January 2011
From the Desk of Terri Norman

Thank you for sharing your feedback on the newsletter survey last month! We heard from so many of you and it was great to know that you're enjoying the newsletter along with learning what topics you'd like to read about in future issues.

One of the topics that came up a lot was that you want to learn about projects that will add to your family's enjoyment of your home, and that's exactly what I'm going to share with you today. Today we're going to explore how to create a backyard haven for your family. I know it'll be *months* before the weather will warm up so we can enjoy our backyards again, but now's a great time to start dreaming and making plans!

Enjoy!
Terri Norman
General Manager
Medallion Security

In This Issue

• How to Create a Backyard Haven
• Ready to Make Your Dream Backyard a Reality?

About the Newsletter

Medallion publishes Picture Perfect Home monthly to help you turn your house into the home your family deserves.

How to Create a Backyard Haven

This winter's been a cold one so far! Between the long, dark nights, and the snow piling up outside, it's especially enjoyable to dream about spring and how to get more enjoyment out of your backyard this year. Though you can't start digging in the dirt just yet, you can plant the seeds of a backyard haven starting today. Here are three tips to get you started.

Create a dream board

Before you start making plans, you've got to figure out what you want. One easy way to do this is with a stack of magazines (magazines like Better Homes and Gardens are really useful for this)--simply tear out all the photos that really appeal to you. You can also find photos that inspire you online, but make sure you print them out. A dream board is especially inspiring when it's something you can display in your home.

Once you've found photos you love, go through your pile and pull out those photos that really capture something you want for your backyard. Perhaps that will include a photo of a sun-dappled sunroom or a gorgeous paver patio. Perhaps you've found a photo with an artful backyard fence and lush flower garden. Then, arrange the photos on a big piece of posterboard. Experiment a bit with which photo you place where--you want this board to feel great when you look at it. Once you're satisfied with the arrangement, paste each photo into place, add words or hand-drawn decorations, if you'd like, and hang the board where you can see it throughout the day.

This dream board will get you feeling inspired and ready to transform your backyard.

Discuss your ideas

You might hold a family meeting to get everyone's input, or perhaps you'll just muse about your dreams with your partner. Discussing what you're creating in your backyard is a great way to start to see your vision take shape; what's more, these discussions can lead to great ideas you might not have considered. (Plus, you'll be making sure the backyard meets everyone's needs, which will help keep the family on board with the project.)

One word of caution: don't discuss these plans with any naysayers. You're looking for support and inspiration at this stage, not reasons why you shouldn't want what you want. Also, be alert to any reservations your partner may have and discuss them--it's important you both feel at home in your backyard.

Start grounding your dreams in reality

Now that you know what you want, and you've gotten clear on what's going to work best for your family, start considering the actual pieces involved in your plan. This can just be a simple list that might look like:

• New vinyl fencing around entire backyard to keep kids safe while they play
• Paver patio large enough for family BBQs with a built-in seating wall
• Screened porch off the dining room to enjoy meals outdoors in the summer
• Vegetable garden plot in the back corner of the yard
• Replacement sliding glass door so getting into the backyard is easier

Sit with your list for a few days, adding to it as new ideas come to you. We'll talk about what to do with this list next month.

Though it may seem like spring is ages away, winter's a great time to start thinking about how you'd like to make your backyard into a family-friendly haven. By taking these three steps this week, you'll not only get to daydream a bit about the warmer weather ahead, but you'll also be building a great foundation for transforming your backyard. Stay tuned for our next newsletter when we'll share the next steps for your backyard makeover.

Ready to Make Your Dream Backyard a Reality?

Do you already know just what your backyard needs to make it perfect for your family? If you do, give us a call today to set up an appointment with one of our consultants. At this appointment, you'll discuss your plans, whether they include new fencing, screened porches, sunroom additions, new paver patios, awnings, or a new deck. Make sure to mention you're a newsletter subscriber at this appointment so you can receive your special, subscriber-only $400 discount if your project total is over $5,000.

Your consultant will be able to answer all of your questions about how long the project will take and what it'll look like when it's done. And, what's more, when you reserve your place on our schedule now, you'll get Early Bird scheduling priority.

To set up your appointment, just give us a call at 800-234-3007.

Visit Our Showroom in Forestville, Md

Medallion is a family owned and operated company that has been in business more than 25 years. Our professional staff is committed to making the experience of purchasing home improvements enjoyable and convenient for you and your family. Our courteous sales staff, project supervisors and service department are committed to your total satisfaction.

We look forward to working with you and doing a fantastic job, whether we are installing a single door, windows or a sunroom. You can rest assured that your job will be given the care and concern you deserve. We thank you for giving Medallion the opportunity to serve you.

You will be satisfied--we guarantee it!

We'd love to give you a tour of our showroom at:
2849 Kaverton Road
Forestville, MD 20747

Contact Us

www.medallionsecurity.com
Phone: 800-234-3007
Email Terri Norman at terrin@medallionsecurity.com
For service requests: Email Crystal Rojas at crojas@medallionsecurity.com