Thursday, January 31, 2019

Window Replacement Guide: Materials Process and Cost

There are many reasons why people may want to replace their windows. The most common reasons include:
1.      Making them more energy efficient
2.    Newer windows will be easier to clean
3.    Maintenance free
4.    New windows look better 
5.    New windows will make your home comfortable as they control heat and cold
6.    Reduction in noise as new windows insulate sound
7.     Modern windows are safer and have many great benefits compared with older windows
8.    Longer lasting than older windows as they have many more features
9.    New windows enhance your home’s resale value

10.  UV protection 
Costs
When deciding to replace your windows, you can expect to pay between $450 and $850 for a new vinyl window replacement. Typically, your home would need about 10 of these which means you need between $4500 and $8500 to complete your home. 
What is the cost of different materials?
1.      Basic aluminium - $300-$525
2.    Composite - $325-$700
3.    Basic Vinyl - $350-$600
4.    Better Vinyl - $475-$825
5.    Basic Wood - $500-$850
6.    Fibreglass - $600-$900
7.     Better wood - $700-$1,000
8.    Best Wood - $900 - $1,350 +
Cost of materials for windows
1.      Basic windows – up to $325
2.    Better windows – up to $800
3.    Best windows – up to $1,500
Installing a new window – Steps
Step 1 – Choose the style of window you prefer. The most popular types are double hung and casement windows. 
-      Single hung – cheap but less ventilation is provided
-      Double hung – most window series have double hung windows. They allow movement in both sashes. 
-      Casement windows – Most of them open with a crank however they are available in a “push out” style. 
Step 2 – Choose the material. You can decide between:
-      Aluminium – reasonably priced, lightweight and strong. They are energy efficient.
-      Composite – This comprises of wood and fibre with plastic. 
-      Vinyl – This is low maintenance and good quality. Colours are limited to light shades.
-      Fibreglass – More colour options than vinyl, however the darker shades will fade with time. It is very strong and low maintenance. 
-      Wood – The aesthetic appeal of wood is unmatched. They are affordable if you consider entry level wood. 
Step 3 – Choose extras and features. Windows can be accessorized as you want, in the following ways:
-      Wood type – Pine is the standard type however, there are multiple options to choose from. 
-      Interior and exterior colours – You can choose the colours you want, which will match your home. Wood windows can even be left bare. 
-      Glass – You may need to perform a window glass repair on an existing window. Replacement isn’t always necessary. If you are replacing you can opt for two panes of glass with argon gas in the middle, tempered glass, laminated shatterproof glass or tinted glass.
Step 4 – Hire a qualified installer or do it yourself. Windows must be installed properly so that it functions optimally. You may enlist the help of an installer or if you are confident enough, get it done yourself. 
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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Guest Post :: 5 Amazing Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

I know some view Valentine’s Day as a commercial holiday, but I completely buy into every single element that goes along with it. I know that you should love and appreciate your significant other every day of the year, but I like the idea that there is one day in the year that is centered around love. Today Peter Minkoff is sharing 5 Valentine Day gift ideas! 
February 14th, AKA Valentine’s Day, AKA the most romantic day of the year is literally just around the corner. We have survived the notorious Blue Monday, so this year it’s all uphill from here. Now, for all of you who say that you don’t need a designated day to show your love and shower your beloved with gifts, you’re right. Devotion and love should be shown every day, but there is absolutely no reason not to take it up a notch on this particular day. We celebrate Thanksgiving, although we could have turkey and exchange gifts every day, but there is a reason to follow traditions. Traditions are good, they make us feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves, so put aside your skepticism about the day of love, step up your game and give the woman in your life the best present in the world. We have handpicked five of the most amazing ones – in our humble opinion – so now all you have to do is pick one (or a couple, if Cupid strikes you with his bow and makes you extra giving). 

Put Thought Into It 

The gift itself isn’t as important as the meaning and intention behind it. The art of giving the perfect gift isn’t in its price, but the amount of thought you put into it. For instance, if you want to take one of the traditional routes and give the woman in your life a piece of jewelry, instead of just picking out a piece that ‘looks nice’, try to remember something that she’s particularly fond of. It could be something trendy or vintage, all depending on her taste. Netflix reruns of Friends reminded us of the power of meaningful gifts when Ross got Rachel a pin she saw in the window that reminded her of the one her grandma used to have. So, think hard and remember what your lady would love. Then, when you’ve found the perfect thing, have it engraved with an inside romantic quote that means something to both of you. That way, you’ll increase the value of the gift by a hundred times. 

Know Your Lady 

As said, it’s not the gift that matters, it’s the person on the receiving end of it. For instance, if your beloved loves coffee as much as Lorelai Gilmore, than you are all set. Prepare a unique basket containing all the best – from the strongest coffee in the USA that will give her the morning jolt she craves, a customized mug that will be just hers, a backup mug for her to take to work and even perhaps a cute thermos for her commutes. You can add coffee-based treats, candy, and create a personalized survival kit. Of course, a card containing a witty and loving message is a must. As a true coffee lover, she will love you even more for knowing her and giving her exactly what she needs. 

Your Little Bookworm 

Plenty of us out there don’t just love reading books, we love collecting them and admiring our small library. If your beloved is a genuine bookworm who has an excellent taste in books, giving her a stack of new releases will make her squeal with happiness as she will be able to complete her Goodreads challenge (and you can bet she’s on Goodreads). Now, if you want to make things even more special, instead of new releases, why not give her a hardbound collection of classics, which are incredibly and uniquely designed. This gift would send her through the roof, as every real bookworm is dying to add these to their collection. 

Something On The Pricey Side 

There are bookworms, coffee and jewelry lovers, but one thing all women need is a bag for all the things they have to carry. Now, depending on the taste and style of your beloved, you could get her a unique and stunning book-inspired bag. It will show her how much you know her – as you will probably get her a bag inspired by her favorite book – and she’ll also have something both unique and practical that will remind her of you every day. Of course, if you have a fashionista on your hands, you might spend a tad more on a great designer bag, but you can get a pretty good deal at vintage stores, both online and brick-and-mortar ones. Just get ready to hunt, because finding the perfect one will take some time, but hey, it’s all worth it for her, right? 

Deeply Personal 

There are times when the expression ‘walking the extra mile’ has little to do with money and a whole lot with the time you invest in getting your lady something deeply personal. Now, everyone has been going crazy over The Night Sky, and while those are amazing, perhaps you can get one on a regular day – just because everyone is getting them. Instead, give making your own gift a shot. You can use photographs, old letters, things you wanted to say but never did. It can be called ‘The Little Diary of Us’ and you can put all the monumental things you’ve been through in it – anniversaries, trips, birthdays, even big fights. You can pour your emotions out with a bunch of love letters on random pages. Leave some of the pages blank, because your adventure is just beginning, so you will surely be filling the diary soon. 
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Monday, January 28, 2019

Travellers Guide To Apartment Renting in NYC

Moving or travelling to NYC can be overwhelming, especially if you are not aware of how things work there. The city is extremely democratic, and no-one is really concerned with your past, or who you were before you got there. NYC is known as the greatest city in the world. 
{Via}
What you need to know about NYC
1.      Neighbourhoods are important – Finding a place to live will probably be the greatest struggle of relocating or vacationing in NYC. Before deciding on a neighbourhood, you may want to do some research and get a short-term rental apartment. This will offer an inside learning experience. Once you found an area that you like, get some insider information and read local blogs. 
Here are some questions to ask yourself before deciding on the area:
-      How convenient is the area to subways? If you are more than 5-10 minutes away then ensure that there is an alternative way of getting around, like a bus or Citi Bike. 
-      What are your meal options? It is unlikely that you will want to cook your own meals, especially if you’re on holiday. Ensure that you are near a few restaurants that appeal to your taste. You can even visit a few local food blogs to get a general idea of the food around you as well as what may be coming up. 
-      What is the nightlife like? If you are into parties and nightlife, then a quiet neighbourhood may not be the best option for you. Some of the party hubs in NYC include: Murray Hill, East Village and Lower East Side. 
-      How safe is the neighbourhood? You should check the NYPD website for crime statistics, but you may find that asking a local is much more effective. 
-      What evacuation zone are you in? Since Superstorm Sandy, people have become more sensitive to weather and climate changes. Parts of NYC are at greater risk than others during storms and floods.
-      What are the owners like? When going on holiday, the last thing you want to deal with is difficult landlords or building owners. You can google the name of the person or you could ask other people who are renting the same building. 
2.    Try and find an apartment on your own – Usually agents and brokers will get a 50% commission on the rentals, so it is wiser to look for a building on your own. 
Broker language decoded
There may be many words we find in home rental adverts which actually have a different meaning in the world of housing. Here are a few words decoded for you:
1.      Cozy – very small
2.    Charming – dilapidated
3.    Unique – strange in some way
4.    Quiet – usually means it overlooks an air shaft or wall
When choosing the area, you want to move to, and the apartment you prefer, it is advisable to research as much as you can so that it is a good fit for you. 
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Sunday, January 27, 2019

Sunday Night Thought



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Happy Hour Time

Howdy there Friday! It’s so nice to see you again – what took you so long to get here? Even though this week was a short week for some reason it felt like it took Friday forever to get here! But, thank goodness it did! Here’s to a wonderful weekend spent with friends and family, making lasting memories. Cheers!

“What consumes your mind controls your life.”

Drink Special! 
Raspberry Diamond Fizz
2 ounces gin
1 tablespoon raspberry liqueur
Juice from ½lemon
1 egg white
8 fresh raspberries quartered
Crushed ice
Champagne
Shake all ingredients minus Champagne, strain into a champagne glass, and top with champagne 

Around Town!
Nashville, TN: Hot Chicken Week at JW Marriott, January 25 - January 27, 9:00pm
Memphis, TN: Mardi Gras Ball XVI at Minglewood Hall, Saturday, January 26 – Sunday, January 27, 11:30am
Louisville, KY: Lousiville Women’s Basketball vs, Pittsburg at KFC Yum! Center, 2:00pm
New Orleans, LA: King Cake Festival Rep Run + Fun Run Registration at Mercedes-Benze Superdome, Saturday, January 26
Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Boat Show at 1001 19thStreet N, Sunday, January 27, 12:00pm
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Thursday, January 24, 2019

Luvyle

The endless stream of information, websites, and online stores that are available on the Internet is seriously impressive. One of my favorite things about blogging is checking my email {as daunting as that sometimes can be} because they always contain something new to learn about. Recently, I have learned about the website ‘luvule.com’ and let me just say, they have some seriously cute things!
After the holiday season is over I am all about hitting up all the sales and luvyle has got it going on as far as sales go! I mean, is anyone going to say ‘no’ to nice, yet cheap blouses? I think not. In all honesty, Luvyle is a site that requires you to do a little bit of hunting to find that item you have been looking for. 
Another thing that I really like about Luvyle is they have a great selection of classic t-shirts at a very good price, and did I mention that they are having an amazing after Christmas sale right now!? If you haven’t checked out this site you seriously need to1


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Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Guest Post :: Top 5 Delicious Winter Meal Recipes Your Family Will Love

During the winter there is nothing better than just staying in on a super cold night, have a fire crackling in the background, a stack of your favorite movies ready to go, and being encircled by the fragrance of a home cooked meal. For today’s post Mia Johnson has put together five delicious recipes to cook this winter, and let me just say, every one sounds mouth watering good! 
https://unsplash.com/photos/d-SeLxF_QF0

Winter and the holidays are just meant for family meals which everyone can enjoy. It always seems like winter is the time of year we have the most time for our loved ones and the most time to show them we care. The perfect way to spend quality time with your family this winter is by whipping up some delicious recipes everyone will love. After all, a family that eats together stays together. That being said, your goal should also be to make sure your family stays healthy. That’s why the perfect family recipes are made with organic ingredients which will fill your heart and soul as well as your stomach.
1. Carrot and beetroot mash
You know what really hits the spot during those long cold winter months? A hot bowl of tasty vegetables. And if you want to really make a proper meal for your family, you simply must include carrots and beetroot. Carrots have been a staple of our cuisine for some time now, and rightly so. They are crunchy and delicious and are chock full of vitamins that will keep you healthy year-long. Beetroot, on the other hand, has been sorely neglected. They do wonders for your blood pressure, fight inflammation, and possess certain anti-cancer properties.
So, here is what you do. Chop up the carrots and beetroot into thin even slices, and then sauté them in a pan. Add ginger, white pepper, and perhaps a bit of parsley. You can add a spoonful of honey to make everything even sweeter. Still, the carrots themselves are already sweet, something that will be contrasted with the beetroots earthy, sharper, flavor. Serve with some potatoes, tofu, or pork chops.
2. Traditional Hungarian goulash
This fine and a somewhat exotic meal is actually very simple to prepare, and incredibly hearty. Made by Hungarian shepherds of old, it is a special thick stew that is perfect for building up strength and getting some extra energy. And the best part – it is completely organic and easy to make (though it does take a while). The main ingredient here is paprika. Get some powdered red pepper (go with chili if you’re feeling adventurous) and prepare to really go to town with it. You will also need a nice marbled cut of meat (traditionally you should go with lamb, but beef and pork are quite alright), potatoes, and a significant amount of onions and garlic. The potatoes area solid source of carbohydrates and the meat obviously provides you with protein. However, the paprika and the onionsand garlic are loaded with antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds. 
 
 So, sauté the onions and garlic in your pot (remember to put the garlic after the onions are halfway done), while at the same time brown the meat in a pan. Put the juice from the meat along with the onions, then add water, meat, potatoes, and seasoning. The secret here is to let it simmer for at least 4 hours (yes, a long time, we know), letting the flavors just mix in and mingle with the stew.

3. Roasted vegetable quinoa bowl
This delicious and nutritious meal is cheap, easy to make, and has pretty much everything you need to keep you and your family healthy. It’s made from a variety of textures and vegetables, having a little something for everyone. And the best part is – most of these ingredients you can grow in your own garden.
We want three textures – juicy, crunchy, and creamy. First, roast some broccoli and a mushroom of your choice (shiitake or champignons is a great choice). Just throw them on a pan that is lightly covered with olive oil. Cook some quinoa and mix it with the mashed potatoes and mashed cauliflower. Finally, for the crunch, we suggest strips of raw carrots or strips of purple and green cabbage. 
4. Tomato soup with croutons
If you’re aiming for a simple yet delicious meal, this just might be what you’re looking for. Tomato soup is an excellent choice for winter, and this simple vegan recipe can be brought up a level by adding pumpkin flax croutons. The main ingredient you’ll need is fresh tomatoes. Nothing beats the taste of home-grown red tomatoes which were only touched by the gentle splash of the water spray gunin your hand. Adding some bay leaf, garlic, onions, and a hint of thyme will complete this lovely dish.
The home-grown version will also be much healthier for your family and, let’s face it, for your wallet. The flax seed croutons add some nice chewy texture to the soup, while the garlic and onions you are supposed to put in will carry a bit of bite with them. The perfect meal for those cold winter months, it does wonders for your immune system.
https://unsplash.com/photos/RPjyNMHDrFY
5. Organic hot cocoa mix

Finally, something to sweeten this whole deal – a nice, delicious cup of hot chocolate. You will use organic ingredients exclusively, with no added additives and chemicals. First, instead of regular processed sugar, you have a couple of options at your disposal. You can go with coconut or brown sugar or maybe get some granulated honey. Using regular milk is ok, but adding almond or soy milk is also a viable option. Finally, get organic cocoa powder and mix it all in. Hot cocoa is not just good for your soul, but for reducing inflammation and improving your cholesterol as well. But the best part about this recipe is the little flourishes of taste you can add to it. For example, adding pieces of a mashed ripe banana, grated coconut, a little bit of organic vanilla extract, and even some extra cacao will elevate it to something absolutely divine.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s always room to be innovative and creative in the kitchen. What you make will surely impress even the pickiest family members if you have the right recipe. Of course, they’ll cherish the time and effort you’ve put into the meal as well, and that will make it even tastier. This winter set the table with healthy yet mouth-watering delicacies and keep your loved ones close for a while longer.
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