Thursday, September 28, 2017

Reside by Marcon at Cambie Village

RESIDE is an exclusive collection of one, two and three bedroom homes with a coveted Westside Vancouver address. With some of Vancouver’s best parks and amenities close by, this is a well-established neighbourhood. RESIDE will be home to 33 concrete homes and 2 floors of parking. RESIDE is situated near shopping, parks, top-ranked schools, entertainment and dining. Langara Golf Course and Winona Park are within walking distance for you to enjoy Vancouver’s great outdoors. Vancouver International Airport is less than 10 minutes away when you board the Canada Line at Marine Drive Station.

Marcon Developments began as a construction company and gave them the experience to deliver homes not only of high standards, but also of high value. Since inception, they have given the keys to homeowners to more than 10,000 new homes and helped dreams become reality. Marcon has developed some notable residences over the years, such as the first high-rise in Canada to achieve LEED certification. Building to these standards helps to future-proof your home, as well as allowing you to breathe easy from the first day you move in.

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

How to Improve Your Writing: My Top 7 Fast-Acting Methods

How to Improve Your Writing: 7 Ways. Makealivingwriting.comIt’s rare that I meet a freelance writer who thinks their writing is good enough. It’s not just that you want to know how to improve your writing, either — you want to know how to do it in a hurry.

Ideally, quick enough to get you some better-paying freelance writing gigs, real soon.

It seems no one wants to become a strong writer the way I did it — namely, to file 3-4 stories each and every week, like I did for 12 years. Or to write 72 blog posts a month, like I did when I got back into freelance writing in 2005.

Everybody wants a shortcut. OK then! I think there are a few.

Here are my top seven ways to quickly improve your writing:

1. Know the basic rules

There are a few simple changes that will always make your writing better. Know these rules, and you can go through any article or copy draft and improve it immediately:

Cut excess paragraphs, sentences, and words. If you can get the idea across without them, out they go. Your goal is to say whatever you’re trying to communicate as concisely as possible. Remember, clients don’t want the first 1,000 words you think up — they want the best, most info-packed 1,000 words you can boil down.

Fewer clauses and shorter sentences. Get to the point, and keep sentences uncluttered. If you see you’ve written this:

We spend as much time with you as you need to get properly equipped for your next outdoor adventure, whether it’s in the hills near the city or on the lake behind the mountain.

Boil it down to something more like this:

We’ll take the time you need to get equipped for your next outdoor adventure, whether it’s up in the hills or out on the lake.

Keep sentences short and punchy for anything you write online and all copywriting, and you can’t go wrong.

Active, not passive. Complex past-tense verbs bog things down. So when you see you’ve written this:

He had been going to the store on the corner, but it closed down.

Change it to this:

He shopped at the store on the corner, but it closed down.

Conversational, not formal. Unless you’re talking to an audience of Ph.Ds, use language a 9th grader would understand. It’s not “allows one to professionally faciliate,” it’s “allows to teachers to use.”

2. Write more

I rarely meet a writer with insecurities about their craft who’s cranking out great volumes of copy or multiple articles per week. When you write a lot — ideally, every day — you instinctively improve your writing over time.

If you’re a newbie writer thinking about a freelance writing career but feeling nervous about whether your writing is ‘good enough,’ or whether you could meet client deadlines, there’s an easy fix. Start writing! Give yourself daily writing assignments.

Create a blog post for a proposed future blog you want to write. Better yet, find a small business whose website could use work, and offer to rewrite it. You get the practice and a good sample, and they get marketing help. The more you write, the more confidence you’ll have that you can do this for a living.

3. Analyze your targets

One of the easiest quick ways to write better and get more gigs is to hit the newsstand, or fire up your computer.

Start reading the types of sites or magazines where you hope to appear. Don’t just read them for pleasure — read them analytically. How do they start stories? What sorts of sources do they quote? What’s their headline style? Do they use big words or small, sarcasm or seriousness?

Spend an afternoon browsing, take some notes, maybe retype a few key sample paragraphs in a file you save. You’ve instantly improved your ability to create writing that would impress your target market.

4. Read

Specifically, read books about writing craft. They’re usually fairly brief — an afternoon’s read.

Bird by Bird by Annie Lamott and On Writing by Stephen King are two of the best I’ve found.

Of course, reading widely in general — fiction, the newspaper, biographies, quality magazines — will also help you absorb some positive writing habits.

5. Go to writers’ conferences

If you’d like to learn the fine points of how to better write dialogue, cite quotes, find research stats, construct paragraphs, develop characters — well, that’s why writer’s conferences exist. Skip the MFA or years in journalism school, and get a quick shot of writing improvement over a weekend.

There are hundreds of writer’s conferences, all over the world. Here’s a searchable list, from the Association of Writers and Writing Programs. As a bonus, you may get a chance to rub elbows with editors or agents while you’re there.

6. Get peer feedback

Know any other writers? Get up your gumption and hand them a draft of something you’ve written. Ask for honest feedback. Then, listen and learn.

The course of my whole career changed when I handed my first long article draft to a screenwriter friend of mine. She went through and crossed out all the passive “being” verbs and recast them into action verbs. She showed me how to trim repetitive sections out.

That piece ended up earning me $20,000 in movie options, by the way. I’m confident it would never even have appeared in my local alternative paper, much less been considered a tale of possible movie quality, without her help.

7. Get expert feedback

Nothing beats getting a professional, working editor to give you honest feedback on your writing. This is how you learn exactly how to get more assignments!

I know, it can be hard to get this sort of help. Most query letters we send off get no response, due to how busy editors are. If they’re not assigning your idea, you likely won’t hear anything.

But see if you can find an opportunity, because it can really be a life-changer for quickly and dramatically improving your writing.

For instance, my upcoming Article Writing Masterclass gets you a chance to get you article draft reviewed by working editors at Redbook and Delta Sky, among others. Chances like this are rare…but they do exist.

Keep improving

If you want to earn as a freelancer, commit to constant writing improvement. Learn from every published piece, by seeing how the editor changed it. Keep asking editors and mentors how to make your writing better.

P.S. Want to improve your article writing? I’m taking questions in a Facebook live on Thursday 9/28 at 1 Pacific. Leave me questions in advance here.

Article Writing Masterclass: Get pro writing chops in 8 weeks! LEARN MORE - Freelance Writers Den

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Things You Need To Know Before a Bathroom Remodel

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Renovations are always exciting. Yes, you might have to spend a lot. But if the work is excellently done, then you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. Remember to take note of the following things before you proceed on your project.

Image Source: Flickr

Consider these master bath must-haves
Sharing with your sweetie is simpler when you’ve made space for these features.

  1. Toilet room:Gives this area privacy; best if it’s got a door.
  2. Separate shower stall:Lets bathers and shower-takers clean up simultaneously.
  3. Dual workstations:Place double sinks 36 inches apart or more, measured drain to drain, so that you’ll have elbow room. Give each sink enough outlets and lighting, as well as mirror, countertop, and storage space.
  4. Wide pathways:Traffic lanes 36 to 42 inches wide allow two people to pass each other without having to squeeze by. Source: ThisOldHouse

Don’t make the toilet the first thing you see when open the door
Ask a bathroom designer what his or her best tried and true tip is, and this is what you’re likely to hear. The reasoning is simple. Oftentimes bathroom doors get left open, meaning that you or any guest in your home walking by will see the toilet — which, come on, isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing thing to look at. If you’re hoping for a spa-like vibe, putting the john front and center in the design can sort of kill the mood as you’re transitioning into the room. So, what should you make the focal point? Anything but the toilet. Source: Houzz

The golden rules of bathroom renovations

  • Draw up a clear plan of the room to remodel, and make it to scale. This will be a great reference not only for you, but also for your subcontractors.
  • Estimate the approximate total cost of your renovation beforeyou begin your work. This includes quotes from workers, for materials, new fixtures (bath, shower, toilet, and faucets), furniture, decor and lighting.
  • Ask for at least two or three quotes from different workers.
  • Shop around for your bathroom fixtures. You’d be surprised how much you can save.
  • Prepare yourself for surprises and extra expenses along the way, especially if you decide to open up the space and remove walls.
  • Do not touch a load bearing wall without first consulting with an expert. Source: Yellowpages

Find top of the line fixtures that will surely fit in your new bathroom. Call us today!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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3 Benefits of Home Automation

Living in a smart house may sound luxurious but the benefits are definitely worth the investment. Get to know how home automation can positively affect your daily routine by checking out the following:

Image Source: Flickr

It’s Energy Efficient
Having precise control over the power used as well as the temperature can ensure that your home is more energy efficient. This is why smart homes are a part of the appliances that you can use to be more environmentally conscious in your home. Depending on the system that you have in your home, it can suggest energy efficient settings. Source: Property24

Increases Peace of Mind
Perhaps this benefit will not apply to everyone, but for those who habitually worry about whether or not they have taken care of everything at home before leaving for the day, a home automation system is a perfect investment. In short, it offers peace of mind. This is quite beneficial for those individuals who leave each day, obsessively worrying if everything is in order. With so many stresses in daily life, it is nice to take at least one off the list by being able to see what is going on at home without physically being there. Source: Freshome

Convenient
Convenience is one of the biggest reasons that people build and purchase smart homes. These homes give users remote access to systems including heating and cooling systems, intercoms, music and multimedia devices throughout the home. Integrated hard drives allow homeowners to watch video or listen to audio in any room; video intercoms make it easy to communicate with others in the home or visitors at the door. All of these smart home technologies streamline common tasks. Source: HomeGuides.SFGate

Can you imagine how convenient it would be to have automated window treatments? It’s entirely possible! For more information, call us today!

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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Polyester vs. Nylon Carpet Fibers

Picking the best carpet fiber isn’t as easy as you think. Because there are a number of types to choose from, you have to weigh each of their characteristics. Let’s compare two of the most popular synthetic carpet fibers and find out which is a better fit for your home.

Durability

One of the biggest considerations in any carpet purchase is over the carpet’s durability.

Most consumers want a carpet that will stand up to daily wear and tear and still manage to look good for the next decade or so.

Nylon carpet fiber is well-known as being very durable. It has long been considered to be the most durable synthetic carpet fiber available (although some would say that PTT triexta is now a worthy contender for this title). The secret to nylon’s durability lies in its resiliency — its ability to literally “bounce back” from compaction.

Polyester is generally considered to be a less durable fiber than nylon. It lacks nylon’s high resilience, and will typically begin to show signs of wear due to foot traffic in less time than nylon.

It’s important to note that both nylon and polyester carpets are available in a wide range of qualities, and so a high-grade polyester carpet may outperform a low-grade nylon carpet. As always, when comparing two different carpets, be sure that they are of equivalent quality. Source: TheSpruce

Care

Both nylon and polyester are easy to wash and are mildew resistant. Both can be washed in a washing machine and dried on a low heat cycle. Articles made from nylon or polyester should be removed from the dryer immediately. A warm iron can be used on either nylon or polyester. Polyester generally can be dry-cleaned, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. However, nylon cannot be dry-cleaned as the solvents melt the material. Source: Diffen

Wear and Tear

Nylon Carpets are made from nylon fibers and considered to be the toughest carpets available on the market. Even in a high traffic area your nylon carpet shouldn’t show signs of aging.

Polyester Carpets are second in line to nylon carpets, but have a tendency to get matted and not spring back to its original shape. It will show wear in high traffic areas. If it comes in contact with high heat, polyester carpet can melt. Source: DifferenceBetween

Make sure you get your money’s worth by properly maintaining the carpet you just bought. We can help you out! Call us today!

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Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Challenge #261 Anything Goes

Hi there and welcome back to ATSM. We have a brand new challenge starting right now and it's your favourite!


This week it is Anything Goes! Before we get onto our Designer's inspiration, let's announce our winners from Challenge #259 Clean and Simple.





Congratulations to our top picks! Please grab our badge to display on your blogs :)

Ok, onto our challenge. Here is our Design Team with their inspiration for you.



















Wow, what an amazing array of creations! Over to you now and have fun.

Oh! Don't forget there is still a few more days of FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING over at Happy Little Stampers while we celebrate STAMPTEMBER!








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Sunday, September 24, 2017

The Stupidly Simple Way for Freelancers to Get Referrals

The Freelancer's Stupidly Simple Way to Get Referrals. Makealivingwriting.comIf you’re trying to get referrals to book more freelance writing work with little success, you might be going about it all wrong.

Yes, asking your existing contacts for referrals works.

So do testimonials, guest posting, volunteering, in-person networking, email marketing, and building your online presence.

These are proven marketing activities that can help you get referrals.

But there’s an easier and stupidly simple way to get referrals that I’ve been using since I started freelancing a couple of years ago.

It takes very little time, costs little to no money, and can pay dividends far greater than a postage stamp or a few minutes of your time.

I’ve landed magazine assignments, writing gigs, and other types of freelance work with this strategy. And so can you.

Want to learn how to get referrals, more assignments, and be the first person someone thinks of when they need a writer?

Let me show you how this stupidly simple strategy works.

Use ‘thank you’ to get referrals

“Thank you” might seem like a trivial formality, but these two words can help you get referrals and book thousands of dollars in freelance work.

(It’s also one of three phrases in the South, where I grew up, that basically make up the Holy Trinity of politeness: “yes, ma’am,” “yes, sir” and “thank you.”

When I’m scribbling a thank-you note to an editor or thanking someone for toting my groceries (I use a wheelchair), I am truly thankful.

But I also like to think of thank-yous like writing pay-it-forward checks. Sometimes it simply helps brighten someone’s day. And sometimes it can help you get referrals and assignments.

Master the art of thank you

If you think writing thank-you notes requires a ton of creative energy, flowing poetic prose, or enough words to fill the pages of a mini-novel, you’re probably trying too hard.

One day I took a few minutes to send short thank-you notes to sources I interviewed for past freelance assignments.

The result: One of those sources gave me a story idea about 911 rescue dogs, which landed me an assignment for Fetch magazine. Here’s the exact email I sent:

Hi, Julie,

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to allow me to interview you. I can’t wait to share Doggie Food Bank’s mission with Dogster’s readers.

Warmest regards,

– Cherese R. Cobb

4 stupidly simple ways to say ‘thank you’

If you want to turn thank-you into a marketing strategy that helps you get referrals, there are a couple of different ways to do it. Here’s what I suggest:

1. Send thank-you cards

After I turn in my first assignment to a new client, meet a new PR rep, or conduct an interview, I usually send good, old-fashion thank-you cards. Why?  In today’s digital world, it’s unexpected, uncommon, and sets me apart from other writers.

The result: After sending a recent thank-you letter, the person replied with a referral that connected me with a magazine editor that landed me another freelance assignment.

2. Use email

It’s by far the easiest way to say “thank you.” It might not have as big of an impact as taking the time to hand-write a thank-you note and drop it in the mail. But it’s basically free, and you can literally dash off a thank-you message to an editor, source, or contact in less than a minute.

The result: After sending a thank-you email to a contact, she gave me a story idea and introduced me to Canadian Olympian Kaetlyn Osmond, the figure skater who won silver at this year’s World Championship.

3. Give a shout-out on social media

If you have a contact who’s active on social media, that can be a great place to say “thank you.” Wrapped up an interview, published a piece featuring your client, or found a post of theirs useful or insightful? Say “thank you” on social media. Don’t forget to tag your clients, followers, and interviewees if you use social media to say “thank you.”

The result: After Atlanta Pet Life published a piece I wrote for the magazine, I created a Facebook post to share the story on my page. By the next day, I received this message from the editor: “I have some ideas for stories for the next issue that could use your skills.”

Here’s another: And after a thank-you conversation with a popular You Tube channel contributor, one of my regular clients noticed and reached out to me with $540 worth of additional assignments.

4. Try other thank-you tools

If you want to think outside the box a little more with thank-you as a marketing strategy, there are other ways you can connect with contacts and sources. Instead of a hand-written thank-you card, send an eCard. Or use other digital tools like customized emoticons, emojis, or voice messages. It’s one more way to stand out as a freelance writer, build relationships, spread goodwill, and get referrals.

The power of ‘thank you’ marketing

I don’t ever send a thank-you message expecting something in return from a client, prospect, or contact. I do it because it’s polite. It’s like spreading a confetti of kindness that can have a positive impact on others. And I know it works to build relationships, get referrals, and land more freelance writing jobs.

Have thank-you messages helped you land freelance work? Let’s discuss on Facebook.

Cherese Cobb is a professional writer and multimedia artist. When she’s not writing, she splits her time between family, nature, and cat-worship, chugging coffee to survive all three.

Article Writing Masterclass: Get pro writing chops in 8 weeks! LEARN MORE - Freelance Writers Den

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Friday, September 22, 2017

Basalt by Pennyfarthing Development Group at QE Park

The Cambie Collection by Pennyfarthing Homes continues its legacy on Vancouver’s West Side with Basalt, with 51 contemporary residences, located on 35th Avenue and Cambie Street right by Queen Elizabeth Park. Marked by refinement, this fourth chapter of the Cambie Story exemplifies Pennyfarthing’s continued commitment to design excellence and quality craftsmanship. Basalt is at the center of Vancouver and will flourish with the dividends provided by the amenities that the Cambie corridor provides. 

Defined by a modernist exterior, these one to three bedroom homes are set within a premier parkside location. The interiors focus on uniting style with functionality, resulting in bright, open floor plans that highlight panoramic views of Q.E. Park and Vancover’s city skyline.

Since 1980, Pennyfarthing Homes focuses on 3 pillars: integrity, reliability and professionalism. They have swiftly fulfilled the home ownership dreams of nearly 3,000 home buyers throughout the Lower Mainland, Washington State, and California. Following on Bennington House, Grayson, and Hawthorne, this is Pennyfarthing’s fourth Cambie Corridor development.

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Elenore on Fifth by Chard in Mount Pleasant

Exquisitely located on the slopes of Mount Pleasant, Elenore is a boutique collection of 58 modern one, two and three bedroom homes on Fifth and Main. Perfectly situated among the talked-about restaurants, cool galleries, buzz-worthy cafes, curated shops and within walking distance of the Olympic Village, Elenore offers sophisticated living in one of the city’s most dynamic and neighbourhoods.

Townhomes will have a private ground floor patio, while seven second level units will include private decks. There will also be private roof terraces.

 

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Terraces at the Peak at SFU by Intergulf

In the heart of Metro Vancouver, in UniverCity’s established West Highlands neighbourhood, Terraces at The Peak is well-connected to Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Coquitlam. Walk or bike the 28 kilometers of trails on Burnaby Mountain, nearby shopping, schools, community centers, and restaurants. This 13-storey concrete structure will have 117 homes from studios to 3-bedroom condos and townhomes. Locate at the top of Burnaby Mountain, residences will have spectacular views of the lower mainland.

The collection of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom condos and townhomes exemplify Intergulf’s commitment to intelligent design. Every facet of the homes is meticulously configured to emphasize space, light, and functionality. An open-concept layout in conjunction with expansive windows invite natural light to flow generously throughout the home, and illustrate the dramatic views stretching across the horizon. A limited selection of homes feature lock-off suites to provide you with flexibility or secondary income.

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Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Article Research: A Savvy Librarian’s Top Tips

Article Research Tips from a Savvy Librarian. Makealivingwriting.com

Ever wasted hours doing article research for a query or assignment?

It happens, especially if you don’t know where to look.

If you’re not getting anywhere with your approach to article research (which probably starts with Google for almost everybody), ask an expert on how to find the information you need.

And just where are you going to find an expert on article research? At the library.

Libraries (all 119,487 of them in the United States, which means there’s probably a library near you) are packed with resources to help freelancers work smarter and faster.

And at every one, you’ll find a reference librarian who knows the ins and outs of article research better than you.

In a recent Freelance Writers Den podcast, we talked with Emily-Jane Dawson. She’s a reference librarian for the Multnomah County Library system in Portland, Ore. And she shared some of her best article research tips for freelancers.

Looking for information to beef up a query letter, pitch a prospect, or complete an assignment?

Check out these article research tips from a savvy reference librarian:

How can you help someone with article research for a writing assignment?

A: If you’re researching an article, you might not be all the way through your thought process about what you are working on. For example, someone might be interested in Oregon history.

That’s a big topic. I’ll say, “Can you tell me more?” or “What’s your angle?” That gives them a chance to articulate their focus. They might say, “I’m interested in these four things.” And I’ll say, “There’s not a lot written about the first topic. For the last three topics, there are lots of resources, and we can get you started with those.”

It’s up to the researcher to decide where they want to go, but the librarian can illuminate how challenging it’s going to be.

What resources do libraries offer to help freelancers research potential clients?

A: Most libraries have directory databases, which are great for journalists and anyone researching businesses. The ones that have information for companies are particularly powerful. You can search for a company by:

  • Type
  • Number of employees
  • Names of executives
  • And all kinds of other more complicated categories

One caveat about that, though. Privately held companies don’t have to tell anybody how much money they make or how many employees they have. So databases often use an algorithm to make estimates. Publicly traded companies and nonprofits do have to tell everybody about that, so it’s more reliable for them.

Besides business directories, what other types of databases are available?

A: Another type includes databases that gather articles from periodicals. Some are on a particular topic like health or business. Sometimes they’ll have the text of the entire article. Other times they’ll just have citations with the title and author. That can be frustrating.

If it happens to you, go to your library and say, “I found this citation, what do I do?” They may have the journal in paper form, or they can advise you how to find it.

There are also databases that are encyclopedias of information on a single topic. Some of those are really specialized.

How can people access a library’s databases?

A: Usually they’re only available to people who have membership in the library. But if you’re visiting a library in person, you can totally use it, because you’re there in the building.

That means you often can go to the library that has the resources, even if it’s not one you would normally visit. Colleges and universities might have more specialized databases than your public library. Not every university library is open to the public, but many are.

If you do belong to a library, you can access many databases through its website. And that’s the tricky part. They might be in different places on the site, and there might be several with similar names.

I would never discourage anyone from jumping in and playing around, but if you’re looking for something specific, talk to the staff at your library. They can help you figure out which is the right resource.

Can librarians help locate government information, even if the information isn’t in your catalog?

A: Absolutely, we can. Governments are giant, scary, complicated bureaucracies. You can’t necessarily tell which agency is concerned with an issue. There might be more than one.

Figuring that out is one thing that we can do. Sometimes I can help you, and other times I might refer you to somebody who knows more.

Sometimes the data is available but hasn’t been published—this happens a lot with statistics. Then I’ll help you track down the agency that has the information.

What’s available for writers who live in an area with a tiny library?

A: A lot of rural libraries in the United States are part of a larger system. In some places, there will be a shared catalog. Quite a number of states have a virtual reference service, which allows anyone to ask a librarian questions.

Even small libraries have staff who are excellent at answering questions, providing research advice and connecting you with other organizations that might be able to help you. 

What’s the most important takeaway for writers about how librarians can be our partners?

A: Librarians want to help people, and we believe in sharing. We care about people’s projects and their research, we value curiosity, and we support intellectual work.

If you have a question, we’re excited about that. We want to help you with it, and we think it’s interesting. If you come back and tell us you got this article published, or you got great feedback about it, we’re glad to hear about that. If you want to, in a professional sense, make friends with us, that’s going to feel good on our end, too.

Anything else freelancers should know about using the library for article research?

A: If you don’t have a library card, get one. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your freelance career. And it costs nothing.

What are your best article research tips? Let’s discuss on Facebook.

Maria Veres is a freelance writer based in Oklahoma City. When she’s not working in her home office, you’ll often find her hanging out at her friendly local library.

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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Challenge #260 - Photo Inspiration

Hi there everyone and welcome back to our challenge blog. We have an AMAZING photo to inspire you this week and you will definitely be tempted to play along :)


Just before we get on to our challenge, we would like to announce our winners for Challenge #258 Holiday






Congratulations to all our picks! Please grab our badge to display on your blogs :)

Ok! Onto our new challenge BUT we also have an announcement. Regrettably Rema has had to step down as a designer and we are very sorry to lose her. We do have an INSPIRATIONAL woman joining our team - Meena Hearle! Welcome!!!!

That inspirational photo is pretty cool, huh? Take any element (or all of them) and create whatever you like. Please let us know how the photo has inspired you :)

Our designers have sensational examples for you!















Over to you now and make sure you have FUN!



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Keep Your House Warm Using These Simple Tips

Can you feel the air getting chillier by the day? Autumn is just around the corner and soon enough it’s going to be a winter wonderland. Make your home feel comfy despite the cold weather by following these tips:

Image Source: Flickr

Position your furniture in the warm
How warm you feel in a room depends on where you are, even though air temperature is the same throughout. You will feel warmer if you position yourself closer to the inside of the house because the cold external walls are further away. So try and place your furniture next to an internal wall.

If your desk is up against an external wall so you can look out of the window your legs will tend to get cold, though you can reduce this effect by leaning a cardboard sheet against the wall. If the head of your bed is next to a cold external wall you will be prone to getting a stiff neck, though you can counter this somewhat by using a solid headboard. The best solution, of course, is a four-poster bed, but most bedrooms just aren’t big enough. Source: TheConversation

Clear outside walls by day, and reinforce them at night
During the day, you want as much sun as possible hitting your dwelling. The sun provides plenty of natural warmth to the walls. On the other hand, at night, you should lean things against your walls to add extra barriers between you and the cold. Source: Lifehack

Cover your windows
Stop the heat from escaping by investing in lined curtains that will help insulate your windows, trapping heat inside. If you already have curtains, you can simply add your own lining to the inside. For maximum effectiveness, make sure your curtains reach the floor and consider a pelmet to cover the space between the window and the curtain. Blinds and shutters will also work, especially if they sit close to the windows. Source: InsideOut

Want a cool energy-saving tip? Use the best window treatments that can help retain the warmth in your home longer. Find out more by calling us today!

 

Contact:
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Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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4 Ways to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Have you ever shelled out money to make your bathroom look more extravagant but it doesn’t end up looking the way you imagined? Check out these wonderful tips that will surely help your bathroom have a more expensive feel to it.

Image Source: Flickr

Indulge in classy containers
We’re not just talking about buying one of those bathroom accessory sets with the matching soap dispenser and toothbrush holder (although you should do that, too). We’re talking about rehoming all your drugstore toiletries throughout your bathrooms. Think: beautiful glass bottles or dispensers for your shampoo, body wash, and lotion. Source: Realtor

Add a place to perch
Nearly every high-end bathroom we’ve stepped into is equipped with seating of some sort, be it a simple garden stool, a tufted ottoman, or an ornately carved armchair. Not only does the accent look luxurious, it also feels grand—why do your pedicure on the toilet seat when you could have your very own throne? Source: MyDomaine

Adorn the walls – gallery style
A simply decorated bathroom can look very refined, and sometimes less really is more. However, just one feature can take a room from simple to chic – and hanging some beautiful art on the wall is a great way to do it.

Choose your piece carefully. A canvas might do well in a humid atmosphere, but whatever you display will need to be made from the appropriate materials, and don’t forget to ensure your bathroom is well ventilated. Source: Houzz

Brighten the room
Brilliant illumination, whether natural or artificial can add a great deal of sleek style to a simple bathroom. If you enjoy the classic look of a chandelier that can act as a statement piece in a normal bathroom, then you should consider that an ideal option for your home. Source: Homify

Get top-of-the-line bathroom fixtures to complete the lavish bathroom remodel you’re going for. Call us today for more details!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

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Going Green with your Carpet Cleaner: Benefits and How to DIY

Harsh chemical cleaners can definitely kill bacteria, but is it only the bacteria that suffers or your health as well? Get to know the benefits of going green when it comes to your carpet cleaner by reading the article below:

Image Source: Flickr

How to make a homemade carpet cleaner

If you choose to tackle stains yourself without using harsh chemicals, you have several options.

First, you can make a nontoxic solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray it on stains and then sponge it up after a few minutes using warm soapy water.

For tougher stains, you can use a combination of vinegar, borax and salt. Together they create a paste that you spread on stains, leave overnight and vacuum up in the morning.

Baking soda is also effective on many organic stains. Simply pour it on, rub it into the carpet and leave it until it’s dried. If caught early enough, most of the stain will be sucked up by the soda. Source: AngiesList

Extend carpet life

Many traditional chemical cleaners can also reduce the beauty and useful life of your carpets. Mixing harsh chemicals with the synthetic materials in your carpet may lead to visible problems like yellow or brownish coloring in the carpet, but it can also have an unseen consequence for your flooring. As the chemicals come in contact with the carpet fibers they can break it down and cause it to deteriorate prematurely. With the high cost of removing existing and installing new carpet, it makes sense to use a cleaner that will prolong the life of your flooring rather than break it down and cause it to wear out sooner. Source: HomeAdvisor

Improve indoor air quality

Chemicals in cleaning solutions affect your home’s indoor air quality and might irritate health problems such as asthma, allergies, and bronchial issues. Green carpet cleaning prevents toxic chemicals from affecting your home’s air quality and the health of everyone in it. The dry carpet cleaning method also reduces dust mites by 78%, dust mite allergens by 75%, and mold spores by 85%. Source: NearSay

Find out more amazing tips about anything carpet related by calling us today!

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Sunday, September 17, 2017

Article Writing Secrets of a CIA Analyst Turned Freelancer

Article Writing Secrets the CIA Knows. Makelivingwriting.com

If you want to improve your article writing skills, the Central Intelligence Agency probably isn’t your first place to look.

Yes. I’m talking about that CIA. The organization that feeds the President and senior officials information to keep us safe. I was an intelligence analyst for the CIA for 8 years, and spent most of my time writing for top policy makers.

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at the CIA?

It’s not exactly like living in a Jason Bourne movie. But there is a lot of information that requires article writing skills to keep people informed. Along the way, I uncovered article writing secrets at the CIA that helped me go from analyst to full-time freelancer.

It wasn’t easy. In this high pressure environment, I quickly learned to kill my purple prose, prioritize readability, and create impeccable work under pressure.

Want to improve your article writing skills, land better clients, and earn more?

Here are six secrets from inside the CIA to help you be a better freelance writer:

1. Use reliable information

Think about this. An entire article can be undermined by one faulty source or piece of bad information. Heard the phrase “fake news” tossed around recently?

You don’t want to cite a website that publishes sensational stories just to drive traffic. Your readership deserves writing based on reliable information, and your editor should expect it.

When you put on your article writing hat, where are you getting your information?

  • Google
  • Somebody’s blog post
  • An article by another writer
  • Interviews with experts
  • Official documents

Hopefully, you’re going straight to primary sources like interviews and official documents. Credible sources can make or break an article, and most editors expect you to seek out primary sources.

For example, if your piece is about a new start-up, a direct quote from the CEO is more reliable than an article that paraphrases what she said.

2. Cite your sources

It might seem obvious, but there’s a lot of article writing out there that either doesn’t attribute information to the sources or mischaracterizes the source information.

Ever found yourself reading an article and start questioning the validity of the information?

Far too many websites out there mischaracterize and sensationalize otherwise truthful information to trigger emotional responses in their readers… and entice them to keep reading. Don’t do this.

Make it a habit to cite your sources. You’ll have to if you want to write for major pubs.

If you land an article writing assignment for a major magazine, be prepared to provide source information like:

  • Transcripts of interviews
  • Audio/video recordings
  • Copies of articles/documents referenced
  • Contact information for sources

Here’s an example. When I write for American Fitness — the journal for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, their in-house fact checkers go through every detail in an article. It’s a requirement to provide the first page of every article referenced in a piece.

3. Self-edit your work

It’s easy to get sidetracked by interesting facts and figures when crafting an article, but you must stay on topic from headline to final sentence.

A little self-editing can go a long ways. You probably have your own article writing process. But I generally think it’s a good idea to:

  • Start with an outline
  • Organize your research
  • Write a first draft
  • Take a break
  • Return for editing and rewriting
  • Repeat, until it’s good enough to submit

You’ll save yourself a lot of time if you dial in your outline and research before writing a first draft. Ask yourself, “Does this sentence or reference support my headline?” If it doesn’t, move it or save it for a future article.

4. Know your audience

When I was a CIA intelligence analyst, my target audience was senior policy makers and advisors. Busy people with voluminous amounts of information to digest every day. And that dictated the format for a lot of the writing: tight copy, bite-sized paragraphs, condensed.

  • What about niche jargon? While some article assignments might call for industry-specific jargon, it’s best to avoid it.If you’re not sure what jargon is appropriate for a certain audience, make sure you read other articles in that niche. Keep a list of industry-specific terms as you go.But when in doubt, use the clearest language you can. Jargon can be trendy and alienating. Plain language has more longevity and will resonate with a wider audience.
  • Anticipate questions. Whether you’re writing an article for a trade magazine or a business blog post, the best writers will try to predict what kinds of questions your audience might have and integrate those answers into the piece itself.Here’s two strategies I use:
    • Give your draft to someone not familiar with the subject matter. Ask them if it makes sense, or if they have any questions.
    • Before writing, talk to experts to get a general idea of what they’d like to know more about on the topic.

5. Find a fresh angle

When I was an intelligence analyst, any piece of information shared with policy makers needed to provide new insight. If it didn’t, it wasn’t worth writing.

That’s a lot like pitching ideas for articles and posts to magazines and blogs An article must provide readers with ideas that they either haven’t seen before, or a fresh angle on a familiar topic. Here’s what I like to do to look for new ideas or a different angle for an article:

  • Read past issues or blog posts
  • Search the site of a magazine or blog based on keywords

When you do this, you’ll find out what’s already been written about on your topic. And that gives you valuable intel you can use to find a fresh angle to land an assignment from your next pitch.

6. It’s not about you

As you might expect, getting a byline wasn’t part of my gig as a CIA analyst.

The stakes might seem a little lower when writing for, say, a trade magazine, but your article still isn’t about pushing your agenda or opinion. It’s not about you.

When you land an article assignment, you’re not only representing yourself, but the publication for which you’re writing. In most cases, accepting your editor’s corrections and input gracefully, is the road to take for freelance success.

Sharpen your article writing skills

Here’s another secret. You don’t have to work at the CIA to sharpen your article writing skills. Just pay attention to where you find sources and information, take time to self edit, know your audience, and check your ego at the door. And you’ll be able to move up and earn more.

Have article writing tips to share? Let’s discuss on Facebook.

Abigail Keyes is a freelance writer and blogger based in Berkeley, Calif. After 8 years as an intelligence analyst for the CIA, she made the move to full-time freelancing.

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Wednesday, September 13, 2017

27 Parenting and Family Magazines That Pay Writers

Family-friendly Magazines That Pay Writers. Makelivingwriting.com

If your niche is writing about family matters, parenting, and everything that goes along with having kiddos, magazines that pay writers are plentiful.

No doubt you’ve heard of some of the heavy hitters like Family Circle or Parenting. These national magazines can be great places to pitch and get paid well.

But they’re not the only magazines that pay writers in this niche.

The next time you’re at the library, grocery store, or even the doctor’s office, take look at the magazines available to read. Chances are pretty good you’ll find a local or regional pub on parenting or family life.

These magazines that pay writers can be a great way to tap into your niche and give readers the skinny on changing diapers, cooking for picky eaters, homework help, things to do, places to go, and everything else that goes along with family life, too.

If you’re looking for magazines that pay writers for stories about parenting and family matters, check out these pubs, and start pitching.

1. ADDitude Magazine

Ever wonder how parents deal with raising a kid with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)? Here’s a hint, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Yet, about 11 percent of kids (6.4 million) have attention deficit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing editor Wayne Kalyn is always looking for fresh pitches that include first-person articles by parents, employers, and teachers with personal experience working with ADHD kids.

Rates: Pays an average of $100 to $200 per assignment.

2. Adoptive Families

Did you know an estimated 150,000 kids are adopted every year in the United States? Based on census data and information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 2 million people in the U.S. were raised by adoptive parents. It’s a life-changing event for kids and parents, and managing editor Eve Gilman says she’s always on the lookout for stories that help parents through the adoption process and provide practical tips on parenting.

Rates: Varies, depending on assignment.

3. Alaska Parent

Know what it’s like to be a parent with kids in the state also known as “The Last Frontier?” Check out the editorial calendar to develop a story idea and be sure to follow the query guidelines to submit a pitch.

Rates: $40 to $200 per assignment.

4. Atlanta Parent

Know where all the family-friendly hot-spots are in Atlanta, Ga.? Want to write about issues that impact parents and children in the community? Have an idea for an Atlanta-based profile on a parent, kid, or family with a compelling story to tell? Pitch editor Tali Toland.

Rates: $100 and up.

5. Brain, Child

If you’re looking for a parenting magazine that still features long-form essays about motherhood, this is it. Brain, Child features essays from 1,500 to 4,500 by mothers about raising kids, work-life balance, personal development, and more, says editor Marcelle Soviero.

Rates: Varies, depending on assignment.

6. Carolina Parent

This monthly magazine features stories and content for parents and families in North Carolina. The magazine publishes an annual editorial calendar and themes remaining for 2017 include a special edition on education, holidays/grandparents (November), and holidays/performing arts (December). Pitch ideas to editor Beth Shugg.

Rates: $75 to $300 per assignment.

7. Charlotte Parent

Michelle Huggins is the editor for Charlotte Parent magazine. She says queries should typically be submitted three months in advance of publication. Queries should focus on stories, events, and ideas, that provide useful advice and resources for parents with kids in the Charlotte area.

Rates: $50 to $150 per assignment.

8. Chesapeake Family Life

Your best bet for breaking into Chesapeake Family Life is pitching a feature story on a person, place, family, or special event that makes this place in Maryland a unique place to live for parents with kids, says editor Betsy Stein

Rates: $75 to $200 per assignment

9. Chicago Parent

If you’ve heard the chatter about paid essay writing becoming extinct, Chicago Parent hasn’t received the memo. A 400 to 500-word first-person essay with your take on raising kids in the “Windy City” is one of the best ways to break in says editor Tamara O’Shaughnessy. The magazine also publishes news and features about parenting and family life in Chicago.

Rates: $25 to $100-plus per assignment.

10. Cincinnati Parent

What do you know about Cincinnati that’s off the beaten path, different, or unexpected that even locals might not know about? If you can identify a story idea with a fresh angle, or something completely new to Cincinnati parents, editor Susan Bryant wants to hear from you. Check the editorial calendar for monthly themes to help you pitch ideas.

Rates: Varies, depending on assignment.

11. Georgia Family

When Olya Fessard launched Georgia Family magazine about 25 years ago, she did it to help parents find opportunities in the area to help their kids learn and develop. Since then, the magazine has grown to over 15,000 subscribers who want to read about Georgia-based events, travel, family matters, and lifestyle. Submit queries to editor and publisher Olya Fessard.

Rates: $20 to $80 per assignment.

12. The Green Parent

This UK-based magazine covers green-living (UK) topics on raising children, alternative health, and environmental concerns. “We are particularly keen on features written in the first person about a real-life experience,” says editor Melissa Corkill.

Rates: $100 to $200 per assignment.

13. Gulf Coast Parents & Kids 

Before Gretchen Cook was the editor at Gulf Coast Parents & Kids, she was a freelance writer. And she knows what it’s like to hustle, pitch magazines, work with editors, and make a living writing as a freelancer. “The key to successful publication,” says Gretchen, “having the right topic in front of the right editor at the right moment.”

To break into this magazine, you’ll need to pitch story ideas about parenting, family life, and things to do in the Gulf Coast. And if you really want to get Gretchen’s attention, pitch a seasonal story idea months in advance based on the magazine’s editorial calendar.

Rates: $25 per article and up.

14. Hudson Valley Parent

Can you be the editor of a parenting magazine, even though you don’t have kids of your own? That’s Cassidy Brighton. But she’s the perfect fit, having grown up in the area with rich family ties, lots of friends, and institutional knowledge of Hudson Valley over the last few decades.

If you’ve got a story idea about summer camp, school, health, family life, and things to do for parents and kids in Hudson Valley, send a query to Cassidy. While the magazine mainly works with local writers, Cassidy says, she open to pitches from writers outside the area.

Rates: $80 to $120 per assignment.

15. Indy’s Child

Here’s a hint about landing magazine assignments. Pitch the right editor, and it’s possible to tap into a fountain of work. For example, if you read the details for Cincinnati Parent (No. 13), you’ve already met editor Susan Bryant. But she’s also the editor for Indy’s Child, among other publications. Pitch family-friendly story ideas about life in Indiana based on the editorial calendar to Susan Bryant.

Rates: Varies, depending on assignment.

16. MetroParent

If you want to tap into this magazine for parents and kids in southeast Michigan, study back issues and get familiar with sections and departments, first. Then pitch editor Julia Elliott. Freelance writers Kristen Gough and Diana Christensen have both written for MetroParent and worked with Julia Elliott on a long list of assignments. “I’ve found that she encourages creativity, exudes professionalism and always expects excellence. I’m glad I’ve been able to work with her,” says Gough.

Rates: $50 to $350 per assignment.

17. Minnesota Parent

This parenting magazine covers a wide range of topics about parenting, family life, and kid-friendly things to do in Minnesota. Be sure to study the editorial calendar before pitching editor Sarah Jackson. Freelancer Tina Mortimer has completed multiple assignments for Minnesota Parent, and says, “Sarah is not only a wonderful writer and editor, she’s someone I consider a mentor…She has been more than generous with her guidance, feedback, and support.”

Rates: Varies based on assignment.

18. Mothering

Want to write about natural and eco-conscious living for parents with kids? Mothering covers topics like alternative childbirth options, breastfeeding, natural family planning, homeschooling, healthy nutrition, and co-sleeping. To break in, you’ll need to be able to validate your ideas with research, interview expert sources, write in journalistic style, and send your pitch to editor Amy Tokic.

Payment: $200 to $500 per article.

19. Nashville Parent

If you want to write about family-friendly events in Nashville, this is the magazine to pitch. Managing editor Chad Young says the magazine mainly covers topics, events, and issues for families and parents with kids from newborn to age 14. And he should know, he’s been at the helm of every issue for more than a decade.

Rates: Varies based on assignment.

20. New Jersey Family

You might pitch New Jersey Family editor Angel Madison via email, with a story idea about family life in The Garden State. But that’s not the only place you’ll find her. Angel is also the master of the magazine’s social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. The window for pitching stories for 2017 issues may be closing, but you can get an idea of what this magazine is looking for by reviewing the editorial calendar.

Rates: $25 to $100 depending on assignment.

21. North State Parent 

If you want to break into North State Parent, a magazine that covers family life in northern California, you’ll need to do your homework before you pitch editor Lisa Shara. You’ll get her attention with stories that nurture the bonds of “family” and community, especially if you can find an angle for a story that promotes healthy and developmentally-appropriate environments for children.

Rates: Varies depending on assignment.

22. Portland Family Magazine

Know what’s it like to live in the Rose City with kids? In a city that likes its unofficial slogan, “Keep Portland Weird,” there’s ample opportunities to write about the accomplishments of others, things to do, and family matters like health, travel, education, holidays, special events, and much more.

“We believe that local community members want to read something meaningful,” says managing editor Melissa Kniazeva, “something that enhances their relationship with each other and with their community.”

Rates: Varies depending on assignment.

23. Raising Arizona Kids

If you didn’t get the manual on how to raise a child, Raising Arizona Kids was created to be the next best thing. Its target audience is adults, ages 25 to 59, trying navigate the sometimes murky waters of being a new parent to raising teenagers in Arizona. “Articles should be written to inform, enlighten, challenge, support, amuse or touch these parents as they grow within their new roles, seek ways to enhance their children’s lives and face the pressure of combining careers and parenting,” says editor Kara Morrison.

Rates: $50 to $250 and up, depending on assignment.

24. San Diego Family

San Diego Family Magazine connects readers to businesses in the San Diego County,” says Publisher Sharon Bay. “It focuses on families with children between zero and 16. It has a great monthly calendar of events, local resources, education and health topics plus much more. If you want to write for this magazine, check out the editorial calendar that includes a list of hot topics, along with themes and deadlines for upcoming issues. Then send your queries to Managing Editor Lisa Gipson.

25. Simply Family

Billings, Mont., landed on the map as a railroad town and later became a hub for oil refineries after one of the largest discoveries in U.S. history. And while much of the U.S. struggled during the recession, Billings and the surrounding area grew by 57.8 percent, making it the largest city in the state. With over 157,000 people living in the area, Simply Family is the magazine for stories about parenting and family life for people living in Yellowstone County. Executive Editor Stephanie Toews says the best way to break into the magazine is to pitch a story idea with a strong local angle of interest to parents of a newborn to college-bound teens.

Rates: Varies depending on assignment.

26. Western New York Family Magazine

You’ve still got time to submit story ideas for the December issue of Western New York Family Magazine (deadline is Oct. 1). Editor Michelle Miller is looking for stories that focus on holiday happenings as well as education-focused topics for parents and kids living in western New York. Beyond the December issue, Miller says she’s also interested in stories about helping kids prepare for college, and parents going back to school to change careers.

Rates: $40 to $150 per assignment.

27. Working Mother

What’s it really like to be a working mom and parent? It’s not always easy, but it’s certainly possible to make it work, enjoy life, and be a role model for your kids. That’s the focus of Working Mother magazine. Have an idea for a story? Check out the Contacts page to pitch the right person.

Rates: $100 to $300 per assignment.

Find family-friendly magazines that pay writers

This is by no means an exhaustive list of parenting and family magazines that pay writers. There’s many more. You’ll find some featured in Writers Market. You’ll find some in strategic drop-off locations in your community. And if you do a little digging, you’ll no doubt find other magazines in this niche you can pitch to build your clips file, move up, and earn more.

Have you written for any of these magazines that pay writers? Let’s discuss on Facebook.

Erica Verrillo writes about the business of freelance writing on her blog. She is also the author of the “Phoenix Rising” trilogy novels and “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide.”

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3 Ways to Dry Wet Carpet

Drying your carpet right after it gets wet is important in order to avoid irreparable damage. Take note of these different methods:

Image Source: Flickr

Vacuum it

Do not do this with a regular home vacuum. You need a vacuum that is made to soak up water. Most vacuum cleaner sold for home use are for dry cleaning only and are extremely dangerous if used on wet carpets. Do not use your household vacuum cleaner unless it is approved for wet vacuuming.

Vacuum the carpet with the wet vacuum cleaner until you get no more water. The wet vacuum cleaner removes water from the carpet itself, but it may not be able to remove it from the padding if the water has wicked through the carpet backing or soaked in under the edges.

Keep an eye on the fill tank and make sure you dump it before hitting overflow. Depending on the amount of water in the carpet, you may have to dump the tank several times. Source: WikiHow

Use fans

It can take several days for fans to completely dry a water-damaged area. The good news is that they also help circulate fresh air.

“When you think it’s all nice and dry inside, it’s not,” Lipford adds. “Keep the fans going 24 hours a day for at least another week or so.”

Homeowners can rent high-power drying fans from local home improvement stores with tool rental service. Source: AngiesList

Soak up excess water using paper towels

Spread several towels over the wet carpet. In bare feet, walk up and down the surface of the towels. When they are completely saturated, replace with dry towels. Repeat this process if any excess moisture remains. Source: DoItYourself

Is your carpet already too water damaged? Before you decide to replace it, ask a professional if it’s still reparable. Contact us today!

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3 Tips for Cleaning High Windows

Window washing is a simple way to brighten up the look and feel of your house. However, high windows always seem just out of reach, making it more like a major undertaking than a simple clean. Check out these 3 tips for cleaning high windows.

Image Source: Flickr

Pre-Clean the Windows

  • Clean stubborn stains. Outside windows are especially prone to stubborn stains because they are exposed to hard water runoff, minerals, bird droppings, and elements that can cake on dirt and grime.
  • Remove stickers and decals. Whether you have children who love to decorate with stickers or applied decals to your windows to prevent birds from flying into them, removing sticky substances from windows can be difficult.
  • Remove and clean the screens. For inside and outside windows, clean the screens every time you clean the windows, which should be twice a year. Remove the screens and vacuum them to remove dust and dirt.
  • Vacuum or dust inside windows. Make sure you get all the windows, frames, and corners. This will prevent you from just spreading dirt around when you are cleaning.  Source: Wikihow

Select the Right Window Cleaner
Among the bottles in the cleaner aisle, you’ll find glass cleaners promising streak-free results — but what they don’t tell you is that those results often come with a catch: a lot of elbow grease.

You don’t need to buy a special glass cleaner, although the best is a non-abrasive window cleaning solution — you probably already have a cleanser in your apartment strong yet gentle enough for the job. Soapy window cleaners — a few drops of liquid dish soap in a bucket of warm water, for example — will work on cutting through dirt and grease and will also work well with your indoor squeegee technique (and it’s also safe to use on tempered glass). When you use a soapy or sudsy detergent remember: The less you use, the better. Use too much and these products can cause a soapy residue to build up on your windows, causing streaks and dull, dingy glass. A one-to-one ratio of vinegar to water also makes glass sparkle, and can be used in place of a soapy cleanser (although it probably won’t smell as good).  Source: HowStuffWorks

Wash the Right Way
For exterior windows, mix half white vinegar and half water as the cleaning solution in a large bucket. Water and dishwashing liquid will work equally well. Use just a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Any more than a few drops and the water will be too soapy. Fill a second bucket with just water for rinsing the sponge and squeegee.

Put a sponge in the cleaning solution and wash the windows with it. Wet a squeegee as a dry squeegee blade won’t have traction. Use only water, though, and not the cleaning solution.

Move the squeegee vertically down the window with a straight stroke, beginning at the right upper corner. Go back for the next stroke and do it the same way. Overlap the prior stroke just a bit. After you complete a stroke, use a second sponge or one of the cloths to wipe the squeegee’s rubber edge.

For cleaning inside windows, use a towel to catch any drips. Take a sponge or cloth to dry the sill if it gets wet. For interior windows, use a wet cloth and a non-ammonia cleaner to wipe the frames.

Remove the cleaner with a rise. Use a clean wet cloth. Dry the frames immediately. Water can harm wood. Clean the sponge and squeegee in the second bucket.  Source: Improvenet

 

Contact:
Universal Blinds
601 – 1550 W. 10th Ave
Vancouver, V6J 1Z9
Canada
Phone: (604) 559-1988

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Tips on Repairing Bathtub Leaks

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

There are many ways that your bathtub may start leaking or having other issues.  Continue reading to learn more about what you can do, including: locating the leak, repairing the faucet and repairing the grout and the tub.

Image Source: Flickr

Locate the Leak
First things first: You must locate the leak before you repair it. It’s relatively simple to determine whether or not your faucet or grout is leaking – just check to see if water is spilling out of either area. To test if the actual tub has a leak in it, wipe the outside until it is completely dry and line the area with newspaper. As you begin to fill the tub up, you’ll want to keep an eye out for areas of the newspaper that start getting wet.

To test the drain, completely fill the tub with water. When it’s filled, carefully listen for the sound of water seeping out. If you hear those sounds and see the water start to decrease, chances are the drain assembly isn’t fully sealed. Source: Rotorooter

Repair the Faucet
Faucets can be one of the easier items in the house to fix. Pressurized water is delivered to your home, and a faucet turns off by creating a watertight seal strong enough to counteract that pressure. A simple washer and seat assembly accomplishes this job, and if your faucet is dripping, one of these two items probably needs to be replaced.

You’ll first need to shut off the water and pull out the faucet. There should be a washer. If replacing the washer doesn’t fix the leak, then the problem is probably in the brass seat located behind the washer. You can fix it yourself if you have the proper seating wrench, but it would probably be wisest to call a professional plumber with all the expertise, tools and parts he needs to come fix it once and for all. The worst thing you can do in this situation is trying to make the leak stop by trying to force the faucet handle shut. The handle is not the problem.  Source: HomeAdvisor

Repair the Grout and the Tub
Small leaks in the faucet grout and tub can be repaired using heavy duty sealant. To repair the grout, clean the leaking area and determine the extent of the problem. If the crack on the grout is minor, you may apply sealant on it to stop the leak. To do so, shut off the water supply to your tub and let the grout dry up completely before you attempt to apply sealant on it. After applying the sealant, wait for at least 3 hours before you turn the water supply back on to give the sealant time to dry up completely.

For small leaks on the body of your tub, you may use heavy duty waterproof sealant to stop the leak. To do this, clean the tub thoroughly, then mark the areas that need repairs. Apply an ample amount of sealant on the cracks and let it dry for at least 3 hours. Once the sealant is completely dry, use fine grip sand paper to remove the extra sealant and smooth out the surface of the tub. Source: DoItYourself

 

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Calgary, Alberta
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