Livingston Reporting - page 355

Shades: Not Just Boring White Anymore

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I bought the most beautiful curtains for my daughter. We have just completed a remodel and spiced it up with turquoise and polka dots. The curtains are the same color as the accent wall and have little sequences sewn on that glimmer with the light. The only thing is that they are let the light in. I was thinking of putting shades up but I am so disgusted by the all white boring shades that stores carry. Here we just spent all of this time and money on redoing her room. The last thing I want to do is add a boring element into this new teen room.

As I went online last night I was dreaming of shades that came in all colors and patterns. I was hoping for little pieces of art to accent the amazing remodel. Having only seen white in all the stores I have visited I didn’t hold out too much hope. That is until I found a site that sells the newest innovation in roller shades. The shades come in all different sizes and are meant to complete any room décor. These shades are perfect for areas that need light the light darkening element but that still require style.

Some of the patterns look like they are in themselves pieces of art. The website pictures them in all different styled windows. Even placing them in a living room where the windows are lined up in a row. Instead of looking like window shades they look like paintings that were hung. It is an amazing innovation in home design.

The styled roller shades that are now available will have homeowners ditching their window blinds. The classic roller shade has now entered into the realm of timeless pieces of home décor. The fabrics, textures and patterns make them enter into a room in seamless perfection. Guests will be questioning the new art and once revealed will revel in the attractiveness of your window treatments.

The shades that I am dreaming of for my daughters room are ones that measure to the inside casement of her window. This will allow the fun curtains to still be a focal point. However when she draws the shade at night instead of seeing a white shade behind them she will be enjoying her new artful roller shades. Of course she picked the ones that have great detailing using polka dots and very vivid colors. Her dot choice completely compliments her rooms over all look. I am so happy that a solution has been found for those boring white shades.

Comfort Blinds

Realistic Computer Repair Goals

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It seems like the flu hits all the time. The same is true with computer viruses. Even though we get a yearly flu shot someone in our family always ends up laid up in bed with the flu. The same is true with our computer. I add the latest and greatest anti-virus software and bam weeks later I am looking at kitchen cupboards online and I get a virus. It is a never ending cycle. I am either paying to remove a virus from my computer or my kids. It never slows down. I am naïve and think because I have protected my computer with this antivirus software that I am safe from the evil lurking amongst the web and that is just not true.

So now I seek out computer repair. Just as I would look for a new doctor I carefully peruse the internet, ask friends and even look in the phone book for one to come to me. It is important that the computer be repaired by a technician that can speak to me in terms that I can comprehend. I want details on the virus. I want to know what site infected the computer, how much damage was done to it and if I should concerned about any personal data being lifted by the virus. I also need to know that while my computer is in the shop that it is safe. It is important that the computer repair shop be reputable because so much personal information in kept amongst the files of that computer.

The first place I turn to is my family. Each one of them has a personal story about a shop they didn’t have a positive experience with but no one was thrilled about any of the places they had been. Many technicians know what they are talking about but have a hard time understanding that I too would like to know what they are talking about. The technicians are knowledgeable and can always fix the problem but like when I go to the doctor I like to also know what is going on.

The next place I looked was the web. Of course there I found many different computer stores but one stood out in particular. There site was clean, organized and written for the average person to understand. When I called I expected to get some nut on the phone but then again was surprised. The technician stated all the possibilities with an infected computer and we then talked about all of the possible computer repairs that might be needed if the virus did not simply want to go away. It was refreshing. I went in the next day and had my computer two days later feeling much better.

Computer repair shops are valuable to all of us as technology continues to consume our lives. It is important that you look into finding a computer repair shop in your area that is reasonable, fair and able to explain to you what is happening with your PC. Start by reaching out to family and friends. If they are of little help check the web. Don’t be fooled by sites that are littered with technical jargon and tons of corporate testimonials. When looking for PC repair you need a middle ground. Someone who is professional, technical and that can relate to any computer user. Make sure you are happy with the service you have received and the explanations that have been given before any money has changed hands. This way you stay in control of the transaction and can make sure that the computer has been repaired and you understand what was done.

Creative Programs and Systems

Defining Your Business Online Through Search Engine Placement

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I never realized that when I spoke people only heard every other word I was saying. I don’t think I fully realized this until after building multiple websites for clients. As we would go through the development and launch I would thoroughly discuss with them search engine placement. I would explain that no matter how well designed their new site was it wouldn’t matter if people could not find them. I think my clients are like most of the people in need of a website today. They heard what I was saying but did not really believe that their new site wouldn’t just pop up when people searched for it.

I will never forget this one client in particular who changed her business and mine. After we spent a few weeks coming up with a terrific site devoted to her company I again explained how we would need to continue the momentum with search engine placement. I explained how this would benefit the site and help her grow her business. She declined to do the search engine placement so that she could add two more pages to the site and stick with in her budget. I again emphasized that it really didn’t matter how detailed the site was if people could not find her website when using one of the major search engines.

Weeks after the site went live I received a frantic call from her explaining that she had gone on Google and typed in a few keywords to search her site out. She even once including the exact name of her company and the city she was located in. She was crazed that nothing about her business came up. Of course I explained once again that this is why search engine placement was as important as the actual website development. It wasn’t until that moment that a light bulb went off and she realized that if her business was going to draw clients from the internet that she must start investing monthly into search engine placement as part of her long term marketing goals.

A few months after we started helping her reach this long term goal with monthly search engine placement I checked back in with her. At this point she informed me that she had so many people finding out about her business from her website that she was ready to move forward and add a shopping cart on to her site. She figured she could at least double her profits with this addition. She was thrilled to have a store front business and a healthy online business to go with it. She admitted to me that she wished she had taken my advice from the start and wished she had not been naive enough to think that online presence only came from a website.

The great thing about having a client that has a light bulb moment is that they can help bring awareness to future clients. Advice coming from someone that has grown a successful online business with proper search engine placement is better than any sales pitch I might come up with. Now when I have a client who is hesitant to move forward with search engine placement I refer them to her. I let her explain that the money she has put into search engine placement has at least doubled her business and allowed her to become a competitive online business as well.

Creative Programs and Systems

Creating Art on the Web through Website Design

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The web is a wild place. It is an art gallery without the admission fee. Web designers are artist of a different medium. Like artists not all of the website designs that they create are going to work. Some websites are truly annoying. Take for instance a painter that really likes the color blue. If it is used in every piece of art the painter makes it will visually not stimulate our eyes and we will become bored or annoyed with the artists art. The same is true for web design. As a website developer you need to make sure that your “art” is different for each client and you need to avoid common mistakes that draw attention away from the client’s product or service. There are several things to steer clear of when designing websites to ensure a perfect site for your client.

Top Five Most Annoying Website Design Techniques

1) Colors that assault the eye – If your clients insisting on using every color of the rainbow in their site design it is your job as the website designer to talk them out of it. Even though they think it adds just the right touch of pizzazz to their site you know better. Colors that are too bright or morbidly dark will not be suitable to promote your clients work. Even if you are promoting a circus keep the main site colors down to a maximum of two or three. Do not give in to the more is better philosophy with color.

2) Background sounds – Nothing is worse that a site that replays the same sound bit throughout the entire site. Or worse yet a slogan that plays each and every time you click on a new page within a site. Full songs are also an absolute annoyance. It is best that the site visually provides the entertainment leave the background noise out of future web designs.

3) Spelling Errors – You are using a computer with a spell check button make sure you use it. Nothing is worse than bad grammar, incorrect punctuation or pour spelling. Before you go live with any site make sure multiple eyes have looked over all text. Even if the client has provided the text for their site do not trust that it is correct. Always double and triple check for errors or inconsistent tenses. They will thank you for catching the error before the site has become viewable to their clients.

4) Font Size – If you use all capital letters in your design people will feel like the site is shouting at them. Using all small letters will make people feel like you are whispering. It is best to stay consistent with normal text and punctuation. This way it will make the website feel as if it speaking to the viewer in a normal voice which will make it more pleasing to read.

5) Blinking links and popup windows – These items are to the web what junk mail is to our mail boxes. Useless information that gets in the way of important information. Stop using popup windows and blinking lights to attract attention to your art because the reality is that they are just annoying.

Remember in web design it is all about how your website design is perceived by the people viewing it. Make sure the art you present does not detour anyone from visiting the websites your clients have had you design.

Creative Programs and Systems

A Detailed Look into Aluminum Fencing

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So many people have questions about aluminum fencing. It seems like this material is too good to be true. The benefits outweigh the drawbacks so for many people it is a clear choice when researching fencing material for their landscaping needs. As with any major home remodeling purchase it is best to research all the options, weigh the benefits and downside and see what the best decision for your family may be. Don’t let one fixation about a certain material make or break the deal. Look at the whole package and determine overall the best fit. It might not always be what was assumed in the first place.

Here is a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about aluminum fencing. This should help homeowners decide if it is the right choice for their home environment.
1) How expensive is aluminum fencing?
• Aluminum fencing varies in cost depending on the density of aluminum purchased and the customization requested by the homeowner. Do not get the impression that if you choose a cheaper material that the quality of the aluminum fencing will be compromised. That is not the case at all. With four different grades of aluminum you are choosing the weight of the material not the overall effectiveness. Low grade aluminum is going to hold up just as well as a high end custom aluminum fence. The difference will be in the detailing and weight of the material that is used.
2) Is aluminum fencing sturdy?
• As with any fencing homeowners want to make sure the material is durable for the climate they live in. Aluminum fencing is durable in all types of environments. It is meant to withstand wind, rain, snow, sleet, dry, cold and hot. Depending on the use of the fence you might choose a thicker grade if you live in an area with high winds and rain but you will never have to worry about rust.
3) How easy is it going to be to install aluminum fencing?
• Aluminum fencing is easy for homeowners to install on their own. If directions can be followed than this fencing can be installed. Most aluminum fencing comes in panels that are preassembled with the places to attach the fence predrilled.
4) Can I customize the color?
• As with everything about this fencing material yes the color can be customized to.
5) What will happen if my fence gets damaged am I going to be able to repair it?
• Whether it is one picket, one spindle or an entire section your aluminum fence can be easily fixed. It is as simple as removing the damaged piece and install a new one. How is that for ease?

It is hard to make a decision regarding such a major landscaping purchase. Be sure as a homeowner to look over all the information given to you and ask questions. Resources are now available in all forms to help consumers make wise choices in home improvement.

iFenceUSA

Aluminum Handrailing: Customized Landscaping

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Your home is the perfect place to showcase your personality and style. You can choose to be contemporary, modern, antique or basically anything you can conceive. Your home and landscaping is a blank canvas for you to create. When purchasing a home you visualize the surroundings and how it will become your own. A house doesn’t belong to you until you have added those personalized touches. The interior starts to piece together first and then most homeowners will move on to the landscaping. Landscaping is the one area that literally keeps on growing. Your yard is a master piece of color and pieces that become one. When you begin your landscaping process you start with the major components like aluminum fencing and move on to the smaller details as you go.

When deciding on decking and fencing you have many material options to choose from. I particularly like aluminum handrails and aluminum fencing. Mixing elements is always a very unique look. Especially when redoing a deck. A really modern look that is now present in decking is glass. Glass paired with a stylish aluminum handrail will add modernism to any deck. Something that is particularly universal is taking a wooden deck and placing aluminum handrails for added pizzazz. This is a very stylish look that is appealing to the masses.

Another thing is the practice of mixing mediums on the steps. People are starting to use concrete, stone, brick and metal to enhance the actual steps. Aluminum handrails mix well with all mediums. They can be designed in any fashion you choose so that if whatever direction your personal style flows the handrail can mix right in.

When talking about fencing there are many different options. My mind always goes right to aluminum fencing because it is so universal. Custom aluminum fencing is inexpensive as far as fencing is considered and is incredibly minimalistic to care for. Another nice thing is that it can be customized to whatever degree of privacy you desire. I know many people use aluminum pool fencing to provide a safe environment for their backyard. It is also beneficial as a barrier to protect children from leaving the yard and running into the street. Fencing of any kind is important to prevent unwanted guests from wandering into your personal sanctuary.

Aluminum fencing is the perfect medium to allow for backyard customization. It allows homeowners to construct the exact environment they desire without spending an exurbanite amount of money. When beginning the landscaping in your backyard consider the major landscaping material aluminum fencing first and then fill in the extras as you go.

iFenceUSA

Custom Aluminum Fencing: Weighing the Options

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If you are considering fencing for your home you will want to research your options. Aluminum fencing is becoming a popular choice amongst home owners for the many benefits it has over wrought- iron, wood and steel. Deciding what the exterior décor of your home will be is as difficult as the interior. There are so many choices and each detail is so important when it is your home. Take time to consider your lifestyle and personality before adding something as major as fencing to the exterior look of your home.

Custom aluminum fencing has become popular to homeowners for many reasons. Decide what main points are important to you then you can figure out if aluminum fencing is right for your need.
1) Lifetime Use: Aluminum fencing has a long life. The material is made to hold up in all types of climates and withstands weather that other resources could not. It is able to handle long seasons of rain and wind because the aluminum material is durable and strong. It is important to a homeowner when making major purchase to know their investment is solid and worth spending money on. Custom aluminum fencing is a material that will provide this.
2) Added Value: Any improvement that is made to a home should add attractiveness increasing the value of the home. Landscaping is a major home improvement that will add mega bucks to the asking price of a home upon resale. The security fencing gives buyers with children will pay for itself in added revenue for the seller.
3) Inexpensive: As far as fencing material is concerned aluminum fencing gives homeowners a good bang for their buck. Aluminum fencing comes in all price ranges depending on how customized the details involved in the homeowners fencing are.
4) Low Maintenance: Know fencing material is of lower maintenance than aluminum. As a homeowner you have enough to take care of around your yard. The last thing you need to worry about is staining and sealing a fence every year.
5) Installs Easy: Literally any homeowner that can read an installation manual can install this type of fencing. It is easy and will not require a sizable work force. Most aluminum fences come in panels that one person can easily handle. The tools required are also pretty basic so there isn’t a need to go out and purchase extravagant tools for the project.
6) Personalized Design: Customized aluminum fencing is becoming a popular option amongst homeowners that are looking to add their personality to their yards. It may cost you a bit more but it is well worth the investment to make sure this major feature in your yard is exactly what you hope it would be.

As you can see research on fencing materials is needed to make a decision on what exactly is the best option for your yard. It is best to find a fence distributor in your area that has programs to design the fencing with pictures that dictate how it will fit into your space.

iFenceUSA

Kid’s Toys: Organizing a Functional Playroom

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The kid’s toys seem to be the biggest source of contention with my husband and I lately. It is so hard to keep anything organized that belongs to the kids. They have also become lazy about picking up so things end up piling up one thing on top of another in the play room. Playing with one thing at a time is obviously not an issue when you have more than one kid. Of course one of them wants to play with the Lego’s and one with Barbie’s so of course everything is out. When it comes to picking up I can usually get help the problem being where you put this stuff so that the next time they want to play with it they can get it out without removing everything.

So this is how my quest into organizing the kid’s toys began. I decided it was best to start with a clean slate. After removing everything from the area I went out and bought the brightest yellow paint available. It was also necessary in our case to have a spot for both children’s things with in the same area so I bought block lettering spelling out each child’s name. My goal was to split the space so that each child could claim a part of it as their own.

I didn’t want to break the bank buying all sorts of personalized kid’s toy shelving so what I did instead was to purchase cube shelving in for each of them. The cube shelving is great because it sits at about five feet. Just tall enough that the kids can reach using a step stool. Mainly the high areas of the shelves are used for the toys that are more decorative but can be played with. Such as stuffed animals, banks, books that I need to be there to read to them all the toys that are played with daily live lower on that child’s personalized unit.

My daughter unit is filled with canvas and wicker containers. She doesn’t really need to see what it is to figure if she wants to play with it or not. She is the kid who will pick a basket down, play with its contents or move on to discover another basket without making a huge mess. Now my son would pick the basket, empty it out realize he did not want to play with it and move on to destroy another basket. This is why on his shelving unit I use only clear containers and picture labels. He is then able to look inside of the container see that what he wants is not in there and move on without wreaking havoc on the entire play room.

I also found that loose Barbie shoes and accessories are better kept inside of plastic jars inside the tote. This makes it easier to find a pair of matching heals when Barbie wants a night out on the town without going through the entire box. My daughter would become so frustrated by not being able to find some special piece that she would abandon playing so using these smaller containers inside the main box has been so helpful.

I have found that the creativity the kids have is now used playing instead of trying to find all the pieces to play. It is so great when I look in the play room and see kids actually playing instead of climbing through the mounds of toys littering the floor. Their creative juices are allowed to fly and at the end of the play time it is simple clean up for both of them. Place the stuff back into the bin and put the bin on its shelf. Organizing the kids belongings was so much easier than I ever thought possible and the play room is a fun room where we all want to be not a place we dread walking by.

My Favorite Kids Toys

Handling Water Damage Within the Home

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Homes are affected by water damage by many various sources. Hurricanes, tornados and floods are becoming all too common inflicting millions of dollars worth the water damage to homes each year. On top of natural disasters water damage can happen from various extenuating circumstances within the home. Pipes leak or worse yet burst, washers overflow, sump pumps stop working all of these unexpected sources can lead to extensive water damage in homes today. Homes affected by water damage should be handled with extreme care. Professionals should be called to access the damage and help home owners properly care for the areas affected.

There are many do’s and don’ts when it comes to properly cleaning up any disaster within your home. Water is no exception. Unlike fire damage, water damage leaves the pieces of your life intact but damaged. It is hard for many victims of flooding to understand that the best option for cleanup is to call a professional. Many people assume that they can remove the water and that will be that. However this does not take into consideration contaminates and bacteria within the standing water. This also leaves room for error which could allow mold to be produced. The best option in any home disaster is to contact a professional and have them assist you in the cleaning process.

Here is a list of the major dos and don’ts involved in the process of restoring your home when water wreaks havoc.
1) Start by finding out where the water is coming from. Of course if your home is inflicted with a natural disaster the source will be obvious. However, more subtle leaks in your pipes or appliances can leave home owners searching for the source of the water issue. Turning the water off will alleviate any further damage.
2) Call an insured reputable restoration company in your area. Many times your insurance carrier will have approved companies to go through so check with them first.
3) The main concept is to remove as much of the water and humidity in your home as possible. If you have damage during the cooler months you may need to run the heat in your home more frequently to help with drying where as in the summer you would want the air conditioning to run. Both processes remove the humidity and help with drying. Fans are also useful to help keep the air circulating. Of course make sure it is safe to run these appliances before using them. Water often causes major damage within your electrical systems.
4) Remove as much water as possible. Sponge mops are helpful during this process. You may also want to employ a siphon technique to detour the water into a proper drain.
5) Furniture should be handled with great care. Remove cushions and pillows. Prop them up so that even and thorough drying happens.
6) Rugs, floor coverings and curtains should be removed. They need to be properly treated to make sure bacteria are dealt with and mold is not allowed to grow.
7) All personal items such as paintings, photos, books, fabrics, luggage and items to a dry location with even heat. This will prevent further damage.
8) Don’t let pets or children come into contact with the affected areas. Make sure that protective gear is worn at all times when dealing with the contaminated areas. The last thing needed is to be exposed to bacteria that could harm your health.
9) Don’t turn the heat up. Keep all areas at a consistent 70 degrees. Turning the heat any higher than this will promote the growth of mildew and bacteria.
10) Household vacuums and shop-vacs should not be used. They do not provide thorough water extraction. You will need to have a professional restoration company out to do a thorough job in this area.
11) Do not enter rooms where electricity is still on and standing water is still present.
12) Carpet that is tacked down should be left for professionals to deal with. If lifted incorrectly the carpet could become damaged not allowing it to be salvaged.

My top tip to anyone suffering with any amount of flood damage is to call restoration professionals within twenty four hours of the damage occurring. This will help prevent further damage including but not limited to mold, mildew, bacteria growth or a myriad of other tragedies.

TCI Restoration

Fire Damage: Restoring Homes after a Fire

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“Hello 911.” the operator answers cool and calm. “My house is engulfed in flames. Please hurry!” the homeowner explains frantically. “Help is on their way.” the operator replies.

This phone call is one that all of us think about at one time or another. We hope that we are prepared if a fire ever strikes our home. Do you know what you would do? Of course we would all like to feel that we are prepared but can you ever truly be prepared for an accident or natural disaster? Whether you are in a flood or a fire surviving the event is monumental. How do you proceed to get your life back in order back to some resemblance of what it was before the fire?

Most of us realize that we will need to find away to begin the process of restoring our home and the items that belong to us. This process will take time. Not only will your belongings have been damages by fire but water damage will also be an issue. Who or where do you turn to first? Did you have the proper insurance? Are your ducks all aligned and how fast can you get back on your feet? If this situation ever happens to you be prepared.

Here is a list of the major dos and don’ts involved in the process of restoring your home when fire wreaks havoc.
1) First things first call the insurance agent immediately. As you are watching the fire fighters fighting to save your home call and let your agent know what is going on. They will be able to get the ball rolling for fire restoration professionals to assess the damage. Fire damage will be unavoidable. It will also be necessary for them to help you find a place to stay in the mean time.
2) Don’t reenter the home until you are sure it is safe structurally and that ventilation has been established. Windows and doors with fans blowing are a good start for evacuating smoke from the environment.
3) Electricity to the area should be shut off and not turned on until a professional is out to evaluate the environment.
4) Start by removing anything that you notice is visibly damaged beyond repair. All food should be disposed of. Do not eat anything that has been exposed to fire. The chemicals that certain materials give off when on fire could be hazardous to your health if ingested.
5) The urge will strike to wash walls and the contents of your home. Do not attempt to do this on your own. More damage could be done. It is best to have a professional service in to survey the area and give advice before cleaning is attempted.
6) Make sure as the restoration process is attempted that you change the filters on all heating and cooling systems.
7) Pets should not be removed from the premises. Do not allow pets to roam amongst the damage. It is not safe for their health and could be dangerous in the unstable conditions the fire has caused.

It is so important that fire alarms are installed throughout your home. A quick response by a homeowner coupled with a responsive fire team will yield the best overall result in saving your home and family. Be as prepared as possible. Make sure you go over fire safety often and that you are in regular contact with your insurances agent. Being prepared for accidents and natural disasters will help in the long run if something does happen to your family and home.

TCI Restoration