Category: Post Notes

Pillar To Post Newsletter July 2013

Posted on July 9, 2013 by oi_admin - Post Notes

Pillar To Post welcomes your comments and concerns. You can contact us: Click Here

Winston Churchill defined an optimist as a person who sees the opportunity in every difficulty, instead of the difficulty in every opportunity. Upbeat, self-affirming and indomitable, people with optimistic attitudes typically live longer, healthier and more successful lives than their pessimistic counterparts.

There are several characteristics that will help you identify an optimist when you meet one, or that you can learn to become one yourself.

1. Finding the Good.
When a problem arises for an optimist, the last thing he is prone to do is gnash his teeth and wail about the unfairness of life. On the contrary, an optimist will not only approach the conundrum with a can-do attitude, but will look at the problem as a chance to gain new experiences and opportunities. An optimist may be momentarily daunted by losing her job or moving to a foreign country for work, but she will quickly come to view this as an opportunity to finish the novel she’s been meaning to write or learn new languages and customs. Even if the ideal solution cannot be reached, optimists will find half-measures that enable them to approach the problem in smaller, manageable chunks.

2. Keeping the Good Stuff.
While some optimists may be cheerful and sunny, many optimists are low-key and easygoing. What they have in common is the ability to stay positive, even in trying times. Ask an optimist how his day has been and he will tell you about the funny barista at the coffee shop next to his office and the great deal he found while buying a new shirt. Never mind that the barista got their order wrong, and that the optimist found the new shirt after he spilled the coffee all over his original work attire. Optimists tend to focus on the positive, prioritizing the good events in their life over the negative ones.

3. Seeing Success.
The idea of telling herself that she won’t get the job promotion, or of convincing himself that he won’t find a date for Friday night, simply doesn’t occur to an optimist. Visualizing their success and preparing themselves to succeed are essential qualities of optimists. Negative, self-fulfilling thoughts as to their own inadequacy and worthlessness are not a part of an optimists’ thought processes. Instead, an optimist will tell herself that she will achieve her goals, taking the necessary steps. If an optimist’s plan falls through, she steps back, reassesses the situation, and begins again with a new approach and more self-affirmation.

4. Up for Adventure.
Optimists have been called “happy-go-lucky,” and rarely does an optimist pass up an opportunity for a new and unexpected adventure. This spontaneity is an important characteristic of optimists. An optimist sees spontaneity as a win-win scenario, since he will see something unfamiliar and unplanned as the opportunity to discover new interests, friends and locations. Even if the unplanned goes awry, optimistic people will tell themselves that the stories alone will provide enjoyment for years. This up-for-anything, play-it-by-ear mentality is the sign of a true optimist.

Always be sure to do your best to “keep on the sunny side of life”.

Motion detectors detect any sort of motion. When connected to a transformer the motion gets translated into an electric signal. This device may be connected to a burglar alarm that immediately alerts the home-owner of any motion that gets detected.

There are three types of sensors:

1. passive infrared sensors
2. ultrasonic active sensors
3. microwave active sensors

Most motion detectors use a combination of different technologies. These dual-technology detectors benefit each other to reduce complications of false alarms. Motion detectors offer feelings of protection and security. Most people find them suitable for

• driveway alarms
• yard alarms
• burglar alarms
• door announcers

Motion detectors make a safe path to welcome you back home, deterring would-be-intruders. When lights are triggered by motion this gives the impression that someone is home and able to see the burglar. Infrared motion detectors placed in crucial areas of the house can detect any burglars and alert the homeowner or police.

Motion detectors have the advantages of being:

1. portable
2. transportable
3. easy to install
4. no monthly monitoring fees

Studies on crime prevention indicate that houses set up with motion detectors do help enhance security. They are a great way to get all the benefits of having a watchdog without the hassle of owning a dog.

Keep good feelings flowing throughout your home with the right hues.

Beat the stress with blue.
Need to relax? Choose blue. It has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, so you will be able to stay calm, cool and collected throughout the day. Paint a piece of furniture blue or hang blue curtains to feel more tranquil.

Boost optimism with yellow.
The sunny shade causes a surge in the feel-good hormone serotonin, leaving you more cheerful. Turn any room into a hub of activity by adding yellow pieces like a comfy chair, a soft throw or pillows.

Jumpstart your life with red.
Looking at the color red has been shown to stimulate circulation, giving you get-up-and-go. Welcoming guests with a shot of red sets the stage for fun. Red makes them feel upbeat.

Enjoy inner harmony with green.
Restful and rejuvenating green stabilizes your mood and helps you feel centered. Stop family fights by putting green in the living room. It creates a sense of well-being and encourages people to get along with each other.

Invite happiness with orange.
Orange, the color of warmth, enthusiasm and excitement is proven to help you feel happier, confident and more energetic. Orange accents give a room a fresh, welcoming feel. Scatter a few pillows, add an orange rug or paint just one wall orange to turn your living room into an inviting gathering space.

Water conservation is easy when efficiency is kept top of mind.

Your municipal water supply can quickly be estimated using the calculator available at www.home-water-works.org. Once homeowners know what areas of the home are using the most water, they can learn how to cut down on water use, to protect this valuable resource while also saving money.

Here are some simple household water conservation tips that won’t sacrifice comfort or convenience.

• Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes.
• Invest in high-efficiency toilets, dishwashers and washing machines.
• Find and fix leaky faucets, toilets and taps.
• Never leave water running while washing dishes or brushing teeth.

Smoke alarms are an incredible success story. Once the concept took hold in the 1970s, it wasn’t long before the fire death rate was cut in half! Now, decades later, most homes have at least one smoke alarm but we still have a problem – the smoke alarms aren’t working! In one quarter of the homes with smoke alarms, the smoke alarms don’t work. The cause is missing, dead or disconnected batteries (National Fire Protection Association). Pillar To Post® would like to encourage you to pay more attention to your smoke alarms.

The two key goals of smoke alarms are

• To wake you up. You can’t sense smoke and flame when you are asleep.
• Early warning. The sooner you know about a fire the better the possible outcome.

Placement of Smoke Alarms
While you should consult the instructions provided with the smoke alarm, here are some general guidelines. We do not address local bylaws and codes here.

• There should be at least one smoke alarm per floor including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be placed outside every separate sleeping area. Many authorities suggest an alarm inside each bedroom as well.
• The alarm can be placed on the ceiling or high up on the wall. If the alarm is on the ceiling, it should be at least four inches away from any walls. If the alarm is on the wall, it should be at least four inches but not more than twelve from the ceiling.
• Peaked ceilings have stagnant air at the top. The smoke alarm should be three feet from the highest point.
• Do not place the smoke alarm where it could be affected by drafts such as next to a window or air vent.

Maintaining your Alarm
Test the smoke alarm once per month by pressing the test button until the alarm sounds then release the button. If the smoke alarm is battery operated, replace the battery every year. If you hear a chirping sound from the smoke alarm, change the batteries. Dust or vacuum the surface periodically. Replace the entire unit if it is older than 10 years or if you are not sure how old it is. Print the installation date inside the cover.

Escape Plan
Smoke and flame can spread quickly so you need to react quickly. It is vital that you and your family know what to do on hearing a smoke alarm. You should plan an escape route from every area of the home and identify a safe area to meet outside the home. You should rehearse the escape plan with your family. Walk through and identify obstacles that may slow you down such as windows that are jammed or exits that are crowded with storage etc.

Since shapes represent something outside themselves, your mind makes subconscious associations with shapes. For new insight into your personality, quick - without thinking - pick the shape that appeals to you.

• Rectangle - You are wise.

• Circle - You are intuitive.

• Triangle - You are a leader.

• Squiggle - You are open-minded.

• Diamond - You are an optimist.

• Square - You are a concrete thinker.

Deodorize the microwave.
Put two tea bags in a mug filled with water and microwave for 30 seconds to absorb bad odors.

De-puff your eyes.
Use the healing power of tea to get rid of dark swollen under-eye circles. Steep two tea bags, let cool, and then place over your eyes and relax for 15 minutes. The tea’s tanins and caffeine work together to reduce puffiness.

Rust-proof your cast-iron pan.
After washing out a cast-iron pan, rub a cooled brewed tea bag all over the pot. Dry thoroughly before putting it away. The tannins in the tea leave behind a rust-repelling film that keeps the pan pristine.

Freshen Kitty’s litter.
After enjoying a cup of tea, let the tea bags dry out. Once dry, cut open the bag and mix the contents into the kitty litter. The tea helps neutralize any odors.

Nuisance tripping of your smoke alarm is bound to happen occasionally. Unfortunately, many people remove the battery to silence the alarm with the good intention of replacing it after the smoke clears.

Here are some better ways to deal with nuisance tripping:

1. Use an alarm with a ‘hush button’.

2. Move the smoke alarm a little further from the kitchen area.

3. Try a different type of alarm. Some experts say that a photoelectric smoke alarm is a little less sensitive to common causes of false alarms.

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Pillar To Post Newsletter May 2013

Posted on May 9, 2013 by oi_admin - Post Notes

Pillar To Post welcomes your comments and concerns. You can contact us: Click Here

Spring is a perfect time of year to freshen up your home so you can relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer ahead. But sometimes the thought of organizing the whole house can seem overwhelming. If you feel you don’t have the time to organize every nook and cranny, start with these quick and easy steps:

1. Do the five-things dash.
Walk into each room of your home with a box or garbage bag and choose five things you can throw away or donate. Choose duplicates or items that are worn out, outdated or rarely used.

2. Eliminate the expired.
Use a plastic bin to gather up medications, vitamins, and over-the counter drugs. Look at each item’s expiration date. Have a bag nearby to toss the outdated items. Take them to the drugstore for safe disposal. Keep the current medications in the plastic bin, label it and store it in a cool, dark place out of children’s reach.

3. Toss the toiletries.
Just before you brush your teeth every night or jump in the shower every morning, spend just five minutes getting rid of hair products that don’t work, bath products you never use, and skin care products that haven’t lived up to their promise.

4. Clear the counters.
Remove anything you don’t need and don’t use daily from your kitchen counters. Put out an attractive bowl or basket as a catch-all for items that usually lead to clutter. Once you’ve cleared the counters, you’ll have a more relaxed environment for eating and entertaining. Reward your efforts by displaying a vase of fresh flowers or a pot of spring bulbs.

5. Eliminate under-used utensils.
While waiting for water to boil or the oven to preheat, go through your utensil drawer and eliminate items you don’t use. Go through your kitchen “junk drawer” and see what treasures you’ve forgotten about and what trash you can remove.

6. Get the family in gear.
Make a game out of de-cluttering by getting the whole family involved. Give everyone a box, put on some up-beat music, set a timer, and see who can discard the most items from their room. Take the donations to charity. Then choose a token prize for the winner and a reward for the entire family.

7. Do the season-swap.
Now is the time to put away the winter coats, boots, and wool hats and bring out the sun hats, rain jackets and umbrellas. If you don’t have an extra closet, try storing a rolling garment rack in the basement or spare room, or using under-the-bed storage bins.

8. Cut clothing clutter.
Put aside about half an hour to step into your closet and pull out any winter items you didn’t wear this year, while it’s still fresh in your mind. If you didn’t wear it this winter, you likely won’t wear it next, so let it go now rather than storing it for another year.

These tips will help you clean and organize your home in less time, so you can go out and enjoy the summer sooner - guilt-free.

A Certified Professional Organizer®, life coach, TV Host and owner of We Organize U. visit www.WeOrganizeU.com or e-mail info@WeOrganizeU.com

Planting and tending a garden is often an overlooked way to enrich your health and build a positive outlook. “Gardening is a great way to relieve stress, take time for yourself, and unwind,” says gardening expert Denis Flanagan. It allows you to take part in an activity with an end result that you take pride in.

Here are the top 5 reasons to garden this year:

Gardening is good for your health.
It is a natural stress reliever - as well as a natural form of exercise, and it can help release your artistic side. Planting a vegetable garden is a great way to get all the physical health benefits and enjoy the nutrition of home-grown produce.

Gardening helps instill life lessons.
Especially beneficial to children, it can help instill lessons about nurturing, caring, and sharing with others.

Gardening helps foster relationships with neighbors.
Being out in your garden can help break the ice between you and your neighbors. Why not pick a fresh bouquet for the new neighbors up the street or invite the people on your block to a backyard BBQ and serve fresh-grown veggies?

Gardening increases the value of your real estate.
Every homeowner knows that the more you invest in your home, the more its value increases. Adding an updated landscape theme or a beautiful new garden can also give you an increased sense of pride.

Gardening can help the environment.
It is also great for the animals that live around your home. Adding a bird feeder to your garden will bring an added element of wildlife to your yard, and installing a rain barrel or water-conserving fountain will look great, while reusing water.

Happy gardening!

Great looking lawns don’t just happen - they’re created. When your lawn emerges from winter weather with more splat than spring, getting it into shape may feel overwhelming. With a few simple steps, however it gets easier.

Step one: Rake.
Rake on a sunny day when the grass is dry. Be gentle because the roots are still fragile. Raking removes winter debris and dead grass, separates blades matted down by winter, and helps control thatch.

Step two: Check for bald spots, moss and compaction.
These problems indicate the soil needs aeration to increase the amount of air, nutrients, and water reaching it. This strengthens roots and helps prevent thatch.

Step three: Top-dress your lawn.
Top-dressing improves the quality of the soil, making it more breathable and nutrient rich. It also helps with drainage, evens out small bumps, and stimulates new roots.

Step four: Consider over-seeding your lawn.
Grass thins and tires after a few years. Over-seeding encourages thick growth and discourages weeds. Water lightly every day until the seeds germinate.

Time spent admiring your garden is enjoyable indeed, but time spent getting it to look good can be much less fun. Follow these tips to make toiling in the soil more pleasant.

Warm up.
Gardening is exercise, so do some stretching before you get to work.

Dress right.
Wear pale clothing, a hat, gardening gloves, and necessary kneepads. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Use the right tools for you.
Choose the right length for your height and the right size for your hands.

Take frequent breaks.
Gardening requires a lot of bending, so stand up and take a walk around. You can admire the fruits of your labor while stretching your muscles. Drink water to keep hydrated.

Vary between tasks.
Don’t overwork a set of muscles by doing the same job for extended periods. Working higher than shoulder level is particularly taxing.

Older paint contains lead. Over the years, governments have gradually phased out the use of lead in paint. If your house was built before 1960, the paint used during construction would have contained a great deal of lead.

Reduction started in the 60s, with complete elimination by the 1980s. If your house was built after 1978, the paint likely has no lead in it. What’s wrong with lead based paint? Lead is unhealthy if ingested, and it is surprisingly easy to ingest paint. It has a way of finding its way into our diets, particularly into the diets of toddlers. For instance, painted door-jambs and window sashes create paint dust during use. For toddlers who spend a great deal of time on their hands and knees, and who “test” the world through their mouths, this dust presents a serious health hazard if it contains lead.

Testing:
Knowing if you have lead based paint is half the battle. The paint can be tested on site by a lead-abatement contractor who has specialized testing equipment provides instant results. The alternative is to send a sample to a lab for testing. Contact the lab first to get directions for obtaining and packaging the sample. Contact your local Pillar To Post® home inspector to see if they can test for lead.

Dealing with Lead Based Paint:
Keep it clean. Lead dust is the problem. Wet mop floors weekly and wipe surfaces to remove the lead dust. Some suggest using special detergents and discarding the mop after use. Information on detergents and cleaning protocols are readily available on the Internet.

Encapsulate:
The paint on the walls and ceilings is fairly safe because the surfaces typically do not wear. You can protect these areas by applying newer lead-free paint over the top, in a process that builders call encapsulation.

Replace:
Wear surfaces can be replaced rather than encapsulated. For example, you can remove and replace door-jambs with new wood.

Remove:
Where encapsulation or wood replacement is not practical, you can remove the paint using chemical strippers. This task is time consuming and expensive and should only be done by an expert lead abatement contractor since proper containment is essential.

Are you curious if you are being told the truth? Here are a few clues that should help you out:

Two P’s: If you hear protestations and passive language, you may not be hearing the truth. Look out for phrases like “I swear to tell the truth” and “kind of”.

Body-language barriers: Liars often cross their arms to create physical distance or turn their torsos to one side to make themselves look smaller.

Eye movements: Eyes shift up and to the left when creating a story, and to the right when accessing memories. Also blinking slows when telling an untruth.

Nose rubbing: Pinnocchio may be fictional, but the effect named for him is real. Lying makes your nose itch. The stress of lying unleashes an adrenaline rush that dries out your nose and releases histamine.

A case of cola is a staple in most homes. Rather than drinking it, here are a few other ways to put that can of cola to use.

Clean Battery Terminals. Clean car battery terminals. The acidic properties will eliminate corrosion. Pour some soda over the battery terminals and let it set. Remove the sticky residue with a wet sponge or rag.

Loosen Rusted Nuts and Bolts. Soak a rag in soda and wrap it around a bolt for several minutes.

Make Cut Flowers Last Longer. Pouring about half a cup of cola and water into a vase. The sugar in the soda will make the blossoms last longer.

Clear Out a Slow Drain. Pour a bottle of cola down the drain to help remove a difficult clog.

Lead poisoning does not happen overnight so do not panic.
For peace of mind, you can test your children for lead poisoning with a simple blood test done by your family physician.
Wash children’s toys often. Toys may collect dust.
Wet mop floors and wipe surfaces weekly to minimize the amount of lead dust.
Have children wash their hands often, especially before meals.
Do not attempt to remove lead based paint yourself as you may create a much bigger problem by spreading lead dust around your house.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF

(800) 294-5591
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If you would like to use any of this content for your own use, please contact Pillar To Post ® marketing department.

Pillar To Post Newsletter March 2013

Posted on March 9, 2013 by oi_admin - Post Notes

Pillar To Post welcomes your comments and concerns. You can contact us: Click Here

Through coaching hundreds of people, both in my life coaching practice and as a professional organizer, I’ve discovered the one thing that seems to hold many people back from getting what they want: their thoughts. Is “stinking thinking” holding you hostage? Stinking thinking can be defined as a bad way of thinking that makes you believe you will fail, that bad things will happen to you, or that you are not a deserving person. It stems from the beliefs that were programmed into our minds years ago.

Are the following statements true or false?

What’s your image of perfection?
And how is that working for you? It’s impossible to satisfy the inner judge, that critical voice inside your head that expects you to live up to its unrealistic image of perfection. It tells you all the things you should be, and when you don’t measure up, you feel that you’re not good enough. Our inner critic creates expectations neither others nor we could ever meet, so inevitably we end up feeling disappointed with ourselves; this can lead to feelings of failure and unworthiness.

Ready to make some changes? Use the 3-D formula:
1. Detect:
We’ve been under the influence of our thoughts for so long that we don’t even realize we can take control of them. The good news is that we can. But before we can take charge and change things, we have to become aware of the ridiculous things our inner voice is telling us (detect). One way to bring them to light is to keep a journal. Another way of capturing them is to record them on your phone as you notice them.

2. Dispute:
How true are these beliefs? Expectations of our inner judge are unrealistic and set us up for failure. Once we have exposed these thoughts for what they are, we can stop believing them (dispute). Let go of these false beliefs. Release any criticism and blame you may be directing at yourself.

3. Devise:
Come up with a new way of thinking (devise). Shift your point of view and see yourself differently. Think as if you had your own best interests in mind. That means rephrasing those bullying thoughts to something more forgiving. Instead of harsh, judgemental self-talk, speak to yourself with respect. Use phrases such as “everyone makes mistakes” and “I did the best I could.” Choose praise over criticism.

Quiet the voice inside your head to make space for love and joy to enter your life instead.
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Letting go of false beliefs in your mind creates more space in your life for peace and happiness. Change your beliefs and you can change your thoughts. Change your thoughts and you will change your feelings. Change your feelings and you will change your behavior. Changes in your behavior can lead to you improving your life and your relationships.

Ultimately, your thoughts become your destiny.

A Certified Professional Organizer®, life coach, TV Host and owner of We Organize U. visit www.WeOrganizeU.com or e-mail info@WeOrganizeU.com

Spring is upon us and it seems that runny noses, watery eyes, coughs and headaches often abound. If your doctor has not found the cause of your suffering, it may be time to consider a third possibility: mold.

More than 100 types of household molds thrive in damp conditions, making after spring showers prime time for mold to appear in floors, walls and ceilings damaged by leaky pipes or foundation walls, soaked wood, plasterboard, or even newspapers.

Molds give off tiny spores that can get into respiratory tracts and cause allergic reactions. For most people, this results in an irritating but harmless problem. But in young children, it can be more serious.

Fortunately, you may be able to protect your family by taking these three steps:

1. Regularly check areas where mold thrives, including damp basements, bathrooms, air conditioners and anywhere that ceilings or walls may have suffered water damage. Peeling wallpaper often signals moist conditions, so check these spots carefully. Always quickly repair plumbing leaks.

2. Clean mold growth with a solution of one cup bleach to three cups water. Wear a mask and rubber gloves beforehand. If the area is larger than two square feet, hire a professional to get rid of the mold without spreading spores.

3. Prevent re-growth by using a dehumidifier in basements during wet weather. If you eliminate the moisture, then mold should never be too much of a recurring problem.

Consult your Pillar To Post® Inspector if you have concerns about mold.

Bathrooms are a good place to invest in for more enjoyment and to add future home value. Here are just a few expert “do or don’t” suggestions to help you renovate.

DO CHOOSE QUALITY, elegant fixtures in a classic style, as they will last longer and be more resistant to shifting trends.
DO SELECT DURABLE, water-resistant flooring such as ceramic, marble, or stone tile. For more warmth underfoot, consider installing subfloor heating coils or choose well-sealed hardwood flooring.
DO USE FOUND SPACE. Install a recessed storage cabinet at least three inches deep in the wall between the studs to maximize vertical storage while saving floor space.
DON’T OVERCROWD by adding too many accessories, or by installing overlarge fixtures. A 35-square-foot bathroom only has space for an average size tub/shower, toilet, and a single-sink vanity.
DON’T NEGLECT to vent. A 50-cfm fan is sufficient for venting a bathroom 50 square feet or less, but for spaces larger than 100 square feet, two fans - one for the shower and another near the toilet are better.

Germs can flourish on plastic or wood cutting boards. Keep them as clean as possible.

1. Disinfect with a salad staple: white vinegar. Use a clean sponge or paper towel to rub white vinegar over the board, and rinse with warm water. Vinegar destroys food-borne bacteria on contact.

2. Refresh with a squeeze of citrus. Cut a lemon in half, rub the pulpy side over the cutting board, and rinse with warm water. Fruit’s citric acid kills germs and odors.

3. Clean a wooden board with salt. Place it in the sink, sprinkle salt over the surface, then pour a cup of hot water over the board. Scrub the salt into stains and rinse. Your board will be spot-free, and salt will remove any ground-in flavors

4. No time to scrub your glass or plastic cutting boards? Clean the easy way. Put them in the dishwasher. The high heat will sanitize the surface.

Caution: Avoid cross contamination. Designate one board for raw meat and fish and another for everything else. This eliminates the accidental transfer of bacteria onto your veggies.

There are no perfect houses. Whether you have a new home or one that's a hundred years old, houses have cracks. Houses shift and settle into position after construction. Houses will have cracks in either the cosmetic finishes or structural components. Most of these cracks have no structural significance. Some are significant and Pillar To Post® inspectors use every technique to help their clients figure out the difference.

Shrinkage Cracks
A newly poured, concrete foundation may contain small cracks because concrete shrinks as it cures. Fortunately, a shrinkage crack in a foundation wall is not structurally significant. Here’s how to recognize a shrinkage crack in a poured, concrete foundation:

The crack will be small, less than 1/8th of an inch wide.
The crack will be vertical.
The crack will not extend up through the structure. The crack is in the foundation only.
Shrinkage cracks usually occur in the middle third of the length of the foundation wall. If the crack is located towards the end of the length of the foundation wall, it’s probably not a shrinkage crack.

Horizontal Cracks In a Basement Foundation Wall
This discussion relates to cracks in the concrete foundation wall in a house with a basement; this is not relevant to slabs on grade or to cracks in walls above grade level. A below-grade, horizontal crack in a foundation wall, which runs the length of the basement, is likely to be a sign that the foundation is failing under the weight of the surrounding soil. The soil outside the foundation walls exerts an enormous pressure on all the foundation walls. Foundation walls are designed to be strong enough to resist this load. Occasionally, unanticipated, additional loads exert pressure and the foundation begins to fail, resulting in a horizontal crack in the foundation wall.

Settlement Cracks
Foundation settlement cracks are vertical, extending up through the structure. For a brick home, you may see cracks following the mortar joints in the brick wall. In most cases, the settlement crack itself has no structural significance; the concern is that the house may continue to settle over time.

Settlement Crack Size
A larger settlement crack is more likely to be due to ongoing movement than a smaller settlement crack is. While there are no hard and fast rules, a settlement crack or series of settlement cracks that have a sum total opening of less than 1/4 inch are probably not because of ongoing settlement.

Direction of Movement
A typical settlement crack is vertical, starting from where the crack opens up. The bumps and crevices line up and fit together like the pieces of a puzzle. If the crack face has moved in any other direction, such as a shear crack, the quarter-inch rule described above does not apply. This can be a significant structural concern.

Repaired and Re-cracked
A settlement crack that has been repaired and has re-cracked (not just a hairline crack) could also indicate ongoing movement.

Lights, camera, - snacking! Your favorite movie snack is closely associated with the emotions you experience at the cinema. It may reveal anything from your sociability to creativity.

Jujubes or Twizzlers: You are a decisive doer with strong leadership skills.

Raisinets or M&M’s: You are a thoughtful classicist, contemplative and also quiet yet sophisticated.

Popcorn: You are a generous ladder-climber, sharing, charitable yet goal-oriented and successful.

Nachos: You are always prepared and a perfectionist, welcoming any challenge with a methodical approach.

That little can of WD-40 has more uses than you originally thought.

1. Keep silver shining. Remove tarnish from your silver jewelry or platters with a few sprays of WD-40. It helps to prevent tarnish build up by sealing out moisture.

2. Get rid of gum. If gum is stuck to carpet, spray over the spot, wait 10 minutes and you should be able to wipe away the sticky mess with a clean cloth.

3. Bye-bye scuff marks. Make those pesky black marks disappear from your tile or wood floor in a flash. Just spray WD-40, and then rub with a clean cloth until the area is no longer slippery.

4. Loosen zippers. Get a zipper to slide easily again by spraying WD-40 on it, then pull it up and down a few times. Remove excess with a paper towel.

Most settlement cracks are the result of short-term settlement. Ongoing settlement is unlikely and uncommon. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to identify ongoing settlement from a one-time visit to the home.

Since making multiple visits to the home over a few years is not compatible with a real estate transaction, we have to use our experience to read the cracks and take an educated guess as to whether ongoing settlement is likely.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF

(800) 294-5591
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If you would like to use any of this content for your own use, please contact Pillar To Post ® marketing department.

Pillar To Post Newsletter January 2013

Posted on January 9, 2013 by oi_admin - Post Notes

Pillar To Post welcomes your comments and concerns. You can contact us: Click Here

It’s time to dispel some organizing myths that may be keeping you stuck and getting in your way of a more organized life. I’ve focused on the five most common beliefs about organizing, so you can discover what works for you and what doesn’t. Once we bust the myths, you’ll be on your way to organizing like a pro.

Are the following statements true or false?

1. Containers will always get you organized.
FALSE. Containers alone are not the answer to your organizing dilemmas. In fact, they can become part of the problem. Here’s one example.
Nancy purchased several large plastic containers to organize all of her craft supplies and memorabilia. But she still couldn’t find what she was looking for when she needed it.

The first thing to do is purge. Only when you know exactly what it is you need to store, how much there is of it, and where the most suitable location is to store it - should you go out and purchase containers. Measure first. The wrong size containers simply create more clutter.

2. Multitasking is always productive.
FALSE. Although useful in some situations, multitasking can cause you to lose your focus and make costly and time consuming mistakes. When working on important tasks, multitasking is probably not a good idea. Some things require your undivided attention.

Multitasking distracts us from being in the moment, which can drain our energy and leave us feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. Next time you are participating in an activity, be with that activity. Resist the temptation to do two things at once.

3. Being messy automatically means you are disorganized.
FALSE. Organizing is not about how it looks; it’s about how it works. Visual, creative types need to have things out where they can see them, because out-of-sight is out-of-mind for them. But visual types lose focus when there is too much to look at, so they need to find containers that will allow them to control the visual clutter.

4. You have to toss everything to get organized.
FALSE. I often hear people say to say “There’s no way I could get organized because I am too sentimental - I don’t want to get rid of everything.” Although you shouldn’t keep things you don’t like or will never use, there’s always a way to either display or store the things that matter. For example, shadow boxes or display cases allow you to protect as well as showcase the possessions that truly mean something special to you.

5. If you write it on a to-do list, it will get done.
FALSE. I had a client who was so proud of her to-do list: it was prioritized, color-coded and categorized - yet she was frustrated and overwhelmed at how many things on the list were not getting done. To get anything accomplished, you have to actually schedule time to do the things on your list. Simply putting a task on a list is not a commitment - blocking time on your calendar to do it is.

A Certified Professional Organizer®, life coach, TV host and owner of We Organize U.
Visit www.WeOrganizeU.com or e-mail info@WeOrganizeU.com

As we contend with the cold winter season, it’s a great time to refresh our memories about using our fireplaces safely. Winter is the worst time of year for home fires.

Here are some tips for fireplace safety:

1. Make sure the damper is open before you light the fire, and don’t close it until the ashes are cool to the touch.

2. Never leave the house or go to sleep with a fire burning.

3. Keep combustible materials such as wood and paper a safe distance from the fireplace.

4. Use a fireplace screen to protect children, pets, and your carpet from hot embers.

5. Supervise children at all times around fireplaces.

6. Use a small amount of dry, well-seasoned firewood. Never overload. If you use artificial logs, follow the instructions on the package.

7. Have your chimney cleaned and serviced on a regular basis.

8. Never use gasoline or starter fluid close to or in your fireplace.

9. Place ashes in a metal container and take them outdoors.

10. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and remember that adequate ventilation is key to keeping your fireplace safe.

In addition to following safe practices with your fireplace, you should have safeguards in place in the event something goes amiss. In addition to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, consider investing in fire extinguishers and a sprinkler system. They can make your home safer and often earn you discounts on your home insurance premiums.

Perhaps the kitchen in your home is less than ideal, but you are not ready or able to undertake a full-blown renovation. There are many ways you can improve your existing kitchen without spending a fortune. Here are just a few expert ideas to help you.

• PAINT: If the cabinets are in decent condition but just tired, give them a new high-gloss color. Don’t skimp on surface preparation, including removing all traces of grease and grime, or the results will disappoint.

• CHROME: Replace the hardware, faucet, or sink all are relatively easy do-it-yourself jobs.

• CABINETS: For a little more investment, you can have the cabinet door fronts replaced or refaced and then remounted on the same boxes.

• BACKSPLASH: Many high-end tile stores have outlet centers or bargain sections where you can score tile remnants at a fraction of the original cost. Or cover an old, ugly backsplash with self-stick mirror tile or a ready-to-install backsplash.

• COUNTERTOP: If you’re working with a small budget, consider laminate, which offers true-to-life reproductions of more expensive wood and stone. A new laminate counter costs a few hundred dollars, including installation and can last for years.

Plants bring vibrant life to a home and purify the air. And even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can have greenery that thrives. The trick is to choose one of the following plants, which is practically guaranteed to survive.

• JADE is one of the easiest house plants to care for, and it needs water only once a month.

• PILEA tolerates neglect.

• LACE ALGAE can be placed where it might be temporarily forgotten.

• FERNS Dare great for bathrooms. They enjoy the humidity and don’t need much light.

• PAN-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP PLANTS last almost forever and are good for tabletops because they grow low.

• ENGLISH IVY is happy in a hanging basket with water every other week.

• CAST-IRON PLANTS are almost indestructible.

Our clients often ask us about adding a wood burning fireplace to an existing home. Because it involves foundation construction and a masonry chimney, adding a fireplace can be expensive. zero-clearance wood burning fireplace, can be installed in almost any location in any home, and if existing floor structures and a prefabricated chimney are used, much of that cost can be minimized.

Zero-Clearance
refers to a prefabricated fireplace that can be installed almost directly against combustible surfaces, such as walls or floors. A prefabricated chimney is then run up the inside or outside of the house. The following questions should be taken into consideration before purchasing a zero-clearance fireplace:

1. Where would you like to put it?

2. Is the purpose ambiance only or do you want to generate some heat for the house? Most wood burning fireplaces do not actually heat the house. In fact, many cause overall heat loss because they heat the room they are in, but send the hot air from the rest of the house racing up the chimney.

Get a Good Installer
This is not a do-it-yourself project. Enlist the help of an expert from the beginning; ideally, someone trained in installing the type of system you select. The specific expertise is important because all the components must be manufacturer approved. Also, despite what the name suggests, zero-clearance fireplaces must still observe minimum clearances for safety reasons. And once installed, it is difficult to inspect the installation details – another great reason to have an expert do the job.

Glass Doors
Most zero-clearance fireplaces feature glass doors. With some models, the glass doors may be closed while the fire is lit while others require the glass doors to open. For example, high efficiency units are designed to operate when the glass doors are closed. Many conventional zero-clearance units have glass doors to reduce heat loss when there is no fire, but the doors should be left open when the fire is lit.

Inspection Requirements
Because zero-clearance fireplaces leave less room for error due to the proximity of combustible material, they require yearly inspection.

Many zero-clearance fireplaces are installed with a prefabricated chimney pipe enclosed in a chimney chase (enclosure running up the outside of the house). If animals get through the chimney chase, they can build nests in direct contact with the pipe. Under the right conditions, a fire could start in the chimney chase. Creosote is a combustible deposit that builds up on the inside of a chimney flue. It must be cleaned out regularly to avoid a chimney fire. A good inspection is your best defense against chimney or house fires. The chimney and fireplace inspection industry is unlicensed and unregulated in most states and provinces. Fortunately, excellent organizations of professionals do exist. In the United States, the National Chimney Sweep Guild created a certification organization called the Chimney Safety Institute of America. Look for an inspector who is CSIA certified. In Canada, look for an inspector certified by Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. (WETT).

Nursing a grudge is bad for your health. But you can learn to forgive anyone effortlessly with this six-step plan.

1: Ask yourself, “What’s in it for me?” Living well is the best revenge.

2: Vent. Release negative emotions. Get a fresh perspective. Move on.

3: Unplug the stress. Take three deep breaths while picturing loved ones.

4: Lower your expectations. Accept the fact that none of us is perfect.

5: Don’t necessarily forget. Forgive but keep the offender at a safe distance.

6: Pat yourself on the back. Feel confident in your ability to put resentment behind you.

Modern decorating tricks can also help make your home look super-clean and less cluttered. May we suggest:

• choosing clear, pure colors, such as lemon yellow, instead of muddy ones like mustard;

• replacing yellowed lamp shades with pure white ones, and ordinary light bulbs with Reveal bulbs (by GE), which produce bright white, rather than yellowish light;

• leaving lots of bare floor, with only a few area rugs for softness and

• paring down your accessories, choosing a few good-sized pieces rather than many small ones.