Sunday, January 17, 2010

Haiti - How You Can Help



There are currently several relief efforts under way to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. If you want to contribute, please be wise and donate to an organization that is trusted and will use the funds wisely.


To make a contribution to the American Red Cross International Response Fund,

Call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)


or

Text the word "Haiti" to 90999
(a $10 charge will appear on your cell phone bill)

Friday, January 8, 2010

A Snow Day!!!



Last night it snowed and the city has been shut down ever since. This is comical to anyone from up north or the midwest but in Atlanta this is a real situation. Icy roads and fast drivers don't mix. I think most people were thankful to have the day off and enjoyed the view. (Check out Atlantic Station covered in snow.)

It won't get above freezing until Monday so take it slow on the roads. They are also predicting more snow next week so you may want to get a DVD or two and keep the refrigerator stocked.
 




Monday, January 4, 2010

Sign of the Times

According to Channel 2, Georgia has the 3rd highest rate of bankruptcies behind Nevada and Tennessee. 1 in 50 Georgia households filed for bankruptcy between January and November of 2009. This is 22% higher than the same time frame in 2008.

If you are in a financial bind, my suggestion is that you seek help as soon as possible. Many people turn to bankruptcy to prevent foreclosure. This may not be necessary if you let your lender know what is happening and work out a payment plan. This is easiest when you are not yet behind. If you wait until they have initiated the foreclosure process, they will likely require an initial lump sum payment and you'll be responsible for attorney fees related to the foreclosure filing.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Your Home

Your Home Should Rise Up to Meet You
- Oprah Winfrey

I believe this means that your home is your refuge and should always feel like a warm and inviting place. There should not be a feeling of dread as you think of your messy kitchen, unfinished projects, or your unhappy home. Whatever it takes to clean house, physically and emotionally, let's take action to make it happen.

I found a quick and easy home improvement project that will benefit most people. I believe it will give you more pride in your home and allow you to enjoy it more too.

If you have frameless bathroom mirrors that look dated or unfinished, they can easily be updated without being replaced. What you can do is frame them like you would a piece of art. Take a look at the before and after pictures below.





Its a noticeable improvement and doesn't take much time or money. You can do the same thing with inexpensive molding at Home Depot or Lowe's. (This is the same stuff you'd use for crown molding along your ceilings) You cut the necessary length then attach to the mirror with heavy duty glue and paint. This should cost less than $100. Click here for detailed instructions.

Another option is to buy decorative framing that will come to you appropriately sized to your measurements. This will give you a more polished look but the effect will be about the same. It will take a boring mirror and turn it into a stylish accent for your bathroom. Both MirrorMate and MirrEdge offer this service but the price will be at least 2 or 3 times the cost of the first option. That's because they are doing the measuring, painting, and finishing work for you. All you have to do when you use either of these companies is attach the frames to your mirrors.

I hope this project helps to make your home more enjoyable.

Friday, January 1, 2010

2010


Its official. 2009 was a rough year for a lot of folks but its finally over. Now is the time for fresh starts and new beginnings. Its a time for all of us to feel inspired to put our bad habits behind us and focus on our goals.

One of my goals for the blog is to begin to focus on home improvement. Its a fact that many people are staying in their homes longer and updating them because the value is not there to justify a sale. This year I will include posts on DIY projects that will add value and comfort to your home.

For 2010, there are two important predictions. The first is that prices will increase in the least expensive housing segment. This means that starter homes will become more expensive for first time home buyers. It is also predicted that the best values in real estate will be in high end, luxury homes. Many of these properties have declined significantly in value while the owners have been waiting for the market to rebound. The prediction is that these owners are now tired of waiting and will realize the loss on the sale so that they can take advantage of better real estate deals.

Whether you are buying or selling, don't let this opportunity pass you by. With low interest rates and phenomenal values, there is no reason to sit on the sidelines any longer.
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