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Keeping the value of your home or even adding to the value of your home may not require a gigantic effort on your part. Simple things such as a tidy yard and garage, freshly painted exterior, building a car port or installing a modern kitchen are all ways to keep the value where you want it to be. After all, buying your property is a large investment of time and money. Financially, if you rent out your property and are commanding more rent because of the improvements, this is reflected in the overall value of the place. You may also save money with tax deductions for your expenses related to improving the property. Larger equity from an improved home that will enable you to comfortably borrow more money for other investments. Some factors which affect the value of your property over time, and may not be obvious are: Safety – homes in cul-de-sacs and areas safer for children. Location close to desirable schools. Limited availability – in a nice neighborhood, limited c…

Tired of being cooped up in your house and want a safe but wonderful daytrip? Here are 10 amazing destinations you can go to that can renew your energy, spirit, and life! Amazing Animals 4235 Rambler Avenue, St. Cloud 34772 (407) 719-6269 Home to over 100 exotic animals this animal preserve gives private tours…just you and your group! There are many photo opportunities and hands-on encounters during this tour. Everglades National Park Airboat Tour and Wildlife Show 24050 SW 8th Street, Miami 33194 (305)242-7700 Take an airboat through the Everglades and adventure with the alligators, birds, and turtles. This trip includes a wildlife show where guests see alligator wrestling techniques that were used by Native Americans. It even gives visitors a chance to hold a baby alligator! Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park 100 Savannah Blvd., Micanopy 32667 (352) 466-3397 Florida’s first State Preserve, this wonderful park features herds of wild horses and bison. Nearly 300 species of bird…

If your vehicle’s AC has has lost its ability to keep you cool, it may simply need a recharge of refrigerant. With a few items from any auto parts store, you should be able to do it yourself. You will need gloves, eye protection, AC recharge service hose with a pressure gauge, and a can of refrigerant. And maybe a paperclip. DIY Vehicle AC Recharge Connect the recharge service hose with pressure gauge and valve to the can of refrigerant. Twist valve counter clockwise until puncture tip is retracted. Screw onto the can of refrigerant. Twist valve clockwise until it punctures the can’s top. Attach nozzle to the low pressure service fitting on the A/C system. It should only match one fitting. Turn on the vehicle and set the AC to MAX inside cooling. You should see and hear the compressor engage. If the compressor does not engage, you may have too little refrigerant in the system which suggests a leak. If after adding refrigerant, the compressor still does not…

School supply shopping is an experience for you and your youngster, but on the other hand it can be quite a chore. New is fun—fresh starts, new teachers, new friends, new clothes, new shoes, new school supplies, new lunch boxes, and new backpacks. Be that as it may, it can be overwhelming. (Your child is growing up way too fast—and is presently sulking in aisle two.) Don’t panic! Here’s a guide to what you will need to get. Before starting, you should check with your school to see if they provide a supply list. Compare it to what we have here to see what else you might want to get. Your child’s backpack might be worn out from last year, for example. Some schools have the teacher buy the majority of the school supplies to guarantee every kid has similar things—and to make sure they have exactly what is needed. In these cases, a donation to the teacher is never a bad idea, to help cover the cost of these supplies. There might also be organizations that help obtain supplies fo…

What are the world’s most expensive golf carts? Golf carts used to be little vehicles that served a simple purpose — getting you around the golf course comfortably. With the advent of these new luxurious models, you are no longer confined to the course and can make a lasting impression everywhere you go! Garia LSV – $62,000 This most expensive of golf carts is actually allowed on the street and comes equipped with seat belts, mirrors, hydraulic brakes and speeds up to 25mph. You can also install a stereo, digital instruments and a dashboard refrigerator as well as other extras. The Garia LSV is customizable with over 100 colors for the body, roof and dashboard; 3 different colors of upholstery and 10” and 12” aluminum wheels. Garia Edition Soleil de Minuit Golf Car- $52,000 This cute little cart comes from the Porsche factory in Finland. Looking more like a golf cart than the Hummer model available for $19,999, it is a limited edition version of the standard Garia golf car. It…

The best time to prepare your personal emergency plan and make sure it is up to date is before you need it. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some easy ways to be prepared for the next hurricane: The first step to being prepared for a Hurricane is to know the common terms used in forecasts. A “Watch” means that a hurricane or tropical storm are possible. A “Warning” means that the storm is expected. Hurricane warnings usually are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds. The eye of the storm is a clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm. While there are calmer conditions in the eye, this doesn’t mean the storm is over. The area surrounding the eye is where some of the most severe weather is with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation. Rain bands come off the storm and produce severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, wind, and even tornadoes. A storm surge is the result of ocean water swelling as a result of the storm. Th…