Are You Planning a Spring Wedding? Here Is What You Need to Know

Spring is a perfect time to get married!  The start of warmer weather and the beautiful blossoms blooming which is exactly why over 20% of brides and grooms choose to get married during the spring.   There are a few things that need consideration when planning a spring wedding such as planning around spring break when hotels can be hard to come by.  Here is how you can pull off the perfect spring wedding, remember our wedding consultants are always here to help!

Wilt Proof Wedding Flowers for Spring and Summer Weddings

Spring is when everything is in bloom.  There are a huge selection of flowers and greenery in bloom.  Brides have access to colorful peonies, sweet peas, lily of the valley, daffodils, hyacinths, lilacs, and tulips.  Not only are there a number of different flowers to choose from, Mother Nature offers a perfect backdrop of spring colors from cherry blossoms, wheat grass, dogwood, moss, and herbs.

When you stick to flowers that are in season not only are they fresher, they are more affordable.  Spring flowers and blooms when used in arrangements for weddings offer an incredibly feminine feel to your event.  If you prefer something more understated and elegant consider using one color theme and incorporating ivy or other types of flowing greenery. 

Bringing the Best of Spring to the Menu

Temperatures are on the rise however it is far from hot for most springtime weddings.  A crisp cocktail with fresh appetizers is perfect for the pre-dinner cocktail hour(s).  It will start the fresh vibe of your wedding off on the right foot.  Try a light white wine sangria that includes fresh spring fruits or an effortless muddled strawberry mojito.  Consider fresh flavored martinis including mango, watermelon, and cucumber. 

For meal time work with a caterer that specializes in bringing the seasons best ingredients to the table.  Highlight artichokes, asparagus, carrots, morels, and more.  Springtime fruits can add color and flavor to plating using apricots, mangoes, pineapple, and rhubarb.  Your food should be reflective of the season, working with the flavors of the season instead of against them will bring the best menu for your family and friends. 

Enjoying Spring Flavors and Colors Even in Your Wedding Cake

There are so many benefits to having a spring wedding and being able to use color flowers that won’t wilt from heat to decorate your wedding cake.  It’s easy to turn your wedding cake into an ultimate showstopper with fresh spring flowers.  Choose a cake flavor that embraces the flavors of spring.  Of course, chocolate cake is always a good idea especially when you enhance it with the flavors of spring like a strawberry filling.  Thankfully you don’t have to settle on fondant as you often do in the heat of the summer because all types of frosting work during the crisp temperatures of spring.

Endless Options for Guest Attire During Spring Weddings

There are simply more options for wedding guests and your wedding party when it comes to participating in a spring wedding.  Hemlines can be shorter, fabrics can be lighters, and there are endless colors that work.  The dress code for springtime weddings can be more low-key no matter what time of day it is. 

Weddings, no matter what time of year they happen in, are a joyous occasion that mark a momentous change in your relationship.  When you choose the date for your wedding embrace the season it falls in and take all the best qualities and bring them out during the wedding planning process.

​ Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget.  We pride ourselves on providing only the highest quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events and milestone celebrations.  More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.

Steps Involved In Cleaning Your Water Softeners Brine Tank

Part of owning a water softener is maintaining it.  One aspect of water softener maintenance involves cleaning the tank which holds the brine.  Cleaning a water softener tank should be done every five to ten years.  It is time to clean the tank when your water turns hard and the basic tank maintenance doesn’t fix the issue. Older water softening units can benefit from annual cleanings especially electric water softeners. 

The first step in cleaning the water softener tank involves emptying the tank.  This is done by locating the bypass valve and shutting off the water intake.  Water can be siphoned out of the tank.  After this process is completed you will want to remove the leftover salt and safely throw it away.  Water softener salt must be disposed of away from plants.  Water softener salt will kill plants and other landscaping plants and shrubs. Another way to get rid of large blocks of salt or bridges is to dissolve it in hot water. 

Once the water and salt have been removed from the tank homeowners should remove the brine grid that sits at the base of the tank.  Some water softening units have a mesh platform instead.  Set this grid to the side before cleaning the tank.

Once the water softener tank is empty and the brine grid or mesh has been removed it is time to clean the tank with a good amount of soap and water.  This mixture should be scrubbed all around the interior of the tank with a long-handled scrub brush.  After the tanks has been thoroughly cleansed the soapy water can be dumped out and rinsed with clean water.

After this has been done the homeowner should clean the tank with a combination of bleach and water. Stir the bleach/water combination in the tank and let it sit for fifteen minutes to completely disinfect the tank.  Organisms have a difficult time to grow in the concentrated brine however the bleach and water mixture makes sure.

Once this process has been completed and the bleach/water combination has been rinsed out it is time to replenish the tank with water and salt.  First replace the grid into the bottom of the tank.  Add water softener salt and water back into the tank when it is back in place.  Give the tank a couple of hours before you regenerate the water softener as this time is needed in order to dissolve the salt within the tank. 

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

Routine Spring Maintenance for the Interior and Exterior of Your Home


It is crucial for homeowners to perform thorough maintenance on their homes at the beginning of the spring season.  Once the winter weather thaws and the sun starts peaking through it is easier to notice issues where your home could benefit from some attention.

Roofing

Roofing contractors are an important element in the inspection of your homes roof.  We all like to think we could spot a problem with our roof however it is not always so simple especially for the novice eye.  When shingles are missing or have become cracked it is not always seen from the ground.  A roofer can spot these and replace them with a rooftop inspection.  If shingles have shifted it is important for a roofer to install new fasteners.  It is also crucial that the build up of pine needles, leaves, and debris in the valleys and peaks of your homes roof is removed and not allowed to settle in the home’s gutters.

Chimney

Brick chimneys can also benefit from springtime maintenance.  It is important for homeowners to check out the chimney material whether it is brick or stone.  How are the joints, is there loose mortar?  Have weeds started growing, is there evidence of water, or a white calcium deposit?  These are all signs that your chimney needs maintenance

Foundation

Your homes foundation is the most important element as it keeps your home standing.  An inspection of your homes concrete foundation should look for cracks of all sizes.  If there is a crack in the foundation you will need to higher a foundation specialist to bond the crack chemically.  A two-part epoxy injection system is used to ensure the crack will not further expand. 

Windows

Windows with leaks in the seal around them will let warm air in during the summer and cool air to escape in the winter.  It is important to check the caulk and weather stripping to make sure it has remained in place throughout the winter.  Condensation on the inside of the double-glazed windows during the month often means that the weather seal has been compromised.  This means that the window will need to be replaced. 

Leaky Faucets

Spring is the perfect time to inspect faucets inside and outside of your home.  Check for leaks, clogs, and sweaty pipes.  Look under your sinks for proper connections to ensure there are know leaks coming from underneath.  Examine dishwashers, washing machines, and other appliances with sources of water for staining.  Repair or replace hoses and pipes for cracks, bulges, and/or dampness.

Air Conditioners

Just as homeowners are expected to inspect their homes heating systems in the fall, they should inspect their cooling systems in the spring.  Air conditioners need to be in good working order to ensure they are ready for the heat of the summer.  Change out the systems filter, check hoses and connections and ensure the drain is able to freely drain. 

Homeowners should also inspect and perform maintenance on their attics, windows, and basements.  Your home is your most valuable asset and should be cared for as such.  A little general maintenance a couple of times a year can increase the longevity of the systems that are in place.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.



Springtime Is Upon Us: Are You Considering the Installation of a New Fence?

The skies are finally letting a little sunshine shine down on us, the chickadees have returned, the cool breeze is flowing through the trees, and the world is becoming a little more colorful; it’s time to get outside and enjoy it.  In preparation for warmer weather and your children begging to play outside homeowners begin to think of all of the ways to ensure the safety of their children.  The installation of perimeter fencing is often where homeowners choose to begin.  Installing an aluminum fence this spring allows you to enjoy your home to the fullest.

Getting Social

With the installation of aluminum fencing homeowners can improve the comfort of their outdoor living area which increases the enjoyment of all types of social gatherings.  Creating a cozy space where friends and family can gather to play some backyard games and enjoy a BBQ is easy when the social space is defined by an aluminum perimeter fence.  Make your backyard the go to spot by installing an ornamental aluminum fence that accentuates the comfort of your space.  Your guests can enjoy the sun and stars while relishing in some conversation and laughter in a private outdoor space.

Let Your Children Play

The installation of a fence around your property is especially important if you have small children.  If you don’t have a fence around the perimeter of your home and property, then it is likely you will worry about them running freely into a road or about strangers entering the yard.  With an aluminum fence in place around your yard children can play freely and you will gain some peace of mind.  Yes, children need supervision however sometimes parents are interrupted.  Having a fence in place ensures that when you turn your head for that split second your children will be safe from running in the street or from being accessed by those individuals outside of the yard.  Your children need to release stored, pent up winter energy, a new perimeter fence allows them this freedom.

Increased Privacy

As much as we love our neighbors the last thing we want is for them to spy on our every move, especially when we are enjoying our backyard space.  Even though we all enjoy a little time for social interaction with our neighbors we all need a little downtime.  An aluminum fence can ensure you can enjoy yours. 

With the installation of a new fence you give yourself the opportunity to enjoy your space without the concern of outside forces.  There are a number of styles, colors, and ornamental options when choosing an aluminum fence for your space.  Without a doubt you will find one that exceeds your expectations. 

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation.  As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered.  More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

Tips For Getting Your Home To Stand Out Above the Rest During the Spring Market Real Estate Flood

Spring has sprung! Without a doubt the optimal time to start looking to buy or sell a home starts now.  It has been proven that the most active months in real estate are April, May, and June.  Here are some ways to improve the chances your home stands out above the flood of homes that will hit the market soon.

Wash Your Homes Windows

A home that sparkles will sell better than a home that doesn’t.  Buyers want to feel invited into a space and when the windows are spotless, and the sun shines in without dirt or streaks you are showcasing your home in its best light. 

Cleanup the Landscape

Take time to rake the yard and remove the debris left behind from dead leaves.  Trimming bushes and tree limbs can also bring a pulled together look to your yard.  It is important to make sure that the vegetation doesn’t appear overgrown or block windows or entrance paths.  Not only is important to showcase the interior of your home but also the exterior. It is important to edge the sidewalks and driveways as well; small details count when you are looking to sell your home.

Add Some Exterior Color

After a long, dull winter a little color helps to stimulate buyers urges.  Yellow flowers are the best option when adding color around your home as it is known to stimulate buying.  It is also a color that people associate with spring.  Purchase some planters and start planting tulips and daffodils galore.  A little natural happy induction in the form of some of spring color never hurt.

Clean Window Treatments and Open Windows

A home should be clean from top to bottom.  It is important to have drapes, curtains, and blinds thoroughly cleaned when listing your home.  Get rid of the dust, the cob webs, and built up grime that has accumulated over time.  Crisp window treatments and a crisp breeze are inviting.  Let spring in!

Clean Carpets, Polish Floors

The carpets throughout your home should be professionally cleaned.  The smell and look of clean carpets is appealing to buyers.  They are looking for a space where they can move right in without having to do a lot of effort other than moving in.  Hardwood floors should be refinished if they are in really bad shape otherwise a solid polishing should bring them back up to the level that buyers are looking for.

This list goes on and on.  The more presentable the home, the fewer issues the home has, the less work the home presents for the buyer, the higher the selling price and the faster the home will move off the market.  Let the professional real estate agents at C21 Lady of the Lakes help you today!  Professional realtors working for you.

C21 Lady of the Lakes is a full-service realtor serving Livingston County and the surrounding areas with all their real estate needs.  More information can be found at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com/.

Mistakes That Decrease the Longevity of Your Laptop

Purchasing a laptop isn’t a small investment and can be quite expensive if you need to repair or replace it.  It is important that a laptop is kept in top shape to increases its longevity and effectiveness.  Here are some tips on what to avoid in order to keep your laptop running efficiently for as long as possible.

Don’t Take the Term Laptop Too Literally

Nope, unlike the name states a laptop should never be set on top of your lap.  The truth is that by putting a laptop on your lap you actually decrease the lifespan of your machine.  A laptops processor, which is the brain of the PC, gets hot!  The vent to release the heat is likely to be located on the bottom of the laptop where ventilation is scarce.  This vent if covered by pants or blankets the laptop overheats. Another side effect of putting a laptop on your lap is that dust begins to settle.  Even when this dust is then removed using canned air it is not really removed, it is just shuffled internally which can hurt the processor and internal workings of the laptop as well.

Don’t Forget to Shut Your Laptop Off Occasionally

It is so easy to simply close the laptop lid at the end of the night without shutting it down however this isn’t always what is best for the health of the laptop.  Many of us fall into this trap because the next morning when we want to use it, the computer boots up within seconds.  By shutting down your laptop on a regular basis, it allows the PC to install the fixes that need to run in order to update the software vulnerabilities.  Laptops, like desktops, do not apply the fixes unless the computer is restarted.  For the best results we recommend shutting your laptop down at least once a week (or more).  

Don’t Overlook the Importance of a Surge Protector

Using a surge protector should be quite obvious however, so many people forget to use one when using their laptops.  It is common to hear that you should unplug electronics during storms.  If your laptop is plugged in and lighting hits and the computer is not plugged into a surge protector, you will likely fry your laptop.  

Don’t Disregard the Importance of Installing an Antivirus

This too should go without saying, an antivirus is critical for the protection of your laptop.  Antivirus protection is essential for both laptops and desktops as it keeps the bugs from getting into your systems.  Which let’s be clear, happens all the time when you are surfing the internet.  Malware and virus’s make your computer run hot and can “break” your laptop.  Antivirus should be installed and regularly updated to keep your system safe.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

When Do You Know Your Computer Issue Needs A Computer Technician?

There are a number of ailments that can curse your PC.  Most computer issues can be troubleshot at home however more complex computer problems may require professional computer repair by a trained technician.  Do-It-Yourself repairs may seem like a solid idea, however, overtime it may make more sense to take it to a computer repair store.

Software and hardware issues can often complicate the process of computer repair.  When Do-It-Yourselfers start digging into their computers they can often have a difficult time getting the pieces put back together. There are some issues that just need an expert’s touch including some of the issues below.

Blue Screen of Death

The most common ailment seen by the experts at CPS have to do with the blue screen of death, commonly referred to as BSOD.  Not only is it the most common issue to see it is also difficult to fix.  When your laptop or desktop computer screen turns blue it means that the PC’s system has experienced something traumatic in which it had to come to a forced, abrupt stop.  More often than not the problem has to do with the computer’s hardware or driver.  This causes a STOP code to appear (the blue screen of death) and the computer shuts down. 

When this occurs the only way to cure this computer ailment is to take it in to a computer repair store for a technician to diagnosis and repair it.  Through a series of computer diagnostic tests, the technician will be able to determine an official computer diagnosis.  Many issues give the Blue Screen of Death Error Code.  Depending on the error code your computer is displaying, the pc troubleshooting steps differ.  This is one of the reasons it is so important to take it into a computer repair technician over fixing it on your own.

Graphical Errors

Another common issue that is known to occur when you turn on your computer is that the screen is a muddled mess.  Graphical errors may be common, but the necessary fix isn’t always which is why you should take it into a computer repair store for repair and diagnosis.  Graphic issues are most often associated with software.  If your screen looks distorted and the images are not displaying correctly it is time to take your PC in for diagnosis. 

The technician will run some tests to determine if it is a software issue as sometimes a graphic disruption can involve a video card driver. A computer repair technician will have the capabilities to troubleshoot graphical errors.

Other common computer issues that occur which require a pc technician include blank monitors, operating system errors, virus warnings, and such.  Contact the technical professionals at Creative Programs and Systems for any and all of your computer repair issues

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

When Should I Have LASIK Performed?

No matter how young or old you are the health of your eyes is of the utmost importance. Our eye sight is an essential element in our everyday lives.   It is important to remember this when making decisions regarding your vision.  There are many choices when it comes to correcting issues with your vision such as eye glasses, contacts, and LASIK.  When choosing an option that is right for you a lot of people start to consider undergoing the LASIK procedure.  The thing most people are worried about is that they aren’t the right age to have the LASIK procedure performed.  If that is you, keep on reading.

What is the perfect age to have LASIK performed?

Ophthalmologists and LASIK surgeons both agree that a patients age means less than the stability of their vision when determining if they should have laser vision correction performed.  Patients that have has the same prescription for a period of time are most likely ready to have the LASIK procedure done.  This often occurs for patients in their twenties. 

Are there career benefits to LASIK?

Depending on your career, clear vision without the hindrance of eye glasses or contacts can be extremely beneficial.  Athletes are one category of individuals who would have an advantage with laser vision correction.  Contacts are not the same hindrance as eye glasses can be however there is always the concern about losing one or getting dirt in it while in the midst of an activity.

Can my eyesight continue to change one it has been corrected by LASIK?

Your vision can still change once the LASIK procedure is performed.  Laser surgery helps to increase your vision to its best but even after LASIK it can still continue to change naturally over time. Statistics show that about 10% of LASIK patients will need to have touch up procedures performed after LASIK is done. This is especially true the more drastic your vision correction was. 

If you are interested in finding out more about LASIK and how it can benefit you talk to family, friends, co-workers, and the people you trust for LASIK surgeon recommendations.  This allows you to narrow down providers before hitting the internet for reviews and scheduling consultations. 

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

Improving Water Quality Through Filtration

Take a minute to look inside the tank of your toilet, what do you see?  Do you see a collection of rust, sediment, and/or sand? That same collection of debris is accumulating inside your plumbing and water heater.  It is pretty standard to assume that when any mechanical system in your home becomes saturated with gunk build up the quality of the system and the products of the system are compromised.  The goal for homeowners is to avoid situations where this occurs.  One way this happens is with the installation of a whole house water filter.

When a whole house water filter is installed it can act as a barrier that quietly protects your home.  A filter will prevent crud from settling into the systems throughout your home such as the toilet, water softener, and hot water tanks. 

Benefits of Installing a Water Filter System for Your Home

Layered Protection

With the installation of a whole house water filter system you are layering the protection to your appliances.  You are preventing the sediment from reaching your appliances, plumbing, water softeners, toilets, and such.  Many appliances have small plastic and rubber pieces that are used in the use of different household appliances.  Small amounts of debris will damage seals in appliances over time.  When a seal becomes damaged it will leak and as we all know this ends up costing us time and money.  A filter removes the gunk such as sediments, debris, dirt, and gunk in general.  For homeowners there is an increase in appliance longevity and a piece of mind that your equipment will be reliable for longer. 

Eliminate Unexpected Water Surprises

Both city and well water sources can become compromised from unexpected elements in the system.  When this occurs homeowners can receive quite the surprise at the tap. 

City Water Issues

  • Water Main Break
  • Hydrant Flush
  • New Construction and New Water Connections

All of these events will knock iron and sediment buildup into the water supply.  This in turn creates sludge, orange water, and dirt from coming into your home.

Well water quality is affected by outside sources as well.  The quality of the water can change from season to season. 

A whole house water filter helps to remove the iron that exists in some water sources.  When a water filter is installed the iron in the water is filtered out.  This helps to prevent the staining that occurs on laundry, appliances, faucets, and more.

Filter Operation and Maintenance

Filtration systems function without electricity, without salt, and without waste.  There are no controllers to worry about, batteries to change, or clocks to reset.  In fact, whole house water filtration systems are simple to install and can be added to any water treatment system.  In order to properly maintain a filtration system for your home you will be required to change the filter periodically.  The number of times a filter needs to be changed depends on the quality of the filter, use, and the filters rating.

When choosing a filter consider the following: the physical size of the filter, the Micron rating, flow rate, and filter life.  Larger filters naturally have more surface area which often means that they last longer, increase the quality of the water and water pressure. Larger filtration systems are needed in homes with more than two family members.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more.  More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

Choosing To Replace Medical Equipment Opposed to Repair

There is quite a balancing act that goes on within healthcare facilities when it comes to whether or not medical equipment should be repaired or replaced. Unfortunately there is not one answer to address the issue.  Decisions for repairing or replacing medical equipment such as linear accelerators and CT scanners needs to be done on a case by case basis.  The most important factors being how the decision affects patient care and patient outcomes.

Many professionals involved in the decision to replace or repair medical equipment find weighing the costs and patient interests to be a difficult task.  Facility decision makers need to determine the risks vs the rewards in how long to keep large scaled medical equipment in action.  Preventative and corrective maintenance must be evaluated on a per machine basis to ensure the best decisions are made. 

It is impractical to repair medical equipment when:

Replacement Parts Are Scarce: Replacement parts for LINACS or CT scanners aren’t common off the shelf items that you can find at any medical supply store.  In fact, with manufacturers in a race to keep up with the latest and greatest technologies in equipment they are constantly phasing out older equipment which makes finding parts to repair medical equipment harder and harder to find. This alone makes it scary to rely on older equipment for critical patient care.

The Cost of Service: If medical equipment is not maintained or repaired by in house technicians’ facilities must look at the expense of service plans.  Another factor is that as equipment ages, replacement parts are harder to find if not obsolete.

Patient Care Will Be Disrupted:  When large scaled equipment starts to break down on a regular basis and interrupts patient care this wreaks havoc with patient care.  If this is on-going, it can greatly affect your service and dissatisfied patients will seek care elsewhere.

On-Going Equipment Failure: Sometimes the equipment that you have is a giant lemon.  If it is found that your device is failing time and time again it may make sense to replace it.  Sometimes there is more liability in keeping a piece of equipment around that continues to fail than starting over.

There is a lot that goes into replacing a large scaled piece of medical equipment like a LINAC system, so it is crucial to have a plan in place for when the need arises.  Not only does new equipment need to be purchased, the old equipment needs to be moved out to make room for the new.   It is important to evaluate and reevaluate equipment frequently in order to avoid costly surprises.  This is especially true in smaller facilities with stricter budgets.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment.  Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.