Livingston Reporting - page 297

When It Comes To Purchasing A Survival Knife Quality Is Key

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When deciding upon the best survival knife there are arguments that can be made for several different styles of knives as well as brands.  The discussions are likely to become heated and intense as outdoor enthusiastic are passionate when it comes to their tools.  There are several hundred survival knives to choose from.  Countless hours of research have gone into the issue regarding the best survival knife.   Numerous reviews have been read.  The conclusion, the best survival knife for you depends on what you are looking for.

 

Each knife is unique and as such has viable pros and cons that come along with owning it.  Each person has a characteristic unlike that of another so we will never agree on which one is “the best” for everyone.  There are however, some important characteristics to look for that create a survival knife that will become an everlasting family heirloom.

 

When it comes to purchasing a knife for survival purposes you have two choices in blade styles; fixed blade and folding blade.  I would never recommend a folding knife blade to a true survivalist.  Folding knives have improved over the years however are not as well built or resilient as a genuine fixed blade knife.  When choosing a fixed blade knife look for a full tang instead of a partial tang.  The difference is that in a full tang the blade metal extends the full length of the knife into the grip-portion of the handle.  A partial tang, in my opinion, does not offer the strength or stability that a full tang survival piece can.

 

Another significant portion of the knife that needs to be considered is the steel in which the blade is made.  This could be the most debated part of the knife as well.  Knives can be manufactured out of variety of steels or combinations of such.  When looking for a long-lasting knife for survival purposes the best option for the blade, in my opinion, is a combination of stainless steel and carbon steel.  Carbon steel allows for the knife blade to stay sharper longer as well as being incredibly durable while stainless steel looks sleek and is a non-corroding, rust resistant material.

 

A considerable feature when it comes to purchasing a true piece meant for survival you will want something with some girth.  A thick blade is a must have when it comes to finding the perfect survival piece.  When you are out in the back country living off the land you need a knife that will slice, hack, split, bone, skin and save your life. You should be looking for a blade that is at least an eighth of an inch thick.  A knife being used to save your life should be made in such a manner that failure is not an option. If the blade fails it could mean your life.

 

The last piece of advice I will give you on the topic is to purchase a brand name knife from a reputable outdoor gear company.  Brand names in knives are plentiful.  Outdoor knife suppliers range from brands such as Ka-Bar, Cold-Steel, Buck and Becker just to name a few.

 

 

 

 

Knife Mule

Enhance Your Kitchen and Meal Preparations with Superior Kitchen Cutlery

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Quality matters when it comes to the tools you use to prepare meals in your kitchen.  When choosing tools for your very first kitchen it is important to realize that the quality of the pieces you are purchasing is far more important than the quantity of pieces.  Let’s talk about kitchen knives as an example of where quality really matters over the number of pieces owned.

Quality knives can be purchase in sets.  Block set kitchen knives are incredibly popular.  The problem with purchasing a complete set all at one time is that it is pricey and requires a substantial financial commitment.  It also comes with the prospect that you are purchasing pieces that you won’t necessarily find useful in your cooking.  One way around both of these obstacles is to purchase an empty knife block and take your time filling it with quality pieces that you are sure to use.  This saves you from dishing out a lot of money right away as well as purchasing items you won’t necessarily use in your meal preparations.

Another benefit of growing your knife set is that it allows you to experiment with different brands.  If you are like me I like certain brand name knives for certain jobs.  There are several stores that now allow you to come in and test out different knife brands before you purchase.  Before I purchase anything for my kitchen that requires a substantial outlay of funds I try to test the product.

Start with the essentials.  Purchase a knife block and a chef’s knife.  I would choose a chef’s knife as it is an all-around easy knife to use.  Another knife I would look into getting sooner than later is a paring knife.   This knife is perfect for all the small jobs in the kitchen.  A Utility knife and bread knife would be my third and fourth choices.  To be honest, before I bought a bread knife, which isn’t essential to the cooking process, I would purchase a few paring knives.  During meal preparations I can go easily use four paring knives.  This way I don’t have to worry about washing them in between projects.

When looking at choosing kitchen knives make sure you purchase a knife with a superior blade.  The best material for kitchen knife blades is carbon steel, ceramic and titanium in that order.  All of these materials hold a sharp edge over a period of time.  Ceramic knives are incredibly sharp and easy to clean although a bit fragile.  Carbon steel is incredibly durable and withstands a lot of use and abuse however can turn colors over time.  Titanium is a great material but often a bit tougher on the pocket book.  There will be advantages and disadvantages to all material used in knives.  I do prefer ceramic for paring knives as they do the delicate work wonderfully but when slicing through a big chuck of meat I would take carbon steel every time.

Getting a great set of kitchen knives comes with patience and perseverance.  You truly don’t have to have ever knife to get started.  You will find growing your kitchen knife collection turns into a hobby of sorts.

Knife Mule

A Step In The Right Direction After Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Divorce is an event that changes your life forever.  Going through the process of separation, divorce and child custody arrangements changes you and leaves you going through a wide variety of feelings and a decrease in your sense of self.  Not only are you facing challenges emotionally as a mom going through divorce but also a list of other difficulties including finding a place to call home and a way to finance your new life.  In order to bring order and assurance to your new life as a single women or single mom there are some things you can help you through the process.

 

The first key in moving on in your new life as a single women and mother is to learn forgiveness as well as to let go of the past and move into the present.  You may not see eye to eye with your ex but learning to let go of everything that is not within your control.  When you spend your days regretting the past the future will be wasted.  For your sake and for your children’s future you must move past the bitterness that comes with the divorce process.  Create a future based on forgiveness and moving forward.

 

Create room in your life and the lives of your children for friends and supportive relationships of all kinds.  Seek out positive experiences, this will create a life full of everything positive and will allow you to begin to see the good in life.  Bring people into your life that was not involved in the chaos of your marriage and divorce.  Allow yourself to become encompassed by friends that know you’re moving forward and not looking back.  Don’t allow your support system to bring you back into the pandemonium of your divorce.

 

From the minute that a divorce is eminent you need to take time for yourself.  Take some time to enjoy a new or old interest.  Consider taking on an outdoor sport to give yourself some alone time.  Fresh air and outdoor adventures are some of the best ways to let off steam and regain a sense of self.  Harmony to oneself is the best resent you can give to yourself and your children.

 

While you are married you have to compromise on everything from the brand of toilet paper you use, where you live and how many kids you will have.  Compromise is involved in each step along the way with marriage.  Once you are separated, you begin to be in complete control of all the decisions in your life.  You can choose where you vacation with the kids, pick out the shampoo that will be in the shower and what type of car you will drive.  Excitement comes with discovering your likes and dislikes without any need for compromise.

 

Eat healthy and learn to do things to take care of your health and well-being.  A change in diet and exercise can help you beat depression and improve your overall attitude.  It is a perfect time to see your physician so that together you can discuss the changes happening in your life as well as ways to ensure you to have health.

 

Remember your children through the divorce.  Communicate with them and remind them that the demise of your marriage is in no way shape or form because of them.  They did nothing to cause the divorce and nothing they could have done or would have done differently would have led the marriage to be saved.  Children have a lot of guilt when they learn their parents are divorcing.  Spend time with your children doing things outside of the house and the realm of the divorce.  Keep the messages you send them positive and upbeat.  Never burden them with the issues surrounding the divorce.

 

When you take these tips into consideration and truly focus on moving forward in a positive manner you can avoid the trauma associated with modern day divorce.

 

Longton Law

Building A Life You Desire After Divorce

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Getting through a divorce and getting over your divorce are two very different things.  Both are difficult, but getting back into the single life after the divorce puts your life in a different ball game all together. It is important to get back into the game of life sooner than later for you and for your children.  Below you will find some tips to help you start living life and moving on to bigger and better pastures.

 

The first piece of advice I would give to any man in a divorce or after a divorce is to take some time to grieve. The loss that you are grieving is real.  You have lost your spouse and in some cases time with your children. It is normal to mourn as you are going through a momentous change.  Go through each step of the process; denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance and then jump back into the game of life.

 

Keep tabs on how you are feeling from day to day.  Keep a journal of your day to day emotions.  Don’t jump back into the dating pool right away.  Take time to explore yourself and determine who you are, what your likes and dislikes are and figure out exactly what you want for the future for yourself and for your children.  Don’t feel the pressure to be with someone, dating brings on compromise and at this point in time the last thing you need is to do is think about anybody but yourself and your children.

 

When it comes to dating as a divorced man especially if you are a single father to boot it is important to take time to really focus on learning who you are and what you want.  The phrase “play the field” comes to mind but just be careful when as you do so.  Don’t involve your children in the chaos of your dating life.  Let them be kids and let them have your undivided attention when you have time with them.  If you are one of the lucky dads that gets primary custody or joint custody use your time with your children to make their lives as normal as possible and leave your dating life for the times when you are without kids.

 

It is important that you re-build your life.  The environment in which you live will say a lot about your overall mental state of mind for yourself and for your children.  Bring together pieces of your lives throughout the years to make your new home theirs.  This does not mean that you have to bring in pictures of your ex or anything like that however bring in pictures of the kids, vacations taken.  Make sure the kids have comforts of life wherever they are.  This will ensure that they are at home where ever they are.

 

As a divorced parent, being a dad is your most important job.  Taking care of yourself and your children after your divorce will leave you with the relationships you wish for in the future.

 

Longton Law

Tips On Selling Your Home During The Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Selling a home is an incredibly stressful life event. Selling a home in the middle of winter is not only stressful but full of anxiety and tension.  When your home is up for sale during the winter months the curb appeal is lost.  There is no green lush lawn, perfectly trimmed trees or the perfect sunny day lighting that enhances all homes.  What you have in the winter is brown grass, bad weather and short dark days.  How does one sell their home in the winter without taking a huge cut on your asking price?

 

The first thing you must know is that if people can’t get to your home to look at it the house will never sell.  This leads us to the first piece of advice all real estate agents will give you. Keep the roads, sidewalks and driveway to your home free of ice and snow.  In the spring and summer you are busy mowing the lawn and trimming trees to maintain your home.  In the winter, the homes maintenance will evolve around salting, plowing and shoveling.

 

In order to sell your home in the winter you need to make sure that when a buyer is in your home that it makes them feel warm, cozy and inviting.  Make them want to stay and check out your house.  You can do this by turning the thermostat up when showing the house.  Buyers that come in your home and are warm and comfy will stay for longer than those that come in and don’t get that feeling.  Staying in your home longer allows them to start seeing themselves and their families in it.  If the home has a gas fireplace, turn it on.  If you have a wood burning fireplace set the fireplace up so that it is all ready for a fire.  The look is often enough for potential buyers and it is less risky than leaving a fire burning while you aren’t home to attend to it.

 

In the winter the one thing that is extremely limited is natural daylight.  Homes always show better with the natural light.  Try doing showings in the early afternoon when the natural light is at its fullest.  If your showings will take place in the evening after all the natural light is gone be sure to turn on all the lighting you can.  Make sure the light bulbs in the home are all installed and that the highest wattage available is installed.  If the house is being shown at night, don’t forget the exterior lighting!

 

We often forget about our cleaning our windows in the winter because the curtains are pulled.  Don’t forget the importance of clean windows in the winter when grime really adds up.  When the buyers pull back the curtains in your home you want them to see a home that is well maintained even in the winter.  Clean windows also add to the curb appeal of a home especially when screens are stored for the winter.

 

Create comfort throughout your home. You can do this by adding throws on the back of sofas, thick comfy comforters on all of the bedding and slippers by the door.  Your home should scream cozy, comfy when a buyer enters your home.

 

Everyone loves a home that smells wonderful.  Upon first impression your home should smell clean like a well maintained home and cozy like a chocolate chip cookie.  Don’t overdo the scents as that will make buyers suspicious of what you are trying to cover up.

 

When welcoming buyers into your home remember it is still your home and your investment to protect.  Winter leaves footwear in a condition not suitable for walking through a home with freshly cleaned carpets.  It is okay for you to ask them to remove their shoes or to slip in paper booties over their shoes.  As a seller this leaves your investment protected and as a buyer it shows your pride of ownership and diligence in keeping your home pristine.

 

Lake and Land Real Estate

Making The Most Of Your Bathroom Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to redoing your home one of the best rooms to renovate is the bathroom.  Before you jump into the latest in trendy bathroom tiles and fancy bathtubs there are some basics to cover that will allow your renovation to be the vision you imagined.  Any home modification can take on a life of its own however if you follow the checklist below you will stay on track and things will run smoothly.

The first thing to consider is coming up with a realistic budget.  Get quotes from different contractors and go to different home improvement stores to check out prices on the pieces that you are leaning towards.  If you want marble but can only afford lament then you might consider waiting on the remodel or allotting your funds differently.  You will want to take diligence when looking at the prices on tile, fixtures, countertops, mirrors, tubs and bathtubs.  These items can all add up really quickly so you want to keep a close eye on your budget.

The bathroom is a small room but don’t think that this means that the renovation will only take a few days.  Renovations can run into issues along the way, especially bathrooms.  Bathrooms are an area that things can pop up such as the wrong backer board was used originally and created a mold issue.  The floor is an area of concern as well when it comes to a bathroom. You will want to make sure the base is sturdy and free of imperfections.  Hidden problems will occur so make sure to budget for the extras.

When it comes to the bath area, the design and functionality is the most important factor for us as homeowners.   The bathroom should flow in design and function.  Function comes in the layout of the bathroom.  This is something that should be gone over with the contractor and the room designer.  They should know how you will use the space so that it provides function and flow for you and your family.  When it comes to choosing colors for paint, tile, the vanity and such this is mostly personal preference.   Neutral works best if you are planning to put the house up for sale as it is most pleasing to everyone.

I am all for it when it comes to most do-it-yourself projects however when it comes to bathroom renovations it is best to hire a contractor.  The job comes with complexities such as electrical, plumbing and tile work.  All of these are not easy tasks to master and the advantages of hiring a bathroom contractor can alleviate a lot of headaches.

Speaking of electrical, consider adding lighting to the bathroom space. If this was not something that you originally thought of consider it now.  Bathroom lighting is so important and can really add a lot of interest to a small space.   Without proper lighting especially in homes of aging people the bathroom can be dangerous.  Add natural lighting first if there isn’t any and from there add bright lighting, recessed lighting adds to the brightness without requiring anything but ceiling space.  If you have a small bathroom recessed lighting can help you open up the space.

One more thing to think about when remodeling the bathroom is your needs as you age.  If you are redoing a bathroom space it is the perfect time to add in some basic age in place modifications that will help you in the future as you age.  Basics can include levered faucets and pull knobs along with in place grab bars in the shower area.  A taller toilet can be installed to ease getting up and can easily go unnoticed unlike the over the toilet chairs that are often used.  Aging is something that will happen to all of us, preparing for it is not a bad thing and during the renovation process is the perfect time for this.

 

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Choose a Freight Broker To Help Your Small Business With Logistics

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to business, especially those based on services it is arguable that the most important piece of the puzzle is customer service.  This is especially true when it comes to small business owners choosing a freight broker.  Many of you are about to disagree and point out that cost is the most important factors however I disagree.  I do believe that as the relationship with the broker is continued cost savings in inevitable.  To find a freight broker, especially one that specializes in less than truckload shipping you will find these tips useful.

Look for a provider to assist you with your business logistic needs that is affiliated in the industry.  There are many associations to choose from as a part of the freight brokerage industry. It is important that before you do business you check with their affiliates to check for any unfavorable information regarding the company.  It is important that as a logistics provider that the company is always accountable to the highest, best practice standards for the industry.

Find a provider that has been in business for a bit of time.  A broker that has been in business for four to five years will have connections that a new broker just will not have in the industry yet.  Connections will lead to better prices for all parties involved, which will affect your bottom end.  Carriers will provide shippers with better rates based on the relationship they hold with them.  This is natural in many business dealings.

Look for a freight provider that is insured, licensed and bonded.    Insurance adds a second layer of protection if something does happen to your shipment and the actual carrier and their insurance company refuse to pay for the damages. Look for a carrier with both error & omissions insurance as well as contingent cargo& liability insurance.  A broker is legally not able to operate without a federal property broker license which is offered through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as well as bonded for at least ten thousand dollars.  This is important item to look for.

A good freight broker will deal with several different shippers/carriers.  They will keep track of all of the minuet details about each of the carriers so that you don’t have to worry about any of it.  It is their job to make sure your products and packages are where they need to be when they need to be on reliable carriers.  Look into your broker’s relationship with carriers and how they manage the carriers they use.

Whomever you choose to help you in the logistic maze needs to be strong in day to day happenings.  If lanes are changing or a more efficient one is developed that could benefit you it is their job to have this information. A broker that sits and waits for these changes to be announced are behind.  You need to find a broker that has the relationships that will allow them to know before it happens.

Being proactive in you supply chain needs is the only way a broker will be sure that he is getting his clients the biggest bang for their buck.  This is a full time job for larger companies.  Small businesses don’t have the financial luxury to employ a logistics manager so the next best thing is to find a broker on the fast track of shipping.

Detroit LTL

Don’t Be Left Out In The Dark When It Comes To Computer Repair

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Bringing in the year 2014 has left me thinking about a lot of things.  Technology being one major topic that I think about a lot especially with two kids and the iPhone and iPod craze that exists.  Going one day without technology is a difficult task in our family.  I know this will make many people shake their heads in disbelief.  There are some people that would be fine to go back to an age where telephones were connected to the wall with a cord and an encyclopedia was still the main research source.

I personally cannot imagine a day without access to my computer world.  I rely on the computer to communicate effectively in my personal life as well as my work life.  Communication is simplified with the use of a computer. Mundane tasks are made easier and life just runs smoother using a computer.  This is why when I went to turn my computer on and it hesitated, hissed and went black I was devastated.  I knew I needed to get the computer fixed as soon as possible.  This began the quest in to finding a technician to fix my computer without too much hassle.

My first step to finding someone reliable to fix my computer was to call upon my tech savvy friends.  I wanted to see who they would trust to fix their laptop or towers.  All of them commented not to take it to a large chain for repair as the computer would not get the attention it needed.  I was told that many times it is a process that leaves you without a computer for weeks while they ship it about fixing it and yet it comes back to you and is never the same.

The problem is that the person you speak with is not the person fixing your computer.  This was an issue.  If I was leaving my baby overnight I wanted to make sure she was in good hands and attended to. That left me in search of a local computer store to repair my computer.  It was important that I was able to speak with the technician working on machine to explain how I needed the computer to function in the end.  I feel it best to lay the expectation out first, if the expectation is not possible with this machine then they would be able to tell me it was not worth the cost to repair it and move on.  This was important as sinking money into a machine was not something I was going to be able to do a lot of.

I found a local computer service company searching Google on my phone.  I was able to go into the office with my computer and speak the tech about the issues.  It was great because right off the bat the problem sounded familiar to him.  For a small diagnostic fee I left my machine to be repaired.  That same day, later in the evening, I received a call that the glitch could be fixed for about a half hour of labor costs which was covered by my diagnostic fee and I just needed to give the approval.  My pc was repaired and home with me the next day.

When it comes to repairing and maintaining my computer in the future I know who to trust.  I would recommend that everyone take a few minutes to scope out a local computer service store, even before you have an issue with your machine. I know being without my computer is like being without my right arm. Establishing a relationship with local computer support can save you when it comes to time, money and sanity.

Creative Programs and Systems

Choosing The Perfect Business Insurance Package For Your Company

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Insurance for your business is necessary to protect you from the risks involved on owning your own company. When it comes to insurance for your business there is a broad spectrum of policies to choose from including workers compensation policies, general business liability, property insurance, equipment insurance as well as auto insurance for business vehicles. This allows you to manage the risks within your business and to protect the time and money that you have put into growing your company. When purchasing business insurance you will find yourself protecting the risks within your business that are not within your control.

When considering insurance for your business it is pertinent to realize the importance of having an agent that knows exactly what your business needs are. Many agents sell insurance for business needs however all businesses require a custom insurance plan tailored to the specific needs of your business. When choosing an agent look into a local insurance agency that has that has insured companies within the same scope as yours. Using a local agent is also a good plan as they are close enough to evaluate your business in person.

Understanding the basics is important when it comes to insurance of all varieties including for your business. Purchasing the right policy will protect assets in case of loss due to theft or natural causes. Weather is often a contributing factor when it comes to unforeseen losses to one’s business assets including inventory as well as insurance covering the building.

A mistake new business owners often make is overlooking insurance and not putting the funds in the budget for the correct coverage. Skimping on insurance for your business will only leave you inadequate coverage. When your business doesn’t start out with the correct coverage for your needs it allows the need to go unmet. This is problematic for when disaster of any kind strikes you find out too late that being under-insured leaves you paying for the damages out of your own pockets.

The first area to concern yourself with when it comes to business insurance is to make sure that your coverage covers rebuilding your business property and to replace your inventory as well as business possessions. This includes furniture, store fixtures, equipment, machinery, inventory, personal property used in the business, labor, building improvements that have been made and any contractual obligations you may have within the business. Keeping a list of items included in this category on hand and up to date and checking in with your agent is the best way to ensure that your coverage needs are kept up to date.

Another thing to consider is coverage to make sure your business thrives even if something happens and you need to shut down for a bit of time. A combination of business income coverage, extra income coverage and contingent business interruption insurance is needed to cover the bases if a disaster occurs. Business insurance covers the unexpected. Make sure your business survives the unexpected by purchasing the right amount of coverage as well as the correct type of insurance for your business needs.

Cobb Hall

Things to Consider When Hiring An Exterminator

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When you think of the top ten worst jobs exterminator has to be somewhere in the list.  Who doesn’t scream like a baby when they see a spider or two and forget it one mouse and I am out forever.  Never to return to the room that once was infested, because yes in my mind one would be an infestation, with mice.  Exterminators have a tough, dirty job that sometimes is not without failure.  It is true that some infestations take continual treatment and a one-time procedure is not going to fix the homes issue.

There are a few things you should be aware of before you hire an exterminator and yep one of them is that sometimes for your infestation to stay at bay they will have to visit more than once.

First things first, the cleanest homes and kitchens are still not immune to some insects and rodents.  As unsettling as this is it is true.  Pests are attracted to clean homes.  They like food, whether it is in a sink, a trash can or a closed cupboard.  They can find it anywhere.  Pests also love moisture.  They foster in moisture which also sustains them as a viable life form within your home.  To avoid issues from food and moisture around the home make sure that you take your trash out regularly.  Don’t allow food to stay on plates whether they are sitting in the dishwasher or the sink.  Dry the dishes with the heat of the dishwasher which prevents unwanted moisture from dishes put away moist.  On the outside make sure that water is never left to puddle up and become a habitat for critters.

If bugs are attracted to your home they will find a way to make it theirs.  Certain bugs, such as bedbugs don’t care about your homes environment all they care about is you.  You are their source of food, well your blood is.  They are incredibly difficult to get rid of and can hitch a ride home with you on basically any surface.  Leave your luggage outside after traveling.  Wash everything and don’t assume that because you can’t see them they aren’t there.  This is not the case at all.  They are tiny and hiding is there main goal during the daytime.

Don’t assume because I was able to get rid of your pest problem it won’t ever come back again. If you bring a roach home, you will get roach’s again.  If you don’t keep the lid on your trash the raccoon I got rid of will have a brother that comes to visit.  Your exterminator can only do so much.  They can get rid of an issue and to treatment to prevent another infestation but you need to be vigilant and follow their advice as well to help yourself.

Head lice are not something an exterminator can help you get rid of. With any bug that hosts on hair or skin you are looking at needing to be vigilant in medically removing it yourself as well as within your home.  An exterminator is not who needs to be called in to handle a case of body or head lice.

Be sure to hire a pest removal company that uses an Integrated Pest Management process.  This ensures that you are getting the safest pest removal using the least amount of product that achieves the most effective results.

Best Pest Removal LLC