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Austin is a good place to visit if you’re looking for some good clean fun with the family. Those who have kids are sure to keep them entertained with Austin’s endless line up of events all-year-round. The region also has the best zoos, museums and other facilities which are bound to keep your little ones from getting bored. Music Festivals Are you traveling with teens? No problem. Austin’s music festivals are bound to keep them from sulking in the corner because they have nothing to do. Bring them every fall to the Austin City Limits Music Festival. There are more than 100 bands performing in this annual festival and you can be sure that every music genre is covered. There are also activities lined up which your kids would find interesting like the music worship, the drum circles, the dancing events, and of course, the play area, music inspired, of course. Around May, Austin also plays host to the Pachanga Latino Festival. There are over 20 bands performing during this an... Tags: Lakeway homes for sale, Austin real estate Read More

Interested in learning how to garden? Planting your first garden can be daunting, but with a little bit of study and the right attitude it doesn't need to be hard. Read on for some simple suggestions on how to get your beginning garden started right.1. Measure the amount of sunlight that hits your garden spot. Every plant will have a different amount of sun and shade that they need in a day, and you can greatly increase your chances of having a successful garden by choosing plants that will thrive with exactly what you are providing them.2. Pay attention to your soil. Find out if the soil in the area you want to use has sand or clay and try to adjust it until it is loamy soil. Check your soil's PH before you plant and make sure it is as balanced as possible.3. Start the plot for your garden during the fall months. When you have the soil ready for planting in the fall, the frost that accumulates during the winter will help make your soil perfect for planting when it melts.... Tags: Untagged Read More

SPACE HEATER SAFETY   During the fall and winter months, space heaters are an effective way to provide temporary or supplemental warmth in a home or garage. Space heaters, however, by their very design and portability present shock, fire and burn hazards when used incorrectly and special precautions must be taken whenever they are used. The following tips for the safe use of space heaters issued by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) are applicable to all homeowners: Selection: When purchasing a new heater, ensure that it has been tested and certified to the applicable standards by an accredited certification organization. Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions and all warnings before using a space heater. If you do not have or understand the instructions, contact the manufacturer directly. Temporary use: Electric portable fan space heaters are designed to provide temporary warmth only.... Tags: Untagged Read More

Pellet heat, used in free-standing pellet stoves and fireplace inserts, is gaining popularity as an approach to renewable home energy.  Pelletized fuel is a time-tested heating method, but with the increasing consumer interest in green lifestyles, consumers are becoming more aware of pelletized fuel.   Generally made from recycled wood byproducts, pellets are a cost stable, low carbon fuel that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions when used as an alternative to fossil fuels such as heating oil, propane and natural gas. Over the past 10 years, several factors have led to increased interest in pellet heating. Organizations like the Pellet Fuels Institute have successfully campaigned for green heating with pellets, contributing to nearly a million installations of pellet appliances in homes and businesses. Stove manufacturers have also improved the technology and aesthetics of the appliances, making them more attractive and easier to operate and maintain. In addition, the U.S. governme... Tags: Untagged Read More

As many of you may be aware there have been a number of news stories both written and on TV about the increase in the incidence of bed bugs in both public areas and homes throughout the U.S. I’m not going to rehash the stuff that was already talked about in the articles but I’ve put links below to a variety of articles and resources.What I have done, after reading all of this information, is to summarize some of the most important pieces.  If you find yourself in a position of needing to get rid of bed bugs I urge you to spend some time reading the information linked here prior to spending a lot of money on a cure that may not work. Relax!  A bed bug infestation is NOT a cleanliness issue. Bed bugs can be found in the humblest of homes and the most extravagant mansions.  Any home can become infested. Try to discover how the infestation may have occurred. This will help prevent future infestations. Possibilities include: recent travel, adjoining apartments/condos which are infested,... Tags: Untagged Read More

Many of us are becoming better educated about indoor pollutants and what we need to know to protect our health, but there are some surprising things that you may not have thought about that could affect the indoor air quality of your home.  A majority of this information has been excerpted from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s website.  Please visit their website for more specific information on each of these topics. Attached Garages - Houses with attached garages had measurable concentrations of benzene (a gasoline related pollutant) in their indoor air. Houses with no garages or detached garages had little or no benzene. This is true of a host of other airborne chemicals. The study revealed that pollutants in attached garages can find their way into the house.There are also secondary sources of pollutants in garages, apart from car-based emissions. There are many gas-powered appliances, such as lawn mowers, chain saws and edging tools whose emission systems are not as g... Tags: Untagged Read More