15
Family Business Has Artistic Collections
Family. That is where it all
starts and likely where it all
ends. That is certainly the case
with Rita Houska. Many years
ago her father had an antique
store in the Yankton Mall. In
2009, she took over a small
corner of his store to sell gifts
and women’s accessories. It
wasn’t much, maybe 150 square
feet. Soon, her purses, jewelry
and other accessories took over
the coveted window space, and
she just kept growing. When
her father chose to close the
antique store, well, she just kept
going. After moving to a couple
of different locations within the
Yankton Mall, Rita’s Purse-ONalities eventually settled into
the location she has now been
in for over four years.
Many things have changed
throughout the years for
Rita, but one constant never
changed: family run. Rita’s
daughter, son, husband and
sisters have all been a part
of the successful running of
this family business. In fact,
her daughter has now taken
over a portion of Rita’s Purse
O’Nalities – Totally Twisted T’s –
and specializes in personalized
clothing and accessories using
vinyl and crystals.
Last fall the final piece of Rita’s
dream fell into place when she
opened yet another store.
Re-claimed Memories is full of
Rita’s own barn wood art pieces
and reclaimed treasures, many
built by Rita and her husband.
Most of the pieces are artistic,
and functional as well. Hallway
and coat racks, jewelry holder
and mirrors are all incorporated
into many of her projects. Rita
and her husband venture out
and tear down old barns to get
wood with intense character.
No two are ever the same,
and can be personalized for
each customer, including
names and special sayings.
Add a little bit of vision, a
few tools and elbow grease
and some pretty unique wall
hanging projects appear.
vMyths
Myth #2: The shorter I cut the
grass, the less often I need to
mow.
Truth: For the best quality turf,
only remove one-third of the
grass blade with each mow.
Shorter clippings break down
more easily, allowing some of
the natural nitrogen to return
to the soil. If you cut too much
at one time, the long clippings
can cause stress on the grass,
inhibiting healthy growth.
back to the soil.
As noted above, removing
only a small amount of the
grass blade each time you mow
produces shorter clippings
that can decompose more
quickly and discourages
the development of fungal
diseases. If you do decide to
bag, be sure to compost your
clippings and reuse on site.
Look for a lawn tractor, like the
John Deere X300 Select Series,
which comes with a mulching
feature on the mowing deck, to
help return the clippings to the
soil.
turn yield a beautiful lawn.
Consider taking a soil sample to
your local university extension
program or landscape supplier
for soil analysis. This will help
determine the best type of
fertilizer to use throughout the
year.
so you can take a break from
lawn care; however, this is
the best time to care for your
equipment. Complete mower
maintenance such as adding
fuel stabilizer, blade sharpening
and replacing missing or
damaged parts and your
mower will be prepped and
ready come springtime.
Myth # 3: Bagging it is best.
Truth: Although bagging
grass clippings is a common
practice, mulching is much
more beneficial to your lawn.
Mulching returns essential
nutrients, such as nitrogen,
Myth #4: Focus on the green.
Truth: While grass is what we
see and tend to, the soil is the
most essential component for
a healthy growth year-round.
Soil supplies the roots with
necessary nutrients, which in
continued from page 13
Myth #5: Keep a consistent
mowing pattern.
Truth: It’s easy to fall into a
mowing routine, but frequently
cutting grass in the same
direction can mat down the
turf and inhibit growth. By
varying the mowing pattern,
you will reduce strain on the
turf and encourage a healthier,
more beautiful lawn.
Myth # 6: You’re off duty in the
winter.
Truth: Many people think
grass “dies” off in the winter
v Editorial provided by
Re-Claimed Memories
Aside from practicing the
proper mowing techniques,
having the right equipment
is one of the most important
factors in maintaining a green
and vibrant lawn. The proper
type and size for your lawn
and lifestyle will help you mow
more efficiently so you can
spend more time enjoying and
less time maintaining your
lawn.
v MetroCreative Connection
“We’ve Got You Covered!”
arpet
arse n C
L
212 Walnut, Historic Downtown Yankton, (605) 665-2067 • larsencarpet@iw.net
Mon.-Fri. 10am-5:30pm, Sat. 9am-Noon, weekends & evenings by appointment
Carpet • Vinyl • Laminate • Wood
TODAY’S HOME - Spring 2015 • 15