August 2012
August 31, 2012Friday Fun Facts: Marvin Windows & Doors
When I was younger, one of my least favorite chores was washing the windows. I was too much of a perfectionist. Every time I thought I was done, I’d notice another streak or smudge. And it was nearly impossible to get to the dirtiest, hard-to-reach spots, adding to my frustration. Unlike vacuuming or dusting, every imperfection was glaringly obvious. Back then, my only opinion of windows is that they were hard to clean. That was before I understood that the purpose of windows (preferably windows without fingerprint smudges and streaks) goes beyond letting in sunshine. Since becoming a homeowner—and after working for Midwest Home magazine for nearly eight years—I have come to appreciate what good, quality windows can do for... Read more » Posted on Friday, August 31, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 30, 2012Demo TimeThere's so much happening at the Great Get-Together, where's a gardener to go? Here's a quick rundown. Read more » Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 27, 2012Achoo! How to Handle Seasonal AllergiesHay fever can become an issue as summer fades into fall. Here's what you can do about it. Read more » Posted on Monday, August 27, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 24, 2012Friday Find: Textured WallpaperWallpaper is hard to remove. And apply. But when it's done right, and adds dimension and beauty to a room, it's oh so good. Read more » Posted on Friday, August 24, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 23, 2012Music at LeDuc
The LeDuc Estate, a four-acre site located along the Great River Road Scenic Byway in Hastings, is one of Minnesota's architectural gems. Built in 1865-66, the home and outbuildings have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. And thanks to preservation and restoration and community support, the Dakota County Historical Society (DCHS) has managed to maintain the original Gothic Revival architecture and Andrew Jackson Downing design—which inspired William and Mary LeDuc's creation. If you've never seen it, now's the time... Read more » Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 22, 2012Transforming the House into a Home
The work of a residential architect extends beyond their sketch pad or computer 3D models. They are part of a team of professionals who translate creative thinking into a furnished and durable physical reality. Architects develop relationships with businesses, engineers, material manufactures, and builders to ensure that their clients' homes are built to a high standard with appropriate interior finishes and affordable utility bills. Some of the key team-members for the 20 architects involved in the upcoming 2012 AIA MN Homes by Architects Tour are the tour sponsors:
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August 20, 2012Are Geraniums Toxic to Japanese Beetles?
Every Monday we tackle common lawn and garden questions on Home Dish. Today we referred to expert Julie Weisenhorn, state director of the Master Gardening Program, University of Minnesota Extension. For more information about Master Gardening programs in your county, visit www1.extension.umn.edu/master-gardener. Master Gardeners have been discussing whether geraniums are toxic to those pesky Japanese beetles, and if so, is there a benefit to interplanting geraniums around plants that the beetles prefer (such as roses or grapes).
Posted on Monday, August 20, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 17, 2012Friday Fun Fact: Kohler Co.
If you’ve never heard of Kohler Co., it’s time to crawl out from under that rock. Founded in 1873 and headquartered in the village of Kohler, Wis. (in Sheboygan), the family-owned Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies—a global leader in kitchen and bath products. The Kohler kitchen and bath "family" consists of not only the Kohler brand, but Sterling, Englefield, Jacob Delafon, Mira Showers, and Sanijura. There are manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England, France, Spain, India, Thailand, Egypt, Morocco, China, and New Zealand (and that's just one aspect of the Kohler brand, they also have furniture and... Read more » Posted on Friday, August 17, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 16, 2012Art for the Home, Food for the Mind
Summer and art fairs go hand in hand, which means both are quickly (sadly!) dwindling for 2012. So get out there while you can—there are a couple good options this Saturday. Both are free to attend, and promise food, fun, and family activities, along with great opportunities to decorate your home with unique, locally-made wares.
Riverwalk Market Fair Northfield's market runs regularly for many months, but now's the time to catch it before the open-air market heads indoors. Expect local arts and crafts, like glass work from featured artist Dale Brown; organic and sustainably grown foods from the likes of Luigi Sison and Klaus Thuringer making mustards, jams, and more; live... Read more » Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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August 13, 2012Bee Sting Remedies
Every Monday, we will be answering common seasonal questions related to the yard and garden. Yesterday morning, my mom was out in the backyard when she was stung by a wasp. Turns out there was a wasp nest carefully hidden behind the clock in the grandkids’ outdoor play kitchen, and my mom came a little too close to the nest while she was busy cleaning the patio furniture. While she wasn’t exactly happy about being stung, she was glad it happened to her and not to one of her young grandkids. As the day wore on, her thumb started to swell (and hurt). She hosted a party yesterday, and there were various opinions on what she should do for the pain. One person suggested mud, another toothpaste. At the end of the night, my aunt told her... Read more » Posted on Monday, August 13, 2012 in Home Dish | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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