Month: February 2014

Categories
Benefits of hiring a nanny Home care assistance Live in caregiver

Should I Use a Nanny Cam?

Finding a live in nanny

While there are many benefits of hiring a nanny, finding a nanny you truly trust with your children can be a cumbersome task. Need help learning about hiring a caregiver, and best practices when it comes to nanny services? Should you use a nanny cam? Read on to learn more.

More parents are considering using hidden in-home surveillance devices to watch their child’s caregiver. Counter Spy Shops, an international retail chain, reports a 25 percent increase in sales of these devices, often called “nanny cams,”over the past five years. But is it a good idea…or an invasion of privacy? If you find yourself asking “should I use a nanny cam?” consider the following:

There are a variety of cameras available on the market today. Most are wireless and can be hidden in almost any type of household item from a plant to a stuffed animal. Prices vary, so parents with a wide range of budgets are able to utilize their services. Prices vary from about $100 for a basic camera offering remote computer access to more than $500 for digital systems, which can send video images live via computer or cell phone. If you are wondering should i use a nanny cam? You must decide whether you can place a value on your peace of mind.

There are some cons to purchasing a nanny cam however. Most nanny’s do not mind being recorded, but they would rather know about it. Many feel it is a violation of privacy and could ruin the trust between you and your caregiver. So when asking yourself, “should I use a nanny cam?” it is important to weight the pros and cons. Find more: www.diamondpersonnel.com

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Apartment for rent Norfolk apartments

Why Apartment Rentals Beat Out Monthly Mortgages

Apartments in norfolk virginia

Renting a living space provides more flexibility in terms of relocation, with many apartment complexes offering short term leases. Are you considering a relocation? Read on for several benefits of rental apartments.

There are several benefits of apartment living that may help you in the decision between renting and buying a home. First, apartment rentals are consistently cheaper than paying a monthly mortgage. In fact, according to SFGate research, renting is often cheaper monthly than owning a home – the average rent cost in the United States was $884 in 2012. Many apartment complexes also include utilities in the cost of rent, or even cover things such as gas and electricity for their tenants.

Additional amenities are also a major perk of apartment rentals. Many complexes come equip with fitness centers, tennis courts, lounges, pools, onsite laundry and even internet cafes at no additional cost to the tenant. For some, certain amenities may not have been available to them had they been in their own home.

Local apartments for rent, whether it be a complex or privately owned, typically also take care of maintenance issues you would normally be burdened with in your own home. Things such as gas and water leaks, snow and garbage removal, mowing, plumbing problems are taken care of for you at no additional cost.

Finally, many rental apartments provide added security, by buzz-in entry ways, security staff, and gated communities. Living in rental apartments can give you piece of mind whether you live alone or with others .
While owning your own home has its upsides, there are several more advantages to rental apartments than paying a monthly mortgage, which may help you to make your final decision come move time. Continue reading here.

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Condos for sale in rapid city sd New condos Rapid city condos for sale

Top Three Reasons to Move to Rapid City

New condo floor plans

The world today is more mobile than it has ever been. In just a matter of hours, one can buy a plane ticket and travel halfway across the world … granted that last-minute airline purchases are not the wisest thing to make! This mobility has certainly benefited business, but it also has allowed Americans a new spectrum of choice when it comes to where they want to live. Out of the whole world, though, one of the best places to go might be just next door in South Dakota. Here are three reasons to think about Rapid City when you’re searching for a place to stay:

1. It’s On the Up and Up!

Rapid City is alive and growing! Its population has grown about ten percent since 2000, so it’s easy to meet lots of new people there. On top of that, the unemployment rate there is about four percent lower than the average in the United States. This means that not only is the population growing, but the job market is growing too. Rapid City is a great place to develop a career as much as it is a great place to make a social life.

2. Lots of Rapid City Condos For Sale!

With all the people moving into the city, the housing market there has grown to match its needs. There are tons of new condos for sale in a wide array of price ranges. With a condo, one has access to all the space of a house without the maintenance normally associated with one. The new condos can be very affordable for those on a budget, but there are also luxury condos for sale that offer more features like hot tubs, pools, walking trails, cable TV packages, and such. No matter what your budget is, Rapid City has a great home waiting for you.

3. Amazing Culture and Atmosphere!

Sometimes the biggest draw to move near a place is not a job, the people, or the living are; sometimes the biggest draw is just the location, and Rapid City has a lot of excellently situated places to call home. Whether you’re interested in new condos near a golf course or a place near a museum, Rapid City can easily oblige. In fact, the city is renowned for having scores of theaters, art museums, and coffee shops, among other cool spots. This is one of those cities that have something for everyone, no matter who you are. It’s definitely a place to consider when deciding where to go. What appeals to you most about Rapid City? More research here: www.vistaparkcondos.com

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Charitable donations Clothing donation Donating clothing to charity

3 Ways Clothing Donation Makes a Difference

Military donations

The unemployment rate for veterans in the United States is 2% above the national average for regular citizens. As a result, many of our veterans find themselves in a position where they are in need of employment, monetary, or medical assistance that they are unable to obtain.

An estimated 80% of donated clothing in the United States is used by charitable organizations for donation to the needy, and for funding. Clothing donations for veterans is a way to give back to your community, and also a way to get yourself organized in the upcoming spring months. The typical American household discards an estimated 68 pounds of clothing each year, so why not turn these discarded articles of clothing into clothing donations for veterans?

Clothing donations not only help the veterans themselves, but also help you, AND the environment. Clothing donation helps you to start with a clean slate, no matter what time of year you decide to donate.Did you know you can write off clothing donations for veterans the same way you would a
monetary charitable donation? Give yourself a tax cut, and help a veteran get back on their feet.

Clothing donations for veterans, and for the less fortunate, also helps our environment. Textiles already comprise four percent of the nation’s solid waste stream, and the absolute amount is growing. Landfill space is expensive and hard to find. Clothes that are simply thrown out often end up in landfills, adding to the amount of waste. By donating your clothing, you keep these textiles out of the landfills, and on the backs of someone who truly needs them.

Clothing donations for veterans not only help our veterans to start over, but can help you to get re-organized. Consider donations this coming spring while completing your spring cleaning process.

Categories
Amish barn designs Amish garage kits Amish hardware store

Amish Sheds Practical Storage for Your Outdoor Supplies

What is an amish cupola

Storage is usually an issue when it comes to any home, especially for outdoor items. You never know where to put your fertilizer, extra hoses, your lawnmower, or your gardening tools, and the garage is typically already packed with one or more cars, bicycles, and other accessories. In this case, you might want to consider buying an Amish garden shed, or any Amish built shed for storage purposes.

These sheds are typically constructed using wood, but also come in vinyl and other materials for durability. These Amish garden sheds and storage kits come with instructions on how to erect the structure on your own. They are equipped with a nailer, wall studs, pre-cut roof sheathing, trim, pre-hung doors, rafters, and other hardware you would need to put the shed together. The only thing that you would have to provide would be paint for the exterior, drip edges for the roof, and shingles for the windows.

The outside of the shed is often simple, mirroring the culture and design of traditional Amish architecture. You can choose from large Amish shed kits that are 14′ X 24′, or smaller ones that are 8′ X 8′. Some people invest in Amish garage kits as well. Amish garage builders construct storage units for one, two, or three cars, and Amish built garages often have a second floor that is solely dedicated to storage, which can be extremely useful. These garages are also sold as a kit, and can be constructed by the homeowner using the tools that come with the kit.

So if you need to find extra space for your outdoor item, you might want to purchase an Amish storage shed. Most websites will ship the kit to your door anywhere in the U.S., and some places even offer free shipping. These kits can cost about $1,500 for the smallest, most basic ones, and $17,000 or more for larger garage sheds. Depending on the type and size of storage you need, you can pick the one that works best for you. Get more here.

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Foreclosure Help with home foreclosure Save your home from foreclosure

Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure Scams, Finding Real Help

Home foreclosure assistance

What does one in every 1,058 homes in the U.S. have in common? This is the national foreclosure rate, as of January 2014. In some states, this number is even higher. It’s easy to judge and assume that foreclosure is the result of “buying bigger than your budget,” but in reality, some of the most common causes of foreclosure aren’t foreseeable when people agree to their mortgage. Job loss, death, divorce, adjustable rate loans, and ongoing health issues are some of the top reasons for foreclosure.

Do you need help with home foreclosure? Are you unsure about the foreclosure process, and what you can or should do? Here are a few tips to help you through.

Is Foreclosure Taxable?

  • Usually, but not always. Certain farm debts, non-recourse loans, and bankruptcy discharged debts are not considered taxable parts of income.
  • For tax purposes, foreclosures are treated like sales, according to the IRS. Even if you lost money on foreclosing your home, you can’t claim it as a loss on your tax return.
  • The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, though, will allow you to qualify for relief and exclude income on your taxes that are a discharge of debt on your principal residence.

Are Mortgage Help Centers Scams?

  • There are legitimate mortgage foreclosure help centers, and there are also help centers that are largely scams, working to collect hundreds or thousands of dollars from already burdened borrowers.
  • The majority of scams, though, are mortgage modification scams, where individuals pose as bank officials and create fake letters offering loans. If you receive such a letter, visit your bank in person to discuss the potential loan.
  • Counselors at a help center can help with home foreclosure by talking you through your various options — foreclosure is not usually your only choice when you are defaulting on your home (short sales, for example, are a popular alternative). They can also help you get financial counseling so that you can eliminate the problems that led to your impending foreclosure.

Do you need home foreclosure help? Let us know in the comments.

Categories
Cheap wedding venues in miami Event planning miami Miami wedding venues

Wedding Planning Check List

Baby shower locations miami fl

If you are one of the thousands of American couples that got engaged this past year chances are you have wedding planning on the brain. If you don’t, you should get to it as studies show the average couple spends 7-10 months planning their dream wedding. One of the most important decisions when planning a wedding is choosing event venues. here are some things to know when planning your wedding and choosing event venues in your area.

It has been shown that June is the most popular month for wedding ceremonies. This means that if you have your heart set on a June wedding, you aren’t alone and should plan accordingly. Event venues book months in advance. If you have a dream date in mind make booking your party venue priority number one.

A banquet hall has many benefits for the bride and groom. Fist and foremost they provide an aesthetically pleasing environment for you and every guest on your wedding list. Secondly, the staff at these event venues is there to ensure the comfort of the guests as well as handle the clean up afterwards. This can alleviate much of the pressure of the day from the bride and groom and allow them to focus on enjoying the ceremony and wedding reception.

Lastly, wedding event planners can help the newly engaged couple navigate the wedding planning landscape. These professionals provide consultation on everything from setting a date to booking event venues. They can work to ensure that the couple has an experience that they will cherish. This is a great source for more.

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Microban disinfectant Room decontamination Room fogging

Veterinarians Should Always Use Kennel Disinfectant

Clorox pro quaternary all-purpose disinfectant cle

Keeping your place of business clean and sanitized is very important to the health of your employees and clients. Work spaces should be sanitized on a regular basis to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria that can cause sickness and disease. Approximately one in three American workers go to work when they are sick and can spread germs. The dirtiest items in a typical office include computer keyboards and mice, sinks, vending machines, and refrigerators. The average keyboard, desk, and computer chair harbor an estimated 21,000 germs per square inch. In fact, the typical office desk holds 100 times more germs than the average kitchen table.
Your office should be cleaned on a regular basis using all purpose disinfectants and other disinfectant products. Any public areas such as kitchens and restrooms should be cleaning using a bleach disinfectant for the best results in eliminating germs and bacteria.
If your office is part of a veterinary clinic or hospital it is essential that you add a kennel disinfectant to your regular cleaning routine. Kennel disinfectants can help keep the animal patients healthy by reducing the number of germs in bacteria in the cages.
Many animals that come to vet clinics are unhealthy and using kennel disinfectants can help spread diseases to there animal patients. These kennel disinfectants should be used in any areas where animals will be seen or housed.
If you are a boarding facility for animals, it is essential that you use kennel disinfectants on a regular basis. Many animals in boarding situations may not use the outside facilities, so cleaning cages is very important. Using an effective kennel disinfectant or natural disinfectant can also keep the air quality high. You do not want potential clients to come into your facility and be met with bad odors.
In addition to keep the animals safe, kennel disinfectants can help eliminate germs and bacteria from office equipment and office areas. Again, this is important to the health of employees and clients.
Whether you are a regular office or a veterinarian clinic, it is essential that you have your entire office cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis to keep everyone healthy and happy.

Categories
Annual plants for sale Hampton roads landscaper Perennial plants for sale

The Top Five Edible Plants, and Three Tips for Making Sure Your Garden Thrives

Hampton roads landscaper

“To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul,” the English poet Alfred Austin once said. Gardening has been a popular hobby throughout the ages, and it’s been picking up traction in recent years. People are looking for inexpensive hobbies, ways to pay less for fresh produce, and have an increased interest in knowing where their food comes from, and how it was raised.

About 55 million households have tried growing edible plants in the past four years. Sometimes, growing vegetables, fruits and herbs isn’t as intuitive as people would think. Like with anything, there is a learning curve, as well as helpful tips and tricks that can help you avoid easy mistakes. Here are a few edible landscaping tips for beginners.

The Top Five Easiest Edible Plants to Grow: Great Starters

  • Beans. With just sun and water, beans will thrive. They can be a great plant to grow and harvest with kids.
  • Lettuce. Lettuce grows best in the spring and fall, and if you grow a loose-leaf variety, you’ll be able to trim it multiple times for repeat harvesting.
  • Tomatoes. Technically a fruit, the tomato doesn’t need much encouragement and you will love the taste of home-grown tomatoes in your sandwiches.
  • Chives. For a bit of herb in your new garden, chives are a good call. They can handle multiple environments and taste great with everything from pasta to chicken.
  • Raspberries. Raspberries are surprisingly easy to grow, and unlike many fruits, they don’t grow on a tree, so you won’t need to wait several years before you can make your first harvest.

It’s not enough just to grow easy plants, though. If you want your edibles to truly thrive and produce a generous yield, there’s more to it than just a weekly watering. Here are three tips on what you should do before starting your garden design.

  • Research your plants and shrubs. Not every plant grows the same way. In Hobby Farm’s top 10 list of gardening mistakes to avoid, planting too shallow, planting too closely, and ignoring light requirements all make the list. All these mistakes come down to a lack of research and not knowing what your plants need. It’s a good idea to start small with a few plants you know well. “Planting too large a garden is a mistake that can place too heavy a workload on a gardener and lead to frustration and burnout,” Hobby Farm points out.
  • Prepare your soil. Soil is one of the main ingredients necessary for creating strong, resilient plants. If you don’t get good soil down, your garden will never thrive. This has to be done before your seeds and seedlings are planted, otherwise you risk damaging young roots.
  • Talk to an expert in your area. Plant nursery employees often have great ideas about which plants work best with the weather and soil of your region. They can also help set you up with good starter plants. Although you might be able to get cheaper seedlings from a big name store, nurseries often have the strongest plants and shrubs available.

Did you know that, according to a National Gardening Association Study, $70 worth of edible plants typically yields over $500 worth of produce? If you plan on growing plants and shrubs this year, let us know in the comments. Get more info here.

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Japanese divider screens Shoji screens

Three Benefits of Adding Shoji Screens to Your Home

Shoji screens and doors

Did you know that Shoji screens were commonly used in Japanese homes in the 16th century? Shoji screens are door or room dividers that consist of semitransparent paper and a wood frame. Shoji screens have been an important part of Japanese architecture for five centuries, and they are now commonly used in home settings. There are several benefits of using Shoji screens, as they are a great addition to nearly any home.

1. Versatile. Shoji screens are used for a variety of purposes. Sliding Shoji screens, for example, are commonly used as doorways, while Japanese screen room dividers are used to split rooms into sections. Shoji screens can even be used as windows and headboards, which makes them versatile additions to homes.

2. Stylish. Shoji screens are available in many colors, styles, and designs. In addition, these screens are also decorated with geometric lattice work in order to accentuate the light, shadow, and visual lines within a given space. As a result, dividing, folding, and sliding Shoji screens are decorative pieces that are designed to improve the appearance of the rooms in which they are utilized.

3. Durable. Japanese Shoji screens are built to last. Although traditional screens were made of bamboo, many modern Shoji screens are made of cypress wood, which resists warping and splitting, and cedar wood, which is resistant to moisture. Since Shoji screens are designed to be durable, they are long-lasting furnishings.

Shoji screens are an accommodating addition to nearly any home. Not only are they versatile and stylish, but they are also built to last, as well. As a result, Shoji screens are a simple and effective way to decorate homes. For more about this, go here: www.cherrytreedesign.com