Author: Family Fun

Categories
Party and event rentals Party rentals maryland

Finding the Best Party Rentals

Event rentals dc

Planning an event in a major undertaking. You must send invitations, order food suitable for your expected guests, decide upon entertainment and select the venue. The list may seem endless.

Guest Comfort

One important thing you must do is to make those in attendance as comfortable as possible. This is especially true if your event will be held outdoors. Rental tents are an excellent choice for any gathering from simple backyard parties to street festivals.

Birthday parties, baby showers and wedding receptions all require seating as do corporate events such as conferences and meetings. Table and chair rentals can keep your guest comfortable and party linen rentals add a sense of elegance to the event. These party linen rentals are of a very high quality and include such items as table covers and runners, chair covers and napkins.

Whom to Choose

Look for a rental company with an outstanding reputation and years of experience in the party rental business. Statistics reveal that 93 percent of brides use the Internet when they are planning their wedding. Does the company you have in mind have the a website to capitalize on this source of income? Read their online reviews. Do they have have experience with the specific event you are planning?

Beyond Rentals

An experienced company will offer more services beyond table, chair and party linen rentals. They should be able to advise on such things as having 200 napkins for every 15 guests or planning to use 2 or 3 glasses for each cocktail party guest. The professionals from the rental company should be able to guide you in selecting a 3 color theme and selecting accessories to compliment these colors.

Party Planning = Big Business

Social events can be quite expensive. In 2012, the average wedding reception costs $13,106. Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah can cost from $15,000 to $30,000. Families have spent from $300 from $25,000 on Sweet Sixteen parties.

There are many party rental companies trying to capture their share of this business. Select a party rental equipment company that has been in the business for a number of years and can provide the chair, table and party linen rentals that will help make your event truly wonderful.

Categories
Big green egg dallas Patio furniture dallas Patio heater

The Favorite Summer Pasttime in America Grilling!

Lynx outdoor grill dallas tx

Perhaps one of the most iconic items in an American summer is a grill in the backyard or on the deck as part of a patio set. Summer barbecues or even a simpler dinner on the grill is a staple in many American households, especially in the summertime. And some people even grill all year round, despite colder weather! Indeed, grilling has even become a bit of an art, with plenty of new cookbooks and innovative recipes emerging every year. Grill themselves are changing too. They’ve gotten more advanced and modern, the fuel that makes them work has also changed. Although plenty still use charcoal, some now use gas logs or electricity instead.
How Often Are Grills Used?
Even if you’re a faithful grill user, you might be surprised at how often everyone else uses theirs! Over 60% of those who own grills use them all year round. And around 97% of grill owners have used it in the last year, not just letting it set idle. More generally, 80% of all households have some kind of barbecue or grill.
Certain holidays are also more popular for grilling than others. Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are the most popular. The most popular is Fourth of July, with almost 85% of adults saying they’d barbecued on the Fourth of July and almost 70% having grilled. A little over of 50% of people grilled on Memorial Day and Labor Day, and around 70% of adults said they barbecued on Labor Day. Surprisingly, even the winter or early spring holidays, such as Super Bowl Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s are getting some more attention. Having a grilled Thanksgiving dinner (done outside) is getting more and more popular — about 15% of consumers partake in this tradition!
What’s Better: Gas or Charcoal?
Although charcoal used to be the only option for a grill, gas grills are quickly taking over, with over 60% of homes having a propane grill, as compared to over 40% owning a charcoal grill, and only 10% having an electric grill. Although some gas grills are powered using small propane tanks, gas logs — such as natural gas logs — are also popular.
Some people see charcoal as more traditional and appreciate a smokier flavor that comes with using a charcoal grill. Others see the process of lighting a charcoal grill and cooking on it as part of their childhood memories — it can often be a tricky and messy process, especially cleaning up the ash afterward. However, charcoal grills have the benefit of getting extremely hot — hotter than gas grills — which makes them ideal for grilling meats like steaks or lamb chops. However, you can also easily burn the food you’re cooking on a charcoal grill; it takes a little practice.
Gas grills are simpler to use all around and are easier to clean. They also tend to be a bit more multi-purpose. However, they often don’t get hot enough to cook steaks or fish to the desired crispiness and tend to be much more expensive than charcoal grills.
In summary, choosing your perfect grill ultimately depends on what you’ll be mainly using it for.

Categories
Chattanooga home loan Home loans rates Tennessee home mortgage

How Does Equity Factor-In for New Mortgage Borrowers?

Mortgage chattanooga

The 3,000 year-old Manusmriti, or “Code of Manu,” was one of the earliest traces of mortgage law in the world; the text emphasizes the creation of valid documents, law of mortgages, hypothecation, partnership and joint ventures to such a concise degree that it was used as a basis for Modern Indian law by the British in the 1800s. Although contemporary mortgage lenders and borrowers may not be familiar with the script, such historical documents provided the basis for modern mortgages used today — although to compare mortgages from 3,000 years ago with today’s mortgages probably wouldn’t help those looking for home mortgage lenders!

Tips for New Mortgage-Borrowers

Buying a home is a big step for anyone to take, especially the first-time home buyer. Two of the most important factors relating to mortgages are one’s credit history and the size of one’s down payment. The Home Loan Learning Center found that most lenders typically require a minimum credit score of 680; those with lower credit scores potentially face higher mortgage rates, although this can be countered with a substantial down payment — at least 20% of the house’s value is typically considered substantial. Securing finances and budgeting is crucial for the first-time mortgage borrower: your monthly payments should not exceed 36% of your gross income, so lock in your rate as soon as you feel comfortable with the figures..

Reverse Mortgage Lenders for Seniors

Reverse mortgages are available to seniors over the age of 62 and uses the home buyer’s equity to supplement their income in the form of a loan. Reverse mortgage lenders allow seniors to live in their homes while receiving income as it uses the equity of the home as collateral — once an individual choose to sell the home to live elsewhere, they receive whatever is left from the sale price of the home minus the loan they received as monthly payments. In the case that an individual passes away before they sell their home, the home is typically sold by the bank to cover the expenses of the loan, plus interest. So although young mortgage borrowers may be discouraged when they compare home loans, it may be reassuring to some to find that reverse mortgages allow older Americans to turn their equity into an income.

Categories
Custom home builder columbia sc Find your new home Home builders in savannah ga

5 Things to Consider When Building a Home

Building your dream home

When looking into building your own home instead of simply looking for already made homes for sale, a new home builder would prefer you have a plan and an idea of what you are looking into. While, they can help you with the details of the home building process, picking actual custom home plans is something that you may have to do yourself, as you know the needs and wants of your family better than anyone. Here are a few things to take into consideration.

What do I have now that I don’t want? What do I not have, that I want? Always remember that at this point you are thinking about the floor plan, so don’t worry about cabinets and counter tops right now. Think about the number of bedrooms you may need or more storage, closet space or living room size.

What will we need 10 or fifteen years down the line? Don’t think about just the here and now. Remember that you are building this home for the long run and you will need it to fit your needs just as well in the coming years. Maybe you have small children now that need a playroom but when they are teenagers, a playroom won’t be necessary. What could it be then? Possibly a movie theater or even another bedroom; a guest bedroom perhaps? Maybe a large garden isn’t something you’d like now but once the children are old enough, you might wish you had somewhere safe for them to play outside.

Does my design correlate with the site? A new home builder normally recommends that you have your site picked out before you being making your plan because there is always a chance that the site won’t be the right size or shape for your dream plan. once you have the site dimensions then you can begin building your floor plan.

How will my new home look against the neighborhood? This might not seem like an important one but chances are, if you are building yourself a new home, it is in a nice area with a reputation to uphold. You don’t want to get off on the wrong food by making a house that the neighbors will hate! You should check any kind of rules or regulations before getting started because certain areas will only allow certain kinds of houses to be built. It would be terrible to come up with your dream house in your dream place only for it to be shut down.

Will my plan work with my decorating ideas? This is where you can begin to think about your decorating. You want to make sure that the type of house you are making will work with how you are planning to decorate. Some houses only work with certain kinds of decorating. For example, if you have an open floor plan but would prefer to have a specific theme for each room, you might consider closing it off a little bit to give you room for different colors and styles.

These are just a few things to consider when designing a home plan. A new home builder can help you with the finite details that you might miss when doing this on your own. Overall, building your dream home is a very exciting process but it can also be stressful so just remember that it is fun and joyful and dream of the outcome.

Categories
Ill Medical professionals Medically fragile children

How to Care for Ill Little Ones

At home

Having children with special needs can be a challenge at times. If you have a little one that needs special care, you will be able to understand the demands on your attention and your time that are required by them. Children in general need lots of attention and love but disabled children need that much more. Finding activities to do at home can become quite a chore to think of, whether or not your child is ill. At times, we can feel quite along in the care giving of a little one that has learning or physical disabilities.

However, studies show that as of 2010 about 2.8 million of the 32.9 million children were reported to have a disability. These are just the children that were diagnosed, there are many more out there that have just not been reported or diagnosed as of yet. Autism can effected one out of every 88 children in the United States. When you think about how many children are in America, that’s quite a large number. In fact, about a quarter of Americans reported that they are currently raising a child with disabilities. So, as you can see, you are not alone! Do not feel guilty if you feel like you require help to take care of an ill child. There is nothing wrong with that and it takes a strong parent to admit that the best way to take care of their child is with professional help.

Caregivers can offer a wide range of stimulating activities that have been tested and proven to help children of different needs. The activities are fine tuned to each developmental stage and type whether it be physical, mental or even emotional. Ensuring that your little one is receiving the correct kind of care for their disability is very important for development. For example, a child will emotional issues will need the constant reassurance of her ideas, opinions and questions whereas an autistic child will need structure, routine and stimulation balance as well as possible speech therapy and behavioral classes. Similarly, a child with physical limitations may need physical therapy or assistance in the home, but this is not what a child with mental disabilities needs. These are only the obvious examples, but at home care can make a huge difference especially when it comes to the little things.

Knowing how to support your child makes it a lot easier to care for them. No matter what the illness is that your child has, you can take off a lot of the stress and worry by knowing what exactly it is you need to be doing. It still may be time consuming and busy but having a plan of action makes care giving a lot more enjoyable. There is nothing more satisfying and joyful than seeing your little one begin to take the steps to developmental progress. Using professional care will make that progress start much quicker than we could do on our own, which in turn will allow for those positive reinforcements to start flowing almost immediately.

Categories
Homes for sale Land for sale Moving into a new home checklist

Here’s Why Real Estate on the Lake is the Most Popular Option for Home Buyers

Safe neighborhood

Moving to a new home has gotten a reputation of being stressful, but the truth is, it should be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. If you know what to look for in a great community, finding quality real estate is both easy and enjoyable.

These days, millions of homeowners are investing in beautiful lake property, and for good reason. Real estate on the lake often features incredible modern home designs, and lakeside homes are known for being in a safe, vibrant community. Plus, it never hurts to have a glistening lake right in your backyard to enjoy whenever you please.

Living the lake lifestyle is one of the most relaxing things you could ever do, and these areas are ideal for starting and raising a family. Here are just three of the many reasons that real estate on the lake has become the go-to option for home buyers across the country:

  • Building a dream home. If modern home design is what you’re looking for in a new home, then you need to check out a lake community. Many private communities offer land to build custom homes on, and there is no limit to the ways you can personalize your new home. Members of Generation X account for 27% of all new home sales, and if you plan on starting a family in your new home, it is highly recommended to build your dream home on the lake.

  • Vibrant community. Real estate on the lake is so unique because lakefront communities are truly unlike any other type of town. They are often ingrained in a historic community with rich tradition and values that have been passed on for centuries. Simply put, there is no better place to raise a family or retire to than a lakefront community. The neighbors are always smiling, and it’s never hard to find something fun to do.

  • Fun on the water. Speaking of finding fun things to do, imagine waking up every day and walking to the backyard for a quick fishing session. Having this easy access to low-impact activities is particularly important for retirees, which is why so many people in their golden years are investing in real estate on the lake. Good health is crucial, and in a recent survey, about 81% of retirees cited it as the most important ingredient for a happy retirement. Retirees in lakeside homes are typically more healthy than those who live elsewhere, and the gorgeous weather in these communities makes it much easier to stay active.

The home buying process should be one of the most memorable times of your life, and finding the right home can make all the difference in your future. Check out quality real estate on the lake and enjoy the infinite benefits of lakeside living.

Categories
Mortgages rates Online mortgage lenders Reverse mortgage advantages

3 Things You Should Think About to Get a Great Mortgage Rate

Mortgage rates in tennessee

Getting the best possible mortgages rates isn’t easy, but it can be done. Here’s what you need to know.

What type of mortgage you’re going to get. – There are two different types of mortgages: fixed rate mortgages or adjustable rate mortgages. The former locks you into an interest rate that you’ll pay over the course of the loan’s term. The latter’s interest rate fluctuates, as you might expect, and they usually offer lower introductory rates. However, it’s important to really remember that the interest rate can and will change eventually later on.

Whether you’re going to pay for points or not. – Points are basically upfront fees — one percent of the total mortgage amount — that’s paid to lower the interest rate by a fixed amount. Paying for points is a good idea if you’re going to be paying the loan off over a long time. However, upfront costs often outweigh these savings further on.

Whether you qualify for a special program. – You might be eligible for a special program that can make the house-buying process more affordable, which is why it’s a good idea to think before you buy. Some of the programs that you might qualify for include VA loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, and first-time homebuyer programs. Look into these options, and you may find yourself with in a better place to get great mortgages rates.

Getting home mortgage lenders to give you great rates isn’t easy, and the myriad of different factors — like the different types of mortgages or the difference between high versus low deposit home loans — doesn’t make it any less difficult. Nevertheless, you can get great home loans rates if you’re willing to put in the work.

If you have any questions about mortgages rates, feel free to share in the comments.

Categories
Charitable donation Charity organizations Disabled veterans donations

Why We Should Focus on Giving This Holiday Season

Purple heart donation pick up

For many Americans, the holidays embody a sense of joy, wonder, and generosity that ought to be carried out through the whole year. A recent survey found that around 43% of those asked give more during the holidays than the rest of the year, with 44% stating that they give the same amount regardless of the season. Many spend the holidays giving gifts to our friends and families; here are some reasons to give donations to charities this holiday season.

Needless Waste

Every year, America throws away roughly 10.5 million tons of clothing and other textiles to landfills across the country. While nearly 100% of these clothing articles could have been recycled, only 15% of the average American’s wardrobe gets recycled. As one of the world’s largest countries, we also happen to be among the largest producers of needless waste in the world.

The Benefits of Charitable Donations

Used clothing donations in 2006 spared approximately 2.5 billion pounds of fabric from landfills. With many of America’s landfills rapidly filling up, every article of clothing donated is a small victory for environmentally-keen Americans. Up to 45% of recycled clothing is worn regularly as secondhand clothing; even clothing with minor wear and discoloration can be given a new lease on life in many circumstances. Although many give charitable donations for altruistic reasons, any donation worth more than $250 can qualify as a tax write-off so long as the individual in question has a receipt: proof that good deeds don’t go unnoticed.

How to Donate Clothing to Charity

Donating clothing is a simple matter of determining what you no longer need. As a general rule of thumb, if you haven’t worn an item in six months to a year you might want to consider donating it as someone may need it more. Many charities have dedicated drop-off locations for donations, although there are an increasing number of clothing donations that pick up at home. Those donations that pick up at home schedule a pick-up time at the donor’s convenience. Let’s remember what the holidays are about this season: family, love, and generosity — even the smallest act of kindness can mean the world to someone in need.

Categories
Cleaning services Maid services Sacramento house cleaning

Three Times In You’ll Life That You’ll Need House Cleaners

Professional house cleaning

It shouldn’t surprise anyone when we tell you that 98% of homeowners feel good when their houses are clean. That should go without saying, shouldn’t it? For that matter, maybe the number should be 100%! Either way, it’s no wonder that we all love clean houses. But we don’t all love the work involved in getting to those clean houses. For example, 63% of homeowners hate cleaning bathrooms more than anywhere else in the house. That’s because cleaning the bathroom is often disgusting — in fact, cleaning most of your house can be disgusting! This simple fact is what leads many Americans each year to hire professional house cleaners. After all, we hire many other professional services; why not house cleaners? House cleaners can make your life a lot simpler. So: let’s talk about the advantages of different types professional cleaning services.

Regular Home Cleaners

For some, having someone regularly come in and clean your home may seem silly. For others, it’s fantastic; and for more still, it’s the only option. For people with on-the-go jobs and lifestyles, cleaning the house on your own as much as you should simply isn’t an option. And the negative consequences that come from letting your house stagnate go far beyond the surface; certain germs can live on dry surfaces for several hours, and on moist surface for up to three days! Along those lines, some have regular cleaners over because they’re caring for a chronically ill loved one. Although cleanliness in these circumstances in particular is an utmost priority, the time just isn’t there. Whatever your reason for hiring regular cleaners, don’t feel guilty or judged for not cleaning on your own. Just do what’s best for you.

Last Minute Home Cleaners

Sometimes, you’re about to have family or friends over for a big event — whether the holidays or a fancy dinner party — and it the midst of all of your preparation, you look around and realize that your home is still a disaster. Circumstances like these are what leads many people to call cleaning services for an “emergency” cleaning. This kind of cleaning is quick and fast, and will have your home looking beautiful just in time for the big event.

Home Cleanings For Show

A major factor to consider as you attempt to sell your home is what kind of impression its cleanliness will make. Of course, the cleaning of the house will be up to the new owners once those papers are signed. But many home owners can’t physically be there to clean their homes before an open house or a big showing. That’s why they hire professional cleaning services. At times, these can be referred to you by your real estate agent. But if you want to handle things by yourself or if you’re trying to sell your house on your own, there are plenty of cleaners available.

Categories
Best preschool in coral gables Preschool in miami Private preschool

How to Find a Preschool — 5 Important Things to Watch Out For

Miami child care

Every parent wants to be able to impart quality education to their children. With the right start, your children can develop themselves for later life, inculcate various important qualities, learn about important realities and develop physical coordination. The right preschool training can also help them develop the rudiments of creative abilities and better communication with their peers.

It has been seen that preschool education can have quite a positive impact on children. There are many palpable benefits of preschool education and finding a good preschool should be one of your top priorities. You are sure to encounter many options, as about 30% of three and four-year old in the country attend preschool, which makes for daily preschool visits for more than five million children. The difference-maker for you is whether you know how to find a preschool that matches your criteria.

While choosing the best preschool for your kids, there are five main factors that you need to weigh –

  • To start off with, look for a preschool which incorporates basic teaching of letters and numbers in the curriculum. Being able to read and count early are signs of rapid development, and the best preschools help your child achieve that.

  • Look for places which include generous amounts of physical activity and play time during the daily routine, especially of the innovative kind. These activities help develop motor functions, encourage teamwork and communication, and bring in basic training in behavioral skills.

  • While learning how to find a preschool, it is essential that parents look for places which help inculcate home and family values through their teaching. If a school displays similar traits handling emotional and social issues as you do at home, you might have a winner.

  • You should look out for teachers who can develop and maintain a relationship with your child that provides nourishment and nurturing. Teachers get to spend long duration with your children in preschool and have an important impact on their development.

  • Look for a private preschool that encourages participation. Letting children choose at least part of their activities and egging them on to suggest interesting ones is a great way to promote development.

The percentage of children pursuing preschool education has gone up significantly over the last decade, and with good reason. Following these tips on how to find a preschool can ensure that your child remains in safe hands and receives optimum attention during these important formative years.