Here's one way you can handle January
Here's one way you can handle January
Not everyone owns a snowblower, believe it or not, although January in this region certainly makes it look like a good idea.
Snow Joe has come up with two new electric models. That means you plug them in rather than using gasoline.
The lightweight Snow Joe Plus thrower weighs 121/2 pounds and features an adjustable back-saving handle and ergonomic curve design. It launches snow up to 20 feet, clearing a path 12-inches wide and up to 4-inches deep and moving up to 300 pounds of snow per minute, with 71/2 amps of power. It is priced at $99.
A larger, more powerful model called Ultra costs $250.
Snow Joes are sold at big-box and hardware stores and online at snowjoe.com.
Curl up by the fire this month
While January is probably the worst month to spend in the Chicago area, there are consolations. After the snow is shoveled and the trudging through the sludge done, there's curling up in front of a nice fire.
A night with Duraflame logs and such treats as a pizza, popcorn and a rental movie is less expensive than going out, says Chris Caron, vice president of brand development for Duraflame, Inc.
The logs cost about $3.50 each. The company has also introduced Stax logs that are stackable and allow more logs to be added to the blaze. Duraflame logs burn more efficiently than wood, producing more heat and less pollution, said Caron.
Designers show this is how you do it
At first, the January-February issue of Elle Decor, one of my favorite shelter magazines, seemed disappointing. "The 10 Most Winning Wing Chairs" - not for this fan of the classic style, thank you. And the "Magical rooms for children" touted on the cover turned out to be one page with five photos.
But oh, my. What designers have done with several New York City townhouses and apartments. You'll see chairs and sofas that make you believe "custom designed" is really worth it. And that's the way to use color, yes indeed.
The naval-uniform inspired welts on a set of curtains make me re-examine my belief that window treatments should be skipped if at all possible. And there's a circular piece of art over a mantel that has exactly the right colors and size to tie the room together.
So pick your favorites, gather ideas and maybe you can make a look or two work in your home.