Romance on Stealth Mode
Romance on Stealth Mode
Yes, the rose, perfume, candlelight, wine and diamond. Every lovely ladies vision of romance. Then comes the trip down the isle, white the standard issue white dress and 7 brides maids and ring bearer and flower girl. This must be romance. No its the single family home with 2.1 children and a dog, the white picket fence.
No I say. All of the things above are routine events in life, and fluff that is added to make it more beautiful. Romance though. It is a different beast entirely. This is what romance is for me.
I wake in the morning and can barely move. My body is wracked with fibromyalgia pain. I can’t roll out of bed and my eyes can barely squint open. Suddenly I hear my man say, “coffee is ready” and I hear my cup being placed on my night stand. My heart is melting. It is the only part of my body that can move and isn’t in pain. A moment later he is bringing me my bathrobe, because he knows I will be cold. That is romance. He can see into me. That is intimacy. IN To ME SEE. Intimacy. Intimacy leads to romance. It is the first big step.
The week goes on and it is a few days before my birthday. My daughter and my man have been sneaking out in the evenings and secret shopping. On Saturday they drag me out of the house, excitedly telling me that they have something to show me. They have been worried about me sharing a car with my daughter, and have gone out and narrowed it down to 3 cars they know I would like and they let me choose. That is romance.
My dog that I have raise from a puppy has been sick for weeks now. He is the cutest little dachshund you can imagine. 13 yrs old. He has been slowly dying before our eyes for a few weeks now. With the help of our vet we have been trying to fight his infection and keep him comfortable. The Little guy is just losing too much weight. He is wasting away. It seems that we are going to have to put him to sleep. I have been crying off and on all day. My man came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me with out a word. A little while later I watched as he lay on the floor cuddling with my dog gently talking to him. That is romance. All those moments that your heart takes a picture, and you never want to forget. Whether the memory is happy or sad. That is romance. Not the fancy, mass marketed, purchasable kind. But the kind that lasts and carries you through the years.…
What You Should Know About Installing a Fence at Your New Home
What You Should Know About Installing a Fence at Your New Home
Have you ever considered remodeling your existing landscape by adding borders made from natural plants, trees, shrubs, rocks or stones? This can be achieved very easily with the many varieties of materials that are readily available to you through your landscaper or the local nurseries in your area. So many of us decide to install traditional fencing made from different types of woods and metals however, when you start to entertain the fact that you can create a fence around your property by simply using nature, the outcome can be truly amazing! For instance; if you are looking for a separation between your property and another, installing tall shrubs or, very distinct types of trees will achieve the fence effect you are searching for, and at the same time it will be very pleasing to the eye, leaving you with a naturally installed fence. Keep in mind by implementing natural products such as plant materials as a fencing border, you are also improving and saving precious resources, from our planet, in many different ways.
As you will notice it is unbelievable how quickly the changes show, appearing almost overnight, when you first begin. This spectacular upgrade to your landscaped yard, and your property’s overall appearance, will be absolutely stunning! So grab a sheet of paper and start planning your border fence installation, today! Bear in mind, no matter how big or small your border fence installation is, if you can dream it, you can also achieve it. Remember, your landscape specialists and designers in your area can be of great assistance to you. Installing a natural border fence around your property today will assure you to be the first on the block, with an eco-friendly natural border fence.…
How Can I Find a Licensed Contractor to Work For $10 an Hour?
How Can I Find a Licensed Contractor to Work For $10 an Hour?
The first thing that you’re going to need to do is start asking as many people as you know, if they know any licensed contractors who work for $10 an hour. If you find someone who works for $12 an hour, you could always ask them if they would lower their wages and work for $10 an hour and you would have found your contractor.
The key to finding a licensed contractor who will work for $10 an hour, is going to be in asking as many people and calling as many contractors as you could possibly get a hold of. You’re probably going to have a lot of contractors hang up the phone or tell you something like,” You’ve got to be kidding me.” Don’t let this discourage you though, keep at it until you find someone who work for these wages.
You might need to learn a couple of different languages but the savings could be well worth it, especially if you can find an experienced contractor to work for these wages. One of the biggest problems with finding a contractor, who will work for $10 an hour, is that they’re probably going to be lacking the experience that you’re seeking.
Don’t let this discourage you either, now that you have learned a couple of different languages, why not try to educate yourself on the home remodeling business, so that you can educate these people on home repairs and home remodeling.
There are plenty of ways to find contractors that will work for $10 an hour, but finding one with the experience that will work for these low wages, could be a problem. The key to anything is determination, put enough effort into anything and you will soon find yourself reaping the rewards.…
How to Take Advantage of the 2010 Energy Tax Credit For Garage Doors
How to Take Advantage of the 2010 Energy Tax Credit For Garage Doors
Homeowners understand the value of saving money, whether it means making smart purchases or turning down the a/c. However, some are unaware of all of the long-term energy saving solutions that can help stretch that buck.
Last year, the federal government implemented the American Recovery and Investment Act. It contains many incentives for homeowners to upgrade energy inefficient products, while saving money and stimulating the economy. Consider upgrading your garage door and take advantage of this government tax credit.
Why should I upgrade?
1. Save money now. This is one of the biggest reasons that millions of homeowners are using to upgrade their garage door before the end of the year. The tax credit will save you up to 30% of the door’s cost. This means you can save hundreds of dollars before the program expires.
Additionally, many dealers are offering other attractive incentives to bring business in during the current economy.
2. Save money later. A well-insulated garage will maintain a regular temperature, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the hotter months. This will save you money each month in heating and air conditioning bills, especially if your garage is attached. Over time, this can add up!
3. Aesthetics. Garage doors are one of the biggest highlights of the front of your home. It can add nice flair to your home and even raise your property value. There are many styles of insulated doors to choose from – you won’t be pigeon-holed into standard designs. Buying a new one can give you the opportunity to update your home.
4. Noise Reduction. The additional insulation can help cut down on outside noises. This can be a great benefit if you live on a busy street.
How much money can I save?
If you have bought a garage door since February 2009 or plan on getting one installed before the end of 2010, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars with this tax credit.
The energy credit will cover 30% of all energy reducing home improvements, up to $1500. This will includes the cost of the materials, not the installation fees. The credit also includes all qualifying energy improvements you have made to your home in the 2009 or 2010 tax year.
Are there any restrictions?
1. The door must be installed between January 2009 and December 2010
2. Only doors with a U-rating of.30 or less will qualify
3. Any windows on the garage door must have a solar heat gain co-efficient of.30 or less
4. The garage itself must be insulated.
5. The garage must be located in your primary residence.
6. This tax credit covers 30% of the garage door cost, up to $1500
7. Installation costs are not covered by the tax credit
Which doors qualify?
Most service installation companies maintain a network of several door manufacturers. While not all doors qualify, the company will most likely have access to several energy efficient options. Some of the major brands that have qualifying energy efficient garage doors include and Amaar, Clopay, Raynor, and Wayne-Dalton.
How can I get started?
To get started, contact your favorite or local garage door company. They will work with your practical and aesthetic needs to find your perfect energy efficient door. More importantly, they can answer all questions you may have about taking advantage of this program.
Your service company will provide you with a Manufacturer’s Certification from the manufacturer. This will include a breakdown of the material costs for your personal reference. It does not need to be submitted with your federal tax return.
This energy tax credit program will expire at the end of the year. Now is the perfect time to replace your old garage door.…
Traveling With Your Pet? No Problem!
Traveling With Your Pet? No Problem!
Whether visiting my parents at the lake for the weekend or going to the mountains or beach for a week, I always struggled with what to do with my precious dog Taffy. The thought of boarding her brought tears to my eyes and pet sitters are a luxury I just can’t afford. So, my only option was to take her with me.
Luckily, Taffy enjoys riding in the car. We go for rides everyday and she really looks forward to it. For those of you who don’t have a car-loving dog, you will need to take some time to get them used to an automobile. Try taking them for short rides and you may want to have them travel in a crate or carrier. This provides them with a safe and secure place and can help reduce the amount of anxiety they experience. Once your pet is used to the car, you’re ready to hit the road!
Now the first time I took Taffy to my parents’ house, I was extremely nervous. She had never stayed the night anywhere else before and I didn’t know how she would react to my parents’ dog or being in a strange place. Oh well, off to grandmother’s house we go!
As I mentioned before, Taffy loves the car, so the ride was a breeze. It was actually being there that I was afraid of. When we arrived at our destination, I put on her leash and we headed towards the front door. My parents’ beagle, Butch, was already barking up a storm and the fur on Taffy’s back began to rise. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. My mom came to the door to greet us and settle Butch down a bit. As we entered the house, both dogs were uneasy but began to check each other out by the usual sniffing and a few low growls; so far, so good. Taffy started to familiarize herself with her new surroundings, checking out each room of the house. Butch, of course, was trailing right on her heels every step of the way. This turned out fine, so we all headed out to the backyard.
The dogs began to run and play together which was a good sign. I brought along Taffy’s wireless fence to keep her from wandering off. It works wonderfully at home but I had never tried it in a new environment. I just turned it on, adjusted it to the desired setting, and we were all set! These fences are adjustable from 5 to 90 feet in all directions, so she had plenty of room to roam. When she heard the warning beep, she stopped, just as she did at home. What a relief! We could hang out on the dock by the lake and not have to worry about where Taffy was. Butch could continue to do as he pleased but he tended to stick around closer to home to keep an eye on his “niece”. I could let Taffy out at any time of the day or night without having to accompany her. It worked out perfectly! My parents couldn’t believe how well it worked. They even decided to get one for Butch.
Now Taffy and I are road warriors! We go to the beach, the mountains and visit family and friends. So, if you are thinking of traveling with your dog, go for it! Just be sure to get him or her used to the car before hand and consider whether a wireless fence would make your vacations with your dog(s) more enjoyable. It sure gives me piece of mind when I take Taffy on vacations. It may do the same for you!…
Home Improvement – Three Why’s to Modernize
Home Improvement – Three Why’s to Modernize
I really don’t like the word “modern”. Modern becomes old all too soon. When you read an old book or article and they are describing something “modern” it often sounds silly compared to the present moment in which you are reading!
Okay, that being said, I used modern in the title a slightly different way. I’m talking about modernizing. Bringing styles current. This is a common reason to do a home improvement.
Three Popular Situations for Modernizing a Home
There are three times when home improvement is undertaken for the sake of modernization. I’ll mention the three then we’ll talk about easy and effective ways to accomplish the goal.
First: When you are preparing your home for resale
Second: When you are preparing to move into a new purchase
Third: To enhance your enjoyment of your existing home
Your specific reason or reasons will dictate exactly what you do to accomplish the improvement of your home. Before I get into a few specifics about each situation I’ll outline some of the most popular and effective ways to accomplish the process of modernization.
Most Effective Home Remodeling Tips to Modernize
Ways to modernize are virtually endless but here is some food for thought.
Replace old style and worn carpeting
Replace dated ceramic tile
Remove old wall-paper
Upgrade counter-tops
Change out appliances
Install new kitchen and bath cabinetry
Change lighting fixtures
Upgrade faucets and other plumbing fixtures
Paint, trim, and window coverings
Hiring an interior designer is a great way to get ideas and get some direction. Most of the time you do not need to retain the designer to take charge of the project. You can simply pay her to give you some ideas or even prepare a plan that you can follow yourself.
But, before you dive headlong into your project, let’s go back and analyze your reasons for the home improvement.
1) Preparing for resale: When you are preparing to sell your home, many times you can get by just with proper “staging”. This is where you simply just dress up the home cosmetically. However, if your home is seriously outdated, this may not work. That’s the time you may have to start well before you list your home and take care of things like removing old wall-paper, adding new paint and trim, and replacing old-style, worn out carpeting.
2) Moving in to a newly purchased home: This calls for more extensive upgrading. Some things can be done over time, but I normally advise people to tackle the big items like new carpeting and other floor coverings, replacing of cabinetry and counter-tops, and changing of outdated fixtures like tubs, toilets, and sinks before moving in.
3) To enhance your enjoyment of the home: Certainly, the items in number two apply here. Yet, we would carry the project on with many things that can be accomplished over time. Light fixtures, new appliances, paint and trim, window coverings and many cosmetic changes can be done one at a time if you wish and can provide a significant change in the feel of the home.
For Profit or Pleasure
If you know your goal, your strategy will be easier to develop and follow. Whether it’s for resale, your personal enjoyment, or whether it needs to be completed quickly or it’s a process to enjoy over time, only you can know.
Plan well, execute according to the plan and you’ll find it far easier to reach that “modern” look you want for whatever reason you want it. …
Home Remodeling – What It Can Do For Your Home
Home Remodeling – What It Can Do For Your Home
In today’s economy many families are foregoing buying new homes. Foreclosures, tight credit and other problems with the housing market have made remodeling a home more attractive. Remodeling a home not only gives it a face lift, it can be a way to increase value, and add much needed space to a dwelling. Remodeling can range from painting to adding a room addition. No matter how small the project, a remodel can make a home look stunning and increase value by thousands of dollars.
Remodel Economically With Paint
Paint is a low-cost way to brighten up a home from the inside out. Bright white paint used on molding and trim, and contrasting colors on walls can provide a fresh contemporary backdrop for all types of home furnishings. A nontraditional paint color on outside trim provides an unexpected touch of class. Stripping dated wallpaper and repainting a bathroom wall gives a bathroom an updated look.
Consider A Room Addition
A new room addition adds square footage to a home and will increase resale value. A den or recreation room can provide additional space for entertaining. Add an office or library for a quiet get-a-way space for meditating and relaxing, or reading.
Update The Kitchen
Kitchen remodeling allows the homeowner to update appliances, cabinets and flooring. The increased interest in do-it-yourself gourmet cooking make a commercial refrigerator and range and granite counter tops popular upgrades for those who like to entertain in the kitchen. When done tastefully, kitchen remodeling can add thousands of dollars to the value of a home.
Basement Remodeling
A basement left to itself is just wasted space. Add drywall, a ceiling and sunny yellow paint and this underground room becomes a bright and cozy den,play area or craft room. Take basement remodeling a step further by partitioning the basement into rooms. Add a small bathroom, closet, and a kitchenette for the perfect guest suite, or small apartment.
Bathroom Remodeling
Bathroom remodeling is another popular upgrade. A bathroom in a home can be enlarged or remodeled to resemble a mini-spa. Add a garden tub for soaking away sore muscles after a day of yard work, or maybe a body spray shower would be preferable. Sophisticated fixtures like vanities made of cherry or mahogany wood, with glass bowl sinks that appear to float on top of the vanities, remind a homeowner of baths found in luxury hotels.
The best aspect of home remodeling is that no space is to small for remodeling. When space is limited, consider using high quality materials that make an impact. This draws attention to the design elements rather than the size of the room. To save money, consider remodeling one space at a time.…