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Creating An Outside Room Ready For The Summer

When the warmer weather approaches, the idea of creating an outdoor living space will inspire and encourage open-air entertaining throughout the summer months. Outside dining rooms can be created with all the comforts of an indoor dining room and are paramount when created as an extension of the home. Designing an outside room can be straight forward with some simple planning in advance and once completed, even a basic outside room will enhance the use and appearance of the overall garden space.

Planning The Outside Room

Regardless of the size of the yard space available, creating an outdoor room for dining can easily be achieved by planning the room before all else. Locating the perfect space to create an outside dining area may be obvious. Using an existing decking or patio space will drastically cut the time it takes to create the room and if close to the house, make it feel like a true extension of the home. However, when no such space exists, an area of the garden that promotes peace and a relaxing atmosphere will work just as well. Keep functionality in mind when planning for an outdoor dining room for the space to be used on a continual basis.

After pinpointing the location of the room, there are several basic components to consider. When these specific components are combined the perfect outside dining room will be formed. The first basic component to consider is the flooring. The use of hardscaping for the flooring of an outside room will ensure the room is clearly defined. Features such as wooden decking, stone or brick paving, tiles and concrete patios are all considered flooring hardscape. The outside dining room will also need to be protected from the elements. To establish a dining area that can be used in all types of weather, use a cover such as a shade cloth, an outdoor awning or gazebo style roofing.

Decorating The Outside Room

To make recurrent use of an outside dining room, comfortable dining room furniture is essential. When choosing outdoor furniture for the room, take into consideration the material the furniture is produced from. Even with adequate roof covering, not all furniture material will survive the elements and water resistant options will assist with the longevity of the chosen furniture.

With the larger items of an outside dining room in place, suitable lighting can be beneficial for setting the mood of the ultimate outside dining experience. When the sun sets, well placed lanterns and candles will give the room character with ambient lighting. Dining hours can be extended with some simple outdoor lighting and make the outside room into a retreat for guests. For cooler summer nights, a heat source such as a fireplace or fire pit will prolong the use of the outdoor room in summer and for cooler months in general.

The final basic component to consider when creating an outside dining room area is the decoration. To make an …

Modernize Your Bedroom With a Platform Bed

Most people who live in urban areas tend to live in modern looking apartments. These urban apartments are built along modern designs and architecture and have a very modern look and feel to them. Even before you place any furniture or furnishings in the house, the theme of the decor is more or less pre-ordained to be modern. It would indeed be a bit difficult to create and sustain a traditional or classical theme in an apartment that is so modern looking to begin with. So, if you live in one of these modern apartments, the best choice you have is to go along with the theme and create your own individual style within in instead of trying to contrast the modern look of the house with traditional furniture and decor. Not only will it be easier, it will allow you to create stunning effects within the modern decor.

It is important to follow the same theme in every room of your house to give it an overall consistency. This means that even your bedroom needs to be as modern as your living room and the rest of your house. Many people find it difficult to modernize their bedroom, but this is mainly because of restricted ideas of the modern furniture that can go into the bedroom. If the furniture in your bedroom is modern to begin with, you will find it easier to find the right furnishings and other decor items to go with it to create an overall modern look.

So, what is the best choice of modern furniture in the bedroom? The answer will have to be platform beds. Platform beds are the epitome of modern bedroom furniture and you simply cannot go wrong with them when you are trying to create a modern look in your bedroom. Platform beds are available in so many different shapes, sizes and designs now that you will have no difficulty in finding one that suits your bedroom as well as displays your personal sense of style. Set a platform bed and your bedroom will immediately get a modern look.…

Restaurant Dining Room Service Improvement – Staff Scheduling Tips Part 2

Proper staff scheduling is extremely crucial for providing excellent restaurant dining room service. There are 2 basic concepts that can improve restaurant service immensely. In every way, a balance must be achieved by matching labor needs to the forecasted business.

The first concept is the “on call waiter” who can be scheduled for any shift necessary. The “on call waiter” function is to call the restaurant about 1/2 – 1 hr. before the work shift commences food service to see if he/she is needed to come in and work that particular shift.

The “on call” function is useful in many ways in the case of outdoor dining where business literally depends on the weather. If the weather is right for outdoor seating, the “on call waiter” will be asked to come in to work. If it’s raining, then the “on call waiter” will not be asked to report to work — though the phone call to the restaurant should still be made. Basically, if the staff is sufficient for that particular restaurant shift, then the “on call waiter” will not be needed.

Another useful function for the “on call waiter” is when there is an extremely important event scheduled. In this case, there can be absolutely no staff shortages for that event. Simply by communicating properly and timely over the telephone, the dining room will be covered completely saving the service staff time and the restaurant wasted payroll.

This system is flexible, and should be used with common sense, not haphazardly. Depending on the situation, there can even be more than one “on call waiter” for a shift. By the same token, you may not even use an “on call waiter” for many of the slower work shifts. Every restaurant must figure out what system works best for them, and make the adjustment.

The second restaurant service staff scheduling concept is the “maintenance runner” which works best when there is more than one food runner working per shift. Once again, this concept will prove how proper staff scheduling is directly tied to improving dining room service.

In a small restaurant, there may be only one food runner needed for the shift delivering food from the kitchen areas to the dining room areas. The runner is responsible for keeping those dining room areas and floor areas clean, since it is usually part of the sidework.

If this sidework doesn’t get done, it is obvious where the blame lies. (Technically it’s everyone’s job to keep the restaurant clean, but it ultimately should be the food runner’s job to keep the service/ kitchen areas, waiter food prep areas, and floor areas clean.)

Now, on the other hand, a large restaurant that uses 3 runners per shift is definitely transporting a higher volume of food from the kitchen areas to the dining areas. Therefore, things will get a bit messier because of the added food traffic. To compound the problem, with more than …

Plumbing is among the primary services that every homeowner will require at one point or another. The availability of demand for this industry makes it a worthy option to consider when looking for lucrative careers to join. Becoming a plumber is ideal for anyone who values hard work and enjoys interacting with new individuals every day. Most people assume that the only way to become a professional in plumbing is only through attaining a diploma or degree, which is not valid. You can take several approaches to becoming a plumber, which this article discusses in detail.

What Do Plumbers Do?

Plumbers are responsible for the sewerage and piping configuration of the structure, including installation and repairing of gas and water supplies. Every residential and commercial building requires a professional plumbing contractor to handle all these aspects during the building process. In case of any leakage or pipe blockage, a plumber is the right guy to call. Most plumbers work alone and do not mind traveling moderately short distances to offer their services.

Other responsibilities of a plumber include

• Assess and repair plumbing issues
• Provide price estimates of the project
• Installing of pipes and pipelining
• Repair plumbing-related devices
• Ensuring the project complies with state regulations

How to Become a Plumber

Get a High School Diploma

The first approach to becoming a plumber involves getting your high school diploma by completing a course. Those with a plumbing-related certificate or are currently obtaining one are eligible to pursue a plumbing career. A GED is also a sufficient alternative if you cannot earn yourself a diploma or degree. A strong foundation in computers, mathematics, and science is necessary to have an easy time learning the trade.

Complete Vocational Training

Vocational training centers now offer short plumbing courses to facilitate one’s journey of becoming a plumber. A college education is not the only way to learn this skill; these short courses can effectively teach and sharpen your plumbing skills. You will need to find a training center offering these courses, enroll and complete your program to become certified in handling plumbing-related concerns like drainage systems.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is also a practical approach to becoming a plumber. This practice involves on-the-job training to help you learn more about plumbing techniques and how to use the specialized tools to solve specific complications. Most apprenticeship programs insist that you attain a certain number of classroom hours before they can accept your application. The classwork is necessary since the theory learned is what you will be practicing on your apprenticeship program.

Get Licensed

Most states have a plumbing license to prove that you are a professional plumber with knowledge of handling plumbing-related concerns. There are specific requirements for you to get licensed in every state; in some, you need to complete several class sessions, while in others, you must complete an apprenticeship program. You need to confirm the licensing requirements for plumbers and apply for one with the respective authorities.

Search for Experience

Getting licensed is not the …

Creating A Tropical Atmosphere For A Party: The Little Details Matter

Tropical parties are quite different from traditional parties, regardless of the occasion, and special care needs to be paid to all of the little details. This is where the party can really become something memorable. If the details are just right, people will enjoy themselves more completely than they would have otherwise, and they will remember the get-together for a long time. The person who throws the party should take the time to work on creating a tropical atmosphere that is complete and festive.

One way to do this is to have the food fit with the theme. A person should not serve things that are traditionally eaten in parts of the world that are not considered to be tropical; to a large extent, this even includes food that may be eaten there, but that would not be considered a local food. For example, Hawaii is a tropical island and it is very easy to get a slice of pizza while one is there, but pizza should not be served at the Hawaiian-themed party or it will detract from the theme. Instead, fruit and seafood should be served.

The decorations are important as well. These may not be minor details, but they should be used properly in every way that is possible. A wholesale bamboo fence could be put up in the backyard, alongside the fence that is already there. This will just add to the feel of the yard itself. If there is not yet a fence, this may be the right time for the person to construct a permanent one; after the gathering is over, it can still be used to keep animals out of the yard and to keep young children inside.

As much as possible, the things that the guests use should look authentic as well. For example, there are bamboo products that can be used instead of serving dishes. These will be the same size as the dishes that the host would already own, but they will be constructed from wholesale bamboo. These will make each type of food look exotic and interesting.

Finally, the music is the ultimate way to set the stage for the gathering. Cultural music should be played through a set of speakers. It can even be used for dancing, although most of the time it will just be used in the background. Music has a way of making an event feel entirely different to those who attend. If all of the little details are considered and the music is playing, the host can be confident that the get-together will be a success.…

Keeping lakes and ponds healthy and clean is very important to ensure wildlife and fish have a safe environment to live in. Aside from this, healthy lakes and ponds attract visitors so it is essential to ensure their cleanliness. If a lake lacks oxygen, it ultimately can suffer from severe algae and odors. The Lake Doctors is a company that has the equipment you need to ensure that your lake or pond stays as clean as possible.

How Can The Lake Doctors Help?

The Lake Doctors carry a wide variety of lake fountains and aeration systems. They will even custom design one for you so that it fits your aesthetic and biological requirements. Aside from this, they will also work with you to find a system that fits your budget. All of the fountains and floating aerators have a high-quality submersible pump that can maintain a constant spray height, even when water levels fluctuate.

Bottom Diffused System

A bottom diffused system is a type of aeration system that is a beneficial and cost-effective way to enhance the health of your lake or pond. A shoreline air compressor is used so that air can reach the bottom of the water. This ultimately adds life-giving oxygen to the water while causing low-oxygen water to travel to the surface.This ultimately has many benefits including healthier fish, fewer dissolved toxic gases, and reduced algae growth, among many other benefits.

Custom Treatment Plans

The Lake Doctors have custom plans so that you can find the one that fits your budget and the specific needs of your lake or pond. This is a company that proudly serves clients in the states of Florida, Ohio, and South Carolina.

Choose The Lake Doctors For Your Aeration Pump

Keeping your lake or pond healthy is vital to ensure the health of the fish living in it. Aside from this, it will also help it maintain a pleasant appearance. Choosing to use aeration pumps for lakes is a great way to ensure the cleanliness of the water.…

Buying a home or other piece of real estate will be one of the most significant decisions of your life, so it’s vital that you go into this process with a solid understanding of what is involved. This article will lay out the basics and give you good advice on how to proceed.

Private or hard money loans from real estate investors may be your only option if you are planning on flipping a house in today’s real estate market. While they are costly, they are much more lenient in their terms and easier to obtain on short notice, keeping you from having to pass up on a good deal.

Remember that what is outside the property you want is just as important as what is inside. The perfect piece of real estate inside can quite easily be in a noisy area, far from where you need to be or near schools that are not right for you and your family. Not having the right location can cost you in the long run.

To find a new home, you should look on the internet for classified ads. You can also go to a local real estate agency and look at their selection of homes for sale. The more ads you look at, the more likely you are to find something you want.

First-time home buyers should consider not only the home they’re looking at, but also the neighborhood. What are the schools in your new neighborhood like? How convenient are shopping and entertainment sites? Questions like this are important to ask so you can establish or maintain a lifestyle that works for you.

Sleep on your decisions. Don’t tour a property and then decide you love it and want to put in an offer immediately. Always take a day or two to think about it. Once you are sure, go and look at the property again through fresh eyes to make certain.

Buying a home can be an experience that is exhilarating. As long as you find a reputable professional or two to walk you through the process, and do your research about the process, you are sure to have an enjoyable experience finding the home of your dreams and successfully keeping it for many years.

Research natural disasters in the area. Ask if the area is prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires, floods, or earthquakes. All of these events can cause homeowner’s insurance to be very costly, so you will need to factor those expenses into your budget. It may also emotionally impact your decision knowing what could happen to you or your family in such a location.

Searching for real estate can be overwhelming, luckily there are many sources available. Many real estate companies list available properties on their websites, which you can browse through at your leisure. If you are just curious and do not want to commit to a real estate agent, Craigslist and the local newspaper, are also great places to start.

You don’t have …

Kitchen Rugs

Although it may seem counterintuitive to place a rug in a kitchen, there are several distinct advantages to placing an area rug in this vital room! While rugs are often shunned in this work space because of the fear that they will “collect dirt,” people spend a tremendous amount of time in the kitchen-mostly standing on their feet! Not only does a kitchen rug add a delightful, inviting feel to the “heart of the home,” but a rug underfoot can help ease many of the common physical ailments that can result from prolonged periods of standing. If a kitchen has hard flooring, such as stone or ceramic tile, then it’s even more important that there’s some cushion in the work zones and prep areas.

While it is true that a kitchen floor receives a good deal of dirt and debris, simply selecting a washable or stain-resistant fiber will remove concerns about an area rug’s practicality in the kitchen. Indoor/Outdoor fibers are an excellent choice, as are synthetic blends, jute, sisal, and even wool! Any of these options will be either easy to clean or stain repellant.

In selecting a kitchen area rug, be sure to choose a low pile. Densely piled rugs, such as Berber, are good for kitchens. Area rugs constructed from woven natural fibers, such as jute or sisal, are also compatible with kitchen use. Cut pile or shag carpets are the only varieties that should be avoided; their deep, plush construction makes them likely to collect crumbs and increase kitchen cleaning duties. On the other hand, woven, looped, or low pile area rugs will need little more than a quick shake to clean and refresh them.

Whatever material is chosen for a kitchen area rug, it’s very important that the rug has a properly sized non-slip rug pad. Not only will the rug pad give a little extra padding for those working and walking in the kitchen, but it’s the best way to ensure that a kitchen accent rug provides both visual interest and sure footing.…

Junk in your home, garage or shed is more than just annoying. It also means that you have less space for other items. Junk removal companies will come to your home and remove all types of junk from your yard or house.

On average, residential junk removal costs $225. For single items and small piles, the average cost is around $100. A full-sized truck-load of junk costs around $600.

Average Junk Removal Costs

• Average cost $225
• Highest Cost $600
• The lowest cost $100

Rent a Dumpster With Full-Service

Large, full-service roll off dumpsters are available at a cost of $300-$700 per week for a 20 yard (cubic yards), and $400-$850 for a maximum unit, a 40 yard dumpster.

These dumpsters are often used for building, remodeling, and landscaping, rather than clearing out bedrooms or garages.

For heavier materials, surcharges might apply. You will need to obtain a permit from the local government before you can park your dumpster on a street.

Dumpster Rentals

Renting a smaller dumpster, such as a 10-yard, costs between $100 and $350 per week. This size dumpster is ideal for interior decluttering projects.

These are for light items such as clothing, small shelving units and curtains.

Junk Removal Prices by Truck Load

Junk removal companies combine multiple customers’ loads into one garbage run. Your junk removal cost may partly depend on how much truck your junk takes up.

• $100: About 10 square feet
• $100 to $350: Maximum 1/2-truckload, 40 sq. feet
• $350 to $600: Half-size to full-size truckloads

Costs of junk removal based on type/item:

• Sofa $160 – $200
• Mattresses $80 – $120
• Building Materials $100 – $800
• Washer and Dryer $100-$200
• Large Hot Tub $300 – $500

This article was written by a hauling service professional. At Par Hauling Solutions located in the heart of Largo, we are a full-service hauling and dump trailer rental company that can haul just about anything in the Bay Area. Our professionals have over 10 years of experience and can provide dumpster rental in Clearwater FL for large-scale construction and renovation projects as well as smaller dumpsters for residents.

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