Having an elevator adds to the convenience of a home because it saves you from having to go up and down numerous flights of stairs. However, from time to time it will need to be maintained or repaired in order for it to continue working properly. When choosing a home elevator company there are some things to consider.

Experience Is Crucial When Finding The Right Home Elevator Company
It is important to find home elevator companies that are thoroughly experienced in this type of work. Some companies will offer cheaper prices because they are less experienced and just trying to get business. In many cases this means inferior work done to your elevator. The money you may save by using a less experienced company isn’t worth your overall safety. Instead, choose a company that has the experience necessary to fix or maintain your elevator right the first time. When interviewing companies make sure you ask them how their technicians are trained and what quality standards they have.

Operating Hours Should Be Convenient For You
When choosing a residential elevator company you should choose one that will work with your schedule. As inconvenient as it is to have an elevator that needs repair or maintenance, it is even more inconvenient to have to miss work or another important event to wait for a home elevator company. You should also make sure that the company you choose has an on call technician that is available 24 hours a day just in case an emergency arises. You should be aware that very few companies offer this type of service and it may take a little bit of searching to find a company that does.

Pick An Elevator Company That Also Offers Parts And Elevators For Sale
There may come a time when you want to add new features to your elevator or even have a new one installed. It is important to choose an elevator company that offers these products. This will ensure that they are not only knowledgeable about these items because they sell them often, but that you won’t have to wait because they have to order them from another company.

Service Is Important When Choosing A Home Elevator Company
You should choose an elevator service company that offers a wide array of services. When talking to different companies ask them what they do and do not offer. It’s a good idea to make a list of these items so that you can compare them. This will help you make a decision about which company may fit your needs the best. Just remember that even if you don’t need a particular service now, you may need it later.

So remember, when choosing a home elevator company it is important to choose the right one. By using the above tips you can take some of the headaches out of the process. Choosing the right company to maintain or fix your elevator will get your elevator up and running as quickly as possible.

Your move is only a month or two away and you have a lot left to accomplish. As you call around to get moving quotes from various companies and collect the packing supplies you will need, you more than likely have looked around at your house and wondered how and when you accumulated so much stuff. You know you need to downsize, and one of the best ways to do this before the movers arrive is with a yard sale.

Yard sales can be difficult if you go it alone. Here are a few moving tips to help make your downsizing sale a success.

1. Reach out to others for help – Chances are your friends and family will want to spend time with you while they can. When you are ready to hold your sale, invite your friends and family over to help and hang out. You can turn an event that can be a lot of hard work into one that is a fun get-together with your loved ones while you downsize and get productive.
2. Organize your sale like your move – As you set up all of your items, organize them into various sections for each room. This will help you to keep everything in a pile and stay organized even during the chaotic period of relocating to a new house. Organizing by room will also help your visitors to shop more easily and have more fun at your sale.
3. Spread the word – People love yard sales, and finding hidden treasures can be an adventure for many. Still, those people will not come if they are unaware of where and when you are open for business. Advertise in the newspaper, online and with your friends so that you can have a great turnout.
4. Price your items fairly – While people want to get a good deal, your items are still worth money. Putting prices on items starts the negotiation of each piece you are selling and can help you to get what you deserve out of your old stuff. Consider the price you paid for it when deciding how much to charge.
5. Donate what is not sold – Instead of bringing your extra belongings with you to your next home, donate them to charity. This will allow you to downsize and will also help you leave a good imprint on your community. If you have children, encourage them to donate a few toys, too.

When you are ready to start packing and downsizing, bring your friends and family together for a day of fun and moneymaking. With your yard sale, you can bring in some extra cash for your old items and get rid of the stuff you no longer will need in your new house.

Getting older is an inevitable part of life. Unfortunately, the aging process can be hard on all those who are involved, from the individuals who are aging themselves to their friends and family members. As people age, they tend to lose the ability to do the things they used to when they were younger, and this can present a problem. How can an individual continue to enjoy a high quality as they age? Older people often require some extra care, and making the right decision on how to provide this care is extremely important. When researching your options for NJ senior care, there are two primary options: sending your elder loved one to live at an assisted living facility, or taking advantage of quality in-home care. Below is additional information on each possibility.

Garden State Assisted-Living Facilities
The “Garden State” is a great place in which to live, but is living in an assisted living facility the best way for an older person to spend their golden years? For someone without any close family members to visit them, an assisted living facility can be a feasible option. An assisted living facility will provide the watchful supervision a senior needs, along with providing food, activities, and other essentials to maintain a reasonably comfortable quality of life. A disadvantage of living in a facility is being one-of-many residents who are cared for by a small staff of aides.

In-Home Care in New Jersey
For seniors who would prefer to maintain their independence in their own home, in-home care in New Jersey is an excellent choice. With in-home care, a professional home health aide travels to the senior’s home to provide custom-tailored one-on-one assistance. From housekeeping to meal preparation to errands and shopping, these compassionate professionals lend a helping hand whenever and wherever one is needed. Personal and hygiene care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming assistance can also be provided, along with safety and fall prevention, weekend and holiday coverage, and more. Care can be scheduled as needed, from hourly in-home care to 24/7 care with live-in assistance.

Which Option is Best?
Every situation is different, but studies have shown again and again that seniors prefer to age in their own homes. In-home care is clearly the more desirable choice for the majority of seniors. In-home care allows an older person to maintain a certain level of his or her independence while still receiving the care and attention they need to live safely and happily. In-home care allows an individual to age in an environment in which they are familiar and comfortable—it’s the ideal scenario! As they say, “there’s no place like home.” When it comes time to make a decision on NJ senior care, do your best to keep your loved ones where they belong—with in-home care.

It’s been a long way back from the brink. The economic slowdown has itself slowed down, and we can begin to look ahead to growth and increased paychecks. Several key markets have been on the rebound recently. New home construction grew by 15% in Q3 2012 with a 12% increase in permit applications. Domestic auto sales are up 11% YTD over 2011. Third quarter US retail grew 15% as compared to Q3 of 2011. Things are looking up.

Woman looking up and smiling.
Correspondingly, the employment front seems to be brightening as does corporate sales and revenue. There are several industries that have shown promise recently. Some are understandable, and some are quite the surprise. Here is a look at five of the biggest winners thus far in 2012.

Hot Sauce Production

Metric: Gross Sales
Growth: between 9% and 10% monthly growth
There is a changing taste among the populous. Ethnic foods such as spicy hot Indian and Thai foods have gained popularity, and demand for hot sauce has skyrocketed. Industry experts attribute this to changing demographics and immigration. They also point to international demand from the UK and especially from Japan, where exotic or foreign/ethnic foods are quite popular. (Yes, you are reading that bottle correctly.)

Happy man, holding a bottle of Colon Cleaner hot sauce.
Auto Parts Production

Metric: Jobs
Growth: 22%
As stated, the auto industry has grown by 11%, and of course the parts industry has followed suit. The development of new kinds of cars, such as green cars that are either still in development or waiting to hit the market, has fueled parts industry growth in new areas as well. Technology will continue to grow these fraternal industries together.

Steering wheel.
Internet Publishing

Metric: Jobs
Growth: 30%
As one industry is declining, another is growing. To fill the void left by the dwindling number of print publications, Internet publishing continues to grow by leaps and bounds. Many print companies are converting to online operations, but new online publications are appearing all the time, benefited by low startup and maintenance costs.

Oil and Gas Drilling and Extraction

Metric: Jobs
Growth: 29%
Advances in technology have led to two huge developments in energy exploration: oil sands and shale rock. Canada has struck gold with the oil sand deposits in Alberta, generating billions – some estimate trillions – of barrels of oil. The US has access to shale, much of which can be found in the Bakken Region of North Dakota. This has led to an economic explosion of gold rush proportions in North Dakota, which has now become one of the most employment-friendly states in the nation.

Man in a hard hat, on the oil fields.
Social Media Game Development

Metric: Revenue
Growth: 42%
Whether it’s Mafia Wars or Words with Friends, Social Media games have led to yet another way to spend time online and, more importantly, another way to interact with friends. Companies like Zynga have been lucrative for years, and it appears that the industry has been given a shot in the arm since its hosts, Facebook and Twitter, have garnered so much mainstream financial attention lately. Being such a young industry, the future is bright.

I have enjoyed most of my working life as a cleaner fish. There is something beautiful about being able to protect myself from predators by actively having something they need. The ability and desire to be able to clean their scales and skin from other little parasites and dead skin. I know, I know it’s not a job that most people would want but it keeps me safe and with a full tummy.

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When I was younger I used to wish that I could breath out of water as I longed to work for a shore-based company like Driveway cleaning service Evesham company http://www.lwpressurewashing.com/. They have pressure washers you know, and they look like so much fun! But alas my wish was never to come true, so I had to make the best of it here in the water.

I am very lucky really, I get to see all sorts of sights down here and I have customers who come such a diverse range of backgrounds. One of my regulars Eddy is a shark. He is very polite and not at all grumpy which makes a change for the sharks around here! We often have a chat and a little catch up on the reef gossip when he pops in for his regular Tuesday morning spruce up.

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I currently have about 5,000 customers on the books which is very little for a fish of my type. A lot of my competitors have around 2,000 a day. Although I’m happy with my little part time enterprise. It means that I have some time to go explore the depths and catching up with some of my friends. I don’t have many friends in the trade as most them are terribly boring and you know quite a few of them talk with their mouth full of food. It’s disgusting!

I heard on the reef radio this morning that some of the cleaning businesses around here have decided to take a secondment opportunity helping some salmon farmers keep their fish nice and clean and free from parasites. It sounds terribly exotic. Apparently, they will be put to work in the water and some of the stronger and more athletic ones will be used to breed more cleaner fish. It sounds very exciting although I can’t think of anything worse than being couped up with a bunch of cleaner fish all day and night long. I am glad that I can swim around and enjoy myself in my little patch without having pay too much attention to the others so perhaps for now I will just focus on my little business.

If you’re thinking about where to live when you go to college or Uni in September, then it can be tough to separate the fact from the fiction. There are many misconceptions and myths that abound about students and accommodation, so here we aim to dispel some of the more dubious claims:

1. Student accommodation is pricey

This is one of the most common mistruths about student living, that it’s too expensive. Well, it’s just not the case. There is such a wide variety of accommodation available that as long as you start looking early, you will find the best deals and the cheapest rates.

2. Just a room with a bed will suffice

This might have been the case several decades ago, but times have changed. Modern students are looking for much more than just a bed in a room. Expectations are higher, with features like wi-fi and central heating being the absolute basic requirements. For first-class Gloucester student accommodation, visit http://studentaccommodationgloucester.co.uk/

3. The Deposit Scheme doesn’t help students

Of course, it does! The Deposit Scheme is in place to protect every tenant, no matter who they are. Ensure your deposit payments are registered with the scheme when paying it to your landlord.

4. Students have complete disregard for property

With everything in life, the few spoil it for the majority. There might have been a time when students were a little more rebellious and carefree, but with fees rising, students know that damage means deposit deductions. The majority of students take very good care of their accommodation and don’t receive enough credit for it.

5. Students arrive in September

Landlords often make this assumption and use the summer months to make repairs or carry out any maintenance or decorating work needed. However, many international students arrive ahead of September. If you plan to move in earlier than expected, just make sure your landlord is aware that the property will be occupied.

6. Students need to take a car full of stuff when the leave home

This is a bad habit that most students are guilty of, or their parents are! They buy too much stuff and are forced to cram it all into their parents’ car. However, bear in mind that many students must leave behind a lot of stuff when they move out so that should tell you, you probably won’t need half the stuff you’re planning to take.

7. Most live in halls

This generally does apply to Freshers, but you’re unlikely to find many second or third year students staying in halls. It’s common practice for these students to find accommodation with their friends after the first year. A fresher doesn’t have to stay in halls either, with plenty of students choosing a little more independence straight away.

If you love the taste of raspberries, there is no need for you to wait until the summer to enjoy them. The fresh raspberries that you buy during the winter months have usually been imported from a country miles away and often lack flavour and texture. They can also be disappointingly low in nutrients; however, frozen raspberries are a different matter, retaining and improving their sharp, fresh flavour and delivering an impressive shot of essential nutrients. They make an excellent alternative to the fresh product and are always available.

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Nutritional benefits of frozen raspberries

Raspberries are low in fructose (fruit sugar) compared to many other fruits and can be a useful addition to a weight loss diet. They deliver a high concentration of vitamin C, so they help to prevent infection by boosting the immune system.

There has been some recent research into how raspberries can help with the management of obesity. It is thought that phytonutrients found in raspberries can speed up our metabolism and so help us to break down fats. It is also suggested that the rheosmin found in raspberries can cut down the absorption of fat, which aids weight loss.

The antioxidants in raspberries may help to reduce the risk of cancer. Organic frozen raspberries may be especially beneficial. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients within the raspberries may interfere with the production of cancer cells. For existing cancers, raspberries may play a role in decreasing the number of cells.

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Raspberries also deliver an impressive array of flavonoids, anthocyanins, stilbenoids, phenolic acids, ellagitannins and ellagic acid.

Healthy recipes with frozen raspberries

Delicious frozen raspberries are a versatile ingredient in any recipe. When you enhance the flavour with raspberry food flavouring from a specialist such as http://www.foodieflavours.com/shop/flavours/natural-flavouring/raspberry/, the flavour will be even more intense.

You do not have to reserve raspberries for desserts. According to the Good Housekeeping website, their tangy taste makes them a perfect addition to savoury dishes. Some popular ideas include roasted pork with berry salad, mixed berry ceviche, and mixed berry chipotle glaze.

For those with a sweet tooth, there is an endless supply of ideas. Who can resist a raspberry sponge cake or a raspberry and pistachio parfait? As a healthy option for breakfast, raspberries work well when combined with natural yoghurt, honey and walnuts.

Royal wedding fever has the country in its grip, and the beautiful ceremony for Prince Harry and his bride, Meghan, has inspired couples to plan their dream celebration. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, so it’s no wonder that some lovebirds are planning something a little different to make their special day really stand out.

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Here are six of the top romantic wedding destinations to whet your appetite and perhaps encourage you to dream even bigger when it comes to your big day.

1. Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Machu Picchu

Dare to be different and head for the Andes, where you can make your vows against a stunning mountain backdrop to the gentle strains of traditional Andean music.

2. Half Moon Resort, Jamaica

Get hitched beside the ocean, or take over the Royal Pavilion for your special event. With a choice of settings for the ceremony, you’re guaranteed sunshine for your special day and romantic surroundings to make the most of your honeymoon too.

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3 Cliveden, Berkshire

If it’s good enough for Meghan – you don’t have to go abroad for a breathtaking wedding experience. With Cosmopolitan advising that photographs are key for capturing lasting memories, staying closer to home means you can book an expert, such as Kent Wedding Photographer like http://www.tylermadephotography.com/wedding-photographer-kent/ for ever-present reminders of the best day of your lives.

4. Budir Black Church, Iceland

One of only three black churches in the country, Budir makes a stunning setting for a unique wedding experience. Set the date for the winter months and you could even see the Aurora Borealis, which would make your special day even more exceptional.

5. Castello di Vincigliata, Tuscany

Windsor Castle may not be available, but if you want to follow Meghan’s lead and marry in a castle, then the Castello is a good alternative. One of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Florence, the castle boasts romantic courtyards and terraces with astonishing views that form the perfect backdrop for a wedding.

6. Mulia Resort, Bali

Reputed to be the most romantic wedding destination in the whole world, the Mulia Resort is set amongst golden sands surrounded by crystal blue waters. Take your vows on the beach or, for a truly unique touch, head for the floating glass chapel for a ceremony unlike any other you’ve dreamed of.

Most people who rent a van do so with the intention of shifting heavy items from A to B; however, unless you have experience in loading an LCV, you might be prone to making some common mistakes.

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Here are some much-needed tips on how you can transport goods safely and securely in a rental van without putting yourself or other road users at risk.

Go big or go home

It might seem obvious, but it is better to load a van with the largest objects first before moving on to any smaller items you might need to take with you. This will not only keep the more fragile objects out of harm’s way but also ensure that the load is more evenly distributed and that the centre of gravity remains low.

Stay protected

Depending on the type of van you rent, you will have access to different levels of protection in the cab. If you are hauling very heavy loads, it makes sense to opt for an LCV that comes with a built-in bulkhead so that objects cannot cause havoc if they get loose during transit.

Rental companies such as https://www.fleetwayrentals.co.uk/ that provide van hire in Gloucester will be able to advise you about the types of vehicle that are available and the bulkhead configurations they offer. A full-height steel bulkhead offers the best protection, but smaller models will come with mesh or net alternatives that are also suitable.

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Get lashed

Vans are built to keep heavy items secure, with internal lashing points enabling you to restrain goods and equipment so that it does not slide around unexpectedly.

In addition to using these lashing points where possible, it is useful to provide protection for items by covering them with blankets. This will round off any sharp edges and create a small but significant barrier to preserve their integrity.

Drive sensibly

The final rule for safe van use is to think about how you are driving and remember that a calm, considered approach is best when transporting a heavy load.

Modern vans are more eco-friendly and efficient than ever, producing lower carbon emissions and returning more miles per gallon. If you drive sensibly, you will save money on fuel.

Stay safe by thinking ahead, taking corners carefully, and loading a van within its safe working limits.

Whilst modern interior design with its minimalist look and clean, sharp lines seems to be bang on trend at present, if you aren’t keen on this particular style of design and prefer your property to look more traditional, you may be a little stuck as to how to go about achieving it. So, with this in mind, read on for a few ways that the traditional look can be achieved throughout the home; Continue reading Top Tips For Creating The Traditional Look In Your Home →