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Watch Me Find the Best Deals Online!

December 4th, 2011

I’ve found myself newly rejuvenated by the idea of shopping online.  Why?  Well, I’ve started shopping smart.  I know that is pretty vague.  Let me explain a bit.  We all know that Amazon is one of the biggest online sellers in the world.  That’s true for a very good reason.  They are reliable (a HUGE plus), and they sell just about anything you can imagine.  BUT there is something even better that I’ve only recently considered. DOH!!!

best deals1.  They often have outrageously discounted items for sale.  I never realized how big the discounts could be, but after doing a bit of research, I’ve found that I can easily find deals with discounts of over 80% sometimes.  Not too shabby, and a great way to stock up on items I either want for my family or that I want to put away for future presents.  CLICK HERE to see an example, and be sure to check out the original prices!

2.  I also have found that I’m able to do a little research and dig up the most popular items that have a TON of reviews, a high user satisfaction score, and competitive prices.  This has already helped me out quite a bit in my quest to get good stuff for less money.  You will definitely want to check these out.  Be sure to note the reviews as well as the discount percentage!

My new mission is to provide my readers with this very useful information.  I’ll be posting regular updates on the both the best deals I’ve found, as well as short write-ups about what the hottest products are for the current week.  Can you do this on your own?  Yep.  It will probably take you several hours though.  I’m going to show you what I find for free.    Keep your eyes open as I start the process of sharing this information.  It should make your shopping quite a bit easier.

What’s in it for me?

Ahhh…  There’s the question.  Well, I’d like to think that I’m a pretty nice person, but there is a benefit for me.  You see, I’m signed up as an Amazon associate.  That means if you come here and use one of my links to the products I dig up, I get a commission.  Amazon doesn’t charge you anything extra.  They just give me a commission out of their profit for sending them traffic.  How much?  The commissions range from 4% to around 8.5%.  As you can see, that’s not a ton, but I figured that I’m doing this research for myself anyway, and I might be able to provide a service to you and maybe make a few bucks for myself and my family from Amazon.  Sound like a fair trade?  Like I said, you pay the normal Amazon price.  I provide the research  Seems like a win/win situation to me.  I’ll be adding more comprehensive lists soon, so please bookmark this page!  I hope you will like the deals I find and will stop back often to look for new items.

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Can Fake Security Cameras Get the Job Done?

June 8th, 2011

SVAT ISC200 Outdoor Imitation Security Camera with Blinking LED

Are Fake Security Cameras Right for You?

I’ve been thinking about the value of getting some fake security cameras lately. It isn’t that anything in particular has started me thinking about home security, surveillance spy cameras, or dummy cams. I think it is the psychology of fake security cameras that fascinates me. You see, I recently was talking to my neighbor about nothing in particular while we stood in our front yards. I had noticed a couple of years ago that he had two home security signs in his front yard that warned people that the premises was protected by some home security company or another. I can’t remember the name now, but it doesn’t matter anyway. Just to make small talk, I asked him how much he had to pay a month for the service. He looked around like we were in the middle of a giant conspiracy plot and shared the fact that he did not have an actual security system, just the signs.

The fact is, the signs had been enough to fool me.  I had never really looked closely before, but there were not even any dummy security cameras mounted anywhere on his home.  I had just seen the signs and assumed that there were closed circuit TV cameras pointing at me from some unseen location.

I wondered if would be criminals studied up before heading out so that they could spot the fake signs. I came to the conclusion that some might, but most probably would see the signs and then move on to the next available house without a sign. That can breed a bit of paranoia when you happen to live in that house next door.

Who is Using Fake Security Cameras Already?

In the building where I work, there are what appear to be dome security cameras all over the place. I’ve never seen the “control room” where these all show the fabulous daily coverage of employees moving through their daily paces, but I have always assumed that someone, somewhere had access to the images of me walking from place to place as I passed each dome camera in succession.  It is enough to keep me from doing anything too potentially embarrassing in the hallway. What if they are really just fake security cameras? Well, I’m not willing to roll the dice on that one. I wouldn’t want to show up on a funniest video segment at the office Christmas party as I scratched an untimely itch or spontaneously decided to practice my moonwalking skills on closed circuit TV.

What’s funny is, after my talk with the neighbor, I became a bit obsessed with fake security cameras, as well as real ones.  I assume that there really are cctv cameras in the domes seen in major retail outlets.  They have got to work to some extent for deterring shoplifters.  All I know is, I started noticing cameras pretty much every time I went out anywhere.  Were they all “real”?  I have no idea.  The security cameras I managed to spot could have just been camera housings with a red light on the front.

So I started doing a bit of research. It turns out that there are MANY dummy home security cameras that do nothing more than hang from the ceiling. With the advent of wireless security cameras, not seeing any dangling wires is no longer a give-away that a camera is a prop. Just as a side note, you don’t even want to know about the spy camera technology that is available today. If you are the paranoid type, you will never want to change your clothes again, anywhere!Pen Camera - Hidden Video Spy Pen in Silver-trimmed Black Executive Pen. Captures HQ 640 x 480 Pixel Video at smooth 30 Frames Per Second. Built-in 4GB Flash Drive. Genuine SPHERE brand, 2011 version.

Anyway, some of the fake security cameras available today are quite convincing. There are even models available with a built in, flashing LED light. What surprised me most was the cost of these non-functional outdoor home security cameras. They are honestly dirt cheap. Because they do not actually do anything, they do not need constantly maintained and the cost is relatively low.

Fake Security Cameras are a Great Low Cost Option

When it comes to home security, we all want to protect ourselves. Sometimes it comes down to a matter of economics coming into play. While I would personally prefer having a “live” home security system, I have to wonder how effective the dummy cameras are because they are so much cheaper than buying, installing and maintaining the real deal cameras.  One thing is for sure, and that is that fake security cameras are much easier for an average homeowner to afford than a “real” security system.

SE Dummy Security Camera, Dome Shape, 1 Red Flashing LightOutdoor Fake Dummy Security Camera w/ Blinking Light (Dark Gray)SE Fake Surveillance Camera with SensorSecurityMan SM-3601S Dummy Indoor Camera with LED (Silver)VideoSecu Outdoor Indoor Imitation Security Camera Fake IR Style Dummy CCTV Camera 1REVideoSecu 4 lot fake security cameras outdoor indoor CCTV bullet style dummy camera home security imitation cameras 3QUOutdoor Fake / Dummy Security Camera w/ Blinking Light (Silver)Non-Functioning Mock Security Camera

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Posted in Home Life, Products for Your Home

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Should You Buy Cheap Rings for Women?

May 15th, 2011

I just happened to walk past a television the other day when one of those shopping channels was on.  They were selling cheap rings for women and the people calling in could not say enough wonderful things about them.  I guess that means that they frequently sell rings for cheap on that show and that people, mostly women it seemed, call in and scoop them up with glee.

I had to stop and listen as these women were calling in and talking about how they had purchased not one or to of these rings, but quantities more in the range of 10 and 15 of the different styles of cheap rings.  They said that they give them as gifts to everyone they know.  When I heard that, I pictured a bunch of the caller’s relatives rolling their eyes every year as she wheeled the load of identical gifts into the room for the gift exchange, but I could be wrong.  I guess I should say that I am not talking about really cheap rings.  You know, the kind that come out of a bubble gum machine.  These were not the cheapest rings for sale that you could possibly find.  These still look like they were decent quality to my untrained eye.  Of course there could have been some flaw that you couldn’t really see.  I guess cheap ring settings could be a problem if you put some wear and tear on the ring itself.

I suppose that is where I am going with this.  I wonder why people even go out and spend tons of money on fine jewelry for anything but the most important occasion.  I mean, I understand purchasing the best jewelry that you can for something like a wedding, but for daily wear,  just as an accessory, it seems like cheap rings are the way to go.  Who is going to actually get close enough to it to test it for authenticity?  I suppose if you intend to pass it down to your children, you might want to go for extremely high quality, but otherwise why not purchase something cheap but beautiful?

Cubic zirconia rings look pretty convincing to me.  Honestly, I guess there are people out there who can tell, by taking a close look, whether or not a real gemstone has been used in the setting, but I’m not one of them.

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Posted in Cheap, Shopping

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Why an LG Refrigerator?

May 8th, 2011

Some studies suggest that the average life span of a refrigerator in the United States is seventeen years, but many people find themselves buying these big-ticket items more often than that. Whether because of moving or redecorating or handing them down to children moving out on their own, it’s common to have to make this large investment at least several times in a lifetime. In light of the fact that it’s not hard to find refrigerators costing into the thousands of dollars, it’s definitely worth the time and effort to research the available products thoroughly. Buying a refrigerator and finding that it has features that are annoying or that the unit is undependable can be a real headache that isn’t easily cured. Many people who have done this research have been very happy to buy and own an LG refrigerator.

LG refrigerators reflect the manufacturer’s commitment to responding to consumer demand. LG produces many different models of refrigerators, each tailored to cater to the desires and preferences of a segment of the market place. LG engages in extensive market research and actively works to predict trends in preferences and incorporates the results into each new model they design and produce.

LG is a leading seller of bottom freezer refrigerators. Not too many years ago, such units were sold only by a couple of manufacturers. LG came to realize that the bottom freezer design is not only more efficient than other configurations, but that it reflects the reality that, for most people, taking up the eye level portion of a refrigerator with the part that is typically least used made little sense. In response, LG has become a leader in offering this style of refrigerator.

Another significant innovation offered in LG refrigerators is their interesting design employing three and four doors. This is another reflection of their ongoing market research and trend prediction skills. Yet another example of design leadership and responsiveness is their unique in-door ice maker, which frees freezer shelf space for other, more favorable uses.

A particularly convenient innovation of LG refrigerators is the availability of an extra tall ice and water dispensing unit. Anyone who has ever wanted to fill a pitcher or thermos with cold water and/or ice will surely appreciate this thirteen inch high convenience. Also featured is a small shelf which slides out to support your pitcher while filling it. How many other refrigerator makers take account of the fact that a container of water can get heavy as one stands there filling it?

While some manufacturers seem not to take the function of a vegetable crisper very seriously, this is not the case with LG. The available Opti-Bin crisper releases moisture into the compartment as needed to help extend the life of your produce. Particularly if you prefer the more expensive organically grown produce now increasingly available, this innovation will save you a significant amount of money, not to mention aggravation, over the life of your LG refrigerator.

Anyone who is familiar with the concept of flash freezing, which rapidly reduces the temperature of food in order to lock in the maximum of freshness and flavor will appreciate another LG feature. The unique jet-freezing drawer in the freezer section cuts freezing time in half, ensuring that your frozen goods will be as tasty as possible when you eat them.

LG also is a leader in terms of providing the finest in filtered water in their units that dispense water. They have realized that not all household water is created equal, and have accounted for that fact by engineering a variety of different filters for different circumstances. LG recommends that you consult your local water utility for an information sheet detailing the chemical composition of the water it supplies. By having this information, you can then select the right LG filter to deal with your particular situation. In light of the fact that refrigerator water filters are rather expensive and can be inconvenient to change, by buying and installing the right filter, you can not only ensure the highest purity for your family, but also extend the life of the filter.

Whether you would prefer a side by side refrigerator, or a bottom-freezer unit or any other configuration, you can find an LG refrigerator to suit your taste.

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Posted in Products for Your Home, Shopping

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Looking for the Best Investments

May 8th, 2011

Best Investments

In a turbulent and uncertain financial environment, many investors are wary of turning to the stock market for short- or long-term growth. Customers may see the stock market as a gamble of their hard-earned money and decide instead to put their savings into zero-risk investments, such as certificates of deposit (CDs) and Treasury Bonds. The best stock investments, however, with long-term planning, may have return rates doubling or even tripling that of CDs. Stock market investing historically gives about a 9% return on investments while a CD gives, at best, around five percent. That figure alone should encourage stock investments, but the interest earned on the respective figures push the profit margin even further in the direction of stock investing. A forty-year plan for CDs, for example, can return about $150,000 on yearly investments of $1000. For stocks, a forty-year plan can and often does push near or above a million dollar return.

Many customers do not have the time required for individual investments, or lack the necessary education in finance for the complex return strategies. As a result, many stockholders choose to retain mutual fund corporations who can invest their money, along with millions of other customers, with experience and planning. While this option gives customers a way to invest their money without the headache of maintaining and updating their stock portfolios, they must surrender commissioning fees to their brokers and broker agencies.

The very best stock investments cannot be undertaken without strong financial backing on an individual level. The average American family carries upwards of twenty thousand dollars worth of debt, and attempting to set aside funds for stocks at a time when there is no margin of error will likely prove foolish given the fluctuations of the market. As such, customers should clear all credit card debt or second/third mortgages before considering allocating any money to even the safest investments. In the same vein, consider acquiring a cash fallback in case the money is needed immediately — whether for an act of God or for an opportunity that cannot be passed up. Money that you will need in months (or in a year or so) is better kept in savings accounts than in stock options. All the best safe investments are over long-term periods — often decades.

If you believe you have the financial health, capability, and time to begin investing in the stock market, consider the options. If you work full-time, your employer likely offers a 401(k) plan. This plan will double your contribution at no or minimal cost to you (other than, obviously, continuing to work at the company for the duration of the plan). A 401(k) is one of the best stock investments as the money is directly taken from payroll and is not taxed. Furthermore, while the remaining paycheck will be lower, this will place you in a lesser tax bracket, thus actually returning more of your paycheck directly to you. Customers should be careful of whether or not their workplace offers a comprehensive plan, and especially if the plan has a good track record.

Another one of the best safe investments is with an IRA. IRAs, unlike 401(k) plans, have a maximum ceiling, so customers can only put a fixed amount of money into the plan. There are two types of IRAs, and the best investment rates for IRAs depends upon a customer’s tax bracket. A traditional IRA is not unlike a 401(k) in that there are no taxes upon investments until the money is withdrawn. A Roth IRA charges taxes on all invested money, but allows the funds to be withdrawn without taxes or penalties. Thus, the decision for IRA customers is whether their tax situation is more or less favorable now than it will be in the future. Dependents, exemptions, and other tax-deductible factors come into play, so customers must be careful to determine which IRA tax policy will give the best investment rates and returns.

Both 401(k) and IRA plans have maximum returns for customer funds, but that does not mean there are not more investment plans for when the two are exhausted. One of the best safe investments left to customers is a taxable account. As the name suggests, the government carefully takes their share of taxable accounts, but there are many easy (and legal) ways to minimize taxation and maximize returns. Bonds and real estate, for example, have high inefficiency rates, so over a long time period they will have larger turnouts but have ordinary tax percentages. Brokers and stock companies urge investing in taxable accounts for retirement plans, as they need a decade or more to stabilize to market fluctuations.

The best safe investment is ultimately an exercise in personal control. Many investors, with little knowledge of how the stock market operates, are quickly to jump on and off certain shares as the market spikes and dips. Patience wins out in the best stock investments as the turtle will always beat the hare — ensure that your investments are earmarked for long-term success rather than day-in, day-out highs and lows. Customers who do so will avoid the knee-jerk, erratic decisions that lead to loss of personal funds.

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Can Anyone Learn To Sing?

May 7th, 2011

Can Anyone Learn to Sing?

Can anyone learn to sing? Well, anyone can learn to sing better. Will every person go on to a professional career, or even become an above average singer? Probably not. That doesn’t mean that you can’t improve your singing to the point of being proud of your voice. There are many resources available to help you if you want to learn to sing.

Many people dream of having a singing career. Whether you are musically talented or not, it is still fun to sing along with a favorite song. Imagining that you could actually get paid by adoring fans for singing is a dream career for many. Of course, few people actually pursue and realize the dream of becoming a professional singer, but anyone can learn to enjoy singing and can actually get some wonderful benefits from it as well even if they are only singing in their car or in the shower.

Becoming a great singer is not automatic. Just as an athlete needs to condition their body so that it will perform at top capacity when called upon, someone learning to sing will find that the act of singing will take some practice. To get really good, you have got to be ready to do some work to train your voice and improve your breathing. The good news is, just doing these things, can have some real physical benefits.

Among other things, the act of singing gives the lungs a great workout when it is done properly. The increased levels of oxygen can actually help to combat tiredness and poor circulation. Following proper singing form will also result in an improved posture. Trained singers actually learn the correct way to breath, and perform breathing exercises to make their breathing more efficient. Almost any singing course that you may sign up for online or otherwise will spend the early part of the lessons emphasizing the importance of proper breathing.

High levels of anxiety and stress are a hallmark of our society today. As people hurry from place to place, trying to get a thousand things done at once, they can often become quite miserable. Singing out loud and strong has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels as well as improving overall moods and levels of energy. You may or may not be interested in learning to sing better, but at the very least, try singing a little bit more often. You may be surprised at how great it makes you feel.

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Posted in Home Life, People

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Is Rooster Decor Right for Your Kitchen?

May 7th, 2011

Country Rooster Kitchen RackRooster decor is an enduring trend that is experiencing a renewal of interest, although it can hardly be said to have ever gone away. What is it about the rooster that makes it such an enduring element of home decor?

Roosters have been incorporated into culture since ancient times. The Greeks recognized it as the symbol of the new day, and the Chinese incorporated it into their astrology. The rooster is commonly associated with a positive energy, leadership and vigilance.

In American culture, who is unfamiliar with the traditional weather vane bearing a strutting rooster at its top? These have often been found atop churches of some denominations, and are thought to symbolize a call to prayer to start each new day, regardless of which way life’s winds may be blowing.

Roosters are also noted for their brilliant plumage. It seems that everything about this creature is loud and ‘out there’. Is it any wonder that so many people find it an apt expression of the upbeat side of their personalities, and use it accordingly?

Certainly, the most common location in the home for the employment of rooster decor is the kitchen. Its bright colors and rustic charm lend themselves to use in the room where so much of life happens, especially with regard to sustenance. Also, many families tend to gather in the kitchen, and its nice to have an up beat theme there to encourage expression and good feeling.

Obviously, application of a rooster theme will employ rooster images in a variety of formats, from wall hangings to place mats, table cloths, towels, salt and pepper shakers… you name it! A quick look online will reveal hundreds, if not thousands, of rooster-themed items for those who may not be so creative or who experience a mental block about the matter.

A rooster decor theme also invites the application of bright colors to the walls. The symbolism of the rooster’s comb can be carried out through the installation of a colorful border at the ceiling line of the walls.

The bathroom is another area that lends itself to the application of rooster decor. Generally of a smallish size relative to the other living areas of the house, it can easily be overwhelmed with the energetic symbolism, though. Still, even a rooster-themed shower curtain may not be too much. Some bright color in the form of some figurines and maybe a picture or two or three might give a good appearance. To the extent that rooster decor is used in the other areas of the house, it will be consistent and give a sense of continuity to carry it over to the bathroom.

While attractive and even inspiring, rooster decor doesn’t so much mix with formality. Thus, it’s more appropriately applied in a family room than a living room. Application of very bright colors in either of these areas, which tend to be of a quieter nature than the kitchen, may be going a bit far.

Still, the family room, which is often found to have dark paneled walls, can benefit from the distribution of colorful rooster elements throughout. Consider a throw rug or perhaps some rooster pillows. Rooster figurines can add charm and look perfectly in place on the mantle. You can add a wreath in ‘roosterish’ colors. In light of the rooster’s association with the sun, it goes well with the use of sunflowers.

Whatever direction you may decide to pursue, be certain that you can find rooster decor from a variety of sources. In light of its long history as a decorative theme, garage sales and flea markets are fertile ground for hunting. Naturally, department stores will always have some selection on hand. However, the internet provides access to a number of providers that specialize in rooster decor, a testament to its longevity and staying power.

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Posted in Home Decor, Interior Design

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Should You Invest Your Money in Oil Stocks?

May 7th, 2011

Oil StocksIf you are interested in investing in the stock market, oil stock is one area of specialization that you might consider. After all, oil is perhaps the most vital commodity in our modern way of life. If you believe some doomsayers, while the demand for oil continues to rise, there is a finite amount of oil available, and we are running out of it. If that is true, and the iron law of supply and demand is not repealed by some extraordinary force, those who produce and distribute oil must necessarily be in line for ever increasing profits, at least until the oil runs out.

However, there are many variables in the mix, and a look at the fluctuations in oil prices will reveal that an investment in oil stock is not necessarily going to put you on the path to inevitable riches. The valuations of oil stocks are subject to investor demand, just like any other stock, and it takes a serious commitment to monitoring the forces at work to enhance one’s chances of making money by investing in oil stocks.

It’s undeniable that demand for oil continues to grow dramatically. As economies like those of China and India develop, they exert a huge upward pressure on the demand. Regardless how much oil may be held within the earth for the taking, the reality is that not all of it is accessed. In the United States, huge proven reserves exist that cannot be accessed due to political decisions. On the other hand, production from vast oil reserves in other nations is limited as a means of keeping supply from outpacing demand and lowering prices. These are just two forces affecting the value of oil stocks, but there are dozens or hundreds of others.

For those who are convinced that, regardless of these factors, the overall trend for oil stocks is positive, there are several ways to get you money down in support of your opinion. You can take the plunge and do your own investing in individual stocks or you can participate in a venture with others that spreads your investment among several oil stocks. This can be done in two ways.

For those rugged individualists who want to pick and choose their own oil stocks, there are a number of things to consider. Decisions made by someone who wants to take advantage of long term trends in a particular oil stock will be different than those who want to get in and get out quickly, taking a profit with them. An investor can look to buy low and sell high by identifying undervalued stocks, or buy high and sell higher by relying on the continuance of an upward trend, referred to as momentum trading. Trading in oil stocks by any of these means will require that you follow the market very closely for a number of individual companies. Hours of research will be necessary.

At the other end of the spectrum of individual involvement is the practice of investing in mutual funds of oil stocks. While more or less research is demanded before choosing a mutual fund in which to invest, once the decision is made the need to monitor ongoing performance is limited primarily to keeping an eye on how the chosen fund is performing in relation to other such funds.

Between these two investment extremes is the practice of investing in exchange traded funds, or ETF’s. Shares of these funds are like mutual funds in that a management team selects a ‘basket’ of oil stocks in which to invest you money, along with that of hundreds or thousands of other investors. However, unlike mutual funds, which are valued only once a day at the end of trading, these funds values vary throughout the course of each trading day. You can sell your shares of an ETF or buy more at any time based on its performance in real time.

Investing in an ETF is, to that extent, like investing in individual stocks. However, you have the benefit of a management team of experts to make the picks based on their long term analysis of the prospects for each of the stocks in their ‘basket’. You have the advantage of not being tied to the continual monitoring of individual stocks and market trends.


Whatever way you might decide is best for you to invest in oil stocks, doing so is likely to be a long term boon for your portfolio. As demand for oil rises, especially among developing nations, there will be overall upward pressure on the value of the stock of those who produce the stuff. These are just some things for you to consider. There are always risks involved, and there certainly are no guarantees. The final decision of whether or not to pursue investments in oil stocks is yours.

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Posted in Money, Work

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Attic Conversions

May 7th, 2011

When considering home improvement ideas, one that might not come immediately to mind is converting an attic to residential living area or perhaps for an office. After all the attic is pretty much ‘out of sight and out of mind’ for most of us except when it comes time to get down or put away the Christmas lights.

However, although it’s not a mission for the faint of heart, converting an attic into usable space may provide benefits sufficient to justify the investment in time, money and effort. After all, the area is under roof and generally rather wide open, which can provide a lot of flexibility for creative planning.

Attic ConversionsNevertheless, there are some things that must be kept in mind when considering this particular home improvement idea. First, and immediately obvious on entering the space, one must be sure that there’s sufficient headroom and lack of obstructions in the space. Older homes are more likely to have usable space in the attic than those built in recent decades. Still, it may be possible to have the roof raised if other considerations justify it. Framing members that obstruct free passage can often be replaced with alternative means of support.

These tasks are well beyond the abilities of almost all ‘do it yourselfers’, however, and will require the services of at least a qualified contractor, and possibly an engineer. Before getting too far into the planning of converting an attic, it might be best to call in a qualified person even if there are no headroom or obstruction issues.

One critical consideration is whether or not the floor in the attic is capable of supporting the weight of furniture and people. Many contractors, especially in the days before routine civil inspection of new construction, tended to use the least expensive materials that would do the job without regard for future possibilities. In the case of the attic, the supports would have been intended merely to hold up the ceiling below.

A contractor or engineer will be familiar with both the practical and legal suitability of a given structure. In most, if not all jurisdictions, an undertaking of the magnitude of converting an attic will bring the attention of the building inspector, who will have to issue necessary permits for the work. Some building inspectors will be willing to come out and assess the suitability of the space for renovation. Others will not care to venture any such opinion, and will limit themselves to approving the written plans submitted by an engineer, contractor or even the homeowner. Of course, once construction begins the building inspector will in fact inspect the progress and suitability of the work as it goes along. Although this may seem a nuisance, it’s far preferable to having a calamity occur.

Whether you get advice from a building inspector, a contractor or an engineer, it’s most certainly worth the investment of time and even some money to get professional input before going too far with your home improvement ideas for attic space. It will also be worth your while to spend some time and effort clearing out the space so as to allow access to all of it for your professional. Something that remains hidden from view that you don’t consider significant may actually be of great importance in the assessment of the work that needs to be done.

Of course, while awaiting the initial inspection by a professional, it’s still possible to have some creative enjoyment. In fact, it’s a good idea to have a wish list of the things that you would find desirable for the renovated space. If the professional knows that you intend to use the space as a music studio for your piano practice, or as a space for some indoor gardening, he’ll be able to assess the space appropriately from the start. He can advise you of the limits of what can be accomplished, and allow you to save your creative energy for something more doable.

Converting an attic can provide a wide range of benefits, from increased living space to a significant increase in a home’s value, especially in a desirable neighborhood. It requires more careful forethought and planning than most other projects, though, so proceed carefully right from the start.

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Posted in Home Renovation, Storage

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Finding a Washing Machine for Sale

May 6th, 2011

Washing Machine for SaleI went to three estate sales the other day. At two of them I found a washing machine for sale. For me, this brings back many memories of when my wife and I first got married and moved into our first “starter home”. It seemed to be the fabled washing machine graveyard.

In a period of two years, we purchased three washing machines. We started out with a used clothes washer that we bought second hand through a local shop that reconditioned washing machines and dryers. That one lasted all of two months. I don’t remember what the needed repair was, but the cost was too much for us at the time. Because the machine had been sold “as is” we were out of luck.

Next, we bought a used washing machine through our local classified ads for twenty five bucks. Money was pretty tight for us and we really didn’t have $400 to drop on a new unit. That one lasted a little bit longer before we noticed it making ghastly sounds and starting to leak. Once again, the repairs would have been more than our original purchase price. Hauling those things to the curb really irked me.

Believe it or not, around the same time, our dryer decided to give up the ghost. You can imagine our frustration. We had a new baby at the time, all kinds of normal daily expenses and an appliance habit that was threatening to break us financially as we juggled to get all of the bills paid every month. A relative suggested that we check out a nearby scratch and dent shop where they sold new appliances that couldn’t be sold for full retail because they carried assorted dings from poor handling. We gritted our teeth and put a washer dryer combo on a credit card. The cost was cheaper than buying mint condition units, but they were not cheap by our standards.

Those units actually lasted us for a while, but as I sit here in a different house, about to celebrate fourteen years with my wife, I can hear our latest dryer in the background. It sounds a bit like a 727. This is about the fourth dryer we’ve had as a married couple. Our current washer was repaired last year because it was leaking from the bottom. I think it is our fifth washing machine. Both of these were bought brand new over recent years.

We don’t abuse our appliances. I sometimes wonder if we are the only ones who go through washers and dryers at such an outrageous pace. Has the quality of these appliances become that bad? I only remember having one washer and dryer in my Mom’s house during my years as a child and a teen. I think she may have purchased new ones when I went away to college. Still, that is one huge difference in appliance lifespans.

So anyway, back to the cheap washing machines I found during the past week. They were both being sold for about fifty bucks each. That got me thinking about how much money I’ve thrown away in the past trying to save money by buying cheap stuff. It rarely seems to work out to my benefit. Usually, you seem to get what you pay for when it comes to home appliances.

Since it is sounding like our dryer might be getting ready to retire, I’ve been considering our options. In a perfect world, we’d just compare washing machines and then buy the best washing machine (and dryer) available. I think we will probably try to go for a name brand after we check out washing machine sales in our area. If there is an extended warranty, we will probably drop the extra money for it at this point. I’m just too tired of playing games with these things.

I realize that if you are reading this you are probably looking to compare prices. You might even be where my wife and I were back at the beginning of our marriage. Maybe you just need something cheap that will get your clothes washed. In that case, here is what I would consider doing. I would check out estate sales and moving sales. Both of these situations will have items that were probably in fine working order but need to be sold. In the case of the estate sale, nobody wants to store an extra washing machine that does not get sold, so machines that were working just fine until their owners passed on, often get sold for very reasonable prices. Moving sales are a similar situation. For some people who are moving, the cost of moving large appliances just isn’t worth it. Sometimes the people moving are going to a place where new appliances are already provided. In either of the two above instances, you will find motivated sellers.

If you do go for choosing a used washing machine and/or dryer, ask to see it in action before you drop any money. That is something I definitely would do differently now that I’m a bit older. If possible, take a peek behind and under the units to check for rust and damage. Buying someone else’s junk is no bargain. Believe me.

Before you go out shopping for used washing machines, do a little bit of research so that you know what new machines would cost you. Write down the prices for several different styles that you might be interested in buying. If people are asking for close to what a new machine would cost, just move on to the next sale or check the local Pennysaver classified ads. Try to always get the most machine in the best shape that you possibly can for your money. Although shipping might be hefty, you should also take a few minutes to check out what is available on line. Sites like eBay and Amazon might surprise you. Sometimes they have some very good deals and might even offer discounted shipping depending upon what choose to research

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Ceiling Water Damage

May 6th, 2011

Ceiling Water DamageHousehold water damage is always bad news, but when it occurs in a ceiling the problem is compounded. In extreme cases, water can accumulate behind a drywall ceiling, slowly permeating and weakening its structure until it bursts through and soaks and even ruins everything beneath.

Here are some things to think about that make ceiling repairs more challenging than wall repairs.

The first thing to do when you spot the signs of discoloration and dampness on your ceiling is to identify the source. If you have a leak in your plumbing, that qualifies as an emergency and you should immediately shut off all water to the vicinity of the affected area.

Be aware that if you have a leak in your plumbing, water could be pouring into the affected area at a high rate. It’s possible that there are many gallons of water accumulated behind the ceiling covering material. Extreme caution should be used when venturing under such an area, especially if the ceiling itself is bowing downward.

Once the source of the water is stopped in such a case, it will be necessary to penetrate the ceiling and allow the water to drain in a controlled way, and the sooner the better. Common sense should prevail in undertaking this work. Lay down plastic sheeting under and all around the affected area and have someplace for the water to drain. You can’t have too many buckets for this project, as once the ceiling is penetrated, the water will flow until it’s gone.

Another common source of ceiling water damage is a leaking shower pan. While not an emergency, per se, this is a very serious problem, and fixing the cause will be a major project.

Most often, however, the source of ceiling water damage will be a leak in the roof or maybe a wall of the structure. You may be able to address such an issue by the simple expedient of catching the flow in buckets pending repair of the source of the leak.

In any case, until the water’s source is accounted for and stopped, there is little point in trying to effect repairs to the ceiling water damage itself.

In any case in which you find ceiling water damage, once the source is identified and accounted for, make a call to your insurance agent. Some or all of the costs of repairs may be covered by your homeowners policy. Repairing these calamities is certain to be an involved and messy process, and if you can have it professionally done, you’ll be better off.

One thing to consider if you’re in a position to have to do the work yourself is that drywall repairs, while not necessarily difficult in theory, can present a lot of practical difficulty. Drywall is very heavy stuff, and applying it to a ceiling in large pieces is a two man job for most people, or a lift will have to be rented and brought in.

Depending on the height of your ceiling, anticipate having to provide some type of elevated platform on which to work. Making repairs to ceiling water damage from just a ladder is possible, but count on having to move the ladder repeatedly.

Movable scaffolding can be rented relatively cheaply. Given that drywall repairs can take several days depending on whether you seal the joints with ordinary drywall compound or use a fast setting mix.

Professionals will use a fast setting mix, as they are able to make smooth joints quickly. The average do it yourself type person may find himself over-matched by the speed needed to work with a fast setting compound.


The point is, drywall repairs, especially ceiling drywall repairs, can be complicated and frustrating, and in any case will require going over the area affected a number of times to apply and sand several coats of compound and finally to prime and paint the repairs. Having a platform to work from that allows access to all or as much as possible of the damaged area will be a blessing, as you will come to think on your one hundredth trip up the ladder.

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Biometric Gun Safe

May 6th, 2011

Biometric Gun SafeA biometric gun safe represents a rather substantial investment by most people’s standards. Before dropping that kind of money on this new-fangled technology, prospective buyers would do well to consider if such a type of security safe is a worthwhile investment.

There are certainly many gun-owners out there who don’t now and never have locked up their weapons. They may think it absurd to lock away their means of protection and render it inaccessible in the event of a crisis. Others may merely be resentful of the federal government’s ever-increasing hostility toward gun ownership, and proudly keep their weapons on display.

However, in many jurisdictions, the states, through aggressive and politically ambitious local prosecutors, have seized upon the use of a stolen or misappropriated weapon to do harm, to prosecute the rightful owner on a theory of negligent or reckless failure to control their firearms. Recognizing that displaying more guns than one would expect to use in case of an emergency is an invitation to mayhem, some are re-thinking their stand against keep their guns in a security safe.

Any gun safe is going to present some impediment to ready access by the legitimate owner. However, biometric gun safes offer an advantage in this regard. They are quick to open, and regardless of what else may happen, the owner will definitely have to be present in order to open the safe.

Biometrics is the study of the measurement of physical traits, whether they be fingerprints, DNA or patterns found in the retina. A biometric safe, then, employs such physical traits to provide for the opening of the safe only by the person whose traits are programmed into the gun safe. Fingerprints are the way that most biometric gun safes, at least for the general public, are controlled.

When access is desired, a fingertip is applied to a pad in which are located sensors or readers. If the pattern of fingerprints on the fingertip match that stored in the memory, access is had within seconds. It’s up to the owner to establish who and how many people may be given such access. A spouse or other trusted individual may be allowed to have her or his print placed in the memory.

A potential buyer of a biometric safe must decide if the unique advantages of the system are worth the added cost. One aspect of this decision will be how much safe one can buy for a given amount of money. A traditional gun safe, with a combination lock or keyed access, will always cost less than a similarly sized biometric model.

Another thing to consider is whether the additional money that would be spent to get a biometric model would be better spent on ensuring that the gun safe finally purchased will protect the weapons inside against the threats presented by fire or water damage.

Having nearly instant access to one’s weapons, especially in times when the need to remember a series of numbers or get one’s hands on a key may be difficult or impossible, is a powerful selling point for biometric gun safes. However, the potential buyer must take the time and mental work to weigh and assess the risks he most wants to avoid, and weigh the options against his budget.

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Should You Use Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring?

May 5th, 2011

Strand woven bamboo flooring is an engineered product made from highly processed strips of bamboo. After boiling to remove insects and sugars which attract insects, the material is pressed into the shape we find on store shelves with resins as a binding agent. This pressing takes place under a combination of high heat and extreme pressure.

There is some concern in the marketplace because most bamboo flooring is manufactured in China, where bamboo grows as naturally as do forests in the United States. Anyone who has paid attention to the news in recent years is aware that the Chinese often cut corners in their manufacturing processes. This results in significant unevenness in quality among the various bamboo flooring products out there.

One particular concern with regard to bamboo flooring is that some samples have been found to contain formaldehyde in the resins used to bind the bamboo strips. Many people fear that fumes from the formaldehyde can leach out of the final product and contaminate the air in the living space.

There being no internationally enforced standards for the manufacture of bamboo flooring, one can find a broad range of quality among the available offerings. At this stage in the development of the market for this material, it might be wise to deal with large retailers who might be expected to conduct their own testing, and who have the clout to ensure that the products that end up on their shelves are not only ecologically safe, but durable as well.

Bamboo flooring is a remarkably tough product. This is particularly so in light of the fact that bamboo is actually a form of grass rather than a tree, although it routinely grows to a height of twenty feet or even more. However, its woody composition has made it a building material of choice for centuries in parts of the world where it grows. It will stand up to years of exposure to the elements.

For those readers who claim a place on the green bandwagon, take heart. Bamboo is extremely ecologically friendly. It grows very rapidly and has a very favorable ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide production, so it isn’t destructive of the ozone layer. In fact, people who have planted bamboo as a decoration have often found that it is hard to contain in any given area, and will take over an entire yard and the neighbors’ yards if not carefully managed.

Returning to the theme of the lack of standards for the manufacture of bamboo flooring, these products may be installed in a variety of ways. Give careful consideration to this aspect of the product if you intend to install it yourself.

Some kinds of bamboo flooring are meant for installation using staples driven by an air tool. Others are meant for gluing, and it’s critical that the recommended adhesive be used. Some brands of bamboo flooring are intended for floating installation as is common with the laminate flooring products most common in the United States. Among these products, there are variations in the underlayment required and the connections between the boards.

If you are considering installing a strand woven bamboo floor it’s incumbent upon you to research the products available. The best means of doing this is to consult with a knowledgeable sales person. Don’t be afraid to question them fully, and if you have any doubt about what they say, request documentation.

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Foods That Relieve Constipation

December 12th, 2009

Constipation is one of those problems that seems kind of funny until that’s you dealing with it.  People tend to joke about things that make them uncomfortable.  Of course, just like any problem that affects human beings, there are a plethora of suggested cures and remedies available for people to try.  If it is an ongoing problem, it is common sense that you should consult a physician, but people will certainly look online for cures.

Eat RightOne of the first things that comes to mind is that it seems like the easiest thing to try would be to eat foods that relieve constipation.  If you have not been eating well, your colon is not going to like it.  Also, if you do not drink enough water you might tend to get bound up and pretty uncomfortable.

One of the easiest things to try it is to eliminate all of the junk from your diet that may be working against your proper digestive health.  Try eating high fiber foods like whole grains new and vegetables instead of cheeses and sticky, low nutrition junk like candy and desserts.  I think that most people naturally have some idea of what is “good” food and what isn’t.  Try heading toward the fruits and vegetables when you go to the grocery store instead of the aisle filled with sugary junk.  That seems like common sense to me.

Most of the time, the body manages to fix itself in clear things out.  But making sure that you have enough water, enough fiber in your diet, and that you are getting the proper amount of exercise can sometimes speed things along.  If things do not get going on their own, you should probably consult your Doctor about getting some medication for constipation.  Constipation can be a warning sign of other problems, so that is yet another reason to get in touch with your doctor if you are having ongoing issues.

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Where Can I Get a Checklist for Investing?

December 6th, 2009

graphSometimes I have a real problem with procrastinating.  It is something that I’ve been working on, but it seems that there are so many areas in life where we need to address issues in order of priority, that sometimes we spend our days shuffling one priority in front of another, and before you know it very little actually gets done.

Now that I’m getting older, and I have a little bit more money, I know that I should really be investing some of it.  The problem is I just do not know where to start.  I have spent so much time in my life just paying for the bill that is closest to being do, that the idea of putting something away for the future seems totally foreign and even a little bit intimidating.

I do spend a lot of my time surfing around the Internet looking for things of value.  I figured I would spend a bit of time searching out information about how to start investing.  I had to be careful that I did not allow myself to get sidetracked from my goal of learning about how to make money for my future.

I am just starting out, but the first thing on my last is to find an organizational method that will work for me.  I find that I do better if I have some type of graphic organizer or check list in front of me.  The first that in this project will be to get an investing checklist put together which I will use to guide me in this learning adventure.  If anybody happens to read this, I would love to hear suggestions in the comments field.  Keep in mind that I am looking for ideas for the most basic of beginners in the field of investing. ;)

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Handmade Christmas Ornaments

December 2nd, 2009

I was looking at  everything as we unpacked it this past weekend for our annual ritual of putting up the Christmas tree and the outside lights.  It seems like just yesterday that our first child was born and we watched in wonder as she stared at her first Christmas tree.  We have a tradition of adding ornaments to our collection every year, but with children added to the scene, that becomes even more special.  We have come to appreciate the beauty of handmade ornaments a lot more.  The handmade Christmas ornaments sold by gifted craftspeople are beautiful, but my favorites will always be the ones lovingly crafted by my own kids as they did their best to create special gifts for their parents.  If you have kids, encourage them to make some crafts that you can display.  When you are used to seeing them hanging around, you might become immune to how precious they are, but as your children grow, and their artistic talents mature, you will realize how special those first homemade gifts really are.  Maybe its me getting older.  I suppose it is really.  But I treasure every day more and more as I appreciate the love wrapped up in every special crayon picture or Christmas tree ornament made with craft sticks and glue.  It’s good stuff.

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Cheap Baby Cribs

November 25th, 2009

Sometimes I feel a little bit guilty because when our children were babies we did not have a whole lot of money to spend on them.  Sure, we did buy as much brand new baby stuff as we possibly could, and we did receive some items as gifts at the baby showers, which was great, but we never had any extravaganza new baby items in our home.  We had some friends, who had more money on hand than we did and some wealthy parents, who thought nothing of going out and spending thousands of dollars setting up an entire nursery.  We, on the other hand made do with what we had.  We cleaned out what had been an extra room, put on a fresh coat of paint in the room, and did our best to make a welcoming new home for our children.

After three kids, we learned that there’s really nothing wrong with cheap baby cribs, as long as they are safe.  Hand me down items can still be adorable if you take care of them and brand new toys look just like lightly used toys after about a week of normal playing.  I suppose it might have been nice to have a wonderful new crib that cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars, but it just was not in our budget.  We spent a little while feeling guilty about that.  As our children grew though, we learned that what is much more important than having brand new material things, was providing our children with love and happiness.  If you are in a position of not having a lot of money to buy brand new things for your children, you don’t have to feel consumed by guilt.  Instead, just like extra sure that you are giving them what really counts, your love and attention.

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Women’s Baseball Jewelry

November 18th, 2009

Women’s Baseball Jewelry

Sterling Silver Baseball CharmI mentioned in a previous post that I have an appreciation for inexpensive jewelry.  That does not mean that I like to wear much jewelry personally, but I don’t see any good reason to spend a fortune on something that will receive daily wear and tear if you can find something quite comparable for a price that doesn’t empty your bank account.  Anyway, I was recently put in charge of purchasing a gift for one of our nieces.  Knowing her pretty well, I figured jewelry would be a good bet.  She loves baseball.  She and a friend of hers actually purchased season tickets for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  If you know anything about baseball, you realize that doing this is a real sign of devotion.  The Pirates have not fielded a competitive team since the early 1990s.  So, I started my quest.  I didn’t realize that finding women’s baseball jewelry would be as tough as it was.

Before I purchase anything online, jewelry or anything else, I tend to look around for deals.  I was looking for a bracelet to give another niece for Christmas the other day and was going through my normal routine of checking various sites.  (I should point out that I’m pretty proud of the fact that I’m shopping for Christmas more than a week out from the holiday!)  I hit all of the traditional bigger sites and then started to focus in on smaller sites that I thought might be throwing some deals around to draw people in.  I found a few decent places.  I really was starting almost from scratch with the idea.  I knew that I wanted a bracelet and that’s about it.  I ended up spending a bit of time checking out this post about Pandora charms.  It was good information and I left knowing a lot more than I did when I arrived.

I’m still very much amazed at how easy it is today to learn about things and purchase what you want right from home.  It makes me wonder what the shopping experience will be like in another ten or twenty years.

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Posted in Cheap, Shopping

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Having Tattoo Problems

November 16th, 2009




OK.  I’ve got to admit, I’ve never felt the urge to get a tattoo.  Well, maybe once when I was pretty young and some friends were talking about doing it.  I got over the idea by the next morning though.

This came to mind because a guy I work with recently decided to get a tattoo.  I have no idea what inspired him, but he got an image of his girlfriend of all things inked right on to his bicep.  Maybe I’m just dense, but doing that seems incredibly stupid.  Not the tattooing itself really, but the fact that this guy isn’t even committed enought to this girl to want to marry her!  I guess he never noticed that most tattoos last longer than a lot of marriages nowadays.  I mentioned that fact in a half joking manner and he looked a little bit nervous.  Great timing.

So anyway, I am starting to think that this guy really is incredibly dense.  The next day he actually starts asking me if “they” make tattoo removal “stuff” that he could buy.  I was honest and just told him that I had no idea.  I know that there is laser removal for tattoos, and I don’t know how painful it is, but since tattooing actually involves intentional puncture wounds filled with ink, I would guess that undoing things could get pretty involved.

I’ve also heard of dermabrasion.  That sounds pretty uncomfortable too.  This guy’s reaction showed that he must have been pretty “under the influence” when he got this thing done.  I don’t think artists are supposed to work on people in that state, but I could be wrong.  Anyway, when he is sober, he is a real cupcake and he doesn’t want anything that will hurt.

So anyway, he ended up ordering something called Wrecking Balm cream the other day.  Results are still pending.

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Posted in People, Work

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Stock Market Investing

November 15th, 2009

I have been thinking a lot lately about investing in the stock market.  Mostly what I have been thinking is that it is a very confusing subject to me.  It is not the kind of thing that was ever taught me in school and I did not come from a family where anyone had enough money to invest in anything besides groceries and everyday essentials.

I know that a lot of people lost money as our economy hit the skids.  I also know that people who play the market wisely can make a lot of money.  Because I really cannot know a whole lot about the subject, I have been trying to learn a little bit on my own. Investing in the stock market today is a little bit intimidating to me, to say the least.  One area that I have been looking at is how to find a dependable online stock broker.

I do not know a lot yet, but here is what I have gleaned from my research.

Stockbrokers get paid fees when they buy or sell for you.  You can also end up being charged for a minimum initial deposit.  When I read that this could go up to $10,000, that sort of figured that I was out of the game, at least for now.  Then, I’ve read that there can be quarterly or monthly fees that also apply.  For me at least, all of these fees have just made it something that I can’t even think about right now.

So, I suppose if I ever do end up getting into trading stocks, I would go with someone that was referred by a personal acquaintance who I trusted.  I also suppose, that I would go with a bigger name, just because of the banking on their popularity having some base been doing a decent job.  For now though, that that groceries to buy.

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