Setting Up a Pet Care Budget

Having a pet means additional expenses for you, ones that need to be rolled into your monthly budget. Plan ahead to be sure you can cover all the predictable expenses for pet care — and those you didn’t count on.

FoodSetting up a pet care budget begins by figuring out how much it costs to feed your pet. Do you have a regular brand of pet food that you buy? Whether it’s from the neighborhood grocery store or from your vet, estimate how often you purchase the food and put this figure in your budget. Include costs for pet treats, as well.MedicinePets, like people, can run into significant and chronic health problems. Allergies, for example, can be an issue for some animals. Your pet may have to take regular medicine for a chronic issue. You may also have to pay for regular heartworm and flea and tick prevention. Calculate your current cost and figure in some reasonable padding for unexpected medications.

Veterinary careVet expenses for your pet will likely add up to some of your most significant costs. Plan for regular check-ups and vaccinations, and figure that you may have to take your pet in to the vet at least once a year for an ailment.

It may be worthwhile to consider health insurance for your pet, which is an expense that you can predict and budget for. There are many different plans that are available, and your choice may depend on the age, breed and overall health of your animal. Your veterinarian can help you decide what kind of coverage might be best for your pet.

Boarding/Pet sittingJust like daycare expenses for families with children, paying for those who can watch over your furry friend when you can’t will be a significant part of your pet care budget. If you leave town and need to board your dog, make sure to budget for the cost, even if it’s an irregular occurrence.

GroomingIf you have your pet groomed professionally, calculate the monthly cost. If the cost looks prohibitive, perhaps you could save some money by washing your pet at home and having it groomed professionally every other month. In this category you’ll also want to include the cost of brushes, combs and pet shampoo.

Bathroom accessoriesIf you have a cat, you’ll need to calculate the cost of litter, after the initial outlay for a litter box and accessories. For a dog, allow for the small, but regular, expense of those handy bags that you follow your furry friend around with on walks.

LiabilityHaving a pet also means the possibility of it biting someone. Though it is difficult, and probably impractical, to budget for legal costs should your pet injure another person, renters’ insurance may cover many of the costs for you and is a budgetable expense. However, dogs with an aggressive history or breeds that are considered dangerous may be excluded.

TrainingIf you have a young or disobedient pet, you’ll want to consider obedience classes as a part of your expenses, though these should have a finite cost. If, however, you want to train your dog extensively, you might put “continuing education” into your budget.

MiscellaneousUnder this category, budget for the things you won’t replace often but will be rotating expenses, such as pet toys, leashes, collars, sweaters and food/water bowls.

Pets bring incalculable love and companionship to our lives — and plenty of calculable expenses, as well. Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected costs for your furry friend — prepare your pet care budget today.

source: http://www.movingtoday.com/setting-up-a-pet-care-budget/

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation'sCivil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since theCivil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Several Southern states continue to set aside a special day for honoring the Confederate dead, which is usually called Confederate Memorial Day.

Source: http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history

How to Pack Fragile Items

Worried that your fragile items might not survive the trip to your new digs? Relax. Pack fragile items safely by following some simple packing tips.

To get started, all you need are the right tools. The following moving supplies are musts for moving fragile objects:

• Newsprint
• Packing or masking tape
• Markers
• Bubble wrap
• Cardboard boxes
• Styrofoam peanuts
• Stretch plastic wrap

Glassware and china
When it comes to packing fragile plates or collectibles, the key is to give each item individual attention before stowing it away in a box.

Start by preparing a cardboard box, securing the bottom with packing tape. (Wooden boxes are also good options.) Use as small a box as possible for the items — even if that means you’ll use three smaller boxes to pack your entire china collection. Smaller boxes are lighter, and therefore easier to carry. If you’re packing stemware, get a special stemware box from a moving store. These boxes provide individual slots for glasses.

Next add a shock-absorbing layer of bubble wrap to the bottom of your box. Then wrap each individual fragile item in bubble wrap or newsprint. (Use blank newsprint for your glasses and dishes. Since it doesn’t have ink on it, it won’t stain or dirty your china.) Stack the wrapped items in your box — heavier items on the bottom, lighter items on the top — taking care not to overstuff it. Finally, pour in Styrofoam peanuts to fill up empty spaces and provide secondary cushioning.

After you tape up your box, mark it as fragile. You may even want to wrap it with red fragile tape (available at large moving stores) to make it easily identifiable. Professional movers will save these fragile boxes for last. If you’re moving yourself, do the same. And for truly priceless fragile items, transport them in the car where you’ll have more control over the bumpiness of the ride.

Mirrors and artwork
The glass in framed artwork or mirrors can shift around during a move, so it’s best to tape it. Apply masking tape in a star pattern on the glass to prevent sliding and safeguard against injury should the glass break during transit.

After the glass is secured, protect corners from dings with Styrofoam corner protectors (available at moving stores) or wrap the entire piece in bubble wrap, if possible.

If you plan on transporting your artwork in the car, the bubble wrap may be all the protective cushion you need. However, if you plan to pack fragile art or mirrors on a moving truck, buy an artwork box or crate. These slotted boxes prevent pieces from rubbing together.

Electronics
When it comes to moving fragile electronics, their original containers are the best protective packaging. But if you can’t find the original boxes, you can still pack electronics safely. Choose a box that’s slightly larger than your component, and layer it with bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts before and after inserting individual pieces.

Before you pack fragile electronics, make sure they’re empty of CDs or DVDs. And when it comes to your computer, back up all of your important files just to be safe. Don’t forget to secure any of the moving parts on your components with stretch plastic wrap. While you’re at it, make unpacking easier by labeling any wires or adapters before you put them into a box.

Furniture
Stretch plastic wrap is your best friend when it comes to moving fragile furniture. Wrapping the plastic around your furniture protects against dirt and scratches. It also prevents drawers from sliding out.

Before you load your fragile furniture on the moving truck, make sure you’ve covered its legs or casters. These delicate pieces are susceptible to breaks, so guard them with bubble wrap. Load these heavy items on the truck first and cover them with furniture blankets to provide cushioning.

Unloading
Pack fragile items safely and securely, and there’ll be no regrets when you unload. A little planning can also make the process go by quicker: take a moment to label each box’s final room destination when you pack, and you’ll know exactly where it should end up in your new place without having to open the box.

Source: http://www.movingtoday.com/how-to-pack-fragile-items/?WT.mc_id=30426

Are your personal belongings protected for Hurricane Season?

To those of you who reside in any of our coastal communities, hurricane season is beginning in June just weeks away. Storm damage is probable in the wake of a hurricane. Damage to your personal items from any type of storm is not covered under the apartment community’s property insurance. Many of you have seen the recent devastation in North Carolina and Georgia from tornado activity. If your building is damaged or destroyed you are not covered for your personal belongings.

What you need to know is that YOU are personally liable for damages to the apartment community as well as damage to units surrounding you even if the Fire Department creates the damage with their equipment and water! This could be financially devastating to you and your family. Below are list of the many reasons you need to be insured.

Did you know that if lightning were to strike your apartment building causing damage to your electronics (TV, computer, etc.) you would be responsible for the replacement/repair costs of these items? The Landlord’s insurance is not.

Did you know that if lightning were to strike your apartment building causing a fire you are responsible for all of the personal contents inside your apartment home? The Landlord’s insurance is not.

Did you know that if a neighbor leaves a candle unattended causing a fire, and/or smoke or water damages your personal belongings, Courtney Station would not be responsible for the loss? And, if your neighbor does not have their own personal property insurance, again, you would be responsible for the replacement cost of these items.

Did you know that if a hurricane or tropical storm causes your apartment’s roof to leak or windows to break causing water damage to your personal belongings, the replacement cost of your items would not be covered by the landlord’s insurance?

And finally, Did you know that if a visitor is injured in your apartment or at the community while visiting you, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and more? Your current and future earnings could be at risk.

Many people are under the impression that an apartment communities’ insurance will cover such losses but this is inaccurate. The landlord’s policy does not include liability for something that happens in your rented residence or to your personal belongings.

how can you protect yourself and all of your personal property? Please obtain renter’s insurance. It is fairly inexpensive and your car insurance company may offer discounts for multiple policies. Most insurance carriers can help you select just the coverage you need based on exactly what you own so the renter’s insurance policy will suite your specific needs. The average annual cost for renter’s insurance today is approximately $120 per year, a small price to pay to be able to replace your entire household. Often times you can add renter’s insurance through your current automobile insurance policy for a better rate!

Section 8 of your lease agreement clearly expresses your need for insurance and your responsibility for protecting your personal property. Please protect yourself and your property by contacting your insurance company and begin a renter’s insurance policy today!

Nathan Fields is an agent for Statefarm and has some affordable rates. To contact Nathan, please call 912-351-6800.

Movie Night @ Forsyth Park May 28th

Movie Night @ Forsyth Park

May 28,2011

7:30pm

Featuring The Karate Kid

Bring your family, chairs, and baskets and enjoy a nice evening on the park. Movie begins at sunset and popcorn and drinks will be available to purchase.

Tybee Island Beach Bum Parade

The Beach Bum Parade might surprise the unsuspecting visitor. Like most parades, there are floats pulled behind cars and trucks. Unlike most parades, however, the floats, often trailers or boats, are filled with water-throwing paraphernalia. Spectators, lined up along the parade route on Butler Avenue, armed with buckets, squirt guns and hoses. What results is an all-out water war for fun loving beach bums of all ages. (912) 786-5444/(800) 868-2322

Could Your Pet Be Allergic?

You probably know plenty of people who are allergic to dogs and cats, but did you know that dogs and cats can develop allergies, too? Your pet could be allergic to her food, shampoo, or even pollen, in the same way that you could be allergic to these kinds of things.
While allergies cannot be cured, you can help allergic pets find some relief. Learn how to spot the signs of pet allergies and get the scoop on pet allergy treatments in these helpful tips.
Allergies in dogs and catsAllergies in dogs and cats are much more common than you might imagine. Just like their human counterparts who can develop allergies to certain foods, detergents, or plants, dogs and cats can also develop sensitivities to environmental stimuli. These pet allergies are some of the most common reasons pet owners visit vets.
Dogs and cats can be allergic to almost anything, but the most common sources of pet allergies are:
Grass, weeds, or other plants
Ingredients in pet food
Chemical cleaners and other household products
Flea saliva or dust mites
Your pet can develop allergies to any of these stimuli at any time, though allergies are most common in fully-grown dogs and cats. Even if your dog has been eating the same brand of pet food his entire life, he could suddenly develop an allergy to it in the middle of his adult life.
Pet allergy symptomsWhen your dog or cat has an allergy, he might experience the same types of symptoms that you suffer when you have an allergy. One day your dog could be prancing around the house, chasing the cat just like he normally would, and the next day, he could become lethargic and start sneezing. In this case, it’s pretty obvious that an allergy might be the culprit. But in other cases, the signs of an allergic pet are less obvious. Burping, flatulence, and restlessness — all common animal behaviors — might also indicate that your pet has developed an allergy. Some other common pet allergy symptoms include:
Redness and inflammation
Bumps and pustules
Red, watery eyes
Frequent scratching or licking
Ear irritation
Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
Because there are so many potential pet allergy symptoms, it’s best to take your animal to the veterinarian to discuss his behavior and symptoms. With the proper tests, a vet can help you rule out any other health issues and focus on finding the cause of a dog or cat allergy.
Pet allergy treatmentPet allergy treatment can involve a number of different approaches. After a vet determines that an allergy is causing your pet’s symptoms, he’ll likely have you attempt to identify the allergen by a process of trial and error. Once you determine which household stimuli are causing your pet’s allergies, you can eliminate or lessen his exposure to them. The solution could be as simple as wiping your pet’s paws every time he comes in from the back yard. Other pet allergy treatments might include drugs like antihistamines or steroids. Natural remedies like vitamin supplements and oatmeal baths may also provide allergy relief for your pet.
Whatever course of treatment your vet prescribes, it’s going to require some patience on your part. Even after you remove the allergen from your pet’s environment, it can take up to 10 weeks for a pet allergy to subside.
If you’re concerned that your pet has allergies, the first thing to do is try to listen to what your pet has to tell you. Observe your pet closely, and watch for any changes in his behavior that might signal something is wrong. If you take the time to pay attention to your pet’s unique signals, you and your veterinarian can come up with a course of pet allergy treatment that’s more likely to result in relief for your Fido or Kitty.


source:http://www.movingtoday.com/could-your-pet-be-allergic/

Finding A Great Restaurant Here in Savannah

Savannah — the city of Spanish moss, gothic ghost stories and low-country cuisine. How can you miss? Whether you’re looking for high- or low-end versions of the best restaurants in Savannah, we’ve assembled them into a best of list. Get your fill of shrimp and grits, Vidalia onions and all kinds of seafood in many of these Savannah restaurants, or experience a new take on some old coastal favorites.

Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room
No one can talk about Savannah restaurants without first mentioning Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room. It’s a dining experience you don’t get to have often, featuring tables for 10 so that strangers — maybe neighbors if you’re a local — get to rub elbows and pass the collards. Mrs. Wilkes’ menu is made up of Southern home-cooked favorites, such as fried chicken, okra, candied yams, and yes, collards greens too. They’ve been doing things the same way since the ’40s, so get the biscuits while they’re hot and don’t forget the banana pudding for dessert!

The Olde Pink House
The Olde Pink House has been a lot of things since it was built in 1771, including a bank, a tea house and headquarters for one of Sherman’s generals. Today, it’s a Savannah dining institution, featuring plenty of low country favorites, such as shrimp and grits and delicacies like grouper stuffed with blue crab.

Elizabeth on 37th
Frequently cited as the most high-end restaurant in town, award-winning Elizabeth on 37th is housed in a 1900s mansion and focuses on Southern coastal cuisine. The menu is seasonal, the herbs are homegrown and the experience is a very Savannah one — bringing together the town’s tradition of elegance and great seafood.

Garibaldi’s
Located in a circa 1870s firehouse, Garibaldi’s brings together the old and the new in a dramatic setting. This Italian seafood restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional dishes from Italy as well as inventive spins on Southern coastal favorites, infused with international accents. Do not miss the legendary specialty of the house — crispy flounder.

Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub
Experience a slice of Savannah’s rich Irish heritage at Kevin Barry’s, offering American and Irish pub food with a decidedly low country twist. Kevin Barry’s is also the place to for great live Irish music — seven days a week.

Vinnie Van Go-Go’s
Hands down the local favorite for pizza, Vinnie Van Go-Go’s is a local institution. Made Neapolitan style with a thin crust and plenty of fresh toppings, the pizza is served by the slice or pie. It’s not specifically low country, but the food is tasty, the cheese is hand-grated and the prices are cheap. Grab a patio seat if you can, and bring cash — it’s all they take.

The Casbah
Another favorite of Savannah residents and visitors alike is The Casbah. Step into the décor of a Moroccan tent, with dimmed lighting, hushed conversation and belly dancers. Then dine on Moroccan favorites like lamb kabobs. Even here, the coast makes an appearance, with plenty of seafood options, done with a Moroccan flair.

With the bounty of the Georgia coast and the city’s tradition for fine living, Savannah restaurants offer plenty of variety and flavor. Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, you’ll find plenty of choices to keep you coming back for seconds.

source:http://www.movingtoday.com/finding-great-savannah-restaurants/

Could Your Pet be Allergic?

You probably know plenty of people who are allergic to dogs and cats, but did you know that dogs and cats can develop allergies, too? Your pet could be allergic to her food, shampoo, or even pollen, in the same way that you could be allergic to these kinds of things.

While allergies cannot be cured, you can help allergic pets find some relief. Learn how to spot the signs of pet allergies and get the scoop on pet allergy treatments in these helpful tips.

Allergies in dogs and cats
Allergies in dogs and cats are much more common than you might imagine. Just like their human counterparts who can develop allergies to certain foods, detergents, or plants, dogs and cats can also develop sensitivities to environmental stimuli. These pet allergies are some of the most common reasons pet owners visit vets.

Dogs and cats can be allergic to almost anything, but the most common sources of pet allergies are:

• Grass, weeds, or other plants
• Ingredients in pet food
• Chemical cleaners and other household products
• Flea saliva or dust mites

Your pet can develop allergies to any of these stimuli at any time, though allergies are most common in fully-grown dogs and cats. Even if your dog has been eating the same brand of pet food his entire life, he could suddenly develop an allergy to it in the middle of his adult life.

Pet allergy symptoms
When your dog or cat has an allergy, he might experience the same types of symptoms that you suffer when you have an allergy. One day your dog could be prancing around the house, chasing the cat just like he normally would, and the next day, he could become lethargic and start sneezing. In this case, it’s pretty obvious that an allergy might be the culprit. But in other cases, the signs of an allergic pet are less obvious. Burping, flatulence, and restlessness — all common animal behaviors — might also indicate that your pet has developed an allergy. Some other common pet allergy symptoms include:

• Redness and inflammation
• Bumps and pustules
• Red, watery eyes
• Frequent scratching or licking
• Ear irritation
• Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss

Because there are so many potential pet allergy symptoms, it’s best to take your animal to the veterinarian to discuss his behavior and symptoms. With the proper tests, a vet can help you rule out any other health issues and focus on finding the cause of a dog or cat allergy.

Pet allergy treatment
Pet allergy treatment can involve a number of different approaches. After a vet determines that an allergy is causing your pet’s symptoms, he’ll likely have you attempt to identify the allergen by a process of trial and error. Once you determine which household stimuli are causing your pet’s allergies, you can eliminate or lessen his exposure to them. The solution could be as simple as wiping your pet’s paws every time he comes in from the back yard. Other pet allergy treatments might include drugs like antihistamines or steroids. Natural remedies like vitamin supplements and oatmeal baths may also provide allergy relief for your pet.

Whatever course of treatment your vet prescribes, it’s going to require some patience on your part. Even after you remove the allergen from your pet’s environment, it can take up to 10 weeks for a pet allergy to subside.

If you’re concerned that your pet has allergies, the first thing to do is try to listen to what your pet has to tell you. Observe your pet closely, and watch for any changes in his behavior that might signal something is wrong. If you take the time to pay attention to your pet’s unique signals, you and your veterinarian can come up with a course of pet allergy treatment that’s more likely to result in relief for your Fido or Kitty.

Source:http://www.movingtoday.com/could-your-pet-be-allergic/

Enjoy Your Apartment Community Swimming Pool Safely

The sun is out, and the pool will become the center of the summer universe before long. Enjoy it safely by making sure you and your kids follow the rules of swimming safety.

Never let children swim alone
There are a number of pool safety rules we all need to observe, but the most important one should be front and center: never let your children swim alone without an attentive adult present. The “attentive” part is stressed here, because a grown-up with earphones in or one who has fallen asleep in the sun won’t be as helpful in an emergency situation. Never take your eyes off children in the water, and if a number of adults are present, designate one of them as “pool-watcher.” Adults should not swim alone either, especially if alcoholic beverages are part of the equation.

Know where the kids are
An estimated 69 percent of children who die in swimming pool accidents were not supposed to be in or near the pool or spa, but were found there after it was too late. Don’t let complacency settle into your routine when it comes to life near a swimming pool. It’s easy, especially in social situations, to assume that someone else is watching the kids, while everyone else is indoors. Make sure kids know not to swim alone.

Safety around the pool
Once everyone is gathered for an afternoon of cool fun, be sure that pool safety rules are observed and that children know them, too. Always have a phone nearby when enjoying time at the pool.

If a child doesn’t know how to swim, make sure that they have a lifejacket or other flotation device on and an adult with them in the water.

Tragic accidents can happen when swimmers dive in the shallow end or hit the board before the water. Always make sure that diving happens in the deep end of the pool by children who are old enough to be on the board. And hold off diving until the previous diver is out of the water or safely out of the way.

When kids are excited and games are in the works, it’s tempting to run around the pool. Be sure to make children walk when they get out of the water. Keeping pool toys in the water and out of the path where someone could trip over them is also a good idea. Don’t ever allow tricycles, skateboards or other riding toys near the pool.

Though we now know that it is actually okay to eat and swim without waiting 30 minutes, you should probably avoid gorging and swimming, just to avoid indigestion. And, as much as alcohol can be a part of the pool scene for some, it should definitely be avoided for those who will be going into the water or watching children.

If your pool is near an outdoor outlet, be sure that all electrical appliances are kept at a safe distance from the water.

Learn safety skills
The first few minutes after an accident can make the difference between saving and losing a life. Learn basic life-saving skills, including how to perform CPR on children and adults, so that you can be effective in a swimming pool emergency. And, as obvious as it sounds, make sure you know how to swim and that your kids do, too.

Are you ready to enjoy your apartment swimming pool? Equipped with good safety sense, pool rules and some life-saving skills, you and yours can take refuge from the summer heat in the oasis just outside your front door.

Source: http://www.movingtoday.com/enjoy-your-apartment-community-swimming-pool-safely/

Cinco de Mayo: Six fun facts about the Fifth of May

Cinco de Mayo: Six fun facts about the Fifth of May

Decorate a Cake for mom on Mother's Day at Publix

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

The date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride,^[5]and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.^[6] In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.^[7][8] Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day,^[9][10] the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th.

Souce: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinco_de_Mayo

Should You Switch to "Cell Phone Only" Service in Your Apartment?

Now that cell phones are affordable and nearly ubiquitous, paying for a landline in your apartment can seem like an unnecessary expense. Cell phones are fantastic, but they aren’t perfect, and traditional phone service still retains a few reliable benefits.

Consider these situations before you decide to lose your landline.

Judge your own cell phone behavior
A very important consideration is the quality of phone service inside your apartment. Clearly, to rely only on your cell, you require cell service that is highly reliable, giving you a strong signal in every room of your apartment. If your phone or service provider are not up to the task, you might want to think twice before getting rid of your landline phone.

Also think about your personal cell phone habits. Do you keep your phone adequately charged and available to take calls most of the time? Do you ever misplace your phone, at home or elsewhere? If you decide to go “cell phone only,” you will want to ensure that you prioritize your cell phone as the primary communication device for your home.

Emergency issues
A charged cell phone will be required to make an emergency 911 call, of course. But another potential sticking point about switching from a landline to a cell-phone-only household is ensuring you have reliable 911 access for your safety. Currently, many emergency services systems automatically read the street address of the landline or VoIP line you are calling from. This is especially helpful if you are distressed and can’t give them coherent information, or if you are injured and cannot speak. When you call 911 on a cell phone, however, emergency services may not be able to pinpoint your home location without the wired connection for reference.

Power problems
One benefit to a landline is that, generally, you can still contact emergency services, family and friends when your power goes out. (A cell phone will work just fine in a power outage, of course, until its charge runs out!) You may also have apartment services that require a landline, such as a monitored alarm system. Keeping your hard-wired phone in these cases may be a necessity — or just a reasonable idea.

Telemarketing troubles
While you can, of course, place your phone number on the National Do Not Call List, you may find that losing the landline connection entirely is a truly effective way to avoid annoying, unwanted calls from zealous marketers or politicians. (Just be careful who you share your cell phone number with!)

Deciding to switch your apartment phone service to “cell phone only” can be a really smart move and a huge cost-savings measure. Before you do it, though, consider the ways you currently utilize your landline. If you feel comfortable with the decision, go ahead and cut the cord!

Source: http://www.movingtoday.com/should-you-switch-to-cell-phone-only-service-in-your-apartment/?WT.mc_id=30423

Why Paying Your Rent on Time is Important to your Credit Score

For many renters, the rent check is the largest revolving-credit transaction you’ll make every month, so it’s reasonable to wonder whether your rent payments will affect your credit scores.
After all, if you’re always on time with your payments, you’d like to see this reflected in your credit score. On the other hand, if you’ve been late on a few payments or skipped them altogether, it’s useful to know how badly you’ll be penalized, if you’re penalized at all.
Unfortunately, the question of whether your rent payment history will influence your credit scores can’t be answered by a simple “yes” or “no.” The answer depends in good part on how well you maintain a history of on-time rent payments.
Landlords and credit bureausLandlords of large apartment communities deal with so many customers, it may be more efficient for these companies to track customer payment histories through one or more credit bureaus. Therefore, these landlords are likely to report rental payments to a credit bureau, although none are required to do so.
In June 2010, Experian acquired RentBureau, a large credit bureau that compiles data on more than 7 million renters in the U.S. This could lead to an expansion of the information used to calculate credit scores, which would benefit on-time rent payers and penalize inconsistent rent payers.
Late or missed paymentsIf you maintain an on-time payment history, you don’t have to worry about whether it’s reported to the credit bureaus. However, if you’re consistently late with your payments, or if you’re several months in arrears, it could be sent to a collection agency. Any such action can be (and typically is) reported to the credit bureaus.
Once a collection agency has an outstanding account of 30 days or more, it can report the delinquency to the credit bureaus. (Collectors even use this as leverage: “If you don’t pay up, we’ll report you to the credit bureaus.”)
Being reported to the credit bureaus could drive down your credit score, which could take years to repair as you work to re-establish a history of on-time payments.
Simply put, it is critical to consistently pay your rent on time to maintain a good credit score.

source: http://www.movingtoday.com/do-landlords-report-your-payment-history-to-the-credit-bureaus/

Pizza Night!!! May 9th!

Red Cross Sends Help After Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South

Red Cross Sends Help After Deadly Tornadoes Blast Through the South

Exercising with Your Video Game System

If you are hip to the latest fitness crazes, then you may have heard of exer-gaming. And if you haven’t, not to worry, it’s easy (and fun!) to jump on board. The latest trend of exercising with your video game system is shaping up to be one of the most unique ways to work out.

If you are ready to try it out yourself, read on to find out what you’ll need.

Benefits of the box
Exercising with a video game is not only fun, it burns a lot of calories. Exer-gaming includes a variety of games and activities that build strength and cardiovascular ability. The beauty of these exercise video games is that they are convenient, challenging and often less expensive than a gym membership.

Working out at home makes it simple to fit in a few minutes of fitness every day, and you can exercise with family and friends. It’s also less intimidating to try a new activity like yoga or boxing when you can do it in the privacy of your own living room.

Here are some options for in-home video fitness fun.

All systems go
All of the major video game consoles offer some form of exer-gaming. Nintendo’s Wii system has Wii Fit, which features exercise video games that use a Wii Fit Board or other accessories to play. Many of these games simulate playing a sport like skiing, skateboarding or boxing.

Playstation offers up Playstation Move, a system which uses a special controller to experience games like tennis, ping-pong, golf and many more.

Xbox introduces Kinect, a motion-based approach to video game fitness. Kinect doesn’t use controllers because it scans your body and matches your body movements with the action on-screen. This allows you to really get into the game and torch calories by increasing your range of motion.

All of these exer-gaming systems provide a wide variety of activities to choose from. You can really mix up your workout with yoga, dance, aerobic activities, strength training, and more. Some systems like Wii Fit even have a built-in personal trainer who will measure your progress and keep you on track. Now instead of you yelling at your TV, your TV can tell you to do 20 more knee lifts!

Trust your team
With so many cool exer-gaming systems on the market, how do you decide which one is for you? Ask your friends. It’s likely that someone at your office or in your circle of friends — or even an online acquaintance — is already using video games for fitness. Inquire about the pros and cons, and ask which systems your friends recommend. Read online reviews and stop by your local electronics store to ask the sales people which games are most popular.

Since these are all great gaming systems, you might want to consider additional benefits of each gaming console. Which system has other video games you like to play? Will it connect with other gamers on the Internet? Can you play Blu-Ray DVDs on the system? Weigh all of your options and then make your decision. No matter which one you go with, you are bound to burn calories and get fit.

So get in the game and try the newest trend in video exercise fitness. Just be sure to move your living room furniture out of the way before you get started (or just go ahead and read our article about buying new lamps for your apartment!)

source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/apartment-living/exercising-with-your-video-game-system/

Hot Electronic Gadgets for Your Apartment

If you want to have the coolest high-tech pad, stock up on electronic gadgets for your apartment. There’s a home gadget for every room in your place.

Have a high tech kitchen
If you love to cook, you can harness the power of technology to get your recipe collection under control with the Demy Kitchen Safe Touchscreen Recipe Reader. The Recipe Reader is a serious upgrade on recipe cards and cook books. It’s water-resistant, easily navigable with a touch-screen display, and can be adjusted so you can see it easily while you cook. It even includes a kitchen timer and a measurement substitution calculator. (No more guessing how many ounces are in a pint!) For around $200, you can get your hands on this nifty electronic gadget that stores up to 2,500 of your closely-guarded family recipes in digital form.

Another great gadget for the kitchen is the wireless meat thermometer. Models such as the Maverick Redi-Check Remote Cooking Thermometer take the guess work out of determining when your roast is done. You can set your thermometer to gauge temperature or stage of readiness for any type of meat on the grill or in the oven. Take the thermometer receiver with you and it will alert you when dinner is done.

Electronics for your bathroom
Shower divas, take note: waterproof iPod speakers are for you. For use in either your bathroom or on the beach, these products let you groove to your iPod safely in watery places. You can adjust the volume and control your tunes from external water-safe controls and hang the device with a handy shower hook.

For health fanatics, Tanita’s BF-680W Bathroom Scale will also be a welcome addition to your bathroom. This digital scale not only gives accurate weight readings but also aids dieters, measuring body fat with electrical impulses and calculating body water percentages. The BF-680W has a large LCD readout that compares your weight to the healthy range for a person of your height and stores data for two people. Tanita’s scale sells for around $60.

Electronic gadgets for the whole apartment
Digital photo frames are an electronic gadget that every fickle apartment dwellers needs. To satisfy your need for constantly-changing wall decor, the Kodak EasyShare EX 1011 Digital Photo Framestores and displays up to 1000 photos. Mount the 10-inch frame on your wall and start viewing photos from a memory card that you insert. Create a custom slide show complete with music from MP3s. And when you go away on vacation, send your snapshots directly to your frame. The EX 1011’s wireless capabilities allow it to receive picture e-mails sent either from your own computer or another EasyShare user. You can even jazz up the frame to reflect your personal style with an assortment of accessory picture frame faceplates.

Too busy to pick up a broom but hate dust bunnies? There’s a consumer electronic solution to your apartment cleaning needs, and it’s called a Roomba. The iRobot Roomba is a robotic vacuum that cleans your apartment floor so you don’t have to do the dirty work. Roombas are available in a range of prices and features. Just charge it up and it cleans your floors — both carpeted and smooth surfaces — on a routine basis. The Roomba can clean corners, underneath furniture, and even avoids taking a tumble with a built-in stair avoidance system. When it comes to mopping, iRobot can get you off the hook there, too. The company also manufactures a robot called Scooba that will wash, squeegee, and dry your floors.

No high tech apartment would be complete without a weather station. Weather stations are handy, inexpensive home gadgets that get you prepared to start your day. A device like La Crosse Technology’s $35 Wireless Temperature Station can show you the outside temperature and help you decide what to wear as you sip your morning java. Just place the device’s thermometer outside your apartment (say, in a window), and a wireless LCD receiver displays the temperature stats.

If you’re looking to live a little more efficiently, there’s likely an electronic home gadget out there calling your name!

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/apartment-living/hot-electronic-gadgets-for-your-apartment/

Checklist for Setting Up Apartment Utilities

Setting up apartment utilities is a very important step in the moving process. Without utilities, you can forget about taking a hot shower, turning on the lights, or catching your favorite TV show.

Use this handy utilities set-up checklist to stay on top of all the apartment utility to-do items both before and after your move.

Pre-set-up utilities checklist
The best time to start setting up apartment utilities is two weeks before your move-in date. Many utility companies are able to start service with only a few day’s notice, but it’s a good idea to initiate the set-up process two full weeks in advance to ensure that the details are in place when you are ready to move in.

If you’re moving into your first apartment, keep in mind that some utility companies may require credit checks or a security deposit for new customers prior to starting service. These details can delay set up, so it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time.

Utilities you need to arrange service for may include:

• Electric and/or gas
• Water
• Cable or satellite for television
• Internet
• Trash removal

The following items on the utilities set-up checklist should all be taken care of before moving day:

• For utilities at your old apartment that you are responsible for, call your current utility providers and schedule shut-off or transfer dates. (If you receive a monthly bill for service, then you likely are responsible for ending or transferring that service yourself.)
• Determine which apartment utilities you will be responsible for paying at your new apartment. Talk to the property manager or check your lease for details.
• Research apartment utility providers in your new area to learn about your options. Your new apartment community may provide you with a list of companies who service the area. If you do not receive a list like this, you can also research utility providers yourself by visiting sites like MoveUtilities.com.
• Shop around for the best apartment utility rates. You may be able to save money if you bundle utilities like phone, Internet, and cable.
• Once you’ve chosen utility providers, call the companies to set a start date for service. Schedule your new service to start one to three days before you move in.
• Schedule appointments for utility providers who have to make a service call to your new apartment. (This is common with Internet or cable providers.) Make sure you’re available to wait for the visit during the time window the company indicates.

As your moving date approaches, refer to this utilities checklist often to be sure that each service is “move-in ready” for your arrival.

After you start service
Even after you move in and start service with your new utility providers, there are a few things you need to double-check to ensure you receive the best service. The items on this part of the utilities checklist should help you save money and time when dealing with apartment utilities.

• Read your first few apartment utility bills carefully. Double-check for billing errors to make sure that you are being billed only for the services you signed up for and nothing extra that you did not request.
• If you elected to receive electronic statements instead of paper utility bills, be sure to create online accounts so you can keep up with your bills. Don’t forget to check them each month for accuracy.
• You may also wish to set up automatic billing using a credit card or automatic withdrawals from your bank account. Automatic utility payments help ensure you always pay your bills on time and avoid costly late fees.

You may think it’s OK to kick back and forget about your apartment utilities after your new apartment’s all set up, but returning to this part of the utilities checklist every once in a while can really pay off. If you monitor your apartment utilities closely, you may spot an unusually high bill and be able to make energy-saving changes in how you use that utility in your apartment. There are plenty of ways to save money on utilities, and those savings start with being a conscientious consumer.

Source: http://moving.apartmentguide.com/setting-up-utilities/checklist-for-setting-up-apartment-utilities/