bender
Naperville Living: Family’s conservation plan includes rain barrel, push mower
As more rain barrels dot the Naperville landscape, the Marks family decided that adding one to the overall conservation plans for their home made sense. This summer the family purchased a 55-gallon rain barrel from The Conservation Foundation on Knoch Knolls Road. They already notice the difference.
Naperville Living: Homeowner builds model railroad in basement
For some, hobbies become passions, consuming every waking moment — a way to demonstrate creativity and fulfill dreams. That is exactly what happened to Bob Rogers when he was introduced to the world of model railroads.
Naperville Living: Feng shui approach to redecorating
Feng shui is based on a Chinese system using the laws of heaven and earth to help improve life by receiving positive energy and creating positive energy flow. Lisa Rooney is one Naperville homeowner who, in 2006, turned to feng shui as part of an entire lifestyle change.
Naperville Living: Life after Disney leads them home
If a house is a reflection of those who live there, there is no doubt when stepping into the home of R.J. and Suzanne Ogren that they have a passion for Disney. In May, the couple moved into their downtown Naperville home and immediately made it a place where they can display the years of influence Disney has had on them.
Naperville Living: Garden Club prepares Nance home for house walk
The Naperville Garden Club’s elves arrived last week at the home of Chris and Kip Nance to adorn it for their annual Cup of Cheer House Walk. However, it’s not magic that gets a house ready for the event, but the culmination of a year of planning and preparation.
Naperville Living: Homeowners use backyard tree on addition
When the Wernekes decided they wanted to add on to their historic Naperville home, they knew they literally would not be able to work around the beloved Norway spruce in their backyard. So, they did the next best thing. They incorporated the tree’s wood into their addition.
Naperville family says living close makes life better
One Naperville family did not start out here, but one by one, family members purposefully moved to the area so they could all live close to each other. According to a survey conducted by Coldwell Banker in July 2010, many of today’s homebuyers are appreciating the benefits of living closer to their relatives: 72 percent of homeowners that are parents choose to live within 30 minutes of extended family members, and 42 percent live less than 10 minutes away.
Naperville Living: Couple reduces energy costs with power of sun
Jim and Kath Camasto have been using solar energy at their home in Naperville’s Hobson Villages since 2003 when they installed solar panels on their roof. “It’s an investment,” said Jim Camasto, who moved into the home in 1996.
Naperville home managers help properties sell faster
Philip Wilkey, 30, is a “home manager.” The stay-at-home dad wants to purchase a home in Naperville with his wife and children, but in the meantime, he lives in Naperville properties to help them sell.
Naperville yard either full of blooms or foliage
What was a vast quarter-acre yard with little landscaping is now a garden full of more than 2,500 plants, many of which are native. They also attract all kinds of wildlife as well as respect from passers-by. “One of the biggest compliments I had was someone who came whizzing by when I was doing some landscaping and came to a screeching halt and said ‘I like what you did with your yard,’” Ron Ory said.
Naperville home managers help properties sell faster
Philip Wilkey, 30, is a “home manager.” The stay-at-home dad wants to purchase a home in Naperville with his wife and children, but in the meantime, he lives in Naperville properties to help them sell.
Naperville organizer says paper biggest obstacle to spring cleaning
It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to purging unwanted items for spring cleaning. For some, the very thought can be overwhelming and, like Naperville’s Suzie Gilmartin, may look to a professional organizer for some guidance.
YMCA celebrates 100 years in Naperville
The Kroehler Family YMCA still is welcoming area residents through its doors 100 years later. Its anniversary celebration, which began March 26, will offer events throughout the year.
Family keeps most of HGTV decorated room
The Fargos, who live in Naperville’s Old Saw Mill neighborhood, were featured on HGTV’s “My First Place” a little over a year ago. One of the room’s in their new house was completely decorated as part of the show. Did they leave it that way?
Accessible design
Mike Whelan has been paralyzed from the chest down since college, which made the comforts of his Naperville home not so comfortable at times. Like a bathroom that wouldn’t allow him to close the door on his wheelchair or glasses that were stored almost out …
PTA to give Bingo Night proceeds to father with rare disease
Married only six years in 2003, Mike and Teri Stech had no idea the “for worse” part of their marriage vows would be put to the test. At that time, Mike suffered what they thought was a stroke. During the next few years, Mike had more of these stroke-like episodes, each causing damage to his brain and leaving him impaired to the point where he became unable to care for himself. He was ultimately diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disorder.