Next time you hear.......“I can’t!!!” Show them this...

Next time you hear.......“I can’t!!!” Show them this... Touching the sky without arms After looking at this email, all I can say is WOW.. Never look down on anybody, unless you're helping them up. "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point." WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART... PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.. AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS...

Affordable Home Improvement: More than Just the Hammer

Affordable Home Improvement: More than Just the Hammer


Guest Post: Ella Davidson of Coupons.org wrote this post. Coupons is a couponing site that strives to give consumers the necessary tools to save money.
From ten cents for a nail all the way up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for add-ons to the house. Home improvements come in a wide array of budgets but one fact stands true: your wallet will take a hit from that hammer too. The good news is that you can really cut down on the impact on your wallet, but you need to look at the improvements correctly, plan ahead, and use the right tools for the project at hand. If you do those three things correctly then you can save money beforehand, during, and after the project.
The good news is that if you are reading this then you are already taking steps in the right direction. The cost of labor is a large expense when it comes to home improvement. If you plan on doing the project yourself, then you have already saved yourself tens to thousands of dollars. Now all you have left to purchase is raw materials. But there is one more step first.
You can really cut down on costs if you understand the project and do all the necessary homework before you get to the hammer. Try reading some of the many home improvement magazines that exist, such as Remodeling, Journal of Light Construction, and Builder. If those did not answer all of your questions, you can check here for a list of more magazines. You can use the information garnered from the magazines in tandem with the Internet and free advice from professionals at your local home center to get a grasp of the project.
This pre-planning can help avoid the costs of unnecessary engineers, architects, and builders. Remember, safety first though. Do not avoid these professionals if they are needed for your project. But even if you do end up using their help, your pre-planning will expedite the process, increase understanding with both parties, and save you money by cutting down on the professionals’ time.
Now comes the time to start the project. This means buying the raw materials. Make sure you do your research as you would with any project. Avoid picking products just because they have the lowest price. Sales on superior construction material are rare because items like wood and paint do not go out of fashion next season or even next year. Research your items such as the brand, the models, its durability, and its size to avoid complications later. You can use the Internet for this process since many retailers provide options to compare prices and the aforementioned characteristics.
But if you circumvent this step then you can end up with extra expenses that come from wasted material and wasted time. Too much or too little of a material and you will end up wasting time, energy, and resources. If you pick the wrong type then next year it could ruin, break, or fail.
However, this is also good new for you. A new up and coming industry within construction is reclaimed materials. This is where leftover or unnecessary materials from projects and homes are reclaimed and sold to the consumer at a cheaper price. The kinds of reclaimed materials are varied but can include recycled paint, doors, and cabinets. Second Use is a good example of a Seattle based company that has been working with reclaimed materials since 1994. Make sure you check out reclaimed materials to see if there is anything you can check off your list.
While you are doing all of this planning, try and save money after the fact as well. If you are remodeling your kitchen try using double-pane or triple-pane windows that will save you energy. If you shop at the right time you can get rebates from states, cities, or companies if you go green. This means that if you add a solar panel to your kitchen roof, then you could practically be getting paid to remodel.
If that is too much, then check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s simple checklist that can be found here. It can help you cut energy costs and it ranges from turning off lights to landscape design to insulation and window replacement.
In the end, make sure that you are valuing your own time as well. Avoid becoming a contractor yourself, but you can really save yourself a bundle if you take all of this into consideration. Take these tips, make sure to fully study the improvements, plan ahead, and use the right tools and materials. Then you can give your wallet a break while your hammer does the work.

Peace and Quiet

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Guest Blogger: Simples Ideas for Going Green in Your Own Backyard

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Guest Blogger: Simples Ideas for Going Green in Your Own Backyard

Jan 31, 2012 06:30 am

Guest Blogger #352, Entry #930, January 31, 2012

It’s no secret that more people are incorporating green living into their lives than ever. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to jump in on the green movement, your backyard might be the place to start. When you look out your window today and see an average backyard with everyday features, there’s no reason why you can’t transform it into a green haven that leads to bigger and better things. There’s lots of opportunity for any type of backyard whether it’s relatively bare or already filled with fantastic trendy features. And it’s not just about saving the earth or preserving resources, there are practical reasons for going green that can help you to save money as well. Best of all, it might just turn into a project that results in a tremendous source of pride for your entire family. Here are some simple ideas that can help you to get started with a greener backyard.

How do you green your backyard?

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Re-Size Your Grass Space

Watering a lawn and backyard grass space takes a tremendous toll on our most precious natural resource. It’s not uncommon for particularly hot areas to put a ban on watering during the summer. And even when there is no such ban in place, you have to wonder about exactly how much water you’re using every year to keep all that grass looking healthy. You might want to think about scaling down the amount of grass you have in your backyard and possibly replacing it with something that uses up less resources. You might think that it’s strange to “go green” by actually eliminating the vegetation, but the world will do just fine without your bigger backyard. It’s far better to find a better purpose for all that water it uses up.

A Recycling Station

It’s amazing to think that some parts of North America aren’t totally on board with recycling yet. Hopefully you live in a community where there are incentives to recycle all manner of everyday household items. Even if you don’t, there’s no reason why you can’t start separating normal garbage from things that can be used again. Recycling is a great way to get the kids on the action since they can help out as well. You can create a full-fledged station design for education, and there’s no reason why he can’t be fun at the same time.

Compost

Along the lines of setting up a recycling station, you can do the same thing for organic waste. One of the major objections to forming a compost bin is the perceived mess. But imagine what happens when all that extra garbage gets put into landfills. Separating organic garbage and dealing with it in your own backyard helps to reduce the stress on landfills and the environment. Even if you don’t use the resulting fertilizer yourself, there are plenty of places that will happily accept it.

Consider more paving than greenery

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A Green Garden

There are many benefits to starting up a garden of your own even if you don’t have green thumbs quite yet. For many people, they discover that it’s a relaxing activity where they can progress at their own pace. Even better, when you put enough time into the project you’ll end up with produce you can use in your own kitchen. There are heavy transportation and environmental costs associated with traditional farming, and simply getting all that progress to your grocery store uses up a lot of energy. You can take a little bit of the stress off the situation by using your own vegetables that will also serve as a fun alternative for your daily menu.

Energy Saving

a lot of people ignore daily energy-saving habits in their backyard. And yet people make sure to turn off all the lights in their own home or reduce water usage while brushing their teeth. You should have the same diligent attitude when it comes to your own backyard and make sure that any patio lights, outdoor heating, toolshed sources, or water hoses are turned off when not in use. You might also want to put aside your old traditional charcoal grill and opt for a natural gas model instead. There are plenty of gas grills on the market that can easily use a backyard line to save you money while giving you enough power to cook awesome feasts as well. And as you implement a few simple energy-saving matters, you might look into the future to see if wind and solar power might be reasonable options as well.

Consider a 'green' backyard for water conservation

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This article about green backyards comes to us from our friends at gasgrillsandbbq.com where you can find reviews on natural gas grills that would fit the green model. Or if you’re not quite ready to make the transition yet, you can also find information on buying a hybrid charcoal grill that offers you the best of both worlds.
For more green living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Guest Blogger: How to Choose a Patio Scheme to Fit your Design Style

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Guest Blogger: How to Choose a Patio Scheme to Fit your Design Style

Jan 30, 2012 07:00 am

Guest Blogger #351, Entry #929, January 30, 2012

As unique as your personality is, so are designs and decorations for your outdoor patio. Are you a bird enthusiast who likes one side of the patio lined with bird feeders and flowers to attract hummers? Perhaps you want the focus to be a family patio with a fire pit to roast marshmallows. Most important to a premier chef is a stainless steel grill that does charcoal and propane, plus a matching storage cabinet to stash the extras. Be creative as you decorate these three distinct patio types: the traditional brick patio that is adjacent to your home, a patio deck and a nontraditional fishpond and gazebo combo.

What type of patio fits your design style?

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Traditional Brick Patio

If you choose a brick patio, include a central fire pit, a three-foot high privacy brick wall and special rope lighting. The flooring itself is of patio brick, either uniformly or irregularly sized, depending on the look desired. The reddish brick retaining wall is stacked, layered and offset, which makes it ideal for placing a couple of sections of window box planters on top. These planters, filled with vines that trail, soften the look of the brick. Intersperse the vines with yellow and violet pansies and pink and purple petunias. Color the outside of the retaining wall with shrubs and hostas. Place fuchsias in freestanding hanging baskets. These red trumpet type blossoms along with red beebalm entice the most timid of the hummingbirds. A fountain to one side, glass block lighting on the top of the walls in the corners, and wrought iron furniture with similar style outdoor umbrellas gives your patio an elegant look.

Patio Deck

Perhaps you prefer a deck, made of wood or composite decking, complete with railing and benches. You’ll never have to paint the composite decking; just wash it off! Build benches all around the sides of the deck, not just for people to sit on, but also for storage of barbeque accessories, cushions, or outdoor game equipment. While the stainless steel grill and cabinet sit to one side, the redwood patio furniture with cushions takes center stage. If a large group of friends gather, place the additional plastic chairs on the lawn. Put marigolds or short zinnias in planters by the sides of the benches and on top of the railings. For your evening glow, use torches, rope lighting or lanterns.

Patio deck options

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Nontraditional Combo

Be a little nontraditional and follow a brick pathway from the house, out and around a fishpond and over to a gazebo. Dot the pebble pathway and surrounding landscape with holly bushes, day lilies and small ornamental trees. Circle the pond of bright orange, black and white coy fish with green plants. Continue the patterned brick way up to a screened-in gazebo. Decorate the gazebo with bright annuals on the outside and attractive wicker furniture on the inside. Paint some simple wooden Adirondack chairs and put them here and there along the pathway. These particular chairs go with any casual patio setting and seem to invite family fun. They can be painted in stripes, flowers, polka dots, cut-up summer fruits and even red, white and blue.
Kelly writes for Patio Shoppers, focusing on patio design using outdoor furnishings.
For more outdoor living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Guest Blogger: The Benefits of Professional Cleaning your Carpets

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Guest Blogger: The Benefits of Professional Cleaning your Carpets

Jan 29, 2012 12:12 pm

Guest Blogger #350, Entry #927, January 29, 2012

Cleaning is a never ending job to attain a healthy, relaxed and comfortable living. Our floor covering is one item in our homes and offices that needs regular cleaning to preserve and prolong its life. Carpet cleaning is one of the challenges in the process of cleaning our houses or offices.

The Benefits of Professional Cleaning

The benefits of professional carpet cleaning

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Carpets are extremely difficult to clean because the dirt and dust are embedded and accumulated in it. When the dirt is embedded in the carpet, it causes the carpet to wear down. It loses its form and texture it once had. If the carpets are not properly cleaned, it can cause extreme allergy problems to those who come into contact with it.

Expert Results

Carpets need deep cleaning in order to get the dirt out of it. Proper carpet cleaning will result to a better carpet smell and will make the carpet looks like new again. If you want your carpet to be cleaned properly, it is best to hire a professional carpet cleaner who knows best about proper carpet cleaning and in getting the best dirt out of the carpet while keeping it in its best shape. A carpet cleaning technician is a person expert in removing the deeply-seated dirt, grimes and stains from carpets. They usually use cleaning solutions, equipment and techniques in carpet cleaning.
Professional carpet cleaners accumulated, worked and practiced set of skills for carpet cleaning. Professional carpet cleaners are able to determine the content of the carpet fibers and padding to know the best cleaning technique and solutions he will apply. He is aware that some carpets are highly sensitive. He knows which chemicals are harmful to a particular carpet fiber.

Best Cleaning Solutions

A reputable carpet cleaning technician is also knowledgeable on the best cleaning solutions that work best for particular stains and grimes on the carpet. He usually uses chemical s blended with biological technologies for a long lasting and anti-soiling effect. He also uses appropriate spotters and does not use highly concentrated spotting agent that can damage the floor covering.

Carpet cleaning will produce a healthier home

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Professional carpet cleaners are also aware that the carpet should not be over wet and because this may cause carpet shrinkage and adhesion. He will not also over use shampoos and detergents because this may leave residue on the floor covering that may not be removed even by thorough vacuum cleaning.

Extracting the Carpet

One of the most difficult parts of carpet cleaning is extracting the carpet. If this is not done properly, molds may develop beneath the padding. Thus, there is a need to employ the services of a carpet cleaning technician who has mastered this skill. He is perfectly aware of how much extracting a particular carpet needs, and how much drying it needs to be considered dry.
Hiring a professional carpet cleaner may mean an additional expense, however, it is not. The little amount of money that you will spend to hire one is practically nothing compared to the amount that you need to spend for the repair of your carpet. More important, professional carpet cleaners’ main concern is to endure that their clients get the best quality of service.
For more flooring ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Bringing Farmhouse Kitchen Inspiration to your Home

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Bringing Farmhouse Kitchen Inspiration to your Home

Jan 29, 2012 07:30 am

 Entry #926, January 29, 2012

Lately, I have been seeing more and more farmhouse kitchens. Usually characterized by the apron farmhouse sink, schoolhouse lighting, rustic amenities, butcher block countertops, and down home charm, farmhouse kitchens can be traditional or add elements of modern thrown in.

Modern farmhouse elements in this lovely kitchen

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Today, I thought I would show you some gorgeous farmhouse kitchens. I still can’t decide which one is my favorite!
Enjoy!

Rustic mountain inspired

Love the traditional meets modern in this rustic farmhouse kitchen

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Restored farmhouse

This restored kitchen brings beautiful country charm

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Unexpected details

The red floors and plate rack shelving at the windows are unexpected!

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Design your kitchen around your sink

Plan your kitchen around your gorgeous farmhouse sink!

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Farmhouse kitchens seem to bring back a nostalgic history to a home. Incorporate some of these elements into your kitchen for a timeless appeal that can only come from a farmhouse kitchen!

For more kitchen ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

DIY Saturday #86 – How to Decorate your Home with Feng Shui Ideas (Video)

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DIY Saturday #86 – How to Decorate your Home with Feng Shui Ideas (Video)

Jan 28, 2012 06:08 am

Guest Blogger #349, Entry #925, January 28, 2012

Happy DIY Saturday! For most of you, finding a way to bring a more peaceful environment into your home is a must. From the colors you choose, the way you face your furniture, to what home decor elements are placed around your home is important.

Decorate your home with peaceful elements

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Today, learn how Feng Shui can help you decorate your home for a more peaceful and balanced home environment. Watch this You Tube video for creating a Feng Shui bedroom, and then my Guest Blogger gives tips for decorating with Feng Shui.

A Feng Shui Bedroom – You Tube video

Guest Blogger – How to Decorate with Feng Shui Elements

In many houses around the world, the popularity of utilizing Feng Shui to redesign is actually growing in popularity. These famous renovation suggestions include a visual design with things inside a room or perhaps house having the goal of attaining harmony and balance. As much as Feng Shui redecoration can be involved, colors and placement for stuff are fully necessary. Somebody’s emotional and physical condition may be motivated with fantastic harmonic colors, that really help improve specific energies in aspects of his/her lifestyle.

Feng Shui Colors

Feng shui renovation colors may be segregated below Yin and also Yang colors. While Yang colors such as Red, Orange and also Yellow is anticipated to develop inspiration and positivism, Yin colors for example Purple, Blue and White are able to support relaxation. Natural factors or nature as well offers an important role to play in Feng Shui decorating. You are able to realize various appearances in various locations by using different types of vegetation. Based on professional Feng shui Tips, while plants with the spines like the cactus and others may be included in energetic places like the cooking area or perhaps workplace, those having rounded edges can be used good in rooms of enjoyment for example the bedroom. To begin simply without having done a total renovate, you could think about altering the color structure and plants you’ve in the current room.

Make your home work together

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Feng Shui Components

This style as well recommends the use or keeping of unique products or components in specific areas to get triggering good energy. Indoor water fountains are able to perfectly be put in the north, east or southeast areas of the room. They should do not be put into the south since this is perfectly suited for fire. You need to avoid putting a water element inside the bedroom as it may bring worry. You are able to using a Feng Shui energy guide so you can get more information concerning the placement of features and interaction involving the elements. A residents of the home can benefit by ideal energy attraction with the perfect positioning of these features into their house.
Professionals in that discipline as well suggest using gorgeous rocks and crystals close to the fountains to improve the positive energy rising from the water source. Flowing water features are able to eliminate poisons and make better energy regardless of the spot where they’re included in your house. Although a water element inside the bedroom isn’t recommended, there’s a lot of other areas one may be used. Truly wonderful water features is found relatively cheaply in local home shops such as Pier1 Imports or perhaps Home Depot or Lowes.

Make every space inviting

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Yin and Yang

Yin and Yang energies may be balanced completely using the correct Feng Shui components in the house. As a result may have a good influence on your lifestyle. You can also restore control over your life or, really easily, relaxed your stressed nerves with modifying the correct elements in your house properly. In other words, with Feng shui renovation, you are able to reside in an atmosphere that has the perfect energy to carry on actions ideal for that place. In case your residing environment is usually a happy one, you’ll may yourself pleased as well!
Jean is home interior designer who creates research about impact of office feng shui to workspace. You will be surprised how much furniture positioning impact to your working ability. If you are interested about Feng Shui related news and articls don’t miss Jeans future articles.
For more DIY Saturday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Guest Blogger: The Benefits of Getting Double Glazing Windows

 

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Guest Blogger: The Benefits of Getting Double Glazing Windows

Jan 27, 2012 02:03 pm

Guest Blogger #348, Entry #924, January 27, 2012

You probably already know that double glazing windows involve two planes of glass with a space in between them, but do you know the benefits which this kind of glazing system brings with it?

Could your home benefit from double glazed windows?

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Lower Heating Bills

Probably the biggest advantage you will be interested in is that of lower heating bills. With the price of heating a house going up all the time it will certainly be a relief when you can finally see the bills go down instead of up. There is no great secret to this, as having better windows simply means that less of the heat you generate escapes outside. If you have ever been in a house which already has double glazing fitted then you may well have noticed that there is no need to keep the heaters blazing all evening long. Because the heat is retained inside your home then it is also easier to maintain a steady temperature throughout the house, rather than having a warm section next to the heater and then a big cold patch close to the windows.

Go Green

As a knock on effect from the previous point you will also save the planet. Well, maybe not quite but you can at least do your bit. It has been shown that single glazing allows up to 60% of your home’s heat to escape. Just imagine how much extra energy you need to use and how much pollution this causes. As double glazing is far more energy efficient you will cause far less damage to the planet when it comes to your home’s heating.  This may not be your principal concern but it is a great side benefit which might even get you thinking about other ways of going greener at home.

Double glazed windows can save your energy costs

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Better Security

This benefit might not be quite so obvious but it is well worth bearing in mind. Windows with two panes of glass are more difficult for thieves to smash through. Of course, if you get the whole window frame replaced then you can also go for a modern, burglar proof one which really lets you sleep easily at night.  There is also less chance of you causing accidental damage to these windows than to ones which only have one pane of glass in them.

Less Noise

If you live near a railway line, a busy road or a school then this could be a point which makes you perk up your interest in upgrading your windows. Because you have two panes of glass instead of one far less outside noise makes its way into your home. Anyone who constantly finds themselves turning up the telly to drown out sounds from the street will find that this is a much easier way of enjoying their home without unwanted noise.

A Long Term Solution

The best idea for any changes you make in your home is to do something which is going to last. With double glazing this means that you can get some quality windows fitted and then enjoy the benefits while forgetting about having to change them again for the foreseeable future.
For more windows ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Guest Blogger: How to Find Out the History of your House

 

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Guest Blogger: How to Find Out the History of your House

Jan 27, 2012 06:15 am

Guest Blogger #347, Entry #923, January 27, 2012

Before you undertake any significant work on your home it helps to know something about its history. Loft conversions are very popular and knowing more about the house and the kind of materials it was constructed from can help prevent some serious DIY mistakes.

What's the history of your home?

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Take a good look around the inside and the outside of your home for signs of change. You may be able to see signs of renovation that will give you some idea of how well the house has been looked after by previous owners.

Ask the Neighbors

The date that your house was built should be on the deeds to the property but that won’t tell you much about what may have happened since. Speak to your neighbors and possibly local shop keepers, the person who has lived in the area the longest may be able to tell you something about the building. In homes where loft conversions have already been carried out there may be a certificate attached to the deeds saying when the work was done.
Neighbors who have lived in the area a long time may be able to tell you about previous owners and what may or may not have happened to the building over the years. It’s surprising what you can find out from people who have lived in a particular area for most of their lives as they know most of the local stories and who lived where and for how long.
There should be some documentation regarding any major work that has been undertaken on the house. There may be certificates for replacement windows, rewiring or a new roof. If you have a contact number for the previous owners it’s worth asking them if they know of any major work that has been undertaken on the house before you purchased it.

Find out the history of your house

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Try Your Local Library

It’s worth going to the local public library as libraries often keep a history of the local area along with local newspapers going back many years on microfiche. You could also try searching on the computer to see what information you might find there. In some areas the library incorporates a local history section and you may be able to find out more about the local area and how it’s changed over the years.

Ask your neighbors about your home

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If Your House is in an Isolated Area

If your house is an area where there are no immediate neighbours probably the best place to start looking for information about the building is with the estate agent. Even if the agent doesn’t know much about the property then he or she should be able to tell you when it was built and be able to put you in touch with the previous owner.
Again, you may be able to get some information from the nearest library or even the website of the local council and you should check the building to see whether any specific work has been done. No matter what type of house you live in, you should be able to get some information as to the history of the building.
This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Boughton Loft Conversions who provide loft conversions in Birmingham as well as Staffordshire loft conversions. James is currently in the process of moving houses and enjoys writing on the subject.
For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.