Kitty Mac Garage Door Screens

As your children, family and friends start dusting off the pumpkins and carving knives, it’s time to plan a little fun for Halloween. Whether it’s a small family gathering, or a big neighborhood bash, Halloween parties bring out the kid in all of us. Here are some party ideas to help your friendly ghosts and goblins enjoy themselves:

Funk up your food. Halloween is not the time to serve boring cheese trays. Remember all those yucky, gooey things you tried when you were a kid? Like gummy worms sliding out of Jello, or cupcakes covered with plastic spiders? Dig out your old recipe books and find some fun twists on party dishes. Try checking out www.familyfun.com, or www.foodnetwork.com for hauntingly yummy recipes.

Spruce the place up. Why not become known as the neighbor with the most Halloween decorations on the block? Let the other guys do it up right for Christmas. You don’t have to spend tons of money. There are lots of crafts that involve the most basic of supplies, and it’s even better when the whole family can get involved. Try searching these sites for tips: www.amazingmoms.com, or www.familymanagement.com.

Get your game on. Halloween is the perfect excuse for family fun. There are tons of games to choose from, whether it’s Spook Bingo, or the traditional bobbing for apples. Make sure you choose games that are appropriate for those attending. Or you can divide games into categories,  gearing them toward younger kids, teenagers and adults. Great ideas can be found at: www.partygamecentral.com, and www.partynook.com.

Set the stage. Remember that if the weather allows it, you’ll want to give your guests the opportunity to be outside. Nothing is better than a Halloween party at night … it’s only fitting! Clear out your garage so you can handle the crowd, and provide a place for seating , along with your food and beverages. This way you won’t worry so much about spills and messes. Make your garage the perfect gathering space by installing a garage door screen. This helps keep bugs and debris out of your party space, while allowing fresh air to flow. Check out www.freshairscreens.com for details.

Above all, remember that as a host, you will set the tone for an amazing event. So dress up! Get into the mood, and allow your guests to have a frightful, but fun-filled, evening!

As Autumn gives way to cooler temperatures, home owners start making out to-do lists in order to get ready for winter. Besides raking leaves and cleaning out gutters, you’ll probably want to get your garage door winterized. After all, your garage door can be a huge source of air cold air infiltration.

In fact, did you know that a 1/8-inch crack around the average single garage door yields almost 50 square inches of area? That’s definitely a concern, particularly if your garage is attached to your home. There are some steps you can take to make your garage space comfortable and cost-effective this winter.

1. For starters, go to your local hardward store and purchase a “garage door bottom.” These are usually made of rubber or vinyl.
2. Cut to measure the door bottom, and nail it to the bottom edge of the door with rust-resistant nails.
3. Next, purchase an overhead garage door weatherstrip kit, also available at your local home improvement store. Some kits features a vinyl leaf that fastens into an aluminum frame. Installation requires only a hammer and hacksaw and is accomplished by nailing the aluminum strip to the face of the door stop, allowing the vinyl leaf to “float” against the face of the garage door.
4. To help keep debris from entering your garage during the fall months, purchase a garage screen door. Installed around the frame of your garage opening, this mesh screen allows for fresh air flow, but keeps bugs and falling leaves out of your garage area.

For more information to help keep your garage clean and ready for cold-weather activities, see www.freshairscreens.com.

For Indianapolis residents, the colors of blue and white are a source of local pride. Whether it’s by wearing a football jersey,  displaying signs in the window, or hosting an outdoor party, fans of the Indianapolis Colts find ways to show their team spirit.

One of the most unique items that is dotting the driveways of neighborhood fans is a custom printed garage door screen. And what might that be, you ask?

Imagine this: you’re sitting in your garage with your trusted buddies, sharing a cold beer and watching the Colts crush the competition. You’ve got your face painted blue and white, you’re sharing a ritualistic belly bump and primal scream with your closest friends, and you’re eating nachos like there’s no tomorrow. What’s the icing on the cake? Get ready for it: you have a garage door screen covering your garage opening that is keeping bugs and debris out of your personal sports arena, while allowing fresh air to flow (which is important when you have a room full of nacho-filled sports fans).

Is there anything better? Oh yes, there is. The garage door screen is custom printed with a Colts blue and white horseshoe, proudly showing your neighbors and passers-by your love for the hometown team. As the excitement for the game mounts, your neighbors are attracted to your personal Colts shrine like a magnet, and before you know it, fans are flocking to your comfortable game-watching space with free beer and more appetizers in hand. Isn’t it a dream come true?

Only if your team wins. In the meantime, make sure that you are appropriately showing your enthusiasm for your Colts team with your custom garage door screen. Your neighbors will thank you. See www.freshairscreens.com to get your own.

Has your garage become the dumping ground for anything and everything in your household? Perhaps you’ve gotten so used to throwing things in there, that it’s become second nature. Don’t know where to put it? “Throw it in the garage.” 

Here’s a little tip: You don’t have to store everything in your garage. Your basement and/or attic are just begging for more responsibility. So here is a general list to help you decide what goes where. This will help you get your mind focused on organization, and help you feel less overwhelmed.

Garage Storage Items.

• Sporting goods, lawn chairs, gardening equipment
• Anything flammable, like gasoline, kerosene space heaters, lanterns, turpentine or other solvents
• Old cans of paint, although if your garage gets extremely cold during the winter, consider another location, and keep them at least 10 feet away from any furnace or hot-water heater
• Note: To help protect your garage storage and keep your area clean, consider installing a garage door screen (see www.freshairscreens.com for more information).

Basement Storage

• Items like bulk food, light bulbs or batteries (in air tight containers and in a handy location)
• Labeled seasonal decorations and clothing
• Common household tools or maintenance items that are used regularly
• Boxes of books or other heavy items that need a solid floor underneath

Attic

• Important documents (like tax information, education records, etc.) that you need to keep but don’t need access to (in airtight containers)
• Things you want to keep but don’t need, like outgrown children’s toys or clothing
• Luggage, and rarely used seasonal items, like sleds, inflatable pools or patio equipment

Picking out a garage door is not an easy job. It’s one of those things that you really don’t think about until it’s time to buy one. And then you find yourself obsessing about your neighbors garage doors, looking at designs, colors and materials.

Before you start your garage door shopping, you’ll need to know the basics. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind as you shop:

• Garage doors are the largest moving parts of your home, and also one of the most visible elements.
• Take the time to research designs, because it will be an important choice to make.
• The two main types of garage doors are sectional roll-ups, which are the most popular, and swing-ups, or what some call “tilt-ups.”
• Swing-up doors consist of a single-panel that pivots out and up.
• Sectional roll-ups are made of horizontal sections that are hinged together. They are mounted with rollers on a track inside the garage. This allows the sections to roll straight up and back.
• Sectionals cost more, but are safer, easier to operate, and allow more headroom in the garage.
• Sectionals tend to be more weather resistant and secure.
• Garage doors are generally made from wood, steel or fiberglass.
• Most garage door designs feature raised panels, recessed panels, or are flushed.
• When choosing your door design, define your preferences when it comes to windows, panel designs and electric operation.
• Besides traditional garage doors, one other area to consider is a garage door screen. Increasing in popularity, a garage door screen is much like a front door screen, designed to keep insects and debris out of your garage in order to keep it clean. Users also like the garage door screens because it allows them to use garage space as an extra living area, for parties, extra seating, or for hobbies. See www.freshairscreens.com for details.

Garage door shopping can be overwhelming. The key is to do your research and take notice of other homes that feature garage doors you like. With a little preparation upfront, you’ll be able to narrow down your search and be an informed consumer.

You know it’s time to clean out your garage when, every time your garage door is up, passers by stop to ask if you’re having a garage sale. Or if your family has to walk through the garage in single file, well it’s time to dig out of that mess!

Fall is the perfect time for families to enjoy some bonding time while throwing out clutter. What better way to spend a crisp, sunny weekend then by pitching old toys boxes of junk, and getting organized. Are you excited yet?

By getting your garage space under control, you can not only feel good about the upcoming winter months, but you can also rediscover an entire room that can be used for outdoor parties, hobbies or projects. Here are some basic garage cleaning steps you can take to get your garage space back in order:

Move ‘em out. It’s hard to figure out what storage bins or extra shelves you’re going to need until you actually know what it is you need to store. Enlist the help of family members and start taking things out of your garage space first. Sort your items by several categories as you take them out, including: throw away; donate; sell; and keep.

Clean ‘em up. Once you have the floor space clear, it’s time to clean. Sweep out debris the best you can, and take the time to properly clean oil or fluid spills. If you don’t have a fresh layer of garage floor paint, maybe now’s the time to do it. Check out all the innovative and attractive floor options available at your local hardware store.

Get it together. Once you’re cleaned out your garage, you’re ready to move things back in. DO NOT move back in any item unless you have a specific place to put it. Now’s the time to evaluate what you’re keeping, and where it should go. Try to sort those items into categories like: lawn and garden; automotive supplies; camping; toys, etc. Now you can see what kind or organizational equipment you need, like big plastic bins, industrial shelving, baskets and so forth. Invest in the right storage containers in order to keep your garage looking good.

Finishing touches. Once you’ve moved everything back in, and your garage is looking marvelous, add that extra touch. Consider using your newfound room for outdoor socializing! Add a TV on the wall, or place that neglected chair and rug in the corner to make an extra living space. Install a garage door screen, which will keep unwanted debris from coming back in your garage, and allow you to enjoy the fall weather without pesky bugs (for garage screen options, see www.freshairscreens.com).

Mark your calendar. Now that you have a clean, usable space, keep it that way. Designate a day each month when your family can chip in an hour or two to maintain your new look. Make it a fun activity, and encourage everyone to participate! It will be faster that way, and it will help your kids take ownership in keeping it clean.

Having a clean garage can do wonders to a homeowners state of mind. Take advantage of the season, and take control of your garage space right now.

No matter what side of the aisle you’re on when it comes to the presidential election, you can’t deny the excitement that’s building for November. As an American citizen, it’s an amazing time to be involved, and to be a part of the political process. And when it comes to campaign merchandise, well, you just can’t get enough. At least that’s what some merchants are thinking.

I traveled to Washington D.C. over the summer and wandered into a store that sold presidential candidate merchandise. Everything from bumper stickers, to t-shirts and baby bibs, was available in your candidate or party of choice. So I asked the sales clerk if she saw a trend in purchases. Without a beat she said, “Everyone wants something with Barack Obama on it.” And apparently that idea holds true across the country.

Although I’m sure sales are strong for the McCain ticket, it seems that Obama merchandise, in particular, is a hot ticket item that consumers just can’t get enough of. But if you feel as though you’ve seen everything, well don’t hold your breath, because there’s a new item in town. You can actually get a Barack Obama banner that adheres to your garage door screen. Yes, that’s right, a garage door screen. Now before you scratch your head and say, “Huh?” let me explain what it is.

You know how when you want to do work out in your garage and you want fresh air, you have to fight off the bugs and other debris, especially when the sun goes down? Well there’s a wonderful thing called a garage door screen that actually fits snug against your garage door frame. It allows you to use your garage space without feeling like target practice for mosquitoes and other annoying critters.

So you have this wonderful garage door screen, and then to top it off, it comes with heavy-duty Velcro strips that allow you to display a banner, also called an ”insert.” Here’s where the Obama banner comes in. You can actually show your support for your candidate (a McCain one is coming soon) right there for everyone to see. The benefits of this type of banner include:

• A sturdy, double-stitched construction that stands up to wind and other elements.
• A tightly woven mesh material that allows for air flow.
• It can stand on it’s own as a banner, or be attached to your garage door screen.
• The banner is portable and can be taken with you to other campaign events or neighborhood parties.
• It’s available in different sizes to accommodate your unique need.

Now’s the time to get involved, and having presidential campaign merchandise is part of the excitement. Need more information? Visit www.freshairscreens.com/obama right now.

It seems that no matter what your political affiliation happens to be, the buzz and excitement that goes along with this year’s presidential election can’t be stopped. Just ask Marvin Miller, owner of Kitty Mac Fresh Air Screens.  He’s seen the need for Americans to feel involved and show support for their favorite candidates, and produced a product that he feels is a hit.

“The excitement shared by millions of Americans for the elections this November is unreal,” he said. “No matter what side of the fence you’re on, people are really wanting to show support and display their preferences,” he said.

So Miller decided to take one of his existing products and tweak it to meet that need. A producer of garage door screens with detachable “inserts,” or banners, he developed a new design for both Barrack Obama and John McCain. These inserts can stand alone, or can be attached to one of his unique garage door screen systems.

Although his company has been around for years, the excitement of the garage door screen concept has recently been catching on.

“Think about how many parties people have that extend to outdoors and in their garages. Or what about those guys who love to watch TV while working on a project in their garage space. My garage door screens create a room that’s free from bugs or debris, and can help you maintain a clean, comfortable area,” Miller said.

The screens feature a sturdy Velcro section that can hold a banner, or insert, that is customized. Thus, the political banners came into play.

“These inserts are made of a finely woven, sturdy mesh fabric that allows for fresh air flow,” said Miller. While your neighbor’s banners are getting caught up by the wind and carried into another part of town, these banners can endure strong winds and stay attractive in your yard, hung off the side of your house, or as part of your garage door screen system.

Although Miller first developed the design for Barack Obama, a John McCain version is at press right now. He says that he would be proud for his products to be a part of this year’s campaign.

“It’s definitely an exciting event,” he said. “If everyone shows their support, it’s going to be an exciting race to watch.”

For more details about the presidential banners, or about customer banners and garage door screens, visit www.freshairscreenscom.

When it comes to finding political souvenirs and merchandise, just conduct a search online and you have millions of options at your fingertips. But when it comes to finding a way to support your favorite candidate and support your local economy all in one shot, well the task isn’t as easy.

That’s where Marvin Miller comes in. With his established local business ties and ability to “think big,” Miller has combined his existing business with the upcoming presidential elections, and come up with a winner.

A hometown businessman with a successful national business, Miller saw a need in the community and decided to go for it. The product? Presidential candidate banners that can stand alone, or can be displayed as part of his existing line of garage screen doors.

“The fit was perfect,” said Miller. “People in this community want to show their support for their favorite candidate, but often find that common yard signs don’t hold up to the weather, or they’re targets for mischief, if you know what I mean,” he said.

Through his Indianapolis-based business, Kitty Mac Fresh Air Screens®, Miller stimulates the local economy by working with a collection of vendors and workers out of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, as well as from Richmond, Ind.

His primary product, garage screen doors, are retractable mesh screens that can easily be installed within the frame of a garage door or structural opening, This allows for fresh air flow while keeping out bugs, leaves and other debris. It also allows homeowners to enjoy an extra space of their home in a more comfortable environment.

The screens have a unique sewn-in Velcro section that lets owners to hang personalized banners appropriate for special occasions, parties or events. With this new offering of Obama or McCain banners, residents can show their support in a way that allows for optimum viewing.

The banners themselves are available in three different sizes, and can be used on existing garage screen doors, by themselves, or can be purchased in a special package that includes a garage screen door and the banner of choice. The presidential candidate banners are also constructed out of a tightly woven mesh that is porous and allows for a banner-friendly air flow.

“People are really excited about this election,” Miller said. “By offering this timely product, we’re giving consumers a way to express that excitement in a unique and fun way,” he said.

These Indiana-made Obama and McCain banners can be purchased by visiting www.freshairscreens.com, or by calling 317-549-0783.