Courtesy of Schaedler Yesco Lighting Design Center

For those who want to entertain well into the evening, manufacturers offer a variety of options for deck, patio and pathway lighting to maximize your enjoyment of the balmy evenings ahead.

Follow the light

Path lights are gaining in popularity, said Joe Nardo, owner of Private Paradise Construction in Springettsbury Township.

The usually 12-volt wired lighting “illuminates a pathway and spreads a warm, ambient glow driven by an independent transformer that is connected to the house,” he said.

Many of his customers are opting for a “dust-to-dawn” system, which is triggered when the sun goes down.

“It can also be activated by a programmable timer you can control via iPhone,” Nardo said.

Pick a theme

For product information, visit the showroom at 310 Lincoln Way East, New Oxford, or call 717-334-0106.

“Frogs are very popular. You can choose frogs holding copper umbrellas to illuminate a path and the light is located in the umbrella,” Nardo said.

He said wall sconces and pendant lights are also available to match the theme.

“Some resemble trumpet flowers and are made of bronze, with a tree frog climbing down the bloom,” he added.

The sky is the limit when it comes to options for lighting your outdoor space.

“We even have a 2-foot-tall lighted urn on a bronze pedestal that costs $2,000,” Nardo said. “But we offer lighting selections as low as $30.”

Do it yourself

Jim Teoli, manager of the York Home Depot, says there are many do-it-yourself options.

“We offer a ton of ‘plug and play’ solar solutions, which you just stick in the ground, and they light up the area,” he said.

Teoli said the store also offers Brella Lights, which fit under any eight-rib patio umbrella. They are an easy solution to add extra light to an eating area and remain with the umbrella if it is open, closed or stored.

Home Depot also offers solar post cap lighting, which snap on a deck post

Add mood lighting

Teoli said many of his customers who want simple lighting solutions opt for solar table lamps.

“A lot of our patio sets have end and side tables, so they are a good choice for a portable solution,” he said.

The weatherproof lamps come complete with shades.

DIY paint can lights

Photo courtesy of Lowes Creative Ideas

Step 1: To create a pattern like the one pictured, draw a 13 ¼-inch by 4-inch rectangle on a piece of legal- or tabloid-size paper. Then draw three lines to divide it into four equal sections, each 3 5/16-inch wide. Draw an “X” between the corners of each section. Lay a ruler on both diagonals of each “X” and mark the lines every 3/8 inch from the center to the corners.

Step 2: Cut the pattern to size. Using transparent tape, fasten the pattern snugly on the can. Now, rest the can in a shoe box to collect the metal fragments as you drill.

Step 3: Wearing safety goggles, drill the pattern into the can using a 3/8-inch drill bit.

Step 4: Prime with the spray primer, then apply a base coat with a small, flat paintbrush. Apply a second coat if necessary. Let dry overnight.

Step 5: Place a tea light inside the can.

— Source: Lowes Creative Ideas

Photo by Jason Plotkin

Although women of today are practically barraged with beauty choices, few would consider trading their routines for the regimens of yesteryear.

Cindy Brown, collections manager for the York County Heritage Trust, said women would bathe weekly, generally on a Saturday night to prepare for church the next morning.

“Most people had a tub and they’d heat water over a fire to warm it for bathing, using homemade soap made with harsh lye,” she said.

Creams and lotions were then needed to diminish the damage lye had on the skin, she added.

“A pitcher and bowl were used for washing the body during the rest of the week,” said Brown.

Because antiperspirants weren’t yet invented, women wore underarm pads. “This kept them from ruining their clothing,” said Brown, who added that perfume was also plentiful to help mask body odor.

“Floral perfumes like lavender, rose, orange and gardenia were popular,” she said.

Makeup was minimal

Makeup was used much less 150 years ago.

“It was generally frowned upon because the women who wore makeup for the most part were prostitutes,” said Brown.

They would make eyeliner by burning cork, mixing it with water and applying it with a brush. They also would make rouge with rust and iron and apply it to their cheeks, Brown added.

Some of the wealthier women of the era dabbled with rouge a bit as well.

“If they were going to a ball or something, they would put a little color on the cheeks — just on the apples,” she said. “It wasn’t applied like today — more like clown cheeks.”

Brown said one of the most popular cosmetics of the era was face powder.

“The ideal was to have lily-white skin. If you wore anything, you wore face powder that evened out your skin tone, or bleached it to make it whiter,” she said.

Whitening agents such as Borax and cream of tartar were mixed with oils to create face powder.

“You wanted the palest skin so nobody thought you worked outside or got your hands dirty,” Brown said.

Setting the standard

During the Civil War, women wore their hair parted in the middle and pulled back.

Older women wore a higher bun and the younger women wore a lower one, Brown said.

One of the big influences of the day was “Godey’s Lady’s Book,” a magazine published in Philadelphia from 1830 to 1878. Known as the “Queen of Monthlies,” it had 150,000 subscribers by 1860, despite its expense.

“At $3 a year, it was quite costly, but it set the standard for the fashion of the day,” Brown said.

Holly Mayer

“Psychologically speaking, most of us don’t like that term because it feels restrictive,” said Holly Mayer, vice president and wealth manager at Smith, Mayer and Liddle in Manchester Township. “You might, instead, consider calling it a ‘spending plan,’ which is more empowering.”

The most difficult part of establishing a family budget is creating the “buy-in” — convincing family members that the plan will benefit everyone involved.

“Establish guidelines, affording them control over what they earn and how they save and spend their resources,” Mayer advised.

Consider tackling the subject during a weekend afternoon when everyone is alert, unplugged (smartphones included), and able to gather to focus intently on this one issue.

Set goals

Including everyone in the goal-setting step is vital since each member of the family has different wants and needs, Mayer said.

Mom and Dad might want a room remodel while the kids are hoping to go to camp, and everyone wants a family vacation.
“The plan should include goals important to everyone from retirement savings, to remodeling, to fun,” Mayer said. “Once you understand your basic needs, you can include those extras.”

Track spending

Mayer said the best way to track spending is with pen and paper.

“Collect receipts for a week or two so you can start to identify how things add up,” she said.

And don’t forget to consider annual subscriptions like auto registration, insurance costs, taxes and holiday gift spending, she added.

She also advised that contributing to your 401K plan and retirement savings should always be a top priority.

“Even if it’s only 1 to 2 percent, each little bit adds up,” she said.

Think outside the box

Before long, everyone will begin to be on the same page with the spending plan.

“When kids ask for something, you can now say, ‘that would be really nice, but remember our goals,’” Mayer said.

Mayer said it’s important to meet on a regular basis to evaluate your efforts. She said talking openly about the spending plan might also spur some creative ideas to attain budget goals more rapidly.

Family members might consider turning a hobby, such as teaching piano, into a part-time job for extra money, Mayer said.

She said budgeting doesn’t have to be a chore and that goal setting and saving can be fun when the whole family gets involved.

“Once you understand your goals, your needs, your income and your output, that’s when the true magic happens,” said Mayer.

For more budgeting tips, visit Mayer’s website, www.theartofwomensfinance.com.

Online

Want budgeting help? Organize your finances so they’re accessible at a glance with these free money-planning tools.

Mint
Mint is a free app that helps users organize and categorize spending. Just add a bank account, credit card, home loan and investment accounts and Mint will create pie charts to show you where your money is being spent at a glance. Mint also uses bank-level security to alert users of any suspicious activity, so it is an excellent choice for those who are concerned about safety and security. Mint also makes personalized recommendations on ways you can save. To learn more, visit
www.mint.com.

Budget Pulse
Budget Pulse, like Mint, is free and enables users to see where they’re spending money in easy-to-read charts and graphs to help them visualize problem areas. They can easily add transactions, import, export, and print data for portability. The program also allows users to create goals and then share those goals with the entire family. For more information on Budget Pulse, visit www.budgetpulse.com.

Ties at Top Shelf Menswear in New Cumberland (Photo by Kate Penn)

Does he want tickets to a sporting event? Does he need another tie? What was that gadget he said he needed?

Ladies, it doesn’t have to be a hassle to shop for your husband, boyfriend, son, dad or brother.

Area business owners are ready to assist women who could use a little help crossing guys off their holiday shopping list.

Buy from the top shelf

David Wise opened Top Shelf Menswear in New Cumberland in May 2012 when he noticed that most area consignment shops catered primarily to women.

“I recognized that there was a need here,” he said.

Wise carries high-quality men’s coats, belts, jackets, coats, ties, suits, trousers, jewelry, shoes and accessories. The business is modeled after an upscale men’s shop and includes a range of designer fashions like Versace, Armani, Gucci and Burberry.

“Typically you’ll save about 70 percent off retail,” said Wise, who also offers gift certificates and on-site tailoring.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with the same quality and service offered in fine men’s shops, but at a fraction of the price,” said Wise.

For more information and store hours, visit www.topshelfmenswear.com.

Gadgets for guys

Radio Shack offers a whole host of items for the electronics enthusiast.

Red Lion store manager Rich Farbman said tablets are big this year.

“They range in price from $100 to $600 and $700 for the high-end iPads, and there are all sorts of options in between,” he said.

Employees are ready and willing to help customers who need advice on what to purchase.

“We will ask questions to determine their needs — any features or brands they are interested in or familiar with, who’s going to be using it and how they will use it. We can explain the differences between various models and suggest the proper accessories,” he said.

Farbman said Sol Republic headphones are also popular with male customers.

“They’re really high-quality headphones starting at $99 and compete with those in the $200 range.”

He said the the Sol Republic headphones are customizable with headbands of hundreds of colleges and different colored cords.

“We carry a lot of exclusive accessories with various sports themes,” he said.

The Deck, also offered by Sol Republic, is popular too, Farbman said. The wireless Bluetooth speaker boasts an impressive range of about 300 feet, nearly 10 times that of most available Bluetooth speakers today, he noted.

Go nuts

For the man who has everything, food is always a welcome gift. Virginia Nut Shop in New Cumberland has been catering to a variety of tastes for the past 30 years.

Customers can choose from among a large selection of nuts from pistachios to their signature “blisters.”

“Blisters are popular in the South,” Owner John Crispino explained. “They’re peanuts, which are boiled first, then wet-roasted in oil. They’re moister and crunchier and have a lot of flavor.”

The shop also carries a wide selection of candies, chocolates and even coffee.

“A family from New Cumberland married into a family who has a coffee plantation in Honduras and we carry their coffee, so there’s a local connection,” Crispino.

Customers are invited to visit and choose a few items for a customized gift basket perfect for holiday giving.

For more information and hours, visit www.virginianutshop.com.

Lynne Segro of Spring Garden Township had her garage redone by Susquehanna Garage Solutions in Lancaster (Photo by Kate Penn)

The truth is, stuff accumulates quickly and clutter can easily become overwhelming. Sometimes garages become so packed that there’s no room for the car.

Luckily, there are specialists who are eager to assist. So if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get organized, help is just a phone call away.

Jay Witmer, general manager of Susquehanna Garage Solutions in Lancaster, said the most common problem for garage owners is figuring out where to store gardening tools, sports equipment and bicycles.

Racks and shelves designed to hold 1,000 pounds every 4 feet, are ideal for stowing things like pickaxes, leaf blowers, sledgehammers, furniture, lawn chairs and kayaks. Even the cabinets he installs are mounted 6 inches off the floor to make it easy for the homeowner to clean underneath.

Storage solutions

Lynne Segro of Spring Garden Township contacted Witmer to help her with her storage needs.

“He installed shelves and areas where I could hang items like bicycles and wagons, stepladders and rakes,” she said.

Mike Mack, owner of Garage Plus in Middletown, said there are a variety of different solutions to help homeowners.

“The easiest way to get organized is to have a place to store stuff,” he said.

Mack helped Stephanie Bernstein of Lititz bring order to the chaos in her garage.

“He installed cabinets around the perimeter so that everything has a place, including the recycling,” she said. “He even built an area where I can place my groceries, instead of juggling them while fumbling for keys.”

Both Witmer and Mack said that people often fail to realize that there is a treasure trove of storage space on the upper walls and in the ceiling where shelves can be installed and accessed via step stool. Items like Christmas decorations can be stowed away in plastic storage bins and stored out of sight until they’re needed again.

Focus on the floor

Racks and shelves designed to hold 1,000 pounds every 4 feet, are ideal for stowing things like pickaxes, leaf blowers, sledgehammers, furniture, lawn chairs and kayaks.

“The epoxy helps eliminate dirt and dust and is 10 times easier to clean,” said Mack.

Both women opted to get it done and are pleased with the results. You can even add a little bling while you’re at it.

“He added sparkle chips, so when the sunlight shines on it, it’s incredible,” said Bernstein, who said she is thrilled with the results of her garage makeover.

“It’s the best money I ever spent.”

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Holly the Labrador Retriever walks around the deck of the 4-foot-deep, heated pool during an hour-long swim session at Morgan’s Paws Pet Care Center. (Photo by Chris Dunn)

If Fido is looking a little more fluffy these days, it might be time to make a change.

Start the spring off on the right paw and resolve to get moving, leash in hand.

Researchers from Michigan State University report that of those who take their pets for regular walks, 60 percent meet the federal criteria for regular, moderate or vigorous exercise — no gym required.

If you currently don’t walk your dog regularly, start off slowly. Begin a 30-minute regimen three days a week. Every little bit helps, and both you and your canine friend will benefit.

Regular exercise can prevent a host of medical issues, said Liz Valles, a veterinarian at Hill Street Veterinary Hospital in Spring Garden Township.

“Dogs who get regular exercise are less likely to be overweight,” she said. “Overweight dogs tend to suffer from issues like arthritis, ruptured ligaments and tears, which can require surgery.”

Felines who become obese are more likely to develop diabetes, she added. Interactive toys such as laser pointers will help get cats up and running.

Feeding frenzy

Charlie the English Springer Spaniel wades in a 2-foot-deep, heated pool at Morgan’s Paws Pet Care Center in Spring Garden Township.

For cats, a “puzzle feeder” can stave off boredom and increase exercise by making them work for their food.

Offered in a variety of designs, these clever products appeal to the feline stalking instincts by dispensing a small amount through a hole when clever kitty discovers the trick.

Accurately measuring food is a key factor in preventing overfeeding.

“You’d be surprised how many people use different-sized cups they just have around the house,” said Valles, who also cautions against following the directions on the package using the pet’s current weight.

“It’s important to feed according to the desired weight,” she said.

Involving the entire family in the effort is also important to ensure children aren’t feeding their furry friends “people food” behind the parents’ backs.

Healthy treats

“The whole family has to participate for it to be effective,” said Valles, who recommends feeding twice a day and giving treats in moderation.

“I recommend cutting them in half, or even giving dogs frozen green beans as a treat,” she said, adding that canines love beans because they are crunchy and sweet.

John Oleski, CEO of Kylie’s Canine Treats in New Cumberland, sells healthy treats at Eastern York Farmers Market for pet lovers who want to ensure they’re feeding their animals high-quality products.

“Our ingredients are locally sourced, all natural and fresh,” said Oleski, who has been in the business since 2003.

The company also uses a variety of ingredients, including bananas, soybeans, peas, carrots, tomatoes, USDA choice beef, turkey, chicken peanut butter and sweet potatoes.

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Out of sight, out of mind, the old saying goes. And for many of us, that applies to our feet.

Are your feet dry or cracked after the long spat of cold winter weather? If so, you’re not alone.

Start tending to your feet now with these tips from local experts, and you’ll be kicking up your heels in cute, strappy sandals in no time.

Selecting quality products

Chris Clarke, owner of Sunrise Soap Company on North Beaver Street in York, describes her soaps as the perfect solution for dry skin, which can affect the feet and the soles, in particular.

“You can solve 90 to 95 percent of every skin issue by using a quality soap,” she said, explaining that commercial soaps are often harsh on skin. The York entrepreneur crafts more than 120 different kinds of soap designed to moisturize.

For those who need exfoliation, Clarke offers an invigorating, minty peppermint foot scrub containing organic sugar, almond oil, pumice, peppermint leaves and essential oil. She carries natural pumice stones designed to remove callouses from rough, dry skin.

Her foot butter contains a combination of shea and cocoa butters mixed with coconut, almond oil and peppermint essential oil. She also sells a roll-on foot stick made with beeswax and cocoa butter, which is compact and convenient for foot care on the go.

“One or two uses of the butter or the soap and your feet will be in shipshape,” said Clarke.

Professional pampering

For those who prefer to be pampered by a professional, Salon Blu in York offers a wide range of foot treatments. Nail technician Monica Schwert said the salon’s popular foot masks are designed to condition and soften the feet.

“We apply the mask and wrap warm towels around the feet, which has the additional benefit of being very relaxing as well,” she said.

“I also offer paraffin on the feet, which is a wax treatment that soaks into the skin tissue to moisturize,” she said.

As for polish, bright colors will be big again this year, Schwert said. OPI’s spring collection offers eye-popping hues in oranges, pinks and bright yellows.

Another trend, Schwert said, is changing it up a bit, by painting the second toe on each foot a different color, or including a pop of nail art on the big toe.

Smart tips on foot care

For some, dry skin and chipped polish are minor problems. Dr. Bronwyn Wilke and Dr. Maria Kasper, who treat patients at York-based Martin Foot & Ankle, offer additional tips to combat orthopedic and fungus issues.

Choosing the right sandal

Wilke warns against wearing sandals without support.

“Flip flops can be good for your feet if they have a deep heel cup, arch support and appropriately fitting straps to help prevent the sandal from flopping around on your feet,” she said.

“If your foot has to work to grip and keep the shoe on your foot, you are destined for problems,” she added.

She recommends brands such as Orthaheel, Aetrex and OluKai.

Preventing nail fungus

Wilke stresses the importance of patronizing a sterile salon.

“When choosing a salon or nail technician, look for one who is open to questions about how they clean their facility and instruments,” she said.

The ideal scenario would be a salon that washes spa tubs with a fungicidal antiseptic between clients or one that uses disposable liners in the spa tubs, she added.

The key to treating fungus is to catch the problem early, Kasper said.

“The sooner you seek treatment for the issue, the better results you will have,” she added.

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If you’re shopping for sunglasses this time of year, you can find them just about anywhere from the pharmacy to the grocery store check-out line. So, for many of us, shades are a grab-and-go purchase.

Sure, we might try on a few pairs to determine what’s attractive while squinting into the small mirror attached to the plastic kiosk. But it’s easy to forget that sunglasses serve a functional purpose, as well.

Those who choose to skip sunglasses altogether are taking a risk. According to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you’re spending long hours in the sun, foregoing sunglasses can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts, macular degeneration and growths on the eye, including cancer.

Adam Barr, lab manager at Weaver Eye Associates in Dallastown, agrees. “I think everyone should wear sunglasses — and that includes children,” he said, adding that most of the damage from the sun occurs during childhood.

So, what should rank high on the list of priorities when choosing a pair of sunglasses?

Barr suggests UV protection. “All eyes are susceptible to UV rays from the sun.”

He also recommends polarized lenses, which aid with glare and vision year-round. “If you’re skiing, or at the lake, and the sun is reflecting off of the bright surfaces, it cuts the glare.”

Keeping two pairs of polarized sunglasses on hand is a smart idea to deal with the changing weather. “Grey lenses offer light reduction and are most efficient on bright days, while brown lenses increase contrast, making colors more vibrant,” Barr said. “They are great for rainy, or overcast days.”

Selecting stylish frames

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your look, you might want to invest in a more fashionable pair of sunglasses. Barr said the classic wayfarer is currently popular among men. Women, on the other hand, are choosing larger frames, with embellishments and bling.

Bolder colors are also popular now.

“The color of the year is orchid and more women are buying frames in the purple spectrum,” Barr said.

His fashion advice? “Pick something that’s flattering, color wise — but still have fun with it. Try to select something off the beaten path of what you’d normally wear every day.”

To select the right frames, Barr suggests juxtaposing them according to the shape of your face. “Those who have round faces should consider more angular frames and those with square faces should go with a rounder frame,” he said. “The rule of thumb is to go the opposite of your face shape to balance things out.”

When in doubt, consult an eye care professional. “Professionals are equipped to advise consumers on the wide range of available options, including prescription — and even Transitions™ — lenses,” Barr said.

He said you’ll find better quality products at an eye doctor.

“Also keep in mind that vision insurance can often be used for a price break on the lenses and frames,” he added.