Hardwood floor is a great way to add elegance and beauty to any home. But what will you do if it faces the risk of being damaged from something greater and unimaginable besides the scratches of everyday traffic in the house?

No matter how careful and how hard I try to keep my floor clean and dry all the time, exposing it to water and moisture is just inevitable. High levels of moisture and water spills can cause significant damage to hardwood floor. When wood is exposed to heat, water and humidity, the wood expands due to the increase in its moisture content. Too much humidity within the house accumulated over time can cause a slowly but extensive damage to hardwood floor. The result may be squeaky floorboards, lifted and loose boards. The wood also becomes wider which often results in cupping or buckling of the entire floor surface. When this happens, it may appear that a replacement of the entire floor may sound fair, than dealing with the repair cost. A company like Steam Team provides restoration services of water damage in hardwood floors, water damage in basements, water damage in walls, and water damage mitigation and restoration services in Austin. They inspect and estimate the work before they start with the restoration process thereby saving cost.


Water damage on other surface, from time to time there is a leaking refrigerator and faucets that were left open. The worst thing a homeowner could also face is a broken pipe within the house that can cause the water to flow everywhere to the floor, walls and down to the basement. This is a situation that would have to be addressed reasonably and quickly. The Steam Team has a 24/7 emergency service to respond to customers. In all cases of water damage, the restoration starts with inspection and assessment of the damage before proceeding with the clean-up process like water removal, anti-microbial application to prevent mold and mildew on the unaffected areas, deep drying, dehumidifying, and monitoring the drying process.



But why do I like to go with the Steam Team? Aside from their expertise in the business, I like the idea that they will work directly with my insurance company to help expedite my claim process. As a property manager operating in downtown Austin, the Steam Team’s 24/7 response, professional quality and competitive pricing has been essential in keeping our units in rent-able and immaculate condition.

In case there's something happen to you be ready to make a master list of your assets. Record the results of your masterful filing system on a couple of sheets of paper and leave this master list in your file for your executor and heirs. If you have a home computer that someone besides you knows how to operate, keep it there, too. Tell your family where to find it so they won't tear the house apart looking for your records.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Victor Pest. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have story to share, my neighbor and I are not in good terms. The trouble started when the couple next door put their garbage can close to my fence. Every time they have a gathering in their house they throw away their trash towards my fence. The trash spills over on the ground, and the smell is terrible. I was pissed off because they are constantly doing this. They’re not ashamed how dirty their place looks. The tiny pieces of trash blow over and clutter my yard. They even don’t care how their neighbor feels about the stinky smell. Believe me it’s so filthy. When I cleaned my backyard I was startled to see this humongous rodent. It’s yucky, believe me. So I went straight to the City to report the incident and complain about this filthy neighbor of mine. I also purchased a Victor® Sonic PestChaser® Heavy Duty Sonic to get rid of the rodent. The next day I was happy because The City truck was in front of their house. Thank God my surroundings will be clean and I can finally smell fresh air.

If you have rodents in your place, Victor, the rodent control has economical electronic straps and powerful electronic pest control devices that will help control your mouse problem and protect your space. They have a special promotion that is going on right now the Victor Protect Your Space Combo Kit for $99.99 with free shipping. The kit includes the following :
(1) Victor® Sonic PestChaser® Heavy Duty Sonic, (2) Victor® Sonic Mini PestChaser® Ultrasonic Rodent Repellent, and (2) Victor® Electronic Mouse Trap.

      

Uploaded with Skitch!

 

Pest Chasers:

-are kinder than traps, safer than poisons, and there are no dead rodents to dispose of so it minimizes human contact with mice, rats, and other disease-bearing rodents. 


-Sound emitted from devices is completely inaudible to people and non-rodent pets. 


-Reduction in rodent activity should occur within 6-10 days. Estimated service life of the unit is 5-7 years or more.

- Ultrasonic sound cannot penetrate furniture, cabinets or walls. Multiple units required for multiple rooms. 


-Victor® PestChasers® are the only repellents backed by third-party laboratory research and exhaustive field tests. 


-Additionally, the Victor® Ultrasonic PestChaser® is one of ONLY two ultrasonic device 


-Victor® was granted registration by the Canadian EPA(PMRA) due to their strict testing standards on electronic rodent repellent devices.

 

Victor Electronic Traps:

-Safe to use around children

-100% efficacy -Humane -No see – No touch solution

Money comes and goes in our life at different times. Mostly goes, when you're young. Those are the spent years. Maybe the misspent years. But never mind. As you grow older, the urge to save creeps up on you. So here's the typical cycle of wealth:

Age 20-3o. You establish credit, buy your first furniture and appliances, take your first auto loan, learn about insurance and taxes. Maybe you save a little money, in the bank or in company retirement accounts. Retirement accounts are money machines for young people because you have so many years to let them grow untaxed. By the end of the decade, you get married, have a baby, buy a house. (You save for a house the old fashioned way - by borrowing some of the down payment from you parents.)

Age 31-45. You don't know where your money goes. Bills, bills, bills. College is a freight train headed your way. Maybe you start a tuition savings account. Money still dribbles into retirement savings, but only if your company does it for you, by taking it out of your paycheck before you get it to spend. When you're pressed, you open a home equity line and borrow money against your house. This is a good time to start a business or get more education. Invest in yourself and hope for a payoff.

Age 46-55. You do know where your money goes: to good old State U. At the same time, you get the creepy feeling that maybe you won't live forever. You thrash around. You buy books about financial planning . You have an affair. When all else fails, you start to save.

Age 56-65. These are the fat years. You're at the top of your earning power, the kids are gone, the dogs are dead. Twenty percent of your salary can be socked away which is lucky because you will need extra money for your children's down payment (kids never really go away). Consider long term care insurance.

Age 66-75. How golden are these years? As rich as your pension, social security, and the income from the money you saved. Start out by living in the firt two. Let the income from savings and investments compound for a while, to build a fund for later life.

Age 76 and up. Quit saving. Spend, spend, spend! Forget leaving money to your kids, they should have put away more for themselves. Dip into principal to live as comfortably as you deserve. This is what all those years of saving were for.

-Jane Bryant Quinn-

Making the Most of your Money

In today’s business climate, companies are devising every effort to cut cost and streamlining every corner of management including budget, making sure every expenses count and worthy but not diminishing the value to sell and increase customers. In an age of social media and advertising, growing a business means making the right decision about integrating traditional and non-traditional medium in order to connect with new and existing trends. People are spending more time online than the traditional “hear and see” time from other media such as TV, prints and radio. And for businesses, the goal is always to follow where the consumer traffic are what they want and what they need. One technique for advertising today is the concept of mixed media advertising a combination of TV, radio, print and internet media. This trend creates a strong presence and I often wonder how businesses even small one could pull out a great impact, thanks to the cutting-edge technology employed by various mixed media companies like That Advertising Agency. Marketing is one area where businesses will put more effort into. An effective one should project the market value of the company and the return. There are numerous ads agency that can build mixed media advertising, but what separates That Advertising Agency is the guarantee of the return of investment and a proven marketing method that will place your business ads on the frontline. Whether it’s the internet market (Search Engine Optimization), social media, or the traditional marketing strategies (i.e. public relations, print, TV & radio), there are enormous result that increases the business potentials. That Company also tracks performance of all the marketing strategies that was put in place and devises a plan to correct what’s not working to make sure you are satisfied and get the best results of your ad campaign within the budget. With a trusted ad company working for you, there are always endless possibilities for business growth!

A job description for a kind of person who would be a ideal mother for a baby might read like this:

WANTED - easygoing, relaxed, loving type to care for infant. Should enjoy rocking, cuddling, be able to hold baby patiently for 20 minute feedings every three or four hours without fidgetting. Light sleeper, early riser. No degree necessary. Must take all shifts, seven-day week. No vacation unless can arrange to have own mother as temporary substitute. No opportunity to advance.

A year and a half later, the ideal candidate for the job of mothering the same child would match this description:

WANTED - Athlete in top condition to safeguard tireless toddler. Needs quick reflexes, boundless energy, infinite patience. ESP helpful. knowledge of first aid essential. Must be able to drive, cook, phone, work despite constant distractions. Workday, 15 hours. No coffee or lunch breaks unless child naps. Would consider pediatric nurse with olympic background.

In another 18 months, the same mother should be able to meet these qualifications:

POSITION OPEN - Expert in early childhood education to provide stimulating, loving, creative, individualized learning environment for pre-schooler. Should have experience in art, music, recreation, be able to speak one foreign language. Training in linguistics, psychology and Montessori desirable. Two hours off five days a week when nursery school is in session and child is well.

Job stability improves somewhat when a child is between 6 and 12 years old, and the mothers who cope most easily meet these qualifications:

GOOD OPPORTUNITY - For expert in recreation, camping, indian arts, all sports. Should be able to referee. Must be willing to be den mother, room mother, block mother. public relations skills essential. Should be able to deal effectively with teachers, PTA officers, other parents. knowledge of sex education, new math required. Must have no objections to mud, insect collections, pets, neighbor's kids.

A mother changes occupations again when her child reaches 13 or 14 and must face up to new requirements:

JOB AVAILABLE - For specialist in adolescent psychology, with experience in large quantity cooking. Tolerance is chief requirement. Slight hearing loss helpful or must provide own ear plugs. Must be unflappable. Should be able to sense when presence is embarrasing to child and disappear.

After 18 years as a working mother, a woman is qualified for only one more job:

URGENTLY NEEDED - Financier to provide money, clothes, music, wheels to collegian. No advice necessary. Position may last indefinitely. Ample time left to take income - producing work.


--Joan Beck--
submitted by jeanette Lisefski
Chicken soup for the woman's soul

For many years we have been cleaning our home on our own and finally decided to invest in professional carpet cleaning from time to time. We realized that having a professional cleaner to come to our place will guarantee that the job is done right.

As a consumer, there are many things to consider in choosing a professional cleaner. We usually sought out references from friends or family members; make our research about the company, the methods, the price and guarantee. Steam cleaning is one of the most popular methods used in the market today. It is a fast and efficient and popular technique in professional cleaning service nowadays. It preserves the life of the furniture and carpet, effectively sanitizes the living space, and is the best method to loosen and remove dirt, molds, stains, and dust mites.

The SteamTeam is one of the most reputable companies serving the homeowners and businesses in Austin since 1983. Our experience with them has been pleasant and they’ve earned our recommendation. The Steam Team is a recognized household carpet cleaner and furniture cleaning service in Austin for more than 20 years. The company has a cost-effective program that fit any consumer’s budget. They pre-test on a small carpet surface before they proceed with the process with attention to detail to ensure efficient cleaning, utilizing the latest technology to effectively maintain the life and smell of your carpets. They are committed to the “green” service, using furniture cleaning products that are eco-friendly and are safe to the environment, human and pets alike. The benefits of green cleaning are most sought after by homeowners and businesses today. Those who choose to become environmentally sustainable generally get financially and socially rewarded for their green efforts. On top of this, it improves health and productivity of employees in offices that uses green cleaning chemicals and reducing potential health hazards. Hiring green services contributes to greater image for the business and homeowners as well. And the policy of 100% money back is a guarantee that would satisfy even the most hard-to-please consumers.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

Ladies guess what? I found the imported Pretty Polly stocking at mytights.com. They have an excellent collection of hosiery. They have the biggest brand names like Aristoc, Bebaroque, Calvin Klein, Celeste Stein, Cette, Charnos, Elbeo, Emilio Cavallini. Falke, Gerbe, Henry Holland, Jonathan Aston, La Perla, Le Bourget, Levante, Miss Oroblu, Pamela Mann, Pantherella, Pretty Polly, Religion, Scholl, Shatobu, Skinkiss, Spanx, Trasparenze, and Trinny and Susanna. Aside from that, they have different classic styles where you can pick your own fashion, for instance sheer tights, opaque tights, wool, cotton, thick tights, control top tights, hold ups, stockings, suspender tights, footless tights, leggings, knee highs, and ankle highs. It’s your option if you want an elegant or a funky style, colored hosiery, with lace, fishnet, glitter and shine, with patterns and prints, seams or ribbed and cables. They have everything you need and you’re going to like it. I forgot to mention, they have 75% off sale for all hosiery items, everyday socks, fashion tights and much more. Ladies hurry up and shop now, the sale has a limited time offer only. If I were you, I wouldn’t miss this huge sale. This is the only place where you can find a high quality of hosiery. If you asked me which one is my favorite, of course, the Falke cotton touch knee high socks and Falke Donna Hold Ups. What yours?

Let your love be stronger than your hate and anger. learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break. Believe the best rather than the worst. People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them. Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends. Please hand this down to your children and your children's children: The more things change the more they are the same.

Demi is a good friend of mine who’s very excited about her daughter’s first communion at the Catholic Church. She went to the Mall the other day to find a simple but elegant looking dress and a pair of shoes. The dress looks perfect and the shoes fit well. Her daughter looks stunning. She can’t believe her little girl is growing up so fast. Now, she asked me where to find affordable jewelry that will match the dress. She likes the fancy look, but not costly. She wants to be thrifty so she doesn’t run out of money quickly from shopping. I recommended researching her needs online, I believe she can get a better deal and be able to compare pricing. I told her to visit mollybrownlondon.com a decent website that offers good quality jewelry for girls communion with affordable pricing and reasonable shipping. You can find charms, necklaces, earrings, bangles, bracelets and a lot more. If you have a special occasion to attend like a birthday, wedding, communion, baptismal or any kind of party, you can get the perfect jewelry there. There’s a wide variety of selections, like the friendship collection, jelly beans collection, aurora collection, pearly girly, gemstone and pearl. They have a high standard quality and imported jewelry.

Holidays are approaching again and next month it’s Valentine’s Day. Isn't that fast? I can’t believe time goes by so quickly, can you imagine last month is just Christmas and then now the winter season is almost close to an end. One more month and we will say bye-bye to winter. But anyway, I probably need to start searching for the best gift to my hubby. Valentine's Day is a lover's holiday so I need to come up with a gift that will put a glimpse of smile to his face. Honestly, I don’t want to go to the Mall. You’re not going to blame me its freaking cold. It's about 11 degree Fahrenheit with strong winds. I don’t want to freeze and chill. I thought of browsing the net, check some websites where I can find gift ideas. You know what I found, a computer mug warmer, it’s so cute. Amazingly the gadgets now a days are very high-tech and this mug warmer is the proof. It powered via a USB plug into your computer. The coffee keeps warm to approximately 50-80c. Crazy isn’t? I think this will be the best gift for my hubby since he spends most of his time on the computer playing games and such. Also the room is kind of cool, so this gift will be the perfect one. You bet I will probably get a kiss from him once he receives it. So if you want some high tech and unique gift ideas just click the link and you will see other interesting products.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

• My Husband loves the taste ofTABASCO® Original Red  sauce on everything!Every morning he will put a splash it on his eggs and hash browns. I used to think he was crazy until I tried it. I found it was really delightful. Since then I have tried Tabasco original red on a great many dishes, from mac and cheese to fish.

  One of my husbands favorites is a dish he came up with. He will take a pound of ground chuck and brown it in a 10 inch skillet. In a 2 quart sauce pan he takes Velveeta cheese, milk, salsa, and Tabasco original red and mix them together. Once the cheese has melted and blended with the other ingredients;He will mix the ground chuck in with it. Making one of the tastiest dips to serve with your favorite corn chip. He really enjoys it while watching football with the guys. I know he will make it come Superbowl game day, I can't wait! If you like to try some nice recipes with Tabasco original red on game day go to Game-Day Party Menu

• One of my favorite ways to use Tabasco original red is on pizza. I love pizza and Tabasco original red adds that extra zestful flavor that just makes it out of this world. If your a pizza lover like me,try Tabasco original red on your next pizza order. You can also find ways to enjoy your pizza with Tabasco original red at their web site at Pizza Perfected .

• Whatever you like to try on game day, put some zest in your festivities with Tabasco original red and have a great party!

   

 

As Gandhi stepped aboard a train one day, one of his shoes slipped off and landed on the track. He was unable to retrieve it as the train was moving. To the amazement of his companions, Gandhi calmly took off his other shoe and threw it back along the track to land close to the first. Asked by a fellow passenger why he did so, Gandhi smiled. "The poor man who finds the shoe lying on the track," he replied, "will now have a pair he can use."

I want to be a famous businesswoman, a successful international entrepreneur. I want to manage my own company. I like to compete globally and make my own name. I keep asking myself what would be the perfect business line for me that will click in the market. Actually, this is the toughest question that until now I don't have any clue due to a large number of businesses worldwide. How do I start? What kind of product would I sell? What is my target market? And where is the right location? These are the questions that I need to figure out in order for me to achieve my goal. Right now, I am starting to gather information and try to make a feasibility study of a certain business line. Who knows maybe one or two years from now I have it. I have plenty of time to think and probably start a franchise business.

Anyway, if you are planning to promote your business in a trade show or any market. You must have a complete set of materials to place your product and make sure it looks presentable to your target customer, for instance trade show boots, trade show flooring, trade show carpet, exhibit truss, pipe and drapes, table covers, banner stands, trade show furniture, stages and stage skirting, graphic tents, logo mats and logo canopy, trade show lights, light boxes, brochure holders, hanging or overhead display, crowd control, presentation tools and design or layout of your business or product. If you have all these definitely you are good to go in a trade show. You do not have to worry because having these materials your promotional tactics will become easy, organize and perfect. Also, these tools will help your business noticeable in public and will attract more customers.

A man risked his life by swimming through the treacherous riptide to save a youngster being swept out to sea. After the child recovered from the harrowing experience, he said to the man. "Thank you for saving my life."

The man looked into the boy's eyes and said, "That's okay, kid. Just make sure your life is worth saving ."

Sometimes when a baby cries, a parent will shake the baby. The parent may think that shaking is not as bad as hitting or spanking. Some parents handle a baby too roughly in play. Nevery shake a baby. Babies have large heads and weak neck muscles. Brain tissue is very fragile. Sudden motion can damage brain cells. When an adult shakes a baby in anger, the force may be five to 10 times stronger than if the child had fallen. The damage can kill or or disable a child. Shaken a babies can become blind or deaf. They can develop cerebral palsy or seizures. They can be left with severe learning or behavior problems. Avoid rough play, even though your baby seems to like it. Avoid any kind of rough and sudden movement.

Contributed by Cameron Hodge

During the cold winter months, many people choose to spend a lot of their time indoors. For me, the winter months means the chance to go to an NBA basketball game and cheer on my favorite team. My favorite NBA team is the Chicago Bulls, who play at the United Center.

This year, the Bulls finally appear to be set to make a deep run into the playoffs. The Bulls are led by Derrick Rose, who is a point guard and in his third year in the NBA and Carlos Boozer, who was signed as a free agent during the offseason. So far this year the Bulls are in first place in their division and are growing their lead. With the Indiana Pacers hot on their tail, it is more important than ever for fans to head to the United Center to watch the game and cheer on the Bulls.

While going to NBA games can be extremely fun and a great way to spend a day in the winter, going to the games can take a few hours. Since being away from my home for that long can lead to vandalism or theft, I am sure that I set my home security alarm system from TotalAlarmsystems prior to going to the game.

Its winter, its cold, its bowling time for Yonah. One of the best exercise or activity for her this winter. As a first timer, she did a pretty good job. Go Girl!

Guest post written by Celia Brentmeyer

Gone are the years that I spend my New Year's Eves in smelly basements with my friends. Now that I'm graduated from college and actually have my own money to spend, I thought that I would go all out for New Year's Eve this year and go to a really upscale club for it.

I've been doing my research about places to go around the city for the night and when I was doing that a couple of weeks ago I came across some information about CLEARWIRE INTERNET pricing and after I read about it some more, I passed it along to my parents because their internet service has been terrible for years.

I think that I've finally picked out the club whose New Year's Eve party my friends and I are going to go to. I also have this dress covered with sequins that's going to be perfect for the occasion. I'll probably wear lots of glittery eye shadow to go with my outfit too. You might as well go all out for New Year's.

This is the weather here in Michigan right now, snow is all over the place. Luckily, we dont have heavy snow compare to other states. The school still going on and children love to be there the whole day to play and learn. My princess yonah enjoy every moment there. In these photos, school is over and we're heading home.

After the holiday season, my brother bought a car as his gift to himself. I asked him if his car has insurance already and he said none yet. I told him that if he has a car, he needs to have a car insurance to protect it from any inconvenience like car accident. In times like this, we will never know what is going to happen. Car insurance is never something to be taken lightly because it provides the safety umbrella of financial security that is required when driving a car.


He needs to be careful of what kind of car insurance to get. There are a lot of them available out there but not all can give him that coverage that he might be looking for. I advise him to find cheap car insurance. cheap but quality insurance. He said he will be checking different offers for car insurance online. His budget is limited so I told him to check for best car insurance rates. I recommended www.affordableautoinsurancesite.com wherein he can get free auto insurance quote. All information needed for car insurance will be provided by this site. He can get what he needs by just visiting the site.

If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much. - Jim Rohn

If you want to conquer fear, don't sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. - Dale Carnegie

A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others. - Ayn Rand

Always continue the climb. It is possible for you to do whatever you choose, if you first get to know who you are and are willing to work with a power that is greater than ourselves to do it. - Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Always desire to learn something useful. - Sophocles

Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later. - Og Mandino

Be gentle to all and stern with yourself. - Saint Teresa of Avila

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. - Norman Vincent Peale

Crave for a thing, you will get it. Renounce the craving, the object will follow you by itself. - Swami Sivananda



Visit Motivational for more quotes.

Guest post written by Crystal Hudson

My husband and I are very fortunate to live in the suburbs that we've been in for years. The homes in this area have a long history of looking like they are pristine and brand new and itÕs safe to say that this particular area is a super desirable destination for a lot of families and new homeowners. Having all the homes well-maintained makes the neighborhood attractive and inviting. However, it takes a lot of effort to ensure that the house is up to standard with all the neighbors. Sometimes, it's just exhausting. While its winter, home improvement projects and lawn care fall by the way side because of the heavy snow, and I actually enjoy it. When it comes time for spring, I typically recruit the services for home pro improvement to get the exterior of the house looking up to par. Sometimes I need to add a layer of paint, as well. For all the work, it is honestly a great neighborhood to have a family in, and we've all been very happy here for years. Sometimes you just have to put in a little work for the finer things in life!

You may be out of step with the rest of the world today, Sagittarius, but don't sweat it. This is a good day to finish projects. Your head may be in the clouds and your emotions foggier than usual. Bring more of your fantasy world to the current reality. Don't just talk about lofty ideas and beautiful dreams - live them. You have the power to change every situation for the better.

Year 2011 Career

Sagittarius
11/22 – 12/21


After delays, frustrations and disappointments in your career arena, the optimistic part of your nature refused to give up on the silver lining. Your deepest intuition insisted that better days had to lie ahead. Well, good news Sag: those better days are finally on the immediate horizon. All of your battles, trials and tribulations to get your work out into the public sphere haven't been in vain. You can and will make a name for yourself and the chances of you doing it over the course of 2011 are very strong indeed.

You've got the super powers of six planets in the fellow fire sign of Aries bringing amazing new energy to your sector of creativity and self-expression by the beginning of May. With such a dynamic display of planetary promise fueling your artistic talents, how can you possibly miss your mark? Work will definitely feel more like play, but by the amount of cash rolling in, you'll have no choice but to take even what feels like the most frivolous of your new projects seriously. Yes, it's a totally new approach to work, but doesn't it feel amazing to create rather than just produce? You're an artist -- not a factory.

Your work life becomes extremely accelerated during your heavy Mars period in April when Mars enters your work sector and then again in November and December when Mars energizes your career sector. In any event, compared to 2010, this year will have very few if any lulls. Prepare for non-stop activity, newness and thrills (and yes, we are still talking about work -- fancy that!)

Want to check yours, visit Shine.