Month: April 2014

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Rv dealers Rv rentals south dakota South dakota rv dealers

Camping With Toddlers — You Can Do It, and You Can Still Have Fun, Too!

Rv rentals

Don’t let tight finances put an end to your family vacation. There are plenty of ways to enjoy days off work — and away from home — without breaking the bank, and with infants and/or toddlers in tow, too! Camping is a great way to kick back, relax, and enjoy the great outdoors — and it’s a viable option for relatively new parents, too. “If you enjoy camping and nature, don’t be intimidated to bring infants and toddlers with you. Yes, it will be more challenging than it used to be, but isn’t life?” The Travel Channel continues. Here are some ways to make the most of your camping trip with young kids:

Look Before You Leap

The key to a successful camping trip with infants and/or toddlers is easing into it. Chances are, spending your first trip with young ones roughing it — with nothing but a tent and a sleeping bag to your name — isn’t going to go well. Ease young kids into it with folding campers, small campers, or RV rentals. If money is tight, there are plenty of gently used campers to choose from. You can also save by choosing RV rentals. Some rentals also come with RV insurance to protect you and cover costs, if anything unexpected should happen.

Don’t Forget This Essential Item

“Take a pack n’ play. Otherwise it’s just dirt — they’re eating dirt, sniffing dirt up their noses,” mother Lori Schilling-Davis advises. “She says the pack n’ play serves 2 purposes: a bed for sleeping and a playpen where they can watch what’s going on around camp,” The Travel Channel adds. A portable playpen will give you the opportunity to set up camp and make dinner without worrying.

Always Put Your Child’s Safety First

It is critical to remember when your child is most safe — when he or she is under your supervision. Camp reservations officers remind parents to never leave their children alone (even momentarily!) — and warns parents not to assume kids will be safe if they are out of sight.

Enjoy a relaxing — and inexpensive — family vacation by camping with young kids. Ease into it with RV rentals and RV insurance, pack a portable playpen to keep infants out of the dirt, and supervise young children at all times. Find more on this topic here: www.midstatescampers.com

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Buying a new home from a builder Buying my first home Find a new home

New Homes v Resale Homes

New homes in suffolk va

Having a hard time choosing between resale homes and new homes to buy on the market? Think that a new construction home is out of reach for your budget? Here are a few of the advantages of new home buying over resale buying that might make your decision a whole lot easier.

Design Flexibility. If you’re buying a new home, you can literally get involved from the ground up. Builders love to work with clients to tweak, modify, or augment existing plans, so that each buyer gets exactly the house they want and need. Plan in a home office, a home theater room, or even flexible spaces — a hobby room now could be a child’s room in the future. Ask your potential builders what kind of customization options they offer.

Efficiency From Day One. Whether or not a builder includes brand new appliances, a new HVAC system is usually a given. And the efficiency of a new HVAC system is further augmented and improved by the new construction — i.e. tight ductwork and freshly-installed insulation — which will help you lower your energy bills right from the start. Compare the average energy bills of 50-year-old resale homes to the average bills of new homes to buy, and the price difference becomes less noticeable.

Peace of Mind. Monetary issues aside, new homes to buy allow you to start living in your home right away, rather than buying the home and spending months to get it just the way you want it, as is the case with many resales. New home buyers appreciate being able to enjoy their home from the moment they arrange their furniture, and not having to “just make do” with things that need to be fixed or remodeled later.

No matter how you look at it, new home buying is a terrific option. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable nest in the city, a suburban retreat, or luxury waterfront homes for sale, you can find a new home that suits your needs, and fits your family’s lifestyle — even if your family hasn’t stopped growing yet. More information like this.

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Is condo a good investment Paraiso bay condos Parque tower construction

Five Ways to Stay Ahead of the Real Estate Marketing Game

Luxury penthouse plans

Did you know that nine out of 10 web users begin their sessions with a Google search? OK, it’s not always Google — sometimes it’s Yahoo, and sometimes it’s Bing — but mostly, it’s Google. As such, if you can tap into the search engine realm, you can get your site seen hundreds (if not thousands) of times more than you would if you weren’t marketing it at all on the Internet. And when you’re running a luxury real estate marketing company, the more visibility you have, the easier it is to sell your property.

Think about it: You’re selling high-end executive condominiums on the waterfront. You’ve got an arsenal of private townhouses two blocks from the city center. Your property is gorgeous inside and out and expertly located. It practically sells itself! But before you can reel in those bites, you have to cast a fairly long line into the water. Here’s how you do it.

Pick a winning website design.

There’s an old saying in web marketing that compares building a website without promoting it to buying a massive billboard in the middle of the desert — no one’s going to see it. In order to capitalize on your real estate offerings, you’ve got to create an engaging site that’s pleasing to the eyes and one that folks will want to visit again and again for information. Talk to a team of pro designers for some ideas.

Go social.

Of course, online brand building is now a double-edged sword. If you’ve got a presence, you’ll be expected to keep it relevant and dynamic. That’s where social media comes in handy. Tweet photos and details about your new luxury condos for sale. Start a post on Facebook asking your fans/potential customers what they’d like to see in an ideal apartment. The more they’re engaged, the more they’re bound to remember you.

Stay fresh.

You can’t post three tweets in three months and expect today’s web-savvy consumers to take you seriously. Devote time to your social media accounts as well as your website’s blog and you might be surprised at how lucrative the ROI actually is. First impressions are everything on the web, so don’t let a buyer’s first thoughts of your site be, “Wow, this is pretty outdated.” Stay relevant and stay fresh.

Expand your reach.

Do you have a base of email subscribers to whom you can send out regular updates? If so, great! If not, get on that immediately. There are days when people won’t be lurking the web for real estate advice, but there aren’t any days where they won’t be checking their emails. A quick note with the latest new luxury condos for sale will help them remember you and your services.

Don’t forget about the personal touch.

As much as everything seems digital these days, there are things that are still quite personal. Open houses, for example, are one of them. Make your in-person negotiating and social skills as wonderful as your online ones. There’s never been anything more powerful than a handshake and a warm smile, after all.

For more information on how to promote and market the new luxury condos in your area, talk to an ad agency or look it up online. References.

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Donations to purple heart Veterans clothing donations Wounded veterans charities

Where to Start with Donating to Charity Without Spending Any Money

When we think of making donations to charity, we often think of the grand gestures made by celebrities who donate millions to worthy causes or to keep great parks open and organizations running. We also see the generosity of large organizations that donate their charitable offerings, making huge impacts in communities for generations to come. However, many of us should consider that we can make a huge impact on many worthy causes just by making non-cash charitable donations.

These contributions, often overlooked, can make just as significant a difference in the lives of those who need it the most. Whether big or small, each act of giving has the power to transform someone’s future. Whether you donate clothes for people experiencing homelessness, food for orphans, or home appliance and furniture donations for families, your generosity and charitable offering can go a long way toward making a difference in our society.

At your local community center, you could inquire about the best charities for children in need of assistance. You could find several that take donations for your old computers and books and even ask for a little of your time to volunteer. Your kindness can change the trajectory of someone’s life and turn what seemed like a hopeless situation into a better one without spending any money.

Clothes donations

In 2012 alone, people in the United States gave over $300 billion to charitable organizations. Not all of that money was actual money — some came from goods donated at local schools, for example. A more accurate way to report the figure would be to say that total donations amounted to $300 billion, and it’s an important distinction to make. People sometimes get a notion that in order to make a difference, they have to give some kind of tax-deductible charity write-off, and that’s just not true.

Of course, money is still the most immediate way to affect change in any charity’s agenda. But Americans haven’t particularly had the best decade themselves, with stock market plunges and housing market crashes littering the landscape even today. That’s why it’s crucial to find the ways you can help out charities in your area that are looking for donations without having to give any actual money. For example, you could…

Donate clothes.

What You Can Do: Look for the blue donation bins around your town or city, pack up your old clothes and textiles and plop them in. It’s really just as easy as that. And don’t worry about your old pair of ripped jeans — those might not be sold, but they might be able to be broken down to make cloth wipes. If you can, find the organizations that focus on fostering growth, like the ones devoted to helping disabled veterans.

Why It Matters: When you make clothing donations, you might just be helping a vet pay for his next round of medical bills. You might be helping give a homeless person a bed for the night. Whatever you’re doing, you’re making a real difference.

Donate food.

What You Can Do: How many times have you walked into a supermarket and seen a donation bin labeled “Canned Goods Only” or something like that? The sign means what it says — all you have to do is drop in a non-perishable food item. Canned fruits and vegetables are a good place to start.

Why It Matters: A can of corn or beans or peaches can go a long way to someone who hasn’t had a proper meal in weeks because of poverty and homelessness. Again, it might be another step toward helping disabled veterans.

Donate your time.

What You Can Do: You might think a VA hospital would be an intimidating place, but it’s really just filled with men and women looking for someone to spend a little time with them.

Why It Matters: All it takes to make someone’s day inside a medical facility is smile at them, but if you want to go the extra mile, strike up a conversation. Find out about their families. Write them letters. You’re doing more than just helping disabled veterans — you’re helping people.

Remember that there other ways to contribute besides just by giving money. For a list of local organizations to get involved with, find out more about what’s going on in your community. For more information see this: www.gogreendrop.com

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Countertop water filtration Drinking water filtration system Heated toilet seat cover

Even if You Have Award-Winning Drinking Water, Filters are a Good Idea

Toilet seat bidet

Several states have competitions every year to try to determine which city or town has the best drinking water. Last year, in New York, Rochester took the title in the 27th annual New York State Drinking Water Taste Test run by the NYS Department of Health.
“It is essential for all New Yorkers to have access to clean and healthy water,” said State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. “This friendly competition highlights the efforts of communities and their partners who go above and beyond to deliver safe, great tasting water to the taps of millions of homes and businesses throughout the state.”
Of course, that doesn’t only apply to the Empire State, as people all over the country and world are constantly working to improve drinking water quality. But even in the U.S., including some spots in NY, tap water might not be as clean as you might think. Every city has a variety of contaminants that could be found in water, and consuming them might get you sick. So investing in water filtration systems is always a good idea, even if you have the best tasting water in your state.
The Safe Drinking Water Act only regulated 91 contaminants, but more than 60,000 chemicals are used in the United States. Unfortunately, they can all work their way into drinking water sources. While some microbes can cause problems like nausea, fatigue, fever, and dehydration, contaminants like chlorine, which has been linked to breast cancer, can be much more dangerous. So finding the right water filtration systems is smart for homeowners who want to keep themselves and their families safe.
There are several different types of water filters that can be used to make sure all contaminants are removed. While you might find that a countertop filtered water dispenser meets your needs, other homeowners might want faucet-mounted filters that don’t need to be refilled over and over again. And, since 15% of Americans get water from wells and other sources that are not regulated by the government, water filtration systems for entire homes are also popular.
In most places, Americans are lucky enough to not have to worry about getting sick when they take a drink of water. But since there is always a chance that contaminants can sneak through water treatment facilities and get you sick. To make sure every glass of water you pour is clean, healthy, and refreshing, installing water filters is a smart idea. Read this for more: brondell.com

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Apartment rentals Apartments in norfolk va Downtown norfolk va apartments

Advantages of City Living Apartments for Families

Ghent norfolk va apartments

Not everyone dreams of a secluded little cottage on the outskirts of the city, where the buses don’t run and the night sky is full of stars — some people want to be a little closer to the action. One of the major advantages of city life is the ability to live near all the things you want and need, like stores, restaurants, schools, theaters, and even work. And that means taking advantage of downtown apartments for rent.

And while most people think that’s all well and good for single, young professionals, the question lingers: what about apartments for families with children? Do such things even exist?

They not only exist, but they’re flourishing. Many downtown apartments for rent welcome families with children, offering amenities such as playgrounds and onsite day care. Parents enjoy being within walking distance of libraries and museums, and close to public transportation for more elaborate trips.

On the more practical side, due to noise constraints, downtown apartments are likely to be carpeted, as opposed to many houses these days that advertise their “natural hardwood flooring”. Beautiful as the hardwood may be, a carpeted floor is far more attractive to parents with small children just learning to walk, or children learning to crawl. (It’s also much easier on the knees of parents who like to get down and play with their little ones.)

Ultimately, condominiums, town homes, and apartments for families are, at their core, no different than a little house on the prairie or a mansion in the hills. As the idea of a “typical” family lifestyle continues to evolve, the central theme of living, no matter the style of your four walls, is still the same: Home is where the heart is. Helpful info also found here.

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Custom shoji doors Shoji closet door Shoji screens for sliding glass doors

How Japanese Shoji Screens Can Change Your Home

Sliding japanese screens

One of the benefits of an increasingly globalized world is that it is easier than ever before to mix up your style. No longer are you limited to the same, traditional, repetitive designs you’ve seen time and time again; now, you can easily take inspiration from foreign lands and cultures simply by searching online. However, if you’re looking to incorporate an international feel into your home, an easy way to start is by adding Japanese room screens, otherwise known as Shoji screens room dividers.

Shoji screens room dividers are often considered a key element of Asian architecture: while they are usually associated with Japan, the earliest Shoji panels actually date back to the Han Dynasty in China. Shoji screens and doors eventually spread to the island of Japan, where they became well-known for their simple, clean effect. Today, Japanese screens, as they are often called, are becoming increasingly popular in Western homes due to the unique feel they bring to a room.

Modern Japanese Shoji screens are beneficial for a number of reasons: not only are they an unusual and beautiful decorating choice, but because they feature paper panels, they are a great way to soften harsh lighting in a room because that undesirable light filters through the screens. There are also a variety of ways you can use Japanese folding screens in your home: you can use them as traditional Japanese style sliding doors, as window screens, headboards for beds, or room dividers. Imagine a Shoji closet door in your bedroom, Japanese divider screens separating your bathroom, or Shoji sliding doors leading out to your porch. You can even use hanging Shoji screens as artwork on your walls. The options are truly endless.

Even better, Shoji screens are modernizing, becoming more durable and versatile for use in Western and international homes: today’s Shoji screens are available in multiple materials, including water-proof rice paper, wood, and vinyl, further increasing the ways you can use them in your home.

So, are you looking to add a unique feel to your home? Are you interested in incorporating some international inspiration? Try Japanese doors and room divider screens to add a simple, clean, and wholly global look!

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Organizations that help military families Veterans donations

Three Easy Ways to Support Our Troops

Helping military families

Kids are brightening up soldiers’ days with adorable — and often unintentionally hilarious — letters. “Thank you for fighting for our country. I love the color camo. I am nine. Why did you want to go to the military? Thank you for dieing [sic] for our country. I love American flags. Do you ever stop working?” one such letter begins.

Adults can learn a thing or two from these letters. School children make it perfectly clear: helping military families, active military members, and/or veterans does not necessarily have to entail a large time commitment or over-the-top expenses. Here are some ways to support our troops (in relatively little time and without spending an inordinate amount of money!):

Gift Creative Coupons

For some, asking for help can be awkward and humiliating. Take the burden off military husbands and wives’ shoulders by proactively offering to help. Draw up creative coupons good for “two hours of lawn mowing,” “one night of babysitting,” or “three hours of help with errands,” one military mom suggests. Put the coupons into a gift basket, and give the basket to military spouses on birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.

Donate Clothes Right From Your Home

If you are really pressed for time and cash, you can still support our troops! There are plenty of charities that will pick up donations directly from your home. Gather clothing donations during spring cleaning, and donate without even leaving home. You can also research communal donation locations, such as churches, office buildings, and schools.

Get Your Neighbors, Friends, and Family In On It

Don’t go it alone! Donating or organizing charity events on your own can easily become overwhelming. Organize group events, and ask as many people as possible — including neighbors, family, and friends — to contribute. Throw together a spring barbecue or a potluck dinner benefiting soldiers or their families, for example.

Giving back to our troops does not have to be costly or time-consuming. Get your friends in on it, volunteer to help military spouses with simple errands, or choose from charities that will pick up donations right from your home.

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Brier creek apartment Brier creek apts New apartments in raleigh nc

Three Interior Design Tips For the Perfect One or Two Bedroom Apartment

interior design

You can beautify your home with affordable online interior design today. Many of the best home ideas are not expensive. You can customize your own furniture without spending as much money as you might assume. Once you’ve ordered and received that customized furniture, you’ll immediately be able to positively change your home.
People will notice a room’s flooring, carpeting, window treatments, lights, and other important features. However, they’ll still usually pay more attention to the room’s furniture. Even if you genuinely keep every other part of the room the same, it will still look different if its furniture has been changed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G07qafXVpE

You may also appreciate the customized furniture even more. Since you had this furniture customized, you already helped contribute to its design and the way it looks. People sometimes purchase furniture very casually because it’s available or on sale. Eventually, they might decide that they don’t like it. You’re less likely to feel that way about the furniture that was customized.
Since you might keep this furniture for a while, getting customized furniture might eventually help you reduce some of your interior decorating expenses. You might not purchase new and potentially expensive replacement furniture. Lots of customized furniture is also durable.

Americans choose relatively modest-sized apartments for all kinds of different reasons. Whether you are renting your first one bedroom apartment or cozily settling into a two to three bedroom abode for retirement, very few people want to — or need to — consider it a downgrade. There are plenty of ways to make the most of limited space, and transform two bedroom apartments into one of your best homes yet. What are some of the best interior design tips for small spaces?

Workaround Restrictions In Your Lease

Rental properties management can often pose some pretty trying restrictions. If you are asked not to paint or re-tile your apartment, don’t throw in the towel. There are still plenty of ways you can liven up rooms — and make the most of what you already have. If you are asked not to paint walls, for example, add that pop of color by painting furniture bold shades instead. “If the bathroom tile is a shade you can’t stand, pick a color you do like to serve as the room’s main hue,” Better Homes and Gardens recommends. If the tile is a distasteful yellow, use bright green accents and decorations to downplay the tile.

Embrace Natural Sunlight

Highlighting natural lighting will make small, cramped spaces appear airy and open. Give one bedroom apartments a breath of fresh air by painting them all-white, or decorate walls with large, oversized mirrors. Choosing clear, transparent, or glass furniture will also visibly open up a room.

Go Curtain Crazy

Sometimes, amenities in apartments are limited. If you find one you like, don’t necessarily give up and start looking for apartments again if one or two details aren’t quite right. Instead of passing up your favorite because it doesn’t contain that large bay window you wanted, consider creating the illusion of a large, open window instead. Hang curtains and curtain rods well above — or beyond — the height and width of the window. This will create the illusion of a taller window and more natural lighting.

Make your small apartment even grander with the right finishing touches. Complement one bedroom apartments with white paint, mirrored decorations, and high-hanging curtains. Get more info here: www.clairmontatbriercreek.com

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Best destination wedding places Miami wedding halls

How to Find a Wedding Planner

Miami wedding planners

From the engagement to the honeymoon, getting married is an exciting and stressful process: while it will eventually be worth all of the choices, you have to decide on everything from a wedding reception venue to seating arrangements. But if you’re having trouble seeing through your stress to your big day ahead, it is a natural step to find some help. When you’re planning a wedding, wedding planners and wedding packages can make the countdown to your ceremony easier and more enjoyable.

Weddings in the United States tend to fall into certain patterns: for example, 70% of Americans believe that a bride should take her husband’s last name, one in five weddings include purple in their color schemes, and an estimated 15% of ceremonies have outdoor wedding venues. But whether you’re looking for unusual wedding venues and plans or something more traditional, wedding planners and wedding packages can help bring your ideas to life, making wedding planner prices well worth paying.

The average age of a bride in the United States is 25 years old, meaning that most women in the process of planning a wedding will have some ideas about what they want, but may not have a lot of experience with event planning. For example, the average bride not be aware that a banquet hall will often allow event planners to establish set times for their events, with specific cut off times. A wedding planner will, however, be aware of these and other facts, saving you both time and money.

So, no matter what you’re looking for, whether it be an outdoor wedding places, beach wedding places, banquet halls, or even destination wedding places, a wedding planner can help you plan the perfect day for your wedding. If you’re interested in hiring a wedding planner to organize your shower, ceremony, or reception, research wedding planner prices in your area to see if you can find all inclusive event packages perfect for you and this exciting new moment in your life.