Author: Creative Programs and Systems - page 301

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Pool Plaster

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Owning a pool is a wonderful luxury but also requires a good amount of effort to maintain the pools finish, plumbing and everyday care.  One important aspect of pool maintenance is the finish of the pool be it white plaster or something more specialized like Hydrazzo, Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Traditional White Plaster, Quartz Aggregate and Pebble Surface plasters.  When researching plaster finishes for your pool you will come to realize that white is the most affordable therefore the most common finish for commercial and residential inground pools.

Plaster is the most common material and the least expensive finish for inground pools. It is likely that if your home has an inground pool or if you are installing one that the shell of the pool is made out of concrete, or as known in the pool industry a material called gunite.  The pool plaster is laid over the gunite shell and smoothed to perfection.

Pricing on different types of plaster finishes can vary a great deal depending on the color, style of the plaster chosen and the region in which you are from. When looking at companies to finish or refinish your pool make sure to check references and ensure that you are looking at what each company offers and their references.  Some companies will take shortcuts that can make the plaster job cheaper however will reduce the length of time the finish will hold up costing you more in the long run.

Below is a brief overview on the different options in plaster finishes you can choose from for your pool finish.

White Pool Plastering:  As mentioned above, this is the most affordable and most common plaster finish.  It is created using a combination of marble aggregate, water and cement.  White plaster is often used in commercial pools as it is standard code.  The one disadvantage of white plaster over other options is that is tends to be softer and therefore lasts only about five to seven years before the first signs of erosion are seen.  Keeping the chemistry of your pools water will increase the longevity of your white plaster finish.

Colored Pool Plaster: The difference between white plaster and colored plaster is, you guessed it, the color.  A dye is mixed in with the aggregate, water and cement to create a tint.  This is one way to add interest to the finish while keeping the costs reasonable.  The one disadvantage is that overtime the coloring will start to fade.

Crushed Quartz Additives In Plaster: Diamond Brite and Hydrazzo are brands that add luster and shine to the pools plaster finish along with increasing the life time of the finish.  Using quartz additives can increase the life of the finish for up to twenty years.  Just be careful as the quartz adds a slip resistant surface which is durable but can be rough on feet.

As with every purchase around your home you need to weight the benefits, cost and time you will be living in the house. If you intend to stay in your home, therefore utilizing the pool for a long period of time it is a safe bet to go with a quartz finish as it will save you the hassle of finishing the pool every five to seven years!

 

Pound Pool Plastering

Minimizing The Impact Of Divorce On Children

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Divorce is not easy; this is the understatement of the year!  All people in a family are affected by a divorce.  Spouses, children, in-laws, everyone is affected to some degree.  For children the divorce of their parents is often a very traumatic experience no matter how smooth the transition and no matter how old children are.  It is hard for children to understand and come to terms with the fact that the two people they love are now going to be divorce.

Children often feel at fault or to blame when their parents separate.  Often, this makes little sense to adults however children find a way to associate everything back to them and see fault.  Kids going through a parents’ divorce struggle to find ways to prevent the divorce.  The “what ifs” and “if I did this” keep running through children’s minds.

As parents we are struggling with the impending divorce as well.  We worry about our finances, about becoming single again and about the next step.  It is often hard to remember that you aren’t the only person worried about all of this.  Children are notorious worriers about things that they have little to no control over.  As parent’s going through a divorce it is our job to alleviate and manage the burden felt by our children as we sort out the bigger issues.

The first crucial moment for children is when their parents sit down to tell them that they are indeed going to get a divorce.  Breaking this news is heartbreaking as well as difficult.  Don’t ever break the news of an impending divorce, to children, in the heat of the moment.  It should be a time when you come together as a family to properly explain what is happening and why.  The better prepared you are for this step the less misunderstandings and worry there will be for your children.

These are you children together and it is important for both parents to remember this.  Children are incredibly impressionable and no matter what the reason is for the divorce all children see is how much they love both of you.  They will have a hard time seeing why the two of you no longer love one another.  It is so crucial that as a family unit, time is taken to explain this.  Also take the worry and anxiousness out of the situation by explaining in detail the next step, where will everyone be living, what is happening and when it will happen.

The issue of child custody and child support will arise throughout the process, this is inevitable.  Don’t burden your children with this.  Work to come to a consensus with your partner and if this is not possible the judge in the case will make arrangements based on the information provided to make sure your children are as affected as minimally as possible in the given situation.

Although through the divorce you may have ill-will towards your partner this is not anything that should be expressed in front of your children.  They are your children together and they love you both equally.  Children are not a pawn and should not be used as one. To do so is irresponsible and harmful to them.  Nothing good comes from putting your children in the middle of any argument you are having.

As always be clear with your children.  No matter how old they are there is a way to convey information about the situation in an age appropriate manner.  As parents this is your obligation to them.  Your children will thank you as they grow for making the process less burdensome on them.  They will see the world and will appreciate the manner in which you proceeded to handle the difficulties of divorce when you are honest in your communication with them.

Longton Law

Preparations Needed Before Filing For Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Beginning the divorce process is one of the hardest decisions in life.  It comes with much stress, anticipation and uncertainty.  Some of the things that may be going through your mind are about finances, living arrangements and the future.

In this article we will work to help you get a grasp of the uncertainty that comes with filing for a divorce in Michigan and offer tips to ensure a successful transition.

How will I survive financially without my spouse’s income?

The first step is to determine how many expenses that you will have on your own.  Look at your housing expensive (rent and utilities), vehicle, insurance, credit cards and money for living expenses.   It is not wise to include spousal support or child support arrangements until this has been set in stone.  Be prepared to do it on your own.

Next determine what special assistance you may be entitled to.  Look into local, state and federal assistance and changes in your status that will assist you.  For instance locally you may be able to receive a reduction in your Council Tax bill as a single adult household.  State assistance may be given in child care credits and federal assistance in the form of tax credits and programs such as bridge card assistance.

You will want to contact your bank and inform them that a divorce is imminent and open up an account in only your name that you alone have access to.  Make sure that you place money that is yours into an account that cannot be touched by your spouse.  You will need your own funds no matter how confident you are in the beginning that things will be smooth and everyone will agree on divorce settlements things change in the heat of the moment.  The most congenial people can turn bitter fast within divorce proceedings.

Where we I live during the divorce proceedings and after?

Contact a real estate professional immediately if you believe that neither you nor your spouse will be in the market to stay within the marital home.  This enables the home to be put on the market and hopefully sold during the divorce.  From here you will determine what is owed on the home and what the value of the home is.  This will help both parties estimate how much they will be able to afford in a new home as well as how much money they can expect from the sale of the marital home.

If you will be staying in the home you will need to make arrangements to get a mortgage in your own name.  Many times this can be achieved with a property adjustment order.  This allows one spouse to remain in the home, with the children, until a later agreed upon date.  This is achieved with a Financial Consent Order and is a way in which both couples are required to contribute to the homes mortgage payment.

What will I do now? What does the future hold for me?

You will need to determine where your income will come from.  Will you work full-time, part-time and how does this affect child care?  If you are not already in the job market you will want to sharpen your skills with schooling or training right away to ensure that you will be able to support yourself and your family.  You will be relying on a single income make sure you are in a career that can sustain your lifestyle.  It may be time to re-discover a passion that will supplement your income as well.  Often times side hobbies start to turn into an additional source of income when living through a divorce.  Consider selling your paintings, getting into part time photography or even selling up cycled furniture.  Whatever your hobbies are before the divorce can often supplement your income substantially.

Divorce is never easy on anyone.  Being prepared is one way to decrease the amount of anxiety you will feel when making the first steps towards divorce.

Longton Law

All About Different Types Of Commercial Roofing Materials

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Commercial roofing is not necessarily the most talked about aspect of roofing. When roofing discussions take place here in the North we discuss shingle roofing and the difference between shingles and the warranties companies offer. Shingle and metal roofing are really all there is to discuss when you are a shingle contractor in the North where the weather is ever changing and your roofing material needs to stand the test of time through all of it.

 

Commercial roofing however has a few more options than residential roofing. Below we look at different options available for commercial properties including; metal, tile, fiberglass shingles and flat roofing. Local roofing contractors will assist you in choosing an option that is a best fit for your property as well as what you desire for the unit.

 

When it comes to commercial roofing one of the most important factors is longevity and durability. The roofs appearance can completely change the building appearance so it should also enhance the curb appeal of the property as well as be easy to maintain as well as being considered environmentally friendly roofing.

 

In commercial roofing metal roofs are popular options as they are known for their durability. Metal roofs provide a great deal of protection from the vast climate changes seen here. You can also customize the color. The initial expense of metal roofing is more than that of shingle roofing. The justification that commercial building owners can take to heart is that the roofing lasts over two times as long as other types of roofing. This means fewer headaches in replacing the roof again down the road.

 

Tile roofs are also available however not as popular as metal. Clay, slate and concrete are all fire resistant roofing materials as well as being weather resistant and environmentally friendly. Tile is also considered a great material for saving energy.

Flat roofing created out of tar and gravel is also a popular option. Flat roofing requires additional maintenance and up keep but being flat inspections and repairs can be done more easily. With a flat roof it is important to consider draining options. Flat roofing is a great option to provide extra usable outdoor space to any commercial business.

 

Finally fiberglass shingle roofing is a popular option when it comes to the roofing of commercial buildings. The benefits are varied from the fact that it is inexpensive, lightweight, fire-resistant and easy to install. It is attractive and seen a top many commercial buildings throughout the North. Shingles are a wonderful option as they conform to the structure of almost all buildings without making any modifications to the building. The downside is that you will have to replace them more frequently that other materials used in commercial roofing.

 

When property and business owners are looking into commercial roofing options they are not limited. There are plenty of options to choose from. Find one that fits the exterior of your building, your budget and longevity wishes. Local roofing contractors can help you make a decision based on your wants and the needs of your property.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Stockman Pocket Knives

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

I am often asked about the different types and brand names of pocket knives.  There are so many companies producing pocket knives and with the different styles, shopping for the perfect pocket knife is an adventure in itself.

This is the first part in a series of articles to be written about the different types of pocket knives available.  I thought a very traditional way to begin the series was with the Stockman Pocket Knife.  The Stockman has three different types of blades and usually is in the middle when it comes to the length of pocket knives.  The Stockman is sold by various knife makers; the most prevalent being Case XX Knives and Rough Rider Knives.

Stockman’s are special because of the three different types of blades that make up this style of pocket knife.  The blades include a clip point blade, a sheep’s foot and a spey blade.

Clip point blades are the longest blade of the three and are the one that does the most work of the three.  It can be used in the field to slice meat, peel fruit, filet fresh fish or even skin small game.  This blade makes the Stockman an ideal medium sized pocket knife for hunting, fishing, camping or outdoor adventures.

The sheep’s foot blade is a short, straight blade that is used for cuts that require extra control.  The strong, blunt point is good for cutting open boxes or delicate jobs like cutting an article out of a newspaper.

Spey blades were used by farmers and ranchers long ago to spay however I believe that spaying animals with a pocket knife has died out.  The spey blade is used to carefully slice meat.  The blade offers a ninety degree point that helps prevent puncturing struggling animal’s vital organs.  The keen edge makes it the most practical for cutting through flesh.

The Stockman pocket knives medium size makes it incredibly convenient to be carried.   They generally come with two different types of handles including a straight handled version and a sowbelly version.

As with most folding knives the Stockman style uses nail nicks to open the blade.  A nail nick is a slot on the top of the blade that is used to allow your fingernails to pull the blade out of the knife handle.  The three blades make this pocket knife a good choice for handling a variety of tasks and are practical for many different knife carriers.

Choose the Stockman, three blade pocket knife if you are looking for a traditional style pocket knife that is small enough to be carried conveniently but large enough to be held comfortably in larger hands.  It is a style that has continued to stand the test of time and remains a popular option in folding knife options.

When looking for a Case XX Stockman Pocket Knife or a Stockman Rough Rider Pocket Knife check out the variety of knife suppliers online.  You can often find a great deal purchasing online paying up to forty percent off of the prices charged by sporting good stores.

Knife Mule

The Benefits Of Shipping With A Less Than Truckload Freight Company

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

The holiday season is approaching quickly!  With this excitement comes the hustle and bustle of getting everything you want to get done, done. As well as the packages you want sent out where you want them when you want them there.  Managing the logistics of the holiday has never been easier with the options of online shopping and shipping as well as logistic companies catering to small less than truckload shipments.

This is not only important to us as consumers but as business owners as well.  With more orders coming in with the holidays approaching it is important that product ends where it needs to be, on time to facilitate the increase in consumer activity that comes from the season.  Once again third party logistic companies come to our rescue.

There are many benefits that come along with using less than truckload freight trucking companies as your logistics professionals.  The best reason of all is that their services are fast, easy and quotes are free.  LTL freight is when it is needed to ship anything from one pallet of goods to half a truck load and anything in between.  LTL trucking companies combine shipments to efficiently ship all types of goods saving you money.  Often times smaller companies don’t need to ship large quantities therefore a full truck is not needed.

Another great benefit derived from LTL shipping is that the special needs of your shipment can be taken care of.  If your shipment requires refrigeration, freezers, hazmat, dry storage or special care for items like produce or pharmaceuticals LTL logistic service providers can provide service to you combining your shipment with others in need of the same conditions into one truckload.

Another benefit is the environmental aspect.  LTL shipping is an environmentally friendly way to transport your freight because it takes several small shipments into one large truckload.  This alleviates multiple trucks shipping small loads of freight all over the United States and globally.  With companies becoming more interested in adopting environmental friendly procedures and eliminating the activities that affect the environment shipping via combined shipments found in ltl shipping is increasing in popularity.

Another benefit is the timeliness of shipping ltl.  When you are able to ship just a partial truck load you are not leaving goods that have been purchased or are needed elsewhere sitting on a truck waiting for a truckload to be filled.  Time and money are both saved as well as an increase in customer satisfaction.  The faster consumers have products the happier they are.

With every business decision there are advantages and disadvantages to be weighed.  The thing is, there aren’t any disadvantages to less than truckload transportation services.  It is truly a win, win situation for every party involved. Businesses get shipments sent out in a timely, cost effective, environmentally friendly fashion and consumers wreak the benefits of having their shipments arrive in a timely fashion.  This leaves everyone getting back to making money and being productive sooner.  When logistics become a non issue and a system is running efficiently everyone wins, the major benefit of discount ltl shipping.

Detroit LTL

Purchasing Homeowners Insurance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Purchasing insurance for your home is an essential puzzle piece for all homeowners.  Like many expenses with owning a home, your insurance is something that is negotiable. When it comes to homeowners insurance and finding a reasonable rate without wasting hours going from agent to agent instead start your search online.  When looking for affordable insurance don’t skimp on service or coverage.  You don’t have to sacrifice either and with the help of online quotes it has never been easier to find complete home coverage at a reasonable rate with an agent that is going to provide you with the service you deserve.

The largest way to conserve funds on your homeowners insurance is to stop assuming that all insurance providers offer the same coverage.  The first policy offered is not always the best for your situation and your needs.  A lot of companies overcharge for fillers.  Getting quotes from several companies allows you to see the difference in coverage and weed out the expensive, non-essential, over priced fillers.

Another method to save money on your homes insurance to know exactly what is covered and by eliminating provisions that are no longer necessary.  For instance, many people pay flood insurance when they live by a body of water.  Pay a land surveyor to come in and determine how far the flood plain/zone is from your structure.  Paying flood insurance when unnecessary is ridiculously expensive and unnecessary when a simple survey could eliminate the need for it all together.

Research the company as well as the insurance they offer for your home.  It is not a good deal to save on insurance premiums if when the need arises for a payout they are unavailable and hard to be reached.  Making a claim should be as easy as paying your insurance premium.  The agent should be available to you.  When you pay your insurance premium you essentially pay the agents salary.  They work for you and should help guide you through the purchase of insurance as well as processing a claim if necessary.

For your insurance to work for you, no matter what coverage you choose or agent you select to provide it make sure that you keep a detailed list of your homes inventory and upgrades.  One necessary provision is that your coverage pays the replacement value on all of your homes contents and not on the value of the item at the time of the incident.  Many companies pass off lower quality policies to entice clients into purchasing their home insurance.  If your home burns to the ground, you will need to replace the structure and contents.  You won’t be able to do this with a check only covering what the value is deemed to be at the time of the incident.  You need replacement value in your insurance provisions.  You need to buy a like kind and quality of the items you lost and this cannot be done using the value of the item as it has aged and depreciated.

As always insurance is as much about coverage and price as it is about service.  Check with family and friends for referrals.  Check out all online reviews and do some face to face meeting after an online quote gives you a reasonable expectation of the cost of having insurance provided by each company.

 

Cobb Hall

Finding The Best Pest Removal Company In Your Area

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

From the minute you find an unwanted pest within your home the only thing you will want to concentrate on is hiring a pest removal company. It will eat at you and not allow you to sleep. All you will imagine is the creepy crawlies all over you while you sleep. Hiring a company to eliminate and prevent pests from your home is an important decision that can’t be rushed. It is in your best interest to discuss your pest problem with several exterminators before selecting one to manage your pest infestation be it mice, bees, termites, bedbugs or a combination of pests.

Pest problems will never arise at a convenient time; let’s get real pests are never convenient. Your pest issue is urgent, they always are but it is important to do a full evaluation on several companies. Invite them into your home to visually see the pest infestation and determine what course of action to take next. It is important that they are reputable, knowledgeable and have viable references.

Below are some key points to consider when evaluating a local pest removal company. In finding the best pest removal company you will look at their qualifications, experience, reputation, customer service and the value of their services.

First check the qualifications of the pest removal companies that you are looking at exterminators. Does the company and all of their technicians have current licenses needed for pest removal in the state in which you live. Is the license the classification that you need for your pest removal job? This can be found by interviewing them and by checking the state pesticide regulatory office. When changes come in regulations, products used in extermination and safety techniques how are those changes communicated to the staff? Integrated Pest Management, IPM, techniques are important qualifications for a company to follow as well.

Experience is important and should be discussed with the companies that you are looking into. Of course the number of years that they have been in business is not the only thing to consider. Longevity is one piece but doesn’t always mean that they are up in the latest techniques in pest management. Determine how many people that have been clients that have the same pest infestation that you are experiencing. It is important that new employees have been trained by experienced technicians as well. As with everything this is only one determination to consider when hiring a pest removal, management company.

The companies reputation is also incredibly important when hiring a company to remove your pests be it spiders, ants, termites and more. Family, friends, neighbors and co-workers are great for recommendations on pest removal company but it won’t be open discussions you will have to ask them outright. It is not common for people to openly discuss their pest issues so it is something to ask them about. Customer references are another terrific way to determine if the company is “the one” that you wish to use for your exterminating needs.

Customer service, value and safety are all things to consider as well. When you have found an extermination company that you trust and want to work with get a written contract of the services that they will be providing. This saves both parties from any confusion later on down the road with the services that you have been promised.

Best Pest Removal LLC

Handling the Emotions of Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

The word divorce brings so many different emotions with it.  For some people the emotions that are brought on with divorce create stress that is so deep it interferes with everything else in their lives.  Functioning from day to day when the stress of an impending divorce looms over is a lot for most people to handle.  One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to learn to cope and move on from the stress, learn to relax and move forward and let the cards play out as they will.  The extra worry that you carry with you will not make the tide turn any more in your favor than it will have without it.  What will help you is to take care of yourself. Put yourself out there, begin to exercise, eat healthy and work to begin producing positive energy and thoughts.

If you recognize that you are not handling the stress brought on by your divorce there are many things that you can do to turn that cycle into something better focused.  Less stress leaves you healthier and better equipped for life when the divorce dust settles.  This is also true for kids going through divorce and especially difficult child custody arrangements, stress can turn them into people we no longer recognize.

Tips on Relieving the Burden of Stress a Divorce Causes

The first tip is to get help for all of the emotional needs that are being felt.  Talking with a trained professional is in everyone’s best interest during this most difficult time.  The difference between talking with friends and an impartial third party is the advice that is given on getting you back.  Friends easily sway back into the dwellings of the past where as a professional therapist is moving you out of the past and into the future that awaits you.

Make sure you are moving your body. Stress is not able to physically grab hold of bodies who are focused and moving forward.  Keep your children involved in extra-curricular sports and find a walking club to join or a gym to go to.  It is amazing what your body is capable of while releasing all of the negative.

Make time to do stuff for your needs.  Sit in the tub, read a book, go on a vacation or turn your phone off and have a staycation.  These are times you need to have for yourself and for your family.  Your kids will appreciate the person you are when you are refreshed and rejuvenated.

This tip is huge for both you and for the kids.  Allow yourself to feel every emotion that is flooding into you.  Emotions will range from grieving to elation and everything in between and out of there.  You will feel it, they will feel it and all of that is healthy.  Feeling it and dwelling on it are two different things.  Don’t dwell on it as that won’t get you anywhere near where you need to be.

Lastly change your outlook.  Change what you expect out of yourself and others.  It is okay to be in control but it is also okay to let other help you. There is a difference between being controlled and allowing someone to help you.  It is okay to realize that and allow yourself to change your expectations towards yourself and your relationships with others.

Divorce is difficult but is even harder when you allow yourself to be buried with stress and burden.

Longton Law

Advice For Men Going Through A Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Divorce is something that can be either a devastating blow or intense freedom.  Either a shattering end or a blissful beginning.  The experience is different and unique for every individual, couple and child that is living it.  Often times men end up taking divorce harder than women.  Men and women end up worrying about a lot of different things when a divorce is filed.  Women worry about the finances, the place to live, keeping a routine while men struggle with the mental aspect including how they could have let their marriage fail.  Men simply have an incredibly hard time dealing with and moving past the idea of failing.  Although divorce is not a failure this is how most men that are not interested in a divorce from their partner see it.

When it comes to statistics men are more likely to go on a path of self-destruction after a divorce. While they aren’t worried about making ends meet, as they usually end up more financially stable than a women does they do end up with the emotional burden.  Men are also less likely to seek help for this which leads them into self-healing through alcohol, food and drugs.

The truth is divorce is over simplified in the world we live in.  When going through a divorce the world has become desensitized because it is so common place.  For this reason men are left to believe that the feelings of regret, sadness and grief are ones that are not common and that should not be felt.  This is anything but the truth.   Our society may make divorce seem common place but this is in fact not the truth and neither party in a divorce should feel like the emotions and phases they are going through in handling the demise of the marriage are wrong or inappropriate.

Some advice for men experiencing this in their own divorce currently; seek out support.  Don’t allow yourself to become enslaved to harmful habits that will only forgo moving into a healthy life and future.  Experiences in life will hurt, they will bruise your ego but in the end they will make you stronger.  Divorce is a time of change but also a time to connect to the world in a whole different light.

Learn to be the father you want to be.  The demands of being a partner are no longer on you so take all of that extra energy and turn it into something wonderful for yourself and for your children.  The time you have with them be less than you are used to.  Even the best child custody relationships leave us with our children less than we are used to when what we are used to is full time.  Take the time they are with you and be with them fully both physically and emotionally.  The time when you are apart take time for yourself.  Get to know who you are on your own without the influence of a partner’s opinion and without your kids.

Become the man you want to be after your divorce not the one that your emotions lead you to be.

 

Longton Law