Archives for 2012

5 Not-So-Common Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

December 20, 2012 by Trish

So you’ve decided to make the big jump from renting to owning your own property. Congratulations! So, now what?

Many first-time home buyers get stuck at this very same moment, in between the exciting realization that they’re ready to purchase their first homes and the uneasiness of not knowing exactly where to start on that home-buying path. It’s OK, because you’re certainly not alone if you feel this way, and in fact, there’s plenty of research out there that can help you figure out what you can afford and how to go about buying it.

There are some things, though, that still tend to get overlooked in the first-time home buying process, so that’s where these 5 tips will come in. When you’ve done your research and figured out the basic process of home buying (knowing your finances, applying for a mortgage, etc.), turn to these ideas to help you make sure you’re getting exactly what you want for right now and well into your future.

Consider Square Footage

One thing you might not initially consider while you’re shopping for your first home is understanding how much you’re paying per square foot of house. While you want to know that you’re getting a good deal on the space you’re purchasing, you also need to be careful that you aren’t cutting corners to save on cost when it comes to the square footage of your new home.

If you don’t have a family yet and you’re just starting out on that family path, you’ll want to think now about how many children you plan to have in the future, so that you can be sure you have enough bedrooms in the house you’re buying to keep your growing family living comfortably.

Another important thing to consider when it comes to square footage of a new home is whether you plan to have out-of-town guests frequently. That will likely mean you’ll be looking for a home that has one more bedroom than you think your family will need to make room for guest space. You’ll want to make sure your budget is covering the number of people you plan to have in your home at one time well into your future plans.

Yard/Outdoor Space

You might find a great house during your first-time home search, but did you take a minute to step out into the backyard to check out the amount of outdoor space the house features?

While a house with a small yard may not seem like such a big deal for the time being, as you expand your family, you’ll want more room for children or pets to run around and play. Take the time during your house hunt to have a look around outside – is the yard fenced in? How about the privacy of the outdoor space overall? Are there outdoor deck or patio areas on the house? Are those areas safe for children, pets and family members?

Making sure your yard is set up the way you want it to be now will help you save big money in the long run. Just remember that once you buy a house, it’s generally pretty tough to expand outdoor space, so make sure the space you want is there when you buy.

How Old is the House?

Buying an old house can bring a huge amount of charm and character into your new living situation, but old houses do come with their dangers. New houses, on the other hand, usually have a bit less to worry about, but also typically lack the same character as an older home.

If you decide to purchase an older home, just be prepared for the small problems that may spring up as the house continues to age. Things like electrical, fixtures, sometimes even the drywall itself, often need replacing before you know it. Be aware of these things, and make sure your budget can cover it should you choose to purchase an older home.

Location

Obviously, location is a huge factor in the decision process when it comes to which property you choose to purchase. If you find a perfect house in a not-so-perfect location, is it still worth it to you to purchase? Or vice versa – say you find an OK house in the perfect location – which is more important to you, the home itself or the location of the home?

Location will become increasingly important if you have children, as you’ll want to take into consideration the school district in which your home is located, as well as the general demographics of the neighborhood that you’ll be living in. If you plan to have children, you’ll want to try to aim for a neighborhood that has other kids and young families living there, as well.

Design or Buy?

Often, first-time home buyers bypass the option to design and build their own custom home. But, if you shop around a bit, it’s often easier to find a well-priced piece of land than it is to find a well-priced home in an ideal location.

A custom designed home can be built to your exact specifications and tastes, and can often end up being easier on the wallet than buying a brand new home in a location that you want. Should you choose to design your own home, just make sure you hire a designer that you connect with, who understands your vision for your first home, and be ready to be patient. Designing and building a home can take quite some time, but when it’s complete, it can be more rewarding than had you purchased a generic on-the-market home.

Attached Images:

Â License: Creative CommonsÂ image source

Jane Donahue is a freelance writer who frequently works with a home design company that creates custom Saltbox house plan designs for clients interested in Colonial style housing options. She feels the most important part of buying a home is making sure you purchase something that fits your style, family and desired quality of life.

The 8 Most Useless Kitchen Tools Ever

December 19, 2012 by Trish

Introduction

In every kitchen there are at least eight devices, tools, or gadgets that are downright useless. They are used maybe once, then disappear into the darkness of a cupboard or drawer. One day they are again drawn out and the owner is perplexed, wondering why they were purchased in the first place.

These are the egg separators, the mushroom brushes, the garlic presses of the kitchen, and unless the kitchen owner is an extremely active chef, the tools probably need to go. So, what are some of these gadgets and how can they be identified, preferably before you spend your hard cash on them?

The Vegetable Brush

Vegetable brushes are usually made of hard plastic with bristles that resemble that of a soft toothbrush. The idea behind a vegetable brush is that it should scrub away any leftover dirt or pesticides that the farmer or greengrocers failed to remove. Really, a quick rinse under the tap is all it takes to get rid of any residual dirt or insecticide. However, for those who are terribly finicky about how clean their vegetables are, a cheap toothbrush will do the trick just as well.

The Garlic Peeler

A garlic peeler is a soft plastic tube, usually resembling an inside-out piece of manicotti. All a cook has to do is insert the garlic, press down, and roll it about. But rather than spend anywhere from two to ten pounds on such a device, most cooks will use the flat side of a large knife to smash a clove just enough to pull the paper away. If that fails, five seconds in a microwave will make the clove pop right out.

The Egg Separator

These devices resemble small plastic measuring cups that have the sides cut out of the bottoms. An egg is cracked and tipped into it and the yolk remains in the small amount of cup at the bottom. In the days before such a device, most people just tipped the eggs into a clean hand and let the whites slip between their fingers. Some seasoned chefs even used the shells themselves to separate the yolk from the white. Either method is simple, effective, and saves a bit of drawer space as well as a few coins. There is also one less tool to clean later.

The Herb Mincer

Herb mincers are fantastic for chefs who do not know how to use knives. In short, they are about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. They come in various forms, some resembling guillotines, some that look like miniature scythes, and they all basically just slice things. All are rather expensive considering they do the same job as a good kitchen blade and take up three times the space.

The Quesadilla/Tortilla Press

Unless a family or chef is constantly preparing Mexican cuisine, quesadilla and tortilla presses are rubbish. These gadgets are usually made of heavy metal, have flat hinged tops, and plug into the wall. Authentic tortillas are actually cooked on hot flat stones rather than electronic devices sold at Tesco. If a hot stone cannot be found, a very hot skillet can be used in its stead. The kitchen owner can save thirty to a hundred pounds, and still have more room to prepare quesadillas.

The Rice Cooker

Again, unless a family or chef is constantly preparing rice dishes, a rice cooker is not a particularly useful item. These generally resemble slow cookers like crock pots and cost nearly twice as much sometimes. One model, however, is made from hard plastic, and works in a microwave. None of these devices save any time and just take up precious space in the kitchen. It is better to stick to the tried and true method of cooking rice in a regular pot with a lid.

The Salad Spinner

A hard plastic sieve sits inside a plastic bowl. Lettuce and other salad ingredients go inside. The top goes on and the cook either turns a crank or presses down on a handle to spin the vegetables, thus using centrifugal motion to remove excess water. Meanwhile, another cook is merely shaking off excess water from some washed vegetables and blotting them dry with clean paper napkins. Once again, this method is very effective and there is less to wash up later.

The Dull Knives

A dull knife is not only useless, but dangerous. The more pressure and sawing that a cook has to use when handling a knife, the more likely that cook is going to lose a finger in the process. Knives should be kept as sharp as possible and out of drawers, far from the tiny hands of curious children. Knife blocks or magnetic strips fastened to a wall are the best place for cooking blades. They will stay sharper for much longer, and will also prevent accidental cuts when a cook is rummaging through a drawer, searching for an elusive egg separator that should have been tossed out years ago. A dull, rusty, or severely damaged knife should either be repaired, re-sharpened, or recycled.

Conclusion

There are many more devices that fall under the â€œUseless Kitchen Toolâ€ category, and many need to be removed from residential kitchens. It can be difficult to part with some items, especially if a cook does indeed use them once or twice a year. However, in the long run, throwing out useless kitchen gadgets can be very beneficial. There is suddenly much more room in the cupboards and drawers. It becomes easier to find the useful items, such as measuring cups and cutting boards. In short, the kitchen owner finds peace and serenity in what was once chaos.

Attached Images:

Â License: Creative CommonsÂ image source
Â License: Creative CommonsÂ image source
Â License: Creative CommonsÂ image source

Guest Post by Kitstone – Painted Wood Furniture

What’s Up Doc?- How to Care for Your Pet Rabbit

December 19, 2012 by Trish

The number of people who want to make rabbits as their household pet is on the rise. In fact, based on the U.S. Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook, which was published by the AVMA or American Veterinarian Medical Association last 2007, there are around 6 million rabbits that are kept as pets.

Despite being labeled as the most damaging pets to furniture and fixture as well as house structures, rabbit owners have stated that there were fewer disadvantages to owning these animals as compared to other smaller species. The pet owners have testified that these pets are the least noisy of the caged pets, and they were also ranked as one of the best stress relievers.

A Rabbit’s Diet: Understanding The Needs Of Your Pet Rabbit

There are different species of rabbit, and they may vary in size, body shape, and personality. Generally, the biology and behavior or these animals are very similar to that of wild rabbits. This means that their needs are very complex and they are not very easy to care for. If you want to own a rabbit and keep it as a pet, you must be aware of how they live, eat, and behave. Additionally, you must also be aware that these animals, if cared for properly, can leave up to 8 to 12 years.

Among the things you need to know is the eating habits and diet of these animals. Here are some of the essential diet facts you need to be aware of:

Rabbits need water for without any water to drink, they can become seriously ill
They love to graze on and eat grass and other plants. Additionally, their digestive system needs to have grass or hay so that it can function properly. Rabbits also eat mainly at dawn and dusk.
Eating grass can also help keep their teeth in good condition. Grass can ensure that their teeth are kept at the right length and shape. Failure to follow the proper diet will result in serious dental disease and health issues.
The amount of food they ingest will depend on the rabbit’s age, state of health, and lifestyle
You must also know that rabbits do not eat cereals, root vegetables and fruit.

Important Diet Tips

Now that you know the key aspects of a rabbit’s diet, you must also learn how you can provide proper diet and nutrition. If you fail to provide your pet with the proper diet and nutrition, your rabbit will suffer from either malnutrition or obesity. Malnutrition will result from the lack of food and nutrient intake. Obesity, on the other hand, will result from overeating. Here are some of the things you need to do to properly care for your beloved pet.

Clean Drinking Water: You must provide your rabbit with fresh clean drinking water all the time. You must remember to check their water supply at least twice a day. If you place your rabbit outside during the winter, make sure that the water does not freeze.

High Quality Hay or Grass: Provide your pet with high quality hay or grass since this makes up most of his/her diet. Aside from grass, you can also add a small amount of rabbit pellets or cereal mix; however, grass is much more important for their diet. If you choose to add rabbit pellets, you must follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, you can also consult your veterinarian since he/she can advise you on how to provide the best diet for your pet.

Food That Must Be Avoided: Never feed lawnmower clippings to your pet since this might upset your rabbit’s digestive system and make them seriously sick. In addition, you must also remember to give only small amounts of root vegetables, such as carrots or fruits.

To ensure that your pet is eating properly, you must observe the amount of food they eat as well as the amount of water they drink. If you notice any changes in your pet’s eating behavior, or the number of droppings is significantly reduced, or there are soft excretions sticking to the rabbit’s end, immediately consult your veterinarian. These might be symptoms that your pet is seriously ill.

Attached Images:

Â License: Creative Commons – Svadilfari.”Rabbit”. August 23, 2008. Online Image. Flickr. Dec 8, 2012Â image source

Kris Lim is an animal lover who is also interested in caring for exotic pets. She also writes about rabbits which are quickly becoming popular among animal lovers. If you want to care for a rabbit, the author offers simple tips, and she advises owners to bring their pets to aÂ Miami Animal ClinicÂ where a veterinarian can be found.

Create Your Own Elemental Serenity with a Water Fountain

December 18, 2012 by Trish

Water fountains have been a part of mankind since ancient times. We need it to live, we bathe in it, and we cook with it. Water is essential, and it is a precious resource without which there literally would be no life on Earth. It is no wonder that it touches us on such an elemental level. What better way to enjoy such a fundamental part of life than to have a fountain as a part of your home? Inside or out a water fountain can complement even the smallest space.

Initially fountains were meant to be functional, but even the ancient Assyrians decorated the basins they carved to hold water. They served a purpose, but they were beautiful as well. Today there are thousands of different types of fountains that are available to enhance any space inside or outside of a home.

There are a wide variety of indoor fountains. On example is the table fountain. These come in a variety of sizes, from the very small to those large enough to serve as a show stopping centerpiece. There are numerous styles, something to complement any sort of dÃ©cor. The pleasant and musical sound of falling water can add that special element that every room needs.

Also available in indoor fountains are wall or floor fountains. These range in size from three to eight feet, and also come in a wide variety of styles, even lighted. Just as the smaller table fountains these dynamic water features can add to a roomâ€™s overall atmosphere. Nothing sooths and relaxes like the pleasant sound and healing moisture of water.

For the gardener or outdoor enthusiast there are fountains for the garden or patio. From the classic styles to the utterly unique there is a fountain to please anyone. One particularly popular style is the outdoor sphere fountain. These are often found in public gardens or parks where thousands of people can enjoy them. Another popular type is the traditional bird bath fountain. Many a hobbyist has spent hours observing their favorite species playing and bathing in these beautiful fountains.

Of course, there are also the traditional pool and plumbed fountains. These large fountains are also often found in public spaces such as parks and commercial gardens. Hotels, restaurants, and large shopping centers also use these types of fountains to enhance otherwise dreary or boring spaces. Some of the most beautiful sights in the world are fountains, such as the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Every child, at one time or another, has dropped a coin into this type of fountain and made a wish. The tradition is almost as old as the fountain itself. Although no one knows exactly where this practice began, making an offering of coins to water has long been a part of human culture. Today there is not likely to be a public fountain or pond anywhere that does not have a few coins on its bottom. Give yourself a little piece of the magic with your own special fountain.

Attached Images:

Â License: Image author owned

About Author

Loren has written this article on Fountains and how they compliment interior and exterior of any house. Water fountains from Soothing Walls are very well known and high quality

Early morning appointments

December 16, 2012 by Tricia

I have to get up sooooooo early tomorrow morning! I have a medical test. Yes a medical test. Not an exam .. a darn medical test as in an ultrasound. Why oh why did I have something scheduled so early in the morning, especially the day after I spent a week killing myself studying for my final exam I don’t know but it’s an important test and I have to do it. Sigh.

Even worse, I have all kinds of tests coming in January and February. It’s so strange, just as I started getting healthy enough to return to work I started having all these set backs and now I’m being put through the ringer with a ton of medical tests again. Figures!

I’m also really bad at finding places that I’ve never been to before – well ones that are in confusing areas. The place I have to go to tomorrow is supposed to be near the subway but in a basement area. I have to look for a few landmarks and signs to help me locate the place. It might as well have a Custom signs here sign and I’ll probably miss it .. I’ll probably get lost! LOL Which means I’m going to have to leave even earlier just to make sure that I make it there on time, just to allow some “getting lost time”.

Do you ever get lost when you’re trying to find a place that you have to be? I mean everyone gets lost every now and then but I mean trying to find some little office on a tiny little street? That will be me tomorrow morning!

5 Not-So-Common Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Consider Square Footage

Yard/Outdoor Space

How Old is the House?

Location

Design or Buy?

Attached Images:

The 8 Most Useless Kitchen Tools Ever

Introduction

The Vegetable Brush

The Garlic Peeler

The Egg Separator

The Herb Mincer

The Quesadilla/Tortilla Press

The Rice Cooker

The Salad Spinner

The Dull Knives

Conclusion

Attached Images:

What’s Up Doc?- How to Care for Your Pet Rabbit

A Rabbit’s Diet: Understanding The Needs Of Your Pet Rabbit

Important Diet Tips

Attached Images:

Create Your Own Elemental Serenity with a Water Fountain

Attached Images:

Early morning appointments

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Archives for 2012

Consider Square Footage

Yard/Outdoor Space

How Old is the House?

Location

Design or Buy?

Attached Images:

Introduction

The Vegetable Brush

The Garlic Peeler

The Egg Separator

The Herb Mincer

The Quesadilla/Tortilla Press

The Rice Cooker

The Salad Spinner

The Dull Knives

Conclusion

Attached Images:

A Rabbit’s Diet: Understanding The Needs Of Your Pet Rabbit

Important Diet Tips

Attached Images:

Attached Images:

Meta

Search this site

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Blogs I Visit