It doesn't get much better than this my friends. Check out this amazingly talented work at home mom's handmade jewelry collection. It's truly one of a kind and is simply amazing.
http://www.rosyrevolver.com
You can also check out her blog for a fantastic free giveaway-a gorgeous one of a kind necklace!
http://tinyurl.com/l9nquz
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Living Safely in an Apartment Community
Living Safely In A Multifamily Community
Apartment Complexes are a popular type of rental living because of its economy. Amenities such as swimming pools, computer rooms, 24-hour gyms, and on site laundry facilities offered by apartment complexes adds to the appeal. Some apartment complexes even have tennis and/or volleyball courts.
Conversely, apartment complexes have become targets for home invasions and burglary. It is not unusual to turn on the nightly news in most major cities only to hear of accounts of auto vandalism, attempted rape, arson, and burglary at gunpoint at one or more local apartment units.
Due to this increase in apartment crime, law enforcement officials have put out pamphlets and news alerts in most major cities with advice on keeping one safe in apartment dwellings. This article is based on aforementioned advice and offers ten tips for a more secure apartment.
Ten Security Tips
1. Chain locks offer little protection and cheap locks can be disabled easily. If the apartment does not have a good deadbolt lock on the door, ask permission of the apartment manager to put one on the door. Do be certain that the management has a key if they need to gain access into your apartment.
2. Never leave your apartment door unlocked. This includes when you leave to get the mail or take out the trash. Someone lurking in the breezeway could gain access quickly.
3 Most apartment complexes have peepholes already installed on the door. If not, ask if you can install one for your added safety.
4. Never open your door to a stranger. Require all utility/repair men to provide identification before opening the door and allowing entry into your apartment. If there is no peephole, have the repairman slip the ID under the door so you can check it out. If still uncertain, look up the telephone number, (do not accept one they give you) and call to verify the information.
5. When away from home , use timers for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied. If you will be away for a while, get a buddy system going with a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on each other's home.
6. It is a good idea to buddy up with a neighbor to do laundry. Many complexes keep these doors locked allowing keys only to tenants. Unfortunately this is not always the case and laundry rooms can pose danger if kept unlocked allowing transients and criminals access.
7. Do not hesitate to call the police immediately if you see suspicious activity. Then take steps to report it to the Apartment Manager. If you report it to the manager first it may be too late for would be criminals to be caught in the act. The police cannot do anything after the fact if the apartment manager is slow about calling the police or waits until the next day to reports the incident.
8. Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention officials advise keeping a light on at night. As a general rule apartment complex property is well lit up. If you notice that a light is out, notify the management. It could take days before the management becomes aware. A well-lit area is the best way to prevent vandalism.
9. Because of the large amount of vehicles in one area, complex parking lots are a target for vandalism. To avoid damage to your car, do not leave valuable items within visibility. Do keep doors locked and park in well lighted areas if possible.
10. To prevent someone fooling you with knowledge who you are, use only your first initial on the door, mailbox, and in the phone book. This is especially important for women living alone, as they are often targets for rape and sexual assualt.
While you do not want to be frightened, you do want to exercise caution. Following these security measures will minimize potential danger to your person and your valuables.
***Triangle Apartment Connection offers these tips for informational purposes only.
We are not responsible for these tips or for your personal safety or security.
Apartment Complexes are a popular type of rental living because of its economy. Amenities such as swimming pools, computer rooms, 24-hour gyms, and on site laundry facilities offered by apartment complexes adds to the appeal. Some apartment complexes even have tennis and/or volleyball courts.
Conversely, apartment complexes have become targets for home invasions and burglary. It is not unusual to turn on the nightly news in most major cities only to hear of accounts of auto vandalism, attempted rape, arson, and burglary at gunpoint at one or more local apartment units.
Due to this increase in apartment crime, law enforcement officials have put out pamphlets and news alerts in most major cities with advice on keeping one safe in apartment dwellings. This article is based on aforementioned advice and offers ten tips for a more secure apartment.
Ten Security Tips
1. Chain locks offer little protection and cheap locks can be disabled easily. If the apartment does not have a good deadbolt lock on the door, ask permission of the apartment manager to put one on the door. Do be certain that the management has a key if they need to gain access into your apartment.
2. Never leave your apartment door unlocked. This includes when you leave to get the mail or take out the trash. Someone lurking in the breezeway could gain access quickly.
3 Most apartment complexes have peepholes already installed on the door. If not, ask if you can install one for your added safety.
4. Never open your door to a stranger. Require all utility/repair men to provide identification before opening the door and allowing entry into your apartment. If there is no peephole, have the repairman slip the ID under the door so you can check it out. If still uncertain, look up the telephone number, (do not accept one they give you) and call to verify the information.
5. When away from home , use timers for radios, televisions and lights so that the home looks occupied. If you will be away for a while, get a buddy system going with a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on each other's home.
6. It is a good idea to buddy up with a neighbor to do laundry. Many complexes keep these doors locked allowing keys only to tenants. Unfortunately this is not always the case and laundry rooms can pose danger if kept unlocked allowing transients and criminals access.
7. Do not hesitate to call the police immediately if you see suspicious activity. Then take steps to report it to the Apartment Manager. If you report it to the manager first it may be too late for would be criminals to be caught in the act. The police cannot do anything after the fact if the apartment manager is slow about calling the police or waits until the next day to reports the incident.
8. Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention officials advise keeping a light on at night. As a general rule apartment complex property is well lit up. If you notice that a light is out, notify the management. It could take days before the management becomes aware. A well-lit area is the best way to prevent vandalism.
9. Because of the large amount of vehicles in one area, complex parking lots are a target for vandalism. To avoid damage to your car, do not leave valuable items within visibility. Do keep doors locked and park in well lighted areas if possible.
10. To prevent someone fooling you with knowledge who you are, use only your first initial on the door, mailbox, and in the phone book. This is especially important for women living alone, as they are often targets for rape and sexual assualt.
While you do not want to be frightened, you do want to exercise caution. Following these security measures will minimize potential danger to your person and your valuables.
***Triangle Apartment Connection offers these tips for informational purposes only.
We are not responsible for these tips or for your personal safety or security.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Moving Tips from the Experts
Transporting your family members thousands of miles can be an overwhelming task that requires more planning than just a move across town. Some tips on how to make the trek easier are listed below.
Pack a separate suitcase or tote for each person if there is room in your vehicle. A complete set of clothes, with underwear and socks, for each travel day, plus an extra set, needs to be included. To avoid bedtime hysterics, pack the things that people need to go to sleep, like special teddy bears or blankets, on top. Keep soiled clothing separate by utilizing garbage bags with pull string enclosures.
Remember to refill any prescription medications before the big day, and pack a first aid kit that includes pain-killers, band-aids, and antibiotic ointment. If anyone has food or other allergies and has been prescribed Benadryl or an EpiPen, remember to have them close at hand in the car.
Go to the local dollar store. Buy a toiletry kit with multiple toothbrushes, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, napkins, plastic dinnerware including plates, and finally, many packages of batteries for electronic entertainment devices. Fasten the bags securely and pack them in one of the suitcases that you'll be taking on the trip.
Many families own two vehicles, and they will be driving them separately. In this case, the purchase of two quality walkie-talkies is recommended for the trip. Cell phones are often at the mercy of areas with poor or no reception, and these areas are frequently found along less traveled roads. Plus, the walkie-talkies may pay for themselves by reducing the roaming charges on your cell phone. If car trouble or some other calamity occurs, you can instantly be in contact with the other driver. Consider two identical sets of walkie-talkies, set on the same frequency, for the times when the older children are allowed to attend the rest room or get snacks by themselves. In the event that danger is encountered, your child should be taught to cry for help and push the button at the same time. You may even want to do some practice drills prior to the trip.
Keep an agenda of everyday tasks, like taking vitamins and medicine, recharging the cell phones and walkie-talkies, and double checking to make sure you've gotten everything. Make a space for you to check off after each task has been completed. You are more than likely to become exhausted on an extended road trip and may not be able to recall all of the small details that can make a huge difference.
It is better to charge your batteries for the communication devices every night, because normally, the day after the night you don't charge it will be the day you will need it the most. To make things easier, go ahead and make a copy of this list for each day and store it in a three ring binder, along with printouts of Mapquest directions and the phone numbers of your important contacts, such as the moving company and the hotels in which you intend to stay.
You'll obviously want to pack snacks for the car ride. Consider healthier snacks such as protein bars and shakes, as opposed to sodas and candy bars. Traveling with kids on sugar highs is a bad idea.
Pack a separate suitcase or tote for each person if there is room in your vehicle. A complete set of clothes, with underwear and socks, for each travel day, plus an extra set, needs to be included. To avoid bedtime hysterics, pack the things that people need to go to sleep, like special teddy bears or blankets, on top. Keep soiled clothing separate by utilizing garbage bags with pull string enclosures.
Remember to refill any prescription medications before the big day, and pack a first aid kit that includes pain-killers, band-aids, and antibiotic ointment. If anyone has food or other allergies and has been prescribed Benadryl or an EpiPen, remember to have them close at hand in the car.
Go to the local dollar store. Buy a toiletry kit with multiple toothbrushes, lotion, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, napkins, plastic dinnerware including plates, and finally, many packages of batteries for electronic entertainment devices. Fasten the bags securely and pack them in one of the suitcases that you'll be taking on the trip.
Many families own two vehicles, and they will be driving them separately. In this case, the purchase of two quality walkie-talkies is recommended for the trip. Cell phones are often at the mercy of areas with poor or no reception, and these areas are frequently found along less traveled roads. Plus, the walkie-talkies may pay for themselves by reducing the roaming charges on your cell phone. If car trouble or some other calamity occurs, you can instantly be in contact with the other driver. Consider two identical sets of walkie-talkies, set on the same frequency, for the times when the older children are allowed to attend the rest room or get snacks by themselves. In the event that danger is encountered, your child should be taught to cry for help and push the button at the same time. You may even want to do some practice drills prior to the trip.
Keep an agenda of everyday tasks, like taking vitamins and medicine, recharging the cell phones and walkie-talkies, and double checking to make sure you've gotten everything. Make a space for you to check off after each task has been completed. You are more than likely to become exhausted on an extended road trip and may not be able to recall all of the small details that can make a huge difference.
It is better to charge your batteries for the communication devices every night, because normally, the day after the night you don't charge it will be the day you will need it the most. To make things easier, go ahead and make a copy of this list for each day and store it in a three ring binder, along with printouts of Mapquest directions and the phone numbers of your important contacts, such as the moving company and the hotels in which you intend to stay.
You'll obviously want to pack snacks for the car ride. Consider healthier snacks such as protein bars and shakes, as opposed to sodas and candy bars. Traveling with kids on sugar highs is a bad idea.
Friday, May 15, 2009
100% financing for homes is not dead in Wake County!
Credit unions offering 100% funding.
VA loans offer 100% funding, with closing costs rolled into the loan.
USDA offering 100% funding, for rural areas. "Rural areas" is loosely defined, and some very suburban areas qualify.
Can't get one of the 100% funding plans?
Shucks. Find 3.5% of the purchase to put down, and go FHA. If you qualify for the up to $8000 first time buyers' tax credit, file an amended return and collect the $8,000.
Now FHA is talking about letting you use the tax credit for your down payment, monetizing the credit at closing, in a bridge loan, until you file taxes.
We were warned in real estate licensing classes about being creative to "get around" obstacles.
Seems like a lot of "getting around" is in the works.
Will "getting around" get us out of the current financing morass?
Here's one skeptic.
VA loans offer 100% funding, with closing costs rolled into the loan.
USDA offering 100% funding, for rural areas. "Rural areas" is loosely defined, and some very suburban areas qualify.
Can't get one of the 100% funding plans?
Shucks. Find 3.5% of the purchase to put down, and go FHA. If you qualify for the up to $8000 first time buyers' tax credit, file an amended return and collect the $8,000.
Now FHA is talking about letting you use the tax credit for your down payment, monetizing the credit at closing, in a bridge loan, until you file taxes.
We were warned in real estate licensing classes about being creative to "get around" obstacles.
Seems like a lot of "getting around" is in the works.
Will "getting around" get us out of the current financing morass?
Here's one skeptic.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Renter's Insurance-What you need to know!
Apartment Insurance: Coverage for Renters
Apartment insurance, more commonly known as renter’s insurance, protects you against loss and damage to your personal belongings when you rent a house or apartment.
Many renters make the mistake of assuming that any damages will be covered by their landlord’s insurance when, in actuality, the landlord’s insurance will only cover damage to the structure of the building. It’s up to you to protect your items from damage or loss.
This is where apartment or renter’s insurance comes in.
What It Covers
Renter’s insurance protects you from the following catastrophes:
Fire and smoke
Theft and vandalism
Flood and water damage (from appliances, for example)
Wind, lightning and windstorm
Your renter’s policy would cover damages to items like:
Computers, TVs and other electronics
Furniture
Clothing
Antiques or vintage items
Household items and personal appliances
In addition to covering your personal belongings, renter’s policies also cover your liability if someone is injured in your home and decides to sue. Furthermore, most renters’ policies cover your living expenses if you’re temporarily unable to live in your home because of a catastrophe.
Most renters are also pleasantly surprised to learn that this coverage is very affordable. Because the policy only covers the contents of your home—and not the structure of the building—you may spend as little as $160 per year on renter’s insurance, depending on what policy you buy.
Needless to say, the “package deal” protection and affordable cost of renter’s policies make them more than worth it.
Shopping tip: Buy your renter’s policy with your auto coverage and receive a discount!
Apartment insurance, more commonly known as renter’s insurance, protects you against loss and damage to your personal belongings when you rent a house or apartment.
Many renters make the mistake of assuming that any damages will be covered by their landlord’s insurance when, in actuality, the landlord’s insurance will only cover damage to the structure of the building. It’s up to you to protect your items from damage or loss.
This is where apartment or renter’s insurance comes in.
What It Covers
Renter’s insurance protects you from the following catastrophes:
Fire and smoke
Theft and vandalism
Flood and water damage (from appliances, for example)
Wind, lightning and windstorm
Your renter’s policy would cover damages to items like:
Computers, TVs and other electronics
Furniture
Clothing
Antiques or vintage items
Household items and personal appliances
In addition to covering your personal belongings, renter’s policies also cover your liability if someone is injured in your home and decides to sue. Furthermore, most renters’ policies cover your living expenses if you’re temporarily unable to live in your home because of a catastrophe.
Most renters are also pleasantly surprised to learn that this coverage is very affordable. Because the policy only covers the contents of your home—and not the structure of the building—you may spend as little as $160 per year on renter’s insurance, depending on what policy you buy.
Needless to say, the “package deal” protection and affordable cost of renter’s policies make them more than worth it.
Shopping tip: Buy your renter’s policy with your auto coverage and receive a discount!
Types of Policies
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), there are two types of renter’s policies:
(1) Actual Cash Value: Pays to replace your items minus a deduction for depreciation, up to your policy amount.This means if you bought your laptop two years ago for $1,000, the insurer will only reimburse you for its worth at the time of damage—which could be a several hundred dollar difference
(2) Replacement Cost: Pays the actual cost of your possessions with no deduction for depreciation, up to your policy amount.This means no matter when you bought your laptop, you’ll be reimbursed for the amount you paid for it. Because replacement cost policies don’t deduct for depreciation, they are most recommended by insurance experts.
This article was written by InsureMe.com personnel for informational purposes only and not intended as professional advice.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Where does YOUR HOA money go?
Every now and then I get a call from someone who wants to know who the Homeowners’ Association Representative is in their neighborhood.
It happens because of my Neighborhoods blogging. And it just happened yesterday.
Some Cary or Raleigh neighborhood residents pay dues to two organizations, their subdivision, and the Planned Urban Development, PUD, of which their subdivision is a member.
Some of the subdivisions are small and the HOA leadership is quite casual. This is where the issue arises. The residents may be writing checks, mailing them to a P.O. Box, and not even knowing who is cashing or depositing the checks. It is often a neighbor who serves voluntarily or for a very small fee.
When that neighbor sells and moves away, or decides not to continue in the role, often the residents are not notified. And there is no evidence of who is collecting the money.
Yesterday, I helped a fellow find a phone number to call. His closing attorney had already called that number, and it was from a person who had moved out of state some time ago. The best contact they have been able to find was the woman who said, “I don’t do that anymore,” and hung up on them. The question is: Who did she pass the P.O. Box key to when she quit?
So, if you are looking at paying two sets of HOA dues, you may be well advised to know where the checks go, who deposits them, into what accounts, and what the purpose of those checks is in the first place.
It happens because of my Neighborhoods blogging. And it just happened yesterday.
Some Cary or Raleigh neighborhood residents pay dues to two organizations, their subdivision, and the Planned Urban Development, PUD, of which their subdivision is a member.
Some of the subdivisions are small and the HOA leadership is quite casual. This is where the issue arises. The residents may be writing checks, mailing them to a P.O. Box, and not even knowing who is cashing or depositing the checks. It is often a neighbor who serves voluntarily or for a very small fee.
When that neighbor sells and moves away, or decides not to continue in the role, often the residents are not notified. And there is no evidence of who is collecting the money.
Yesterday, I helped a fellow find a phone number to call. His closing attorney had already called that number, and it was from a person who had moved out of state some time ago. The best contact they have been able to find was the woman who said, “I don’t do that anymore,” and hung up on them. The question is: Who did she pass the P.O. Box key to when she quit?
So, if you are looking at paying two sets of HOA dues, you may be well advised to know where the checks go, who deposits them, into what accounts, and what the purpose of those checks is in the first place.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I want 2 hockey tickets!
I do.
Friday night, Game 4 of the second round of the playoffs. I want to take my sweetie to see the Canes play. Should be nicely rowdy crowd making a TON of noise at the RBC Center.
Yes, I have been to the box office, on Monday. $60 or $250. Either the corners of the 300 level or the Champions Club.
But I'm just seeking face value tickets high in the 100 level, preferably on the south side of the arena, closer to where the Canes shoot twice. Sections 104,103,102,130, 123,122,121,120, or 119 would be great.
Craigslist? It's a zoo!
Second only to the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro.
Been to Craigslist, and probably going back. Scammers, spammers, and scalpers abounding.
It is not legal to sell tix for more than face value, yet people hoping to cash in are asking openly for double face value for many seats.
And there are too many shaky deals to comprehend.
Spammers offering $140 seats for $599 are posting and reposting as fast as they are flagged off.
I posted looking for seats at face value, and got several emails from spammers sending me links to their out of state sites where I likely could have my wallet plundered.
I have a back up plan: Buy my sweetie a great pizza, put on my lucky shirt and wave my Round 1, Game 6 towel in front of the plasma TV.
Friday night, Game 4 of the second round of the playoffs. I want to take my sweetie to see the Canes play. Should be nicely rowdy crowd making a TON of noise at the RBC Center.
Yes, I have been to the box office, on Monday. $60 or $250. Either the corners of the 300 level or the Champions Club.
But I'm just seeking face value tickets high in the 100 level, preferably on the south side of the arena, closer to where the Canes shoot twice. Sections 104,103,102,130, 123,122,121,120, or 119 would be great.
Craigslist? It's a zoo!
Second only to the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro.
Been to Craigslist, and probably going back. Scammers, spammers, and scalpers abounding.
It is not legal to sell tix for more than face value, yet people hoping to cash in are asking openly for double face value for many seats.
And there are too many shaky deals to comprehend.
Spammers offering $140 seats for $599 are posting and reposting as fast as they are flagged off.
I posted looking for seats at face value, and got several emails from spammers sending me links to their out of state sites where I likely could have my wallet plundered.
I have a back up plan: Buy my sweetie a great pizza, put on my lucky shirt and wave my Round 1, Game 6 towel in front of the plasma TV.
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