How To Prevent Fatal Home Accidents

People come to me often when they have children and are looking to buy a house to raise their family in. It’s always a very exciting time and I am glad to be a part of it.

The one thing that most people don’t realize however, is that the home can be a dangerous place for babies and young children. That is why I thought you should see this.

It explains the 5 deadliest areas of the home and what you can do to prevent an accident. This is for anyone who has young children or elderly ones who live in the home or who occasionally visit. I hope you find it helpful.

Surviving summer vacation: 5 tips for an enjoyable season with family

(BPT) - With summer ahead, parents are busy making plans for camps, sports and vacations. This time of year can be challenging, but there are ways to make it more enjoyable.



Learn to love this summer with your family using these five easy tips:



1. Eat foods that keep you going



Nutrition has a way of impacting almost everything we do. Not getting enough water? Expect to feel a little off. Not eating enough or eating the wrong kinds of foods can impact your energy levels. This summer, take advantage of the season's offerings; focus on meals featuring nutritious foods like fresh vegetables, fruits and protein to keep everyone active throughout the day.



Keep convenient snacks on hand

When traveling or for busy days when there's little time between activities, pack convenient, portion-controlled snacks like ZonePerfect nutrition bars. Featuring protein, and a variety of great tasting flavors to choose from - such as Chocolate Peanut Butter, Perfectly Simple Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and the newest additions Kidz ZonePerfect Yellow Cupcake and Greek Yogurt Vanilla Berry - these bars are a nutritious snack to keep the family fueled.



2. Communication is key



Keep a schedule on a large calendar that everyone can access. Write down all activities, times and locations. By organizing activities at the start of the week, you'll save time and reduce misunderstandings.



3. Get everyone involved in housework



Summer activities are plentiful, which usually means that housework takes a backseat. Get the kids involved by having a designated space for each child to put their things and charge them with keeping it tidy and taking necessary items to their bedroom. This will eliminate clutter around the house and lessen your cleanup responsibilities.



4. Plan activities



While it may seem counterproductive to put more events on the schedule, it will help keep kids focused and entertained. Schedule activities that allow you to enjoy the season and provide an outlet for kids to release energy. Good options include a day at the pool or a trip to a local park or zoo.



5. Never turn down help



Take advantage of car pools and play dates, and make sure to return the favor. This could be the perfect time for you to enjoy a night out or start on that important project.



For more information on the full line of ZonePerfect Nutrition Bars, visit zoneperfect.com.



Courtesy of BPT

Seven tips for running a profitable home-based business

Running a home based business offers many advantages such as saving money on gas and tax breaks, among other benefits.



However, the success of a home based business is pegged on several important aspects.



1.) Website - Invest in a domain name and website for your home business. A website is just like a physical location for your business. It allows people to access your business from around the world.



2.) Target market - Carefully select a market for your products or services. The more targeted the audience the easier it will be to meet their specific needs. Besides, marketing to a very wide customer can be so overwhelming and ineffective.



3.) Goals - Set realistic goals for your home based business. These goals should be based on what you can deliver without outsourcing. Once you determine your actual production capacity, you can always improve on the numbers gradually.



4.) Marketing budget - Keep aside some cash for marketing. Every venture no matter how small requires a marketing budget. Determine the amount of money you are willing to spend on publicity materials such as business cards, flyers, classified ads and so on.



5.) Tracking - Track all your marketing campaigns and keep a log of the techniques that produce the most paying clients. For instance, if your flyers produce more paying customers than classifieds, it will be wise to cut the cost of your classifieds to apply that money toward the flyers.



6.) Search engine optimization (SEO) - SEO helps your website's search engine ranking by associating it to keywords and links that will make the site easier to find online. Online shoppers searching for the products or services that you provide will see your website in the first pages of the website search. This has the potential to bring you more paying customers.



7.) Offline marketing - In addition to online marketing campaigns, use offline marketing to reach potential clients. Attend workshops and other networking events in your neighborhood with flyers and business cards.



If well managed, a home based business can give you immense profits while at the same time giving you the freedom to be your own boss.



However, you should be advised that running a business from home is not for the faint-hearted! A home business requires you to be very disciplined in terms of time and finance management, and this is where many people go fail especially in their first home based business ventures.



by: Peter Abrahams

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/business_and_finance/article_15985.shtml

Celebrate a World Cup of Your Own

Scorrrrrrrre!!!!!!
 
Celebrate a World Cup of Your Own
 

Word Cup Wonder!

You may not make it to the FIFA World Cup this year in Brazil, but you can still score big by improving your FICO or Vantage credit score.

There’s no way around it, if you want to buy a home with a mortgage, you’ll get a better rate with a higher credit score. Unfortunately, your credit score takes into account several years of your past financial decisions and missteps in addition to your current situation. While there is no easy “fix” to your credit score, practicing these five suggestions can help you move it in the right direction.

Keep Paid-Off Debt on Your Report
While negative debt on your report is bad, paid-off debt is a positive contributor to your credit score. Most of your negative debt falls off after seven years, but keeping positive debt in place can help. If you’ve paid off that line of credit, keep it open (just don’t use it) and when you switch to a different credit card because it has a lower interest rate, keep the old one (again, just don’t use it) so that your “available credit” is higher.

Revolving Credit
Your score reflects how much credit you have versus how much you are using at any given time. The lower the credit usage to credit available, the higher your score. To increase your credit available, pay down your balances. Even if you pay your entire balance off every month, you may appear to have a higher usage to available ratio. Since it is your statement balance that many card issuers report to the credit bureaus, consider paying ahead of the statement date.

Small Balances on Several Cards
When you have several cards in use at once, even if they have small balances, your score reflects the number of credit accounts in addition to the total balance. Pay off the small balances. Use your lowest interest-rate card for most of your purchases.

Avoid Unnecessary Credit Report Dings
When you apply for credit, it may cause a slight dip in your credit. When shopping for the best rate, you may apply for several loans in a short amount of time. According to Bankrate, the FICO scoring system ignores multiple requests for the same type of loan, treating them as one request within a scoring timeframe (typically 30 to 45 days), but with other systems you have only 14 days. In very old systems, student loans in particular may not appear as one request, so avoid applying for student loans when also applying for a mortgage. The Vantage Score model uses a rolling 14-day window for duplicate loan inquiries, so shorten up your shopping time accordingly.

Nuisance Bills
When trying to pull together a down payment for a big-ticket item (car, home, etc.), take care to pay smaller bills that can hurt you later. For example, that library fine or leftover medical bill that ended up in collection and remains unpaid can hurt either your FICO or your Vantage Score, but if you’ve paid them, your Vantage Score does not factor them into your score.

Credit scores move up slowly over time. Start working to improve your credit score immediately so that when you’re ready to shop for that home loan, you’ll already have a great credit score.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Jaredanthonycox.com

#Houston #Realestate #Condos #Galveston #Homes #CreditRepair

New technology provides discreet hearing aid options

(BPT) - If you suffer from hearing loss, you're not alone. Nearly 20 percent of American adults suffer from hearing loss. And as you age, the possibility of hearing loss increases. Thirty percent of Americans older than 65 suffer from hearing loss and that number reaches 50 percent for people older than 75.

Despite the fact that many people have hearing loss, they often wait years to get help. Only one in five people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one. Many people still think of hearing aids as the big, bulky models of the past. That couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, many of today's top hearing aids reside inside the ear and are invisible to the naked eye.

If you're experiencing symptoms of hearing loss and could benefit from wearing a hearing aid, here's an overview of some of the latest discreet technology that can greatly improve the quality of your life.

AMP. AMP from Starkey Hearing Technologies is designed specifically for first-time hearing aid users. About the size of a fingernail, AMP sits invisibly in a person's ear canal and amplifies sound.

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC). The IIC is the most advanced invisible technology on the market today. These aids - similar in size to a jelly bean - are custom fit to your ear canal and hearing loss. An IIC is placed deep in your ear, usually making it completely invisible to anyone else. The highest quality IICs are custom, digital and fully programmable.

Mini receiver-in-canal (RIC). People who want the benefits of an invisible hearing aid but can't wear an aid that fits in their ear canal can choose a mini RIC. This aid resembles the shape of a more traditional hearing aid but it is nearly half the size. The mini RIC hides behind a person's ear, making it nearly invisible. Despite its size, this hearing aid still offers the highest performance, power and features available.

The latest advancements in hearing aid technology mean you no longer have to be self-conscious about combating your hearing loss. To read more about each of these types of hearing aids and to learn how a hearing aid can improve your quality of life, visit www.invisiblehearingaid.com.

Courtesy of BPT

JaredAnthonycox.com

Flying 'Old Glory' this summer? How to do it right

Summer isn't just the season of baseball, barbecues, vacation and fresh produce. It's also flag season. Three of the country's most important patriotic holidays - Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day - arrive with summer, and across the nation proud Americans will show their patriotism by displaying the American Flag.

But will they do it properly?

"Fewer symbols inspire more patriotism and pride than the American Flag, and displaying it is a wonderful way to show respect not only for our country, but for all those in uniform who have defended it throughout our history," says Larry Singleton, decor manager for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, which displays an American Flag beside the fireplace in every restaurant. "Honoring our nation's Flag Code guidelines can make the display of the flag an even more poignant and patriotic gesture."

The federal law known as the "Flag Code" establishes a guide for handling and displaying Old Glory. If you'll be showing your American pride this year by displaying the flag or decorating with bunting, here's a thumbnail review of the code's guidelines so you can be confident in all you do:

* It's OK to display the flag 'round the clock, but you should illuminate it during nighttime hours. If you're not able to light the flag at night, the code recommends displaying only between sunrise and sunset.

* Hoist it briskly and lower it slowly and ceremoniously.

* Be sure to bring your flag in out of rain or snow - unless it's made of an all-weather material, in which case it's OK to leave it out in inclement weather.

* If you would like to display a flag on your car or truck, affix it to the chassis or clamp it to the right front fender.

* Many Americans are also proud of their ethnic origins and may choose to display the flag of their heritage along with the American Flag. That's fine; just be sure that the U.S. flag is displayed higher up, or if the flags are on the same level, the other flag should be placed to the left of the American Flag, never to the right.

* The blue and white stars field - known as "the union" - should always be up: at the top of the flag if it's on a staff or pole, uppermost and to the observer's left if the flag is being displayed horizontally or vertically against a wall. Displaying the flag with the union down is a signal of dire distress and reserved for instances of extreme danger to life or property.

* The flag should be kept from touching the ground, floor, water or anything beneath it.

* Flag-themed decor can add a welcome patriotic touch to your home, but it's best not to get carried away and use the American Flag as bedding or drapery.

* Bunting is an acceptable patriotic display; arrange it with the blue portion at the top, the white in the middle and the red at the bottom.

* When a flag becomes worn and is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way. One way to do that is to give the flag to a local VFW for proper disposal.

"Americans show their patriotism and American pride in a number of ways, from buying red, white and blue products to placing flags and flowers on the graves of veterans," Singleton says. "Displaying the American Flag in a respectful manner is one more way Americans can honor their country this summer and all year long."

Courtesy of BPT

jaredanthonycox.com

Create an outdoor sanctuary in your backyard

(BPT) - Coming home from a long work day to a place of peace, quiet, relaxation and even harmony is a dream for many homeowners. And by creating an outdoor sanctuary in the backyard, this private place of solace will become the first destination for all members of the family when they need a break.

Backyard sanctuaries incorporate peace of mind with a spa-like atmosphere. Some do this with plant features, others with water. Here are some tips to build an outdoor sanctuary in your own backyard.

1. Create a walkway - A beautiful walkway around your backyard, through different scenic zones, can help you to clear your mind of troubled thoughts. This walkway can be a paved path, or composed of stepping stones or gravel and woodchips. Consider planting different gardens close to the walkway, inviting walkers to immerse themselves within the blooms and scents wafting from the flowers.

2. Incorporate a seating area - This space doesn't have to be large, but give it a sense of ambiance with an arbor made of cedar to allow plants to grow taller, or a pergola to provide shade and that wonderful natural aroma that cedar gives off. Natural materials like Western Red Cedar weather naturally, and are rot-resistant, giving homeowners a durable and long-lasting material to enjoy for years to come.

"Using Western Red Cedar for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options to work around," says Mark Clement, a building expert and co-host of "My Fix It Up Life" which airs nationally on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio and myfixituplife.com. "This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly, easy to work with, ages beautifully, and, when incorporated into an arbor or pergola design, makes a stunning visual element to the space."

In this seating space, place a bench, outdoor patio furniture or even comfortable lawn chairs to encourage family members to stop for a rest and settle their thoughts for the day. If the family is into yoga or meditation, consider keeping mats in a nearby storage container for quick and easy access.

3. Design for both night and day - Sometimes a sanctuary space is most needed when the moon is shining brightly. Plan for this with a lighting design in the backyard. Provide illumination to pathways, the deck area, and in garden clusters to give a new sense of beauty to the plants. When designing your lighting scheme, be careful to avoid creating any scary shadows. If you notice this occurring, adjust the lighting to come from a different direction, or try using a different light. Also consider what form of light you would like. Would you prefer low watt electric lights, or candlelight, which would require a person to spend time preparing?

Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind.

Courtesy of BPT

jaredanthonycox.com

Crown molding - Adding a touch of glamor to your home decor

Crown molding is a great way to beautify an ordinary looking home into one that exudes class and style. Crown moldings are typically decorative strips made up of wood, plastic, or fiberboard. These are introduced to any room décor in an effort to camouflage the existing flaws and ugly blotches on the walls or ceilings. The crown molding is therefore similar to a wall decoration which adds a touch of elegance to a room, making it appear more grand and unique.

Crown molding ideas can be retraced to the Roman and Grecian culture where it became vastly popular. Wooden crown molding gained popularity later when craftsmen mastered the art of cutting, sanding, and carving wooden blocks to create masterpieces. Crown molding is affordable and can be implemented in almost any type of room. You can buy the raw materials yourself and get it made professionally by customizing it. What materials you choose for crown molding will largely determine how durable and beautiful it is going to be. Superior quality materials for home furnishing are likely to be far more expensive but are less likely to be damaged.

Home furnishing experts choose crown molding these days because it helps heighten a property's real estate standing. When a property appears visually stunning, chances are buyers will be willing to pay more for it. Simply demolishing walls to give your rooms a spacious look is not enough; instead, this is more expensive and impractical. An easier and economical alternative is using decorative columns and ceiling medallions for your home décor. These home décor ideas are easy to implement and will not cost you dearly.

Buying crown molding online can give you many advantages. This is because you can purchase your decorative columns or door casings or ceiling medallions directly from the maker without having to handle the wholesalers and retailers. They offer you the luxury of customizing your home furnishing ideas and guarantee you good quality materials. Unlike furniture, such decorative columns or ceiling medallions will not occupy unnecessary space, nor will they clutter the room. Besides, they are fire-resistant and help keep away harmful UV rays. Crown molding can be easily maintained and these products seldom rot. Installing them is never a problem and most of the products can be set up by following simple instructions, except ceiling medallions where professional assistance is recommended.

Crown molding can come in various designs like the traditionally classic designs which help add elegance and class to your home décor. Crown molding in the kitchen is similar to ceiling and wall decorations, but the installation process is different. Although challenging, using crown molding is a sure way of giving your rooms that much-needed makeover. It helps give every room a distinct flavor, an aesthetic appeal, a unique personality, and a sophisticated touch.

When choosing the crown molding for your rooms, make sure to choose the right molding depending on the room dimensions and ceiling height. Select the materials that are sturdy, dependable, and weather-proof. The world of home furnishing has undergone a revolutionary change with the advent of crown molding.

by: Walter Mitchell
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7226.shtml

jaredanthonycox.com