April 28, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • Page 29 Spring Home Improvement (ARA) The warmer months are always a great time to do a little spring cleaning, but don’t ignore the digital gadgets and gizmos around the house. It has probably been months since you organized the computer files, or doublechecked the batteries in the emergency devices to make sure everything is ready to go when you need it. So get organized this spring, and make sure you add all your digital devices to the list. Here are some tips for tackling a digital spring cleaning: Start with the computer, which processes information much faster when it’s organized. De-clutter your e-mail inbox by sorting messages into folders or deleting messages you don’t need any longer. You might discover communications you forgot to respond to, or work that you put on your “later” list that really needs to get done immediately. Run a defragmenting software program for the hard drive and remove any unwanted items from your desktop so you can find everything quickly and easily. Switch the old batteries in all your small electronics. Restock your pantry with batteries to get prepared for power needs that usually come up at a moment’s notice. Some of the electronic items you can replace batteries in include the digital camera, remote controls, alarm clocks, flashlights, toys, and pagers. By changing all the used batteries with fresh ones, you can guarantee that these electronic items you rely on will be ready when you need them. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Your family’s safety is very important and you rely on these two detectors to alert everyone in a time of emergency. Fire departments across the country recommend replacing batteries in detectors when you change your clock for Daylight Savings Time. Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are the simplest ways to protect yourself and your family from a fire, according to Nicholas Scoppetta, commissioner of the New York Fire Department. Combine your digital spring cleaning with your regular organization of receipts, tax records, car repair receipts, and anything else you would file in a cabinet. Scan documents you need to keep and save them to your hard drive and to a back-up external memory drive, such as a flash memory card or USB flash drive. This system allows you to shrink your storage needs while maintaining easy access. With a digitally clean house, life will be a little more organized, and you’ll stay prepared for any technical emergencies that might arise. Get your cleaning going now, and enjoy your clutter-free house. Remember the ‘digital’ housecleaning this spring Decorating & ������� ������ ���������� ����������� Garden State Since 1982 I R R I G AT I O N AND OUTDOOR LIGHTING Is your landscape tired? Are you looking for some quality work? Call today for free, no-obligation estimate. Landscape LLC ED GOSTISSA WYCKOFF, NJ 201-891-1033 NJ Lic #13VH02050500 FREE ESTIMATE “A Carpentry and Remodeling Company” DECKS • BASEMENTS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • DOORS WINDOWS • ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS EBG CONSTRUCTION LLC Some of the services we provide... • Patio Installation • Retaining Walls • Shrub and Tree Plantings • Perennial Gardens • Weekly Lawn Maintenance • Drainage Work A FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPE COMPANY “Architectural Millwork & Design” DESIGN • INSTALLATION • REPAIR Start-Ups as low as $4995 LIFETIME WARRANTEE ON ALL NEW INSTALLATIONS 201-447-LAWN (5296) NJ Home Improvement Contractor Lic. #13VH02695300 201-670-7641 LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, INC. The Scotts Annual Program Provides Nutrients Your Lawn Can Grow On! Scotts 4-step annual lawn care program takes the confusion 4-22-09 pat/janine for and guesswork out of caring your lawn. Each step provides LandscapeWorksIrrig2x3(4-22-09) 2your3”of nutrients throughx lawn with a constant supply out the growing season, and at the same time, takes care of problems like crab- grass, weeds and insects. Best of all, the average 5,000 square foot lawn takes about 30 minutes, March/April May/June four times a year. Imagine a great looking lawn with only a 2-hour investment in time! Buy the Scotts Lawn Pro 4-Step Program and get the Full Service Landscape Professionals since 1978 E � �� � � � � � � � � � Scotts 4-Step Program with mail in rebate Exp. 4/30/10 Save up to $ 35 on 3-24-10 pat/janine EBGConst2x2(3-24-10) 2 x 2” LANDSCAPE DESIGN CUSTOM LANDSCAPE MASONRY IRRIGATION AND LIGHTING FULL SERVICE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE ESIGN CENTER 413 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park • 201.891.1199 ANDSCAPE GALLERY AND GARDEN S 11 Barnstable Court, Saddle River • 201.825.4440 www.jacobsenlandscape.com July/August Sept./Oct. Special Sale Scotts EZ Spreader for only Reg. $49.95 (with ad only) D $29.95 Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8, Sat 8-5, OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 www.homehardwaresupply.com 27 Franklin Tpke, Waldwick • 201-652-5666 L