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Make Your Home’s Exterior Look Great

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While a lot of people are happy to make the interior of their home look good, they often fail to consider their home’s exterior. If you would like your home to look good, you need to make sure you spend some time on its exterior. The good news is this article can help you with that.

Replace the Roof

If your home is looking like it needs a little love, consider replacing the roof. This will help it appear to be in better condition. It will also ensure that your home is well insulated. If you cannot afford to replace all of the roof you might want to replace the worst tiles or shingles. A newly fitted roof will help your home to look a lot more modern.

Clean the Driveway

If you would like a simple solution to tidying your home’s exterior you should consider power washing the driveway and any pathways that you have. A quick wash can make a world of difference as it gets rid of all the dirt and grime. It can also bring out your driveway’s natural color and make pathways look new once more.

Replace the Windows

If your windows are old you might want to consider replacing them. New windows will add more character to your home, especially if they are the same style as the property. New windows can also add a touch of security as they’re likely to be harder to smash. Replacing the windows will instantly transform your home and make it look more modern.

If you cannot replace the windows consider painting them so they look clean. White or cream are usually the best colors to use.

Paint the Front Door

Your front door says a lot about your home. If your front door is dirty or its damaged people will not have a good impression of your home. If you cannot afford to replace your front door or you simply don’t wish to, consider painting it. Exterior paint can breathe new life into your door. Consider painting the door a different color and cleaning any glass. Your door will look as good as new.

Clear Away That Clutter

Clear away any clutter that is kept outside your front door. Store your bins in a locked container or make sure they’re stored neatly. Clear away any leaves and trash. Sweep up stones that have made their way onto the pathways and weed any bits of grass that are growing in the middle of the path. A tidy front garden or entrance to your home makes a world of difference.

With a little bit of work, you can make your home’s exterior look good. You don’t have to spend very much money, you just need to know how to go about it. Replace the roof if you need to, clean your driveway and update your windows. Paint or clean your front door and, finally, clear away any clutter. Your home’s exterior will look so much better!

 

How to Look Younger Today!

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We all know that age is just a number, however, there are days when we all wish we looked just a little bit younger. The good news is you can make a real difference to the way you look. The great news is you can do this without having to go under the knife! Here’s how:

Use a Pencil to Lift your Eyes

Many people use an eyeliner that comes in liquid form. However, you should opt for a pencil eyeliner instead. This is because the pencil helps to make the eyes look larger and large eyes are associated with youth. Give this tip a try, you might be surprised as to how well it works. Try to use an eyeliner that works with the tone of your skin and your eyes.

Use a Lighter Color Lipstick

If you wear a dark color lipstick you could be inadvertently making yourself look older. Instead, opt for a lighter color lipstick but make sure you stay away from orange or peach-colored lipsticks. This is because they can make your teeth look quite yellow. If you want to wear lipstick please make sure you also wear other make-up as failing to do so can make you look a little older.

Remove Your make-up Before Bed

While it may seem obvious to you that you should remove your make-up before you go to bed there’s a good reason for it. make-up that’s left on can clog up your pores. However, it’s also important that you wash your face so you get rid of all of that pollution that your face has been exposed to. Washing the pollution away can help to percent the break down of your skin’s collagen. It also feels good to wash the day off your face, just make sure you moisturize aftewards.

Buy Large Sunglasses

While you might want to look and feel cool in those thin-rimmed shades, they won’t be doing you any favors. Large sunglasses offer you an anti-aging advantage. This is because they give your eyes much more protection. What this means is you’re less likely to be concerned about wrinkles around your eyes in a few years. Ok, this is not a tip that will make you look younger today but wearing larger sunglasses today will help you tomorrow.

Use Olive Oil on your Face

Many people have dry skin from using too much make-up or make-up that’s too harsh on their skin. However, using olive oil that has not been flavored can help your face. Add a thin layer of olive oil to your face before you go to sleep. It will help to keep your skin moisturized, and it will also ensure your skin has those fatty acids it needs to look good. You can also use supplements like Luteolin to help combat anti-aging. Luteolin is a natural anti-inflammatory supplement known to combat mitochondrial aging and helps fight oxidative stress. It is available at SuperSmart.

As you can see, there are some relatively easy ways for you to make a real difference to how old you look. Using the above tips, you can start to look younger today and stay looking younger for many years to come!

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What to do if You’ve Been Injured

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If you have been injured you might want to claim compensation. Sustaining an injury can mean you have to take time off work to get the medical care you need. In addition to this, you might also have to rely on your medical insurance to pay those costly medical bills.

The good news is that you might be able to get some help. However, this all depends on the kind of accident you had and if someone else was at fault. If you think someone else was at fault for your accident you might be entitled to make a personal injury claim. However, there are a few things you need to do first:

Gather all the Evidence Together

Gather together as much evidence as you can. This includes any photographs you have taken and any witness statements. You might be lucky and get a witness statement but if you can’t, ask for the names and address of the witnesses, if they are still around. Some will be happy to give you their details, some might not.

Make a Note of What Happened

Now it’s time for you to make a note of what happened during the accident and after it occurred. You should also note down what the weather was like (if it’s relevant), what the road conditions were like, how much light there was, as so on. All of these details can help you with an injury law case.

Try to make a note of everything you can remember. The sooner you do this, the more likely it is that you’ll remember what happened. Chances are that in 2 to 3 days your memory of the accident will not be as good as it is now. So make sure you write everything down as soon as you can.

If another person was injured ask them to make a note too so that you have their perspective.

Ask for a Copy of your Medical Reports

You cannot prove to a court of law that you broke your arm, for example, in an accident if you do not have your medical records. The court might realize that your arm has been broken but you will have to prove that you broke it in the accident. This is why it’s essential you ask for a copy of your medical reports. The court will see that you have sustained an injury which means you’re more likely to receive compensation.

Ask for Legal Help

Finally, you will need to ask for legal help. It’s never a good idea to try to take a personal injury case to court by yourself. Ask for legal help so that a lawyer can represent you in court, should it come to it. They will help you to understand how successful your case could be and if it’s worth going to court.

If you have been injured in an accident and it was not your fault, use the above tips to get the help you need and deserve.

 

Legal Documents You Need to Start Your Own Business

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If you’re about to start your own business, you’ll need to make sure you have the right legal documents. While this may seem like a bit of a bind, having the right documents to hand can help your business succeed.

Below you will find details of some of the most important legal documents every business needs:

A Business Plan

One of the first documents you’ll need is a business plan. A business plan can help you to get the funding you need. This is because it outlines the products or services you’ll provide, your sales and marketing strategy, and your target market, among other things.

Banks and other financial institutions will not lend you any money or invest in your business if you do not have a business plan. Make sure you have a full and complete business plan that you can show to anyone who needs to see it. Having a plan to hand will also help you to have a clear vision of your business.

A Buy/Sell Agreement

Many small businesses and startups fail to set up a buy/sell agreement. However, this is a crucial piece of documentation that can help your business no end. This type of agreement sets up a lot of arrangements in advance. It can help you to understand what will happen to your business if a partner was to leave or pass away. It can also help to understand whether you will need to sell their half of the business or if someone else will take their place.

Business Insurance

No matter what type of business you plan to set up you will need business insurance. You’ll need to insure your premises and all of the tools (Computers, machines, etc) that you use. You’ll need to make sure you have enough cover so that if something should go wrong you will be compensated for it.

Please note, that some prospective financial institutions will not touch you unless you have the right insurance. The good news is there are many different types of business insurance out there so you should find some that are right for you.

An Employment Agreement

While you might not have any employees just yet, there’s always a chance you’ll need someone soon. When someone works for you they will need to have an employment agreement or contract. If you would prefer not to have an agreement or contract please note, there can be some misunderstanding as to what their role is.

A written agreement can help to protect you and your employee against future conflict. It can detail their salary, any benefits, working hours, their position, their responsibilities, and a termination agreement or notice period. It’s worth setting up an agreement even if you’re hiring someone you’ve worked with before. You both need to know where you stand and what is expected of you.

Having the above legal agreements to hand can help you to move forward with your business, stay protected, and even get the funding you need.

 

What to Look for When You Hire a Roofing Contractor

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Over the years the average home needs a lot of maintenance and repairs. You may have to fix boards on a wood deck, refinish or paint the kitchen cabinets and install new screens to keep the bugs out. There may be remodeling projects that add to your home’s value and make it a more beautiful place to live. And, occasionally, you will face a major repair that is both costly and critical to keeping your house safe and sound.

It is estimated that the average home needs a new replacement roof every 25 to 30 years. When it’s time for a new roof you’ll need to carefully select the best contractor for the job. Your new roof is one of the biggest home investments you will make and choosing the right company for the project will save you money in the long run.

When you are screening and meeting with contractors and getting bids for your new roof, there are important things to look for and evaluate to assure that you select best firm for the job.

How Long Have They Been in Business

Roofing contractors can come and go, and in some states the average roofer lasts only a couple of years. You want to make sure you select a roofing company with a proven track record of serving customers in your area. Find out how long your roofing contractor has been in business and how many new roofs they have installed over the years.

Is Your Contractor Licensed

While the laws in every state are different, in general a roofing contractor must be licensed to operate in the state. Check with your state Department of Consumer Affairs or Contractor’s License board make sure their license is current and valid. These state agencies may also track complaints and adverse actions against the contractor so you can see how reliable and professional they are.

Do They Have Both General Liability and Worker’s Compensation Insurance

A professional roofing company should carry both worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. If they don’t have workers compensation insurance and one of their workers is injured replacing your roof, it’s likely the worker would come after you and your insurance to settle the claim. The contractor’s general liability insurance covers damage to your house and property. You should not hire a contractor without knowing they have the proper insurance policies in place.

What is the Warranty on the Roof

With the high cost of this project you will want to assure that the contractor offers at least a 25-year warranty on your new roof. You should also ask the roofing company for references for roofs done over the years and call some of the older customers to find out if they have ever had any problems with their new roof.

It’s important that you spend the time necessary to select the right contractor to install your new roof. By carefully researching your options, screening the companies and following up on references you will help assure that your contractor is professional and that the job will be done right.

 

What Parents Should Consider When Evaluating Off-Campus Student Housing

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It’s always a big change when your child gets ready to graduate from high school and head off to college. First, there are SAT or ACT admission tests and all the pressure that goes with taking those. Then the process of screening and selecting which college is right for your child begins. Don’t forget about figuring out how to actually pay the tuition and boarding. There will be campus visits and countless college application forms, and anxious days waiting for the acceptance letter and the celebration that goes with that good news.

Even once your child has selected their favorite university and been accepted, there are still a lot of items on the off-to-college check list. One of the biggest decisions to consider is where your child will live while they are attending college. Often students and their parents choose off-campus student housing over the typically crowded and outdated dorms. If your child will be living in off campus apartments, there are some key items to evaluate as you make a final decision that is right for all of you.

Affordability

Sending your child to college or university is very expensive, so it’s important to save money where possible. The best student off-campus housing providers will offer quality choices at a variety of price levels. You can often save money by renting an apartment that is shared with several roommates. Since all of the apartments have kitchens, you can also save significant money over the very expensive dorm student meal plans.

Location

When you live off-campus, choosing the right location is a top consideration. Ideally you should be within walking distance of the campus so you don’t have to deal with on-campus parking issues. It’s also great to be a quick walk away from grocery stores, coffee shops and other services you will need. Many students find that if they choose the right off-campus location they will not even need a car.

Safety

As a parent, one of the key issues you will want to evaluate is the safety of the apartment complex and the surrounding neighborhood. You should always visit the proposed rental locations, and walk through the complex and parking lot to see whether it feels good there. It’s also a good idea to drive the neighborhood during the day and again at night to see how everything is cared fo and how safe it is. You can also look online for safety statistics for the area.

Lease Terms

In most cases, parents will be asked to guarantee the lease. You should check which utilities are included with your monthly payment and look for any hidden charges. It’s also critical to find out whether you can sublet the apartment in the event that your child’s plans change. Without the ability to sublet you could be fully liable for paying the remaining amount on the lease even if your child was not residing there.

Moving from high school to college is a milestone event. After years of living at home, your child will be heading off to a completely new journey in life. By helping your child carefully evaluate their off-campus student housing options, you will be sure that you are giving them a great start to their college days.

 

The Prolific Works of Saint Augustine

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Saint Augustine was a prolific writer, philosopher and theologian who lived from the years 354 to 430 AD. When he was 32 years old, he converted from the pagan religion to Christianity. He was also the Bishop for the city of Hippo and was well known for his knowledge across many subject areas, including politics, metaphysics, ethics and church history.

All in all, Saint Augustine published some 132 works. This vast library influenced leaders and thinkers for years and years to come. As part of a scholarly effort to make his wisdom available to even more people, there are efforts underway to carefully translate all of his writing into English. The Works of Saint Augustine will eventually span some 49 volumes that cover all of the original published works by the noted theologian and philosopher saint.

Quotes from the writings of Saint Augustine still have meaning today. His wisdom is still applicable some 1,600 years after he lived.

The Magic of Travel

More and more people are discovering the mind expanding and life changing importance of traveling and experiencing new places and cultures. Saint Augustine knew the value of travel and said “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” When we travel we expand our horizons and open our minds and hearts to new possibilities and ways of thinking in life.

The Inner Journey in Life

In his book Confessions, Saint Augustine observed that “Men go abroad to admire the heights of mountains, the mighty waves of the sea, the broad tides of rivers, the compass of the ocean, and the circuits of the stars, yet pass over the mystery of themselves without a thought.” His insightful words were a calling to one of life’s great journeys, the journey to the center of one’s self. The Divine mystery is reflected in the beautiful wonder of who we are.

The Paradox of Life

We all struggle at times to overcome the blocks that seem to be holding us back in life. Saint Augustine said “The mind commands the body and is instantly obeyed. The mind commands itself and meets resistance.” Often we are able to clearly see the path others might take in life, and we can share that wisdom with them. For our own journey, however, we often wrestle with how to bypass the resistance so we can move ahead with our life.

Follow Your Bliss

Nearly sixteen centuries ago Saint Augustine wrote that “Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure: where your treasure, there your heart; where your heart, there your happiness”. His wise words were echoed in modern times by Joseph Campbell’s famous directive that one should “Follow your bliss”. When you have the courage to walk your unique path of happiness, the world becomes a truly magical and beautiful place.

The wisdom of Saint Augustine echoes across the ages and brings value to our lives even today. His philosophy and sophisticated understanding of humanity’s very nature is a treasure that informs us even in our modern age.

 

Key Uses for X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Testing

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Scientific testing has improved dramatically over the years, both in terms of accuracy and affordability. Today tests are used for everything from forensic science to product testing that helps keep our society and its consumers safe. It is critically important that we know the truth about all the products that we use.

X-ray Fluorescence, or XRF, has applications across a wide variety of useful analyses. Basically this technology allows you to determine what elements are part of the tested material. An XRF analyzer is used to measure the fluorescence, or secondary, X-ray that is emitted when you use a primary X-ray on the item being tested. These secondary X-rays map out into a sort of ‘fingerprint’ which shows the elements that are present.

XRF is used for testing and research in quite a number of industries. In general the testing is simple, requires very little sample preparation and chemical analysis results are available quickly. The testing instruments are portable which makes sample testing easy.

Soil Surveys

Before using or building on a site, it’s critically important to do a soil analysis. Handheld XRF instruments allow you to sample the soil from many different places within the potential building site. The technology can identify more than 26 elements and 12 priority pollutant metals that would be harmful to public health. There are no lengthy waits for lab results because the testing can be done on site with results available in less than sixty seconds.

Lead in Food Products

Some times XRF testing can be used to help unravel a great mystery. In one such case, it was found that a high number of migrants from Mexico who were living in Monterey, California showed elevated blood levels. Researchers discovered that a probable source of the unhealthy lead levels was from food imported from their home in Oaxaca to the United States.

XRF testing was then used to see if the source of the contamination was from wind-blown dust from mining areas or from food preparation methods that used ceramic cookware. By using XRF, researchers determined that grinding spices in lead-glazed ceramic ware and the acidic addition of lime juice caused the food to be contaminated.

Cement Production

Cement is one of the cornerstone building materials used everywhere, from commercial properties to homes and highways. To maintain cement quality and consistency XRF testing is done as the cement is being produced. X-Ray Fluorescence is used throughout the manufacturing process with testing of raw quarry materials, multiple intermediate products and then the final produced cement.

Toxic Elements Found in Tableware

Ceramic plates are used in many cultures and homes. Unfortunately, some of these may have unsafe elements that are part of the base ceramic material or the glazes that have been applied. XRF testing has been used to discover imported ceramic plates from Mexico that showed the presence of both lead and uranium. Pigment on plates from China were also tested, and at times found to include lead, cobalt and other elements.

X-Ray Fluorescence testing is vital to the health of our consumers and our society. Whether it’s the safety of the cement we use to build our buildings or the plates we use in our homes, XRF is a valuable tool that provides cost-effective and quick results.

 

Key Equipment You Need to Open an Artisan Bakery

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In today’s baked goods market, customers are seeking hand-crafted artisan products that both delight the palate and satisfy the soul. For too long the only offerings available were pre-packaged products produced by corporate giants. A few bakeries offered fresh baked bread but even those loaves followed a predictable pattern as they typically were variations of French bread.

Customers were longing for hand-crafted, quality bread that harkened back to recipes of old. This market demand has fueled one of the hottest trends in the baking industry – artisan bread. People love to discover a new baker that is offering artisan products. The texture, taste, and delightful smell of the baking beckon the customers to purchase loaf after loaf, time and time again.

If you are looking to enter the artisan bread marketplace and you have your recipes at the ready, you will need to outfit your bakery with the proper equipment to help make your dream come true.

Deck Oven

Choosing the best deck oven is one of the most important decisions you will make. They are the preferred oven for baking artisan bread, as they help you produce a great crust while keeping the bread moist and soft inside. Deck ovens use a combination of both radiant and conduction heat to bake your bread. They also offer consistent heat that allows you to bake multiple loaves of bread at the same time.

Dough Mixer

Your dough is the starting point for a great artisan bread. Most artisan bakeries will have one or more commercial mixers available. A Spiral Arm Mixer is a popular choice for creating artisan bread. These mixers have a single fixed-position mixing arm and a rotating mixing bowl.

Bakery Proofing Cabinet

If you are working with a rising dough you will also need a bakery proof box. These cabinets allow you to control the humidity and temperature so that conditions are perfect for your bread to rise. The smaller units will hold multiple trays of bread while the larger units allow you to actually roll in a complete full-sized rack. Some proofing cabinet models also allow you to switch the cabinet to a hot holding setting, which allows you to sell warm bread to the customer.

Work Tables

With all of the bread production going on, you will need multiple work tables for your bakery. It’s important to buy the best tables you can afford so they last a long time. Also, check the table heights to make sure they are at comfortable levels for your height.

Bakery Storage

You will need several storage systems for your artisan bread production area. For your wet goods such as milk and eggs you’ll need a refrigeration unit. Dry goods will need secure storage containers and an area set aside for those items. Multiple racks and tray sheets will also be needed to hold the loaves of bread.

It’s important that you take the time to select the best equipment at the best price for your new artisan bakery. By purchasing the right equipment, you will help assure that you continually produce top quality artisan breads that keep your happy customers coming back for more!

For more entrepreneur tips like these, check out the Street Talk Live Business Category!

Enjoying the Perks of Off-Campus Student Housing

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During your college years, you experience an increasing amount of personal freedom. Rather than having to attend class for seven hours a day like you did in high school, you now have classes that typically meet for twelve to fifteen hours a week. Instead of having a regular routine at your family home, you have the freedom to hang out with friends and be an adult in life.

One of the biggest college lifestyle decisions you have to make is whether to live in a dorm room or in off-campus student housing. While dorms have long been a traditional choice, many students are finding that they are no longer satisfied with the small spaces and crowded halls of dorm living. In addition, living in a dorm often comes with shared bedrooms and arbitrary rules that leave you feeling like you’re a child again.

As a student, there are many advantages to living in off campus apartments. The best complexes offer many amenities that help you enjoy your college home away from home.

Greater Privacy

When you are a young adult it’s really nice to be able to spend some of your time in your own private space. In the dorms, this is just about impossible with shared bedrooms and study areas and communal bathrooms the norm. With top quality off-campus apartments each student has their own private bedroom for sleeping, studying or hanging out. Additionally, each person also has a private bathroom to call their own. There’s no more jostling for a shower time in the morning or wondering if the hot water will run out.

Lots More Space

In a cramped dorm room you rarely have enough storage or space. Off-campus student housing typically includes a kitchen, furnished living area and storage plus your private bedroom and bathroom. It’s nice to be able to share time with your roommates, watching a movie or sporting event together in the living room. The mix of personal space and common space in an apartment is far better than the space in a dorm.

Convenience

On campus parking is usually a problem at nearly every college or university. You have to purchase permits and then fight for available spaces at the end of a long day. With off campus housing you will be able to park right near your front door. Doing laundry is also much easier in off-campus student complexes, as each apartment has its own washer and dryer.

Fewer Rules

When you live in a dorm you have a whole set of rules to follow and a resident assistant who is there to enforce everything. In a way, you are treated like a child. Off-campus student housing offers you a chance to live as an adult. You and your roommates can decide what’s right for you and live by your own guidelines in life.

If you’d like to enjoy your college living experience more, you would be wise to consider all the advantages of off-campus student housing. You will have far more freedom, space and amenities in a top notch apartment that you would ever have in a college dorm.