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$5 Fundraising Calendars Help Local Seniors in Crisis Situations

In an effort to raise money for seniors in crisis situations, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) located in Brockton, is now offering Fundraising Calendars for $5 each.

Fundraising calendars are available throughout November, December and January. Proceeds from the calendars go towards food, fuel and medications for seniors who are on a fixed income and in a crisis situation. A total of $1,700 in cash prizes will be awarded beginning in February. One winner will be selected per day. Cash prize values vary. Winners will be notified by phone and posted online at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

To obtain a Fundraising Calendar, contact OCES at (508) 584-1561 or send an email to LDallaire@oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

$5 Fundraising Calendars Help Local Seniors in Crisis SituationsRead More

Rodman & Rodman Named Best Accounting Firm to Work For

Rodman & Rodman Partners - Steve Rodman, Kathy Parker and John McGovern

Rodman & Rodman P.C., located in Braintree and Newton, was recently named as one of the 2010 Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The annual list of “Best Accounting Firms” was created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group.

This survey and award program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in the accounting industry, benefiting the nation’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The Best Accounting Firms to Work for list is made up of a total of 100 companies, split into three groups: 45 small-sized companies (15-49 employees), 45 medium-sized companies (50-249 employees) and 10 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees). Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the Best Accounting Firms to Work for in the small category.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfill the following eligibility requirements:

– Be a for-profit or not-for-profit business;

– Be a publicly or privately held business;

– Have a facility in the United States;

– Have at least 15 employees working in the United States;

– Must be in business a minimum of 1 year;

– Be an accounting firm.

Accounting firms from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated firm’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

The ranking of the 3rd annual Best Accounting Firms to Work for will be unveiled at an awards ceremony during Accounting Today’s Growth & Profitability Summit on November 17th at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas. The list-making firms will also be published in the December 13th issue of Accounting Today.

For more information on the Best Accounting Firms to Work for program, visit www.BestAccountingFirmstoWorkfor.com.

Rodman & Rodman has also been named as one of the Top 50 Firms by the Boston Business Journal.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With offices in Newton and Braintree, Rodman & Rodman focuses on strategic planning – going beyond traditional accounting services and taking a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

Rodman & Rodman P.C has been listed in the Top 50 Firms by the Boston Business Journal. From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Your new travel guide…Craig Caldwell takes over operations of the Dennis-Harwich-Brewster, Mass. Resort Map.

Craig Caldwell
Craig Caldwell of Resort Maps

HARWICH, MASSACHUSETTS AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

 Resort Maps, creator of more than 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Craig Caldwell as the new owner of the Dennis-Harwich-Brewster Resort Maps franchise. The Harwich, Mass. resident took over the Dennis-Harwich-Brewster, MA Resort Map from Gerry Pelissier last month.

 Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well at advertiser locations. The Dennis-Harwich-Brewster map highlights local attractions and things to do, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in these towns. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“The Resort Maps opportunity is a great fit for me, both professionally and personally,” said Caldwell, who is an artist and owns the Herring River Studios in Harwich. “My first objective is to incorporate more beach locations into the current version of the map and make it even more useful for travelers and locals alike.”

Caldwell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in visual arts and environmental studies. In addition to owning a gallery, he is also a design consultant and has renovated a number of homes on the Cape. Caldwell resides in Harwich and has two sons and a daughter.

In addition to the printed map, Resort Maps can also be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of more than 100 map areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to see the business’s advertisement and read a description of each business as they scroll over their building and to connect to the website of the business for further information.  Many of the ads will also have reviews, courtesy of Tripadvisor.com.

Businesses interested in advertising in the next edition of the Dennis-Harwich-Brewster map can call 508-237-0830 or send an e-mail to craigc@resortmaps.com..

 “We publish 20 million maps per year in over 100 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do entice visitors to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like the maps for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, with several more in the process of being published.  20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2010.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs, Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, The Hamptons,), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Texas (North Texas, including Fort Worth), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula, Old Town Alexandria) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana).

Your new travel guide…Craig Caldwell takes over operations of the Dennis-Harwich-Brewster, Mass. Resort Map.Read More

Renowned Matchmaker Julie Ferman to Oversee eLove’s LA and Westlake Village Offices

Julie Ferman

Julie Ferman, a renowned matchmaker and the former principal of Cupid’s Coach matchmaking company will head eLove’s newest offices in Los Angeles and Westlake Village.

eLove, the fastest growing matchmaking firm in the country, recently acquired Cupid’s Coach, bringing the total number of eLove matchmaking offices to 50 nationwide. Ferman, who has been in the matchmaking business for more than 20 years and who is responsible for more than 1100 marriages, has been named Executive Director of eLove’s LA and Westlake Village offices.

Ferman has worn a number of hats over the years, including that of personal matchmaker, consultant, dating coach, professional speaker and media personality. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, NBC’s “Match Off”, E’s “Kendra” and was recently awarded iDATE’s “Matchmaker of the Year Award”.

In addition to offering clients both traditional matchmaking through eLove’s existing model and mutual selection matchmaking using detailed personal resumes and professional photos, eLove’s Ferman will provide high end personal matchmaking services and a full menu of coaching services to singles throughout California.

According to Ferman, “We’re very proactive about finding the right match for our clients. Now, with eLove’s expanded offerings, we can search for the right match from within our client base, as well as through the passive referral members we recruit through avenues such as events and affiliate referrals. It’s a win-win for our clients.”

“We help singles make that all-important initial connection with the right people. Our goal is to dignify and simplify the love search process for selective, relationship-minded professionals,” Ferman continued. “For example, if you’re a concert pianist with a passion for classical music who would like to meet someone in a similar profession with similar interests, we can help. We aren’t just going to provide our client with a number of introductions to people who may or may not be right for him. We’re passionate about making successful connections.”

Ferman is a member of the Board of Directors of Matchmaking Pro, the International Association of Professional Matchmakers. She is a frequent speaker at national and international Internet Dating conferences and received the Best Matchmaker award from the Internet Dating/Social Networking conference at iDate2010.

For complete information on eLove’s matchmaking and online dating services, visit www.elove.com.

For a free copy of Paul A. Falzone’s book “eLove: A Singles Guide”, please visit www.elovesuccess.com.

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived. eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide a full range of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking to high level mutual selection matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate. Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With 50 matchmaking offices in 23 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in: Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Los Angeles, Palo Alto, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Rosa Walnut Creek, Westlake Village); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Schaumburg, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

Renowned Matchmaker Julie Ferman to Oversee eLove’s LA and Westlake Village OfficesRead More

Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Advises Homeowners to Prep for Heating Season Now

Tim Flynn, president of Winters Company

Summertime provides an opportunity for birds, squirrels and raccoons to nest in the chimney while the heating system is not in use. Before the heating season kicks into gear, get your chimney and heating system in shape. Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling of Cambridge, recommends hiring a heating professional to perform a full inspection on your home’s heating system to ensure that it is in good working order and safe to turn up the heat. The inspection should include:

A chimney inspection. Bird and animal nests in the chimney cause a blockage that could back harmful Carbon Monoxide into your home. (A simple test of looking up your chimney with a mirror will answer the question.)

A test of your heating systems’ efficiency. Testing should be performed before and after the cleaning. At Winters, our testing equipment produces a cash register type receipt before and after your cleaning, you will see the difference on paper and in your heating bill. If your system is greater than 15 years old you will not see a difference in efficiency. Your cleaning is more for safety than efficiency.

A Carbon Monoxide (CO2 ) check. A heating professional can run a boiler cleaning test to test the amount of CO2 from your heating system before and after a cleaning. A good cleaning gets into the sections of a heating boiler.

A visual inspection of the sections and piping for leaks. It’s important that your heating professional look for any evidence of a problem before it happens. A heating professional’s job is to consult with you to help you make the right decision if there is a problem.

“Most importantly, share what you know with your heating professional. Are your heating bills increasing? Is one room cooler than another? What you deem an insignificant detail, may be the insight that indicates a problem that your heating professional needs to know about,” noted Tim Flynn, president of Winters Company.

“The engine of your home is your heating system. There are 285 heating days in season so it’s imperative to have your system checked and tuned-up to keep it operating at optimal capacity while ensuring there are no problems such as CO2 that could threaten the safety of the people in the home,” said Flynn.

Winters Company offers heating inspections, tune-ups, repair and replacement. For more information, visit their website at wintershomeservices.com

Service Partner Programs Available

A heating, cooling or plumbing emergency is never something you want to experience, but it can happen when you least expect it. Winters Company offers Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Service Partner programs which include annual tune-ups and maintenance to help ensure that those emergencies don’t happen. For more information, visit wintershomeservices.com.

About Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has specialized in providing home services of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen and bath remodeling projects to thousands of homeowners throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Winters Company is the largest residential plumbing company in the state, with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. In addition to 24 hour service and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, Winters Company has standardized their services, which ensures that every customer receives the same high quality workmanship delivered in the same professional and courteous manner.

Winters Company has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call (617) 484-2121 or visit the website at www.wintershomeservices.com.

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Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Advises Homeowners to Prep for Heating Season NowRead More

Makeovers Salon & Spa of Easton to Hold Open House – Jason Varitek to make Special Guest Appearance

Makeovers Salon & Spa, one of the largest salon and spas in Massachusetts, is holding an Open House on Saturday, November 20, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. Makeovers is located at 574 Washington Street in the Marketplace Mall in Easton. This event is open to the public.

Makeovers’ Holiday Open House will showcase their special holiday services and gorgeous jewelry from Norah’s Loft.

Guests who purchase a $50 gift certificate will have the opportunity to meet Jason Varitek, Catcher for the Boston Red Sox and receive an autograph. A portion of the proceeds from gift certificate sales will go to The Jimmy Fund.

The salon and spa is also running a special One-Day Sale on products and services booked in advance.

“We’re very excited about this event and there’s quite a buzz among our staff and clients about Jason Varitek’s special guest appearance and support of The Jimmy Fund. What better way to kick off the holiday season,” said internationally renowed stylists and salon owners Edward and Norah Blum.

About Makeovers Salon & Spa

Makeovers Salon & Spa is owned by the internationally recognized, award-winning designers Edward and Norah Blum. As one of the largest salon and spa in Massachusetts, Makeovers Salon & Spa is a 13,200 square foot “paradise” with 26 styling stations, nine large treatment rooms and a staff of more than 80 providing hair styling and coloring; nail and spa services. Makeovers Salon & Spa has been honored 15 times with “First Place Reader’s Choice Award” in all beauty categories.

Makeovers Salon & Spa designers travel to New York for training in the latest color and cutting techniques each Spring and the salon frequently hosts renowned international guest trainers. Services offered at the Day Spa include facials, laser treatments, massage, manicures/pedicures, wraps, body treatments, waxing, reflexology and aromatherapy. Their line of high quality products include G.M. Collin and Glymed Spa products, Glominerals Makeup and Wella, Sebastian, Rene Furtier, Alterna and Icon hair care products.

Makeovers Salon & Spa is located at 574 Washington Street in Easton, MA. For more information, visit the website at www.makeoverssalon.com or contact (508) 238-1211.

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Kids play at DirectBuy…DirectBuy of Orlando offers “play” area for parents and kids.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

By purchasing directly from the manufacturer, DirectBuy Club members can not only save a lot of money, but enjoy the process as well. And while it can be a lot of fun to pick out your new kitchen, the new floors for your bathroom, it also requires your full attention—a luxury members with children don’t always have. That’s why DirectBuy of Orlando, the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, developed a “Kids Zone” area in their club so parents can focus on the task at hand and kids can enjoy the DirectBuy experience, too.

Though not a supervised area, the Kids Zone features a number of things to keep school-age children occupied and entertained, including books, puzzles, and games. The Kids Zone also includes a flat screen television so children can watch movies or play games.  

“Let’s face it, most kids would rather go to the dentist than watch their parents shop for their next home improvement project. By the same token, it’s difficult for members with children to get the most out of the experience and do the research they need to do if they’re concerned about the kids getting fidgety,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “The Kids Zone gives children of DirectBuy members a place to play games, watch TV, or even make new friends with other members’ kids while the grown-ups have their ‘fun.’”

Creating fun things to do for children is nothing new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy Clubs across North America regularly donate equipment to youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, YMCAs and children’s hospitals.

“As members of the Orlando business community, we have an even greater incentive to make this a one-of-a-kind, unique shopping experience because many of the members are our friends, neighbors, even relatives,” said Cohen. “Making the DirectBuy Club experience fun for children as well as the grownups is an extension of that philosophy.”

DirectBuy Clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing directly from the manufacturer. In addition, DirectBuy boasts a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of local, hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Kids play at DirectBuy…DirectBuy of Orlando offers “play” area for parents and kids.Read More

Boston Pack and Ship earns Better Business Bureau accreditation

BRAINTREE, MA…

As a small load shipping specialist for the past 22 years, Boston Pack and Ship has always tried to do right by its customers and its trusted business partners. That commitment to service recently earned Boston Pack and Ship accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a “Certificate of No Complaints” for a 36-month period.

The BBB accreditation recognizes Boston Pack and Ship’s satisfactory business record for a period of greater than one year. A satisfactory business record means being free from unsatisfactory reports or unresolved complaints for that period of time and agreeing to uphold BBB accreditation standards.

“The accreditation and the certificate are significant because the BBB is a recognized authority on best business practices and it’s reassuring to know the way we do business at Boston Pack and Ship meets those standards,” said Bill Yankee, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “Of course, it’s our objective to provide superior service so that there never is a customer complaint to resolve and that what makes the ‘Certificate of No Complaints’ so gratifying. Consistently meeting the needs of our customers happy is the major reason why we are still going strong in our third decade of business.”

Boston Pack and Ship specializes in moves of 1,000 pounds or less. In addition, it offers customized package and custom crate building services at its workshop in Braintree. For items like computer equipment, artwork and other fragile items, Boston Pack and Ship employs foam-in-place technology to “lock” those items in place and limit movement within the package.

The breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s relocation services includes:

  • Small loads – with no minimum requirement; blanket-wrapping for fragile, delicate moves; full insurance available
  • Custom crates and packaging for computers, electronic instruments, prototypes, antiques and artwork.
  • State-of-the-art, foam-in-place solutions to protect valuables
  • Multiple U.S. and International shipping options—ocean or air—to help lower costs
  • Door-to-door and door-to-port delivery with insurance available
  • On-time pickups by appointment

For more information, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

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How size can matter less…Secrets for decorating smaller rooms.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

How often have you heard the expression “doing more with less”? In a sluggish real estate market, many homeowners are staying in their current homes by necessity rather than upgrading to a larger home with more space. This places the challenge on the homeowner to make a smaller room look and function like a bigger space.

“When we think of making a smaller room work better, much of the focus is on throwing stuff out and organizing,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Northern Illinois. “From a design and décor point of view, there are things homeowners and apartment residents can do to make a smaller space function and feel bigger.”

Kushner recommends the following:

Space planning – Creating a focal point in the room can keep visitors’ eyes from wandering and visually sizing up the entire room. Painting one wall a darker hue than the others accomplishes this quite nicely.

  • Mirrors – Consider mirroring the length of an entire wall to add depth and dimension to a room.
  • Lighting – If you can avoid it, do not use any hanging fixtures for lighting. These tend to accentuate lower ceilings. Track lighting is versatile and keeps the area above your furniture sight-line free.
  • Storage – In a smaller room, you need to be as efficient as possible with your storage. Make sure all the pieces of furniture you select for your smaller room have storage options (e.g. an electronics console with drawers, storage ottoman, etc.). Avoid open bookcases, which add to the cluttered, closed in feeling if they are full.
  • Décor – Remember, less is more. Select accessories that mean something to you and then think about removing one or two of those.
  • Flooring – If the square footage of the room is limited and it feels like the walls are closing in on you, the floor can be an ally. By sticking to neutral colors for the floor surface and then accentuating with a bold rug, you bring the focus of the room down to the surface.

“While everybody would like more space, decorating a smaller room does force you to do one thing that’s beneficial no matter what the size of your home—reduce clutter,” said Kushner. “By following just one or two of these guidelines, you can create a more livable space and, perhaps more importantly, make it feel more livable.”

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

How size can matter less…Secrets for decorating smaller rooms.Read More