Livingston Reporting - page 274

Backyard Gunite Pool Construction

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are designing any space in your home the process starts with research.  Ideas are found in a variety of spaces including magazines, the internet and sketches.  Ask friends, family and neighbors about their experiences with their in-ground swimming pools and the entire installation process. The more research that is done, as well as the more you understand what you want the easier the entire swimming pool project will be.  Being informed before you take the first step into pool construction will save you time and money throughout the entire process.

The process of installing and constructing a swimming pool is quite intimidating.  A swimming pool is a large financial investment and is not something that cannot be taken lightly.  The more information you know about the entire process from start to finish the more efficient your plan of action will be.

When starting your research it can be overwhelming.  Start by exploring local pool companies and the previous jobs that they have completed.  Not only do you want to see the work that they have previously done but you also want to see that they stay within a budget, time frame and that they are ultimately easy to work with.  Not only will you want to look at referrals but it is important to explore the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau as well as the reviews online from customers.  Looking at a company’s website also can be helpful when looking to find out more information about them and the services they provide.

Once the list of swimming pool contractors has been narrowed down create a list of questions to ask each of them.  Here are a few things to go over before you choose a swimming pool contractor to install your new swimming pool.

How long have you been in business installing and designing in-ground swimming pools?

How many swimming pools have you constructed?

Do you have any plaster swimming pool sites that we can visit in which work was recently wrapped up?

Purchasing a swimming pool is not only creates a large hole in your pocket book but also in the backyard of your home.  Be sure before the excavating begins that this is a commitment that you have not only researched but that you are also ready to care for.  No matter what type of pool is installed, plaster or vinyl, there is maintenance that comes along with it.  From the minute the ground is broke, the pool starts to take shape and the visualization of your dream starts to take place you are a pool owner.  Let the summer fun begin.

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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Upgrades To Your Gunite Swimming Pool

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Upgrades and renovations are a part of the interior and exterior of every home.  This is true even when it comes to your in-ground plaster swimming pool.  This is true even when it comes to your in-ground plaster swimming pool.  Every space within your home eventually needs some sprucing up.  With all the advances in swimming pool materials now maybe the perfect time to think about updating yours.  The question now is where to start.

Lighting is an important part of any backyard pool.  LED and fiber optic swimming pool lights are adding that wow factor to ordinary in ground swimming pools.  Installing lights underwater takes your swimming experience to an entirely new level.  The glow that is emitted throughout the water helps to solidify the mood and swimming experience.  You will never turn away from hosing another late night pool party.  Your outdoor living space will now be an outdoor oasis with lighting that accentuates your home and backyard.

Another common upgrade that is taking the swimming pool world by surprise is the upgrade of a salt water chlorinator.   This upgrade removes the need for liquid chlorine, chlorine tablets or granular chlorine and upgrades your system to salt water chlorination.  This type of system offers you convenience and clean water without the hassle.  To clean the pool, the salt in the chlorinator is taken and converted to chlorine using a simple chemical process.

Another upgrade that is common amongst plaster pool owners is the use of aggregate-finish pool plaster. The use of aggregate-finish pool plaster can help protect the gunite swimming pool from damage.  An aggregate pool finish offers variety in both color and design.  Enhance your pools visual appeal with a crystal, quartz or pebble plaster finish.  Not only will the upgrade to enhanced pool plaster look amazing it will help to extend the pools finish and life expectancy by a good twenty years.

Another swimming pool upgrade that updates your pool is natural stone coping and decking.  There is a wide variety of types of stone coping that will help to enhance your decking and pool area breathing new life into the entire area. If you are looking for a completely updated look that is dramatically different that anything you have seen before update your outdoor living space with natural stone coping.  The deck and pool area will completely transform with updated coping and decking.

With any upgrades to your home, backyard or landscape it is important to not only renovate but to keep up on the renovations with regular maintenance.  Your swimming pool will require maintenance but with upgrading to natural stone coping, aggregate pool plaster, a salt water chlorinator, and updated lighting; your backyard is sure to be turned into an outdoor paradise that can go on celebrating far into the night.

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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Choosing An Engagement Ring

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Is it time for you to shop for an engagement ring or bridal set?  If you are looking to surprise your significant other continue reading on for more information on shopping for the perfect ring.  A wedding is bringing two individuals and joining them into one; the engagement is the first step within this amazing adventure.  The ring you choose to propose with is significant as this one piece of jewelry will be worn each and every day for the rest of her life.  This one piece of jewelry will be treasured above and beyond others.  It is filled with meaning and holds substantial weight in her heart.

One major quest when searching for the perfect engagement ring is the rings size.  It needs to fit her finger perfectly.  In order to accomplish this you need to know what size ring she wears. This is almost impossible to figure out without raising suspicion but can be done.  You can draw the circumference of the ring out on a piece of paper or take in a ring she wears to the jeweler.  From either of those the jeweler will be able to size her finger.

The ring design is another key element.  Choose a style that matches pieces that she already wears on a daily basis.  Some women like simplistic jewelry, while other women choose statement pieces that scream, “Look at me!”  Purchase a ring that is designed to be worn daily but that is designed with her style in mind. Go for something practical, something classic and something simply amazing.

When you are purchasing an engagement ring you should also be aware of the four c’s of diamond buying; cut, clarity, color and carat weight.  There are a variety of cuts available for diamonds including some common styles such as the princess cut, the round cut, the oval cut, the emerald cut and the princess cut.  Different cuts look better on different hands; slender hands look great on princess cuts and round cuts while heart shaped and emerald cut diamonds look great on thicker hands.  The diamonds color and clarity should be clear with few imperfections and larger carat weight diamonds look better on thicker bands while thinner bands look better with smaller diamonds.

A budget is important as well when it comes to shopping for an engagement ring. Determining a budget will help narrow down the choices within the selection of rings you are looking at.  When looking to purchase an engagement ring be sure to look at online jewelers as well.  When trying to stay within a limited budget online jewelers can often help you get more ring for your buck. When setting a budget choose a range in which to stay within, this will give you flexibility as you search to find the perfect diamond engagement ring.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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The Significance Of Wedding Jewelry

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Weddings are something that most brides spend hours on end planning for.  There is meaning and significance found everywhere they turn.  There is importance in every aspect throughout the entire process; from getting married and choosing a ring to the honeymoon destination.  The magnitude of each moment involved in getting married is significant to a bride and groom.  One special artifact that will be forever with you is your wedding jewelry starting with choosing the engagement ring and ending with the wedding bands.

Brides often have little knowledge or input on choosing their engagement ring.  Some families have traditions of passing on engagement rings from one generation to another while others leave the sentiment in the past and move towards the future with a more modern choice.  There are grooms that feel in order to truly represent what they are feeling that a custom designed piece is the way to go.  Others seek to find a piece that they are sure their spouse to be will be head over heels in love with.  They do this using a variety of methods to assist them in finding out exactly what they want, often enlisting the help of her family and friends.

When a groom to be is looking for the perfect ring for their bride it is important that they seek to find out a variety of details.  First it is important that the style diamond that she likes, the type of metal she chooses to wear most often as well as how many stones a bride to be prefers.  Some like the idea of one single, large stone that stands out while others prefer smaller stones set with in the ring that are more subtle.  Narrow down the selection using the details you know she is comfortable with and desires.  This should help make your choice a lot easier as it will limit the selection there is to choose from.

After the perfect engagement ring is chosen, presented and accepted comes the significance of each and every other detail that is included in the planning of the wedding.  This includes pieces of jewelry that should be worn during the wedding as long as your wedding bands that will signify the never end bond and commitment you share with one another.

When choosing jewelry to wear on the wedding day find that one piece that can be worn again but that accentuates you as a bride.    Many brides choose a necklace or bracelet as this piece.  A statement piece for your wedding day that can be worn again is something that is incredibly traditional for brides to choose.

A diamond tennis bracelet can make any bride shine a little brighter and will compliment her diamond solitaire engagement ring.  Another treasured piece is a diamond pendant necklace.  Simplicity always reins when it comes to wedding jewelry.  Some of the simplest pieces turn into the biggest statement accessories on the big day.  Purchasing and wearing a piece that can be worn again is also something incredibly special, as each time the piece is warn you will remember the fond memories of the day you said I do.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

DaRoche Jewelers

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The Importance Of Roofing Ventilation

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are getting a new shingle roof one of the most important things to remember is the roofs ventilation.  It is super crucial to the life span of your roofing shingles.  With the weather that we experience here in the north we need roofing that withstands the heat of summer and the cold build-up of the winter season with accelerating the aging process of your asphalt shingling.

With proper air circulation and installation it will not matter what the weather outside of your home is the smaller the chance that your shingles will leak, blister, curl or rot.  With a licensed roofing contractor installing your shingle roof, on top of proper installation and air circulation you greatly increase the validation on your shingle manufactures warranty.

Using a roofing contractor to install your new roof is beneficial for a number of reasons.  One of the most important is that the workmanship warranty is more likely to cover a defect in your new shingle roof from poor workmanship.  If you feel the workmanship on your roof lead to any of the following first contact your contractor to make sure that they have a chance to rectify the issues you are having; from there you will be able to recoup money spent to redo the roof from: insufficient nail usage to secure shingling, poor shingle alignment, or improper vent and flashing installation.  This is very rare and when using licensed, reputable roofing contractors is often unheard of.

Workmanship warranties don’t cover pre-existing conditions or problems that occur that are not directly related to poor workmanship.  This would be the case with weather related conditions such as wind and hail, condensation, ice dams, defects from the materials used or structural problems from sagging overhangs and trusses that dip.

One defect that is not covered under a workmanship warranty is ice dams.  Ice damns come about from the continual cycle we experience in the north of freezing, thawing and re-freezing.  Ice develops on the peak of the roof and then melts during the thaw only to re-freeze at the edge of the roofing shingles.  Eventually this additional ice and snow builds up creating a dam affect under your shingles with leads to leaking.  Ice dams are produced from many different causes including improper vapor barrier which in turn does not allow excess heat to escape into the attic, air leakage through plumbing, lights and more, inadequate attic ventilation.

You can avoid ice dams by eliminating excess air leakage with the installation of vapor barrier and sealing air leaks that are visible.  When you improve the insulation in your attic you also improve upon the chance you will experience an ice damn.   Proper insulation keeps the attic cool which lowers the chance of melting snow that occurs with warm air leaking.  Another key aspect in avoiding ice dams and roofing issues is to reduce the humidity in the living space with your home.

Solutions to ice dams can often be expensive.  To ensure proper care and that your roofing issues are being properly handled it is important to call upon a local roofing contractor.  With the experience of a roofing contractor along with their knowledge of different roofing issues they are more equipped to tackle your roofing challenges especially if you experience ice dams.

When it comes to shingle roofing, metal roofing or in fact any type of roofing maintenance is involved in prolonging the roofs life expectancy. Your roof is one part of your home that is exposed to the elements and all weather conditions non-stop. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and three hundred sixty five days a year the climate affects your roof as it is exposed during each and every season: summer, fall winter, and spring.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of shingle roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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What You Need To Know About Your Shingle Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to creating an environment that is most conducive to the elements and to your roofs well-being you can add a few simple things to your roofing maintenance to help.  Cleaning eaves and trimming tree branches that come in contact with your roof are just two ways to help.  It also helps to keep areas free of leaves and debris that could potentially produce blockage and rot.  These areas include your homes dormers, chimneys, vents and plumbing stacks. At least two times a year hire a roofing contractor or get on your roof clear debris, maintain and reseal areas that are in need and repair your roof in all areas that need to be touched up.

There are several things you should know about the shingle roofing process.  When you are getting your new roof it is important to consider that your yard and home will be turned into a construction site.  As far as waste goes replacing your existing roof with a new roof will generate anywhere between five thousand and ten thousand pounds of waste. Roofing contractors take between one and three days to thoroughly remove and replace your homes roof.  Throughout the process your home till maintain a crew of men.  This means that you will need extreme patients throughout the new roof process to handle the vibrations, noise and roofing crew.

One question that every roofing contractor is asked during the installation of their roof is about the rain and if occurs during the installation of their new roof.  When it comes to rain and your new roof you should note that all contractors do their best to protect your home from the rain and in fact all weather elements.   When it is overcast or a chance of rain exists experienced roofing contractors will only open and work on a section of the roof that is easily closed off if the rain does come.  Experienced roofing contractors always check weather radars and keep track of patterns that exist as they are working on installing any new roof.

It is important to note that with any work being done on your home that the contractors should not only be licensed but also insured.  The roofing contractor that is installing your new roof should offer workers compensation for their employees.  If an employee is injured while installing your new roof they will be covered under their employer’s workman’s compensation policy as long as the roofing contractor is insured.  This is one reason it is so incredibly important that your roofing contractor is insured.

Your new roof and roofing shingles are incredibly important when it comes to the integrity of your home.  To protect your home be sure to look for roofing contractors that offer experience, insurance and workmanship warranties.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Getting The Most Out Of Your Product Label

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When it comes to product labeling there are so many aspects that one little label needs to cover. This is why it is so important that products choose a label that allows the company the most bang for its buck. Options in labeling are plentiful. Some options offer up more product space to display important product information than others. Not every type of product label is suitable for your industry or product. It is important to look at the industry options, consider your product and the advantages and disadvantages of each product labeling option.

Your product label is used to display directions on proper use, storage and handling of the product. Along with this important information the label is used to promote the brand image which helps create permanent product identification. Different industries are forced to use different labeling options because of the volatility of their products. For instance, when automobile manufacturers are looking to label products that must be careful to select a product label that is both heat and oil resistant. Frozen foods must use labeling that is waterproof where as beverage companies are prone to use labeling that offers a sealed cap. The label you choose will need to be suitable to your product to withstand the conditions the product will go through in all stages of the marketing process.

When creating a product label it is important that your design takes into consideration the practical purpose of the label. Not only is it important to create brand and product awareness but the product packaging and label should be useful. Provide information on your label that allows your brand to stick out and offer something unique.

Labels are used in a variety of industries and for a vast array of applications. Labels must be of high quality, offer a useful design and be beneficial to both end users and you as the business owner. If you are working with products that have special requirements and need to meet rigid testing the label should clearly state how your product meets and exceeds all industry standards. Not only are you looking to create a label with a catchy design for consumers but also to convey a message of safety and industry responsibility.

The most common use of product labels today is to increase brand recognition and to enhance consumer recollection of your product. It is just as important that your label is convenient upon scanning consumers at check out as it is that your product stands out above the competition. Not only are your labels promoting your brand, attracting consumer attention but also allows the customer to gain insight into your company’s brand and manufacturing process.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Proper Labeling Is A Key Element In Product Advertising

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the most important aspects of your product is advertising.   Your product is truly only as good as your marketing and promotions.  Without proper marketing the majority of the public would have no way to know what the product is, how it benefits them or where they can purchase it.  Your product label is one of the most significant aspects in maximizing your product and its exposure.

When it comes to labeling there are many options to choose from including some of the most common; cut & stack, pressure sensitive, roll-fed and shrink sleeve labeling.  One of the best types of labels with a variety of benefits is the shrink sleeve.

Branding is what identifies a company to its customers.  A majority of consumers will purchase products and services from brands that they are familiar with.  If your company sells cheese and moves into the salad dressing market, your customers will often follow.  Your brand is what is selling your products.  People associate product characteristics such as quality to the brand not necessarily the individual product.  Branding is created using custom labels such as shrink sleeves.  Shrink sleeves leave more room to promote different aspects of the product and brand.  There is three hundred sixty degrees of space from the top of the product to the bottom to promote all aspects of not only the product but the company’s brand.

Another overwhelming benefit in shrink sleeve labeling is the flexibility and strength of the label.  With traditional labels the products container must conform to a certain size and shape.  With shrink sleeve labeling the product label conforms to any shape packaging.  Not only does this allow you creative freedom with product packaging but also reduces waste and cuts down the chances of the product being damaged when shipped.  Your product is individually shrink-wrapped when using shrink sleeve manufacturing.

With new biodegradable materials shrink sleeves are manufactured using more environmentally conscious materials.  This along with the elimination or product labeling waste makes shrink sleeve labels a more popular labeling option than some more traditional options.  The extra protection that the shrink sleeve offers the product also eliminates the need for heavy packaging and wrapping thus decreasing the size of the shipment saving companies money.

Shrink sleeve labels allow the company to promote their brand as well as saving on money while continuing to be conscious of environmental needs.  With the money companies save using shrink sleeve labeling they can continue to develop products and enhance the company brand.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Creating A Product Identity

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The identity of products comes from a variety of things including the packaging and labeling. Both aspects play a fundamental part when it comes to creating an image for your brand within your group of customers. Every detail is important when it comes to the design of your package and the product’s label. If you fail to consider this the reduction in sales can be devastating to your company and product.

When it comes to your products your package there are four separate elements that it brings to light. Not only does the package promote the product, it is useful to consumers, while enabling recycling and reducing damage to the environment. All four of these elements are essential in marketing your company’s product.

Labeling allows your products package to deliver several messages about your product. On your products label you can promote benefits that your product has over the competition. The label is used to create brand goodwill with proof that your product and company share the same values.

An example of this is an image of a happy, healthy athletic family used on the label to promote a new type of healthy, convenient, easy to pack snack. The label speaks to consumers that see themselves and their families in the family on the label. Adding nutritional information that adds to the appeal is also helpful when creating a label that speaks to your target market.

When creating a product package and/or label another element that speaks volume for your company and product is the logo and color scheme. How is your product packaged differently from your competitors? A package that is shaped differently than others or has a catchy color scheme is important in differentiating your product. If your competitors are all into vivid, bright, outspoken colors and logos go in the opposite direction. Standing out isn’t always about being wild and crazy it is about being different.

Not only should your product packaging and labeling attract consumers but it should also be practical. Practicality is an important part of creating a product and establishing a brand. You see this in the market place with easy to carry packages for on the go consumers including packages that allow you to reseal leftovers for later. When designing a flexible package remember to take into consideration your product as well as the most convenient way it can be used by your customers.

Along with all of the above your products package and labeling should be cohesive with other products that represent your brand. The packaging and labeling should match your line in order to create unification amongst your brand. When consumers see your products logo, package and label should work together to create brand consistency.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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Supplies You Should Gather For Your Next Wilderness Adventure

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When it comes to gathering supplies for your next wilderness adventure one of the most important survival gear items you should pack is a solid knife.  When it comes to choosing a solid survival knife there are seven key elements you should look into before making a purchase.

The first element to consider is the knife tang.  A knife tang is the part of the knives blade that extends down into the handle.  Knives that are full tang are considered the highest quality of knives.  A full tang means that the tang goes to the base of the handle.  Full tang knives offer support and extra strength to the knife. Be careful with cheaper knives that are not full tang as they have the potential to break off if too much strain is put on the knife.

Another important factor when it comes to purchasing a survival knife is the knives handle.  Knife handles vary a great deal from hard rubber to bone.  Avoid purchasing a survival knife that doubles as a storage container, compass, time piece or anything other than a knife.  The knife handle should be solid, hollow knifes are not appropriate to carry when it comes to a knife that could possibly be needed in a life and death situation.

Consider the metal that the blade is made from.  Popular options include stainless steel and carbon steel.  Many survivalists have a preference but truly this comes down to what you are most comfortable with.  Stainless steel is a nice knife blade metal option because it is basically indestructible.  The main complaint is that stainless steel blades tend to lose their edge more quickly than their carbon steel counterpoints.  Although the blade will stay sharper longer with carbon steel be sure to note that carbon steel is more volatile and is quicker to rust especially when used in the elements.

The blade design is another option that you will have a choice in when deciding what survival knife to pack in your outdoor survival kit.  There are three options to choose from; straight blade, serrated blade or a combination of the two.  This is a personal preference and will be best determined based on how you are going to use the knife.  Straight blades are easier to sharpen however serrated blades are better at ripping through tough materials.

Look into different length blades when purchasing a survival knife.  The average range will fall between six to twelve inches and is completely personal choice.  This keeps the knife in an easy to use and carry size. Anything larger than this and it becomes difficult to carry and use effectively.

Purchase a knife blade that is between 3/16 and 4/16 thickness.  Any less than that and you will have flexing in your knife blade.  Purchase a knife that the blade is thick enough that it does not allow for flex and that will be solid enough to withstand the abuse it will take if it is needed to chop wood or be used for prying.

When looking for survival knives consider the knife sheath.  There are three attachments to carry the knife on your person or that allow the knife and blade to be stored safely within a backpack.  A lower attachment straps the knife to your leg or backpack via a hole or attachment piece.  Survival knives can also be carried via a sheath that attaches around your belt or a lanyard attachment as well as a crossover strap.  Consider the most comfortable method to carry your survival knife that also allows for ease of access.  You never know what situation you will fall into when exploring on your next wilderness adventure.

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

Knife Mule

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