Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Installing a New Kitchen Backsplash


When asked which room they would most like to renovate, most people will say the kitchen. However, kitchens are difficult and expensive to remodel. It is possible to make a small improvement that will yield big results. One such improvement is to install a new backsplash. A backslash is a cheap and easy way to update your kitchen. 



After choosing the tiles you wish to install, follow the steps below to complete this job:

1. Remove any light-switch covers or outlet covers that will be in the way.

2. Determine the tile layout and pattern you desire to create, and mark a center line as a reference point.

3. Grout the back of the tiles one by one. Use a V-notch trowel for the best results. Place the grouted tile on the wall. If you twist the tile a little as you set it in place, it will adhere to the wall better.

4. Continue to follow the pattern you have predetermined until all the tiles are in place.

5. After the grout has dried completely, clean any excess grout off the tiles to finish the job.

Glass or faux stone tiles work great for this project because they are often set side by side and require no spacers. However, most any style of tile will work without spacers and can be set side by side. Simply ask an associate at the store to determine the right kind of tile you need for your project.

Another way to create an attractive backsplash for your kitchen is to use panels. These panels come in various designs, and they are much easier to install than tiles. This is because, it only requires measuring, cutting and gluing the panel onto the wall in order to complete the job. However, it depends on the look you wish to create if panels or tiles would work better for you. Panels are flat, yet tiles have some pop. It really is a personal preference. It also depends greatly on the amount of work you wish to put into the project.

The kitchen is a room where many people spend a lot of time. From eating and cooking to homework and projects, the kitchen is used for just about everything. It often is the social hub of the house. For that reason, it is important to keep your kitchen looking great. Adding a new backsplash is an inexpensive easy-to-do project that anyone can accomplish that will dramatically change the look of your kitchen in a positive way.

Author bio: Michael Mears writes about interior design and spicing up any room with the proper use of unique wall mirrors from Inline Ovals.



Friday, October 12, 2012

Why Become a Real Estate Agent


A real estate agent job is rewarding at the same time fulfilling. By becoming one, you will have the freedom, flexibility and opportunity to manage your own career path.

A successful professional real estate agent is committed, motivated, goal-focused, people-oriented and ambitious. To qualify, you must know how to specialize in a wide range of areas may it be in auctioneering, residential sales, commercial sales, property management, commercial property management, business broking, vendor or buyer advocacy or a mix of the above.

A real estate professional can work in various sectors in addition to his or her work as a running estate agencies. He or she can also work in banks, law firms, development industry, government and academia. 

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

To become a professional licensed real estate agent, you must gain practical experience by working as an agent's representative, of course under the supervision of a licensed real estate agent.

To work as one, you must also successfully complete a course with 3 units of study and meet a basic criteria approved by the Business Licensing Authority. 

To take yourself to a higher level career-wise, you must gather another 21 units and complete it. This course can be undertaken in 12 months.

Click here for more information in real estate franchise.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

What do you do, Mommy Iris?

I always get asked this question whenever I tell them that I am a Virtual Assistant or VA.
A virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant)[1] is generally self-employed and provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients remotely from a home office.[2][3] Because virtual assistants are independent contractors rather than employees, clients are not responsible for any employee-related taxes, insurance or benefits, except in the context that those indirect expenses are included in the VAs fees. Clients also avoid the logistical problem of providing extra office space, equipment or supplies. Clients pay for 100% productive work, and can work with Virtual Assistants, individually, or in multi-VA firms to meet their exact needs. Virtual Assistants usually work for other small businesses.[4] It is estimated that there are as few as 5,000-8,000 or as many as 25,000 virtual assistants worldwide; the profession is growing in centralized economies with "fly-in, fly-out" staffing practices.[5][6][7]
source: wikipedia 
My tasks depend on my boss' line of business. If he is into internet marketing, then my tasks are focused on affiliate marketing and SEO. Right now, I work for an SEO company from Utah, so everyday, I do a lot of SEO stuff for Utah-based companies like Utah floor services, St. George real estate, and Utah veterinary clinics among others.

I also do a lot of administrative work like communicating with prospective clients.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

How Do You Clean Pearls?


My pearls are so precious to me, that's why I take care of them. The tips below will show how to take good care of your pearls.
Even cultured pearl with thicker coatings are more fragile than most other gemstones, so you must handle them carefully to keep them in the best condition.
  • Your pearls will stay cleaner if you put them on after you've applied your makeup and perfume.
  • Be sure to take off your pearl rings before you apply hand and body creams.
  • Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off. The cloth can be dampened with water or it can be dry. If damp, allow the pearls to air dry before putting them away.
  • Dirty pearls can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution (try Ivory flakes).
  • Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.
  • Don't put pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner.
  • Don't use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with abrasive cloth. Both can wear away the nacre coating, leaving you with a plain looking bead.

Storing PearlsDon't store your pearls with other jewelry, because they can be scratched easily when metal or gemstones rub against them. Find a special slot in your jewelry box for the pearls, or keep them in a soft bag made from chamois or another non-abrasive material.
Your fine pearl necklaces should be restrung periodically so that you're sure the silk or nylon cord holding them is in good shape.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

DIY Pantry Remodeling: Some Helpful Tips

I love remodeling. If only I had the money, I'd remodel our house every year. AND if I had money, I'd build a huge pantry near the kitchen. Sadly, even our kitchen now is too small, I wonder how a pantry would fit.

If you're luckier than me then perhaps you'll find these tips helpful:

Got any of those antique pantry cabinets from your old house or garage sale? It would look definitely look good in your kitchen. All you need to do is use from remodeling and polishing magic and they'll be good as new. How?

  1. Prepare --- use a screwdriver to remove the hinges and the door so you can thoroughly clean the cabinet. Grab a sanding paper to strip the old one and apply two new coats of fresh paint.
  2. Replace if Needed --- all you have to do is replace the hinges or metal hardware if needed.
  3. Never be afraid to Paint it! --- want the easiest way to remodel and old pantry cabinet? try painting it! Play with colors, use the staining method, etc. 
  4. Does your cabinet has a glass door? Frost it! 
The best thing about remodeling is that you so little that you would enjoy it! If you live in Arizona, there are affordable limestone and travertine in phoenix.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Why Your House Needs Professional Termite Control

I hate termites. Termites can ruin even the most beautiful infrastructure. Here are some facts on termites (amazing and surprising as well)

  • Termites have been around since the time of the dinosaurs!
  • Termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
  • Termites have wings that they shed once they have found a good place to build a nest.

  • Termites cause up to $2 billion in damage per year!
  • All Termites are social insects and raise their young as a group.
  • The total weight of all of the termites in the world is more than the weight of all the humans in the world. 
Source

This is why we invest in professional termite control services than doing it on our own. So I always suggest professional termite control instead of DIY. If you live near Arizona, termite control mesa is the answer instead of doing its control on your own.

Sexton Pest Control does professional termite control without breaking your budget. All year round, they have promos and discount specials on their services that shows how much they love their customers.

Professional termite control is safe, costs you less and keeps you well. There are some things in life that you have to give to professionals for your own safety.


Entrepremom Answers: Will the Old Carpet Do?

Entrepremom has this new segment, a Q&A portion!

The first question I got was from Missy, a 24-year old mom from Ohio. Her question was "Should I install  a new carpet in my baby's room?"

The preparations for the new baby starts with getting the baby's room ready. A fun but expensive process that involves choosing the right wall colors, furniture, painting the room and picking out the bedding. But what about the floor? Will the old flooring do? Of course not.

Always, always install a NEW carpet in the baby's room. Be it known that a child will taste everything as he or she starts to grasp learning. But not everyone, of course, has the budget for replacement. When you are deciding if you are going to replace your carpet or not, use your common sense. Is the wear and tear already that visible? If you smell mold or mildew, then it's highly time to change it. With regular maintenance, carpets can last 15 years or more.

Nowadays, more and more companies are producing healthier carpets. The new ones have lower levels of VOCs and have been manufactured using recycled materials making it sustainable. If you are living near Sarasota, there so many discount flooring selections near Sarasota.

You will be given additional options, from natural wool to synthetic fibers.

Monday, August 13, 2012

Colorado: Choosing Professionals to Install Tiles and Carpets

Costly as it may seem, the installation of carpets for your office or home should be done by professionals. You may be paying for more but it goes cheaper in the long run. We all know the carpet professionals are trained and well-equipped in their area of expertise. So why pay for less for a substandard service?

The cost will depend on a number of factors but you can always get free estimates so you will know how much your budget will be. These installation professionals will do their job efficiently and quickly. Mind you, it is not best to bite the first offer that comes your way --- it is always best to get estimates from various companies and compare the costs before signing a contract.

Nowadays, there are other contractors of Colorado tile or carpet that may give you huge discounts and lower costs but the tricky part here is the hidden costs imposed right after the installation. It always comes as a surprise on your credit card bill.

This is why it is always best to choose the best contractor for accurate costs and authentic services. Never scrimp on professional services if you want to get your money's worth.


Monday, July 30, 2012

Success in Real Estate

I see the rise of the growing real estate community. More and more people are going into real estate nowadays because of course, admit it or not there is money in real estate.

Given the current economic state, one should really ponder if he or she will go into real estate or not. Unlike many businesses, the world of real estate is full of challenges, ups and downs and is never straightforward. But the fruits of labor are given to the strongest, those who are willing to fight and stay despite the challenges.

So what keeps them from going away?

Money - this is probably what motivates people to start polishing their real estate skills. The most common practice is buying a property at a very low price, spend a bit on renovation and sell it for a profit.

No boss - Who would want to have a boss? Nobody. Real estate gives you all the freedom and the money to boot. All you need is to exert more effort, be aggressive in making sales to cover up for the expenses.

Brotherhood - a lot of successful realtors work hand in hand with fellow realtors. Yes you may work alone but it is always beneficial to count yourself as a member in a good community who believes in one goal. Living on the gulf coast? Don't worry! There are gulf coast real estate experts in the area. All you need to do is call them.

So basically, this covers it all. 


Sunday, June 24, 2012

Every one needs a Money Manager

Who says that only rich people need money managers? 


Every one of us needs one. Find out why below.

Getting a perfect money manager is one important task. Why? Your money is as important as your kids.  You wouldn't want just anyone baby sit your kids, right? That's the case for money managers too. You wouldn't let someone, or just anyone manage your hard-earned money. He has to have the experience, integrity, and most of you know him.

In looking for the perfect one, ask for his credentials, experience and of course, fee structure. It is also best to do background research to make sure that their records are clean and their licenses are up to date.

When you are younger, it is not advisable that you work with a money manager who exclusively works with rich people. While it is very ideal to work with someone who has an exemplary success, you would need something who could understand your level of investing and is capable of investing time in helping you reach your goals. 

It is also important to put trust on your money manager. So look for one whom you could trust. Look at the money manager's track record, look for client referrals and ask around to ensure that they are not crooks. 

No one wants their money to go down the drain, hence the importance of getting the services of the perfect money manager.

Goodluck in finding one!