|
This
Years 28th Annual Home Improvement & Remodeling Show
 With
more than 350 exhibitors in 750 booths the show covered
most of the products and services that are available to
inspire homeowners in their quest to remodel. One exhibit
took us back in time which was a visual relief from all
the modern products showcased. Bosco-Milligan Foundation
presented a few items from their extensive collection in
the center of the show. These gems of Portland history are
just a primer of what they will offer to the public when
their Architectural Heritage Center opens in 2004. To the
right are a few items that were exhibited at the show. To
learn more about the Center logon to www.architecturalheritagecenter.org.
 Cool
Tool’s adjustable siding gauge caught our eye. If you’ve
been installing siding as a pro and have been making gauges
out of scraps of wood found on the jobsite or you’re
a Do-It-Yourselfer you’ll appreciate this new tool.
Once set to size, this tool will cut installation time dramatically
and give confidence to the beginner. You can also use it
to run a level line across a variety of surfaces. For more
information call 541-726-6061 or, logon to www.sidinggauge.com.
NW
Naturals booth showcased an array of gas fireplaces this
year. Majestic Vermont Castings Chateau 44 Direct Vent gas
fireplace was the largest measuring in at 42” X 36”.
The tempered non-reflective glass front appears invisible,
making the Chateau fire even more enjoyable. 
If
you’re looking for the most natural looking fire in
a gas fireplace insert then Heat-N-Glow® is worth checking
out. Their Gas Energy Master Series claims to have the most
advanced heat management and design technology. It also
has a fire that looks so real it’s hard to tell that
it’s a gas fire. With their Mystifire™ ceramic
fiber burner and glowing embers and six ceramic fiber logs
giving the feel of a real fire. For more info call NW Natural
at 503-220-2362 or logon to www.nwappliancecenter.com.
We
caught a whiff of two toilets that do more than dispose
of the unspeakable. The Neorest by Toto® offers more
features than a top-of-the-line automobile. These features
include; Cyclone Siphon Jet, Sanagloss™ ceramic glaze,
auto lid open and close, auto flush, remote control(?),
adjustable heated seat, a Washlet with three wash modes
(front, rear, soft), adjustable spray position, oscillating
and pulsing comfort washing, energy saver timer, and a built-in
air purifying system. Offered by George Morlan. For more
info call 503-224-7000 or logon to www.totousa.com.
A
Eugene company Better Lifestyles, Inc. offers the TBES (Toilet
Bowel Exhaust System). This toilet begins at the bowl with
a patented addition of an upper air channel separated from
the water channel. An opening at the rear (no pun intended)
of the toilet is connected to a vacuum system installed
in an attached garage or attic space and then vented to
the outside. The vacuum system then draws air through the
perforations of the air channel removing microbes/bacteria
and odors at the source. For more information call toll
free at 877-748-4628 or logon to
www.tbes.net.
Tour
Through Time Brochure —
Historic Properties of Clark County
The
City of Vancouver, Clark County and the Washington State
Office of Historic Preservation have partnered to create
a brochure “Tour through Time”highlighting local
historic properties, regional trails and greenways. The
brochure also covers the process of registering a historic
property.
This
beautiful brochure gets the reader involved in historic
preservation, preserving the past and protecting the future
of Historic buildings and properties that are the cornerstone
of Clark County heritage and culture. Properties from the
past are fun and fascinating to view while walking or driving
through the region. Each of the homes and sights on the
tour have been carefully preserved and most are still in
use today as private residences.
One
can choose the walking tour, or drive on the the three designated
routes or bike the 52-mile loop through forest and farmlands.
All are mapped in detail in the brochure.
The
walking tour is a step into the past. Houses dating back
to 1846 dot the easy to read map. The brochure not only
lists 21 houses on the tour but also a short bio on each
house as well as a photo. Enjoying a picnic at Esther Short
Park is a fun way to start this great walking tour.
Driving
the northern route starts at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill
dating back to 1876. Along this route a farm, church, school,
victorian and craftsman style houses can be viewed. The
west route starts at one of the oldest wood-framed structures
in the state and continues through a farm, a school, a store,
several churches and homes. The east tour starts with a
house built of milled cedar planks, the Parksville Landing
Historical Park and ends at the Pittock-Leadbetter House
Lakeside.
To have
the “Tour through Time” brochure mailed to you,
call the City of Vancouver Culture Services at 1-360-696-8143
Barbara
K! — Tools for Women with Style
When Barbara Kavovit left Wall Street to venture into the
male-dominated world of construction, she did not realize
that she would turn her small contracting business into
a multi-million dollar firm. Now she is pursuing new avenues
in home improvement. Kavovit’s new line of Barbara
K! tools is giving women everywhere the confidence they
need to single-handedly tackle home repairs that previously
would have left them waiting hours for the repairman or
significant other.
The
Barbara K! line of tools was designed by a woman with women
in mind. The hammer and screwdrivers, are equipped with
nonslip handles that are ergonomically designed to accommodate
manicured hands. Barbara Kavovit was inspired by the current
lack of resources and information available to the increasing
number of women interested in home repair.
Visit
www.BarbaraK.com for
a full description of Barbara K! tools, repair tips, and
a store near you.
Web
Pick
www.vandykes.com
Van Dykes Restorers website offers antique furniture and
vintage home restoration hardware and supplies — from
solid oak furniture kits to fittings, hinges and restorative
supplies. They also offer tools and supplies, lighting,
a kitchen and bath section, books and videos. Logon and
order their free catalog or download their Kitchen and Bath
catalog in PDF format (6.4mb).
|
