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Whether Puxatawny Phil sees his shadow or not on Groundhog Day, there’s one thing for certain — spring will arrive as scheduled on March 21st and so will families of groundhogs, rabbits, squirrels, deer and other troublesome animals, each ready to pounce and plunder your garden, digging burrows where they’re not wanted, and otherwise coming into conflict with their human neighbors.

But these creatures don’t have to be the enemy of our gardens, and trapping them won’t solve their relationship problems with humans. As we all are well aware, the arrival of spring brings the wildlife out of hibernation, and most likely right into our backyards and gardens. As spring is sprung, we suddenly are faced with long gardening to-do lists and a wide variety of pesky critters.

As a rule of thumb, it is far better to prevent wildlife damage than to wait until it occurs and try to combat it. This spring, Messina Wildlife Management can help you protect your beautiful backyards and your gardens with a full line of OMRI certified (100 percent) organic animal repellents. The products are all easily applied in a ready to use spray-on bottle. They dry clear, are all pleasant smelling, and work for 30 days before reapplication is needed, no matter the weather. The full product line can even be used on edibles, and none of the products cause harm or physical irritation to the animals they repel. The products work by smell and taste, repelling pesky critters from your backyard, and they’re all pleasant smelling and safe to humans.

Pesky Problems
1. Groundhogs: During the spring, summer and early fall, the Marota monax, also known as the Woodchuck, Whistlepig, or Groundhog, is a voracious, wild herbivore. It’s the groundhog’s goal to eat as much as possible which puts him on a collision course within your garden.

Groundhogs are tunnel boring pests that can cause damage to your garden in two ways. First, they eat vegetables in the garden, attacking both the root crops and above ground crops. A second problem with tunneling rodents is the mass disruption of root systems, this weakens and can even kill the plants.

2. Rabbits: These furry creatures seem to multiply at the advent of every spring. They come out to feed overnight and in the predawn/dawn hours. Rabbits are accountable for severe damage to woody plants in your home landscape. The damage can be identified by the characteristic appearance of gnawing on older woody growth and the clean-cut, angled clipping of young stems. Distinctive round droppings in the immediate area are a good sign of their presence.

Luckily, 90 percent of the rabbit’s diet is grass. Those of us that have rabbit damage would swear that 90 percent of the damage they cause is to our gardens and expensive flowers! Rabbit damage can be identified by the clean, angled cut on the food source in question. The browsing of a rabbit will usually be no higher than 2.5 feet above ground.

3. Deer: For non-gardener’s, there’s a captivating fascination with spotting a deer in a field, or perhaps in your yard. For gardener’s, it can be quite the opposite. You love the sight of deer, anywhere but not in your garden. Yet, they seem impossible to keep away. Deer are responsible for a considerable amount of damage to plant and vegetable gardens. To determine if your flowers and vegetables are disappearing due to deer damage look closely at the half eaten plants. If you see a jagged, rough edge you can be sure the damage was done by deer as they have no incisor teeth and tear at the food source, leaving tell-tale signs of their presence.

4: Squirrels and Chipmunks: These cute, furry, funny creatures can be quite destructive when it comes to your gardens and landscapes. Both ground squirrels and chipmunks are burrowing animals. Their burrow entrances are always open, unlike those of pocket gophers who plug theirs with soil.

Ground squirrels and chipmunks can be seen foraging for food during the day. In nature, they feed on green leafy material during the summer and switch to seeds and grains during the fall and winter. One of the biggest complaints about squirrels and chipmunks is their attraction to wild bird feeders. They not only devour the feed they scare the birds away.

For most animals scent and taste are the primary senses that attract them to food sources. If you disrupt the animal’s sense of smell and taste you have won the battle against the constant parade of critters in your landscapes. Visit www.messinawildlifemanagement.com for more information on safe, effective pest repellents.

Ah, the model home – it’s not just a selling tool for builders. In many ways, model homes are the perfect portrait of the American Dream, with their manicured lawns, gourmet kitchens and designer window treatments. The model home is what we all aspire to have our homes look like.

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The reality, however, can be far different from the ideal; living in the perfection of a model home may not be realistic for most of us. The good news is there are many ways you can borrow some model home tricks for your own abode – and boost your home’s value, and your enjoyment of it, in the process.

Here are five tricks model home makers and decorators use to create the feeling of real estate Nirvana:

* Curb appeal is king. If you mother didn’t tell you this while growing up, home shopping or selling will certainly teach you the lesson: first impressions count. Nothing sends buyers running for cover faster than a shabby exterior, so power wash siding every spring and take care of needed repairs like dangling shutters or peeling paint. Keep the grass mowed and flowers flourishing during the summer. If you don’t have a green thumb, plant easy-care flowers like petunias to add pizzazz to your landscaping.

* Add designer touches that impart the biggest impact for the least amount of money, such as a wallpaper mural. Custom murals are all the rage in design circles and are popping up in model homes across the country. But hiring someone to paint a custom mural is probably out of the budget for most of us. Wallpaper murals, like those manufactured by Murals Your Way, can provide the same designer effect at a fraction of the cost. What’s more, installation is quick and easy. Most homeowners can tackle the project on their own.

* Keep the rooms clean. If you’re selling your house, keeping rooms clean and clutter-free is a priority. Homebuyers rank dirty rooms at the top of their turn-offs list. If you’re just living in your home, keeping it clean will make it a more healthful, comfortable place to live. In addition to your regular house chores, don’t forget often overlooked tasks like cleaning the carpets and windows.

* Invest your renovation dollars wisely. Most families spend the greatest amount of their time in the kitchen and bath. It’s no surprise, then, that upgrades to these rooms consistently deliver the highest payoffs in terms of increased value and homeowner enjoyment. You’ll almost never see a model home with a common kitchen or a boring bath. If you want to evoke the drama of a model home in your own domicile, invest your remodeling budget in these two important rooms.

Recreating model home techniques in your own house can help maximize resale value and your enjoyment – and bring your abode that much closer to the ideal of the American Dream.

Sick of those saggy silk drapes? Does the trendy color you painted your walls last year now look so “last year”? Your décor leaves you uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a bundle on a total redesign. The good news is you don’t need the skill – or budget – of a TV decorating diva to give your home a fresh new look. Small, inexpensive changes can make a dramatic difference.

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Here are some ideas to transform your room for less than $100:

Lighten Up

The type and placement of lighting can completely change the look of a room and create different moods. Most of us stick with light fixtures that were in our homes when we bought them. Those aren’t always the most attractive or illuminating options.

Overhead lighting – the kind that comes installed in most new homes – can be great if you’re quilting, but might not set the mood for more relaxing moments. Supplement your overhead lighting with lamps strategically positioned around the room. Light cast from the side, rather than from above, will create a cozy, homey feel. Four $25 lamps purchased at a discount store can make your room feel like a million dollars.

Create with Color

Repainting in this season’s hot colors can give a room a contemporary, trendy look – even if you don’t update any of your furniture. Or, opt for more classic colors that will still be in style for years to come. Whatever color you choose, repainting is a powerful way to make a room feel fresh and new.

You don’t have to stop with simple painting. Many home improvement stores offer free classes on decorative painting techniques and the use of color. Total cost of doing a decorative sponge effect in your powder room? About $26 for a gallon of paint, and another $25 for sponges and paint trays.

Make it Better with Murals

Wallpapering an entire room is a big commitment, but you’re still not content with just repainting a room. You want something that’s going to make the décor pop – without busting your budget. Wallpaper murals are a great compromise. You can find images to match virtually any décor – from an underwater scene for a kid’s room to the view from the verandah of a Tuscan Villa for your kitchen.

Home improvement store Lowe’s carries a variety of these easy-to-install wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics, for less than $100. You can find a style and size to fit in nearly any room. To find a Lowe’s near you visit www.lowes.com.

Accessorize your Bath

Americans tend to spend their at-home hours in the kitchen. But the next-most-used room is the bath. If walking into your bathroom feels like walking into a bad thrift store – nothing matches and toiletries everywhere – it may be time to spend a few dollars and take control.

It’s easy and not costly to replace mismatched accessories such as toothbrush holders, cups and lotion dispensers with ones in the same design. Major retailers and home specialty stores carry a wide array of patterns to appeal to virtually every taste. A full set can easily be bought for less than $100.

If you’re willing to be a “big spender,” you can also pick up shower curtains and window treatments to compliment your new all-matching accessories.

Go Green and Get Moving

Nothing says “home” like green plants. You don’t need a green thumb to green up your living space. Opt for low-maintenance live varieties like a philodendron or pothos. Or, if you just can’t keep plants alive, consider artificial. Many modern artificial plants duplicate the look of life so well only the aphids who try to eat them can tell the difference.

Place tall palms next to chairs and windows to bring the outdoors inside. Smaller plants are marvelous accents for tables, shelves and windowsills. And a hanging basket with cascading leaves will add drama to large entryways.

Finally, don’t think you need to replace your furniture to make it work in your new room décor. Sometimes simply moving it around is enough to create a new effect that will please you and work well in your room.

He leaves the toilet seat up. She scatters make-up on the counter. If you’re like most Americans, you love your mate – but you don’t always love their daily bathroom habits. So what are the things that really drive men and women crazy in the bathroom?

Moen Incorporated found out. During an online consumer survey, Moen’s research team pulled back the shower curtain to find out consumers’ pet peeves in the bathroom and what they’d most like to change about this room.

Luckily, with a few updates in the bath, you can easily remedy many of these problem areas and create a more harmonious bathroom situation.

Paper Pet Peeves
Although there is a battle of the sexes on many fronts, both men and women united in citing their number one pet peeve is not replacing the toilet paper when it runs out. In fact, 42 percent of women and 31 percent of men stated this as the single biggest complaint.

Eliminate the frustration of empty paper rolls by adding a pivoting paper holder. Designed by Inspirations by Moen, this innovative accessory features a spring-free, pivoting arm allowing you to simply lift the arm and drop on the roll. This quick and simple step will help eliminate your paper pet peeves and allow you to start your day “on a roll.”

Clean Up Clutter
Men just don’t understand the need for all of women’s “stuff.” In fact, 20 percent of men surveyed cited the second most annoying thing in the bathroom is wasting valuable counter space by leaving toiletries and cosmetics scattered about. Additionally, when asked what they’d like to change about their current bathroom, 36 percent of respondents cited they would like to increase storage space.

Luckily, reducing clutter and increasing storage doesn’t have to involve a major renovation. The addition of accessories, such as shelves, towel bars and towel rings can take toiletries and towels off the counter and onto the wall. Plus, with stylish collections available in a variety of on-trend finishes, such as the new Addington and Ridgedale collections from Inspirations by Moen, you’ll also add a beautiful style update to your bath.

Free the Floor
When it comes to messy floors, it’s the bottom of the room – but not the bottom of the survey. In fact, 19 percent of men and 22 percent of females state that leaving dirty clothes on the bathroom floor is a top annoyance in the bath. And for households with children, leaving wet towels or dirty clothes on the floor are the two top responses (33 percent each). Freeing the floor can be simple. Choose coordinating towel bars and robe hooks for each person who uses the bath – ensuring that the hooks for children are hung low enough for them to reach. By assigning a spot for each towel and providing an easy spot to hang clothes, bathroom users will be encouraged to hang these items up – keeping floors free and clean.

Add Size to the Shower
When it’s not people providing the pet peeves in the bath – it’s the bathroom itself. In fact, 85 percent of respondents said they’d like to change their bathroom. And, topping the list of bathroom woes was the size of the bath (45 percent want to make the bathroom larger) and the shower (37 percent want to enhance their shower). By adding one product to your shower, you can relieve both bath ailments! Curved shower rods, previously only seen in luxury hotels, are simple to install and can add up to 7 1/2 inches of elbow room in the shower – while also adding elegant style to the room. Inspirations by Moen offers a curved shower rod that adjusts to fit enclosures from 54-to-72 inches wide. The rods are available in today’s hottest finishes - Brushed Nickel, Chrome and Old World Bronze.

While this small room can add a large amount of annoyances, with just a few minor updates you can ease bathroom pet peeves and create a beautiful and enjoyable bath.

Coffee is hot, in more ways than one. Every day, millions of people pick up their lattes or cappuccinos as they rush between tasks or when they need a moment to relax. However, have you ever paused to wonder “What’s in my latte?” or “What exactly is espresso?”

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Ordering an espresso beverage should be fun, not intimidating. And you shouldn’t need a degree in coffee studies.

So what is espresso?

The term espresso was first coined in Milan, Italy in the early 20th century and literally translates to “quick” in Italian. While many of us think that espresso is a bean, it’s not. An espresso “shot” is pulled by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans in an espresso machine.

In a recent survey sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company, only a third of Americans are aware of all beverages that contain espresso. Although many coffee house enthusiasts don’t know espresso is a flavor that they already enjoy, it has become the core of limitless beverages around the world. The popular coffee house Starbucks relies on the consistently dense, caramel-like sweetness and smooth finish that the Espresso Roast brings to keep the intense coffee flavor lingering once you take your first sip.

To help make ordering espresso simple, Dave Olsen, the creator of Starbucks Espresso Roast offers tips to ensure you know “what you drink:”

* Know the Beverages. The menu board can be vast at most coffeehouses, so keep these essential espresso beverages in mind as you order: caffè latte, caffè americano, caffè mocha, macchiato and cappuccino.

* Hot or Cold. Espresso doesn’t always have to be enjoyed warm. Perfect for the hot summer months, any espresso beverage can be ordered “iced” (or served over ice as most coffeehouses refer to their cold beverages).

* Add Flavor or Substitute. Not all beverages match everyone’s tastes. If you want a little more flavor in your beverage, simply ask your barista to add a “pump” of flavored syrup (think caramel, vanilla or hazelnut) or top it off with a little spice, such as nutmeg or cinnamon. Vanilla is the most popular item that espresso drinkers report typically adding when they drink espresso, according to the 2008 Starbucks survey. You can also substitute 2 percent milk for nonfat or even soy.

* Wet or Dry Cappuccino. For the cappuccino fan who likes a little more milk or a little more foam, you can ask for a “wet” cappuccino (more milk than foam) or a “dry” cappuccino (more foam than milk).

* With Room, Please. Eight in 10 Americans who drink espresso report that they typically add items to their espresso. If you like to add your own milk or sweetener from the coffee station bar but find your beverage filled to brim, ask for “with room” and your barista will gladly leave enough space in the cup for added extras.

* Ask a Barista. Still undecided about a beverage? Don’t be afraid to ask a barista for recommendations or suggestions. They will be more than happy to match your taste preferences with the perfect beverage.

As the weather continues to warm and nature starts to awake from its winter slumber, the world around us embraces spring. This time of renewal is also the perfect time to update home decor with the fresh feeling associated with the change in season.

“Home decor that takes cues from nature and the serenity of the spring season is inspiring designers across the country,” says Susan Atchison, manager of trend development for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. “This involves an abundance of flowers and greenery, soft color palettes and a feeling of peaceful tranquility throughout the home.”

Here are some popular decorating ideas and trends that reflect the longer days and new growth of the spring season:

* Cottage Charm
Just like a relaxing day at a quaint bed and breakfast, decor can delight the senses with contentment and nostalgia. Interior designers and crafters alike are using intricate flower patterns to create unique household decorations. A soft blanket and pillow to adorn a favorite chair and black and white photos project the joys of yesteryear. Hand-painted buckets and antique watering cans bring the entire look together with a delightful country feel.

* Zen Infusion
Soft lines, warm scents and positive energy are all aspects of Zen-inspired designs. Think of enjoying a cup of green tea under a tree blooming with cherry blossoms and you’ll see where designers get their motivation. In the home, you can easily set the mood for romance or relaxation with a Zen-inspired display of hand-painted hurricane candle lamps. Choose colors from nature that match your home decor and fill with fragrant candles.

* Inspiring Hues
Soft colors are key for spring decorating and you can find inspiration right outside your door. Blossoming flowers present shades of lavender, pink and tangerine. Sky blue coordinates well with the green shades of fresh grass and budding leaves. Warm yellows and browns are inspired by the sun and add a sense of peacefulness.

* Springtime Gatherings
Having a party for friends or family? A home filled with lively colors and floral motifs will greet guests with warmth and homespun hospitality. Sit down to a family brunch or dinner with a wonderful table setting featuring coordinating plates, mugs and serving dishes. Showcase delectable desserts and savory snacks on matching serving platters.

* Fabulous Flowers
A fresh bouquet or a potted plant brightens any room, but if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. Today, the quality of artificial flowers rivals their fresh counterparts. Visit your local craft store to find a variety that will match your home’s color scheme. Tulips, calla lilies and apple blossoms are all popular during spring, but choose the ones you like best and mix in a festive vase or watering can. For a fun twist, paint dots and designs on the petals to make them stand out.

“Integrating new colors and small decor changes into the home will update the entire house with the welcome feeling of spring,” adds Atchison. “Most of these changes are very affordable and easily achieved with some crafting tools and a small amount of time.”

Looking to shake off the winter blahs? You’re not alone. Tender blossoms aren’t the only harbinger of warmer weather, so is the rush to decorate for spring entertaining. But design experts warn that many people fall into the trap of spending a lot of money for a new look, when you can actually scratch that spring fever itch on a budget simply by giving new life to things you already have around the house.

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“Start by rethinking how you use your tableware,” says Dubravka Vujinovic, a showroom stylist with Replacements, Ltd. the world’s largest supplier of old and new china, crystal silver and collectibles. “So many people use their fine patterns for special occasions and then they’re locked into thinking you can only use a certain piece for its intended purpose. By thinking outside the box, you can find so many more uses for your collections.”

Vujinovic and teammate Annie Williamson are constantly experimenting with colors and patterns looking for new uses and the next big design trends. “You don’t have to use a cake stand just to serve cake,” says Williamson. “Instead, you can place seasonal pastel candles in a nice design to create a great accent or centerpiece for evening entertaining. You can also fill larger serving pieces like a soup tureen with water and add fresh spring blooms from your garden to create a floating flower display.”

Get Creative

Plant fresh herbs in cups and saucers to go around the kitchen or window sill. This not only adds a splash of fresh green color, it’s handy for healthy cooking.

Fill a water goblet with fresh spring flowers for individual place settings. You can also add food coloring in festive hues and float lit votives in martini glasses.

Ornaments aren’t just for winter holidays, use them year round. Fill a wine glass with small pastel glass balls, or use larger ornaments in bigger serving pieces as a way of adding sparkle to your table.

Take Advantage of Color

Spring is the best season to mix and match all colors. Create a bright infusion by pairing a tinted glass salad plate or goblet to complement your china pattern. Use a colored glass plate as a charger.

Chocolate isn’t just for Easter fun. It’s one of the hottest colors for spring 2008, mixed with other hues like apple green, dark fuchsia and yellows.

Use kitchen twine to affix fresh flowers around linens instead of using napkin rings.

Incorporate the Holidays

At Easter, fill unused coffee cups/wine glasses with jelly beans for a fun twist.

Use dyed eggs or hand blown ornaments at each place setting to add color and give your guests something to take home as a keepsake.

Don’t forget mom’s big day. Buy a serving piece in her favorite pattern and fill with fresh flowers for both a centerpiece and a special Mother’s Day gift. Don’t know her pattern? No worries. Replacements offers a Free Pattern Identification Service to help folks who don’t know the manufacturer or name of their patterns.

When giving someone a tour of your home, do you conveniently skip over the bathroom? Does it look better with the lights off and door closed? If your bathroom is outdated, it might be time for a makeover. Small changes can make a big improvement, and even if you have a small budget, there are many ways to make your bathroom shine.

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“Updating a bathroom benefits the home’s overall appearance and is something the homeowners can enjoy every day,” says Dan Auer of Faucet.com, a Web site with a vast inventory which includes all the fixtures and accessories needed for bathroom remodels. “Simple updates can have a big impact and can be done in a small amount of time.”

Easy bathroom updates include:

1) The Faucet
The faucet is the focal point of the entire bathroom and should be one of the main considerations when remodeling. If yours looks like it’s from a bygone era, it’s time to consider something new. Fashion and functionality are now available with many styles and finishes to choose from.

You might also consider replacing the sink to really freshen up the look. Pedestal bathroom sinks and countertop sinks are easy to replace and can make an immediate improvement.

2) Bathroom Accessories
Updating the hardware and other bathroom accessories can be a fast and affordable way to give the room an instant facelift. Towel rings, vanity shelves and even drawer handles can all make or date a room. New accessories come in variety of finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel and bronze.

Looking to add some bath accessories but not sure where to start? Try a towel ring by the sink for a hand towel so guests don’t reach for your bath towels. Sink a little cluttered? A vanity shelf adds stylish extra space; some models even have towel bars built-in. A towel warmer is a great addition to any bathroom and surprisingly affordable. The luxury of a toasty warm towel right outside the shower can’t be beat. These small items, in matching finishes, can add up to one great change to your bathroom’s look and function.

3) Lighting
New light fixtures can update the look of your bathroom as well as ensure safety while in the bathroom. Remember, because you use this room for your daily preparations, you want to have adequate lighting. Choose an overhead light and/or light above the mirror for ease and convenience. Choose from two, three or four bulb fixtures to adequately light the mirror area. Consider adding side sconces and adjustable lighting, so in the mornings you can turn the lights up to get ready and in the evenings, turn them down for a softer illumination during a relaxing hot bath or shower.

4) Showerhead
When updating your bathroom, add something you can enjoy every day. New showerheads come with a variety of options. They can be handheld, adjustable or even massaging. A new showerhead will prove to be a rewarding update to your daily routine. Many people find a custom shower system is a luxurious way to update their bathroom. Try a two-wall diverter system that sprays in several areas for the feeling of a spa shower at home.

5) Paint
The walls of bathrooms get abused with steam, hairspray, perfume and many other items that are involved in a family’s routines throughout the day. A fresh coat of paint will add a new, clean element that will update any room. Integrate fun colors into the bathroom by trying a new shade of paint, or stenciling in details to fit the overall room theme. When buying paint, consider having the paint store stir in a non-mildew additive because of the extra humidity associated with this room.

The best place to start your bathroom makeover is to look at Web sites like Faucet.com. The site offers many ideas and lots of style and finish options. Plus, shopping online can save you money and customer service is easily available for any questions so you are guided as you make your decisions.

“These five steps can be done in a short time for DIYers or within one day for a professional contractor, meaning you can enjoy the updates almost instantly,” adds Auer. “The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house. Easy updates will make sure it’s more enjoyable for both you and your guests.”

With the onset of spring comes the Easter holiday and the celebration is not complete without the traditional treat-filled basket. For those looking for a unique twist to this holiday ritual, consider customizing the Easter baskets you give your loved ones. Include a variety of trinkets and toys that match your little (and big) ones’ interests to create a fun, personal Easter celebration.

Here are some ideas for every personality type:

The Sports Fan: Spring means one thing to the sports enthusiast: baseball season! Complement the traditional jelly bean and bunny-shaped confections with trading cards and stickers from their favorite team. Throw in a catcher’s mitt and baseball and you will hit a homerun!

The Little Princess: Some girls’ love of the color pink never fades, so bring a smile to the face of your “girliest” girl this Easter with a pink-inspired Easter basket. Costume jewelry, lip gloss and a beaded purse give her the perfect dress accessories. Customize the “basket” further by delivering the items in a pink duffle bag or carry-all, leaving her with a basket she can use year round.

The Practical Joker: The refreshing humor of practical jokes and silly toys never gets old. Consider designing a basket filled with gag gifts and funny items. Clever treats like the Hubba Bubba Cluckers, a wind-up chicken that lays tasty gum eggs, are a great basket centerpiece for that true comedian at heart. Finish the basket with classic “funny” items like a whoopee cushion, slinky, googley eyeglasses and a movie starring your loved one’s favorite comedian.

The Intellectual Game Guru: Sudoku and crossword puzzles keep even the brightest of players on their toes. Keep brainteaser and puzzle fans guessing with a game-inspired Easter basket. Card games and mini board games provide hours of entertainment, particularly if your family is traveling over the Easter holiday or during spring break. Gift the items in a “basket” that can also be used to store the games once the season ends.

The Artist: For the creative one in your family, fill his or her basket with a small sketchbook, watercolors, paint brushes and a music CD. Add some colorful candy, like an assortment of jelly beans, to inspire their inner artist. You might end up with a new work of art for the refrigerator.

The Health Nut: Even the healthiest, most fitness conscious folks don’t want to miss out on the Easter basket tradition. Create a “wellness” basket with active lifestyle items like a jump rope, a training watch, a pedometer or an inflatable Pilates ball to keep your athlete on the move. Substitute traditional sweets with low-calorie alternatives like Extra sugar-free gum, which recently earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance for helping to improve dental health.

The market for youth furnishings and décor has recently experienced a surge in popularity and profitability. Barbara Schmidt, a nationally recognized interior style consultant whose work has appeared in “In Style,” “Elle Décor,” “Architectural Digest” and “Metropolitan Home,” attributes the rise in popularity to children’s increased awareness of interior design and their resulting desire to play an active role in the look of their rooms.

Flight of the Conchords (Bret McKenzie & Jemaine Clement, Blue) TV Poster Print - 24″ X 36″

“Because of the Internet and channels like HGTV, kids are more design-savvy now,” says Schmidt. “They want to create their own spaces.”

Parents are also influencing the market’s increased popularity. “A child’s bedroom is another space parents can have fun with, revisiting their own childhoods,” says Schmidt. “You can use dramatic colors you wouldn’t be able to use in everyday décor.”

A prominent trend in youth décor is personalization – through throw pillows, monograms and framed art. “In addition to displaying a child’s own works of art, personalized wall hangings can teach children about the world around them, build anticipation for future events and preserve memories and milestones,” says Schmidt. She offers several suggestions for using framed art, photography and more to add personality to a child’s bedroom.

* A child’s own artwork is the most unique and personal piece you can frame. “It’s also a great way to keep those memorable works of art from getting lost in the shuffle,” says Schmidt.

* “Let your child be a part of the design process by giving them a job to do,” she adds. “Something like allowing them to pick out the colors of custom matboard can make them feel like they’re taking part in designing their own personal space.”

* “Frame pictures of places visited and maps to teach kids about the world around them,” suggests Schmidt. “Not only is it exciting for them – it will open up a whole new place in their imagination.”

* “Combine three-dimensional mementos, such as a first homerun ball, team jerseys, medals and certificates with photos to commemorate important youth sporting events,” says Schmidt. “With their creative eye and professional products, custom framers can help create a well-organized and stylish grouping.”

When it comes to preserving a special memory for your child, make sure you pick custom framing materials you can count on to protect those cherished pieces, like Crescent’s 100 percent cotton RagMat matboard. It’s guaranteed safe next to any artwork, so you know that special keepsake, whether it’s a first place ribbon or your child’s art class masterpiece, will last forever.

It’s also a good idea to incorporate color trends. “For girls, the classic pinks and purples are mixed with white this year, and for boys, brown and green have replaced the standard navy and red,” Schmidt says. She also suggests picking neutral frames, such as woods and whites, to avoid having to replace them if the room’s design changes. “Adding new artwork and getting more creative with what you frame is the perfect way to let the room grow with the child.”

For more information about professional custom framing, visit www.crescentcardboard.com or contact a professional custom framer in your area.