VirtualeHowTo

When Do You Need To Change Your Oil? by: Donald Buske
The most important service you can perform to maintain your vehicle is an automotive oil change. Engine oil is the life blood of your vehicle, and if changed on a regular three thousand mile interval, it will keep your automobiles engine running for years. While oil keeps things lubricated, the oil filter keeps out the impurities, so the oil filter needs to be changed at every interval. If you plan to perform an oil change on your own, you will need the correct auto repair manual. Always consult your repair manual for proper oil quantity, oil weight, and the proper oil filter when performing an automotive oil change.
Most automotive manufacturers will suggest that you do an automotive oil change between five thousand and seventy five hundred miles, but I would only recommend that interval for synthetic oil. The maintenance schedules that they publish have two options, standard and extreme. Most consumers think that the standard schedule is fine no matter where you live, but 75% of the world lives in the extreme, hot,cold,city driving,etc! Extreame heat as well as extreame cold, will break down engine oil viscosity and cause it to loose its lubricating properties. So lets stick to an automotive oil change every three thousand miles. Visit our site for advice on every other department of auto repair.
About The Author
Donald Buske
I have over 25 years of automotive repair experience. I know quite alot about everything that has to do with your auto. I am ASE certified as well as GM certified. I am originally from Wisconsin, born and raised, lived there for 38 years. I've spent many years in the summer-humid /winter-icy/snowy climate and have dealt with not only repair conditions there but also how to drive properly in those conditions. Fuel economy is probably the most important element to saving money today, and how you drive or how your vehicle performs plays a big part in that. I now have lived in Phoenix for the past 6 years, in the middle of the desert where it reaches up to 115 degrees on a summer day. I've seen it all as far as vehicle maintenance and care goes and can help with any problem by email or by visiting my website at http://www.your-auto-repair-help.com/automotive-oil-change.html

How to Build and Shoot a Marshmallow Gun by: Hunter Beck
Marshmallow blow guns are safe and fun for boys and girls of all ages. Even dads will enjoy this toy. A marshmallow gun or shooter is a terrific Christmas, birthday or anytime gift!
The first marshmallow blow gun I ever received was at a birthday party. We played “Capture the Flag” with marshmallow guns. After the party, we all received a marshmallow gun for a party favor.
If you want to know how to build and shoot a marshmallow gun, the plans are below. Learning how to build and shoot a Marshmallow Gun without plans can be tricky, so we are giving the Marshmallow Gun-Shooter Plans to you for free!
Building the Marshmallow Gun
1. Buy 1/2 inch PVC pipe, 2 PVC elbows, 2 PVC T's, 2 PVC end caps, spray paint, marshmallows (ammo)
2. Cut your PVC pipe however long you want the barrel.
3. Cut four pieces of PVC pipe 1/3 of the barrel, two for the handles and two for connecting pieces of PVC pipe together. Cut one piece 1/3 of your handles. Cut one more piece of PVC pipe 1/2 of your barrel.
3. Get two T's, two elbows, and two caps. Place the smallest piece of PVC pipe in between the two T's. Now put two of the PVC pipe (1/3 size of the barrel) on top and bottom of the T's. Place a cap on the bottom PVC pipe and an elbow on the top PVC pipe. Put the barrel in the t that's PVC pipe has a cap on the end of it.
4. Now, place the PVC pipe that is 1/2 of the barrel on your elbow. Put a PVC pipe (1/3 size of the barrel) in the other t. Place an elbow on the end of your PVC pipe that is 1/3 size of your barrel.
5. Place the last PVC pipe (that is 1/3 the size of the barrel) on the T. Place the last cap on the PVC pipe that is a 1/3 size of the barrel.
6. Now that the pieces are all put together start spray painting the marshmellow gun. The marshmallow gun can have designs. If you want designs, cut shapes out on a piece of paper, and spray paint through the paper on to the marshmallow gun.
7. Let dry overnight.
As a side note, you will have leftover materials since PVC only comes in ten foot lengths. Cutting the PVC may be a hassle, but painting the gun takes several coats and adult supervision. Some people choose to buy these guns completely made since you can find them online at inexpensive prices.
Shooting the Marshallow Gun
First, put a marshmallow in the beginning of the nozzle, the top piece. Do not put it in the barrel. Then blow one big breath of air, not a long weak breath. The bigger and harder the breath, the farther the marshmallow will go. To have even more fun, meet your friends at the park and have a really big marshmallow gun war.
Since you know how to build and shoot a marshmallow gun or shooter, run out to the store and buy your supplies. Before you know it, you will be shooting marshmallows with your own gun.
About The Author
Hunter Beck produces and sells his own line of unique toys by Ranger Press Toys. To see pictures and designs of a completed Marshmallow Guns, go to www.curriculumconnection.net/marshmallowgun.htm

Field Notes on Country Linguistics by: Nola L. Kelsey
As Suzy stammered, my ears perked up. For distraction I called out, “Hey Kathy, put on another pot of coffee.” Suzy spoke again. The fact is, gouging my own eyes out with a ketchup bottle would not have distracted me. A linguistic calamity was eminent.
The hair on the back of my neck stood up, then it ran from the room. I knew where Suzy was headed. Her speech was like watching a car accident. It all moved in slow motion. Every instinct in me said tear the phone from her hand before it's too late. But she had to learn to properly communicate with customers. Please Lord, I begged, don't let her say it. Then it happened. Suzy uttered the words, “We'll mam, I ain't fer sures on that.”
Across America, English professors collectively wept. My mind locked. How could she have said it again? She had been with our company four months. Still, there was hope. Okay, Lord, you're pretty funny, I sneered. Seriously, could her next words please be, “If you would not mind holding for one moment, I will find out the answer for you.” Ha! No such luck.
The gods hate me. After an awkward silence (while the caller and I shared an embolism), Suzy proceeded to take the customer’s order. Neither of them was any wiser for the experience. I stepped outside to meditate. Would I have to fire her? I was not fer sures on that?
You hear many endearing phrases in the county. I find, ‘a doins’ quite charming. Such as there's a doins at Bubba's tonight. Translated this means, festivities will take place at Bubba’s residence this evening.
‘Pert near’ is fun. Linguists translate this colorful twist on grammar as meaning, ‘almost’ not nearby. As in, pert near everybody ceptin that cidiot been told bout the rodeo. Meaning, almost everyone, except the new city idiot, was informed of the upcoming rodeo event.
Unfortunately, telling a high maintenance Dressage Equestrian (they are all high-maintenance), “Ya aint's fer sures on that,” translates as, “Hello, we are illiterate, so buy our product.” Following this with no offer to expand your knowledge and assist the customers says, “We may be illiterate, but that's ok. We also suck. Thank you and have a nice day.”
Tourists passing through this area have improperly translated another phrase. “What chya doin?” is often misinterpreted as the rhetorical “What's up?” or “What's happening?” Sadly, that is not its meaning. “What chya doin?” literally translates as, “What are you doing?" Confusion on this matter is based on timing.
“What chya doing?” is often asked when your activity could not be more blatantly obvious. For example: You're spreading cheese over flat dough topped with tomato sauce. Mountains of pepperoni are poised nearby. A stranger asks, “What chya doin?" Heads up: They literally have not connected the dots. Do not wisecrack, “Installing solar panels." Before you know it, you'll be explaining how green peppers affect your hot water supply.
Here in South Dakota low wages have brought in large numbers of Customer Service call centers. Airlines, finance companies, catalog sales, these types of companies coagulate around Rapid City. Lately there has been a lot of concern over competition from India. Apparently the population of India is highly educated and enunciates in a manner more understandable than that of South Dakotans. Americans, not having Hindi as the mother tongue, stand little chance. Still, there is a certain irony in residents of the Black Hills losing something to Indians. How many groups will that statement offend? I ain't fer sures on that.
About The Author
Nola L. Kelsey
Field Notes on Country Linguistics is an excerpt from the satire Bitch Unleashed: The Harsh Realities of Goin' Country by Nola L. Kelsey. A free e-book copy of Bitch Unleashed is available on Nola Kelsey's web site at http://www.NolaKelsey.com or order it at your favorite bookstore.

How to Obtain Better Gas Mileage by: Ken Reno
During the early years, ten dollars per barrel was just the price of oil, but nowadays, it has reached a staggering price that makes ten dollars per barrel prehistoric in proportion.
Everybody has heard the news, (if really it's considered news at all), that gasoline price is continually increasing, which brings us to the question: “Can we do something to prevent gas price hike?”
The world can’t do much to control the gas price increase. But being frugal and wise in consuming gas could help. Gas conservation not only safeguards our environmental resources, it will also keep our almost-empty pockets filled with few silver coins.
There are various ways that one may employ to help alleviate the discomfort that the increase of gas price brings.
The least that one can do is to maximize the gas his or her little amount of money was able to afford. So how does one obtain better gas mileage?
1. Don't consume it at all.
Combining all the little bills that are allotted for your gasoline consumption will may not buy you a new car, but it may be enough to buy you another gallon of gasoline when you need it most. Opting to walk can be a healthier and cheaper way to do it.
2. Check your air filter.
Always make sure that your air filter is in good working condition. If you need to replace it, don't put it off. Air filters are not that expensive and replacing them is easy. It is advisable is that you replace your old air filter at least once a year.
3. Check your oil's quality.
Another important thing that must never be overlooked is the quality of your car's oil. If your car's oil is dirty, your car consumes much more gas since the engine can't run more efficiently as it used to. Oil change is recommended every 3 to 5 thousand miles.
4. Check your tire pressure.
Driving on low pressured tires consumes more gas since it is exerting more effort than a car that has well-pressured tires. Secure a tire gauge for your car maintenance needs. You should always check your tires at least once a week Also, check the tire alignments regularly because correctly aligned car tires will make the car run much smoother and faster.
5. Check your carburetor.
Your car's carburetor should also be maintained well. It should also be tuned up well to ensure that you don't let your car consume gas excessively. Vehicles today have fuel injection as a replacement to the carburetor. It is wise to use a fuel injection cleaner when filling up your tank because it is a lot more convenient to use.
6. Check your exhaust system.
Make sure that your exhaust system has no holes, leaks or weak parts to ensure that you don't lose power because of its bad condition.
Those are just a few of the things that one can easily do to help in conserving gas. Making use of these tips will help you get more miles out of that expensive gallon of gas and all of these things will also make your car safer and last longer for you and your family to use.
You see, it's just a matter of discipline and sheer consciousness regarding your own gas consumption which can give you better gas mileage.
About The Author
Ken Reno is the owner of numerous websites, including http://www.CheapGasIsGone.com.

Sell Your House Fast by: Raynor James
There is nothing worse than putting house up for sale and watching it sit on the market. Here are a few tips to sell your house fast.
Sell Your House Fast
The following tips will help you sell your house fast, but we need to cover something first. If you have some type of defect with your house, it is going to have to be repaired. There is a difference between making small mistakes that prevent a sale versus having a major problem like a sliding foundation. These tips will only help if your home is in reasonably good shape when compared to those houses selling in your neighborhood.
The number one thing involved in selling your house fast is the price. The price of your home should not be what you personally think it is worth. Buyers simply don’t care about such things. To sell your house fast, you have to find a price that is attractive to buyers. The best way to do this is to look for comparable houses in your neighborhood that sold fast. Find out how much they sold for and compare your price to the prices the other houses went for. If you are above those prices, you need to take a deep breath and lower your price. When it comes to pricing your house for a fast sale, do not try to recreate the wheel. Just follow the lead set by neighbors in your area.
The second thing you can do is deal with clutter. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve taken a buyer to a home only to be shocked by the amount of junk stuffed in garage, basement and rooms of the home. Whether you like it or not, you are selling a product. Clear out the clutter and make it look as nice as possible. Buyers will be much more interested in buying a sharp looking property.
Another tip is to let go of your emotional attachments in the home. A friend of mine recently sold a home and nearly had the sale fall through over four high quality bar stools. They were hand made and one of a kind. The buyer wanted them thrown into the sale and my friend refused. The deal eventually went through without the bar stools included. When my friend moved into his new home, he realized there was no room for the bar stools and ended up putting them on consignment! Don’t fall into this trap!
To sell your house fast, the number one issue is always price. Nail down the proper price and you should be able to move the property as quickly as your neighbors did.
About The Author
Raynor James is with the FSBO site - http://www.fsboamerica.org - FSBO homes for sale by owner. Visit our "sell my home" page - http://www.fsboamerica.org/seller.cfm - to sell your house yourself with a free 1 month listing.

Tips On Choosing The Best Dog Tracking System by: Jack Russell
Dogs are man’s best friend, and this is not an understatement. This is because man and dogs find things that they can both enjoy such as playing, wrestling, running, and even hunting.
There are people who bring their dogs along whenever they are out for a hunting activity. They do this because they find their dog’s company during hunting a worthwhile inclusion.
Moreover, there are dogs that are also adept in hunting activities especially those that were trained for specific types of hunting activities.
It is for this reason that certain devices were created in order to help hunters monitor the activities of their dogs. An example of these devices is the dog tracking system.
Basically, a dog tracking system is a device that is used by hunters to track the activities of their dogs while they are out hunting. These tracking systems are typically used to monitor dogs on their location, their current activity, or to check whenever dogs have already gotten its prey.
So, for people who are not aware of how dog tracking system works or why they are so important for some people, here’s a list of some facts regarding this marvelous device.
1. Dog tracking systems are used mainly by hunters like coon hunters, upland bird hunters, hounds men, etc. They use this system in order to monitor their dogs that are out on the field.
2. This particular tracking system is also used whenever the hunters can no longer see their dogs because of distance or terrain.
3. Dog tracking collars are great alternatives when hunters can no longer use their dog bells or their beeper collars.
4. With dog tracking collars, they can easily spot their dogs and call their attention. Best of all, dog tracking collars are also applicable in tracking numerous dogs in a certain hunting activity.
5. There are some dog tracking systems that allow the handler to verify or find out what the dog is doing. All they have to do is to use some performance systems that are included in the collar.
In this way, the handler can tell if the dog is currently walking, if it has stopped, if it is barking at something, or if it has already caught its prey.
Moreover, dog tracking systems are not only for hunting purposes. There are people who can make use of this device whenever their dogs are lost.
With dog tracking system, hunting can be fun for both dogs and their handlers.
About The Author
Jack Russell is a a long time dog fancier, visit his Dog Resources Blog and download his Free Dog Owners Handbook - it's Dog Gone Good! http://www.daveshealthbuzz.com/dogcare/.

I found several stores for you that sell autos, parts, tools, appliances, furniture, hardware, gardening and pets!

Introduction to Oil Painting Techniques by: Ralph Serpe
Oil paint is an amazing versatile medium. It can be applied in a thick buttery fashion or thinned down to a watery consistency. This versatility opens the door to a number of different painting techniques.
My personal preference is to begin my oil paintings by first sketching out the composition using acrylic paint or with water-soluble oil paints. The popular approach to oil painting is to thin the paint with turpentine to apply your initial layers. Turpentine is quite toxic and I prefer not to work with it. Acrylic or water-soluble oil paints can be thinned down with plain old water and are more pleasant to work with in my opinion.
You can also begin your oil painting by first drawing out your composition. There are a few drawing mediums that work quite nicely with oil paints. My two favorites are vine charcoal and water-soluble pencils. I prefer vine charcoal because it doesn't smudge like other charcoals and it can be erased easier. Water-soluble pencils are wonderful because they can be applied like ordinary colored pencils and can also be dampened with a brush allowing you to spread out the color.
If you are the impatient type, you may want to try your hand at the Alla Prima oil painting technique. The Alla Prima method is when you complete the painting in one sitting rather than paint in layers and wait for the paint to dry. Although I usually prefer to work out my paintings in layers, I occasionally enjoy this exciting and spontaneous approach to oil painting.
If you are the careful, patient type of painter, you may be interested in working with glazes. Glazing has lost popularity these days, partly because of the time needed to complete such a painting and it's difficulty, but the results are something truly unique to any other type of painting technique. The composition is first painted with an opaque monochrome underpainting, usually in shades of gray. After this initial underpainting is thoroughly dry, thin layers of transparent oil glazes are applied. Colors are not mixed directly but added in separate layers to get the desired color.
If you are the adventurous type, put the brushes aside and try a set of painting or palette knives. You can achieve some very interesting results with knives that aren't possible with brushes. The oil paint can be spread on thickly and scraped off with ease. What I enjoy most about using knives is the tendency to not focus on the small details. I am forced to paint in a more relaxed fashion that creates an impressionist style painting. Get yourself a set of painting knives and try to complete an entire painting with just the knives. It's challenging at first if you are used to brushes, but it's an enjoyable exercise.
Perhaps you would like your painting to have more body and texture. You could try the impasto technique and apply your paint in thick heavy strokes, leaving evidence of all those wonderfully artistic brush strokes. Take a look at a Van Gogh painting and you will see this technique in action.
It's really no wonder why oil painting is such a popular choice for painters. There is so much to discover in oil painting. You will never get bored trying out all the wonderful tools, mediums and techniques.
About The Author
Ralph Serpe
For more oil painting techniques, including free step-by-step demonstrations from experienced oil painters, head over to http://www.creativespotlite.com/oil-painting-lessons.htm today.

I was looking for gifts such as art, collectibles, crafts, books, baked gifts and I found them shopping online.

My wife always shops for clothes, shoes, makeup and jewelry online.

My kids said to go online for Christmas toys this year.

Most of the time I shop online for electronics such as audio, tvs, cell phones, wireless digital cameras and pdas.

I found all the furniture and hardware I needed online.

My friend the chef said to look online for kitchen supplies and recipes.

Taking Care of Your Car’s Battery by: Matthew C. Keegan
Every car comes with one, but some motorists act as if this particular component is completely maintenance free. What am I talking about? Your car’s battery. Technological advances have made “maintenance free” batteries standard equipment on virtually every vehicle produced today. However, the term “maintenance free” is a misnomer, one that can leave you stranded if you do not perform proper and regular maintenance. Battery maintenance isn’t difficult to do, so let’s take a look at what you can do to keep your car running.
Before discussing battery maintenance, please make sure that your battery is, in fact, the sealed type. If it isn’t, then the “maintenance free” label certainly does not apply and you will need to add water on a regular basis. Unsealed batteries are easy to spot as they have small vent caps on top of the battery which can be twisted open. You will need to periodically add distilled water to maintain water levels; more so in the summer months as water tends to evaporate quicker. Do not let your battery run low or run out of water as the battery’s cells can be ruined.
If your battery is of the sealed variety, then the “maintenance free” label is still only partially true since the term only extends to you not needing to add water to the cells as you would with an unsealed battery.
With any type of car battery - sealed or unsealed - you must do the following to help keep it working properly:
1. Clean the cables. Disconnect the cables from the battery and clean them with a wire brush that has been doused in a home made mixture [the mixture combines one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water]. Use this same mixture to clean off the top of the battery; use a small and clean paint brush to apply the solution where needed.
2. Lubricate the posts. A small dab of petroleum jelly on each post will help keep your cables clean and free of corrosion longer. In addition, the jelly will make it easier for you to slip the cables back onto the battery.
3. Check connections. Besides the connection between the cable and the posts, make sure that the battery hold down bar is securely in place. Not all cars have or need a battery hold down bar, but if yours has come so equipped, you will need to put it back in its proper place.
That’s it! Car battery maintenance is an easy task and one that should be performed on an annual basis. If you keep your battery properly maintained, you will extend its life and greatly reduce the chance that your battery will fail you at an inopportune time. Yes, the “maintenance free” label is incorrect, so please don’t be lulled into forgetting to do something that should never be overlooked.
About The Author
Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Race Pages: http://www.racepages.com/parts/alternator.html Retailer of vehicle headlights: http://www.racepages.com/parts/headlight.html and Honda fog lights: http://www.racepages.com/parts/fog_light.html

Ten Tips To Ensure That You Choose The Right Carpet For Your Home Or Office by: Des Nangle
Buying a new carpet for your home or business is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
The right choices will ensure that your chosen carpet not only looks great but also proves to be a wise investment.
The wrong choices however can be costly in terms of money and time wasted.
The following ten tips should give you a head start when it comes to buying the best carpet for your home or office.
Top Ten Buying Tips
1) Suitability – Ensure that your carpet supplier understands how the carpet will be used in terms of location and potential for wear and tear. Carpeting for your stairs for example may well need to be different from that used for your bedroom. Ensure that you discuss how your chosen flooring will cope with the demands placed upon it with your carpet retailer.
2) Decoration – Your carpet should be a fundamental element of any interior decorating scheme and as such chose your carpet before you start decorating and install it after all the decorating has finished!
3) Style and Design – Carpet offers great versatility in terms of styling, colours and design. Ensure that you have really exhausted all options in terms of colour, style and design before finally picking your chosen carpet.
4) Longevity – What are your expectations of how long your carpet is expected to last? Different carpets will have differing levels of resilience to wear and tear so ensure that you have fully explored all of the options if your carpet is to match your expectations.
5) Budget – Budget is key. Buying a carpet involves additional costs such as getting it fitted, laying underlay and perhaps paying for furniture and other items to be moved or stored. Don’t forget to factor all of these elements into your financial plans.
6) Professionally Measurement – Buying a new carpet is a big investment and as such having your home or office professionally measured will ensure that firstly you buy the correct amount of carpet and secondly that the carpet purchased is suited to the role that it is being asked to perform. Good carpet retailers will offer this service for free!
7) Get a Sample – Samples allow you to judge how your carpet will fit into your home or office and should be viewed in natural and artificial light at differing times of the day. Again good carpet retailers will offer samples for free and ensure that you have the sample to hand when the carpet arrives and is being fitted to ensure that it is exactly what you have ordered!
8) Buy New Underlay - New underlay will extend the life of your carpet by up to 40%. For any size project, fitting new underlay will return the cost invested into it, many times over.
9) Employ a Professional Carpet Fitter – Fitting carpets is a skilled craft and offers of “free fitting” may well come back to haunt you. A well fitted carpet should be seamless and tightly stretched and only professional carpet fitters will achieve the maximum potential from your carpeting investment.
10) You Get What You Pay For – As with most things in life you really do get what you pay for with regard to carpets. Whilst cheap carpeting with recycled underlay and a non professional fitting may save you money initially, the rapid degeneration that you see with regard to your carpeting will soon ensure that more time and money is wasted on rectifying earlier mistakes.
Buy wisely, buy well, seek out professional retailers and fitters and your new carpet will return the investments that you have made into it many times over.
About The Author
Des Nangle is a director of Gilt Edge Carpets at www.giltedgecarpets.co.uk, a London Carpet Shop that supplies high quality wool and natural carpets to beautiful homes and stylish offices in West and South West London. They provide a full sales and fitting service to ensure that your London home or office is fitted with the best looking and most appropriate carpeting or natural flooring.

Tips On Tires by: Ali Moazami
Tire safety is very important. Here are some regular checks that you can perform on your tires to insure your safety:
Lumps or swelling. Any lumps or swelling that appears on the sidewall are signs of tire weakness. If not attended to, it can lead to tire blow out.
Irregular tread wear must be checked out immediately. One of the best ways to check your tread depth is to do a "Penny Test". Stick a penny into a tire groove by turning it upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to get new tires. You might want to check several tire grooves to determine whether one part of the tire is wearing faster than another. Inspect the sidewalls for any bulges, that indicate internal problems. Also, if you see any wires anywhere, it's not safe to drive, as the tire might explode at any moment.
Sidewall fractures.
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles.
Balance your tires regularly.
Buy and install tires in sets.
Keep the steering and suspension aligned properly.
Don't forget to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Change in temperature causes the tire pressure to drop. Use a tire-pressure gauge to set your tires to your manufacturer's recommended pressure. This information is almost always printed in your owner's manual.
About The Author
Copyright © 2005 AutoDiscover. All rights reserved. Ali Moazami owns and operates an auto consulting firm. The company was established to change the way the consumers buy and lease their cars by providing unbiased advice. For more information visit: www.autodiscover.com.

How To Start Your Own Website by: Jennifer Shircel
I’m one of those people that always wanted a website, but had no clue as to using the internet. I could check my email and that was about it. I never heard of ISP, FTP or all those other “words”.
When I discovered that I had the website making program Microsoft FrontPages I was determined to learn something about html. Then when I discovered I could earn some money by having a website I wanted to start yesterday! And here I am, still don’t know hardly anything, but I’m running a website! So believe me when I say, “if I can, you can!”
Here are some basics to get you going:
1.) Pick a topic. Decide what you want your site to be about. Be sure to choose something that is very interesting to you so that you keep your site new and exciting and your visitors returning. Research, research, research! Get a lot of information for your visitors to read. Add a lot of content to your site, not just link exchanges. Search engines (like yahoo and google) love content.
2.) Get web hosting and a domain name. The host is who holds your site on the internet and your domain name is www. What you want it to say .com. You can get free hosting, but these usually are not good for making money. They typically post their own ads and will not let you post any. But, if you’re looking for a free hsot to start with, I would check out Bravenet. They have a ton of freebies that you can use like web templates, visitor counters, chat rooms, guestbooks and a lot more. For inexpensive web hosting and domain names, I like 1&1. I purchased my domain name and web hosting from them for $4.99 a month!
3.) Design your site. This is the fun stuff (if you’re the creative type). You may either do it yourself or you could pay a professional to do it. If you don’t know any html then you can purchase a program like Microsoft FrontPages or Dreamweaver and do it yourself. These programs make designing a website a snap! You can also find free web templates out there which have the basic design, you just have to add the words.
4.) Get affiliates for your site. Now this is where the “make money” part comes in. Being an affiliate means that you are helping companies to sell their products. Typically they will either pay you a commission on a sale of their product or by a click on their link. Be sure to choose affiliates that coincide with your topic. Some great places to go for affiliates are Google AdSense, Commission Junction and Click Bank.
5.) Start Advertising. Add your sites url (the link to your site) to all of your signatures. Tell everyone you can about your new site; family, friends, coworkers—everyone! Add a link to your site in all of your emails. A good site to check out is www.MomPack.com You can find many other moms on there looking to help you advertise.
6.) Start Making Money!!
For more tips like these, visit us at www.MomOnABudget.com.
About The Author
Jennifer Shircel is the owner of www.MomOnABudget.com - an excellent resource for moms. MomOnABudget offers many money saving tips, work at home ideas, quick easy recipes, how to decorate on a budget and so much more!

Home Improvements – General Points by: Raynor James
Every home improvement situation is different. Still, there are some general points that apply to most projects.
Some General Points
When all the woodwork in a house is the same color (cream, white, and off-white work easily), spaces tend to visually “flow smoothly” even if the walls of rooms are different colors. Make sure you don’t break this rule.
The colors of all rooms, which can be seen at the same time, should look good together. Let’s take a typical center hall floor plan for a modern two-story house. The living room and dining room are to the right and left of the entrance. The foyer goes straight back to the family room, breakfast area, and kitchen across the back of the house. There is probably a deck opening off that area. Some part of all those areas can be seen from each room, and the foyer walls continue upstairs to a hall from which each bedroom is visible.
To continue our example with cream woodwork, the foyer and halls might be painted a pearl gray, light tan, soft gold, or deeper cream. The woodwork is probably a gloss or semi-gloss and the walls and ceiling a flat paint. Since ceilings reflect light down on people, they're usually best in cream or off-white. I once saw a dining room with an indirectly lit octagonal tray ceiling painted to look like creamy clouds in a peachy sunset sky that made every dinner guest look like he or she had a perfect complexion. It was wonderful.
The living room opening off our foyer might be a solid color (maybe sage green or deeper tan) or it might look very handsome with a vertically striped wall paper (cream and gray, cream and green, or cream and tan are good possibilities). The dining room is apt to have a chair rail. A darker color could look good below the chair rail (again sage green, gray, gold or tan would work) with a lighter tint of the same color above. If a solid color were chosen for the living room, the dining room could handle a deep red below the chair rail and a cream paper with a narrow red stripe above it. Lots of crystal and mirrors would look terrific in a room like that.
I’m sure you get the idea. Today’s open floor plans make it important that rooms work together.
About The Author
Raynor James is with the FSBO site - http://www.fsboamerica.org - FSBO homes for sale by owner. Visit our "sell my home" page - http://www.fsboamerica.org/seller.cfm - to sell your house yourself with a free 1 month listing.

Should I Finish My Log Furniture? by: Mike Messer
The natural look of log furniture is one of the reasons it is becoming a more popular home décor not only for the log home market, but other home styles as well. We are frequently asked this question. I want to keep my log furniture looking as natural as possible, should I have it finished? The answer to this is in our opinion is yes. Finishing can change the appearance somewhat depending on the type of wood or finish, but the rewards are well worth it in the long run.
The oils in our hands are easily absorbed by unfinished wood. Of course our hands are never perfectly clean and the dirt is also absorbed right into the wood with the oil leaving soiled areas where your hands frequently touch the furniture. On a bed this is usually either the headboard or the footboard. On dressers, of course the drawer pulls and the edge around the top gets the most handling. If an item is finished, washing is easy. It's another story on bare wood. Some folks have taken the furniture out to the shop to sand it down again, but most people don't have the proper tools or just don’t want to mess with it. It's easier to just have it finished to begin with. Finished log furniture will pass the test of time in keeping your furniture looking good for many years.
To keep log furniture looking as natural as possible, most manufactures use a clear finish. There are many types of finishes available on the market. Many retail stores use the term "poly" to describe their finish when in reality it might not be polyurethane at all. Polyurethane in its purest state is a very hard durable finish but doesn't adhere well to products. For this reason most "Poly" finishes are usually a combination of Polyurethane and Acrylic. Other types of finishes consist of Varnishes, Lacquers, etc. Some finishes are hazardous to your health not to mention bad for the environment. This is the reason we use a non-toxic water base Acrylic on our furniture. It is very durable, will not yellow with time, and even fingernail polish remover doesn't touch it!
Some types of wood used in log furniture construction such as Pine or Aspen will darken only slightly with the application of a finish. The exception to this is White Cedar. The finish on White Cedar will actually change this wood from a very light uniform color, to a very beautiful distinctive color variation between the sapwood and the heartwood. The heartwood will become somewhat darker giving it a very unique character.
Red Cedar is a different kind of animal. An oil base finish will darken the wood to a deep red or purple color, however a water base acrylic finish will leave it more of a pinkish color. You often have the option when ordering to purchase it unfinished and finish yourself or have the company finish it for you.
So, should you finish your log furniture? We strongly recommend it. We think you will be happier in the end.
Copyright 2005 Great Lakes Rustics LLC
About The Author
Mike Messer and business partner Dave Kondek have a successful business designing, building, and selling log furniture in the Continental US, Alaska, and Canada. Permission is granted to reprint this article, either online or in written publications, as long as a link address to the Great Lakes Rustics LLC website is contained therein. http://www.glrustics.com.

How to Make a Christmas Wreath by: Alice Stacy
One of the great joys of Christmas, is doing things together. That includes everything from shopping and wrapping gifts, to cutting a tree, baking goodies, and making your own special decorations, like wreaths.
Even the children can help gather fir tips, and with a little help from parents, and some simple accessories like bows, bells, candy canes and berries from a discount store, they have great presents for aunts, uncles, grandparents and teachers.
Wreaths are made on a steel ring, with a good gauge wire. Check with your local craft store to see if they carry the supplies you need, or if you'll need to order them online. This should be done a few months ahead of Christmas, in case it takes time to get the supplies.
However, the fir tips can't be gathered until late in the Fall. The needles on fir trees need to "set", and the tree must have stopped growing for the year. In northern states like Maine, it is recommended not to gather tips until at least early November, after three consecutive nights of temperatures that are 20F or lower.
Fir tips are literally the end of the tree branches. The actual tip is a center stem, with one to either side, growing from the base. As you go back up the main stem, you have stems growing off both sides, and the further you go, the side stems will have more stems of their own, which often branch off into secondary stems.
Tipping, is to cut the last 12-20 inches off branches from the middle of the tree. This is where you are more likely to find branches with needles all around the stems. Lower branches are older and have had more wear, and upper branches are newer, and tend to be longish.
From a 12" branch end, you can break 2-3 sections, each having a stem/branch of 4-6 inches, depending on the width of the wreath you are making. A standard wreath size is 16-20", and is made on a 12" wire ring. You will want to attach perhaps three pieces on each side of the ring, in order to give the wreath fullness.
First, attach the end of a roll of wire securely to the ring. Lay one bunch of tips on the wire ring, lining up the wooden stem with the ring. Wrap the wire around the stems, about 1/3 of the way up the branches. If your wrap it too low, your tips will flop off the wreath. Pass the wire around the fir tips and ring, twice, and pull tightly after each pass.
Turn the ring over, and attach a second bunch to the other side in the same way. When you become more skilled, you will be able to put a bunch on each side at the same time, being careful to wrap the wire tightly to secure both bunches at once.
Work your way around the ring in this manner. As you break your fir branches into smaller bunches, try to keep them about the same length, so your wreath has some uniformity. Little bits that stick out, can be trimmed off when you're done, with a pair of rose clippers.
When you come to where you started with the first bunch, it sometimes looks like there isn't enough room for more, but there would be a gap if you didn't add something. Take your last bunch, and insert the stems under the tips of the first bunch, lift the tips and pass your wire around that last set of stems. Wrap an extra time or two for good measure, then form a loop, twist the wire, and cut it. You're now ready to trim and decorate your creation!
About The Author
Alice Stacy
Love home decor? Why not make a career out of it by checking out the home decor opportunities at http://www.homedecorbusiness.com.

Bar Furniture For Your Home by: Sari El-Dajjani
Looking for stylish bar furniture for your home? This article will provide you with information on picking the right barstools and bar table for your home.
Need home decorating advice? Looking for stylish bar furniture for your home? Then you have come to the right place. The addition of bar furniture in homes is becoming more frequent. Everyday people are looking for bar furniture to buy so they can add more fashion to their homes. What can bar furniture do for you? It could be a place where you can take a break from everything and relax with friends and family and enjoy a drink. Having bar furniture in your house, you will be able to entertain friends and guests more easily. Socializing becomes more fun, especially with a great bar table and relaxing bar stools for everyone to enjoy. The sheer beauty of bar furniture with stylish glassware and spirits will add class to your home for the holidays. Imagine stirring a martini in your home with the look of bottles and glassware all lined up on your bar table! Buying the right bar furniture for your home, will definitely keep you and your family entertained this Holiday Season. It would be perfect for the kitchen counter, the family room, game room or anywhere you desire.
How do you pick the right bar table and barstools for your home? Well, the size and the design of the bar furniture you are looking for should depend on the available space you have at home and the budget you want to spend on your bar furniture. If your looking for something simple, then a bar table with a couple of barstools would be sufficient. A bar table and a couple of barstools are not very expensive and they would make a great addition to your home. But how do you pick the right bar furniture? You can choose from contemporary, chrome, swivel, metal and more. What’s important is that it fits with the overall decor of your home. If you decide to set up your bar in the living room, then make sure that the bar table and the barstools don’t change the whole design of your living room. There are also several colors and styles to choose from, so finding the right one won’t be a problem. You just need to decide which style fits your home best.
Let me first start with the contemporary bar furniture. Contemporary bar furniture will add a modern look to you home because they are sleek and stylish. Usually contemporary designs can fit with the existing decoration of your home very easily too. Another advantage to contemporary bar furniture is that they are very easy to clean and because of the aluminum or chrome design, they always look good. So if you’re looking for something that is stylish and comfortable, then contemporary barstools and a bar table would be the right choice for you. Contemporary bar furniture will give your home an exciting and appealing look, creating a great atmosphere for the holidays.
What kind of barstools would one recommend? I would highly recommend swivel barstools because of their decorative element and sense of style. Swivel barstools are great for homes because they have a swivel mechanism in their design that allows for one to save on space by allowing the person to sit and turn in the stool very easily. They are lightweight, practical and durable. They are also built of the highest quality of metal and fabrics and best of all they are inexpensive when compared with our barstools. Finally height adjustable stools allows you to set the size you need. This way the adjustable stool can be converted from table height to bar height very easily. So if you need another seat at the table, you can easily adjust the barstool. Our Modern Barstool is a swivel barstool made of a chrome base, and a metal footrest. This barstool is ideal for your bar, kitchen, counter or table and is easily adjusted. We also carry the bar chair, contoured barstool, high back barstool, and L barstool. All our barstools are swivel barstools built to add joy and comfort to your homes. They also come in a variety of colors to choose form. So finding the right swivel barstool won’t be a problem.
What kind of bar table should one order? Since individual preferences differ, it is highly recommended that one measure the space available before ordering or deciding on a certain style. According to One Way Furniture, it is usually most comfortable to have between 9 to 13 inches of leg room space between your barstool and the height of the bar table. There are a variety of bar tables to choose from when shopping for bar furniture. We carry the modern bar tables that are sure to spice up any room. The mirror finish chromed metal base and high gloss tabletop enhance its beauty, making it perfect for game rooms, the bar, the kitchen or anywhere else you can imagine. If your looking for a bar table that will set your home apart with style, then the modern bar table is the right choice. The table is contemporary, versatile and sophisticated.
Our barstools and bar tables are innovative and stylish. The swivel barstool has an adjustable gas piston that allows you to adjust your seat easily. They also are available in several colors, so you can mix and match when picking out your bar furniture. Our modern bar tables will set your home apart by adding style and elegance to your home. Throughout our site, you will find a large selection of barstools and a couple of bar tables to compliment your home. Currently, our web site is running a promotion for the holidays. Buy a bar table with 2 barstools and save $50 off your purchase. Visit the special’s page for more information. If you do not find what you are looking for on our site, then shop around to constantly compare prices, in order to find the best deal. Good luck!
http://www.coconutzhomeandgarden.com
About The Author
My name is Sari El-Dajjani, marketing director for Coconutz Home and Garden, your source for inexpensive home and garden products from around the world at reasonable prices. I currently live in Orlando, Florida.
coconutzhomeandgarden@hotmail.com

The Visible Causes of Water Damage by: Kimberly Duncan
In order to prevent water damage, you must first learn what causes it. This article will cover the visible causes of water damage, the ones that are easy to self-detect.
Rainwater:
Rainwater will accumulate along the foundations or beneath the floor during rainy seasons unless directed away by proper drainage.
Gutter & Drain:
Clogged gutters will push rainwater under shingles, or will cause water to travel down the walls internally. A lack of drains can cause an overflow. Gutters must empty far enough away from foundation walls or else water will accumulate, leading to damage and a wet basement.
Windows and Doors:
Unprofessionally installed windows and doors allow water to penetrate into the wall. Damaged seals around windows or doors can cause windblown moisture penetration.
Leaking Roofs:
Old roofing materials can expose the roof deck to water intrusion and damage especially around chimneys and exhaust fans. Old shingles will curl and crack, allowing moisture intrusion. Cracked chimney caps allow water into interior areas of the chimney. Flat roof drains can clog and hold water on the roof, increasing the risks of a leak and a possible collapse of the entire roof under the weight of the water.
Attics:
Improper attic insulation and ventilation allows heat to escape, turning rooftop snow into an ice-dam. Ice dams will force moisture under roof shingles where it can drip into the attic or walls.
About The Author
Kimberly Duncan is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS™, a leading restoration services provider for water and fire damages.
To learn more about water damage restoration, visit http://restorationsos.com
Information includes: How to prevent water damages? What are the causes of water damage? Best ways to deal with a water damage disaster.