Joan Walters has been around the world, and it shows in her spacious downtown apartment. Nearly every square foot of wall, door or floor features a different artifact – perhaps a tribal mask, a statue or a book – from her travels to Peru, Ecuador, Japan, Italy and other far-flung places. “I’m an art lover; […]
Home & Garden
Posted inSpecial Issues
Renewable resources for your residence
“A lot of people tell me they’d like to get off the grid,” says Bob Croteau, renewable program coordinator for City Water, Light and Power. “That’s really one of the worst decisions you could make because it is extremely expensive to do so and it leaves you having to make serious lifestyle changes.” There are […]
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Hardwood floors set the tone in today’s contemporary homes
In the wide open spaces we find in today’s contemporary homes, every centimeter counts and the floor’s role is more important than ever – it is the room’s focal point and the element that sets the tone. The timeless natural beauty of wood gives decors one-of-a-kind personality immersed with warmth and a signature style. And […]
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A pool for all seasons
With the passage of Labor Day comes the end of sizzling heat, but never, it seems, exactly on time, at least if you have a swimming pool in your backyard. Our pool closed one week after the summer-ending holiday, just in time for some of the year’s warmest weather. Why would anyone close their swimming […]
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Planning to plant a tree
Most tree and shrub species can be successfully planted in the fall, from October until the ground freezes, or in the spring. At these times of the year the tree is dormant or going dormant. Before you select your new tree, be sure you know where you’re going to plant your purchase. Ask yourself the […]
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Your basement need not be damp and drab
Homeowners hoping to spread their wings around the house are increasingly heading downstairs to create more living space. Whether it’s for a home office, a home theater room, a playroom for the kids, or even a laundry room, more and more homeowners are turning their dark, damp and dreary basement into a brighter, more functional […]
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Creating more usable space in your home
Smarter use of existing space can transform a home into a more pleasant living area. Combining smaller rooms or areas, dividing larger rooms, finishing an attic or basement, converting one room into a year-round “indoor porch” – all are possible projects to improve your home’s comfort level and value. Here are a few suggestions about […]
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Grow spinach, tasty, cool and easy
The arrival of yellow daffodils, green lawns and garden fresh salad are sure signs of spring. Leafy greens are among the easiest vegetables to grow, according to a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “You are sure to enjoy the best-tasting salad with greens that you have grown,” promised Jennifer Fishburn. “Spring greens such as […]
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Home sweet ‘green’ home
When Harv Koplo and Annette Chinuge met at Sangamon State University during the 1970s they had no idea their interest in preserving the earth would lead them to become pioneers for sustainable living in Springfield. “Nobody had heard of green or sustainable, but that doesn’t mean the principles weren’t there,” said Chinuge. “I think it […]
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Beat the heat with less air conditioning
It doesn’t seem possible, but 60 years ago people survived without air conditioning. Not only did they survive, but they may have even enjoyed life more, since they actually went outside in summertime and talked to their neighbors. Today the only people without it are the poor and radical environmentalists doing their part to avert […]
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Rain barrels save dollars and make sense
The drought of 2012 took a great toll, not only on the plants in the garden, but also on the gardener’s wallet. “It was tough for some gardeners to decide which plants to water and which to let survive on their own,” said University of Illinois horticulture educator Candice Miller. “Unfortunately, if a gardener did […]
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New and recommended flowers and vegetables
There seems to be an award for everything, whether it is for the best picture, best actor, best country music video or best automobile for 2013, and gardening is no exception, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “There are plenty of ‘new’ things out there to try. For many gardeners, the problem is […]
