Livingston Reporting - page 296

What Can A Roofing Contractor Do For Your Home

There are four basic outcomes in the roofing industry; a roofer installs a new roof, replaces an existing roof, repairs a roof or installs venting on a roof. It seems like a simple break down. Everyone thinks roofing must be simple because when you inspect a roof there are only four possible results. However, this is not the case. There are many things to consider when it comes to a home’s roof and these four basic principles are just one side of roofing.

Roofing contractors need to be experts at installing roofs with a variety of different roofing materials. The most common roofing materials to people here in the North is either metal or asphalt shingles. Roofers must establish a technique in which the roofing materials can adhere in the multitude of seasonal weather changes we experience.  Roofing contractors are the designers of the exterior of the home as well. They must compliment the siding with the color shingles desired as well as bringing harmony to the neighborhood. Nothing is worse than one home within the bunch to stick out like a sore thumb.

Installing a new roof is one of the most infrequent jobs a roofer has. When a roofer does work on new construction they are responsible not only for the main roof but also the installation of trusses, framing and shingle installation. Not all roofing companies will have experience in new roof installation so if this is the need you have to fill it is important to find a contractor that has an extensive background in new construction. The roofs structure brings stability to the entire house and needs to be completed with precision and craftsmanship.

If you have an older home you may find yourself in need of a roofer that specializes in roof repairs. Roofs may need repairs for a variety of reasons including missing singles, leaks, warping and weathering. Repairing a roof is a detailed job for a roofer dedicated to repairs. Without being properly completed roof repairs can leave room for future decay and roof failure. Roof repairs are done when the issue on the roof is minor or in cases where homeowners can absolutely not afford to replace the current roof at this time. A quality roofing company will be able to evaluate the damage to your roof as well as the remaining time your roof has before it needs to be replaced.

The most common job a roofer takes on is replacing an existing roof. A roof may need to be replaced for a number of reasons including wear from seasonal changes, natural aging and wear & tear. Roof replacement is a key element in keeping your homes umbrella, in good shape.  This in turn prevents any interior damage to the home, trusses or structure.

A less common repair, if you will call it that is installing ventilation in the roof and/or solar paneling. These both require cutting into the structure of the roof and should only be done by roofing professionals that specialize in these detailed installations.

There is more to roofing than meets the eye. When hiring a roofing contractor you must know what experience the company has. Hiring a company that specializes in new roof installation when you need a spot on the roof repaired might not be in your best interest. Sticking to a roofer’s specialty is always the best route to go.

 

Even Small Remodeling Jobs Benefit From The Experience Of A Contractor

When people consider remodeling their homes they are often under the illusion it has to be a crazy, long drawn out project.  This is not the case especially when you hire a contractor.  Many of you are thinking that there is no way you can afford to hire a contractor for your home remodeling projects however this is not the case.  When you take into consideration the time and effort that doing it yourself takes, hiring a contractor seems incredibly reasonable. Especially when they do it yourself project ends up way behind schedule and you have to take days off work to finish it so that your family doesn’t make your move to the garage.

 

One of the quickest ways to give your home an upgrade is with new flooring.  Whether it is refinishing a dull hardwood floor or taking up old dingy carpet and installing a new hardwood floor.  With all the latest trends available in hardwood flooring it has become easier than ever to install and less expensive than ever before.  With wood upgrades you also cut down on a lot of allergens that are present, collecting in the carpet.  This is particularly important when you live in a house with pets.

 

Another fresh update that can be done takes place in the kitchen and bathroom with the cabinetry.  With some simple paint, refacing and/or new hardware you can completely change the look of your space. If your space allows for it, crown molding can be added which makes the cabinets look grander.  Cabinets are the focal point of your kitchen.  A little bit of paint and some update hardware can go a long way.

 

Another fairly simple, inexpensive kitchen renovation that can be done to update the look of your space is by adding to the back-splash.  A contractor can give you plenty of ideas on what materials will blend in well with your kitchen.  Popular options include tile, mosaics and glass.  This is a remodeling project that can easily be done in a small amount of time, with limited resources that makes a statement in your kitchen space.

 

If you are looking to really go to town in your home add a splash of color.  Adding color to the rooms within your home really spice it up.  With different colors different emotions are expressed and in turn can change a room from bland to striking.

 

Adding to the exterior of your home is another way to spruce it up.  A change in landscaping or the addition of a deck can change the way the way you use your space.  A yard that is uneven and constantly wet can turn into a fun zone with the removal of some shade trees, letting the sun in and a deck.  It completely takes a space that wasn’t being used and makes it able to be enjoyed.  Add a garden, a horse shoe pit or jungle gym to the yard; all of these additions bring life to your yard.

 

Home remodeling projects inside or out can enhance your home.  Hiring a contractor to handle minor or major renovations around your house will leave you without the mess so your able to sit back and enjoy the updates.

 

Custom Jewelry and Loose Stones

When it comes to getting married creating a unique event is more important than ever.  Brides are creating Pinterest accounts before they can drive.  This is why the push for custom engagement rings has become increasingly important.   Not only is a custom piece is something that is sure to be a sentimental heirloom it is also easier than ever in the world of jewelry today.

 

Designing a custom engagement ring or wedding band set is fairly simple now days.  There are multiple ways to go about finding a jeweler that will help create a custom piece that your bride to be will adore.  There are a multitude of online jewelry retailers that will create custom pieces as well as local jewelers.  Designing the ring is relatively simple choosing a loose diamond might prove to be a little harder.

 

Choosing a loose diamond really comes down to personal preferences.  Remember when choosing a diamond she will wear it every day. Every time she glances down at her hand you want her to remember how important she is to you and how much she loves her ring.

 

Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.  The shape of the diamond is based solely on what your bride desires.  This might take a bit of effort but paying specific attention to the jewelry she wears or looks at when you are shopping together may help to lead you down the right path.  Many women if given the choice will choose a classic diamond solitaire however this is not always the case so you want to follow your future brides lead here.  She will be wearing this ring for a very long time.

 

The size of the diamond you choose may depend more on the budget you have set aside for his purchase.  An old adage used to claim that the engagement ring should cost a total of three months’ salary.  This however is not true any longer.  You need to purchase a stone based on what you can afford and what she will like, not on a lame society standard.  A reasonable budget to set aside for a loose diamond starts at around one thousand dollars. A thousand dollars will but a significant diamond with good color, a decent cut, clarity and a decent carat weight.

 

A loose diamond on its own should have a certain wow factor to it.  Even smaller diamonds with great color and clarity can have a significant appeal.  Choose a jeweler that offers certified loose diamonds.  This will ensure a few things.  One it will assure you that the value of the diamond has been certified.  This means you have proof of the diamonds value.  The next thing that purchasing a certified diamond does is tells you that the diamond was harvested from an area free of conflict.

 

Next is designing the ring to go with the diamond.  You may be thinking that you can go into any store and find a setting to fit this diamond so why bother having a custom ring designed for the diamond to be set into.

 

A custom, one of a kind ring stands out from the crowd as does the women you are about to ask to marry you.  Take the diamond you have selected along with several design ideas and show them to a custom ring designer.  They will make several mock ups that take into consideration the diamond you have chosen along with setting styles you appreciate, pulling it all together into one perfect custom engagement ring.  A custom engagement ring/bridal set will be pieces she is sure to treasure for years to come.

 

Choosing An Engagement Ring Style and Complementary Setting

When it comes to wedding rings and engagement rings the setting that you choose is as important as the diamond or gemstone you choose.  The setting you pick should be based on your style, taste in jewelry and your personality.  This is a piece of jewelry that you will wear every day from now until forever.  To choose something that will bring a smile to your face each and every day you should get a basic idea of the vocabulary that is used when it comes to wedding ring and engagement ring settings.

 

The first setting we will discuss is the bezel setting.  This setting holds a stone in the shape of a circle, it wraps around the diamond or gemstone.  Some bezels come with scalloped edges but most are smooth and molded into the shape needed to accommodate the diamond.  When it comes to bezel settings the one advantage is that the stone appears larger.

 

It is also can hide small imperfections in the diamond.  It is important to note that if you do choose a bezel setting with yellow gold it will make the diamond appear less brilliant.  Yellow gold in a bezel setting is perfect for gemstones but if choosing a bezel setting with a diamond it is best to go with white gold or platinum to enhance the shine and clarity of your diamond.

 

An illusion setting is a mount on a wedding ring that enhances the size of the stone to make it appear larger.  It takes the stone away from the band and sets it higher than the band.  A band with diamonds set in via a channel setting is commonly used with an illusion setting.  The channel setting allows smaller diamonds to be set into the main band while the main diamond is set above the band.  This combination can appear rather glamorous at a fraction of the cost.  Smaller carat diamonds can be used and because of the way they are all set into the diamond it appears grand.

 

A bar setting is similar to a channel setting.  The difference is that instead of each singular diamond being set into the band the diamonds are set into the band are held by individual prongs.  This is a very classic, contemporary look.  Bar setting usually are done with larger side diamonds then channel settings.  A thin bar connects the individual prongs continuing around the band.

 

A cluster setting is a beautiful option used to accentuate the main diamond.  A cluster setting is where a bunch of small diamonds is added around the large diamond.  A cluster setting is very pretty.  With the smaller diamonds centering on the main stone it appears if they are giving it a squeeze.  This setting works well for a wide variety of stone sizes.

 

A classic, undated look that is sure to be around forever is the solitaire setting.  A diamond solitaire is often used as an engagement ring and then transferred into a wedding band setting depending on your desires.  For most men this is a fool proof way to purchase an amazing diamond, in a simple setting, that can be enhanced later on.

 

Create Success For Yourself Throughout The Process of Divorce

In this day and age it is hard to believe that there is still a prejudice when it comes to men going through a divorce.  Men are at a clear disadvantage in the eyes of the courts, media and laws.  The fact is that women and their divorce attorney’s know this and will work every angle to ensure she is more than cared for.  It is important that as a man in divorce you find legal representation that specializes in men going through a divorce as they have experience in fighting this injustice.

Men need to create their own support system.  Women have support from every different direction and play the victim rather well throughout a divorce.  Men however are told to be strong, suck it up and move on while continuing to help and support their ex’s if needed.  If you want to be bled dry by the end of your divorce this is exactly how you will handle your situation.  Instead you really need to dive into looking after yourself and finding an attorney that is in it to win it for you.  You need to fight to keep your own head above water.  Don’t struggle to live comfortably while your ex vacations on your dime fight for yourself.

Get involved with every step in your divorce.  Along with your divorce attorney devise a plan that takes you through each phase of the divorce and create a vision that shows you prevailing.  In divorce there is no clear victim, there is no need to play that role or have it played against you.  Creating a clear plan and envisioning yourself coming out on top is one solid way to help. Have a successful strategy that you have developed with your attorney is the best approach to achieving your own happiness when the divorce is finally over.

Men often feel a mix of emotions during this period of time.  Allowing feelings of guilt, doubt and frustration to take over will make you vulnerable and weak.  If your ex-wife’s divorce attorney sees this and you aren’t armed with support and a legal team that if aimed in the direction of your best interests you could find yourself giving in to demands your ex is making that are completely unreasonable.  Having an attorney that specifically fights for men’s rights is important.  They will provide you with support throughout the entire process legally and emotionally.  Your attorney will be the one that saves you when your emotions start to take over and guilt settles in.

There is no reason at all to feel guilt or to do anything other than look out for yourself during this time.  The reasons your marriage failed are neither here nor there at this point.  What is clear is that at the end of the day you still need to be able to financially care for yourself.  You have but financial assets into your home and marriage and you deserve to share equally in the equity.  You deserve to be able to support yourself without living below the means you are accustomed to.  No matter the reason for the divorce you cannot allow yourself to be taken advantage of.  You have a responsibility to your own life at what it will be after your divorce.

Finding an attorney that is in it to represent you and your best interests will help you during the times when you feel weak.  They will be strong for you and will not allow you to mediate yourself into providing for everyone else but yourself.  It will happen, guilt will take over, for a split second you will give in to unreasonable demands if only so the nightmare can end and you will be thankful that you have a divorce attorney looking out for you.

Overcoming The Demise Of Your Marriage

It is funny that many people believe men make out better when going through a divorce.  We often hear something about men being stronger able to move on faster than their sensitive counterpart.  This of course is untrue.  Many men have a more difficult time when going through a divorce as they feel that as the provider and the man of the family they should have been able to fix the problems. Often time’s men give in when it comes to going through a divorce and many end up starting from square one when it is all over. What men in divorce need to realize is that it is too late to fix what was broken and now they really need to focus on not getting taken advantage of when struggling through the process of divorce. Below are some tips to help any man having a hard time processing the “right” things to do when getting a divorce.

It is common that men will get caught in a woe is me trap especially when their wife is the one who initiated the demise of their marriage.  This is one of the most important things to overcome and the sooner the better.  Yes, you need time to grieve that the happiness that you once felt is gone but you also need to realize that you will feel it again sometime soon.  Meet with a professional to talk your feelings through.  The tips that they can provide you with will help you cope and allow you the peace of mind you will need throughout the process.

It is also important that you immediately find legal representation of your own when a divorce is initiated. Men often feel a misguided sense of loyalty, especially financially.  A lot of men end up in financial ruin because of this.  When you retain a divorce attorney they will be able to help you with what is appropriate and what is too much when it comes to financial negations and obligations.  This will help to ensure that you as well end up with resources at the end of the divorce and can provide for your own needs in the same manner you are accustomed to as well.

It is important that when you meet with the attorney that you are completely honest about all the assets and liabilities that your family has.  Never try to hide assets thinking they won’t be uncovered.  This will make you look bad and it will be more difficult for the judge to look at you in an impartially manner after that.

It is also difficult for some men to be alone leading them to jump into a relationship before the divorce is even finalized.  This is something that is not recommended as well.  Don’t panic, you won’t be alone forever.  Give yourself time however to deal with the end of one relationship before adding the stress of another to your plate.  Being on your own and thinking for your self will not result in the world ending.  It may also give you a new perspective on who you are verses who you became to try to make your marriage work.

It is never easy to go through a divorce no matter if you are a man or a women.  It is difficult to realize that you’re happily ever after is over but the sooner you get on board with the tips above the better off you will be when you have discovered happiness once again.

 

Regaining Your Life After Divorce

Getting over a divorce is a long road for both men and women.  When it comes to women going through a divorce they are more apt, no matter how horrible the marriage was, to try to put life back together the way it was.  Women tend to fear change, the unknown and being alone.  If you are a women resisting the truth of your divorce read on as the information contained in this article will help you come to a place of peace with what is happening and allow you to begin again.

 

It is easy to over think a lot of things as women.  It is also easy to want to fix anything and everything within reach.  In your mind a divorce is fixable and this is where you are incorrect.  Once a divorce has been decided upon it is over.  Don’t blame yourself and don’t put the entire fault on yourself.  There is nothing wrong with you and your divorce is not your fault.  No one is the perfect wife or mother and even if you were there is nothing that guarantees the end result would not be the same as where you are now.  All of these thoughts are in your head.  You think having these thoughts will help you cope however this is not the case.

 

What needs to happen to move you past this point is to accept that it is not feasible for you to control every event that occurs within your life?  Once this happens, once you realize that you cannot accept the blame for the demise of your marriage you will realize too that it is not up to you or even possible for you to repair what is broken.  The factors of your martial break up are out of your control.  You cannot control how your ex-husband thinks and feels you cannot repair him.  It is significant that you come to realize this sooner than later so that you are able to move on and stop trying to fix something that is impossible to repair.

 

Once you get here the next step is learning who you are, finding your own way and teaching yourself how to make decisions on your own once again.  For years you have been compromising and taking into consideration someone else’s needs and desires.  This will no longer be the case.  You will need to learn how to think for yourself and only your interests.  As exciting as this sounds and no matter how ready you are to embrace this it is a whole lot tougher than one would think.

 

Regaining an opinion is something that you will want to take time to learn how to do again.  The best way to establish some boundaries to begin to think again for yourself is to start simple.  Purchase a journal and take time to explore the things in your life that you clearly don’t want.  Sometimes it is simpler to start with the things we are sure don’t represent the life we are interested in leading.  Once you have a substantial list of the things you don’t want in your knew life comes the hard part.  For everything you don’t want make a specific page for the exact opposite of that; this will represent all the things in life you do want.  Now you can continue to fill each page with things that fall under what makes you happy and what you want.

 

The last thing is to throw away the image you have of yourself as someone’s wife.  Create a new image of who you are.  Look in the mirror, throw some rocks in the water, and discover exactly who you are all over again.  Many women marry young and lose their identity along the way.

 

The “I” becomes “we” and “you” become “us”.  Once you see yourself as a unique individual once again you will be shocked at all the things you had compromised along the way.  Maybe you took of fishing to spend time with your mate but in reality that is the last thing in the entire world you would ever do on your own.  Gather a new foundation based solely on your wants, needs and desires for your future.   In the end you can truly end up a better person than you ever were before when your needs are finally being met especially when you are the one allowing that to happen.

 

Feeling Your Way Through The Process Of Divorce

For women going through the divorce process regular everyday life can become hard to figure out.  Most women get married early in life before they have had time to truly find their own identity.  This makes it extremely hard when the only thing that has identified you for years, your husband and children are suddenly not the same.  When you have given up everything and are left without anything a mix of emotions can run through you: anger, fear, betrayal, sadness and depression.

Going from living with your family and having other people in on every decision that is made to being the sole decision maker is frightening.  At first it will be difficult to adjust to deciding things on your own for you and for your children but with time and a few tweaks and adjustments in your thought process you will come out just fine in time.

 Divorce does give you a sense of freedom you may not have ever had before.  This is especially true in cases that joint custody has been arranged.  Every other week you are on your own.  Breathe!  At first this is a very scary and unique feeling.  It is one that has never been experienced prior to the divorce. Coming home to a house without anyone else in it can soon become liberating.  You don’t have to rush home from work as no one is waiting upon you for dinner.  You can stop at the book store, get take out and sit in a long hot bath for the entire night.  No one but you is responsible for your decisions any longer.

Yes, women will feel sadness, disappointment and hurt when going through a divorce.  This is a very natural feeling and in time will lessen.  Whether you wanted a divorce or not will not matter.  You will feel let down, either by the way he treated you throughout the marriage or because you could fix it and make the dream a reality.  It will hit you like a brick.  Some days you will think you are perfectly fine and then wham; it will hit you that you are no longer married.

At times you will feel incredibly angry.  You are now on your own financially on your own and are left with the majority of responsibility when it comes to your children.  Anger is a real fierce emotion and you will experience it for a while.  Take time to be angry just make sure that you do this on your own time and not when your children are around.

Yes, it is easy to be angry when you are paying bills, doing dishes, folding laundry and carpooling all alone but this is never a child’s fault.  Anger should be placed in the right direction.  Perhaps now is the time to find a support system to release some of these built up emotions?

The hard part when it comes to divorce is your experience will be completely unique to you.  No one will be able to predict the emotions you will go through during the course of your divorce and for a period of time after.  Let these feeling come and go as they will.  As time goes on you will begin to heal and will find that the emotions have run their course.  You will feel normal once again. It is only a matter of time.  There is no right way or wrong way to process your emotions.

Just be sure to keep yourself happy and healthy for your children and for yourself.  The sooner these emotions take over your life the sooner you will be back on track to living free from the chaos of your divorce.

 

Improvements In Vision Correction

The history of vision correction is vast and complex.  Before the invention on contact lenses people relied on glasses to correct imperfections in their eyesight.  Today, contacts have become the norm and LASIK eye surgery is replacing them.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each method in correcting vision and the choices become even more increasing difficult to decide upon when it comes to our children’s vision.

 

Today glasses are seen mostly as a hindrance.  Glasses are a good source of vision correction but viewed by many as an inconvenient method of vision correction.  The advantage of wearing glasses is the ease at which you can transition from wearing them to not wearing them.  They are also readily available and have become reasonable to purchase.  They also can be seen as a fashion statement. Glasses are also easy for children to be in charge of.  The disadvantages of glasses are plentiful as well. Keeping glasses clean and scratch free is often hard for even the most careful wearer let alone a child in glasses.  They are also bulky when playing sports and can act as a blind spot for some.  Losing track of glasses is also common especially when dealing with children.

 

Contacts have been a rite of passage for many children as they become teens.  With contacts comes the great responsibility to care for them.  In caring for your contacts you are essentially caring for your eyes.  Bacteria and germs are more susceptible to be passed to the eye with the use of contacts. Contact lenses must be cleaned and maintained daily to prevent infections within the eye.  This is why most of the time children are not trusted with contact lenses.  If a child prefers contacts over glasses often caregivers will choose daily contacts in which the same pair is not worn twice.

 

Contacts have many advantages over glasses.  It is easy to forget about your contacts and not worry about them for the entire day.  With glasses you have to maintain their cleanliness throughout the day. They allow complete, clear vision in which there is no blind spot.  Contacts are also affordable and can be purchased in a multitude of styles and quantities. The disadvantage of wearing contacts is that they need daily maintenance and need to be removed nightly before bed.  For some this can be seen as a disadvantage but for others it is an advantage over the constant worry and concern over scratching the lens of your glasses.

 

Today in vision correction options we have available to us LASIK eye surgery.  This is a more permanent way to handle vision correction.  Whether LASIK can be performed to correct a child vision is very situational.  Eye sight does tend to change more drastically in younger eyes.  When considering LASIK on a child it is best to meet with several eye surgeons to determine if such an approach is beneficial or if time will benefit the child. In most cases, unless incredibly severe vision loss is present it will be recommended to wait on LASIK until a child has reached adulthood.

 

LASIK in adults however is seen as a game changer for many struggling with a vision impairment.  LASIK is a lifestyle changer.  No longer is the concern of bringing a ton of eye lens chemicals with you on vacation or that spare pair of glasses just encase, LASIK eye surgery offers complete eye correction and eliminated the reliance on contacts or glasses. With today’s technology LASIK eye correction surgery can be performed with minimal downtime on eyes affected with a range of severity.  For more information and to see if you are a perfect candidate for LASIK contact a local LASIK eye surgeon for a consultation.

 

A Variety Of Options In Pocket Knives

Nothing is manlier than owning a pocket knife.  When you think of the essentials in a man’s life and the items they carry with them on a day to day bases you think pocket knife, wallet and car keys.  That’s it; that is truly how simple it is when you are a man.

The pocket knife has been a staple since first world soldiers and explorers went on exploration and conquests.  It was made in such a way that it could be carried easily, which is why pocket knives continue to be popular today.  Colonial Americans flourished the pocket knives popularity and everyone from farm hands to businessmen was carrying this convenient tool to aid in a variety of tasks.  Soldiers continued to carry pocket knives as an essential tool throughout the several wars in America’s history.

The pocket knife has been a staple in the pockets of American men for generations.  One issue that we face today is the extinction of the casualness in which we can carry a pocket knife.  With recent restrictions on airline flights and entering governmental buildings both state & federal, the pocket knife risks a downturn in popularity.

It is important to remember even while being limited in certain situations men must continue to carry pocket knives.  The reasons are plentiful.  There are so many times a day in everyday life where using a pocket knife has become common practice.  When you are opening a package that has come in the mail it is always taped beyond what we are humanly able to open with our bare hands.  A pocket knife is necessary for this situation.

The list is long but a pocket knife is crucial in a multitude of simple tasks we accomplish every day.  From opening letters to cutting fishing line a small knife that is conveniently located in your pocket is indispensible.

The hard part comes at choosing the style that will live in your pocket.  The three most popular options include; the jack knife, the pen knife and the multi-purpose knife.  Each different style of pocket knife has advantages and certain features that me more desirable to you than others.

For instance a jack knife is an incredibly simple knife.  It is hinged at one end and may have more than one blade.  Jack knives are a popular option for the outdoorsman for hunters, fishers and hikers.

A pen knife is hinged at two ends and has two or three blades at each end.  The original purpose of a pen knife, as its name conveys, was to sharpen and cut quills for writing. A pen knife should be considered if you are interested in using more than one type of blade.  The pen knife is lightweight and is easily disguised even when dressed up.

Finally the multi-purpose pocket knife which as it name implies is used for a multitude of purposes.  Often a multi-purpose knife is referred to as a Swiss Army knife.  This knife is not for the user only in search of one small blade.  Usually a multi-purpose knife has several tools that enclose into the pocket sized knife such as scissors, tweezers, screwdrivers and even utensils.

Finding the perfect pocket knife is an individual conquest.  Often, a pocket knife is handed down from generation to generation.  However if you are in search of a new pocket knife to use, several online retailers offer a substantial selection at affordable prices making it convenient to have a pocket knife delivered right to your door.