Livingston Reporting - page 310

Easy Steps In Selecting An Engagement Ring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The hardest part of picking out an engagement ring is finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with wearing the ring.  Choosing the ring that is to be presented as a symbol of your love and affection is relatively easy.

 

The first step in selecting an engagement ring is to determine your budget. The old aged of two months’ salary has gone by the waste side.  This is an out-dated rule of thumb and couples today understand that two months’ salary is a tremendous amount of money to spend on one piece of diamond jewelry.  This is now left for personal choice.  If you can and you want to spend the money however it is not a must today.  Many people choose an engagement ring that symbolizes them as a couple.  This is more important than the amount of money spent on the ring itself.

 

Once you have decided upon a reasonable budget consider thinking about the style and metal of the ring that best describes the woman you are asking to marry you.  Some popular options are halo engagement rings, antique engagement rings and classic solitaire engagement rings.   Consider the color of jewelry she usually wears as well.  Does she like gold, platinum, white gold or silver?  This helps indicate what she has a preference for.

 

The stone is the next item you will want to choose.  Are you thinking about a traditional diamond or are you considering a gemstone that she favors.  Again this is an area that will depend on the woman you are asking to marry you.  Some women are very traditional and prefer a diamond.  The shape of the diamond is also another option you will have to choose.  Diamonds come in many shapes including round, princess, emerald, marquise, oval, pear and heart.  

 

Consider the setting and type of wedding band you eventually think she will want.  Classic diamonds solitaires are easily matched with wither a plain wedding ring or a wrap to enhance the solitaire.  Another setting is one which includes side stones.  This also is easily paired with a classic band or worn on its own.  Some couples choose a bridal set which allows you to purchase the engagement ring and wedding ring as a set.  This way there is a perfect fit and uniform look for the pairing.  

 

Lastly you want to compare the cost of the ring you decide upon at a few different jewelers.  Don’t rule out online shopping as often online diamond prices can be far more reasonable.  You are not paying for the fancy shop or name.  With online purchasing you are paying for the ring.  Remember to have the ring appraised and insured.  Good Luck!

DaRoche Jewelers

Winter Roof Repairs: Problems To Look Out For

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The time is upon on us when we start to think about how the snow, ice and winter winds affect the exterior of our homes, leaving a mess of roof repairs in our futures.  To avoid expensive roof damages to your home this winter it is important to be aware of common roof issues that arise in the winter. The sooner an issue is fixed after it arises the more money and time you will save yourself in expensive repairs.

The first issue that is prevalent in winter is developing a leak where the flashing or drains are located. If your roof is on a slop you may notice a leak at the flashing as well.  The best way to combat leaks is with maintenance and an inspection prior to the winter weather.  Homeowners can hire a roofing contractor to come out and do a maintenance check on the roof.  They will inspect flashing, drains and vents to ensure that the roofing is sealed down properly and nothing is loose or coming up that would allow water to seep underneath the shingles.

Another thing to look for when it comes to your roof is structural damage.  This can happen so gradually that you don’t even realize damage has been done until it is too late. That is why it is so important to inspect the roof regularly so that you are familiar with changes.  When ice or snow builds up on your roof it keeps the heat from efficiently heating your home this is why it is so important that a professional inspects the roof to ensure you have plenty of properly ventilation spots throughout the attic.  Proper roofing and attic ventilation can eliminate structural damage to the roofing structure of your home.

The last issue to address when it comes to winter roof repair is ice damming. Ice damming is the problem that exists when water freezes along the roof line and in the gutters.  The problem is when the ice starts to melt and the water is not able to properly drain.  This leaves the water searching for a place to go which inevitably is under the shingle roofing which causes major damage. Keeping the ice from occurring is the best way to stop this issue and can be done using a roof rake.

A regular inspection of your roof will have you avoiding major expenses and roof repairs down the road.  Becoming aware of common issues and consequence that arise with harsh winters can prevent minor inconveniences from turning into major catastrophes.

Home Pro Roofing MI

Sprucing Up Your Home With New Window Treatments

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are looking to spruce up a room one of the most inexpensive ways to handle this is to upgrade the homes window treatments. Below are some tips to effectively go about choosing new custom window treatments for your rooms and home.

One tip to remember is that minimal is in when it comes to covering the windows in your home. Taking away thick, heavy window coverings and replacing them with simple light colored blinds or shades.

Another tip is to include natural light in your design.  This is especially true when it comes to kitchens and bathroom window treatments.  Using pleated shades offer privacy but allow plenty of natural light and lightness when closed.

Another easy window treatment trend is the use of up to date current colors in contemporary tones.  Neutral shades and blinds give any room a cozy warm feel and allow the space to look up to date while mixing well with color on the walls or furniture.

Another current window treatment trend is adding in natural materials and textures such as wood, bamboo and other fibers found within nature. This adds dimension while keeping colors neutral in the rooms overall design.

Window treatments don’t have to be complicated to be custom, up to date and modern.  When looking into updating rooms consider adding some neutral blinds and shades to lighten the environment that can play well when mixed with current trends in color and personal style.

Comfort Blinds

Does Your Website Represent Your Business Today?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Does your current website reflect your business?  This happens when you have had a website that has been running for years; it suddenly looks completely outdated and indeed needs a facelift.  There are many ways to evaluate your site to determine if it could use a bit of attention.

1)       How is your current site ranking within search engines?  If your search rankings are not showing up like they previously had it might be time to look at the sites design that is not visible.  Meta tag changes are just as important as the visual changes in website design.  Search engine optimization is a key element in your website design.

2)      When you pull up your website do you feel it accurately reflects your business?  If your business has grown or changed at all it is important that those changes are reflected within your website.  You want to make sure that the site is keeping up with your growing markets and that it is keeping pace with the industry.

3)      Another aspect to consider is the changes in technology that have happened since your website was programmed.  Is the site compatible with newer browsers or mobile applications?  This can be a common problem with so many people accessing information with mobile devices.  It is important to make sure your site is able to been seen when clients are using their phones and other devices.

4)      One more thing to consider is if the images on your site take longer than two seconds to load.  It is proven that web users are impatient and want instant gratification.  If it is taking forever for the images to load within your site they will close out and go elsewhere.

These are just a few of the many reasons to look into a website redesign.  Most business owners have a difficult time being impartial when it comes to marketing their business online or in print.  It is important to get several opinions on your website and the design when considering the growth of your company.  Online marketing campaigns can do a lot for your business however if your site is still missing something or lacking luster you could be losing potential clients.

Creative Programs and Systems

The Benefits Of Aluminum Handicap Ramps

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you or someone you care for using a wheelchair, walker or scooter for mobility than a handicap ramp is an absolute necessity for your home.  The most desirable ramp is not only based upon initial costs but consider the big picture. When installing a ramp consider that it will need to be maintained as well as need to be adjusted from time to time as well as possibly removed at some point.  The ramp may not be a structure that is meant to be permanent.  This will all play a role in the type of accessible ramp you choose for your home.

Aluminum Handicap Ramps

I personally think it is best to look at all the advantage that aluminum handicap ramps posses when determining what style ramp to use for you or your loved one to enter and exit the home environment.

1)      Aluminum handicap ramps can be incredibly versatile.  Any type of landing can be accommodated with an aluminum ramp.  This is also true if the ramp needs to be re-configured later on down the road should you move or need to change the place the ramp is installed at.

2)      Handicap ramps that are aluminum are durable and strong.  This quality exists even though they are lightweight.  Another benefit that comes with this lightweight durable material, aluminum, is that the upkeep and maintenance is non-existent. Wooden handicap ramps, although beautiful, are difficult to maintain.

3)      Aluminum handicap ramp installation is cheaper as the time required to build and install these ramps is half that of wooden ramps.  The other benefit is that often a permit does not need to be pulled to add on an aluminum handicap ramp where as a wooden ramp requires building permits and inspections.  It is best to check with your local government offices to determine if a permit is required.

4)      Whatever your need be it a modular ramp, a folding ramp or a ramp to rent aluminum handicap ramps have an option available for you.   That is another benefit of aluminum handicap ramps is that there is always one to meet your need.

A professional handicap ramp installation expert will evaluate your home to help you determine exactly what you need and the best route to go when purchasing a ramp that meets all of your or your loved ones needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Navigating Through The Challenging Maze Of Medicare Supplemental Insurance Policies

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Choosing a Medicare Supplemental Insurance plan is one of the many decisions that need to be made upon turning sixty-five or qualifying for Medicare.  The problem is that without ever having Medicare coverage before you probably are having a difficult time determining where the gap will be for your needs.  Medicare Part A and Part B cover only basic physician and hospital coverage.  The rest is up to you to obtain at a premium from individual insurance companies. The best option is to shop around and research the options available to you within Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

The one thing to remember when purchasing Medicare Supplemental Insurance is that no matter what company you choose to purchase the insurance from the coverage will remain the same.  The coverage is the same the premium however may not be the same. This is the part that you really need to be careful about.  The government regulates the policies so every plan x from every insurance company is the same the difference is in the premium.

There are several ways to gain information on Medicare Supplement Insurance.  One of the best methods is to view and compare plans, rates and insurance companies online.  This gives you the chance to see the options within the plan and consider how each plan affects you and your lifestyle.  From there you have the opportunity to see several insurance companies’ premiums and you can decide from there what option is the best for you.

Senior Health Direct

Snow and Ice Removal Services Throughout Livingston County

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Like it or now old man winter is right around the corner.  The leaves are falling and the air is getting crispy.  Every year before the season begins business and residential clients start asking about snow removal and snow plowing services that are offered throughout Livingston County.

For us here at Bladerunners we like our new and returning customers to know and understand the way we look at snow and ice throughout the winter. From the first snow fall to the last we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of your family or clients as we do our own.  Melting snow leads to ice quickly. This is why Bladerunners team of experts work quickly and throughout the night and day to offer initial services and then ice and snow removal and maintenance.

During the season we use a combination of tools and procedures to provide the best snow plowing at the time of need.  We use heavy duty trucks and skidsteers to clear parking lots.  We also provide services that allow us to clear walkways and courtyards.  Everyone knows that the snow melts and leads to ice buildup. At Bladerunners we use preventative measures as well as time effective ones to melt the snow and ice and prevent a refreeze from happening.  All of the chemicals that we use are safe for pets and are non-corrosive.

As a storm passes and lots are initially cleared our team will do a post-storm evaluation on your property to continue making sure your environment is free of residual hazards. We offer a variety of packages at all price levels.  Give us a call today and ensure Bladrunners will be able to service your needs this winter – (810) 923-5111.

Bladerunners Landscape

Important Issues To Face With Aging In Place Safety

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to the aging population and the issues they face many come to mind that are worthy of upgrading but two in particular that are important to consider immediately.  The installation of bathroom safety features such as a barrier frees hower and grab bars as stabilizers as well as having an aluminum handicap rampinstallation service company to install a ramp designed for your home and porch.
The most important matter in ageing in place is to create the safest environment possible for loved ones. A barrier free shower allows for an individual’s privacy and safety needs to be met.  Often barrier free showers accommodate walking aides such as wheelchairs & walkers and offer seating to accommodate legs that cannot stand long.  The shower head is one that can be removed and held by hand to reach those hard to get spots and be within reach of the individual.
Aluminum handicap ramp installation to the homes porch and entrances is important to allow the freedom of entering and exiting the home without barriers even when assisted with walking aides such as a walker, cane or wheel chair.  Aging in place is all about creating a space that allows for freedom and safety.  Consider these two options when looking at ways to upgrade the space in which you or your loved one with age within.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Preparing Your Furnace For Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Tis’ the season to make sure your furnace and home heating systems are working efficiently.  Home heating contractors work towards maintain your systems to avoid costly emergency repairs that often occur during the most in opportune times.  The last thing homeowners needs is their furnace to be down during a cold snap or winter storm.

Home heating contractors do early furnace maintenance and tune-ups on home heating systems anytime throughout the year however are more common in the fall months leading into winter.  A furnace tune-up is much like something that would be done to any piece of equipment such as a car or computer. A tune-up makes sure all systems are functioning within top efficiency, updates are done and mechanics are checked for wear, rust, dust and dirt buildup.  The furnace is then cleaned, filters changed and programmed for the season.

The process of yearly furnace maintenance is much cheaper than the cost of an average furnace repair and could eliminate the need for future furnace repairs.  Maintenance is the key to keeping most mechanical systems within the home in check and your heating and cooling system works no differently.  Call to have your system evaluated and tuned up today by a licensed HVAC contractor.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling

Is Furnace Repair and Hiring Home Heating Contractors Better Than Home Heating Replacement?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Whenever homeowners have problems with their furnace, they often look at replacement services, rather than calling a home heating contractor to come out and take a look. If homeowners knew how inexpensive it is to pay forFurnace Repair, they would probably not want to pay for an entirely new heater. Fortunately, you are reading this article and you will now know how it is inexpensive and profitable to pay for Home Heating Contractors to come out and repair your furnace, rather than purchasing a brand-new furnace.

Brand-new furnaces cost thousands of dollars
A brand-new furnace is going to cost you thousands of dollars or maybe even tens of thousands of dollars. This is not something that you want to fork out money for right away. Furnaces don’t often increase the resale value of homes, because a furnace is expected in the home. You can advertise when selling the house that there is a brand-new furnace inside, but don’t expect this to increase the resale value by very much. Unless you find a specific buyer that is enthusiastic about the presence of this heater, it will not raise the resell value by much more than a couple thousand dollars, which is basically what you paid for it. So what do you do if you want to increase the resell value while still getting an affordable furnace for your home? Instead of buying a brand-new furnace that is going to cost you thousands of dollars, you pay for furnace repair services. These are repair services provided by home heating contractors that can do a professional job for you.

Home heating contractors are inexpensive and paid by the hour
Home heating contractors often charge their clients by the hour, so you don’t have to pay a huge price to have your furnace repaired. If the job is relatively easy and it only takes them an hour or two, they will be done in no time. What does this mean for you as the homeowner? It means that you are going to have a working furnace that is functional and not expensive to have repaired and it will be done within a short period of time. You can call home heating contractors right away and find out about the furnace repair services that they offer. This is a great way to get an estimate on the costs so that you know what exactly it is going to cost you in the long run. This is important when you’re comparing the prices of a brand-new furnace to furnace repair services.

Furnace repair companies are available everywhere!
What are the benefits to hiring a furnace repair company and their home heating contractors? They are available all around the world! There are furnace repair companies everywhere that you go. Regardless of where you live, there is bound to be one in your local neighborhood. You can check online, check Craigslist, check Angie’s List and lots of other websites to find a local heating company that can provide you with affordable furnace repair.

Airtronic Heating and Cooling