First Steps To Home Remodeling

Home remodeling has become a national pastime, a passion and sometimes an obsession. We all want our homes to look better and feel more comfortable. Home remodeling magazines and television programs are everywhere, and the home improvement industry is booming. Almost everyone is in the middle of a project or about to embark on a new way of updating the home. It can be easy to do and extremely rewarding. If you are thinking about taking on a remodeling project, following a few basic steps will make the process more enjoyable.

The first step to be considered when planning your remodeling project is the basic design of your home. Most people begin a project by thinking ways to make their homes look better, and considering possible design options to improve the look, feel and aura of the place. This is where the concept of design for home remodeling comes into play. To plan your design, decide whether you want to hire a design expert, an architect or another home remodeling professional to come in and visualize your ideas. It will be necessary to create a design that you can afford, and will really love. You want to create a rapport with the professional you hire, to get them as excited about the project as you are. Sit down with your architect or design, come to an agreed plan, determine how much you can afford, and be sure to stick to your budget.

The second consideration for home remodeling is the project implementation. Plan and review your home remodeling design with your contractor, and consider any suggestions that he or she may have about the progress or the costs of the project. Choose the materials and products that you will need to successfully complete your home remodeling project. If possible, first purchase the materials you'll need right away, then later you can pick up additional products you'll need to complete the job. Make sure you consider the required time allotment and ask your architect, designer or contractor to come up with a detailed construction schedule. There will be steps to follow for each job and crews to schedule, so it's important that you don't overlook this important step in planning your project.

A conference is necessary to ensure that your home remodeling project is completed successfully. Insist that you meet with your home remodeling contractor, architect or designer, job-site supervisor and any other construction crewmembers involved in your project. Consider this a brainstorming session in which you can make note of important matters, consider new ideas and prepare for any possible changes from the original plan. Everyone involved in every step of the home renovation must be made aware of any changes to the original plan. It is also important that you set ground rules for your home remodeling project. Express these rules to your contractor and jobsite supervisor, and prepare a communication plan that will ensure your direction will be passed along to everyone working on the project. In such case, the primary contact person will generally be the job-site supervisor. A home remodeling project is a huge investment, so be serious about the entire process. Pay attention to every detail, and feel free to make comments or ask questions regarding the progress.

Finally, make the area easy for the crew to get the job done. Remove furniture and personal belongings from the work area. Try to put up a temporary kitchen area and have toilet facilities available for the crew to use. Make trash bins accessible and ask if construction fencing is required. If large quantities of supplies will be delivered, such as lumber or flooring, be sure that there is ample and accessible storage room. This area should be secure and protected from the elements, as the materials may not be installed on the same day they're delivered.

Remodeling your home is a rewarding experience. Hiring a contractor, architect or home designer can help ensure that the job is done properly. The expense will fully pay for itself in the satisfaction and enjoyment you'll receive from your newly remodeled home.

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New Or Used Construction Equipment - The Return On Investment Decision

It has always been a debate whether to buy new or used construction equipment. Smaller fleets prefer to buy used construction equipment as they attract less capital investments. Another reason for people to opt for used construction equipment is that they are sometimes as good as new and come at a very heavy discounted price as compared to that offered at the showrooms.

Moreover, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and TradeYard, Inc, have jointly announced an alliance that shall provide certified inspection of used construction equipment that can also be sold online. This has been done to boost the business-to-business sales via online medium. It gives better promotion to the sale of used construction equipment and buyers to be confident about their purchase. Usually buyers buy the used construction equipment only upon the preliminary inspection done by the technical agent from either the buyer or the seller side. Since a neutral and unbiased inspection report shall be available it would lead to increased sales and more profitable bargains to small investors. Small fleet owners usually opt for used construction equipment sold from earlier projects. Large construction companies that carry huge fleet of construction equipment can also strike a good bargain at onsite purchase of such certified used construction equipment.

There had always been a skeptical attitude towards the economies in the Indian sub-continent, Russia or Latin America. But over the past years these economies have shown a constant and steady growth. The demand to construct new projects or to renew the old ones has been always in demand. Since these countries are not as cash rich and affluent, they usually have constructors who have smaller fleet. Moreover, they also do not have enough capital to be invested in developing a large fleet. They are always on a look out for used construction equipments. Along with this these constructors take on projects in the neighboring countries and shifting heavy and used construction equipment is also not feasible. Thus sales of such equipments is constantly in demand

Apart from the projects in these countries, bigger companies take up their projects in the continent of Africa and also the Gulf countries. Thus they opt to buy used construction equipments available locally from the companies or constructors who wish dispose off their fleet. The used construction equipments are also on the sale due to the feasibility reasons that lie on the seller’s side as well. The construction companies who have finished off their projects in foreign lands and take up projects in other countries, for such large companies it is more feasible to dispose off their used construction equipment and assemble a new fleet at the onsite location rather than carry them to the new land. This is due to the reason that various countries have different rules for export and import of heavy equipment required for infrastructure development.

Some countries impose heavy taxes and import duties to restrict import of used construction equipment. This is done to prevent the domestic markets and small construction companies with limited resources. Further, export of such used construction equipment requires various documentation procedure, inspections and other legal formalities. All such activities are not only tedious but also time consuming. These formalities also require lot of duty fulfillment at both the ends. Moreover clearance at the ports and damage caused in handling and shifiting these equipments is also very tedious job.

Thus construction companies prefer to buy new or used construction equipment locally. Only Large construction companies or companies who have strategic partnerships in the local market for a company prefer to import a part of their used construction equipment for their ongoing projects.

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Retro Home and Bedroom Furnishings: A Look at the 70's and 80's

Every twenty to thirty years, it seems that fashion tends to come full circle, with trends simply being recycled and updated. It could just be the vicious circle of history repeating itself, but it seems that even home design is doing the same thing. If you take a gander at the home furnishing offerings today, you'll find that many of the decorations and designs are "retro"', imitating the wave of the late 1970's through the 1980's. In case you weren't around for the original styles, or have chosen to block out most of than span of time from your memory, let's take a trip back and look at the blast from the past that is piled on store shelves today.

Tie-Dyed Clothes. Remember when bright, tie-dyed colors were all the rave? In the early eighties, everything was a starburst of six and seven different colors that didn't really match and could make your eyes water with the brightness of the design. Home furnishings have begun to incorporate this design again, with wall hangings of tie-dyed starbursts, throw rugs in the pattern, bedspreads full of tie-dyed spots, and even some couches artfully designed in such a manner. If you like the bright, anything goes style, this may be for you!

Psychedelic. Okay, so in the sixties and seventies, there were reasons for glow in the dark, psychedelic paint and black lights, though these excuses were usually less than savory and not entirely legal. Today, though, the bright T-shirts and posters have returned, with many individuals covering walls with glow in the dark designs and even painting whole walls in psychedelic paint, installing black lights in their recreation rooms or game rooms for entertainment purposes. This retro design option, coupled with disco lights that are more reminiscent of the late seventies, can really take you back to "the day"', especially if you put in the right music!

Lava Lamps, Most lamps are made to assist with lighting a room and giving you something to read by. On the other hand, in retro times, the lava lamp was more about putting on a show when it was dark in the room. Lava lamps have begun to grace the shelves of not only specialty and gag gift stores but also typical home decor departments in other stores, including superstores and department stores. Add to this the fact that the "lightning ball"' has also made a comeback from its loss of popularity in the mid-80s, and you've just jumped back in time.

Shag Carpets and Bean Bags. Rather than sitting on real furniture, designers are now suggesting a return to the basics. In the seventies, everyone had thick, shag carpeting, and now it's become popular again (as opposed to Berber, the thinnest possible carpet around), only this time it's not in mixed blue and green colors (thank goodness!). And, with the modification of the original bean bag chair that was so popular in the 80s to seat more than one comfortably on plush material or even leather rather than sticky vinyl, you can have your whole home outfitted retro style!

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Fall - A New Season - A New Decorating Scheme

What exactly is fall? Being my favorite season, I decided to look it up and see how Mr. Webster defines it. Flipping to “fall” I found “autumn”, ok turning to that here is what it says, “autumn, the season that comes between summer and winter”. Well, that’s pretty cut and dry and I think most of us already know that, so here is my interpretation.

“Autumn; cool days leading into brisk nights. Fresh picked apples, leaves ablaze with color, pumpkins, gourds, Halloween, Thanksgiving and a brand new opportunity to decorate your home”.

I’m not sure about you, but one of the reasons I love the fall is that with the cooler temperatures, I seem to have a renewed energy level. Daily activities are suddenly not such an effort. Think about the things you can do with this newfound energy. Giving your home a good cleaning - after all who wants to do that when it’s 90° and the humidity level is so high it feels like it could rain inside your home - sorting through and discarding unwanted items in closets, drawers and cupboards. Admiring mother natures magnificent color show while taking walks with the family or a favorite four-legged fur baby.

As mentioned above, this is also an opportunity for change in your homes décor. Now I’m not talking about a complete redo, just adding accessories that are fall related is all that’s needed.

Changing your window treatments from light summery fabrics and colors to something with a heavier texture and darker color is one quick way to warm up a room for fall.

Add some warm throws over the back or arms of the furniture, change out the accent pillows to something with a fall print or warmer colors, even just one or two pillows can make a difference.

Swap out summer flower arrangements for new ones that have a fall theme. Take a walk around your yard or in a neighborhood park or state forest and look for things to use, like unusual shaped twigs, pinecones, acorns and seedpods. Mixing these with store bought silk mums, preserved leaves or cat -o-nine tails in any type of container you may have will give a fall look to any surface.

Hang a grapevine wreath adorned with colorful mums on your door, or how about using the wreath as a centerpiece. Lay it in the middle of any table and place a ceramic or even real pumpkin in the middle.

Speaking of pumpkins, purchase a few - real or not - and spread them around your home both inside and out. Combine them with colorful gourds, apples, silk mums, leaves or berry vines in bowls or baskets for a festive look.

Take a look around local discount and craft stores for artificial fruit. The advantage to these is once this season has passed they can be packed away until needed again next year, so this makes for a very economical and savvy investment.

Scent is another indication of the fall season. Candles and potpourri in fall fragrances like pumpkin; spiced apple or cider will make walking into your home a wonderful experience. Below are a couple of favorites of mine.

Potpourri - “Natures Own Potpourri”, located in Tennessee, I have used many different brands and this is by far the best. Some of my favorite scents are: Apple Tree, American Harvest & Country Retreat.

Candles – Village Candle Factory Store, located in Topsham Maine. I’ve been burning candles for many years and these are my absolute favorite. As for the smell, well all I can say is yummmmm. Favorite scents consist of: Crisp Apple, Spiced Pumpkin, Mulled Cider & Gingerbread.

How ever you decide to celebrate and decorate for fall, stay warm, get comfortable and settle in while you wait for the next season to visit.

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Air Conditioning repair in McKinney Tx

Air conditioning repair and inefficiency can be expensive, there are 5 aspects of your central air system that you can review in order to make sure that your system is functioning as efficiently as possible as this summer approaches.

One - in the summer, most people's air conditioning system is taken for granted until it doesn't work right and they start getting hot in dollars. So, it is always a good idea to check your cooling system before the summer starts. Even in the hot summers like those in the McKinney TX, there many ways that you are able to ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning properly and efficiently. Having a qualified air conditioning professional, perform a standard preventive maintenance check is the best first defense to prevent and an unexpected system failure during the heat of the summer.

Two - the second idea for the efficiency to consider if there any areas of your home like unused bedrooms that do not require as much cooling as the remainder of your home. Closing the ceiling vents, in an unused bedroom can sometimes be helpful. A more efficient method would be to install a damper somewhere near air conditioning unit and reduce the amount of cold air flowing to the unused bedroom. In the past most duct work was metal, it was easy to make a break in the ductwork and install a damper that could be adjusted. Today, most new construction ductwork is flexible and the only possible place to install a damper would be right at the plenum, the space where the air is distributed from the cooling unit into the various ducts. A qualified heating and air conditioning professional can provide insight as to whether or not your particular situation would be improved by the installation of dampers.

Three - often in today's new construction, the attic spaces where cooling units are installed are very tight and cramped. Also the systems installed are installed with a shortened plenum area either because of space restrictions or because the original equipment installer was attempting to save costs. When you look at your air conditioning unit, you need to identify the area where the fan or blower is located. Just past the blower, you should have an area where you can see the area into which the cooling or refrigerant lines are connected. This means that area contains the cooling coils for your air conditioning system. The basic operation of the air conditioner is that the blower moves and air over the cooling coils which reduces the temperature of the air to create the cooling effect. Common sense, right? But, what if in the same area, you also have the plenum portion of the system. The plenum is the part of your system where the single central duct is split into multiple ducts going to the different rooms of the house, often, the cooling coils extend partially or totally into the plenum. What this means is that some of the air passes into the ductwork before it even gets cooled. Ever go into a room in the air coming out of the duct just doesn't feel as cool as the air coming into some of the other rooms? This could be your problem.

Four - the next major area that you need to take a look at is the condensation tray or what most people call the drip tray. When air conditioning system is functioning in the summer the combination of the cold air in the unit coming in contact with the hot air in the attic space often produces condensation which falls from the unit into the drip tray. If the drip tray is not functioning properly, there is an entire myriad of problems that can be caused. Everything from an overflow producing mold in insulation, wood flooring, and sheet rock all the way to a possible constant water dripped on a critical component which over time could result in rust and component failure.

Five - another major area that you might want to evaluate would be the conditions around your outside air conditioning compressor. The outside air conditioning compressor which is hooked by the refrigerant lines to the cooling unit inside the home is an area where the heat is being removed from the inside air is technically dispersed into the outside air. The hotter the area is around the outside compressor, the less efficiently it may operate. It's often a good idea, if possible, to attempt to shade the outside air conditioning compressor either with shrubbery or with some type of awning or overhang attached to the home. This can increase the efficiency of your system helping it to not have to work so hard plus it can be an aesthetic improvement for the exterior of your home.

Most of these areas can be initially evaluated by the average homeowner, but when it comes to making a final decision as to whether or not any investment in any of these areas would be a worthwhile undertaking is best to consult a qualified air conditioning repair and maintenance specialist. Qualified professionals at McKinney Air Conditioning Repair will be happy to assist you in any way that they can to help you have an efficient system and enjoy staying cool during hot Texas summer.

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Unique kitchen Canister Sets

For many homeowners kitchen canister sets are a convenient and practical method to store food and other items in the kitchen. They are today one of the most popular kitchen accessories found in the kitchen because they not only look good as a functional kitchen accessory but also because they can be co-ordinated with the right color and style to blend virtually into any kitchen theme. Kitchen canisters also have a melancholy feel and charm that can take you back to those long ago days when you quietly admired the retro looking metal canisters on a counter or during an old time movie.



Nowadays there are a lot of different types, shapes and styles of kitchen canister available with many made in different types of materials and designs. In some Continental countries such as Italy and France, canister sets are created from metals such as bronze or copper to project a unique and classic look in the kitchen. To keep with tradition metal canisters that have a contemporary retro look with unique hand-painted old style themes in striking colors can also be acquired at some specialty retail stores.



Unique wooden canister sets can also look appealing especially in a country style kitchen. For example, three small canisters made and designed to hold tea, coffee and sugar can blend in nicely with other wood features such as richly varnished kitchen cabinetry. Many of these unique wooden canisters with their exquisite small lids have been hand made and painted with colorful animals and floral scenes. A wooden set such as this can be difficult to find, although you may be lucky to find a set in an antique store or try looking online as there are some online stores that specialize in this type of product. In some cases you may even find a wooden canister set with burnt letters etched into the outside of the canister. What better way is there to give your kitchen an olde world type Pirates of the Caribbean mood.

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Home Lighting: An Essential In Home Decor

Many people spare no expense when it comes to filling their home with expensive furnishings, draperies, carpeting and artwork. They know that creating a comfortable, stylish home is an effort to be truly proud of and take their job seriously no matter whether they are decorating the interior or exterior spaces of their home. Sadly, though, all of their hard work often goes unnoticed or unappreciated by most if they fail to pay attention to the most important element of home décor: home lighting.

Choosing the proper home lighting is perhaps one of the most important facets of decorating your home and creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. With the right home lighting you can make a poorly decorated room look extravagant and make large, cold spaces seem warm and cozy. There is just no end to what you can accomplish with the proper home lighting. That is why it is so important to invest in good quality lamps for your home’s interior spaces.

When decorating a room it takes several different types of home lighting to truly complete the look. In the ideal room, general home lighting, task home lighting and accent home lighting work in harmony to create an overall effect that is comfortable and engaging. For these reasons, serious thought needs to be given to the home home lighting design process, especially when it comes to lamps, which are usually classified as task home lighting. While lamps can be decorative and add an element of style to the room, they also need to be practical and able to handle the majority of your home lighting issues.

There are numerous different types of quality lamps that you can purchase for your home. Which ones you choose will depend largely on your existing décor, home lighting needs and the overall home lighting affect you wish to create. The types of lamps include floor lamps, table lamps, desk lamps and buffet lamps.

In addition to considering which types of lamps to incorporate into your décor, you should also consider and compare manufacturers according to quality, style and price. Two premier lamp manufacturers that you might wish to consider are Uttermost and Feiss. Each of these top-name manufacturers deliver decorative lamps of superior quality and style. In their inventory you can find lamps to compliment any décor no matter whether it is Formal, Country, Contemporary or Eclectic.

After deciding which lamps are suited to your particular tastes, budget and existing décor, you should carefully consider the placement of your lamps and which types of lamps to include in your interior spaces. Choose lamps that work with your lifestyle and the way you live in your home. For example: use desk lamps for delicate tasks such as a hobby and table lamps for more general tasks such as reading and place them where you are most likely to engage in these activities.

Do not make the same mistake that many do and underestimate the importance of purchasing quality lamps and home lighting fixtures for your home’s interior. You will see that it is only after all of your home’s design elements come together, that a truly beautiful and comfortable home is created.

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Using the Right Hedge Trimmers in Lawn Care

Certain hedge trimmers are better for particular applications. That is why we need to chose the right one.

Types of gas hedge trimmers discussed are..

* Single sided
* Double sided
* Pole or Extension

Single sided hedge trimmers are made for cutting straight sections of hedges. This is a great trimmer if you have large shrubs and need to make straight passes. Since it has a one sided blade it can be longer than a double blade and still not be too heavy.

This machine's center of gravity is located closer to the body than the double sided hedge trimmers. This allows for more trimming and less fatigue.

Double sided trimmers allow you to trim in a back and fourth, horizontal and vertical motion without moving around to much, unlike the single sided blade. Double sided is better for shaping.

If you have many small shrubs(3' or 4'), then a shorter cutting blade is easier to work with and more efficient. This means more profit. Remember to keep the center of gravity as close to the body as possible.

Pole trimmers are used for low and high shrubs that you would normally have to have a ladder for. These trimmers usually have a cutting head that adjust 90 degrees to increase comfort, reach, and efficiency. When trimming hedges and shrubs over 10', use blades longer than 30".

Pole trimmers look like a straight shaft grass trimmer with hedger blades. In fact, some commercial grass trimmers have an attachment that turn them into pole trimmers. Redmax and Stihl are 2 that come to mind. There are others.

Commercial hedge trimmers have blade cutting options that roughly range from 18"-40". They are designed with larger gaps between teeth than the homeowner models. This is to allow for more productivity and durability.

If adding a hedge trimmer to your fleet, look for certain aspects.

Remember to make sure the machine is well balanced. Don't always compare weight to weight between different machines. This holds true with grass trimmers. A lighter machine not balanced well can feel heaver than the actual heavier one and this effects productivity. Most commercial hedge trimmers weigh from 10-15lbs.

Compare manufacturer commercial warranties. Two years is good. Hedges and shrubs are trimmed 3 to 4 times a year here in Memphis so you should get a lot of life out of your hedger.

Check for..

* Excessive vibration
* Hand guards
* Throttle lock switch- When on, throttle can not engage.
* Blade locks- Keep blades from moving when engine is idling
* Stop buttons- Like a kill switch
* Sleeve- For the blades when they are not in use
* Other features

Go to a dealer that sells different models. Ask about dependability and repair time for the models.Also ask if they have a loaner you can borrow while yours is in the shop. Don't buy a hedge trimmer or any other piece of equipment if you can not get it serviced in your town.i.e.the internet.

In my book, I talk about maintenance of hedge trimmers and other equipment along with a slew of other helpful ideas for starting or growing a lawn care business. You'll see my passion for this business when you read the book.

Oh and by the way, read the manual. I'm joking!

Best of Luck!

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Creating Unique Details With Wallpaper Borders (Decorating With Wallpaper)

(ARA) - True decorating distinction lies in details -- little finishing touches and unusual twists that make a room entirely unique. To put your personal mark of creativity in your home, do what many professional interior designers do: Head for the border.

Wallpaper borders are among the most versatile of decorating tools. Furthermore, they are affordable and easy to install. Nearly any wall takes on a more finished look with the addition of a border. But to achieve real distinction, think beyond merely adding a border along the top of the wall. For new ideas, look up and look down.

Consider, for example, placing a decorative border on the ceiling itself, connecting that often-ignored overhead expanse to the walls. Decorators often refer to the ceiling as "the fifth wall," another palette on which to apply their art. By surrounding a room, at the ceiling, with a continuous, unobstructed border, you create a "tray" effect that visually holds the room together.

Nowhere is this technique more useful than in the kitchen. Kitchens typically contain permanent appliances and cabinets that separate wall space. By installing this elegant leopard print border above the crown molding, the overall space has been unified while also giving the room greater depth and height.

The border also provides a visual transition between the kitchen and the living room beyond it. Both the leopard border and the banana leaf wallpaper are from the Winnetka collection from S. A. Maxwell Co. Like all Maxwell collections, Winnetka is arranged in groups according to color. This assures easy coordination among patterns within the same room and from one room to another. All design groups in collections by S.A. Maxwell contain several borders in different widths.

Double-bordering more than doubles your creativity. By combining two borders from the Winnetka collection, we created a truly custom border in the living room. The four-inch leopard border, placed along the outside perimeter of the ceiling, is the "anchor." Banana leaves on the die-cut border repeat the theme of the wallpaper pattern, while their sculptured, outlined edges reach into the room.

Die-cut borders provide sculptured-edge detailing that was once only achieved by tedious hand-trimming around a pattern. To install a double custom border, combine the two patterns on a table, positioning them exactly the way you want them to overlap and join. Measure their combined width. Beginning at the point where the ceiling meets the wall, make a light pencil mark on the ceiling to show how far your custom double border will extend onto the ceiling. Install the straight border first, then overlap it with the sculptured design. This idea works equally well along the bottom of walls, at chair rail height, or wherever else you want to surprise the eye with something special.

Double borders don't have to be joined together to give a room a lift. In a guest room, we ran two different, sculptured ivy patterns parallel to each other, 20 inches apart. Both are from S.A. Maxwell's Wicker Park collection. The large basket and ivy border runs just beneath the crown molding at the ceiling, and the diminutive die-cut ivy border "underlines" it 20 inches below. Even more layering is possible. You might add a vertical stripe wallpaper between the two borders and even place the coordinating ivy trail wallpaper from the same collection under all these layers.

Now you're on a roll. So why not use your border leftovers to decorate a hat box or a group of shoe boxes and make the inside of your guest room closet as appealing -- and unique -- as the room you've created?

For more border ideas, locate a retailer near you that carries coordinated wallpaper and border collections from S.A. Maxwell Co. by calling (847) 932-3700 or visiting www.samaxwell.com.

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Building a Concrete Patio

A concrete patio can be an attractive part of the landscape, provided it is properly decorated after it is placed. It is also a convenient landscape element, as the patio is usually square and is easy to mow around. Additionally, it is an excellent place to enjoy outdoor cooking and entertaining. Concrete is durable and it can withstand a great deal of wear and tear. Building a concrete patio is something that you can do on your own in about three days. With a little investment of time, you can save money by installing your patio yourself, rather than paying someone else to do it.

The first thing to do, of course, is plan your patio. You need to figure out how big you want the patio, and mark off the area. Additionally, you need to make sure you have all of the necessary tools. 50 square feet is a fairly common size patio, and for that (at about six inches thick) you need 25 bags of pre-mixed concrete. Make sure that you get the pre-mixed for best results and easiest construction. You will also need to make sure you have concrete tools and an automatic concrete mixer. If you do not wish to purchase these tools, it is possible to rent them from a home improvement or hardware store.

Next, you need to excavate the area with a garden shovel. The best thing to do is excavate six inches deep. This is so that you have a two-inch layer of gravel beneath four inches of concrete. This is especially important in the north, where the freezing and thawing cycle can cause drainage problems. The gravel allows for adequate drainage, and that prevents cracking due to frozen water trapped beneath the patio.

After you have excavated your patio area, you need to build a form to hold the gravel and concrete. This form is usually made from wood. It acts as a frame of sorts to keep the gravel and concrete in place, instead of spreading beyond the confines of your patio. The form can be constructed from wood or strong plastic or rubber, and should be sunk into the ground lining the entire border of the patio area. If you want the patio flush with the ground, the top of the form should be level with the surrounding lawn. After that is done, put in the gravel. Make sure you tamp it down firmly to avoid shifting later on. Two-inch high flat pieces of rock should be installed as well, on top of the gravel, to act as supports for rebar reinforcing (the rebar will be built in the middle of the four inch slab of concrete

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7 Incredible Ways to Reconnect with Your Husband or Boyfriend

There are times in every relationship when other commitments take priority over your husband or your boyfriend, but these times can hurt a relationship. When you start to notice that you haven’t been as close as you once were, you will want to start taking steps that will reconnect you with your partner and re-establish the strong relationship that you once had.

Realize that the mess can wait

Some women believe that they are being constantly judged by how their house or their living space looks. However, this is far from the case. Instead of making cleaning the majority of your free time, why not allow yourself to let more things go at the end of the day to make room for your relationship? Instead of having the laundry always done and the kitchen always shining, isn’t your relationship worth the time?

Take time for yourself

Many women will feel more connected in their relationships if they take the time to make themselves look good. Something as simple as getting out of sweatpants and tee shirts at the end of the day and into nice jeans and a well-fitting top can help you feel more confident and thus, more attractive to your partner. You don’t have to look like a model, but taking care of your appearance can help you feel like one.

Create a date

At least once a week, you and your partner need to get out of the house and on a date. Too often, long relationships think that they are ‘past’ that, so they settle into a dull life of staying at home. When you were first dating, you went to the movies and out to eat – why not try to do that more now? Sure, you won’t be able to do it every week, but if you try, you will both have something to look forward to.

Stop your thinking

Many times, a woman can become frustrated by everything that she is handling, especially when she’s a mom as well as a career woman. When this happens, you might feel as though you could scream at your partner for not being helpful enough, romantic enough, etc. But is this really going to reconnect your relationship? It can help to stop your thinking for a few seconds before you share these kinds of feelings. You might find that you’re actually feeling something else that’s not directed at him.

Put the spotlight on him

When you take the time to do something special for someone else, you will reap the benefits of feeling closer to them as well. Something as simple as packing a lunch or writing a love note in their wallet can be a great way to help your partner know that you care. Everyone likes to feel special.

When you can’t get away

It’s time to be creative if you’re unable to get away from the house. Maybe you can create date night at home, or work together on some goals that you’ve wanted to accomplish. Play board games – do whatever you both like to do together. If you have a home remodeling project, don’t leave it just for him, do it together to get more couple time.

Getting out of town

One of the best ways to reconnect as a couple is to head out of the house for a few days. There are numerous bed and breakfasts that you can visit for only a small expense. You don’t even have to leave the room if you don’t want to, but the time away from your normal distractions can help you get back in tune with what your relationship needs.

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Are Everyday Candles Destroying Your Home And Health?

Did you know that most candles are made from the sludge in the bottom of a barrel of oil which is bleached and texturized with a chemical called acrolein?

They're called paraffin candles and burning one puts all the same horrible toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) into the air in your home that burning diesel fuel in your home would.

The National Candle Association estimates that more than 7 million people in the US alone burn candles every year.

But testing by the EPA has confirmed that those candles, and the smoke and soot they give off, contain several dangerous chemicals in significant quantities. These chemicals include known or probable carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins.

The American Lung Association also warns that burning paraffin candles can emit toxins (in measurable amounts) into your home's air.

It might shock you to learn that after burning just a few paraffin candles in your home, the overall effect on the quality of the air in your home could be worse than the air in major cities like Los Angeles!

Not only is your health affected, but the health of your pets and children as well.

Cathy Flanders who has been at the forefront of addressing health and safety issues involving candles says, "With the current 'candle-craze' and increased candle burning in homes, expectant Moms need to be aware of the fact that the emissions from some candles are toxic, reproductive toxins, neuro-toxins and/or carcinogens. This has been a growing cause for concern for the EPA and children's health agencies."

And it might hit your pocket book soon too. Not only is the price of oil spiraling out of control, but you might have a nasty surprise the next time you go to renew your homeowners insurance.

The NIA Group (Insurance and Financial Services) lists the following problems with paraffin candles in an article on their website:

1) Reduces the internal air quality in your home.

2) Damage by particulate deposits on interior and exterior walls, carpets, furniture, appliances, window treatments, floors and other surfaces.

3) Contributes to health problems from inhaling particulate matter or ingesting harmful chemicals.

4) Spews hazardous chemicals that are either in the paraffin wax, the wick, or are present when paraffin wax is burned....Acetone, Benzene, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Toluene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene and Lead

They go on to say...

"Another surprise is that the candle-making industry is not required to tell consumers about the ingredients used in their products, including when a wick is used which contains a lead core."

No one knows for sure if paraffin candles cause cancer, but there are at least 4 cancer-causing chemicals associated with paraffin candles.

The EPA lists these chemicals on their website:

1) Benzene (EPA classification as Group A, known human carcinogen).

2) Carbon Tetrachloride (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).

3) Trichloroethane (EPA classification as Group C, possible human carcinogen).

4) Toluene (EPA classification as Group B2 probable human carcinogen).

Would you burn animal fat in your home?

Most of us would answer an emphatic "No!" or "Yuck!" to that question, but like something straight out of a horror movie, you might react in horror to realize that you probably are burning animal fat in your home when you burn paraffin candles.

That's because many paraffin candles contain large amounts of animal fats to give them a more textured or rustic look.

So what's the alternative?

Believe it or not, the answer comes from soybeans.

The soy plant produces a waxy substance that not only burns cooler, but can burn up to 50% longer than paraffin wax.

Since soy wax is derived from plants, it's a renewable resource that's a pleasure for candle makers to work with.

Some of the surprising benefits of soy candles include:

* Burn with no toxins, carcinogens or choking soot.
* Burn up to 50% longer than paraffin candles.
* Cruelty-free, contain no animal fats.
* Non-toxic, biodegradable, derived from a renewable resource.
* Cleans up easily with soap and hot water.
* Better for the environment.
* Use no nasty chemicals to release fragrance.
* Supports the American farmer - not foreign oil.

As more and more people learn about the harmful effects of burning paraffin candles in their homes, they're substituting soy candles with surprising results.

Karen Key, a mother of three in Washington state, had this to say, "I'm asthmatic and when I burn paraffin candles in my home, or get around smoke or perfumy scents, my airway closes down and I start to panic. So I was more than a little nervous when a friend lit a scented soy candle in front of me. I have to say I'm completely amazed. Shocked is a better word. With soy candles I now have no problem breathing and I can finally enjoy the beauty and magic of candles in my home once again!"

So the next time you want to create a warm, inviting, and romantic atmosphere in your home, don't destroy your home - or your health, choose all-natural soy candles as a healthy alternative.

To learn more about the dangers of paraffin candles you can go to any of the following websites:

http://www.epa.gov
http://www.soycandlemaker.biz
http://www.scorecard.org
http://www.webref.org
http://www.fpinva.org

To reach the author, learn more about soy candles or start your own fun and highly profitable soy candle making business go to:

http://www.soycandlemaker.biz
"The most fun you'll have making money!"

You can also download a free ebook on the topic at:
http://www.soycandlemaker.biz/freeebook.html

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The Advantages of Both a Liner Pond and a Preformed Pond, Rolled Up Into One Box!

INTRODUCTION

So you’ve decided to build your very own backyard water garden. You are in the process of actively planning out your design, and you’re visualizing the end-result. But have you paused to consider what kind of pond construction you will be using? Do you know what kind of pond constructions exist? The majority of garden ponds utilize one of two types of constructions: a preformed shell, or a pond liner.

PREFORMED PONDS VS. LINER PONDS

Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome and difficult to transport. For example, a typical preformed pond kit would come in a box that is 60” x 48” x 24”, which is too large for many car trunk sizes. Liner kits, on the other hand, present many difficulties for the beginner pond gardener. Since every liner pond shape is different, pond gardeners must customize their own pond and ensure that it is level, and that it does not have excessive wrinkling.

INTRODUCING FOLDING PREFORMED POND SHELLS

Algreen Products Inc.* has helped leverage both these problems by introducing a flexible preformed pond, as part of their 2005 catalog. According to Melissa Mulligan, a sales coordinator with Algreen Products Inc.,

“We recommend the flexible folding pond for any pond gardener who wants to build a top-notch pond. The folding preformed/liner hybrid is created with a proprietary blend of materials, which allows it to hold a customized shape. Yet it is easily transportable, since a typical folding kit comes in a box one-sixth the size of a regular preformed kit.”

Algreen advertises that its folding pond includes built-in plant shelves, is weather-resistant, and is able to withstand extreme temperatures from 0 F to 105 F. Algreen guarantees that the pond will not chip, fade, or crack, and backs up this claim with a 20-year warranty.

Upon closer examination of the pond, one of its greatest features is its textured ridges. These ridges are strategically placed to allow beneficial bacteria to form growth colonies, which significantly reduces algae-buildup in the pond. When compared to its closest competitor, the Algreen folding pond seems to be significantly more flexible, and less brittle. Price-wise, the flexible pond kits cannot be beaten. Whereas their competition has a tendency to offer low-grade statuary pumps with their kits, Algreen kits include a heavy-duty Super Flo pump, and a flexible streamlet. The complete Algreen kit includes:

• A flexible preformed pond shell
• An energy-efficient, heavy-duty Super Flo pump (500 or 306 gph, depending on shell size**)
• Four fountain heads
• A telescopic riser and diverter for the Super Flo pump
• A flexible streamlet
• Two 6” silk water lilies
• Tubing and clamps.

As if that’s not a great deal, a quick web search will reveal that this kit can be purchased from GardenSuperMart.COM*** with the following FREE accessories:

• FREE 7-color floating solar-powered light
• FREE floating solar-powered frog light
• FREE New Pond, Ammonia Remover, Natural Clear, and Pond Shade water treatments.

As of this article’s publication date, GardenSuperMart.com lists the pricing for the 144 gallon granite folding pond (with streamlet) kit at $207.99 USD. The 72 gallon and the 105 gallon kit can be purchased for $157.99 USD.

* Algreen Products Inc. has a website at http://www.algreenproducts.com.

** The 144 gallon kits comes with a 500 gph pump, while the 72 and 105 gallon kits both come with a 306 gph pump.

*** GardenSuperMart.com has an online store at http://www.buypond.com. Further tips and advice can be obtained from their online garden pond forum at http://www.gardensupermart.com/tips.asp.

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Top Five Hotel General Manager Interview Questions

A hotel general manager is an executive manager employed in a hotel who is responsible for the overall operation of a hotel establishment. He or she is accountable for hiring management team, managing hotel staff, budgeting, creating and enforcing business objectives and goals, managing projects and renovations.



There is great career opportunity for hotel general mangers in hotel industry. In this article I would like to provide some of the important questions that are frequently asked in interviews for this post.



1. What are the typical roles and responsibilities of a hotel general manager?

A hotel general manager has to perform large number of important roles and responsibilities. He or she is required to prepare a yearly budget and submit it to the hotel owner. The responsibility of employee terminations and new hires rests on the shoulder of a general manager. He or she decides the best rate for any given day, night, weekend or special event. They even set hotel service standards as well as choose extra services or amenities to make the hotel more appealing to travelers.



2. What job specific tasks have you performed in your previous hotel?

The job specific tasks which I performed include training newly recruited assistants, creating and delivering the payroll records, managing records of employees, motivating employees and managing different programs and seminars to increase efficiency of workers. I even handled and coordinated the food and beverage operations.



3. What is your area of proficiency?

Just mention your areas of expertise. The best way to answer this question is by telling your strength. You can say that I have specialization in financial and strategic planning, profit and loss management, hotel administration, accounts maintenance, marketing, housekeeping, food and beverage management, catering and maintenance.



4. What is your professional qualification for this post?

For answering this question just mention your general qualification including post graduation, graduation and high school along with the year of passing. Apart from this you also have to reveal your professional course. Just state the degree or certification course that you may have undertaken.



5. Please tell us something about your weakness?

It is a good question which gives you an outstanding opportunity to put a positive turn on something negative. You have to mold your negatives into positives. Like in weakness you can say that I am too focused toward my work and I think I should take out time for myself.



It is very important to be prepared for an interview. During the course of an interview, you may be asked various questions. Just one bad answer can stand out and cost you the job. So prepare and rehearse well before interview.



Confused about how to Search Common Interview Questions . Read more about Hotel General Interview Questions

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Recruiting on Facebook as Easy as 1 - 2 - 3

When a company is hiring, it pays to have as many sources in their recruiting tool box as possible. Because each source has its own demographic, social media applications are gaining traction. One of the hottest recruiting tools these days is Facebook. Facebook simply has too many eyes watching and thumbs typing every day. With a potential audience of 200 million users daily (total Facebook users nerly 500 million and half of them visit the site daily), a presence on Facebook is just too good an opportunity to pass up.

Using Facebook for social recruiting isn't about sponsoring ads and posting help wanted ads as status updates. It's about letting your network know that you have an opportunity for someone they might know. Social networking - more specifically social recruiting - is about word-of-mouth marketing. Recruiting on Facebook isn't about just word-of-mouth but as Erik Qualman says, it's "world of mouth."

To get started recruiting on Facebook, it takes a simple 3-step strategy:

1. Create a Facebook business page for your company. A business page, unlike your personal page, is a public profile, searchable by the likes of Google, Bing and other search engines. In effect, a Facebook business page is like having a free website on the most popular networking site in the world. Even non-Facebook users can find and view your site when searching for a job.

2. Engage candidates on your Wall. Good candidates are looking for the right place to work just as much as employers are seeking the right candidates to hire. Before they apply, they want to know what it's like to work for your company. What's management like? What are the employees like? Getting employees to post updates about their daily activities gives candidates an honest, inside look at the job. Having employees respond to questions posted by candidates is an excellent way to engage them at the front-line and differentiate your company from the competition.

3. Post video clips of what it's like to work at your company. Record interviews with employees. Give a tour of your facility. Demonstrate what a new hire might expect on his or her first day. You can also run contests to encourage employee participation in monitoring and posting updates to the site as well as referrals. The more activity on the site, the more likely your Facebook Business Pages rank will increase in the search engines and the more likely candidates will find you.

Copyright (c) 2010 Success Performance Solutions

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52 Free Things to Do with Your Partner on Date Night

One of the things that works to keep relationships alive is spending quality time with each other. In this day of the information age, it is becoming increasingly difficult to carve out the necessary time to nurture our relationships. What with long work hours, helping kids with their homework, transporting them around to their extracurricular activities, getting dinner, cleaning up and going through the bedtime routine, what time is left?

Unless you orchestrate the time for your relationship, other less important things will crowd in and take what precious little time you do have. Pick a night that will be "date night" with your partner and make a game out of being as creative as you can be. Try to see how many things you can do without spending money.

To get you started, I've come up with some suggestions to help you for the next year. What follows are 52 ideas for how to spend creative time together without spending money. Feel free to add or modify any of the items on the list to suit your particular relationship and circumstances.

WINTER

1. Take a drive to look at the Christmas decorations.
2. Play cards - perhaps strip poker.
3. Watch a movie together.
4. Go outside and have a snowball fight.
5. Get some finger paints and create your own body art with each other as your canvass.
6. Go sleigh riding.
7. Go ice skating.
8. Work out or exercise together.
9. Stage your own improvisation show.
10. Sing to each other.
11. Review or create a photo album or scrapbook of your memories together.
12. Play a board game - perhaps chess, Scrabble or Twister.
13. Go to a book store, get coffee and read for hours.

SPRING

14. Work on a remodeling project together.
15. Plan and complete a yard work project together.
16. Do the spring cleaning together---room by room. When done, reward yourself by making love in the room you've cleaned.
17. Put on old clothes and mud wrestle after some drenching rain.
18. Give each other a massage.
19. Play catch---football, baseball, softball or Frisbee.
20. Go to a car dealer and test drive the car of your dreams.
21. Shoot basketball together.
22. Dance together.
23. Take a shower together and wash each other---everywhere.
24. Take a free adult education class together.
25. Go to a mall and have a contest to see which one of you can get the most free samples.
26. Go rollerblading or bike riding.

SUMMER

27. Build a campfire and roast marshmallows.
28. Go swimming or skinny dipping.
29. Give each other a manicure or pedicure.
30. Go somewhere crowded to people watch.
31. Go to a free outdoor event, perhaps a concert.
32. Lie on a blanket outside and watch the clouds or stars.
33. Go on a picnic.
34. Watch a fireworks display.
35. Be creative and engage in sexual role plays. Be anyone you'd like to be for the night who is also exciting for your partner.
36. Sit by the water somewhere.
37. Do a prolonged strip tease for each other.
38. Have a water balloon fight.
39. Sit outside and read poetry to each other.

FALL

40. Go for a drive together.
41. Go window shopping.
42. Incorporate food into your love making---chocolate syrup, whipped cream, fondue, strawberries---anything you and your partner enjoy.
43. Call or write to someone you haven't had contact with in a while.
44. Cook something together.
45. Spend an evening just talking with each other. Talk about the things you have done, plans you have for the future, important people in your lives or current events.
46. Take a bubble bath together.
47. Go to a free movie or museum.
48. Take a drive and find the potential in old houses and their properties.
49. Create an imaginary story together---either orally or in written form.
50. Take turns being each other's genie in a bottle by fulfilling your partner's every wish and fantasy.
51. Play in the fallen leaves.
52. Create an exciting scavenger hunt that ends in your bed.

Now you have 52 suggestions for things to do with your partner for every week of the year divided by season. Certainly you don't have to follow my suggestions. Feel free to add your own or to repeat your favorites as often as you'd like.

The main point is not to see how kinky you can get. The idea is to keep your relationship alive by making time together a priority. It is important that you find things to do as a couple that you can both enjoy. If you have vastly different interests then you can enter this with the spirit of taking turns and each agree to happily participate in the activity chosen by the one whose turn it is that week.

As long as you make a habit of making your relationship a priority and allocating time each week for rejuvenation of the feelings that attracted you in the first place, then you stand a good chance of staying together for the long haul.

Please don't let insidious boredom enter into your relationship through the back door. This is what frequently happens when we are busy placing other things ahead of our time for each other. You know what I mean---the job, the kids, our friend in crisis, etc. There will always be a competing interest for the time you've set aside for each other.

Other than natural disasters, threat of death or major crises, do not allow your time together to be invaded by any outside forces. Make sure to create opportunities for you to do things together without outside influence. With more than 50% of today's marriages ending in divorce, make this small investment in the longevity of your relationship. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. What's stopping you? Start today.

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Ideas For Your Interior Christmas Decorating

There are many different ideas for interior Christmas decorating. Interior Christmas decorating is an important part of most people's holiday festivities. For many people, the interior decorations are what defines the season of Christmas. Your home will feel warm with the proper interior Christmas decorating scheme. There are a variety of decorating ideas on the market today, but the best way to complete your interior Christmas decorating is to make the items yourself or with your family. The holiday season is about spending time together, and making things to warm your home will only help signify that to your family. There are several great ideas for your interior Christmas decorating needs.

Make yours the perfect holiday home with interior Christmas decorating

• First, create a diorama of bears or dolls dressed in festive seasonal clothes. You could put a small tree with little presents in your display. This is a great way to get your kids involved in the decorating process. Just be sure you don't use a favorite security object, as it might prove difficult to disassembly the diorama throughout the course of the season.

• Second, meet your interior Christmas decorating needs by creating bows from Christmas print ribbon and putting them in various places around your house including your curtains.

• Third, hang stockings throughout your house, even if you know they aren't your stuffing stockings. It offers a festive feel to your home.

Next, use fabric paint and a traditional white table cloth to make a holiday patterned table cloth. This is another great activity to do with your little ones. Just be sure to express to them that they are not allowed to paint on the tablecloth on a year round basis. Next, dress your bathroom for the holidays by attaching ornaments and other decorations(of the unbreakable type) to a clear shower curtain with a hot glue gun. Another decorating idea is to get your houseplants into the swing of the season by hanging ornaments on them after you decorate your tree. For a quick ornament idea, try hanging a cookie cutter with a bit of Christmas ribbon. To help with your decoration as well as your Christmas trivia knowledge, place a basket of seasonal books on your coffee table or end table. It will look festive, and it may just help you win a quick family game sometime.

Interior Christmas decorating does not have to be difficult or expensive with ideas like these.

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Building Wood Stairs

Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as hard as you may think. With some basic wood tools and a bit of algebra you can easily build your own. Of course this can get a bit tricky for stairs with several landings but the method is still the same.

This article will cover the steps for building a straight set of stairs. Chances are if you are reading this then you are still learning and won't be taking on a complex stair anyway.

Now, we will assume that it is from a deck to a concrete pad. The deck is going to be 48" wide and at eye level from the ground.

Tools you will need:

1. Circular saw
2. Framing square
3. Hand saw
4. Carpenters pencil
5. Measuring tape
6. 4' Level
7. Masking tape

You will also need:

1. 3 @ 10' / 2" x 12" boards - Choose the best only, make sure they are straight with no check (cracks). Very Important!
2. 2 @ 8' / 2" x 4" boards
3. 8 @ 8' / 2" x 6" boards - Once again choose the good ones. These are going to be the steps so...
4. 1 @ 45" / 2" x 6" boards
5. 1 sheet of plywood @ 1/2" / 8" x 48"
6. Of course, 3-1/2" framing nails and deck screws or nails for the steps.

Find the overall rise

We want to know the exact vertical distance from the top of the concrete pad to the top of the deck. Take one of the 8' 2x4's and rest one end on the deck and hold the other over the pad, Place the level on the 2x4 and level the board. Then simply measure from the bottom of the 2x4 to the pad. Lets say it is 64". This is the overall rise.

Now determine the overall run

Before we can do this we have to determine how many steps we need.

So first..

Take the overall rise, 64", and divide it by 7.25", which is the typical height of 1 riser (step). This gives us 8.83, which rounds up to 9, So we will go with 9 risers.

Important: There is always 1 less tread then risers. Whether you go up or down the last step is onto the deck or the pad. So 1 less tread.

Now we take 10.5", the width of a typical step, and multiply it by 8. This gives us 84". This is the overall run.

While we are doing the math we need to figure out the exact rise of each step. We simply take the overall rise of 64" and divide it by 9 and we get 7.111" or 7-1/8", or close enough to it. So each riser will be 7-1/8".

Time for some layout

First thing. Grab your framing square. The long leg is the tread (step) leg and the short leg is the riser leg. Also, use the numbers on the outside of the square only.

Take some masking tape and wrap a piece around the framing square to establish you rise and run. Mark 10.5" on the outside of the long leg and 7-1/8" on the outside of the short leg.

Layout one of the 2x12's on your saw horses or work bench. WIth the long leg of your framing square towards the end of the board start to line up the tape marks to the edge of the board facing you. Once you have the square in position mark the outside edge of it with your pencil.

Continue to do this until you have the required number of steps, 8 in this case. This first riser is always shorter by the thickness of the steps, for us that is 1.5". This makes the first riser 5-5/8".

Cut 'em out

Now use you circular saw to cut out the stringers (technical name for 2x12 with stair marks on it) being sure to cut on the waste side of the line. When you cut into the corner with a circular saw the blade misses some of the wood on the bottom side of the board. This is fine, simply cut up to the line and stop, then finish the cut with your hand saw.

Now use the first stringer as a template for the other two. Lay the stringer onto the 2x12's and trace around it. Then cut out the other stringers the same as the first.

Reinforce the stringers

Align one of the 8' 2x4's along the bottom edge of the string and mark it to fit the profile of the ends of the stringers. Cut the 2x4 and secure it to the bottom edge of the stringer. Repeat this for one other stringer. These help to strengthen the stringers and reduce "bounce" in the stairs. Use the framing nails to secure them.

Assemble the stairs

The plywood is used to attach the stairs to the deck. Secure the sheet of plywood to the top end of the stringers. The two outside stringers are nailed flush with the edge of the plywood while the third stringer is centered on the sheet. Simply nail through the plywood into the face of the stringers using framing nails. 4 into each stringer will be enough.

Now take the 45" 2x6 and nail it in between the bottom of the outside stringers. The 2x6 will fit into the notch cut into the center stringer. This provides the right spacing for the bottom of the stairs and secures them to the pad.

Attach them to the deck

Move the stairs into their final position. make sure they are level across the stringers and that the risers are plumb. When the stairs are positioned correctly nail through the plywood into the side of the deck. Use some 3" concrete nails to secure the 2x6 spacer to the concrete pad.

Install the treads

Cut the 8 - 8' 2x6's in half, be sure to cut them square. Starting at the bottom of the stairs, start placing the 2x6 stair treads. Simply center them on the stringers and use some 3"deck nails to attach them. You can also use an exterior adhesive to assure that they don't move.

Continue to work your way up the stairs until you reach the top.

You are done... well, almost

Railings. You need to install a railing to keep people from falling off.

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The Basics for Choosing the Right Air Compressor

There is a lot of confusion out there about selecting the right size air compressor to run your air tools. Basically, there are several factors to look at when choosing the proper air compressor for your shop or garage.

The first criteria is horse power rating. Most people assume the higher the horsepower rating on the box, the better the air compressor. However, all horse power ratings are not created equal and can easily be misrepresented. What I mean is, you go to your local giant hardware retailer to pick out a new air compressor to run your impact wrench. They have a 5 hp unit that is priced really cheap. Why is that 5 hp industrial unit cost so much more? 5 hp is 5 hp, right? Not necessarily. Let me explain. Look at how much power the hardware store unit draws. It probably needs around 15 amps from a normal 110 volt circuit. At this rating, you are really getting only 2 hp. The 5hp rating on the box is inflated. To really produce true 5 hp you need at least 24 amps from 220 volt circuit to get it. If you are looking for 5 hp electric compressor, buy the industrial unit and stay away from the cheaper unit at your local hardware store. I am not saying that every air compressor at your local hardware is junk. A lot of times one of those units is all you need. Just be aware of the true horsepower rating.

The next consideration when purchasing a new air compressor is, "How much PSI will I need?" For the newbies, PSI is short for "pounds per square inch" and this is how most compressors in the US are rated. In Europe, you will see them measured in bars. PSI is all you need to worry about on this side of the Atlantic. Most of the commonly used air tools require about 90 PSI to operate correctly. However, you will still need a compressor with a higher shut-off pressure. Most air compressors that you find at the local hardware giant are "single-stage" and shut off at 125 - 135 PSI. Don't let that fool you. You might think all you need is 90 psi, so that should work just fine. Generally, these light duty compressors shut off at 100 psi and don't forget about pressure loss in the line. The little light duty compressor will barely run an impact wrench. It might be fine for light duty garage use, but if you really intend use your air tool, more is definitely better. Many industrial compressors are "two-stage," which means they build up to shut-off pressure in two stages. The first stage builds to about 90 PSI and the second stage builds to 175 PSI.

The next rating criteria for air compressors is CFM. CFM stands for "cubic feet per minute". It is a measurement of volume. Basically it is how much air is being moved. Air tools require a certain amount of air volume to run on. PSI is just part of equation. Don't be confused by different CFM ratings at different pressures. Every manufacturer is trying to make their product look better by giving higher CFM ratings at different pressures. The only real concern is how much CFM you will get at 90 PSI. Remember 90 PSI is what most air tools require to operate. To find out what your air tool needs to run, just look on the box for the manufacturer's specs. Generally, air tools require 4 - 6 CFM. A good rule of thumb on air compressors is you should get 3 -4 CFM per real HP at 90 PSI.

The final factor to consider is tank size. Tank sizes are generally stated in US gallons. For example, 30 gallon is a common tank size. So the question remains, how large a tank do I need? First of all, don't confuse a large tank with more run time for your air tools. If you use your impact intermittently, a large tank is fine. However if you have need for continuous use, you will need a small tank with big enough pump and motor. If the pump and motor are powerful enough, you shouldn't run out of air. You can save some dollars by purchasing an air compressor with a large tank and smaller motor for intermittent use. If you need to run a 1" impact wrench (about 20 CFM) intermittently, and have a small compressor with a large tank, you might have enough air stored in the tank to do the job. However, if you are constantly running your air tool, you will need to invest in a more powerful air compressor to do the job.

You should be able to select the air compressor armed with this information. Basically, you need to decide ultimately what you going to use the unit for and pick the appropriate model.

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Planning The Perfect Back Yard Wedding

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding site, your own back yard may be just the place. If you are considering holding a wedding at home, there’s a lot to think about. For example, do you need a tent? Are you required to have a special events license? Should you get portable toilets for the back yard? These small touches can make or break a back yard wedding.

According to Elana Lancit, founder and president of Vancouver-based Sweet Beginnings, a full-service wedding consulting and event-planning company, “An at-home affair takes a lot of planning. Consider hiring a professional consultant. Although the benefits of a home wedding come with added considerations, if you arrange everything in advance, the day will be wonderful for you and your guests.

• Weather or Not: First on Lancit’s list is weather insurance. “Plan on renting a tent no matter what,” says Lancit. “Weather is just too unpredictable. Tents provide good shade in the heat, and if you are planning a wedding in the fall, heating lamps are good to have on-hand,” she says.

• Be Neighbourly: To ensure your neighbors don’t complain about the noise, invite them along, or at least inform them about the event. If you are not inviting the neighbors, Lancit suggests dropping off a bottle of wine or a gift certificate to a restaurant a few days prior to the event. “This shows appreciation and respect for your neighbours,” says Lancit.

• Menu Planning: Lancit suggests hiring a catering company to handle the food and bar. Before the wedding day, invite the caterers to your house so they can see what kind of space your kitchen offers. They may decide to bring a tent to provide additional space for prep work. Before signing the contract, make sure to discuss what is included in the cost. For example, will they provide plates and utensils? Also, consider the weather – you want to choose foods that will not perish.

• Parking: Parking can be a cause of distress on the big day. Since most homes cannot accommodate 200 cars, Lancit suggests using a valet service, which most guests appreciate. The valet service will handle all logistics and keep your guests from walking a great distance. “If you choose to hire valet, consider having extra staff at the beginning and end of the event,” says Lancit.

• License: Lancit suggests calling city hall to find out if you are required to have a special license or permit for your event, such as a parking permit or a special event license. Also get information on notice by-laws and inquire about extra insurance.

• Bathrooms: Don’t forget to think about bathrooms! This is something that people all-too-often forget about. If you don’t have enough bathrooms in your house or do not want people trekking through, consider port-o-lets. Have at least two set up not too far from the party. Lancit also suggests hiring someone to clean the bathrooms during the event.

• Event Logists: Lancit recommends creating a complete floor plan and to consider the location of the musicians; head table; guest tables; dance floor; dressing room for bride, groom and attendants; and station for hair and makeup.

• Power: Check on getting an extra generator. With all the music and lighting, you want to make sure not to blow a fuse during the event.

• Flooring: If you are setting up your dance area on grass, consider ordering a dance floor. If the ground is uneven, work may need to be done in order to lay down the flooring.

• Lighting: Guests need to be able to see where they are walking so they don’t trip over anything. Make sure everything is well-lit. Consider adding candles, lanterns and mini-lights.

• Flowers: Make sure to work with a florist who will provide flowers that can hold up in all weather conditions.

• Coat Check: Depending on the time of year, make sure you have a place for guests to hang their coats.

• Don’t Forget The Inside: Make sure your house is presentable just in case guests take a peek.

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Why Hire An Interior Designer?

Many times hiring outside expertise to assist you with your interior decorating needs can be a real plus, and more cost effective than you may have realized. Designers and decorators come in all styles, levels of service, and a variation of fees. Here I will suggest some of the best reasons to consider hiring a professional and describe what to look for in hiring a designer. I will continue by detailing some of the more popular types of services and the fees associated, and how to be a good client, getting the most from your designer.

Decorator vs. Designer: What is the difference?

First it is important to understand the difference between a decorator and a designer. A designer, typically, has a degree in design backed by years of education and experience in the field. A designer is likely to be more familiar with the technical aspects of design, in addition to excellence in the decorative aspects. They are skilled in spaceplanning, can tackle remodeling and new construction projects with ease, while still providing furnishings, rugs, artwork and accessories. Designers handle all phases of an interior project.

A decorator, on the other hand, does not share formal education in design, and while they may have experience, tend to be more familiar with the decorative parts of the job, fabrics, finishes and such. Often they have worked into the field from enjoying it as a hobby. Fees for each are different, decorators ranging from $35-$50 per hour, while designers often charge $75-$150 per hour; and you are hiring a different set of skills and talents.

Saving Time

A designer can save you valuable time, by knowing the best places to shop and knowing exactly what to look for. Sometimes you may find you will go to the same place but overlook just the right accent or accessory. What may take a homeowner several hours or weekends, can take a skilled professional just a couple of hours to locate. These professionals are also more likely to have access to unique and distinctive elements to custom fit their clients needs.

Saving Money

A designer can save you money, their knowledge, expertise, and guidance can help prevent costly mistakes. They can provide more timeless and appropriate solutions to dilemmas, than the stop gap you may be tempted to buy, only finding you have to replace it later. In some cases, discounts are received and the designer will share these or split these with their client.

Simplify Your Life

A designer can simplify your life, by making the most of what you already have. They preserve cherished treasures and family heirlooms, and research those hard-to-find pieces to fill in the gaps. They assist you in making informed selections from a vast number of product resources.

Define and Enhance Your Style

A designer can help you define and enhance your own style. They work with you to create a home that reflects your personal taste and meets your changing needs. The best designs showcase the homeowner and the lifestyle they have, it tells something about the people living there. Your home is your external heart, and opening the door is like opening a book of your life.

Finding the right designer or decorator can be challenging. Not everyone fits every client. It is important to find a professional that you are comfortable with, that listens to your needs, preferences, and style, and can deliver as promised.

Where to Look

When looking for a design professional, check with your friends, check with a favorite local gallery or furniture showroom, consider a design instructor featured at a local University or College, check local publications, and, of course, check the web. Design resources are largely global now, and many designers work at a distance with ease, it is more important to find a designer that fits you, then where they may be located. (Recent example, I have worked several projects out of state, with only 2-3 visits necessary, the rest of the contact is by email, fax, and Fedex.) Many designers will provide a minimum initial consultation for a fee, one to two hours of their advice, suggestions, and ideas which can be invaluable in deciding if they are right for you and your family

Review Their Portfolio

You will want to check out their work by portfolio or on-line if they have a website. Often it is important that they indicate an ability to handle a wide range of styles rather than have a signature. This shows a flexibility and willingness to provide you with a custom look, unique to you, rather than a look that speaks of their own style.

Check References and Letter of Agreement In addition, either check some references, or look to see if they publish comments from clients. Providing you with a clear, concise letter of agreement after a paid consultation, outlining all aspects the project discussed can confirm and clarify expectations for all concerned.

Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt

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Make a Room Stand Out with Brick Wallpaper

Brick walls look great in a house. Unfortunately not everyone can afford to have them put in. Not only is it the expense, but they are hard to clean too. You have to scrub them often in order to keep them looking nice. There is a way to have brick walls without all of the hassle. You can use brick wallpaper in place of brick walls. It looks like real brick but you don’t have the expense or the problems keeping it clean.



Brick look wallpaper will look good in any room and is especially nice in the kitchen and the den. You can do just one wall or all the walls in that room. You are sure to be happy with the outcome when you use this wallpaper. Unlike real brick it is easy to decorate with wall hangings or mirrors on the walls. It is just a matter of hammering a few small nails into the wall. If you want to hang something on real brick walls you will have to get special tools to do it.



Men are fond of brick but don’t like that they can’t decorate the walls easily. Put some brick wallpaper up in their den or man cave. They are sure to like it and you will love how easy it is to keep clean. If you aren’t fond of brick you may like wallpaper floral or other prints. There are so many different designs that you can choose from. You can put a different design in every room in your house. Put floral in the bedroom or living room and put stripes in the children’s room. Use brick look in the den for the man of the house. It doesn’t matter how you use wallpaper it is going to look great no matter what you put in a room.



One nice thing with wallpaper floral is that you can pick a flower and make your curtains match the colour of that flower. This really will set off the room nicely. Put vases of fresh flowers on the stands in that room and you will be all set. Flowers are always nice in a room.



When it comes time to cleaning the wallpaper, you need only dust it off most of the time. Once in a while you may end up with some grime or fingerprints on the walls. All you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth to get it clean and make it look brand new again. When it is time to put the wallpaper up you might want to throw a wallpaper hanging party and get your friends to help you hang it. It is always easier to have some help, but you can do it yourself too. All you need is a few cheap tools to hang wallpaper. When you buy the wallpaper, you are going to want to get at least one extra roll. If you make a mistake you will have the extra roll to fall back on. Measure carefully so you don’t waste any.







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You can always go to a store to purchase Wallpaper floral or Brick Wallpaper . You can also buy wallpaper online. If you want to see different florals you should visit Your 4 Walls. They can give you pointers to make hanging wallpaper easier.

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Discount Furniture To Make Your Home Unique

Furnishing and decorating your home can be a daunting and expensive task to undertake. It is not necessary, though, to spend thousands of dollars on high end furnishings and décor in order to make your home a unique showplace that represents who your are. All it takes is a little ingenuity, some detective skills, a good dose of creativity and thought, and a bit of money, and you can have fun finding furniture for your home. By seeking out different types of discount furniture, you will be recycling old pieces that are potential treasures, as well as keeping money in your wallet.

The first thing you need to do when you want to furnish and decorate your home is to figure out what you like. Do you like contemporary styles, pieces that are more modern with clean lines and no fussy fabrics? Or do you prefer a country or cottage style, with plush fabrics in woodsy or floral patterns? Or maybe you like the rustic look, with dark woods and leathers that will give your home a warm log cabin feel. Whatever your style is, you should scour magazines and the Internet to find just the type of pieces you are looking for, so that you have a basis to start from.

The next step is to find the discount furniture that is right for your home. You can try websites that sell reduced-priced home furnishings. Be careful, because you might find that the money you save in the cost of a sofa might be made up in the cost to ship it to you. You can also look out for sales at local furniture stores. Sometimes furniture stores are liquidating certain furniture collection to make room for newer ones. In addition, some furniture stores might have "scratch and dent" items. These items are sold as is and at a deep discount, and often the flaws are very minor. There are also furniture warehouses that specialize in scratch and dent merchandise, and the variety of discount furniture available at those types of stores is quite impressive.

Another great place to look for discount furniture is at consignments shops. If you can find a local consignment shop that sells furniture, you are likely to uncover some hidden treasures that might only require a few repairs. And the prices are sure to be reasonable, perhaps even negotiable. And if do it yourself work is your thing, there are abundant places to find old, used, and slightly damaged furniture sold at discounts. For example, searching flea markets and garage or estate sales might lead you to uncover collectibles, antiques, and rare furniture and décor items that can be restored for not a lot of money. These pieces will add a unique touch to your home. In addition, putting your own individual touch on the furnishing your restore or repair will give you a real sense of pride and accomplishment.

In addition to looking at flea markets, garage sales, and consignment shops for discount furniture, you can also find great décor pieces that can be added to your home to achieve a certain them or style. Paintings, pictures, gilded mirrors, vases, or any other type of knick-knack can be the finishing touches that you need to beautifully furnish your home.

You do not have to pay a fortune to furnish your home. By taking the time to seek out discount furniture, you can uncover some distinctive treasures, and even find new items at reduced prices. Taking the time to locate discount furniture will be easier on your wallet, and will help you make your home as individual as you are.

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Octagon House Floor Plan | The Curiousity Of An Eight Sided House

Even after 150 years, the octagon house floor plan remains a curiousity of architectural design. The original architect, John Richards, first designed the octagon house just before the Civil War. Whether he was in competition with his fellow land owners and town leaders or was merely trying to impress Eliza Forbes, his heiress wife. The impressive structure he left behind still draws fascinated visitors to the elegant eight sided mansion in Watertown, Wisconsin every day.

The original octagon house floor plan, built in 1854, is a fantastic 5 story brick building with 57 rooms. It also contains forerunners of modern conveniences such as running water, central heating and ventilation systems. A 40-foot-high cantilevered staircase also graces the interior. The story behind the octagon house was that Mr. Richards made a promise to his wife, Eliza, to build her the finest home in the Midwest.

John Richards was most likely influenced by fellow designer, Orson Fowler, who was a leading spokesperson for the construction of eight sided houses. At that time, the octagon house was touted as being an efficient, economic and beautifully esthetic housing design that dated back to the ancient Roman architects.

There were at least 36 homes constructed from the octagon house floor plan between 1844 and 1905. All of these homes were located in Wisconsin. Octagonal houses continued to be built through the Civil War. After that time period, most octagonal houses were either torn down or remodeled until they lost their original shape.

John Richards's octagonal house was given to the Watertown historical society in 1938. The house was in nearly mint condition and maintained with no electricity, no modern plumbing and not telephone - just as it had been when Mr. Richards and his wife lived there in the 1850s.

Tours of the Octagon house can be made daily May through October and directional signs are posted throughout Watertown. Summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. after Labor Day. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for AAA members; $6 for children ages 6 through 12 and children under 6 are free.

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