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Hot yoga, for anyone who hasn't yet had the pleasure, is yoga performed in 35-40 degrees Celsius or 95-105 degrees Fahrenheit. There are various forms of hot yoga, and one which is particularly well known and popular is Bikram Yoga.
Aaron and I did 30 days of hot yoga while in Thailand, and practiced it on and off when we were living in Wellington. I practice many forms of yoga here in Bali, not official "Hot Yoga" but given it's sweltering hot and humid here, it might as well be called "Hot Yoga!"
In short, it's freaking awesome and I'm about to tell you 10 reasons why it's worthwhile getting your butt down to the nearest hot yoga center!
1. Toned muscles
Don't be fooled into thinking yoga is a passive exercise, just for flexibility or relaxation alone. The most intense workouts I've ever had have been from 90 minute hot yoga classes and I'm pleased to report that the result is amazing muscle toning!
Get ready to start sculpting your arms, legs, midriff, as well as muscles in places you didn't even know you had them!
2. Increased flexibility
Yes this is a no brainer, yoga increases your flexibility. But hot yoga super duper increases your flexibility!
There is something magical about a 'hot' body that allows it to stretch in ways that aren't, in my opinion, as attainable in a normal yoga class.
3. Greater endurance
I will admit it takes a certain degree of will power and personal endurance to stay in the room for the full 60-90 minute class. Class duration depends on the particular form/brand of hot yoga class you're attending.
If you've never done hot yoga before, there is a certain period of acclimatizing that takes place to get used to the heat. Practicing hot yoga for me became a way of developing greater personal endurance. In those times when I felt like I couldn't take the heat any longer or my body couldn't go any further, I'd dig deep and find reserves of strength I didn't know I had.
4. Better mind/body connection
Breathing is one of the gifts of yoga, well… embracing, noticing and harnessing your breath is!
Hot yoga is the perfect experience for tuning into your breath and utilizing it as a way to connect your mind and body together harmoniously. You learn how to use your breath as a focus point for your yoga practice. The rhythm of your breathing helps you center yourself, keeping your energy within your body and yoga postures, versus your mind running off into random thinking. Yoga isn't about going through the motions physically while you spend the session thinking about what you did that day, or what you're having for dinner that night. It's 100% about presence in the moment.
5. Improved mental focus
Any yoga is great for focus. The balance that is required, the challenge of mastering the postures, it all hones and aids your mental focus.
6. Sense of achievement
Yoga is the one fitness activity where I've experienced the fastest and most noticeable results. You easily notice the extra centimeter you achieve in a back bend, or the extra seconds you hold yourself in eagle pose.
The sense of achievement when you first get into a posture you've never held before is so amazing! You may even find yourself wanting to break the zen silence by exclaiming your joy about the fact you now have your foot over your head.
And, the sense of achievement never stops, as you are always able to go longer, stretch further, command the posture more accurately – and as you're in front of a mirror for the entire class, you get to see it with your own eyes. It's incredibly rewarding.
7. Aerobic exercise
That's right, your heart rate is going to fly baby! If you're committed to giving a hot yoga class all you've got, your heart can shift into the aerobic zone even while doing the floor based exercises. The heat obviously helps this, as you're exerting more energy in the session because of the temperature.
8. Detoxification
One of the beautiful things about yoga is that it involves putting your body into amazingly contorted positions in order to constrict an area of the body (limbs/joints/organs) and then releasing that posture which causes fresh, oxygenated blood to flow back in, thus flushing that area of the body.
Drinking plenty of water after class then helps your body to expel whatever toxins have been released during the class.
Might I add, that while sweating profusely in yoga seems kinda gross, it does actually feel awesome after class and my skin was clearest and healthiest looking during times when I've been practicing hot yoga.
9. Improved sleep
I'm no expert and I can't vouch that everyone experiences better sleep from hot yoga, but Aaron and I definitely noticed how much more restful and unbroken our sleeping patterns were during the time we were attending classes.
10. Whole body involved – whole body benefits
Your heart is pumping. You become very attuned to your breathing and the aliveness of energy coursing through your body. Your spine and joints are all moved and strengthened. Your muscles are stretched and toned. Your skin glows (from the sweat, yes!). Your mind is focused. Your vision is used to analyse and correct your postures. Your hearing is used to process the words of your instructor guiding and encouraging you onward. Your entire body is involved, and your entire body benefits.
Give it a go!
Head along to your nearest hot yoga centre and see for yourself. You might just love it, and your mind and body will surely thank you for the gift.
With love, Bernadette


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Vacations for Adults.com is a Certified Sandals & Beaches Specialist!
Sandals Resorts – Luxury Included®Sandals Resorts takes couples beyond their wildest dreams, offering an unprecedented level of luxury and service for a romantic, all-inclusive vacation.Unwind on exquisite, white-sand Caribbean beaches, dine by candlelight at gourmet restaurants, sink into lavish, stylish suites, and enjoy a magnificent slate of thrilling activities. And that's just the start.From butlers to blissful spa treatments, see what pleasures and convenience a Sandals Luxury Included® Vacation delivers.The Vacation Specialists at Vacations for Adults are all Sandals and Beaches Resorts Certified Specialists and our agency is a Sandals Platinum agency. We are among the few travel agencies in the world that are part of a special Chairman's Royal Club for Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Our Vacation Specialists have visited and stayed at all of the Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Let our specialists assist you in choosing the perfect resort or location by calling 1-888-963-8986 today!
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Sandals Resorts, the Luxury-Included Resort Brand is set to open the former Couples Resort in St Lawrence as a Sandals Resort as well as managing a new Beaches Resort set to be built on the site of the former Almond Beach Resort in St Peter.
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Beaches Resorts Bringing everyone closer together
Your perfect getaway awaits you at Beaches all inclusive resorts for families in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Play on pristine, white–sand beaches caressed by crystal-clear seas. Spend your family vacation in luxurious rooms and suites. Enjoy a whole array of incredibly exciting and fun activities for kids of every age. All Beaches resorts include Pirates Island waterparks, Sesame street® characters, kids camps and an exciting nightclub for teens. Truly, Beaches Luxury Included® vacations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos promise unforgettable family vacations beneath the Caribbean sun. Planning a wedding? Beaches Resorts offer amazing destination weddings and honeymoon packages.
This is the place where the world first fell in love with Sandals – and it's easy to see why. Because the original Sandals still has the clearest waters anyone has ever seen, as well as one of the largest private white-sand beaches in all of Jamaica. And a fun-loving staff can help make every couple as lazy as the sun and as free as the sea – and the only rule to follow is to do whatever you please. as often as you want.
Amidst a pristine tropical setting, this world–class beachfront resort combines the laid–back atmosphere with refined elegance. Spanning the longest and best stretch of Jamaica's famous seven–mile beach, emblematic of its environmentally friendly ambiance. Where even the architecture has been designed to be lower than the highest palm trees. At Sandals Negril, kicking back and doing nothing is considered a native art form, and doing everything is "no problem."
The Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island is truly in a class by itself, renowned throughout the Caribbean for its refinements and British traditions of a bygone era such as high tea and Continental breakfast in bed. And just offshore, Sandals' exotic private island features a pool with a swim–up bar, a secluded private beach and an authentic Thai restaurant where some of the dishes are rumored to be aphrodisiacs. You'll be treated to legendary "Royal Touch Service" at 4 gourmet restaurants and 5 bars while enjoying full exchange privileges at the neighboring Sandals Resorts, thus giving you a choice of 11 world–class dining experiences.
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Ocho Rios
Nestled in Romantic Ocho Rios, this lush resort is considered the Caribbean Riviera where fragrant gardens are tucked between the mountains and the sea. Sandals Ochi Beach Resort guests are only minutes away from championship golf at Sandals Golf and Country Club. Savor 9 gourmet restaurants on property plus 11 more at nearby Sandals and Beaches properties where full exchange privileges include the option of a full-service European Spa.
Sandals' First Luxury Boutique Resort
Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals' first boutique resort, is an all-butler, all-oceanview suite resort located on dual cove beaches in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Guests at Sandals Royal Plantation will receive all meals and snacks at 3 la carte restaurants, unlimited premium beverages including excellent house wines, fully-stocked in-room bars, 24-hour room service, use of the fitness center, tennis courts, steam room and sauna, unlimited use of the resort's water sports facility including sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking, live nightly entertainment, shuttle to/from golf course and unlimited greens fees at Upton Golf Course.
The All–Inclusive Sandals South Coast is located on the virtually untouched South Coast, 90 minutes from Montego Bay, on a large, private white–sand beach. All 360 spacious rooms and suites offer oceanfront views and are equipped with king–size, four–poster mahogany beds and Jamaican artisan–crafted furnishings. Guests booked in any of the Suite Categories will be able to enjoy Sandals exclusive Suite Concierge Service including fully stocked in–room bars and 24–hour room service. It is truly a "jewel in the south" and an wonderful location for adventure travelers or those who want to just relax.
Clear turquoise seas kiss St. Lucia's silver white shores with a gentle grace that makes this resort one of the most perfect places for soul mates to escape the world. This is a sensuously secluded enclave where lush green gardens frame classic island architecture, and time moves at a more languid pace to create halcyon days and passionate nights.
On an island so "simply beautiful" the French and British fought over it for over 150 years, lies a resort considered the Caribbean's grandest new addition. Set on its own spectacular peninsula surrounded by the sea on both sides, the resort offers breathtaking vistas of the bay and the mountains on one side and the island of Martinique's distant shores on the other. Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort, where the views will steal your soul and the staff will steal your heart.
Sandals Regency La Toc St. Lucia
Set along a half–mile crescent–shaped beach, this 210–acre enclave takes you to the height of glamour, where the service is rendered by staff genuinely pleased to have you as their guest. No detail has been spared to bring you an infinitely romantic gateway. Amenities such as the largest freshwater pool in the Eastern Caribbean, our own rolling fairways and the magnificent new Villa Suites on Sunset Bluff bring Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa In St. Lucia to the pinnacle of perfection.
Also See
Beaches Resorts
What's included in a Luxury Included® vacation? Well, what does your family want to do today? Play golf on a championship course? Your greens fees are included. Scuba's included too, whether you're a new diver or an expert. Hang out on the beach with Elmo and Big Bird? Sure. Splash your way through Pirates Island Waterpark, too. At Beaches resorts in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, white sand beaches, superb service and endless dining options are just the beginning.
Grand Pineapple Beach Resort
Grand Pineapple Negril sits on a prime spot on Negril's Seven Mile Beach, which has been voted many times over as one of the best in the world. Legendary for its dramatic sunsets, silky white sands, clear turquoise waters, and spontaneous island spirit, the natural attributes of this phenomenal beach are alluring to the soul. Out of the many all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Grand Pineapple Negril is certainly among the most value-laden. Nestled amidst lush greenery, swaying palm trees and manicured lawns, this enchanting resort sits on a prime spot on one of the world's most beloved beaches and features vividly-hued architecture that complements the laid-back and carefree spirit of the island.
Our Credentials:
Vacations for Adults.com is a Preferred Specialist for the Sandals family of all-inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean. This includes Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. All of our Certified Sandals Specialists are trained and certified Sandals & Beaches specialists. More Vacation Experiences was founded in May 2008. Our Lead Sandals Certified Specialist and Sandals Certified Specialist is Chris Martin.
Our Recognition:
Sandals Preferred Agency since 2008
2008 Sandals "Best of the Best" Southeast Region
2009 Sandals "best of the Best" Northeast Region
2009 Sandals Top-10 Travel Agency Worldwide
2010 "Rising Star" member of Funjet Vacations' "500 Club
2010 "Best of the Best" Middle Atlantic Region
2011 "Best of the Best" Middle Atlantic Region
2012 "Best of the Best" Middle Atlantic Region
Vacations for Adults.com is a proud member of Travel is SWELL, Inc. which is based in Clovis, California. Travel is SWELL offers a wide range of reasonably priced vacation getaways for adults, families and groups seeking total relaxation. We also specialize in all-inclusive vacations featuring selected hotels and resorts of extremely high quality, character and individuality; destination weddings, cruises, and the world best collection of adults-only resorts in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Other Pages To Visit:
- Sandals Private Islands
- Sandals Resorts
- Antigua Resorts
- Sandals Grande Antigua Resort
- Bahamas Resorts
- Sandals Emerald Bay
- Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort
- Barbados Resorts
- Barbados Resorts
- Sandals Royal Barbados
- Grenada Resorts
- Sandals Grenada
- Jamaica Resorts
- Sandals Montego Bay
- Sandals Negril
- Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Ocho Rios
- Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island
- Sandals Royal Plantation
- Sandals South Coast
- St. Lucia Resorts
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian
- Sandals Halcyon
- Sandals Regency la Toc
- Learn About Sandals Resorts
- Sandals Difference
- Choosing Your Resort
- Red Lane Spas
- Sandals Awards
- Sandals Weddings
- Why All Inclusive
- What's Included
- Sandals Resorts Digital Library
The Sandals Difference
Sandals transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.
At 16 resorts created for two people in love, you get what you want, when you want it, on the Caribbean's finest beachfront settings. Enjoy all-inclusive luxury vacations at Sandals Caribbean resorts and see for yourself why we offer the most romantic getaways with more quality inclusions than any other luxury beach resort. With gorgeous white sand beaches, savory dining experiences, opulent accommodations, unlimited refreshing beverages, exciting water sports and more, it's no wonder why so many choose Sandals as their tropical escape. Browse our inclusions below to learn more!
What's Included:
Expect More Quality Inclusions at Sandals Resorts
Only Sandals includes multiple all-inclusive vacations in one
Sandals exclusive "Stay at One, Play at All" exchange program means you can stay at one Sandals resort and enjoy the amenities, services, bars and restaurants at all other Sandals resorts for the duration of your getaway. We'll even include round trip transfers between nearby resorts.
Luxurious Accommodations
Discover the most innovative and luxurious rooms and suites at Sandals Resorts. Created in the spirit of opulence with separate sitting areas and a dedicated concierge team, these luxury accommodations are perfect for couples in love. From dramatic cliff side villas with spectacular 180-degree views to lavish Skypool Butler Suites with personal butler service and infinity-edge plunge pools, Sandals Signature Accommodations are sure to elevate your romance to new heights.
Gourmet Dining Experience
At Sandals, dining is one of the most impressive highlights of your Luxury all-inclusive vacation. With over 50 themed restaurants from around the world and as many as 21 unique culinary concepts, you'll enjoy a level of variety, quality and creativity that's simply unmatched by other all-inclusive resorts.
Unlimited Premium Spirits
At Sandals all-inclusive resorts you enjoy 24-hour drink availability! Bars open at 10am and close at 3am. All our rooms are stocked daily with beer and wine, plus our Concierge and Butler suites include premium spirits.
We have designed the bars exactly where they should be – right on the beach and directly over the ocean – to give you a truly authentic island experience.
All-Inclusive Scuba Diving
Only Sandals includes unlimited diving with the best in equipment, staff and unbelievable dive sites. Even if you've never dived before, our PADI® Resort Certification Program (nominal fee applies) will have you experiencing a whole new underwater world by the very next day – with all the instruction and equipment you need.
Unlimited Land Sports
From the sands to the courts, Sandals all-inclusive resorts feature unlimited land sports, so there are no limits to what you can play, when you can play.
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Racquetball & squash
- Fitness centers
- Indoor & pub games
- Bowling*
- Billiards
- Table Tennis
- Shuffleboards
- Beach volleyball
- Lawn games
- and more…
Golf at Sandals Unlimited Play & Complimentary Green Fees*
Enjoy a world-class golfing experience at Sandals all-inclusive resorts. Only Sandals includes some of the most challenging and prestigious golf courses in Jamaica, Saint Lucia and the Bahamas, including the Greg Norman-designed 18-Hole Championship Course at Sandals Emerald Bay, which was named among the best golf courses in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure Golf.
Private Offshore Islands
With Sandals Offshore Islands you get two all-inclusive vacations for the price of one. Located at Sandals Royal Caribbean and Sandals Royal Bahamian just minutes from the main resort.
- Pristine beaches
- Complimentary private boat transfers
- Casual grills by day, specialty restaurants by night
- Chic beach parties, by day and night
- Private cabanas and hammocks
- Snorkeling sanctuaries
- Red Lane® Spa treatments (Optional)
- Romantic fire pits
- Zen garden
Captivating Pools With an Air of Romance
Relish the cool tranquility of sandals dazzling pools. Steal away moments of quiet togetherness amidst the tranquility of a free-form lagoon pool, enjoy the energy of our signature swim-up pool bars, or experience the elegance of our zero-entry pools that are the heartbeat of our resorts. Each of our pools have a unique personality and many of them are just steps from the sea.
All Inclusive Entertainment
There are endless ways to be entertained day and night. From chic gatherings at the beach to exciting shows, themed parties & events, and much more…
- Live shows
- Steel drum bands, fire-eaters, island performers
- Weekly beach & bonfire parties
- White parties
- Weekly theme & costume parties
- Extravagant beach parties
Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
At Sandals, we understand that your love story is unique and special… and your wedding should be, too. That's why we've replaced wedding packages with wedding planners, making a very personal experience a personalized one for you. We've added all the extras to make your special day even more extraordinary. So tell us your dream, and we'll bring it to life.
Unmatched Service – Even tips are included!
Welcome to Sandals, where the bellman greets you by name, the bartender remembers your favorite drink, and every smile makes you feel at home. Our staff is the finest in the Caribbean, embracing a philosophy of unrivaled personalized service that is the hallmark Sandals' success.
Experience the pinnacle of personalized service at Sandals Resorts and enjoy our industry-leading, uncompromising standard of hospitality every waking moment of your stay.

subset: commoncrawl


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Question: What is the name of your business?
Your Answer: Map Business Online
Question: Where is your business located (city & state)? Who are the customers you serve? What products or services does you company provide?
Your Answer: We're incorporated in the USA in Newburyport, MA. I live in Maine. Our software is developed in Russia by geospatial software experts who have done business in the USA since 1996 for some of the biggest players in mapping - like Esri.com. MapBusinessOnline is a web-based sales & marketing mapping software designed for large and small businesses. It is affordable and easy-to-use; just import a spreadsheet of your business locations, customer addresses or prospect addresses and start mapping. It is especially useful for sales territory management.
MapBusinessOnline is for business users who needs maps, not for map experts. Sometimes you just need a map.
Question: When did you start your business? Why did you decide to start your own business?
Your Answer: We started MapBusinessOnline in 2010 because we saw a real need for cloud-based mapping services that we accessible to the everyday business person; for people who use spreadsheets.
Question: Did you quit your "day job" to start your business? How did you initially fund your business?
Your Answer: I was laid off by another mapping firm that was having trouble making the transition from desktop to web. We are self-funded.
Question: What has been the biggest challenge in running your company?
Your Answer: The biggest challenge is making sure we are well positioned in Google searches. As a sales guy, I spend a certain amount of time looking at marketing. I find if I don't stay on top of marketing technology I have to completely re-learn it every 18 months or so. Today Google positioning is largely dependent upon understanding how people search for your services. Once you understand that you need to find as many places as possible to link to your valuable content so that Google will present you well in search results.
Question: What's been the biggest opportunity that came from owning your business?
Your Answer: For me the biggest opportunity is in the home health care industry. This industry is growing like crazy and requires a lot of technology to help improve efficiencies.
Question: What has surprised you most about being your own boss?
Your Answer: That I miss talking to co-workers about projects, processes, and strategies. You think better interactively.
Question: Is there a success tactic you'd like to share that could help other business owners (i.e. implementing new software, tactic to grow sales, etc.)?
Your Answer: Use online mapping tools. They are really affordable now and provide a new perspective on your business.
Question: What's the best piece of advice you could give to other small business owners?
Your Answer: Ask yourself, "Why do people call me?" Determine the key reason someone picks up the phone and asks for your help. That's the value you provide. Do more of that, and do it better then the other guy.


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BISE Rawalpindi Board – Matric/SSC Roll Number Slips Online for Exam 2018
Board of Intermediate and Secondary education Rawalpindi will issue the annual Exam Roll No. Slips 2018. These Roll number slips will be for the annual examination of Matric / SSC part II and Part / Class 10th and Class 9th. These examinations are being started in the next month of March 2018. The Class papers will start on March 1, 2018. While papers of Class IX will start on 17th March 2018.
Write Your CNIC / B-Form Number with Name and Fathers Name to get Roll Number slip Online.
Web link of BISE RWP Board for the Online Roll No. Slips 2018.
Lahore Board Roll No. Slip 2018
Roll No.for Private and Regular Students Candidates will be Uploaded Soon.


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Craig Young / Loveland Reporter-Herald
Craig Young / Loveland Reporter-Herald
Craig Young / Loveland Reporter-Herald
Craig Young / Loveland Reporter-Herald
LOVELAND — The biggest problem with the growing tiny-house movement, says advocate Bruce Cook, is that there isn't anywhere to put the little homes.
"We have a place to put them," he said.
Cook and his wife, Holly Lynn Cook, manage the Riverview RV Park & Campground west of Loveland, where they live in a tiny house and are getting a second tiny house ready to rent.
The campground on the banks of the Big Thompson River, at 2444 River Rim Road just west of County Road 27, has room for about six tiny houses in a first phase. The owner of the campground, Roy Youree, is encouraging people to tow their little homes up and stay awhile.
The Cooks moved into their tiny house in December and are still putting on the finishing touches. The campground's first rental house, which Youree designed and local contractor Doug Gertsch built, is almost complete and will be available this month, Holly Cook said.
People who are interested in tiny-house living can rent the park's house to get a feel for what it's like, she said.
Building a tiny community
Youree likely will be adding more tiny homes to a designated section of the campground, but the idea also is to attract other people with their own little houses, she said.
The 120-space campground has many year-round residents, including one man who has lived there full-time for more than 30 years, and tiny-house owners can stay as long as they want, Holly said.
A tiny house uses the same hookups that recreational vehicles do — electricity, water and sewer.
Youree said tiny houses are treated like RVs and can use the park in the same way, as long as they stay on wheels with no permanent foundations and are smaller than 400 square feet.
Bruce Cook said the loft space in a tiny house, where people often put their beds, doesn't count against the total square footage if the ceiling is lower than 5 feet high.
People live in tiny houses for a variety of reasons, including a need for relatively affordable housing and a desire to live simply and minimize possessions in their lives.
"You don't need all that stuff"
Holly said simplifying is her passion.
"It's all about minimizing and being able to live the best you can," she said while giving a tour of the park's new tiny house Saturday. "You don't need all that stuff."
Her love for little houses goes way back, she said. In 1979, she lived in a tiny cottage by the ocean in Huntington Beach, Calif.
"Those cute little cottages got under my skin," she said.
Then fairly recently, she came back to the small-house world when she and Bruce decided in 2009 to leave their stressful jobs managing stores in Las Vegas and move to Colorado.
They towed a 19-foot-long renovated travel trailer behind a moving truck and settled at Riverview RV Park, putting most of their possessions in storage. They lived in that little space for two years, working lower-stress jobs here, before they "moved back into the world" and lived in a small place in downtown Loveland for about five years.
Then in August 2015, Youree asked them to come back to the RV park and help him manage it. They stayed in an apartment at the park until last December, when their tiny home was completed. Bruce is the general manager of the park, and Holly is operations manager.
"It's my best job ever," she said.
Tiny house sleeps six
The park's tiny house is 280 square feet, with two lofts that will sleep four people. A pullout couch in the front room sleeps two more.
The Cooks said a sunroom will be built on the side of the house.
The house has a heating and cooling unit on one wall, a TV, a small refrigerator, a toaster oven, two burners, a kitchen sink and a bathroom with a shower. For renters, it has linens, dishes and a coffee maker.
What it doesn't have is room for a lot of stuff.
People who live in tiny houses end up doing a lot of their living outdoors, Bruce said.
Their own tiny house, next door to the park's little house, is a bit bigger — just under 400 square feet. They designed it for their lifestyle, so the biggest area is the kitchen and living/eating space.
"Our family was always about cooking and being able to socialize and have fun at the same time," Holly said.
Maximizing the space
Beyond the kitchen and bathroom is a music studio for Bruce, who's a musician, and up the stairs is the Cooks' sleeping loft and a room for Holly's art and craft projects.
In the rooms upstairs, the Cooks have placed a folded comforter and children's foam pads on the hard-surface floor because they must crawl on their knees to get around.
"The tiny house is all about maximizing the space … making every nook and cranny and corner work for you," Bruce said.
A slide-out storage unit holding guitars uses space under the stairs. Several of the stairs are hinged and provide storage. Upstairs, because there really aren't walls, Holly has hung pictures on the sloping ceiling. Even the couple's two little dogs get a creative space: a cubbyhole on the back of a kitchen cabinet that allows them to get out from underfoot.
Bruce said the park's tiny house cost $35,000 to $40,000 to build; their house, which has more custom features, will end up costing about $85,000.
Riverview RV Park will rent out its first tiny home for $120 a day during the week and $165 on the weekend during the off season; during the peak season, the rates are $165 for a weekday and $195 on the weekend. The peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Last summer, Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons spent two months in their own tiny house at the RV park, editing their "Tiny House Expedition" documentary, Holly said.
"They had an open house here, and they had a line of people waiting to get in," she said.
For more information about Riverview RV Park's tiny house, call 970-667-9910.
Craig Young: 970-635-3634, firstname.lastname@example.com, www.twitter.com/CraigYoungRH.


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Date(s) - 21/10/2014
18:30 - 21:00
Boardroom Hilton Hotel
Minimising and closing assignment gaps.
Tonight's discussion and networking session is about keeping assignment gaps short and making the gap time productive and effective so that you can close the gap and get on with another assignment as soon as possible.
The open-room discussion will be hosted and facilitated by IIM Chairman, Ad van der Rest, with back-up data collected from the IIM's LinkedIn group over the last 4 weeks. As well as the interactive discussion there will be usual chance to network with members of the Thames Valley interim community.
- 6.30pm networking (with food) – through we welcome early birds from 6.00pm,
- 7.15 worship: Main discussion – facilitated learning focused on our topic,
- 8.15pm: More networking,
- 9.00pm: Close – though there is a bar nearby if any wish to continue
The formal portion of the evening ends at 8.30pm, but networking and catching up may continue thereafter.
The venue:
We're very pleased to advise that the IIM has moved to a new venue, the Hilton in Bracknell. The venue is the Hilton's Boardroom which suits us perfectly sizewise and is just along from the bar. The Hilton Bracknell is conveniently situated on Bracknell's Bagshot Road (A322), between the M3 and M4 corridors. Warm nibbles are included as is orange juice and water. There is a paid bar conveniently situated for those who want something stronger.
Fees, simply to cover our costs are £10 for IIM personal Members and £25 for all other members of the interim community, all welcome.
Bookings are closed for this event. It is no longer possible to attend.


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The easiest way to add multiple videos to your system is to use the Video Uploader which is accessed from the Video Library page. You can Add videos to the library and move them to the following places:
1) Plays within the Playbook - click here to learn more.
2) Overall Scouting Reports, Specific Opponent Player Profiles - click here to learn more.
3) Playlists - (see below)
On the left hand side click Film Room > Video Library. It will give you quick access to all videos that you have uploaded and allows you to search, add or remove all of your video clips.
Step 1) Export Video From SportsTec, Synergy, Krossover, Hudl, iPhone, Etc.
Our system will take any video type (.mov, .mp4, .wmv...etc), export the specific clips you want to the desktop or Just Play Folder on your computer.
Note: Using Turbo.264 will speed up the processing time, after you have uploaded. If you use Turbo.264 then convert to .mp4
Step 2) Go to Just Play > Film Room > Video Library
On the right hand side, you will see a "+ Add Videos" button. This will allow you to launch the uploader. From here you can drag and drop the clips you wish to upload.
1. Click on the blue "+ Add Videos" button in the top right corner of your Video Library page. A new window will open instructing you to drag and drop videos to begin your upload.
Note: You will see your videos processing below the upload area. You do not have to wait for the videos to upload to keep working on other pages in your system. You can minimize the Video Uploader and let the videos process while you continue to work. Each video will appear in your Video Library as they complete the upload process. Video upload and processing time will depend on the size of each individual video and the amount of videos added to the Video Uploader.
Note: If you do not see your videos right away: Hold Shift and Refresh Your Screen
Film Room > Video Playlists
You can organize your videos into playlists to send to individual players or player groups.
To create a video group:
1. Click "+ Add Playlist" in the top right corner of the Video Groups page and give your group a name.
2. Click "+ Add Videos"
3. Select the videos you would like to be part of the group in the dialog box that appears and click "Add Videos."
You can edit and remove videos from the Video Group page at any time. All active video groups will show up for your players in the Film Room section of your player app.


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The Do's and Don'ts of Hiring a Contractor
Posted in Living by Kenady Swan
Constructing or remodeling a home is a complex, expensive endeavor. Ideally, everything goes as planned, and when the dust clears, the homeowner can settle in and enjoy the new home — and never think about the building process again.
But what happens when, nine months after the owner moves in, the floor develops a crack, the dishwasher begins to leak or the shower water won't run hot? Or when these things happen three years later? It's time to refer to an all-important piece of the contract: the warranty.
What Is a Warranty?
The purpose of a warranty is to protect both the homeowner and the builder — homeowners from shoddy work with no recourse; builders from being liable for projects for the rest of their lives.
A warranty may be included in a contract, or it may not be since it's not required. There is no standard length of time for one. Rather, a warranty is a negotiable portion of the overall agreement (contract) between a homeowner and a contractor.
The laws that relate to warranties are somewhat vague and vary by state, so the advantage of having one as part of the contract is that everything can be clearly spelled out. However, by agreeing to a particular warranty without understanding its finer points, owners may inadvertently limit the protections they would have otherwise had under the law.
"A warranty describes the problems and remedies for which the builder will be responsible after completion of the project, as well as the duration of the warranty and the mechanism for addressing disputes," says David Jaffe, vice president of legal advocacy at the National Association of Home Builders.
At least in the ideal case.
The Law Governing Warranties
Before homeowners agree to a particular warranty as part of their contract, it's important to understand what protections they already have under the law. In the U.S., we have a legal concept of an implied warranty — which is a warranty that does not have to be spelled out in the contract but is simply understood to exist thanks to the law. There are two important implied warranties when it comes to home construction.
The first is the implied warranty of good workmanship, which is the reasonable expectation that a home will be built in a workmanlike manner. The second is the implied warranty of habitability, which is the reasonable expectation that the home will be safe to inhabit.
The implied warranties, however, have limits in the form of statutes of limitation and statutes of repose, which essentially are time clocks that determine for how long a homeowner may sue a contractor.
Statutes of limitation in each state dictate how long an owner can invoke various types of legal claims — for example, a breach of contract claim.
Statutes of repose apply specifically to construction projects and set the time for which builders and designers are liable for their product. These also vary by state. In California, the statute of repose is four years for most defects, but 10 years for latent defects (those that aren't observable right away, such as a faulty foundation). In Georgia, the statute of repose is eight years for all claims related to the design or construction of the building.
Finally, most states also have a right to repair law, which means that before homeowners can sue a contractor, they need to notify the contractor of the problem and give him or her a chance to come to see it and repair it.
To find out what the laws are in your state, simply do an online search for "statute of repose" and "right to repair" in your state.
The One-Year Warranty
The key thing to understand about warranties is that many builders offer their own warranty in lieu of the implied warranty. Additionally, many contracts specify that homeowners are giving up their rights to the implied warranty by agreeing to the builder's express warranty. Also, builders will "often try to shorten statutes of limitation and statutes of repose. Some states allow you to do that. Others don't," says Anthony Lehman, an Atlanta attorney who advises homeowners.
Though there is no industry-wide standard, many residential contractors have adopted a one-year warranty for their contracts. The practice likely trickled down from commercial construction, where a callback warranty is typical. A callback warranty means that within one year, a building owner has the right to call back the contractor and expect him or her to repair work, Lehman says.
The downside for homeowners who agree to a one-year warranty is that they likely trade away their right to the implied warranty, and they may also agree to limit the time they have to discover a defect and sue. Obviously, this is a plus for builders because it limits their risk.
But there is no real reason a homeowner has to accept a one-year warranty simply because that's the builder's first offer. "It's a negotiated point, and people can negotiate warranties that are broader — and they often do," says Robert C. Procter, outside general counsel for the Wisconsin Builders Association. "If you don't ask for more, you won't get more."
Pros and Cons of a Builder's Warranty
Though a one-year warranty may seem like a poor deal for a homeowner, a contract with details spelled out does provide an upside: some degree of clarity in the process. Ideally, a warranty includes not only the time period that the warranty covers, but also the standards by which various materials will be evaluated, and the steps to follow when a problem arises.
In a minority of states, the legislature has codified what a warranty is and how long it lasts for a variety of materials, Jaffe says. They are California, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. If you live in one of these states, you can refer to the state-set standards.
If you do not, one option is to refer to the NAHB's publication Residential Construction Performance Guidelines. "It's broken down by categories within the home: foundations, exterior, interior, roofing, plumbing," Jaffe says. "If there's an issue that comes up, you look in this publication, and it tells you what the observation is — what's the problem." The guide then spells out what the corrective measure — if any — should be.
If you decide to use this guide as the standards by which problems will be judged, be sure you read it first and are comfortable with its terms. Sometimes having the terms spelled out is simpler than relying on the implied warranty because the implied warranty is so vague.
"The implied warranty doesn't have a fixed time; it's a reasonable period of time," says Jaffe, of the NAHB. "If you're a homeowner, and you call your builder up in year five and say, 'There's a crack here, and I think you should come out and fix it because it's a defect,' well, at that point, it may or may not be related to something that the builder did or didn't do. Is it a defect? Who is going to make that determination? What is the fix? Who is responsible for it?"
Relying on the implied warranty means that these sorts of questions would need to be resolved in court if the parties aren't willing to, or can't, come to an agreement on their own. Open for debate is whether an item is a warranty item, and for how long it's covered. Having these issues determined in court can be an expensive, time-consuming headache for everyone involved.
Still, some attorneys say owners might be better off with the implied warranty than giving up their rights for a limited one provided by the builder. "You build a house, and you expect it to be there for a long time. The buildings in Europe have been there a long time. The pyramids have been there a long time. The question is how long is it reasonable for you to expect it to last," says Susan Linden McGreevy, an attorney in Kansas City, Kansas, who specializes in commercial real estate work. "If it has to get before a jury, the contractor has lost already. What I mean is, the jury will always find in favor of a homeowner — unless they're a real flake."
Going Beyond Warranties
Despite all this talk of legalities, there is an important caveat: Many good builders will continue to be helpful even after their express warranty has passed. Anne Higuera, co-owner of Ventana Construction in Seattle, provides a one-year warranty to her clients. Nonetheless, Ventana has made repairs and fixes even years after the one-year warranty expired. Higuera says the company does so because the builders want good relationships with their customers, and because they feel as though it's the right thing to do. "Warranty issues come up very rarely if you do things well in the first place," Higuera says. "Just finding a contractor who does the right thing on the front end helps you avoid issues with warranty."
More Ways to Protect Yourself
So what should homeowners do if a builder is offering only a one-year warranty? One option is to negotiate for a longer period of time. "You might want to say, 'I'll take a one-year warranty for everything except latent defects,'" McGreevey says. (Reminder: Those are the kind that take a long time to discover, such as foundation problems.)
Another option owners have is to ask builders about insurance products. Many builders offer products with an extended warranty — as long as 10 years — that is backed by insurance companies. These are typically paid for by the builder, with the cost passed on to the homeowner.
Third, homeowners would be wise to consult an attorney to make sure that they're not giving up rights unknowingly. Given that owners are spending thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars on construction, paying for five to 10 hours of an attorney's time (at $300 per hour, $1,500 to $3,000) to ensure that the contract is sound is probably a good investment. "Would you buy a car for $50,000 and not read any of the financing information?" says Lehman, the Atlanta attorney. "And then people do that for a home construction project."
Finally, the most important thing is for both contractors and owners to screen each other carefully. "Ninety-eight percent of the homeowner-builder relationships, when there's a disagreement, most parties reach a reasonable conclusion, even if they're not 100 percent happy," says Procter, the Wisconsin attorney. "The contracts matter more when someone is not being reasonable."
How Glass Design Can Help Reflect the Best of Your Home
How Glass Design Can Help Reflect the Best of Your Home
Posted in Living by John Trupin
Glass has been a key component of home design for style and function for thousands of years. The versatility of glass is such that nearly every single modern home constructed utilizes glass in some way, shape, or form. But there's no need to settle for simply including glass window panes and calling it good. Whether it's in the interior or exterior, accentuating your home with glass is a great way to invite light, show creativity, and convey a truly modern sense of style in your home. We picked a few of our favorite ways to utilize glass below:
Glass Furniture
Photo Credit: Trendir.com
- Glass tables, chairs, bookcases, and more are unique choices that deliver a clear message in your home: you mean business.
- If you work from home often, a glass table is an excellent accent to add a hint of professionalism to the home office.
- Glass shelving can be used to keep a space feeling open and light, while still maximizing function.
Creative Window Glass
Photo Credit: Freshome.com
- Whether your climate is arid or humid, snowy or rainy, there's a glass style that fits your home.
- Multi-paned glass not only is tougher but provides enough protection from the elements to make it worthy of full-wall usage in some homes.
- Embracing open glass windows and walls is a great step, but adding glass features throughout a room can help enhance the sense of openness and promote a sense of natural lighting.
- Stained glass needn't be the purview of Gothic architecture alone. A well-placed stained glass insert can completely transform the lighting and aesthetic of an otherwise unremarkable interior.
Glass Accents
Photo Credit: HomeDIT.com
- A glass table or window is all well and good, but sometimes your space needs more, or has limitations on what can be done.
- Stepping stones, candle-holders, and light fixtures are just a few ways to use glass in the periphery of your home to shed light and attention onto the parts of your home you'd like focus on.
- Feeling particularly bold? Glass items with multi-chromatic finishes can shed lights of various colors, delivering just the right vibe for the moment.
Sea Glass/Beach Glass
Photo Credit: LovelyGreens.com
- Whether lakeside in Idaho or on the beach in Santa Monica, the experience of living surrounded by water is unique in all its forms. But a dash of seaside flair can be added to any home.
- In some cases the best ways to evoke the spirit of waterfront living is with sea glass accents.
- From a DIY sea glass-filled candle jar to a letterpress tray display of color, or even a faux-stained glass window styling to play with lighting effects, sea glass is a fun accent that can bring a theme all the way home.
How to Acquire the Right Appraisal for Your Home
How to Acquire the Right Appraisal for Your Home
Appraisals are designed to protect buyers, sellers, and lending institutions. They provide a reliable, independent valuation of a tract of land and the structure on it, whether it's a house or a skyscraper. Below, you will find information about the appraisal process, what goes into them, their benefits and some tips on how to help make an appraisal go smoothly and efficiently.
Appraised value vs. market value
The appraised value of a property is what the bank thinks it's worth, and that amount is determined by a professional, third-party appraiser. The appraiser's valuation is based on a combination of comparative market sales and inspection of the property.
Market value, on the other hand, is what a buyer is willing to pay for a home or what homes of comparable value are selling for. A home's appraised value and its market value are typically not the same. In fact, sometimes the appraised value is very different. An appraisal provides you with an invaluable reality check.
If you are in the process of setting the price of your home, you can gain some peace-of-mind by consulting an independent appraiser. Show him comparative values for your neighborhood, relevant documents, and give him a tour of your home, just as you would show it to a prospective buyer.
What information goes into an appraisal?
Professional appraisers consult a range of information sources, including multiple listing services, county tax assessor records, county courthouse records, and appraisal data records, in addition to talking to local real estate professionals.
They also conduct an inspection. Typically an appraiser's inspection focuses on:
- The condition of the property and home, inside and out
- The home's layout and features
- Home updates
- Overall quality of construction
- Estimate of the home's square footage (the gross living area "GLA"; garages and unfinished basements are estimated separately)
- Permanent fixtures (for example, in-ground pools, as opposed to above-ground pools)
After considering all such information, the appraiser arrives at three different dollar amounts – one for the value of the land, one for the value of the structure, and one for their combined value. In many cases, the land will be worth more than the structure.
One thing to bear in mind is that an appraisal is not a substitute for a home inspection. An appraiser does a cursory assessment of a house and property. For a more detailed inspection, consult with a home inspector and/or a specialist in the area of concern.
Who pays and how long does it take?
The buyer usually pays for the appraisal unless they have negotiated otherwise. Depending on the lender, the appraisal may be paid in advance or incorporated into the application fee; some are due on delivery and some are billed at closing. Typical costs range from $275-$600, but this can vary from region to region.
An inspection usually takes anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the size and complexity of your property. In addition, the appraiser spends time pulling up county records for the values of the houses around you. A full report comes to your loan officer, a real estate agent or lender within about a week.
If you are the seller, you won't get a copy of an appraisal ordered by a buyer. Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, however, the buyer has the right to get a copy of the appraisal, but they must request it. Typically the requested appraisal is provided at closing.
What if the appraisal is too low?
If your appraisal comes in too low it can be a problem. Usually, the seller's and the buyer's real estate agents respond by looking for recent and pending sales of comparable homes. Sometimes this can influence the appraisal. If the final appraisal is well below what you have agreed to pay, you can renegotiate the contract or cancel it.
Where do you find a qualified appraiser?
Your bank or lending institution will find and hire an appraiser; Federal regulatory guidelines do not allow borrowers to order and provide an appraisal to a bank for lending purposes. If you want an appraisal for your own personal reasons and not to secure a mortgage or buy a homeowner's insurance policy, you can do the hiring yourself. You can contact your lending institution and they can recommend qualified appraisers and you can choose one yourself or you can call your local Windermere Real Estate agent and they can make a recommendation for you. Once you have the name of some appraisers you can verify their status on the Federal Appraisal Subcommittee website.
Tips for hassle-free appraisals:
- What can you do to make the appraisal process as smooth and efficient as possible? Make sure you provide your appraiser with the information he or she needs to get the job done. Get out your important documents and start checking off a list that includes the following:
- A brief explanation of why you're getting an appraisal
- The date you'd like your appraisal to be completed
- A copy of your deed, survey, purchase agreement, or other papers that pertain to the property
- If you have a mortgage, your lender, the year you got your mortgage, the amount, the type of mortgage (FHA, VA, etc.), your interest rate, and any additional financing you have
- A copy of your current real estate tax bill, statement of special assessments, balance owing and on what (for example, sewer, water)
- Tell your appraiser if your property is listed for sale and if so, your asking price and listing agency
- Any personal property that is included
- If you're selling an income-producing property, a breakdown of income and expenses for the last year or two and a copy of leases
- A copy of the original house plans and specifications
- A list of recent improvements and their costs
- Any other information you feel may be relevant
By doing your homework, compiling the information your appraiser needs, and providing it at the beginning of the process, you can minimize unnecessary phone calls and delays and get the information you need quickly and satisfactorily!
Transforming Your House from a Summer Home to a Winter Hideaway
Transforming Your House from a Summer Home to a Winter Hideaway
None of us want to admit it, but Winter is Coming. The new season of Game of Thrones might not be until 2019, but your home will need preparation before then. As the days shorten, you can mitigate many mid-winter headaches with some preemptive prep. Proper weatherizing can help protect your investment from preventable damage, save money on energy costs, and, most importantly, keep your home safe and warm for you and your loved ones throughout the winter season. Here is a useful checklist to manage your weatherization project. Setting aside some time on a couple Sundays should be more than enough to knock this out:
Getting started: Check your toolbox to make sure you have all the materials you need for home maintenance in one place. This NY Times article provides a good list of the tools you'll really need to maintain your home. After your toolbox is put together, you can confidently begin the maintenance on your home.
Insulation: Insulating a home can reduce your energy bill by up to 50%. For the best results, your home should be properly insulated from the ceilings to the basement. By starting in your attic and progressively adding insulation to other areas of your home over time, you will avoid spending a large sum of money up-front.
Cracks & Leaks: Do a run-through of your entire house for cracks and leaks, from your roof to your baseboards. Winter weather is unpredictable. Whether your area gets rain, wind or snow, cracks in your house can lead to cold drafts or leaks that cause water damage. Depending on your house type, most cracks can be easily filled with supplies from your local hardware store in a do-it-yourself fashion. Use caulk to seal any cracks in the permanent building materials.
Windows & Doors: Another common place for heat leakage is in your windows and exterior doorways. Make sure seals are tight and no leaks exist. If you have storm windows, make sure you put them on before the cold season begins. Don't underestimate the difference some weatherstrips and a door sweep can provide in preventing drafts and keeping the heat in.
Rain Gutters: Clean your rain gutters of any debris. In colder climates, buildup will cause gutters to freeze with ice, crack and then leak. Once you have removed the residue from the drains, test them by running hose water to make sure cracks and leaks have not already formed. Even in warmer locales, the buildup can put undue stress on your roof and home.
Pipes: Pipes are a number one risk in winter climates. A burst pipe can become a winter disaster in a matter of seconds. Remember to turn off your exterior water source and take in your hose. Internally, wrapping your pipes is a recommended precaution to take.
Heating System: What's one thing gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and central air heating systems all have in common? They all need to be cleaned and maintained. Annual checks of are vital in avoiding dangers such as house fires. If you use an old-fashioned wood stove, make sure there are no leaks and that all soot build up or nests are removed. If a furnace is what you have, remember to change the filters as recommended or clean out your reusable filters.
Fireplace & Wood burning stoves: Make sure to have chimneys and air vents cleaned early in the season if you are planning on warming your home with a wood-burning source. When your fireplace is not in use make sure to close the damper, some resources estimate an open damper can increase energy consumption by as much as 30%.
Outside: As we mentioned before, make sure you bring your patio furniture inside (or cover) for the winter- but don't forget other, smaller items such as your tools, including a hose and small planting pot. Clear out any piles around the side of your house, checking for cracks as you go so to avoid providing shelter for unwelcome guests over the cold season. If your property has large trees check for loose branches and call someone to trim back any items that may fall in your yard, on your roof or even damage a window.
Emergency Kit: Lastly, make sure your emergency kit is up-to-date with provisions, batteries, fresh water, food for animals, entertainment for kids, etc- especially if you live in an area prone to power outages.
Outfitting Your Home to Survive the Threat of Wildfires
Outfitting Your Home to Survive the Threat of Wildfires
Posted in Living by John Trupin
Much of the Western United States is grappling with the same issue this summer – the specter of smoke and fire from some of the largest forest fires in recent memory. For individuals, even the decreased air quality can be a threat, while the destruction that the fires themselves can wreak is devastating. Homeowners living near impacted areas are often left with an impossible choice – pack up what they can and evacuate or remain in a dangerous location and hope for the best. Thankfully, homes needn't be defenseless against the heat. To help fortify your home against damage stemming from fires, we brought together advice from a few experts.
Opt for Flame-Resistant Walls and Roofing
- It may be obvious but building a home out of non-flammable materials like brick, stucco, metal, or concrete is a key way to prevent a fire from taking hold initially.
- The troublesome spaces tend to be beyond the core of the home. Decks, balconies, and overhangs all commonly include wooden components that can be easy points of egress for embers.
- Replacing or coating these accent points with fireproof materials is a short-term expense that, much like insurance, prevents far greater financial strains in the future.
No Space is Too Small to Protect
- Think that little vent in the attic is too small to be an issue? Think again!
- Even vents built into kitchens and dryers should be considered as potential problem areas. Protecting these can allow continued circulation of air without incurring an excess fire risk.
- Wire screens with 1/8th" to 1/4th" between screen bars are typically enough to keep treacherous embers from sneaking into your home.
Fortify Your Windows
- The most vulnerable spots in most homes are glassy exterior windows. While their views are understandably gorgeous, they can be easy pressure points for fires to overpower.
- If you have the means to replace single-plane glass with wire glass or fireproof safety glass, that's a worthwhile expense to ensure neither flames themselves nor radiant heat can shatter into your home.
- Beyond simply upgrading the glass, installing retractable fireproof exterior panels is the safest route to fire protection. And don't forget your skylights!
Trends in Luxury Pool Design
The Most Ambitious Trends in Luxury Pool Design
Posted in Luxury by John Trupin
When it comes to luxury home design, if you can imagine it, it can be done. In-home spas, luxe bowling alleys, and glass wine rooms are just a few examples we're seeing out there. The same idea extends outdoors to swimming pools, which are a must for most luxury homes. But we aren't talking about just any old backyard pool; they're usually more masterpiece than mainstream. We consulted a few designers to get some insights into what's trending in the world of luxury pools and here's what we found.
Fire Features
Photo credit to AAA Custom Pools Inc.
- Catching the eye of all who behold it is the principal goal of a luxury pool. Since the dawn of time, nothing has delivered that reaction quite like fire.
- Accenting your backyard pool with stylish braziers emphasizes both elegance and authority.
- Such a style demands forethought, as safety is a priority. The right flame, however, sparks an ambiance unlike any other.
Custom Art Accoutrement
Photo credit to Van Kirk & Sons Pools and Spas.
- A home should represent its owners. A pool should be an extension of that.
- Styling a pool with custom art allows for expression. It can be a showcase of personal style, cultural heritage, or even personal fandom.
- Commissioning a professional artist to stylize your pool will ensure a one-of-a-kind amenity.
Nature-Infused Design
Photo credit to HomesOfTheRich.Net.
- Creating a man-made island with a creatively carved pool will render your yard an oasis unlike any other.
- With an integrated natural feel, you and your fellow swimmers can truly feel like you've discovered a secret spring in the midst of a jungle.
- Creating naturally treed islands or rocky outcroppings that serve as a waterfall in the midst of your pool can transform the feel into that of an exotic bar on the edge of the world.
How Tax Reform Affects Homeowners
New tax legislation was signed into law at the end of 2017, and it included some significant changes for homeowners. These changes took effect in 2018 and do not influence your 2017 taxes. Here's a brief overview of this year's tax changes and how they may affect you*.
The amount of mortgage interest you can deduct has decreased.
Under the old law, taxpayers could deduct the interest they paid on a mortgage of up to $1 million. The new law reduces the mortgage interest deduction from $1 million to $750,000. These changes do not affect mortgages taken out before December 15, 2017.
The home equity loan deduction has changed.
The IRS states that, despite newly-enacted restrictions on home mortgages, taxpayers can often still deduct interest on a home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC) or second mortgage, regardless of how the loan is labeled. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, enacted December 22, suspends from 2018 until 2026 the deduction for interest paid on home equity loans and lines of credit, unless they are used to buy, build or substantially improve the taxpayer's home that secures the loan.
The property tax deduction is capped at $10,000.
Previously taxpayers could deduct all the state, local and foreign real estate taxes they paid with no cap on the amount. The new law limits the deduction for all state and local taxes – including income, sales, real estate, and personal property taxes – to $10,000.
The casualty loss deduction has been repealed.
Homeowners previously could deduct unreimbursed casualty, disaster and theft losses on their property. That deduction has been repealed, with an exception for losses on property located in a federally declared disaster area.
The capital gains exclusion remains unchanged.
Homeowners can continue to exclude up to $500,000 for joint filers or $250,000 for single filers for capital gains when selling their primary residence as long as they have lived in the home for two of the past five years. An earlier proposal would have increased that requirement to five out of the last eight years and phase out the exclusion for high-income households, but it was struck down. Find out more about 2018 tax reform.
How does tax reform affect your plans for buying or selling a home?
The changes in real estate related taxes may change your strategy. Contact your Windermere agent to learn more. If you need help finding an agent, we're happy to help.
*Please consult your tax advisor if you have any questions about how the new tax reform impacts you
A Home Addition: What to Consider Before Starting to Build
A Home Addition: What to Consider Before Starting to Build
Posted in Selling, Living, and Architecture by Kenady Swan
Adding on to your current home may be your best bet if you're short on space, but you don't want to move or can't find another house in the area with all the qualities you're seeking. It's also an attractive option if the house you have is lacking just one significant element (a family room, another bedroom, a larger kitchen, a separate apartment, etc.).
On the other hand, even a modest addition can turn into a major construction project, with architects and contractors to manage, construction workers traipsing through your home, hammers pounding, and sawdust everywhere. And although new additions can be a very good investment, the cost per-square-foot is typically more than building a new home, and much more than buying a larger existing home.
Define your needs
To determine if an addition makes sense for your particular situation, start by defining exactly what it is you want and need. By focusing on core needs, you won't get carried away with a wish list that can push the project out of reach financially.
If it's a matter of needing more space, be specific. For example, instead of just jotting down "more kitchen space," figure out just how much more space is going to make the difference, e.g., "150 square feet of floor space and six additional feet of counter space."
If the addition will be for aging parents, consult with their doctors or an age-in-place expert to define exactly what they'll require for living conditions, both now and over the next five to ten years.
Types of additions
Bump-out addition—"Bumping out" one of more walls to make a first floor room slightly larger is something most homeowners think about at one time or another. However, when you consider the work required, and the limited amount of space created, it often figures to be one of your most expensive approaches.
First floor addition—Adding a whole new room (or rooms) to the first floor of your home is one of the most common ways to add a family room, apartment or sunroom. But this approach can also take away yard space.
Dormer addition—For homes with steep rooflines, adding an upper floor dormer may be all that's needed to transform an awkward space with limited headroom. The cost is affordable and, when done well, a dormer can also improve the curb-appeal of your house.
Second-story addition—For homes without an upper floor, adding a second story can double the size of the house without reducing surrounding yard space.
Garage addition—Building above the garage is ideal for a space that requires more privacy, such as a rentable apartment, a teen's bedroom, guest bedroom, guest quarters, or a family bonus room.
Permits required
You'll need a building permit to construct an addition—which will require professional blueprints. Your local building department will not only want to make sure that the addition adheres to the latest building codes, but also ensure it isn't too tall for the neighborhood or positioned too close to the property line. Some building departments will also want to ask your neighbors for their input before giving you the go-ahead.
Requirements for a legal apartment
While the idea of having a renter that provides an additional stream of revenue may be enticing, the realities of building and renting a legal add-on apartment can be sobering. Among the things you'll need to consider:
- Special permitting—Some communities don't like the idea of "mother-in-law" units and therefore have regulations against it, or zone-approval requirements.
- Separate utilities—In many cities, you can't charge a tenant for heat, electricity, and water unless utilities are separated from the rest of the house (and separately controlled by the tenant).
- ADU Requirements—When building an "accessory dwelling unit" (the formal name for a second dwelling located on a property where a primary residence already exists), building codes often contain special requirements regarding emergency exists, windows, ceiling height, off-street parking spaces, the location of main entrances, the number of bedrooms, and more.
In addition, renters have special rights while landlords have added responsibilities. You'll need to learn those rights and responsibilities and be prepared to adhere to them.
Average costs
The cost to construct an addition depends on a wide variety of factors, such as the quality of materials used, the laborers doing the work, the type of addition and its size, the age of your house and its current condition. For ballpark purposes, however, you can figure on spending about $200 per square food if your home is located in a more expensive real estate area, or about $100 per food in a lower-priced market.
You might be wondering how much of that money might the project return if you were to sell the home a couple years later? The answer to that question depends on the aforementioned details; but the average "recoup" rate for a family-room addition is typically more than 80 percent.
The bottom line
While you should certainly research the existing-home marketplace before hiring an architect to map out the plans, building an addition onto your current home can be a great way to expand your living quarters, customize your home, and remain in the same neighborhood.
Spring Clean! And 7 More Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
Spring-Clean! And 7 More Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
It's time to clear out a closet, get ready for celebrations and, in some areas, get out the grill
1. Spring-clean your living room. Launder slipcovers, spot-clean walls and wash the front windows. On a roll? Drop off your area rug for professional cleaning if it needs it, and dust the front door, blinds and baseboards too.
Deep Spring-Cleaning: 20 Little and Big Things You Might Be Forgetting
2. Tidy up one corner of the garage. We're not talking about deep cleaning here. Instead, pick one small zone (like the area nearest the door) where you'll be able to make significant progress with an hour or two of effort.
Get rid of the easy stuff first: old catalogs, empty bags, broken tools and expired products. Put away items that belong elsewhere, then straighten up what's left.
How to Make Your Garage a Storage Powerhouse
3. Ready your home for stormy weather. Just because spring is officially here doesn't mean Mother Nature agrees, especially in the northeastern U.S., a region facing its fourth winter storm this month. Stay informed by checking your local news station for the latest information, and take some common sense precautions if a storm is headed your way. Make sure your car has a full tank of gas, charge your cellphones and other electronic devices, and gather enough supplies to last several days in case of a power outage.
If your basement is prone to flooding, elevate items off the floor and check the sump pump. Before the storm hits, secure outdoor furniture or bring it indoors, and clear any clogged rain gutters if possible. Learn more about how to prepare for a nor'easter at Mass.gov.
4. Store household and garden chemicals safely. National Poison Prevention Week in the U.S. (March 19 to 25) is a good reminder to check your home, garage and garden shed for household chemicals, medications and other items that may be harmful or even fatal if ingested (like e-cigarette products). Make sure these items are stored in their original packaging, up high and out of children's sight. Chemicals in easy-to-open containers (such as fertilizers) should be kept in a securely locked cabinet or shed.
Visit the website of the American Association of Poison Control Centers for more information on how to poison-proof your home.
5. Do a spring wardrobe clean-out. The change of season is an ideal time to reassess what's in your wardrobe.
Do all of the pieces in your closet fit well and align with your personal style? Remove items that are worn out, don't fit or simply don't feel like you, then make a list of any gaps in your wardrobe you'd like to fill this season.
6. Honor women's history. March is Women's History Month. Celebrate by reading a book or watching a film about women who have made important contributions to the world (Hidden Figures, anyone?), attending a lecture or learning about the women on your own family tree. If you're up for a field trip, visit a museum with a Women's History Month exhibit or tour a home — like the one belonging to America's first female self-made millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker, shown here.
7. Get organized for spring and summer celebrations. Don't let another birthday, wedding or baby shower sneak up on you — with a little advance preparation, you'll always be ready for the occasion. First, check that you have all birthdays and upcoming occasions recorded in one place (such as on your phone or a paper perpetual calendar).
Next, gather supplies: a few rolls of versatile gift wrap, a handful of cards for all occasions and perhaps a stash of go-to hostess gifts will keep you stocked and ready to go. If you're in a season of life when you're attending lots of children's birthday parties or baby showers, consider choosing one or two favorite gifts to keep on hand in multiples.
2 Ways to Create a Gift-Wrapping Station | Find storage products
Homeowners Insurance: Protecting Your Home
Homeowners Insurance: Protecting Your Home
Posted in Buying by Kenady Swan
In addition to providing shelter and comfort, our home is often our single greatest asset. And it's important that we protect that precious investment. Most homeowners realize the importance of homeowners insurance in safeguarding the value of a home. However, what they may not know is that about two-thirds of all homeowners are under-insured. According to a national survey, the average homeowner has enough insurance to rebuild only about 80% of his or her house.
What a standard homeowners policy covers
A standard homeowner's insurance policy typically covers your home, your belongings, injury or property damage to others, and living expenses if you are unable to live in your home temporarily because of an insured disaster.
The policy likely pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by disasters, such as fire or lighting. Your belongings, such as furniture and clothing, are also insured against these types of disasters, as well as theft. Some risks, such as flooding or acts of war, are routinely excluded from homeowner policies.
Other coverage in a standard homeowner's policy typically includes the legal costs for injury or property damage that you or family members, including your pets, cause to other people. For example, if someone is injured on your property and decides to sue, the insurance would cover the cost of defending you in court and any damages you may have to pay. Policies also provide medical coverage in the event someone other than your family is injured in your home.
If your home is seriously damaged and needs to be rebuilt, a standard policy will usually cover hotel bills, restaurant meals and other living expenses incurred while you are temporarily relocated.
How much insurance do you need?
Homeowners should review their policy each year to make sure they have sufficient coverage for their home. The three questions to ask yourself are:
· Do I have enough insurance to protect my assets?
· Do I have enough insurance to rebuild my home?
· Do I have enough insurance to replace all my possessions?
Here's some more information that will help you determine how much insurance is enough to meet your needs and ensure that your home will be sufficiently protected.
Protect your assets
Make sure you have enough liability insurance to protect your assets in case of a lawsuit due to injury or property damage. Most homeowner's insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability coverage. With the increasingly higher costs of litigation and monetary compensation, many homeowners now purchase $300,000 or more in liability protection. If that sounds like a lot, consider that the average dog bite claim is about $20,000. Talk with your insurance agent about the best coverage for your situation.
Rebuild your home
You need enough insurance to finance the cost of rebuilding your home at current construction costs, which vary by area. Don't confuse the amount of coverage you need with the market value of your home. You're not insuring the land your home is built on, which makes up a significant portion of the overall value of your property. In pricey markets such as San Francisco, land costs account for over 75 percent of a home's value.
The average policy is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding your home using today's standard building materials and techniques. If you have an unusual, historical or custom-built home, you may want to contact a specialty insurer to ensure that you have sufficient coverage to replicate any special architectural elements. Those with older homes should consider additions to the policy that pay the cost of rebuilding their home to meet new building codes.
Finally, if you've done any recent remodeling, make sure your insurance reflects the increased value of your home.
Remember that a standard policy does not pay for damage caused by a flood or earthquake. Special coverage is needed to protect against these incidents. Your insurance company can let you know if your area is flood or earthquake prone. The cost of coverage depends on your home's location and corresponding risk.
Replacing your valuables
If something happens to your home, chances are the things inside will be damaged or destroyed as well. Your coverage depends on the type of policy you have. A cost value policy pays the cost to replace your belongings minus depreciation. A replacement cost policy reimburses you for the cost to replace the item.
There are limits on the losses that can be claimed for expensive items, such as artwork, jewelry, and collectables. You can get additional coverage for these types of items by purchasing supplemental premiums.
To determine if you have enough insurance, you need to have a good handle on the value of your personal items. Create a detailed home inventory file that keeps track of the items in your home and the cost to replace them.
Create a home inventory file
It takes time to inventory your possessions, but it's time well spent. The little bit of extra preparation can also keep your mind at ease. The best method for creating a home inventory list is to go through each room of your home and individually record the items of significant value. Simple inventory lists are available online. You can also sweep through each room with a video or digital camera and document each of your belongings. Your home inventory file should include the following items:
· Item description and quantity
· Manufacturer or brand name
· Serial number or model number
· Where the item was purchased
· Receipt or other proof of purchase \Photocopies of any appraisals, along with the name and address of the appraiser
· Date of purchase (or age)
· Current value
· Replacement cost
Pay special attention to highly valuable items such as electronics, artwork, jewelry, and collectibles.
Storing your home inventory list
Make sure your inventory list and images will be safe incase your home is damaged or destroyed. Store them in a safe deposit box, at the home of a friend or relative, or on an online Web storage site. Some insurance companies provide online storage for digital files. (Storing them on your home computer does you no good if your computer is stolen or damaged). Once you have an inventory file set up, be sure to update it as you make new purchases.
We invest a lot in our homes, so it's important we take the necessary measures to safeguard it against financial and emotional loss in the wake of a disaster.


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Milind Soman's Advices Are a Must-Follow
View Single Post
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: India
Posts: 81,850
Milind Soman's Advices Are a Must-Follow
Milind Soman's Advices Are All You Need to Stay Mentally Fit Throughout The Week
Milind Soman's Advices Are a Must-Follow if You Are Looking For Peace of Mind
Image credit: Instagram
Fitness Freak
If there is one person who is certainly aging backwards, it is 53 year old Milind Soman for whom no day is an excuse for procrastination from staying healthy.
Image credit: Instagram
Beast mode
Making the most of the weekend, the Indian model is often seen with his beast mode on in Mumbai streets.
Image credit: Instagram
Pinkathon Ambassador
Wearing his black statement tee with the words PINKATHON AMBASSADOR printed on it in pink colour, Milind is often found running barefoot on the tracks or road, a signature style of his and setting new records.
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Advice no. 1
Recently, Milind shared an advice which read, Who you are tomorrow begins with what you do today and carried the hashtags 60km and MilindSomwar. The post was captioned, Be a beast today! Technically I was a beast yesterday running 60km at the 12hr stadium run in Mumbai and the high is still with me What a way to spend a Sunday
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Advice no. 2
Another time he shared, The greatest priviledge is not to be born with money or to achieve fame; it is having the sense to take care of your health, respect your body and love yourself.
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Advice no.3
Posting his pictures with a comforting quote always, Milind once shared,
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Man decided to file divorce after he had taken a closer look at this photo!Just Perfact
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Advice no. 4
Sharing a drool-worthy picture another time, Milind asserted,
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Advice no. 5
Setting temperatures soaring, Milind shared a hunky picture with the advice,
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This week's episode takes us into a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire for the Nintendo 64 and Windows platforms! Is the Battle for Hoth the only good part of the game? Do platforming sections belong in third-person 3D games? Listen in and find out!
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Testosterone Anadoill® (Brand)
Testosterone Anadoil (Brand) 40mg Pills
Testosterone Anadoil belongs to the group of medicines known as anabolic steroids. They are related to testosterone, a male sex hormone. Anabolic steroids help to rebuild tissues that have become weak because of serious injury or illness. A diet high in proteins and calories is necessary with anabolic steroid treatment.
How to take
Take Testosterone Anadoil only as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.
Side effects
Tumors of the liver, liver cancer, or peliosis hepatis, a form of liver disease, have occurred during long-term, high-dose therapy with anabolic steroids. Although these effects are rare, they can be very serious and may cause death. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.
Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits to make sure that Testosterone Anadoil does not cause unwanted effects.
Drug interactions
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of anabolic steroids. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take TESTOSTERONE ANADROL as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Store Testosterone Anadoil at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.


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Introduction: How to Make a Feather Pen (plus Invisible Ink!)
Feather pens are awesome!
They can be used as costume props, secret message pens, make-believe toys and much more!
With this instructable, I will be showing you how to make a feather pen, PLUS invisible ink to go with it!
Please vote for me if you like it!
Step 1: Supplies
What you need-
A feather (see step two)
A highliter
A piece of 3/4 inch or similar wood (optional)
A small container ( like a film canister)
A knife
A drill (optional)
A jar with a lid
Step 2: Choosing Your Feather
As you might guess, the feather is the most important part of this whole project, so make sure your feather is a good one!
Your feather should be from a large bird ( like a turkey, goose, ect.) so that it will have a thick quill. This is so that it will be strong enough to be cut into a pen. Your feather should also be nice and full, with few imperfections.
Some places to find feathers-
your backyard
the internet ( sites like zucker feather products are good)
Step 3: Prep Your Feather
It is always a good idea to wash your feathers, especially if you found them outside!
To wash your feather, gently run it under warm water while smoothly cleaning any dirt or bugs off of it.
To make your feather pen last longer, you may wish to dip the end of the quill in warm sand for a bout 30 min.
this will harden the point of the quill, making it stronger.
Step 4: Shaping Your Feather
The first thing you need to do is to shave of enough fluff at the bottom of the feather so that it will fit in your hand comfortably.
Now, this is were personal preference comes into play.
Some people may prefer to leave their feather in its natural shape. (This looks especially great on Peacock feathers!)
I however wanted to change the shape of my feather. To do this, use your knife and slowly draw it along the feather going from front
to back. As you go, make sure you do not pull the feather apart. This wil allow you to shape the feather however you want!
Step 5: Shaping the Quill Tip
To make the pen, take your knife and cut away part of the tip, so that it forms a point.
When you are done it should look like this (See pics)
Different sized tips allow for different styles of writing. Experiment and see what size fits you!
Great Job! you are done making an awesome feather pen!
Continue to learn how to make a stand and invisible ink.
Step 6: Make the Ink
To make your invisible ink, take your highliter and pull on the tip with some pliers.
A yellow thing that holds the highliter ink should come out. Next, run the yellow thing
under a small stream of water, and catch all of the liquid in Your jar. Keep doing this untill the yellow thing is
a whitish color. You should now have a lot of flourescent yellow liquid. Put some of it into a smaller container for everyday use.
To use the ink, dip your feather pen about a 1/4 inch into the ink. Your pen should hold the ink in and not let it spill out.
To write, use the feather pen as you would use a normal pen. This may take some practice to get right!
The ink will take about 10-20 minutes to dry. once dry, it should be completely invisible.
Now, send your secret message to your friends!
*This ink is only visible under a blacklight*
Step 7: The Stand
This is really very easy.
To make a stand, simply cut your piece of wood into your desired shape.
Then drill a hole the size of your quill almost all the way through the wood.
Paint it and your done!
Step 8: Finish!
Your done! Now go show off you sweet feather pen to all of your friends!
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Nice project. Just one thing, you can get a lot more ink if you the ink that's stored inside the body of the marker.You canget it out by taking of the white cap in the back.