Livingston Reporting - page 281

Living Life Without The Hassle Of Glasses Or Contact Lens

If you are one of the millions of people that are living life with the hassles of wearing glasses and contacts I bet you are also one of the million that have thought about Lasik eye surgery.  Lasik is a procedure used to correct vision by reshaping your cornea using a laser. The cornea of your eye is the clear round area that is shaped like a dome in the front of your eye.  Lasik improves the way the eye centers light onto the retina.  Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or Lasik for short is growing in popularity for the many ways it eases the life of contact and eye glass wearers.

There are a few things to think about before going ahead with Lasik eye surgery.  Below you will find a list of the top items to consider before making an appointment with your Lasik eye doctor.

As with any surgery there are complications that can arise.  Take this into consideration especially with elective procedures.  Lasik eye surgery is a procedure performed on one of the most delicate areas of the human body, the eye.

Lasik is not able to be reversed.  If you are unhappy after the procedure has been done you cannot undo it.

Laser eye surgery has been done and will continue to be done by millions of people. This being said however, Lasik is not a procedure for everyone.  Do not be persuaded by the sheer volume of people who have gone done it before you.  Make sure Lasik is something that is beneficial to you and your lifestyle.

If you are looking for perfect vision make sure you understand that Lasik does not guarantee perfect version.   Nine out of ten patients report vision between 20/20 and 20/40.  This however may not be clear, sharp and in focus enough for some precise work or some detailed leisure activities.

Be sure you understand your personal vision issue before you go forth with Lasik.  The laser eye surgery does not correct or prevent all issues you may have in regards to your vision. Presbyopia, also known as age related focusing power for seeing items near cannot be corrected or prevented.  With this being said note that even after Lasik you may find yourself wearing reading glasses later in life.

It is possible overtime for the benefits of Lasik to diminish and for a retreatment to be needed.  This happens to about ten percent of Lasik patients.  Although this is incredibly rare it is a possibility and is something to consider before having the surgery.  This is most likely to occur in patients with incredible nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Another consideration is that Lasik eye surgery is not covered by most insurance companies.  This means that the cost of the surgery is out of pocket.  The good thing is that most Lasik eye surgery providers offer payment plans as well as credit options that make the surgery feasible.

Lasik surgery is a blessing for so many people that have been living their lives with the use of contacts and glasses.  Laser eye vision correction gives patients a chance to live an active lifestyle without the hassle surrounding contact lenses and glasses.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology in eye surgery available to suit your lifestyle.  To see what the leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery has to offer you can find more information at http://www.michiganlasik.com.

Precautions After Lasik Vision Correction

When it comes to advancement in medical procedures one that stands out is Lasik eye surgery.  Throughout the past decade eye surgeons have been working together to correct eyesight permanently using lasers to reshape the corneas thus taking away the need for glasses and contacts. Lasik eye surgery is completely pain free and requires only minor, temporary changes to your lifestyle in order for your eyes to heal.  Avoid the following activities following your Lasik eye procedure to prevent complications from arising.

For the first few weeks after your Lasik eye surgery you should take great care in avoiding bright light.  Your Lasik eye surgeon will provide you with a pair of dark sunglasses that should be warn all the time.  They will help create dim light that your eyes can easily adjust to.  The sunglasses are meant to block out bright light, including sunlight as well as protecting your newly operated eyes.

Your Lasik doctor will also supply a pair of sleep goggles.  These goggles should be warn for at least two weeks anytime you are sleeping.  The goggles are provided to keep you from damaging your eyes.  They protect against nighttime rubbing, scratching and accidental poking.

As a new Lasik patient you will be required to sit out driving for a few days, especially nighttime driving.  The healing process after Lasik is not long or complicated however as with any surgery or procedure you will require patience.  It may be hard to be dependent on someone else to drive you when needed but it is advisable until your eyes are completely healed.

Women that undergo Lasik treatment should avoid all make up and scents for at least two weeks after the surgery.  Make up irritates the eye area and can slow the healing process.

Keep your eyes moisturized at all times.  Eye drops are an essential part of the healing process.  Adding drops to your eye will promote hydration as well as keeping the area moist.  Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the eye drops to the area to avoid passing germs and bacteria to your healing eye.

Another consideration after Lasik is exercise.  You will want to avoid exercise at all for the first few days after Lasik.  After that slowly start exercising again avoiding strenuous activities.  This helps with the healing process and gives your eyes adequate time to adjust and heal.

Avoid showering for the first few days after Lasik.  If you must shower avoid washing your hair and facial area close to your eyes.  Goggles should be warn in the shower as a precaution.  You will want to avoid harsh chemicals as well as directly washing the eye area. It is also so important to continually wash your hands to keep free of any bacteria.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology in eye surgery available to suit your lifestyle.  To see what the leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery has to offer you can find more information at http://www.michiganlasik.com.

All About Gunite Swimming Pools

Swimming pools that are built into the ground are often made from a mixture that includes cement. A gunite swimming pool is created by mixing cement, sand and water together then spraying the combination onto the surface using pneumatic pressure. It is held onto the surface by a frame created out of rebar. Together the rebar frame along with the gunite mixture is what creates the base of the pools structure. A plaster surface, often referred to as marcite is added to finish the pool.

Plaster creates a waterproof barrier that gunite alone does not have. The pools plaster should be applied by a team of professionals to guarantee that plaster surface is thick enough that it does not allow water to seep out. If the plaster is not thick enough the entire pool will need to be drained to repair the plaster hence stopping the water loss the pool is experiencing. This is a hassle that homeowners can avoid by hiring a reputable pool plastering company.

One piece of advice I like to give new pool owners, especially those with gunite pools is to never drain your pool without first having professional instruction or hiring a company to help. A pool is not drained properly can end up with extensive damage to the pools surface, plumbing and surrounding area.

Cracking is a common problem in gunite swimming pools. Cracks occur when water seeps into the ground behind the gunite mixture from the ground above and is allowed to seep in over time. With changes in the temperature the structure expands and contracts thus overtime causing cracks. Ground shifting from changes in the water table, earth quakes and erosion from floods, freeze/thaws.

In order to prevent water seepage from the cracks in the pools marcite it is important that the gunite pool be repaired. This can be done using several repairing methods depending on the exact issue. If the plaster is in poor condition the pool plaster will need to be replaced. If the leak is small however it can often be repaired using a waterproof sealant. It is important that the proper technique is used when applying the sealant.

Cracks in the plaster can also be filled using pressurize polymer that adheres to the structure becoming a flexible hinge. This is then touched up by applying a coating of plaster in the desired thickness. A large crack in the plaster is a bit tougher. The gunite structure will need to be stabilized, and then the above technique can be applied.

With proper care of your gunite pool the pools plaster surface can stay in good shape and be maintenance free for years. Proper care includes the correct ph balance for the water, proper cleaning and upkeep on the pools internal systems. To keep the pools water in balnce it is best to check the water every few days or when water is added to the pool. Additional water from heavy rains can often cause an imperfect balance to occur in the pools water that will need to be quickly corrected to avoid damage to the pools surface.


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 http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Refinishing Gunite Swimming Pools

When a concrete swimming pool is put into the ground the cement needs to be covered to protect the pool surface. Gunite pools, commonly referred to as cement or concrete pools are covered with marcite, a plaster composed of white cement and crushed marble. The plaster is an important piece of the gunite pool puzzle as it provides the surfacing to the pool. That being said the plaster requires a certain amount of care when it is applied. Below you will find a guide on caring for your newly plastered pool.

After your pools plaster has been applied by a professional pool plastering company, the company will start to fill your pool. The plaster is cement based and as with cement will require a curing stage of about fourteen days. Filling the pool with water up to the tile helps the curing process and reduces shrinkage and cracking. The proper way to fill the pool is by using a hose that has a towel fixed to the end of it placed in the deepest part of the pool. The more hoses you have filling the pool the better.

Once the pool is completely full up to the tile you will begin the process of brushing the pool plaster. Purchase a nylon bristled pool brush to thoroughly brush the entire pool including the pool walls, floor, steps and seats. It is impossible to brush the pools plaster too much. It is best to complete this process at least three times a day. While you are brushing the pool it is normal for the water to become cloudy and filled with dusty materials. Continue brushing and maintaining the chemical balance as this will keep the dust from turning hard on the plaster. The pool should not be swept until all of the sediment is clear.

The pools filtration system needs to be turned on right away after the pool has been filled. You should continue to run the filtration system non-stop until the water is completely clear. Run the pools bottom suction as well. Continue to check the pools filter and clean it often to ensure that debris does not clog it creating a problem with the system. Once you clean the filter be sure to restart it so as not to interrupt the filtration of the plaster debris from the pool.

One of the most critical parts in maintaining your pools new plaster is encompassed by the pool water chemical balance. It is wise to have the pool water checked daily while the new plaster is curing. Along with making sure your pool chemicals are properly balanced add a chemical into the pool water that helps prevent stains as well as acting as a metal magnet.

When it comes to your pools new plaster it is critical that you follow the above advice of brushing the pool, running the filtration system and chemical balance to the pools water. Following the advice above will help keep the pools plaster free of discoloration.

 

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 http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Accessory’s For Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life. All eyes are on you. It is fascinating as well as a bit scary and intimidating. For brides that are not accustomed to being the center of attention it can be a bit overwhelming. Every detail is important on your wedding day especially when it comes to how you look and feel. When you are a bride that is not used to pulling accessories together matching jewelry with a dress as well as a hair style and appropriate make up can be a tremendous stress.

When it comes time to think about accessories especially your wedding jewelry there will be a lot to think about. Even without a lot of practice in purchasing jewelry with a little guidance you can find something that you are in love with and that is stunning with your dress, hair and makeup.

First think about any bridal jewelry or pieces that you have been handed down. Often time’s sentimental jewelry is the best option to start with when considering bridal jewelry. A piece of jewelry that has been handed down from generation to generation often changes to match the bride. It is amazing how it happens. If you don’t think you can wear the same earrings your grandma wore when she walked down the aisle in a lengthy lace gown with your strapless tulle you may want to reconsider. Check it out all together before you discount any heirloom piece you may be considering.

No matter what style dress, unless of course you are wearing a high neck or halter, can be accessorized with a simple necklace. If you have an incredibly intricate wedding dress choose a super simple necklace. If your dress is incredibly plain you can choose to accessorize with a minimal necklace or to go with some extra bling to bring attention up to your face. If you find that you have a dress that is pretty detailed you won’t want to accessorize with a necklace that draws attention up. You will want to leave eyes on you in your dress as that is most likely the reason you fell in love with it in the first place.

When it comes to earrings you will really want to consider your hair style and then the dress. If you are going to wear your hair pulled back away from your face it is appropriate to wear more intricate earrings. However if you are thinking that you want to style your hair down or half up, half down keep the earring choice simple and stick with studs. You will already have enough going on with your hairstyle to forgo glitzy earrings.

Bridal jewelry, like every other detail with your wedding is dictated by you. When you are purchasing pieces for your wedding consider purchasing pieces that you can wear in your everyday life as well. A pair of diamond stud earrings and a simple diamond pendant necklace can be bridal jewelry one day and an everyday staple accessory the next.

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/.

Wedding Jewelry Considerations

It’s that time of year, wedding season.  The spring and summer season is a busy time of year for many different types of celebrations including getting married.  Jewelry becomes a hot seller amongst online jewelry companies as well right around this time, coincidence? We think not.  The truth is that wedding jewelry is usually one of the last things that brides and groom purchase.  It is best to wait until the brides dress and bridesmaid dresses come in order to get a true feel for them.  Once you make some final decisions with the dress in hand about things as simple as your hair style you will be better set to make decisions on bridal jewelry.

What you choose as far as bridesmaid’s jewelry is significant as you want it to not only fit with the style of the dress and occasion but you also want it to be something that they will treasure and find use for in the future.  There is a lot to consider such as the style of your wedding; is the wedding super formal or more laid back and casual?  Also consider the time of day, the dress that was chosen, hairstyle choice and wedding theme.

When looking at the style of the wedding choose appropriate pieces.  A chunky statement piece may not be as appropriate for a casual wedding as it would be for a formal occasion.  Casual weddings call for a more understated approach to jewelry.  With a casual or intimate wedding a simple pair of studs or drop earring with a pendant necklace is most appropriate.

The theme and color of the wedding should also be a consideration when it comes to bridal party jewelry.  For instance as wedding that is beach themed jewelry could include pearls or shells combined with crystals.  Or with a vineyard wedding you could bring in a hint of color based around the dress and wine that will be served.  There are elegant ways to bring the theme of your wedding into your choice of jewelry for your bridesmaids.

A wedding I attended recently was placed in a grand garden setting.  The bride chose to give each of the bridesmaid’s elegant jewelry fashioned to resemble the flower.  It was beautiful, classic and tied together in the most stylish manner without being too much.  The earrings were small silver drop earrings shaped in a belle just like the bud of the flower.  The necklace was a more elaborate piece using the belle shape that was represented in the earrings mixed in with a combination of silver, crystal and pearl.  Stunning is the only adjective to describe the jewelry.  Come to find out after the wedding the groom had also had a ring made for his bride fashioned in the same design as the jewelry she had given her bridesmaid.

Consider the dress neckline as well as the hairstyles that your bridesmaids will be wearing.  If hair is going to be swept up it is feasible to do a chunky earring however if hair is going to be warn loose and down it is best to stick with a simple understated stud earring.  The same is true for a necklace. If the top of the gowns are heavily designed there is no need to have a drastic necklace however with a simpler gown a necklace can bring attention up to your face.

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/.

All There Is To Know About Shingle Roofing Part Two

In our last installment on shingle roofing we learned a great deal about the different types of shingles including fiberglass and organic. We also learned about the different options including three tab shingles and architectural shingles. In this installment we will look into the different styles, colors, durability and cost of asphalt shingle roofing.

When it comes to the style of your roof it is getting harder and harder to tell when shingles have been applied. Improved technology in creating asphalt shingles has created shingles that mimic the look of several other popular styles of roofing material including slate, wood shakes and tile. Asphalt shingles can also be shaped to mimic certain styles including scallops that compliment Victorian style homes or squares those suite Colonial homes. Asphalt shingles are available to suite just about any style home or style roofing you are looking for while continuing to be cost effect and durable; both important features of asphalt shingling.

Another area that asphalt shingles has going for it is the selection of colors available. Depending on what color and style your home is there is a complimentary color of asphalt shingle available to enhance it. You can find a variety of tones ranging from gray to black, tan to beige, and red to brown. Manufacturers of shingles are also mixing light and dark tones to compliment your homes style. Many roofing contractors have software available that will allow you to actually “try” the color on your home before you purchase the materials.

Shingle roofing comes with a variety of warranties as well. The shingle warranty is equivalent to the durability of the shingle. Consider the shingles warranty carefully. Roofing is expensive and is not something homeowners want to take part of on a routine basis. Climate, roof pitch, sunlight and regional changes can all affect the durability of your shingles. Consider the style of your roof, your climate and above factors when considering the shingle warranty you will be looking for in your homes shingles.

Replacing your homes roof is not an inexpensive task. Roofing materials and labor is expensive no matter where you live. It is especially pricey in areas where you are limited by seasonal changes as to when you can replace your roof. The average ten by ten section of roofing can range in cost from one hundred dollars to two hundred dollars. There are several factors that go into this cost including the pitch of your roof, the material chosen, if you are shingling over shingles or if you have stripped the roof as well as the warranty given on materials and the roofing contractor’s labor.

The best advice when it comes to roofing is to purchase top grade, high warranty shingling that is backed by a certified, licensed roofing contractor. Even if it is a bit more expensive you save yourself all the time, money and hassle of having to replace your roof again the future. Once you replace your homes roof once you will understand that it is not a process you will want to have to endure every ten years.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs. You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

All There Is To Know About Shingle Roofing Part One

There is a lot to know when it comes to your homes roof especially when it comes time to replace it.  Shingles are the most common type of roofing seen in the North.  This comes down the simple fact that when it comes to roofing material shingles are durable, readily available and one of the least expensive roofing option.

When it comes down to shingles there are two basic types which include fiberglass and organic shingles.  Fiberglass shingles are created using a fiberglass matting that is weaved together, covered with an asphalt coating and coated in ceramic granules.  The asphalt coating helps to protect your roof from the weather by creating a waterproof barrier.  Ceramic granules help protect the roof from harmful ultra violet rays that can quickly deteriorate roofing materials that are left unprotected. Fiberglass shingles are a durable, lightweight option in roofing.

Organic shingles are similar in look to fiberglass shingles but differ in how they are made.  Organic shingles are formed using a mat that is created from recycled felt paper that has been layered together. The felt paper is saturated with asphalt to create a waterproof barrier.  The organic shingle is then coated with asphalt that is embedded with ceramic granules. Organic shingles are produced with forty percent more asphalt than traditional fiberglass shingling.  Homeowners will find organic shingles are more flexible, rugged and environmentally friendlier that fiberglass however less absorbent which can cause some warping over time.

When it comes to the size of shingles you will find that no matter what shingle material you are using be it fiberglass or organic that they will measure about twelve by thirty six.  Although they are all the same size there are two different styles including a three tab shingle and an architectural shingle. Three tab shingles can be recognized by the cutout tabs that make up their long lower edge.  This style creates the look that each shingle is a separate piece although it really is only one strip.  This style is the most popular and common in shingle roofing.

Architectural shingles do not have tabs however the lower portion of the shingle is laminated with an extra layer of asphalt.  This gives a contour look to the shingle and offers dimension to the roofing.  The asphalt creates a bond that seals the shingles together with the other layers of shingles.  Architectural shingles are not good for every type of roof. Be sure to talk with your roofing contractor if you plan on going with architectural shingles to ensure that they are a good choice with the slant of your roof.

In our next installment on shingle roofing we will look into different shingle styles, colors, durability and costs.  There is so much to take into consideration when you are looking to replace your homes roof.  It is one of the most expensive repairs needed in home maintenance and upkeep.  Choose roofing material based on research and recommendations from the roofing contractor that you hire to install your new roof.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Buying A Pocket Knife Part One

A pocket knife is one of the most efficient tools that you can carry around with you every day. For thousands of years knives have helped people cut food, hunt for dinner, open boxes, cut seatbelts in emergencies and a number of other tasks. This could be why choosing a pocket knife may be so hard. It also could be so hard because the variety of options available to consumers. This is a start on a series all about pocket knives. Each aspect of the pocket knife will be examined. Finding the perfect pocket knife is a bit overwhelming but hopefully this series will help you out.

The first part of the pocket knife that we will explore is the number of knife blades. There are three different variations including the single blade pocket knife, the multi-blade pocket knife and the multi-tool knife. The single blade pocket knife can come in a variety of shapes and sizes; it is the epitome of everything a pocket knife is. If you are looking for a simple a single blade pocket knife is a good option to look into. A single blade knife focuses on the design of one large blade. Most include a spring loaded mechanism that easily opens the blade and a locking device that makes the knife sturdy. The lack of variety in the blade might be the only disadvantage of the single blade pocket knife.

Multi-blade pocket knives enable you to have the benefits of different style blades all tucked in to. You can have anywhere from two to four blades that can range in variety from traditional blades to drop point blades. This style knife is good for those people who wish to have options. The one difference between a single blade and multi-blade knife besides the obvious is the strength of the blades. Multi-blade knives tend not to be as durable as one blade knives.

A multi-tool knife, also known to many as the Swiss Army Knife, is a pocket knife with several different knife blades as well as a multitude of different tools. If you may need it the multi-tool knife has it. They can come equipped with small saws, tweezers, tooth picks, can openers, scissors, wine openers, nail files and magnifying glasses. It is originally a knife that was carried by soldiers in the field as they needed a tool that could perform more than one task like the single blade knife. Many people who consider themselves jacks of all trades carry a multi-tool knife in their pocket. It is a tool that can be carried when you aren’t sure what you are going to need.

In our next installment on pocket knives we will look deeper into the different types of edges that pocket knife blades can come with. We will look into the different size blades that are available as well. There is so much to the pocket knife. It is amazing that something so small can have such a rich history as well as such variety.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in pocket knives from top brands such as Case, Boker, Cold Steel, Ka-bar and more. For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visit https://www.knifemule.com.

Camping In Minimalist Form

I love camping as it allows us to get away from all the things that keep us in our materialistic lifestyles. The problem is that those materialistic things are marketed to us, the minimalists. Think about the last time you have gone camping and actually roughed it? That is what I thought, NEVER! Fact is most of us go camping and end up lugging all the “necessities” with us. We end up setting in the great outdoors surrounded by all of the luxuries we were hoping to escape. The truth is when it comes to the minimalist camping lifestyle allow yourself space to explore what it is like to go without. Prove to campers that over-packing is over rated and with the great outdoors being a minimalist is the only way to explore nature.

First things first, it is important that you remember camping is all about roughing it. When exploring the great outdoors consider adapting what nature offers to you and make so with it. The comforts of home are increasingly cumbersome when it comes to exploring nature. Don’t become the camper only interested in the latest gear. Be the camper that doesn’t get overwhelmed when they walk in to the camping retailer outlets. When camping camp with minimalistic expectations. Minimalist never consider walking around with more than they absolutely need. Extra gear to a camper who is truly in it for the experience is just clutter and waste.

Being a minimalist camper allot yourself a ten pound bag. More than that is an overkill. Your bag should only carry the bare minimum that is needed for you to be comfortable. In it pack clothing, extra shoes, bathing needs and anything you absolutely require. The basic rule in minimalist camping is that if you can’t pack it up in five minutes and carry it more than five minutes without wanting to set it down you have packed too much and you must lighten your load.

The next thing you need to consider is what you will need to survive comfortably at a campsite. Remember you need to keep in mind what you are able to carry in. As far as sleeping accommodations consider the size of the tent that you absolutely need. Only take what you need to sleep comfortably. You don’t need space for living and eating etc. As well as a tent to support the number of people sleeping you may also want to consider bringing a tarp along for incidentals. Keeping supplies dry is as important as keeping yourself dry.

When it comes to sleeping you will need one sleeping bag per person. If you are considering packing only a lightweight sleeping bag make sure that you have packed layers for sleeping clothing. Speaking of clothing, consider the fact that camping is about the experience and not what you are wearing. Consider wearing the same outfit more than once. When utilizing this technique it is important to use deodorant as well as layers of clothing to change as the temperatures change. Underwear can be reused with a quick cleansing using the soap and water or a river and they can dry in the sun.

Cooking and finding food is a bit more complex with minimalist camping. One small stove burner, propane and pan is really all you need to survive in the great outdoors. This along with a survival knife, some paracord and fire starter will prepare one heck of a meal. Consider packing some dry food goods as well as some cans of food, this along with the food that you hunt or fish for is the perfect combination for camping.

It is amazing what you don’t need when you camp. Camping is all about the experience and enjoying everything nature has to offer. It is important that you realize that survivalists have lived years without the conveniences that we now enjoy. Consider the minimalist approach on your next camping trip.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in outdoor survival gear including paracord, fixed blade knives, water purification and waterproof matches. For more information on brand name knives, cutlery and specialty gear visithttps://www.knifemule.com