My House My Home Archives - Page 3 of 4

Outdoor Living Made Easy At Parkes Bricks And Pavers

December 1, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The outdoor season is here and you might have some projects to complete in order to enjoy summer. Visit Parkes Brick and Paver to revamp your existing pool or get ideas for a new pool. They are agents for bricks, concrete blocks and pavers. Do you have plans to start a veggie garden? Parkes Brick and Paver have a variety of attractive border options available for you to choose from to not only organise your veggie patch, but make it look attractive too.

Do you enjoy entertaining al fresco? They have an amazing range of products to help you create a welcoming environment under your outdoor awning or bbq area. Make the most of summer’s beautiful evenings by transforming your outdoor entertainment to the envy of your friends!

Call Parkes Brick and Paver on 6862 2253.

Planning Your Holidays? Don’t Forget Your Pets!

December 1, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

The holiday season is almost upon us, but for those with pets there are a few extra things to organise before you can go away: who will be taking care of your furry friends? Boarding kennels are a good option; your pets will be safely confined and have regular attention. Your pet will require up-to-date vaccinations to stay at commercial boarding facilities.

Unfortunately, most kennels require advance bookings for the busy Christmas-season with most booked out by August. Keep this in mind if you need to make last-minute plans. Also, boarding kennels might not be suitable if your pet is easily stressed by other animals or strange environments. If you decide to leave your pets at home, and don’t have a trusted friend or neighbour to help, a pet-sitting service might be appropriate.

The pet-sitter would visit your house daily to provide food, company and enrichment. Some pets are stressed by changes in their routine so it’s important to keep an eye on them to ensure they are eating, drinking, toileting and are otherwise okay in your absence. Still, you might prefer to holiday with your pets. There are lots of hotels, home-stays and camping sites that are pet-friendly and can be easily found online. However, you might need to book in advance. If your lucky pup is holidaying with you, there are still a few extra things to plan.

Make sure that your dog’s vaccinations, worming and flea treatment is up to date. You might also need to arrange paralysis tick prevention, depending on your destination. Don’t forget to pack their leash, food, doggy bags, and water bowls. If your pet takes any prescription medication take enough to last the holiday.

Also, make sure your pet is safe while travelling in your car. Use an appropriate restraint, such as a harness or a crate. Your pet should be able to sit or lie down in a natural position while restrained. Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Dogs can die very quickly from heat stress, even in mild weather. Whether you are leaving or taking your pets with you, ensure your pets are microchipped and your contact details are correct on the microchip register so you can be contacted if need be. There are six microchip registers across Australia, so make sure the one
your pets are recorded on is recognised nationally. Also, attach an ID tag with your contact details to your pet’s collar. For more advice contact the RSPCA.

Business As Usual At Achesons Home Timber And Hardware

November 3, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

You may have heard that the Home Timber and Hardware Group have been acquired by the Metcash Group, which also owns Mitre 10. Both groups are similar businesses, strongly committed to their brands, their customers and supporting the growth of the independent hardware market. The acquisition represents a merger of two successful
independent hardware groups and will deliver significant scale and growth for the combined business. The objective is to continue to build up successful independents and support and grow a vibrant independent hardware sector for the long term.

Aaron Acheson, from Acheson’s Timber and Hardware said: “This will enable us to have a better range of products at a better price due to the increased number of stock items we will be carrying. It is business as usual here at the store – we are open every day of the week.”

Three Cheers To Karen’s New Book

November 3, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Last week was very exciting as we launched my latest book, Home Sweet Home, at a gala party at the Parkes RSL club with over 150 people in attendance to support and cheer us on. This book is very special to me for two main reasons. Firstly after working with clients over the last few years I felt there was a real need for a handbook filled with simple to follow, step by step advice that would give you all the answers to the questions constantly asked of you while undertaking a renovating or decorating project. So hopefully with this handbook the next project you embark on won’t be nearly as scary or stressful.

And secondly, the book allowed me to collaborate with some amazing national brands, fantastic retail stores and a bevy of skilled tradesman and contractors from around the Parkes and Forbes region that are represented in the pages of the black book directory at the end of the book. Not only do you have the answers to many renovation questions, but you also have all the contact details of the people who can literally bring your building and renovating dreams to life. I think this is what is going to make this publication very helpful.

Home Sweet Home has pages for notes as you go through each step of your project. I would love to think that it would become your best friend throughout your next project. It is available at newsagencies around the region, from my own store in Parkes Furniture One and online at www.karencreith.com.au with free shipping available.

I hope you grab your copy today and enjoy reading it!
Love Karen x

Spruce Up Your Home And Keep Cool This Summer

October 6, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

With summer just around the corner it is now time to start thinking about keeping your house cool for summer and looking to give your house a small facelift internally. Keeping cool is just so important over the many hot dry months of summer that we have in our local area, and there is no better way than to have one of the coolest, quietest and most energy efficient evaporative air conditioners installed and ready to go. Breezair, which can be installed for
you by Shead and Nicholson in Forbes can cool your whole house for the cost of running a single light globe. It is important to remember that evaporative cooling is the best choice for longevity, energy efficiency and comfort. It is also up to 90% cheaper to run than reverse cycle cooling, and has very low maintenance costs. Call now to ensure
that you stay cool this summer.

When looking for ways to smarten up the interior of your house, why not drop down to the newly located Painted Daisies, which is now at 1 Templar Street, next door to Little Extras Lifestyle – easy and convenient for the girls to go on a real shopping spree. The new shop, whilst slightly smaller brings light and warmth in an intimate atmosphere.

Owner, Janet Callaghan, is looking forward to bringing exciting and beautiful homewares to Forbes. With her assistant, Julie, she will make you feel welcome as you browse the wonderful array of items, including many different types of candles, home furnishings, bed linens, vases and urns, beds, small items of furniture and some stunning lamps. With Christmas coming up soon, now is the time to layby and there are many items to choose from – books are a speciality, as well as a large range of leather bags, wallets, and travel bags. Go in for a browse and explore what
they have to offer.

What Windows Should I Choose?

September 1, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Building or renovating a house involves many decisions. One of which is choosing the right windows for your house. Here are some pointers to help decide on the ideal windows for all your needs.
1) Which room is the window for? It is a simple question, but necessary to ask before making a decision. Different rooms require different types of windows. Some windows are more suited to particular applications than others. Room design, style and purpose should be considered prior to any final decision.
2) How will the room be used? The way in which the room will be used also impacts the decision making process. Function and practicality are equally as important as style. Think about how you will use the space and what you want out of it.
3) What is your design style? Once you have considered the practical
components, you can have fun choosing the design elements. Window design can compliment the overall design of the home. Colour is also an important element.
4) What type of material? There are two main options for windows and doors: aluminium and timber. Material choice often relates to design style.
5) How important is sustainability? Smart window and glass choices can fill rooms with light all year round, and assist with sustainable design and living that can even save you money in the long run.
6) What is the budget? Glassplace can cater to budgets of all sizes. This allows both the budget mindful and those with a bit extra to customize window and door combination for their project.

Hopefully these points will help you decide. For more information on the options available visit the Glassplace showroom at 4 Clarke Street, or visit our website at www.glassplace.com.au.

Spring Clean Your Garden

September 1, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

As the warmer months approach it is time to get into the garden. A few early preparations now will benefit in the long run. Over winter, lawns can be a bit neglected so spring is the perfect time to get them looking great again. It is recommended to rake through your lawn to get rid of any dead growth or debris. This will allow you to see any bare patches that can be fixed. To fill in these spots rake well, sprinkle with grass seeds that have already been mixed up with soil in a bucket, and water well until seed germinates.

Pruning is an important part of looking after your plants so get those secateurs out and start cutting. Prune away any dead or damaged branches to allow for new growth to come through. It is important to prune roses and fruit trees before they start to bud to ensure you still have your spring flowers and crops.

Planting in spring is a great chance to have a vegetable patch to have pickings for the warmer months. Seeds that are ideal to plant this time of the year are: peas, spinach, lettuce, leeks, tomatoes, carrots, zucchinis and beetroot. A herb patch would also be a great addition to your garden to provide you with those fresh ingredients to toss through any meal. Seeds to plant in your herb patch for this time of the year would be basil, coriander, dill, mint and parsley as they all thrive as we approach summer. Fruits to plant now would be
strawberries and raspberries to allow you to have a good crop in time for Christmas.

Flowers to consider planting for those summer colours would be Alyssums, Begonias, Californian Poppy, Celosias, Gerberas and Perennials. With frosts still looming be sure to cover any new plants with a bucket or box to help protect them.

Weeding is always a tedious task but it is important to get on top of so that they don’t take over your garden. With all of the rain we have had over the winter months weeds should be relatively easy to pull out now. Once weeding is done lay down mulch as this will help with water conservation, reducing weeds, maintaining soil temperature and adds organic matter to the soil.

Mulch should be laid at approximately 3-4 inches and plastic sheeting can be added to the beds to help minimise the emergence of weeds. When adding mulch around fruit trees be sure to keep the mulch a few inches from the trunk to prevent rotting.

Gardening not only reconnects you with the earth but has loads of health benefits too, so be sure to get out into the garden this spring.

By Taneil Thornberry

Spring Into The New Season

August 25, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

At Little Extras Lifestyle their final winter clearance is on while they make room for new spring arrivals. They have all our regular arrivals leading up to the spring racing season. The look this year is fresh with lots of whites and blush colours, lace, florals, flounces and off the shoulder styles coming through for some very sophisticated race wear. There will be fascinators to match and a stunning range of Olga Berg clutches.

The summer look this year is casual and stylish with lots of denim, t-shirts, comfy sneakers and flats. Add a little leather cross body handbag and some handmade clay jewellery for the complete look. Metallic is huge in accessories this summer featuring on shoes, handbags and jewellery, which you will find plenty of in store.

Pop into Little Extras Lifestyle to see the new arrivals of all your favourite brands. And if you need assistance in putting that special outfit together, one of the girls will only be too happy to help.

Introduction to Shead & Nicholson

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Shead & Nicholson in Forester Street are the local experts for all
things electrical in Forbes. Not only do they conduct contract electrical
and air conditioning work, they are also retailers of a wide range
of electrical equipment and accessories.
There is no job too big or too small for the team at Shead & Nicholson.
From major industrial construction projects through to the
smallest electrical repair, the team at Shead & Nicholson are only
too happy to help.
As the oldest electrical contracting business in town, with over 45
years experience, Shead & Nicholson have built a reputation for
excellence in workmanship and excellence in service.
The business started as a partnership between long-time friends,
Des Shead and Kerry Nicholson in 1967. In the early days business
mainly consisted of domestic wiring but as time went by the
pair expanded their operation to include small appliance repair, air
conditioning maintenance, and installation and major construction
projects.
Des and Kerry both retired in March 2009 and have left the business
in the capable hands of the new General Manager, Phill Gale
and 23 staff members. The premises consists of a retail showroom,
office complex with a workshop, store and yard area.
Past major projects include electrical and mechanical work done
at Red Bend Catholic College, Parkes Shire Council, Parkes Library,
Henry Parkes Museum, Station Hotel, Parkes, Victoria Inn,
Forbes, Jemalong Residential Village, Forbes, Forbes Car Wash,
Woolworth Fuel, Forbes Services Club refurbishment, Parkes Services
Club refurbishment, Austasia Animal Nutrition, Forbes, Niola
Nursing Home, Parkes, Southern Cross Village, Parkes, DOC’s
Building, and Forbes Business Centre – Bunnings and Spotlight.
They have ongoing electrical and air conditioning maintenance
and repairs with many businesses in Forbes, Parkes, Condobolin,
Canowindra and Sydney. The retail, showroom and sales include
wall split refrigerated air conditioning units and spare parts, split
ducted refrigerated air conditioning units and spare parts, evaporative
air conditioning and spare parts, gas ducted heaters, power
tools, specialized lamps, lighting, electrical supplies and accessories,
hot water systems and spare parts, ceiling, personal and exhaust
fans, door chimes, electric heating and electric motors.
Contact Shead & Nicholson on 6851 144.

What Makes a Splashback?

June 30, 2016 By Maggi Barnard

Glass splashbacks are a sure way to enhance the appearance of your new kitchen layout. And not only do they look great, splashbacks also make the job of cleaning in the kitchen heaps easier and much faster.

When the staff at Glassplace measure a kitchen for a new splashback, we check the size of cupboards, benches, work areas and windows. Most splashbacks are made from low iron toughened 6mm glass or from special mirrored glass. It’s toughened to handle the heat from the cooktop. And we use low iron glass because ordinary glass has a very slight green tint, which is not noticeable until it is painted, but it can slightly change the appearance of the splashback when installed, especially if using light or white colours.

The colour choice is totally yours. Some customers want a very plain colour to blend in with walls and cupboards, while others like to have a bold colour to enhance the look of their new kitchen.

So after we have the size and shape of the splashback pieces confirmed, it’s up to our glass supplier to cut the pieces to size and shape, polish the edges, do cut outs for power points and then toughen each piece in a furnace. When the glass has cooled it goes through a chemical wash, gets dried and has three coats of paint applied on the back surface.

When the glass comes to our workshop we unwrap it, check it for size and imperfections. Then we take it to your place and carefully fit each piece and seal it all to the wall with a sanitary grade silicone. That’s it – finished!

That’s when you get to see what you have planned and dreamed of for a few weeks and show your friends and neighbours and enjoy what is often the focal point of your new kitchen. Call Glassplace on 6862 2346 and we can advise, measure and quote a glass splashback for you.

By Col Lamrock