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When your first name is “mud,” there’s always room for improvement… Creating more room in your mudroom.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

By the name alone, the mudroom has low self-esteem. After all, the moniker suggests it’s okay to get it dirty. Still, if you want your mudroom to be more efficient, or if you want to create a mudroom, there are some basic guidelines to follow.

“The mudroom was designed as a way to keep wet and/or dirty shoes and clothes out of other parts of the house. Yet it doesn’t take much for the clutter in a mudroom to get out of control so that it becomes an obstacle on your way in and out of the house,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Northern Illinois. “By incorporating a few organizational ideas and using some ‘user-friendly’ materials, your mudroom can be a cleaner operation.”

For starters, Kushner suggests the following:

  • Flooring – By definition, mudrooms are prone to dirt and that means wear and tear. For material, you will probably want to install something durable like textured rubber, or ceramic or unpolished stone tile. No matter what you select, a darker color will aid in camouflaging dirt. An outdoor doormat made of rubble or bristle and an indoor mat made of a water-absorbing material can minimize the dirt that gets tracked into the house.
  • Walls – Vinyl wallpaper or high-gloss paint are viable options for walls that will no doubt need to be wiped down frequently. You may also want to consider vinyl cove as a low-maintenance, economical choice for baseboard—particularly since the mudroom is likely to need a good mopping from time to time.
  • Coat storage – You can go the route of hooks or take it a step further with cubbies for the kids’ coats. If you go with hooks, make sure to hang them at child’s height. Have a little fun with this and assign everybody their own hook/cubby and label it.
  • Waterproof area – For inclement weather, you’ll want a waterproof area for wet items like hats, gloves, scarves, etc. A drip tray/scraper topped by a removable grate can be invaluable for wet shoes. You can also create a makeshift drying rack out of an accordion-style wine rack.
  • Seating/storage – A good bench is an essential part of a mudroom. Make sure the bench is off to the side and doesn’t obstruct any doorways. The space under the bench can be used for storing shoes. Better yet, a built-in bench or window seat, hinged at the top, can help keep clutter under wraps.

“A lot of older homes, and some newer ones, were built without mudrooms. If you don’t have one, you should really designate a transitional area where people enter the house as your mudroom,” said Kushner. “Not only does it provide a storage space for bulky coats and boots, but it saves the wear and tear on the rugs and floor inside your home and makes the upkeep of your home more manageable.”

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.

When your first name is “mud,” there’s always room for improvement… Creating more room in your mudroom.Read More

How to make “top shelf” office space out of your closet.

ORLANDO, FL…

In the corporate world, if they ask you to move your office to the closet, it’s probably not a good sign for your long-term future with the company; however if you find yourself working from home, converting a closet into a home office can be an effective and economical use of space. DirectBuy of Orlando, the leading home improvement and furnishings club, has some helpful tips on converting a closet into a functional home office.

“Whether you work out of your home or not, nearly everyone has some semblance of office space in their home,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “By converting the closet in the guest room or in the basement, you can maintain that room’s primary function while giving yourself or other family members more than adequate office space.”

So, how do you convert a closet into functional office space? For starters, clear everything out of the closet, including clothes, rods, and shelves. Next, take precise measurements of the space, making note of wiring and lighting. Depending on your particular space and what’s available, you may also need to consider the following:

  • Installing an electrical outlet within the closet if none are nearby. Make sure you install enough to accommodate a computer, lighting, a printer, and other office necessities.
  • Installing a jack for either an Ethernet or DSL line to connect to the Internet. If possible, and to save yourself installation costs, it may be more affordable to buy a wireless router and purchase a laptop with a wireless card.
  • Painting the closet walls will make it seem more like a room and less like a closet. Lighter colors can make your workspace seem bigger than it is.
  • Installing shelves that will function as a desktop that’s the width of the closet and long and deep enough to give you space to either write or work at your computer. You may also want to consider installing additional shelves for storage purposes.
  • Purchasing small file cabinets on wheels for storage underneath your work area.

“One of the downsides to working at home is you essentially never leave the office,” said Cohen. “By converting your closet, you can literally close the door on work for the day. You can even put a lock on it for added security and to remove the temptation to work during off hours.”

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need for your home office—at wholesale prices direct from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers if your home improvement project is a bit more than you want to take on or you don’t have the time.

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.

How to make “top shelf” office space out of your closet.Read More

Local Resort Maps expands territory adds Vail

Jessica Grentner
Jessica Grentner of Resort Maps

VAIL, COLORADO AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

 Resort Maps, creator of 100 customized travel maps across the United States, United Kingdom, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced the expansion of its Eagle River Valley, Colorado map to include the town of Vail. With the expansion, the next edition of the map, which comes out in December 2010, will be called The Best of Vail and Beaver Creek Resort Maps.

 “The Eagle River Valley map was extremely popular. Since the map came out in May 2008, we distributed more than 250,000 copies,” said Jessica Grentner, owner of the Vail and Beaver Creek Resort Map. “The popularity made it very obvious that there was a real demand in the area for this caliber of map. Hence the expansion to include Vail.”

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

In addition to the hard copy map, the Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon Resort Maps will be available in interactive form on Resort Maps’ revamped Web site, www.resortmaps.com. The site also includes reviews of area attractions and businesses, including advertisers, courtesy of TripAdvisor.com. TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site.

“We’re extremely excited about the new map with the expanded coverage,” said Grentner, who started the Eagle River Valley Resort Maps back in 2007 and purchased the Summit County Resort Maps in 2008. “Earlier this summer the announcement of Vail being included in the territory resulted in more than 50 new map pick-up locations and that number is growing.”

The initial distribution of the Vail and Beaver Creek map is set for December 2010, with 150,000 copies being printed. Advertising opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact Jessica Grentner at 970-688-4800 or jessicag@resortmaps.com.

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 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published.  Nearly 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), 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, 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) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana).

Local Resort Maps expands territory adds VailRead More

DirectBuy Club releases new state-of-the-art member website

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

Since September of 2009, DirectBuy Club has been working around the clock to develop a brand new, state-of-the-art members-only website that is not only faster, but also more intuitive and informative than ever before. While their previous website allowed members to shop from home, the Merrillville, IN-based buying club felt there was room for improvement and partnered with several companies to create an e-commerce site that would meet and exceed members’ expectations. And after months of design, development, and testing, the new members.directbuy.com has been released.

Aside from a new look and feel, one of the biggest improvements to the site is a brand new search engine that enables users to search by brand, keyword, model number, department, product category, and more, or by price or a range of prices. The website also features more images; multiple viewing options; a fast, no hassle check out process; and the option to save up to six credit cards to a member’s account.

“We had an opportunity to make a real difference in our members’ shopping experience,” said Tony Baumann, I.T. Product/Project Manager. “Our team gave everything they had to this project. There were a lot of moving parts and tight deadlines, but everyone pitched in to ensure we gave our members what they wanted.”

While the website has been released and members are using it daily to research products and make purchases, DirectBuy Club’s work is far from over. The company has several future releases in the works for the coming months and plans to add features such as member product reviews and manufacturer recommendations. “We’ll continually be updating the site with enhancements and features to further add benefit to the DirectBuy Club membership,” said President and CEO Scott Powell. “Our hope is that we can revolutionize the way members search, shop, buy, and learn about all the products DirectBuy offers.”

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s business model and the benefits of buying direct. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has been showing hundreds of 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 offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the United States, and more than 500 in Canada.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy Club releases new state-of-the-art member websiteRead More

Blackhawks fans prepare man caves for October 7 opener of the 2010-11 NHL season.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

For members of the Chicago Blackhawks, preparation to defend their Stanley Cup championship in the 2010-11 season means several weeks of intense practice in training camp. For Blackhawks fans, getting ready for the upcoming season means preparing their “man caves” for several months of equally intense NHL hockey viewing.

In your dad’s day, the “man cave” was the workshop in the garage. Today, it’s typically a finished room in the basement where the man of the house might work out, have an office, and, of course, watch sports—especially the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.  DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, has some pointers for making the man cave guest-friendly for the upcoming NHL season and beyond.

“While being able to get away from the rest of the house and watch sporting events like hockey in peace may have been the genesis of the man cave, what might not have been taken into consideration initially was the desire to someday invite others to watch the game with you,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “Let’s face it, if you’re setting up a space fit for entertaining guests that’s something most men may want some assistance with.”

So what items might today’s man cave need to complete the perfect hockey-watching party?:

●       Kegerator, a man-cave essential for a beer-drinking crowd

●       Wide Screen TV with HD; surround sound speakers also recommended

●       Sectional sofa to accommodate multiple visitors; reclining chair with cup holders for the host.

●       Full-size, built-in bar area or free-standing, mobile bar station

●       Tile or wood flooring that’s particularly resilient to potential spillage

●       Pool table, air hockey, or foosball for halftime recreation

●       Mini-kitchen with microwave to reheat buffalo wings.

●       Home gym equipment—e.g. treadmill, elliptical—to work off the excess calories consumed during man cave weekend hockey marathons.

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need to create the perfect man cave no matter what your favorite sport might be at prices direct from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. If you know what you want but don’t know how to pull it all together, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and professional designers well versed in the art of designing the perfect recreational space, while keeping you on budget.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit directbuycares.com.

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.

Blackhawks fans prepare man caves for October 7 opener of the 2010-11 NHL season.Read More

eLove captures Cupid and #1 matchmaker in coast-to-coast connection. Boston-based eLove acquires LA-based Cupid’s Coach.

Julie Ferman, Cupid's Coach
Julie Ferman of Cupid's Coach, now an eLove company

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA AND NORWELL, MASSACHUSETTS…

eLove, the fastest growing matchmaking firm in the country, recently acquired Cupid’s Coach, a Los Angeles-based matchmaking company. The addition of Cupid Coach’s two locations in Los Angeles and Westlake Village brings eLove’s total number of matchmaking offices to 50 nationwide.

“We’re positively thrilled with the addition of Cupid’s Coach for many reasons,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove. “Besides giving us a presence in a large market like LA, it gives us the opportunity to add one of the great matchmakers in the business today, Julie Ferman.”

As the principal of Cupid’s Coach, Julie Ferman has been in the matchmaking business for more than 20 years. She’s appeared on NBC’s “Match Off”, E’s “Kendra” and was recently awarded iDATE’s “Matchmaker of the Year Award”. Ferman is responsible for more than 1100 marriages.

The partnership with eLove makes sense for us on many levels,” said Ferman. “We are now the first dating company to offer our clients both traditional matchmaking through eLove’s existing model and mutual selection matchmaking, using detailed personal resumes and professional photos. Cupid’s Coach brings two other innovations to eLove’s higher level service offerings: ongoing coaching and personal recruiting. So, not only are we able to search for the right match from within eLove/Cupid’s Coach client base, but also through the passive referral members we proactively recruit through avenues such as events and affiliate referrals.” 

To celebrate the merger, eLove and Cupid’s Coach will be hosting the Fall Magic Cocktail Mixer and Dance party on Saturday, October 2. The event, which goes from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., will be held at the Aqua Lounge at 424 N. Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. The event will include:

  • Healthy light appetizers from 7p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • “ASK THE LOVE EXPERTS” open panel from 7:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
  • FREE profile photo for Cupid’s Coach or eLove
  • Fun Rapid Mixer to meet tons of great people at 8:30 p.m.
  • Raffle prizes, tarot readings, massage and more!

For complete information on eLove’s matchmaking and online dating services, visit www.elove.com. To find out more on Cupid’s Coach, visit www.cupidscoach.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.

eLove captures Cupid and #1 matchmaker in coast-to-coast connection. Boston-based eLove acquires LA-based Cupid’s Coach.Read More

Letting your plans for new kitchen cabinets slide.

ORLANDO, FL…

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, especially the cabinets, it’s easy to get hung up on looks. Yet, you also want your new cabinets to be functional, as well. To that end, DirectBuy of Orlando, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recommends sliding cabinet doors as a functional yet attractive alternative.

“How many times have you hit your head or run into a kitchen cabinet door that somebody left open? Sliding kitchen cabinet doors work in a similar fashion to sliding patio doors—on a grooved run–only on a smaller scale,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “So if you’re tired of the bumps and bruises, installing beautiful kitchen cabinets with sliding doors is a great way to go.”

Kitchen cabinetry with sliding door fronts tend to work best in contemporary, modern, or Asian-inspired designs. Clear glass doors present an appealing alternative, giving you the opportunity to display your dinnerware or barware.

Sliding doors are also available for wood cabinets and often provide a clean and/or linear design that can dramatically enhance the appeal of your kitchen.

“Beyond all those benefits, sliding kitchen cabinet doors offer an added bonus in that they stay inside the cabinet when open but don’t take up any additional storage space,” added Cohen.

DirectBuy carries everything you need for a kitchen remodel at prices direct from the manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the kitchen that works best for their home.

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 directbuycares.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.

Letting your plans for new kitchen cabinets slide.Read More

Your new travel guide…Rosanne Tona opens New Brunswick Resort Maps franchise.

Owners of Resort Maps's New Brunswick, New Jersey map, Rosanne and Robert Tona
Owners of Resort Maps's New Brunswick, New Jersey map, Rosanne and Robert Tona

NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of nearly 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Rosanne Tona as the owner of the new Resort Map to be published for New Brunswick. The map will include all key destinations in the greater New Brunswick area.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well as at advertiser locations. The New Brunswick map will highlight local attractions and things to do, restaurants, festivals and fairs, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services. Each advertiser on the map will be 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. 

“As a college town, there are always people from outside the area coming to New Brunswick who may not be aware of some of the city’s hidden jewels,” said Tona. “Resort Maps will not only provide them with an invaluable tool to help them get around but it will also showcase the many things to do and see in New Brunswick beyond the Rutgers campus.”

Prior to starting her family, Tona had been a school teacher in New York City. As her family got older, she tried to re-enter the teaching ranks on a full-time basis, only to find opportunities few and far between. So, the South Brunswick resident contemplated starting her own business. The process led her back to previous family vacations when she first encountered Resort Maps.

“When my children were younger, we always picked up Resort Maps if they were available,” said Tona. “So, when I started investigating business opportunities, I did a little research on the Resort Maps opportunity. It seemed like something I could do and fit it in with my family life and the other things I do in the community.”

A resident of South Brunswick since 1993, Tona has cooked and been an active volunteer for Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen for the past six years. Along with her husband Robert, she has also been active in coordinating an annual road race to help fund sports programs at South Brunswick High School.

Slated for an early 2011 distribution, The New Brunswick Resort Map will offer a treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just out for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps will be on display at local advertisers’ shops as well as at many non-advertiser locations throughout New Brunswick.

The New Brunswick Resort Map will also be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to more than 100 areas that Resort Maps covers. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on the initial New Brunswick Resort Map, you can e-mail Rosanne Tona at rosannet@resortmaps.com or call 732-354-6464.

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 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published.  Nearly 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), 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, 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) —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…Rosanne Tona opens New Brunswick Resort Maps franchise.Read More

A pound of prevention for this fall’s home improvement projects

 CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

While Benjamin Franklin may not have had homeowners in mind when he said, “a pound of prevention is better than an ounce of cure,” the saying certainly applies to home improvement projects, especially in the fall. With winter in the not-so-distant future, the projects Franklin might recommend would probably be of a preventative nature.

“One of the traps homeowners fall into, particularly new ones, is they try to do everything at once and don’t prioritize projects,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County, the leading home improvement and home furnishing club with direct insider prices. “Part two of that is that less savvy do-it-yourselfers might not know how to go about prioritizing. That’s why getting professional assistance is a pretty good idea.”

Vest recommends hiring a home inspector in the fall to get a professional assessment. While this may seem rather odd if you’re not buying or selling your home, hiring a home inspector is one way to detect potential large problems early, like a leaky roof for example, before the weather turns and you have a very serious problem on your hands.

“A typical home inspection can run anywhere from $250 to $400, but if it is the difference between that and replacing an entire section of roof or water damage in your home, it’s kind of a no-brainer,” said Vest.

Other fall preventative steps Vest recommends include:

  • Furnace inspection and service – The first sub-freezing day is no time to find out you have a problem with your furnace.
  • Chimney maintenance – Again, the first day you want to have a fire is not the time you want to encounter a problem. Hire a chimney sweep to ensure the chimney is clear of bird nests or other debris and that the cap is in place.
  • Window inspection – Be sure your windows are caulked and the seals between the windows are nice and tight. If you are unable to patch a leaky window, it may be time to replace it.
  • Clean your gutters – Autumn leaves and pine needles can create quite a backup of water in your gutters. That can translate to potential water damage to your house and, as the weather dips below freezing, icy sidewalks that make it treacherous for you and your holiday guests.

DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and merchandise in addition to items for home improvement projects to help all homeowners create their dream homes— at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

“I know it goes against the grain to spend money on a home improvement project when there’s not an immediate need,” said Vest. “By making these recommendations part of your fall routine, you can definitely prevent major problems down the road.”

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.

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