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Redesigning your patio can be as simple as adding a few pieces of outdoor furniture to your backyard. Or it can be as elaborate as installing an adjoining concrete slab with an outdoor kitchen and dining area. Visualize the Design with a Quick Mock-up A bench and a potted plant transform this bare patch. As you begin a design project for a backyard patio, always check whether you need permits to make your ideas a reality. Once that is done, you can actually start the project. You may have chosen a designer to do it for you, or more probably you have decided to do it yourself to save money and because you generally like home improvement projects. Decide where your patio is best situated. Most patios lead off from a living area or kitchen to make entertaining guests easier. Check the space you have available and size your patio accordingly. Lay out a rope or garden hose to visualize the footprint of your patio. Set a few chairs in the space to ensure it is not to small. …

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 c…

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 sup…

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 compresso…

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 spe…

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,…

Great, vintage, collectible or downright old car? How would you know the distinction, and exactly when does a more seasoned vehicle become an amazingly classic vehicle? For the most part it depends upon who you ask: various vehicle clubs, collectors, countries, and insurance agencies have different methods of deciding whether a vehicle qualifies as a classic car. The essential attributes of a classic vehicle are age, condition and uniqueness among different vehicles. How do you classify these cars? Antique – A vehicle more than 45 years old. Classic – A vehicle made at least 20 years prior to the current year. This definition is accepted by most state DMV’s. CCCA Classic – A “fine” or “distinctive” automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948 as defned by the Classic Car Club of America. Vintage – A vehicle made between 1919 and 1930. Is your classic car valuable? To be valuable and extraordinary, it must also be in great c…

Do you remember going to the drive-in movies? They were a big thing once…and they are coming back! What can be more fun than pulling up in your car with your family, turning on the radio to the right station, and preparing to watch two movies…all from the comfort of your own car? What’s even better…you can bring blankets, babies, and adjust the volume to your desires! Most drive ins also have concession stands, so you don’t even have to go hungry. If you’re going to the movies in this new old method, there are a few things you might want to take with you: Folding Chairs (Just in case you want to sit outside of your car.) Air loungers are good, too! A Cooler With Drinks. Some theatres might charge if you bring your own food and drink, but it doesn’t hurt to have them! Coffee is good when it’s a double-show, especially since the second one might not even start until late night Supper and You’re keeping awake until late so it’s everything about the carbs. You c…