Volume 108

Houses: Building Them Better Than They Used To

The phrase, "they don't build them like they used to," has been applied to nearly everything from cars to footwear, but most often it seems people say it about houses. In fact, this sentiment has become so common, that many believe the homes today aren't built to the standards they were 60 or 70 years ago.

People tend to believe this because there is an undeniable charm to older homes - yet, the ones they're often thinking of were built for millionaires. It's hardly fair to compare the mansions and manor homes owned by the 1 percent a century ago to today's middle-class subdivisions. The truth is, there were plenty of poorly constructed houses built back then. We just don't see them, because they're no longer standing.

Building materials, techniques and technologies have changed. Most often, these changes have translated into better, more affordable houses. Still skeptical? A quick look at a few examples will show that this urban myth is not too hard to dispel.

A Variety of Exterior Choices

For a time, vinyl siding dominated neighborhoods. It was the choice for new construction and remodels alike. Sure it was maintenance free and far less of a headache than wood siding, and cheaper than stone or stucco, but few called it an inspired look.

A new generation of synthetic wood siding promises to add not only quality, but authenticity to home siding options. Available in a variety of styles and colors, Cedar Impressions Shakes mimic the texture and rustic beauty so many prize in cedar, without the maintenance issues that turn so many away from natural wood siding.

AGENT NAMEEquity Real Estate(555) 555-5555email@email.com

Inside This Issue1. Houses: Building

Them Better Than They Used To

2. Tips for a Bug-Free Backyard Barbecue

3. Creative Ways to Take Your Raised Bed and Planter Gardening to New Heights

4. The Tip List for Pets – Keeping Your Dog Fit and Healthy

“The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”-William Morris

4 Tips to Consider When Moving to a New StateThe Relocated to a new state offers the opportunity to start fresh and experience a life you

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Another important advancement in materials is in roofing, where more homeowners are choosing synthetic slate shingles. Slate, which has decorated cathedrals and mansions around the world, is as beautiful as it is difficult to maintain and afford. Its synthetic counterpart, made from recycled rubber and plastic, creates the appearance of a stone roof, while being stronger, more flexible and easier to install. It also lasts much longer than asphalt shingles - up to 50 years.

Interior Walls

Along with engineering advancements that have improved the structural integrity and resilience of new homes, interior walls have greatly improved as well. While many people have nostalgia for plaster walls, the new drywall technology used in Habito by CertainTeed Gypsum brings the strength and durability of plaster into a modern drywall.

Incredibly strong, Habito drywall is not only able to stand up to extreme abuse, but it's also able hold an incredible amount of weight, up to 30 pounds on a single wood screw. This new drywall eliminates the need to find a stud or install a wall anchor, and makes decorating and redecorating incredibly easy. It's particularly handy for today's modern lifestyle where televisions, speakers, pictures and shelves are mounted on the wall.

Of course, these more refined and stronger building technologies are only part of the story of why homes are now built better than ever. If you want to learn more and get inspired for your next construction or remodeling project, visit HanginWithHabito.com for more information on their revolutionary drywall product.

And the next time someone says "they just don't build them like they used to," you'll say that's a good thing.

Tips for a Bug-Free Backyard Barbecue

may not have otherwise planned. But, like anything new, moving can present its own unique challenges, from organizing what to bring and discard, to deciding where to enroll the kids in school, to ensuring everyone remains happy and positive. Truly, the devil is in the details.But because deciding where to move is the easy part, it’s wise to cobble together a moving checklist to ensure you’re not excluding any items to make your new house a home. Check out these helpful tips that will make your out-of-state move as seamless as possible.

Is Making Extras Mortgage Payments Better Than Refinancing?Consumer Many mortgage borrowers at some point consider making extra payments or refinancing but are confused as to which would serve them better. This article is directed to them.Extra Payment vs RefinanceWhile borrowers refinance for a variety of reasons, only refinancing undertaken to reduce the interest rate can be viewed as an alternative to making extra payments. Borrowers should refinance to reduce the rate if the savings from the rate reduction over the period the borrower expects to hold the new loan will more than cover the refinance costs. The three most important factors in this judgment are the size of the rate reduction, the refinance costs as a percent of the balance and the life of the new loan.

What Makes a Home a Home?Just Some may say a house, some may say family. Some might say comfort.Home is all of the above-and then some. The Life at Home report, released annually by IKEA, surveys thousands of people around the world to determine what makes a home a home. The finding this year pose an idea of home that transcends the need for shelter-a haven where “space,” “things,” “relationships” and “place” meet”

The ways in which we design, construct and live in our homes

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What fun would a backyard barbecue be without special people to share it with? Your guests are as important to the fun as great food and good weather. However, there's one type of "guest" everyone can do without this summer - bugs. Stinging and biting insects can wreck even the best backyard gathering, unless you take steps to keep them away.

With increasing concern regarding Zika virus in the U.S., everyone's least-favorite summer pest can be more than just an annoyance; mosquitoes may post a serious health risk, especially to pregnant women. What's more, while no one wants to get a mosquito bite, stings from wasps, hornets or yellowjackets may be more concerning for people with insect allergies as a sting can be life-threatening. Keeping insects away from your outdoor gathering is an important way to ensure everyone stays healthy and enjoys the party.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) offers some tips for how you can keep pests like mosquitoes, ants, flies, hornets, wasps and other stinging and biting insects away from your party and guests this summer:

Prep for the Party

Guests will be coming in and out of the house throughout the barbecue, so be sure doors close securely. Check screens for holes and repair any you find; small holes in screens can allow insects to get inside.

If possible, plan to serve food and beverages indoors. Food left sitting outside on a patio or picnic table is more likely to attract insects, so reserve outdoor space for eating, entertaining and fun.

Check around your backyard to ensure there's no standing water. Birdbaths, wading pools, tire swings, children's toys, garden ponds and even puddles that collect in low spots in the yard can all serve as breeding locations for mosquitoes.

If you'll be entertaining outdoors at dusk and after dark, have plenty of insect repellent on hand for guests. Choose one with an EPA-registered active

are reflections of the world around us. Our basic feelings and needs at home are constant, but changing values, lifestyles, and societies force us to meet these needs in different ways and different places than before.

http://rismedia.com

4 Things You Should Be Doing With Your Home EquityS You may be sitting on a goldmine. Or a small fortune. Or at least a little chunk of cash. Rising home prices across the country means homeowners have some equity. So what can you do with it? More importantly, what should you do with it? If you’ve got money in your house, you’ve got some options.“Sone wisely, you can use the lower-interest debt secured by your house to pay off debts with high interest rates, like credit cards,” said houselogic. “It’s also a good choice if you know exactly how much you need to borrow for a big expenditure like a new kitchen.”

The Lazy Homeowner’s Guide To Living WellKeeping your home looking and functioning great isn’t easy. We all have less and less time to go the things we want to do today. Sometimes the “have-tos” can seem overwhelming. But high style and great function don’t have to be high maintenance. These products and features can help you to have a great home and minimize the time required to take care of it.

http://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1

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ingredient like DEET or Picaridin. While mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are active throughout the day, most mosquitoes are active at dusk and dawn, so consider using fans to keep insects away from outdoor seating areas.

During the Party

Strong fragrances from shampoo, perfume and candles can attract stinging insects like yellowjackets and wasps. They're also attracted to the aroma of food and drink. Suggest guests avoid using scented items before the backyard party. Serve beverages in clear plastic cups; aluminum cans and plastic bottles provide hiding spots for stinging insects.

Use sealed coolers and containers to protect all food and beverages. The containers will not only keep bugs out of your food, they'll reduce the aroma that can attract insects.

If spills occur, wipe them up immediately from tables and other surfaces to reduce the chance they'll attract ants or other insects.

Clear trash away from your entertaining area immediately, and store it in sealed receptacles away from the entertaining area. Rinse all beverage bottles and cans before sealing them in the closed recycling or trash container.

Post-Party Cleanup

After a good meal, and surrounded by friends, you may be tempted to let the dishware and utensils sit for a while as you chat with guests. Resist the temptation. Take utensils and dishware indoors right away to reduce the chance the smell of leftover food will attract unwanted insects.

These simple preventive measures can help ensure your backyard barbecue remains as pest-free as possible. If you have a serious pest infestation, you may need to bring in a pest control professional. You can find a local, licensed pest control expert at www.pestworld.org, the website of the NPMA.

Creative Ways to Take Your Raised Bed and Planter Gardening to New Heights

Star Trek Movie TriviaBenedict Cumberbatch plays the villainous John Harrison in ‘Star Trek Into Darkness.’ What was the name of the bad guy in 2009’s ‘Star Trek’

a. Baneb. Khanc. Kronosd. Nero

Commander Ilia performs what role onboard the Enterprise?

a. Engineerb. Transporter Operatorc. Navigatord. Executive Officer

What member of the original Star Trek series has a cameo in the new movie?

a. William Shatnerb. Nichelle Nicholsc. DeForest Kelleyd. Leonard Nimoy

What is the name of the academy where new recruits train to fly on the USS Enterprise and other ships?

a. Starship Academyb. Stardrill Academyc. Starling Academyd. Starfleet Academy

Which What are Vulcan’s, like Spock, unable to feel?

a. Painb. Lovec. Emotiond. Cold

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Generations of space-challenged gardeners have relied on raised beds and planting boxes to grow a harvest of vegetables, fruits and herbs - even in the tightest spaces. Vertical gardening gave us a whole new way to garden in tight spots, by encouraging plants to grow up, rather than spread out. Now, by marrying the two techniques, you can create a visually stunning, artistic display of gardening prowess that will keep your table full of fresh produce throughout the summer.

Building the Foundation

A well-built, durable planting foundation, such as a raised bed or planting box made from Western Red Cedar, is an essential starting point. Decide where yours will go and start building. You can find free project plans online to help you build the frame for a raised bed or a planting box.

Whatever style of planter you build, it's important to choose a quality construction material. Western Red Cedar is often the choice of savvy gardeners because it's naturally rot resistant as well as durable and easy to work with. It needs no chemical finishes or paints to preserve or beautify it, and is harvested from sustainably managed forests. Learn more and find free project plans at Realcedar.com.

Simple Steps Onward and Upward

With a good foundation in place, it's time to consider all the ways you can turn your raised bed or planter into a vertical masterpiece.

Adding a simple trellis to your raised bed or planting box is an easy way to maximize your growing space. For example, you can plant shrub-type plants like peppers in a row in the front portion of the planter, then add a trellis in the back portion and encourage vining veggies like beans, peas and cucumbers to grow up the structure.

For larger raised beds, you can build a vineyard style pergola above the bed. A sturdy pergola made from Western Red Cedar can support a variety of substantial plants such as squash, but you don't have to be limited to fruits and veggies that grow on vines. Affix small boxes or even burlap bags to allow for greater variety in your

What color shirt does Sulu wear?

a. Blackb. Yellowc. Blued. Red

Mixed Berry and Yogurt ParfaitRecipe Courtesy of foodnetwork.com

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vertical garden.

Loftier Ambitions

Is your raised bed nestled against a wall? Or perhaps your planting box perches on one side of your backyard deck. You can add a free-standing wall by building a cedar frame and stretching hex wire across the frame. Vines will readily climb the wire, but you can also attach terra cotta pots to the wire to hold herbs, small vegetables and even flowers.

In a variation on the trellis concept, you can build a framework with multiple rows of narrow cedar troughs above your raised bed or planting box; the troughs make a great growing spot for herbs. You can also create a stepped planter by building a series of boxes in graduated sizes and then stacking them atop each other widest to narrowest. Or, for a more modern look, build a contemporary ladder-style vertical garden with box-shaped removable planters.

Veteran gardeners who are also seasoned do-it-yourselfers can go all out by building a pergola. Western Red Cedar pergolas can go anywhere, take up far less ground space than a traditional garden and are wonderful vertical gardening pieces. Just plant your favorite vining fruit or vegetable at the base of each post and train the vines upward as they grow.

One out of every three American households gardens - 36 million households - according to the National Gardening Association. With 9 million households in urban area participating in gardening, it's a great time to explore creative ways to bring vertical gardening and raised beds or planter boxes together.

The Tip List for Pets – Keeping Your Dog Fit and Healthy

Ins Making your own granola is easier than it looks, and it will add a nice touch to this quick and easy parfait.

Ingredients

2 large eggs

1/3 cup lowfat plain yogurt

1/3 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 tablespoon Easy Homemade Granola, recipe below

Easy Homemade Granola:

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon extra-virgin raw coconut oil

½ cup old-fashioned oats

¼ cup sliced raw almonds

¼ cup raw sunflower seeds

Kosher salt

Nonstick cooking spray

DirectionsFill a small single-serving (6ounce) container with a third of the yogurt. Top with a third of the berries. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of maple syrup over the berries. Repeat two

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For pet owners and their four-legged friends, interacting with other dogs provides great opportunities for exercise and socialization. Whether it's playing at the dog park, hiking through the woods, strolling around town or making new friends at doggy daycare, these activities can improve your dog's mental and physical well-being. They can also put your dog at risk for exposure to health threats.

An Ounce of Prevention...

"We all love getting out of the house with our furry friends but it's important to remember that serious danger lurks in the grass, community water bowl or, if you travel with your dog, in another city," advises Julia Szabo, pet lifestyle expert. "With the right knowledge, advice from your trusted veterinarian and some simple preventive measures, it's easy to keep your dog happy and healthy."

What pet owners need to know to protect their dogs

Ensure your dog's vaccinations are up to date.

Always discuss your pet's lifestyle with your veterinarian to identify potential health risks and preventive measures.

Remember to mention travel if your dog goes on the road with you, as other areas of the country may represent different health threats than what you face at home.

Keep your pet away from wild animals, as they often carry disease, and don't allow your dog to drink from unclean water sources given that certain diseases can be spread there.

Check regularly for ticks, which will help reduce the risk of disease transmission. Lyme disease, for example, can impact your pet's health, as well as your own.

Fleas don't just live on your pet; they also live in your home. Vacuuming thoroughly can kill fleas and remove their eggs, helping you stop infestations. After vacuuming, seal the vacuum bag in a garbage bag and discard it in an outdoor trash container.

more times with the rest of the yogurt, berries and maple syrup. Pack the granola sparatley so that it can be mixed into the parfait when ready to eat. Pack the parfait with an ice pack or frozen juice box so that it stays cold until luchtime.

Easy Homemade Granola Directions

Heat the maple syrup with the coconut oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat, just to melt the oil. While still warm, toss the maple syrup mixture together with the oats, almonds, sunflower seeds and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Spray a baking sheet with the nonstick cooking spray. Spread the granola on the sheet tray in a thin layer. Bake for a total of 20 minutes, tossing the granola halfway through. Let cool to room temperature and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/mixed-berry-and-yogurt-parfait-recipe.html

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"Fleas and ticks are year-round hazards in many areas of the country, so it's critical to talk to your veterinarian about choosing the right product to protect your pets from these parasites and keep them out of homes," recommends Szabo. "BRAVECTO (fluralaner) is the only oral chew to deliver flea and tick protection to dogs for up to 12 full weeks. Bravecto kills fleas, prevents flea infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. It also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks."

Canine Influenza: An Increasing Health Threat

You can get the flu but did you know your dog can as well? It's called canine influenza (CIV) - or dog flu - and cases of it have been popping up all over the country. In fact, canine influenza has impacted dogs in more than half the country - just since March 2015 - and new cases are being diagnosed every week.

There are two strains of canine influenza present in the dog population - H3N8 and H3N2, the latter is an Asian strain of CIV and is brand new in the United States. Because CIV is so contagious, infection can spread quickly among social dogs.

Vaccinating for both strains of CIV and minimizing exposure to potential risk factors are critical to protecting your pet.

Know your dog's risk. Does your dog:

Play at dog parks?

Visit doggie day care?

Board or stay at a pet hotel?

Visit a groomer?

Attend dog shows or other social events with dogs?

Greet other dogs during walks?

"I've seen the devastating impact of CIV first hand - both on a dog's health and the emotional toll it takes on owners," said veterinarian Natalie Marks, DVM, and co-owner of the Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago. "When CIV H3N2 broke in our area, we were seeing upwards of 15 cases a day at times and were scrambling to stop the spread of this very contagious disease. Now we know what we are dealing with and are able to protect at-risk dogs through vaccination and other measures. I strongly recommend that pet owners with dogs that are social and regularly commingle with other dogs speak to their veterinarian now about what is right for their pet and to fully understand what puts a dog at risk for CIV."

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, talk with your veterinarian to determine whether CIV vaccination is appropriate for your dog.

To learn more about protection against CIV, fleas and ticks, and other pet wellness topics, please visit MyPet.com.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, polydipsia, and flatulence. Bravecto has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks' duration in puppies less than 6 months of age. Bravecto is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks after dosing.

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