Friday, September 30, 2016

Buying A Home With Friends – What To Watch Out For

 

 

 

Don’t have money to buy Vancouver real estate on your home?

Is it possible to buy homes with others?

Is it beneficial to enter into real estate joint ventures?

 

Are you finding the Vancouver real estate market too expensive?  You’ve probably heard of others getting into the market by partnering up with others, haven’t you?  Is it risky?  What’s involved?  How does it work?

The first thing when considering that option is that everything MUST BE IN WRITING!  I can’t stress it enough.  When I say writing, I don’t mean an email.  I mean, using a real estate lawyer that knows how to draft up real estate joint venture agreements.

 

But it’s my family, surely I can trust them?

 

Get It In Writing

Regardless of the other part(ies) are, the contract is there for when things go sideways.  Everyone’s smiling when there’s agreement, but when there’s a disagreement, in order to be fair and just, the contract is what’s guaranteed and promised.  No need to say “he said that” or “she said this” or rely on someone’s memory.  Having a proper Joint Venture agreement in place also prevents disagreements when 1 of the parties wants out of the deal.  

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Thursday, September 29, 2016

The Grey by Westland – Ultra Luxury West Point Grey Pre-Construction Residences

Epitome of Modern Elegance
The Grey is situated at the north end of Dunbar Village on West 16th Avenue, The homes in the neighbourhood are predominantly  single­-family. With this in mind, homes are designed to appeal to the luxuries and comforts of single­-family living. Designed by acclaimed IBI, the four­-storey building complements the historic neighbourhood with a composite of natural stone, metal panel, glass and concrete. The Grey is a timeless illustration of contemporary elegance.

Aerial perspective of Westland's The Grey.

The Grey will have a selection of two­-bedroom to three-­bedroom plus den homes, also included in the plans are penthouse ­level homes, and ground-level commercial space. Penthouses will have their own private rooftop balconies and many homes will benefit from large outdoor terraces.The Grey is located on the crest of Dunbar, north-facing homes will have amazing views of the water, North Shore mountains and Downtown Vancouver. All large homes will carry the Westland pedigree that can only be offered from an ultra ­luxury single­-family builder.

Pricing for The Grey
Details have not yet been released

Floor Plans for The Grey
All residences will consist of two or more bedrooms, including two 1,087 sq ft 2-bedroom suites, 18 2-bedroom + den homes from 1,132-1,353 sq ft, two 1,400 sq ft 3-bedroom condos, and seven penthouses from 911-3,500 sq ft.

Luxurious interiors at The Grey by Guo Interiors.

Superior Interiors

  • Two finely-crafted, custom colour palettes by Guo Interiors coordinate with your personal style
  • 9’ ceilings in living and bedroom areas visually expand the scope of each room
  • Wide-plank engineered hardwood flooring flows throughout the living and bedroom areas
  • Side-by-side washer and dryer laundry closets
  • Solid core doors in each room create additional privacy and security
  • Custom-designed built-in closets allow for plenty of room for organization of your possessions
  • Automated smart-home technology by Creston controls temperature and lighting through a sleek wall-mount keypad
  • Additional smart-home technology available through the Westland Design Centre
  • Tailor your home with our pre-selected options for customization and personalization at the Westland Design Centre

 

Open-plan kitchen concept for spacious living at The Grey.

Connoisseur Kitchens

  • Italian-imported, custom-stained oak veneer cabinets designed for the needs of the at-home chef
  • Oversized kitchens with islands
  • Renowned, state-of-the-art Gaggeneau appliances:
  • Multi-language options
    • 36” 5-burner gas cooktop with stainless steel high CFM hood fan
    • Stand-alone 24” integrated refrigerator column
    • Stand-alone 18” integrated freezer column
    • Built-in microwave
    • Built-in, ultra-quiet speed dishwasher
    • 24” handleless, automatic door-opening wall oven
  • Each home includes the option for a one-of-a kind culinary entertainment centre with an integrated pantry that features:
    • Gaggeneau coffee maker
    • Gaggeneau refrigerated wine column
    • Pull-out storage
    • Custom bar with mirrored wall and lit display shelving for your finest cognac
  • Custom-designed drawer and door organizers keep kitchen essentials in their place
  • Integrated soft-touch, self-close doors and drawers maintain a visually clean kitchen and minimize noise
  • Kitchens offer convenient under-cabinet task LED lighting for precision work
  • Easy-to-maintain solid quartz countertops with full-height quartz backsplash and marble-top island make a statement
  • European-designed, arched chrome Hans Grohe faucet

Show-Stopper Bathrooms

  • Italian-imported, wood veneer cabinets hover over exquisite tile floor
  • Master bathroom features:
    • Opulent free-standing tub enclosed within a stunning frameless glass bathing room
    • Flush-mount, custom-stained oak, mirrored medicine cabinets with built-in lighting and electrical outlets
    • Nu-heat flooring for year-round comfort
    • Pristine white countertops are paired with Hans Grohe wall-mount or free-standing faucets and fixtures
    • Oversized 5’-wide porcelain marble slab creates a spectacular bathing experience
  • Powder room features:
    • Exceptional oversized, three-sided vessel sink
    • Duravit wall-mounted lavatory
    • Sparking chrome Hans Grohe faucet

Developer Team for The Grey
Westland, a family company, was established in 2008. Since then, Westland has designed and built over 40 ultra-luxury custom homes in some of Vancouver’s most prestige neighbourhoods – Shaughnessy and Kerrisdale. Completely original, each of these custom homes have been meticulously designed to express the unique personality of the homeowner.

Expected Completion for The Grey
Sales start Fall/Winter 2016. Completion date is yet to be determined.

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How I Earned $45K Self-Publishing 10 E-Books: Top Takeaways

How I earned $45K self-publishing 10 e-books! Makealivingwriting.comIt feels like yesterday that I was self-publishing my very first e-book, Make a Living Writing: The 21st Century Guide. I made quite a few mistakes putting that out, and it’s no longer available (cough).

But I lived and learned, and created better e-books. As I prepped to release my latest, Small Blog, Big Income: Advanced Ninja Tricks for Profitable Blogging, I realized I now have TEN e-books available for sale, counting my free e-book for subscribers.

I’ve learned a ton along the way, so I thought I’d save others some time and unpack it all.

I’ve made over $45,000 selling e-books over the past 6 years, without a lot of effort (I added it up when I was writing the new e-book, because I was curious!). So it can add up to a substantial chunk of change, over time.

What helps me earn well from each e-book I release these days? Here are 17 hard-won tips for self-publishing success:

1. Ask your readers first

As with any product you develop, begin by discovering what your readers desperately need—and therefore, would spend money to learn from you. Take a survey, run a question-driven blog post and read the comments, hold a tweetchat, start a Facebook thread. However you do it, find out what your readers’ pains are, and think about how you can solve them.

2. Research the competition

Once you know what readers want, it’s time to research the competition to fine-tune how to position your e-book, and to tweak the title to use the best possible keywords.

Are there already a lot of recent e-books on this topic? Who are the top sellers? What Amazon categories do they use? What are they charging? This competitive intel will help you tweak your e-book concept. It definitely did for me with that first Small Blog, Big Income e-book, which started out as “How I Earn a Six-Figure Income From My Tiny Niche Blog.”

These days, I’m using Dave Chesson’s great research tool KDP Rocket (yes, since I use and love it, I affiliate sell it), which gives you quick answers to these key competitive-research questions. The revised title has “niche blogger,” “make money blogging,” other useful key terms the initial title idea lacked.

A review of current offerings and feedback from my author mastermind showed me that my initial title choice might feel scammy to some (even though that’s exactly what the content is), and it wasn’t different enough from other offerings. Don’t write an e-book in a vacuum!

3. Short is better than long

People don’t want to read endless e-books like my first one, which topped 200 pages! Better to break up your material into multiple e-books than to try to cram it all into one. Yes, Amazon is now penalizing shorter e-books in author royalties…but short e-books are still more effective in building reader loyalty, especially in nonfiction.

4. Write a series

Nothing is easier to sell than a sequel to a previous e-book. I’ve done a series of four Freelance Writers Den e-books adapted from bootcamps, and the new Small Blog, Big Income e-book is the sequel to the original Small Blog, Big Income: A Niche Blogger’s 7-Step Success Formula.

Know what I did to sell the new one? I sent an email to everyone who bought the first one, and made hundreds of sales. Easy!

5. Cheap is better than expensive

Trust me, you will earn more in the long run with lower-priced e-books, nearly every time. On Amazon, anything above $3.99 is real tough sledding.

I recently heard from a new writer who wanted me to affiliate sell his $27 e-book. I said, “Have you visited Amazon lately?”

Remember, though they may be a paid product, e-books are rarely a huge earner, especially in the short run. Most e-book sellers price them low to get people into their marketing funnel and sell them pricier stuff — their consulting, premium courses, and the like.

If you’re dreaming of selling a $79 e-book as your primary earner, you’ll have a hard time making sales, unless you’re a big name with a built-in audience dying to buy anything you put out.

6. Repurposing is good

I’ve done well turning everything from live event transcripts to collections of blog posts into e-books. People are not offended that you’re recycling—different buyers like to buy things in different formats, and some like e-books.

Don’t think you have to write from scratch! Aside from my very first e-book and the two Small Blog, Big Income entries, all of my other e-books are repurposed content.

7. Co-authors rock

Yes, Collaborators are terrific for e-book writing! Most of my e-books have co-authors—I even did one with 40 different authors that I edited and presented. That means I had 40 other writers who would promote the e-book.

Curated content rocks. Collaborating will allow you to generate more e-books faster, which is important.

8. Write many e-books

The easiest way to sell more copies of your e-book is to have another e-book come out. Readers will be more receptive and less annoyed than if you keep flogging that one, old e-book. A new e-book gets readers looking over—and buying—your old titles.

When you have additional e-books, you can also create ‘bundle’ sales of multiple e-books at a discount. That’s been one of my most popular types of e-book offers.

9. Refresh and update your e-books

You can also redesign the cover of an older e-book, update and introduce a new edition, or otherwise refresh an older e-book and promote it to create a sales surge. Linda Formichelli and I did this with our co-written e-book 13 Ways to Get the Writing Done Faster, which initially had a cheesy, homemade cover — and we’ve been selling copies steadily ever since.

10. Invest in design

I don’t go on Fiverr and pay $10 for a cover. I usually invest $1200-$2000 in my e-book publishing process—and make it back the first week. You can compensate for the relatively modest size of your audience and look more successful with better-quality e-book design.

I use the webmaster team I use for my blog and Den community, but if you want turnkey help, I’m hearing good things about Archangel Ink’s services and have seen nice products from them (so I recommend and affiliate sell them). I learned about them from self-publishing expert Steve Scott, who I read regularly. Find some self-publishing successes and watch what they do — you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort.

11. Participate in multi-author events

Again, people: Think collaboration! Instead of trying to sell your e-book all by yourself, team up with 5-10 other authors and do it together. Do it in person at a bookstore, do it online—but get together.

That way, you all pool your small lists and end up with a much bigger audience. I recently ran a 99-cent, one-day, multi-author e-book sale off a simple blog post that netted thousands of dollars for the authors (without paying for ads on BookBub or any of the other book-promo sites).

12. Know your goal

Know what you’re trying to accomplish with your e-book before you write, price, and market it. If it’s supposed to be your cash cow, you’ll write, design, and market it differently than if it’s your $1 tripwire.

Some authors use their e-books to build authority and land lucrative public speaking gigs, or fill seats at their live or online conferences. With this new e-book, for instance, I’m finally acceding to many requests that I offer blog coaching, and debuting that service. When your e-book is the tip of a sales iceberg of related services, you can earn a lot more.

13. Sell at the top and in your endpapers

One recently learned trick for me is to offer one cheap additional e-book before the table of contents in your e-book. That way, it shows up in Amazon’s ‘Look Inside the Book’ excerpt, and exposes readers to more of your items.

Flip to the end of my e-books, and you’ll see a link to every single product I offer. Don’t forget to update your endpapers in your e-books as you add new products. Your reader is now a qualified buyer from you, and that means they’re a good bet to buy additional things from you.

14. Presell, presell, presell

Selling e-books is all about preparing the way. It’s impossible to start too early, talking about an e-book! Chat in social media about your draft, your cover possibilities, your topic. Publish blog posts on the topic. Guest post ahead of the release.

Offer your readers discounts for reserving presale copies. Get the buzz going, before official launch day. At this point, the bulk of the money I earn from e-books happen during presales! And running a presale also means you’ve got a list of people who’ve read the book that you can email on release day and ask to leave Amazon reviews.

15. 99 cents is the new free

A lot of authors are hooked on the exclusive, free Kindle Direct Publishing promo e-book launch. They’ll even pay BuckBooks and the like hundreds to promote their free offer! I’ve tried it myself, and I’m here to say I think these free giveaways are a crock—especially for bloggers with a smaller audience. Yes, you get some sales after them, because the freebie event spikes your rankings…but the impact tends to be fleeting.

You get thousands of free downloads, get all excited that buzz is spreading…and often, end up making $300 when you switch to asking folks to pay for your e-book. At this point, I’ve heard too many reports of that from other self-publishing authors. I think this is a strategy that once worked well, but now that the market is super-saturated with e-book releases, it just doesn’t anymore.

Why doesn’t a KDP freebie event lead to a lot of sales? Because free downloaders are NOT buyers. They’re freeloaders. So their downloads don’t mean much. Instead, do a 99-cent sale. That’s a way to get a large pool of qualified buyers — especially if you follow this next tip:

16. Capture Amazon buyers’ emails

The big problem with selling on Amazon is you don’t know who buys. You don’t get a list of previous purchasers you can sell the next e-book or class.

Solve this by leaving something out of your e-book that they must come to your site and give you their email address to get. In the case of my newest Small Blog, Big Income installment, it’s a special report with 90 Actionable Tips for earning more from blogging. I create fillable workbooks for many of my e-books, so readers have a good place to take notes and build their own action plan, based on the tips.

The other way to know who your buyers are is…

17. Sell on your own site and keep all the money

Yes, I know I depart from the pack on this one. My Amazon sales are only a small part of my e-book sales strategy, and with the e-tail giant’s ever-changing rules and policies which seem to result in ever-smaller author royalties, I recommend it be a small part of yours.

When you sell an e-book on your own site, to your own audience, you are in complete control of the process, and you keep all the money. This is what you built your niche audience for—so you can sell them directly, and not be dependent on the whims of Amazon’s algorithms to earn! I fail to see why I should give Amazon 70% of the money for selling an e-book to someone I already know.

On Amazon, you cannot run bundle sales or offer readers special discounts the general public doesn’t get. And that makes it a bad place to debut a book, in my view.

I put my e-books on Amazon after presales and after launch week, when I’m done offering deals to my audience. Yes, I’ve been told I’m a fool, and if I went KDP Select exclusively and emailed all my peeps to buy on Amazon, I could rank well and Amazon would become a cash machine…and all I can say is, I’m skeptical.

As a niche blogger, it’s key that you keep rewarding your subscribers and make them feel special when they buy. They should feel they’re getting the inside line and that it’s well worth staying on your list. If they do, they will buy again and again. Send them to Amazon to buy your book, and…well, it’s less special.

I also feel confident that there’s no way I would have earned close to $50,000 selling these e-books via Amazon. They just take too big of a chunk of your sales.

Track the trends

If I had a final point to add, it would be that the world of online self-publishing keeps on changing. The points above outline my philosophy to this point, but the playing field keeps shifting. Try new things, and stay on top of what’s going on in the e-book sales marketplace to see where you have the best opportunity.

Got self-publishing questions? Leave a comment, and let’s discuss.

Make Money Blogging -- Small Blog Big Income

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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Avenue One by Concord Pacific – 247 Opulent Southeast False Creek Pre-Construction Condos

 

Concord Pacific, have come together with GBL Architects, They have designed a stunning 17-storey residential building in booming Southeast False Creek. This very attractive location is overlooking Hinge Park, Habitat Island, and the waters of False Creek. Avenue One highlights the enjoyment of the outdoors with open north-facing balconies, water features and green roofs. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, Avenue One is the one.

 

 

Avenue One north elevation rendering.

Becoming a home owner at Avenue One, you join a master-planned community designed to conveniently meet your everyday needs. Located close-by are various professional services and shops such as Urban Fare, London Drugs pharmacy and Terra Breads bakery cafe. For an evening out there is a selection of breweries, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and taphouses all within walking distance of you own neighbourhood. This area also offers the stunning seawall for jogging, cycling, False Creek for watersports and the facilities at the Creekside Community Recreation Centre. Follow the avenue to livability at Avenue One.

 

Aerial view of Area One's Southeast False Creek location.

 

Rendering of Avenue One's podium.

 

Developer Team for Avenue One
Concord Pacific is a residential and commercial real estate investment and development firm formed in 1987 to develop Concord Pacific Place on the former Expo Lands in downtown Vancouver. Since then, Concord has completed over 100 residential and mixed use buildings with more than 50 in various stages of planning and development. Over the past 25 years, the Concord Group of companies has also grown into other industry sectors, including software and information technology, telecommunications, as well as green energy projects in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power generation.

Pricing for Avenue One

Contact for Details

Expected Completion for Avenue One
2019.

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The Parker by Townline – 49 Cambie Corridor Pre-Construction Luxury Residences

Townline has announced their newest WestSide community, The Parker is a stunning 6-storey building coming soon to Vancouver’s very popular Oakridge neighbourhood. This boutique development consists of 49 luxury residences which will include air-conditioning. There will be a selection of one,two,and three-bedroom homes featuring thoughtfully-planned gourmet kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, high-end interior finishes, and appealing outdoor living spaces.

The Parker south elevation rendering.

 

The Parker is going to be situated on the corner of West 41st Avenue and Elizabeth Street, The Parker is conveniently tucked back from the bustle of the Cambie Corridor while still providing immediate access to nearby amenities. Oakridge Centre will be nearby providing shopping and stores for groceries at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway. Just across the street you will be able to find the ideal wines for entertaining at Vancouver’s largest Signature BC Liquor Store. Queen Elizabeth Park’s beautiful manicured gardens are located just a few minutes away. Also the very accessible Canada Line will bring you downtown to enjoy its endless entertainment offerings. It’s all yours at The Parker.

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Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Challenge #213 - Holiday

Hi everyone! Welcome back to our weekly challenge. We have a 


challenge for you starting right now. Time to get those Christmas cards ready. Perhaps you celebrate Halloween? Have you gone on a trip with your family or is someone needing a Bon Voyage card? Link it up here :)

Our wonderful sponsor this week is


SLSlines is the work of Sal Scheibe, a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who loves to draw and create fun illustrations. Sal works as the Art Director of ArtTrader Magazine. Prior to freelance illustrating, she worked as a Creative Designer for a music firm working with TV and advertising clients. 
Sal spends her nights drawing geeky things like RPG characters, zombies, fairies, awkward people, pretty girls and odd animals. She offers a broad range of fun digital stamps in many themes from geeky to cute and whimsical to realistic. Her digital stamps start life as sketchy little doodles which are then cleaned up digitally in Photoshop and made presentable and perfect for you.
Sal's favorite tools are Wacom pen and tablet as well as Copic markers, lots of fineliners and many types of erasers (which are used often). Her favorite artists include John Singer Sargent, Norman Rockwell, JC Leyendecker, Joe Sorren and Phil Hale. And Steve Epting too.
If you'd like a custom digital stamp made or have some suggestions, feel free to write to Sal with themes you'd like to see in the Etsy store.

Prize: 2 digital images


Here is our inspiration for you

















Wonderful examples from the DT. Please visit their blogs to see how they came up with their ideas.





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5 Tips on Maintaining Your Steam Shower

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

Steam showers are pricier than your average shower, but considering all the benefits, we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s worth the investment. Bearing in mind how much the cost is, as much as possible we would want to maintain the state of our newly installed steam shower as it is. The trick is to be on top of things and not wait until the damage becomes hard to fix, and to do that, follow the tips below:

Steam Shower/ Whirlpool Bathtub DA328F3-1 59.1″x32″x87″

Weak Steam Output
After about 20 showers its good practice to clean the steam generator
Fill the tank with between 5 to 10 grams of citric acid diluted with about 1.5 liters of warm water.
Let it set for 12 hours before turning it on to heat the water. This will vaporize the citric acid.
The steam generator will have a manual drain valve. This valve should be drained approximately every 2 months. You may have to remove any large clumps by hand. Source: Bathroomz

Inspecting for Tightness of Seals and Joints
Silicone seals, water supply joints, valves, and nozzles should be checked at least once a year. If the silicone seals are loose, replace them. Sealing the doors and walls is quite easy. Nozzles, joints, and drainage systems can be tightened or repaired using the most basic plumbing skills. Source: DoItYourself

It’s Worth It to Squeegee
Water can leave behind minerals that create a whitish haze over glass doors and tile. The longer the minerals sit, the harder they are to remove. So a quick squeegee after the last shower of the day will make cleaning easier in the long run. Source: HGTV

A Natural Alternative
A mixture of baking soda and water makes a scum-fighting scrub that many experts swear by. Measurements for the mixture will vary depending on how much you need. To get started, try using a half-cup of baking soda, and then add water as needed to make a thick paste. Using a nonabrasive sponge, scrub the glass and rinse it with vinegar. Source: Houzz

Maintaining Steam
Hot, damp areas are perfect incubators for mold and mildew. After using your steam shower, open the door to dry out your bathroom, and run the exhaust fan to suck out the steam.
Every few months, flush the unit to get rid of calcium deposits. Source: Houselogic

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

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Welcome Autumn with an Interior Update

Just as you change the types of clothing you wear every season, it’s also best to change up your interiors. You don’t need to make drastic alterations; adding one thing or two pieces, or just changing some pieces is certainly enough to change the ambiance of a room. Let the changing of leaves and crisp breeze inspire you to do some of the tips below:

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Autumn Textures
Growing accustomed to the new season comes easy with warm cushion covers and sofa blankets. Get your indoors feeling new by updating your curtains, carpets and bed sheets with an autumn colour palette.
Choose curtain colours that showcase nature by drawing on shades of gold, burnt orange, rich browns and creamy tones. Neutrals colours and splashes of yellow can also contribute some autumn charm to your home.
Keep in mind that although it precedes winter, the autumn months have a different decorative element to winter. Remember to:
Avoid thick curtains and bed sheets that will overwhelm your interior space.
Opt for soft rugs and patterned throw cushions that will accentuate the autumn colours. Source: OneFlare

Bowls of Seasonal Fruits
A trip to the grocery store is all it takes. Load your cart up with fresh apples, pears, berries and nuts and you will have a healthy and environmentally pleasing display. Other ideas are to bring the outdoors inside. Bundle sticks and branches together and place them by the fireplace or in vases and jars.  Pine cones of all shapes and sizes can look quite lovely in large glass or ceramic bowls. Autumn decor shouldn’t have to cost too much. Source: Freshome

Candles
Der! We all know candles look great any time of year but they really come into their own and create a lovely glow when the nights are drawing in. Think more wintery, spicier fragrances rather than zesty summer scents. Source: TheInteriorsAddict

For more information on window treatments and the latest trends, contact us!

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

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Monday, September 26, 2016

Debunking Carpet Myths

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Image Source: Flickr

Carpet has been one of, if not the most, popular choice of flooring in the United States and Canada for decades now. There are a lot of advantages in using carpet over any other flooring; for example, it keeps the place warm as it can insulate the floor, it’s soft, and there are thousands of styles to choose from. However, some people are still hesitant to have their place carpeted because of some of these myths:

Myth #1: Carpet is hard to maintain – it stains and wears out very easily.

Fact:  Simple steps can extend the life of your carpet and keep it looking new.

Frequent vacuuming removes soil particles before they get below the surface of the pile, where they are far more difficult to remove. Carpet in a typical household should be thoroughly cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Hot water extraction systems provide the most effective cleaning. Professional carpet cleaners generally get the best results. Source: ShawFloors

Myth #2:  Carpet cleaning ruins the original look of carpet, so don’t clean it unless absolutely necessary.

Fact: Modern carpet cleaners, and cleaning chemicals, are completely safe to use on carpets. They are designed to firmly but gently reach down between the fibers of your carpet to clean them completely.

In fact, one of the best ways to keep your carpet looking like new is to clean it on a regular basis. When you use a cleaner on your carpets, you will be amazed at how clean and new they look, even in high-traffic areas.

It’s a good idea to test a carpet cleaner and product on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t negatively affect your carpet before you clean an entire room. In most cases, you won’t have any difficulty, but this is a best practice you should adopt. Source: HSS

Myth #3: Cleaning the carpet can shrink it excessively.

Fact: Isn’t this a major problem that might damage your favorite carpet? Well, it is also a major myth that might haunt you. However, it is not extremely common and occurs only if you leave the carpet wet for a long time. So, this problem is easy to avoid if you follow the proper steps. Source: Share-Ask

Myth #4: Carpet contains formaldehyde.

Fact: Formaldehyde was first identified as a possible carcinogen in 1973. The carpet industry immediately went to work in removing all possible sources in which formaldehyde could be introduced into carpet components. The carpet industry was the first industry to proactively establish chemical emissions standards for their product and every carpet is now tested for formaldehyde emissions. More than 10 years later other industries are now being forced to adopt emission standards, similar to the voluntary testing program that the carpet industry initiated in 1992. Source: CarpetBuyersHandbook

Now that we’ve debunked these myths, give us a call when you’re ready to have your new carpet installed!

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6 Ways to Find the Right Editor for Your Book

Find the Right Book Editor. Makealivingwriting.comYou probably have more than one  book idea floating around in your brain. And you should just get on with writing it. It’s relatively easy to write an e-book or self-publish these days. And it’s a smart way to build your personal brand, help other people, grow your freelancing business, and ultimately make more money from writing.

But once you’ve got your book written, there’s at least one more step in the process…editing. And it’s something a lot of writers dread. Sound familiar?

So what do you do when you’ve written a book and want to make sure you’ve done your best work?

You could try and self-edit, or pass off your prose to a family member or friend for free feedback. But either way fails to give you the kind of objective view you need to make the biggest impact. Both editing options are frequently plagued by bouts of frustration and procrastination, and conjure up horror stories about the editing process.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Find an editor who is competent and affordable, and you’ll sound smarter, reduce roadblocks that could prevent you from publishing, and give your readers greater value.

Here are six ways to find the right editor for your book:

 

1. Understand the editing process

Editing is editing, right? Wrong.

The price you’re going to pay an editor depends on a lot of different factors. You may just want an editor to proofread your book to catch minor errors and typos. Or you may want to work with an editor to help you overhaul your book. Getting familiar with the kind of editing options available will help you choose the right editor. Typical book editing services are:

  • Developmental Editing examines the big picture and structure of a book. This is heavy editing and, if needed, should occur first.
  • Line Editing is stylistic editing, which refines each line for smooth and clear text.
  • Copy Editing addresses grammar, word usage, and punctuation, while checking for internal consistency of facts.
  • Proofreading is the final check for typos, repeated words, spacing and formatting consistency.

Note: These terms may be used differently depending on the editor. You should clarify with potential editors exactly what their services include. If you are not sure which editing services you need, many editors offer a free consultation.

2. Give potential editors a test-drive

Some writers shop around for an editor by sending them a page from their book and requesting a sample edit. It’s a legit way to see if an editor has the skills to catch errors, improve word choices, and maintain your voice.

But it’s not the only way you can gauge an editor’s skill level. What if you sent an editing quiz to which you had the answer key? You could compare results of several editors to see who has the best grasp on grammar rules. This will ensure an editor is effective, especially for copy editing.

3. Find an editor in your niche

Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been writing for some time, it’s no secret that the most successful writers specialize in a niche. Why? Focusing on a niche helps you become an expert in that area, write better content, ask better questions, and know where to find sources and research. The best editors typically specialize in one or a few niches for similar reasons.

A good editor understands the market of the material she is working with. If you’re going to trust someone to make changes to your book, especially for developmental editing, make sure she is experienced in your niche.

4. Expect editors to read the fine print

Attention to detail is a critical skill for editors. So how do you screen out editors who might not wield a virtual red pen with the chops to catch every typo, grammar problem, style issue, and the like? You could post a job ad for an editor and subtly screen out applicants that aren’t as detail-oriented by including some fine print in the description.

For example, if you create a post to find your next editor, place a random requirement in the middle of the job description. Dave Chesson, aka the Kindlepreneuer, likes to use, “Respond with ‘Hey, Jedi!'” (Nerdy, but works). This is one way to find an editor who thoroughly reads all the details about editing your book.

5. Ask for referrals and references

Asking your network for referrals to help you find an editor for your book is a good way to find someone who’s already proven they’ve got the skills to edit your book. If that doesn’t work, you could ask potential editors for references. If you’re going to vet an editor by talking to references, you might ask:

  • What type of project did you work on together?
  • Was there anything you were unhappy with?
  • Did the editor meet agreed-upon deadlines?
  • Did the final cost match the initial quote?
  • Would you hire this editor again?

Not every editor will have contact information for references, but most will.

6. Give newbies a chance

After doing your homework to find the perfect editor, you might discover that the person with the most experience and rave reviews also charges the most for their services. If you don’t have piles of cash to pay a top-ranked editor for your first book, consider giving a newbie a chance. You can find affordable editors on the Freelance Writer’s Den job board, social media groups for self-publishers, and online platforms like Upwork, or Reedsy.

If an editor’s rates seem skeptically low, send an editing test, ask for references or a sample, place a hidden message in your post, and see if they understand the different types of editing. If an editor passes all of these tests, even if she’s a newbie, give her a try. This could save you hundreds of dollars and help you find a skilled editor who is competent and affordable.

Find the right editor to help you improve your book, and you’ll be making a good investment in yourself and your writing business.

Have you had success finding an affordable yet effective book editor? Leave a comment below and share what’s worked for you.

Val Breit has a knack for keeping writers calm while transforming mediocre writing into straightforward, error-free, marketable, and engaging pieces for readers to enjoy at Keep Calm Write On.

Make Money Blogging -- Small Blog Big Income

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Friday, September 23, 2016

3 Tips for Cleaning Bathroom Grout

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

Do you need to clean the grout in your bathroom? It doesn’t have to be complicated with these helpful cleaning tips!

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Below are 3 tips for cleaning bathroom grout:

Steam Cleaners
Steam cleaners can be an effective and environmentally-friendly method of cleaning grout—or for that matter, many other surfaces around the house. Bissell, Oreck, Ladybug and Hoover all make steam cleaners for residential use. To keep your grout clean and stain-free, it’s a good idea to spray it with vinegar and wipe it down once a week. You can also wipe grout with alcohol to keep mold and mildew at bay. In any case, just a few spritzes and wipes a week can save you a lot of time and effort cleaning, preserving the attractive appearance of your home in the process. Source:  BobVila

Vinegar and Baking Soda
Fill your spray bottle with a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water and spray the work area generously. Let the solution sit for about five minutes, then follow up with a grout brush or a scrub brush. If you don’t have one of these, a toothbrush works in a pinch. Rinse with warm water.
In a small bowl, make a paste with baking soda and water. Dip your toothbrush or grout brush in the paste and work it into the grout. Spray the area with your vinegar + water solution. The vinegar will cause the baking soda to bubble up and will start to work away that nasty soap scum. Use your brush and get all the way into the grout lines to remove buildup. Rinse with warm water. Source: ApartmentTherapy

Commercial Grout Cleaner
Try oxygen bleach products. This is another name for sodium percarbonate, which is a compound made of hydrogen peroxide and soda crystals. Brand-name products include Clorox, OxiClean, Oxi Magic, and Bio Kleen. Mix the product with water as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply to the affected area and let it sit for up to an hour before scrubbing and rinsing.

  • Be sure to use these products in a well-ventilated area, and avoid contact with your skin. Always wear gloves to use these products.
  • Always spot test commercial products in a small area on your grout to make sure the product won’t discolor, erode, or damage your grout. Don’t use any sort of bleach product on colored grout.

Use a commercial grout cleaner and whitener. There are many cleaners out there that are designed specifically for grout, and most of them can be purchased at hardware stores. Be sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, and follow all the safety precautions. Commercial grout cleaners include:

  • Zep
  • Goo Gone Grout
  • Outrageous
  • Tilex Tile and Grout

Beware of chemical combinations. In case you find one chemical hasn’t worked and you want to try another, be sure to wash the area and wait a couple days before trying something new. Just like hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can combine to form peracetic acid, so too can commercial cleansers mix to form poisonous gasses, caustic liquids, and noxious fumes. Source: wikiHow

Cleaning grout isn’t just about the type of tile cleaner you use – it’s also about the methods you employ for getting the stains out.  We hope these tips will help you out with your grout cleaning needs!

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

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Winners - Challenge #211

Time to announce our winners from our last challenge (#211 Anything Goes). We LOVE your participation and support of ATSM. The amazing entries we get in our gallery each week really makes it hard to choose our winners. But choose we must :)

On to our winners - 

Our 

HONOURABLE ADDICTS









Congratulations to you all. Please grab your badge to display on your blog. 



Our 

TOP ADDICT

and the winner of the prize from



is




Congratulations Maria, please take your Winners Badge to post on your blog and don't forget to claim your prize you must contact me at kyliepurtell@gmail.com within 5 days.








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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Is Freelance Writing a Sure Thing? Scam Alert

Scam Alert: Is freelance writing a sure thing? Makealivingwriting.comDo you think freelance writing is a sure thing?

If so, there’s a newly minted online writing ‘expert’ who’d love to take your money.

You may have heard that if something seems to be too good to be true, it probably is.

Well, if someone tells you that freelance writing is an activity even a “broke, jobless dummy” can for-sure earn a middle-class income with, because “anyone can write” and “earn a safe, secure income” from home (all quotes from this pitchster’s website)…please be wary.

Here’s what I recently learned about the wild promises being made to online writers about the easy riches that supposedly await them…

Promising the moon, delivering heartbreak

I’ve written before about how to bust unqualified faux experts online by asking basic questions about their expertise…but in the past week, I was sent an email that set new records for spinning tall tales about how easy it is to be a well-paid freelance writer.

Yes, easy to earn — in a career that’s been called “the most difficult way to earn money quickly,” by experienced coaches including Diana Burrell.

Here’s an excerpt from the pitch I got to sell this total stranger’s offer (I’m omitting identifying details, since I wouldn’t want to inadvertently lead any writers who read me to this site):

Hi Carol,

Do you have any interest in doing some cross promoting a writing product for a big commission? If so, here’s what I have for us: I recently release a book called “TITLE.” It’s a guide based training program on how to become a home based writer. The book sets a target of $5,000 a month with several action paths to get there (and beyond).

I figured since we’re in the same niche, we could be a great fit to work together.

Here is the link to my website, you can check it out: [LINK] and let me know what you think!

All the best,
Freelance Writer XXXX

Now, I never affiliate sell products or services that I’m pitched by total strangers. I only affiliate sell products and services created by people I know — usually, ones I’ve used and benefited from myself.

But this guy’s angle sounded just weird enough that I went to take a look.

What I saw really made my jaw drop.

When you assume…

There’s a common problem with people who want to hop into selling how-to-write products without any experience working in the writer community and talking to struggling writers. They make a very basic, bad assumption.

They broke into freelance writing fairly easily, and have been able to earn a living with it.

Therefore, they conclude, everyone can.

But that is a faulty assumption. One person’s experience cannot be extrapolated to all, or easily duplicated by others.

Every writer, their abilities, and their life experience, is different! This isn’t widget assembly, but a creative career.

If it were super-easy to earn $5,000 a month as a freelance writer (the claim this ‘expert’ makes), I wouldn’t get emails every week from writers who are literally starving and desperate to figure out how to earn anything beyond a pittance online.

So this guy’s sales angle — that this is a “safe” and “foolproof” career, really made me see red.

Reading the red flags

Besides the ridiculous pronouncements about what a cinch freelance writing is, what were the “tells” in his website copy that made me suspicious he was selling snake oil?

  • His story includes moving to Thailand two months into his freelancing career to cut his expenses by 70% (why is that needed, if it’s so lucrative?).
  • He names no freelance clients he’s worked for, and includes no portfolio.
  • The testimonials for his book have no head shots or website links, so there’s no way to verify they’re not fictitious.
  • A tiny footnote reveals he’s using a pen name! Do you trust a coach who’s hiding their true identity?

I called him on what seemed like obvious flaws in his claims with this note:

“[NAME], if freelance writing were a safe bet, EVERYONE WOULD BE DOING IT. You have very scant experience with the marketplace if you think this is a sure thing. And maybe it’s safe if you’re a young, single guy with no expenses. What about safe for women with children to feed, who live in a developed country?

“Sounds like you lucked into a few gigs. That doesn’t qualify you to teach others.”

This was the response I got:

“Writing is a safe bet, I stand behind that.

“I had no writing experience starting out (I have a finance degree and mediocre English grades). I just emailed companies, cold called, and got jobs.”

To repeat: Just because something happened to you, does not mean it is a foolproof career path for everyone who’s ever dreamed of writing for a living. But over and over, you’ll find freelance writers who’ve had a flush of initial, personal success online promising they can teach you how to replicate their success.

The final straw with this scammy site — he claimed to have statistical proof that writing is a no-fail career that you’ll earn $60K a year at. So let’s take a look at that claim.

Lies and statistics

This book-seller’s site has a top headline that screams: “2 out of 3 writers work from home and earn $60,000 on average.”

Where does this figure spring from? It’s from a career thumbnail on writers’ and authors’ careers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Wow, that sounds incredible, doesn’t it? Gotta be too good to be true?

Well, in fact, that IS exactly what BLS has to say about the career of writers and authors:

Freelance Writing - bureau of labor statistics

So — does that prove that it’s a sure thing for all interested writers to make $60K a year? Hardly.

Let’s look a bit deeper into these federal figures about writer jobs — so you can see why the claim made by this charlatan is deeply false.

Median pay, for those who don’t know, is the point at which half of respondents make more, and half make less. It doesn’t mean most writers make $60K, or even that the average pay is $60K. Many make more, and many make less.

It could be that every writer on the downside of that figure makes $1,000 a year — that would still be the median if it’s #68,250 in sequential order of earning least-to-most, of their 136,500 writers they’re tracking.

BLS says two-thirds of these writers are home-based. That means one-third of them have staff writing jobs.

There are 136,500 of them in all. So that leaves roughly 90,000 home-based writers that BLS is tracking.

BLS estimates 90,000 people work from home as writers and earn something from it.

Writers who earn nothing? Not counted here. Writers who earn a little on the side and don’t report it on their taxes? Not counted.

Which would be many, many writers.

The figure BLS doesn’t supply is how many people would like to write from home for a living (or the people who’ve tried and given up, either). The people for whom this would supposedly be a ‘sure thing,’ if they followed this guy’s book.

No stats are readily available on that, but after a decade of coaching writers, I’d have to say that aspiring writers number easily in the millions. And BLS says there are 90,000 of them that manage to get paid.

Finally, let’s look at what BLS says about growth of the writing career. Essentially, there is none. It’s a flat market.

When US population is growing roughly 1% a year, and the career is forecast to grow 2% a year, not a lot of jobs are being added.

By contrast, there are nearly twice as many civil engineers, and 8% forecast growth. They earn more, too. Now that’s more of a sure thing.

Who knows freelance writing?

Let’s look at the next big problem here: How does BLS get its data? From a monthly sample of payroll records. Translation: BLS’s expertise is employer data, not freelancer data. It’s out of its wheelhouse here.

Also, BLS data is only completely updated once a DECADE. So the agency tends to be deeply out of touch with current market realities, and slow to understand how employment is changing. If you’re looking for stats on niches such as freelance blogging, for instance, you’re out of luck.

Assuming BLS has a clue about who’s writing from home, that’s a very tiny number of people earning a good living at writing. With the outlook that not many more jobs will be added, in a country of 322 MILLION people.

How can freelance writing be a ‘sure thing’ when there are only about 90,000 positions, in a country of 322 mililon people?

Easy: It can’t be.

There are not that many freelance writing gigs. Most who try — especially, most who try without advice from coaches who really do know the marketplace — will fail.

Remember, as Mark Twain so wryly noted, statistics can be made to lie, or to prove anything you like, if you misuse them.

If it sounds too good…

Please writers…do your homework before you buy. Look for:

  • A teacher using their real name
  • Testimonials with pictures and/or website links
  • A portfolio of proven freelance work with links you can check
  • A substantial timeframe of writing experience
  • Coaches who don’t paint blue-sky pictures of how easily it will be

I don’t think I have once, in a decade of coaching writers, ever told anyone this is an easy career. It’s a wonderful one, and a rewarding one, but it takes work.

Those of us who’ve done it know that delivering solid writing on deadlines, week after week, year after year, is no walk in the park.

Beware of anyone telling you freelance writing is a snap — if only you’ll pay them to get the details.

Seen any writer scams online? Let’s discuss in the comments.

Get a free e-book (100+ Freelance Writing Questions Answered by Carol Tice) and free updates! Sign me up!

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Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Belpark by Intracorp – Stunning West Side Collection Pre-Construction Homes

 

Naturally Beautiful
Introducing Belpark, the newest addition to Intracorp’s prestigious West Side Collection. Set along the lush, tree-lined neighbourhood of West 59th Avenue, this intimate enclave of thoughtfully-designed residences offers spacious floor plans and “Westside” luxury finishes. With extended views of the surrounding 133 acres of green space, be it Langara Golf Course to the north or Winona Park to the south, you’ll appreciate Belpark’s urban tranquility.

 

marpole_aerial-750x423

 

 

The post Belpark by Intracorp – Stunning West Side Collection Pre-Construction Homes appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.



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Terrace House – Coal Harbour

The world’s tallest timber frame hybrid building is coming to the exclusive Coal Harbour area!  At 19 stories high, it will undoubtedly be a new Vancouver landmark of luxury and art!  Featuring only 20 residential units, this famous Japanese architect (Shigeru Ban) designed building will allow each home will have its own outdoor space.  First 12 floors will be constructed of concrete, while the triangular top portion will be constructed by locally sourced timber.  The future of luxury living has arrived!

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Cambie & King Edward – Cambie Corridor

The luxurious  Cambie & King Edward brings you an exclusive 6 storey concrete building with 4 two-storey townhomes and 61 one to four bedroom condos.  Footsteps away from the Canada Line station across the street, owners can enjoy easy access to downtown or Richmond with a short ride.

Floorplans are available and prices will be announced very soon.  Register and be informed of any upcoming news as soon as they are released.

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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

3 Tips for Fitting a Roller Blind

Putting roller blinds on your windows is a quick and affordable way to give any room privacy and shade.  Here are some tips on fitting a roller blind, including: measuring the width, installing the brackets and adjusting the blinds.

Image Source: Flickr

Image Source: Flickr

Below are 3 tips on fitting a roller blind:

Measuring the Width
If you want to hang the blind inside the window frame, measure the width of the blind including the mounting brackets. Allow 5 mm extra space at each side of the frame so you can fit the brackets easily.
Decide whether you want to fit the chain of the roller blind on the left or right side. After marking out the position, fix the brackets inside or onto the window frame. The bracket with a protruding pin, hex-head fitting or groove is usually the side with the chain mechanism. Check first if this is the case, as it can differ from one brand to another. Source: DIY4Beginners

Installing the Brackets
So let’s get started. Firstly, offer up the blind to the window – it’s very important you fit the brackets as accurately as possible to ensure a snug fit.
You will have already decided whether to fit your blinds to the inside or outside of the window recess.
To fit outside the recess, position your brackets here
To fit inside the recess, you can choose whether to top fix into the lintel or face fix into your window frame.
To top fix, position your brackets here (recommended for uPVC windows). Make sure you allow enough clearance for any objects that could obstruct the blind, like window handles. Do this by measuring how far the handle sticks out, and make the same allowance when fitting your brackets.
To face fix position your brackets here (recommended for wooden window frames).
Fit the brackets into each end of your blind. Now position your blind at your window, using the brackets to mark where the holes should go. Don’t forget to position your blind correctly, depending on whether you are top fixing or face fixing your blind!
Now drill or screw into position, using rawl plugs where necessary. Source: Web-Blinds

Adjusting the Blinds
If you’re lucky, the blind will fit exactly. If the blind you have purchased is too long or wide, you can cut the roller and the blind to fit.

  • Measure the distance between the brackets, then deduct the amount stated on the instructions supplied.
  • Unroll the blind. Mark and cut the roller and the lath (the strip of wood or metal at the bottom) using a hacksaw.
  • Mark and cut the blind with sharp scissors.
  • Push the end plug and side control into the ends of the roller (making sure they are on the correct sides), then slot the blind into the brackets.
  • Finish up. Slide the blind into place on the brackets. Check that it is sitting straight and that the length is good. Pull the blind up and down to check that the cord or other mechanism is working properly. Tidy up any loose ends, such as a cord that is dangling down too low (these can usually be adjusted using the little snaps that are already fitted on them). Source: wikiHow

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

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Bellevue by Cressey – West Vancouver

Award winning developer Cressey is proud to bring you their new ultra-luxury development – Bellevue.  Located in the lower West Vancouver area, these near-waterfront units will feature very spacious units from 2000 s.f. to 3600 s.f.  This complex will feature only 3 townhomes, with no more than 3 units per floor for the rest of the building.  Be a part of the elite community in West Vancouver, within close proximity to shopping, dining, and of course the beach.

Prices are estimated to start at $4 million.  Please register and we will bring you more information as they are released.

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Brownstones at Kingcrest Park – East Vancouver

Within close proximity to schools, transportation, supermarkets and community centres, Brownstones at Kingcrest Park is ideally situation in a convenient and central location.  There will be 16 three storey townhomes, with 8 units facing Knight St and the other 8 facing an inner lane featuring landscaped space.  Pricing are expected at time of Presale, but please do register and we will contact you with the most updated information as they are released.

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3 Tips to Get Rid of Carpet Mold

Most often, neglected leaks or extreme humidity are the main causes of mold formation. In this article we’ll cover some tips to get rid of carpet mold, including: testing for mold, cleaning the carpet and hiring a professional.

2570138873_cf49fb1e08_o

Image Source: Flickr

Below are 3 tips to get rid of carpet mold:

Testing for Mold

Do a thorough mold test on your home to make sure it’s not anywhere else besides the carpet. If the mold is in your HVAC system or some other part of your home, cleaning the carpets alone will be a waste of time. There are a few different ways to test for mold. You can buy a test kit that has a tape in it that you can put on surfaces and then send into a lab to check for mold. There are also kits that can check your air for mold so that you will know if it’s in your HVAC system. The air test is the most expensive test you can do yourself, but still cheaper than hiring a professional to do the job for you. Source: DoItYourself

Cleaning the Carpet

  1. As soon as you discover the smell, begin to vacuum the affected area as soon as possible. If possible, use a large, more powerful vacuum instead of a small hand vacuum. This will help remove even more dust and dirt from the affected area.
  2. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water. Be sure to not add too much vinegar, as you don’t want to create too strong of a vinegar smell in your home by over wetting the carpet.
  3. Pour this vinegar and warm water solution into a spray bottle before applying to the carpet. This will ensure you don’t soak the carpet fibers, as this could cause new mildew deposits to form.
  4. Next, pour a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the affected area of your carpet.
  5. Give the carpet some time to dry before vacuuming the baking soda completely.              Source: SpotRemoval.COIT

Hiring a Professional

Professionals may have greater experienced identifying specific mold, as well as access to specialized machines and chemicals. If you have already tried steam cleaning, hire a professional to conduct dry ice blasting or another, different treatment.

Remove the affected area. If faced with major mold colonies that have grown onto the carpet backing, you may decide that replacement is a more effective use of time and money. When cutting out the damaged carpet, cut an additional 12 inch (30 centimeter) border on all sides to ensure total removal. Source: wikiHow

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1111 Seymour Residences – Yaletown Boutique Presale

Directly opposite Emery Barnes Park, Wall Financial presents this unique boutique building in the heart of Yaletown.  With all the large scale buildings in the area, this provides a much more intimate setting for homeowners.  There will be ONE single detached townhouse, a handful of 2 bedroom units ideal for families, and some single bedroom and studios available as well.  Within footsteps you will be close to a rich nightlife, unique boutique restaurants, high end shopping, and skytrain station.  Come experience the convenience of downtown without having to remember hundreds of names of neighbors.

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Challenge #212 Make your Mark

Woo hoo and welcome back to yet another weekly challenge here at ATSM. We hope you find our challenges inspiring. The Design Team love seeing what you come up with each week.

Today we are starting our


challenge where we would like you to get out your pencils, pens, paint brushes, markers, sponges... anything that will make a mark on your creation.

Our wonderful sponsor this week is


Happy Little Stampers was created in 2015 by Kylie (owner of ATSM and ATCAS). Kylie wanted to bring out a line of stamps that were useful for every day crafters. From cute to whimsical images, from everyday to funky sentiments there is something for everyone!

Prize: $15 gift certificate


Here we go with our inspiration -























Aren't these all just perfect? Don't forget to pop on over to their blogs to see how they came up with their ideas! Over to you now!





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