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

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

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. If you find yourself working from home, however, converting a closet into a home office can be an effective and economical use of space. With five locations throughout greater Chicago, DirectBuy, 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 I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park. “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 Sell. “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 the manufacturers and 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.

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories by purchasing from over 700 brand name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. With several convenient locations in greater Chicago (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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

About DirectBuy

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 and 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 160 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving greater Chicago area: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; 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 Lake County, 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 to make “top shelf” office space out of your closet.Read More

Duck…Duck…Donation! DirectBuy of Sacramento Helps Fund Breast Cancer Research

ROCKLIN, CALIFORNIA…

Do you remember going to the carnival with your family when you were younger? If so, you likely remember playing the Duck Pond game where you picked the floating rubber duck you thought the luckiest and, moments later, walked away with a prize that likely cost far less than what Mom or Dad paid. DirectBuy of Sacramento, the leading home improvement and furnishings club, created its own version of the Duck Pond game for its members in an effort to raise money for breast cancer research.

During the month of October, a $5 donation gave members the chance to pick a pink duck with a number on the bottom that corresponded to a prize, such as a $50 American Express gift card. With much more at stake than the carnival attraction, this Duck Pond game drew a significant response from both members and staff.

“Several employees’ families have been touched by breast cancer, and we wanted to help,” said Amy Sroufe, Regional Service Manager. “We collected member donations both online and in the club during the month of October and then matched them.”

In addition to monies raised from the “donation ducks,” the match included funds raised as part of DirectBuy of Sacramento’s participation in Lee National Denim Day on October 2, 2009. For this fundraising event, DirectBuy employees purchased the right to wear jeans to work. Staff members who made a donation were able to write the name of a loved one on a paper jean pocket and have it displayed in DirectBuy’s Member Services department.

At the end of the month, DirectBuy of Sacramento had collected nearly $1,000 in member and staff donations, which it then matched. The club then made a $2,000 donation to the Women’s Cancer Programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), helping to fund research of new treatments and cures for the 192,000 women diagnosed every year.

“Besides helping consumers save money on home improvement projects and home furnishings, DirectBuy also has a reputation for giving to many local and national non-profits,” said Sroufe. “We’re proud to do our small part to help fight this terrible disease that affects so many families.”

In addition to supporting breast cancer research, DirectBuy clubs across the United States and Canada actively contribute to many local non-profits and charities, including The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and various children’s hospitals.

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy 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 4401 Granite Drive in Rocklin, California, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuycares.com .

About DirectBuy

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 and 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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Sacramento area since 2007. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 916-251-5200 or visiting www.directbuy.com.. 

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

Duck…Duck…Donation! DirectBuy of Sacramento Helps Fund Breast Cancer ResearchRead More

High Five! DirectBuy of Central Connecticut celebrates five-year milestone

ROCKY HILL, CONNECTICUT…

For more than five years, DirectBuy of Central Connecticut has been offering consumers in the greater Rocky Hill area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, home furnishings and accessories.

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Central Connecticut offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors five years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Peter Maloney, owner of DirectBuy of Central Connecticut. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next five years.”

In addition to the tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, often at a discounted rate.

“Our five years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Maloney. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 2004, DirectBuy of Central Connecticut has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 50 Inwood Road in Rocky Hill, DirectBuy offers consumers comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Rocky Hill area since 2004. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

 

High Five! DirectBuy of Central Connecticut celebrates five-year milestoneRead More

DirectBuy of Buffalo concludes successful Toys for Tots drive.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently donated more than $1,000 as part of its holiday toy drive for Toys for Tots.

Working with the Conrad Kania Detachment of the U.S. Marine Corps’ 25th Battalion, DirectBuy’s toy drive began in early December and ended on December 20, 2009. During that period, DirectBuy of Buffalo collected dozens of new toys to be distributed to underprivileged children in the greater Buffalo area. The financial contribution represents funds donated as part of the drive and money contributed by DirectBuy of Buffalo.

“We were thrilled with the number of toys we collected during the drive. Our members really stepped up to the plate and we thank them for that,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “This latest contribution is, in a way, to say thank you to our members for supporting this worthy cause and to show we are just as committed to doing the same.

Joseph Moreno served as chairman for the DirectBuy Toys for Tots drive and other drives held in the greater Buffalo area. “We can’t thank DirectBuy of Buffalo enough for their kind donation,” said Moreno. “Times are still tough for many people and the donation of new toys and monetary donations by DirectBuy and others really helped bring joy to local children who might not otherwise have gotten a Christmas present this year.”

For more information on Toys for Tots, please visit their Web site at www.toysfortots.org.

DirectBuy clubs across the United States and Canada are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Salvation Army, YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and various Children’s Hospitals. Locally, DirectBuy of Buffalo sponsored a Habitat for Humanity effort on Guilford Street in Buffalo and regularly donates to charitable efforts like The Ride for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the Buffalo Humane Society, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy 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 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

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 and 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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.   DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

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

DirectBuy of Buffalo concludes successful Toys for Tots drive.Read More

A wonderful move… DirectBuy of Tri-Cities Washington helps preemie and family move back into home.

RICHLAND, WA…

As part of its Secret Santa program and with the help of the Kadlec Foundation, DirectBuy of Tri-Cities Washington adopted four area families going through some tough times—the idea being to raise funds for those families to help them through the holidays. What ensued can only be defined as a Christmas miracle.

One of those families, the Ramirez family, was in particular need. With Alfredo Ramirez recently laid off and Maria pregnant with the couple’s third child and restricted to bed rest, their home had fallen into disrepair with a broken heater and several cracked or broken windows. Complicating matters even more, on December 18, Maria gave birth prematurely to daughter Vanessa, more than 8 weeks early at a weight of only 4 ½ pounds.

“We were going to help the Ramirez family regardless of any other factors, but when Vanessa was born prematurely it created another situation because the hospital has regulations about the homes in which premature babies will be living. The Ramirez home was not suitable for a preemie, so the hospital found them some temporary housing,” said Scott Stocum, owner of DirectBuy of Tri-Cities Washington. “That’s where the Christmas miracle truly happened, as vendors, DirectBuy members and other members of the local community stepped up to help the Ramirez family.”

DirectBuy contractor Sooner Construction measured the windows and agreed to do the installation free of charge. A local supplier, Ply Gem Pacific Windows, offered substantial discounts on 11 windows and DirectBuy supplier Higuera Hardwoods picked up the tab for the windows. In addition, a local HVAC company (Total Energy Management) diagnosed and repaired the heater at no cost. 

While repairs were underway on the home, DirectBuy, along with a local clothing company (Children’s Attic), donated clothing for the Ramirez children (they have two other children, a six-year-old boy and one-year old girl). DirectBuy also bought clothes for Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez, as well as toys for the children and diapers and wipes for the new baby.

On the day after Christmas, the Ramirez family moved back into their home—with baby Vanessa in tow.

“This truly is a Christmas miracle or something you see in a Hollywood movie. Once word got out about the Ramirez family, so many people stepped forward to help,” said Stocum. “We’re grateful and proud to live and work in a community that really looks after their own.”

Opening last year, DirectBuy of Tri-Cities Washington has already helped numerous 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 2630 North Columbia Center Boulevard in Richland, Washington, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, country-club setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the Tri-Cities area since 2008. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

A wonderful move… DirectBuy of Tri-Cities Washington helps preemie and family move back into home.Read More

High Five! DirectBuy of Phoenix East celebrates five-year milestone

TEMPE, ARIZONA…

For more than five years, DirectBuy of Phoenix East has been offering consumers in the greater Tempe area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, home furnishings and accessories.

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Phoenix East offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors five years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Karen Hansen, owner of DirectBuy of Phoenix East. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next five years.”

In addition to the tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, often at a discounted rate.

“Our five years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Hansen. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 2004, DirectBuy of Phoenix East 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 2000 West University Drive in Tempe, DirectBuy offers consumers comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Tempe and Phoenix area since 2004. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

 

High Five! DirectBuy of Phoenix East celebrates five-year milestoneRead More

How to save energy (and dollars) this winter

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL … 

Winter in greater Chicago means spending a good portion of your time indoors. And while you want to keep your home warm, comfortable and cozy, that can run up quite a tab for your heating and electricity costs. As the leading home improvement and furnishings club, DirectBuy, with several locations in greater Chicago, has some helpful tips on heating your home more efficiently and keeping your electric bills in check.

“It goes without saying that during these tough economic times, homeowners want to save wherever possible,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park. “What’s amazing is that just by following a few simple steps, you can reduce your heating and electric bills significantly.”

Here are few things homeowners can do:

 

  • Set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees when you are home, lowering the temperature at night and when you’re out.
  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans and run at a slow speed. This creates a gentle updraft and re-circulates the warmer air trapped at the ceiling to provide even, comfortable heat throughout a room.
  • On sunny days, open the shades and curtains on the side of your home facing the sun to take advantage of the heat benefits. Make sure to close the shades and curtains at night for the opposite reason.
  • Be wary of blocking your radiators or heating vents with furniture or drapes. To maximize heat from your radiator, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.
  • Replace all the lights in your high-traffic areas with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Replacing 25 percent of your lights with these bulbs can reduce your lighting expenses by 50 percent.
  • Weatherize your home by caulking and weather-stripping all doors and windows. Be sure to lock your windows to make them tighter and draft-resistant.

“There are few things more brutal than a Chicago winter. Yet by following some or all of these simple steps, you can keep your home comfortable and manage to save a bit on your heating and electric bills,” said Sell.

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy has offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories by purchasing from over 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. With several convenient locations in greater Chicago (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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

About DirectBuy

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 and 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 160 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving greater Chicago area: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; 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 Lake County, 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 to save energy (and dollars) this winterRead More

Romantic travel…What to pack and plan for romantic winter getaways.

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

When it comes to romantic getaways, what’s more important: where you go or what you do? While it’s difficult to argue the inherent romance offered by a tropical vacation or cruise or a ski lodge or remote cabin up in the mountains, sometimes what you pack or that spontaneous little side trip can enhance the intimacy of a romantic getaway.

As the creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, Resort Maps believes travel is about the journey as much as the end destination, particularly when it comes to romantic getaways. Says Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc., “If you reflect on the great trips in your life, some of the best times occur on spontaneous little side trips. In fact, for many people, those side trips end up being more memorable.”

So, what sort of things can you do make your journey more memorable? Hans suggests:

 

·         Renting an automobile instead of using your everyday car. If the temperatures allow it, rent a convertible and ride with the top down.

·         Follow the signs – if you see a sign advertising something that sounds interesting, e.g. homemade ice cream store, stop in.

·         Take plenty of breaks – often times on a road trip, you’ll pass bridges, bodies of waters, shops, etc. that look interesting but you keep going. For your romantic journey, stop and smell the figurative roses and explore those places. Even pulling over on a country road to literally smell the roses or share an intimate moment can be a trip maker.

·         Plan a detour – do a little research on the area where you’ll be driving through and see if there’s anything of interest that could make for a nice little surprise.

While these spontaneous trips or adventures can serve as very tasty appetizers, you still want to enjoy the main course, your destination, as well. To do that will require some forethought.

Some romantic items you may want to include in your packing are:

·         Tea lights or scented candles – remembering the matches or lighter.

·         Luxury bubble bath.

·         Massage oil.

·         Music: an MP3 player and speakers or a CD player and CDs with your favorite love songs.

·         Rose petals to scatter in the bed.

·         Romantic notes to leave on each other’s pillow.

“The beauty of a romantic getaway is that it really can be anything you want it to be, anywhere you want it to be,” said Hans. “By following just a few of these ideas, you can create a trip that you’ll be talking about with your grandkids—perhaps once they are adults.”

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Free to area visitors, each map advertises restaurants, accommodations, retail stores, factory outlets, recreation and attractions, real estate and other local services. Each advertiser is represented with a display ad surrounding the map, including a color-coded grid locator and a building drawn, highlighted and labeled making it easy to locate. With landmarks prominently displayed, Resort Maps are an easy and fun way to find your way around town whether you are visiting, new to the area or you just want to know what’s happening around your town. 

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 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

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, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, 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, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (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, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes, Windsor), Costa Rica (Escazu and Santa Ana) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra, San Juan).

Romantic travel…What to pack and plan for romantic winter getaways.Read More

How to save energy (and dollars) this winter

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY …

Winter in greater Buffalo means spending a good portion of your time indoors. And while you want to keep your home warm, comfortable and cozy, that can run up quite a tab for your heating and electricity costs. As the leading home improvement and furnishings club, DirectBuy of Buffalo has some helpful tips on heating your home more efficiently and keeping your electric bills in check.

“It goes without saying that during these tough economic times, homeowners want to save wherever possible,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “What’s amazing is that just by following a few simple steps, you can reduce your heating and electric bills significantly.”

Here are few things homeowners can do:

  • Set the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees when you are home, lowering the temperature at bedtime and when you’re out.
  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans and run at slow speed. This creates a gentle updraft and recirculates the warmer air trapped at the ceiling to provide even, comfortable heat throughout a room.
  • On sunny days, open the shades and curtains on the side of your home facing south to take advantage of the heat benefits of the sun. Make sure to close the shades and curtains at night for the opposite reason.
  • Be wary of blocking your radiators or heating vents with furniture or drapes. To maximize heat from your radiator, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.
  • Replace all the lights in your high-traffic areas with compact fluorescent light bulbs. Replacing 25 percent of your lights with these bulbs can reduce your lighting expenses by 50 percent.
  • Weatherize your home by caulking and weather-stripping all doors and windows. Be sure to lock your windows to make them tighter and draft-resistant.

“There’s nothing more brutal than a Buffalo winter. Yet by following some or all of these simple steps, you can keep your home comfortable and manage to save a bit on your heating and electric bills,” said Klinger.

For over 38 years, DirectBuy 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 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, by enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and 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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.   DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

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

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