How to Care for your Vintage Steinway Piano

There’s a lot that goes into a musical instrument. The slightest change can completely throw off tuning. Everything from how you strum your guitar to the temperature of the room affects how the instrument sounds. It’s why your favorite band or singer-songwriter often tunes after every song when performing live.

Even after you’ve bought that piano, you need to maintain it throughout its life to ensure its pitch-perfect sound. Here are some tips for caring for vintage Steinway pianos.

· Location is everything. Make sure to keep your piano away from sources of heat or cold, such as windows or thermostats. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity will damage your piano.

· Ideally, you want to keep your piano around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) and maintain a humidity level between 45 and 70 percent. During the summer, use an air conditioner. Depending on the dryness of your location, you may want to invest in a good humidifier/dehumidifier.

· Steinway pianos for sale have a very sensitive surface. Remove any dust with a soft, lint-free cloth. The average washcloth will scratch the finish. Avoid using cleaning products or treated cloths. At most, use a slightly moistened leather cloth.

· For the keys, use a slightly moistened soft cloth. Be gentle. You should avoid using any soaps or chemicals. Keys are highly sensitive and can loosen or stick if the slightest bit of moisture trickles down the sides.

· Make sure the top of your Steinway is closed when not in use. This will prevent dust from collecting inside.

· Even a Steinway Model M can take up a lot of space in your room, but don’t treat it like another piece of furniture. It’s not a table that you can place drinks and other items on top of. Many people decorate their pianos with potted plants or art pieces, both of which should be avoided. The moisture from plants will damage finishes, and art pieces will scratch surfaces.

· Avoid touching the strings with your fingers. The natural oils on your skin will lead to corroded strings.

· You should have a qualified piano technician service your piano two to four times a year. This should include tuning, regulation (to maintain the action), and voicing (to maintain the tone). A technician will also help fish out anything that might have fallen inside.

· Play your piano often. The more you play it, the more your piano will develop its own characteristic voice, shaping each distinct note and key to create a wholly unique sound.

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Amazing Bathroom Decorations Peaceful Feelings

One room in your home that you don’t want to overlook for comfort is your bathroom. Believe it or not, you can decorate it to look fresh, exciting and comfortable on a budget.

You want to consider the color scheme and what mood you want to project in your bathroom. If you’re going for a tropical look, consider all shades of greens, blues and other earth tones, such as beiges, browns and yellow. To many mixtures of colors may bring about frenzy so keep the choices to a minimum, especially if you’re going for a nurturing zen atmosphere.
Bamboo is affordable, tropical and artistic. You can use the material for toothbrush holders, storage containers, small stands and even tissue box dispensers. The wood like material will look great with almost any chosen theme or colors you choose.

Don’t underestimate the smaller touches that you’re able to make. Seashells, shower curtains, and hooks with flowers, or waterfalls are very euphoric. Consider the type of books you can add; travel, islands and fashion magazines are always fun to look at. Small paintings of the ocean, tropical fish or even beaches, will give your bathroom the feel of a relaxing vacation. Your bath mat, hand towels and shower curtain look great in bright colors to accentuate the neutral colors of your walls and eclectic paintings. If you have a window, consider small curtains that give the window a frame that brings attention straight to that space.

Although your floor may be your most expensive renovation (besides plumbing), it most certainly is the first design you want to invest in. Porcelain tiling is very resistant to spills and cleans easily. Marble tiling is elegant and will give your bathroom a very expensive look. Ceramic tiling has become a very popular choice for many homes. It’s reasonably priced, comes in many colors and is very durable, which works if you have younger children. All three tile choices come in many colors.
Your choices for face bowl and tub faucet fixtures is astronomical. There are so many designs, you’ll just have to take your time to find the one that best matches your theme. Gold tends to look a bit more upscale, however any scratches or wear and tear will become obvious very quickly. Stainless steel silver can be just as eye catching, however most will not show scratches or need as much maintenance as the gold plated fixtures.
Have fun while decorating your bathroom. Give it flare, zeal and distinguish the colors from every other room in your home. It’s for relaxing, privacy and escaping so everything you put in it should give you a peaceful feeling.

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The Benfits Of Acquiring A Park Home

Park homes are mobile, modern detached bungalow -style residential homes, mostly erected in privatized estates. The plots where these beautiful park homes are sited are called pitches. These homes, in law are called mobile homes with their own legislative coverage. They are built to a certain standard that dictates strict health and safety standards.

Mobile homes are designed in a way that it will be permanently lived in. Modern beautiful park homes are surrounded with conducting materials with central heating system, double glazing and effective energy boilers. This means that the occupants can be warm without any discomfort even at a lower rate without having to break the bank. Due to their easy maintenance nature, you have spare time and money for investment into other ventures.

These beautiful park homes can be found in various flexible designs, layout and sizes. Park homes mostly have between one to three bedrooms. Some also come with an ensuite, a sitting room, dining section, kitchen and bathrooms. Some others come with manageable gardens, large parking space and garages.

Park homes are most times fully furnished though you can also go for partly or unfurnished ones. Full furnishing of a park home entails the home will be equipped with loose and fitted furniture, soft furnishings, wall-to-wall carpet with a full range of home appliances. They are also connected to convenience services like water supply, electricity, gas, drains, telephone, and even sewers.
A park home affords you the opportunity to evade the responsibilities of the pressure of living in an urban area and acquiring a big apartment. It also releases equity and allows you to enjoy little or no maintenance property. A park home gives you the opportunity of living in a well-secured environment that comes with a feeling of a sense of community.

Acquiring a park home has some benefits;
• A park home is ideal for retirement or first-time home investor
• It is very affordable which makes it perfect for beginners
• It affords an energy-efficient living
• Most park homes come with beautiful furnishing that best suits your needs
• It affords a wide range of country wide parks.
• Park homes comes with a fantastic choice of lifestyle
Are you considering acquiring a park home, it is best to contact Home Park owners in the area that you wish to live in and they can give you with the information on any park home for sale. You can also get online to get a list of park owners for sale in the certain area. An estate agent may also be of help.
Park homes or static caravans can be less expensive than traditional homes, but do not forget that they also have some obligations. On finding a park home, get information on the costs and what you should look out for before buying.

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Summer Luxurious Spa Must-Haves - Most Important

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get out that bathing suit. While there’s nothing as refreshing as a dip in a cool swimming pool, the warmth and comfort of the spa or hot tub is unmatched. Even in hot weather, a soak in the spa is the perfect remedy after a rough day at work.
Custom pool builders are the beginning to a great summer experience. To add that extra touch of luxury, here are some must-have spa items to keep around.
1. Water Sanitizer

One of the most important steps in spa maintenance is sanitizing the tub. Even with great spa design, bacteria grow in warm water, and unless you want to soak in them, it’s a good idea to use some sort of chemical cleaner. Some common sanitizers include:
· Chlorine: Known as the primary sanitizer in pools, chlorine can be used in varying concentrations in hot tubs. Tablets and granules are specifically designed for use in hot tubs.
· Bromine: Many people choose bromine over chlorine as bromine is more effective in hot tubs; chlorine tends to turn into gas at temperatures higher than 98 degrees and becomes smelly.
· Mineral spa care: While they can’t necessarily replace chemical cleaners, mineral systems can help prevent contamination and limit the use of chlorine or bromine.

2. Hammock
A new luxury, hot tub hammocks act much like their traditional counterparts. However, hot tub hammocks allow you to recline while staying comfortably submerged in the water. You can relax your back and your behind while enjoying all the warmth that your spa has to offer.
3. Shade
Even if you’re submerged in the water, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun and wind. Instead of applying sun block all the time, consider purchasing a patio umbrella to keep the glare out of your eyes. Even better, you should install a retractable canopy, which you can easily retract on those nice days and clear evenings. Many Southern California pool builders offer affordable canopy installations.
4. A Cover
Hot-tub covers are a must when your spa isn’t in use. A cover ensures that no leaves, bugs, or debris fall into your spa. Debris will ruin your overall spa experience and clog up your filter. The cover will also spare your using too much chemical sanitizer. Such a simple accessory will save you time, money, and energy in the long run.

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3 Skin Issues Laser Treatment can Fix

Laser skin treatment offers a safe and effective solution for a wide range of skin issues. Problems ranging from acne to skin damage and fine lines can all be addressed using the power of lasers, and this can all be done in a relaxing environment while enjoying the comfort of spas in Beverly Hills.

Depending on the skin issue you want to address, you may choose to receive a series of laser treatments for optimal results. To maintain the results of laser treatments and healthy skin overall, treatments should be followed by regular facials, chemical peels, and resurfacing treatments. For resurfacing treatments like microdermabrasion, Los Angeles spas offer a relaxing, non-clinical environment and the most experienced dermatologists in the world.

Fines Lines and Wrinkles

Laser resurfacing can be used to remove the top layer of skin and stimulate new skin cell growth at the same time. As the surface skin cells are sloughed off, lasers simultaneously promote the growth of new healthy cells and collagen, which fills in the lines and wrinkles, reducing their appearance. The effects of laser resurfacing on lines and wrinkles are temporary, but can be followed up with additional treatments.

Brown Spots and Sun Damage

Other laser skin treatments target deeper layers of the dermis to produce more than surface-level results. Laser skin treatments damage the skin in a controlled setting, causing the skin to speed up the generation of new cells because it’s in the stages of healing. Lasers can be used on brown spots, sun damage, and areas of hyperpigmentation by causing the minimal damage needed to promote the generation of new, healthy, and undamaged cells.

Laser skin treatments even work on natural skin marks like scars, birthmarks, and tattoos in much the same way. By damaging the skin in a controlled setting, lasers promote the formation of good scar tissue that heals well with little to no evidence of scarring once healing is complete. Healthy scar tissue replaces old scars that didn’t heal as well, noticeable birthmarks, and even tattoos.

Acne

Acne is a very common condition affecting teenagers and adults, but the plethora of over-the-counter acne products available today cannot reproduce the therapeutic effects of lasers. Lasers are applied directly to blemishes and problem areas to promote healthy scarring and healing where problem blemishes persist. Laser resurfacing can be the first step in acne treatment because it immediately targets and clears up the problem, or it can follow pore cleansing and microdermabrasion treatments that help open pores and release bacteria, making the laser treatments that follow even more effective.

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Make it happen: Retiree to Full-Time RVer

Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Once we settle in to a routine at home, things can get awfully boring. The hobbies we take up eventually lose their fun, too. How many model airplanes can we fit in the basement anyway?

But there is an escape from the retirement doldrums: RVing.

RVing gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. It’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but now you finally have the time and the means to do it. Be your own person, riding forth to the setting sun, shacking up with other motorhomes in some of the country’s most wildly beautiful settings.

It’s not as hard as you’d think, either. Read on for some tips on leaving your restless retired life behind and becoming a full-time RVer.

Get the goods

First, you need to get a used RV and all the accoutrements that go with it:

• Ladders and tools. An RV needs maintenance just like any home or auto (and an RV is both, so think about that), so bring along a comprehensive toolkit and folding ladder to stash in your storage compartment in the event of a flat tire or busted windshield wiper.
• A tow dolly. If you plan on bringing your family sedan or 4x4, you’ll need a dolly to pull it along behind. This is something that’s usually worth spending the extra money for a premium model. After all, there’s a lot of financial weight riding along back there.

 

Make the arrangements

Tell the bridge club goodbye, you’re off on an adventure.

• Seniors should always register with AAA, as you’ll get tons of money-saving deals all throughout the country. This helps if you want a break from your RV for a night or two and pony up for the hotel in Houston instead of staying out in the heat.
• Get some maps and pick points of interest. It helps to have a general idea of where you’re going to go, especially high-volume places where you may have to make reservations, like Las Vegas or Branson, Missouri. You’ll see all kinds of like-minded individuals in these places, so look for the old Winnebagos or Fleetwood motorhomes all parked together in a parking lot. Those are your people.

Hit the road

Make a playlist, complete with hits like “On the Road Again,” “Take me Home (Country Roads),” and “Free Bird.”

• Unplug the TV, take out the trash, lock the door and shut the garage. Don’t look back, or you’ll keep getting the feeling that you’ve forgotten something.
• Rev up the RV. Turn on the GPS. Goodbye driveway; hello highway.

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DIY Baseball Conditioning Players who are serious

Players who are serious about baseball know what it takes to be among the best.The best players don’t wait for baseball season to begin to get back into shape—they’re the ones who take their personal baseball conditioning seriously.

All spring long you’ll see them running laps and lifting weights and practicing their form. You might look at it as a lot of hard work.

Well, it is. But it’s the kind of fun work that pays off around the time you’re standing at the plate with two on and two out and your team is down by one.

So get out of the dugout and onto the field with these easy, do-it-yourself baseball conditioning tips.

• Study. What?! Don’t worry; studying baseball is a whole lot different than studying for chemistry. Watch the games on TV, but be an active viewer; pay attention to batting stances and defensive schemes so you can help your teammates line up correctly for the switch. Try to figure out the mechanics of pitchers so you’ll know when to steal and when to hold off.

Grab some exercise videos for your rest days or those lazy Sunday mornings and learn the most effective ways to build power and agility. Do you think Derek Jeter and Josh Hamilton became household names by luck? Chances are they nurtured a healthy obsession with their sport.

• Imitate. Those videos, your coaches’ advice and the stuff you sponge from your favorite MLB players won’t do any good if you don’t try to emulate it yourself.

You can practice your batting stance anywhere; just stay a reasonable distance from your mom’s China cabinet. If you live in the suburbs, your backyard is waiting. If you live in the city, grab some buds and head to the field. It’s a lot easier to shag balls when you’ve got someone throwing them back to you.

• Practice. Over and Over. This is the lynchpin of all do-it-yourselfers. Take your sport training seriously and practice a lot. A whole lot.

Still, a lot of players get tunnel vision and lose sight of why they’re practicing in the first place. If you’re out to simply be the best there is, you never will be. Baseball is a sport that combines intensity with relaxation—it’s a summer sport, after all. Learn to sit back, have fun, and provide that highlight-reel-worthy spark when your team needs it most.

And don’t forget to sleep with your glove under your pillow.

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What to Expect Before Surgery What must Knows

Going under the knife can be a scary ordeal, but it helps if you know what you’re headed for. Preparing for surgery, sometimes called preoperative care, will help you understand the steps you’ll go through before, during, and after surgery. Today we’ll focus on what to expect before a surgical procedure.

There are inpatient and outpatient surgeries, and different things will happen before each. An outpatient procedure is generally a minor surgery that requires less recovery time and does not require anesthesia. An inpatient surgery usually requires anesthesia, recovery time, and sometimes an overnight stay for one or more nights.

Sometimes used medical equipment is purchased by offices that perform minor surgeries and outpatient procedures. Likewise, many hospitals and surgery centers use refurbished operating equipment. It’s important to understand that used medical equipment is held to the same standards and testing as new medical equipment. Refurbished medical veterinary equipment is held to a similar standard as well.

Preparing for an outpatient surgery takes less time than an inpatient one. You may not know exactly how the procedure will be performed until just before it happens, so make sure you understand what will occur before you sign a consent form. If your outpatient surgery requires a special diet or fasting, prescription medications, or that you bring someone with you to drive you home, your doctor’s office will notify you in advance.

Inpatient surgeries take more time to prepare for. You will meet with your doctor and possibly the anesthesiologist several days in advance of the procedure. At this time your doctor will prep you for what’s to come and the anesthesiologist will evaluate your needs to determine the type of anesthetic that will be used.

You will also be asked to fill out a preoperative form that asks about your medical history, past surgeries, medications, lifestyle, and other questions. You need to disclose all information to your doctor so they can make the best choices for you before, during, and after the procedure.

The week of the surgery: Expect to have a pre-operative appointment with your surgeon if you haven’t already. Your surgeon will inform you of any fasting, food, or drink restrictions you’ll have before the surgery. You will also need to finalize any arrangements you’re making for post-operative care, such as a ride home from the hospital or in-home care if you’ll need it.

The night before: You may be asked to fast after midnight, eat a light dinner, or follow a different medication schedule. It’s a good idea to pack an overnight bag in advance so you’re not running late for your scheduled appointment.

The day of the surgery: Arrive at your designated check-in time, which may be well in advance of your scheduled surgery. You will be asked to read and sign a consent form, which you should make sure you fully understand and sign well in advance of receiving any anesthesia. When you sign your consent form you agree that you understand the procedure that will take place and the risks involved.

Surgery isn’t exactly anyone’s idea of a fun way to pass the time. But surgeries happen around the world, every second of the day. Remember to stay calm, and bring along something comforting to you like a picture or certain slippers. Bring a long a loved one for support as well!

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What you need to know about a TJI Span Table

More than skill is needed in constructing one of the new houses for sale. You will need knowledge of the specifications that are recommended on building materials. Important knowledge like use of a TJI span table, local ordinances and regulations are not commonly known to many home owners.

This is why it is important to find an experienced building professional for your house.  If you employ a person with limited knowledge and experience of things like a TJI span table, there is a good chance that your house will not be constructed properly and structurally sound.

 

Many people don't know what a TJI span table is, so here is some general information about it. By asking people that use it regularly, you can certainly find out more information. With this basic information about finding a knowledgeable and trusted new home builder.

What is a TJI span table?

When one hears someone mention a TJI span table, to most people, it can sound like a different language. However, it is not something foreign, but a table that's very useful in helping people install roofs and flooring.

Trus Joint is a company that created a brand new wooden i-joist over 35 years ago. Since then, the quality of their joints have been improved and now they are easier to install.  Many flooring and roofing installers have relied on these for their consistency and strength when building homes for sale. Whith their innovative design, these type of joists can resist warping, twisting and shrinking during the home's life. Understanding how a TJI span table is used properly is important for home builders to know.

Overview of a TJI span table

Knowing the specifics of a TJI span table is something that home builders should know. It is also a good idea for do-it-yourself builders and home owners to have some general knowledge about it.

In working with a TJI span table, precise calculations will be required. Luckily, there is software available for Trus Joint that can give roofers a good starting point. As some experts have pointed out, there may be a difference between the final specs and those generated by the software, so it really should be used only as a jumping off point.

How to use a TJI span table

Builders can use a TJI span table for many things like: choosing the TJI joist depth, identifying load conditions (both live and dead), for choosing on-center spacing, or to scale down a column. Also important is determining the correct live load deflection criteria.

Choosing a Qualified House Builder

As previously discussed, it is important to locate builders who know the use of things like a TJI span table. By asking friends and neighbors for referrals, they will be able to tell you the pros and cons of a specific builder, firsthand.  You can also contact or check the website of the Better Business Bureau. Though they may not be able to recommend a specific builder, you can check on which builders have had complaints filed against them.

About the Author Greg works with French Construction Company--a premier builder of the many new homes for sale in Edmond OK.

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Understanding Surrogacy for Gay Couples

Many gay couples are interested in starting a biological family, regardless of marital status. While they can’t do it alone, a San Diego fertility center can connect them with all the resources and treatments they need to have a baby. A gay couple must take the following steps in order to have a biological child.

· Choose a fertility clinic and doctor to facilitate the process

· Decide which partner will biologically father the child and provide the sperm (or choose a sperm donor)

· Find an egg donor

· Find a surrogate mother

· Undergo egg and sperm extraction processes

· Create a successful implantation

· Patiently wait nine months while actively participating in the development of their child

Many gay couples go on to have more than one child using the same egg donor. If each partner can biologically father at least one child, the couple can create a family in which the children have the same mother/egg donor and both partners get to biologically father one or more of their own children. Some couples are even able to have a single surrogate carry two children at the same time, with one fathered by each partner.

Creating a Successful Surrogacy

A surrogate mother is a woman who carries and gives birth to a baby that is not biologically her own. With certain fertility treatments, a woman’s body can be stimulated to accept a foreign pregnancy and successfully carry that pregnancy to term while her body adapts to the changing needs of the baby in utero.

In a traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is also the egg donor and biological mother of the child. Although sperm extraction is still required, fertilization can take place naturally inside the womb or artificially in vitro. In vitro fertilization still has a higher success rate than fertilization that takes place inside the uterus because the healthiest eggs and sperm can be isolated, successful fertilizations can be monitored, and fertilized eggs can be transferred to the womb during the blastocyst state for a higher rate of implantation.

In a gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother is not biologically related to the child she carries. In the case of a gay surrogacy San Diego couples usually have one or both partners supply the sperm for the pregnancy, but this element is not required for surrogacy.

A gay couple can also choose to use both donated eggs and sperm to create their child and have a gestational surrogate carry the baby, but neither partner will be biologically related to the child. This option is closer to an adoption, but the parents are able to be involved in their child’s growth and development from conception and essentially begin parenting the child before birth.

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Interesting Park Homes Help Potential Home Owners

Park homes are a kind of manufactured model home that can help potential home owners save money. There are several different types of Park homes and that makes it very likely that you can find the home style that you want or need whether you are looking for a place to retire, go on vacation or rent out to make a profit.
Styles of Park Homes

Park homes are not your average mobile style of house. They have interesting styles, such as home that resemble a log cabin, those that look like a cottage, or those that resemble traditional built houses. You can find Park homes that are small enough to be a vacation home or a retirement home or you can choose one of the Park model homes that are larger and meant to be lived in all year long.
If you are looking for a family home, then you can’t go wrong with some of the one-floor styles of Park manufactured homes. Some of the best examples in this are in their Bonnavilla line, while those who want a more luxurious style of house should look into the Park homes Fleetwood line.Whichever one you choose, they are all made to be top quality homes that are designed to meet your needs.

How are Park Homes Built?
After you buy a Park home, the pieces are sent to your selected location and put together on a preassembled slab type of foundation. Constructing a Park home takes about three weeks, plus hooking up your utilities. This is much quicker than building a traditional house, which could take several months.
These homes come complete with all the windows, doors, paneling for walls, etc and the new owners can move right in with no waiting. It’s just like putting together a puzzle and the construction workers can have it done quickly and efficiently.

What are the advantages of Park homes?
Park homes are less expensive than traditional built houses, which make them a great choice if you are on a budget. They are also some that are made of entirely all green materials that will show that you are the type of person that wants to help preserve the Earth’s vital resources. Many Park homes can be bought for less than $50,000, yet still come with all the amenities and modern conveniences that you want.

A big advantage of Park homes is that a manufactured home is easy to build or take down and taken to any lot that you want to put it on. This holds true even if you buy one full of great amenities such as fireplaces, appliances, designer kitchen features, air conditioning, laminate floors, or more.
All in all, there are many advantages to owning a Park home manufactured home.

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Finding the Perfect Unique Photo Gifts

Finding the perfect gift for that special someone on a birthday, holiday, or other commemorative occasion can be stressful and overwhelming. Parents’ and grandparents’ days, graduations, newborn babies, and any other milestone in your friends’ and family members’ lives deserve to be celebrated with a gift.

With photo gifts, you’ll never run out of unique gift ideas for all the different people and occasions in your life. From charm bracelets to drink coasters, there are tons of gift ideas for all personalities to preserve your favorite photo memories as an alternative to a traditionally framed picture.

Deck of cards

Custom playing cards are a fun gift that combines years of memories and loads of fun together in a box you can wrap. Your favorite photo is printed on the back of 54 playing cards that ensure you’re always dealing a good-looking hand. A deck of cards is a fun, nontraditional gift that brings friends and family members together, and it’s small enough to take on any family outing.

Charm gifts

Try a spin on the idea of charm bracelets and necklace lockets with photo charms. Photo necklaces are a photo charm on a chain that’s worn around the neck. Much like a locket that keeps your favorite photo close to your heart, a photo charm necklace lets you wear your memories in style. A photo charm is sealed and protected so you can show off your photo without a locket.

Photo charms can also be added to a charm bracelet to create an eclectic piece of jewelry that contains your favorite memories. You can create a charm bracelet entirely out of photo memory charms, or simply add a photo charm to an existing bracelet.

Photo charms can also be used to create keychains containing one or more charms. Photo keychains can make the perfect charm gift for the man or woman in your life that doesn’t like to wear necklaces, bracelets, or chunky jewelry.

Photo coasters

Everyone needs coasters, right? Coasters help protect your furniture and give guests an appropriate place to put their drink. Another cool way to show off your photo memories without traditionally framed pictures is with photo coasters.

Coasters come in sets of four with a different original picture printed on each. Photo prints are protected with laminate while a cork backing provides a non-slip barrier between your drink and the coffee table. Photo coasters turn your perfectly captured memories into a stylish home detail.

No matter how you slice it, you really can’t go wrong with making unique gifts for loved ones with special photos. Photos are close-to-the-heart artifacts of the grand journeys of life, and they’ll never go out of style.

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The Benefits Of Kitchen Islands With Seating

In today's fast-paced world, numerous families do not spend a significant amount of time eating meals together. However, there are certain changes that can be made in one's kitchen, such as installing kitchen islands with seating, that will encourage the entire family to dine together. Such islands are a terrific addition to virtually any kitchen provided enough space is available. Most homeowners would agree that changing the look of a kitchen goes way beyond simply investing in new flooring. The following are some ways that the functionality and appearance of one's kitchen can be changed with the aforementioned kitchen islands:

Primary Advantage of Kitchen Islands With Seating

One of the most beneficial advantages of the addition of kitchen islands with seating is the extra food preparation space they provide. Such islands offer additional counter space that one can use to prepare meals.This not only reduces the time it takes to cook the meal, but also the time it takes to clean up the area after the meal has been consumed.

Additional Benefits Associated With Kitchen Islands With Seating

The beauty and charm such islands add to a kitchen is a secondary advantage that many homeowners enjoy. There is a vast array of kitchen island styles from which to choose. Those who are unhappy with the style and decor of their current kitchen will be pleased with what a new kitchen island will add to the room. In many cases, the addition of such an island adds as much appeal to a kitchen as does the hard wood flooring found in numerous homes.

In many cases, kitchen islands with seating are the focal point of the room. For this reason, the counter space of such islands is often used to showcase stylish kitchenware or attractive centerpieces. Some homeowners also choose a kitchen island top that blends well with the wood flooring in their home.

Yet another advantage of kitchen islands with seating is the additional storage space they offer. Extra storage options are typical part of such islands, and can be a considerable benefit to homeowners who have limited cabinet space in the other areas of their kitchen.

Extra Seating With Kitchen Islands

The extra seating provided by such islands is also a significant advantage associated with such units. A dining room often provides enough seating for only the family members themselves;however, kitchen islands with seating provide the extra space necessary if someone chooses to bring a guest home for dinner.

Encouraging Group Gatherings With Kitchen Islands With Seating

Another advantage that pleases many families with regard to the addition of a kitchen island with seating is how such furniture encourages group gatherings. They make a great area in which children can have breakfast while enjoying each other's company before leaving for school. Kitchen islands with seating also encourage children to help their parents with food preparation and cleanup. In numerous cases, when children help with the task of cooking, they become more interested in sitting down to their meal when the time comes. This also encourages conversation and family togetherness.

About the Author Greg works for Quality Floor Company Inc. in Oklahoma. They carry a variety of exotic hardwood flooring Oklahoma City residents can have in their home. Plus, they provide many distinct services like custom finishes and hand sculpting.

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Original screen printing t shirts - Screen printing

Screen printing is a very popular way that artists use to get their designs on t shirts. Screen printing was popularized by Andy Warhol in the 1960s. Warhol used the print screen method however on canvases and not shirts. Rotary machines began appearing and were mainly used to print logos and names on bowling uniforms, it wasn't until later that they began to be popularized as a simple way to design t shirts.

Screen printing has become increasingly popular. So much so that today half of all screen printing is done on clothing. More efficient and versatile methods were developed over time allowing designers to add more than one color with complex design possibilities. Screen printing, with its simplicity, speed, and versatility, have allowed itself to be an extremely widespread and simple way to design graphics on t shirts as well as canvases.

The basic idea behind screen printing is a piece of mesh fabric stretch to fill a frame. A design is made and the negative parts of the design are covered. Then a color is applied and smeared over the mesh. The color dye passes through the mesh but not the negative and creates an image on your shirt or canvas. Today the mesh is made out of a nylon instead of cotton or fabric.

To make a screen print t shirt you will only need to follow some simple steps as it is pretty easy to do. First thing's first. Draw out any type of design you want, but for the purposes of this guide try and make it all one color and shade. Scan it into your computer and Photoshop it to make the color consistent throughout. Then print out your design. Next get your silk screen (which will really be nylon) and cover it evenly with a light sensitive emulsion, be sure to do this and let it dry in a dark place. Drying should only take an hour.
Next you will need some UV lights in a type of box with a glass cover on top. Place your image on top and then your emulsion. Place some heavy objects on your mesh so it won't move and the light wont escape. Wait for about 5 minutes and pick up your mesh. Wash the mesh in a bathtub and you will have a negative of your image on the screen. Now you can use your screen on a t shirt and apply ink on the mesh. When you remove your mesh the design will be on your t shirt.

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What is a Litigation Lawyer? Do you know?

Litigation lawyers are attorneys who specialize in the legal area of navigating and presenting lawsuits on behalf of their clients through the detailed and lengthy steps of a court process. While many who choose to specialize in this type of law will elect a specific focus such as personal injury, the range of legal complaints that fall under the realm of litigation is widespread and can pertain to nearly any large-scale case that demands the court’s attention. In most instances, these types of lawsuits are reserved for law firms representing only the most demanding cases that will not likely settle out of court.

Expertise

Oregon lawyers that specialize in litigation will be highly experienced in critical thinking and decision making. Professionals must possess a strong command of the English language. Reading comprehension and excellent verbal and written communication are musts for these legal experts. Court procedures, agency rules, and government regulations are areas closely studied. In addition, it will be necessary to draw up legal documents and advise clients professionally. Drafting legislation is also among their various responsibilities.

Preparation

Litigation lawyers help a client move forward with a court case if there is a valid legal complaint. They will undergo discovery to gather information and build a case, utilizing qualified support staff as necessary. Next, a complaint is filed with the court. Legal research and writing will help to build the case before it is brought before the court. Civil cases require effort to prove that the facts of a case are as the client presents them, so that a case is won and compensation is granted. In criminal cases, the lawyer must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that their client is innocent. Or, if the lawyer is prosecuting, they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime.

An Oregon attorney that handles litigation will spend much of their time undergoing research to build a successful case. This research can make a significant difference in how successful they are in the courtroom. They will review common law, law review articles, legislative history, and statutes to make their case as strong as possible. They will also spend much time writing in preparation for the trial. This can especially be crucial in a criminal case, when a client wishes to appeal. An appellate brief must be written for the client and the appeal may be thrown out if it is not legally adequate.

Court

A litigation lawyer will argue motions and select jurors in the court room. In addition, they will have the tasks of questioning witnesses and consulting judges. These lawyers will need to be able to accurately explain and summarize cases to both juries and judges. They are also required to examine laws in court cases similar to the one they are handling and may be asked to clarify government rules and regulations. Qualified attorneys may be asked to serve legal papers. In civil cases, settlements may be negotiated. With the proper experience, they can gain partnership with a law firm, which will often be one that specializes in civil litigation.

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Funky Kit Homes More and More Popular

If the words "kit home" conjures memories of family holidays spent in pokey box-like, pre-fab holiday homes or wrestling with flat pack furniture it is time to change your attitude.

Funky kit homes now provide a flexible and affordable alternative for those looking to build a new house without compromising on quality. From cozy country cottages to modern, green and environmentally friendly designs, kit homes come in all styles and sizes, and can save you thousands.

The great thing about kit homes is that you are not locked into a standard design either - plans can be altered to suit your needs and the demands of a particular building site at little extra cost.
Most people think that a kit home is a rectangle shape box made from cheap materials but that couldn't be further from the truth. Most kit home clients are building large, luxurious homes and floor plans can be single, split or tri-levels or double story with a colonial style finish or the curved roof and sleek lines of an architectural designed home.

The do-it-yourself revolution has seen a resurgence in the popularity of kit homes. Now, the economic times have changed, and people are watching these television shows on renovating and thinking they could actually do that themselves.
The biggest advantage of going with a kit home was the cost saving. Kit homes are designed for owner-builders and handy people, they can do a lot of the work themselves and that saves paying a builder's profits. The way the economic climate is at the moment a lot of companies are doing incredible deals on kitchens and bathroom supplies and auctions are big too so if you are good shopper you can save heaps.

Building with a steel frame allowed people looking at buying a kit home to customize their house design and make additions later without any fuss.
Many kit home designers have deliberately avoided standard design plans for their kit homes, even though it is cheaper because they want to show consumers that kit homes can come in all kinds of funky shapes and sizes. Unlike a project home, where there might be a thousand of the same design in one suburb, a kit home can be a bit more eye-catching.
And because they are not mass produced, you can include more environmentally friendly elements that would cost you a fortune if you tried doing them as part of a project home design.

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Air Travel Do’s and Don’ts Traveling by air

Traveling by air is at once amazing and nerve-wracking. A trip that would have normally taken years now takes mere hours. Granted, those hours can be somewhere between mildly uncomfortable and gravely claustrophobic.
Air travel all starts before you even set foot on the plane, before you reach the Los Angeles airport parking structure. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts to get you through the airport.
Do Arrive Early
Most airlines suggest that you arrive about 90 minutes before your flight departs, but take all factors into consideration, including traffic and possible weather complications. Parking is often a big issue as most airport parking lots are incredibly hectic. Leave time to find a spot in the SFO airport parking lot.
Once you have your car properly parked in the OAK parking structure, you still have much more to deal with. Arriving early gives you ample time to deal with everything so you won’t have to rush and potentially make mistakes or forget something.

Do Wear a Comfortable Outfit
These days you have to plan your outfit for the plane ride as well as the security beforehand. This isn’t the time to make some sort of fashion statement. Wear something comfortable and easy to travel in.
When it comes to footwear, wear shoes that are easy to remove and slip back on without too much fuss. This is not the right opportunity to wear those sleek, chic boots that require thirty minutes and a whole team to put on and take off. Similarly, limit the number of layers you wear. You will have to remove any jackets and sweatshirts at security. Wearing several pieces of outerwear won’t be fun for the security personnel or anyone waiting in line behind you.
Don’t Pack Questionable Items
As you are packing, make sure to check the TSA website for a list of any and all prohibited items. If you aren’t sure whether you can bring that particular item, it’s better to play it safe and not bring it.
As a reminder, make sure you follow the 3-1-1 rule when it comes to bringing toiletries. Each of your toiletries should be in a 3-ounce or smaller container. All of your toiletries should fit in a 1 quart zip-top bag, and only 1 bag per traveler.
Don’t Be a Grump
It’s easy to get a little stressed at the airport, but don’t be a grouch about it. Being rude to staff, attendants, or other passengers won’t help any situation you might find yourself in. Stay calm and cooperative and things should go smoothly.

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Successful PE with Limited Equipment

In a world with endless budget cuts, federal mandates and ever-occupied students, it can be very difficult to teach a successful PE program—but not impossible.

Even with limited funds, you can direct a physical education curriculum that gets your students interested and eager, and best of all, makes them forget about Facebook.

PE equipment is important, but you don’t need a Fort Knox-sized cache of balls to pull off a fun and educational game. It just takes a little imagination.

For example, it’d be great if you had enough basketballs for every student to practice bouncing and dribbling. But since you don’t, you have to rely on sharing and teamwork. Now, that’s not such a bad thing, is it?

Make the most of limited PE equipment

You may have a harder time teaching your students how to play tennis or putt a golf ball, but that doesn’t have to stop them from learning altogether.

Here are a few ways to keep their brains tuned into your lessons:

• Face it, there are a few things you won’t be doing: jumping hurtles, for one. But you can still create games that involve jumping. Team sports allow for the maximum number of players with only a ball or disc to play, and basketball, volleyball, and soccer all teach important team-building communication skills and motor skills—not to mention a good leg workout.

• Try alternative games. By now, most of your students have probably heard of Quidditch. It’s the fictional game introduced to the world by way of the Harry Potter franchise. There is now an international organization of Quidditch players, and many leagues exist. The point is to get your kids active and using their brains. Non-fictionally, Quidditch accomplishes that.

• Do more active participation exercises, like racing to clean up the schoolyard or other kinds of scavenger hunts. Add an educational twist by having your students search for health terms. Impose time limits and bonus points, or you may find a bit of moseying.

Meanwhile…

You could run the most successful PE class in the state without any equipment at all, but your students are still missing out on important skills. While you’re finding new creative ways to teach, don’t stop searching for extra funding.

There are scores of philanthropic organizations out there dedicated to the idea of helping kids stay active and healthy. An appeal to your local health organizations or national clubs like the Boys and Girls Club could net you PE grants that cover the cost of all the equipment you want.

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Warning Signs of Abuse at School Child abuse attorneys

School is a normal, weekday occurrence for children that we usually take for granted. It never crosses most of our minds that children would ever experience acts of abuse during the course of their school day. Yet some children will suffer from abuse, sexual and otherwise, while entrusted to the adults we allow to supervise them during their educational years. Forms of abuse may be emotional, such as those resulting from bullying or harassment, as well as physical and sexual abuse.

Warning signs of abuse may include changes in your child’s behavior that may include the desire to avoid certain people and situations, as well as mood swings that may include anxiety, aggression, or depression. Grades may drop and sleeping patterns may become disrupted. Feelings of guilt, shame and low self-esteem may also emerge as a result. Increased preoccupation with age-inappropriate issues and possible injuries may also be involved. In order to adequately address this important issue and prevent others from being victims of repeated acts, it is important for children to obtain qualified professional advice in order to pursue legal action against and seek damages from the perpetrator.

Legal advice

Child abuse attorneys will be able to assist you if you decide to file charges against the determined abuser, as this is often simpler than bringing a civil case against one who was overseeing their activity. The lawyer you select must be competent in this area and have a history of being able to persuade a jury that abusive situations have indeed taken place and that financial compensation is just. Experienced child abuse attorneys will be required to have much experience in this area in order to win a case and obtain a legal settlement.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse lawyers can help you if you believe your child has been subjected to sexual mistreatment during school. A qualified public school sexual abuse lawyer has obtained critical experience in cases of this nature and specializes in seeking justice for students who have suffered abuse while under school supervision. Professional sexual abuse lawyers will help you determine damages you are entitled to and identify the best approach for prosecuting the offender. If you suspect potential sexual abuse, you will first want to take the victim to a hospital, where they can be assessed for any physical signs of sexual contact. This assessment will prove vital in helping you win your case in the long run. Your child may also require the professional services of a psychologist specializing in child sexual abuse, so that the process of emotional healing can begin as soon as possible.

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Things To Check When Purchasing An Old House

Moving into an old house can be a fascinating experience, and many people opt for old construction rather than new construction. The reasons vary from buyer to buyer. Some may like the history of an old home and the established position in a neighborhood. Others may just be looking to purchase their first home at the most cost efficient price. Regardless of the reason for purchase, there are things to check when purchasing an old house. A throrough inspection job can prevent a lot of regrets and excess expenditures in the long run.

One of the first key areas that should receive a dedicated assessment before the purchase of any older construction is energy efficiency. There are just too many points of failure on aged homes, especially if they have not received the tender care and upkeep that they required. Insulation needs to inspected to make sure that it is up to par and still delivering the proper resistance against the elements. Many homeowners find out too late that there is either a layer of inadequate insulation or, dreadfully, none at all in some spots. The energy lost when conditioned or heated air is allowed to escape the perimeter can lead to very costly electrical bills that have not been calculated into the total cost of home ownership. Areas that are vulnerable to this drift include walls, windows, roofs and more.

In some cases, asbestos may even be found to have been included as part of the insulation and construction. While the awareness regarding asbestos and proper asbestos disposal has risen in recent times, there is still real estate that can make it to market harboring this hidden danger. The health effects of this substance have been consistently announced to include ill symptoms such as cancer and pulmonary issues. One definitely does not want to move into a home with any of this lying around, much less bring a family to inhabit such a place. The danger of asbestos is similar in nature to the lead paint and requires a dedicated team to follow outlined procedures for proper asbestos disposal.

Mold is another area where things can get saturated quickly. Any water damage in older homes can be compounded through years of neglect. Not only is the mold dangerous to human and animal health, but the costs of removal are exorbant. The same water damage is likely to have done extensive damage to the foundation and structure of any home that it lurks within. Allergies and asthma can be complicated further, and that is only the beginning mild symptoms.

An old home can be a great value for someone looking to invest in real estate. Minor inconveniences can be lived with or fixed relatively cheaply. However, the aforementioned problems are usually both expensive to repair and very dangerous to anyone living on the premises. It is crucial that a proper and certified inspector be tasked with the job of discovering issues before a deal is inked. That is the only safe way.

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Joni Stinson, Creek Cherokee, a beadweaver jewelry designer

Joni Stinson, Creek-Cherokee, is a beadweaver, jewelry designer and silversmith.
She graduated from Oklahoma State University and did her dietetic internship at Baylor University Medical Center. She is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian and a Licensed Medical Nutrition Therapist. She is married to Dr. Warren Stinson. They have two sons and three grandchildren.
Joni is winding down her professional career to devote more time to her bead work and sharing her craft with others. She teaches beading at Blue Earth Intertribal. Joni was invited by the United States Department of Interior to participate in their National Park Service's "Artist in Residence" program.  She sells her work at Pow Wows, Craft Shows, Galleries, and on-line.
Joni's designs combine traditional Native American techniques with contemporary elements, colors and materials. Her work is symbolic and exemplifies her passion for her Nation and her art. Joni is an enrolled/registered member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, a United States Recognized Tribe. Her work is made in accordance with the Native American Arts and Crafts Act. A Certificate of Authenticity is available for purchases upon request.

-Where are you originally from?
Checotah, Oklahoma....home of Carrie Underwood. Currently lives in Omaha, NE

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?
I joined Etsy as a buyer and gave no thought to a name. A year later, I decided to sell and was stuck with it. By the time Etsy allowed for a name change, I felt it was out there and didn't want to change it. I did add a shop name of Ghi-Goo-ie Designs. Ghi-Goo-ie was my great great great great great Grandmother. She was also the Grandmother of the Cherokee Chief at the time of the Trail of Tears, John Ross. Ghi-Goo-ie translates from Cherokee to English as "sweet heart".

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?
I sell my products at regional Pow Wows and festival events. In addition, I have a store on ArtFire..
www.jstinson.artfire.com
I also sell my work on a Native American site...First People. The link is
www.firstpeople.us Click on Native Art and then seed bead earrings.
I love selling on line but my first love is event sales. Nothing beats the ability to interact with the buyer in person.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?I wanted to purchase a pattern for a bracelet from a local beader. She directed me to Etsy where she had the pattern listed for sale. I joined in 2007 to purchase that pattern. In 2008, I decided to give selling a shot and the rest is history. So, while I have been an Etsy member for 5 years, I have been selling there for 4 years.
I joined the ArtFire selling community in its very beginning as a lifetime charter member.
I began selling on Firstpeople.US about 2 years ago. I was invited by the webmaster for the site to sell there. I was honored and pleased to participate. It has been an excellent example of niche marketing for me.

How has social networking helped your business? What have you found works best for your store? What is working for you to help promote your shop?
I regularly post on FaceBook, less often on Twitter and blog when I have something to say. Keeping my friends and fans aware of my newest or featured items is my plan for using these sites. I am pleased with the results so far but know I haven't used these sites to their fullest potential. I am planning to start Pininterest and/or Wanelo in the near future as well. I also participate daily in site forums.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?
I do traditional Native American work but often with a contemporary twist as regards color and materials. There are many wonderful beaders who have inspired me but my customers are the most influential in my work. The greatest thrill is to collaborate with them on custom designs that they see in their heads but can not bring to fruition. It pleases me to interpret their dreams in beads.
Specific beaders who have inspired me are Freida Bates, Margie Deeb, Mary Tafoya, Carol Wilcox Wells and Dan Pierce.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
I have always been interested in creativity and arts. My Grandmother started me on my journey. To date I have yet to meet another who could inspire and motivate me as she did. She could do it all...sewing, painting, cooking.. crafting of all kinds. She always found time to mentor me though she worked full time and had a house to run. My journey began early and continues!

-How long have you been creating?
I have always created for as long as I can remember. But I began selling my creations in 2008 at the urging of Beulah Tamyo, a Rosebud Sioux friend. Prior to that, I created for my family, friends, and myself only.

-What would your dream job be?
I have my dream job. I continue to work professionally as a Consultant Dietitian in a Long Term Care Facility one day a week and bead 5-6 days per week. It doesn't get better than that at this point in my life.

-What is it that you love so much?
My creative work comes second to my family. I have a supportive husband, two wonderful sons and 3 great grandchldren. They keep me centered, motivated, and inspired.

What are a few of your favorite books, movies, musicians, and websites?
Favorite Books: Atlas Shrugged, The Fountain Head, Creek Mary's Blood, Costain's books, Black Elk Speaks.
Movies: The Help, Pretty Woman, Gone With The Wind, The Trail of Tears.
Musicians: Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, George Strait
Websites: Blogs by my friends, Beadedimages.com, bead suppliers too numerous to mention

-What are your main sources of inspiration?
The art of my ancestors and nature are my main source of inspiration. I also attend Indian Market in Santa Fe annually in August. If one can't get inspired there, one can't get inspired any where! Unfortunately, I have more inspiration than time. I keep a sketch book with me at all times. I am forever jotting down notes and making sketches. I have enough sketches for a life time but continue to add more. I think that I must think I will live for 200 years.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?
I am essentially self taught. However, I do belong to a beading club that meets monthly, subscribe to many jewelry making publications and see inspiration wherever I go. I am inspired by the work of others and challenged by my self and my friends.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?
My greatest selling period during the year is during the Pow Wow season. My son and I work these events together. We start in early April and finish in late September.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?
Most people were not aware of my creative side when it came to making jewelry as I had allowed it lay dormant while I pursued my career as a dietitian and raised a family. They were surprised when I re-invented myself and rejuvenated my love for arts and crafts.

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?
Make what you love. Try new things. Challenge yourself. Be curious and explore the possibilities. Don't give up. Don't let others discourage you.
Listen to your heart...it will guide you. Walk in balance and harmony.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?
My life has affected my art as I was born Native American and am proud of my culture. The art of my ancestors has affected my art through its beauty and timeless quality. Preserving, protecting and perpetuating Native American art is the driving force in my creativity.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?
That is sort of like asking if you have a favorite child! Each item that I make is my favorite for the moment. But if I have to name one, it would probably be the first split loom necklace that I ever made. It is the necklace that I am wearing in the "artist's photo" below.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?
The most memorable reaction was from the Baptist minister who was officiating at my brother's "Wiping of Tears" ceremony last summer.
I was wearing that floral split loom necklace and he said, "Wow, be careful...that necklace is so beautiful I might just steal it!"...I had never heard a minister admit to the desire to steal and said so. We all had a good laugh at a time when laughter was needed.

-Your message for all of us?
Don't become discouraged if you aren't an immediate success selling online. Establishing a following on-line is difficult and takes time. Find your niche and fill it. Research, promote, and create. The time will be well spent and hopefully rewarded.

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New and Used Cars with the Best Gas Mileage

I have recently made the big decision to upgrade my wheels and buy a new ride. This of course is a big decision, opening up the door for many details to consider when selecting just the right one. An easy decision for me was that I wanted to invest in a car that gets really, REALLY good gas mileage. I’ve done quite a bit of research on which cars get the best gas mileage, what the safety is like, and the accommodations of each. So whether you or someone you know is considering a new car soon, or your curiosity is getting the best of you, read in as I share my findings.

I break my search down into two categories, new and used. Obviously, the most fuel-efficient vehicles are the newer models, so I certainly did entertain the notion of purchasing a brand-new car. But, realizing that I nor I’m sure none of you are made of money, I also did a comprehensive used car search, which came back with some really great results for those of us who are on a budget but still want a car who will stretch the gas as far as it will go. 

New Cars

For my new car hunt, I used FuelEconomy.gov to do a thorough search for the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. (Mind you, this has nothing to do with being the most cost-efficient cars on the market- at least not upfront.) The cars below is from the list that was returned to me, and I did the additional research for the rest of the details. The search returned both cars that take regular gasoline and electric cars. I am personally looking for an automatic car that takes regular gas, so that is what I focused on in this article.

2012 Toyota Prius C: Cost approx. $19,900 - $23,230

The Toyota Prius C came out #1 for non-electric cars with the best gas mileage, coming in at 53 miles per gallon for city driving and 46 MPG for highway driving. It is the forth edition of the Prius. FuelEconomy.gov estimates that the average driver who spends 45% of the time driving on highways, 55% of the time driving in the city, and who logs 15,000 annual miles will spend about $1,150 per year on gas for this car. Notable differences from the Prius C to the rest of its brothers and sisters is that it is the smallest, least expensive and also most fuel-efficient model. Its average of 53 miles per gallon in the city is the highest for any non-electric car.

2012 Toyota Prius: Cost approx. $24,000 - $29,805

The Toyota Prius still gets excellent mileage, about 51 MPG driving in the city and 48 on the highway. FuelEconomy.gov expects a driver to spend $1,150 on gas in a year for this car based on the above standards, the same as with the Prius C. The biggest difference I’ve found is the cost difference. The federal government gave the 2012 Toyota Prius 5 out of 5 stars for safety. Its safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, brake override, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a total of 7 airbags.

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid: Cost approx. $24,050

This bad boy averages 44 MPG in the city and 44 on the highway, costing your average driver around $1,300 per year in gas costs. This car is also one of the safest cars that I think I’ve researched yet. It features front, front side, and side curtain airbags and was named the a “2011 Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety IIHS.) This make and model received top ratings for frontal offset, side impact, and rear impact crash safety tests. And as an added benefit, the 2012 Civic Hybrid qualifies as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle, so it’s extremely environmentally friendly.

The next car listed was the Toyota Prius V, but for the sake of variety in this article, I am hereby skipping it to jump to the next contender:

2012 Lexus CT 200h: Cost approx. $29,120-31,750

The Lexus CT gets about 43 miles per gallon driving in the city and 40 MPG on the highway. Drivers can expect to pay around $1,350 a year on gasoline. It received good ratings in every single category that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety requires testing for, including dynamic rating, driver torso, rear passenger torso, driver head and neck, overall front, and rear passenger head protection.

Used Cars

As a note, for the prices below I used Kelley Blue Book to look up the price that a buyer could expect to pay for a used car. I kept my searches strictly to 2007 models to keep the search streamlined and easy to compare in the article. All quotes are based on cars with 70,000 miles on them, being purchased from a dealer at the suggested retail price.

2007 Toyota Prius: Cost approx. $22,000- 16,733

The Prius is undoubtedly the most expensive car on the market if you’re looking for one in the category of fuel-efficiency, however it does make up for the initial cost with its incredible MPG. Some pros I’ve read for this make and model include low emissions, lots of interior room, great build quality, and ease in maneuvering in tight areas. Cons include that it is less powerful as other mid-size sedans, and that the fuel economy in the real world—while still very good—does not live up to the estimates put forth by the EPA.

2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan 4D: Cost approx. $7,921 - $11,475

The Yaris gets about 36 MPG on the highway and 29 in the city, and has the added benefit of being a low-emissions vehicle. I’ve seen Toyota Sites offering leases on these cars for as little as $79 per month, with an approved credit score check. I’ve read good reviews for the drivability of the base sedan, and it comes with a pretty good list of safety features: child seat anchors, front seatbelts pretensioners, emergency interior trunk release, headrests, and ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes.

2007 Hyundai Accent GLS Sedan 4D: Cost approx. $8,751- $12,665

This car appears to be a great value for what it is. It is a 4-door that averages 35 MPG for highway driving and 32 for city driving. Its generous list of safety features include six airbags—in the front, seat-mounted side-impact, and side-curtain—and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. The Hyundai Accent is very basic looking, so this car might not be for you if you are looking for a sportier model, but as I said it’s a great value for what is has to offer.

2007 Chevrolet Aveo LS Sedan 4D: Cost approx. $7,891 - $12,010

Another cost-effective as well as gas-effective vehicle, the Chevrolet Aveo boasts 35 MPG on the highway. The Chevrolet Aveo boasts a lot of security features, including front-impact airbags, side-impact airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. I found the Aveo to be a pretty good-looking car, and definitely for the money that you’d pay for a used model. If you want a sleeker model, you should look at something closer to a Prius, but if you don’t mind a fairly average-looking sedan at a decent price, this might be the one for you.

DK is an enthusiastic financial blogger and surfer. Find him at RoadFish.com

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