We all can save more of our drinking water, by doing little things that we take for granted, like flushing the toilet, washing the car, taking showers, watering grass, brushing your teeth and so on. This a list of things I did in the past 2 years and the things that are in progress or being planned at our home here in Raleigh NC.

1. We take shorter showers, about 7 minutes long or less.
2. All the water we use to rinse dishes in the sink is collected and use to water plants.
3. Old or dirty ice cubes that has fallen or gotten stall, we use to water plants.
4. We bought a new water saving toilet plus we got a rebate $100.00 for buying this water conserving toilet. The City Of Raleigh NC Watersense toilet rebate program.
The program runs from July, 01-2011 To June, 01-2012 or until funds are exhausted.
5. Rain barrels for watering garden and plants, you can find food grade barrels online for about $15.00 to $20.00 and buy the supplies to make your rain barrels at hardware, home improvement, farm and gardening stores all here in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas. This something you the homeowner can do or you can purchase at one of the stores above or online.
6. Water your garden and yard of grass early in the morning and late evenings water it deep, for you can get by with 1 inch of rain a week.
7. Invest in a soak er hose to save even more.
8. Use less dry fertilizer and more compost and also mulch where possible.
Using some or all these ideas not only conserve water but can even save you some money

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for homeowners who want the grass to grow greener on their side of the fence.

Throughout May, lawn, garden and equipment experts will provide free, one-on-one advice on everything from how to control pests and finally win the battle against weeds to troubleshooting a lawn mower that won’t start.

“We’ll help everyone who calls and take as long as necessary to get homeowners the answers they need,” says Trey Rogers, an internationally known expert on lawn and yard care and leader of the hotline, which is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

For example, if your grass is brown or dying where it should be green, he advises, there may be a simple solution.

1. Can you blame it on the dog? The nitrogen in dog urine can burn your lawn and cause a widespread brown patch problem. You can create a special gravel or mulch area and train Fido to go there.

2. Is your mower blade dull? Dull blades tear rather than cleanly cut the grass, which can weaken and damage the lawn. Have the blade sharpened once a year.

3. Did you spill fertilizer or overfeed your lawn? Too much fertilizer is a well-known grass-burning culprit. Always follow package instructions when applying fertilizer. If your spreader drops too much in one place, water that spot on the lawn generously.

4. What about too much water? If you overwater or if water pools in certain areas on your lawn, you can drown the grass roots, causing areas to die out. Survey your lawn for dips you want to avoid dousing.

5. How do I grow grass in the shade? In deep shade, put down mulch instead. In partial shade, seed the area in the spring and fall, when leaves don’t block the sunlight.

From May 1 to 31, anyone can get a free online or phone consultation with a lawn, garden or equipment expert on any problem by visiting www.YardSmarts.com or calling 1-866-YARD-TIPS (1-866-927-3847). Photo submissions are welcome if the problem is difficult to describe.

In addition, every Friday during the month of May, experts will be available for livechats to share information more broadly with homeowners. The top lawn and garden questions will be posted on the website, www.yardsmarts.com, where you can also find expert advice and information related to yard care and equipment.

The Yard Smarts Hotline is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of engines for outdoor power equipment.

If getting your yard in the best shape ever isn’t enough motivation to check out the hotline, the company will give away a $300 gift certificate each week to one homeowner to purchase a new lawn mower or other needed yard care equipment.

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(NewsUSA) – The film industry has the ability to adapt like no other, weaving social media and viral videos into marketing campaigns with ease and — more importantly — success by way of dollar signs.

Most of Hollywood’s social media marketing is meant to promote new films, new trailers and create overall hype, but viral media can go beyond that. Paramount Studio used Facebook and Eventful to determine what specific cities had an interest in “Paranormal Activity.” The horror flick had a budget of less than $15,000, yet it grossed more than $150 million in theaters because potential fans requested enough local screenings for it to be widely released.

Social media is viral in nature, and the added use of sites like YouTube and Reddit just means videos and clips infect more viewers.

“You can target interest, advertise new releases and start an Internet buzz to increase ticket sales. Disney, Pixar and Twentieth Century Fox have used viral video campaigns for ‘Toy Story 3′ and ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes.’ The ‘Ape With AK-47′ YouTube video was a part of a promotional series for the new film featuring ‘real apes.’ It got over 20 million views! Now talk about starting an online conversation,” says Peter Hoffman, CEO of Seven Arts Entertainment, another studio highlighting its latest release on Facebook.

Actresses Sheena Lee and Simona Fusco, from the hit-comedy, “The Pool Boys,” turned-up the heat on Facebook when they did an online Q&A session just before Valentine’s Day. Fans got to ask questions and the ladies answered in real-time and invited their fans to join in the conversation.

The chat session is in advance of the upcoming release of “The Pool Boys” on HBO this spring. The actresses created their own YouTube video clips of them hanging by their pool and on the way to the gym, and had so much fun. In fact, lucky winners who joined the chat and answered trivia questions about “The Pool Boys” won autographed DVDs of the movie, courtesy of Seven Arts Entertainment, Entertainment One, and RGM. Look for the video clips on www.youtube.com/7artspictures and learn more about the movie at www.thepoolboysmovie.com.

“The Pool Boys” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD. To see examples of viral videos in two separate marketing efforts, check out YouTube’s “Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear Commercial (circa 1983)” or “Ape With AK-47.”

How to brand your business and position it for success

(ARA) – For small businesses, having a well-established brand with a loyal customer base is critical to both immediate and long-term success. While investing money in brand developing tools may be costly, building a suite of business cards, postcards, signs, banners, brochures and other products that give your business a professional look can be easily and inexpensively accomplished. When your brand acts as your identity, anything you can do to increase public awareness will only help your company.

Here are some tips on what to consider as you’re developing your business suite from Staples, which offers a broad assortment of customizable Copy & Print marketing collateral.

First and foremost, it is important that your company map out exactly what it stands for, who your target customer is, how you would like to be represented, and how you want your message to be delivered. Once that has been decided, define your brand – how you are going to help a customer identify your business with a given product, promotion or piece of advertising. Will it be with a logo, color scheme or a slogan? To make this as effective as possible work with focus groups made up of current and potential clients, as well as peers within your industry so you can come to an educated decision on which vehicles will work best to accomplish your goals and objectives. Also, remember to always keep your marketing tools up to date.

Next, focus on which marketing tools your company is going to use to deliver your message. If you’re not in a position to develop a complete set of marketing materials, then focus your efforts on one piece at a time. For instance, one of the most valuable tools in today’s market is a simple business card. With a business card in hand, an ambassador of your brand is effectively able to provide your contact info and exposure to the corporate brand.

Business cards are most impactful when the logo is prominently featured and includes your associate’s contact information, title, website URL and Twitter handle, among other things, and the font is easily readable. It’s also important to develop a consistent message to deliver across all channels at all times. This assists in building a recognizable brand that consumers will automatically associate with your company.

It’s also important that you consider your geographic location. If your company is located in a bustling community with a large amount of foot traffic, it may be a good idea to create a large banner to place on your store front which features a special offer or promotion. Using this type of tool assists in generating awareness and not only helps to attract new customers but retains existing ones by providing additional incentives to keep them coming back for more. Alternatively, if you have a business specializing in lawn care or real estate, then perhaps creating a lawn sign to place on your client’s property may be beneficial as the property serves as a testament to your services.

Another low-cost promotional tactic is a well-crafted brochure to feature within the office or give to potential customers/clients. A high-quality brochure enables your company to relay in-depth information, such as the company’s mission statement, pricing, services, accreditations, certifications and more. Additionally, they give your organization an extra level of credibility since consumers have come to expect printed material from companies with whom they are doing business. Also if you truly want to make your brochure buzz-worthy, try to integrate an offer or coupon into the copy of the brochure itself.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that creating an effective marketing strategy will take a considerable level of effort to organize and execute. However, having an assortment of customized marketing materials will attract your desired target customer and leave them with the information and incentive they need to revisit your company in the future.

(NAPSI)—Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. live with Type 1 diabetes.

Typically diagnosed in childhood, people with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that is unable to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or glucose. Therefore, they must take insulin injections or use an insulin pump. Most people understand that having diabetes means carefully monitoring food intake and taking insulin to prevent the long-term complications associated with high blood glucose. But people with diabetes and their families will tell you it’s actually low glucose, called hypoglycemia, that keeps them up at night—literally.

Parents of children with diabetes spend a lot of time monitoring glucose levels and adjusting insulin dosages and carbohydrate intake (because carbohydrates turn into sugar when processed by the body). Most parents get up several times a night to check their child’s glucose because it’s terrifying to face the possibility that, in severe cases, their child could die in the middle of the night from hypoglycemia.

KK Kessel is an 11-year-old with Type 1 diabetes who’s had two seizures as a result of nighttime hypoglycemia. His mother, Britta Bushnell, says, “The constant vigilance required to care for a child with Type 1 diabetes is beyond what most people can know.”

Technology available to help these families manage diabetes includes insulin pumps—small external devices that deliver insulin around the clock—and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems that measure glucose levels every five minutes and deliver alerts based on those levels.

In addition, the most recent innovation is the first-of-its-kind mySentry™ Remote Glucose Monitor, which could dramatically change nights for parents of children with diabetes. When used with an integrated insulin pump and CGM system, mySentry allows parents to see real-time insulin pump status and glucose trends—and hear alerts and alarms at their bedside—while their child sleeps in his or her own room.

For example, an alarm could alert parents in the middle of the night if their sleeping child’s glucose levels are falling, allowing them to take necessary action to prevent hypoglycemia. With mySentry, Britta says, “We don’t have to worry about him sleeping through lows and not treating them in the middle of the night, like we worried about for a long time.”

For more information, visit www.medtronicdiabetes.com/mysentry1.

For important safety information, please visit medtronicdiabetes.com/importantsafetyinformation.

Birdhouses Octagon and made to last,made in Raleigh NC

(NAPSI)—The next time you start up your lawn mower, string trimmer or other equipment powered by a gas engine, think about adding a fuel preservative to protect your investment from the harmful effects of ethanol fuel blends.

According to engine experts, ethanol fuels begin to deteriorate almost the moment they are pumped, and can break down in the fuel tank causing rust, corrosion, buildup and even significant engine damage. This is particularly an issue in engines only used occasionally—like those on lawn mowers, generators and snow throwers, as well as engines powering sporting equipment such as boats, snowmobiles and ATVs.

A potent new fuel preservative developed by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of gas engines for outdoor power equipment, provides an easy and inexpensive way to prevent damage caused by ethanol-blended gas while also keeping the fuel fresh for up to three years.

The Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer protects any gas engine, including 2-cycle engines like those on trimmers, which use a blend of oil and gasoline. This protection may be more important than ever?ethanol-blended fuels now account for nearly 90 percent of all fuel sold in the U.S., according to the Renewable Fuels Association. The longer these blends sit in the fuel tank, the more damage they can do, resulting in starting issues, rough running and even severe engine damage.

“Ethanol-based fuels attract moisture, which eventually separates from the fuel, forming a layer of ethanol-enriched water at the bottom of the tank where it does its damage,” explains Eric Risse, fuel systems engineer at Briggs & Stratton.

A Solution

Briggs & Stratton’s Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer combines a proprietary “triple antioxidant” formula with other ingredients to fight water separation and protect the entire fuel system. Corrosion inhibitors form a protective barrier on metal parts while detergent ingredients help prevent gum and varnish buildup.

A metal deactivator works to stop the aggressive chemical reactions caused by dissolved metal ions in the fuel. The net result: extreme protection against fuel-related problems.

The company cautions consumers to avoid certain fuels altogether in small gas engines because of their damaging effects. These include fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol (such as E15 or E85 gasoline) and gasoline containing other alcohol blends.

Learn More

For more information on products for outdoor power equipment, visit www.briggsandstratton.com or call (800) 444-7774.

Small engine repair in Garner NC, Raleigh NC Wake County NC

Splurge vs. save: Which home improvement projects are worth the expense?


(ARA) – There’s no place like home. It’s this sense of pride that drives so many of us to embark on home improvement projects each year, some of which can be extensive and expensive.

Before investing in any project, there are several things you should ask yourself to help you evaluate how you’ll live in the space. Think about how long you intend to live in the home, what the space will be used for now and in the future, how the size and dynamic of your family might change and what rooms you use the most. It’s also important to get a handle on your budget from the get-go.

After considering some of these things, educate yourself on the actual remodeling process. As you’ll quickly discover, there are countless online resources with ideas and tools to help plan out each step of the remodel. Merillat, known for its innovative and functional cabinetry and storage, offers some helpful resources to help you visualize and plan a new kitchen or bath space at www.merillat.com.

For most of us, budget constraints give us pause as we consider where to splurge and where to save. Here are a few things to think about as you determine which projects to begin and which you might consider delaying or scaling back on.

* What can you do yourself? There are some projects you can handle on your own, assuming you do the proper research and preparation. For example, painting is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that can dramatically change a space. While many homeowners dread the tedious process and prep that goes into it, the decision to do it yourself could save you thousands of dollars.

* What can wait? Think of your home as ever-changing and always improving. For the average person who doesn’t have an unlimited budget, it means having to bench some projects for a while. Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education for Merillat, encourages homeowners to come up with a project priority list, starting with “must-haves” and ending with “nice-to-haves.” For example, projects like landscaping, basement renovations and luxuries like an electric fireplace typically fall into the “nice-to-have” category and could be delayed or completed in phases.

* Where should you invest? Consider how you’ll live in the space. Kitchens and bathrooms are investment worthy because they always serve the same purpose and are two of the most lived-in spaces of the home. Cabinetry, countertops and appliances designed to support the ways you’ll use these spaces are a solid investment both for resell value and everyday enjoyment. For example, choose a countertop material such as DeNova’s Natural Quartz surfacing that stands up to heat, resists chips and cracks better than other materials and is mold-, mildew- and stain-resistant — all characteristics important in these areas of the home. In addition, invest in cabinetry “extras” like Merillat’s storage and organizational solutions to make life in the kitchen easier and adaptable as your needs change.

No matter what the project, professional designers are a great resource. Consider engaging one early on in the process.

“One of the biggest advantages to working with a designer on a home project is that they really understand functionality, while accomplishing your desired style,” says Reep. “Designers can also help you determine your priorities and offer advice on which projects should be a focus and where you might be able to cut costs.”

For more home remodeling ideas and tips, visit www.merillat.com.

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(NAPSI)—With a new year in full swing, self-evaluation is likely a common theme in manyU.S.households. In this frame of mind, many families are likely to assess spending and saving habits, crafting a plan for better budgeting.

When was the last time you took a serious look at your budget? If you’re due for a checkup, a number of tools and tips exist to help guide you through the budgeting process. You can find resources online, like budget worksheets that allow you to plug in your income and expenses and determine where there is room for adjustment. These are available for free to those who take the AllyWalletWise.com budget course.

The following five tips can help you create a budget that works for you:

• Envision the finish line: It’s hard to start a race without knowing where and when you will end. Decide on a financial goal—a big purchase you want to make, a debt you’d like to pay off or a savings fund goal—and use this as a motivational tool to commit to a budget.

• Put pen to paper: To best understand your current financial landscape, begin with a big-picture view. List household income, expenses and savings goals in an organized document (whether written or online). Don’t try to budget in your head.

• Balance your budget: Are you keeping expenses proportionate? Typically, housing costs should not account for more than one-third of your monthly take-home pay, while transportation costs should account for less than 20 percent, and savings between 5 percent and 10 percent.

• Dig up deals: You can easily “find” more money in your budget by cutting down on current expenses. First, identify which parts of your budget are considered wants—versus needs—and whether you’re willing to cut them out. Then look online for discounts and to review various service providers, like cell phone and cable, to see if any better deals are available.

• Aim for weekly check-ins: Decide who should be involved in the budgeting process and meet on a weekly basis to review finances, which will help you stay on track and remain accountable. Don’t wait until the end of the month, when making fixes will be harder. And remember, a sound budget requires regular review, since financial situations can change and unexpected events can occur.

Learn More: For information on basic budgeting guidelines or to take a free online budgeting course, visit Ally Bank’s financial education website, Wallet Wise, at www.AllyWalletWise.com.

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(NAPSI)—If you think your work skills are only useful at your current job, think again. Many of the skills acquired in the workforce can be used in related or even completely different careers, so there’s no need to stay in that dead-end job or keep trying for a job in an industry that’s losing them.

Many skills can be transferred and be an asset in another type of career. Although theU.S.unemployment rate is currently 8.3 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 3.4 million jobs open right now. Many employers have positions they believe they can’t fill and can’t find the “right” candidates to join their team. Many of these open jobs are in sales and other areas such as human resources, where skill sets are easily adapted to new organizations and industries.

While many employers are having a tough time finding “qualified” candidates to fill open jobs, the insurance industry is hiring, targeting efforts at career changers.

For example, The Guardian Life Insurance Company ofAmerica(Guardian) expects to increase its sales force by 5 percent, adding over 800 new members to its national distribution team in 80 agencies across theU.S.The company has seen that life insurance industry experience is not the only desirable background in this rapidly changing economic time and hopes to fill many of those positions with candidates from other walks of life.

While the pool of people who succeed in making the shift into the life insurance and financial advisory arena is diverse, they share certain characteristics, particularly the eagerness and overwhelming drive to make the opportunity their own and create a business for themselves.

Diverse business experience, well-developed interpersonal skills, a keen interest in financial success, a passion for lifelong learning, and professional training are important transferable skills for people most likely to thrive in the financial services environment.

Some 65 percent of the company’s representatives are career changers. Career changers tend to offer many great qualities: maturity, good judgment, professional comportment, knowledge of business etiquette, and experience. In addition, career changers are often self-starters, and while they may need training to assume their new responsibilities, they do not need an inordinate amount of hand-holding.

For many companies, hiring the “right stuff” means welcoming career changers. For more information, visit www.GuardianLife.com.

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(NAPSI)—It may not be summer here inNorth America, but no need to miss out on the freshness of the season. Nutritious and delicious fresh nectarines, blueberries and other delights fromChileare available all winter long in your grocery store.

It’s summer inChile, where the climate, soil and water yield consistently high-quality fruit that meets the highest assurance standards in the world. That’s good news, because natural fruits are not only good to eat, they’re good for you. A half cup of blueberries packs a bounty of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants into only 40 sweet calories. Eating blueberries may also help prevent cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Fresh fruits can satisfy a sweet tooth without adding unhealthy fat or excessive calories because fruits contain naturally occurring sugars in calorie-free plant fibers and water. They help you fill up without filling out.

Here’s a great way to enjoy summer fresh nectarines and blueberries:

Fresh Chilean Nectarine and Blueberry Cobbler

1? cups flour

½ cup sugar, divided

6 Tbsp. butter, cut into pieces

1½ Tbsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

¾ cup heavy cream, divided

4 cups fresh Chilean blueberries

1½ lbs. (6 medium) ripe Chilean nectarines, pitted and cut in eighths

Preheat oven to 350° F. In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, ¼ cup of the sugar, butter, baking powder and salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 Tbsp. of the cream. Add the remaining cream to flour mixture; process until dough starts to form a ball, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; gently pat it together. Divide dough into eight 2-inch balls; flatten into rounds; wrap and refrigerate at least 20 minutes. In a shallow 2½-quart baking dish, combine blueberries, nectarines and 3 Tbsp. of the sugar. Arrange dough rounds on top. Brush rounds with reserved cream; sprinkle with remaining 1 Tbsp. sugar. Bake until the filling bubbles and the topping has browned, about 50 minutes. Serves 8. Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.

Learn More

For more recipes, visit www.chileanfruitonline.com.

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