The Truth About Home Repairs

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We strive for larger homes but the fact remains that larger the home, greater the number of home repairs. There are several jobs that will need to be attended to around a house, either big or small. Over the years, there are several phases that you will have to go through as part of your home maintenance routine. This is exactly why a lot of homeowners feel that ‘Do It Yourself’ or DIY plans are better than calling in a contractor for every job that needs to get done around the house. But stop that thought right there and think again.

A Stitch In Time Saves Nine

When it comes to repairs within your home, this saying is a very apt one. That carpet that needs to be repaired, that leaky tap that needs to be fixed or that hole in the drywall that needs to be patched up should be attended to on a priority basis. It doesn’t take too long for the carpet to get worn out or torn further, the leaky tap to turn into a miniature Niagara or the tiny hole in the wall to turn into a gaping one. If the issues are not too glaring it is more feasible for you to wait for a bit and then call in a handyman and have him handle more than just one job in a single visit.

Easy On The Pocket

Most handymen charge for their services by the hour and it becomes more cost-effective for you to bunch up the tasks rather than have them come in for individuals ones. If you decide against calling in for specialized help for these jobs around the house and decide to handle them yourself, chances are that you will put them off for later. Jobs like this have a tendency of piling up and can prove to be a bigger drain if they pile up or the issues get aggravated due to the delay. Apart from this, some issues are too tricky for you to handle all by yourself. In most cases you will find that a handyman can handle certain jobs as skillful and efficiently as specialized contractors can and the latter charge close to three times the amount that the former will charge you for the same job

When To Choose The Handyman Over The Contractor

The cost-effectiveness factor comes into play here as well since once a handyman is called in, he can also attend to other small issues around the house. However, it is important to understand that jobs such as plumbing and electrical ones are best taken care of by licensed and trained personnel. Some companies provide you with comprehensive services and packages. Check the credibility of the person who will be handling the work and preferably use the services of a reputed home improvement company for all your repair and renovation needs.

Will Serviced Apartments Become the Norm for the Businessmen and Travelling Families to Asia?

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The concept of a furnished apartment with cleaning services is nothing new, but over the past decade or so the serviced apartment with its superior features and lower costs have become increasingly more luxurious and sophisticated, particularly in Asia.

The serviced apartment is definitely catching on as there are a wide range of luxury serviced apartments in Asia at discounted prices. You can easily browse the internet to compare room rates for a selection of the best locations.

Serviced Apartments are designed for short-, medium- and long-term stay residents, for the individual or family that want high quality of living, with the choice of rooms ranging from studio up to large 3-bedroom deluxe apartments.

Serviced Apartments are ideal for people who enjoy catering for themselves and having their own space.

Particularly in Bangkok, there is high proportion of expatriate personnel and the population is very transient. The demographics of this lends itself well to serviced apartments. Staying in a serviced apartment gives you total freedom to work, entertain, cook, sleep and relax as you would in your own home, without the feeling of being in a hotel room.

Choosing a serviced apartment allows you to easily choose a suitable location, in the heart of the major cities of Asia, with a broad range of services, such as broadband internet, fully-equipped kitchens, private parking, international cable and plasma screen televisions, maid service and room service, daily cleaning and linen services, international cuisine, a large pool, health club and lounge and much more, all within a relaxing and elegant environment.

One fine example is the The Ascott, a five-star serviced apartment in Sathorn, Bangkok’s central business district. Here they offer luxurious and spacious private apartments complemented with comprehensive services and facilities. This residence is Bangkok’s leading luxury serviced residence and is ideal for corporate housing with the convenience of being located in the capital’s business and commercial district.

In summary, demand for luxurious living is improving every year and is predicted to reach even higher growth in the years to come.

What to Remember When Choosing Office Chairs

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Posture is very important because it allows our spine to be aligned properly. When there is a problem with our posture a lot of things can happen. Poor posture may cause misalignment of the spinal cord which in turn can lead to several problems like osteoporosis, headache, stiff neck, back pains, and it can even lower down confidence. This is why it is important to carefully practice good posture and use tools that will allow you to have continuous good posture. For instance, choice of seat is important to ensure you maintain good posture practice.

If you work in an office, you’ll most probably be seated the whole day except for the occasional bathroom break or during your lunch break. If this is the case, you need to ensure you have a good seat so you are seated comfortably all throughout the day. An orthopaedic office chair will definitely help your back during the long hours in the office as it is specially designed to meet your postural needs. This chair has the right measurement to ensure you are not just maintaining the right posture but you are comfortable at work as well.

Good orthopaedic office chairs are usually 16 to 21 inches from the floor. Making sure of this height is essential because this allows your feet to be planted firmly flat on the floor. There should be 2 to 4 inches space between your knees and the back of your chair when you sit down. This allows free movement and comfort. It is essential to always be comfortable while sitting down the whole day so you will not experience any body pains and you can complete your tasks without discomfort.

The most important thing to ensure when choosing and orthopaedic chair is its lumbar support quality. This will allow not only comfort but ensure you lumbar area will not be stressed since it will be supporting your upper body weight the whole day while you are seated. Adding support and comfort to lumbar area will prevent any postural problems and discomfort. Strain on your spinal cord may also cause slipped disk or dislocation which can be very painful and will cause greater problems when it impedes veins in the spinal column. It helps if there is good cushion on the chair for maximum comfort. Foams too soft are not ideal. Having a firm padding made up of breathable cloth can be comfortable at the same time while ensuring good postural alignment.

Lavishness Apartments in Hyderabad

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These days Hyderabad housing real estate is recognized for its gigantic lavishness apartments. This city is thriving well with its prosperous financial system and attention of NRI. Property developers are set free innovative ideas and thoughts to build more luxury apartments in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad’s lavishness apartments are planned by notorious designers and architects. They go after some magnificent themes like Italian structural design or Spanish fashion apartments or something new which actually pull towards you to Hyderabad.  These apartments may be little more costly than other simple apartments. But if you are looking for something unique with much more luxury, then this plan is for you.

In the meantime the builders are send-off no stone turned to draw attention of HNI, and NRI investors engrossed in Hyderabad apartments. For an example, these are completely Vastu acquiescent lavishness apartments. These sumptuousness apartment houses in Hyderabad are premeditated with zero error so it can easily draw the attention of people.

For now, most of the real estate projects in Hyderabad are developing border areas such as Kompally and Kondapur. Developers are looking for that kind of area which has massive amount of land that is on hand in these areas and also the cost of land is much low than others.

It is the golden chance for you if you want a residential apartment in this area. If you are interested, then don’t delay as because of the low price which you will never get. As the demand will increase, the rate will also add to parallel. So, fix your mind and take the decision.

So, if you have money and you are thinking for a luxurious apartment, then why stop yourself. Because golden chance come once not often.

Loft Atlanta Apartments

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Being one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Atlanta has been witnessing a boom in the apartment community market. Several new apartments, condos, and lofts are coming up not only in the suburbs but in mid-town and downtown areas as well. Already, there are more than 1500 apartment complexes in Atlanta and this number keeps increasing virtually by the day.

Many of Atlanta’s lofts and condos are brand-new buildings, while others choose to embellish upon a historic industrial building. All of them are available with a package of attractive amenities, convenient locations, and breathtaking views of the city.

One of Atlanta’s well- known loft communities is in the downtown area. Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts is a nine-building complex that contains over 500 lofts, with over 60 floor plans. Lofts at Muses in the Fairlie-Poplar district contains seven buildings and 65 lofts. Kessler City Lofts and Renaissance Lofts are the other lofts quite well-known in this area. Most of these are rentals only with restrictions on pets.

In mid-town Atlanta, Glen Iris Lofts is a two-phase development that offers spacious floor plans and modern amenities. Containing 100 units, Ponce Springs Lofts is a new mixed-use development that includes an upscale restaurant called Repast.

In Buckhead, Buckhead Village Lofts offers a two-story lobby, speedy elevators, rooftop terrace, as well as a fitness center.

In-town Atlanta also features many housing options. Block Lofts rental units offer high ceilings, contemporary lighting, and more than ten spacious floor plans. Coming up soon is another one called Inman Park Village Lofts. Ice House Lofts, converted from the Atlantic Star Ice & Coal Company contains a great restaurant, Carpe Diem Cafe. Both Bass Lofts and Telephone Factory Lofts offer rentals only and provide various amenities like digital satellite television and T-1 Internet access.

The Booming Apartment Market

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If you own apartment real estate in Dallas, then this is a great time for you. According to statistics, rental units are in incredibly high demand right now. In fact, research shows that the market looks better than it has in nearly a decade. The last time units were this full was 2000. This good news can’t come soon enough after the impressive hits to the real estate market caused by the recession in recent years. North Texas rentals showed a net decline for both 2008 and 2009, after all. Now, suddenly, they’ve recovered and even risen.

The Source of the Boom

Experts say that the foreclosure market is in large part responsible for this newly active rental market. People who were buying homes are no longer doing so and those who lost their homes to foreclosure are not in a position to buy new ones either. This leaves most people with the option of apartment rentals. These renters as a group represent an additional net demand for Dallas apartments. At last count, the market showed a ninety one percent total occupancy and even in the last quarter of 2010, an additional 470 Dallas apartments were rented to new tenants.

The Consequences of the Boom

This boom in the apartment market has had an important effect on the Dallas area. To begin with, it has revitalized interest in the sale and construction of apartment real estate. In the last year 10, 753 new apartment units were built. Insiders say that we can expect that number to rise in 2011. Of course this boom in rentals will also have an effect on potential renters themselves. You can see it already in statistics that show turnover rates are at historic lows. People do not want to give up their apartments without good reason. As the demand rises, so too will the difficulty involved in finding an appropriate unit.

Houston Commercial Real Estate

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The real estate business is classified into two distinct categories, namely, residential and commercial real estate. Certain residential properties may not be the primary living quarters of owners and can be used to generate a source of regular income through rentals. Such property is referred to as investment property, but is primarily a residential complex. Houston commercial real estate revolves around the sale, purchase, lease, and rentals of property used for trade and business. This includes a wide range of business properties, such as shopping centers, gas stations, hotels, and office buildings.

The Houston commercial real estate market is enormous and enlists a wide range of feasible properties. Commercial properties acquire their title when they are used for business purposes. They include land as well as anything that is permanently built or fixed within the property, including cottages, buildings, and fences. Pipes, plumbing, heating devices and light fixtures, which are inbuilt or fixed on the exterior of buildings are taken into consideration during Houston commercial real estate appraisals. Houston commercial real estate dealings prove to be profitable for brokers and companies. This is because agents earn asset percentage of the deal proceedings as their service charges. Since commercial real estate provides a return on investment over a period of time and not instantaneously, clients need not rush into a deal. In order to guarantee profitability in the long run, it is advisable to find a Houston commercial real estate property that is feasible and boosts trade.

When considering Houston real estate property price points, clients are not likely to find consistent rates. This is because commercial real estate prices are dependent upon global recession, as well as on local factors and reigning price points of neighboring property. Localities that are reputed as “commercially profitable” are higher price commitments as compared to others located in developing areas.

6 Healthy Packaged Foods That Save You Time And Money

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When choosing packaged foods, it’s important to read the labels. This can be time consuming but worth it. To save time, try focusing specifically on foods low in sugar, low in salt and high in protein. Stay away from anything containing high fructose corn syrup which is an unnecessary sugar additive. Why do we even need sugar in bread? Foods with the fewest ingredients are best. If you don’t know what an ingredient is, chances are it’s not good for you.

Marketing techniques labeling foods as Lite, gluten free, healthy or wheat may not always be the healthiest choice. As an educated consumer you should know the difference. Many so called “wheat” products may not be whole grain or made from whole wheat. The first ingredient should be whole wheat flour. Wheat flour, unbleached wheat flour, multigrain, enriched, and stone-ground wheat flour are alternative ways of saying “refined white flour.”

To save you some time in the grocery store, I’ve compiled a list of packaged healthy foods that can also save you money. Here are 6 packaged foods that I recommend:

1. Canned beans. Opt for the low salt version if you can. Always rinse the beans thoroughly to wash away any unnecessary salt. Try to avoid beans with sauce or refried beans that tend to be high in sodium.

2. vegetables. Plain vegetables without sauces and added salt are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Steamables are a great choice when you’re in a hurry or just too tired to cook. They are quick and easy and leave you with little clean up. They can be more expensive, so stock up when they’re on sale. I’ve found them on sale for as little or close to $1 a bag.

3. Frozen berries. Not only are they delicious, but can really save you money. Especially in the winter when berries are out of season and more expensive. Try mixing them in plain Greek yogurt. Or serving them with pancakes or French toast. It makes a natural sweet sauce. Sometimes we thaw them in the microwave, making them a little warm to pour over our pancakes. Try topping them with a dollop of Greek yogurt too. It gives it a taste that’s almost like a crepe.

4. Nut butter. If the ingredient says almonds, you have a winner. It takes some time to stir, but if you store it in the refrigerator, you shouldn’t have to stir it again.

5. Low sugar cereals. Ideally cereals should have less than 6 grams of sugar. Opt for whole grain cereal such as toasted oats and muesli. Unsweetened instant oatmeal can be thrown in the microwave for a quick & healthy breakfast.

6. Canned Tuna fish. Packed in water. This is a quick and inexpensive source of protein. I pack my tuna salad with lots of vegetables like onions, celery, carrots, vinegar, pepper and olive oil mayonnaise (it tastes just like the real thing without adding as much fat and calories).

When choosing pre-packaged foods just remember, marketing can be deceptive. The fewer ingredients, the more natural the product. Look for whole wheat flour as a first ingredient when selecting whole grain foods. Try to stay away from processed foods that are high in sodium, sugar or contain high fructose corn syrup.

Calcium Needs At All Life Stages

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It is the most abundant mineral in the body, present mainly in the bones and teeth. From the start, toddlers have an increased need for dietary calcium to support bone growth and skeletal development that takes place rapidly in the early years of life. This development and its need – continues into the teenage years and is particularly crucial for adolescent girls who need to stock their calcium supplies to prevent osteoporosis later in life. Adequate intake at this stage is needed to support ongoing bone growth and to achieve peak bone mass. It is an essential dietary element required in optimal amounts for good bone health, efficient nerve and muscle function, and overall cardiovascular health. Without enough of it throughout life, a person’s bones can begin to weaken over time. That can make it more difficult to stay active while also creating a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis. A person’s bone density will generally reach its peak at roughly age 30, and then begin to fade after that. Adequate daily intake can help maintain proper bone density and help prevent osteoporosis – which creates porous and fragile bones. It makes up about three percent of the earth’s crust and is a basic component of most animals and plants. Eating a diet rich in calcium helps to restore it to the bones; supplements can help as well.

Why is calcium necessary?

It is known mostly for its role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, but it is also required for proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system. It plays a role in maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating blood clotting. It is also associated with relieving mood swings, food cravings, and decreasing the pain, tenderness and bloating associated with premenstrual syndrome.

What are the deficiency signs?

Deficiency symptoms (also known as hypocalcemia) range from minor – numbness or tingling of the fingers, muscle cramps, lethargy and poor appetite – to more severe, including mental confusion, skeletal malformations, dermatitis, and in infants, delayed development. Illnesses such as osteoporosis (brittle, thin, porous bones that easily break) and rickets are also associated with a deficiency.

How much, and what kind, does an adult need?

If vitamin D levels are optimal, most adults should be able to meet their daily calcium needs via a varied diet. When individuals are unable to get enough of it through a diet or for those who may need more than the recommended daily allowance, supplements can help. Doctors recommends women supplement with 500 to 700 mg of calcium citrate in two divided doses taken with meals for a total of 1,000-1,200 mg a day from all sources. Supplementing with its citrate form, which is more easily absorbed than other forms, taken with half the dosage amount of magnesium.

How much does a child need?

The normal daily recommended intake for children is as follows: infants through three years of age is 400-800 mg; children between 4 and 10 years of age is 800 mg; adolescent males is 800-1,200 mg; and adolescent females is 800-1,200 mg daily.
How do you get enough from foods?

An abundant source of this mineral in the American diet is dairy products – two glasses of milk per day provide 1,000-1,200 mg. If you choose to get via dairy products – and this is not essential, as there are many other calcium-rich foods – make sure you use only hormone-free, organic dairy products to reduce your exposure to the antibiotics and hormones found in many dairy products. Non-dairy foods include: greens such as collards, mustard, kale, and bok choy; canned salmon (with bones) and sardines; tofu, soy milk, fruit juice and cereals; blackstrap molasses; and broccoli.

Are there any risks associated with too much?

Its supplements can be constipating, and should be balanced with magnesium as discussed above. Excessive amounts in the blood may have negative effects, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased urination. More serious complications include kidney toxicity, confusion, and irregular heart rhythm. Studies indicate that men who take too much may have an increased risk of prostate cancer, and should limit their dietary intake to 500-600 mg daily from all sources.

Who should we take it as supplements?

It is an important mineral for the human body. It helps build and protect your teeth and bones. Getting enough of it over your lifetime can help prevent osteoporosis. Most people get it through their normal diet. Dairy foods and leafy green vegetables have high levels of calcium. Your health care provider will tell you if you need to take extra dose id required.

TYPES OF CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS

Forms of calcium include:
Calcium Type
Pros
Calcium citrate (21% calcium)
Most easily absorbed
Calcium carbonate
Least expensive; has more elemental calcium

Calcium carbonate. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacid products contain it and these sources of it do not cost much. Each pill or chew provides 200 mg or more of calcium.

Calcium citrate. This is a more expensive form of calcium. It is absorbed well on an empty or full stomach. People with low levels of stomach acid (a condition that is more common in people over age 50) absorb this better than other forms.

HOW TO TAKE HIGHER DOSE

Increase the dose of your supplement slowly. Your provider may suggest that you start with 500 mg a day for a week, and then add more over time.Try to spread the extra dose you take over the day. DO NOT take more than 500 mg at a time. Taking it throughout the day will:

Allow more calcium to be absorbed

Cut down on side effects such as gas, bloating, and constipation
The total amount adults need every day from food and supplements:
19 to 50 years: 1,000 mg/day
51 to 70 years: Men – 1,000 mg/day; Women – 1,200 mg/day
71 years and over: 1,200 mg/day

SIDE EFFECTS AND SAFETY

DO NOT take more than the recommended amount of it. Try the following if you have side effects from taking extra calcium:

Drink more fluids.

Eat high-fiber foods

Switch to another form of calcium if the diet changes do not help.

Always tell your provider and pharmacist if you are taking extra dose. Its supplements may change the way your body absorbs some medicines. These include certain types of antibiotics and iron pills.

Are there any other special considerations?

Vitamin D is key to absorbing and so make sure to get adequate intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” is actually a fat-soluble hormone that the body can synthesize naturally. There are several forms, including two that are important to humans: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is synthesized by plants, and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is synthesized by humans when skin is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. The active form of the vitamin is calcitriol, synthesized from either D2 or D3 in the kidneys. Vitamin D helps to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Vitamin K2 is a beneficial form of Vitamin K for bones. Unlike Vitamin K1 which is used to activate blood clotting proteins, Vitamin K2 is beneficial for activating proteins which help bind calcium to bones. Vitamin K2 is found in food but not in anywhere near the concentration found in Osteo-K. Taking Osteo-K helps boost daily intake of vitamin K2 to support bone health. Older people may need to take it in extra larger doses because they do not absorb it as well as younger people.

If you take oral vitamin D,you also need to take vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 helps to move calcium to proper areas where its needed and removes it from sites where it shouldn’t be present like arteries and soft tissues. When you take vitamin D, your body creates more of these vitamin K2-dependent proteins, the proteins that will move it around. They have a lot of potential health benefits. But until the K2 comes in to activate those proteins, those benefits aren’t realized. So, really, if you’re taking vitamin D, you’re creating an increased demand for K2. Vitamin K2 deficiency is one of the reason why people suffer from vitamin D toxicity symptoms which includes improper calcification leading to hardening of arteries. And vitamin D and K2 work together to strengthen your bones and improve your heart health.

It seems likely that 150 to 200 mgs of vitamin k2 is enough to activate your K2 dependent proteins to shuttle calcium to proper areas.

How can you tell that you are deficit of vitamin k2?

There is no specific tests for finding it. By assessing the lifestyle and diet you eat,one can find whether he is lacking the critical nutrients needed for the body. If you face following health conditions then you are likely deficient in vitamin K2.

Do you have osteoporosis?

Do you have heart disease?

Do you have diabetes?

If you are facing such symptoms, its better to think on deficiencies and take necessary steps.

What You Can Learn From My Summer Vacation

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‘Remember in our youth the standard return-to-school “What I Did on My Summer Vacation” essay? This summer has given me several lessons that have value for you today.

The story begins with a local police officer knocking on my door at 9:00 one night, asking me about my brother, Billy. Of course, you know what happens next–I find out that Billy died in a motorcycle accident a few hours earlier. He was 57, divorced, with no children. He was a floor layer, a regular ordinary guy. Like you and your team members.

First lesson: we are in a business of relationships. Don’t let corporate purchasing and hard bid tactics make you forget this. While price is part of the purchase consideration, the quality of your work and the relationships you foster with your clients, customers, and co-workers are paramount. I first realized this as word about Billy spread through the grapevine and I received numerous calls, emails, and cards of condolence from across the country. These were unexpected and much appreciated.

I saw it again at his wake. Having worked his trade in the New York area for over 30 years, my brother was well-known. On that Memorial Day weekend, we were visited by many of his associates. Not just tile guys, but the Foreman from the Laborers, and a superintendent from a General Contractor, to name a few. There were even guys who had worked with our father in the business-and some even remembered when I had helped out on a few jobs, way back when! Connections between people-that’s what it’s about.

Next lesson: how is your health? Construction is hard work, yeah. But it isn’t a substitute for quality exercise and eating. Billy wasn’t in bad shape, but he wasn’t in good shape, either. He loved to eat; cooking was his hobby. He didn’t exercise. And he had coronary artery disease. In fact, he may have had a health crisis that triggered the crash. We don’t know for sure. But we do know that he was not taking care of himself and now, he’s gone. Are you taking care of yourself? (If not for yourself, then for those who love you.)

“Divorced with no kids” sounds like an easy estate to deal with, right? Well, it would be if

  1. there had been a will (there wasn’t)
  2. there had been up-to-date beneficiaries on his life insurance policy (his ex-wife is still listed, although that wasn’t his wish; he just “never got around to” changing beneficiaries even though they’d been divorced for several years), and
  3. all his records had been kept in one place (not even close).

Looking through files and folders is never easy, but having to weed through pay stubs from 1986 makes the process even harder. I realized that my finances and directives are in a similar state of disorganization. I am currently creating what I call the Red Envelope, where all of that information is being placed to make the process easier for whoever needs to deal with it. We need to do this for the benefit of those around us. If you are a business owner or the head of a household, this becomes even more important.

By now, you may be fed up with my personal ramblings. But remember what my brother did for a living. He was a regular guy, he was just like you and the guys who work for you and with you. I am hoping you can learn from him so your team is better off.