Livingston Reporting - page 280

Cleaning Gold Jewelry

Jewelry made out of gold does not tarnish like silver tends to however it does dull out with the accumulation of filth that builds up over time. The good news is that it is easy to restore the luster and shine gold is known for. Gold it the easiest material jewelry is made from to bring back its gleam with ordinary things that can be found around the home.

The first method is cleaning gold jewelry using dish soap.  Fill a small bowl with warm water, seltzer water or club soda and a few drops of liquid dish soap.  The carbonation of the seltzer water or club soda is better for loosening thick grime and build-ups.  Note that the liquid should be warm but not boiling.  Boiling water would be hard on fragile precious stones and may cause them to crack.  Soak the pieces in the solution for fifteen to twenty minutes.  It will soak into all the crevices within the jewelry loosening up the dirt.  After soaking, gently scrub the pieces with a child size toothbrush.  Rinse with the piece with warm water and blot the pieces of jewelry dry and leave them out to thoroughly dry in a safe spot.

Another method that works well to clean gold jewelry is using ammonia.  This is a more powerful cleanser and is best to be used only for deep cleaning.  This is not the method that should be used for weekly cleanings on your gold jewelry.  When using ammonia mix one part ammonia to six parts water.  This will ensure that the mixture will not be overly powerful.  The pieces should soak for no more than one minute as ammonia tends to be corrosive.  Remove the pieces carefully using a strainer and rinse with warm water.  Dry the pieces off with a soft polishing cloth and allow to thoroughly dry off in a safe spot.

If your gold jewelry includes gemstones that are glued in you will want to clean them using the next technique.  Gemstones that are glued in should never be soaked in water.  The water will loosen the glue and the gemstones will be compromised. Wipe gold gemstone jewelry with a soapy wet cloth and gently scrub the pieces. Rinse the pieces using a wet cloth and plain water.  Places the pieces on a soft cloth or hang them upside to ensure a thoroughly dried.  If the piece is not dried appropriately the water could lead to lost gemstones.

Another method that brings out the shine in gold jewelry is a mixture of toothpaste and water.  Take a small amount of toothpaste into the palm of your hand and mix in some water making a paste.  This can also be done in a small bowl.  Using an old toothbrush, take the mixture and scrub the piece of gold jewelry. Rinse with warm water and let the piece dry.  This is a quick method to remove grime and bring out the shine in gold jewelry and precious stones.

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/.

The Ins and Outs Of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

When it comes to roofing for your home asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for homeowners and roofing contractors alike.  The advantages that come along with asphalt shingles when compared to numerous other roofing materials are plentiful.  Advantages with shingle roofing ranges from ease of maintenance to the cost savings in materials and installation.

Upkeep and Shingle Roofing Maintenance

The most advantageous characteristic with asphalt shingles for homeowners is the ease of maintaining and keeping up with the roofing material.  With many different types of roofing materials there is a standard amount of maintenance required to keep the roofing’s appearance up as well as the function of the roofing.  With asphalt roof they continue to look fresh and updated for years after initial installation with very little maintenance and upkeep. Shingle roofing is also easily repaired if damaged from the weather and often does not require hiring a roofing contractor to repair the roof.

Shingle Roofing Installation

Roofing contractors have mastered the art of installing asphalt shingles.  They are the simplest of roofing materials to be installed.  A normal home can be stripped and re-shingles in one day.  Some varieties of shingles require special tools to install.  Asphalt shingles are durable, solid and are suited for a variety of roof designs.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Appearance

Asphalt shingling comes in a variety of colors and textures.  Any style home, no matter what can be shingled with asphalt while maintaining its true identity.  Asphalt shingling can be created to achieve the presence of natural materials while maintaining al of the advantages.  If you like the look of cedar shakes, wood, tile or slate a shingle can be created to take on the look and feel of the ideal material.  Why is this good you ask?  This is ideal for shingle roofs that wish to appear expensive while keeping with the benefits of asphalt shingle roofing.

Costs Associated with Shingling

Another major advantage of roofing shingles is that they remain the most inexpensive materials to apply to your homes roof.  Shingles are readily manufactured in large volumes so they remain a low-cost product to produce.  Roofing contractors are also less expensive to hire when installing shingles.  As mentioned earlier shingle roofing is easily removed and applied.  It takes fewer days to install a new roof or replace an existing roof with shingles.

Shingle Roofing Weight

Another advantage that comes along with shingles is that they are incredibly lightweight and durable in comparison to other types of roofing materials.  They are suitable to use in most any type of roofing structures.

These are some of the benefits associated with asphalt shingle roofing. They are easy to maintain to stay looking fresh and up to date as well as being inexpensive to manufacture and install.  The price of roofing is always going to be costly but using shingle roofing keeps the cost of materials and installation to a minimum while being a material that is durable and made to withstand a number of climates from harsh winters to warm summers.

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.

The Appeal Of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the most sought after materials for new roofs.  There are a number of benefits that make metal roofing appealing to both homeowners and roofing contractors alike.  When comparing metal roofing to shingle roofing you will find that the cost is almost double however the longevity of the roofing material more than doubles.  We will look deeper into metal roofing advantages and disadvantages throughout this articles.

As stated above metal shingling is known for its durability and longevity.  An asphalt shingle roof is warranted to last anywhere between twelve to twenty years.  This will be determined by the type of climate the home is located within as well as the shingle material that was purchased.  Metal roofs have been thought to last upwards of fifty years.  This is quite impressive when it comes to roofing longevity.

Metal roofing is created from materials that do not decompose and withstand the wrath of even the most difficult climates.  Shingles are created from fiberglass and asphalt granules. Shingle roofing literally starts to decompose the minute the roof is installed.  This will vary according to the climate in the area in which the roof is installed as well.

Metal roofing comes in a variety of colors, style, patterns and designs.  The choice of metal roofing you decide upon will come from any number of factors including the preferences with your region, the style of architecture that surrounds your home and neighborhood as well as the climate in the area that you reside.  Metal roofing can be found to match literally every homeowners needs.

As with asphalt shingling you can get metal roofing in a variety of styles to resemble a number of styles associated with roofing.  If you like the look of shakes, slate, tile, shingles or traditional vertical and horizontal roofing, metal shingles can be created to match your desires.

Another benefit to metal roofing is the environmental impact it has.  Asphalt shingles are slowly taking over landfills due to their inability to decompose.  Think about this picture.  In one year twenty billion pounds of shingles land in fills throughout the United States.  If you were to fill semi-trailers full of shingles, this would create an unbroken line of traffic from New York to Los Angeles and back again.  This is not the case with metal roofing.

Metal roofing comes from fifty six percent recycled materials from production to installation.  This is far superior to shingle roofing.  Metal roofing also lasts for over double the amount of time a shingle roof does which means less waste to fill our landfills.

Metal roofing is a premium material which means it adds value to your homes resale value.  If you are considering living in the home for quite some time after installing a new roof metal saves you the hassles of hiring a roofing contractor to install your roof once again.  With the use of metal you will install the roof once, increase the value of your home and never worry about the costs or hassle associated with roofing in general.

For more information on metal roofing consider looking online for local roofing contractors and metal roofing suppliers.  Getting quotes from a number of sources will assure that you get the best deal, warranty and roofing contractor to install your new metal roof.

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.

Regular Maintenance To Help Your Computer Run More Efficiently

When it comes to maintenance on our vehicles we already know that regular care and oil changes help keep the car running more efficiently. If you follow the scheduled provided the thought is that the car will run longer therefore saving you money on repairs or the cost of a new vehicle. It is so important in fact that each car comes with its own manual and specific mile counts on when to perform certain tasks.

This however, is not the case when it comes to your computer. This is a huge problem for those who are not tech savvy. We provide manuals and schedules for maintenance for non-auto savvy users but not on for a piece of equipment that people of all ages are using every day. This leads to the issue that often arises in computer repair service. How do you fix a piece of technology when it is on its last leg when a mere understanding of computer maintenance would have made a world of difference?

It is so important that computer users realize that instead of waiting for a crisis or problem to occur with their computer they should seek to do regular maintenance and keep up on the well-being of their computer systems. Whether you hire a computer specialist like you hire a mechanic or do it yourself here are so vital tips to keep your computer system up and running in top condition.

First things first make sure your computer is updated with the proper computer protection. You can choose to purchase anti-virus protection for your computer or consider the free online versions. Both can be scheduled to perform regular updates that work to prevent updated viruses from infecting your computer. Anti-virus protection helps to detect, remove and prevent spyware on your computer. A firewall can also be installed to prevent people and malicious programs from making changes to your computer system. The regular scans that are performed by these programs also help to find an eliminate infections.

Regular file clean-up is also necessary to help keep your computer performing well. This will eliminate build-up of files from websites and downloads which slow down computer use and internet browsing while increasing the overall speed of the scans that your computer is set to run regularly to update software and virus protection.

Disable startup programs that no longer are needed upon startup. Your computer will start to bog down when unnecessary programs are installed and continue to run upon start up. Programs get installed through mischievous practices that often go unnoticed by computer users. How many times have you been asked to download something that will supposedly make the computer run faster? I know I often get fooled. Many times when I am running scans I see a ton of programs in my computer history that have not been used for months. Many of these are secretly downloaded coupon menus and other crazy installations that I was not aware I had downloaded.

These easy steps and maintenance on your computer can easily save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Spring and Summer Maintenance For Your Lawn

As winter turns to spring and spring into summer there are several things that need to be done to your landscape to prevent it from looking run down.  Spring clean-up on landscaping as well as summer maintenance can turn an okay landscape into major curb appeal for your home.  Don’t think you have the time or drive for spring lawn clean up or summer maintenance?  Look into hiring a local landscaper to help.  Many landscape companies employ ground crews who are in charge of lawn mowing, mulching, brush clearing; the laborious work when it comes to a home’s landscape.  Don’t be led to believe that all landscapers only work to design and install the landscape for your home as most also provide year round maintenance to ensure that your lawn is in top shape no matter the season.

Upon your lawns initial spring consultation the landscape crew will come in and evaluate the lawn and survey the damage that was created from the winter.  This includes anything from evaluating the damage from animal waste and urine to moles and bare patches left from the harsh winter.  Most often patch seeding takes place as well as fertilization, aerate and watering.

Lawn maintenance teams in the north also look for “snow mold”.  Snow mold is a disease that occurs on your lawn when blades of grass become stuck together and prevent new grass from growing.  It basically created a grass mat that will need to be gently remedied.  This can be done with a light raking to the area and an early mowing.  This helps to break up the grass as well as mulch up the dead grass from your last mow before winter.  Mowing also helps to mulch in any let over leaves and materials that are still covering the lawn.  Of course a good light raking will help with this as well.

Any plants that are highly susceptible to frost should be left covered until two weeks after the last frost for your area.  The quickest way to ruin a beautiful rose bush is introducing it before the fear of frost is completely eliminated.  In some areas this could take until Memorial Day or later. Once it is decided that the fear of frost is gone the plants can be uncovered.  This is the perfect time to address the plants health.  First remove any dead or blackened areas of the plant then prune the branches down to healthy wood right above where the leaf buds.  Wait to add mulch to the area in order for the ground to warm thoroughly.  Mulching too soon keeps the cold around the plants root system therefore inhibiting seasonal growth.

Your landscape team will check over all plants, shrubs and trees in the yard and recommend options in care if needed.  The spring and summer seasons are meant for enjoying the outdoors and becoming one with your surroundings.  This can easily be achieved in your very own yard by hiring a lawn maintenance crew to provide care for your lawn and gardens.

The Significance Of Automatic Gate Entry Systems

With changes in society there has been a shift in thinking about automatic gate entry systems.  What once was a luxury is now becoming mainstream for the multitude of benefits provided to homeowners and business alike.  With the advancements in technology and the need for greater security people are relying on electronic entrance gates and fences more than ever.

The purchase of automatic gate system is a major investment.  Before purchasing and installing an electronic gate homeowners should look into the systems available as well as the space it is to be installed.  Consider the following questions when looking into the purchase of a new automatic gate.

Why should homeowners consider purchasing and installing gates?

When it comes to deterring trespasser and thief’s gate and fence systems are effective.  Not only do they help to keep unwanted visitors out but also work well to keep small children and pets in the boundaries of your yard. A gate is perfect for homes with extra-long driveways as well.  Even though it may be easily bi-passed without a fence attached, a closed automatic gate gives the subliminal message to keep out where as an open fence says “welcome”.

Many people question why an automatic gate is any better than a manual gate.  The answer to me is clear.  With a manual gate you have the inconvenience of exiting the car each and every time you wish to close the gate.  Naturally this inconvenience will leave many homeowners leaving their gate open therefore losing the security that the gate is to provide. An automatic gate and the ease of use it provides will lead to better security for your home and family. Also, automatic gates lock immediately upon closing.

To power your automatic gate you have a few options.  You can choose to use pure solar energy, a combination of solar and electrical power or straight electricity.  The power supply is located within the same vicinity as the fence and should only be installed by a gate contractor that is knowledgeable and trained in installation techniques.

The choice in how the gate opens is another thing to consider.  This most often comes down to the property in which the gate is to be installed.  Sliding gate work well on most driveways whereas swing gates need a flat driveway to work.  Overall sliding gates, in my opinion, tend to be the better option as far as function, ease of use and safety.  Swing gates however are most often a more attractive option.

Another thing to consider is the access control entry system you would like for your gate. Remote entry is the most convenient however not practical for visitors and people wishing to gain access.  There are several ways around this.  A key code pad can be installed and known visitors can have their own codes to enter the property.  This will help you keep track of who is on the property when you are not home. Another option is a call box in which visitors must be let in by the homeowners using remote access. There are several options to consider in regards to access control systems to choose from.

Overall you can see the many benefits for having an automatic gate installed.  Obviously top priority is the safety and security of your family.  A gate and fence system keep wanted people and pets in and unwanted visitors out.

Comfort Provided By Aging In Place

When it comes to growing old in today’s world things have changed a great deal from our grandparent’s day.  Growing up it was always talked about as my grandparents aged that they would move into an independent living facility and then directly into an assisted living home.  There was never a discussion about making it possible to retrofit their existing home to make is possible for them to stay safely on their own in their own home.  Today we do everything in our power to make the home that our elders live in as they age as safe as possible for them to continue to live independently.

There is a certain degree of dignity and freedom that our parents have when they are able to continue to thrive on their own without assistance from others.  This change alone leads many older people to prosper in health.  With this change comes the need for minor home modifications that are put into place to help assist in aging.  There are a variety of plans that can be implemented that assure a safe living environment for your loved one.  Here are some things to consider when thinking about renovations to a loved one’s home or to your own as you yourself travel through the aging process.

First consider the home that you live in and if it will be possible to live in the home as you age with a few minor renovations.  If you currently live in a two story home can you have an electric ramp chair installed on the stairway or does it make more sense to move into a home that has everything on one floor.  The problem with homes built on one floor is that they tend to have longer hallways.  If you do not have the strength to maneuver the length of the long hall way it may be better to have a smaller two story home with a chair that maneuvers the stairway for you.

If you choose a one story home and the long hall way is too much for you at times consider using a wheelchair or other wheeled cart for the length of the hall way.  This often is a lot easier and more convenient that dealing with the stairs.  Stairs, even with the use of a chair lift are often inconvenient.  The stair lift takes a great deal of time to maneuver in and out of.  This could be really inconvenient especially in an emergency situation.

All entrance to the home, rooms and shower areas should include a step-less entrance, a widened door jam and pocket doors.  Pocket doors are of course not an option with the main homes entrance but are necessary throughout the home.  Pocket doors eliminate the hinges and jam barrier as well as the inconvenience of the door opening in and out.

Bathrooms in homes that are being remodeled to provide ease of use for aging adults should be renovated to include heightened toilets, increased lighting and step-less, door-less entry into the shower.  A built in bench should be included as well as grab bars on all sides of the shower and exit. The shower is the number one place for accidents within the home so use caution when remodeling in this area especially when helping parents that would like to age in their home.

Every home remodel, every age in place scenario and every senior is different.  The challenges faced throughout the process on whatever level are unique to each and every family.  Be patient through the challenges and as always consider the contractor before hiring them.  Ensure that they are familiar with special needs remodeling and the guidelines put forth by ADA.

A Deeper Look Into LTL Shipping

What is Less Than Truckload Shipping Anyways?

Less than Truckload, otherwise known as LTL shipping is one method of shipping goods that don’t require an entire truck to be shipped. The shipment that is being sent can fit in a truck with other shipments and does not require an entire forty-eight to fifty three foot trailer to haul it.  Truckload and LTL services are similar in that they both offer different services depending on what the client needs shipped.  Trucking services include residential pick up and deliveries as well as lift gate services, guaranteed services, freeze protection, bottom line cost and transit to name a few.

With any shipping service, including LTL, products will move from one point to another using a variety of methods that include truck, air, railway and water.  When shipping within the United States, shipping via truck lends to infinite possibilities consider time and place.  There is no waiting on a railway and their defined schedule.  LTL shipping offers both flexibility and decreased costs when it comes to shipping.  Freight carriers in the U.S. operate in a manner that allows for truck load services or less than truck load services.  This allows small companies the ability to compete in the ever bustling and changing business world.

There are defined characteristics of LTL shipping carriers.  Many less than truckload carriers use van trailers and enclosed trailers to move goods for their clients.  Some but not many also offer refrigeration services.  This is less common in LTL shipping than in FTL.  It is common to see rear roll up doors in many vehicles specializing in LTL shipments.  The entrance area with these carriers is often times smaller than trucks that offer swing doors.  Some LTL carriers use pup trailers in hauling.  When using a pup trailer most LTL carriers will not accept anything from a shipper that is bigger than one pup trailer.  They can easily maneuver and pick up ad deliver shipments when using pup trailers.  Often times when full a carrier will pull tandem pup trailers to their destination making the most of their time on the interstate roadways.

Pup trailers allow goods to be sorted and stored then easily dropped.  The packages are sorted by destination and can easily be maneuvered throughout carrier terminals to their final destinations.  Many carriers use central hubs to collect deliveries from LTL shippers.  This allows the goods to be delivered using smaller carrier trucks.  Carrier trucks are designed to deliver packages while also picking up shipments that will need to be sent through the distribution channel out for delivery in another part of the country or world.

When you consider logistics and the world we live in it is simply amazing.  Business owners using LTL shipping methods to allow customers to receive their goods within a day or two of ordering it.  Instant gratification is something that is facilitated using the services of well laid out LTL shippers and carriers.  Think about how amazing the system is the next time you order something that has to be shipped from overseas or from a state thousands of miles from yours.  It is amazing how fast it can actually get from the sellers location to your door step.

Everything You Should Know About Remodeling Your Bathroom

When doing a bathroom remodel there is a lot to take into consideration.  Prior planning on any major home improvement allows the project to move along smoother but none so more than with a bathroom especially a master bath.  Below are some tips to help the renovation of your bathroom run smooth.

First and last, hire a contractor.  When taking on the remodel of a room that is used daily such as a bathroom or kitchen, minimizing downtime is the most important step in the process.  When you are trying to accomplish a remodel on your own and deal with the demands of everyday life it is easy to become overwhelmed and sloppy.  The expense added when hiring a contractor is often off set by time saved and the amount of a discount they receive when purchasing materials for your project.

The next step is to preplan as much as possible.  Purchase materials ahead of time.  When looking for faucets purchase quality and elegance.  It will sell well later on when you are ready to move and can be adjusted to fit into any style bathroom.  Looking for a tub?  Try it out.  This requires you actually getting into it, sitting, stretching out and taking into account everything that you will want the tub to serve a purpose for.  Larger tubs are needed when taking into consideration aging in place modifications.  This is all something you should consider.  Once the tub is installed it is too late to go back and redo the mistake without costing a lot of money and access time.

Bathroom flooring should be durable and able to stand the test of time even with the moisture and water build up that occurs in a bathroom.  Most often bathroom flooring consists of ceramic tile. Ceramic tile flooring is durable, up to date and varies in expensive making it a solid choice in bathroom flooring.

A nice toilet is a must for any bathroom renovation.  In stock homes the cheapest toilet is usually chosen.  For an extra hundred bucks or so you can increase the comfort of your toilet tenfold.  A toilet that is high is easier on the knees while a toilet that offers slant in positioning adds comfort.  Your bathroom especially in a remodel should add comfort to your lifestyle.

Another feature that is important in the bathroom is the lighting.  Lighting in a bathroom should always be adjustable.  Bright lighting is not always necessary but is nice when applying makeup, waxing or shaving.  Dim lighting is nice to add some ambience for a relaxing bath or when waking up in the morning.   Lighting is a very important element in most rooms throughout your home.  It is not something to overlook and should always be incorporated into the budget especially in bathroom renovations.

When renovating a bathroom consider the small details.  Don’t overdo it but consider adding some as they often bring the luxury to your home renovations.  One thing that sells a home is a luxurious master bath so it is important not to miss the mark!

Jason Foldenauer Construction offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contacthttp://www.jfcremodeling.com today all of your home renovating needs.

Advice on Remodeling Your Homes Kitchen

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular options when considering rooms to remodel in your home.  Upgrading your kitchen will update your home, add value and increase the ease of use.  Hire an experiences kitchen contractor; this is the number one tip anyone can give you when looking into a large renovation project.  Below are a few more to think about.

If you are going to proceed with any renovation in your home but especially with a kitchen remodel only use quality materials.  Top quality products with top notch construction mean that something as simple as your cabinet door will close correctly and never stick.  Purchase kitchen cupboards and cabinetry made out of solid wood.  Particle board will not hold up when used on kitchen drawers, cabinets or cabinet doors.  With something as visible and often used such as kitchen cabinetry you need solid construction and superior materials.

Consider the size of your kitchen when buying kitchen cabinets.  If you have super tall ceilings you can maximize kitchen storage by purchasing tall cabinets.  Extra storage is not something homeowners or future buyers will ever complain about.  Keeping a twelve to eighteen inch between the cabinets and the ceiling is an acceptable clearance.

When considering kitchen cabinets there is always a great debate on if to go with stain or paint.  Staining is the most forgiving option however they are not easily redone either.  With paint you get a unique finish that adds personality to your kitchen.  Cabinets that are painted also have the ability to easily be changed with a fresh coat of paint.

Kitchen countertops are another area where quality is so important.  Consider slate, marble, soapstone, granite or other solid materials when it comes to your kitchen counters.  Laminate is a cheap alternative for kitchens and should only be used if you must redo your kitchen and the budget doesn’t call for something higher end.  When using laminate consider adding wood trim to give the appearance of sophistication.

Another tip that is all too often ignored it the overuse of detail.  Accents used in the kitchen, not abused.  When it comes backsplashes, pediments over the stove and plaster molding on cabinets it can distract from the clean, airy feeling a kitchen gathering space should have. Choose one major detail that you want added to the kitchen and let it speak for itself.  A tile backsplash adds enough personality that you don’t have to overdo it on the rest.

Don’t over gadget your kitchen either.  Settle on a few key appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher.  If you want a blender, a toaster, a smooth maker, bread maker and every other appliance known to man install a lazysusan to store them so that they are easily accessible but not overwhelming the top of the counters.  Basic is always better when it comes to creating a kitchen space that is easy to navigate and entertain.

Kitchen remodeling is something that will take time.  To lessen the burdens consider planning the design and ordering the materials before construction begins.  This way the contractor will know what they have to work with from the start.  This is also a great way to create and stay within a budget.

Jason Foldenauer Construction 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 all of your home renovating needs.