Livingston Reporting - page 266

Updates For Your Bathroom Remodel

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many of us buy homes based on their location.  When we purchase a home based on location we often need to renovate the rooms in the home to create the space we long for.  Any home with solid bones and a sound foundation can be remodeled to fit the needs of the family living in it.  The homes bathroom’s and kitchen are usually the first to get a makeover.  In the following piece you will gets some ideas on how to turn your old and out of date bathroom into the luxury spa you desire.

Considerations in bathroom remodeling should start with your family’s relaxation and well-being in mind.  The bath should be a private oasis where stress can be relieved and life restored after a long day.  Even with a small budget a bathroom can be turned into something functional, practical and modern.

Consider adding a television.  For anyone who enjoys taking a long, hot bath after a busy day a television can be just the thing to turn ordinary into extraordinary.  Any size television will function well in a bathroom and they are designed to be able to withstand the steam and splashes of occasional water.

Another renovation that is incredibly luxurious is the installation of speakers within the space.  Install the speakers in the ceiling for the best listening experience.  Music is the number one way to create a pleasant experience to help you start your day out on the right foot.

Sensory faucets installed in your bathroom during renovations is something that is seen as high end and incredibly modern.   With recent technology improvements the batteries last longer and don’t need to be replaced as often as before.  Faucets that work off of sensors also promote a sanitary environment.

Glass sinks are another very sleek, modern, minimalistic atmosphere. The glass sinks are elegant and go along with any type of bathroom décor from rustic to contemporary.  The glass used to create sinks is tough and resistant to shock as well as pressure. Don’t be worried about the glass breaking or cracking during wear.

Bright light including the use of recessed lights and skylights really add space and cleanliness to your bathroom.  Adding in additional lighting not only adds to the safety of the bathroom but also makes the bathroom appear more spacious.

All home renovations should be used to create an environment that turns your house into your home.  Add in unique touches to every room renovation your home under goes.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Small Space Bathroom Renovations

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to bathroom remodeling don’t let the size of the space dictate the remodel.  Don’t suffer with an inefficient bathroom just because you think the room is too small for the ideas you have in mind.  Even small bathroom spaces can be luxurious spas given the right attention to detail and the proper additions to the room.  You can remodel your bathroom, no matter what size it is, to be space relaxing as well as functional no matter what.  Below you will find tricks and tips to make the most out of your bathroom renovation.

The most important advice I can give someone that is about to take on a bathroom renovation is to hire a professional contractor that specializes in bathroom remodeling.  They are able to offer their clients a list of services that help to cater to their unique renovation needs.  Hiring a professional contractor is an intelligent choice when looking into any remodeling project within your home especially one that deals with both plumbing and electricity changes.

One thing that can help smaller bathrooms appear larger is lighting.  The trick to bathroom lighting is to use bright opulent lighting.  Using dim lighting in a small space makes that space appear smaller.  Another option to look at when considering the lighting in a smaller bathroom is the light fixture itself.  Hanging light fixtures take up space that is much needed within the bathroom whereas recessed lighting doesn’t take up any valuable area.

Use color wisely when remodeling a smaller bathroom.  Using dark colors will make the space appear much smaller than it is.  In order to get as much out of the space as possible choose to paint the walls a light color, use lighter toned tile for the floor, back splash and shower surround.  Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the tiles that you use within the room.  Tiles that are too small or too large will create too much distraction in the space. Consider a medium size tile for the bathroom when remodeling a smaller space.

Clutter is another issue for bathrooms.  When remodeling look into adding functional storage throughout the entire space.  Using open cupboards along with wicker baskets is just one way to keep your clutter within arm’s reach while keeping it hidden.  The space above the toilet is often forgotten.  That space is perfect for the addition of extra storage.  Consider adding in a cupboard or multiple shelves.  Choose colorful glass and containers to store necessities such as q – tips, toothpaste and everything that is needed on a daily basis on the shelves.  This keeps the clutter organized neatly while also allowing it to be where it is needed most.

Mirrors are a necessity in every bathroom space.  Using a wall mirror will give double the visual space in your bathroom.  Simply by reflecting off of the space in equal measure will trick the eye.  Although there will not physically be more space it will appear as if there is.

Simple tricks that help create space where there is none help turn smaller bathrooms into a luxurious room within your home.  Remodeling the bathrooms in your home is also a sure way to increase the equity within your home.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Jason Foldenauer Construction

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Surviving The Holiday As A Newly Divorced Dad

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

As a divorce father, the trickiest times of year fall around children’s birthdays and throughout the holiday season.  This is especially true for newly divorced dads.  With each year that passes new traditions start to take hold and the season pass without thinking too much about the way things used to be.  Unfortunately it takes time to get comfortable with the way the family is now structured as well as creating new rituals, traditions and special moments together.

When it comes to raising children after divorce there are some couples who can happily agree on everything to do with their children.  They jointly are involved in everything and are comfortable with the new life each has developed.  However, there are some couples that no matter what have a hard time agreeing on a joint way to handle anything involving their children.

Sharing custody can happen in a way that you are both a part of everything and that the only basic difference is which house the kids are sleeping at that night.  It can also be drastically different, one in which the only time you have with your children is the time you are scheduled with them.  You can only attend sporting events when the kids are on your time, you can only attend school functions that fall during your allotted custody time.  The arrangement you have throughout the year will really dictate the natural progression of the holiday season.

If you and your spouse can’t stand one another it is unfathomable that Santa will make just one visit to an agreed upon destination.  If this is the case and you find yourselves unable to put aside your differences you will have to create a new tradition with your children.  Maybe on the Christmas you don’t have the children Santa brings a destination vacation instead of presents.  Then during your allotted time you can go away with them and spend time making memories that have nothing to do with the normal holiday traditions.  On the years in which they celebrate Christmas with you consider going all out on traditional happenings found throughout the season.  The key is to be flexible.  Enjoy the time that you have with them instead of allowing the focus to be on the time without them.

No matter what your level of communication is with your ex it is always advisable to have a plan.  Choose to be proactive in planning for holidays, birthdays etc… and be willing to be the flexible parent.  This goes a long way with making the time your children have with you less stressful.  You may find that you are the one always biting the bullet especially when special occasions come up.  This is hard to take in at first but your ability to flow through these situations will stay with your children forever.  They will see you as the one sacrificing and the one easing their distress.  Choose to be kind and generous.  It is something that your kids will appreciate.

This being said you don’t have to be a push over.  Of course, if there is an issue it is best to meet with your divorce attorney and ask for guidance.  Maybe it is time to meet with friend of the court to work out a more suitable agreement, something that better addresses special occasions within the children’s lives.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Men/Dad’s in divorce.  For experienced representation throughout the divorce process in Trenton, Michigan and the surrounding area you can find more information at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerfordad.com.

Longton Law

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Easing Holiday Stress For Newly Divorced Moms

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The holiday season is one that brings enough stress with it all on its own without worrying about how you will handle certain events with your divorce being finalized.  Approaching the holidays after divorce, especially when you have children, doesn’t have to be filled with anxiety.  With a bit of preparation and the right mind set the first holiday season without your ex can be the best you have had in a long time.

Some things newly divorced moms worry about is family gatherings, parties of mutual friends and of course Santa’s visit.  The one thing to remember is that this is a year of changing traditions.  The things you were traditional for you and your family at holidays pasts will be memories to share and enjoy but this year will be about new traditions.  Creating a joyful, stress free holiday is the best present two parents can give to their children whether they are married or divorced.

Some couples get along better after their divorce is final.  If this is how you are with your ex that it may be just fine to continue to celebrate Christmas morning together so that you are both able to witness the joy of the season that is shared with small children.  Santa coming is a big part of a young child’s Christmas and therefore may be one time where you will choose to come together.

If this is not the case and you and your ex are unable to be amicable then spare yourself the stress of the above scenario.  Santa can and will visit two separate homes when situations arise that he needs to.  If this is the first Christmas in which you will be celebrating separately consider going on vacation or to stay with friends.  Gifts from Santa found under a different tree then the one shared with your ex may be just the ticket to make it through this very first Christmas.

To avoid issues when it comes to the two of you making holiday plans including the children make a solid action plan a few weeks in advance.  If this is not something that will be easy for the two of you on your own consider meeting with your divorce attorney’s and having a plan drawn up that is recognized by friend of the court.  This may be the only solid way that last minute deviations to the plan are avoid and the holiday remains uncomplicated.  Never leave things up to the children or adhere to a plan with a wait and see what happens approach.  Nothing good comes of this for your children.  They will be riddle with anxiety and you will be devastated if your plans are derailed last minute because of plans your ex miscommunicated with you.

Although your kids shouldn’t be left to plan the holiday season their school schedule and personal desires should be kept in mind while creating the grand plan.  If your children have always loved cutting a tree down do this with them.  This is something that they will enjoy doing more than once within the holiday season.  Who is to say that because it was something you did with your ex it isn’t something you can continue to do without them.

Above all remember that the holiday season is all about enjoying quality time with loved ones.  This is possible to do, after your divorce!  Take a moment to create the holiday season you have always wanted.  This year there is no limit or compromise.  Plan parties, bake cookies and decorate to the fullest extent.

Longton DM, a subsidiary of Longton Law Offices is a divorce attorney specializing in Women/Mom’s in divorce throughout Trenton and the surrounding Michigan areas. Find us at http://www.michigandivorcelawyerforwomen.com.

Longton Law

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All Season Care For Your Pools Plaster

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Caring for your in-ground pool is not something that should be overlooked no matter what the season.  Winter pool care is as important as pool maintenance is throughout the summer months.  One of the most important elements to your in-ground unite swimming pool is the plaster overlay.

The pools plaster is what keeps the water from leaking out of the pool through the gunite, concrete, pool shell.  If the pool were allowed to be filled without a proper plaster in lay the water would seep out through the porous concrete shell.  The plaster element of the pool is both functional and decorative.    Without the plaster the pool would not be as appealing to the eye.  The plaster gives a clean interior finish to the pool.  The plaster can be a variety of colors and textures. The texture in the plaster makes it so that the surface is non-stick.

Common Characteristics to In-Ground Swimming Pool Plaster

Plaster has its own texture.  Plain, white plaster when installed feels like the outside of an egg shell.  It is smooth but not slick.  It will not feel like tile does when it is wet.  Plaster does not have the polished, slippery effect when you have with tile.

The finish on your in ground pool is not meant to be flawless.  Plaster is a product of artists and therefore when applied should be viewed as a unique piece of art.  Plaster is applied by hand using a trowel.

When it comes to the construction of your pool the plaster is one of the most difficult parts of the project.  This on top of the visibility is what makes it such an invaluable part of the construction.  Don’t take short cuts or hire an inexperienced pool plastering company.

When your pool has a light installed you will notice more small imperfections in the pools plaster.  They will be magnified by the light.  Small imperfections, small cracks are normal and should not be cause for any concern.

When your pool is first installed it is advisable to keep the pool filled with water for the first two seasons.  You will want to take extra precautions with the pool’s equipment throughout the winter to avoid issues.  Keeping the pool filled allows the plaster to properly cure and age.

Pool plaster left without water is a disaster waiting to happen.  If you must drain your swimming pool for any reason it is important that you waste no time in making the needed repairs and then refill the pool with water.  The plaster on the pools surface should never go more than eight days without being full.  After eight days the plaster is more susceptible to drying out and cracking.

Caring for your in-ground gunite pool plaster throughout all four seasons will ensure that your pool is fully functional throughout the swimming season.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Pound Pool Plastering

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Winter Care For Your Driveway Gate Operators

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Folks in the north have already been experiencing some super cold winter temperatures this year. With colder temperatures comes the need to take special care of outside electrical systems. The cold weather is an obstacle for electronics. Most are rated for all weather conditions but when those conditions turn extreme as they have been in past years it is important to take special care to ensure that they remain unscathed by the frosty temperatures.

Gate operators that make it possible to remotely enter your community or driveway are one of the pieces of equipment that require special care when winter approaches. In order to ensure that the electronic entrance gate continues to work properly winter preparations need to be taken to prepare the gate operator. Here are some tips on how to properly prepare your electronic driveway gate for the northern winter climate.

5 Tips For Proper Gate Operator Care In The Winter

Before you have your gate operator installed be sure to ask questions related to how well the operators performs in inclement weather. Purchase an operator that is specifically made for the most extreme conditions your area has experienced. Purchasing a gate operator that is specifically built for your weather will help to ensure it remains functional throughout even the harshest winter conditions.

Inspect the belts that are used throughout the gate operator. If you see any signs of wear the belts should be replaced. Check the belt for divots, cracks and stress fractures. If any wear or the belts alignment is questionable it is time to replace the belt. Don’t have the wait until it breaks mentality. Prevention is the key element to avoid costly repairs later on. Also, working on gate operators is more favorable in weather that is not bone chilling.

In the late fall grease the hinges on the electronic entry gate. This is true of both swing gates and sliding gates. All fittings should be greases using sufficient lubricant. Check out the owner’s manual on both the gate and operator to be sure you have not missed any area that should be greased. If the gate sticks or is left to freeze this adds additional stress on the opening and closing mechanism. The gate operator will try to open the gate even when it is frozen. This will create a great deal of stress on the operator and the gate.

Inspect gears internally on the gate operator. Be sure to check the type of grease you are using to ensure it is the proper type for your operator. There are special lubricants that are created with your gate in mind.

The last tip should be fairly simple to achieve; use your gate frequently especially when temperatures are cold. When a gate sits it is likely to be prone to breaking. Using the gate keeps the hinges moving, the operator running and the inner gears stay flexible.

SAC Fence Michigan offers a variety of electronic entry gates, access control entry systems and fence options for homeowners to choose from.  You will find a variety of fencing options online at http://www.sacfencemi.com/.

SAC Fence

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Keep Seniors Aging In Place Safe This Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In today’s society there are fewer and fewer seniors choosing to live their lives in independent care facilities instead option to age in place as long as they possibly can.  When an older adult choose to continue caring for themselves there are special precautions that loves ones can take to ensure that they continue to be safe on their own.  Daily living needs change in the elderly including a person’s mobility.  This is a particular challenge when the winter months are upon us.

When an elder person lives on their own or perhaps in the care of another senior there are special challenges to overcome in the winter.  This is especially true with those seeking to live in more isolated, suburban areas.  As winter moves in the colder temperatures set in.  Seniors are highly susceptible to catching a chill because of their lack of circulation and with taking certain medicines.  Because of this it is important that we take several precautions to help older adults aging in place throughout the winter.

Often times cranking the heat is not an answer many retirees can afford.  To beat the chill without selling your soul to the utility company follow the suggestions below.

Cold air can find a way into the home through even the tiniest of holes.  When looking at keeping seniors warm without heavy duty age in place remodeling such as new heavily insulated windows try using winter weight curtains.  Keeping curtains closed at all times will help keep the heat in.  You can increase the warmth by adding weather stripping and plastic on older windows as well.  To compensate for the loss of light the windows provide be sure to add additional lighting to rooms.

Help seniors rearrange furniture in a fashion that allows them to avoid sitting directly in front of areas that are drafty.  Sitting directly in front of the path of a cold draft will guarantee a chill.  Instead move the furniture and that favorite chair closer to the sources of heat within the room.

Take loved ones out to shop for indoor winter clothing.  It is advisable that seniors choose clothing that can be layered that are both warm and comfortable.  Socks and slippers with grips are a must and can help save a lot of body heat from escaping.

Slippery steps and handicap ramps can make leaving the house incredibly challenging for seniors.  Hire a snow removal crew to come in and shovel as well as put salt in place.  The small amount that you will pay for this service is recouped ten times over with the money saved from hospitals stays with broken bones from falling on ice.

As with any other time of year it is important to put in to place a set of safety guidelines for elderly parents to abide by.  Winter presents challenges for everyone but especially those aging in place.  Check on seniors every day to determine if the heat is running and to ensure they are safe throughout the cold winter months.

The Home Doctor, based in Livingston County including Brighton and Howell Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from bathroom remodeling to age in place home modifications.  Contact http://glenmillerthehomedoctor.com/ today all of your home renovating needs.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

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Knives Make Excellent Christmas Gifts For Everyone

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts for your outdoorsman how many of you come up empty handed?  Buying something unique for him is often difficult without coming right out and asking him what he wants.  That takes all the surprise out of gift giving during the holiday season.  Shopping online with these awesome gifts in mind is a safe bet when looking for something different this year that your outdoor adventurer will love.

Many hikers and survival campers often forgo the comfort of a chair on their travels as they are too cumbersome and heavy. They leave comfort behind and settle for wet logs and hard rocks.  This does not have to be the case anymore.  There are many lightweight aluminum camping chairs that have been developed recently that fold up and condense compactly to add into your backpack.  Perfect for any backwoods camper looking to relax and keep their bottoms dry while enjoying a backwoods campfire.

Another present that is often well received is a good looking, comfortable pair of socks that are made to keep your feet dry and warm on their next adventure.  Purchase a pair of socks that offer natural wicking and odor resistance to help preserve the ambiance around that camp from being filled with rotten foot aroma.

Give the gift of warmth this year when you purchase a high quality fleece coat to help keep them warm while they are out fishing, climbing or on their next hiking adventure.  A classic fleece coat with a warm lining and water repellent treatment is better than most anything you can buy an outdoorsman.  Keeping warm is something that every adventurer treasures.

A solid rolling cooler is another option in gift giving that is useful and important in adventures of all kinds.  From tailgating to winter camping an insulated foam cooler that can take a beating and maintain food and drink integrity is something to celebrate.  Find a cooler with oversized wheels to help hauling it around easier.

Backwoods adventures always cherish the gift of updated tools.  Purchase a treasure kit filled with navigational tools that help for wilderness survival.  Multi-tool knife sets are incredibly useful and can be useful whether you are navigating the wilderness.  Tools are provided to open cans, eat, carve, tweezers and more.  A few more items to add to this tool box would be a mini led flashlight, magnesium fire starter, a mini compass and a small roll of duct tape.  This can all be stored easily on one small key ring and added to the outside of any backpack.

This is just a few schools of thought when it comes to purchasing Christmas gifts that are unique and require out of the box thinking in gift giving.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Knife Mule

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Getting To Know Your Computer

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Many computer users are complete novices.  Not everyone who has to use technology today really understands the components they are using.  Many can’t even begin to tell you the technical name for the screen that looks similar to a television that shows them an image of what they are typing.  Let alone the real name for the keys that resemble a type writer that they press that tells the big box what to make appear on the screen.

Basic computer hardware components are designed with the sole purpose for inputting and outputting data.  The following components are the basics that allow you computer to run in the manner that you have come to except and to accept as reasonable.  A better understanding of computer components will help you understand computer repairs later on.

Monitor

The monitor is the area in which the images from your computer are displayed.  The monitor resembles a television screen.  All of the pictures and videos that come from the computer are viewed on the monitor.  Newer monitors are made of flat screens or LCD screen that help to create crisp images and protect the users vision from the harmful radiation that older computer monitors that used CRT, glass tubes.

Keyboard

A keyboard is the piece of equipment that is used to input information into the computer.  It is connected to the computer using the USB port.  Keyboards can be used wirelessly or wired.  The keyboard is fitted with keys that represent the alphabet as well as numerical keys and random keys that are essential to send messages to the computer. Keys pressed in combination with one another send a unique message to the computer.

Mouse

The mouse is an external component of the computer that allows for navigation on the computer monitor.  The mouse is able to be moved not only from left to right and up and down but anywhere within the space on the monitor.  The mouse enables the user to point to an area and click to gain immediate access.

Central Processing Unit

The brain of the computer is known as the CPU.  The central processing unit is a piece of hardware that performs all of the operations and calculations.  The speed in which you wish the computer to work is dependent on the size of the CPU.  A central processing unit that is powerful can adjust to a higher number of tasks at one time than that of a smaller CPU.

Memory

An internal component of the computer is called its memory.  The memory will connect to the computer via the mother board.  The computer’s memory can be adjusted depending on the size of the mother board and the desires of the owner.  There are usually two extra spaces for memory on the motherboard to increase the computers performance.

Hard Drive

The hard drive is the internal storage device for the computer.  The hard drive is where everything is stored.  It saves the information so that you can access it at a later time.  If you find your hard drive space is limited you may want to free space by using an external hard drive for additional storage.  The hard drive is the file cabinet for your documents, pictures, movies, games and more.

Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

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Unique Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Christmas time is one of the most exciting and dreaded times of the year for all of us.  How many times it is your intentions to purchase something that is perfect for the ones you love but somehow you always feel you have fallen short?  Do you sit there Christmas morning watching all the intricately wrapped gift boxes open feeling a sense of dread when it comes time for them to open yours?  This year don’t be that gift giver.  You don’t have to be the giver that gets the courteous, “Thank you” when you have given yet another gift they hate.  This year purchase something that is useful and something almost everyone wants; purchase a knife online for them.

Some of you may be thinking there is no way you are getting Grandma a knife for Christmas but what you are forgetting is that there are a number of styles and options when it comes to giving knives as a gift.  Even Grandma’s love new cutlery.  It is important that when shopping online for knives that you think about the need the gift will fill and buy accordingly.  Knives and multi-tools are the best gifts to be given no matter what time of year but especially on Christmas.

Knives are useful which makes them a perfect gift.  Consider all the useless gifts you get year after year; another set of cuff links does no body any good and neither do those trinkets we get that collect dust all year.  Knives are something that are useful every day of the year.  There are thousands of ways that a knife can be used depending on the style you choose to purchase.  Pocket knives are handy to be carried everywhere.  They are helpful in opening letters, boxes as well as snipping strings and essentially a thousand other everyday tasks.  Knives can also be purchase for pure entertainment purposes as seen with throwing knives.

When you purchase a knife is can easily be personalized which is always nice when are giving a gift.  How many times do you receive a gift only later realizing you have no idea where it came from? Inject some meaning into your gifts by engraving them with a personalized message.

Many gifts that are given at the holiday are not unique nor special.  Socks, blankets, candles, lotion and more Christmas decorations are the opposite of useful or unique. Knives are a unique gift that is sure to surprise anyone from an outdoorsman to women to responsible teens.  A knife is unexpected and a present that will last and be useful for an entire life time.

Think about the classis Swiss Army knife you received as a gift all those years ago.  It is a classic that you have carried and treasured, possibly handing it down now to the next generation.  This is the type of gift giving that means the most during the holiday seasons.  With online shopping it has never been easier to find a knife for every gift recipient on your list.

KnifeMule.com is an online knife retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more.  For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Knife Mule

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