Is it time to build that shed you've always talked about? Are your backyard toys and paraphernalia multiplying like mushrooms and becoming an eyesore for your neighbors?Whether you decide to assemble a precut kit or choose a backyard shed plan from any number of sales locations, the addition of this small structure will definitely add value to your home.One important detail to factor in is the types of items you will be using the shed for. Will...more
Contemporary luxury home furnishings today are comprised of all kinds of sets, all kinds of styles, different materials and just as many different looks. While some pieces that are considered modern are very sculpted, original and exotic in nature, others are simple in design and retro in style, which is what makes the design of retro modern so unique. Having a house full of contemporary luxury home furnishings is not what it used to be, when...more
One of the enormous events of man-kind to date (IMO) is the non-stick cookware pan. Now, I can only say that, because my great - great- great- grampa was quoted in the Oregon Trail Newswire Chronicles(1) as saying "We'd have arrive a lot dang sooner if we didn't spend half a day cleanin the dammm pans"He was right too. What a time saver these slippery coated cookware sets are. Back in the day before VCR's I would often grieve over having to do dishes and scrubbing my fingers down to the nubbins(2) and missing the first 15 minutes of "The Bionic Man". Yep, those were sad days...What was even more sadder(3) was my dad's sense of humor. Every time my brother and I would ask for our family to get a dishwasher, he would chime in "But I already HAVE TWO dishwashers" (meaning my brother and me). Ha Ha. Yeah, it was a literal laugh a minute around there. No wonder my sense of humor has been scarred and passed down to my 3 kids.So, back to the main story: we need pans that don't need to soak for 10 minutes, and take 15 minutes to scrub with steel wool that makes your hands cramp up and blister. I'd of had a lot more time to watch Farrah Fawcett if we didn't spend half a day cleanin the...more
Remodeling plans usually tend to focus on updating the kitchen and baths. The value of the living area is often overlooked. The main living area is the central core space in your home. It is both public and private - a space that you share with family members and with guests. From the main living room, one should be able to connect easily with...more
The old black and white television and the set of rabbit ears are in the past now. Technology has soared and has brought to us some pretty amazing home theater system components. The Entertainment system in your home is most likely a hot spot for the whole family so why not make the best of it and make your system as professional as can be. You...more
Finding Your Dream HomeStep 4: Offer Accepted, Now What?As with all of our Dream Home articles the scenarios are based off of Illinois law. There will often be small variations from state to state. In “Step Three: Making an Offer” we discussed how to make an offer on your Dream Home. Now that your offer has been accepted and the contract and all riders and addenda have been signed by both parties you have what is now commonly referred to as an Executed Contract. At this point you begin the “Attorney Review.” The next week or so is going to be a busy one. The length of the attorney review period is determined in your contract. Typically a week will suffice and extensions are easily negotiated. If you have not already selected an attorney we recommend getting a referral from a trusted source such as your Realtor or a family member or friend who has had a great experience. Response time from your attorney is tantamount to their reputation. You want someone who will answer your phone calls or get back to you same day as you will most likely have a lot of questions and they may also have many for you coming from the sellers’ attorney. Having a...more
When it comes to the martial arts a knock out is a home run. I don't care if you study kenpo or pa kau chang or savate, if the end result of your strike, or chokehold, is that the guy does not go unconscious, then you have not hit a...more
SourceThe foremost marker of the quality of wooden modern furniture is the source. The type of wood used, in addition, also affects the use, appearance and the price of the piece. Cherry wood, for instance, are more expensive than pine. Generally,...more
FinishesTravertine tiles are available in several types of finishes, including polished, honed, brushed and tumbled. For a grainier look, go for either tumbled or brushed. The former, however, carries more texture and a natural appeal, great for...more
Everyone is talking energy conservation theses days. Solar power is becoming more and more popular, but where do you start? Go out and buy a bunch of solar panels and start installing them on your roof? No, first you have to analyze your house....more
Many people know that hot tubs offer a great way to relax and rejuvenate as well as providing lots of family fun. However, what many people don't know is that they can be extremely good for your health. They can be used for natural healing remedies,...more
As more and more people turn to the Internet as a means of earning additional income, more and more work at home opportunities are popping up to satisfy the growing demand. Unfortunately, not all of these opportunities are legitimate and it is up to...more