to treat your lawn.

Urine damage Urine damage is often limited to a particular area of the grass where your family pet routinely relieves itself.

Once a particular patch of grass has worn down, the pet may move on to another spot. But if you quickly notice a dead spot due to urine damage, you can train the animal to urinate else-

where, limiting the damage it causes. When repairing the grass, dig a hole that’s roughly four inches deep and fill it with fresh soil until it’s level with the soil surrounding the dead patch. Then you can sprinkle seed on top of the freshly laid soil and water

Commitment is

Home Ownership

the spot.Grass should grow in and stay green so long as you prevent further urine damage.

Insect damage Addressing dead spots caused by insect damage can be a little more complicated, and some homeowners may

prefer to hire a professional.

If you want to handle the problem on your own, apply pesticide to the affected areas so the insects behind the problem are killed. Once the insects are no more, cut the grass, raking the affected area to remove the dead grass and any additional debris. Scatter grass seed over the affected areas and then apply an appropriate fertilizer and water immediately.

Professionals may know just the right fertilizer for your lawn, so even if you want to go it alone, visit a local lawn care center to ask for advice about addressing your particular problem.

Fertilizer damage Fertilizer damage can also prove difficult to address, as applying fresh seeds too soon can kill any freshly growing seedlings. So grass

that has been damaged by overfertilization must first be allowed to fully die. Once that has happened, the grass can be cut and any remaining debris or dead grass can be removed. Seed can then be scattered, and you can even add some additional soil before laying down an appropriate amount of fertilizer and watering the lawn immediately. If you don’t trust yourself to use fertilizer correctly, then hire a professional to do the job for you.

This will cost a little more, but you likely won’t wake up to more dead patches of grass down the road.

Dead grass can be unsightly and turn an otherwise lush lawn into a patchy eyesore.

But addressing dead grass can be easy and can quickly restore a lawn to its green grandeur.

make the change today.

“At First National Bank, we understand the decisions you need to make when purchasing a home or deciding on those long awaited home improvements.

We are here to help you experience the joys of home ownership.

Look to us for all of your home financing options.”

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• Trusted Mortgage Advisors who are experts and provide outstanding service • Local Loan Processing (loan decisions are made within the bank) • Competitive Rates at historic lows

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www.fnbcreston.com Commitment you can bank on.

Creston News Advertiser — Friday, April 18, 2014— Page 3c

“The REAL ESTATE People”

Becky Barker..............641-202-6655 Donna Marlin............515-401-8057 Jewel Baseley.............641-344-6058 Gay Lynn Owens.......641-782-0077 Roger Saxton.............641-202-1260 Stew Stewart..............641-344-1347

Crest Plaza/701 W. Townline, Creston Office 641-782-7197 Broker: Stew Stewart www.stewartrealtyia.com “The Real Estate People”

See all our listed properties, pictures and details at...

stewartrealtyia.com

Let us show you the way to your next home!

— Residential Homes —

Store front property on Adams Street with approximately 4000 square feet. Great location with about 40’ of frontage.

Priced to sell and ready for new owners!

94,500 154,900 $

449,500

SOLD

Main Street Creston property for sale.

Great location, 40’ storefront with many improvements. Large display area with new commercial entrance door. New furnace and central air, roof coating and tuck-pointing already done for the new owner.

Building can have 2 store fronts or one store front and one apartment on the main level. It also has 2 full apartments on the second level with one studio apartment. There is also a studio apartment on the main level. Basement has been redone to accommodate another apartment.

39,900 $

28,500

$

$

26,500

75,000

101 W. Taylor (Highway 34 East) • Creston

625,000

NOTE: Mortgage interest rates are very, very low!

Talk to your mortgage specialist now!

2 BR, 1 BA in L&M Park. 2 car garage, appliances included. Large living room, lots of storage, deck.

REDUCED

3BR, 2 bath, move-in ready! Open kitchen. Dining room opens to deck.

Master bath with oversized tub and dual vanities. Kitchen appliances included. Garage & carport. Senior living complex provides mowing, snow removal, water, sewer and garbage. Owner anxious make offer!

Premium location on Hwy. 34 with 6000 sq. ft. finished. Currently with 3 retail businesses with 3 bathrooms, commercial doors and large parking lot. In-floor heat with CA units and divided electric services. Insulated and heated rear storage building with 1560 sq. ft. and 2 overhead doors.

117 W. Montgomery St. • Creston

Main St. bldg. w/ new facade, paint & tuck pointing, new roof coating in 2013. Rental business at this location, also.

700 Davis St. • Corning

64,500

$

62,900

44,000 $

SOLD

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

104 N. Maple St. • Creston

203 & 205 W. Adams St. • Creston

2 BR, 1 BA in L&M Park. Very clean, large bedrooms, washer-dryer, range & refrigerator included. Large carport & storage shed.

G

IN

ND

PE

$

N PE

2 Acres, 5 BR, 1-1/2 BA. Large home with lots of living space. One BR on main floor & main floor laundry. Fruit trees. 1 car detached garage.

828 Quiet Harbor • Creston

1314 Miller St. • Creston

930 Sherman Ave • Creston

$

G

N DI

Main-street building location perfect for retail or office space. 2400 Sq Ft with full basement.

BA, utility room and 2 enclosed offices in rear. Desirable front entrance with display window & signage in front & a rear entrance to load or unload. Upgraded furnace & central air

2651 260th St. • Greenfield

51,900

$38,500

113 N. Maple • Creston

— Manufactured Homes —

$

DI

N PE

Custom built home, overlooking McKinley Lake in the Ryan addition. 4 BR, 4 BA. Large kitchen with walk-in pantry, dining area opens to a large screen room with a great view. 3-car garage with its own entrance to the lower level, walk-out basement, ground source heat & air.

$

658,500 $

NG

Your tour begins with the drive by for this 6.2 acre lakefront property located one mile west of Creston.

Built in 1999, this 4 BR 3.5 bath energy efficient custom home, built

by Brad Waltz Construction, has the feel of home with the open kitchen, huge living room and hand built cabinets and numerous easy living innovations. Three car attached garage and two large out-buildings.

$

3 BR, 2 BA, large home, 2080 sq. ft., fireplace, deck, detached 2 car garage.

Large shed.

ACREAGES & FARMS 1628 Dogwood • Creston

1445 Marks Way • Creston

$

69,900 $

$

$

NEW LISTING 2 BR, 1-1/2 BA, single attached garage, large back yard, neat & clean

2BR home with main floor laundry and lots of storage. Nice breezeway between home and single car garage with patio doors on both ends. No steps.

$

79,900 $

410 S. Maple • Lenox

NEW LISTING 4 BR, 2-1/2 BA, 2120 sq. ft. home, 5 city blocks, 3 car attached garage, master BR w/fireplace & private bath, large family room.

Great income potential! 2 apartments to rent, one up, one down, both with separate entries. Some remodeling started and you can finish your way. Off street parking.

74,900

1207 N. Elm • Creston

114,900

1405 Elm Drive • Creston

59,900

703 W. Montgomery • Creston

4 BR, 2 BA. 2 apartments or one large 6 BR home.

Large attached garage.

23,500

64,900 $

$

$

REDUCED

3 BR 1 bath home with new appliances, carpet and paint. 2-car detached garage. New siding.

G

3 BR, 1-3/4 BA, brick home, newer furnace & central air, newer kitchen appliances included, finished basement 908 W. Summit • Creston

208 N. Sumner • Creston

SOLD

3BR home with yard space, patio, newer 2-car detached garage. Hardwood floor in dining room, newer vinyl in bathroom. New sump pump in basement.

IN

Large 3 BR, 2-1/2 BA, 2 detached garages, large corner lot.

814 N. Elm • Creston

3BR 1 3/4 bath home with ground source heat and cooling, 3-season room, some new flooring, all appliances included. 2-car attached garage.

ND

409 N. Elm • Creston

$

1003 N. Birch • Creston

105,000

70,000 $

$

619 N. Mulberry • Creston

NEW LISTING 3 BR 1 bath home with some updates and hardwood floors.

Selling as is.

Clean well-kept home with open floor plan, beautiful builtin leaded glass hutch in living room. Lots of upgrades with vinyl siding, new windows, furnace and new roof.

PE

701 W. Montgomery • Creston

19,900

72,500

3 BR 1 bath home with some updates and hardwood floors.

Selling as is.

110,000

NEW LISTING 4 bedroom, 1-½ bath, fireplace, 2 car detached garage, all appliances stay, main floor laundry. Lot is 60 X 125.

109 S. Jarvis St. • Creston

SOLD

SOLD

$

$

...with us!

505 N. Birch • Creston

506 S. Pine • Creston

74,900

206 S. Sumner • Creston

Page 4c— Creston News Advertiser — Friday, April 18, 2014

Your Home Directory Selling and Installing ALL types of flooring!

Creston...

A Great Place to Live

Joe Clara

Andy

804 S. Mulberry • Creston (on the south side of Hwy. 34 by Cook Video & Appliance)

www.crestoniowachamber.com chamber@crestoniowachamber.com

9 am-5 pm • Mon thru Fri — 8 am-1 pm • Sat

641-278-1044

Your local lumber yard for all your building, rental and remodeling projects.

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Check out all our listings at www.southwestiowahomes.com!

Green Valley Realty

Korina Loudon Broker/Owner

Pat Loudon

1016 W. Montgomery • Creston

641-782-2332 www.callahanrealestate.us Don Irelan • 641-782-5405 Ken Callahan • 641-202-0406 Randy Miller • 641-782-2331 Kim Whittington • 404-909-9327 Aaron Finch • 515-370-1592 Gary Borcherding • 641-344-7455 Bill Callahan • 641-782-2404

641-782-5134 641-782-5134

Plumbing, Heating, & A/C, LLC

Plumbing • Water Heaters • Boilers High Efficiency Heating & A/C Geothermal • Bathroom Remodels Air Purification • Licensed & Insured FREE Estimates in 30 Mile Radius

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Serving Southwest Iowa for 16 Years and Family Owned & Operated.

211 S. Elm | Creston

Vernie’s

Window Fashions

Draperies, Curtains, Blinds, Solar Screens, Plantation Shutters Commercial & Residential John Spriggs

701 W. Townline • Creston

zwater@iowatelecom.net www.zellmers.culliganman.com

Jeanette Gildsig

641-782-7771 & 641-202-0890

RealtorTM

Member National Association of Realtors & Bluegrass Board of Realtors

Bill Callahan - Owner/Broker

Bluegrass Board Mls

for more information on area homes for sale

by Realtors®

M-F 9am-3pm Lobby • M-F 8am-5pm Drive-Up SAT 8:30am-12pm Drive-Up

105 S. Sumner Avenue • Creston

BUILDING CENTERS M-F 7:30-6 • Sat 8-4 • Sun 10-4

602 Sheldon • Suite A • Creston • 641-782-7820

World Floor Covering Association Certified Professional Armstrong Certified Certified Floor Covering Installers

Our Prices Will FLOOR You!

208 W. Taylor/Hwy 34 • 641-782-7021

604 Sheldon • Creston • 641-782-3310

Scott Coen

Vice President/Branch Manager

Commercial • Residential

CRESTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

AKIN

The Bank That Service Built

910 North Sumner Ave • Creston, Iowa 50801

Creston News Advertiser — Friday, April 18, 2014 — Page 5c

Tackle spring cleaning with the environment in mind Spring is a time of year when many people resolve to give their homes or apartments a thorough cleaning.

Spring cleaning projects help people revitalize their homes for the warm months ahead, when windows are once again opened, fresh air pervades homes and items that might have accumulated over a dark and dreary winter have become a distant memory.

Many families have spring cleaning rituals that allow them to efficiently clean their homes in a single weekend. But it’s just as important for spring cleaners to place as great an emphasis on the environment as they do on efficiency when cleaning a home. Eco-friendly spring cleaning practices produce less waste and rely on less chemicals to rejuvenate a home and get it ready for those

seasons when huddling inside under the covers takes a backseat to lounging around the house as fresh air washes into the home. The following are a handful of ways to efficiently clean a home while also protecting the environment.

• Clear out the clutter. Clutter is an enemy to homeowners and the environment alike.

That’s because addressing clutter is often an inefficient process in which homeowners methodically go through items that have accumulated over the years, individually choosing which items to keep and which items to discard. Clutter can also prove harmful to the environment because rooms filled with clutter tend to collect dust, reducing air quality and leading to more indoor air pollution that can prove harmful to human health.

When sifting through clutter in a home, discard those items that have gone ignored for years, as they likely have little or no financial value and it’s safe to assume they serve no practical purpose as well.

Once clutter has been cleared out, prevent more of it from accumulating by making a conscious effort to discard items once they no longer serve any practical purpose. This includes old newspapers and magazines, as well as any other items that are likely to sit in a pile or on a shelf for months on end. Preventing the buildup of clutter reduces the amount of time you need to spend spring cleaning next year while also improving indoor air quality.

• Use cleaners only when windows are open. Many people get a head start on spring cleaning in late winter,

when the weather might have started to warm up but has not yet warmed to the point when windows throughout the home can be opened. Though there’s nothing wrong with starting early, avoid using cleaning products on days when you can’t open the windows.

Many cleaning products contain ample or even just trace amounts of chemicals that can compromise indoor air quality and may exacerbate existing medical conditions like respiratory ailments. When using cleaning products, try to do so only when the windows are open and fresh air can enter the home.

• Ensure appliances are working at peak efficiency.

Spring cleaning is a great time to inspect appliances to make sure they are operating efficiently. Clean or replace

filters on window air conditioning units. Dusty or dirty filters will force the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy to cool a room.

In addition, dirty or dusty filters make units less efficient, which means rooms won’t cool as quickly on those scorching summer afternoons. Appliances forced to work harder also cost more money, and those costs can be considerable.

When checking appliances, be sure to check the refrigerator as well. Refrigerators are plugged in all day long, and those that are not operating at peak efficiency can cost you a lot of money in the long run.

Periodically clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator so it can operate more efficiently, saving energy and money.

Vacuum cleaners should also be inspected before each

use to make sure reels are not covered in hair, which can make it nearly impossible for the machine to collect dirt and dust from the floors.

• Use reusable cloths. Another way to turn spring cleaning into a more eco-friendly affair is to forgo using paper towels in favor of reusable cloths. Reusable wash cloths can be just as effective at wiping down counters as paper towels, which require more and more trees to be cut down and eventually end up in landfills. If you are feeling especially eco-friendly, you can go the extra mile and create your own reusable cleaning cloths out of old clothes or linens, saving you money and making use of items that might otherwise have been headed straight for a landfill.

Smarter Savings with Energy Star Up to $300 Laundry Mail-In Rebate with the purchase of a qualifying Electrolux Front Load Laundry Pair

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oyd Appliance Center Inc.

220 N. Pine • Uptown Creston, IA • (641) 782-2163

Selling Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag, Frigidaire, Electrolux, Speed Queen and Traeger Grills

Servicing most makes and models ~ Locally Owned and Operated Weekdays: 8:30-5:30 • Saturdays: 9:00-12:00

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Page 6c— Creston News Advertiser — Friday, April 18, 2014

Get decked out with color (BPT) —Wondering what one of the biggest trends “on deck” is this year? Hint, it is a colorful answer. That’s because more and more people are choosing to add color with a waterproofing deck stain.

“There are practical reasons for the trend,” says HGTV/DIY Network star Jeff Wilson. “First, most decks are made of pressure treated lumber, which has less natural color and grain than more expensive woods like redwood and cedar.

And even those woods will lose their natural color with time.”

Wilson says there is a creative reason behind the color trend as well. “Decks today are viewed as outdoor living rooms. Deck owners want to express their individual style with colors and deck accessories.”

Choosing a color theme When deciding on the right color for the deck, there are a few practical tips. First, you should contrast light house colors with dark stains and vice versa.

“A dark, rich brown against a white house looks fresh and elegant,” says Wilson. “In contrast, a light, sandy brown paired with a dark house gives the space a clean, sophisticated look. If your house is red-based, such as brick, I would suggest going with a cedar-colored stain.”

A new line of waterproofing deck stains reflects the five most popular colors.

Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain, comes in Maple Brown (light tan), Acorn Brown (dark chocolate), Honey Gold, Woodland Cedar and Sequoia Red. Each of the colors also comes in three versions, depending on how much color is desired.

• Transparent stain shows the most wood grain with minimum color • Semi-transparent stain shows medium wood grain with more color •Solid stain shows the least wood grain with the most color Punch it up When it comes to the outdoor space, many deck owners are adding punch by pairing two or more colors of deck stain. Staining the framing boards a contrasting color to the overall shade is a simple way to incorporate a second color. Consider staining the railings a complementary color to the deck boards - or just stain the railings and protect new wood with a clear waterproofer.

Wilson adds that many homeowners think they have to apply a protective coating over a deck stain, but that isn’t the case. All Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stains combine color and waterproofing protection all in one.

“Deck-cessories” Like any room of the home, furniture and accessories are an easy way to update for today’s trends. For example, purple is the official “color of the year” for 2014, and incorporating the color on a deck with plants and furniture can really liven up the space. Purple and green are a beautiful, natural pairing. Couple purple flowers with green pots or add dark purple pillows to green Adirondack chairs.

“Thinking about your deck in terms of colors opens up a world of creative, beautiful possibilities,” says Wilson.

“It’s a simple, affordable way to make a stylish space you can enjoy every day.”

Designer decks Make an even bolder

statement by using deck stains to create a pattern on the deck. Although it takes more time and planning than traditional deck staining, it may be worth the extra effort to achieve that unique style. For example, a checkerboard effect is very dramatic. The project is even fairly easy to execute with advanced planning. Consider pairing natural wood with a red semi-transparent stain to really make the design pop.

Another styling tip is to create a unique design in the center of the deck. Diamonds are a popular trend and easier to create than the checkerboard pattern. Add several connected shapes in different sizes for an added dramatic effect. You can visit www.thompsonswaterseal. com and www.pinterest.com/ thomponswseal for a variety of inspirational deck looks and other projects for your backyard oasis.

Put your home to work for you!

Apply for a home equity line of credit at PCSB Bank today!

NMLS #479577

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Clarinda · Corning · Lenox · Mt Ayr · Member FDIC ∙ Equal Housing Lender

Creston News Advertiser — Friday, April 18, 2014 — Page 7c

Simple solutions to add storage and style to your home (BPT) — The kitchen - it’s the central hub of the home where we do homework, pay bills, charge electronics, surf the Web and cook up a meal or two. We spend hours in this core of the house, so it’s not surprising that a recent survey from the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI) found that four out of five homeowners want to change something about their kitchen.

Whether the change you’re seeking is a complete overhaul or a simple update, the following tips and projects can help turn your kitchen from cluttered and chaotic to clean and organized.

Conquer counters and cabinets While you may not be able to add square footage to your kitchen, there are many ways to conquer clutter and make the room feel larger. Start by clearing off the countertops and placing small appliances or unnecessary items in cupboards or closets. Next, focus on the sink area. Add some fashion and function with a new single-handle pulldown or pullout faucet; and swap the dingy bottle of soap with a permanent soap dispenser.

Many soap dispensers, like the new premium line from Moen, are available in several designs - modern, transitional and traditional - to coordinate with your new faucet.

Are you tired of the kitchen dish towels lying on the sink or countertop - or worse yet, the floor? Towel bars, towel rings and hooks are an ideal solution to provide a permanent and convenient home for this kitchen necessity. Other accessories, such as robe hooks, can also be used to hang potholders.

Whether mounting on the

side of an upper cabinet, the end of the island or other work areas, Moen offers a variety of accessories, such as the Boardwalk and Banbury collections, that perfectly match Moen kitchen faucets.

And, don’t stop there.

Create continuity throughout your updated space with new knobs and drawer pulls that complement your faucets and fixtures. Whether you prefer modern or something more traditional, there are many options available to extend your sense of design down to the details.

“Homeowners are demanding more from their kitchens than ever before,” says Mike Maynard, product manager, Moen Accessories. “We know that it’s much more than a spot to cook and clean the dishes.

That’s why Moen keeps consumers’ needs top-of-mind by offering thoughtfully designed products to fit the ever-changing demands of this vital room.”

Creative carts and savvy stools Another option to make your kitchen feel more spacious is to invest in a rolling cabinet or cart. It can be used for storage (for example, hiding those small appliances) or serve as a kitchen island that, when not in use, can be stored in the pantry or closet. Hosting a family gettogether or party? Use the rolling cart as your bar when entertaining guests.

Already have a kitchen island? To help save even more floor space, install swivel stools without backs.

They are a great solution, as they can be neatly tucked away after a meal or when homework is done.

Drawer storage We often have good in-

tentions when organizing our kitchen drawers, but let’s face it - they’re usually a mess! According to houzz. com, many homeowners are taking a new approach to kitchen drawer storage and solving space dilemmas by installing customized sliding drawers. One example is an under-sink sliding drawer which pulls out to provide easy access to cleaning supplies that often get lost behind the pipes.

Another popular addition is a built-in utensil drawer.

Rather than using traditional horizontal drawers that lead to utensils being piled on and lost in the back, this vertical pullout features a variety of deep cups to hold serving ware. Or, for a more affordable solution, houzz recommends placing stainless steel pots in a deep empty drawer for a DIY solution.

Order in the house Mail, iPads and keys ... oh my! Beyond the pots and pans, the kitchen becomes a dumping ground for everyday items. Instead of having all of your paperwork collect on your island or countertops, create a central command kitchen station complete with stylish baskets to hide clutter and built-in book shelves or mail slots to ensure everything has a proper place. If you have enough space, add a desk to offer a devoted area for paper storage - as well as a work center to pay bills or do school work.

With a few simple projects, you can cook up some space in your kitchen and achieve maximum organization and style. For more information on Moen accessories or products, visit www. moen.com or call 800-BUYMOEN (800-289-6636).

Whirlpool 4 Piece Kitchen Package

$2926 -10% Savings

$2629

Sale Prices Valid April 2-30, 2014

Whirlpool Microwave Hood Combination with Hidden Vent (WMH31017AS)

• 1,000 Watts Cooking Power • 1.7 cu. ft. Capacity

Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator (WRS325FDAM)

• Accu-Chill™ Temperature Management System • LED Interior Lighting

Whirlpool Range (WFE525C0BS)

• SteamClean Option • TimeSavor™ Convection Cooking System

Whirlpool Dishwasher (WDT710PAYM)

• Sensor Cycle • AnyWare™ Plus Silverware Basket

Cook Video & Appliance — Financing Available with Qualified Credit —

Hwy. 34 East • Creston • 641-782-5112 Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm • Sat 8:30am - 2pm

Page 8c— Creston News Advertiser — Friday, April 18, 2014

Easy tips to create the perfect outdoor living room (BPT) — It’s that time of year - time to dust off your patio furniture, fill your planters and set up to spend the spring outdoors. While expanding an outdoor space is a top renovation project for homeowners and renters alike, it does not have to induce a state of pre-spring stress. With a few simple tips, you can create an outdoor space that adds value and comfort to your home.

Focus on your front entrance “Enhance your home’s curb appeal by brightening up your front entrance,” says The Home Depot’s Director of Trend and Design, Sarah Fishburne. “A coat of brightly colored paint on your front door can redefine the look of your home.” This year, go bold with your color choice

- try coral, tomato red, teal, aqua, violet, pistachio and cobalt. Add a wreath, doormat, kick plates and new door hardware to complete the look. Knobs and handles with a burnished bronze finish also hide fingerprints and don’t show tarnish as easily.

After all, a fabulous front entrance can make a powerful first impression.

Design your dream deck The base of any great outdoor space is a clean slate.

Start with a good scrub and power wash. Echo the feel of your interior to create a cohesive style that makes it easy for you to move indoor decor outside when you are hosting. Start by creating a sense of space with an arbor or trellis. Use colors, furniture finishes and seasonal accessories that complement

307 Adams - Clearfield - Nice 1 story home with updates to the furnace, wiring and flooring. Nice starter home or investment property. $32,500.

each other, such as a beautiful custom patio set from Brown Jordan. If you’re unsure where to start, use an online patio planning tool to make it easier to customize the look. Mix and match patterns, textures and sheens for a designer-inspired finish.

For urban dwellers in apartments or small spaces, you

can create a great outdoor space by installing a vertical garden filled with succulents and a small cocktail table and chairs.

Accessorize and add color “Accessories aren’t just about making a fashion statement,” says Fishburne. “In fact, adding finishing touches to your front and back porch

creates a polished look and feel.” Not only does a weather-resistant, indoor/outdoor rug anchor furniture just like in a living room but it also adds a punch of pattern and color to complement your outdoor furniture. Adding big, bright flowers, such as red geraniums is a simple and cost effective way to brighten up your outdoor space. Not a gardener? Not a problem. Achieve beautiful results with minimal effort by using Drop ‘N Bloom premixed containers of bright spring flowers. For additional pop, whitewash or paint your tired planters with this season’s hottest colors - pollen yellow or aquatic green.

Plan for a party What’s a great outdoor space without others to share it with? Set up your space to

host parties all season long.

Don’t leave your guests in the dark - hang up string lights or place solar lights around the patio to get the party going. Create ambiance and a cool conversation piece with a fire pit or add colorful throw pillows for your guests to sit back and relax. Finally, set yourself up for a season of signature meals by planting an herb garden. Make the night more interactive by inviting your guests to help pick herbs that will complement the meal.

For this and more project inspiration, check out The Home Depot’s Trend and Design Tumblr. For more quick and easy gardening tips, sign up for The Garden Club, which provides regionalized garden information, forums and deals.

500 W. Fremont - 1 story 3BR home with lots of room and potential, sitting on almost half an acre. $33,000

Ready to purchase your dream home?

let us help.

821 Grand - Afton - Move in ready 2BR ranch home in Afton with hardwood floors and a nice private backyard.

Unfinished basement that would make a great family room and another bedroom. $92,000

500 N. Stone - 1-1/2 Story 4BR home on a quiet street on an extra large lot. Contact us to take a look today! $58,500

208 N. Maple, Creston, IA 50801 • 641-782-8516 / 888-828-8516

www.carteragcy.com

Whatever your financing needs, our mortgage specialists can help. Stop in and see us today!

State Savings Bank IS Iowa Employee Owned

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NMLS# 421412 • Member FDIC

issbbank.com • 1-800-508-0142