Livingston Reporting - page 302

Everything from the Perfect Ring to the Perfect Proposal

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Every engagement ring and engagement ring setting should be as unique as the women receiving it. Choosing a ring, setting and stone option is not easy especially when you are looking for something to encase exactly how you feel about the recipient. An engagement ring is a very personal gift to give and to receive. When shopping for a ring you will want to make sure that you are taking into consideration the likes and dislikes of your soon to be (hopefully) fiancé. When searching for a unique option for your bride to be look at the pieces of jewelry that she already wears on a regular basis. This is a great way to start creating a life together.

 

 

Not only is the engagement ring important, the perfect proposal is sure to solidify a “yes” response from the most important question you will ask in your entire life, “Will you marry me?” As sure as we are that you have some great ideas of your own here are a few more ideas and tips to create a moment and ring that are as unique as she is.

 

 

The first step in planning the perfect proposal is the perfect location to make your engagement incredibly special for your bride-to-be. Consider a location that fits her. If she is quiet and shy a public proposal is probably the not best option for you. So even if you are an extrovert and you want a huge hoopla really consider who you are proposing to first and for most. Find a location that suits her and syncs with her personality.

 

 

One idea is to think back to the very first moment you met or the minute you knew that she was the one. Those are two perfect locations to start considering when determining the exact location that you will pop the question and begin the rest of your lives together.

 

 

For the romantic bride-to-be consider a proposal that centers on a restaurant that you both are fond of. It could be a first date restaurant, a dive you both enjoy, or an elegant restaurant you went to for a special event whatever location you choose make the moment something she will never forget. Plan ahead and make the staff co-conspirators in this life changing event in your lives.

 

 

If your fiancé isn’t quite into the restaurant scene yet the two of you share a common hobby or activity that you enjoy together you can integrate them in your proposal. If you are runners, skiers, have a fondness for animals or enjoy playing games together take the idea and turn it into a proposal opportunity she will not forget.

 

Not only does the proposal have to be something she will never forget but the ring she will wear everyday from the proposal forward has to be stunning. The ring has to be perfect for her. So when choosing a ring doesn’t consider what anyone else would like only consider her. Express how much you love and care for her when selecting something specific for her. Not every bride-to-be wants a diamond solitaire gold ring. You have to be a super sleuth in the creating a custom engagement ring for her.

 

 

Consider the type of jewelry that she wears every day. If she adores white gold don’t buy her yellow gold. That really shows her that you took time to acknowledge her taste in metal jewelry. Diamonds are the typical stone set in engagement rings however; if your bride-to-be is not into diamonds don’t think you have to purchase a diamond engagement ring.

 

 

The only thing that matters when it comes to the proposal and ring in any engagement is the two of you and creating your perfect beginning. Make the events of your proposal and her ring something she will want to share with the generations to come.

DaRoche Jewelers

Engagement Ring Shopping Simplified

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When shopping for the perfect engagement ring or setting it should be anything awful.  Equipped with general knowledge about engagement rings, diamonds, and ring settings the task to find the right ring will be a positive experience.  To ensure you are well on your way to finding that perfect piece of jewelry to ask the girl of your dreams to marry you, here is some advice.

 

Become an expert on the terms that come along with shopping for rings of all kinds in particular engagement rings.  The term band refers to the circular segment that encompasses your finger.  The metals that bands are usually created out of are gold, white and yellow, silver and platinum.  Occasionally ring bands can be created out of a combination of metals.  Setting is a term that describes the piece that holds the diamond, or other stone, and is attached to the metal band.  A gemstone is the “rock” or stone, such as a diamond or emerald that is usually the show stopper.  When it comes to engagement rings be safe and stick with diamonds unless you have a darn good reason to deviate from the norm.

 

Speaking of searching for gemstones and diamonds you need to know all about the four C’s; carat, color, clarity and cut. The carat of the diamond refers to the weight. Color ranges from colorless to light color.  Depending on your budget this is one area with a bit of wiggle room. Note that a yellow gold band often times takes away slight imperfections in the color of the diamond.  Clarity is another C when it comes to diamonds that can be played with as well.  Clarity refers to imperfections and blemishes in the diamond.  A FL is a completely flawless gem whereas an I3 is a gem that flaws can be seen, at least to the trained eye. The cut refers to the shape of the diamond.

 

Another C that is not included in the four C’s but is as equally important is cost.  The more carats, the higher the clarity, the clearer the color and the cut of the gemstone will all way into the cost of the diamond.   The stone is just one piece as the metal will also add to the cost of the rings.  Platinum bands and settings are more costly then yellow and white gold.

 

One of the best pieces of advice that anyone can give a man on a mission to find the perfect engagement ring is to come up with and stick to a budget.  If you have found a reputable jeweler they will be able to find exactly what you are looking for, within your budget considering the two are reasonable.  Again, the best piece of advice anyone can give you is to make a ring budget and stick to it.

 

Armed with the basics in this article you will be well on your way to find the perfect engagement ring, setting and gemstone to propose to the love of your life.

 

DaRoche Jewelers

Getting the Most Out Of Your Home Owners 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

Less Than Truckload Shipping Saves You Time and Money

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Small businesses, large corporations and everything in between make every effort to expand their businesses. With this in mind there are several reasons a business exceeds or fails. One major component of any business is their logistics plan. Transportation needs within a business are important to the overall progress of the company.
A freight carrier company should always be looking out for you and your faculties when it comes to the transportation of your companies goods. Work with a company that covers a variety of services such as truckload shipping as well as less than truckload shipping and passes savings on to you with “performance based logistics”. Smaller companies will want to work with a logistics provider that specializes in LTL shipping and freight options for several of the following reasons.
1) When your company needs to ship less than a full semi truck load an LTL freight carrier is who you are looking for. If you hire a company that only ships based on full truck loads you end up doing one of two things; wasting the company’s money or wasting the customer’s time before they have your product in hand. Less than truckload companies transport smaller shipments for their customers and only charge you based on the goods that are sent not the wasted space. Wasted space is obsolete with LTL carriers. A truck is filled with the goods of several small LTL shipments.
2) Saving your company time, energy and resources is the value that LTL shippers offer to small companies. There is no need to pay the high costs associated with the post office or parcel companies. Don’t waste time in line, LTL courier services come to you and have online resources to help you manage your company’s logistic needs.
3) One of the greatest benefits of using LTL shipping is that the goods that are being shipped are collected from any location that you specify and can be delivered to your desired location. Another benefit is that goods are delivered in the morning and picked up for delivery in the evening; this means that your shipments will get to your customers on time before more shipments are picked up.
4) When shipping with a less than truckload carrier note that your shipment can range anywhere from one hundred pounds to twenty thousand pounds. This saves the company money. An entire truck is not needed and therefore is not paid for. When business is done on a smaller scale this is a very beneficial feature of LTL shipping.
Expand your profits, improve your company’s logistics and grow your company with the help pf a local LTL transportation and logistics service provider.

Detroit LTL

In Roofing An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound Of Cure

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

When it comes to your home it is important to properly maintain all aspects of the home. Carpets are cleaned, filters are changed, tubs scrubbed, lawns cut; all of these are as important as the next in ensuring your home is running smooth and being maintained. Homeowners are often wrapped up in the interior of the home and put exterior repairs on the back burner. This can prove to be extremely problematic especially when it comes to your homes roofing.
Roofing damage can lead to structural damage within the home. It is important to know what signs to watch for when it comes to your roof. Often time’s simple roof repairs are enough to ensure further damage is not done but as with everything your roof can wear out. Think about the abuse your roof takes on a daily basis. In states with four seasons that can include intense heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail and everything in between.
If you do have an asphalt shingle roof installed on your roof there are a few obvious signs that a new shingle roof is in your future. The first sign and a major one at that would be missing shingles. If this is the case you will need to replace the shingle and check to see how viable the tar seal is on the rest of the shingles. If you begin to see shingles loose or coming up all over the roof you can guarantee a new roof is in your homes future.
Asphalt shingles are made with a granule covering that protects the tar surface on the base of the shingle. Over time the granule covering will begin to loosen and wear off. Once this happens, usually between 15-20 years after the roof is installed, the shingle will start to dry out and crack. This will expose the underlayment and will compromise the protection the shingle is offering to your home. Shingles may also start curl. When this happens a new roof is needed as well. Curling shingles happens from poor roof ventilation or a dry asphalt shingle base.
Don’t trust a contractor that says a second layer of shingles laid over the top of a previously shingled roof will last as long as one in which you start with a fresh base. Your roofing contractor should strip all the old shingles off and start with a fresh roof base. This is also a great way to check for damage on the roofs structure. Never layer shingles on top of one another. This just spells disaster in the long run and will cost you as the homeowner more in the long run.
Algae are another item that can destroy your roof. If you find that there are spots where algae and moss are accumulating on your roof pay a professional roof contractor to inspect the roof. Often times the algae can be cleaned and copper added to the roof line to help prevent future growth. Copper is acidic and creates a layer that makes the shingle hard for the plant life to cling to. No matter what don’t take it upon yourself to scrub the roofing shingles, this will ruin the roofing and remove the protective granules.
If you do find yourself purchasing a new roof take that time to become educated on taking care of the roof. Roofing contractors will offer advice on your roof dependant on where you live. Rotting leaves, ice and snow all have variable affects on your roof and can all be handled with a little intervention. Take time to maintain your roof; replacing it is costly.
Home Pro Roofing is a Michigan based company that installs and repairs roofs using a variety of roofing materials including composite asphalt shingles and metal roofing. For a free on-site quote contact them online http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.
Home Pro Roofing is a Michigan based company that installs and repairs roofs using a variety of roofing materials including composite asphalt shingles and metal roofing. For a free on-site quote contact them online http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Getting More Bang For Your Buck In Home Remodeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Home renovations are a large part of owning a home. At some point a home improvement project is in every homeowner’s future. When considering upgrades to your home it is important to remember that not all renovations are created equally. Remodeling should help to increase your home’s resale value. However, others do just the opposite.
If you see yourself in the home for a period of time, of course, feel free to make use of the space how you see fit. The problem arises when homeowner’s know they are going to be selling in the next five years or so and don’t take into consideration the return on investment. If you are concerned with the resale value of your home here are a few renovations to avoid.
When buyers purchase a three bedroom home they want to see that the home has three bedrooms. Turning the space into anything else makes the bedroom seem short a bedroom. If you decide to covert a bedroom into another space, for instance, a craft room, make sure when trying to sell the home you convert it back to a bedroom. Buyers need to see what is being described and the number of bedrooms your home offers is a major selling feature.
Installing a hot tub is also seen as a big turn off to buyers. Although a relaxing renovation for you, new owners have a preconceived notion related to hot tubs making used hot tubs undesirable. If you do plan on having a hot tub consider making it accessible as a non-permanent feature. Don’t build the hot tub into the deck but rather create a space that is the hot tubs alone so that when and if you sell your home it can easily be removed and taken with you.
Another fad that was popular for a while but is seen as a put off now is colored trim and textured walls. Yes, paint is an easy fix for the most part that is for walls but trim is another story. Trim is a lot of work to paint. The same is true for texture on walls and ceilings for that matter. It takes a lot of prep and laborious work to remove the texture and this can be a major drawback to sellers.
When it comes to children’s bedrooms, themed bedrooms are also major turn offs for future buyers. All money spent on a child’s bedroom that is anything above and beyond a classic, simple bedroom is wasted money. That mural, no one else wants it. Built in beds, bookshelves and dressers are not for everyone so don’t do these renovations thinking you will re coup the expense.
Landscaping renovations is another place homeowners can over do it. Landscaping is expensive and is seen as high-maintenance to buyers who aren’t yard work savvy. Keep the landscape simple and appealing. Going over board will not be a good return on investment when it comes to the sale of your home.
The motto in home renovations is keep it classic, simple and appeal to the masses. This is especially true when you are considering selling the home in the next five years. If you know you are staying in your home forever and you don’t care how it appeals to others because you aren’t going anywhere, than live it up! Add in the built in hot tub with full bar on to the deck and litter the yard with beautiful flowering plants! Heck it is your home – enjoy it!
If you interested in home safety modifications, handicap construction and general home remodeling and renovations check http://www.glenmillerthehomedoctor.com today where you will find useful information and solutions on a variety of home remodeling projects.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Benefits Are Plentiful With Aluminum Fencing

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Fences are practical:
• They help to prevent drowning in swimming pools
• They keep children and pets contained to one safe space
• They deter thieves and create an obstacle against theft
• They are aesthetically pleasing and add to the appearance of your home, pool area and landscaping
• They add to the resale value of your home
Aluminum Fencing
When it comes to a top notch material to choose from it does not get better than aluminum. When you purchase an aluminum fence you have a variety of colors, styles, grades and dimensions to choose from. Aluminum fencing offers an aesthetically pleasing look to any piece of property from industrial parks, restaurants, home and pools. Basically anywhere a fence can go aluminum would enhance the area. The fence and styles of fencing are art forms themselves. With an aluminum fence around your pool and yard you will feel so much safer in the containment of small children and pets.
The advantages of aluminum fencing over other types of fencing are plentiful. First it is important to note that aluminum fencing is practically maintenance free. You don’t have to paint or stain it, cleaning it is as easy as rinsing it with the hose and if a panel does sustain damage, say from a storm, the panels are so simple to replace.
Aluminum fencing are powder coated and most come with a lifetime warranty that protects against chips, peeling, cracks and workmanship defects. What other material in fencing can say that? Think of the money you will save with the longevity of aluminum.
Another advantage in aluminum fencing is that is comes in a variety of colors, styles and grades. You can choose between residential, commercial and industrial grade aluminum. With all the color fencing that aluminum has to offer you will find something to complement and enhance your space with ease. Classic black aluminum fencing is still the most popular option.
Over the long term, as I mentioned before, aluminum is the most cost effective option. Wood for instance requires detailed maintenance throughout its life span and will of need to be replaced in time. Initially the out lay for aluminum is more but will be less expensive in the long term. Not to mention all the time you will save during the summer when you are out boating and your neighbor is power washing and painting his wood fence once more.
When it comes to swimming pool safety aluminum pool fencing is designed to meet pool codes in commercial and residential applications. The other benefit is that it is simple to install with predrilled post and pre assembled panels, the hardest part for you as a home owner will be digging the hole.
If you are looking for an economical, maintenance free, stylish way to enclose your yard or pool look no further. With aluminum you have all the advantages on your side. The one drawback is the initial outlay between other types of fencing but long term the choice is obvious. Don’t forget the resale value of your home increases substantially when you install aluminum fencing.

Forever-Fence is an industry leader in aluminum pool fencing. For more information on pool fencing or to place an order you can visit http://www.forever-fence.com.

Forever-Fence

Electronic Gate and Fencing Options

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

a style of fence for your yard consider what look you are going for to compliment your home. Fence style can accentuate a home that is modern, antique, simple or even sophisticated. One of the coolest things about a fence is that it can transform your landscape.
Fences can be functional and serve a very practical purpose as well. One place that you see this better than all others is swimming pool fencing. When it comes to installing a fence around your pool you will want to choose a material that will stand the test of time and add to the essence of the landscape. Purchasing aluminum fencing is incredibly easy with many online distributors to choose from. This is just one way on which fencing improves security when used.
If you are looking to increase privacy a great way to achieve this is with the installation of wooden privacy fence panels. You can purchase them in a variety of heights. This is a terrific option for homes in neighborhoods where the homes and backyards are close together. Building a “fortress” of fencing around your landscape eliminates the constant wondering eyes of your neighbors. It leaves you with a truly private backyard oasis.
An upgrade for the aesthetics can be found in your landscape with the installation of an electronic entry gate. An automatic gate adds allure to any homes long driveway and increases security, letting homeowners control access entry and exit to the property. When you have small kids or pets along with a home secluded with a long driveway this added security can add peace of mind while sprucing up your homes yard.
Vinyl picket fences are a great addition to homes in town, where a sidewalk is present. When you add the picket fence it makes your yard off limits for people to enter the space. It is a small way to add security to a home that is so easily accessible without taking anything away from your home. Vinyl fence is easy to install and maintain and easily blends into a home’s landscape. Plus the fairy tale of a white picket fence, who doesn’t want that for their home?
Whether you are choosing something simple to keep kids and pets in the backyard, such as chain link fencing or something major like privacy fencing and an electronic gate make sure you have researched the maintenance aspect of the material and gate operator. It is important to properly maintain the material and equipment to extend longevity while keeping up the fences appearance. It would be a mistake to spend all the money to install something as beautiful as a wooden privacy fence if you aren’t interested in the upkeep.

SAC Fence

Purchasing Your First Fixed Blade Knife

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

All of us have moments in life that we remember like they just happened yesterday. For some it is their first kiss, going to college, getting married, purchasing a home; this list could go on forever. For me one of these days is the day I was able to purchase my own fixed blade knife otherwise known as a “survival knife”. I was beyond excited. I had waited a long time, done a lot of research and finally decided upon the knife I would come to carry on my hip for years to come.
I purchased it online and when it arrived at my doorstep I was as ecstatic as a young child on Christmas morning. I wear is as casually as a pair of underwear only removing it from my hip on occasions that a knife is not allowed. I won’t share the brand or exact fixed blade knife I choose because I truly believe you decide for yourself when choosing fixed blade knives and in no way do I want to influence your decision. I will however give you a more in depth look at choosing a knife that is right for you and exactly why I believe, especially given society today, that a knife is a staple for everyone to carry; whether it is a pocket knife, fixed blade or liner lock.
Survival knives such as the Cold Steel Tai Pan Double Edged Dagger Knife are not only beautiful to carry and treasure but also incredibly useful. You can use the knife in a variety of ways: cutting, slicing, self-defense, first aid, food preparations, assist in building shelter and to help as a tool in prying and screwing. I know everyone is currently thinking of some random movie scene where the good guys life is saved with the use of the great knife tool, right?
When considering your knife purchases always consider its practicality. For some people a pocket knife or liner lock knife make more sense as their jobs don’t entail a knife to be worn on their hip. For other like myself my career makes it a necessity. Pocket knives are easily concealed and are simple to use. This is a popular option for almost everyone. I make my daughter and wife carry one when they leave the house. Sometimes it assists them in opening a box or removing a tag but there in case something occurred that it might become a tool in saving them from a bad situation.
The things I considered when choosing my fixed blade knife were basic considerations such as the blades size, I like to be at around 5- 6 inches, it was full tang, one continuous piece of metal, it had a single-edged blade with a flat ground spine and a sharp point tip along with a solid pommel.
The decorations that have almost no bearing on the function of the knife include items such as if the blade is carbon steel or stainless steel, the material of the handle, the finish, millings, whether to have a serrated or non-serrated blade as well as the designer or brand name of the knife. Knife enthusiasts argue that Cold Steel, Boker, Case and Smith and Wesson are amongst the top brand names amongst knife makers and who am I to argue with that!

https://www.knifemule.com/category.php?cat=Fixed%20Blade%20Knives
Knife Mule is an industry leader in fixed blade knives and specialty knives, for more information on knives of any kind http://www.knifemule.com.
fixed blade knives, tactical fixed blade knives, gerber fixed blade knives, hunting knives, tactical knives, fixed blade tactical knives, fixed blade knives sheath, case fixed knives, survival knives


Specialty knives

Knife Mule

Getting Rid Of Mold On Your Shingle Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

Mold accrues on shingle roofs frequently. Roofing is susceptible to mold and mildew when it does not receive enough sunlight or wind movement to properly dry the shingles leaving them with excess moisture and normal bacteria’s which cause green algae and mold to build up on the shingles. A common question from homeowners is how to get rid of the unsightliness without doing damage to the roofing or shingles.
The mold that can be seen some times is green mossy or black mold can appear in blotches or streaks on the roof. This is especially true of light colored asphalt shingles. The blue-green mossy algae are usually found in warm climates or humid summers. Although it is unsightly it does not usually do damage to the roofing material itself.
As for getting rid of the algae there are several ways to go about it. The first is to completely remove and replace the shingle roofing material with dark shingles. This will remove the issue currently and hopefully help you disguise the staining and moss growth later on down the road. Replace the roofing material with shingles that have copper granules and this will prevent the algae from forming as the copper is lethal to algae. A complete roof replacement is only needed if the current roofing material is in need of being replaced. This is the least cost effective manner in which to rid your roof of algae and moss.

Another technique that can be used to remove the algae on the shingle roof and is least expensive is to spray the roof down with a mixture of bleach and water. A 50/50 mix is best and will leave the roof clean without removing the granules on the shingles or bleaching the color out. No matter what do not use a power washer. This will remove the granules on the. shingle which will lead to the deteriorating of the material. Also it is important if you have landscaping below make sure you saturate the landscape with clean water before and after the job. Plants are notorious for not thriving in an environment when covered in bleach water.

To keep the algae from coming back add a piece of six inch strip of copper under the shingles at the roofs peak. The metal molecules will wash down with the water and will prevent algae from being able to foot into the shingles in the future. This is the same true of the copper flashing around the chimney. Look around at the roofs around you. Any of them with copper flashing are probably free of algae.
As always I do believe it is best to have a professional come and evaluate the situation. I think this is the best practice to ensure that there are not other issues that are causing the mold issue on the shingles. They also can remove the mold and algae and prevent damage to the shingles. As homeowners we tend to over clean the shingles which damages the structural components of the shingling.

Home Pro Roofing is a Michigan based company that installs and repairs roofs using a variety of roofing materials including composite asphalt shingles and metal roofing. For a free on-site quote contact them online http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.
Home Pro Roofing is a Michigan based company that installs and repairs roofs using a variety of roofing materials including composite asphalt shingles and metal roofing. For a free on-site quote contact them online http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI