Chapel Hill Durham Real Estate

Summer Fun In The Sun - Tips For Not Getting Fried! 

 

 

With summer on the way you should think about sun exposure.

As the years go by each summer seams to be getting hotter than the last years.  The reason is because of global warming.  It’s very easy to get burned just be being out in the sun for only a few minutes.

Here are some tips to keep you healthy in the summer sun:

• Stay out of the sun when it is at it’s strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
• Use sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher
• Wear protective clothing when out side
• Wear wraparound sunglasses that have provide 100 percent UV ray protection

Remember to be safe when you are out having fun!

With school now out kids need something to do with their time during the day so that parents are not worried about them while they are at work. Here is an idea for something fun, safe and educational for them, the Museum of Life and Science Summer Camp!  They offer dozens of fun, learning camp sessions for children from pre-school to 8th grade.  They have two camp locations - the Museum campus in Durham, and Estes Hills Elementary School in Chapel Hill which offers before and after care for kids.

Gas prices have you blue?  Here are a few suggestions to shake the gas blues and keep the “green” in your wallet!
 

With Gas prices so high these days we are paying almost $4.00 a gallon at the pump.  Here are a few tips for efficiently fueling your ride.
 

• When you’re filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle all the way down.  Let the gas flow slowly.  If you look you will see that the trigger has three stages: low, middle, and high. You should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping.  All hoses at the pump have a vapor return.  If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor.  Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you’re getting less worth for your money.
  

When compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) come to a normal end, they will charr around the base, producing smoke and a bad smell.  This has concerned many people about whether or not they are safe.  According to research, they are no more likely to be a fire hazard than regular incandescent bulbs. The fire safety of any light bulb is largely dependent on its manufacturing quality, so always buy from a reputable brand with the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal.

CFL bulbs should not be used in a fixture with a dimmer switch, or in a fixture with an enclosed globe due to heat buildup. If a CFL bulb is broken or cracked, caution and special care is necessary when disposing of it.  This website from the state of Maine contains details you should know about when disposing of this kind of bulb.  Int

Interested in CFLs for their “green” aspect?  You can see an entire new house under construction built to “green” standards which will soon be complete and ready for occupancy on the Great Triangle Homes website.  Click here to view details on this exciting new property!

Many have the desire to “Go Green” to benefit the environment.  The kitchen is a great place to start.  You don’t have to completely remodel your kitchen.  Start small!  You will be amazed how you can make a difference with some of these tips to help green your kitchen:

Use biodegradable garbage bags.

Use recycled paper products - napkins & paper towels.  

Choose cleaning supplies with organic ingredients.  Save time standing in line at the supermarket and make your own chemical-free cleaning supplies! 

• Dissenfectants can be made from essential oils - use 1/2 teaspoon of lavendar, thyme, eucalyptus, or tee tree oil mixed with distilled water and put in a garden sprayer.
• For windows, mix 1/3 liquid castile soap or other liquid vegetable based soap, 3 tablespoons white or cider vinegar with 2 cups of water
• To kill mold, use full strength vinegar
• Clean musty smelling cutting boards with sliced lemons
• Lemon juice can dissolve soap residue and help with hard water stains
• Use washing soda to cut grease and clean tile (don’t use on aluminum) 
• To keep drains clear, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain then slowly pour at least 1 cup of white vinegar down the drain, continue adding vinegar until you don’t hear the fizz sounds  … kids love the fizzy noises and foam
• For greasy no-wax floors, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup washing soda, 1 tablespoon vegetable based liquid soap and 2 gallons of hot water and stir well to dissolve washing soda, then mop as usual
• Clean Wood floors with a damp mop - make sure to wring out mop well as water can warp the wood - then dry with towel; for scuff marks, use a sprinkle of baking soda with a damp sponge and rub

If an appliance breaks and needs to be replaced, for these larger purchases, do your research and look for Energy Star efficient appliances.  Consider that larger appliances will use more energy.

If you are intersted in buying or selling a home in the Triangle Area or in Orange, Chatham, Durham or Alamance Counties, have experience on your side! Visit www.GreatTriangleHomes.com to begin your home search and to learn more about The Shuping Advantage Team. Ask us about ”Green Homes”!

The one thing that most people think will never happen to them, but CAN happen is Identity Theft.

There are some great ways to avoid it, however, and here I will list a few:

• Consistently check your credit reports for inaccuracies and unanticipated activity, as well as regularly reviewing bank and credit card statements for unexpected transactions and late arrivals.
• Shred items like credit card slips, bank statements, credit applications or any other document containing personal information, before you throw it away.
• Before entering your credit card number or personal infromation online, make sure you are on a secure web page. Some indications of a secure site include the padlock symbol or https in the address bar.
• Protect your family! Remind children and young adults not to share passwords or give out personal information. Check bank statements and watch for credit applications that come in your minor children’s names.
• Do not carry your social security card with you or have other confidential information, such as your driver’s license number, printed on identification cards or checks.

More ways to keep your identity your own coming soon. Keep an eye out for Avoid Identity Theft Part 2!

Who knew that the concrete we walk and drive on could be beautiful enough to include inside our homes.

Concrete has a new look nowadays and can be quite versatile. For those building or remodeling, concrete proves to be an available, organic, and economic resource. Its anti-bacterial properties as well as its heat resistance makes this resource very valuable. Concrete can be mixed in any array of colors to coordinate with your space. The moldable qualities enable you to create almost any size and shape. You can grind, polish, stamp, or stain it. You can also add objects to the mix to create more interest. Specialty sealers can be added to the counter tops to give them a highly polished look comparable to the most exquisite marble.The possibilities for creative expression are endless.

Of course, concrete is wonderful for many projects around the home including fireplace surrounds, outdoor furniture, and decorative flooring.

For more information on concrete counter tops and other projects, visit Concrete Network online.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a property in the Triangle Area, have an experienced Real Estate professional on your side.  With over 27 years combined experience, Connie Shuping and Wilma Gunnesch will save you time and money with your real estate needs!  Visit Great Triangle Homes online http://www.greattrianglehomes.com to learn more about The Shuping Adavantage Team. 

Are you tired of sorting through piles of junk mail everyday. Ever wish there was a way to put an end to unwanted catalogs. Or, perhaps you’re moving and wish to stop catalogs temporarily. Now there is a way.

By logging on to www.catalogchoice.org you have power over which catalogs you want, don’t want. This website is 100% free and lets you un-clutter your mailbox and save trees in one easy step. The process takes 10 weeks to complete, so if your moving start early so you have less to move!

And if your looking to relocate to the Triangle area visit Great Triangle Homes online today!

With a service contract from Piedmont Electric, you can insure your home’s inside electrical wiring for only $4.97 a month.

The contract covers the repair or replacement of the electrical components of electrical wiring circuits that wear out or become damaged as a result of normal use within a residence, attached or detached garage, and detached buildings used as a residence.

Components covered by the contract include:

• Wall outlets
• GFI outlets
• Wall switches
• GFI switches
• Lighting dimmers switches
• 120- to 240-volt home electrical circuits/wiring (copper or aluminum)
• Building-mounted main service disconnect
• Building-mounted meter-base housing
• Building-mounted circuits, fuses or breakers up to 225 amps, including panels or sub panels

For more information, or to find out if you are located in the Piedmont Electric District please call 919-732-2123 or toll-free at 1-800-222-3107 or visit their website at www.pemc.org.