Close to home: Home & Landscape Expo

Home & Landscape Expo

If home improvement is on your list of New Year's resolutions, find ideas and resources at the 15th annual Home & Landscape Expo the next two weekends at the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.

Exhibitors will be on hand to provide information about kitchen and bathroom remodeling, sunrooms and additions, flooring and energy-efficient windows. Also, seminars and special events related to landscape design and financing a home renovation.

The 2013 show debuts a new feature, the Kitchen Zone, where attendees can schedule a free 30-minute consultation with a kitchen remodeling expert. For more information about seminars and events or to register, visit www.homeshowcenter. com or call 952-881-5030.

The expo will run Friday though Jan. 6 and Jan. 11-13. Show hours are noon-8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $6 for adults, free for ages 17 and under.

KIM PALMER

Carpet Rx Give your aunt a glass of wine at Christmas and she's great. She spills it on your favorite rug, and suddenly you're not so great.

Place area rugs in high-traffic areas, such as entrances to your home. They'll protect your carpet from unexpected stains and wear from arriving and departing guests.

Request that guests take off their shoes upon entering, as the soles often carry dirt, debris and oils.

Vacuum-clean before hosting a holiday party. It prevents everyday dirt from accumulating and setting into your carpet, before guests track in more.

Blot stains with lukewarm water immediately, to prevent them from sinking into the carpet pad. Use a cloth towel for blotting.

Don't rub stains in.

Try mixing warm water with white vinegar or dish detergent, and blot the stain with the mixture.

For a red wine spill, follow a two-step process using first a detergent solution, then a vinegar solution. With the detergent solution, dip a white cloth or plain white paper towel into the detergent solution and dab repeatedly. Press the cloth on the spot for a few seconds, wait 15 minutes for the stain to break down, and then soak up the excess liquid with a dry white cloth. Repeat the process with the vinegar solution. Continue by blotting the entire area with a cloth soaked in lukewarm water. Wait a full hour or until the carpet dries completely. If the stain still remains, place a 1/2-inch-thick stack of white paper towels over the stain and rest a glass baking dish on top for 15 minutes.

ALBANY TIMES UNION

Color-coded lamps

Looking for a lamp in just the right color? Lamps Plus has you covered.

The Color + Plus lamps have brushed steel accents, but brass and acrylic accents will be available soon. The lamps come with drum shades in either white linen or a choice of coordinated patterns.

The lamps sell for $99.99 at www.lampsplus.com. Shipping is free.