Bathing is Back and Better than Ever

Fast forward to 2005 and relaxation, unfortunately, isn’t quite as big a part of today’s hectic lives; but those who soak in a bath regularly still consider it one of the most pleasurable personal rituals of the day. It’s also beneficial. Numerous studies have shown that taking a bath daily helps reduce stress, relieves muscle pain and spasms, and improves circulation. It also promotes physical and mental relaxation, rest and a feeling of well-being.

Jean Kolb says she can attest to that. “I’m either on my feet or working on the computer all day, and often come home from work tired and stressed; but after a 15- minute soak in the tub, I am relaxed and refreshed.”

Kolb is an expert on the benefits of water therapy. As the Director of Wellness Businesses for Kohler Co., it is her job to make sure Kohler Waters Spa, located across the street from the kitchen and bath company’s Wisconsin headquarters, offers the best water experiences available.

“Bathing is the most luxurious treat you can give yourself,” she says. “Take a 15-minute soak in water above your normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees and your pores will open up and release whatever toxins they may be holding. Conversely, anything you put in the water will be absorbed directly into your skin. Bath beads containing essential oils (zinc, iron and other essential minerals) are used extensively at our spa.”

Kolb also points out that when you get the water moving, you receive all the benefits of massage, including stimulated muscles and increased blood flow. “Whirlpools offer very physical, active water experiences and tend to be more enjoyed by men,” she says. “Women prefer our BubbleMassage baths which use air instead of water to gently massage the body. They offer a very soothing and sensual bathing experience. It feels like your skin is gently being caressed by champagne bubbles.”

If upgrading your bath isn’t in your budget at the present time, there are other more economical ways to make your bathing experience more pleasurable. Kolb says taking a bubble bath in a standard tub is extremely soothing. So is lying in a tub filled with luxurious aromatherapy bath treats while music from your favorite CD plays in the background and candles flicker all around you.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Better Landscaping Starts on Your Roof

(ARA) - Homeowners across the country spend millions of dollars and countless hours improving their landscaping. They carefully select bushes and shrubs based not only on good looks, but also the composition of their soil and the amount of sunlight their property receives. When it comes to the landscaping that surrounds their homes, they should also consider how to prevent roof runoff, which can wreck their best attempts at landscaping and put a dent in their wallets as well.

Plants drowned by a cascading torrent of rainwater splashing over clogged gutters don’t stand a chance. Of even greater concern is potential home damage. Gutters clogged with everything from leaves and twigs to animal and bird nests can cause rainwater washing over their sides to accumulate in pools around walls and foundations. This can lead to leaky and cracked foundations or flooded basements that can require expensive home repairs.

Climbing a ladder to keep gutters clean and free flowing is a difficult and dirty job that tops the list of homeowner chores most people hate to do. It can also be dangerous. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that each year more than 511,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctor’s offices, clinics and other medical settings because of injuries related to ladder use.

The addition of an effective gutter cover system can eliminate the hassle and worry of gutter cleaning and protect landscaping so that your home can achieve maximum curb appeal. While some products require the total replacement of your existing gutters, adding to the overall cost, Gutter Topper installs over your existing gutters and is compatible with all types of roofing materials including asphalt and slate shingles, wood shakes and ceramic tiles.

With Gutter Topper, water flows easily from the roof into the gutters while leaves fall to the ground. It prevents clogged gutters by keeping out pine needles, leaves and other debris. In a downpour, rainwater flows smoothly through the pre-adjusted openings, following the curved shape right into your gutters. Gutter Topper’s patented design is effective because of surface tension, a principle of physics that states that water will flow along the contours of a curved surface.

Gutter Topper has been independently tested by PRI Asphalt Technologies in Tampa, Fla., and is certified to enhance the overall strength of your gutter system, resist winds of 110 mph, withstand torrential rains, and handle ice easily with its unique Ice Release System that allows ice and snow to slide off the gutter during the winter months.

Your local garden center or a professional landscape consultant can provide advice about plants that tolerate extreme amounts of moisture, or the benefits of a french drain system to minimize the possibility of water damage to your home and garden. However, keeping rainwater from your roof and gutters away from your plants and shrubs is your first step towards better landscaping.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Beyond Paint -- How to Makeover a Kitchen on a Budget

According to experts at The Art Institutes, it is possible to stick to a tight budget and make a few simple, yet big impact changes that will turn an ugly duckling kitchen into a swan.

One way to do this, according to Suzann Nordstrom, an instructor with The Illinois Institute of Art--Schaumburg, is to see kitchens as they used to be, when “freestanding furniture was used to house kitchen objects.” Though this went out of fashion when built-in cabinetry came along, Nordstrom says it’s making a comeback, and it’s a perfect design idea for anyone redoing a kitchen on a tight budget.

“Think about using a piece of furniture, which might already exist in the house or find a hutch or case piece at a flea market or antique shop,” she says. By using an actual piece of furniture, you have an opportunity to set a specific style for your kitchen. Whether it’s French country, Asian-inspired or Italian farmhouse, chances are a great piece can be found on almost any budget.

In addition to furniture, Nordstrom says lighting can make or break the look of your kitchen. “The secret to making a lighting statement in your kitchen is to use task, ambient and accent,” she explains. Most people do well with ambient lighting, which is usually a large overhead fixture, but to get task and accent lighting on a budget, Nordstrom recommends placing under-cabinet lighting in the front and bottom of wall cabinets, or over islands or peninsulas by using pendants. Both types of lighting are easily available and affordable at a local home center. Accent lighting can be achieved by using rope lighting above wall cabinets or using small lamps on freestanding furniture, islands or peninsulas.

Yanitza Tavarez, an interior design instructor at The Art Institute of Washington, has learned a trick or two for turning around the look of a drab kitchen. “Consider replacing your knobs and handles. Whether you choose sleek and modern or fun and whimsical, new hardware provides a range of options that will fit into any budget,” she says.

Cabinet resurfacing is another option Tavarez recommends. Though it’s more expensive than just painting, it’s not as pricey as all new cabinetry. She likes inserting glass panels for a fresh new look.

Super easy tricks for updating and improving the look of any kitchen don’t have to cost anything. Tavarez says “de-clutter your countertops and you’ll be amazed how much cleaner and brighter your kitchen can look.” For splashes of color, fill a beautiful bowl with lemons or limes, or display a fresh, brightly-colored tea towel. Take your children’s artwork and frame it. With smaller pieces, you can use them across a backsplash. Plastic or laminate frames are easy to wipe off, says Tavarez, and they become “little masterpieces in your kitchen.”

With any budget, small or large, it’s important to stay realistic. John Franke, a design instructor at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh says, “On a really tight budget, you usually can’t move plumbing or necessarily buy new appliances.” Instead, he recommends educating yourself by heading to your local home center, and finding out what’s possible for the money you have. If you don’t have a lot of countertop, maybe you can afford a new laminate one. Laminates have come a long way in terms of mimicking the look of more expensive materials, and their cost is still very affordable.

Last but not least, consider consulting with a professional designer. Though it may seem out of reach on a budget, many designers are willing to work with a client on an hourly basis offering advice on color, lighting or effective use of space. “Designers are professionals, and are trained to find design solutions, even on a small budget,” says Franke.

Design help can be found by contacting a local chapter of American Society for Interior Design or a nearby design school. Explain what kind of help you need and your budget.

Here are a few more simple tips from the design pros at The Art Institutes:

* If you can’t replace old appliances, think on a smaller scale. Instead, replace your old toaster, blender, and/or microwave with new ones utilizing fashionable stainless steel. Remember to select a satin finish in order to avoid fingerprints.

* Consider coordinated storage containers. For example, use glass jars to store your pasta, rice and/or cereal. It also serves as a colorful display. In a similar manner, you can substitute the bottles of mismatched spices into a streamlined arrangement.

* Taking inspiration from museums, display your favorite kitchen objects. For example on a simple shelf, make an arrangement of the myriad of ice cream scoops and cups that you have gathered throughout the years. Thus, look at the potential for collections when you visit flea markets and yard sales.

* Paint will always remain the least expensive way to make an impact but it is not always an option (particularly in rented spaces). If you can paint, generally, warm colors (oranges, yellows and reds) are better suited for kitchens and dining rooms.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Business Profile: Homeowners Connections

PRINTED WEST SUBURBAN PROFILES / PIONEER PRESS

Palatine, IL, JULY 23, 2003 - Interesting Facts About Your Business: Homeowners Connections, Inc. now in it's third year of business, recently moved to a new location above Zimmer Hardware in downtown Palatine on Brockway and Palatine Road. In 3 short years, HCI has surpassed 200 member contractors with more being added daily. Since it's inception in 1999, HCI has generated over $10 million dollars in revenues for member contractors. With over 10 years of combined experience in the contractor referral service industry, HCI has proudly completed over 5,000 home improvement projects in the Chicagoland Suburbs and continues to beautify and remodel the homes in their own backyard.

Special services or amenities you offer: You have decided to start fixing up the house this year. You need to completely remodel the kitchen, paint all the ceilings, get new windows, and fix the roof on the garage, and that's just the beginning of your home improvement list.  Where are you going to find a reliable contractor to turn your humble abode into the house of your dreams?  You're not going to find what you are looking for in the yellow pages! You have tried that before and you didn't get very far! Why don't you use a contractor referral service?  Homeowners Connections Inc is Chicagoland's Premier Contractor Referral Service. We are a "Matchmaker" for Homeowners and Contractors. Our free service saves homeowners the time and hassle of researching and interviewing contractors.  We prescreen all of our member contractors to make sure that they are licensed, insured, bonded and leave their homeowners satisfied.  The contractors will contact the homeowner directly to set-up the estimates. Our contractors do everything from painting and building new decks to large room additions and kitchen / bathroom remodels.  HCI is a one-stop shop for all your home improvement needs. And best of all it's a free service to homeowners.

What sets your business apart from others? We talk to each and everyone homeowner personally to make sure we know exactly what each home improvement project entails. We then connect the homeowner with the contractors and allow the homeowner to choose for themselves the right contractor for their project. We will follow up with every homeowner to make sure that the entire process, from selection to final completion, has been as smooth as we can make it. And best of all it's a free service to homeowners.

Secrets of your success: Every aspect of our business model has led us to an explosive three consecutive years of growth.  From the personal service we give to our homeowners and contractors, to the widespread marketing efforts in home shows, festivals and local publications. The excellent word of mouth referral is and always will be our best source of business.  We make people happy and contractors happy.  That is the secret to our success!

How did it all begin? Our CEO and founder, Matthew Jonas started his company in the Chicagoland area intent on helping his friends and neighbors connect with high quality contractors.  His extensive experience in another company with a different business model left him unsatisfied and passionate about doing business better.  This led to Homeowners Connections and it's continued desire to be the best way to connect the homeowner with the finest contractors available in the Chicagoland market.

Choosing a Reliable Trim for Your Home’s Exterior

One simple way to set your home apart from your neighbors is to install or replace the exterior wood trim that frames your windows and doors, caps roof lines and serves as column wraps, porch trim, corner arches and a variety of other decorative applications. It is an excellent finishing touch and a convenient and inexpensive way to accent the beauty of your home’s style.

When choosing an exterior trim, material selection is perhaps the most important factor. Available materials include wood, engineered wood composites, hardboard and PVC. Wood products such as redwood, cedar and primed spruce, can look great when first installed, but may split and swell over time. Many homeowners also complain about paint peeling, chipping and discoloration of wood trim, as well as warping and decay.

Hardboard trim products are made of two pieces of hardboard siding that are glued together. Over time and with extended outdoor exposure, these products may separate and lose their durability, requiring additional maintenance and repair. PVC products may expand or contract with temperature variations, are not environmentally friendly, and cost two to three times that of engineered wood composite trim boards.

Engineered wood composite trim is a functional, economical and easy-to-use option. Some composite trim is treated to withstand harsh weather conditions and to provide enhanced performance. For instance, MiraTEC Treated Exterior Composite Trim from CraftMaster Manufacturing, Inc. (CMI) is treated with zinc borate and made with phenolic resins to offer moisture, rot and termite resistance. Hardboard trim products do not offer such protection. Additionally, MiraTEC Trim is coated with a mildew-resistant primer on four sides, making it easy to paint, thus eliminating the need to repaint as often as standard wood trim products.

Available in 16-foot boards, as well as a variety of thicknesses and widths, CMI’s MiraTEC Trim delivers enhanced durability and performance in non-structural trim applications. It is reversible to meet any home’s style. The smooth side offers a contemporary look, while the side with a warm-cedar texture is perfect for traditional homes. Unlike other trim products, MiraTEC Trim is backed by a 25-year warranty that covers rot, hail damage, warp, delamination and splitting -- it’s the most comprehensive warranty for any trim product on the market.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Comfort Can Cost Less

To combat this problem, manufacturers like Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems design products which use energy more efficiently than in the past -- saving the homeowner money each month. In addition, the government has established guidelines that follow a simple ratio which rates efficiency. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) will tell you how your air conditioning unit compares to what is on the market today. The higher the SEER rating, the greater the efficiency and the more money saved on monthly energy bills when compared to units with a lower SEER rating.

Consumers shopping for a new Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system should know that investing in a higher-rated model now will result in greater comfort and cost savings down the road. In reality, an air conditioning unit rated at 13 SEER will deliver approximately 23 percent more energy savings than one rated at 10 SEER.

To help you decide if your HVAC equipment needs to be replaced, take a closer look at these tips from ENERGY STAR*, a program of the U.S. Department of Energy:

* Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old

* Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old

* Your equipment is in need of frequent repairs and your energy bills are rising

* Your room temperatures are inconsistent

* Your home does not have a programmable thermostat, and no one is home for long periods of the day

* Your home has humidity problems

* Your home has excessive dust

* Your cooling system is noisy

While some of the above issues may be solved with simple maintenance checks, others may require an entirely new HVAC system. Fortunately, homeowners can reduce monthly payments with equipment featuring increased efficiency. “Compared to traditional furnaces and air conditioners, our high-efficiency systems can save the average homeowner as much as $140 a year,” says John Gibbons, vice president of Bryant national accounts.

Installing a high-efficiency heating and cooling unit can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on annual energy costs. These units have less impact on the environment, producing less carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide than their counterparts.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Creating a Bathroom Built for Two

Yet there are ways to reduce the congestion in this crowded room believes Tim Bitterman, senior product manager of the Inspirations by Moen line of bath accessories. “Careful design, dedicated space for each individual and a willingness to compromise can make even the smallest room feel more spacious.”

Following are some of his top tips to create a comfortable bathroom for two:

Organization is Key

Small spaces require organization. Too many toiletries, cleaning products and hair dryers can make a small space feel smaller. Clear off the sink, clean out the medicine cabinet and remove products from under the sink. Take stock of what you own and what you use on a daily basis. Pare down the excess and keep only what you need. Baskets and bins will provide order to the items you plan on keeping.

“It’s all about creating more room and carving out your own space,” explains Bitterman. One such example is installing a glass shelf. “This easy project is perfect for the DIYer, doesn’t take up counter space and gives both of you more room to store smaller toiletry items as well as keep them easily accessible.”

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Mirrors have the ability to visually double the size of your bathroom. By reflecting natural light, they can give your bathroom the appearance of being more open and bright. Full sink to ceiling mirrors create the most significant illusion of increased space. But if that isn’t an option, consider a single mirror in a unique shape to create a point of visual interest. The Sage Collection from the Inspirations by Moen line features a large, oval-shaped pivoting mirror. This pivoting function allows you to adjust the mirror to meet your specific needs, which can be handy if you and your partner differ significantly in height.

Rethink the Sink

Two sinks can make sharing a bath much easier -- provided you have the space. Many newer vanities can accommodate two sinks. You’ll need to allow at least five feet when adding a vanity for double sinks. No room? Consider side-by-side, small pedestal sinks instead. No budget for new sinks? Change your faucet with one of today’s newer high arc styles. The longer neck and spout of these faucets make it easier for both of you to have the room to brush your teeth, wash your face or even shave -- at the same time.

Shed a Little Light

A dark room feels cramped and crowded, while natural light can make the bath feel open and larger. Add sheer blinds or apply a film treatment to your window to let in more light, while still allowing for privacy. Consider changing the lighting fixtures as well. Overhead lighting tends to add unflattering shadows to your face when you look in the mirror. Try installing wall sconces level with the top of the mirror. This puts the light in front of you, creating the most optimal lighting for grooming.

Double Up

Consider installing two double robe hooks for items such as robes, pajamas and towels. Keeping robes and towels off the floor reduces the cluttered appearance of a small bathroom. Bitterman suggests double towel bars, as well. “If each of you has your own designated towel bar, you’ll have ample room to hang washcloths, hand towels and bath towels.”

Share Your Shower

Transform your shower into a spa experience with a massaging showerhead with multiple spray settings. This will allow you to choose and personalize your settings. Choose a vigorous massage for him and a soothing rainshower for her.

Decorating Duo

Most importantly, according to Bitterman, “Don’t impose your decorating styles and tastes on your mate. Talk about color selections and look at wallpapers and paints together. By incorporating colors you both like, it’s possible to create a room that brings the best of both worlds together, creating a retreat that can become the calm in your morning storm.”

Courtesy of ARA Content

Decks and Balances

By now, there's a good chance you've seen spectacular photos of these decks in magazines along with large displays in home improvement stores. Sure, they look beautiful brand new, but how will they look five years from now?

That's a question you need to ask yourself if you're in the market for a composite deck.

The biggest complaint among composite deck owners is that their decks' color fades over time. It's a common problem.

Composites are typically made from a blend of recycled plastics and recaptured sawdust or wood by-products. Wood flour and wood chips contain high amounts of Lignins -- a major contributor to fading of composite material. Therefore, over time, composite decks gradually lose their original color.

Luckily, not all composite brands are made to fade.

GeoDeck is blended with Biodac, a proprietary product made by the recovery of purified cellulose fibers and other minerals. Biodac, unlike wood flour or wood chips used in most composite products, does not contain high amounts of Lignins. The result is a composite deck that is virtually fade resistant.

"Fading is not something that a homeowner expects to see in their composite deck,” says Ed Mangold, owner of HomeCheck Construction in Ellington, Conn. “GeoDeck makes my customers happy with its fade-resistant colors that are richer than other composite decking products.”

Fade resistance is just one item to put on your checklist when shopping for a composite deck. Here are five other questions to ask:

Can composites be used for other applications?

Yes! A product this creative was meant to live outside the deck. You can use composites to build porches, patios, pool and hot surrounds, walkways, docks and boat slips -- with an understructure composed of structural wood. Whatever application you can imagine, there's a good chance it can be built with a reputable composite brand.

How long do composite decks last?

The estimated life expectancy for composite decks is over 50 years and warranties typically range from 10 years to life. Composites rarely split, warp, crack, rot or decay. Most are even resistant to termites.

How much maintenance is required?

Most brands -- such as Trex, WeatherBest, and GeoDeck -- don’t require any painting or sealing. They’re usually easy to keep clean, too. On some composite decking brands, most dirt and stains can be removed with water, a brush or with a household cleaner.

Do I need to hire a contractor to install my composite?

No, you can install it yourself. Most composites are easy to drill, cut, saw and nail with standard woodworking tools. If you decide to install your own composite deck, it’s wise to follow the installation instructions carefully as the plastic content of composites needs to be taken into consideration for expansion/contraction purposes.

Are composites safe and environmentally responsible?

Yes, composites are eco-friendly. They’re also safe for children as most composites rarely splinter and are kind to bare feet. Plus, composite decking doesn’t contain toxic materials or hazardous chemicals.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Do-it-yourselfer’s Guide to Roof Maintenance

“Inspecting the roof for signs of damage is something homeowners should do every year, but in my experience not enough people do it,” says Connecticut builder John Provenzano. “They think just because their roof is only a few years old, they don’t have to worry about it, but they’re wrong.”

Most asphalt roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 15 years. Slate, clay, tile and certain metal systems can last longer, but only if well maintained. Here’s a Roof Inspection Checklist Provenzano recommends you follow each spring:

* Check to see if trees are growing too close to the roof

Trees can cause a myriad of problems for roofs of all types. Branches leaning on the roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when they are blown by the wind; falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture shingles and other roofing materials; and falling leaves can clog gutter systems causing water to backup into the attic or living spaces, or to run down behind the fascia.

If you have trees growing near your home, take steps immediately to trim them back away from the roof.

* Are there black or discoloring streaks on the roof?

If you have streaks on the roof, it’s an indication that you have a problem with mold, algae or fungus. They readily grow during periods of high humidity, especially on north facing roofs and on roofs that stay in the shade for long periods of time. If left unchecked, over time they will eat away at the roofing material, causing deterioration and eventually leading to leaks.

Trimming back nearby trees to reduce shade and improve air circulation could help with the problem; but for permanent protection, it’s a good idea to install zinc strips, like Shingle Shield Roof Protector strips, along the ridge of the roof. “These strips form harmless zinc oxide when rainwater runs over them, and as the water rolls down the roof, it carries with it a protective coating that prevents growth from occurring,” says Provenzano.

If you have a new roof, just the strips will suffice. If you’re installing them on a roof with streaks, Provenzano says you’ll need to first clean off the vegetation. “Some people think they can just use bleach for that purpose, but I advise against it. It can be corrosive. I recommend people use Shingle Shield Roof and Deck Cleaner for this purpose.”

* Inspect roof for signs of damage

When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. Weakened shingles or tiles are easily blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. Since a deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time, once you discover a problem, you should take steps to repair the damage immediately.

If you have an asphalt shingle roof, fixing the damage is something you can do yourself. You’ll need to loosen the first row of good shingles above the damaged one; then use a pry bar or putty knife to gently pull away the adjacent shingles so the good ones are separated from the damaged one. Gently rock the damaged shingle back and forth to remove it; then replace it with a new shingle.

Provenzano says replacing damaged tiles requires more precision and is a job best left to the professionals.

“The key to a roof system's effectiveness is complete protection,” he says. “Don’t leave your roof’s integrity to chance. Make a point of doing an annual inspection. You’ll be glad you did.”

Courtesy of ARA Content

Ease into Spring Projects Using Ergonomic Tools

“A lawn or garden project is a great way to improve the curb appeal of your home while enjoying spring weather,” said Glenn Ubertino, gardening tool expert at The Home Depot. “To get the most out of their efforts, homeowners should look for tools and equipment that are adjustable, and remember not to take on too much in one day.”

Walk It Off

If just looking at a lawn mower makes you long for the couch, try one of two new walk-behind mowers from the Lawn-Boy Insight Series, available exclusively at The Home Depot. These mowers were designed from the ground up to fit users through a unique ergonomic engineering process that ensures a comfortable mowing experience regardless of the user’s age, height or strength.

Both Lawn-Boy mowers include more than 15 new features such as soft grips on the pull cord to fit the entire human hand and an adjustable handle height that allows a 4 foot 10 inch homeowner to mow equally as comfortably as someone who is 6 feet 2 inches. Removing and replacing the bag requires only one hand, and when the lawn is done, a simple step-on lever allows the handle to fold down 180 degrees for storage. One model is even equipped with Sens-a-Speed self propel technology -- a unique system that actually senses how fast the user walks and adjusts the mower’s speed accordingly.

Just Add Sand

A tiller or cultivator can give the back and arms quite a workout. So if a new flower bed or garden is on your honey-do list, you’ll want to add one of the new gas or electric Ryobi cultivators featuring the JustAddSand system to your shopping list. The one-of-a-kind JustAddSand system allows the user to add up to 13 pounds of sand to act as ballast. Unlike a bulk weight add-on, the sand is able to move around as needed, digging deep and keeping the unit from skipping or bouncing around while providing greater control to the user.

Raking in the Benefits

Even a seemingly simple job like raking can put stress on the body when the tool size is not appropriate for the user. Look for a rake with a handle that is a comfortable height for you or consider an adjustable one like the True Temper Thatching Rake, which is available at The Home Depot stores and online at www.homedepot.com. It has a 54-inch handle and a head that adjusts up or down to suit the height of the user.

Kneeling Over

You can save your knees from dirt and take the ache out of kneeling when working close to the ground with a generously padded garden kneeler. Metal side handles assist you when standing back up, and they fold down for compact storage.

Wrap It Up

Now that spring is here you’ll want to wash away all the dirt and grime that collected during the winter. After a couple of hours spent cleaning, make sure putting your garden hose away is a cinch with the Wizard Self-Retracting Hose Reel from Hydro-Industries. The reel is actually powered by the water within the garden hose so unlike other self-winding hose reels that use batteries, this one never needs to be recharged.

A Place for Everything

The Ames Lawn Buddy cart is the perfect way to easily transport tools and supplies from the garage or storage area to the yard, garden or other work area. It features a handle that adjusts to desired height to minimize bending and stooping, and it folds down for a comfortable, convenient seat when you are ready for a break. In addition, it is designed with four, seven-inch diameter wheels and solid steel axles to carry heavy loads with minimal effort; internally it has molded tool clips to conveniently hold long-handled tools.

Courtesy of ARA Content