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Ask The Pro Newsletter
-DoubleDave's Pizzaworks *COUPON*
-The Evolution of Landscape Lighting
-Water Softeners. Can They Save You Money?
-Creating a New Garden
-Education - Is It Worth the Money?
-Bathroom Basics
Volume 2, Edition 6
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM - 12
PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit our
website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email on
a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Light It Right
Brandon Kuehler
The Evolution of Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting has evolved from just a couple of light fixtures in the flowerbeds to elegant, well-
designed lighting portraits customized to enhance the beauty and security of your home. As outdoor
lighting systems are becoming increasingly more intricate, homeowners are drawn to the beauty,
security, durability, and ease of use that professional lighting systems offer.
When choosing a professional outdoor lighting system, homeowners are faced with several lighting
options, including voltage, placement, warranty, and durability. Low voltage lights operate from a 12-volt
power source, but high voltage lights operate from a 120-volt power source. If a person or pet severs a
wire on a low voltage lighting system, they will not be harmed. On the other hand, high voltage lighting
systems pose a greater threat and should be handled with care.
The possibilities of light placement are endless. A quality lighting company works with the homeowner
to create a customized lighting portrait. While the company provides the expertise necessary to enhance
the home's beauty, the homeowner's satisfaction is the highest priority in the placement of the lights.
Professional outdoor lighting companies offer various warranties that reveal the durability of their
products and the reliability of their services. Warranties can be an indication of the quality of light
fixtures, wiring, and workmanship. In most cases, the better the warranty, the better the quality.
Companies will back up products that they know will stand the test of time with warranties that will
eliminate any hassle from owning and maintaining an outdoor lighting system.
Keeping these options in mind, homeowners can make well-informed decisions about the lighting
system that best fits their wants and needs. Owning an outdoor lighting system should provide a lifetime
of pleasure in the system's beauty, security, durability, and ease of use.
______________________________________________________________________
R&S Water Service
Russell Bailey
Water Softeners. Can They Save You Money?
The purpose of a water softener is to counter the negative effects of Hard Water. What is hard water? It
is water that is high in mineral content such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. This scale can eventually
lead to costly repairs of water using appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, water
heaters, refrigerators with ice machines, etc. Scale build-up on the heating elements of your water
heater and dishwasher make them less effective. More energy is used to do the same job.
Millions of dollars are spent each year combating the effects of hard water. Cleaning products such as
lime, calcium, and rust removers, soaps with phosphates (or water softeners as some boxes are
labeled), rinse aids, and fabric softeners, repair and replacement of pipes and appliances with large
amounts of scale build-up, spotty glassware, shower doors, countertops and sinks. I am sure you may
know of a few I have not mentioned. So how can we prevent these negative effects? With a water softener
or scale prevention system.
A Water "Softener" is a cation exchange device. It consists of a negatively charged polymer resin which
will attract the positively charged ions of hard water. These ions are replaced by a less attractive Sodium
or Potassium based ion. Once the sodium or potassium ions on the resin are depleted the resin must
be recharged. This process is known as regeneration. A highly concentrated level of Sodium or
Potassium chloride is introduced to the resin thus pushing the hardness minerals off the resin and
sending them to the drain. When regeneration is complete the softener is ready for another round of
hardness removal.
Fortunately, water softeners are not the only solution. There is new technology on the market today
where scale can be prevented without the use of a salt based water softener. These are NOT water
softeners. They are effective scale prevention units that do not require salt, backwashing, or electricity.
No salt to buy or dump into tanks. In some cases these units will also have a small descaling effect.
Water treatment is best left to a professional. Sizing a water softener properly prevents unnecessary
repairs or waste. Some factors involving sizing a water system properly is the water chemistry, pipe size,
volume of water to be used, water flow rates, and intended use of the water. Texas requires that water
treatment devices be installed by a Licensed professional. Licensed installers must have years of
experience and continuing education to insure water quality is maintained. You can find licensed
dealers through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's website. www.TCEQ.org. Make sure
you are getting the best possible care for your water needs. There is no one size fits all system. You
know what your water concern is. Don't be oversold by an undereducated water salesperson.
________________________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Creating a New Garden
I had the absolute pleasure to hear Betty from Enchanted Gardens speak at the Weston Lakes Garden
Club meeting. What a treat for everyone there. I have to say that I go to many lectures and can get quite
jaded but she made even an ordinary subject seem interesting. She reminded me of why I started in this
business and still love it.
Being a landscaper is my work but I am a gardener at heart. I love nothing better than to see new blooms
in the spring but I have to keep my customers preferences into account at work. The hardest part is to
look at what is already there and envision what could be. Sometimes the projects can be quite large or
challenging and the best advice I can give is to take a large project by small segments to make the
whole. An example would be if you see a perfect setting for a hidden garden, then you can design the
entire landscape around that one theme. When there are children in the house I think of teaching them
about butterfly’s and birds so I will create a children’s garden with plenty of plants to attract wildlife.
The important thing is to find the one part of the landscape that makes you happy and start from that. If
color is your thing then choose plants that will give you color all year long. Not a color lover? Then
incorporate different textures and shapes of plants. A totally green yard can be monotonous but by varying
the shades of green and the shapes of the plants you can create an interesting landscape. I like to put
grasses around air conditioners because in the still of the summer it is nice to see a plant sway in the
wind.
Another item that can wake up a landscape is stone. Boulders in the beds, stacked stone borders or
even rock fountains can be natural looking and really give your yard a completed look. Don’t forget
lighting so you can see the beauty you created at night too.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You can
reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
_____________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den-The Deco Guyz
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Bathroom Basics
Is your bathroom boring or minuscule? Don't despair-colors and patterns can give a lift and fool the eye
into seeing a larger space. Remember, it's not the amount of space, but what you do with it that counts.
The first step in decorating your bathroom is selecting the theme or mood you want to portray. Once
you've decided, then the creativity begins.
If you want to "open up" your bathroom, select a color scheme that is light - pale colors tend to recede
and will visually expand the room. To achieve a sense of the dramatic, you may want to select rich, vibrant
colors instead. Deeper colors appear to advance and the room will appear
cozier.
Window treatments for bathrooms generally are required to supply function and beauty - privacy is a
must! Pleated shades, vertical, cellular shades, silhouettes would all fit the privacy ticket. All are
resistant to moisture and can supply complete privacy. There are many fabric treatments to enhance
your bath's décor. Everything from a short, shirred curtain to pouf valances, balloons, tab curtains - and
even throw swags. Coordinating fabric may be used for sink skirts and shower curtains to complete the
look.
So, what are you waiting for? If your bathroom is ho hum, wake it up with color and fabric - and who
knows - maybe it will help you wake up in the morning too!!
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
National Award winning team-The Deco GuyzTM
Richard Koonce Mykal Pedraza
713-541-DECO (3326)
-The Evolution of Landscape Lighting
-Water Softeners. Can They Save You Money?
-Creating a New Garden
-Education - Is It Worth the Money?
-Bathroom Basics
Volume 2, Edition 6
The Ask The Pro Newsletter is your outlet for pre-qualified contractors, tips from professionals, and
instruction on how to find safe contractors. The Ask The Pro Newsletter is loaded with information to
keep you up to date in what to look for when hiring professionals today.
For more information on how to find qualified contractors, weekly tips from Ace Hardware, and weekly
information from qualified professionals listen to the Ask The Pro Radio Show Saturdays from 11 AM - 12
PM central on CNN 650. For more information about the Ask The Pro Radio Show click here to visit our
website!
If you are not currently a subscriber to The Ask The Pro Newsletter but would like to receive the email on
a monthly basis, you can subscribe here.
Thank you for your interest in the Ask The Pro Radio Show.
Jim Klauck
Host, Ask The Pro Radio Show
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Light It Right
Brandon Kuehler
The Evolution of Landscape Lighting
Landscape lighting has evolved from just a couple of light fixtures in the flowerbeds to elegant, well-
designed lighting portraits customized to enhance the beauty and security of your home. As outdoor
lighting systems are becoming increasingly more intricate, homeowners are drawn to the beauty,
security, durability, and ease of use that professional lighting systems offer.
When choosing a professional outdoor lighting system, homeowners are faced with several lighting
options, including voltage, placement, warranty, and durability. Low voltage lights operate from a 12-volt
power source, but high voltage lights operate from a 120-volt power source. If a person or pet severs a
wire on a low voltage lighting system, they will not be harmed. On the other hand, high voltage lighting
systems pose a greater threat and should be handled with care.
The possibilities of light placement are endless. A quality lighting company works with the homeowner
to create a customized lighting portrait. While the company provides the expertise necessary to enhance
the home's beauty, the homeowner's satisfaction is the highest priority in the placement of the lights.
Professional outdoor lighting companies offer various warranties that reveal the durability of their
products and the reliability of their services. Warranties can be an indication of the quality of light
fixtures, wiring, and workmanship. In most cases, the better the warranty, the better the quality.
Companies will back up products that they know will stand the test of time with warranties that will
eliminate any hassle from owning and maintaining an outdoor lighting system.
Keeping these options in mind, homeowners can make well-informed decisions about the lighting
system that best fits their wants and needs. Owning an outdoor lighting system should provide a lifetime
of pleasure in the system's beauty, security, durability, and ease of use.
______________________________________________________________________
R&S Water Service
Russell Bailey
Water Softeners. Can They Save You Money?
The purpose of a water softener is to counter the negative effects of Hard Water. What is hard water? It
is water that is high in mineral content such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. This scale can eventually
lead to costly repairs of water using appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, water
heaters, refrigerators with ice machines, etc. Scale build-up on the heating elements of your water
heater and dishwasher make them less effective. More energy is used to do the same job.
Millions of dollars are spent each year combating the effects of hard water. Cleaning products such as
lime, calcium, and rust removers, soaps with phosphates (or water softeners as some boxes are
labeled), rinse aids, and fabric softeners, repair and replacement of pipes and appliances with large
amounts of scale build-up, spotty glassware, shower doors, countertops and sinks. I am sure you may
know of a few I have not mentioned. So how can we prevent these negative effects? With a water softener
or scale prevention system.
A Water "Softener" is a cation exchange device. It consists of a negatively charged polymer resin which
will attract the positively charged ions of hard water. These ions are replaced by a less attractive Sodium
or Potassium based ion. Once the sodium or potassium ions on the resin are depleted the resin must
be recharged. This process is known as regeneration. A highly concentrated level of Sodium or
Potassium chloride is introduced to the resin thus pushing the hardness minerals off the resin and
sending them to the drain. When regeneration is complete the softener is ready for another round of
hardness removal.
Fortunately, water softeners are not the only solution. There is new technology on the market today
where scale can be prevented without the use of a salt based water softener. These are NOT water
softeners. They are effective scale prevention units that do not require salt, backwashing, or electricity.
No salt to buy or dump into tanks. In some cases these units will also have a small descaling effect.
Water treatment is best left to a professional. Sizing a water softener properly prevents unnecessary
repairs or waste. Some factors involving sizing a water system properly is the water chemistry, pipe size,
volume of water to be used, water flow rates, and intended use of the water. Texas requires that water
treatment devices be installed by a Licensed professional. Licensed installers must have years of
experience and continuing education to insure water quality is maintained. You can find licensed
dealers through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's website. www.TCEQ.org. Make sure
you are getting the best possible care for your water needs. There is no one size fits all system. You
know what your water concern is. Don't be oversold by an undereducated water salesperson.
________________________________________________________________________________
Dream Landscape Design, Inc.
Melinda Sperl
Creating a New Garden
I had the absolute pleasure to hear Betty from Enchanted Gardens speak at the Weston Lakes Garden
Club meeting. What a treat for everyone there. I have to say that I go to many lectures and can get quite
jaded but she made even an ordinary subject seem interesting. She reminded me of why I started in this
business and still love it.
Being a landscaper is my work but I am a gardener at heart. I love nothing better than to see new blooms
in the spring but I have to keep my customers preferences into account at work. The hardest part is to
look at what is already there and envision what could be. Sometimes the projects can be quite large or
challenging and the best advice I can give is to take a large project by small segments to make the
whole. An example would be if you see a perfect setting for a hidden garden, then you can design the
entire landscape around that one theme. When there are children in the house I think of teaching them
about butterfly’s and birds so I will create a children’s garden with plenty of plants to attract wildlife.
The important thing is to find the one part of the landscape that makes you happy and start from that. If
color is your thing then choose plants that will give you color all year long. Not a color lover? Then
incorporate different textures and shapes of plants. A totally green yard can be monotonous but by varying
the shades of green and the shapes of the plants you can create an interesting landscape. I like to put
grasses around air conditioners because in the still of the summer it is nice to see a plant sway in the
wind.
Another item that can wake up a landscape is stone. Boulders in the beds, stacked stone borders or
even rock fountains can be natural looking and really give your yard a completed look. Don’t forget
lighting so you can see the beauty you created at night too.
Melinda Sperl is the owner of Dream Landscape Design, Inc., a full service landscape company. You can
reach Melinda at Melinda@dreamlandscapedesign.com or www.dreamlandscapedesign.com
_____________________________________________________________________
INTERIORS by Decorating Den-The Deco Guyz
Richard Koonce & Mykal Pedraza
Bathroom Basics
Is your bathroom boring or minuscule? Don't despair-colors and patterns can give a lift and fool the eye
into seeing a larger space. Remember, it's not the amount of space, but what you do with it that counts.
The first step in decorating your bathroom is selecting the theme or mood you want to portray. Once
you've decided, then the creativity begins.
If you want to "open up" your bathroom, select a color scheme that is light - pale colors tend to recede
and will visually expand the room. To achieve a sense of the dramatic, you may want to select rich, vibrant
colors instead. Deeper colors appear to advance and the room will appear
cozier.
Window treatments for bathrooms generally are required to supply function and beauty - privacy is a
must! Pleated shades, vertical, cellular shades, silhouettes would all fit the privacy ticket. All are
resistant to moisture and can supply complete privacy. There are many fabric treatments to enhance
your bath's décor. Everything from a short, shirred curtain to pouf valances, balloons, tab curtains - and
even throw swags. Coordinating fabric may be used for sink skirts and shower curtains to complete the
look.
So, what are you waiting for? If your bathroom is ho hum, wake it up with color and fabric - and who
knows - maybe it will help you wake up in the morning too!!
INTERIORS by Decorating Den
National Award winning team-The Deco GuyzTM
Richard Koonce Mykal Pedraza
713-541-DECO (3326)
DoubleDave's Pizzaworks Bob Sudkamp *COUPON* Are you looking for a spot for your next team party, birthday party or group event? DoubleDave's Pizzaworks, located at 1660 South Mason (corner of Highland Knolls), can be your event location. Our party room can accommodate a large group of people. We have a wide assortment of games for the kids to play while enjoying our specialty pizzas like our Veggie, Buffalo Chicken, The Works, Barbecue Chicken and our Meateaters along with our famous Peproni rolls, Stromboli an assortment of desserts and a our Texas sized salad bar. DoubleDave's offers dine in, pick up, delivery and can cater your next event. Give us a try! We can be reached at 281-391-3283. *Bring this add in for $1 off your next order. |
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