BCT-03-29-14

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Saturday, March 29, 2014

2 2 • Spring Kickoff • Saturday, March 29, 2014

Bureau County Republican • bcrnews.com

Spring 2014: What’s hot and what’s not!

What are the local merchants saying?

By Goldie Currie and Sarah Maxwell news@bcrnews.com

So what should you wear? It’s spring and warmer weather is in the near future. You want to be in style, but do you know what’s hot for 2014? Check out what these Illinois Valley merchants say about fashion for this spring and summer...

Ladies

BCR photos/Goldie Currie

Above, Sassy Sisters owners Carol Keller (left) and Beth Rosene have their downtown Princeton ladies’ apparel shop stocked with this season’s hot spring trends. From denim of all shades and floral patterns to sheer, light-weight scarfs and medium-sized beaded jewelry, shoppers can find all the “in” trends within the Illinois Valley. Below, a display at Sassy Sisters shows the trending styles for jewelry this spring. Necklaces that incorporate all types of metals are a new hot trend right now. important tip is to be true to one’s self, no matter what the trends may be.

“You want to dress for your body type, and it’s so important to watch where items hit and lay,” Keller said. “Something can be the hottest trend, but if it doesn’t look good on you, then don’t do it.”

Another small tip to remember is push the sleeves on long-sleeved shirts up to three-quarter length.

“They say it will automatically take 10 pounds off,” Keller said.

Rosene said to stay

away from wide-legged pants and look for straight-slim legged pants. Also, skirts of all lengths, capris and midlength shorts are here again.

Accessorizing is another key item. Look for sheer, light-weight scarfs and mediumsized jewelry.

“Right now, we’re selling midsize, beaded jewelry. We have more gold pieces coming in. The hot thing to do right now is mixing the metals — having gold, silver and copper all in one

See Fashion Page 3

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• Sassy Sisters in Princeton has stocked up on all the hot trends for Spring 2014.

As co-owners Carol Keller and Beth Rosene prep their apparel store, located in downtown Princeton, they shared just a few of the hot styles that will be seen out and about this season.

The top trends that come to mind are flowing tops, bits of floral pattern, denim of all shades and the color orchid.

“We’re still seeing a lot of bright colors,” Keller said. “They won’t be as intense as last spring’s neon colors but still bright.”

Also the neutrals are back — black, white, cremes and sandy colors — paired with colored accessories.

Rosene added highlow tops are also here to stay.

“They are very flattering in that they are short in the front and cover the seat,” she said.

When making purchases this season, the ladies said the most

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Saturday, March 29, 2014 • Spring Kickoff • 3

Fashion From Page 2

Above, Rosene displays just one of the trends in jewelry this season. She and Keller suggest looking for medium-sized jewelry pieces to dress up any outfit this spring. Below at left, a display at Sassy Sisters shows how to pair denim with a long, flowing skirt. Flowing materials are back again this spring. Below at right, Keller pairs a necklace with a black, fringe shirt at Sassy Sisters. Those who go for more neutral colors will find that black, white, cremes and sandy tones are hot colors this season. Also, fringe is popping up all over in clothing and accessories.

necklace,” said Rosene.

• At Amma’s Studio in Princeton, employees returned from the Las Vegas Retail Market at the end of January and have been gearing up for a colorful season ever since.

“The popular colors this season are a very light green almost seafoam, pale blue and a peach, salmon color.

These colors work well with white, which is always a popular summer color,” said Dixie Reed, an assistant at Amma’s Studio.

At the market, they saw lots of crosses being incorporated into new styles. This trend will be seen in scarves, necklaces, bracelets and rings.

Scarfs are still a popular accessories but are receiving a little makeover. Reed suggested pairing a scarf with a broach or a scarf pin.

There will be a continuation of leggings in lots of colors and patterns. Long-sleeved and sleeveless tunic tops in gauzy, open knit materials are also expected to stick around.

Reed said she saw lots of bright, “blingy”

jewelry at the market and expects it to remain popular because of its diversity.

Men • Dale Vlastnik of Vlastnik’s Menswear in Peru said the biggest thing in men’s fashion is fit.

“Guys need to make sure everything fits to look good. Items need to be tailored,” he said, hinting that often times, men look like they are wearing borrowed clothes.

“At Vlastnik’s Menswear, nothing leaves the store until it has been fit to the client,” he said.

Recently, the store acquired Americanmade, light-weight sport coats in cream, sand and light khaki green.

These coats would pair best with pastel shirts and low contrast pastel ties, according to Vlastnik. They could also be worn with dress pants, khakis or jeans.

“Neutrals always can go with anything,” he said.

Looking at the trends, there has been a shift from having a large wardrobe to having select pieces which can be paired in any number of ways.

“Men who are pulled together just look sharp,” he said.

Children • Dixie Reed of Amma’s Studio said fashion for children will be just as colorful this season as it is for adults. Girls will see lots of pinks, oranges and purples. Boys will see combinations of vibrant and bold colors with soft pastels.

Fashion for girls will include lots of layers, ruffles and changing hemlines. Tops, skirts and dresses will feature hemlines like the highlow and handkerchief.

Look for items showcasing polka dots and patterns.

Big bows are still popular for young girls. However, also coming into play are crocheted hats and “blinged” headbands. Just as it is for women’s fashion, bling is very popular for girls.

Boys should look forward to dungarees with colorful patches. Reed saw lots of plaid and seersucker oxford shirts at the market for young boys to wear this season. A popular color combination for boys was peach with a bright green.

Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.

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4 4 • Spring Kickoff • Saturday, March 29, 2014

Bureau County Republican • bcrnews.com

Plant health care, cause and effect

By Dennis Taylor Certified arborist from Taylor’s Trees & Turf of Princeton Special to the BCR

Welcome to the Midwest and one of the most severe winters on record.

As stressful as this winter has been on you, the trees, shrubs and ornamental plants outdoors have endured the worst.

Fear not, there is still a chance to prepare for spring and address the issues in your own little urban forest. Yes, you live in a forest, albeit incorporated with streets, sidewalks, buildings, power lines and a few pot holes.

As the snow melts away and the winter blues fade, take the chance to walk around your home’s urban forest and assess the damage. Let’s take the walk together, help navigate the effects of winter and make a cause for change this spring.

Start your walk by identifying the ornamental shrubs that look overgrown, experienced some winter dieback or suffered limb breakages. For those hard to identify plants, whether inherited or just forgotten throughout the years as your landscape labyrinth has grown, con-

tact a certified arborist to aid in the process.

It is important to distinguish the plants that don’t flower early in the season or at all, like burning bush. They will benefit the most from spring pruning. Take care when pruning not to “chop the top.” This is a common mistake among do-it-yourself (DIY) gardeners. The goal is to promote new life while improving health and appearance of plants.

Selectively remove larger, more mature limbs, giving smaller limbs the opportunity to thrive.

Some common examples of plants you should wait to prune until after flower include lilacs, forsythia, bridal wreath and rhododendron (especially PJM).

After the pruners are put away, get those walking shoes back on and enjoy a stroll down your once icy walkways. As a safety measure and matter of necessity this winter, you likely put down enough salt on your driveway, patio and sidewalks to cure an entire pig. The aftermath can be devastating to landscape plants and grasses.

High salt content in soils, either by direct contact or run off from the pro-

opEning april 11

cess of melting, are roots’ worst enemy. Products like gypsum help push the sodium layer from winter salt below the critical growth area of grasses and ornamental plants.

The effect may not be immediately noticeable, but your plants will be thanking you later. Local arborists also utilize plant growth regulators to help counteract the negative effect of salt toxicity and promote root growth. Significantly reduced pruning cycles and improved plant color are added benefits of plant growth regulators used on trees, shrubs and perennials.

Keeping the focus on the ground, one positive effect of the winter deep freeze could be reduced populations among some insect species. Bagworms will likely take a big hit this spring, and reduced infestations should be expected. Scale insects, however, have been evident this winter. Proper diagnosis and treatment timing are crucial with hard to kill scale insects.

Most freeze-tolerant and freeze-avoidant insects are less affected by the winter conditions and depend more on the freeze and thaw cycles experienced in the early spring. Recent comments

from a University of Illinois entomologist indicated the freeze-tolerant emerald ash borer larva will likely not be affected by the extreme winter temperatures.

The emerald ash borer (eab) that is wreaking havoc on ash trees in LaSalle County has also infiltrated Bureau County. Spring and throughout the growing season are great times to start protecting ash trees from the eab invader. Mature trees provide both an aesthetic and economic benefit in your urban forest. A 20-foot diameter ash tree in Princeton provides $185 of benefit

to you each year. If you experienced any of the basement flood issues last spring, the same 20-foot ash is even more important. Recent statistics indicate that a 20-foot ash tree will intercept more than 2,300 gallons of rainwater this year.

The statistics are according to the national tree benefit calculator on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website.

If you were brave enough to take a glance at the Farmer’s Almanac for spring, you are ready to get out those rain boots and umbrellas.

Rain can be a wonderful blessing, but in large

amounts it also has the potential to cause damage and promote disease infestation in some plants. Last year, your prized crabapple was full of beautiful blossoms and leafed out great, but dropped its leaves considerably early. Correct diagnosis and treatment timing are crucial to control the easily managed fungal disease causing the crabapple defoliation.

Stay tuned as the cause and effect of nature, man and animals alike are discussed throughout the changing seasons. Let’s hope March leaves us like a lamb and sets a good tone for this year.

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Saturday, March 29, 2014 • Spring Kickoff • 5

Tips to spring clean your deck and patio

Extend the life of your car or truck (StatePoint) Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, so taking care of your car or truck just makes good sense.

While regular wear and tear cannot be avoided over time, there are some important steps you can take to keep your vehicle on the road longer:

Wash Your Car Regularly washing your car may keep you riding in style, but a clean vehicle is not just for appearances.

Keeping your car or truck clean and free of debris and detrimental road salt will prevent rusting and costly repairs down the line.

Oil Changes and Filters To protect your engine, follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals. Instead of conventional oil, consider using high performance synthetic motor oil designed to reduce wear, heat and fuel consumption.

Just like motor oil, not all oil filters are of the same quality — filters can be classified as “economy,” “better” and “best.”

Since the oil filter prevents contaminants from circulating through the system and causing damage, opting for a premium oil filter will extend the life of your vehicle.

Smoother Driving The way you drive can affect your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Take care to accelerate and decelerate smoothly.

Not only will you increase your fuel economy, but you’ll extend the life of your brake pads.

Avoid feel-good driving maneuvers like revving the engine and try not to drive on a nearly empty gas tank. Neither of these behaviors is good for your engine, and could result in costly repairs.

By following a maintenance routine and practicing good driving habits, you can extend the life of your vehicle well after driving it off the lot.

Betty Fisher

(StatePoint) It’s the time of year when sprucing up your deck and patio becomes a top weekend priority.

Whether you use the space for entertaining or for solitude, you’ll want it clean, comfortable and safe this spring.

Take time to dust off your outdoor furniture and wipe down cushions that have been in storage all winter. Inspect flower pots, bird feeders and other outdoor décor to ensure they withstood the cooler months. Replace anything that is damaged.

Before setting furniture and décor back, give the surface below a good clean. Whether you’re dealing with cement, brick or wood, the quickest and most thorough way to deep clean and restore surfaces to a like-new condition is with a pressure washer. Knowing how to use one properly is important for a quality job and for your safety.

Usage Tips • Different surfaces require different cleaning techniques. Ensure you’re following the instructions for the surface you’re cleaning.

• Always read and follow the operator’s manual and all operating instructions.

• High-pressure spray can cut through skin, so never spray people or animals.

Wear closed-toed shoes and goggles while pressure washing.

• Assume a solid stance and firmly grasp the spray gun with both hands to avoid injury if the gun kicks back before squeezing the spray gun trigger.

• Never spray near power lines, service feeds, electrical meters, wiring and

windows.

• Check the engine oil level each time you use a pressure washer. When changing or adding oil, don’t overfill the engine crankcase. Doing so can cause smoking, hard starting, spark plug fouling and oil saturation of the air filter.

Buying Tips Buying a pressure washer for the first time or replacing an old one? Here are some guidelines: • Pressure washers are categorized in groups based upon frequency of use and the types of products and surfaces they are best suited for cleaning.

Selecting the right pressure washer for your needs depends on what you’re going to clean, how often you plan to do so, and how much time you want to spend. Ask yourself these questions before making a purchase.

• Look for a versatile pressure washer that can be used for a variety of tasks.

Deep clean your patio and driveway in high pressure mode or clean more delicate surfaces and rinse away debris in high flow mode.

• Consider going green with a model having reduced environmental impact.

If you have an older pressure washer, a newer model could offer lower emissions and better fuel efficiency.

• Learn more about pressure washers before making an investment. For a buying guide and instructional videos, visit www.BriggsAndStratton.com.

With a deep clean, you can restore and refresh your home’s outdoor spaces and make them a friendly place to relax and have fun.

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6 6 • Spring Kickoff • Saturday, March 29, 2014

Bureau County Republican • bcrnews.com

Three ways to get healthier, from the inside out (StatePoint) Heart health should be a year-round consideration for anybody looking to lead a healthy life. While that may sound like a daunting task, better heart health can be possible with a few steps in the right direction.

Iconic television, stage and screen actor, Tony Danza, makes his health a top priority, even when facing a busy schedule.

Danza, who knows the importance of diet, exercise and “doing good to feel good,” offers his go-to tips for fitting health and wellness into your daily lifestyle: • Turn Your Daily Habits Into Exercise. Most people know that exercise, in addition to a healthy diet, also plays a key role in bettering your overall health. However, many people have trouble fitting exercise into their busy schedule or think they have to look to costly private training options to see results. What most don’t realize is fitting in exercise can be as easy and cost-efficient as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk on your lunch break.

Encourage others, like your friends or family, to join you on these mini exercise sessions. Having a support system of people who are looking for ways to be healthier can help provide motivation to keep going on your journey to better health.

• Get Your Fiber Up. Fiber is a crucial component to our diet, but most Americans are not getting the recommended daily amount of 25 to 38 grams of fiber, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Many people know that fiber can

Baked Turkey Rigatoni

help promote digestive health, but few know that it can also promote heart health.

Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include seven grams of soluble fiber per day from psyllium husk, as in Metamucil, may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol. One adult dose of Metamucil has at least 2.1 grams of this soluble fiber.

“Metamucil has been an important part of my health regimen for over 20 years. It’s a simple way to get multiple health benefits and an extra fiber boost since it can be hard to get all the fiber you need from food alone,” says Danza.

• Do Good; Feel Good. Overall

health and wellness also comes from how you feel about yourself as an individual. Danza makes giving back to the community a regular practice and lists it among his healthy habits.

“Giving back is good for the soul and really warms the heart. You will be amazed to see how much you do for yourself as a person, when you are helping and giving back to others,” says Danza.

More tips and information on healthy living is available at Metamucil’s Facebook Fan page at www.Facebook.com/Metamucil.

There are many ways to work healthy routines into your daily life.

Put Some

Makes: 8 servings Prep time: Less than 30 minutes Total time: Less than 1 hour Ingredients 1 16-ounce package rigatoni pasta 1 20-ounce package Jennie-O lean ground turkey 1 cup diced onion 2 26-ounce jars spaghetti sauce 6 slices Provolone cheese 1 cup fat-free sour cream 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese Directions Heat oven to 350°. Bring large pot of lightly salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook 12 minutes or until al dente; drain. Return to same pan. In large skillet, cook turkey as specified on the package.

Always cook to well-done, 165° as measured by a meat thermometer. Add onion and sauce; simmer 15 minutes or until sauce is thickened and onion is soft. Mist a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add turkey mixture to pasta. Stir to combine. Layer half of turkey mixture in dish. Top with Provolone cheese. Spread with sour cream. Top with remaining turkey mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

• Mini turkey meatballs: Instead of making meatballs out of sausage, substitute lean ground turkey and combine with your favorite seasonings.

• Savory turkey Tuscan bean and tomato soup: Give your next batch of soup a Tuscan twist using Lean Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey.

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Saturday, March 29, 2014 • Spring Kickoff • 7

8 8 • Spring Kickoff • Saturday, March 29, 2014

Bureau County Republican • bcrnews.com

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