Home Front
By JUDY STARK, Times Homes Editor
© St. Petersburg Times
published August 31, 2002
Briefs and news of note
Plan some home-labor days
Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend? "Florida's Largest Home Show" continues through Monday at the Tampa Convention Center. More than 800 exhibits, lots of new products, demonstrations, the latest appliances. Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. today, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Tickets: $7 adults, $6 seniors (55 and older), free for children younger than 12 with an adult. The convention center is at 333 S Franklin St., Tampa.
[Photo: Black and Decker]
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Drill/drivers recall
Black & Decker is recalling 950,000 cordless drill/drivers. The drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing the possibility of a fire hazard. The recalled tools are orange and bear the word "Firestorm" or "Quantum Pro." The drill/drivers were sold from March 1999 through December 2001 and cost between $50 and $200, separately and as part of various tool kits. Call toll-free 1-866-821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to arrange free repair; www.blackanddecker.com.
Scents take new shape
[Photo: The Thymes]
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The reed diffuser combines simple, straightforward design with a functional twist. Oil-scented bamboo reeds waft fragrance through rooms.
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Here's a new way to scent a room: bamboo reed diffusers from the Thymes, makers of scented bath and body products. The reeds are steeped in fragrant oils (verbena, cypress and amber); they stand in a simple glass vase, and their aroma diffuses throughout the room. They're safer than incense because there's no flame involved. You can use one scent at a time or mix them. The collection includes sachets and pillar candles; prices range from $18 to $45. Call toll-free 1-800-366-4071 or visit www.thymes.com for retailers or catalogs or to place an order.
Home touring by the booklet
Lou Manfredini, the fix-up guy on the Today show, offers a free booklet, "Home New Home: 10 tips for smarter home touring." When you visit model homes, here are good questions to ask, things to look for, suggestions to make you a smarter shopper and a happier homeowner. The booklet was produced with the Wood Promotion Network, so some of the advice may not apply here in the land of masonry-block construction, vinyl windows and no basements, but there's helpful material here for us too. Read it at www.beconstructive.com or send a postcard with your name and address to: Home New Home, c/o Wood Promotion Network, 676 N St. Clair, Chicago, IL 60611.
-- Compiled by Homes editor JUDY STARK
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