The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

28 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 18, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Spring HOME & GARDEN Barbecue basics: Tips to find the perfect grill The warmer weather is here and it's time to celebrate the barbecue season. However, if your grill is falling to pieces or you just feel it's time for an upgrade, consider the following tips fto help ensure you pick the grill that is right for you: Charcoal or gas? Charcoal Grilling with charcoal enhances flavour, allows you to create high temperatures for searing and doubles the barbecue as a smoker. Keep in mind that ashes must be discarded after each cookout. If charcoal grilling is your preferred choice, go for a model with a domed lid at a reasonable height to fit larger food items. Gas Gas grills are popular because of their convenience. These grills regulate heat easily and can cook at several different temperatures at one time. Choose one that has at least two burners to enjoy indirect cooking. If you want the great taste of charcoal grilling, add a wood-chip box. Size matters Ask yourself how often you grill during the year and for how many people. If you entertain a crowd often, look for a grilling surface area of at least 400 square inches or more. Location If the barbecue is a focal point for your backyard landscape, consider purchasing a premium grill that expands with modular units like wet bars, refrigerators, sear stations and more. If a portable model is a better fit for your lifestyle. What a steel Choose a grill with stainless steel cooking grates and burners. They're easy to clean, won't rust and are made to last. Output Heating capacities of gas grills are in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A higher BTU rating doesn't mean a grill cooks more efficiently or evenly. Rather, a higher BTU rating indicates a shorter wait time before cooking can begin. If you grill regularly, go for a model with at least 40,000 BTUs. Easy clean Cleaning the grill regularly helps ensure that it will last. Before each grilling session, apply non-stick spray or oil on the grates to help reduce clean-up time afterwards. Also, place a splatter mat beneath the grill before cooking to protect the deck or lawn from grease that misses the drip pan. Finally, cover the grill to protect it from the elements. - News Canada Creating a beautiful outdoor space With spring officially here, now is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor space. In recent years, the backyard has become an extension of our homes with homeowners looking to create a coordinated, stylish and functional space to enjoy time with family and friends. Simply decide on a theme ­ Casual, Classic, Cosmopolitan or Exotic ­ and choose items that fit within that theme. Classic This timeless style is great for those looking to add some comfort and elegance to their backyard. Accessorize with warmer metals and a palette of muted creams, golds/honey, taupes, and sages for a traditional feel that will stay relevant for many years to come. Coordinated patio sets make getting started easy. To accessorize, look for animal-themed statues and coach-style outdoor lighting that can finish off the look. Casual Inspired by the refreshing and soothing styles of resort and cottage living, this relaxed seaside theme is the perfect blend of family fun and relaxation. Choose a palette of sun-bleached sands, whites, blues, and greens, to sooth your soul. Look for fun garden accessories like garden gnomes and playful statues add a whimsical flare. A double hammock finishes off the beach-themed look and is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. Casual resin wicker patio furniture will keep the space light and airy. A retractable pergola is a great way to get protection from the heat of the sun. Exotic Create your own rejuvenating space inspired by the exotic resort regions of the world. Combine exotic tropical plants with earth tones to achieve this exotic look. Buddha-inspired accessories and bamboo lanterns help to achieve an exotic feel right at home. Wicker patio furniture that resembles indoor furniture help bring the indoors out and provide a comfortable, stylish space for family and friends to socialize. Cosmopolitan Creating a wonderful upscale design for those who enjoy a more contemporary flare doesn't have to be expensive. Well-designed cool metals paired with elements of glass and tile help to make a strong statement in your backyard. Complement your space with smoky greys, bright reds and blacks. Black aluminum patio furniture with stain resistant taupe cushions will give your backyard a contemporary, clean feel. Accessorize the space with modern finishes, such as a stainless steel water fountain or a dramatic outdoor clock. - News Canada Since 1959 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICES Cleaning Solutions Todd Osmond ~Owner Freshin up your home with Amazing Results Spring has sprung - time to put away the winter boots and freshen up your carpets & upholstery. Amazing Results specializes in high quality carpet & upholstery cleaning. "What makes us different than other carpet cleaning companies is our cleaning systems and our overall approach to the service industry," explains Todd, Owner. "Using state-ofthe-art equipment & environmentallysafe cleaning solutions and procedures, we book on time scheduled appointments & employee friendly & experienced cleaning technicians." Amazing results does not contract our their work. "We've been in the cleaning industry for more than 10 years now and we take a lot of pride in each and every job we do." Offering guaranteed satisfaction and guaranteed Amazing Results! To discover the difference today, call 905.337.3117. Ask Your Expert! Carpet Stain Removing and Cleaning to Q: Is it possible to clean salt stains from my Q I've triedwithremove themy carpets too often? carpets little success. Any suggestions? No. The more often a carpet is cleaned, the a softitscrub up distilled vinegar A: maintain its original appearance. and g will A Pick cleansometraffic areas pand areasItaofiswhitelongergideaand g pp an excellent brush. Rubg in and blot with heavy soiling on a to high y towel 3235 Fairview St. Home Accent Pieces Q residential extraction ispthe p should professionally cleaned y A: a hot watercarpet carpetbemanufacturers. onis A No,Allminimum ofmostyetc). toAllowingg dryymethod g Itupp in p preferred kids, pevery 12 18 months (depending by pets, lifestyle, y soils to build it's gone. Yourhelp maintain the smellyour carpets. regular basis to carpets may life of like vinegar for a couple of days, but it's well worth it. wait until my y Q: ShouldIIhave it cleaned?carpet looks soiled Will steam cleaning damage my carpets? before 905-639-7106 www.plumbingmart.ca consideredpile scarsthe bestallowing it to take on a dull, the carpet to be pile fiber method of removing p embedded soil and other contaminants like salt. dirty look. Call Us, You'll Be Amazed!