Buggy Backyard? 3 Ways to Keep Pests From Your Patio

One of the downfalls of living in this part of the country is that we share our outdoor living spaces with mosquitoes and ticks. These unwelcome critters can ruin the experience of the most luxurious backyard oasis. We clear our properties of standing water and we light all the citronella candles we can find, but for many of us, our backyards remain buggy.

All hope is not lost. We went to three local experts who can help you reclaim your property from backyard pests.

Kill & Deter - One of the things that will attract bugs – especially mosquitoes – onto your property is the carbon dioxide your body emits, says Tina Brogan, president of Mosquito Shield in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Her company’s spray masks that scent, kills adult mosquitoes and deters others from coming back onto the property. For a flat fee of a few hundred dollars, the company will return throughout the summer season an average of once every two weeks – more frequently if it’s rainy.

Confuse - There are several plants and flowers that can be added to your outdoor areas that, because of the scents they produce, act as a natural deterrent for backyard pests from mosquitoes to rabbits. David Groth, partner of Village Nursery & Gardens in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, says marigolds, lavender and catnip are popular options. Homeowners need not build a wall of defense, but can spread these plants throughout their gardens. The perk is that many of these choices produce nice looking flowers to add to the aesthetics of your yard while helping keep the pests away.

Block - For a more permanent solution, some homeowners decide to screen in their outdoor living spaces or even add a three-season or four-season room to their homes. Melissa Skinner of Patio Enclosures says dedicated outdoor living spaces have been a hot trend for the past five years and many people are deciding to put up screens or walls that not only block pests, but protect them from the elements and create a space that can be used beyond the warmer months. She says that many people who start with a screen system to solve their bug problem will upgrade to a glass system to extend the time they can spend in that space.

If you are interested in learning more, the experts in this piece can be found at the following booth numbers: 

• Mosquito Shield: Booth #217
• Patio Enclosures: Booth #419
• Village Nursery & Gardens: Can be found in the Feature Gardens exhibit 

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks from January 15-17, 2016. With hundreds of home improvement and gardening experts ready to help you with your space, it's a must-attend event for Philadelphia homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy now and save! Get 2-for-1 tickets when you connect with us on Facebook. Treat a friend or family member to the show - we'd love to see you there!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Your Ticket to the Philly Home + Garden Show

It’s finally here! The first-ever Philly Home + Garden Show opens its doors this Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, and we couldn't be more excited! There is so much to do and see at the show, so we’ve put together an outline of 10 must-see features, events and exhibits to help you make the most of your visit to the show.

1. Celebrity Guests: Jonathan and Drew Scott - better known as Property Brothers - and Chip Wade, host of the new HGTV show Elbow Room, will be appearing live at the show. Show attendees will have the opportunity to learn from these experts during their presentations on the main stage, live Q&A sessions and a meet & greet.

2. Smart Home: Powered by XFINITY®, Built by Rudloff Custom Builders. Rudloff Custom Builders designed a full-scale model home inside of the exhibit hall that will feature the latest styles and design trends along with cutting-edge devices and environmentally friendly materials. Attendees are invited to walk through this one-of-a-kind house, powered by XFINITY®, to gather inspiration from the beautiful decor, designed by Deanna Lorenti of Deanna’s Interiors, and learn about how they can be more “green” while reducing their utility bills, and improving efficiency and functionality throughout the home.

3. Feature Gardens: As attendees enter the show, they will be greeted by six dream gardens that will provide inspiration and ideas for creating a dream backyard. Featured landscapers include Village Nursery & Gardens , Devine Escapes, Crystal Clear Signature Pools, Turpin Landscaping, WJA Landscaping and AJR Environmental. Guests who tour the feature gardens can learn more about the products and services used and discuss tips and recommendations for improving their outdoor living space.

4. Main Stage: The main stage will host a series of presentations from celebrity guests and home & garden experts. Presentation topics range from Preparing Your Home for a Snopocalypse and Strategies for Living a Clutter Free Life to Help and Hope for People who Hoard and “Greening” your home. View the full schedule here.

5. Crafted: An open market where guests can shop for hand-made, finely-crafted items, antiques and original art to add instant character and charm to their home.

6. Make-It, Take-It: An interactive DIY demo session where guests can test their DIY skills. With some guidance from an expert, homeowners will create a DIY project they can take home to display. Check out the schedule to find out when sessions are being hosted and what crafts you’ll be making! Click here for more about the Make-it, Take-it exhibit.

7. Mailbox Makeover: The center aisle of the show floor will be lined with mailboxes, creatively designed by local artists, designers and some of Philly’s VIPs, to provide inspiration to show-goers looking for a fun, colorful way to add character to their home’s curb appeal.

8. Front Door Challenge: Attendees have the chance to put their creativity to the test with this fun, interactive challenge. A plainly decorated front door will be on display, surrounded by lots of accessories. Participants have two minutes to create their best display, snap a pic and post it to Instagram. A panel of show designers will then choose a winner.

9. Alex’s Room: The host of Fox29’s Good Day Philadelphia, Alex Holley, is working with Ballard Designs and Denise Sabia of The Painted Home to create a lounge at the Philly Home + Garden Show. Using Denise’s design expertise and Alex’s personal style, they will select furniture and décor pieces from Ballard Designs’ new location in the King of Prussia Mall to create Alex’s dream room. Show-goers can use the lounge to sit and relax during their busy day at the show while gathering inspirations from the room’s beautiful design.

10. Exhibitors: The show will feature more than 150 exhibitors sharing products, services and expertise to help you with all of your home projects from plumbing, electric, painting and closets to patios, basements, cabinetry and roofing – just to name a few! Check out the full list of vendors here to learn about how they can help you and where they’re located on the show floor.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to this amazing event. We can't wait to see you there!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER AT OAKS
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Drew & Jonathan Scott of HGTV’s Property Brothers Help Philly-Area Residents Create the Homes of Their Dreams

We all want the home of our dreams, but how do we turn those dreams into a reality?

Jonathan and Drew Scott of HGTV's Property Brothers will be sharing a few of their tips with the Philly Home + Garden Show audience during presentation on the Main Stage on January 16th at 1pm.

The presentations will offer a sneak peek at the pair's upcoming book: Dream Home: The Property Brothers' Ultimate Guide to Finding & Fixing Your Perfect House, due out in April.

"Everyone should enjoy that feeling of calling their dream home 'home'." Jonathan explained. "This book is a fun, easy, step-by-step guide toward making that happen."

"We hope to inspire readers with a few never-before-heard stories and give them a peak into our whirlwind lives," Drew added.

Born in Canada, but now based in Las Vegas, the Scotts have been HGTV regulars since 2010 on such shows as Property Brothers, Buying & Selling, and Brother vs. Brother. They are identical twins, but each brings unique expertise to the table. Drew is a seasoned real estate agent, while Jonathan is a licensed contractor with 15 years' experience.

We're thrilled to welcome Jonathan and Drew to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Oaks, and can't wait to see their stage presentation. But we're not stopping there! You have a chance to meet the brothers during a one-hour meet-and-greet at 2pm, immediately following their 1pm presentation. Free wristbands will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis at the box office/ticket window in the Hall A entrance of the Expo Center. Wristbands will be available starting at 9:30am on Saturday, January 16th. Everyone with a wristband will be asked to form a line near the stage immediately following their presentation, and those with wristbands are guaranteed to meet and take a picture with Jonathan and Drew.

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and Oaks January 15-17, 2016. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER AT OAKS
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Tour the Model Smart Home That Proves It’s Easy Being Green

As you enter the Greater Philadelphia ExpoCenter at Oaks for the Philly Home + Garden Show from January 15-17, you’ll pass through our 1,600 square foot model home that’s both smart and green. Powered by XFINITY® and built by RudloffCustom Builders, it was designed by Deanna Lorenti of Deanna’s Interior Designs in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

From LED lighting to induction cooktops to designing with reclaimed wood, there are many easy ways to reduce the environmental impact of your home.

“People are more conscious of where things come from,” Lorenti says. “I’m seeing more of my clients thinking about how their design choices impact the environment.”

As you’re checking out the eat-in kitchen, living room, master suite and outdoor living space, take note of the many environmentally friendly features Deanna has added to the mix.

Hunter Douglas shades from Avalon Flooring

Deanna: “Automated shades can be programmed to move during different times of day to let in or block out sun, which can reduce your heating or cooling costs.”

Dining table from StableTables

Deanna: “Using furniture made from reclaimed wood means that more trees weren’t knocked down in the process. I recommend using walnut or silver maple.”

LED lighting from Bright Light

Deanna: “Not only do LED lights use 90 percent less electricity, but they give your room a cooler look in which colors appear truer.”

Bathroom vanity from LiquidStone Concrete Designs

Deanna: “What’s greener than material made from rocks?”

Coretec Luxury vinyl flooring from Avalon Flooring

Deanna: “This product offers the look and feel of hard wood floors without negatively impacting our forests.”

Induction stove from Kieffer’sAppliances

Deanna: “This technology reduces the amount of heat lost during the cooking process, meaning your food is done quicker and more efficiently.”

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oak from January 15-17, 2016. With an appearance by Drew & Jonathan Scott, stars of HGTV's hit series Property Brothers, hundreds of home improvement experts ready to offer tips and advice, spaces designed to inspire your home decor, and more, it's a must-attend event for Philadelphia area homeowners. 

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 tickets when you connect with us on Facebook. Save time and money when you buy online. Click here to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Simple Organization Tricks for a Healthy & Stress-free 2016

Did you resolve this year to lose weight, save money or get organized? It’s the third one on this list that might help you with the first two.

So says Darla DeMorrow, blogger and owner of HeartWork Organizing in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

She is one of three organization experts who will share some secrets of her trade at the new Philly Home + Garden Show at the Greater Philadelphia Convention Center at Oaks Jan. 15-17.

“Take the simple step of clearing off your kitchen counter to allow you room to cook healthier meals,” Darla explains.

Darla DeMorrow

Darla suggests making some room in your cabinets for ingredients for five or 10 go-to recipes: you’ll be more likely to make them if you don’t have to run to the grocery store first. And that means you’ll be less tempted to eat out and save some money in the process.

Donna Jumper, owner of JumpStart Organizing in Springfield, Pennsylvania, says to start small and, more importantly, start with a plan.

Donna Jumper

“First pick a space, perhaps a room, a closet or even a dresser. What is the end result you are looking for? What purpose do you want for this space?” Donna says. “Now take everything out and decide what items you want in that space. Make sure the items you put back meet the criteria and goals that you have set for that space.”

One of the things that clutters up the house – even in the electronic age – is mail.

Danielle O’Brien is a professional organizer and owner of Danielle Organizes in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Her advice? Limit the number of times you hand out your address.

Danielle O'Brien

“Every time you give out your address you are literally ‘inviting’ mail to your home or office,” Danielle says. “Think twice before sharing your address. If you were having a party you wouldn't invite everyone, only those that are welcome. Same for the mail.”

Listen closely and take some notes during the presentations of each of these experts on the Main Stage:

Friday, Jan. 15, 4 p.m

Donna Jumper, JumpStart Organizing

Sunday, Jan. 16, noon

Danielle O’Brien, Danielle Organizes

Sunday, Jan. 16, 5 p.m.

Darla DeMorrow, HeartWork Organizing

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks from January 15-17, 2016. With hundreds of experts ready to help with your latest home and lifestyle projects - including contractors, renovators, interior designers, stylists, organizers, real estate professionals, and more - this is a must-attend event for Philadelphia homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show! We can't wait to see you there! 

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Learn to DIY like a Pinterest Pro at the Make-It, Take-It Feature

Admit it, you likely have a Pinterest folder overflowing with DIY crafts that you’d love to see in your house, but haven’t found the time to sit down and tackle. We’ve got your back, with the Make-It, Take-It station.

As you peruse the 125,000 square feet of displays and vendors at the Philly Home + Garden Show, you’ll have 12 opportunities throughout the weekend to not only learn how to do a specific craft, but actually complete it under the watchful guidance of a home decor expert. You’ll even be able to take it home with you as inspiration for your next DIY project.

“We hope that Make-It, Take-It will prove to those who participate that they really do have the time and the ability to create these personal touches for their homes,” said Show Manager Alyson Caplan.

Make-It, Take-It is sponsored by Impact Thrift Stores, RYOBI, Superior Renovations and The Painted Home, Sweet Water Woodworks.

Each session will be limited to 15 people on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here’s the full rundown of Make-It, Take-It, located at the rear of Hall B:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15                    

Noon

Project: Succulents For Spring

Leader: Denise Sabia, The Painted Home

                       

3 p.m. 

Project: Faux Mercury Glass

Leader: Eastcote Lane

                       

4 p.m. 

Project: Key Rack

Leader: Sarah and Nick, NESTRS  

           

5 p.m. 

Project: Six Pack Bottle Carrier

Leader: Jon Paul, Superior Renovations  

                       

                       

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16              

Noon

Project: DIY Driftwood String Art

Leader: Evey Alverez-Flores, Evey’s Creations

                       

1 p.m.

Project: Sunburst Mirror

Leader: Chaney Widmer, May Richer Fuller Be  

                       

2 p.m.

Project: Succulents for Spring

Leader: Denise Sabia, The Painted Home

                       

3 p.m. 

Project: Coffee Filter Flowers

Leader: Megan Karetny, Nutmeg Creative

                       

                       

                       

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17                   

Noon

Project: Burning Wood Craft

Leader: Natalie Dixon, A Turtle’s Life For Me     

                       

1 p.m. 

Project: Rusty Monograms

Leader: Jenna Alpher, Barn Pretty

                       

2 p.m.

Project: No Sew Project     

Leader: Paige Sullivan, Christine Shirley  

                       

3 p.m. 

Project: DIY Printing onto Fabric

Leader: Molly Stanton, Molly's Print Shop

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks January 15-17, 2016. With hundreds of home improvement experts ready to help with your next home improvement project it's a must attend event for Philadelphia area homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Getting to Know HGTV Star Chip Wade

Chip Wade comes from a long line of experienced carpenters and woodcraftsmen, but the Atlanta-based owner and lead designer of Wade Works LLC is the first in his family to take his talents to television.

Since 2007, Chip has led his carpentry skills to the HGTV shows Designed to Sell,  Curb Appeal: The Block, Showdown and Design Star. He’s also appeared on Oprah and CNN. Chip is now the host, designer and contractor of Elbow Room, where he leads homeowners on the journey through concept and construction to create homes that suit their lifestyle. He calls it “ultrapersonalized design.”

“So many designers create spaces that look great, but don’t reflect the homeowners’ personalities,” Chip says. “I take pride in the fact that my designs let you learn a bit about the people who live in the space every day. My rooms aren’t designed to make it easier to sell your home to the next owner, though that might be the result, anyway.”

We sat down with Chip to ask him a few questions in advance of his appearance at the new Philly Home & Garden Show, to be held January 15-17 in the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks. Chip will appear on the Main Stage throughout the weekend to talk about the lessons he has learned through 10 years of TV makeovers. 

Q: What is your favorite space to makeover and why?

A: "The kitchen. It’s where people spend most of their time."

Q: What’s one thing you think people should splurge on?

A: "Anything that gets touched or walked on a lot. I recommend spending a little too much on a nice hardwood front door and hardware set."

Q: What’s one simple thing homeowners can do to improve their landscape or garden?

A: "Create clearly defined walkways through your property. This makes your family and guests feel so much more comfortable in their approach of the property. It makes them also feel as though you are ready to have someone over."

Q: If you had to give up Facebook or Instagram, which would you pick?  

A: "Facebook. Instagram is a better platform for me to show my design work."

See Chip live on the Main Stage at the Philly Home + Garden Show on:

• Friday, January 15, at 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
• Saturday, January 16, at 11:30 a.m. 

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks on January 15-17, 2016. With hundreds of home improvement experts ready to help with your next project, it's a must-attend event for Philadelphia homeowners.

Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER AT OAKS
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency (& Save on Bills!)

Improving the energy efficiency of your home can often seem like a costly undertaking, so Global Home Improvements, a local leader and innovator in home renovations and improvements, shared five options homeowners can consider when looking to bring the cost of energy bills down. 

It’s important to view these upgrades as long-term investments. Over time, the amount of money you will save on utility bills will offset the costs of the upgrades suggested below.  

1. Replacement Windows: One of the easiest ways to cut down on energy costs is to replace old drafty windows. Many older homes have aluminum or wood windows, so it’s important to look into swapping them out for widows made of insulated vinyl or fiberglass. If you can’t afford to do a full replacement, focus on the rooms you spend the most time. For a quick, and relatively inexpensive fix, consider weather stripping. This easy solution can make a big difference.

2. Attic Insulation: Because heat rises, over 40% of all heat loss is lost through the attic, so it’s important to make sure your attic is well insulated. Over the last 50 years, the building code standards have changed in regard to how much insulation should be used in an attic. Not only that, homes built before 1970 have outdated insulation that is much less efficient than insulation made today. Insulation will give you the highest return on investment (ROI) on your heating bills, because it is the most effective material for keeping heat in, and can be less expensive than other alternatives.

3. Insulated Siding: When looking to insulate, consider replacing your home’s siding - especially if it’s an older home. They now make foam insulated siding intended to improve energy efficiency. It will also give your home a more updated look enhancing the curb appeal. Insulated siding is a great option to look at because it is easier and much more cost efficient than insulating between your walls. You would have to rip into the wall and go into the rafters, which can become a major, burdensome project.

4. Metal Roofing: During the summer months, when trying to keep the heat out, a metal roof can be extremely effective. When the sun hits your home, it’s not just the heat, but also the radiation that makes your house hot, so the metal roof reflects the heat and radiation to keep your home cool. A metal roof can be especially effective in ranch homes or homes with a finished attic or cathedral ceilings.

5. Solar panels: Solar panels can be a great way to improve your carbon footprint and create a long-term investment for significant energy savings. However, before you even considering solar, you should look into the first four options, because it doesn't make sense to put solar on an inefficient house. With solar panels, you’re not offsetting 100% of your electricity – you’re offsetting about 50%, so it’s important to first get your energy bill as low as possible. Make your home air tight and as efficient as possible, then solar can really make an impact. 

With these energy-saving options, you not only save and money and reduce waste, but your home is more comfortable to live in, and there is less stress on your heating and air conditioning units helping them to last longer.

Global Home Improvements will be at the Philly Home + Garden Show, January 15-17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, in booth# 201 discussing these energy saving tips and more! Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 when you connect with us on Facebook and bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there! 

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Philly Home + Garden Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Quality Home Remodeling of PA

We're excited to have Quality Home Remodeling of PA joining us at the all new Philly Home + Garden Show. This local company is family owned and operated. Their employees are highly trained and skilled with awards from CertainTeed and GAS as master shingles and master applicators. They focus on providing outstanding service and will do everything they can to meet your expectations with a variety of services to choose from.

Quality Home Remodeling of PA believes that when it comes to your home, you should be perfectly satisfied with the work done. You want services and products that are going to last a lifetime, and that is just what they provide.

Learn more about this outstanding company when you visit them in Booth 407 at the Philly Home + Garden Show. We caught up with their team to chat about what they'll be bringing to the show. Get a sneak peek when you read our brief interview below.

Please describe your services.

"Roofing: We provide a wide variety of roofing types and in a range of colors to perfectly match your home’s design or your specific vision. Our experts can also repair problems such as cracked shingles and damaged wood that may be causing leaks. If it's time for a new roof, Quality Home Remodeling of PA is at your service. We'll take a look at your home, explain your different roofing options, and choose the best roof based on your budget.

Siding: Whether you're looking for a new siding installation or just need your existing siding repaired, our specialists are at your service. We can provide you with a wide selection of colors, siding materials, and styles. Our experts can also repair cracks in siding as well. We install a variety of siding types to make your home not only look better but protect it with the very best materials in the industry.

Windows: Our experts are trained to install windows in a professional manner with respect for your personal property. We make sure to use drop cloths and wear shoe coverings to protect each part of your home and clean up when the job has finished. We offer Anderson products, such as windows and doors that will complement and enhance every imaginable home style. Whether your home offers a bit of the dramatic or is a simple design, we have a window that will perfectly match it.

Gutters: We install downspouts based on the specific needs of your home. We offer seamless rain gutters that are custom designed specifically for you, and our gutters come with a lifetime guarantee on materials. Our expert installers will fasten gutters to your home using heavy-duty screws to ensure that they stay in place. We offer a wide range of colors from which you can choose, to perfectly match your home’s siding and existing design."

What are your best tips for homeowners this season?

"Quality Home Remodelings' best tip for this season is to get a roof tune up to make sure your roof is ready for the winter. Weather it is snow or ice, this can be very damaging to your roof and may cause the roof to fail. Avoid costly repairs by getting a roof tune up this season."

Will you have any show specials this year?

"Our show specials are as follows:

• Roofing: $750.00 off any full roof, siding or window replacement. 
• Roofing: $159.00 for any minor roof repair. 
• Siding: $189.00 for any minor vinyl siding repair. 
• Gutters: $129.00 for a full gutter cleaning."

Although the Philly Home + Garden Show is new this year, what's your favorite part about the Philly Home Show?

"Our favorite part of the home show is to meet wonderful people who are looking to start projects. Getting ideas and seeing how we can help them achieve their dreams of a beautiful home."

Is there anything else you think folks should know about your company?

"Proudly serving customers throughout Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester Counties, and parts of Delaware County We are fully insured and licensed – PA license number 114562 Affiliated with Angie’s list and proudly using only certified Certain Teed products."

The Philly Home + Garden Show takes over the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center January 15-17, 2016. This all new event is a must-attend for Philadelphia homeowners. See hundreds of local experts ready to help with your latest home improvement project.

Don't have tickets yet? Buy 'em online to save big! Click here to  SAVE $2!

GREATER PHILADELPHIA EXPO CENTER
JANUARY 15-17, 2016.

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Philadelphia Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: LeafFilter Gutter Protection

We're thrilled to have LeafFilter Gutter Protection joining us at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show. This national company will be appearing at the show to help homeowners keep their gutters free of debris without having to get on a ladder and clean them. That's right, it is possible to stop doing this cumbersome chore. Check out our brief interview with the LeafFilter Gutter Protect Team below to learn how. 

Company: LeafFilter Gutter Protection

Booth Number: 722

Describe your product:

"LeafFilter is the #1 rated Gutter Protection in America. By keeping gutters clog free, LeafFilter gutter covers prevent the headache of having to deal with roof, structural, and foundation issues. Our gutter guard features a micromesh screen, with holes that are 50 microns - not even sand can get through a LeafFilter protected gutter - only water, guaranteed! We serve 29 states from 25 locations, and have installed more than 20 million feet of gutter protection across the nation!"

What are your best tips for homeowners?

"Fully inspect your gutters to ensure that there is no clogging, or that gutters are not pulling away from the side of your home. This can cause water-run off and is a major sign of damage. LeafFilter offers free gutter inspections during your free LeafFilter estimate, and we'll even clean and realign your gutters and downspouts when we install!"

Will you have any specials during the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show?

"We focus on one product and service - solely gutter protection. By focusing solely on one product, we are able to become experts in our field."

What is your favorite part of the Philadelphia Home Show?

"Our favorite part of the home show is showing homeowners how LeafFilter works with our display! We also love hearing past customers tell us how much they love that they never have to clean their gutters again. It is a true testament to the effectiveness of LeafFilter!"

Make sure to catch LeafFilter at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center February 12-14 and 19-21, 2016. Mark your calendars now and get ready to see this exciting exhibitor at the show. 

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Philadelphia Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Closets by Design

This Father's Day, help Dad get a little more organized. Closets by Design can help de-clutter a number of spaces including garages, home offices, and (of course) closets. Having a more orderly environment can help your Dad in many aspects of his life.

We sat down with the Closets by Design team to talk about their services and how homeowners can save time and reduce stress simply by being more organized. Check out our interview below.

What are your featured products this season?
"Closets by Design is offering our five piece doors that give you the look and feel of real wood at a fraction of the cost. We are also offering our Brio line that gives your home a more contemporary look. We offer this line in four distinctive textured finishes: autumn leaves, dark chocolate, spring blossom, and white chocolate. Both offerings can be used in old and new homes, in closets, home offices, garages, dressing rooms, and more."

What can we look forward to from you at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show?
"You can expect a contemporary booth with an exciting look and feel, complete with a sample island that shows how we can make your home look its best."

What home design and decor trends are you anticipating for the rest of 2015?
"The new trend is the textured look to our furniture, which we showcase in our Brio line."

What inspires your products?
"We believe that becoming more organized can help save you time, become more efficient, and reduce daily stress. We are always inspired by creating custom home organization for clients based on their personal needs and helping to make a positive difference in their daily lives."

What is your favorite part of the Philadelphia Home Show?
"Meeting new people and showcasing our top of the line products!"

What advice would you give homeowners?
"To consider the possibility of an extra 15 minutes added back into your morning routine? By having an organized closet, pantry, laundry room, garage, or home office can help save you at least that and possibly much more!"

What is your creative process like?
"We schedule free, in-home design consultations for a design to come to your home and create a custom design based on your individual needs and style preferences. They take an inventory of your personal belongings and create a design that will help you store your belongings in a more efficient and organized way."

Need more Father's Day gift ideas? Check out our list of DIY Father's Day presents. Show Dad how much you care with something homemade!

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Philadelphia Home Show Exhibitor Spotlight: Advanced Electrical Services Group

This Father's Day get Dad a powerful gift. A standby generator may not be as traditional a Father's Day gift as a tie or coffee cup, but it's the thought that counts, and the folks at Advanced Electrical Services Group have shared many thoughts with us as to why this is such a fantastic present. Every year extreme storms ravage the country, causing great damage to homes, some of which can be avoided by simply owning a standby generator. Check out our interview with the Advanced Electrical Services Group team to learn more about how they can help protect your home.

What are your featured products this season?
"Advanced Electrical Services Group specializes in the sales, installation, warranty, maintenance, and service of standby generators. This is a great time to get one for your home and be protected through the upcoming hurricane season, winter, and any other power outages that may come your way."

What can we look forward to from you at the 2016 Philadelphia Home Show?
"Every year we bring the full range of generator options, from small inverters to portable gas units, to permanently installed standby generators. This gives you the opportunity to see the equipment firsthand which, in combination with out expert advice, can help you choose the right backup power solution for your home."

What inspires your products?
"Standby generators are all about providing security for your home. Whether it's the security of your home's heating and cooling, the food in your refrigerator, or insuring your sump pump keeps the basement dry, a standby generator makes sure you're always protected."

What is your favorite part of the Philadelphia Home Show?
"Our favorite part of the show is the opportunity to discuss our products firsthand with customers. Rather than simply showing pictures of the various generator options, the show provides us with the space to review the actual units and accessories in person to demonstrate how a standby generator will operate in your home."

What advice would you give homeowners?
"Our biggest piece of advice is not to wait until a large storm hits to implement a standby power solution. Purchasing a standby generator ahead of a major outage not only provides you with emergency power but also saves you from the long waits for shipments and installation that often follow a major outage."

What is your creative process like?
"While a generator installation is not a particularly creative process, ad Advanced we pride ourselves on providing the cleanest and most professional installations. We work with you to place the generator in an area of your home that fulfills all rules and regulations, but is also aesthetically pleasing and convenient to operate."

Need more Father's Day gift ideas? Check out our list of DIY Father's Day presents. Show Dad how much you care with something homemade!

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Ten Years Of Tommi Mischell At The Philadelphia Home Show

The 2015 Philadelphia Home Show will mark the 10th year that Tommi Mischell will bring her unique style and inspiration to the show floor. Tommi typically pulls her inspiration from various places...and any little thing can lead to a major change in the design of a room, but this year Tommi's inspiration is one very close to her heart.

This year, she will be presenting her own brand: "Tomaggio", in dedication to her father, who recently passed away. Tommi is especially excited to be presenting her Design Room at the Philadelphia Home Show because of how special it is to her.

With this year's Design Room feature focusing on dining rooms, Tommi is eager to bring her unique style to the table. She believes in going against the grain when it comes to designing dining rooms and to always be ahead of the curve. Instead of a rectangular table, she prefers a circle or square shaped table and instead of conventional chairs she will use a bench instead. She also prefers to use one large piece of art that packs a punch with bold colors, which you will notice when you visit Tommi's room at the show.

Although she enjoys designing dining rooms, Tommi's heart lies in the kitchen. It is her favorite room to design in the house because it is the nest of the house where the entire family can have their comfort zone. She believes the kitchen should be held in high regards for families because it is normally the first place where you see each other that day and share a "priceless cup of coffee or tea".

When working with clients her main goal is to help bring their taste to a professional level by using their likes and dislikes to make their vision a reality. Tommi has her clients complete an inspiration file which they fill with things that they want in their room to draw inspiration from. After collecting all of her client's likes, Tommi starts the creative process of making a unique space that will suit the room, while bringing her client's vision to life.

Although Tommi has made a name for herself as a visual designer, she is also very popular in her home country of Croatia for her 2001 self-titled album featuring the hit single "Echoes Of Love". Tommi's husband, Nick Kacic, is a successful sculptor and their daughter Ella Mische, is an actress and singer/songwriter.

Come to the Philadelphia Home Show, January 23 - 25, 2015 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and celebrate ten years of Tommi's unique and fabulous style. Don't have show tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals. Bring a friend or family member to the show - we can't wait to see you there!

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015.
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER

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The Fabulous Beekman Boys At The Philadelphia Home Show

The story about how a New York Times best selling author and the former Vice President of Healthy Living for Martha Stewart Ominmedia would end up running a goat farm in upstate New York together might be an unlikely one, but it's the story of the Beekman Boys. In 20017, author Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his now husband, Dr. Brent Ridge bought a farm in Sharon Springs, NY, as a weekend getaway from the hectic city lifestyle. What they didn't know was that farm, Beekman 1802, would change their lives forever.

To many, Josh and Brent are known as The Fabulous Beekman Boys, which is also the name of their show on the Cooking Channel (airing Thursdays at 10pm). The Boys offer seasonal recipes, gardening tips, and inspired home decor advice on their website, Beekman1802.com. As a result of their recent success, the Beekman Boys not only took part in the 21st season of CBS' Amazing Race, but were the grand prize winners.

We recently got the chance to talk to Brent and Josh about their upcoming trip to the Philadelphia Home Show and the unique experience they'll be bringing with them.

Marketplace Events (MPE): What will you be talking about at the Philadelphia Home Show?

• Beekman Boys (BB): "For those in the audience who have no idea who we are, we always start out telling the unlikely story of how two guys wound up on a goat farm in upstate NY, and we always leave lots of time for questions and photos for all the fans who know us from our Cooking Channel show, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, and our time on CBS' Amazing Race."

MPE: Your brand includes cooking, decor, gardening, crafts, cheese...Which projects are you most passionate about?

• BB: "Beekman 1802 Farm really is our life and we are passionate about every single season of the year on the farm. Each experience helps generate a thousand new ideas. Right now we are most excited about the fact that our Mortgage Lifter sauces, made using real heirloom tomatoes, will be available in every Target store in America this spring. For these sauces we give back 25% of the profits to give other small farms a 'Lift'."

MPE: Where do you gather most of your inspiration for your new projects?

• BB: "Everything we design, whether it's a book, food product, piece of furniture, or bedroom linen draws inspiration directly from our life on the farm. William Beekman built the farm in the year 1802, and he was our village's original mercantilist, so we always think about what items he would have had in his original store and then put a little modern twist on them."

MPE: Are there any new recipes or tips you'd like to share?

• BB: "It's been a brutally cold winter so far, so why don't we share one of our favorite soups from our latest cookbook: the smoky corn chowder. People can get the recipe here."

MPE: What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?

• BB: "This is a tough question as we are very particular about the things that we bring into the house. We are anti-hoarders and labor over every single decision about what comes in. We would probably have to say the 600lb black walnut table that we built for our dining room from a local tree that had been blown over in a storm." Learn the story of this table here.

Catch the Fabulous Beekman Boys sharing their unique story and expertise on anything horticultural on the Main Stage at the Philadelphia Home Show at 4pm on Friday, January 23 and at noon and 4:30pm on Saturday, January 24. The Philadelphia Home Show takes over the Pennsylvania Convention Center January 23 - 25, 2015. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on our Facebook Ticket Deals.

JANUARY 23 - 25, 2015
PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER 

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