Events for the family in Keller, Texas

 

Keller Gallery Walk

Featuring Ann Hardy

Date: 2/11/2010 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Cost: Free!

Location: Keller Town Center
1100 Bear Creek Parkway
Keller, Texas 76248

From 7 to 9 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month through May, Keller Town Center will come alive with the Keller Gallery Walk. Art galleries will open their doors to feature artwork of all varieties and genres. Participants will be provided refreshments and may listen to sidewalk musicians, see artist presentations, and enjoy social interaction. Keller Gallery Walk is designed to support Keller artists and galleries, promote art to the public and enhance the image of Keller as an art community.

This free event is brought to you by the: Keller Public Arts Program, Town Hall Gallery, art251, Art Party, Monart, YAT, and Olive Street Art.

For information, contact the City Manager’s Office at 817-743-4010 or publicarts@cityofkeller.com.

Community Concert featuring the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

at Keller High School

Date: 2/12/2010 7:30 PM

Cost: Tickets: $5.00 each or 4 for $15.00

Location: Keller High School Fine Arts Center
601 N. Pate Orr Road
Keller, Texas 76248

Join us at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 as Andres Franco conducts an exciting performance featuring works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Dvorak. Included in the program are the Mozart Overture to La clemenza di Tito, K. 621, Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64 and Dvorak Symphony No. 8 in G Major, Op. 88.

The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s world-class musicians and internationally recognized music director have become known for their outstanding performances of symphonic and pops music with a wide-range of talented artists. One of the largest performing arts organizations in the area, the Orchestra reaches more than 250,000 people each year in and around Fort Worth. The orchestra’s recent Carnegie Hall debut, which included a world premier performance, received rave reviews from both the local and New York press.

This concert is part of the Neighborhood Arts Program, and is made possible by support from the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County, the City of Fort Worth, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and Bank of America. Additional Support is provided by the Star-Telegram, City of Keller, Keller Independent School District, AT&T and ArtsNET.

Tickets are available for purchase at Keller Town Hall and The Keller Pointe.

Contact the City Manager’s Office at 817-743-4000 or publicarts@cityofkeller.com for information.

Spice Tips from Penzey’s

1-800-741-7787    www.penzeys.com

HOW MUCH SHOULD I BUY?

A good rule of thumb is to buy a one year’s supply of herbs or ground spices, and a one or two year supply of whole spices.  The government’s guideline for freshness dating is four years for whole spices and two years for ground.  Some people say six months is the longest spices should be stored, but most spices are harvested only once a year, so it does not make sense to discard them every six months.  On the other hand, two years is too long to store finely powdered spices.  Each spice contains hundreds of flavor components.  It is the quantity and balance of these components that determines the quality of the spice.  These flavor components will dissipate at different rates.  A top quality spice may be better at two years old than a low quality spice at two months.  When in doubt about a spice, just smell it.  If it smells strong and spicy, use it.  If not, toss it.

HOW SHOULD I STORE THEM?

Spices must be stored properly to maintain strong, fresh flavor.  Heat, light, moisture and air all speed the loss of flavor and color.  Glass and barrier plastic containers (such as those we use at Penzeys) are very good.  DO NOT store your spices near a heat source: on top of the stove, dishwasher, refrigerator or microwave, or near the sink or a heating vent.  The best way to avoid light is to put the spices inside a cupboard or a drawer.  If an open spice rack is being used, lace it out of direct sunlight.

Some folks say that all spices should be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer.  Whole, crushed and ground chili peppers (including paprika, as well as sesame seed and poppy seed) will stay fresh and colorful longer in cool storage, especially in the summer months. Other than vanilla beans and extract, the flavor of spices will not be damaged by cold.  The only problem with spices being stored in the fridge is that they tend to be used less (out of sight, out of mind).  So we recommend keeping smaller quantities of spices out in the cooking area and larger backup supplies in the refrigerator or freezer.

Discover creative new design ideas for the powder room.

 

The powder room—typically a main-floor half-bath with a sink, a toilet, and a mirror—is often the home’s smallest room, averaging just 4 feet by 5 feet. Yet, if you measure its worth by the amount of traffic a room gets per square foot, the powder room could be the most valuable space in your house.

Thanks to its petite size, a half-bath can often be one of the least expensive rooms in the house to renovate. In such a small space, it’s possible to make a big impact with only a few small changes like a new sink or faucet, or an updated countertop.

If it’s been a while since you remodeled your powder room, you might want to investigate some of the more popular design trends. Seattle designer Pat Bermudez, NKBA, CBD and ASID, and Kohler Store marketing manager Lynn Schrage offer a few tips to help you freshen up your powder room.

Color

“Select a deep, dramatic hue for the walls,” says Schrage. “Don’t be concerned about closing in this small space. An intense wall or ceiling color can make a dramatic impact in the room and add an element of surprise off the hallway.”

Texture can also play an important role. Consider a reflective material to help lighten up the space. If you’re not into bold hues, earth tones and light-colored natural materials can also help keep the space feeling open and fresh.

Faucets

The faucet is an important element in powder room design, as it can really help solidify the room’s style. “You can use a traditional-style faucet, or a very streamlined, modern faucet to pull out the concept or the theme of your powder room,” says Bermudez.

Selecting the right finish is as important as the faucet; just make sure it blends with the overall design. A touch of sparkle is a great way to make a small space feel elegant.

Sinks

Vessel-type sinks are particularly popular, and they come in a variety of styles that complement all periods of design. They’re also available in a wide range of materials, from marble and glass to stainless steel, bronze and textured ceramics.

Toilets

Consider a one-piece toilet that lends your bath a furnished–rather than a utilitarian–look. Some models have built-in water efficiency; another popular feature is sound modulation for more discreet flushing.

Flooring

Hardwood floors are popular right now, as are rich materials such as granite and marble, which offer an upscale look. You may also consider running the same floor material from the hallway into the powder room to create a natural flow.

If you want the look and feel of a hardwood floor that’s both durable and eco-friendly, consider bamboo. Ceramic tile or slate with radiant heating may let you eliminate the need for a second heat source in the room.

Finishing touches

Thick crown molding (3-5 inches) around the room’s perimeter and up to 8 inches of baseboarding are popular ways to add detail. “People like to see the wood and architectural elements emphasized,” Bermudez says.

Be style-consistent

If your home style is contemporary, use modern materials such as laminate or designer woods. If you live in a period home, select fixtures and décor that match the rest of the house.

First impressions count

Consider this a showcase for your home and give it as much attention as your other public spaces. “A powder room, if it’s well designed, tells a lot about the owners of the home,” says Bermudez. “You want to use impressive…materials.”

Counter intelligence

For powder room countertops, consider using bright or reflective materials such as granite or quartz. Slate, which is warmer than ceramic tile, can be combined with granite or quartz countertops to give a calm, not overly decorated, look. All manufacturers use the same patented process to produce quartz countertops, which are famous for their durability.

“It’s a manmade material that is always glossy, very shiny,” says Bermudez. “So homeowners will spend little time taking care of it, but it always looks good.”

If you’re looking for a green alternative but still want shine and durability, consider recycled glass.

Take chances

Refinishing the walls in the smallest room in the house is much less time consuming than changing the wallpaper or paint in a great room, so this is a great place to let your inner decorator run wild.

Live large

Maximize space in your powder room by using a pedestal or wall-mounted sink. For extra space and storage, consider a petite vanity.

“A well-placed mirror can make any room look larger and more appealing,” says Schrage. “If you are considering a console table or pedestal, a decorative mirrored storage solution will offer the much-needed additional storage for toiletries and paper.”

Consider your guests

Because the powder room is for visitors, think about providing the extra courtesy of providing a place for women to set their bags – an empty countertop or shelf, for example.

See clearly

Don’t overlook lighting, which can contribute to the overall effect or theme of your powder room. It’s better to over-light than under-light, and you can always use a dimmer switch.

“Dimmers help set the mood in the room when you’re entertaining,” says Schrage. “Undercounter lighting will help to create a visual expanse in a smaller space and enhance the space.”

Guide the way

Under-cabinet lights can function as nightlights or mood lighting when the room is unoccupied, and can help guide guests who are unfamiliar with your home’s layout.

Keep it clean

Keep the room architecturally clean and avoid over decorating or inundating the room with personal objects. Leave counters empty so guests can set down purses or car keys, and take care in choosing accessories like towel bars, towel rings, and soap dispensers.

The powder room, while small, makes a big statement about you and your home. With a little thought and imagination, you can make sure it’s speaking with your distinct voice.

The CEDIA Top 10 List

10 smart consumer electronic tips for the home environment

1.  Wire for everything now…even wireless.  If you are building or remodeling a home, start with a plan for future wiring needs.  Wire is necessary to support wireless applications.  While no one can guarantee what the future will look like, CEDIA professionals make it their business to stay current to offer expert advice about technologies on the horizon.

2.  Insist on integrated systems.  Make sure the electronic equipment you are buying can be hooked up together and operated with one, easy-to-use control system.  Systems that communicate simplify your life and offer peace of mind by “watching over your home.

3.  Integrate lighting and heating control.  Going green meets convenience.  Get the most out of your system with the least amount of energy consumption.  System integration provides automatic energy-efficient adjustments, saving you time and money.

4. Think with your w3aalet, but lead with your head.  Quality and long-term dependability are the most cost-effective attributes that you can build into a home.

5. Buy an experience, not a box.  Find an electronic systems contractor that allows you to test-drive the entire system or at least experience the thrill of a high performance system.  Few people have the time to research and evaluate all the hardware choices.  It’s smarter to focus on the end result and make your choices based upon overall performance and value.

6. Simplify your controls.  Easy to use, all-in-one remote controls are available for any system.  You can even have them custom programmed so they make perfect sense to you.  New technologies offer control from other devices and even through Internet browsers anywhere in the world.

7.  Increase your expectations.  Your home electronics system is a big investment and you deserve to be satisfied with it.  CEDIA professionals will provide you with extensive options, comprehensive designs, complete installation and especially, in-home service for your systems.

8. Think “green.” By utilizing green practices, you can save money by having a more energy-efficient system and help save the planet.  Ask a professional about how you can “go green” in your home.

9. Ensure the experts work together for you.  Maximize your home’s electronic systems capabilities by having your architect, builder or remodeler, and interior designer collaborate and partner with an electronic systems contractor from the beginning of the planning process.

10. Consult a professional.  Today’s integrated electronic systems grow, evolve and change over time, constantly adding entertainment, comfort and security features.  Select an electronic integration needs for years.  Having a long-term relationship with one professional will maximize the reliability and enjoyment of your home’s electronic systems.  Find a CEDIA Certified Professional near you at www.cedia.org.

TEN WAYS TO KNOW GREEN WHEN YOU SEE IT

Source: GreenFloors.com

Torn between two of your favorite green flooring options.  Use the following checklist to compare ten of the most important green attributes.

GF RATING TABLE	APPLIES TO	EXPLANATION
1. Social responsibility	Manufacturer	Socially responsible and enlightened company to workers and customers and embraces environmental practices.
2.Manufacturer	Processes	Manufacturer methods are environmentally  responsible and are not detrimental to the environment.
3. Distribution	Methods	Distribution uses environmentally friendly and innovative methods of distribution i.e. packaging and transportation. LEED credits given for purchasing local  materials.
4. Renewable	Product	Made with renewable materials. Definition – raw materials can be replaced within _ years.
5. Recycled Content	Product	Made with recycled materials. Percentage of post-industrial vs. post consumer materials.
6. Recyclability	Product	Content of product is mostly recyclable and can be disposed of safely or reused in manufacture of same product or downsized for another product
7. Toxicity	Product	Does not contain toxic materials. Meets accepted air quality standards.
8. Life Cycle	Product	Designed for extended life cycle to reduce costs per year and impact on   the environment.
9.  Installation	Product	Can be installed in an environmentally friendly manner i.e. using low VOC adhesives.
10. Maintenance	Product	Can be maintained in an environmentally friendly manner i.e., low toxic cleaning chemicals and low water consumption.

January Public Art Show and Keller Gallery Walk Night!

 

Mark your calendars to attend the January Public Art show and Sale featuring the works of Ann Hardy in her exhibit titled “Life’s Adventures and Art.” The exhibit is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends January 4-31. The public is invited to attend Keller Gallery Walk and Meet the Artist Night from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14.

Ann Hardy is living life as fully and well as she knows how. For Ann, the joy of painting is in the process (journey) and not the destination. Growth in life and art is the most exciting thing she can think of.  Her philosophy is to keep moving, but not in the direction that fear makes you move.  You must be willing to risk and be at home in your own skin.  For her it’s fun to be slightly eccentric.  And, she plays that to the hilt by painting in a 12-by-12-foot tree house!

For information about the show and sale and the Public Arts Program, contact the City Manager’s Office at 817-743-4010 or publicarts@cityofkeller.com.

Special Cold Weather Alert! From Neil Sperry’s GARDENS Magazine

There’s no point in delaying this any longer. By now, you’re surely aware that the coldest mass of arctic air to pour into Texas in several years is expected to arrive and cross through the state tomorrow and Thursday. Check your local forecast over the next 24 hours to get precise weather information for your area.
Gardeners need to take warning! Several extraordinary precautions need to be taken for this cold spell. Let’s look at each of them individually. Before we do, however, let’s define a few terms.
“Hardened” refers to a gradual preconditioning of plants and animals to increasingly worse (in this case, colder) weather. Most of Texas has had several fairly strong cold spells in the past several weeks, so plants should be as well-prepared as they can be for this round. That’s a good thing.
“Hardy” refers to the minimum temperature at which a properly hardened plant can be expected to survive. The USDA breaks the country into Hardiness Zones, and Texas falls into Zones 6-10. You need to know your area’s Zone ranking. Plants that are normally grown in a warmer Zone (larger number) will need heroic protection in this cold.
Moisture levels of the soil prior to, and during, hard freezes do a lot toward determining the extent of damage that may be done. Dry plants usually suffer far more damage. If your plants are dry, you should water them before the cold hits.

Covers, especially frost cloth (“floating row cover”) can be used to hold solar warmth in the soil and around your plants. These coverings also help stop the harsh winter winds. Winds often do as much damage as the cold they accompany. Secure the frost cloth using bricks, river rock or other heavy anchors. If you don’t have frost cloth, use old sheets, blankets or burlap. Plastic is a poor covering material. It traps the sun’s heat the morning after a hard freeze, and plants thaw out far too rapidly. Damage below plastic covers is usually far worse than if the plants had been left uncovered.

Tip for the future: Have a large roll of frost cloth on hand, even precut to fit over your plants, so that you can quickly put it into position when conditions dictate. Label the bags to make your work still easier.
Tip for the rest of this winter: If you have woody plants that appear to have been damaged by the cold, react slowly. Sometimes, only leaf tissues are damaged, and the plants come back very well as spring returns. Other times, stem tissues will be damaged, perhaps even to the ground. Pruning may be needed, but you should wait until March to assess the magnitude of any damage. Your only reliable clue before then will be if stem and twig tissues blacken, shrivel and turn brittle. In those cases, you can trim away that winter-killed wood. Otherwise, wait until early spring to determine your next steps.
Special Protection Tips
Here are your plant-by-plant guidelines.
Winter annual color. Pansies are the most winter-hardy annual plants, usually into single digits. Pinks and snapdragrons are next most durable, followed by ornamental cabbage and kale. If temperatures in your area are expected to fall into the teens, all will do better if protected with frost cloth. South Texas gardeners should protect petunias, stocks, poppies, alyssum and cyclamen if temperatures are expected to fall into the 20s.
Container plants. In general, you give up about two Hardiness Zones when you grow plants in containers. In other words, it’s like growing those same plants in an environment that is 20 degrees colder. Most landscaping shrubs become vulnerable when they’re still in pots when it turns really cold, which is why nurserymen overwinter them in gently heated (38 degrees F) greenhouses. If you have winter color container plants, or if you have shrubs and other woody plants in pots, either move them into a very protected location, or wrap their soil balls with insulation. Be sure they’re properly watered, of course.
Tender perennial species (including, depending on where you are in Texas, bananas, Mexican bush salvia, Mexican heather, elephant ears and many others). Every part of Texas has one or more types of perennials that are marginal in their winter hardiness for that region. Mulch over their beds to improve their chances of making it through the cold. Shredded tree leaves, compost, pine straw or pine bark mulch can all work, as will frost cloth.
Brand-new groundcover plantings. If you have just planted Asian jasmine, star jasmine, ardisia or other types of groundcover that can sustain freeze injury in at least certain parts of the state, improve the plants’ odds of survival with a little extra care. If they’re dry, water them ahead of the freeze. Cover them with shredded tree leaves, compost or frost cloth until the severe cold has passed. Once established, these plants may be reliable in your area, but young plants won’t have the same extensive root systems.
At-risk woody shrubs. Again, this list will depend on where you live, but for much of Texas, it would include oleanders, loquats, pittosporums, certain palms, waxleaf ligustrums, gardenias and fatsias. If you are able to cover these plants with frost cloth, you will greatly improve their odds of surviving without severe leaf burn or even total loss of the plants. Secure the cover to the ground, so that warmth from the soil can be released and trapped beneath the cloth.
Living Christmas trees. Anytime you take a plant from a 70-degree room and plunge it into sub-freezing weather, you greatly increase the chance that it will freeze, even if it’s normally completely winter-hardy to your area. The plant is no longer hardened. If it’s already in the ground, cover it to protect it. If it’s still in a pot, set it in the garage for a day or two.
Standard plant species for your area. If you have chosen plants that are listed as hardy to your Zone, or to one that is colder (smaller Zone number), you should be fine. Again, water prior to the cold if the plants are dry.
Greenhouses. Your goal during extreme cold is just to keep things at or above 40 degrees F. If you’re using electric heat, or if you have a gas heater with a blower fan, have a back-up heat source in case power goes out. If you’re moving plants into the greenhouse, remember that most tropical plants will only tolerate 30-60 seconds of exposure to sub-freezing weather before they may be lost entirely.
Sprinkler system. Turn it to the “Off” or “Manual” positions so that it cannot run during sub-freezing weather. Modern “smart” controllers have these winter weather features built in. Many cities have initiated fines for sprinkler systems that cause traffic hazards, and the cost of the fine often approaches the cost of a new controller. These improved controllers make good sense at other times, too.
Valves and faucets. The safest thing to do is to disconnect all hoses from faucets. When hoses are left attached to older types of faucets during freezing weather, the water freezes within the faucets and often ruptures the pipes inside the walls of the house. It’s not a pleasant, nor an inexpensive repair. Be sure in-ground valve boxes are closed. Hopefully, your pressurized pipes will be deep enough to miss the freezing temperatures.
Garden hoses and hose-end sprinklers. Water expands as it freezes, and in so doing, it can rupture plastic and soft metal sprinkler parts. Hoses become brittle and must not be moved until all of the ice has melted again.
Garden supplies and pest control products. Dry products will not be at risk, so long as you keep them dry. Liquids, however, should not be allowed to freeze. Do not leave them in unheated storage facilities.
Garden ponds, including fish. (Information from Kevin Malone at Dickson Brothers in Mesquite, the water garden, pool and pond supply experts.)
• Small water features such as ceramic pots and fountains should be drained and dried.
• In-ground ponds without wildlife: pull equipment, drain and store dry until warmer weather.
• In-ground ponds with wildlife/fish: be sure the filter is working, and leave pond equipment running. You are relying on water movement to prevent freezing. Do not feed koi when water temperatures are below 55 degrees F.
• Swimming pools: freeze-guard equipment should keep things running below freezing. If you do not have that type of protection, turn the equipment on and leave it running during the cold spell.
A Few Added Items
Finally, other things we just need to do because we’re humans, and because we share this planet:
• Put water out for birds and wild animals. Fill your bird feeders using a type of seed that they really like. Black, oil-type sunflower seeds are most universally loved.
• Bring your pets indoors. It’s going to be too cold for dogs and cats to be outside in much of the state. If you’re heating the garage gently for them, be sure to protect against the danger of fire. Keep all things away from space heaters, and check wiring on electrical heaters. Be sure there is adequate ventilation if you’re using a gas space heater that does not have a carbon monoxide shut-off monitor.
• If you have outside walls to your house that have water lines, open the cabinet doors inside those walls. That usually prevents the pipes from freezing.

To tub or not to tub…

Resale value “is still a timely question,” says New York-based designer Paige Rien of HGTV’s Hidden Potential. “I have clients ask me about that all the time.” But she adds that, these days, calculating that return can be a crap shoot. “So I ask them, ‘What will you use and enjoy? What will have value for you?’ Sometimes the standard resale formula doesn’t jibe with how they live. More and more, the tub goes unused. They’d rather have a larger shower.”

For buyers who want to add luxury to their master bath, Rien says she’s a fan of replacing the tub with an enlarged shower with dual shower heads, digital controls, enhanced lighting – and no doors. “Eliminate the enclosure and have the entire room wet,” she says “I think that speaks more to luxury than a [jetted] tub these days.”

Green countertop options

There are 3 R’s of sustainability – recycle, reuse and reduce…many architects and interior designers are big into “reuse”. So…you will start to see many of the “old” items become “new” again!

If you’ve decided to do away with your old countertops – are they in good enough condition that they could be used elsewhere in your home? Could they be donated? Anything is better than going to the landfill.

Or better yet – have you decided to do away with old tables in your home – could they become a countertop?

Some products do require buying new and the current market has unbelievable choices and some with unbelievable prices too! Amazing how “green” doesn’t necessarily mean the “green” stays in your pocket!

Some great choices though are coming out in recycled glass and paper. Butcher block make of sustainable choices – especially bamboo which can come in many colors and styles. Stainless steel ranks high as a post-consumer recycled product and is hygienic and easy to keep clean to boot! Keep in mind thought that it does have drawbacks…it does scratch, can be noisy and that it is a higher end product that costs more.

10 tips to a healthier living…

1. Filter your water – whole house or point of use – many appliances and plumbing manufacturers are including filtration systems – great time to get one of these included when you have to replace a kitchen sink faucet or refrigerator!
2. Reduce toxins – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) linger in the air and can cause you to become sick – from allergic reactions to more serious health issues. When you paint next time – make sure you get a low VOC paint. Also, if you’re buying new furniture – ask your sales person how the furniture was produced!
3. Increase tub and shower safety – this is really one of the biggest safety issues in your home. If your tub is slick, anyone can fall. If you’re remodeling a shower and it is currently sunken – raise the floor, install a small or even curb-less shower. Install grab bars and I know what you’re thinking – they look too institutional – but they’ve come a long way, matching your plumbing and with decorative accents. The big thing to keep in mind here is to make sure you’ve got enough blocking in the wall to get them installed.
4. Eliminate germs with non-toxic cleaners – did you know that some of your cleaners can emit VOCs? Make sure that you choose environmentally friendly cleaners and keep in mind that if you have a septic system this is even more important! Simply using different cutting boards for meat and veggies and replacing sponges used in the kitchen can really make a difference.
5. Garden naturally – use organic insecticidal soaps and lots of mulch in the garden to help conserve water. Compost your kitchen veggie scraps. There are so many options for this tip that pretty much the sky is the limit – depending on how much work you want to go to physically, you could grow your own garden, compost your lawn clippings and leaves…
6. Protect from fire and carbon monoxide – install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but make sure to change those batteries! Also, place a fire distinguisher in the kitchen and make sure you have an escape ladder for those upper floor bedrooms.
7. Reduce humidity – keep your bath from becoming a mold and mildew haven by simply installing an exhaust fan or dehumidifier. A great time to do this of course is when you’re remodeling your bathroom!
8. Replace air filters often – okay, this is one task that many of us forget. Make sure that you purchase a good filter, you’ll have to replace it less often.
9. Purify the air – this will reduce the pollutants and allergens in your home. Are you allergic to Fido? This could possibly help clear the air for you.
10. Choose flooring wisely – this is probably one of the bigger areas in your home that you can make a difference. Are you concerned about sustainability or green products? There are many for you to choose from. Some simple thoughts to keep in mind (a later blog will go into more detail), carpet feels great, but keep it mind it can trap dust and allergens and isn’t the best answer for those with allergies whereas tile and wood floors will not trap dirt or allergens.