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We Love Shenandoah
Friday, August 15, 2008
Whether used in decorating or to make potpourri, dried flowers can provide beauty throughout the home, both visually and sensually. Carrie Lovett, of Clarke County, makes decorative items with dried flowers for her business, Carrie's Creations, but she also dries flowers just for fun.
Quiet killer: Home radon tests can determine safety of air WINCHESTER — A silent killer may be slipping through the cracks and into your home. Once inside, it gets into the air you breathe and begins its assault on your respiratory system. Radon, an invisible, odorless gas that forms from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. behind smoking, accounting for about 21,000 deaths per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Friday, August 1, 2008
Anyone who owns a pool knows that it takes a lot to keep that cool, clean water staying that way. Just a simple breeze can quickly add pollen, leaves and even dirt to the pool, and only a few swimmers in the water can make it unsanitary. Never fear, though. You can keep your summer sanctuary safe and crystal clear, with a few tips from the professionals. Friday, July 25, 2008
Just as a good pilot makes sure the aircraft is in proper working order before take off, vacationers should also make sure their homes are secure before they depart. "Always try to make it look like somebody is home," says Maj. Norman Shiflett of the Warren County Sheriff's Office. "I suggest people install inside lights on a timer." Friday, June 27, 2008
The heat is on, and many residents have surely begun the process of fine-tuning their air conditioners and fans in recent weeks to make sure they stay cool this summer. As they stave off the humidity, energy experts are reminding them of key tips that could help keep cooling systems operating efficiently — and likely save consumers a considerable chunk on their monthly energy bills. Friday, June 20, 2008
Sprucing up home exteriors leaves owners with at least a couple of options. But taking the do-it-yourself approach to any of them can lead to problems and cost more in the long run, warn several home-improvement specialists. Saturday, May 17, 2008
BOYCE — Blandy Experimental Farm, home to the State Arboretum of Virginia, is now a place where in addition to looking at plants, you can actually grow them. The brainchild of Steve Carroll, director of public programs at Blandy, the Blandy garden for the community is new this year. "We had the garden space that hadn't been used, at least not in a year or so," says Carroll. "I've always been interested in community gardening and providing food, not only for families, but also for food banks and so on. I'm interested in the whole local fresh food movement, that whole idea. I at least considered the possibility that there would be people or groups who don't already have garden space and might like to use it." Friday, May 16, 2008
As summer approaches and the weather becomes warmer, families begin to plan their vacations, with the hope of gaining some well-deserved rest and relaxation. Though vacations are made for relaxation, why reserve that reward for only the time spent away from home? Make your home into a haven with one of the most traditional pieces of furniture associated with summer — the hammock. Friday, May 9, 2008
WINCHESTER — A new company offers homeowners an effective way to put a durable and decorative surface on concrete. Winchester-based Blackwater Design Concrete Coatings has been operating since March. The company uses a spray to coat existing concrete to make the surface more durable and create patterns and logos in any color the homeowner wants. Friday, May 2, 2008
WOODSTOCK — Building houses is virtually second nature for local builder H.B. Sager. This time around, however, he is stepping outside the norm and employing some rather unconventional methods to construct his latest home. Friday, April 11, 2008
As more and more people have begun practicing green living, technology has made it easier for homeowners to save energy in small ways. Though going completely environmentally friendly can really add up in time and money, living green does not have to be costly or force you to make over your entire life. In fact, the first step to having a more energy efficient home can begin in the laundry room with energy saving washers and dryers. These good-for-the-earth appliances not only reduce the amount of water used to clean clothes, but they are also easy on the wallet — in the long run — helping to reduce monthly water and electric bills. Thursday, April 10, 2008
STRASBURG — A familiar face in Strasburg, custom cabinet builder Chris Fry has been putting things together for much of his life. Fry, who is mainly self-taught in carpentry, was fresh out of high school when he became interested in building wood furniture. He says he believes his art background, which he gained from some classes in high school and at Shenandoah University, helps with design and vision. Thursday, April 10, 2008
If a member of the family doesn't own one of these popular one-story homes, certainly it's not hard to think of friends and acquaintances who do. Ranch houses — modest and rambling — are everywhere, scattered in rural and suburban neighborhoods across America, including subdivisions devoted solely to this style of house. Thursday, April 10, 2008
Gardening has long been an integral part of life in Virginia. Even Thomas Jefferson, one of the commonwealth's most notable residents, reveled in the prospect of working in his garden. In a letter to a friend in 1811, he wrote: Thursday, April 10, 2008 Valley offers garden events galore April 11 training The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers twice-weekly free "Gather in the Gardens" training sessions from 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays through December and 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays through September, weather permitting. Sessions offer attendees the opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening by assisting the museum with garden maintenance. For details on future sessions, visit www.shenandoahmuseum.org. Friday, April 4, 2008
Chris Goodwin remembers having pizzas delivered to a quaint, white gazebo on his property while meeting with subcontractors working on his towering stone home overlooking the Shenandoah River. "It used to be my office," he says, smiling. Saturday, March 15, 2008
It can be easy being green — it really can. But it takes more work in some places than others. For people looking to join the "green" movement, recycling is the logical place to begin, according Michael Neese, refuse and recycling coordinator for the city of Winchester. Friday, March 14, 2008
Moving into a new home can be an exciting time but also a stressful one when it comes to filling a new space. New homeowners and people moving into larger places might suddenly find themselves with a lack of accessories but also an empty wallet. Decorating on a small budget is possible though and can add character to any home. Friday, February 29, 2008
Gone are the days of the drop-in, stainless steel, double-bowl kitchen sink full of dirty dishes. As dishwashers have evolved from luxury to mainstay, the function of the sink has shifted. Friday, February 22, 2008
Decorating a room, whether in your home or office, can take a lot of thought and work, especially when it comes to sifting through the options. In your hours of looking at fabric designs and paint samples, remember to add indoor plants to your list. Chuck Hepner, owner of Valley Flower Shop and Greenhouse Inc., in Woodstock, explains that indoor plants have many uses in decorating any room in your house. Friday, February 15, 2008
Have you ever considered working from home? It has its benefits, such as allowing you to make your own hours, be your own boss, work in a comfortable atmosphere and keep an eye on the children. It can even be a "greener" option than driving to work. As oil prices climb and money becomes tight, many people in the work force might decide to work from home, says Randy Woetzel, area manager for Vision Business Products in Woodstock. He and other area professionals say that making your house suit your professional needs is the key to being able to work from home. |
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