SPFD 1st Ed. 2012

SALES EXECUTIVE:John Schoen

Features & Contents

Home & Lifestyles Magazine ad space is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering any industry specific professional advice. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Eagle Publications, Inc. or any of their subsidiary companies, nor any of their employees accept any responsibility whatsoever. Advertisements appearing in this magazine are not endorsements by the publisher. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. All letters, correspondents, and photographs sent to Home & Lifestyle Magazine will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication, copyright purposes and use in any publication or brochure, and are subject to Eagle Publications unrestricted right to edit and comment.

table ofcontents: Your Information Guide:

PUBLISHERS:Marty and Tammy Norton

Hometown Media Solutions

SALES MANAGER:Mason Norton

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION:Gabe Lipe & Jessica Johnson

SALES EXECUTIVE:John Schoen

FOR INFORMATION ON ADVERTISING:Hometown Media SolutionsA Sister Company ofHometown Phone Book2 Eastport Plaza Drive Collinsville, IL 62234618-345-5400www.hometownUSA.net

Its getting close to the time that we can put away our winter coats and snow shovels and start looking and planning for the upcoming spring time. Its time to get our gardening and landscape ideas refreshed. What plants need to be replaced or removed? It will soon be time to spruce up the lawn or contact your lawn care providers to get a jump on the neighbors. There are a lot of very useful articles and advertisements in this magazine that will help you along the way.

There are also lots of projects that we can all do as a family. Get the kids involved in planting a tree in the yard or planting their own section of the family garden. Let them pick what they want to plant and what they like to eat. They will undoubtedly become gardening adults in later years and maybe even learn to eat a few more vegetables from their garden.

We would love to hear from you at [email protected] with your comments, questions or ideas.

Cheers,Marty & Tammy NortonOwners & Publishers,Hometown Media Solutions

ESSENTIALS for LIVING

Cover Story: Spring Garden TimeSpring is here! The trees are budding, the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing so that means its time to get outdoors and enjoy it. There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. In this article you will learn about the many annuals and perennials and what they can offer for your garden or landscape. A landscape with fresh bright colors will make anyone want to head outdoors and enjoy the fabulous fresh spring air.

See the story on Page 6

6 Cover Story -Spring Garden Time

10 Improving theYard with an Outdoor Kitchen

20 5 Tips for aBeautiful LowMaintentance Lawn

24 Gardening InAny Sized Space

30 Easy Ways toBoost Home Values

38 Bonus Appliancesto Add Kitchen Appeal

46-49 Dining Guides

51 New Technology Developed to Help Keep Skin Moisturized

Lawn & LandscapePages 6-24

For the HomePages 26-30

Electronics & AppliancesPages 36-41

Dining, Beauty, Fun & MorePages 44-58

The Fun Stuff:4 Grocery Giveaway Contest Form32 Calendar Of Events50 Family Meals with Tammy52 Lets Talk Wine54 & 56 Puzzles59 & 61 Coupons

www.hometownUSA.netHome & Lifestyles Magazine4

Retirement means different things to different people. For some, its the adventure of travel. For others, its time spent with family. Still others see retirement as an opportunity to purchase a vacation home, to volunteer with an organization they feel passionate about, or perhaps, to begin the second career of their dreams. Regardless of how ideal retirement is viewed, common sense says that one must carefully consider the fi nancial requirements needed to make dreams come true. Without knowing how much is needed and having a plan in place to accumulate those dollars, one may be deeply disappointed about the quality of retirement years.

So what is needed to accumulate to experience the ideal retirement? Frankly, the answer is as unique as the individual considering the question. There are a few things to consider. First, people are living longer and retiring earlier. Today, a person reaching age 65 can expect to live another 18.5 years (Centers for disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System; United States life tables, 2006). In addition, the median age at which people expect to retire today is 62, and this expected age decreases the younger a person is. Second, it is likely that people will need to increasingly rely on their personal savings in retirement in the future. The age at which a person is eligible to receive full Social Security benefi ts increases from age 65 for those born in 1937 to age 67 for those born in 1960 or later. For those with birthdates between 1937 and 1960, the full retirement age increases incrementally between age 65 and age 67. Those retiring and electing to receive social security before their full retirement age will receive less in social security benefi ts than they might have anticipated. Based on recent trends, an employee is also likely to receive fewer retirement benefi ts from employer-sponsored plans. Still, given recent economic challenges, Americans are saving a higher percentage of disposable personal income. Personal savings as a percentage of disposable personal income jumped from 4.1 percent to 5.9 percent from 2008 to 2009 (U.S. Commerce Dept., Bureau of Exonomic Analysis. National Income and Product Accounts of the United States. Table 2.1 Personal Income and Its Dispositon). How can one assure that enough is being accumulated for a comfortable retirement? The fi rst step is to gain a solid understanding of ones current fi nancial situation. The second is to determine where one wants to be. Answering the simple questions below can give a snapshot of where one is in achieving ones retirement dreams:

Annual income needed in todays dollars Years until desired retirement Money already accumulated for retirement Amount being saved each month toward retirement Income expected to be generated from retirement assets Amount of money to leave to family or a charity Anticipated average return on retirement savings

How a person accumulates his or her retirement dollars is also crucial. Not all reitrement vehicles are created equal. Some vehicles are both tax deductible and tax deferred. Some have one of these traits, while others have neither. Choosing the proper retirement products and strategies can literally make a difference of hundreds and thousands of dollars (and more) for an indvidual concerned about retirement accumulation.

Mark S. PierceMBA, CFP, ChFC, Wealth AdvisorLincoln Land Associates217-787-4794 [email protected] Hedley Rd. Spring eld, IL 62711LCF Voice in Philanthropy Award Thrivent Pinnacle Leaders Group

Mark Pierce, MBA,CFP, ChFC, is a Wealth Advisor with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Springfi eld. He can be reached at 217-787-4794. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a Fortune 500 fi nancial services membership organization helping nearly 3 million members achieve their fi nancial goals and give back to their communities. This column was prepared by Thrivent Financial for use by this representative.

www.hometownUSA.net Springfield Area 2012Home & Lifestyles Magazine 7

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36 Home & Lifestyles Magazine

SAVE A LIFE. Consider Animal Adoption

1001 Taintor Rd. Springfield

217-544-PETS (7387www.apl-shelter.org

For over 50 years, the Animal Protective League has been the voice for animals in Springfield and Sanagamon County.APL operates a shelter for sick, injured, abused and aban-doned dogs and cats, along with comprehensive animal-welfare programs. APL is a private, not-for-profit organi-zation. It operates entirely by donations. APL strives to match animals with carefully screened, loving, perma-nent owners. All animals leave our shelter spayed or neu-tered, microchipped, and with all vaccinations. We have adoptions every day of the week from noon to 5pm. APL also has an active group of foster families who provide interim homes until space is available at our shelter.

HARLEY WINSTONI was adopted from APL many years ago, and I had a wonderful home and family I loved dearly. Then, through no fault of mine. Im back at APL. I miss my family, and Im afraid the situation has given me a bit of an attitude problem. Im really a wonderful guy and Id make a great member of your fam-ily. If youd like to give me a second chance please stop by and ask to meet me.

Part playmate, part couch potato...thats me, Harley, one of the most handsome dogs here! I was res-cued from Montgomery County Animal Control after being picked up as a stray. Id appreciate a home where I can be your only pet. I am part couch potato and part active, young dog. Id like a home where I can go for long walks, and a family to play with me.


CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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4 6-8 oz. Filet Mignon C. Scallions1 Tbs. Chopped Garlic1 Tbs. Dijon Mustard C. Shitake Mushrooms1 Tbs. Worcestershire

2 Tbs. Brandy5 oz. King Crab1 Tbs. Butter Tbs. GarlicPinch Basil

As families await the arrival of warmer weather, there are things they can do to prepare for a season of fun in the sun. Engaging in some craft projects are ways to beat cabin fever while dreaming of warm, springtime weather to come.

ere are many craft projects families and children can tackle, but ideas that involve projects that can be put to use outdoors may be the most tting. Fortunately, there are a number of ideas for crafty projects to involve everyone in the household.

* Birdhouse: Head to the hardware store and pick up a few supplies. Otherwise, chances are items that can be made into a birdhouse probably can be found from scraps of materials already around the house or in the garage. Scraps of wood, metal, tiles, plastic, and the like can be used to craft a bird house or feeder. Even an empty plastic bottle can be used. Some nesting material, such as pieces of yarn or cotton, can be placed inside the house to entice birds to take up residence once the weather warms.

* Stepping stones: Stepping stones can be a whimsical way to dress up the outdoor garden or yard. A trip to the craft store for some plaster or even a quick-set cement can be the medium to use for the stones. Experiment with shapes that can be used as molds, and gather di erent materials that can be embedded into the stepping stone, such as pebbles, marbles, beads, etc. Use a pencil or another pointed tool to engrave a message or name on the stepping stones before allowing them to dry and harden.

* Kite: e beginning of the spring season often arrives behind a burst of wind. Make the most of blustery conditions by crafting a kite from a kitchen trash bag, some sticks and string.

* Garden gnomes: Craft stores often sell un nished pottery that can be painted and sealed. See if garden gnomes or other whimsical creatures can be found. Use acrylic paint to decorate the gurines in your favorite colors.

* Outdoor games: A large piece of plywood or berboard can serve as the game board for a number of di erent activities. Use spray paint to stencil on alternating squares of red and black for a larger than life checkerboard or chess board. For those with more time and creative stamina, use large stones to pain on letters and make an outdoor Scrabble(R) board for fun times with family and friends.

* Painted ower pots: If the colors and designs at the local garden center dont t with a particular design scheme, buy un nished terra-cotta or plastic pots and paint them with the designs and colors that coordinate better.

Getting crafty doesnt have to mean knitting sweaters or decoupage hat boxes. By making items that can be put to use outdoors, families can usher in the spring season a little early and reap the rewards for months to come.


Hot tea may taste good and be soothing on a cool day, but there are also many medical bene ts to this drink. Tea is an ancient beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries thanks to its healing bene ts. Here are just some of the many ways sipping hot tea can be bene cialto you.

Decreased risk of heart disease: A study published in the journal Circulation indicated that drinking more than two cups of tea a day decreased the risk of death from a heart attack by 44 percent. Even if you arent having several cups a day, tea can provide marked improvement in cardiovascular health and reduction of fatalheart attacks.

Reduction in blood pressure: Drinking merely a half-cup of green or oolong tea may reduce blood pressure by up to 50 percent, say researchers. Because high blood pressure could contribute to stroke, one can surmise that drinking tea may have

bene ts in stroke reduction as well.

Antiseptic properties: People who rinse their mouth with tea or drink it frequently may bene t from a reduction in cavities or periodontal diseases. e bio avonoids in tea have

antiseptic and astringent properties. A tea gargle can help prevent bad breath and kill germs in the mouth that contribute to poor oral health, according to the Hibiki-an brand of green tea. Because many viruses, such as the u and cold, are airborne, drinking or gargling

with tea may also help ght cold and u.

Lowers cancer risk: e polyphenols in tea may be responsible for inhibiting factors that promote cancer growth in the body, according to some studies. In addition, the antioxidants in tea can help improve overall health. In one study, green tea was shown to inhibit bladder cancer cell growth in the laboratory. Some doctors surmise that drinking tea can fend o certain gastrointestinal cancers.

Neurological benefits: Some research suggests that tea is valuable in the ght against neurological conditions such as Parkinsons disease and dementia.

Many of the bene ts of tea are produced through avonoids -- a natural class of antioxidants that are found in many natural plant-derived foods. According to medical experts, antioxidants remove free radicals from the body -- molecules that form as side products of damage done to the body by pollution and the natural aging process. e instability of free radicals causes them to react negatively with cells in the body and DNA. is may result in malfunctions and mutations on a cellular level. ese malfunctions or mutations can increase risk of heart disease and cancer.

What many people like about drinking tea is that there are no apparent side e ects. Even if tea doesnt produce all of the bene ts it promises, there is still the comfort in knowing the beverage is not harmful, either. In addition to its antioxidant properties, tea is a soothing drink that can calm a sore throat, hydrate the body, relieve symptoms of upper respiratory infections, and warm a person up when there is a nip in the air. Add a little honey -- which has its own nutritive value -- and you may have a potent remedy ina cup.

HEALINGPOWERS

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Home & Lifestyles Magazine 41

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The go-to gift of late is the gift card. Chance are, though, that recipients -- although thrilled that they can do their own shopping -- may find gift cards a bit impersonal.Statistics indicate that around $100 million in gift cards are purchased every year in the U.S. Despite being a popular gift item, roughly six to 10 percent of all gift cards go unused, according to the Tower Group. Some even come with inactivity fees. As an alternative to gift cards, gift baskets may be a welcome change.Gift baskets are relatively easy to put together and sometimes, especially around key holidays, can be purchased ready-made. Grouping similarly themed items together to fit a particular interest can fit the bill when shoppers cant decide on a gift to buy.The advantage to gift baskets is that they can be assembled for just about any hobby, interest or occasion. They dont even have to be in a traditional basket. Heres a look of some easy gift groupings to fit a wide variety of events.

* New baby: A collection of baby-themed items works when wishing new parents well. It can also be a good solution for when all of the bigger-scale items on a baby registry have already been purchased and only the smaller, lower-priced things are left. Put together infant T-shirts, wash cloths, outlet safety plugs, shampoo, diapers, and the other things new parents may not immediately think to buy. Wrap it all up in a portable baby bathtub for a container that has utility.

* Housewarming: Kitchen essentials are good ideas for newlyweds or those who just bought a new home. Scour the kitchen tool aisles of department stores or specialty shops. These can be themed according to what

is purchased as well. For example, fill a large mixing bowl with a rubber spatula, a box of paper muffin cups, cake mix, and mixing spoons for the person who loves to bake.

* Travel: Getting ready to take a trip can be a bit hectic, and a traveler may overlook some of the essentials that can make the vacation more pleasurable. Items like a travel alarm clock, miniature size toiletries, travelers checks, gum, a journal, travel guides, and a memory card for the persons camera are good ideas. Pack all of these things inside of an expandable tote bag.

* Kids activity bag: A simple gift that fits the needs of kids is a backpack or tote bag filled with boredom-busters. These can include portable manipulative toys, coloring books, crayons, colored pencils, puzzles, DVDs, a disposable camera, and any other toys that fit the interests of the recipient.

* Host/hostess gift: Saying thanks to a friend or family member who has invited you over for a dinner or overnight stay can be as simple as grouping a few things together. Put together a basket with a set of sheets, hand towels, pillow and other essentials that can be appreciated by future guests.

* Food: One gift idea that goes quite well in a gift basket is food. Pick a theme and put the items together. Barbecue lovers can appreciate sauce, shish kabob skewers, spice rubs, a cookbook, hickory chips, grill tools, and other similar items. Gift baskets are personalized gifts that are easy to assemble and can be a viable alternative togift cards.



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ESSENTIALS for LIVING

SPFD 1st Ed. 2012

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