The Benefits of Composite Decking Material

A friend of mine was telling me recently about a new building material she and her husband used on the deck of their house. She told me it was made of composite decking material.

I guess I should have known what she was talking about, but I honestly didn’t. So I asked her exactly what she meant. She happily began to tell me some of the benefits to composite wood versus organic wood.

Plus, she strongly advised me to check out a website called Latitudes Decking & Railing. Since I was conveniently sitting at my computer when I was talking with her on my cell phone, I immediately clicked on their website to find out more.

I discovered this innovative company has four different styles of composite decking material. Capricorn Tropical, Captiva, Intrepid and Marine. Each of these styles comes with a 25-year limited warranty.

Basically, I found out the biggest benefit to composite wood versus organic wood is the cost. Hardwood can be VERY expensive. Plus, I will probably have to spend every spring maintaining my wood deck in order to prevent splitting, cracking or color change.

And another disadvantage with organic wood is, if I live in a region where there isn’t much access to wood, the cost could skyrocket!

Composite decking material, on the other hand, is weather and stain resistant, lightweight, requires little maintenance and it won’t splinter or rot.

And, this synthetic decking material is environmentally friendly. I really liked that feature. Other descriptive terms for composite decking is wood-polymer, wood alternative or synthetic decking. I learned at Latitudes Decking & Railing that it’s the fastest-growing decking material for residential use over the last decade.

Nowadays, people are living extremely busy lifestyles. I’m no exception. I bet you are busy too. I want a deck that’s easy to care for and looks great year after year without a lot of fuss or cost. I just don’t have time to care for a wood deck, and I’m sure you don’t either.

Their website even has a deck visualizer that will help you see just how great each style will look when finished.

Why don’t you take my friend’s advice and check out the composite decking material at Latitudes Decking & Railing today.

And now you know, it’s my advice too!

How Lighting with Solar Post Caps Can Relieve Stress

I’ve been giving some serious thought what I will get for myself this Christmas. One of the things on my list is deck lighting around my outdoor deck. You may think this is an odd present and an odd way to relieve stress, but, believe me, it isn’t. It’s very practical. I love the look of accent lights on trees and decks and how that look calms me down after a hard day.

I think it’s an excellent way to create a unique look and feel and add personality to my outdoor living space. After all, I’m planning to spend a lot of time out there this summer, and I want it to look great for myself or when I entertain.

Of course, being the computer savvy person that I am, the first thing I did was check out www.deckorators.com/postcaps/lighting from the comfort of my home.

I discovered this fantastic company has much to offer in the way of deck lighting. Three of the options I particularly like are the Solar Post Caps, the Designer Solar Post Caps and the Solar Glass Post Caps.

Nowadays, everyone seems to be looking for ways to enhance their green footprint and save precious resources. I am no exception. That’s why the Solar Post Caps really appeal to me. They have a Tiffany-style stained glass appearance which look gorgeous during the day. But, at night, after the sun has gone down, they’ll add a rich appearance to my outdoor space. And, there are five Tiffany styles to choose from: California Grape, Sunflower, Mission, Seagrass Serpentine Jade and Filigreed Northwoods.

Each cap fits a standard 4 x 4 post. They will give the illumination I’m looking for without any wiring or electricity.

How great is that?

Not only will I be able to add these beautiful post caps onto the tops of each of my posts, but I can also add other deck lighting accessories to my hand rails, walkways and steps.

I can just picture how beautiful it’s going to be, and I can hardly wait!

The website at www.deckorators.com/postcaps/lighting has everything I need to convert my dark and drab deck to one of light and beauty. There’s even information on care and warranties as well as a Deck Visualizer and with just a couple of clicks, I can get an idea of what my deck will look like when it’s finished.

Let’s be ready for summer fun! I’m so glad I checked out www.deckorators.com/postcaps/lighting, and I hope you will too.

The Best Way to Find a Plastic Surgeon

Life is hilarious at times.

As I grow older, I must admit I’ve thought about the possibilities of changing my appearance from time to time. Come on. Admit it. So have you! Maybe you’ve never liked how big your nose is or your tired of looking tired and want to lose all the fine lines sprouting on your face.

Okay. If we did pursue this thought, I wonder if we’d know how to find the right plastic surgeon. I’d probably begin by asking some of my closest friends, or perhaps I’d get really brave and ask that lovely woman who works in the cosmetic department at the mall. You know the one. She always looks so beautiful and put together.

I may even search the web to find a local doctor. I know I could read testimonies from former clients and even see before and after photos.

I’m just wondering how reliable the friends and cosmetic representative would be. I mean, maybe I’d embarrass or anger my friends by insinuating they’ve “had some work done.” Or, the woman at the mall might not want me to ask her such a private question.

Oh, what’s a face to do?

Have you seen that cute TV commercial where the young girl believes everything she reads on the Web is true? Then she ends up with a guy she found on the Web who looks pretty weird. He tells her that he’s a French model. I love that commercial!

But unlike that commercial, I know I can trust www.locateadoc.com/doctors to find a local doctor. I can quickly search for a doctor by location, procedure or even body part. Before and after photos are easy to see, and I can check out financing options. There is even easy-to-understand procedure information detailing how each treatment is performed.

I not only will be able to find a local doctor, but I can reuse www.locateadoc.com/doctors anytime I want because it lists 150,000+ doctors including cosmetic and plastic surgery, bariatrics, hair restoration, LASIK, cosmetic dentistry and IVF specialties.

Yes, I believe I will go with the third resource because I love the Internet and all the great information on it. I’m going to check out www.locateadoc.com/doctors. I hope you will too.

A Virtual 3D Breast Implant Sizing App?

Do you think you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation? If so, why not check out iaugmentapp.com for breast implant sizing?

I know.

You’re probably wondering why would I ever be promoting such a topic. Basically, because I feel it’s a subject worth conveying to my blog followers. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce your stress level.

I’m not going to go into the why’s and wherefore’s of having breast augmentation surgery. Rather, I’d like to share something with my readers which I feel is truly unique.

We all know how popular apps are nowadays for downloading on cell phones. But did you know that if you’re interested in or thinking about breast augmentation surgery, you can download a breast implant sizing app directly from iaugmentapp.com?

That’s right! Isn’t that the coolest thing?

Not only cell phones, but you can download it onto an iPhone or an iPod Touch.

This is, without a doubt, the best breast augmentation app I’ve ever seen.

I couldn’t say this any better, so I’m going to quote the website. “Introducing iAugment 3D, the first breast augmentation simulation app to use a virtual 3D simulation to give you an even better idea of what a breast enlargement would look like.”

In other words, this app is an easy-to-use simulation app allowing you to picture your breasts in different sizes. Another cool feature is being able to rotate the simulation to get views from many different angles. All of this helps you to get a clear and realistic idea of what the end result would be.

Other special features include:

–  A video tutorial

–  Choice of implant size

–  The ability to save the photo to your library

All in all, if I was seriously thinking of getting breast implant sizing, I would check out this cool app.

Breast augmentation can restore your self-confidence, reduce your stress level in life and enhance your appearance in a most delightful way. You may think you might like to have this popular surgery but you aren’t too sure what you’d look like. Well, now you can be sure!

Check out the app today at iaugmentapp.com. I know you’ll be glad you did.

LocateADoc.com for peace of mind

Has your orthodontist recently told you that you need braces? That may be all well and good, but there’s just one problem. You’re thirty years old!

.Perhaps you’ve decided you need a second opinion. Being told you need braces is certainly a stressful situation. Well, I believe I have found something that can be very helpful. I’ve discovered a wonderful website called www.locateadoc.com It’s a super way to find a doctor in your area for that all-important second opinion.

You can do a search on the site find a local doctor, procedure or body part. You simply enter the country you live in, the city, state or zip, the distance you want to travel to this doctor and the medical specialty area you’re looking for.

It can’t be more simple than that!

And, at your age, perhaps you’re just not interested in wearing metal braces for several years. www.locateadoc.com can help you find a doctor who specializes in the popular Invisalign, lingual braces and clear braces. There are many options for aesthetic care which the right doctor can explain. Plus, they are painless and you can freely eat pretty much anything you desire.

Each doctor who subscribes to the directory on this website posts a before and after gallery of photos so it’s easy to take a look at their work.

There is a newsletter you can sign up for and a blog you can follow.

Since 1998, www.locateadoc.com has been in the business of matching people with doctors who will help you make the right decision for whatever your need is.

One thing I really like about the site is that it has a whole team of seasoned and well-qualified medical staff writers who invest their time to join their knowledge of journalism and medicine to create believable information. I have found the articles they write to be very helpful in preparing me to meet the doctor I’ve chosen.

If your dentist has suggested you get braces, and you’re just not sure of his opinion, why not check out www.locateadoc.com. It’s the simple way to find a local doctor for that critical second opinion and peace of mind.

Stress-free Living with Deckorators Deck Accessories

So, I’m thinking of enhancing my outdoor backyard by installing a deck with plenty of deck accessories. First thing on the agenda is to find out what deck accessories are available. I found this great company online called Deckorators. I love shopping online and have purchased quite a few products from various companies over the years with great success. This company has a ton of super suggestions and products I know will add beauty to my outdoor space and a feeling of escape.

Just what I need in this stressful world.

By sharing what I found, my research may help you decide to choose this company for your deck accessories which I have found will easily fit my lifestyle and my budget.

Railings: They come in a great assortment of styles and finishes and are made from top-quality materials. What I really like about them is that they require minimal care.

Balusters: I didn’t even know what a baluster was before I began to do my homework. But there are so many styles to choose from. The only difficulty I can see is making my mind up on which one I want. There are even glass balusters and are they ever beautiful as they allow the scenery behind them to shine through.

Post Caps: Now we’re aren’t just talking ordinary. No! I learned post caps come in all sorts of lovely styles and designs.

Low Voltage Lighting: I couldn’t believe the unique lighting options that will accent the railings and balusters on my new deck. Each has LED lighting which makes them energy efficient and very inexpensive to operate. I love the look of accent lighting, so I just may keep them on all night long!

Postcovers: The ones I chose actually look like a dry-stacked stone post but aren’t as expensive as real stone. Are you beginning to get a good picture of just how beautiful my deck is going to be?

Post Base Trims: These will really spruce up my deck and make it look very professional.

Connectors: I discovered connectors make installation easy and simple to do.

Accessories: Wow! That’s all I can say. These items are made of wrought iron which will help enhance the look of my deck in a unique way.

As you can probably tell, I’m definitely sold on Deckorators. I can’t wait to get started! I’m going to create a living space which will bring beauty and stress-free living to my outdoor environment.

Here’s a link to Deckorators so you can get started with your own deck accessories: http://www.deckorators.com/index.html

Experience Composite Deck Railings

Talk about stress-free living, Martha Stewart would be proud of me. I say that because, after living in my house for more than 8 years, I’ve finally got my act together and completed my backyard deck. And, the thing I like most about the deck are the composite deck railings.

Now there are several reasons why I like them. Of course, appearance has to top the list. They are beautiful! But they are also very practical and a low maintenance option for railing.

If there was a problem to be faced, it had to be because I had some trouble deciding on what color, style and option to choose! Why? Because there’s so much variety in each of these areas it made it hard to settle on one.

But, I finally did, and I’m thrilled with the results.

I decided I wasn’t just building a deck, but I was literally making a backyard paradise! And I wasn’t going to settle for just any old deck. No, not me! I had to add some neat deck accessories like a few deck stones and some fabulous recessed lighting to give my deck a more polished look.

Plus, the composite deck railings all came in a kit and were very easy to install. Even the stair railings weren’t hard. Another thing I really like about these products is that they come with a 25-year limited warranty. I won’t have to worry about them for years! And, since I live in the South where termites love to live too, they are highly protected against those little critters in a powerful way. The warranty also protects the investment I’ve made in them so I don’t have to worry if they splinter, corrode or warp.

Needless to say, I’m excited about my new deck and backyard delight. If you’re looking to turn your backyard into a paradise, why not give latitudesdeck.com a call or a click? You’ll be so glad you did.

I guarantee it.

Here’s the link to a backyard paradise: www.latitudesdeck.com

100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 52 – Say Hello To a Stranger

Remember when you were young, how your mother told you not to talk to strangers? I do. There are very good reasons, sometimes, not to do that, and I do think it’s right to teach our children to be careful who they speak with. Sad to say, we live in a pretty immoral and evil society.

But.

Let’s talk about you as a grown-up. In my humble opinion, I think everybody could be a little bit more friendly nowadays. I live near a local university and when I walk on campus there, I often feel neglected and sad.

Why?

Because so many of the students (and staff) are passing me and don’t even look up. They’re texting or talking on their phone or whatever. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing against cell phones. I have one. I text. I talk. However, I try to do it in private so that when I’m in public, I can actually strike up a conversation with someone.

I love people. I want to learn something unique about them or perhaps see an area I could encourage or pray for them about. Or, maybe even tell them how I’ve learned how they can go to heaven one day.

And here’s a tip for you – If you really want to be friendly, take your dog for a walk. I’ve found even people on their cell phone will stop talking or texting long enough to pet Fido. Works every time!

The Bible says in Proverbs 18:24 – A man that hath friends must show himself friendly. That’s my motto too.

How about, when we’re out and about in public, if we put away our phones and look up when we pass a stranger. Even if all you do in the passing is make eye contact and give them a smile and a nod. You just don’t know how those little actions might encourage a stranger.

100 Ways to Relieve Stress – Day 52 – Have Goals For Yourself

The one thing I desire a lot in this life, is not just to have goals, but to keep them. I suffer with extreme ADHD and I’m growing older by the minute! So, setting goals isn’t the problem – keeping them is. But I know the value of goal setting and the success which keeping them can bring.

I read an article recently on goal setting. It said the best goals are those you make which have an emotional attachment. That makes sense.

Maybe that’s my problem.

Perhaps my goals, which I’m finding most difficult to keep, are those that don’t really mean anything to me. I just repainted my kitchen and put up a pretty floral wallpaper. I struggled to finish the goal because it wasn’t the paint color choice or wallpaper pattern choice I wanted. Those belonged to someone else living in my house. I wonder, if they had been MY choices, would that have motivated me to get it done quicker rather than dragging on for weeks?

I think this is a great concept in setting and keeping goals. Make sure they are MY goals and not those of another. Oh, there’s nothing really wrong with setting goals which please and satisfy others. That’s a great part of life to do for others what they can’t or won’t do for themselves.

Another important aspect of goal setting is the fact that they bring focus into our lives and give us purpose. This is a super tip for those who suffer with ADHD. The one thing we struggle with a lot is lack of focus. If you have it, you know what I mean.

Some basic tips on goal setting:

Make them specific
Make them realistic
Make them yours

That’s all for now. Happy goal setting (and keeping)!

Do you have a second birthday?

On a day entered from eternity in God’s private calendar, my heart is due to stop beating. When or how it will happen, I do not know. All I know is that some day, some way, my heart will stop, and what the world will call my death-day will really be a birthday – my THIRD birthday! What were my other two birthdays? #1 was when I left the womb, to see and feel and feed and shout as an inhabitant of this physical world; #2 was when I came from spiritual darkness twenty-two years later to see and feel and feed and shout about God’s salvation and Christ’s love for me. By “birthday.” you see, I mean not an anniversary but a day that sees me start enjoying gifts of God such as I had never before imagined. Said D. L. Moody, “Someday they’ll tell you Moody’s dead. Don’t you believe it! That day I’ll be before the throne; I’ll be more alive than I’ve ever been.” That is why my death-day will truly be a birthday. (Borrowed from Growing in Christ by J. I. Packer)

Everyone alive has at least one birthday. Do you have a second birthday? A time when you put your complete trust in the free gift of salvation offered in love to every living person? If you don’t, you will never have the opportunity to enjoy a third birthday in heaven with God.