Lake living may 2015

~ Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC

INSIDE Life on the shores of the Southern Lakes area

A special edition of Homes & Design • May 2015

• Protect the waterways • The best backyard • Vacation home idea

May 2015

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Things to consider LAKE LIVING

Page 3

when renovating a vacation home Vacation homes may seem like a luxury only the very wealthy can afford, but many people purchase vacation homes as investments. Vacation homes give families a place to escape to where they can spend time together each summer or winter, but such homes also help homeowners generate income, and some homeowners even find the height of vacation season generates enough rental income to pay for the second home year-round.

Personal style goes a long way toward determining how to renovate a primary residence. But men and women who own vacation homes they hope to rent out should not allow their own personal styles to dictate a vacation home renovation project. The following are some additional things homeowners should consider before renovating their vacation homes.

CURB APPEAL

May 2015

When renovating a vacation property,

relatively minor updates can dramatically improve curb appeal, which may bear more weight with prospective renters than it would prospective buyers.

Potential buyers are making a substantial financial commitment when they buy a home, so they will go over a home with a fine tooth comb. But vacation renters are making a much smaller financial commitment, so curb appeal can go a long way toward encouraging vacationers to rent your property.

Repaint a home in a more vibrant color or replace old siding with newer material.

Hire a local landscaping service to tend to the property throughout vacation season, and be sure to include updated photos of your property with online listings.

CONNECTIVITY

While vacation was once a respite from all aspects of our everyday lives, nowadays vacationers want to maintain

at least some connection to the outside world. If your vacation home is not up-todate with its wireless technology, upgrade to a faster network that offers high speed Internet. Such connectivity can and likely will prove attractive to prospective renters who have grown accustomed to relying on the Internet, even when they are on vacation.

APPLIANCES

A vacation rental may not need the latest and greatest appliances, but homeowners may find it easier to attract renters (and charge more in rent) if the home is not filled with outdated appliances reminiscent of a long forgotten era.

Upgrade especially outdated appliances, but make sure any upgrades fit with the theme of your rental.

For example, stainless steel appliances may look great in your primary residence, but such appliances are costly and may not

be what renters hoping to find a beachside bungalow are looking for.

ACCESSIBILITY

Some people want a vacation home far off the beaten path, but that does not mean the home has to be inaccessible. If your vacation home is in a wooded area far off the road, consider paving the access road prospective renters will use to get to and from the property.

This relatively small touch may appeal to potential renters who want some seclusion, but don’t want to put their vehicles through the ringer every time they leave the property.

Renovating a vacation home is a great way to generate extra rental income from the property, and there are several ways homeowners can make their vacation homes more attractive to renters without breaking the bank.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Homes & Design May 2015 Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 (262) 728-3411

staff Editor In Chief: Edward Nadolski Special Sections Editor: Tracy Ouellette Editorial Assistant: Sharon Soch Creative/Production Director: Sue Z. Lange Advertising Director: Vicki Vanderwerff

on the cover A camper from Camp Timber-Lee in East Troy enjoys a quiet moment last summer on Peters Lake.

advertising For advertising opportunities, call (262) 728-3411 or email vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

Renovating a vacation home is a great way to generate extra rental income from the property, and there are several ways homeowners can make their vacation homes more attractive to renters without breaking the bank.

Page 4

May 2015

LAKE LIVING

ANGLERS doing their part in fight against aquatic

INVASIVE SPECIES

Recent monitoring data suggests that boaters and anglers are doing their part to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Monitoring results from 2014 discovered fewer than 10 new lakes with either zebra mussels or spiny water fleas, both of which are problematic invasive species.

“Even with the increased effort of DNR invasive species monitoring specialists, we are only finding a handful of new lakes with invasive species,” said Tim Campbell, an aquatic invasive species contractor with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “This suggests that many water users are doing their part in limiting the transport of plant material, water and debris between lakes and rivers.”

To continue preventing or limiting the spread of aquatic invasive species, boaters, paddlers and anglers must: Inspect boats, trailers and equipment.

Remove any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading and before transporting on a public highway).

Drain all water from boats, motors and all equipment.

Never move live fish away from a water body.

Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.

Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer.

Fishermen may take leftover minnows away from any state water and use them again on that same water. Leftover minnows may also be used on other waters only if no lake or river water or other fish were added to their container.

Boaters and anglers who would like to help support research into better aquatic invasive species prevention and control may donate $2 through the aquatic invasive species research check-off when they register their boat with the DNR. To learn more, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for “invasives prevention.”

Fishing licenses and information just a click away The general Wisconsin fishing season runs from May 2, to March 6, 2016, however a variety of local and species specific rules may apply. To learn more about statewide fishing regulations, search the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for “fishing regulations.” For a complete calendar, search “fishing season dates.”

Anglers can find fish species information, boat access sites, shore fishing areas, lake information and regulations by downloading the free Wisconsin Fish & Wildlife mobile app, which includes a full array of fishing information.

Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927, do not need a license and resident members of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty are entitled to obtain a free fishing license when on furlough or leave.

Anglers can buy a one-day fishing license that allows them to take someone out to try fishing, and if they like it, the purchase price of that oneday license will be credited toward purchase of an annual license. The one-day license is $8 for residents and $10 for nonresidents.

Buying a license is easy and convenient over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center on the DNR website, at all authorized license agents, at DNR Service Centers (Hours for service centers vary; check the DNR website for service center days and hours of operation; DNR Service Centers are not open on Saturdays), or by calling toll-free 1-877-LICENSE (945-4236).

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

While safety comes first when on the water, keeping the area waterways clean should also be a priority for every boater. Keep trash in the boat until docking and, use pump out stations to empty ballast tanks and don’t let unwanted hitchhikers remain on the boat’s surface.

On the water Protect the environment with safe boating

Recreational boating reaches its peak when the weather warms up and people take to waterways in droves. Spending a day on the water enjoying the scenery or trying your luck at fishing are popular pastimes.

Following proper boating practices and etiquette can protect everyone onboard. Although ensuring passenger safety should be a priority, safeguarding against environmental impacts while boating also should be a concern.

Marinas and various marine areas can become contaminated with pollutants generated from boating activities. Boat cleaning, fueling and marine head discharge are just a few of the pollutants that can find their ways into the water.

A past study in the marine reserve of Cape Creus in the Mediterranean Sea found that boat anchoring also is a considerable threat to marine habitats, as vulnerable ecologies can be damaged by anchors.

Although there are regulations in place to protect marine life and ecosystems, these rules aren’t always adhered to.

Recreational boaters can do their part to keep oceans, bays, rivers, and lakes pristine by adhering to some sound advice.

Reduce engine exhaust Whenever possible, row, paddle or use sails to decrease engine use and subsequent exhaust. When engines must be used, do not idle unnecessarily. Always steer clear of the aft of the boat, where fuel fumes and carbon monoxide can cause serious health implications.

Keep trash on the vessel Do not discard any items over the side of the boat. Even seemingly harmless items can impact the environment.

Store garbage in a bag and dispose of it properly when you

return to the marina or dock. Secure items onboard so they will not blow off and end up in the water.

Avoid antifouling paints Antifouling paints are special paints applied to the underside of vessels to prevent or slow down the growth of barnacles and other organisms. Maritime New Zealand notes that these paints can harm other sea life and prove dangerous when scraped off and not discarded properly.

Keep boats in proper working order Poorly maintained boats may harm the environment.

Inefficiently working engines can produce more exhaust and contaminate the air and water. Oil and other mechanical fluids can leak into the water and affect the marine environment. Proper maintenance helps keep boats safe and minimizes their impact on the environment.

Use pump-out stations Pump out stations at marinas enable boaters to safely dispose of the contents from sanitary systems without waste ending up in the water. Commercial ships, such as tankers and bulk cargo carriers, have the added threat of ballast water.

Ballast water keeps vessels buoyant. However, when this water is discharged at the next port of call, it can transfer biological materials, like bacteria and plants, from foreign waters. These materials can compromise the integrity of ecological systems.

Respect marine ecosystems Boaters who plan to enter the water and explore should tread delicately. Coastal areas often play home to birds and other wildlife. Use caution around reefs and habitats.

(METRO CREATIVE)

LAKE LIVING

May 2015

Page 5

Tackle home maintenance projects to SAVE MONEY

Much like the upkeep on your car, tackling home maintenance on a regular basis will prevent problems from developing and save you from larger repair costs down the road. Some projects should be left to the professionals, but there are plenty of weekend jobs that any homeowner can easily handle, like these: Inspect your roof and make minor repairs Winter can be especially hard on a roof.

Look for ice, hail or water damage. Replace any cracked or missing shingles and clear any debris.

Clean your gutters It’s not glamorous work, but your home’s gutters play an essential role in moving water away from your home and preventing damage.

Consider installing gutter guards to ensure your gutters remain functional and free from debris.

Inspect windows and doors and re-caulk where necessary Because a proper seal is essential in both heating and cooling seasons, this job should be performed twice a year to protect against drafts and moisture, and to keep insects out. Worn weather stripping should also be replaced.

Check your insulation Attics should be insulated to R50, which can usually be achieved with an insulation depth of at least 16-inches. Top up with an insulation product that is water repellant and fire resistant, like ROXUL COMFORTBATT. Don’t forget to ensure that your basement headers are insulated properly to prevent overworking your furnace and air conditioner.

Other simple jobs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing and resealing decks, inspecting the foundation and scheduling a check-up for your HVAC system. The key is being honest about what you can handle and, when in doubt, call in the pros.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Air conditioning and heating equipment consume about 44 percent of a home’s energy bill.

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

Heating and air conditioning

tips from the pros

Next to your home itself, a home comfort system is one of the largest investments you will make. That’s why the decision to purchase a heat pump, gas furnace or central air conditioner is a significant one – a decision that requires careful thought and research.

To help you make an intelligent decision about heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, here are 10 common questions – and answers – from the experts at the Coleman brand of Johnson Controls.

IS INSTALLING A CENTRAL HVAC SYSTEM REALLY NECESSARY?

In new homes or remodels, a central home comfort system provides the highest level of overall comfort, indoor air quality and humidity control.

SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE MY EXISTING SYSTEM?

As a rule of thumb, replace your existing home comfort system when repairs cost 30 percent of a new purchase – or when utility bills have increased 50 percent as a result of older, less-efficient systems that use more, higher-priced electricity.

HOW MUCH CAN I SAVE WITH NEW EQUIPMENT?

Air conditioning and heating equipment consume about 44 percent of a home’s energy bill. Today’s ENERGY STAR qualified systems are as much as 60 percent more efficient than 10-year-old equipment.

HOW DO I SELECT THE RIGHT HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM?

Get solid advice from an expert. The right contractor can perform a load calculation or an energy analysis to determine your operating costs. After getting to know your needs, he or she can customize a system just for you.

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

Spring is the perfect time to knock out those around-the-house maintenance projects. Get the gutters cleaned and windows caulked before summer arrives.

HOW CAN I BE SURE I’M SELECTING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR?

Seek out a contractor who is associated with a recognized brand. If the contractor is backed by the product and training resources of a major manufacturer, you will feel

confident that you’re getting the home comfort system that best meets your needs.

IF I HAVE AN EXISTING SYSTEM, CAN ANY OF THESE COMPONENTS BE REUSED?

Every system is different. After a thorough inspection of your electrical system, ductwork and other components, your contractor will provide a rundown of what you need to replace and what you can keep.

WHAT IS THE BEST THERMOSTAT TO USE WITH MY SYSTEM?

Look for a programmable thermostat for accurate, reliable, energy-saving performance. For added savings and convenience, the Coleman Echelon Residential Communicating Control with Wi-Fi support works with mobile devices to easily program your system, wherever you are.

WHAT DOES THE AIR HANDLER DO FOR MY SYSTEM?

An air handler circulates conditioned air throughout your home. You can combine it with accessories to filter, humidify or dehumidify the air stream as needed.

WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

Indoor air can be from five to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Adding humidifiers, dehumidifiers, ventilation systems, ultraviolet lights and air filter technologies can dramatically improve your indoor air quality.

HOW COMPLICATED IS A NEW SYSTEM INSTALLATION?

That depends on the house and the system. While air conditioners and gas furnaces require different components, the common denominator is ductwork, which must be properly sized and zoned for proper system performance. Your contractor can evaluate your existing setup and tell you how simple your installation will be.

To learn more, visit www.colemanac.com.

(NAPS)

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LAKE LIVING

May 2015

Page 7

OUTFITTING YOUR HOME with smart home technology

Last year went down in history as the year smart home technology went mainstream. Rapidly evolving security, entertainment, cleaning and mobile technology have made smart home solutions more affordable and easier to integrate than ever before.

Feel like you’re still living in the Stone Age? No need to fret now is the perfect time to give yourself the gift of smart home convenience. The best part is that there are ways to modernize every part of your home.

Front door Arms full of shopping bags? Ditch fumbling with your keys and upgrade your front door with the Kwikset Kevo powered by UniKey. Featuring Touch-toopen technology, unlocking the front door is as simple as tapping your lock, without needing to remove your phone from your pocket. Have guests visiting? No problem.

Send them an electronic key (eKey) to grant them instant access.

Living room A leading trend for audio products has been to make them as small and unobtrusive as possible. For the music and home theater enthusiast, a smartly engineered pair of compact speakers, such as SVS Prime Satellite speakers, can produce big-time dynamics from a tiny cabinet so you can enjoy your favorite movies and music without the bulky audio equipment.

Garage Cleaning the garage used to be a pain, but smart home technology can make it quick

and convenient. For example, the mountable Vroom Garage Vac from H-P Products has an attached 40-foot hose that can help you remove sawdust, metal shavings, sand, debris and even tiny shreds of paper from the furthest reaches of any garage, basement, or workshop, eliminating the need for schlepping a bulky shop vac. There now are smarter ways to keep garage messes under control and even vacuum the car.

A clean garage deserves an intelligent garage door. Linear’s Z-Wave Garage Door Operator Remote Controller allows you to open, control, and monitor your sectional garage door from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Last second delivery, but nobody is home? Lying in bed, but can’t remember if you closed the garage door? Now you can easily monitor and manage your garage door or use the controller to easily grant guests access via the garage.

Driveway If you’re working in your driveway or yard, why not use the time to listen to your favorite music while protecting your hearing? Headphones like Tough Sounds from ION Audio have you covered. Perfect for outdoor work or for streaming music inside, the ruggedly crafted Tough Sound hearing protection wireless headphones with Bluetooth reduce external noise by 25 decibels, while letting you listen to AM/ FM Radio or your own tunes streamed from your favorite device.

Tough Sounds also allow you to make and receive calls so you can take advantage of hands-free communication while you work.

(STATEPOINT)

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

Investing in some smart home tech can make life less stressful. Evolving security, entertainment, cleaning and mobile technology have made smart home solutions more affordable.

Home trends:

High tech kitchens in high demand

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

High-tech kitchens are here to stay in American homes. The growing trend adds value while making the heart of the home more useful. Start with a digital faucet and explore all the opportunities to upgrade your kitchen.

The digital craze has affected virtually every aspect of life, but perhaps nowhere is it more useful than in the home. From keeping your property secure to saving water and energy, digital upgrades can give your house a modern edge that adds convenience, cuts costs and improves resale value.

Within the home, the kitchen showcases the digital trend more than any other room. Smart appliances simplify tasks for homeowners while adding sleek design to spaces. Homeowners can now control stoves via smartphone and microwaves have the ability to sense when food is warmed just right. Can’t remember if you’re out of milk?

A smart refrigerator will tell you via text if you need to make a stop on the way home.

Even seemingly basic aspects of the kitchen are getting futuristic makeovers. No place is this more evident than with faucets.

Evolving tremendously over the last decade, faucets today embrace a blend of style and function with high-tech features that impress guests and potential buyers while making your life easier on a daily basis.

In fact, if you’re looking for a manageable

first step to transform your current kitchen into a high-tech powerhouse, the faucet is the perfect starting point. Here are some things to consider as you shop for a digital faucet: 1. Does the faucet help keep the kitchen healthier (or more hygienic)?

More than just access to water, look for digital faucets with features to help keep the kitchen more hygienic. For example, Did-UWave digital faucets from Danze Inc. have a 3-inch infrared sensor for motion-activated functionality – perfect when your hands are full or dirty. Just imagine not having to touch the faucet to wash your hands after handling raw meat or dirty dishes. Eliminating touch means eliminating the spread of germs.

2. Does the faucet help save water?

A sensor makes it easy to access water, but what if you forget to turn it off?

Especially important for the busy home cook or household with kids, a faucet that shuts off automatically if movement is not sensed is an important feature. While some digital faucets stay on two or more minutes, 60 seconds is the time to fill an average pot, so watch for a faucet that runs more than is necessary.

That way you won’t waste water when you or someone else is in a hurry or simply forgets, which not only helps the environment but also helps save money on utilities.

3. Do the high tech features make life easier?

A good digital faucet will help make kitchen activity easier so you can maximize your time and minimize stress. Unique features of Danze digital faucets include LED task lighting at the tip of the spray head that provides spot lighting for easy sight no matter what you’re doing, and SnapBack Technology that ensures the head will comfortably snap into place after every use for a tidy kitchen with less effort.

4. Is the faucet stylish?

Much like jewelry accentuates an outfit, a faucet is a key focal point of the kitchen.

Look for a stylish faucet with advanced features that marries fashion and function.

Gooseneck designs in chrome or stainless steel are classic options that match a variety of kitchen aesthetics, so you can have timeless style alongside helpful benefits.

(BPT)

Page 8

May 2015

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IT’S THE HEART OF THE HOME The Colorful, ArTful Shop

325 Kenosha (Hwy 67) renovating Walworth, WI • 414.815.6638 6 things you should never doSt.when a kitchen

Whether you’ve heard it in the office, a classroom or a soccer field, that old saying about mistakes being valuable learning tools really rings true, doesn’t it?

If those mistakes occur during the course of a kitchen renovation, however, it may be difficult to be philosophical about them.

Bungle a kitchen redesign, and you’ll either have to live with the consequences for a long time or invest even more money to correct them.

It’s better by far to avoid making a big mistake when renovating a kitchen. Here are six totally wrong moves that you should never make when improving the most-used room in your home:

1. Give up cabinets Maybe you long for a window over the kitchen sink. Perhaps replacing or upgrading all the cabinets in the kitchen will take too big a bite out of your budget. Or maybe you intend to become a minimalist and need storage space for only two plates, two mugs and two wine glasses.

Whatever you think your “reason” is for reducing the number of cabinets in your kitchen – don’t do it. Cabinet storage 8000 Square Feet of Retail Therapy! space is a top priority in any kitchen; it can help keep clutter off your countertops, and improve the room’s appeal to potential FILE PHOTO Lake Living buyers. Never give up cabinet space unless Solar powered fresh air skylights fill your kitchen with natural light while passively venting cooking odors and humidity.

•See RENOVATING – Page 10

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•RENOVATING – from Page 9 you have a ridiculous number of cabinets, in which case, see move No. 2 ....

kitchen. If you have no wall space to spare for windows, adding Energy Star-qualified no-leak fresh-air skylights, like those from 2. Cover every inch of wall with Velux America, can solve the problem. cabinets Modern skylights are as dependable The only thing worse than not enough as high quality vertical windows and they cabinets is having too many. We’ve all admit much more natural light. Solar seen kitchens where the cabinets visually powered fresh air skylights passively vent overwhelm the space. Sometimes they’re too humidity and cooking fumes from the large for the scale of the room. Other times kitchen while bringing in light. Pair them there are just too many of them. with solar-powered designer blinds, and Keep in mind the need for visual your skylights become not just more energy balance, and turn to online calculators to efficient, but more functional, since both are help you understand how much cabinetry is operated by a programmable remote control. appropriate for your kitchen.

As an added plus, solar-powered skylights, blinds and installation costs are 3. Cheap out on appliances eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit for New appliances can be a large part of energy-efficient home improvements. your kitchen renovation budget, and the temptation to cut costs by buying cheaper 5. Pick materials that are too fragile quality products can be compelling. Yet for life in the kitchen kitchen appliances are among the most-used Just as you never pick a partner or in any home. a vehicle based on their looks alone, When you consider how often you’ll choosing kitchen materials based on beauty use them, how much wear and tear they’ll is doomed to disappoint. For example, endure, and how great their impact is on recycled glass countertops can chip, scratch the usability of the room, it makes sense to or crack more easily than other options, and invest in the best appliances you can afford. may not stand up to rigorous use.

What’s more, if you choose cheaper Limestone has a lovely, luminous look models – or worse yet, keep old, inefficient but is vulnerable to stains. Before you appliances – you may miss out on the energy choose a material for its looks, find out savings that new appliances can deliver. its durability and weigh that against your tolerance for cleaning and repairs, as well 4. Give up even a single ray of as how brutal you’re likely to be on the sunlight or breath of fresh air surfaces in your kitchen. And in that vein.

More than one kitchen renovator has chosen to solve the problem of too little 6. Let looks trump practicality cabinet space by covering up a window. Not Choosing an overall design or materials a smart move, especially when you consider that look great and are fashionable, but the value of natural light and fresh air in a that aren’t practical for your lifestyle, is a

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

Solar powered fresh air skylights bring abundant natural light and quiet, passive ventilation into the kitchen while leaving more wall space available for appliances, cabinets and shelves.

recipe for regrets. Whether it’s buying a refrigerator that’s too big for the scale of the room, or opting for a countertop color that’s too unusual to be universally appealing, conceding practicality to appearance will make the kitchen harder to work in and harder to sell down the road.

A well-executed kitchen renovation can boost home value and improve your enjoyment of the kitchen, which is the heart of the home. With planning and care, it’s possible to avoid the kind of renovation mistakes that no one wants to live with.

(BPT)

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Food and wine pairing tips for your Memorial Day party

Memorial Day heralds the start of grilling season. Perfect your fireside techniques and enhance outdoor dining by learning how to pair wine with grilled dishes.

“The right wine makes every meal better, especially with meals cooked on the grill,” says Michael Trujillo, president and director of Winemaking at Sequoia Grove Winery.

To help you find the perfect pairing, Trujillo is sharing a few basic tips: • Pair the right varietal to the right dish, Chardonnay with grilled vegetables or fruit, and Cabernet Sauvignon for grill-roasted larger cuts.

• Select wines from trusted producers made in a balanced style.

Wines that are too ripe, sweet, tannic or alcoholic will usually clash with grilled foods. At Sequoia Grove Winery, Michael Trujillo’s winemaking style emphasizes varietal expression, finesse and balance.

• Use the right seasoning. When making rubs for steak, be liberal with salt and cut out the sugar, which doesn’t pair well with hearty reds.

• This Memorial Day and beyond, make every grilled meal special with the perfect food and wine pairings. For a great pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon, follow this steak recipe with a rouge beurre sauce. Made from a Cabernet Sauvignon reduction, the rouge beurre sauce is high in acidity and low in sugar, making it the perfect accompaniment for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Ingredients • 2 ribeye steaks (21 days dry age prime) • 15-20 garlic cloves • Peanut oil • 8 ounces of dry red wine (Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon) • 3 tablespoons shallots, finely minced • 5 tablespoons, cold butter • Salt and pepper Seasoning • Prep steaks two days before cooking. Season with salt and very coarse black pepper. Crush garlic cloves and cover both sides.

Place steaks in a shallow straight-sided container and coat all sides with peanut oil, cover and refrigerate.

• Remove steaks and rest at room temperature, at least 45 minutes. Discard all garlic (burnt garlic will result in a bitter sauce.) Re-season with salt and pepper.

Cooking • Use a heavy-duty stainless fry pan. The pan should be very hot; the goal is a dark brown crust, not black or burnt. Cooking time can vary, depending on thickness, but general timing is fourminutes on each side for rare, five-minutes for medium-rare and six-minutes for medium.

• When cooked to your liking, remove from heat and let meat rest on a plate to retain natural juices.

Beurre rouge sauce • Use the same pan to prepare the sauce. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of rendered fat. Turn heat to low and add the shallots, stirring until translucent and tender. With the heat on high, deglaze the pan with 8 ounces of Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon.

Continue stirring until liquid is reduced to 1 tablespoon, shaking the pan back and forth.

• Reduce the heat to low and add very cold butter, one tablespoon at a time until all the butter is incorporated.

Shake the pan back and forth to melt the butter into the reduced wine and shallot mixture. It’s critical the sauce does not boil.

• Turn the heat off, and keep sauce warm. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Serve quickly after sauce is prepared. Spoon sauce over steak and serve with Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon.

(STATEPOINT)

Steak with Cabernet Sauvignon

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The summer entertainment season is just around the corner. With a little creativity and some planning ahead, the perfect summer party doesn’t have to break the bank.

Tips to throw the

perfect summer party

ON A BUDGET

One of the best ways to celebrate the summer season is by hosting an outdoor party for all your friends and neighbors.

Don’t get overwhelmed by the party planning process. The discount experts at Dollar General are offering tips to help you save money and throw a hot summer party that all your guests will love.

Set the mood Escape the heat and throw your outdoor party right at sundown. Light up the night with solar lights and tiki torches to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Paper lanterns hanging from tree branches provide low-level lighting and a festive ambiance. Just don’t forget the bug spray and citronella candles to keep the insects away.

Accessorize No summer party is complete without colorful accessories that make your backyard really pop. Fill planters of different sizes with blooming flowers for a natural, decorative look. Add colorful tablecloths

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to dress up all kinds of patio furniture and protect against spills.

Make plain paper napkins stand out with napkin holders for an inexpensive upgrade to outdoor dining. Also, consider buying a bright cooler that will lead your guests right to a refreshing beverage.

Make a list Shopping for your bash? Take time to make a list of the items you will need to throw a great party.

Grab all the essentials like charcoal, chips, dip, sodas and bottled waters. Don’t forget to get extra paper products like plates and napkins – they will go fast at an outdoor party.

You can also save time by downloading DG digital coupons to enjoy all the savings on your favorite summer items without the coupon clipping.

With everything from food and drink to lawn and garden accessories, a discount retailer like Dollar General and dollargeneral.com can be a one-stop shop for all of your party needs.

(STATEPOINT)

Whether grilling for neighbors, hosting a dinner party or relaxing on your deck with a drink, you can make the experience more refreshing by pairing your favorite spirit with ginger beer.

While most people know that for cocktails like the famed Moscow Mule or Dark & Stormy to be truly great, inferior liquors just won’t do. However, many do not apply that principle to selecting mixers.

“People today spend good money on artisanal and premium spirits only to dilute them with a poor quality mixer,” says Tim Warrillow, Co-Founder of Fever-Tree,

•See COCKTAILS – Page 14

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Water wisely for a beautiful garden and landscape

oo much or not enough slow release non-leaching organic water and never when you nitrogen fertilizer like Milorganite need it. That seems to be (milorganite.com). You’ll the long time plight of encourage slow steady growth, gardeners. Add to this extended so your plants will require less droughts, flooding and watering water and be less prone to insect bans. What is a gardener to do? and disease problems. Plus, the Become a waterwise gardener. slow release nitrogen encourages Waterwise is not just about healthy growth and does not growing drought tolerant plants prevent flowering and fruiting. or eliminating plantings. It is a Water wisely. Water plants holistic approach to managing thoroughly and only when water to avoid flooding that needed. Water the soil, not the overwhelms sewer systems, plant, using a watering wand, drip Melinda Myers improper watering that wastes irrigation or a soaker hose so less water, and poor landscape designs that water is lost to evaporation. Water early in the generate too much work and require too morning whenever possible to reduce water many resources. loss during the heat of the day and diseases Make this the season that you incorporate caused by wet foliage at night. a few waterwise habits into your gardening.

Manage your lawns to reduce water You’ll find it is good for your garden, the use. Select drought tolerant grass varieties environment and your pocketbook. Start with to reduce watering needs. Prepare the soil one or more of these strategies this year. before seeding or sodding or aerate and Select the right plant for the growing spread a thin layer of compost over existing conditions. Plants that thrive in normal lawns to increase water absorption and growing conditions for your area will be reduce runoff. Mow high to encourage deep healthier, require less care and need less roots that are more drought tolerant and water. Look for drought tolerant plants that pest resistant. Allow lawns to go dormant require less water once established. during hot dry weather. If irrigating, water Keep water out of the storm sewers and thoroughly when needed, that’s when your in the garden instead. Prevent flooding while footprints remain in the lawn. improving your garden. Adding several Conserve water and reduce time and inches of compost to the top 8 to 12 inches of money spent on plant care. Mulch the soil soil increases the soil’s ability to absorb and around trees, shrubs and other plants with retain water. This means less runoff into the several inches of woodchips, shredded leaves, storm sewers and less frequent watering. evergreen needles or other organic material.

Use plants to prevent runoff and conserve Mulching reduces watering frequency, water. Plant trees, shrubs, and groundcovers prevents soil compaction from heavy rainfall to slow the flow of rainwater, increase the thus increasing water absorption. It also adds amount of water that stays in your landscape organic matter to the soil as it decomposes. for your plants, and to filter water before it Repair leaking faucets, fittings and garden enters the groundwater. Install one or more hoses. A slow leak of one drip per second can rain gardens to intercept surface water runoff waste up to nine gallons of water per day. for use by rain garden plants and to help Look for and use wasted water. Collect recharge the groundwater. the “warming water” typically wasted Provide plants with a healthy diet. Use a when preparing baths and showers. Use a

SUBMITTED PHOTO Lake Living

Collecting rain in rain barrels when it is plentiful and storing it until it is needed is an effective way to manage water for the landscape.

five-gallon bucket to collect this fresh water and use it for your containers and gardens.

Collect water from your dehumidifier and window air conditioners for use on flowering plants. Do not, however, use this water if environmentally harmful solvents have been used to clean this equipment.

Check with your local municipality if you are considering using gray water. Once you wash clothes, dishes or yourself, water is classed as gray water and most municipalities have guidelines or regulations related to its use.

Harvest rainwater if your municipality allows. The ancient technique of capturing rainwater in jugs, barrels and cisterns has made a comeback.

Collecting rain when it is plentiful and storing it until it is needed is one way to

manage water for the landscape. But first check local regulations before installing a rain harvesting system. Several states have banned rain harvesting, while others offer rebates or rain barrels at a discount to gardeners.

Gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including “Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening.”

She hosts the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments and is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Myers’ website, www. melindamyers.com, offers gardening videos and tips.

10 WAYS to help bees and butterflies thrive Here’s news that’s created a buzz. Threequarters of the world’s flowering plants and food crops rely on pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies to help them reproduce.

Unfortunately, bee populations are being threatened by a range of issues such as colony collapse disorder, pesticides, mites, disease and climate change. Butterfly populations are also at risk.

The good news is that gardeners can help restore balance by creating habitats that encourage pollinators to thrive.

Bees and butterflies need places to live and breed in, and food to eat. The plants that provide this food also need pollinators to help them reproduce, so planting gardens that are friendly to bees and butterflies is a

win-win situation.

Pollination occurs naturally as small creatures forage for food, carrying pollen from plant to plant as they go. That is why it’s important to offer them a “buffet” of attractive flowers throughout the seasons, and to have sufficient natural habitats so that they don’t have to travel far to find what they need.

Here are 10 easy ways to help: • BEE friendly to bees. Honeybees are not aggressive; they sting only as a defense mechanism.

• Plant trees, shrubs and flowering plants to increase food and shelter for bees and butterflies.

• Create a seasonal buffet for pollinators by planting perennial flowers with a mix

of colors, shapes and scents in containers, window boxes and plant beds.

• Choose perennials with simple, single rather than double flowers to make nectar and pollen more accessible to bees and butterflies.

• Cut and use garden flowers for bouquets to encourage re-blooming and to prolong the foraging window for pollinators.

• Use beautiful native plants such as Echinacea, coreopsis, sunflowers and butterfly milkweed for at least 75 percent of your garden.

• Water, weed and fertilize soil appropriately to create a healthy garden that minimizes pests and diseases.

• Provide clean water for insects in shallow bowls, birdbaths and ponds, or let

fresh water drip over stones.

• Imperfection is OK. Bees and butterflies may damage leaves and flowers while breeding and feeding. Create areas of natural habitat with old stumps, fallen branches and tall grass for nesting.

• Help convert small parcels of land into community gardens and green spaces to create closely linked areas for bees and butterflies to visit.

Burpee offers a wide range of seeds and plants that are attractive to bees and butterflies. All of Burpee’s seeds are NonGMO. To learn more about protecting pollinators, visit www.burpee.com/ pollinatorsor call Burpee at (800) 888-1447.

(NAPS)

Page 14

May 2015

LAKE LIVING

Dark & Stormy 2oz, rum of choice Fever-Tree Ginger Beer Fresh ice – at least 4 big cubes

Fresh lime juice Lime

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with the same ginger taste, pair Fever-Tree Naturally Light Ginger Beer with other dark spirits.

The brand also offers ginger ale and tonic waters, all with carbonation that carry the flavor of the botanicals in each mixer.

Recipes and entertaining ideas are available at www.Fever-Tree.com.

This summer, spice up cocktails with ginger beer, to enhance, not mask, the flavor of premium spirits.

(STATEPOINT)

Method Pour vodka over stacks of ice in a tall glass. Add fresh lime juice and chilled ginger beer. Garnish with fresh mint sprig.

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the world’s first line of premium natural mixers. “Three-quarters of your cocktail is the mixer, so use a high quality one that enhances the flavors of the spirit, such as an all-natural ginger beer with a fresh, clean taste.”

Superb on its own, ginger beer is a soft drink being used increasingly in cocktails around the world to add intense flavor to mixed drinks featuring whiskey, gin, rum, tequila, liqueurs and vodka.

Produced since the 1700s in the UK, ginger beer is made by brewing root ginger, resulting in a noticeably stronger ginger flavor than ginger ale. Interestingly, many mass producers of ginger beer no longer include real ginger, as it is an expensive ingredient.

While nonalcoholic, ginger beer’s deep flavor makes it anything but innocent.

Ginger beers vary greatly in flavor and sugar levels, but mixologists across the country are fans of Fever-Tree’s Ginger Beer, which is naturally brewed and uniquely fresh because it blends a trio of three gingers from around the globe harvested exclusively for them.

Of note is a fresh, green ginger sourced from the Ivory Coast. With a zesty aroma, the oils are extracted immediately after the ginger is harvested rather than drying the ginger root first. Nigerian ginger, prized for its fragrant intensity, adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile with ginger from Cochin, India rounding out the group.

With ginger beer as your base, mix up these classic cocktails.

MOSCOW MULE

•COCKTAILS – from Page 11

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Page 15

It’s time to fill up the water guns and send the kids outside. Inset, summertime means kids and water. What better way to spend an afternoon with friends than cooling off on the water slide.

The kid zone Make your backyard irresistible for summer play

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

When summer arrives do you see even less of your kids than you did during the school year? Too many American children, tweens and teens spend those extra hours of free time indoors playing with technology, rather than engaging in healthful activity outside. Even when you know where your kids are, you may not understand what they’re doing with all those devices and game controllers.

This summer, why not help your children get excited about a healthy and fun time outdoors? You can make your backyard the neighborhood hotspot that no kid can resist by providing three key ingredients to a great summer: fun, food and friendship.

Easy to set up and use, a water slide is a cost-effective way to create outdoor fun this summer. While parents may have mixed memories of fun and bumps from the water slides of their own childhood, modern options like H2OGO! backyard water slides offer the timeless appeal of water slides paired with modern technology to provide a more comfortable experience.

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Fun in the sun To compete with smartphones, PCs, tablets and other digital devices, you need outdoor excitement – the kind that only water can provide. Installing a backyard pool may not be practical for everyone, but a backyard water slide is.

Food for fun All that water sliding and other fun activity is going to make kids work up an appetite. They’ll need fuel so they can keep having fun. Look for fare that is easy, kidfriendly and nutritious.

For example, instead of serving high-

fat, high-sugar ice cream, consider frozen fruit or fruit pops. Replace sugary, calorieladen sodas with flavored water.

For kids who crave crunch, replace chips with fresh-cut crisp fruits like apples and kid-friendly veggies such as carrots or cherry tomatoes. You can serve them with a variety of delicious, yogurt-based dips.

Whip up a nacho platter that incorporates low-fat shredded cheese, fresh salsa and lean protein like beans or grilled chicken.

Friendship and fun With your backyard gaining the reputation of the neighborhood hot spot for great food and fun, you may notice some new faces showing up. Encourage children to engage in games that can help them get to know each other and create new friendships with others in the neighborhood.

Some of the simplest games are great ice-breakers. One game that’s great for getting to know each other is to have kids stand in a circle and toss around a bean bag

or small ball. The child who throws asks a question - such as “What’s your name?” or “What’s your favorite sport?” – and the child who catches has to answer.

Another fun idea for older children is a biography building circle. Kids sit in a circle and start with one child making a simple statement about himself, such as “I like to play baseball with my dad.”

The next child in line adds his or her own information by building off something the first child said, such as “My dad is an airline pilot.” The play continues with children each saying something new that is somehow linked to what the last child said.

Research shows that physical activity is good for kids. KidsHealth.org says exercise helps children develop stronger muscles and bones, control weight, lower their risk of type 2 diabetes and develop a better attitude about life. Parents can help kids get the exercise they need by fostering healthy outdoor play in their own backyards this summer.

(BPT)

May 2015

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Simple tips to get growing at home

There may be few things more satisfying than growing colorful flowers or eating vegetables picked fresh from the garden. That might seem ambitious if you haven’t gardened before, but getting started this year need not be difficult.

Just follow these simple gardening tips to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, gentle exercise and healthy produce: Pick your spot with care Plants need sun and water to survive. Vegetables and most flowers need full sun –at least six hours of sunlight every day during the growing season.

Plant close to an outdoor water source to make hot weather watering easier.

Start with the soil Because plants live by their roots, the most important part of any garden is below ground.

Most soil around houses isn’t ideal for plants, but can be improved by adding nutrient-rich organic matter, usually in the form of compost, shredded leaves or composted manure. Bagged soil mixes marked specifically for growing vegetables are ideal for containers.

Keep your first garden manageable For beginners, try a plot 4-feet by 8-feet, or half a dozen good-sized (24”-36”) containers. That’s enough to provide a satisfying harvest of herbs, greens or a few tomato plants while you get a feel for the amount of time and effort it takes to water and weed.

Pots are the easiest to control soil, water and light. Creating a container garden of vegetables, herbs and patio flowers is a good place for novices to start.

Watch your garden grow It’s fun for the whole family to observe seeds taking root and growing into plants. Be sure to water and weed regularly as you wait for the bounty of your first harvest.

Burpee’s free Garden Time Planner app makes planting in specific garden regions easy.

To download the app, buy Non-GMO seeds and plants, or to access helpful “how-to” articles and videos, visit www.burpee.com or call (800) 8881447.

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FILE PHOTO Lake Living

A shady retreat constructed with with lattice and lumber can become a focal point of your backyard. Plastic lattice is a great option for outdoor spaces; it’s a durable, sturdy option that won’t rot or spoil, and it doesn’t require yearly maintenance.

JUST OUT BACK Projects to amaze with your outdoor space

Now that warmer weather’s finally here, who doesn’t want to be outside? Lawn games, barbecues and lazy afternoons in the backyard – these warm days were made to enjoy. They also present a great opportunity to conquer some outdoor home improvements.

If you have an eye on improving your outdoor space this year, here are five projects to help you get the most out of those warm-weather days.

create an intimate feeling at your get-togethers, allowing you to extend those events into the later hours. Larger fire pits can sit above ground and be encircled by bricks, or they can be dug into the ground and bordered by stones.

You can also purchase metal fire pit kits or make an aboveground kit from stones for your patio.

WALK RIGHT UP

Looking to add a stylized accent to your outdoor space?

Lattice delivers. Deckorators plastic lattice is a durable, sturdy option that won’t rot or spoil, and it doesn’t require yearly maintenance. Whether you use it as a decorative accessory or to provide a little outdoor privacy, you’ll see the benefits of these easy projects.

Whether you’re replacing an existing path or building a new one, adding a walkway is a great way to define your outdoor space. Stone pathways are a durable solution and offer a classic look, especially when you choose stones that complement your home’s appearance.

Your stone path can lead from the driveway to the home or from the home to an outdoor entertaining area, whatever you prefer. Just remember to choose a dry area for the path, as stones become slippery when wet.

REIMAGINE YOUR DECK

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

Burpee offers a wide range of flowers, vegetables and herbs to grow at home like these vine-grown tomatoes.

If one of your annual outdoor projects involves repairing or re-staining your wood deck, consider replacing it instead. Deckorators composite decking offers traditional decking colors and styles in a durable composite material, meaning you can enjoy the same benefits of a wood deck with just a fraction of the upkeep. There are no costly repairs to be made and no repainting or restaining is required. Installation is easy so you can enjoy your deck in no time.

START A FIRE

Building a fire pit in your backyard is a great way to

A LITTLE OR A LOT OF LATTICE

FIND THOSE PERFECT SMALL ADDITIONS FOR YOUR YARD

Small projects can give your yard that final, special touch. Hibiscus and Lantana are nectar-producing shrubs that will attract hummingbirds to your home.

You can also highlight your outdoor space with solar lights for an effort-free luminescence you’ll enjoy each evening. Lastly, don’t forget decorative tips like painting your mailbox or planting low-maintenance plants like day lilies or hostas to provide a little unexpected color.

These warm-weather months are the time when you savor being outside, so make sure your outdoor space is up to the task. Any of these projects can have an immediate positive impact on your space and you can find more project ideas at Deckorators.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

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May 2015

LAKE LIVING

Enjoy summer FUN IN THE POOL – without the harsh effects of chlorine

FILE PHOTO Lake Living

This summer your kids will be spending every day in the backyard, having a grand old time splashing around in the pool. You’ll probably spend some quality hours in your pool as well, cooling off when the weather gets hot and enjoying the beautiful summer days.

The only concern you have is about the chlorine, which can cause a burning sensation that affects the eyes and skin. Chlorine can even turn light-colored hair green. You don’t want your summer fun to be interrupted by eye drops, calming lotion or green hair!

Fortunately, there is an alternative, and it’s called a saltwater pool.

Saltwater pools work by converting salt to chlorine by using an electrolytic converter. This produces the same type of bacteria-killing chlorine found in a traditional pool, but in a radically different fashion. Since the salt generator is adding chlorine to the water at a constant rate, it is capable of displacing the bad smell and burning irritation you normally associate with chlorine and maintaining the right amount at all times.

As the water exits the converter and enters the pool, the sanitizing chlorine eventually reverts back to salt, and the process repeats itself, conserving salt and keeping sanitizer levels balanced. New salt needs to be added occasionally, however, as salt levels can drop due to splash-out, rain and filter back-washing. Pool owners should test weekly for pH and chlorine, like they normally do, as well as monthly for other water-balance factors.

Saltwater pools require far less maintenance than traditional pools and are much less expensive to

maintain, as pool salt is far cheaper than traditional chlorine.

This is a big reason why so many hotels and water parks in the United State have already made the switch. Plus, when it comes to initial construction and installation, the additional cost of an electrolytic converter is very small and easily made up in maintenance savings. The cost of converting an existing chlorine pool to saltwater can be paid off quickly, too.

Even the salt itself isn’t that damaging to equipment. That’s because the actual amount of salt used is less than 1 percent of what you’d find in seawater. You may be able to taste the salt in the pool, but much less so than you can taste and feel the chlorine in a standard pool.

When pools are properly constructed and normal maintenance is followed, salt water has no effect on pool finishes, equipment and decks.

Since the Evergreen Commons senior center in Holland, Michigan, converted its 65,000-gallon pool to salt water, members have been pleased with the results.

“The minute you walk into the pool area you notice a big difference,” says Jodi Owczarski, the center’s community relations director. “There is no longer that chemical smell. People also tell us that the water is much softer. In the old pool, people said they sometimes had to wash twice to get all those chemicals off, but in this pool, they only have to wash once. All in all, people have been thrilled with this new system.”

To learn more about saltwater pools and other uses for salt, visit saltinstitute.org.

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May 2015

Page 19

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May 2015

LAKE LIVING

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