Types Of Furniture Stores

Furniture stores range from high-priced boutiques to giant outlets.

Depending on what type of furniture you are interested in buying, you may visit a number of different kinds of furniture stores. For some people money is no object. They may have no problem visiting a pricey boutique in Manhattan to find just the right accessory. On the other hand, if someone is looking for a couch that his dog is going to sleep on, he will probably shop at a discount outlet or buy used.

Discount Furniture Stores

Most cities have large furniture outlets somewhere on the outskirts of town. These stores tend to be outside of downtown because the cost per square foot is lower, and these stores can be enormous. The quality of the furniture offered in discount outlets can vary, but the furniture is generally solid. You're not likely to find either high-end custom made pieces or utterly cheap, substandard pieces. Keep an eye out for sales as you can save a lot if you go at the right time.

Cabinetmaker Showrooms

Custom cabinetmakers build hardwood furniture to a customer's specifications, as well as limited-run production pieces for general sales. Many cabinetmakers have a publicly accessible showroom, sometimes attached to their shop, where you can see the work they do. Commissioning a cabinetmaker to build a piece just for you will cost you more than buying a piece off the floor. If you have the money and are looking for something unusual, it may be the only way to get it. Furniture built by independent craftspeople tends to be both more expensive and higher quality than what you would buy in the mainstream market.

Boutiques

Boutiques are small stores, often located in city centers where they receive a lot of walk-in traffic. They cater to whimsical purchases, impulse buying and niche markets. In the trendy districts of major metropolitan cities, you can find boutiques offering everything from carved beds to nightstands made of old records to glass-topped coffee tables filled with stones. Boutiques with an artistic bent may blur the line between what is furniture and what is fine art. A boutique is the place to go if you are looking for a piece of furniture that will make a statement as well as fulfill a function.

Online Stores

Many businesses sell furniture online, either to their local area or with the option of shipping. The advantages of finding furniture in an online store include the ability to look at many different sellers without having to travel anywhere, and a nearly endless variety of choices in style. The drawbacks include the inability to touch and experience the furniture firsthand, and the added expense of having your purchases shipped to your home. It may make sense to research furniture sellers online to get an idea of what they sell, and follow this up with visits to their stores and showrooms.

Tags: furniture online, Furniture Stores

Interior Decorating Rules For Matching Woods

Chances are you don't want a room filled with clashing wood finishes. A few pieces in the same finish does add a sense of symmetry and elegance, but unless you purchase a complete furniture set, you're hard pressed to find perfect matches. Looking at wood finishes as you would colors greatly expands your options, allowing you to bring an eclectic touch to your design. Does this Spark an idea?

Blending Together

Use wood finishes to create dramatic contrast or subtle accents. For a traditional motif, staying in the same family of tones works well. For medium-tone woods, add a hint of depth with darker, rich woods like mahogany, cherry and walnut. To lighten up a room, mix mid-tone woods with lighter pine, bamboo, oak or teak. With exceptions, it's best to avoid mixing light tones with the darkest hues.

Breaking It Up

The dark and light rule is broken to achieve a contemporary look. If you decide to mix very dark finishes with the lightest tones, however, follow the design principle of balance. If you have both dark- and light-stained pieces in a single room, using light-colored accent pieces on the dark furniture and warm, dark items on the lighter furniture (whether it be a throw, lamp or vase) will create a visual unity in the room while letting the difference in finishes create depth and texture.

Treating Them the Same

To create another type of visual unity, treat different wood finishes in the same manner. If you find a table with a lacquered mahogany finish, follow suit with other pieces in the room and give them a coat of the shiny treatment, or leave two pieces in a matte finish and two in a lacquered finish, for balance. For a rustic motif, strip wood pieces down to their natural finish or give them a salvaged look with peeled or cracked treatments. The difference in tone gives your room variety, but it's important not to go overboard by using the same treatment on every single piece. If you have a large piece with a natural treatment, do the same with one or two other smaller pieces -- preferably in other parts of the room. The point is to achieve visual balance.

Tags: wood finishes, finishes create, give them, visual unity, with other

Open An Art Gallery

The north end of the Working Artists Gallery, an emerging arts gallery located in the industrial NW of Portland Oregon

Three years ago I started what is one of a handful of arts incubators in the United States, and quite possibly the only one that is a for-profit entity (I believe in walking the talk) in a warehouse in Portland Oregon. The gallery emerged about 16 months into the business, and is just about 650 square feet. The Working Artists Gallery (WAG) is now in its second year, with gallery attendance, and sales, soaring for the emerging artists we exhibit there!

In this article I hit the highlights of the lessons I learned that may lead you to success in establishing your own gallery. If this is your passion, use what is offered to help you fulfill on your dream!

Instructions

1. ART U LOVE, ART OTHERS LOVE. Decide what kind of art you want to exhibit, then brainstorm who will be likely to attend exhibits of that type of artwork, and purchase the work. Write out a statement about the art you will show in your gallery, the kinds of artists your space will represent, who will attend the openings, and who will buy the work. If you are a visual person, go through arts magazines you enjoy and cutout images that help you describe the above. When you've come close to a final decision about the art and artists you wish to represent in your gallery, and the people you believe will be interested in and purchase their work, make a list of all the people you know, or can find through research, who fit both these descriptions.

Then get in touch with a number of them and ask (for artists) about their work, what inspires their art, learn about the materials they use and why. And for collectors learn about their collecting habits, ask what kind of art they collect and why, find out how long they've been collecting and what started them.

Also see who else has a gallery similar to what you're proposing, find out where they are, who they represent and more.

2. GALLERY BIZ BASICS. Purchase, read and use the following books that I used to guide me in my own successful gallery work:

1) Art Office Second Edition by Constance Smith and Sue Viders - 80+ Business Forms, Charts, Sample Letters, Legal Documents & Business Plans for Fine Artists;

2) Fine Art Publicity by Susan Abbott;

3) Corporate Art Consulting by Susan Abbott;

4) The Artist-Gallery Partnership: a Practical Guide to Consigning Art by Zella Jackson. Every basic thing you need to know about opening gallery, working with artists and collectors, etc. is contained in these books.

Take notes, mark in the margins of the books, practice with the forms, do any of the exercises suggested. And use the books in a way that works for you.

3. WRITE A PLAN OF ACTION. Now, taking all that you've learned in Steps 1 and 2, you are ready to write down a simple and brief plan for getting from today to the day your artists are THE artists whose work represents the ideals and aspirations of your gallery's mission, and sell like hotcakes in your market!

Write a statement about what kind of gallery you intend to open; the type of art and artists it will serve and why; the people who will be interested in seeing and buying this work and why. Remember to refer to your interviews and research materials to back up your thinking. Then write out all the actions you know you will need to take for the following "chunks" of the business:

1) location and building information. Include lease and purchase information, business and building requirements by your city, including insurance and ADA requirements, cost of operations, personnel (if any);

2) recruiting the artists whose work you want to exhibit and represent including the steps in the process of recruitment. Some things to think about are who will be curating the exhibits, are they juried or open calls, how often will the exhibits rotate, what will you provide at the openings, what percentage do you take, etc.;

3) marketing strategy and plan for getting the news to the right people about your business and the art you sell.

Once you have as many to-dos as you can think of in your lists, transfer the To-Dos to small Post-Its, organize them along a time line (draw a long line on a sheet of butcher paper, or some other paper on a roll), PLANNING BACKWARDS from the day you sell out a stoday.

"How the heck do you plan backwards?" Good question.

Think of a successful outcome (ART SHOW SELLS OUT!)and then answer one question - "What had to happen in order for this outcome to be achieved?". So, if your successful outcome is an 18 piece exhibit selling out, the outcome could be written as EXHIBIT CLOSES, SHOW SOLD OUT. Then ask, "What had to happen in order for this outcome to be achieved?" Answer with another outcome such as 8 PEOPLE CAME TO THE OPENING AND BOUGHT 12 PIECES, 4 PEOPLE CAME DURING THE MONTH AND PURCHASED THE REST. Ask the question again, and answer it with an outcome. INVITATIONS WERE FOLLOWED UP BY ME ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE OPENING. And keep going until you get to today.

Remember to attach a budget to each of the actions/items that need money spent in order for the step to be achieved.

4. DO THE TO-DOs. Follow the steps on your plan. Go shopping for the perfect gallery space. Begin recruiting artists. Book them. Talk to a banker or other money lender (for micro-loans visit MercyCorps, or recruit family and friends). Begin writing your press releases and developing personal relationships with the press folks. Hire a graphic design student to design your logo, business cards, website. Recruit friends and people in the arts community to pitch in with the remodel work. Get quotes for remodel work that must be done by a licensed and bonded professional, insurance, electrical work from at least 3 sources for each part of the project. Sign the lease. Hire the contractors. Transform the space into your gallery. Promote the first exhibit. Install the show. Throw a fabulous opening. Sell lots of artwork. Deposit the money. Pay the artist. Pay your Curator (if you have that kind of an arrangement). Promote the next exhibit and do the process all over again.

5. LOVE THE LIFE YOU CREATE. If you are like me, opening a gallery, and being involved in the arts, is a lifelong dream. I worked in a plethora of other industries over a 30 year period, and I can tell you that this work I do, and the resultant life I lead, IS THE BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF HANDS DOWN! So come on - take the risk to follow your passion - and LOVE YOUR LIFE. To Art, and all the wealth it brings in so many different ways!

Tags: your gallery, what kind, about their, about will, Artists Gallery, artists whose

Decorate A Santa Festyle Home

Use potted cactus to complement your Santa Fe decor.

Featuring adobe-style houses, terra-cotta or tin roofs and wrought-iron accents, Southwestern-style architecture goes hand in hand with the Santa Fe-style of interior design. The neutral colors of the desert are accented with bright, vibrant colors and desert-themed accents and accessories. Santa Fe décor is a casual style of design best suited for those with a casual lifestyle. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose vibrant colors, which are popular in Santa Fe and Southwestern decor. Use a combination of reds, oranges, yellows, sage green, turquoise, cobalt blue and the trademark Taos blue, a mixture of sky blue and a touch of violet. Pair them with neutral browns, grays or beiges as a backdrop to the vibrant colors.

2. Cover the floors with Navajo rugs in geometric patterns or stripes. Handwoven blankets can be hung on the wall as art. Also feature photos or paintings of desert landscapes or cactus. Paintings or posters featuring Native American artwork can also be used to evoke a Santa Fe-style décor.

3. Feature a Kiva ladder to evoke the feeling of a pueblo house. Place a few Southwestern-style accessories on it and a large tribal drum next to it. Use wrought-iron accessories and architectural details, such as sculptures, knickknacks, railings or window grates. Prominently display Native American crafts and other items, such as baskets, pottery, blankets, rugs, dream catchers and Kachina dolls. Bleached bones and skulls collected from the desert are often hung on the walls or stacked as accent pieces.

4. Install a corner adobe beehive fireplace, which is the trademark architectural feature of Santa Fe -- and all Southwestern interior design. Surround the fireplace with large, substantial furnishings made of wood with a rough finish and leather upholstery fabric. Any style of antique furniture mixes well with Santa Fe design, mirroring the mismatched pieces brought west by the pioneers.

Tags: vibrant colors, interior design, Native American, Santa Fe-style, Santa Southwestern, with Santa

Buy & Use Generators For Home Consumption

A home generator can bridge the gap when regular electrical power is interrupted.

It is hard to imagine life without the convenience of electrically-powered devices such as televisions, computers, refrigerators and air conditioners. During emergencies such as hurricanes or other times when regular electric power is interrupted, generators can be used to convert gasoline, diesel fuel or natural gas into electricity that can power home appliances and electronics. Generators come in different sizes and power ratings. Home stand-by models require professional installation, but consumers can easily install a variety of portable generators. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Buying a Generator

1. Visit a local home supply store such as Lowe's, Home Depot or Ace's Hardware. These stores are usually stocked with a variety of home generators.

2. Inventory the appliances and electronics you will wish to operate during an electrical outage. Use this information to calculate the wattage your new generator will need to produce. To find an appliance's wattage, look on the back of the appliance for a power rating, which may be listed in volts and amps. Also, generator engines are often rated in horsepower rather than wattage. The following formulas may be needed:

Watts=Volts x Amps

Amps = Watts / Volts

1 HP = 746 Watts

A basic rule of thumb is to purchase a generator rated slightly higher than the total wattage it will need to meet your needs. Once you have found a generator with the appropriate wattage, make sure the generator employs automatic voltage regulation. Automatic voltage regulation will prevent voltage spikes that can damage your home appliances and electronics.

3. Purchase the generator. If you have selected a home stand-by model, have it installed by a professional. Professional installation is not necessary if you have purchased a portable generator.

Using a Generator

4. Read the owner's manual included with the new generator. The manual will cover basic operation and maintenance of your new generator.

5. Locate a safe location for the new generator. Because most portable generators burn gasoline or diesel and produce deadly carbon monoxide gas, they must be placed outside in a well-ventilated area, at least 10-feet away from the house.

6. String electric cords from the generator into the house toward the appliances and electronics you wish to power. Make sure to use only heavy-duty exterior power extension cords.

7. Add fuel to the generator and then power it up. Allow the generator to run for a few minutes before connecting any electronics or appliances.

8. Keep the generator fueled and maintained in accordance with the owner's manual. Typically, a gas or diesel generator will need periodic replacement of the spark plug and engine oil. If the generator will sit idle for long periods of time, a fuel stabilizer may be needed. Some dealers offer service plans.

Tags: appliances electronics, generator will, will need, gasoline diesel, generator will need

Hotels With Jacuzzis Around The Finger Lakes Region Of New York

New York's Finger Lakes Region is home to more than 1,000 waterfalls.

New York's Finger Lakes Region encompasses the 9,000 square miles spanning from the southern shore of Lake Ontario to the Pennsylvania border. The region includes 14 counties, 11 lakes and more than 1,000 waterfalls, and offers a host of year round recreational activities that range from snowboarding to hiking. Visitors to New York's Finger Lakes region will find that it is home to several locations providing comfortable hotel accommodations. For visitors looking for hotels with Jacuzzis, many locations offer this feature as part of the amenities.

Holiday Inn Waterloo/Finger Lakes NY

The Holiday Inn Waterloo/Finger Lakes NY is located between the region's Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. The hotel offers Jacuzzi suites with Jacuzzi tubs for two, king-sized beds, work desks with lamps, clock radios, irons and ironing boards, free Internet access and microwaves and refrigerators on request. The hotel also offers a public outdoor Jacuzzi and heated outdoor pool, full business services, an on-site restaurant and lounge, an outdoor courtyard, outdoor basketball and tennis courts and free coffee in the lobby. The hotel is just 10 minutes from the Waterloo Premium Outlet Mall, where guests can find more than 100 brand-name outlet stores. Hotel parking is free for all vehicles. Pets are not allowed.

Holiday Inn Waterloo/Finger Lakes NY

2468 Mound Rd.

Waterloo, NY 13165

315-539-5011

holidayinn.com

Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites

The Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites is located in Yates County. The hotel offers Presidential Suites with whirlpool Jacuzzi tubs, his and hers bathrobes, microwaves, two-sided fireplaces, refrigerators and telephones with free local calling. The hotel also offers an indoor public Jacuzzi and pool, free Internet access in each room, a fitness center, complimentary hot breakfast and free morning newspapers in the lobby. The hotel is also just a short distance from the Glenn H. Museum, featuring a full-size reproduction of the "June Bug", the first public flight aircraft in America, as well as several historic aircraft displays. Parking is free for all vehicles. Pets are not allowed.

Best Western Vineyard Inn & Suites

142 Lake St.

Penn Yan, NY 14527

800-823-0612

bestwestern.com

Geneva on the Lake

The Geneva on the Lake is a resort hotel located on Seneca Lake. The hotel offers Whirlpool Suites with double whirlpool Jacuzzi tubs, mirrored spa rooms, fireplaces, cathedral ceilings, mission cherry furniture and separate bedroom and seating areas. The hotel also offers an outdoor terrace, formal gardens featuring classical sculptures, a 70-foot pool and 10 acres of outdoor area for guest recreation. The hotel is also just a few miles from the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, where guests can visit any of a number of wineries for wine tasting tours and events. Parking is free for all vehicles. Pets are not allowed.

Geneva on the Lake

1001 Lochland Rd.

Geneva, NY 14456

315-789-7190

genevaonthelake.com

Tags: Finger Lakes, hotel also, York Finger Lakes, also offers, Best Western, Best Western Vineyard, free vehicles

Free Wood Working Crafts

Find free plans for a chair online.

Woodworking crafts provide enjoyment to people who are good at working with their hands. Picking up the hobby of woodworking can require an investment in pricey equipment such as saws and lathes, as well as supplies such as lumber and screws. However, plans for many woodworking craft projects can be found online for free. Plans often include a list of materials that can be used for shopping, as well as full instructions including photos or illustrations.

Canadian Home Workshop

Canadian Home Workshop's website provides plans to hundreds of free woodworking crafts, complete with shopping lists and illustrated and detailed directions. For example, the plans for a Muskoka rocking chair made from composite wood include templates for each part, as well as an assembly guide giving multiple views of how the various parts fit together. Projects available include a game board made from plywood, an eco-friendly desk fashioned from white pine and a spruce coffee table that can be built for $25.

The Home Depot Fire Pit

The Home Depot provides a free project sheet for a fire pit that has a wood frame with a decorative ledge with mitered corners, with a steel fire bowl nestled atop a bed of sand topped with river rock. The project includes a list of materials and tools that will be needed to complete the weekend project. The Home Depot also provides a list of other projects in the Know How section of their website.

Unique Projects

The Unique Projects website includes free plans for woodworking projects including a magazine rack, a headboard and a harmonograph. The list of projects includes an estimate of the cost of materials and the required time for the project, as well as the skill level, primary material and project category, such as d cor, toy/game and gift. The step-by-step plans include photos and illustrations. Some plans, such as the mission headboard, include a personal account of a craftsman's efforts to build the project.

Tags: Home Depot, Canadian Home, Canadian Home Workshop, free plans, Home Workshop, list materials, made from

Build Rustic Chairs

A rustic chair looks great in any type of environment.

Building a rustic chair requires around six to eight hours. Green wood is wood harvested from live trees. This type of wood is the best to use for this project because when attached with nails it will not split. But if the project cannot be started as soon as the wood is cut, simply place the wood in a bucket of water. If a bark free chair is desired harvest the wood in the spring. The bark will come off easier during this time. If a keeping the bark on is important to the style of the chair then only harvest the wood during the fall. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place goggles and leather gloves on before starting the project. Gather the two 1 1/2-inch-by-35-inch and the two 1 1/2-inch-by-27-inch pieces. Bevel or round off one end of each branch with the pocket knife. Do this by whittling down the end until it is curved in shape.

2. Gather the remaining branches and bevel both ends of the branches using a pocket knife.

3. Lay out one back leg and one front leg on a work surface with the beveled end on the top. Space the two pieces of wood 17 inches apart. Measure each piece 3 1/2 inches from the bottom and mark. Place one of the 1 1/2-inch-by-25-inch pieces across this mark and secure with nails. Measure from the bottom of the front leg 14 1/2 inches, and 13 inches on the back leg. Mark the area and secure another 1 1/2-inch-by-25-inch branch to the marked location. Measure from the bottom of the back leg 24 inches and mark. Secure a 1 1/2-inch-by-27-inch branch to the front leg and marked area on the back leg with nails. Repeat process with the other front and back legs.

4. Lay one of the 1 1/2-inch-by-25-inch branches diagonal from the upper corner on the back leg down to the lower corner of the front leg. Hammer one paneling nail into each end by do not go through the legs. Use the nail going through to mark the legs. Remove this branch and drill one 1 5/8-inch hole in the area that is marked by the nail. Place the 1 1/2-inch by 25-inch branch back on the front and back leg. Make sure the nail is lined up with the pre-drilled holes and hammer the branch onto the front and back leg. Repeat with other frame.

5. Create a "T" support by attaching the 1-by-4-by-30-inch board and attaching it to the middle of the 2-by-4-by-30-inch board in the shape of a "T". Secure with a nail. This structure is solely designed to help support the chair while it is being built.

6. Move "T" to a workbench and place on the ground. Place both frames with the front legs on the workbench with the arms of the chair being supported by the "T". Attach one of the 1 1/2-inch by 25-inch pieces flush with the front of the front legs. Secure with nails.

7. Lay the chair frame on its back on the workbench. Measure down 1 inch from the top of each back leg and attach another 1 1/2-inch-by-25-inch branch to the marked location on the back legs. Secure with nails. Attach another 1 1/2-inch-by-25-inch branch on top of the middle brace that is secured to the back of the chair. Nail this branch into the back legs not the brace. Turn chair over so that it is resting on the front legs. Attach the other 1 1/2-inch-by-25-inch branch on top of the middle brace and nail to the front legs. The middle brace will be sandwiched between two 1 1/2-inch-by-25-inch pieces of branch.

8. Lay chair on side and dry fit the 1 1/2-inch-by-27-inch armrest on the outside of the armrest. Pre-drill a 1 5/8-inch hole into the front leg and attach the branch for the armrest with paneling nails. Repeat with the other side.

9. Set chair upright and test to make sure it is level. Once level run one of the 3/4-inch by 29-inch branches from the top corner of the middle brace down to the lower corner of the lowest brace. Repeat with other 3/4-inch by 29-inch branch. This support will look like an "X" in the front of the chair. Secure with nails.

10. Attach the 1-by-4-by-30-inch board under the middle brace on the back of the chair. Attach the 3/4-inch by 25-inch branch under the middle brace on the front of the chair.

11. Place one 1/2-inch or larger branch vertical on the inside of the back of the chair. Level the branch by resting the branch on the 1-by-4-by-30-inch brace. Secure with one nail on the top of the back of the chair and one on the bottom of the seat area. Place another 1/2-inch or larger branch on the seat in a horizontal fashion and secure with a nail to the back brace and the front brace. Continue to fill in the seat alternating between placing a branch on the back and then on the front until the seat is filled in. Once the seat is filled in, trim the excess twig material with pruning shears. Remove the 1-by-4-by-30-inch bracket from chair.

Tags: middle brace, with nails, 2-inch-by-25-inch branch, back chair, front legs, with other, another 2-inch-by-25-inch

Get The Gimp Suit In "Grand Theft Auto San Andreas"

In "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," CJ and his friends arrive in Las Venturas after escaping from their gang and violence-filled hometown. This city is known for gambling and fast cash, and CJ wants a part of it. With his friends, he plans an elaborate casino heist. To pull it off, he needs the security key card from Millie, a casino employee. To get it, CJ must collect a Gimp Suit so he can hide his identity from Millie.

Instructions

1. Go to Caligula's Casino in Las Venturas and walk into the glowing red marker. This starts the mission "A Key to Her Heart."

2. Wait for Millie to leave the casino and wait for her to get into her car. Get in a vehicle and follow her -- do not get too close or you will scare her and fail the mission. Check the on-screen meter to see if you are too close to Millie or too far.

3. Stop your vehicle when Millie pulls over and gets out of her car. She goes into a shop. Follow her inside.

4. Stand in the red marker inside the shop. After you watch Millie leave the shop, walk into the dressing room to pick up the Gimp Suit. CJ puts it on automatically.

5. Head to Millie's house, which is marked on the map. Kill the man that arrives on her doorstep and take his weapon. Enter the house to finish the mission.

Tags: Gimp Suit, Auto Andreas, from Millie, Grand Theft, Grand Theft Auto, Millie leave, Theft Auto

Start A Group Home For Atrisk Girls

Start a Group Home for At-Risk Girls

Group homes for at-risk teens provide 24-hour care, supervision, services and treatment designed to reduce or eliminate those negative behaviors that brought the teens to the youth home and to prepare them to become successful adults. Typical services offered include family counseling; preventive and therapeutic medical services; psychological services; psychiatric services; remedial education; employment counseling; recreation and meals. Group homes, which are highly regulated, may be eligible for a variety of funding.

Instructions

1. Contact your state's Department of Human Health Services to find guidance for starting your youth home, such as how many children you can house, resident-to-staff ratio and required amenities and training.

2. Develop a business plan and a strong mission statement that addresses what compels you to the delicate industry of caring for America's youth. Group homes may qualify for state, federal or private funding. In order to procure funding, you will need a detailed business plan that discusses operations, funding and oversight. Contact your Small Business Administration for help on developing your business plan.

3. Contact licensed professionals to help you develop a rehabilitation curriculum. Develop policies on personnel, parental influence and visitation, admission and discharge, education, discipline, evacuation procedures, programs and financial records. Develop orientation and training materials for new hires. Establish a meal plan.

4. Register your business as a non-profit organization, which will allow you to qualify for a number of tax credits and funding opportunities, and obtain the required permits and licenses. Review all of the local resources listed on your state's DHHS to find organizations that can help you develop your group home or procure equipment and supplies. Seek legal advice when establishing your business.

5. Select a facility that can accommodate the number of youths you intend to house in your residential home. If necessary, hire a licensed contractor to construct your facility and obtain zoning approval. Procure reading materials and equipment to facilitate social and educational growth. Outfit your care home with clean furniture and amenities.

6. Apply for your group home license and set up the inspection with your state's DHHS. Purchase fire, theft and general liability insurance.

7. Establish procedures for teaching your teens about personal care, hygiene, grooming, chores, preparing for employment and money management.

8. Hire compassionate and qualified employees, including professionals who can offer medical, dental, psychological, psychiatric and counseling services. Conduct criminal background checks on job candidates.

9. Develop detailed brochures to give to local family service organizations, community centers, churches and schools.

Tags: business plan, Group homes, your business, your state, Contact your, group home, help develop

Grants In Durham North Carolina For Small Business Owners

You may find a grant for your small business in Durham, NC.

Grants for for-profit small businesses is a popular topic of conversation amongst entrepreneurs. Although grants for small businesses are rare, they do exist. According to Grants.gov, "a federal grant is an award of financial assistance from a federal agency to a recipient to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States." You could re-purpose this definition to fit a city, state, or private organization.

The City of Durham offers three grant programs to for-profit businesses. NC IDEA, a non-profit that promotes innovation, offers grants for small businesses in high-tech fields.

City of Durham Facade Grant Program

The Facade Grant Program provides funding for improving the exterior of a commercial building. The business must have separate funding secured since this program provides matching funds of up to $1,900. Businesses located on Parrish Street are an exception. They can receive a match of up to $8,000. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The contact for this program is Grace Dzidzienyo.

City of Durham Office of Economic and Workforce Development

302 East Pettigrew Street, Suite 190

(919) 560-4965

durhamnc.gov

City of Durham Merchandise-Based Incentive Program

The Merchandise-Based Incentive Program provides assistance for locally owned and operated, merchandise-based retail businesses to make real property improvements on the exterior and interior of their owned or leased properties. It matches current funding up to $7,500. Businesses located on Parrish Street can receive a match of up to $15,000. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The contact for this program is Grace Dzidzienyo.

City of Durham Office of Economic and Workforce Development

302 East Pettigrew Street, Suite 190

(919) 560-4965

durhamnc.gov

City of Durham Training Grant

Established Durham-based employers can apply for to provide short-term training for employees. Funding of up to $25,000 is provided to grantees and is funded through the federal Workforce Investment Act. Applications are accepted in the spring and fall of each year. The contact for this program is Darrell Solomon.

City of Durham Office of Economic and Workforce Development

302 East Pettigrew Street, Suite 190

(919) 560-4965

durhamnc.gov

NC IDEA

NC IDEA (Innovative Development for Economic Advancement) is a grant-making organization based in Durham, North Carolina. They provide grants to North Carolina-based, start-up companies in the following areas: information technology, medical diagnostics and devices, material sciences and green technologies. Grants awarded range from $10,000-to-$50,000 and must make a significant impact on the grantee's progress. Applications are accepted in the spring and fall of each year. The contact for this program is Andrea Cook.

NC IDEA

4505 Emperor Blvd., Suite 130

Durham, NC 27703

(919) 941-5600

ncidea.org

Tags: City Durham, this program, Applications accepted, contact this, contact this program, 560-4965 durhamnc

Free Christmas Gifts For Needy Families In Las Vegas

Charity organizations can use your help this Christmas season to help those in need.

Most people think of Las Vegas, Nevada, as a place to see spectacular shows, gamble and dine at world class restaurants. Sadly, however, there are many struggling families in Las Vegas who are in need every year, especially during the Christmas season. Many opportunities are available to help provide free Christmas gifts for the less fortunate. National and local charitable organizations will greatly appreciate your contribution of time, money or an unwrapped gift for a child.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army bell ringers have become a symbol of Christmas giving and sharing in America. Each year, the Salvation Army volunteers stand for hours outside department stores and on street corners ringing their bells and collecting money in their red kettles to help those less fortunate. The Salvation Army helps to provide free Christmas gifts for needy families in Las Vegas and across the country. Needy families, senior citizens and homeless people benefit from the gifts from the Salvation Army. Food, blankets, toys for children and clothing are among the free Christmas gifts that are available for needy families in Las Vegas.

The Salvation Army

Clark County Command

2900 Palomino Lane

Las Vegas, Nevada 89107

702-870-4430

salvationarmy.org

Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots was started by the United States Marine Corps Reserve to provide Christmas toys to children whose families do not have the money to buy presents. The new, unwrapped toys are collected during October through early December each year and then sorted, wrapped and delivered to children before Christmas day. The Marine Corps Reserve, through Toys for Tots, seeks to bring the joy of Christmas to needy children across the country. Toys for Tots also brings the people of the community together for the common cause of helping those in need.

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

United States Marine Corps

Inspector Instructor Staff

5095 Range Road

Las Vegas, Nevada 89115

702-632-1503

toysfortots.org

Shop with a Cop

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department participates in the Shop with a Cop program to provide Christmas gifts to needy families in Las Vegas. The program pairs a Las Vegas police officer with a child from a needy family. The police officer then takes the child shopping for Christmas presents for them and for their family. In 2009, according to the "Las Vegas Sun," more than $15,000 was raised for the program and more than 120 needy children and their families in Las Vegas received gifts for Christmas. Children are nominated to participate in the program and each receives a gift card for a local department store. Their police officer takes them shopping at the store where they use the gift card to buy Christmas presents for themselves and for their family members. The children who participated in the program in 2009 each received a gift card for Target department store valued at $130. The Shop with a Cop program is not only an opportunity to help provide free Christmas gifts to the less fortunate in Las Vegas, it is a chance to improve good will between the police department and the community.

Las Vegas Metro Police Department

3141 Sunrise Avenue

Las Vegas, Nevada 89101

(702) 828-3111

lvmpd.com

Tags: Salvation Army, Toys Tots, free Christmas, Vegas Nevada, Christmas gifts, families Vegas

Find The Greengrow Punch In "Mcworld"

Players in "McWorld," an online children's game operated by McDonald's, create avatars called mPals and play games in a virtual world. Every player has a treehouse that he can decorate with "McWorld" furniture and accessories. The first time you enter your treehouse, it asks you to find greengrow punch and tells you to ask the game characters where to find it. Take the punch to the treehouse to complete the "Help Your Bud" quest and earn rewards.

Instructions

1. Click on the "McWorld Map" icon at the bottom of the screen.

2. Go to the Sunken Treasure Cove, which is on the right side of the map.

3. Click on the red square near the hole on the right side of the sunken ship to speak to Sally Wagg, the mermaid.

4. Click on "Ever find any greenglow punch during your adventures?" in the dialog box. Sally will give you some punch.

5. Click on the treehouse icon at the bottom of the screen to return home. Click on "It was easy!" in the dialog box to hand over the greenglow punch and complete this portion of the treehouse quest.

Tags: bottom screen, greenglow punch, icon bottom, icon bottom screen, right side

What Is A Spanish Style House

Clay roofs are one of the distinguishing features of Spanish style homes.

Spanish style houses are generally found in the Southwestern region of the U.S. where the influence of Mexican culture is deeply ingrained in its history. Spanish styling uses design techniques that integrate everyday living into the climate conditions found in this environment. Historically, it used materials available locally and designs that facilitated heating and cooling. In this sense, Spanish styling is one of the earliest types of sustainable housing. Does this Spark an idea?

History

As the West and Southwest experienced an influx of settlers, newcomers noticed the efficiency of the missions and houses of the Spanish residents that lived in the area for hundreds of years. New people who came to the area duplicated these construction techniques and improved upon them to accommodate contemporary lifestyles. By the early 1900s, the Spanish style was revived to include modern conveniences and adapted into more streamlined, less-ornate stylistic variations, according to Northern Arizona University professor Dr. Tom Paradis.

Architectural Features

Many different components can go into Spanish style homes, including Mediterranean aspects, Spanish Baroque elements, Moorish touches and Gothic elements. Low structures are common, with clay roofs, arched doorways and windows as well as balconies and courtyards to enjoy cool breezes in hot weather. Interior walls are plastered, and ornate tiles, wrought iron and heavy woodwork add textural elements. Structures tend to the asymmetrical with clay roofs that help to keep the house cool under intense sunshine.

Distribution

California and the American Southwest first popularized the modern Spanish style house, with its look of comfort, coolness and ease of entertaining. These design features adapted naturally to areas like Texas and Florida where similar climate conditions existed. Few northern areas adopted the styling, though a few adaptations of the styling were adapted into Mediterranean design. Spanish styling itself divides into several other derivations, including Mission Style, with its heavy, wooden doors and metal grills over the window; Monterey Style with its cantilevered second story; or Spanish Colonial with its use of stone, adobe, coquina and other natural materials.

Advantages

Low, pitched roofs that are gabled or hipped keep out the heat. Clay tiles that insulate rooms well are fairly easy to maintain and to replace individually. Stucco exteriors are relatively easy to clean, with pale colors that reflect sunlight. Arched windows limit bright light and keep interiors cool. Courtyard areas take advantage of cool evening breezes for entertaining outdoors. Patios, balconies and porches add outdoor living space. The utilitarian quality of Spanish style homes make them a favorite choice for upscale housing developments in warm climate areas of the U.S.

Tags: Spanish style, Spanish style homes, Spanish styling, style homes, adapted into

Build A Paint Spray Booth

Flawless paint doesn't mean paying through the nose to have someone else do all the work.

Spraying your car at home with regular car paint isn't legal anymore; sorry, but the EPA put an end to that when they restricted the sale volatile organic compound-containing paints to the general public. But all hope isn't lost for determined DIY painters, since you can still primer your car and apply water-based car paints. A water based paint is just as tough as an old enamel, it just doesn't dry to a hard shine. You'll need to send the car out for a clear coat, but you can still convert your garage into a simple paint booth and get the car 95 percent of the way to a finished state.

Instructions

1. Move everything in your garage as close to the walls as possible. Stack any boxes on top of each other and get rid of anything that you can't get close to the walls. Open a window in your garage and place the window fan into it so that it blows outward. Use the largest box fan that will fit in the window.

2. Open a window on the opposite side of the room if you can. If your garage door has windows, open or remove one of them. If you don't want to alter the outside of your home, then you might consider installing a cat door in the garage door that leads into your home and leaving it open to act as an air intake for your spray booth.

3. Duct tape your air conditioner filter over your air intake window or opening, making sure to thoroughly seal around the edges.

4. Place one or more large tarps on the floor so that they span from wall to wall and up the walls by about 2 feet. Duct tape the tops of the tarp in place. Next, hang tarps on all three of your garage walls. Tape them at the top first, let them hang down. Tape them to the floor tarp at the bottom. Go ahead and cover the door leading into your house; you can trim it later.

5. Hang strips of tarp on either side of your garage door tracks and tape them down at the bottom. Now cut two more pieces of tarp sized to the ceiling and the garage door. Unfortunately, you can't hang the garage door and ceiling tarp until you get the car in the garage, otherwise the door will rip them off when it opens. Just cut them to size now and wait till you get the car in to hang them up.

6. Trim your tarp around the window exhaust fan and the intake filter. Duct tape the tarp in place around the filter and fan. Locate your house door behind the tarp and slip your razor blade in between the door and the frame so you can open the door. If the door opens inward then you'll have to cut the hinge side and reposition the tarp slightly on the door so that it won't pull off when you open it. Cut an X-shape in the tarp so you can turn the knob.

7. Tape the cut edges of your tarp to the top and side of the door and door frame. Wrap the duct tape around the frame slightly so that it goes into the door jamb. Park your car in the garage and close the door. Hang the tarps over your door, door tracks and ceiling. Take a good, hard look around your garage to make sure you haven't left anything uncovered.

8. Turn your exhaust fan on and close or block your intake window or cat door. Look around your garage for tarp movement; this indicates an air leak in the garage, so apply more duct tape where needed to reduce air intrusion. Unblock your air intake, bring a large light into the garage and commence with the spraying.

Tags: your garage, garage door, door door, Duct tape, your home

Choose Furniture To Go With Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring comes in many colors and finishes. Your furniture should enhance your hardwood flooring, not take away from it. It should fit into the style you're going and pull the rooms of your home together. The furniture that you choose to go with your hardwood floors should not only fit into your home's style, but it should fit into you budget. Additionally, according to Decoratemyrooms.com, because furniture is such an investment, it should be durable so that you don't have to replace it often. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure your space. If you have hardwood flooring throughout your entire house, measure each room separately. Take notes of each room's size and clearly mark what each room will be, such as the bedroom, living room and dining room, to know what furniture to buy.

2. Think about the color of your floors. Are they dark wood, light wood, or do they have shades of pink and red in them? Because hardwood comes in so many colors, you want to choose the right shade of furniture to contrast with them. This will make both stand out. For example, if you have hardwood flooring that is a very light tan color, you should go for dark shades in your furniture. Black furniture would look very nice with light tan hardwood floors. Likewise, if you have hardwood flooring that has hints of red in it like dark cherry maple, you should pick out furniture that is in a lighter tone, but your furniture should also have hints of red to make the red in the floor pop. Fabric for couches and chairs that has hints of red or pink will work well.

3. Buy a uniform color for every room. If you have the same color hardwood floors throughout your house, Decoratemyrooms.com suggests that you purchase the same color of furniture for ever room in your house. That way you can move pieces throughout your house and not have to worry if they will match the room. This will also give your house a very uniformed look and keep the style you are creating consistent in every room.

4. Purchase furniture pads. Just like you don't want your furniture to take away from your hardwood floors, you also don't want it to damage your floors. The World Floor Covering Association suggests purchasing felt furniture pads to place under the legs of furniture to prevent them from denting or scratching the floor.

Tags: hardwood floors, your house, each room, hardwood flooring, have hardwood

Ideas For Decorating A Home In Mission Style

Ideas for Decorating a Home in Mission Style

Mission style--also known as arts and crafts or craftsman style--is a design style characterized by clean, straight lines, geometric shapes, natural elements and handcrafted pieces. Common materials associated with this decorating style include wrought iron, stained glass and hardwood. If you want to give your home a warm and inviting feel, considering decorating in mission style. Does this Spark an idea?

Natural Color

Since this decorating style centers around natural elements, the colors you use should also reflect nature. Common colors associated with mission style include brown, tan, beige and muted green, red and yellow. Showcase these colors in the walls, furniture, linens and area rugs. The woods, stained glass and wrought iron elements featured in this design pop against these natural colors.

Windows

Stained glass windows should feature somewhere in a mission style home, as this type of window is handcrafted and typically showcases the geometric shapes and clean lines common to mission style. Incorporate large panels of stained glass in the front windows of your home or opt to feature it in a small window, such as in your front door. While stained glass is eye-catching, it may not provide the privacy you seek. In this case, choose a window covering that compliments the mission style look--such as simple, solid colored cotton drapes or wood plantation shutters.

Furniture

When furnishing a mission style home, choose handcrafted pieces made from natural woods. Cherry, oak and walnut are medium-colored woods that work well with this decorating style. Simplistic furniture that features clean, straight lines will suit the style. Couches and chairs should be upholstered with natural fabrics, such as leather or cotton.

Floors

Natural materials should also feature prominently in your mission style home's floors. Wide planked hardwood is commonly used for flooring. Other durable natural materials that work well for flooring include slate and terracotta. To add softness and warmth to your natural floors, bring in simple-colored throw rugs made of organic fibers like cotton or jute. To add interest to the floors, toss about some braided throw rugs in basic colors.

Finishing Touches

Since mission style is simple, you don't need a lot of accessories--though that's not to say that you shouldn't incorporate any accessories. Tiffany style lamps are a striking accessory commonly featured in this design style. Wood carvings and wrought iron decorations will also complement mission style decor.

Tags: mission style, stained glass, decorating style, mission style home, style home, this decorating

Kill Black Widows

Black widows can lurk in dark places in your home such as the garage, wood piles, closets and trash bins. Widows thrive in dark undisturbed places. Getting rid of black widows before they lay an egg sack is important because they can lay as many as 200 eggs in a single egg sack. Female black widow spider bites are dangerous because of the toxin released. The widows don't venture out from the nest to bite people, but if the nest is disturbed then they will bite. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use gloves and protective clothing when you are seeking black widow spiders.

2. Clean all corners in your home and caulk any cracks in the walls that would allow the spiders in your home. Black widows will create a web where they can hide and not be disturbed.

3. Vacuum any webs that you find while cleaning the corners. When the web is disturbed, the black widow will emerge from the hiding place and you can vacuum up the widow.

4. Pour the vacuum contents in a plastic bag and tie it up. Place the bag in the trash outside your home. You can put an insecticide, like Drione dust or Delta dust, into the bag prior to tying it.

5. Spray an insecticide inside the home if you have no pets or children in the home. Concentrate on the corners and dark locations. The insecticide will drive the black widows away from the locations sprayed. Some spider insecticides are Terro 2300 Spider Killer Aerosol, Springstar Silverfish and Spider Traps and Star Brite Spider Away Natural Repellent.

6. Look around the outside perimeter of your home and caulk any cracks. Using a flashlight and a stick, slowly search the entire yard for a web that produces a glare when the light is shined on it.

7. Spray the web with an insecticide and the widow will come from its hiding location and you can crush it with the stick. Repeat the same treatment in two weeks in case any eggs have hatched.

8. Trim the bushes in your yard so the widows can't make a nest in the lower limbs. The purpose is to make the black widows go elsewhere to nest by decreasing the places available for them to nest around your home.

Tags: your home, black widow, black widows, caulk cracks, from hiding, home caulk, home caulk cracks

Lift The Curse Of Gauntlets Of Crusader In "Oblivion"

"

Oblivion" is fourth game series of "Elder Scrolls," which has you start out as a prisoner whose cell is used for the king's escape. Like the series before this one, you have the ability to customize your character the way you want, including looks, stats and skills. As he escapes, he states he knows you from a dream, allowing you to tag along and eventually escape to be a free man once again, but with an important mission. Throughout the game, players obtain curses that can be a little difficult to remove, one being the curse of the Gauntlets of the Crusader.

Instructions

1. Go to the basement in the Priory of the Nine. Speak to Sir Casimir. He will tell you that the Gauntlets of the Crusader are inside the Chapel Of Stendarr, in Chorrol.

2. Go to Stendarr. Speak with Areldur. He will tell you that the Gauntlets cannot be moved. He will also tell you to speak with Kellen, who is a descendant of Casimir.

3. Go to Kellen and talk with him. He will speak to you about the curse.

4. Go back to the priest in Stendarr. He will tell you that to remove the curse from Kellen, you need to take the curse yourself. Pray at the Chapel and obtain the ability "Lay Hands on Kellen." The curse will now be lifted and will allow you to obtain the Gauntlets of The Crusader.

Tags: Gauntlets Crusader, tell that, will tell, will tell that, tell that Gauntlets

Help For Low Income Families At Christmas In Yakima Valley

Every child dreams of waking up to a tree with gifts under it at Christmas time. For low-income families, making this dream come true can be a real burden. In Yakima Valley, these organizations are available to help make this dream come true. Does this Spark an idea?

Christmas Giving Tree

Many churches and businesses in Yakima participate in the Christmas Giving Tree program. Trees placed through out the valley have tags with children's Christmas wishes on them, gender and age. People wishing to contribute to the Tree take a tag, shop and wrap gifts and return them to the original tree, where they are then distributed to the families. For more information, contact the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army

509-453-3139

9 South 6th Ave.

Yakima, WA 98902

P.O. Box 2782

Yakima, WA 98907

OIC

OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Center ) partners with other organizations and has five different programs to help low-income families pay for heat during the winter. Program benefits include assistance with non-working heat sources, electrical heat discounts over the first 600 kilowatts used, budget and energy conservation education, and help with payments and repairs of up to $250 for homes with gas and up to $500 for cascade gas customers when funds are available. Contact OIC for more information about qualifying for these programs.

OIC

815 Fruitvale Blvd.

Yakima, WA 98902

V (509) 248-6751

F (509) 575-0482

Toys for Tots

The U.S. Marine Corps works through the months of October, November and December to collect toys for children in low-income families during Christmas time. The goal of the Toys for Tots program is to provide a message of hope for children, motivating them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. In Yakima 1st Sgt Michael L. Pullom is the Toys for Tots contact person.

Toys for Tots

1st Sgt Michael L. Pullom

Email: michael.l.pullom@usmc.mil

Phone (509) 575-6935, Ext. 25

Fax (509) 575-0941

Tags: Toys Tots, low-income families, Christmas Giving, Christmas Giving Tree, Christmas time, come true, dream come

Fastest Way To Get Rid Of All Your Possessions

A garage sale is one way to get rid of your possessions.

Sometimes personal possessions may become a burden, such as when moving overseas, moving into a retirement center or even relocating into a much smaller apartment. In such cases, you can get rid of your possessions quickly in a variety of ways. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Organize all items based on type and value. Such organization will be necessary regardless of how you choose to part with the possessions. Organize kitchen appliances and dinnerware together, bath and toiletry items together. Do the same with items from the living room and bedroom.

2. Give all of your possessions away. If getting money for your possessions is not your priority, and you simply want to get rid of all of your possessions as fast as possible, contact a local mission or local branch of Goodwill Industries International and tell them you will donate the items if they will take them away free of charge. This would be the fastest way to get rid of all of your possessions.

3. Organize a garage sale if you would like to receive some money for your possession. Sell most of the smallest items such as dinner plates and silverware, games and toys, and other small items that are valued at $100 or less. This is the fastest and most efficient way to part with many small items, as they are things people can pick up and take away on their own at the time of purchase.

4. Hire an auction house to auction off larger and more valuable items. Although auction houses will ask for a percentage of all sales for their services, an auction allows you to extract the highest possible price for the valuable goods. Items such as home stereo equipment, large television sets, furniture, recreational vehicles and large kitchen appliances are all best sold via auction.

5. Donate all items that were not sold through the garage sale or the auction to a local mission or branch of Goodwill Industries International. Whatever clothing and appliances remain could be put to good use by needy individuals in your community.

Tags: your possessions, garage sale, branch Goodwill, branch Goodwill Industries, Goodwill Industries

Sears Appliance Repair Careers

Appliance repair technicians work to keep appliances in working order for customers.

When people think of appliances, they almost automatically think about Sears. Sears was founded as a company in Chicago in 1886 and eventually grew to become one of the nation's leading retailers in the areas of home appliances, tools and products for the home. Sears also plays an important role in the home appliance repair industry. As a retail chain with stores in most urban markets, Sears regularly hires appliance repair technicians. Does this Spark an idea?

The Job

Sears appliance repair technicians work by appointment, traveling to the homes of customers who have requested that Sears send them out for a service call. A variety of job options are open for repair technicians. Sears typically has technicians devoted to working on one major type of appliance. For instance, washer and dryer technicians will work exclusively on washers and dryers, while stove technicians may only work on stoves. Technicians may also be called upon to sell additional products or services related to the repairs they complete in customers' homes. For instance, Sears offers service plans that allow customers to avoid costly repairs by extending their current warranty. Technicians working on newer appliances may suggest these types of products.

Qualifications

Most of the job listings for Sears appliance repair technicians call for at least two years of experience in appliance repair. No college degree is required to work in one of these positions, but a high school diploma or GED is required. Sears technicians serve as the face of their company while in the homes of customers, so they need to have excellent customer service skills also. Technicians work as part of a team of technicians and must be able to collaborate with peers when necessary. Sears emphasizes a commitment to being sensitive to customer time restraints; technicians must arrive at appointments on time and complete work in a timely manner. They must also have the aptitude to complete ongoing training as necessary to update their knowledge of newer products.

Compensation

Sears appliance repair technicians are provided with tools, a service van, a cell phone and even a laptop computer to aid them in their work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the median hourly wage for appliance repair technicians nationwide was $16.30 in May of 2008. The top 10 percent made more than $25.92 per hour. Payscale.com notes that Sears appliance repair technicians made an average rate of pay of $15.81 to $22.64 per hour, as of October 2010. Sears technicians compare favorably with national averages in this field.

Tags: appliance repair, repair technicians, appliance repair technicians, Sears appliance repair, Sears appliance, homes customers, notes that

Identify Stickley Brothers Furniture

In the late 1870's, five brothers from Wisconsin known as the Stickleys began making furniture in their uncle's Pennsylvania factory. Brothers Gustav and Leopold later joined forces to produce furniture in upstate New York. Their design philosophy was practical and based on an ideology of integrity and simplicity. Stickley Brothers furniture maintains its popularity for its simplistic structural features and mission-oak styling.

Instructions

1. Inspect furniture pieces for Stickley Brothers marks which include decals, paper labels, plaques and branded markings. Look under table tops and chair arms. Markings are centered on the upper backside of book shelves, sideboards and other cabinet pieces. These markings can pin down the time frame of production and identify which Stickley brother crafted the item in question.

2. Compare maker markings to a "Stickley Brother's Shopmarks" guide which can be viewed at the Stickley Museum site or in a photo gallery and listing from the book, Stickley Brothers Furniture: Identification and Value Guide. While the marks changed periodically during the production years, the original maker's mark retains a carpenter compass and possibly the words, "Als ik kan" which mean "to the best of my ability" in Flemish.

3. Inspect the craftsmanship of Stickley furniture. It will maintain a solid construction. Pieces were produced with exposed structural elements such as visible dowels and tenon joints which added aesthetic detail and enhanced the simple elegance of the Stickley design.

4. Examine the furniture's finish. The Stickley brothers chose clear dyes versus opaque like other furniture makers of that time. Varnishes were hand applied so that the wood grain would be visible. Materials were also chosen for their natural qualities such as canvas and leather.

5. Characterize Stickley furniture by the indicative Mission Style. It is easily recognizable by its well-balanced shape and proportion and evenly-spaced vertical slats that diminish the masculine appearance of the piece. Woods used were primarily American white oak, in addition to chestnut, maple or mahogany.

6. Obtain a reprint catalog of the original Stickley furniture company online or from Dover publications. Listed inside are the model numbers, picture and description including height and width of items of interest. Match the catalog representation to the actual item to identify it as a Stickley Brothers piece.

Tags: Stickley Brothers, Stickley furniture, Brothers Furniture, Stickley Brothers Furniture

80s Room Makeover

Subdued colors like brown and light pink were also popular in the 1980s.

The 1980s were characterized by overwhelmingly bright colors, catchy slogans, and cartoon characters that have become cultural staples. To redecorate a room in your home 80s-style, dig through the old clothes in your attic for inspiration, or watch a VHS tape chronicling a special time in your life for inspiration on the best hues and decor items to use in the space. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

When it comes to 1980s decorating, the brighter the color, the better. Neon hues like lime green, bright orange, and electric blue will make your '80s-style room especially authentic, e.g. splattering splashes of neon paint on the accent wall, or painting the wall paneling your favorite fluorescent color. Neutral shades combined with brighter tones are indicative of 80s home decor as well. For instance, light and medium gray armchairs and sofas with cobalt blue or bright purple pillows or hot pink curtains against a sandy tan wall are a sophisticated addition to an '80s room.

Furniture

Furniture with funky shapes or a crafty look help to make your 80s-themed room stand out. The arts and craft decor movement was popular during the 1980s, when mission-style furniture, originally common in the early 1900s, began to make a comment. So, a desk made of distressed wood with metal accents or a dark wood farm-style door is accurately indicative of 80s style. Angular furniture, like armchairs or small couches with pointed or curvy tips will give the room a particularly interesting look as well. For a room with a more relaxed or playful feel, neon-colored bean bags are ideal.

Wall Art

Purchase a few posters featuring your favorite cartoon characters from the 1980s like Fat Albert, Rainbow Brite, or The Care Bears. Buy a few gray or black frames to houses the posters in, and adorn the side walls of the room with them. Or, give the room refined 80s taste with reprints from artists who were prominent during the decade, like Mark Tansey or Keith Haring; both artists captured the bold lines and bright hues of the day with a fanciful and timeless twist.

Personal Items

Personalize your 80s space with items direct from the decade-either those that belonged to you, or "artifacts" from older loved ones. For instance, frame your favorite cropped, acid-washed jean jacket and display it on the accent wall, or adorn the top of your dresser with an Etch-a-Sketch and mini My Little Pony toys that you or an older sibling played with as a child. You can also frame or feature some of the jewelry you were during this time period on your wall. For instance, install short pegs on the wall to showcase all the friendship bracelets that were given to you as a kid, or set your large, bamboo or geometric earrings on a canvas and frame the "artwork" for a completely original piece.

Tags: your favorite, accent wall, cartoon characters, give room, make your

Family Activities & Entertainment Museums In Omaha Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska has many activities for families. This city enjoys a long history, as travelers have been going through it since the days of the old American west. Omaha is currently the largest city in Nebraska according to its website. The city has something to interest everyone, including exhibits about the old west, zoos, airplanes and space.

Omaha Children's Museum

The Omaha Children's Museum is designed to keep growing children engaged and interested in learning about exhibits. The age range of children it serves range from one to three, in the Wiggle Room, to pre-teens and teens. The facility boasts 45,000 square feet and has a water garden, science labs where children can perform experiments, and a large creative arts area. The Children's Museum includes the Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center, where children can explore gadgets that were based on Leonardo da Vinci's ideas, as well as create their own gadgets at the Dream It! Build It! area.

Joslyn Art Museum

Joslyn Art Museum is a facility that exhibits many American western artifacts and artwork as well as artwork from all over the world. This large museum is child friendly and offers tours geared toward children and learning about the arts. The Joslyn Art Museum contains one of the largest research libraries in the country. It also has collections of ancient Greek pottery and Latin American artifacts, and an American Indian collection.

The Durham Museum

The Durham Museum offers a number of different children's programs, including some geared for homeschooled children, tours designed to help children learn and school tours as well. This museum has coin displays, information about railroads and exhibits devoted to the American Indians. It also has an "Omaha at Work" gallery that discusses the history of the Omaha workforce. An additional perk children will enjoy at the Durham Museum is an old fashioned soda and candy shop, where they can see how fountain soda shops used to look.

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo

The Henry Doorly Zoo has a large indoor desert and the Scott Aquarium as well as the Bear Canyon and a butterfly and insect display. Children will marvel at Gorilla Valley and Orangutan forest. The whole family will enjoy the Scott Aquarium and the Simon Avery. The zoo is family friendly and offers shows geared toward teaching children about animals and wildlife.

Strategic Air and Space Museum

The Strategic Air and Space Museum focuses on educating families about flying. Permanent exhibits include a Vietnam display, a Martin bomber and Doolittle's Toyko Raider. The museum also offers summer camps geared toward children who want to learn about science and space.

Tags: Children Museum, Durham Museum, geared toward, Joslyn Museum, friendly offers, geared toward children

What Is The Difference Between Mission & Vision Statements In Education

Mission and vision statements are similar, but different.

Like businesses, many educational institutions have vision and mission statements. Many schools craft their vision and mission statements when they are first founded, and some revise their mission statements periodically to reflect changes in their policies, direction, and purpose. Though vision and mission statements are used almost synonymously, they differentiate from each other in time horizon, nature, and purpose. Failing to distinguish the difference and abide by the separate meanings can lead an institution to lose its direction.

Strategic Planning

Strategic planning is a process that defines who an institution is, what its purpose is, how it can achieve its goals, and whom it serves. Both vision and mission statements should be at the core of strategic planning in an educational institution. This process should involve as many interested parties from different disciplines within the school as possible. Guided by the vision and mission statements, the leadership of an institution can design programs that meet both short-term and long-term goals. It is an on-going process that creates synergies within the institution and beyond.

Vision Statement

In education the vision statement should describe the specific long-term goal or dream of an institution. It gives direction to the institution, the governance party, faculty, staff, and students. The vision statement should respond to the purpose of the institution. It should also be unique to the institution. The future of the institution depends heavily on its vision. If an institution does not have a clear vision, it becomes lost and it will be hard to promote action and change for the better. Often, the vision statement is a single, concise sentence. Though the vision can be abstract, it needs to be feasible to turn it into actions.

Mission Statement

The mission statement is the practical actions that implement the vision, which is the ultimate dream or aspiration. The mission statement defines the fundamental purpose of an institution. It should be clear and actionable and set to achieve the vision of the institution. The mission statement is usually publicly disclosed in schools publications, whereas the vision statement is not. The mission statement is generally longer than the vision statement, approximately 100 words as opposed to a single sentence, and may contain a few items that the school aims at achieving.

Significance and More

In short, vision statements tend to be long-term and surreal while mission statements are more practical. An educational institution should promote its vision and mission in all aspects of its service. During the strategic planning process, it is essential to discuss values and strategies to achieve the institutions ideals, including its vision, its mission, and its values. Achieving the various parts of the mission shapes the broader goals of the vision and strengthens the values of an educational institution.

Tags: mission statements, vision mission, vision mission statements, vision statement, educational institution

2star Hotels Near The Northgate Mall Durham Nc

Situated between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Atlantic coastline, Durham, North Carolina has been called the "City of Medicine" and "Bull City." It is home to Research Triangle Park, Duke University and North Carolina Central Universities.

The Durham Bulls Triple-A baseball team plays in Durham and the city has an abundance of art and science museums, over 300 restaurants and highly regarded medical facilities. Of the many retail establishments in Durham, the Northgate Mall is strategically positioned near both universities. It houses more than 100 shops and restaurants as well as a carousel and movie theater. A number of hotels are located within 10 miles of the Northgate Mall.

Red Roof Inn Durham Triangle Park

Located a few miles away from Northgate Mall, the Red Roof Inn Durham Triangle Park is situated close to Raleigh Triangle Park and is seven miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The Museum of Life and Science, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and the Durham Bulls Baseball Athletic Park where the Durham Bulls play are all located within a 20-minute drive of the hotel.

While this two-star hotel (rated by the Free Hotel Guide) does not offer on site amenities like a pool, fitness center or restaurant, rooms do include free local calls and wireless Internet service. Parking is free.

America's Best Value Inn Durham

Located less than one mile northwest of Northgate Mall, America's Best Value Inn is close to Duke University Medical Center and VA Hospital as well as Duke University. The hotel provides a free shuttle to all three places. According to the Free Hotel Guide, this is a two-star hotel.

This spacious and well-appointed inn offers guests an outdoor pool and a park with barbecue grills. Laundry facilities are offered as well as a business conference rooms and scenic walking trails along the border of the hotel. All rooms feature a free continental breakfast, high-speed Internet access, free local phone calls and complimentary cable television.

Comfort Inn Durham

Located about eight miles south of Northgate Mall, Comfort Inn Durham is a two-star hotel (rated by the Free Hotel Guide) that is close to Durham universities, the airport, retail shops and restaurants. Meridian Business Park is minutes away and Southpoint Mall is also close as well. The hotel welcomes guests with pets and offers free wireless Internet service, complimentary hot continental breakfast and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies each evening.

Local calls are free and a local newspaper is left at the guest's door each morning during the week. All rooms have microwaves and refrigerators, plus there is a fitness center.

Tags: Northgate Mall, Triangle Park, Duke University, Durham Bulls, Free Hotel, Free Hotel Guide, free local

Price Handmade Furniture

Research handmade furniture on the Internet.

Pricing handmade furniture can be difficult unless you know where to look for information. The value of handmade furniture is basically set by the vendor who builds the piece of furniture. Handmade furniture is best valued by talking to vendors or by visiting the shops that sell the furniture. However, placing a value on true antique furniture is more complicated; getting input from several experts in the field is recommended by Anita Ramsey of the shop aunt daisy's located in Emmaus, Pa. Valuing a family heirloom is definitely different from valuing antique furniture you purchase on the free market.

Instructions

1. Look on the Internet for shops in your the area that sell handmade furniture. A simple Internet search for handmade furniture in your area will provide both dealers and manufacturers.

2. Make notes of your findings and focus on one particular piece of furniture for comparison. When buying or selling a piece, visit several local dealers or use the Internet to determine the relative value. When selling a piece of furniture, the dealer must include a markup value in his offer so he can make a profit.

3. Send a photo online to two or three appraisers if the furniture is an antique. Tell the appraisers whether the piece is to be purchased or valued for insurance purposes. The appraisers may use different figures based on your location, so keep this in mind when choosing an appraiser. As an example, dated handmade furniture is typically worth more in Vermont than in Arizona.

Two sites that can be very helpful are wiw2u and antique-antiques.

4. Research online workshops that produce the handmade furniture you are seeking. These builders typically are small factories that do not sell directly to the consumer because of contractual terms with their dealers. However, they can provide a list of shops in your area that sell their hand-crafted furniture.

One small workshop that provides the names of dealers in your area is Good Intent Farm.

5. Visit local dealers that the workshops recommended and ask them to price the piece, or pieces, of handmade furniture you are looking to sell or value. The dealers are typically more than happy to help, since it helps promote their businesses, as well.

6. Finalize your price based on the feedback from either a dealer or Internet research that you feel provided the most substantive information.

Tags: handmade furniture, that sell, your area, handmade furniture, piece furniture, antique furniture, area that

Pass Chapter 6 On The Dead Space Game

In Chapter 6 of the "Dead Space" video game, titled "Environmental Hazard", you are faced with a total of five objectives to complete. Chapter 6 is by no means a breeze to play. You must have enough money, ammunition and weaponry by the time you reach Chapter 6, so collect as many weapons and items as you can along the way.

Instructions

Destroy the 8 Poison Pods

1. Head up the lift outside the bathroom at the tram station. Meet with Hammond, then head to the next room.

2. Buy as much ammunition and weapons as you can afford from the store on your left especially the Line Gun, the Ripper, and Force Gun. Save your game, and continue past the door on the left to the hallway to the west tower. Avoid the hot water, get on the lift, eliminate the slasher and open the door

3. Go through the left door to the West Grow Chamber. Fight two waves of slashers until you're able to leave through the back door.

Move forward, shoot the box, then shoot the first Poison Pod twice with your cutter. Arm yourself with the line gun, spin around and kill the super in the vent.

Head outside, kill the lurker; head to the other end of the area which will bring you into a different room with another Poison Pod. Kill it in the same fashion as the first, leave the room. Kill the pregnant beast by shooting the arms, go up the lift in the room's center. Get off, enter the door right behind the lift.

4. Take the two canisters from the right locker in Hydroponics Control. Arrange the corpses in the middle of the room around the canisters. Use two cutter blades for the third pod on your left and one for one of the two canisters. Kill the third Poison Pod and immediately take out any of the canisters with your third shot. If the bodies get up and attack, kill them. Exit the room and head into the opposite door to save the game.

5. Turn right and use your force gun to fend off the exploder. More waves of exploders will enter; use grenades or aim for their bulb bombs. Continue to the next room.

Head into the Zero-G zone, glance up and kinesis the panel that has an arrow symbol over to the side. Kill the two lurkers that fall out. Head into the opening and avoid the spikes. Go to the side and open the next panel. Go through and kill the lurker in this area. Hop on to the solid ground and continue through the door.

6. Take the lift down. Shoot out the four purple panels with your cutter. Wait for the fire to stop in the first tube, then dash through quickly. Run past the slasher in the second tube and continue to the other side. Get behind the Poison Pod ahead, kill the slasher behind you, then take out the Poison Pod.

Go up the lift and head for the control room. Head left to the elevator and take it back to the grow chamber. Take out the pregnant beast and two lurkers. Take the lift down, mind the sprouts and head back to the control room. Sell the conductor at the store and purchase some additional ammo/health/nodes. Maintain a balance of 40,000 credits. Save the game and exit on your right.

7. Kill the Guardian by using your cutter on the tentacles to use the tentacles on the egg-like objects. Three doors will open. Spend a power node to open the third door. Move to the second door, taking out the slasher in the process, then continue on up the lift.

8. Collect the box to the left of the door and proceed left to collect a second box on the wall. Equip your Cutter/Line Gun then use the following method to kill the Brute outside: stasis, run behind, slash away, then repeat. Get another box on the door opposite this one.

Enter the upper left room and eliminate the Poison Pod. Approach the lift with the Poison Pod beneath it. Use the panel to the right of the lift and stasis the glass, head to the left, then use the beam to cut the Poison Pod. Don't hit any containers.

Go up to level 3 on the lift and kill the next Poison Pod. Take the lift back to level 2 and use a power node to open the locked door.

9. Switch your cutter to vertical and shoot the yellow spot to free yourself. Go under a series of cages, head right of the ceiling opening, and hop up. Freeze the electric conductor, jump to the connecting wall and enter the hole. Kill the two lurkers on the right. Kill the eighth and final Poison Pod.

Recycle the Atmosphere, Poison/Kill the Leviathan, and Return to Tram

10. Press the blue electric switch to turn off the power. Save the game. Kill the three slashers in the hallway. Head through the large door in front.

11. Head through the door and insert the poison into the machine. Head for the food storage.

12. Step forward, and the Leviathan will get up. Defeat his first tentacle by constantly strafing to the left side every time he swings it. Each time his arm sticks out, shoot at the yellow spot. Jump behind his arm before it slams down. Repeat this for all three tentacles.

When the Leviathan roars, shoot the orange mass in his mouth with the contact beam. Take cover as he starts firing bombs at you (five total). Kinesis the first one, shoot it around the second, grab the third, shoot the fourth, grab the fifth, then shoot it back at the mouth. Repeat a few times.

The Leviathan will then attack with both its mouth and tentacles. Avoid the tentacles using the same method above but make sure you have a clear shot to grab the bombs afterward. After about three bombs plus a few beams and cutter slices, the Leviathan will roar. Head back to the save game station, then go to the tram.

Tags: your cutter, Leviathan will, Take lift, with your, Chapter Dead

Build A Successful Yoga & Pilates Studio

Building a successful yoga and Pilates studio requires the same business sense necessary for other small enterprises. Get as much knowledge about starting a business and managing it as possible before making your yoga and Pilates studio a reality. Bob Christenson of SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Business, reiterated the importance of getting business training in his article, "Good Managers are Trained, Not Born."

Instructions

1. Teach yoga and Pilates classes at several health clubs and studios. This grows your network of yoga students who might follow you to your new studio.

2. Take classes on opening a small business. Whether or not you plan to have a business manager for your new Pilates studio, it is important that you know the details of running a business.

3. Visit the IRS website and your official state, city or county websites to read their information about starting a small business. Find out what paperwork you need to file to open and run your yoga studio. Keep track of everything n a folder or binder, so when you formulate your business plan, you will have everything in one place.

4. Find out what kinds of grants and loans are available for opening a small business and what paperwork you need to apply for them.

5. Create a business plan. Spotts Fain, PC, says a business plan "allows you to determine what your projected start-up costs are (how much money you'll need to save) and what your marketing strategies are (how you'll reach customers to make sales)."

6. Lease a building for your yoga and Pilates studio. Choose a location for your studio that will not have to compete with too many places that already have yoga and Pilates classes.

Alternately, you can rent space from an existing dance studio, community center or church until you are ready to set up your own studio. If you plan to build a studio from scratch, get names of contractors in your area from state or government websites, or ask other local businesses for trusted contractors.

7. Consider incorporating eco-friendly materials into your new yoga studio. Using recycled materials and furniture, and VOC-free paint are some of the ways you can create an environmentally friendly studio. This also gives you attractive marketing points to present to prospective students.

8. Design for your students' comfort. Incorporate men's and women's bathrooms and showers, and a small lounge that can double as a boutique for yoga mats, clothing, jewelry and props.

9. Get software for running your business. Several companies specialize in software that helps organize student lists, keeps track of accounts receivable and payable, and manages class schedules.

10. Build a thorough website. You want your website to include contact information, directions to your studio, class descriptions, class times, prices for classes, bios of instructors, special events, an "about us" page that describes how your yoga and Pilates studio is unique and how it got started. You also want an FAQ section that might answer questions about what yoga and Pilates are, refund policies and general studio etiquette.

11. Advertise. Social networking sites are a great place to advertise for free. Advertise in your city's local guides and magazines. Hold a few open-house events to get people interested in your yoga and Pilates classes. This is a good time to offer discounts on class packages. SCORE recommends to "be consistent in your ad message and style," and to "promote benefits rather than features."

12. Establish a way for your students to pay for yoga and Pilates classes and stick to it. Some yoga studios let students pay for a group of classes at one time for a discount. You can use punch cards to keep track or give each student a number that they give to the front desk each time they come to class.

13. Offer extras. Many successful yoga studios have special workshops, events and guest speakers throughout the month. Hold a donation-only class once a month to attract new students. Get involved with the community by having classes to raise money for special causes. Teach yoga and Pilates specialty formats that are not offered by any other local studios.

14. Keep your yoga and Pilates studio clean. Hire a cleaning crew to come through once a day or once week if you do not have time to thoroughly clean the studio yourself.

15. Hire an accountant and attorney to make sure you are completely up to date with federal and state taxes and paperwork. If resources do not allow you to hire outside help for these matters, then make sure you are completely confident about your business know-how.

16. Keep up with your business plan. Continue to advertise. Keep track of short-term and long-term goals. Make new goals and plan for growth.

Tags: yoga Pilates, your yoga, Pilates studio, yoga Pilates studio, your yoga Pilates, business plan

Hotels Near Rancho Santa Margarita California

Rancho Santa Margarita along with the neighboring communities of Robinson Ranch, Dove Canyon, Rancho Cielo, Trabuco Highlands and Walden joined together to form the City of Rancho Santa Margarita on January 1, 2000. Situated in Orange County, California, the city's central location is just 15 minutes from the Verizon Amphitheater, the Irvine Spectrum and the Orange County/John Wayne Airport. Hotels near Rancho Santa Margarita offer views of the Saddleback Mountains as well as easy access to numerous golf courses, miles of nature trails and area attractions.

Ayres Hotel & Spa

Less than three miles north from the center of Rancho Santa Margarita, the all-suite hotel features a luxury spa specializing in rejuvenating facials, massages and wraps. Each of the 90 suites includes a pillow-top bed, flat-screen televisions, a mini refrigerator, a microwave and deluxe bath products. Select rooms also provide cathedral ceilings and a separate living room with a sleeper sofa. Lake Mission Viejo is just a short bike ride away and guests are welcome to visit the hotel's nearby sister property, Ayres Suites.

Ayres Hotel & Spa

28951 Los Alisos Blvd.

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

949-305-7200

ayreshotels.com

Ayres Suites

A sister property of the Ayres Hotel & Spa, the smoke-free, European-inspired Ayres Suites features a living-room style lobby with Northern Italian furnishings, soft lighting, a stone fireplace and cherrywood accents. Guests are welcome to begin their day with a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and end their day with a fireside social hour featuring complimentary wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres. Each of the 84 elegant suites includes Queen Anne-style poster beds, burgundy and gold decor, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, cable television and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Select suites also provide whirlpool tubs and all of the accommodations offer panoramic views of the Saddleback Mountains. Maintain your workout routine in the fitness club or swim a few laps in the outdoor heated pool before relaxing in the hot tub. The hotel is just three miles from the center of Rancho Santa Margarita.

Ayres Suites

28941 Los Alisos Blvd.

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

949-455-2545

ayreshotels.com

The Lodge at Coto de Caza

The exclusive property, The Lodge at Coto de Caza, offers a boutique hotel as well as a collection of residences set within the gated community of Coto de Caza, approximately three miles south of the center of Rancho Santa Margarita. The all-suite guest accommodations in the Lodge feature a modern twist on a rustic decor with wood burning fireplaces, kitchenettes and private patios with scenic views of a nature preserve. The property also includes access to 14 miles of wilderness trails, championship golf, and the Coto de Caza Equestrian Center, home of the 1984 Olympics.

The Lodge at Coto de Caza

23501 Avenida la Caza

Coto de Caza, CA 92679

949-635-9931

lodgeatcoto.com

Tags: Rancho Santa, Rancho Santa Margarita, Santa Margarita, Coto Caza, Ayres Suites, Ayres Hotel, center Rancho

Donate An Old Auto In Arizona

Arizona has several charities that welcome donations of used autos. Oftentimes, charitable organizations --- such as the Goodwill of Central Arizona and Friends for Life Animal Rescue --- auction off donated autos and use the proceeds to fund charitable activities. Some out-of-state charities, such as the Purple Heart Car Donation Program and the Family Care Foundation, will make arrangements to pick up a donated auto free of charge, which saves you the time and hassle of dropping it off.

Instructions

1. Research Arizona-based charities or out-of-state charities that serve Arizona. Many charitable organizations have online information, including the organization's mission statement. Goodwill of Central Arizona and Friends for Life Animal Rescue have websites that provide specific information about donating an auto; the Resources section at the bottom of the page has links for those charities and other charities willing to accept car donations. Once you've decided on a charitable organization that accepts auto donations, contact the organization and ask about the auto donation procedure. Some out-of-state charities --- such as the Family Care Foundation --- provide online auto donation forms and a phone number or hotline.

2. Contact the charity of your choice. The charity you choose will answer your questions and provide information about which type of autos it accepts. Some charities, such as Friends for Life Animal Rescue and Valley Cats, accept automobiles that don't run. Arizona Council of the Blind is another Arizona-based charity, and it accepts auto donations through Donate Car USA. However, the charity's website doesn't mention whether an auto has to be in working condition. When in doubt, contact a charity to ask about its auto donation policy. Also, the charity or organization might need you to transfer the title to them. You can find information on transferring a title on Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division's website (see Resources). However, some organizations, such as Donate Car USA, will do the paperwork for you.

3. Schedule a pick-up or drop-off date and time. If the charity you choose offers pick-up service, schedule a date and time for the pick up. The charity might also have a drop-off location, if you prefer to drop off the donation yourself. A member of staff or a contact person will provide you with pick-up or drop-off location information.

Tags: Animal Rescue, auto donation, charities such, Friends Life, Friends Life Animal