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Home Show Time!

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Pet care is enhanced with natural health products

(NC)-For many people, pets are not just a companion, but a part of the family. We can spend hours researching the most specialized foods, treats, toys, and other products for our best friends, looking for tips to care for them properly. Recently, a growing number of pet owners are going the distance with natural health products and specialized supplements.  

"The health of our pets is an important factor in our lives" says Helen Sherrard, president of the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA). "It's as important to take preventative measures for illnesses and ailments, as it is to seek treatment."  

If your pet is not getting the appropriate nutrients, health issues can arise, like cognitive dysfunction, skeletal weakness, loss of senses like hearing or eyesight, and more.  

Pet healthcare options are becoming increasingly varied and popular, with many clinics offering herbal remedies, pet acupuncture, and other homeopathic treatments for almost any ailment. The most common recommendations include: probiotics and other dietary supplements with omega-3s for gastrointestinal health and a shiny coat; antioxidants to postpone or prevent cognitive issues associated with ageing.  

To maximize your pets' quality of life, the CHFA recommends visiting a local natural health products retailer or veterinarian to discuss alternative healthcare options for them.www.newscanada.com

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In the bathroom, white is always right

(NC) Interior designers have a favourite saying about the decision to go all-white in a bathroom - "At its best, it will be the most spectacular room you ever designed; at its worst it will be perfectly satisfactory." In other words, always safe, and sometimes, out-of-this-world. What makes the difference?

A lot depends on what you put into it. An all-white background will showcase anything to its best advantage. Tone-on-tone white adds another dimension. Marble, quartz or gleaming white tile always brings a degree of sophistication and elegance. White towels, co-ordinated accessories and lighting all encourage an oasis-like ambience.

Not all whites are created equal. For example, there are 140 colours in the Benjamin Moore White and Off-White Collection. There are grey whites, blue whites, and pink whites. A warm white beside a cool white can , very subtly, accentuate architectural details and create a look of luxury. But, be sure to check the

light levels in your room before you choose the wall colour and bathroom fixtures.

Like fine sheets, a white bathroom encourages relaxation where you can escape all the stresses of the day. It is a place where you can linger in the shower or fill the tub and use your favourite bath oil to luxuriate in your own private world.

A range of fixtures is available, including sculpted toilets, vintage faucets, rainforest showerheads and free standing soaker tubs, as well as useful, but beautiful, accessories The styles shown here can be viewed and saved online at www.americanstandard.ca.

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Kitchen space-saving tips for city dwellers

(NC) As Canadians continue to opt for condo and apartment living, maximizing space has become increasingly important. This is especially important for kitchens, which have the tendency to collect an abundance of utensils and gadgets, from coffee makers and mugs to containers and cutlery. To keep your kitchen in tip-top shape and free of anxiety-causing clutter, follow these space-saving tips:

Think up: Don't limit yourself to using what's been provided; utilize the ceiling to install a pot rack to free up drawer space. Have empty space above your cupboards? Pop some pretty storage containers on top to help clear counter space.

Use your walls: Since you're short on space, hanging mirrors on your walls can help create the illusion of a larger kitchen. You can also add inexpensive shelves and hooks to help store items and keep your kitchen looking tidy.

Edit: If you don't need it and you can live without it, get rid of it, especially in your fridge. Condiments that don't need to be refrigerated, for example, can be moved to a cupboard. In small spaces it's especially important to control odour; use Arm and Hammer Fridge Fresh, which can be suctioned to the inside of the fridge to increase shelf space and eliminate odour. Remember to replace it every three months, say on the first day of every new season.

Store unused items: Do you really need that ice cream maker on your counter all year? Store it away for the season to free up counter space. The same goes for those other gadgets you love but rarely use. Consider putting items you don't use frequently up high or under your counter.

More information can be found at www.armandhammerbakingsoda.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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Choose a certified installer to create curb appeal with confidence

Once you've made the decision to re-side your home with vinyl siding, however, you need a qualified contractor to install it properly to ensure long-lasting curb appeal. "Vinyl siding is not something anyone with a hammer can install," says Matt Russo, production manager with Hollingsworth Home Improvement. "There are techniques that need to be followed." Look for installers certified through a program sponsored by the Vinyl Siding Institute (VSI). A  VSI Certified Installer knows how to: * Correctly fasten siding to allow for vinyl's normal expansion and contraction properties and keep it straight and secure on the wall. * Properly prepare the area around doors, windows and other openings to prevent water infiltration. * Pay attention to details that will give your home a beautiful appearance that will last. When Margaret Seibert needed to have her 30-year-old siding replaced after a particularly heavy Minnesota storm, she looked to a firm that used only VSI Certified Installers to ensure a quality job. "They did a really good job, and I'm very satisfied with how it looks," Seibert says. "The main thing is not nailing the siding too tightly, but letting it move," says Matt Ocel, owner of Ocel Buildings in Farmington, Minn., which completed Seibert's re-siding job. "Especially with a climate where you go from 100-degree days to 40-below, you have to leave room for vinyl siding to expand and contract." With nearly 3,500 VSI Certified Installers across the U.S. and Canada, VSI offers a locator tool to help homeowners find professionals in their area. Log on to www.vinylsiding.org to learn more. Ask if your builder or home improvement contractor is using VSI Certified Installers; these qualified professionals carry a photo ID with their current certification number and expiration date. VSI Certified Installers have demonstrated their installation skills and knowledge of the industry standard ASTM 4756, verified by an independent quality control agency. ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate market access and trade and build consumer confidence. VSI Certified Installers must have a minimum of one year of experience installing vinyl siding and accessories, attend a hands-on course taught by a VSI Certified Trainer, pass a written test about proper installation practices, and be re-certified every three years. Vinyl siding installation companies can also become certified. The company must have an approved quality control program, as well as a certified installer or trainer present on every job crew where vinyl siding is being installed. For more information about VSI's program, visit www.vinylsiding.org/certifiedinstaller.

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To Do List for First-time Home Buyers

GET YOUR CREDIT SCORE AS HIGH AS YOU CAN Pay off credit cards and only use 10% of your limit moving forward. You can sell large things, but don't make any major purchases (like a car). Don't cancel any lines of credit and don't open any new lines of credit. Stay current on all of your bills and remember, no major purchases! SAVE You'll need money for the down payment (if you need to), closing costs, and escrow for insurance and taxes CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT A good real estate agent will guide you through the next steps so that you don't make any errors. If you're reading this, it's because you got it from your local real estate agent, me! It's also important to have an understanding of how your real estate agent is going to market your property (i.e. email, social media, MLS, open houses, etc). CHOOSE A LENDER Your real estate agent should provide a list of preferred lenders. (Hey, that's me! I can help!) The lender runs your credit and gives you mortgage options and estimated rates. The lender also calculates how much you can spend on a house  based off of your debt to income ratio. DECIDE WHAT FEATURES ARE IMPORTANT AND VISIT HOMES Make a list of features most important to you before you start looking. Your real estate agent will book showing for houses that match your list. Visit the homes and take notes and photos. NARROW CHOICES Make sure to test the commute, consider resale value for the home, and finally make a decision! MAKE AN OFFER Offers are contingent on appraisals, home inspections and termite inspections (where applicable). Side note: you're not "stuck" with a house that wasn't built to code or has major structural damage that wasn't present at the time of showing. FINAL WALK-THROUGH AND CLOSE Make sure the house is the way that it should be, as this is your final moment to speak up if something is wrong. Bring your closing money to the table, and get ready to sign paperwork! MOVE IN Congrats and enjoy your new home!

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Add economical living space with an outdoor room

(BPT) - Adding living space to your home can be an expensive prospect. However, creating an outdoor room is a budget-friendly option that gives you more square footage, as well as additional opportunities to enjoy the season. As an extension of the home, outdoor rooms with decks or pergolas can be personalized to truly bring indoor comforts outside for relaxation and entertaining. Prepare your outdoor space Before embarking on designing an outdoor room, start with a clean slate by making necessary repairs. Jason Ringling, director of marketing for Red Devil, says outdoor fix-ups are on the agenda because of the unusual weather the country has experienced, including wind and flood damage. Outdoor structures have particularly taken a beating, with damage to wood structures and cracked concrete. "Homeowners can tackle these jobs with long-lasting quality adhesives and sealants," says Ringling. "There are new, environmentally friendly construction adhesives on the market, which can help repair damaged decks, concrete, outdoor furniture, play sets and more." Stand up to Mother Nature If you start with cellular PVC as a wood replacement, you can add longevity and low-maintenance to pergolas and other outdoor structures. Those that come in easy-to-assemble kits make it even easier to have a stylish extension to your home. According to the experts at Walpole Outdoors, to match your home's style, look for variations in pergola design such as straight or arched tops, and round or square columns in many sizes. "For a true 'outdoor room' feeling, a retractable, weather-resistant fabric canopy can provide shade and shelter whenever the weather changes, so homeowners can always plan outdoor occasions with confidence," says Walpole president Lou Maglio. Affordable, natural looks that endure Decks are another easy way to extend living space and with new alternative materials, it's easy to save on maintenance without sacrificing style. One advancement in composite decking technology features a "cap" or protective outer layer that looks like real hardwood. "Today's deck trends show that homeowners are looking for deck styles and colors that strongly resemble the earthy tones found in nature," says Carey Walley, vice president of marketing for TimberTech, a leading composite decking manufacturer. As an example, the company's new Earthwood Evolutions Terrain is an affordable hardwood-look composite that is durable, moisture-resistant and accepts concealed fasteners. Walley also notes that a new interactive Q&A forum called Straight Talk is a great place to investigate common deck topics and to ask any deck question that will be answered by experts. De-clutter your deck space When designing that special outdoor space, start by de-cluttering the deck. Look for the latest clever, space-saving solutions that help make the most of your deck space. One way to cut costs and improve the view is to use fewer posts, according to Mike Gori, director of product management, AZEK Building Products. "We've engineered a durable railing system that spans 10 feet between posts, which requires fewer posts. This creates a less cluttered look, clearer views and substantial cost savings," he says. In addition, he suggests hide-away storage bins that make use of the space under the deck to store items like umbrellas and pool toys. "The lid is discreetly flush with the deck surface, eliminating those large plastic bins that obscure the view and take up valuable deck space." With these tips, it's easy to find functional, beautiful and affordable options for making your outdoor space your very own.

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Find the right insulation for your home

A growing number of homeowners are investing in spray foam insulation since it offers an array of benefits that traditional insulation materials cannot provide. With longevity and eco-friendly qualities, spray foam insulation is an energy-efficient material that minimizes heating and cooling costs. Here are a few more details:  

It stays in place - Expanding up to 100 times its volume when applied, spray foam insulation fills in gaps that might otherwise cause air leakage. Traditional insulation types such as cellulose and fiberglass are usually loosely packed, which could lead to drafty spots throughout the home. Such spots can lead to higher than expected heating and cooling bills.

The material is greener - Spray foam insulation is an eco-friendly product and helps keep allergens and pollutants outside for a healthier and cleaner indoor environment, making it a smart choice for those who suffer from allergies.

It protects against moisture and mold - Traditional insulation materials absorb water, which can lead to structural damage and mold build-up over the long-term. Spray foam insulation allows water to pass through, allowing homeowners to address any structural issues and preventing the formation of mildew, moisture and mold.

More information can be found online at www.icynene.com.

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Ideas for flooring in your home

Your home is your paradise, and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that not only catch your eye, but that they are also comfortable for you and your family. Remodeling is associated with adjustments in every nook and cranny of the home. If you are going to change the flooring of your home, there are some tips for flooring different parts of your house. Bedroom flooring: There are plenty of options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which uses a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling your home; you can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms; you can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess ( which is unavoidable), the flooring can withstand the burden, and also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring, you can choose laminate. Living room flooring: Most of the traffic in a home happens in the living room, with people coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such wear and tear done with your furniture, or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home. Kitchen flooring: Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty, but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile, is the best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product, in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often, floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products, to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.

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Stop investment scams in their tracks

(NC)-We've all heard the saying, "if it looks too good to be true, it probably is". But when it comes to investments, how do you know what's too good to be true? "Investment fraud can be devastating financially, but research also shows that it can affect your emotional and physical well-being," says Tom Hamza, president of the Investor Education Fund (IEF). "Knowing how to recognize a scam can help you protect your savings." Here are four signs that an investment might be a scam: • You can make a lot of money with no risk. Investments that are considered low risk typically have returns close to current Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) rates. If your expected return is higher than this, you're taking more risk with your money. • It's a hot tip or insider information. If the hot tip is false, you will lose your money if you act on it. If the inside information about a public company is true, acting on it would be illegal. Ask yourself why someone would share this information with you, and how they might stand to benefit. • You're pressured to buy right away. Scammers know that if you take time to check out the details, you probably won't fall for their scheme. • The individual or the company are not registered to sell investments. Anyone selling securities or offering investment advice must be registered with their provincial securities regulator, unless they have an exemption. You can check their registration - and whether they've been in trouble with a securities regulator - with the Ontario Securities Commission. "Before you invest, always take the time to do your research and get a second opinion," says Hamza. You can test your knowledge of fraud prevention with the Cranial Cash Clash at www.GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca.

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Everything you should know about strokes

(NC) In Canada more than 50,000 people suffer a stroke each year. In fact, stroke is the third leading cause of death. However despite this reality, many of us feel that suffering a stroke is just "luck of the draw" and don't realize there are things they can do to help reduce their risk.

The following are answers to some common questions:

What is it? Stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. It can either be caused by the interruption of the flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke), or the rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) - both of which can cause brain cells in the affected area to die, which can lead to physical disability or death.

What increases your risk? There are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk of stroke, including: gender, age, ethnicity, family history, obesity, diet, diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a common, irregular heartbeat, affects 350,000 Canadians and is also known to cause stroke. AF can increase a person's risk of stroke by three to five times. AF occurs when blood pools and gets stuck in the chambers of the heart, which can result in the formation of a blood clot. A blood clot formed this way can be transported to the brain where it can cause a stroke. Because symptoms can go unnoticed, it is important that those most at risk - people aged 55 years and older - speak with their doctor.

Can it be prevented? While research shows 95 per cent of Canadians believe that stroke can happen to anyone, the good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk. Speak to your doctor to determine your risk and what you can do to lower your risk.

For more information, visit StokeAndAF.ca.

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The Spring Garden Guide

(NC)-Spring is the season of rebirth and re-growth. Which also means green-thumbs can't wait to get back in those gardens! To get you started, here are some helpful tips from garden guru Peter Cantley, at Loblaw Companies Limited Make your garden beds. Rid planting areas of weeds and spread a 4-inch layer of compost or manure over soil. Using a pitchfork, mix soil and compost going about 10 inches deep until you've got moist crumbly soil. Primp and prune. Remove dead or damaged branches from woody shrubs or trees before new leaf growth begins. Prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees only after the first spring bloom. Take some tests. Different planting areas may have different needs. Check the pH balance of soil in each spot with a home soil test kit. Then as new growth appears you can treat each one with the fertilizer and amendments required. Peter's Dos and Don'ts to get you ready for beautiful summer Blooms: • DO water the garden before 10 a.m. If you leave watering for the hotter hours almost half the amount of water you apply will evaporate in the summer heat. • DON'T cut back foliage of bulbs until it dries naturally. The bulb needs the green leaves to make food for next season's growth. Cutting foliage too early results in small, weak bulbs the following year. • DO fertilize roses every week, all summer long. Most hybrids are very heavy feeders and need a lot of fertilizer for beautiful and healthy blooms. Be sure to plant your bushes in a location with plenty of sunlight and leave at least 3 feet in between plants for good air circulation. • DON'T forget to experiment with new perennials every year. Each year, we showcase some of the latest introductions and it's a wonderful treat to find new plants toenjoy in the garden. For instance, try the PC® Campanula - Purple Get Mee, with purple bell-shaped flowers. This perennial acts like an annual with rich blooms that come back summer to fall.

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5 home-selling tips for low season

(NC) While it's true that the bulk of home sales generally take place in the spring and summer, fall and winter can also be a fruitful time to sell.

"Families with school-aged children often prefer to be in their new homes before September, making spring or summer the best seasons to attract these buyers, however; other types of buyers are shopping for homes during fall and winter," says Steve Gray, a broker with Royal LePage Kelowna. "Job relocations or personal life changes or buyers scaling up or down can create opportunities outside the traditional spring and summer markets." Gray recommends the following tips for listing your home through the cooler months: 1. Choose bright interior lighting. It is important to make your home appear warm and inviting to potential buyers. Consider replacing 40-watt bulbs with more luminous options and open drapes and blinds to let the sun shine in. 2. Limit personalized holiday décor. Potential home buyers want to picture themselves in your home. While it is acceptable to decorate for the holidays, personal items and memorabilia should be kept to a minimum. 3. Use snow-free pictures in your listing. If possible, have your listing photos taken before the first snowfall. This will give potential buyers a better picture of your home's exterior. 4. Keep your home warm during showings. Set the thermostat at a comfortable level or consider asking your realtor to turn on your gas fireplace for a showing. 5. Shovel and salt your walkways and driveway. In doing so, you make your home more accessible, increase curb appeal and show potential buyers that your home is well-maintained and cared for. There are plenty of opportunities to sell even when the peak real estate season ends. If you find yourself looking to sell over winter, try some of Gray's tips for success. More information is available at www.royallepage.ca. www.newscanada.com

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Protect your interiors from ultraviolet rays

(NC) Everyone looks forward to summer fun - days at the beach, boat outings, barbecues and more. Sunshine protection is top-of-mind outside, but do you ever wonder if too many ultraviolet rays are getting into your home? Sally Morse, the director of creative services for window treatment manufacturer  

Hunter Douglas, tells us how to avoid the unsightly fading of furnishings and artwork that unfiltered UV rays can bring:  

• A must for UV-protection is the right window dressings. Most Hunter Douglas products help to block the majority of UV rays when fully closed and certain products have received exceptionally high ratings for protection while still allowing light, and a view. These  

include Silhouette window shadings, which feature soft fabric vanes suspended between sheer fabric panels, and Luminette Privacy Sheers, a similar product that runs vertically across the window. The sheers provide light and a softened view of the outside, while still minimizing harmful UV rays. Another option is highly energy-efficient Duette Architella honeycomb shades in a new semi-sheer fabric for a soft, screened view.  

• Did you know that red is one of the fastest colours to fade in the sun? The saturated colour is deeply pigmented. As a result, the pigment lightens when it is exposed to the sun. If you have paintings with red, be sure to safeguard them. Protect the frame and protect the glass. Use one with UV protection such as Museum Glass. Along with its nearly invisible finish, it effectively blocks up to 99 percent of harmful indoor and outdoor UV light rays. Additionally, it reduces reflection by over 85 percent and properly transmits light to enhance colours, brightness and contrast levels, so you can enjoy and easily maintain these often irreplaceable possessions.  

• Look south when it comes to protecting your home. South-facing windows are the most important natural light source in an interior because they receive sunlight year-round that casts a warm, golden glow across the space. However, heat and UV rays resulting from this consistent light will cause the greatest damage. Be sure to have fabrics and window treatments that are UV-stable in this important area of the home.  

Make the most of natural sunlight while helping to minimize its damaging effects on both your skin and your home.  

More information is available online at www.hunterdouglas.ca.

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How to create the perfect kids room

Color the walls

Children are drawn to bright colors that stimulate their creativity. And, though you don't want them taking matters into their own hands when it comes to wall art, there are other great ways to create a beautifully colorful environment. With Dutch Boy's Crayola palette, a more fun and playful kids room is just a few paint strokes away. Featuring vibrant shades that match your kids' crayons, this palette offers an easy way to bring life into your child's hideaway. Whimsical colors like Inch Worm, Cream Soda, Little Princess and Tropical Rain Forest will instantly transform your child's room into a fun-filled, lively space. You don't need to stick with one shade, either. Paint an accent wall or even do custom designs or stripes. With a few hours and a little creativity, you can quickly and easily turn the kids room in your home into a magical, youthful escape.

Fun-size furniture

Adult-sized furniture can leave your child feeling like Goldilocks, so bring in some pint-sized pieces to make them believe the room is specially meant just for them. Even if your budget is tight, there are plenty of options for fun-size furniture available. Kids' chairs and tables are great additions to help them comfortably color, read books, do crafts and exercise their creativity. And there is no need to spend a fortune. Garage sales commonly offer kids furniture, which can easily be restored. Even if a find appears worn, a fresh coat of white paint and some bright chair cushions will instantly make it good-as-new - for a fraction of the price. Let kids help choose the furniture, fabrics and color to give them the feeling the space is their own and turn the restoration into a fun project.

Dreamland bedding

Making sure your little one has a cozy, restful space to sleep is important, and balancing comfort with creativity is easier and less costly than you might think. There are endless bedroom options to suit every style and age, and letting children choose bedding or a quilt cover they love can make their bedtime routine go more smoothly. Matching pillows can help create a cohesive look, and fun cushions or bright body pillows can help kids sit comfortably on the floor with a book or game. Whether they choose polka dots, bright patterns, cartoon images or solid white, a new design that's all their own will make bed and naptime something they may actually look forward to. Don't worry about matching the bedding to other decoration in the room - dreams are fun and unpredictable, so let your child's preference lead the way. 

Storage

Crayons, and teddy bears, and games, oh my! Storing all of your child's precious belongings can be challenging, especially if the room is small. To avoid the "warzone" look, invest in a few storage options that will improve the look of your child's room while teaching him to clean up after himself. Closed cabinets and clear tubs are great for storing stuffed animals, craft items and action figures, while open bookshelves work well for books, games and puzzles. Open cubby systems are also a good way to teach young children organization skills while keeping their favorite toys easily accessible. Color-coded bins can help keep kids rooms bright and youthful while keeping their things off of the floor.

With a little time and minimal cost, you can help transform your child's room into the perfect place to learn, dream and play for years to come.

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Common outdoor lighting mistakes and their solutions

Upgrading your home's exterior lighting is a surefire way to increase your home's curb appeal and resell value. And a well-lit front lawn can also deter would-be burglars. Most of  the outdoor lighting of one's home adds a welcoming touch for family and guests. Here you can learn about outdoor lighting trends, common lighting problems and their solutions, and things to consider when selecting outdoor lighting fixtures. First and foremost, it's important to give a considerable amount of thought to the placement of your outdoor lights. Just as you would not place several lighting fixtures like table lamps or wall sconces in a single area of your living room, you don't want to place exterior fixtures too close together either. This is a common problem when integrating pathlights into your outdoor lighting solution. Too many pathlights, too close together can make your walkway look more like the runway at an airport. Instead of placing the lights directly opposite one another on either end, try a staggered approach. The light will flow less harshly. Another common mistake in selecting outdoor lights is in finding the proper lighting direction, or limiting "light pollution". Outdoor lights should not obstruct one's vision or interfere with one being able to see the entire landscape of a yard or area clearly. On a similar note, the lights should not shine directly into the road or a neighboring yard either. To avoid such issues, look for spotlights with glare guards. Just as it would be boring to find the same exact lamp in every room of one's home, it's boring to see the same outdoor lighting fixture repeated throughout the yard. It can make the home appear institutional as opposed to personal. Use a wide variety of fixtures to light your yard; it will enhance the character and charm of your home. Be sure to balance your home's exterior lighting. Another common mistake in outdoor lighting placement, is to inadvertently divide the yard by placing too many lights in one area and too little in another. You want to evenly distribute light throughout the canvas of your home. You don't want your yard looking like a parking lot. Finally, like most things in home décor, less is more. Outdoor lighting should call attention to the beautiful and unique features of your home. It should not be intrusive. Proper outdoor lighting calls attention to various parts of your home's exterior, not the entire surface area. Over illumination is never attractive indoor or outdoor. by: Melinda Cayetano  http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7064.shtml 

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Roof insulation makes your home more comfortable

If you are considering taking the plunge and having your home insulated, you may want to consider roof insulation. Just what is roof insulation? It is a product that lives up to its name, and could be called the hidden insulation, because many people do not even know that an outdoors form of it exists- they do research about the best kind of insulation for their home, and make a choice without becoming informed about roof insulation. Roof insulation works silently to make your living space more comfortable. It has been tested and found to reduce the overall cost of heating your house by an astonishing 13%! This type of insulation can also help to keep your house a great deal cooler during the summer months. That can add up to a nice amount of money in a few years time, perhaps even enough to pay for your roof insulation and installation! There are two types of roof insulation. One of these types goes on the outside of your home in the area between the roof's shingles or tiles, and the sheathing used on top of the rafters as a place for the roofing. Normally, a type of foam board is stapled to the sheathing, and the roofing material is then installed on top of the foam board. This gives you a layer of protection from hot and cold air drifting into your home's attic and then into your living space. Rigid fiberglass insulation can also be used for this purpose. It is a lot easier to install this type of insulation when you are also replacing your roof shingles or tiles, but it can definitely be used on a roof that is already in place or a flat roof as well. It may only be necessary to place roof insulation in your attic space, which some contractors will call loft insulation. This is the more common type of roof insulation, and you will find that more people have heard of this alternative. Rafter vents are needed to keep any build up of moisture from getting the insulation wet. Once this has been accomplished, the space between the rafters can then be filled with insulation. Spray foam insulation is one choice that the homeowner has for roof insulation in their attic space. A smaller attic, such as one you cannot stand up in, is a good candidate for this type of insulation. Professionals spray the foam into all the spaces, cracks, and crevices, and it does an excellent job of keeping out air. Another type of attic roof insulation is that familiar pink colored roll that looks a bit like a huge roll of carpet. These are known as batts, and are usually made of fiberglass, but can also be made from rock wool. The pink batts are flexible, and it is easy to cut and fit them into the needed spaces. It is best to leave this type of installation to a professional, for fiberglass can be rather tricky to work with. It is easy to get some of the fibers embedded into your skin, or even in your eyes. As you might imagine, this is quite painful, and potentially dangerous to your eyesight. There is also the risk of breathing in the glass fibers. The various types of roof insulation that are available will make your home a comfortable place to live, whether it is winter or summer.