Monday, December 29, 2014

Surprising ways hot tubs heat up relationships



(BPT) - On average, working adults spend less than an hour per day socializing and relaxing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's American Time Use Survey. Yet a host of research - and common sense - tells us that spending time together in a social, relaxing way is essential to building and maintaining healthy relationships.



Recreating that spark or special connection with your spouse or significant other, free from the distractions of everyday life, isn't as difficult as you may think. The answer can actually be found in your own backyard when you add a hot tub to your outdoor living space.



The therapeutic benefits of hot tubs are well documented - 79 percent of owners say they value the therapeutic health benefits their hot tubs present, according to a survey by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) - but many owners point to another significant benefit: the ability to spend more time with their partners.



Seventy-seven percent of owners say their hot tub is one of the few things that can truly take them away from the day-to-day stresses of life and allow them to reconnect with their partner.



Here are three surprising ways hot tubs can add some spice to your relationship:



* No distractions



The relaxed atmosphere of a hot tub promotes meaningful interaction, owners reveal. Hot tub owners typically say they use their hot tubs as a way to connect, and 82 percent say they are extremely satisfied with the level of relaxation it provides. Relaxing together outdoors, enjoying nature and each other's company without the distraction of ever-present digital devices, is a great way for couples to rediscover the things that drew them together in the first place.



* Stress soothing



Life can be pretty stressful. Countless studies tell us that too much stress is harmful on a number of levels - physically, mentally and socially. Common stressors such as money are leading causes of strife in marriages and even lead to divorce. The warm water and effervescence of hot tubs relieve stress and soothe sore muscles, allowing couples to refocus on what's most important in their lives: each other.



* The vacation effect



Something about vacation spells romance for couples; more than one getaway has led to a new addition to the family nine months later. While taking a trip more than once or twice a year isn't always practical - the average American family spends about $1,180 per person on vacation travel according to an American Express survey - a hot tub can create the vacation effect in your own backyard, and allow you to experience that special feeling of romance every day.



Spicing up your relationship begins with the right tub, and finding the right hot tub starts with a professional you can trust. APSP Certified Professionals adhere to the highest standards of service, performance and ethical conduct. Visit the APSP website to find a professional near you.



Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Crown molding - Adding a touch of glamor to your home decor



Crown molding is a great way to beautify an ordinary looking home into one that exudes class and style. Crown moldings are typically decorative strips made up of wood, plastic, or fiberboard. These are introduced to any room décor in an effort to camouflage the existing flaws and ugly blotches on the walls or ceilings. The crown molding is therefore similar to a wall decoration which adds a touch of elegance to a room, making it appear more grand and unique.



Crown molding ideas can be retraced to the Roman and Grecian culture where it became vastly popular. Wooden crown molding gained popularity later when craftsmen mastered the art of cutting, sanding, and carving wooden blocks to create masterpieces. Crown molding is affordable and can be implemented in almost any type of room. You can buy the raw materials yourself and get it made professionally by customizing it. What materials you choose for crown molding will largely determine how durable and beautiful it is going to be. Superior quality materials for home furnishing are likely to be far more expensive but are less likely to be damaged.



Home furnishing experts choose crown molding these days because it helps heighten a property's real estate standing. When a property appears visually stunning, chances are buyers will be willing to pay more for it. Simply demolishing walls to give your rooms a spacious look is not enough; instead, this is more expensive and impractical. An easier and economical alternative is using decorative columns and ceiling medallions for your home décor. These home décor ideas are easy to implement and will not cost you dearly.



Buying crown molding online can give you many advantages. This is because you can purchase your decorative columns or door casings or ceiling medallions directly from the maker without having to handle the wholesalers and retailers. They offer you the luxury of customizing your home furnishing ideas and guarantee you good quality materials. Unlike furniture, such decorative columns or ceiling medallions will not occupy unnecessary space, nor will they clutter the room. Besides, they are fire-resistant and help keep away harmful UV rays. Crown molding can be easily maintained and these products seldom rot. Installing them is never a problem and most of the products can be set up by following simple instructions, except ceiling medallions where professional assistance is recommended.



Crown molding can come in various designs like the traditionally classic designs which help add elegance and class to your home décor. Crown molding in the kitchen is similar to ceiling and wall decorations, but the installation process is different. Although challenging, using crown molding is a sure way of giving your rooms that much-needed makeover. It helps give every room a distinct flavor, an aesthetic appeal, a unique personality, and a sophisticated touch.



When choosing the crown molding for your rooms, make sure to choose the right molding depending on the room dimensions and ceiling height. Select the materials that are sturdy, dependable, and weather-proof. The world of home furnishing has undergone a revolutionary change with the advent of crown molding.



by: Walter Mitchell

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7226.shtml



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Ideas for flooring in your home





Bedroom flooring:



There are plenty of options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which uses a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling your home; you can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms; you can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess ( which is unavoidable),the flooring can withstand the burden, and also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring, you can choose laminate.



Living room flooring:



Most of the traffic in a home happens in the living room, with people coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such wear and tear done with your furniture, or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.



Kitchen flooring:



Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty, but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile, is the best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product, in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often, floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products, to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.



by: Builder Brian

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7342.shtml



Tuesday, November 25, 2014

7 real estate investing lessons we can learn from Steve Jobs



I recently read the book "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson. As brilliant as Steve Jobs was, I came away from the book not with a sense of awe about the man who Steve Jobs was, but how despite his incredible success, how idiosyncratic and deeply flawed a human being he really was.



Yes, he was a certifiable genius, although in some ways "certifiable" as well.



Yes, we'll never see anyone else exactly like him, although Apple's stock price has done quite well since his death



Yes, in American business, he will live in the pantheon of Edison, Einstein, and Ford, and he really thought he belonged there.



Yes, he did leave an indelible mark on our society - in fact, totally revolutionizing five separate industries nearly simultaneously...but he deeply hurt many people on the way in his rise to near mythic status.



Despite his greatness, he made tons of mistakes, cruelly alienated lots of people including his own daughter, and did some curiously unethical things in his relatively brief time on this earth. No doubt, the further you probe into the true personal lives of your "heroes" oftentimes the more you find, the less you like.



I came away from reading the book in a word - exhausted, but exhilarated at the same time. In fact, it was refreshing in a way to know that although Jobs was "Steve Jobs the icon", he's just a guy like you and me. I realized that you don't have to be perfect to be great. And although there are many traits of Jobs I would never emulate in my own life, I felt like there were so many brilliant lessons that can be learned from him not only as a businessman and real estate investor, but as many lessons in what not to do as a father, a husband and a human being.



The bottom line is this: you, I and anyone can be great. There are multiple paths to ultimate success in life and in real estate investing, and there are multiple lessons Steve Jobs can teach the real estate investor and which can be learned by you.



The Top Seven Real Estate Investing Lessons Steve Jobs Taught Us



1. Fear Not



Jobs was plagued by strange idiosyncrasies. His diet, his odd personal habits, his driving without a license plate, his parking in handicapped zones just to name a few. But one thing he was blessed with was a total and utter lack of fear. Lack of fear comes from many things; self-confidence, optimism, even delusions of grandeur (checkmarks on all three for Jobs here). One thing's for sure, he had enormous amounts of self-confidence. He felt he was special and that he was put on this earth to do great things by creating the technical marvels which ultimately influenced and bettered the lives of millions of people. Those innovations still affect us all each and every day.



Even in the face of terminal pancreatic cancer, he seemed to have an almost irrational sense of self-confidence and lack of fear. His self-confidence was so great; he actually thought that he could cure himself with oddball diets and rituals, while shunning traditional medicine - medicine that just may have saved his life. Incredibly, he seemed to have a complete absence of fear of the one thing that most of us are deathly afraid of...death itself.



It's terrifying to buy your first house flip, for sure. But is it as fearful as death? Keep things in perspective in order to control fear. Think of the worst case scenario if you do what you're fearful of. If you can handle the worst case pain and aggravation, then do it. If Steve Jobs could fearlessly stare down death, you can do the same.



If you're just starting, then make your first real estate purchase. If you've been around the block a few times, try a new investment strategy you've never done before. When you face your fears and do what you fear most, you end up controlling your fears.



2. Pick Yourself Up Even After Your Failures



Can you imagine the humiliation of being fired by the guy you picked to run your company? In one of the most public firings in corporate history, Steve Jobs was fired. This was big news when it happened, sending shockwaves throughout Silicon Valley and the rest of the corporate world. Jobs did wallow for a short period of time, sure. But he picked himself up and created a new company that was ultimate bought by the company and the successor he was fired by.



If you are new to real estate investing and you lose a few thousand on your first deal because you overestimate your ARV, didn't stick by the 70% Rule or failed to tightly manage your general contractors, then provided the few thousand didn't bankrupt you, pick yourself up and try again.



It's not how many times we fail; it's how many times we get back up after failure that counts most.



3. Marry Art and Functionality



Many of us have iPhones. If you have one nearby while reading this or on the desktop beside you, pick it up. Feel the weight, notice the elegant stainless steel wrapping, the Gorilla glass screen, the smooth back. Swipe a few apps from side to side, browse the Internet, touch an app and see how they all gently jiggle to be deleted or modified. If you think all these enhancements and subtle artistic nuances of the device (since copied by the Google platform) are random, think again.



Jobs dissected each of these features and weighed them for weeks and months prior to being introduced by Apple. And each feature indelibly bears his thumbprint - his signature. He married art and functionality to create everlasting products and innovation that will affect generations to come.



There are lots of posts on this website that discuss the "steps" to real estate investing, house flipping, wholesaling, you name it. Follow these steps here and learn as much as you can. But then, put your own thumbprint on each of them - just like Steve Jobs did with each of his creations.



Is there only one way to rehab a house for maximum resale? No way.



Is there only one way to round up funding for your next apartment building? Not a chance.



Virtually anyone can become a real estate investor as long as they have the desire and the ambition, but to become a massive success, it's going to take more than just what you learn from others. Its going to require you to put your own indelible stamp on every deal you do. Think like Steve jobs in how you can make your flip or rental a little bit different, enhanced or beautiful...marry art with functionality.



4. Listen to Your Inner Voice



When you are new to real estate investing, you have no voice in your head. If you do have one, that voice is usually screaming to you "don't do it!"



However, the more deals you do, a different inner voice starts to appear. This is the voice of experience.



Maybe you are thinking about becoming a real estate investor and there's something that has stopped you from doing it. You went to school, you got a good job in finance or sales or maybe you're a doctor or a dentist - but there's something missing. When we don't listen to our inner voice, we mail it in, we do what we do on autopilot.



You're reading this blog most likely because you want something more. You want to create the life you've always wanted. THAT is the inner voice calling you.



Ignore it at your own peril.



Jobs' inner voice screamed "change the world" - a pretty dramatic vision and a pretty big voice. He built computers to do it. That was his plan.



What's yours?



One thing that's abundantly clear with Jobs is that despite his many imperfections, he lived his life with very few regrets. He followed his inner voice. Whatever that voice is telling you, it would be smart to listen to it. Even if it tells you to quit your job, become a full-time real estate investor, move to Tibet or become a gourmet sushi chef, listen to it.



Live life with no regrets.



5. Expect More from Yourself and From Others



Jobs was a real prick sometimes. He would berate people. He would yell at people. He would throw little temper tantrums. He was a totally obsessive control freak.



And of course, he was an absolute perfectionist.



He demanded this from himself and he demanded the same from everyone who worked for him. I am not saying that the WAY Jobs did it was right, far from it. He seemed like a real jerk to work for.



But one thing's for sure, he pushed people to places where they never thought they were capable of going. He expected this of himself and he expected it from everyone who worked for him.



Do it in your own way and do the same thing in your real estate investment career. If you need to get upset, do it. Don't overdo it or you will find nobody will want to work with you, so be careful. But shoot for perfection and settle for excellence at the very least.



Jobs built products that revolutionized the world using this philosophy and he did it in his own way...so you do it in your own way. But don't try to be him. Be yourself and expect a lot from everyone and most importantly expect the absolute most from yourself.



6. Surround Yourself with the Most Talented People You Can Find



Steve Jobs gets all the credit when you think of the legacy of greatness at Apple. Sounds good, but it's simply not true.



Yes, Jobs made the ultimate decisions in all matters Apple from the type of sandstone used in Apple stores to the kind of glass used on iPhone screens. But what's less known is that he surrounded himself with some brilliant minds that simply made him and Apple better.



Jobs surrounded himself with serious talent: the true mastermind behind the iPhone and iPad design Jony Ive, now CEO Steve Cook, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Toy Story creator John Lesseter, just to name a few. These super-talented people (not the faceless minions kowtowing to Jobs every whim as we may want to believe) don't get the credit they rightfully deserve.



In real estate investing, surrounding yourself with an incredibly talented and knowledgeable team, including lawyers, real estate agents, general contractors, etc. - people in many cases who know far more than you - is just as important in real estate investing as it was in building one of the great companies of our generation. Steve Jobs realized that he couldn't do anything without great talent around him.



How about you?



7. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish



Success in anything in life is consistently looking to improve, to grow, to build and also to have fun. If you're going to do it for the majority of the time you have in any given day, shouldn't it be fun too? Jobs summed up this philosophy of innovation, creativity and fun in his memorable 2005 Stanford commencement address (check it out on YouTube if you haven't):



"When I was young, there was an amazing publication called The Whole Earth Catalog, which was one of the bibles of my generation. It was created by a fellow named Stewart Brand not far from here in Menlo Park, and he brought it to life with his poetic touch. This was in the late 1960′s, before personal computers and desktop publishing, so it was all made with typewriters, scissors, and Polaroid cameras. It was sort of like Google in paperback form, 35 years before Google came along: it was idealistic, and overflowing with neat tools and great notions.



Stewart and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.



Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish."



We can be just as special as he was and although we may not all build the next Apple; we can build excellence in what we do every day as real estate investors. As was previously reported on this blog, we as real estate investors not only enrich the lives of thousands of people every year with quality housing, but we create jobs and opportunities to the tune of $9.2 billion per year as well.



What we do as real estate investors matters. Jobs would agree that is a worthy dream to pursue. And we all can learn much from him - both the good and the bad. But best of all, you don't have to be perfect in to be wildly successful like Steve Jobs.



In fact, anything's possible in life if you continue to follow the simple lessons laid out above.



Author: Mike LaCava



Mike's Website: http://www.houseflippingschool.com



Are you saving enough for retirement?



(NC)-Over the several years that Desjardins Financial Security (DFS) has conducted its retirement survey, two themes have always come up: most Canadians avoid retirement planning and they're sure they haven't saved enough. So, how prepared are you?

A) You're totally confident about your financial security and retirement plans, or;

B) You know you haven't saved enough, but now you're ready to make a plan.

If you answered B, these experts from Desjardins are here to help you get started.

Djamal Saleh, Regional vice-president of sales, Individual Savings Products

1) What does retirement look like? Will you be spending your retirement traveling the world or will you just keep on working? Actually, in the most recent DFS retirement survey, 56% of respondents expected to do just that. Many said it was because working kept them active. But the most popular reason was financial. It might be nice to think that you could continue your current working lifestyle well into your 80s. But life has a way of throwing you curve balls. The reality is that less than one retiree in five continues to work. In fact, events like job loss, a disability, becoming caregiver to a loved one, or simply fatigue can change your plans in an instant. This is why it's important to visualize what your life might look as part of creating a solid plan.

Daniel Villeneuve, Tax Specialist

2) How much will I need to retire? This is a very common question so it's important to remember that you'll likely spend 25 to 30 years in retirement. For example, the average 55 year old woman who is a non-smoker will live to 86 while her male counterpart will live to 83. That being said, you will likely need a retirement income of about 70% of your gross working income.



Here's a snapshot of the type of income sources you may have if you were retiring today:

1. An employer pension, if it was available to you

2. The Canadian Pension Plan, on average about $6300 per year

3. The Old Age Security Pension, on average about $6500 per year

4. Savings in an RRSP and/or non-RRSP



Since future retirees have no control over the amounts of the first three sources of income, creating a substantial nest-egg within your RRSP and regular savings accounts will be an essential part of your written retirement plan.

Angela Iermieri, Financial Planner

3) Review your plan The golden rule to ensuring you have saved enough is to regularly review your objectives and adjust your plan as required, as circumstances can change quite often. For example, there may be changes in the tax rules, new laws, interest rates and public pension plans that may affect your goals. But if you stay flexible, all this is manageable, giving you much better odds of attaining your retirement goals.

For other retirement planning tips, tools and calculators, visit the Thinking About Retirement section of Desjardins Financial Security's website at www.desjardinslifeinsurance.com.



Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Two-in-one tools for busy moms on the go



(BPT) - Any mom will tell you there are never enough hours in the day to "do it all." Research indicates working moms spend 10 hours more a week multitasking than working dads - making useful, efficient tools Mom's secret weapon for getting more done.



"I multitask from the moment the sun comes up," says Brittany Bailey, busy mother, wife, DIY renovator and the blogger behind PrettyHandyGirl.com. "Shaving mere minutes off my day-to-day routine lets me cross more tasks off my to-do list and spend more time with my family."



Whether yours is a family of three or 13, try these multi-functional tools to keep up around the house:



Family room



Whether you're playing educational games with the kids, catching up on emails during nap time or creating a new chill-out music mix, multitasking moms can tackle all of this with a tablet or smartphone - without taking up a lot of floor space in the family room. Refreshing your device with new apps just for the kids can help keep things calm for the long family road trip or the short wait at the dentist's office, too.



Kitchen



Any mom knows keeping the kitchen tidy is a formidable task, with snacks, baking ingredients and trinkets that don't make it into the junk drawer. Consider recycling heavy-duty glass jars for extra storage without adding clutter to your countertop. Empty glass jars look chic on display, but also are hard at work when filled with sugar, cookies or even knick-knacks like keys or change. Because you can see into the jars, you'll always know what's inside.



Bathroom



Dad wants a powerful showerhead but Mom wants a hand shower to spray down messy tots, so who wins? Parents can end the debate with the Delta In2ition shower with H2Okinetic technology. This two-in-one shower system simultaneously offers the comfort of water streaming from a showerhead and a hand shower and uses an internal system to control the droplet size of the water to create the feeling of more water than a standard shower. The embedded hand shower offers the flexibility to accomplish other tasks such as bathing children, washing pets and cleaning the shower. When not in use, it easily slips back into place on the showerhead.



Utilizing two-in-one tools around the house can help busy moms stay ahead of the curve and reserve time for what really matters: quality time with family. If she's lucky, maybe she can even carve out some of that precious time just for her.



Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Year-round backyard safety tips for families



Your backyard is a space where you enjoy quality time with your family - from running around with your kids in the fall leaves to playing catch with your furry friend in the snow. It's a place to escape, but remember accidents can happen anywhere at any time, and just like you childproof your house, you need to ensure your backyard is safe as well.



Keeping your backyard safe begins with your fence. A yard without a fence is a little like a house without walls. Fences help protect children from danger, keeping toddlers out of swimming pools, hot tubs and ponds or keeping them in the yard, away from busy traffic or strangers. Fences can also help keep your own pets in your yard, and other animals out. They can reduce your liability by preventing injuries to uninvited guests on your property, or damage or injury caused by escaped pets.



A good weekend project is making sure your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless or dangerous, says Jim Paterson, senior vice president of D&D Technologies, which manufactures gate latches and hinges made of ultra-strong engineering polymers. In our research, we found that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly or becomes a threat to children was their top concern. Rust-free and adjustable gate hardware is available.



Seasonal weather, ground settling and other factors can cause a gate to become misalignedover time and not function properly. It's important to have gate hardware that can be easily adjusted to overcome this. TruClose self-closing, tension adjustable hinges are an ideal solution. Some models are vertically and horizontally adjustable as well. Combined with D&D adjustable, locking gate latches will ensure your gate will always function properly.



Additional precautions to take when childproofing your backyard:



* Tighten and cover any protruding bolts on swing sets and do not attach ropes or cords, which could become strangulation hazards.



* Remove old tree stumps and rocks, level concrete footings to avoid tripping.



*Seal wooded items such as decks, swing sets and picnic tables before inclement weather sets in.



* Completely fence pool and spa areas with adjustable self-closing hinges like TruClose and self-latching gates, ensuring latches are out of the reach of children such as the Magnalatch Safety Gate Latch. Both products carry a lifetime warranty and are adjustable both vertically and horizontally for quick and easy adjustments.



* Eliminate access to lawn equipment and chemicals. Put these items completely out of the reach of children.



* Keep a first aid kit and a rescue kit for those backyards with water features easily accessible.



Your backyard can be one of the most exciting places for your children through the entire year. A little prevention along the way will keep it safe and provide wonderful memories for your family.



Look for D&D Technologies rust free gate hardware and child safety latches at www.ddtechglobal.com or under the Stanley Hardware brand through Lowe's.



How to grow your GICs



(NC)-If you are an investor who wants the security of knowing your principal is protected, while also having the flexibility of accessing some of the money you've invested, there's an investment strategy you should know about.

In addition to offering a very secure way to safeguard your principal, Guaranteed Income Certificates (GICs) can be "laddered", so that not all your money is locked in for the same length of time.

Simply stated, laddering involves staggering the maturity dates of your GICs. You begin by dividing the money you want to invest into equal portions. Each portion is then invested into a GIC with a different term, typically with maturity dates ranging from one to five years. One of your GICs matures every year, at which point you can access those funds or you can choose to reinvest in a new five-year GIC and continue your laddering strategy.

"Laddering is also a great way to maximize your returns," adds Rosalyn Kent, head of GICs and Savings at RBC. "If interest rates rise, you can reinvest the money from the GIC that has matured at those higher rates. If rates fall, a large portion of your GIC portfolio still benefits from the original higher rates that applied when you made your initial GIC investment."

There are a number of online resources that can show you how laddering can work for you. To get you started, check out www.rbcroyalbank.com/products/gic/gic-ladder.html.



Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Raising the bar on bath safety



(BPT) - The bathroom is your daily sanctuary to retreat to and enjoy a few moments alone. For that reason, it should be serene, stylish and of course, safe. Think that words "safety" and "style" can never go together? Think again. Fortunately, it's easy to incorporate essential bath safety elements that will leave your room feeling more like a resort instead of rehab.



A twist on towel bars



When entering or exiting the bath, many homeowners reach for a towel located on a towel bar just outside the bathtub or shower. While this is a convenient location, unfortunately bathers instinctively grab onto the towel bar to ease in and out of the shower or tub. This can be a serious fall risk, since towel bars are not designed to support a person's weight. Fortunately, Moen has combined the functionality and beauty of a decorative towel bar with the safety benefits of a grab bar with the Moen Home Care Grab Bar with Towel Bar. Available in the most popular finishes to seamlessly integrate with the style of your bath, this unique product is easy to install to ensure a safe - and stylish - addition to the bath.



Safety with shelves



From shampoo to shaving cream, razors to rubber duckies, the bathtub or shower is an area where we store a multitude of items. With this in mind, homeowners are always looking for ways to conquer the clutter. Shelves are an excellent answer - especially when you can combine them with safety and peace of mind. Look for shelves that combine the functionality and style of a shelf with the safety of a grab bar. Some are featured in both corner and straight designs and will help solve your storage woes, while providing extra stability in the shower or bath.



"Grab bars are an important safety element for all ages - in fact, we could all use a little extra assistance in the shower," says Adam Ference, Moen Home Care brand manager. "By incorporating grab bars into common bathroom accessories, we hope to encourage homeowners to make every bath a safe - and stylish - bath."



Serenity with showerheads



When you think of resorts, you may recall the spectacular spa showers. You can dramatically enhance your daily shower experience by simply updating your current showerhead. There are many types, but a combination showerhead, such as the Moen Caldwell Brushed Nickel Slide Bar showerhead, can offer a relaxing retreat while also adding safety features. Combination showerheads feature both a standard showerhead and a handheld showerhead attached to a slide bar, providing users multiple spray options. And, with the added benefit of a handheld shower, users who choose to bathe in a seated position can also easily and safely enjoy the sensational experience.



Luxurious illumination



For the final step to your safety-upgraded bathroom, increase the amount of lighting. Add higher-wattage bulbs in your current lights, nightlights or additional lamps to the room for improved illumination. Another option is adding skylights. Not only will it help reduce bumps and falls, but a well-lit bathroom will also make the space feel more open and spa-like.



Increasing your safety does not mean decreasing the style in your bath. In fact, with these easy, inexpensive and attractive updates, you can quickly raise your level of bath safety, while creating a more enjoyable and stylish bathroom retreat.



For more information on Moen products, visit www.moen.com.



Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Committing to a mortgage with your honey? Consider these house hunting essentials



(NC) House-hunting couples have many important decisions to make together - from deciding on a new-build condo or century-old bungalow to agreeing on the ideal neighbourhood and the type of mortgage that will work best for them.

According to research from TD Canada Trust, 73% of Canadians bought or expect to buy their first home with their significant other. Since a home is the biggest purchase most couples will make, Farhaneh Haque, director of mortgage advice at TD Canada Trust, provides her top three tips to ensure couples are on the same page before hitting any open houses.

  • Air out financial closets - Couples should be open and honest about their current financial situation and financial history. If anything could affect the ability to secure a loan together, afford monthly mortgage payments, or interest rate increases, be upfront about it.
  • Start on the same foot - From a home office to a kitchen made for entertaining, couples should set a budget and discuss the key characteristics they want in a home, and what they are and are not willing to compromise on.
  • Saying 'I do' to a mortgage - Couples need to give as much thought to their mortgage as they do to their dream home. This includes discussing the size of the down payment, amortization period, type of mortgage and payment schedule.

"The last thing couples want is an unwelcome surprise when they're about to sign on the dotted line," Haque said. "By speaking with a mortgage specialist well before you've entered the pressure-cooker of the house hunt, couples can make informed decisions that can save money and stress in the long run."



Decorating your home with chandelier lighting and other accessories



If you are planning on making some decorative changes around the home this year, there are many lighting accessories that you can choose from. From installing elegant and regal chandeliers to simple table lamps and everything in between, finding the right pieces for the best price is easy once you know where to look and what to look for. There are many sites online that offer an amazing array of products that can light up the mood in any home, but not all are created equal.



Before you are ready to shop, consider how you want your home to look once your design ideas have come to life. The last thing you need is to have a chandelier that does not fit well in the space you intended for it to go. Taking measurements, deciding on style, color and effect are all part of the planning process when it comes to finding the right lighting accessories for your home, but it is especially important to do with chandeliers.



Of course, not every lighting remodeling project is limited to chandeliers, but can include a wide range of other options to consider as well. Table lamps, wall lights and standing floor lamps all work to add their own effect in the space they are going to be used. While light is simply light, how it is reflected in the house depends on anything from the color of the lampshade to the tint of chandelier crystals. You can change one crystal to red, and end up having a red lighting effect on the entire room.



This is just one example of things to consider when deciding how to develop a lighting scheme for the home. It is not just brightness, but effect, mood, comfort and feel as well. Lighting accessories can do wonders when it comes to the way in which light beams throughout the home as well as the mood it creates.



With table lamps, the process isn't as involved and it is pretty easy to decide what will look good and what will not. Taking a picture of some of the table lamps that interest you can help to pick the right one for your particular layout and the effect you want to create. Consider color and shade as well as the impact it has on the lighting of the entire room.



So, from easy to involved, the type of lighting you choose for your home will determine the amount of planning and visualizing that it will require. While the process is not that complicated or time consuming, skipping the preparation and research phase of any remodeling project can lead to unsatisfactory results. Making the effort now will save a lot of trouble down the line as well as ensure that you are happy with the look that you created for your home.



There are many sources online to find the best lighting accessories for your needs as well as for your budget. A good retailer will not only have a wide range of fixtures and other items available for sale, but they should also include a section for tips, suggestions and product information that will help you to make the best decision. They should also have a solid return policy as well as product guarantee in case you are unsatisfied with your purchase.



That being said, there are limitless options available online for anything from chandeliers to table lamps or red chandelier crystals, and it is easier than ever to order and have them delivered to your house. Keep in mind that you will need to wait a little while for the items to be shipped to your home, but that can be a benefit in and of itself because you can do the work necessary to prepare for installation. Whether you are ordering lighting accessories for the first time, or are a seasoned decorator, you will be amazed at the quality, selection and prices of a wide range of products found at an online chandelier store today.



by: Kathryn Dawson

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6896.shtml



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Cool weather crops are hot this fall



The growing season isn't over with the arrival of cool weather. Until the first hard frost hits, you have plenty of time to plant, pick and plate cool-weather crops. You'll save yourself some money in the grocery's produce aisle too.



Fall is a great time for gardening thanks to cooler, milder temperatures, a decrease in garden pests, and moister, well-draining soil. These conditions make it ideal for crops that prefer cooler weather. Some vegetables taste even better when nipped by light frost.

July through August is the optimum time for planting cool crops, so don't delay. Planting in summer ensures crops will have time to mature before the first freeze in fall. Choose varieties that mature quickly; you can find the days to maturity on plant tags. Starting with transplants, rather than seed, will help make the growing process much easier.

If you've been diligent in your garden all summer, you won't have much work to do preparing it for cool crops. If your garden got a little ahead of your efforts, don't worry. It won't take long to get it into tip-top shape for a second season of planting. Just follow these simple steps:

Tidy up
Remove spent plants, like early planted beans, cucumbers or lettuce, since they're pretty much done for the season and can harbor pests. Clear away holes left from pulling plants, and get rid of weeds before they go to seed. Throw away anything distressed and compost the rest.

Discard any fallen fruits, rotting produce can attract pests. Take note of where everything was planted so you can be sure to rotate crops.

Set up the soil
Freshen garden soil by removing the existing layer of mulch and replace it. Straw makes an excellent cover because it's easily scattered, it's also a favorite home for spiders that will help control insect pests in your garden. You can also use a layer of shredded leaves for mulch.

Loosen compacted soil and fluff it up with a garden fork. Major tilling isn't necessary; just move soil enough to allow new plant roots to settle in and let water get through. Test soil (you can buy a testing kit at most garden retailers) to see if it needs help. Add amendments, if needed. At the very least, work some compost in where your plants will be growing.

If you'll be using a cold frame or hoop, set it up early so that it'll be ready to go when you need it and you won't risk damaging plants and roots once they begin to grow.

Pick your plants
Starting with transplants will buy you lots of time. Since plants are six weeks or older when you put them in the ground, you'll harvest sooner than if you start from seed. Look for transplants from an established grower, like Bonnie Plants. Sold in biodegradable, environmentally friendly pots, you'll find fall varieties selected for your geographic region at most local garden retailers.

Until%20the%20first%20hard%20frost%20hits%2C%20you%20have%20plenty%20of%20time%20to%20plant%2C%20pick%20and%20plate%20cool-weather%20crops. Here are some top crops for fall planting:

* Top bunch collards - This hybrid is heavy yielding, early maturing, and more uniform than traditional varieties. They grow best in full sun, tolerate partial shade, are rich in vitamins and sweetened by frost. Space transplants 36 inches apart.

* Spinach - A cool-weather vegetable related to beets and Swiss chard, Bonnie's Spinach is a fast-growing plant, yielding many leaves in a short time in fall. Although spinach prefers full sun, it's one of the few vegetables that produce a respectable harvest in partial shade.

* Winterbor kale - This nutritious leafy green is a vigorous producer that endures winter easily. Cut the outer leaves so that the center can continue growing. Space transplants 12 inches apart.

* Early dividend broccoli - Popular, productive and easy to grow, this broccoli is high in fiber and calcium. Space transplants 18 inches apart.

* Mustard greens - Offering spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast-growing, nutritious vegetable, and always tastes sweeter when nipped by frost. Space plants 12 inches apart.

* Bonnie hybrid cabbage - Grows large, round, blue-green heads. Cabbage is especially high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, K and fiber.
Get started now to ensure your fall harvest is healthy, hefty and fulfilling. With preparation, the right plants and some diligence, you can bet on fresh, low-cost produce well into fall.



Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Turn fall festivities into a fundraiser



Fall is an ideal time to get back to cooking comfort foods, reconnecting with loved ones after summer trips and appreciating the beauty the season has to offer. Fall is the perfect opportunity to host a gathering, and since October is breast cancer awareness month why not support a great cause while you do it - host a Cook for the Cure party. Whether it's an intimate candlelit dinner or full-fledged family affair - here are a few tips to get your party started:

1. Host a party for a cause - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and a great time to turn entertaining into fundraising by hosting a Cook for the Cure party. Cook for the Cure, presented by KitchenAid asks guests to make a donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in place of a traditional hostess gift. The size of the donation is up to your guests. Register your party at www.cookforthecure.ca and KitchenAid Canada will donate $50 to help the cause. All proceeds support research, education, community care, and advocacy to create a future without breast cancer.

2. Pick your theme - A festive theme sets your fête apart. Whether you go classic autumn with rich colors or stick to a monochromatic look, once you determine the look the rest of the party will fall into place. Add fun touches like placing planters and urns outside to welcome guests and kick the party off on the right foot. Whether you go with casual or formal, trendy or traditional, a festive theme will help bring your seasonal party to life.

3. Set the mood - Music sets the tone of the event. Spend time crafting the perfect playlist to put your guests in the party spirit.

4. Make it personal - From customized drink skewers to personalized place cards, dress up your party with thoughtful details that leave a lasting impression. Mini pumpkins and gourds will add a pop of color to your table. Write guests' names on business card sized pieces of paper and attach with a pushpin and you'll have place cards that serve double duty as a takeaway after the dinner.

More information is online at www.pinterest.com/KitchenAidCa and at www.facebook.com/kitchenaidcanada.



Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Turn great art into great home decor



From the moment the first cave dweller marked the wall of his home with a bit of charcoal, art has been a home decor must that has stood the test of time. Whether it's the vibrant colors of a van Gogh, the almost-mystical perfection of a da Vinci or the dreamily diffused light of a Monet, great art speaks to the soul.



The works of master artists have inspired home decor for centuries, and technological advances have made it easier than ever to incorporate their genius into your own home. It's no longer necessary to visit the Louvre in Paris to view the Mona Lisa or to travel to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City to savor van Gogh's Starry Night.



You can easily incorporate great artwork into your home decor.



Reproductions are the most obvious - and accessible - way to enjoy great masterpieces in your home. Fortunately, you have a variety of options when looking for a quality reproduction. From simple paper prints purchased at your local home decor store to actual paintings digitally reproduced with the aid of a computer program, you can find reproductions for virtually every price point.



You can use your reproduction to enhance your home decor in a number of ways. A small print tucked into a discrete spot on the wall can add a pleasant, surprising pop of color in a room. Or, a larger reproduction can be a focal point for a room's decor, and even provide color inspiration for the rest of the room, from walls to upholstery and accessories.



Another versatile option that can be bold and striking is a wall mural. When you think of inspiring murals, does Michelangelo's famous work from the Sistine Chapel come to mind? With easy-to-install wallpaper murals, you can recreate the world's most-recognizable ceiling in your own home.



A mural can fit into the decor in virtually every room of your home. Imagine the whimsical delight of Katsushika Hokusai's The Great Wave of Kanagawa as an accent in your master bath. Or, van Gogh's Cafe Terrace at Night can impart a distinctive Old World flavor to the decor in your breakfast nook. You can even incorporate a masterpiece mural in your outdoor design. Website MuralsYourWay.com offers wallpaper murals in SmartStick, a peel-and-stick material that can be used indoors or out and adheres to most smooth wall surfaces (including glass) and is easily removable and repositionable. No paste is needed and you can use the mural over and over again.



Your foray into great art doesn't have to be limited to paintings, however. While reproductions of renowned sculptures are easy to come by, and an obvious choice, you can also find a variety of accessories and even furniture that draw their inspiration from famous works of art.



Looking for something thought-provoking and edgy for your home decor? Consider items - from wall clocks to furniture - inspired by the work of Salvador Dali. Is modern and abstract more to your taste? Fabrics that draw on the colors and design of Picasso's works may fit your vision.



Great art speaks to the soul, and whatever genre you prefer - impressionist, Renaissance, modern or abstract - you can find a place for it in your home. Thanks to modern technology, it's easier than ever to enjoy great art and incorporate it into your decor.



Tuesday, September 30, 2014

New fabrics make roller shades sensational



The first window covering you bought, as a student or maybe a young married, was doubtless a roller shade. It most likely came in a limited range of colors, but cost a very few dollars and, if you treated it well, provided the needed privacy for many years. That's still true of some roller shades, but not all.

"The range of fabric choices in our new roller shade sample book simply blew me away," says Mary Dobson, spokesperson for Levolor Window Fashions in Canada and also a guest expert on CityLine. "I can find techno fabrics there for clients who must have the modern look, as well as whimsical patterns for a child's bedroom. It's a very broad choice."

Interior decorators are often impressed by the way roller shades can be dressed up with draperies and valances to create a layered treatment that's at the same time functional and stylish. On the other hand, many of the new fabrics are quite distinctive in order to make a style statement of their own - bringing visual excitement to a room.

"At Levolor, we have been seeing a steady increase in the use of roller shades, especially in urban condo spaces," says Mike Muyal, director of marketing for the company. "We expect this trend to accelerate in the fall, with the new fabric collections. Now, we truly have something for everyone - sheer and solid, woven and natural, with many designer patterns in subtle shades and weaves. A clean, uncluttered, modern look with a matching valance or a cassette."

Although it is possible to review new products and colors and options on line, Mary strongly recommends working through an independent retailer, or selected home-improvement retailers, whose experienced decorators will help ensure a perfect choice and hassle-free installation.



Take a look at the new roller shades and the expanded range of fabrics at www.levolor.ca.



Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Building isn't just for boys: Getting girls engaged in constructive playtime



(NC)-How many times have you walked into your child's classroom only to see the boys and girls separated into two different groups, playing with completely different toys? The boys are likely huddled around the building blocks, creating skyscrapers and forts, while the girls are busy painting and coloring.

Sure, you can chalk it up to society's gender expectations to explain this play divide but does it mean girls have no interest in construction play at all? Unsurprisingly, the answer is no. Toy companies that specialize in the design of building toys have long researched the patterns of construction play among girls, specifically, and understand its long-term benefits.

From developing language skills to boosting a sense of achievement, construction play serves as a stepping-stone for a young child's intellectual future. "Playing with building toys provides children an ideal way to engage in discovery-based learning," says Dr. Maureen O'Brien, developmental psychologist and child play expert. "It is through this type of learning that children are able to build their confidence through trial and error and develop a sense of achievement, enabling them to physically link their world to the play world, building their brains in the process."

The learning benefits of block play are further enhanced when layered with open-ended, imaginative play, such as make-believe with dolls. Children begin to understand their world and give it perspective by playing with toys that enhance exploration through customization and storytelling. This combination of block play and role play is a boost to your child's development.

Understanding that girls love and benefit from creative construction as much as boys do, O'Brien has some tips on incorporating building play as a regular activity for your daughter:

Make construction playtime a group activity - Girls are able to spend time collaborating, assisting and supporting one another over a building project when in groups. This strengthens interpersonal relationships.

Emphasize storytelling - By connecting a story to their creation, children learn and understand problem solving skills, language development and the elements of decision making - all important next steps in the learning process. Construction toys designed specifically for girls can help them tell their story. Have you seen the Mega Bloks Barbie Build n' Style Luxury Mansion, for example? It is considered the perfect balance of building and playing. The play-set allows girls to build, design and re-design, decorate and style Barbie doll's home any way they want.

Incorporate familiar characters - A way to motivate girls with construction play is with characters they already know and love. The Mega Bloks Barbie example is a great fit here as well. The construction line features mini figures and iconic Barbie details that appeal to girls. When girls recognize characters, they will likely be more inclined to try something new.

Join and guide the fun - Playing with your daughter during building time increases her chances of learning from the activity. Even when parents and children sit and walk through building instructions together, children are exposed to problem solving skills needed to assemble the construction set.

O'Brien encourages parents to break through the traditional playtime expectations to instill life-long benefits of construction play - especially for girls. The skills they will acquire through a simple shift in their play routine can expose them to numerous future opportunities.



Tuesday, September 16, 2014

How to get your offers accepted to buy properties



The biggest challenge facing most real estate investors is making acceptable offers, especially when buying properties is the basic foundation of real estate investing.



Unless you buy properties, you cannot make any money.



Here is how to make offers that get accepted.



The offer you make depends on the type of property you are buying.



1) Buying from motivated sellers



If you buy houses from motivated sellers, it is necessary to have the following pieces of information:



a) Market Value



Do your due diligence to find out conservatively how much the house would be worth in perfect condition. You must have this information before you can make any offer.



b) Mortgage balance



You must get this information before you can make an offer. A seller who is not willing to disclose this information is not motivated enough. Move on to a motivated seller.



The mortgage balance must allow you to buy the house and still leave you with a profit. It must allow you to make a profit and own it free and clear.



c) Repairs needed



It is possible to estimate repair costs with the information provided by the seller.



You must know how much you need to fix up the house before you can make an offer. Of course, I like to see the house and do my own repair estimates.



d) Asking price



If the owner is asking for too much money given the above 3 pieces of information, the dealmight never happen.



A good asking price must take into account the market value, mortgage balance and repairs. You can then make an offer based on the asking price. Make an offer if the mortgage balance allows you to make a profit.



Even though it is necessary to consider the seller's needs, no offer can be too low. If they are facing foreclosure, then they probably need some money to move, or their asking price might be just enough to get away from the property.



If the mortgage balance is too high compared to the value of the house, it does not make sense to make an offer. Move on to the next deal.



There is no bad offer, except the one you have not made. Always make the offers that make sense to you. You'll be surprised how many get accepted.



2) Buying foreclosed properties



The asking price and repairs are the only important considerations to make in this case. Banks selling these properties are willing to negotiate.



Most REOs are listed below market value. Depending on your exit strategy, if the numbers are close to making sense, by all means make an offer.



Lastly, remember to make your offer lower than the asking price.



by: Simon Macharia

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6984.shtml



Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Laminates - Textures, colors, and choices for all your interior needs



Laminates let you create your own world of imagination. You choose from a sea of textures, colors, and choices. Laminates are affordable as well. So, if you are the one who is considering a home make-over, choosing laminates for this job is the best option you have. Plastic laminate products are durable as well as affordable. Whatever your aesthetic preference or budget, plastic laminate products can easily make your home come alive like never before. Give it a try and see yourself.



Plastic laminate products satisfy all your interior needs - kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, wardrobes and/or edgings.You in fact have all the time on this planet to choose from the entire range of designs, colors, textures, and finishes. Compact grade laminate are robust and ideal for applications that demand long life, minimum maintenance, damage resistance, and hygiene. These laminates give your interiors an all-round finish with a striking design feature. Your home will love it.



You can even check out laminates sitting at your favorite couch. All you need to do is surf several leading sites selling plastic laminate products. Check out the range of textures and colors, and choose what you find the best for your home-interiors. Now, isn't that easy?



However, one thing that you should keep in mind is to deal with a reliable seller/producer and not a newcomer in the industry. When you deal with a professional and experienced producer of plastic laminate products, you get the top-quality products at the most-competitive prices in the market. So, take you time. Think, compare, ask others, and choose the best for your sweet home. With laminate countertops, give your home a new look. And, your home will thank you for this.



As already mentioned above, laminates come with an impressive long life and minimal maintenance needs, using these laminates are a wise choice. Also, look for the instructions by the manufacturer and follow the same so that you don't have to face any problem half way. So, make-up your mind, do some research, and give that much needed make-over to your sweet home.



By: Smith, John

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7296.shtml



Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Final Walk-Through: What to Expect at your Final Walk-Through before Closing



It's smart to perform a final walk-through before closing. It's your last chance to make sure the home you're about to buy is in the condition you're expecting. Here's some great tips that you may not have thought of in preparing for your final walk-through.



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Staging your Home: Advice for Sellers



Ten inexpensive real estate staging tips to help create a 'mood' or 'emotion' to entice and connect with potential home buyers.



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Financing: Advice for Homebuyers



This YouTube channel, provided courtesy of Chase, offers the ins and outs of mortgages, how the loan process works and how to select a lender. Worthy of viewing regardless of whom you select as your lender.



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First-Time Homebuyer Tips: Things to Know when Buying your First Home



First-time homebuyers need to keep their ownership goals in mind and make sure to not rush into decisions or feel pressured. This video offers some great lessons from real first-time home owners.



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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Give your home a quick refresh with these budget-friendly tips



(BPT) - Whether you are buying, selling or simply remodeling, you are looking to invest in updates that will increase the value and appeal of your home. It's natural to want it all, but before you over-personalize or break the bank, there are many simple, budget-friendly changes that can increase the value of your home without the risk.



Cassandra LaValle, interior designer and editor of the acclaimed lifestyle and design site, Coco+Kelley, offers these tried and true tips for upping your home value without overdoing it.



* Refresh with paint: You may not be able to replace large appliances or countertops, but in the kitchen adding a fresh coat of neutral paint to outdated cabinets and swapping out hardware can go a long way in making the space feel refreshed.



* Little luxuries in the bathroom: Replace your current shower head with a rain shower, like the Waterpik RainFall+. Completely budget-friendly and easy to install - it takes less than five minutes - this showerhead can make a huge difference in an everyday routine - giving a spa-like experience with multiple high-performance spray settings.



The same goes for lighting - brightening up this space in particular can be a big selling point.



* Don't forget about the outside: Every home needs curb appeal. If you can't afford major landscaping, focus on the entrance to the home. Again, updating with paint and hardware on the front door will be a welcoming touch, while a couple of really great potted plants at the entryway add to that focal point.



* It's in the details: Consider adding small details to rooms that will elevate the style. Framing out windows, or adding baseboards, molding or wainscoting to a space will leave it feeling a bit more polished.



No matter how big or small your projects, remember it doesn't take a lot of money to make a big impact to any space.



Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Clean the grill thoroughly for taste and hygiene



(NC)-Do summer cookouts leave a bad taste in your mouth? Unbeknownst to many grilling enthusiasts, the food racks need to be sanitized after every use and the entire grill needs to be cleaned at least once a year. Charcoal, oils, and hardened burnt scraps on the grates and basin, can cause fresh food to stick to the rack and adhere to your newest grilled cuisine. This, of course, can leave a distasteful flavour on your otherwise mouth-watering meal. Take a look at a few simple steps from the Reliable Corporation, to make sure your gas grill is sparkling clean and barbecue ready, without the use of chemicals:

Steam Clean

• Remove grate(s) from the grill for easy clean-up.

• Attach the brass round brush on the EnviroMate Brio (EB250), Reliable's multi-purpose steam cleaning system.

• Allow the steam cleaner to heat up for approximately 5 minutes, before blasting away build-up with 245°F pressurized steam.

• Scrub grate with the brass round brush to ensure all grease and soot have been removed.

• Wipe excess moisture on the grate using the fabric cloth included with the steam cleaner.

• Place grate(s) back onto grill.

Finishing Touches:

• Use the steam cleaner's extension nozzle to rid the stainless steel exterior of any grime. This is also used for eliminating any build-up on the base. Wipe down with a cloth to leave it shining inside and out.

More information is available online at www.reliablecorporation.com.



Choosing the best garden furniture!



Garden furniture, also popularly known as outdoor furniture and patio furniture, is perfect for your outdoor settings. They are also very useful for seating arrangements in gardens, lawns, hotels, and restaurants. A patio set consists of a table, chairs (four to six), and an umbrella or parasol. These can be customized according to the need of the buyer and what setting they plan on using it in. For example, you can have a fixed or movable parasol as well as a fixed or movable parasol heater to enable people to sit outside during cold weather conditions. Garden furniture is made of materials which can withstand a range of weather conditions and is durable. The most common materials used are wood, aluminum, wicker, plastic, and wrought iron.



Popular Types of Garden Furniture





Due to the availability of a variety of materials, garden furniture is made in lot of different styles to give your garden a new look and feel. Following are the most popular styles.



* Wooden garden furniture: It's been popular from the start and meets the needs of all kinds of home settings. Popular varieties among wood are teak, acacia, softwood, and hardwood. Teak is very durable due to the presence of protective oils, is very dense and very strong. Acacia is available in appealing textures and can withstand water, as well as being flexible and strong. Hardwood is very strong and durable for all weather conditions. Softwood is light in weight, but is strong and is very useful for movable furniture.



* Rattan garden furniture: It is very durable, attractive and made from woven synthetic plastic. It is also light, comfortable, and requires low maintenance. It comes in various styles, colors, and designs, and are made more comfortable by adding cushions. Rattan furniture is also a very popular choice because of its resistance to water and heat.



* Plastic garden furniture: This is another wonderful option for a simple and cost-effective setting. It is not too stylish but is quite durable in varying weather conditions. It is also light in weight, available in many colors, and great for movable furniture.



* Cast-iron garden furniture: It is a slightly more expensive option but is very durable and strong compared to other materials. It also requires much less maintenance and is weather-resistant. It is available in various designs and is quite stylish.



Before shopping for the right garden furniture, it is essential to analyze the needs of your outdoor spot and the decide on the right type of material for your furniture. There are a number of styles and looks available for an outdoor setting, and these living room styles provide comfort and durability suitable for all weather conditions. Some other factors to keep in mind are the type of sets available and their cost compared to your budget.



by: Broad Gallacher

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7267.shtml



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Financial planning for you and your small business



(NC)-If you are self-employed or a small business owner, chances are you focus much of your time on running your business, making it easy to overlook personal finances. Monitoring your personal goals is just as important as your business goals.

"Business owners are more likely to invest solely in their business, and sometimes this is necessary in order to keep the business going," says Jason Round, head of Financial Planning Support at RBC Financial Planning. "While it is important to have a strong focus on your financial goals for your business, it is just as important to put the same care and attention into your personal finances."

Round offers personal investing strategies for business owners:

• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) - an RRSP can play a key role in diversifying your net worth and provide you with exposure to different business sectors to minimize your investment risk.

• Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) - is an important investment vehicle to save money for personal and business needs and minimize taxes whether for short or long-term goals.

• Succession planning - a good succession plan will help you to think about the market value of your business, making it easier to exit the business when you are ready.

For more information, please visit http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/commercial/index.html



Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Summer saving tips



Summer time is one of the happiest seasons of the year. This is the perfect time to get a week of vacation from work, go to the beach and enjoy time with friends and family. As summer could mean happy times, it could also mean more expenses as you spend for family getaways and as electric bills go up due to more people staying in the house and using electric appliances. To help you save money during summer time, here are some helpful tips:



1. Turn off unnecessary household appliances



Be cautious on what appliances kids use. Turn of unnecessary appliances that might just add up to your bill. Turning off the air conditioning during a cold night is one of the helpful things to practice.



2. Let the kids try a summer business



Instead of allowing your kids to just spend more of their money during summer, you can even teach them how to be thrifty and run a summer business. They can try setting up a Lemonade stand or have a garage sale of their old clothes and toys. This way, the kids learn to value money and spend little or just enough for their needs.



3. Save on groceries



Grocery shopping, combined with the money we spend "eating out," makes up a huge portion of our monthly expenses. In order to save more money during summer, you must learn how to save money on your groceries. Choosing less expensive drinks, avoiding single-serving snacks and being realistic about the amount of food you need are some helpful ways to save you some bucks on your groceries.



4. Avoid credit cards



Using your credit card means borrowing money from the bank that issued the card. And since credit cards often have high spending limits, it encourages cardholders to spend more and more money based on their credit limit. This therefore leads to uncontrollable spending. It is more helpful then to use a prepaid debit card or a prepaid money card when making purchases as these types of cards have credit limits based on the amount of money that the cardholder has from their own bank account. This helps the cardholder think twice before spending as he knows the money will be deducted from his own savings account.



Saving money during the summer season does not mean though that you have to spoil your happy times with your family. With careful planning, budgeting and following these simple tips from reassessing your groceries to choosing prepaid debit cards over credit cards will surely help you save more money that you can use for your family"™s future needs.