Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. As someone who has lived downtown for 20 years, Andrea Battison is familiar with the noise and litter in Charlottetown.

The COVID-19 pandemic gave the neighbourhood a break from tourism and foot traffic, but things have sped back up this year now that most public health restrictions have been dropped.

Now, theres more than just some trash and loud talking.

Its screaming and yelling at 2 a.m. when the bars close. Its people urinating on Battisons driveway and porch.

Recently, Battisons husband caught a man literally with his pants down using their driveway as a toilet.

For Battison, this issue isnt complicated. The city has been encouraging business growth and the foot traffic that comes with it, without also providing services like garbage cans and public washrooms, she said in an Aug. 18 SaltWire interview.

How do you support the people you bring in?

Battison pointed to downtown beautification initiatives that serve tourism, like the lights being installed overheadon downtown streets while leaving behind residents in the area.

You can buy more light stands, and you can do all this paving, but you cant buy garbage cans. You come downtown and look for a garbage can, a public waste receptacle, theres none, she said.

While Battison attributes much of the problem to increased businesses and customers, she also noted there aren't enough garbage cans in general, even without tourism traffic.

I get it, that the city wants to increase business traffic, and I see theres a plus to that for some people, but not everybody, she said.

SaltWire has been reporting on the housing crisis in Charlottetown and P.E.I. and has recently published stories on people living in tents, including in the downtown area.

Battison, however, doesnt think the issues she is seeing are related to homelessness. It seems to be the typical post-bar rowdiness and messiness that comes in part from having nowhere to place garbage, such as pizza boxes, she said.

Along with more garbage cans and possibly public washrooms, Battison suggested more security could help.

She doesnt think this needs to be police, though. Just some kind of official security presence to act as a deterrent, she said.

Tessa Rogers, a street outreach worker with PEERS Alliance, believes the increased garbage around Charlottetown is connected to the housing crisis and the rise of people sleeping rough.

In her work, Rogers has been to encampments in the woods and met numerous Islanders sleeping in tents.

What she hasnt seen are basic civic services, like garbage cans, public washrooms or even places to fill water, she said in an Aug. 17 SaltWire interview.

People are trying to source out areas where theyre not going to be bothered by the police or bothered by the general community, so theyre going in more private areas that dont have resources surrounding them.

While Rogers agrees with the need for more garbage services, she doesnt think more police will help the situation.

Theyre definitely issues, like we dont want to have litter all over town. But thats as simple as talking to people and saying, OK, this is the area youre camping. Were going to bring in a big garbage can for you folks to use, and were going to come this day every week or every couple days to empty it.

Instead of security, Rogers called for providing the services people have been asking for.

When Battison first contacted SaltWire, she included an email chain that also involved several city councillors and Brad MacConnell, the chief of Charlottetown Police Services.

Mitch Tweel, councillor for Ward 4, replied to the email, adding the citys CAO and public works manager to the chain, and saying he was sorry the issue was happening in the citys historic district.

Alanna Jankov, councillor for ward one much of the downtown area also responded to Battison's initial letter outlining the issue, acknowledging it is a problem and noting CPS is working on a plan for more security.

This will likely be private security, rather than police, Jankov said in a follow-up email to SaltWire.

SaltWire emailed and called MacConnell to ask about the complaints and whether more security will be coming and what it might look like, but MacConnell directed SaltWire to speak with Todd Sutcliffe, CPSs bylaw officer.

Sutcliffe did not respond by deadline to an Aug. 18 interview request.

On Aug. 18, SaltWire also called Scott Adams, manager of Charlottetown Public Works, to ask about plans for more garbage services downtown.

Adams hadnt personally heard complaints about the issue and didnt know of any city plan for more garbage services, but would check with his assistant manager, he said.

SaltWire did not receive any further response by deadline.

Logan MacLean is a diversity reporter with the SaltWire Network in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached by email at [emailprotected] and followed on Twitter @loganmaclean94.

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Tourism, housing crisis contributing to increased trash in downtown Charlottetown - Saltwire

Hive launches SmartCharge Saver tariff add-on- to help customers charge electric cars at the cheapest, and greenest time of the day saving up to 2.10 for a full charge for a 30 kWh battery

August 2022, London: New data from smart home experts, Hive, reveals 54% of people are planning to make the switch to an electric car in the next 5 years and whilst 58% would consider a home charger, there is still widespread confusion and concern about the cheapest and most efficient ways to charge them. With the production of petrol cars banned from 2030, its essential drivers understand all aspects of electric car charging to encourage the transition.

One of the major misconceptions is that over a quarter (27%) of people think home charging would be more expensive than public charging. With the cost-of-living crisis forcing most to tighten their belts more than ever, this incorrect assumption could be stopping people from making the swich, which may actually save them money in the long run. With the public charging network largely deemed inadequate due to a lack of charging points, its also less convenient and more expensive than home charging, costing up to 10 per charge at a public rapid charger*, which is much more than the at home cost.

When asked how much they thought it would cost to fully charge an average electric estate car with a home charger, respondents estimated around 21**. In reality, the average cost is 7.50***, a stark contrast to current fuel costs, that average out at 1.86 per litre.**** Amidst rising living and fuel costs, over half (57%) are also concerned about the impact home charging would have on energy bills.

Most people (71%) are unaware that a home charger can be linked to their energy provider, showing the need for clear information in this area. To support customers, Hive SmartCharge Saver, a brand-new tariff add-on supplied by British Gas and powered by Hive is being trialled by 100 customers this week. Its an add-on that works with Hive EV charging and any British Gas tariff, using intelligent scheduling to charge a customers EV at the cheapest, and greenest time of the day. All the customer needs to do is tell Hive, via the app, when they need their car to be charged by and Hive will do the rest.

Customers will get a discount of 2p per kWH whenever their EV is plugged in continuously for 6 hours and 7p per kWh if the car is plugged in for longer, equating to a max saving of 2.10 per full charge for 30 kWH battery and up to 4.20 saving for a 60kWh battery.

Sustainability is also a big factor with almost a quarter (23%) of people concerned about the environmental impact of using a home charger. The new Hive tariff add-on takes care of this by effortlessly charging the car at the greenest time of day.

Although there is a clear demand for home chargers, theres a lack of understanding around the installation process. Over three quarters (76%) are in the dark about what makes a home eligible for a home charger and 36% are worried they would need to make significant changes in order to have one installed, when they just need to own their own property and have a driveway. Hive guides customers through the EV charger process, from start to finish with an installation from an expert British Gas engineer and 24/7 support available on demand. The Hive EV Charger can be controlled via the Hive app enabling customers to charge their car from wherever they are and keep track of their expenditure

Henry Duff, Head of Net Zero at Hive comments: Were getting closer to the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles and with petrol prices at an all- time high, some people may be considering the switch to an electric vehicle. However, it is evident from our research that theres still confusion around EV charging, particularly when it comes to costs. This is one of the reasons were launching the trial of the EV SmartCharge Saver tariff add-on, with the aim of making it available to all EV-owning customers in the future. As a responsible, trusted supplier, its our job to ensure our customers are on the most energy and cost-efficient rates and this new add-on aims to do just that helping customers save money on running an electric car. We understand the move to electric cars can be daunting, so we want to make the transition as simple as possible for those where home charging is an option.

To find out more about Hive EV Charging, please visit: https://www.hivehome.com/shop/electric-vehicles

To find out more about the Hive SmartCharge add-on, please visit: https://www.hivehome.com/hive-ev-tariffs

Link:
54% of drivers want to switch to electric cars within the next 5 years, but confusion around home charging costs could be holding them back - Centrica

Front porch awning ideas can be an excellent alternative to a traditional covered front porch. They're a better choice for small spaces, and they can be retrofitted to existing front stoops to provide shelter from the elements while you open your front door. Not to mention, an awning can help prevent door leaks, and it can be a stylish front porch idea that enhances the overall look of your home.

One of the biggest benefits to an awning is that it'll offer similar benefits to a covered porch, with a much smaller investment, in terms of both time and money.

'Awnings are significantly cheaper than doing a traditional covered porch. Covered porches are mostly something you install during the initial construction or add during a major renovation because of their cost and the amount of work and time that goes into them,' says Edward Griffith, a home inspector and construction engineer at Griffith Home Analysis (opens in new tab). 'Most awnings can be installed as a weekend project by the owner.'

You'll find lots of options for your front porch awning, and they even work for your back porch ideas, too. There are copper awnings with a craftsman feel, canvas awnings with coastal appeal, or wood awnings that can be tailored to the style of your home's architecture.

Whatever style you're after, we've got inspiration for it, below.

(Image credit: Mary Patton Design / Molly Culver Photography)

A fabric awning is the perfect small front porch idea, because it doesn't require any support beams on the ground. It can be attached directly to the exterior of your home above your front door.

When deciding how to decorate a front porch, canvas awnings can also be an aesthetic choice, as they create a beautiful, retro-inspired or coastal scene on the summer front porch.

(Image credit: Future)

For a simple, functional awning, install a flat wood or fiberglass canopy above your front door. At this modern, ranch-style home, the slim awning is painted a similar shade of charcoal gray as the rest of the exterior, which helps the awning to recede visually and maintain the home's sleek but rustic style.

(Image credit: Blesser House)

If your home is traditional in style, consider a more permanent structure like the one above. This small, open vestibule at the home of Lauren Shaver (opens in new tab) sits somewhere between awning and covered porch.

It's a bigger project than simply installing a ready-made awning, but still nowhere near as involved as building a full-size, covered front porch. Adding fluted support columns instead of simple beams or porch railings gives it a classic look that suits the home's exterior.

(Image credit: The English Porch Company)

Cottage porch ideas require awnings that match their charm, and this gabled version fits the bill.At this brick cottage, detailed woodwork like Arts and Crafts-style corbels and an arched cut-out add extra character.

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Black and white stripes are classic, and suited to a number of different house styles. A striped design complements Tuscan or Mediterranean-inspired architecture (think umbrellas on the Amalfi Coast), but it also underscores the timeless style of traditional colonial architecture.

Canvas awnings are one of the easiest types to install, because they're lightweight, and the installation only requires securing the frame to the house. 'Awnings are very easy and quick to install on an existing structure with very little fanfare involved,' says Griffith.

(Image credit: Sherry Petersik, Young House Love)

Like fabric awnings, metal awnings are both easy to install, and can be excellent space-saving options for front porches (they're also a great back porch idea, which is actually where this one was used at the home of Sherry Petersik (opens in new tab), above).

(Image credit: Wayfair)

Glass might seem like an impractical awning idea, especially if you live in an area that gets lots of snow, but this decorative canopy only looks like delicate glass. Instead, most glass-look awnings (this one included) are actually made from high-impact acrylic sheets that can stand up to the elements.

(Image credit: Paul Dyer)

If you're stumped about the right shape or style for your awning, look to your home's roofline. Mimicking the style of your roof, whether it's flat, peaked, or gabled, will guarantee that your awning suits your home's architecture.

At this contemporary home, a flat metal awning shares a style, scale, and color with the roofline above, and to keep thing extra sleek, the front porch lighting ideas are built right into the underside of the canopy.

(Image credit: Brooke Christen)

Love the farmhouse look? Take a cue from stylist Brooke Christen (opens in new tab), and add a black metal awning with batten-style detailing. The extra feature adds modern farmhouse style to the home's exterior, and would make a great spring porch idea for once those April showers arrive.

If you're looking for a way to add a shelter area to the front of your home and your front porch furniture, but don't want to build a front porch, an awning is a simple but effective solution. To enhance the overall look of your home, choose something that naturally fits with your home's architecture. At a modern farmhouse, a streamlined black metal awning works seamlessly, while at a coastal home, a canvas awning would better suit.

The main types of awnings for a home are canvas or fabric awnings, metal awnings, and wood or fiberglass awnings. Less commonly, awnings can also be made of glass.

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Front porch awning ideas 9 beautiful looks with canvas, metal, and more - Homes & Gardens

The instant I felt his butterfly-fluttering kicks in my womb, I was besotted with my first child.

Ethan arrived with golden hair and a sweet disposition. I documented his first smile, first tooth, first word (mama, of course) with the absorption of a Ph.D. candidate completing her dissertation.

Eighteen months after his birth, I was delighted to learn another baby was on the way. But as my delivery date drew closer I worried: How could I love this new son as much as I did my first?

On a sunny April afternoon, they placed the heft of Alex in my arms. Weighing in at 10 pounds, 6 ounces with a head of dark hair that already needed a trim, he peered at me through the bluest of eyes. Instantly smitten I began to hum, You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

And I didnt worry a bit when my third and fourth sons arrived. Id discovered that a mothers heart expands with each child its capacity for love encompassing every new arrival.

I thought about that during our recent visit to see Alex and his family in Ohio.

Six years ago, when Alex fell in love with Brooke, he got a twofer she had a beautiful 2-year-old daughter.

After they moved from Texas to Ohio, I flew out to meet my sons new loves and just like that my heart expanded again. How could I not adore the woman who made my son so happy? Her beautiful daughter, Farrah, was the icing on the cake.

When they told us they were expecting their first son, Ian Lucas, my joy knew no bounds.

My grief when Ian was stillborn at full term was equally limitless an ever-present ache.

The birth of their identical twin sons, Adam and Nicholas, in November 2019, offered our broken hearts a way to begin to heal.

Two weeks ago, we took Dereks mother, Juanita, with us to Ohio. She hadnt seen the twins since they were eight months old and was eager to reconnect with Farrah.

She celebrated her 79th birthday with us during our trip. Alex took the day off of work to take her and Farrah on a shopping spree to the landmark Columbus book store, The Book Loft, and then out to lunch.

While Derek and I entertained the twins, Brooke decorated their house for GGs (great-grandmas) birthday. GG spent the afternoon at their beautiful backyard pool and taught Farrah how to dive off the diving board.

Id simmered pulled pork in the slow cooker all day for dinner, and GG chose a bakery carrot cake for her birthday treat. We all sang while Alex brought the cake to her, and Adam helpfully blew out the candles.

As I watched four generations of Hvals swim together that evening, I marveled at the ways families shrink with sorrowful losses, but grow with the joy of new additions.

The next morning, Nick needed some Nana cuddles and crawled up in my lap with his blanket. Adam wasnt about to be left out. He ran and got his blanket and scooched onto my lap.

I wrapped my arms around them both and swayed and sang, You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray

It was a tight fit for two gangly toddlers, but oh, theres always space on Nanas lap and plenty of room in her heart. Thats just the way love works.

Cindy Hval can be reached at dchval@juno.com. Hval is the author of War Bonds: Love Stories from the Greatest Generation (Casemate Publishers, 2015) available on Amazon and bookstores nationwide.

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Front Porch: A mother's and grandmother's heart always has more room - The Spokesman Review

Fire that displaced dozens started on back porch

Updated: 4:48 PM EDT Aug 17, 2022

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IS NOW UNDERWAY. RHONDELLA? REPORTER: THIS HOME IS A TOTAL LOSS. A REAL NIGHTMARE HERE ON COTTAGE STREET. IT HAPPENED IN THE REAR OF THE YELLOW BUILDING. BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS TIGHTLY PACKED, THE ADJACENT HOMES HAD TO ALL BE EVACUATED. PEOPLE RAN OUT WITH NO SHOES AND NO CLOTHING. THEY ARE BEING HELPED BY THE RED CROSS WHILE OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE. THE REAR OF THE THREE STORY CHELSEA DUPLEX BECAME A RAGING INFERNO, AS RESIDENTS SLEPT. A COUPLE OF 911 CALLERS SAW IT FROM THE BEGINNING. >> IT LOOKS LIKE A GRILL OR SOMETHING CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRST FLOOR PORCH. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN OFF. REPORTER: BY AFTERNOON, SOME OF THE 30 PLUS DISPLACED RESIDENTS RETURNED TO THEIR COTTAGE STREET APARTMENTS TO GATHER CHARRED BELONGINGS. MARCO RAMIREZ IS PART OF A FAMILY OF EIGHT AND LIVED ON THAT FIRST FLOOR. >> JUST TO START FROM ZERO WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO? REPORTER: DID YOU SEE THE GRILL FIRE IN THE BACK? >> THERE WAS NO GRILL. REPORTER: YOU HEARD AN EXPLOSION? >> YEAH. REPORTER: OTHER RESIDENTS SAY THEY HEARD A LOUD BOOMING SOUND, BEFORE SEEING FLAMES AND MANY WATCHED A TEENAGE BOY RESCUED BY LADDER FROM THE 3RD FLOOR BY FIREFIGHTERS. EVERYONE ELSE SCRAMBLED AROUND MIDNIGHT TO SELF EVACUATE FROM THE FIVE ALARM BLAZE. >> THE ENTIRE REAR OF THE STRUCTURE WAS BURNING, THE PORCHES ARE GONE. >> WE STARTED WAKING UP EVERYBODY AND STARTED RINGING DOORBELLS, MY YOUNGER SISTER, AS WELL. >> WHEN I WOKE UP, I SAW THE FIRE AND TOOK THE KIDS AND RAN AWAY. REPORTER: THE FIRE VICTIMS AND THEIR NEIGHBORS AGREE ON ONE THING -- EVERYONE IS PRETTY TRAUMATIZED BY THIS BLAZE. THEY ARE STILL INVESTIGATING. TWO FIREFIGHTERS RECEIVED NONE THREATENING INJURIES, INCLUDING ONE WHO WAS BITTEN BY A DOG DURING THE RESCU

Fire that displaced dozens started on back porch

Updated: 4:48 PM EDT Aug 17, 2022

Four residents and two firefighters were sent to the hospital after a five-alarm fire tore through a multi-family home in Chelsea early Wednesday morning.

Four residents and two firefighters were sent to the hospital after a five-alarm fire tore through a multi-family home in Chelsea early Wednesday morning.

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Fire that displaced dozens started on back porch - WCVB Boston

600 W. 94th St. Photo courtesy of Aaron Spiteri

Whether you're on the hunt or simply dreaming, these five area listings are worth a look.

Why we love it: Coved ceilings and archways add character to this cozy Tudor with a stucco exterior.

Why we love it: This mid-century Northeast home is great for entertaining, featuring a walkout basement and a Maple bar with granite countertops.

Why we love it: Situated on a corner lot, this updated rambler boasts granite kitchen countertops, sleek appliances and white cabinetry.

Why we love it: Unwind in the sauna at this polished bungalow with built-ins and maple and oak hardwood floors.

Why we love it: This sunny abode is positioned on nearly one acre of land and offers easy indoor-outdoor living, complete with an above ground pool.

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Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in the Twin Cities starting at $325K - Axios

Genesis Products Inc. has been in the countertop business for a long time among other products but the recent acquisition of the Solid Surface Division of Native Hardwoods raises the bar in that product space for the Goshen, Ind.-based RV supplier.

Genesis, celebrating its 20th year in business, has long been known in the RV industry for its trend-setting interiors using high-performance laminates and lightweight materials and this acquisition bolsters that reputation.

John Wenger

President and CEO Jon Wenger said the company started out producing thermofoil-pressed countertops and moved into solid surface a couple of years ago.

Weve been building that program, Wenger told RVBusiness, so Native is following that continued path to make sure were one of the premier countertop providers to the industry.

Genesis is currently in expansion mode with the construction of Plant 10 at its Goshen campus beginning this past March, where solid surface eventually will become the primary product.

Adding in the Native brings on some more experience. Theyve been doing it for 25 years theyre pretty much the luxury provider in the industry, he said. Just from a product, engineering and manufacturing standpoint it brings that talent and experience into our team and gives us some additional capacity, customer base and product knowledge as well. Its a great add-on as we continue to grow our countertop offerings and products.

For now, the newly-acquired solid surface production will remain at the Native facility in Elkhart, Ind. But equipment and team members will move to the new Plant 10, scheduled for completion around the end of December.

Countertops constitute roughly 10% of Genesis business, Wenger said, so yes, definitely a significant product offering for us.

OEMs are welcoming the move, he added, as Genesis continues to invest in that part of its business.

There hasnt been a ton of choices for great solid surface providers. Its been relatively consolidated, so I think OEMs are happy to have us to continue to expand our offerings, to make sure they have choices, he said.

Wenger characterized the acquisition process as smooth and positive.

Ed (Jim Edmundson) and the team over at Native were awesome. Great guys. We really enjoyed working with them, just a first-rate team over there and a really great experience working with them, he said.

Business overall for Genesis in these post-pandemic times is stable, Wenger said.A lot of those challenges have gone. Its a little bit feast or famine, where obviously things were pretty hectic for the last couple of years, and now as the industry adjusts and normalizes, we are figuring out what the new normal might be.

He said Genesis is adjusting production, just as OEMs and dealers are adjusting their inventory levels and production rates.

But overall, things are steady and were certainly just figuring out what the new normal is going to be, Wenger said.

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Genesis Expands RV Countertop Presence with Acquisition - RVBusiness - Breaking RV Industry News - RV Business

Aug. 17, 2022Updated: Aug. 17, 2022 7:32p.m.

In todays market, move-in-ready homes under $300,000 are fewer and farther between. And it seems theres been a lot of interest already in this home at 36 Norwood Ave. in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany. How could you not be charmed by this 1920s Dutch Colonial, housing three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths? A neutral color scheme except for you, pretty forest-y green wainscotting in the full bathroom plays off the warm wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, newer cabinets and appliances. Newer roof, radiant in-floor heating under the tile floors, and both bathrooms have recently been renovated. Within walking distance of New Scotland Avenue shops and restaurants. Albany City School District. Taxes: $6,696.88. Listing price: $265,000. For more information, contact Alyssa McClenaghan, Lori Schindler Real Estate Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-286-1000, AlyssaMcClenaghan@HowardHanna.com.

In todays market, move-in-ready houses for less than $300,000 are fewer and farther between. And it seems theres been a lot of interest already in this home in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany. How could you not be charmed by this roughly 1,500-square-foot 1920s Dutch Colonial, housing three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths? A neutral color scheme except for you, pretty forest-y green wainscotting in the full bathroom plays off the warm wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, cabinets and appliances. Newer roof, radiant in-floor heating under the tile, and both bathrooms have recently been renovated. Within walking distance of New Scotland Avenue shops and restaurants. Albany City School District. Taxes: $6,696.88. Listing price: $265,000.

For more information, contact Alyssa McClenaghan, Lori Schindler Real Estate Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-286-1000, AlyssaMcClenaghan@HowardHanna.com.

Want to see more house prices in the Capital Region and beyond? Check out our map.

In todays market, move-in-ready homes under $300,000 are fewer and farther between. And it seems theres been a lot of interest already in this home at 36 Norwood Ave. in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany. How could you not be charmed by this 1920s Dutch Colonial, housing three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths? A neutral color scheme except for you, pretty forest-y green wainscotting in the full bathroom plays off the warm wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, newer cabinets and appliances. Newer roof, radiant in-floor heating under the tile floors, and both bathrooms have recently been renovated. Within walking distance of New Scotland Avenue shops and restaurants. Albany City School District. Taxes: $6,696.88. Listing price: $265,000. For more information, contact Alyssa McClenaghan, Lori Schindler Real Estate Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-286-1000, AlyssaMcClenaghan@HowardHanna.com.

In todays market, move-in-ready homes under $300,000 are fewer and farther between. And it seems theres been a lot of interest already in this home at 36 Norwood Ave. in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany.How could you not be charmed by this 1920s Dutch Colonial, housing three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths? A neutral color scheme except for you, pretty forest-y green wainscotting in the full bathroom plays off the warm wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, newer cabinets and appliances. Newer roof, radiant in-floor heating under the tile floors, and both bathrooms have recently been renovated. Within walking distance of New Scotland Avenue shops and restaurants. Albany City School District. Taxes: $6,696.88. Listing price: $265,000. For more information, contact Alyssa McClenaghan, Lori Schindler Real Estate Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-286-1000, AlyssaMcClenaghan@HowardHanna.com.

In todays market, move-in-ready homes under $300,000 are fewer and farther between. And it seems theres been a lot of interest already in this home at 36 Norwood Ave. in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany.How could you not be charmed by this 1920s Dutch Colonial, housing three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths? A neutral color scheme except for you, pretty forest-y green wainscotting in the full bathroom plays off the warm wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, newer cabinets and appliances. Newer roof, radiant in-floor heating under the tile floors, and both bathrooms have recently been renovated. Within walking distance of New Scotland Avenue shops and restaurants. Albany City School District. Taxes: $6,696.88. Listing price: $265,000. For more information, contact Alyssa McClenaghan, Lori Schindler Real Estate Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-286-1000, AlyssaMcClenaghan@HowardHanna.com.

In todays market, move-in-ready homes under $300,000 are fewer and farther between. And it seems theres been a lot of interest already in this home at 36 Norwood Ave. in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany. How could you not be charmed by this 1920s Dutch Colonial, housing three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths? A neutral color scheme except for you, pretty forest-y green wainscotting in the full bathroom plays off the warm wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, newer cabinets and appliances. Newer roof, radiant in-floor heating under the tile floors, and both bathrooms have recently been renovated. Within walking distance of New Scotland Avenue shops and restaurants. Albany City School District. Taxes: $6,696.88. Listing price: $265,000. For more information, contact Alyssa McClenaghan, Lori Schindler Real Estate Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-286-1000, AlyssaMcClenaghan@HowardHanna.com.

In todays market, move-in-ready homes under $300,000 are fewer and farther between. And it seems theres been a lot of interest already in this home at 36 Norwood Ave. in the Helderberg neighborhood of Albany.How could you not be charmed by this 1920s Dutch Colonial, housing three bedrooms and one-and-a-half baths? A neutral color scheme except for you, pretty forest-y green wainscotting in the full bathroom plays off the warm wood floors. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, newer cabinets and appliances. Newer roof, radiant in-floor heating under the tile floors, and both bathrooms have recently been renovated. Within walking distance of New Scotland Avenue shops and restaurants. Albany City School District. Taxes: $6,696.88. Listing price: $265,000. For more information, contact Alyssa McClenaghan, Lori Schindler Real Estate Team at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, at 518-286-1000, AlyssaMcClenaghan@HowardHanna.com.

Sara Tracey is a Times Union features editor, and senior editor for both Women@Work and Upstate magazines. A Saratoga County native and alumna of Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, she has worked in reporter and editor roles at newspapers in Utica and Binghamton, and most recently for the Press of Atlantic City in New Jersey. Sara also holds a position on the Society for Features Journalism's board of directors. When she isn't tweeting, she's probably cooking/eating, enjoying time with her husband, family or friends, and sharing photos of her adorable niece. You can reach her at stracey@timesunion.com.

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Helderberg home in Albany a charmer with renovated kitchen, bathrooms - Times Union

Lonnie Brown| Ledger columnist

When it comes to computers, printers, chargers for smartphones and their accessories, the word "wireless" does not immediately come to mind. I have more wires behind my computer desk than National Geographic has pictures.

Kitchen appliances that get moved on and off countertops also have cords. You know more about cord management if you've ever tripped over one while moving a small appliance from countertop to storage space.

Many device chargers don't stay at home when you go on vacation. They travel as well, and find ways to tangle themselves.

Wire twists, like those found on bread bags, help. But used often enough, they'll break or are easily lost. Plastic zip ties are fine for one-time use, but can't be done and undone.

There is a colorful and elegant alternative to all this: the reusable magnetic silicone cable tie.

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The specific brand we'll look at today is the Smart & Cool, available from Amazon.com (20 pack, $21; a 30 pack, $26 both with free shipping for Prime members). They are about 7 inches long, and can be stretched nearly double that.

They come in 10 bright neon colors (rose red, red, orange, yellow, light blue, blue, purple, gray, green and black). The magnets on each end are enrobed in silicone and are about three-eights of an inch across about the size of a shirt button.

They are powerful little magnets. They need to be pried apart, and they try to grab on to the nearest metal object. Sometimes, that's a good thing for holding up a cable to the underside of a metal desk, for instance.

They're called cable ties, but the uses for them are varied. They can be used as a money clip. They can hold together a bundle of pens and pencils. They can keep things rolled up that are supposed to be rolled up.

Instead of hooks for a shower curtain, substitute these for a pop of color. Toss the plastic clip from the bread bag and use a magnetic tie instead. Use them for refrigerator magnets.

There you have it. A cable tie that's colorful, versatile, elegant and useful at home or away.

And as you noticed, they're very attractive.

Lonnie Brown can be reached at LedgerDatabase@aol.com.

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Magnetic cable ties are a versatile solution to a mess of cables - The Ledger

Cats are not as forgiving as dogs. Is there any way to prevent them from being uploaded to sites that you dont want?

Every owner of a cat knows that the animal only needs a couple of days to become the Houses owner. He will do what he wants and he will get on where he wants, no matter what that puny human tells him.

So the kitty will put his butt on the counter where you prepare food, he will drink water from your glasses, or he will get into the bathtub to play with the stopper. Do not forget that they step on the litter box and lick each other continuouslyincluding their private parts, so they are not very hygienic. How can you prevent it from climbing where it shouldnt?

A cat usually doesnt learn anything through yelling or threats, and even less if you try to talk to him and explain it to him. The best solution is let him learn it for himself.

There are people who wet the cat with water when it is in a place that it should not be, since the water repels them. But normally the cat will not associate that action with him being in the wrong place. He will simply think that you want to annoy him.

luckily there is tricks for cats not to climb on kitchen counters.

First, you have to try to guess why he does it. Maybe he just uses it to look out a window. In that case, put a chair or something for him so he can look through it, or if you dont want, directly lower the blind or put up a curtain.

Cats dont like sticky surfaces, so one trick is put double-sided tape, or adhesive paper, on the edges of the countertop. Its legs will stick and it will go away. If you dont like the idea because its not very aesthetic, you can try foil a little wrinkled, that makes noise when stepped on it, and the reflections scare them.

Another solution is put sandpaper on the countertop. The rough touch on the legs they do not like at all. Hopefully you will only have to do it for a few days, until the habit breaks.

Another very different kind of trick is resort to odours. Cats dont like strong citrus or mint scents, for example. so you can buy essential oils of lemon, orange, peppermint, lavender, or citronella, which are not toxic. Mix them with a little water, and with a spray spray the countertop, the bathtub, the pot of silver that is eatenor where you dont want it to go.

Youll keep the kitty away from those places, and your house will also smell great.

Continued here:
Tricks so that your cat does not climb on the kitchen or bathroom countertops - Gearrice