Looking to Master Your Kitchen? Checkout These DIY Tricks!

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

The kitchen is at the heart of the home. It’s used all the time for everything. In order to help you get the most out of your kitchen we found this article with 27 different tricks that we hope will make your kitchen run more smoothly!

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From the article:

Unless you’re Martha Stewart, chances are your kitchen could use a little bit of organizational attention. There’s a myriad of obstacles to run into while cooking, whether it’s lack of counter space, missing ingredients or an overabundance of condiments crowding your cabinets.

Whatever the size of your kitchen, recycling and repurposing gets the most mileage out of everything from spare room under the sink to that nearly empty ketchup bottle in the fridge.

Thankfully, you can DIY your way to a better kitchen, one clever hack at a time.

Using a hanging rod to take advantage of unused space under the sink.

Use a file organizer to store cutting boards.

For more counter space, lay a cutting board over a sturdy open drawer.

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Looking for ways to make your small kitchen work? Then checkout this article with small kitchen ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Checkout all of the tricks here: http://mashable.com/2014/05/26/kitchen-hacks

Looking to Be More Productive in Your Home Office? Try These Ideas!

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

Home offices can be tricky. Some people need them and some people don’t but for the people that do it’s important that they’re able to be productive while in their home office. In order to help you we found this article that we hope will help you!

From the article:

Sure, having an office at home sounds practical on the surface. If you can telecommute, that???s less time in the car, more time to devote to your work and more time with your family. Plus, you can ditch the tie or pantsuit and set your own hours.

So why does your home office drive you crazy? Neck and back pain, headaches, clutter, frustration, and jealousy toward those who commute an hour to sit in the corporate office all day are all symptoms of a poorly designed workspace.

Poor design creates strain and fatigue, but a well designed office can actually help you work more efficiently and frustration-free.
Read on to redesign!

Step #1: Assess Your Situation
Working at a desk is a physical activity. Every time you turn in your chair, crook your neck to use the phone, or focus on the screen, you???re using a certain set of muscles. Those muscles, like a runner???s legs or a weightlifter???s bicep, are subject to fatigue.

Okay, you???re not a triathlete in the office, but if you???re behind the desk a lot, a poor office design will leave you feeling tense and fatigued at the end of the day.

Spend a couple hours working and take note of every time you twist awkwardly in your chair, reach for a heavy object that???s too far away, get up to fetch something, or rub your sore eyes.

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Looking to be more productive in your home office? Then checkout this article with home office productivity ideas that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2012/05/turn-your-home-office-into-productivity.html

Looking to Keep Your Elementary School Child’s Brain Active This Summer? Try These Ideas!

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

Summer is a time where everyone relaxes and kicks back as much as possible. This includes school aged children. In order to help you help your child not forget what they’ve already learned or prepare them for the next grade we found this great article with ideas to keep your child’s brain active. We hope it helps!

From the article:

Keep your first-, second-, or third-grader sharp this summer with fun brain boosters.

Rev up reading skills

“If you don???t use it, you lose it,??? says Ben Shifrin, head of the Jemicy School in Owings Mills, MD, and an executive board member of the International Dyslexia Association. For a child who???s still mastering reading skills, summer can erode progress made during the school year.

In addition to reading with your child every day (check out our favorite books for first graders, second graders, third graders, and best book series for kids this age), listen to audio books during family car trips. At this age, most kids??? reading comprehension is ahead of their reading capacity, says Micki Freeny, coordinator of children and youth services for the DC Public Library. Audio books hold kids’ interest and allow them to practice advanced reading fluency and comprehension ??? and build their vocabularies ??? without getting stalled on the language. Best of all, audio books will spark your child???s imagination. Find age-appropriate suggestions on Book Adventure, which rewards reading progress with prizes.

Mathematical meals

Mix a little math into your summertime cooking projects. Even young kids can help measure ingredients when you’re baking up a batch of cookies or a birthday cake. Have your child add the ingredients as you go, while you explain they are adding “a half cup” or “a teaspoon”. Just hearing these terms and seeing them in use will give kids basic mathematic understanding, and following a recipe helps kids learn sequencing.

For older kids who already understand the idea of fractions, ask for their help doubling or halving your recipe and encourage them to calculate the new measurements. Cooking with Kids is a great resource. When the cooking’s done, let them sample the results!

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Looking to teach your kids fire safety? Then checkout this article with fire safety for kids that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://www.greatschools.org/print-view/students/summer-activities/slideshows/4167-summer-learning-first-second-third-grade.gs?fromPage=1

Looking for Ways to Entertain Your Kids Without Technology? Checkout These Ideas!

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

In this day and age its so hard to not be glued to something technologically based regardless of the age. If your looking for ways to entertain your children without technology then you’ve come to the right place. This article we found has 21 different ideas. We hope it helps you create some family bonding time without technology!

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If you need Lafayette vent cleaning/a> services, then Dryer Vents Plus< is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote! ----------------- From the article:

Technology is now a central part of children???s lives: TV, DVDs, computer games, the internet, social media networks, and mobile phones all make for a vast array of constant activity. There is no escaping it???digital devices are everywhere and they are an integral part of social activities, education, and leisure time. However, I would argue it???s equally important for this generation of children to experience the varieties of life, and to promote this I supply 21 practical ideas for entertaining, and educating, kids without the use of technological wizardry.

Tie-Dye Clothing

For this activity you will need clothing dye, freshly washed and dried t-shirts, rubber gloves, a large washing up bowl or bucket, and elastic bands or string.

Use the elastic bands or string to fold, knot, and tie the clothing item: the way it is tied determines which parts will be exposed to the dye and coloured. Wearing the rubber gloves, mix up the dye with water according to the dye manufacturer???s instructions and submerge the clothing item for the recommended amount of time. Remove the item and allow it to dry for 24 hours, and then wash. Once finished you???ll have a very lively piece of clothing!

Play Some Retro Games

Classics such as Monopoly and Trivial Pursuit are still great fun to play and promote intelligent thinking, whilst games such as Jenga can provide fun shocks, and Twister will have everyone in hysterics. These games are also useful in promoting social interaction and communication, so dust off your old versions and get playing!

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Looking for fun family game night ideas? Then checkout this article about family game night ideas that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/21-ways-to-entertain-and-educate-children-without-technology.html

Do Your Kids Have a Hard Time With Patience? Learn How to Teach it to Them Here!

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

In a society that is filled with “I want it and I want it now” it can be difficult to teach the practice of patience. It’s hard for adults sometimes so it’s no wonder that it’s difficult for kids to master. If you’re kids have a hard time with patience then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found an article about teaching kids patience that we hope will help your child learn this virtue that seems to be fading.

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From the article:

Little ones are impatient by nature. They have short attention spans. This is natural. One way to teach patience to kids is by distracting them for short periods of time, if they are demanding attention. Be sure to come back when you say you will. Your return to attending to them will reinforce the patient behavior.

When my daughter was young she was impatient at bedtime and wanted me to sit with her. Because of my own responsibilities I could not do this. To help increase her ability to be patient, I would come back to check on her every 10 minutes or so until she fell asleep. Often she would be asleep on the first check in.

Stories can help little ones be patient. You can use their dolls or stuffed animals, or toy soldiers to make up storylines about patience. This type of teaching by example can be very effective.

Some parents use the television to keep a child quiet. This may be effective to get the child to leave you alone, but does not instill the true quality of patience. This virtue comes from inside out and not from outside in.

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Looking to teach your kids fire safety? Then checkout this article about teaching kids fire safety that could be of interest to you.
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Click here to read all the tips: http://www.education.com/reference/article/teaching-kids-patience/

Looking for Ways to Make Your Child Better Problem Solvers? Try These Ideas!

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Jeremy Leake

Problem solving is something that everyone has to do everyday of their lives. Some people love it, some people hate, some people are really good at it, and some people are terrible at it. How do you help your kids become good problem solvers though? We found this article that will help answer that question for you and help you help your child. We hope it helps!

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From the article:

Children are natural problem solvers, and early childhood settings – where children interact with one another and participate in decision making – offer countless opportunities for children to grow in their problem-solving abilities. These important experiences help children learn to value different kinds of thinking, think logically and creatively, and take an active role in their world.

YOUR ROLE
You help foster problem solving not so much by providing special materials or specific activities but by having a responsive, accepting attitude. Here are other key ways to facilitate children’s growth:

Provide plenty of time every day for children to choose activities based on their interests and developmental levels. Free-play situations create endless opportunities for children to identify and solve problems.

Follow children’s leads. By observing children’s interactions and dilemmas, you can support their problem-solving efforts and help them accomplish their goals.

Reinforce children’s solutions. Let children know that their ideas and efforts are valued.

Extend creative thinking and problem solving. Ask open-ended questions about activities to help children see the problem they are trying to solve in new and different ways.

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Looking for chore ideas for your kids? Checkout this article on chore ideas for kids that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/how-you-can-help-children-solve-problems

Think Your Home Might Have a Water Leak? Find Out How to Find Out Here!

Posted on November 11, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Water leaks can be tricky. Not only can they be difficult to fix they can be even more difficult to find in the first place. We found this article that describes six different ways to find a water leak. Hopefully it will help you find the water leak in your home should you get one!

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From the article:

In most cases the water line running to your home is “metered” for accountability and billing purposes. A leak on your line can be very costly. Yet, even a very small leak can be found through trying a few simple techniques and can save you from a nasty surprise from your local utility company. If you have been notified that you have a leak, here are a few steps you can do before calling a plumber. The more you do, the less it will cost you in the long run!

Check the toilet for leaks by removing the top off the tank and listening very closely. If you hear any hissing at all, try to locate where it is coming from. If you locate the area where the leak is coming from, assess it and determine if you can fix it. If you can’t, then call a plumber.

If nothing is noticeable, add some food coloring and put a couple of drops in the tank (not the bowl). Wait several minutes and if you have coloring in the bowl, you have a leak in the flapper at the bottom of the tank that is allowing water to seep through. At this point you can assess if you want to do the repair yourself, or call a plumber.

If you have more toilets, go ahead and repeat the process with each toilet to make sure you don’t have more than one problem.

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Looking for ways that your home talks to you? Checkout this article about how your home talks for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ways click here: http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Water-Leak-in-Your-House

Looking to Decorate Your Home? Find Out How Much it Will REALLY Cost Here!

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Decorating a home is so exciting. Whether you are moving into a new home, setting out on your own, or just getting married it’s so exciting to decorate your new home. Everyone knows it costs money to decorate but most people aren’t aware of how much it actually costs to decorate an entire house. We found this article by Realtor.com that helps you determine just how much it will actually cost. Good luck and have fun decorating your new home!

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From the article:

To get an idea of what finished rooms cost to complete, we asked top designer-owners of Decorating Den Interiors franchises in different cities to show us a single room they designed. They shared before and after photos, furnishing costs, and each space???s challenges and advantages. You???ll hear where they splurged and when they cut back, as well as additional tips to guide you through the process of completing a room.

What: Living Room
How Much: $15,630
Designers: Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward-Woods, Atlanta

Challenges: This room already had a contemporary design but was nested within a traditional house. Also, the room had several openings, making it tough to arrange a functional layout. Finally, the home owners owned almost nothing other than the console.

Advantages: The room already had attractive built-ins and a fireplace and had been painted a nice taupe gray. It had good hardwood floors and a ceiling fan.

Solutions: With a modest budget of between $10,000 and $20,000, the design partners focused on purchasing a quality circular two-part sectional that would offer a lot of seating and anchor the room. They also purchased a pair of side chairs to flank the fireplace, a good area rug, and upscale silk window treatments, which are visible upon entering the foyer. The designers knew these purchases would last; they cut back on accessories to fill the bookcase. The designers also completed the room in two phases???first choosing the upholstery, window treatments, rug, and one work of art, then introducing accessories and lamps later.

Tip: Splurge on pieces that provide the greatest longevity and take the most wear and tear. ???The sofa was custom-made, came with some pillows, and cost $3,300, but it was well worth it,??? says Elliott.

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Looking to remodel your kitchen? Checkout this article about kitchen remodel ideas for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
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TO see all of the ideas click here: http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/architecture-coach/article/2013/06/how-much-does-it-really-cost-decorate

Homeowner’s Insurance and Mold

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Mold is something that nobody wants in their home. Sometimes it gets in though without us realizing or after a flood. Whatever the reason that the mold is there it’s important to get rid of it. If you have it though you’re probably wondering if it’s covered with your homeowner’s insurance. We found this article to answer just this question!

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From the article:

Mold strikes fear into the hearts of those who???ve heard horror stories about toxic mold, expensive mold remediation, and denied home owners insurance claims. Yet mold can be found anywhere, including in most homes. It???s usually harmless.

Mold and home owners insurance
Most basic home owners insurance policies exclude coverage of damage caused by mold, fungi, and bacteria, says Mark Ferguson, property claim specialist with General Casualty Insurance in Sun Prairie, Wis. Yet that doesn???t mean a mold claim will be denied automatically.

In most cases, if mold results from a sudden and accidental covered peril, such as a pipe bursting, the cost of remediation should be covered, says Ferguson. That???s because technically the pipe burst is the reason for the claim, not the mold itself. Claims are more likely to be rejected if mold is caused by neglected home maintenance: long-term exposure to humidity, or repeated water leaks and seepage.

It???s hard to put a precise dollar figure on mold damage because most insurers don???t separate mold claims from water-damage claims, says Claire Wilkinson of the Insurance Information Institute. About 22% of all home owners insurance claims result from ???water damage and freezing,??? a category that includes mold remediation, according to the III. A 2003 white paper on mold from the III put the cost of the average mold claim between $15,000 and $30,000, at least five times the average non-mold home owners claim at that time.

After a rush of mold claims in the early 2000s, most states adopted limitations on mold coverage. Amounts vary, but a typical home owners policy might cover between $1,000 and $10,000 in mold remediation and repair, says Celia Santana of Personal Risk Management Solutions in New York. Most policies won???t cover mold related to flood damage. For that, home owners need separate flood insurance, which averages $540 per year through the National Flood Insurance Program.

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Have more questions about mold? Checkout this article about mold for busy homeowners that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-mold-covered/#ixzz2al89GsMw

Renovate Your Home AND Boost Resale Value!

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

All homeowners want to do what they can to improve the value of their home. We found this article with ideas to cheaply and easily renovate your your home as well as boosting resale value. We hope it will make your creative juices flow!

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From the article:

Hire a pro. Consider hiring a pro to take a look at your home and offer advice. One morning spent with a home inspector, a real estate agent or a local designer can give you insight into what potential buyers will see when they look at your home ??? and can save you money in the long run.

Invest early in landscaping. A beautifully landscaped yard with gorgeous, mature shade trees can be a big selling point, but you’ll need to allow for at least several years of growth to make the most of your investment. Make planting a priority early on, and be sure to seek out expert advice on the proper placement and care of your trees and yard.

Power wash paths and siding. Giving your home’s exterior and paved areas a power wash can be nearly as dramatic as repainting, for a much lower cost. Rent a machine from your local hardware store if you don’t have one.

Maintain green lawns. Sad, neglected lawns are a major turnoff to potential buyers. Maintaining a healthy lawn from the beginning with regular care is the least expensive route, though laying new sod can be worth the dramatic improvement in curb appeal if you don’t have time to start from seed.

Upgrade exterior doors. Curb appeal will help sell your house; it’s as simple as that. And the way your home looks from the outside depends a lot on the condition of your front door (and the garage door, if it’s visible from the street).

Remove eyesores. Outdated wallpaper, tacky light fixtures, stained carpets and popcorn ceilings are all good candidates for updating. The replacements need not be high-end; just think clean, simple and contemporary.

Minor kitchen renovations bank the biggest return. If your kitchen is fairly current, you may want to leave it alone ??? remodeling a kitchen comes with a hefty cost, and you may only be able to recoup around 65 percent of your investment. Smaller updates such as painting or refinishing cabinets that are still in good shape, or upgrading to Energy Star appliances, can refresh your kitchen’s look at a fraction of the cost.

French doors add more than light. If you are looking for a special feature to add to your home, consider replacing a door or several windows with French doors. Not only will they let in more light, but the open feel they provide makes the whole space feel larger. Plus, they make for a romantic addition to your home’s sale ad. “French doors leading to the garden” ??? now that has a nice ring to it!

Choose current paint colors. A fresh, crisp paint job in modern neutrals like gray and putty shows off your home to best advantage. Don’t feel you have to avoid all color; just be aware that the bolder your choice, the more likely it is that it won’t agree with someone. An overly bright or badly chipped exterior paint color may need refreshing too, so don’t stop with the indoors.

Build in extra storage. Another great investment is to add built-in shelving or cabinets in halls, garages or anywhere you have the space. Buyers love seeing great storage, so this can add a lot of appeal ??? and if you are able to do some of the work yourself, you can keep costs reasonable.

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Interested in more tips to increase the value of your home? Checkout this article for homeowners with more weekend home improvement projects that could be of interest to you.
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To view the entire article click here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3189463/list