Avoid The 4 Most Common Reasons For Car Accidents

Isn’t it scary? You’re driving along and all of a sudden you don’t have control of your vehicle. You grip the steering wheel with both hands and with one violent thrust, press down on the brake pedal as hard as you can until you come to a complete stop. Most people rely on luck to save them when they get in a situation that could lead to a car accident. The feeling is, accidents on the road are unavoidable. Collisions from someone making a bad decision or being distracted, like running a red light or merging into your car, can and do happen even if you’re the safest driver in the world. 1. Suddenly Swerving? – Do this: If you have to swerve to avoid hitting an animal or another car, turn your car first, then press the brake pedal. 2. Tire Blowout? – Do this: If you hear a loud pop and suddenly lose control, steer the car as straight as possible and don’t turn or brake. Press the gas pedal slightly to accelerate, which helps keep the car under control. Then slowly decelerate by pressing the brake to stop your vehicle. 3. Running Off The Road? – Do this: If the side of your car drops off the edge of the road, steer straight and slow down gradually as you come to a stop on the shoulder. Then drive back onto the road. 4. Sliding On Pavement? – Do this: If the roads are wet or icy and your car starts to slide, turn in the direction of the slide and let off the gas. Don’t slam on your brakes or they could lock up, press the brake slowly.

How important is landscaping in buying or selling a house?

Good landscaping can increase your home’s resale value by 14 percent, according to the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. Better curb appeal may speed up the sale by as much as six weeks. Professionals recommend that you invest 10 percent of your home’s value in landscaping. More than just plantings, this includes structural features such as lighting, outdoor rooms, fences and pools. Here are some helpful tips: • Determine what you need. Are you landscaping to sell your home or to enjoy the property yourself for the longer term. • Get professional guidance. Depending on the scope of your project and budget, consider hiring an arborist, a landscape designer or a certified landscape architect. Ask friends for recommendations or search web sites such as the one for The American Society of Landscape Architects. • Develop a plan. Set your priorities ─ what needs to be done (have you solved that drainage problem?) versus what you’d like to do (put in an outdoor entertainment area). If you take a piecemeal approach, the result will look disorganized and cost you more money in the long run. If you have any questions, or need capable and trustworthy representation, please call me at 206-226-0565.

De-cluttering Tip…

Want to save at least a $1,000 a year? Clean out your self storage unit. Nearly 1 in 10 households in the U.S. currently rent one, and let’s face it, most are filled with stuff people probably forgot they had. Here’s what you should do: Don’t keep stuff “in case you need it.” You might as well make extra money by selling some of those items on eBay or Craigslist. If you don’t have time to clean it out yourself, hire a professional organizer. It’ll cost you less in the long run. If you must rent a unit, make sure it’s temporary. Many companies offer the first month’s rent free because they know you may stay indefinitely. Know what you’re storing and make sure you only keep the unit for a few months at most.

Reduce Your Risk of Colon Cancer

You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by 15 percent just by drinking one glass of milk a day! Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that by drinking milk and taking calcium supplements (1,000 mg) daily you can reduce your risk of colon cancer by 24%. The study analyzed the calcium intake of over 500,000 men and women, and colorectal cancer and was published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers recommended eating lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grain, while reducing your fat intake. They also recommended exercising regularly and getting a regular colon-screening test to reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Cure Snoring In 7 EASY Steps!

Is someone else keeping you awake at night? If your sleep partner is a snorer, chances are you need some tips to improve your sleep. Here are a few to help you through the night: 1. If your snorer is overweight, get him (or her) to lose weight. 2. Have your snorer roll over...no sleeping on his/her back! 3. Put three tennis balls in a sock and attach it to the back of his/her nightshirt. This prevents the snorer from sleeping on his/her back. 4. Buy earplugs for you. 5. Try using nasal strips for your snorer. They work. 6. Go to bed earlier than your snorer...you’ll be in a deeper sleep stage. 7. Get a white-noise generator to drown out the sound. Usually, snoring is caused by allergies, congestion from colds, nasal blockages, a deviated septum, and even acid reflux. But snoring has also been linked to more serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea. If the snoring is severe, have your partner see a doctor to see what is causing the snoring.