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Thursday, June 20th, 2013

Tapered fence rails can give any fence a decorative feel. You can buy tapered fences from a variety of places. When you are shopping, be sure to compare prices and consider delivery and installation deals.

Here are some of the best places to shop for these fence rails.

Home Improvement Store

A home improvement store is one of the best places to find tapered fence rails. They often have these types of rails in stock. If they are not available in the store, you can ask a manager or employee to order them for you. It usually only takes a few days before they are available and can be picked up or delivered to your home.

Online Stores

If you cannot find the rails you need in stores, consider shopping for them online. Many major stores have websites which offer a selection that is much larger than what can be found in stores. You can order the items online and have them shipped right to your home or the store that is the closest to you. Then you can pick up your rails, take them home and start installing them.

Classified Sites

If you don’t mind buying items that have been used, you may be able to get a good deal on your fence rails. Check online classified sites for the exact size and style of rails that you want. You can contact the seller and make arrangements to see the rails before your purchase them and even negotiate the price or try to barter with the seller to get a deal on the fence rails.

Regardless of where you buy your tapered fence rails, make sure you measure properly and purchase the right size and amount. Take advantage of sales, clearance products and coupons to get the best price possible on your purchase.

Need Help Installing Them?

You might not know it, but your local area is likely loaded with handymen capable of installing tapered fence rails. TalkLocal is the best way to find them. Visit our site and, minutes later, you’ll be talking with people who can help.

Tags: fence rails, fencing
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

Planning A Party Checklist

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

For many, organizing a party can seem overwhelming. Your main objective is for everyone to have a good time, so the stress of ensuring everything is just right can prevent some people from even attempting it.

One crucial step is planning a party checklist. Being able to mark off items to visually see that everything is accounted for can greatly reduce a host’s stress level. Here are a few categories you’ll want to include to make sure that everything is covered:

RSVPs: Do you know how many people expect to attend the party? Prior to starting your checklist, you will need to know how much of everything you will need.

Decorations: Have you appropriately decorated for your party? Generally, decorations are done to taste, but guests often appreciate when a host has gone above and beyond expectations.

Food: This one is big. Check your RSVPs — who has special eating needs? For someone with a gluten intolerance or peanut allergy, having foods he or she can safely eat available will show a great deal of care on your part. Also, add to your list specifically the exact foods you need so that you can check them off as you complete them. If you are doing a potluck, add who will be bringing what dish.

Music: Will you be providing the music with a radio or will you be hiring a DJ? Do you have specific music that you want to play? Add these items to your list as well.

Housework: If your party will be at your home, what needs to be done prior to guests’ arrival? Add a cleaning list or home repair items to your list.

Ask For Help!

If your event is simply too overwhelming and you don’t think simply planning a party checklist will get you through, ask an expert. TalkLocal can find local party planners who are more than qualified to handle your event. The best part is that our service is absolutely free.

Posted in Party Planners | No Comments »

How To Stay Cool In The Summer Heat: Landscaping

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

If you, like most people, are concerned with finding out how to stay cool in the summer heat, you’ll want to think about landscaping.

The arrangement of grasses, trees, other plants, and accoutrements in your front and back yards can make a tremendous difference in your heating bill and your comfort level. Landscaping is a beautiful and natural way to keep the heat off without turning the air conditioning on.

There are plenty of cooling landscaping options that are low-maintenance and affordable on most any budget. Let’s take a look at some.

Carefully placed deciduous trees can substantially lower home temperatures, reducing energy use by up to 25 percent annually. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter, so snow won’t pile up on them, risking water damage when it melts. Placement is important. Trees should be planted on the south and west side of the house.

Climbing vines reduce external home temperatures and provide a cooling barrier between exterior walls and the hot air outside. Hang a trellis to encourage vines to climb and check them occasionally to ensure they aren’t finding their way into the walls and foundation.

Smaller trees or tall shrubs should be planted close to the house to shade doorways and windows. Shade lowers temperature while trees help regulate moisture in the air.

Speaking of shade, gazebos or roll-out awnings can provide shade and comfort to any area you desire. Some gazebos also offer netting to keep bugs out. Roll-out awnings are versatile and can be opened or closed as needed. Used properly, an awning should last for many seasons.

Remember that groups of trees offer greater cooling benefits than the same number of trees spread across a large area. Shading roofs, windows, doors, and window air-conditioning units also add up to big savings on energy bills and helps solve the problem on how to stay cool in the summer heat.

Consult A Professional Landscaper

If you would like to install plants, trees, or other additions to your landscape in order to cool your home, you may want to seek professional help. With TalkLocal, all you need to do is offer us a little bit of information, and we get you on the phone with someone who can help.

Posted in Landscapers | No Comments »

Easy Way To Remove Wallpaper

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

At the time, you probably thought that paisley wallpaper looked good in your dining room, but now, you are ready to remodel, and that entails a more modern look.

Many people avoid putting wallpaper in their home because they are afraid of how difficult it will be to take it down when they are ready for something different. Removing wallpaper can be difficult. Because paste is used to hold it in place, the paper often leaves behind a residue and paper remnants.

If you are like most people, you want to know the easy way to remove wallpaper. There are actually several methods that are both fast and easy. Here is one of them.

An Easy Way To Remove Wallpaper

1. Create a 50/50 mixture of hot water and fabric softener.

2. Add the mixture to a spray bottle.

3. Spray each crease in the wallpaper and allow several minutes for the mixture to soak into the wallpaper.

4. Continue to apply more spray to each crease until it is completely soaked into the paper. You may notice the creases start to peel back, this means the solution is working.

5. Use a drywall knife to scrape off the paper. Apply more of the spray to the paper if necessary. This may be the easy way to remove wallpaper, but it is also time-consuming.

6. Avoid tearing the paper. If it tears, it is much more likely to leave scrap behind. These can also be removed by soaking them with the solution and scraping them. However, it is much easier to remove the paper in large sections at a time.

7. Once the wallpaper is clear, you will still need to remove the glue. Use a sponge and hot water to scrub the wall clean.

Knowing the easy way to remove wallpaper will save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Remember to take your time and make sure every piece of paper and all of the glue has been removed before you install more wallpaper or try to paint the wall.

Finding Help For The Job

You can always hire out this sometimes arduous task. TalkLocal makes the search process easy, using information about your project to pin down three local professionals. We’ll get you on the phone with them and you can make a final decision. It’s that quick and easy.

Posted in Painters | No Comments »

Best Stitches For Leather

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

So you want to make a wallet, holster, small purse, or something else out of leather. Good for you! Leather is a durable, natural material that craftspeople love. The smell, the texture; everything about leather is awesome.

But, it can be tricky to work with if you don’t have the proper tools or contemporary know-how. So what are the best stitches for leather? Let’s take a look.

Tools You’ll Need To Make the best Stitches For Leather:

– At least two large darning needles — you’ll be stitching from both ends

– A good awl designed for leather hole-punching

– Beeswax — natural and undyed

– Waxed thread or simulated sinew

– Pliers, hemostats, or a strong alligator clip

– Some older, damaged leather items to practice on

– The leather for your project

The Saddle Stitch

One of the most popular and best stitches for leather is the saddle stitch. This involves several steps and will produce the strongest, longest lasting bond for leather items.

1. Begin by cutting your leather pieces to size, leaving room for the seams. This part of the project is the most similar to sewing fabric.

2. Once everything is properly cut, you’ll want a way to hold the leather pieces together without crimping, poking random holes, or otherwise damaging the leather. Try something like a spring-loaded clothespin or a binder clip to hold pieces together firmly. Now, it’s time to poke some holes.

3. When using an awl, it’s vital that the leather pieces be lined up perfectly and completely still for this. The holes should be evenly spaced and punched in at a slight angle. The awl step might not be necessary for thinner pieces of leather. Alternatively, some leather workers skip the awl, even for thicker pieces, and use pliers to pull the needles through.

4. To create the best stitches for leather, you’ll want to cut your string about two-and-a-half times the length of the seam you’re stitching. It’s always better to use too much than not enough. Tie one needle to each side. As you stitch, you’ll use the needles to sew from both sides at the same time.

5. This is a simple up and down stitch to close the seam, pulling each needle firmly (without stretching the thread) after each stitch.

6. When you reach the end of the seam, double back a few stitches to prevent unraveling.

7. Some craftspeople will reinforce their saddle stitches with a whip stitch. You can use the same holes with this stitch and only one needle. The whip stitch goes around the seam end so you get a stitch that looks a bit like the spiral in a notebook.

8. Some craftspeople also suggest using an iron to seal the stitches. Instead, you might consider placing your new leather item between two boards weighted with books, canned food, or something else heavy.

Contact A Tailor

Tailors are experts at this type of stuff. Looking for a local one? Use TalkLocal for the job! Our service will find the right professional for you, for free.

Tags: clothing alteration, leather, sewing, stitching
Posted in Tailors | No Comments »

Error When Restoring iPhone

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

Sometimes when you are trying to restore your iPhone, the restore process may stop and you may see an error message in iTunes. Here are a few steps to resolve an error when restoring iPhone.

First, make sure you are logged into your computer as an administrator. If you do not have admin access, get the owner of the computer to sign in for you.

Update to the latest version of iTunes

Install any available updates in iTunes. Most updates will require you to connect to the Internet before updating, so make sure that you have an Internet connection.

Make sure your operating system is up to date

For Mac users, click Software Update from the Apple menu and install all available updates. Restart, and then check for updates again after your computer has rebooted.

On a PC, go to the Microsoft Windows Update page. Install all available updates, restart your computer, and check for updates again after restarting.

Disconnect other USB devices

USB devices may interfere with the signal between iTunes and the iOS device.

1. Disconnect all USB devices.

2. Connect only the keyboard and mouse.

3. If using an iOS-device dock, disconnect it and plug the cable directly into the iOS device.

4. Restart the computer.

5. Launch iTunes and attempt to restore again.

Check security settings

Out-of-date or incorrectly-installed security software, firewalls, or router settings can cause an error when restoring iPhone. All security software must be kept up to date and properly configured. After you update and configure your security settings, restart the computer and try to restore again.

Restart the computer

If there are no software updates available, your iTunes is up to date, you have no other USB devices attached, you have no security software installed, and you are directly connected to your ISP, simply restarting your computer may clear up your issues when restoring your iPhone.

If the issue persists after trying all of these things, then you should use TalkLocal to get the best help possible from local IT service professionals.

Posted in Computer Repair | No Comments »

Where To Get Rid Of Batteries

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

We are all trying to be a bit greener lately. Over time, we’ve learned a lot about the way our battery-driven lifestyle affects the environment, and we want to be cleaner. Most of us know that batteries aren’t good to toss in a landfill, but knowing how to properly dispose of them is a different story.

Figuring out where to get rid of batteries depends a lot on what kind of batteries you have. Here is where to get rid of batteries which are commonly found in everyday objects.

Cell Phone Batteries

This is probably the easiest type of battery to recycle, which is good because it is also the worst to toss in landfills. Cell phone batteries are incredibly rechargeable, which is why we love them so much. When they break or get too old, we can’t just throw them out.

The chemicals inside of your cell phone battery are very hazardous to our land. The easiest way to recycle a cell phone battery? Take it to a cell phone store. Pretty much any store that sells phones and phone batteries also accepts them to recycle for free. Sometimes, they’ll even pay you for them.

Car Batteries

These are also hugely important to recycle. Your car needs a very large battery to run. Throwing a car battery into a landfill is like pouring toxic waste into a landfill – you just shouldn’t do it.

Thankfully, most mechanics and car dealerships will take your car battery from you and recycle it. If you’re having a new one installed, they will probably just do it automatically. However, if you have an extra one you need to drop off, you can usually do that, too. As with cell phone batteries, some places even offer to pay or cut a sum off of your bill if you recycle through them.

Common Households Batteries

These run everything from flashlights and alarm clocks to kid toys. All of those little round and square batteries you have that you need to pitch might seem like they won’t affect the environment much. They’re small, right?

Well, when everyone in America has that mindset, before you know it, our landfills are full of battery acid. Although these are nowhere near as awful for the environment as car and cell phone batteries, they should still be dropped off at your local recycling and conservation center.

Get More Information On Recycling Batteries

Recycling batteries is one small step you can take to help the world remain cleaner and healthier for longer. To find another step, or discover additional options on where to get rid of batteries, try using TalkLocal to connect you to experts in your area.

Posted in Garbage Removal | No Comments »

Rust Removal From Concrete

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

If your once-white driveway is now a frustrating, spotty orange, you may be looking for methods of rust removal from concrete. Unlike stripping paint off of concrete, rust is a bit trickier as the concrete tends to absorb the rust color more than it does paint.

Your best option is to work with a highly acidic substance known as muriatic acid. The end result will be the stripping of a thin layer of concrete away, lifting the ugly tint with it.

Then Follow These Steps

1. Suit up: Make sure you have excellent rubber gloves, boots, and junk clothes that will cover your skin. Additionally, you will want to wear a respirator, as muriatic acid produces acidic vapors. If any acid makes contact with your skin, wash it off immediately.

2. Mix acid with water according to package directions. Always pour the acid into the water instead of water into acid.

3. Using a long-handled floor brush, apply the acid mixture to the desired area. The area will bubble. Give it about five minutes to work on the concrete. Apply more as necessary.

4. Once the stain is removed, use a fresh bucket of water to remove all traces of acid. The concrete will be a bit rougher than the surrounding area, but that will not hurt it.

5. Dispose of the remaining acid mixture according to package directions. Remove safety gear and shower in order to ensure you do not sustain acid burns.

6. To prevent rust stains in the future, seal the concrete with a concrete sealant. This will stop moisture and metallic elements from penetrating the surface.

Feeling Lost?

If you are concerned that the task of rust removal from concrete might be either too time-consuming or too dangerous for your comfort level, let an expert handle it. TalkLocal can find a qualified handyman in your area at no cost to you. Our service is fast and easy, and you will be speaking with a local professional in no time.

Tags: concrete, rust, rust removal
Posted in Handyman | No Comments »

How To Stay Cool In The Summer Heat: Roofing

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

If you are pondering how to stay cool in the summer heat, your roof is a good place to start. If your home is topped with black tar shingles or other dark-colored roofing materials, you may be suffering from the heat unnecessarily.

Cool metal roofs, reflective roofs, and even thermal-activated roofing tiles provide consumers with a multitude of options depending on your needs, location, and budget. Energy Star-approved roofing saves money and keeps buildings cooler. Some of these even keep absorbed heat on reserve for later use.

Let’s look at how to stay cool in the summer heat through the use of smart roofing.

Reflective roofs are just what they sound like. Applying reflective or white, heat-resistant paint to a roof serves several purposes. It drastically lowers the surface temperature of the roof, which in turn reduces how much heat is absorbed and redistributed. Reflective roof paint was recommended as an accessible, cost-effective solution by the federal government in 2003. Since then, technology has advanced. But reflecting roofing remains effective and is a great solution for families on a budget.

Cool metal roofing is reported to lower home cooling costs by up to 40 percent annually. This is a good solution for steep-slope and low-slope roofing alike. Cool metal roofing works in two main ways. It is reflective, providing similar benefits to a painted, reflective roof. It is also emissive, so it radiates heat outward, essentially sending it upward. Emissive metal roofing has been shown to reduce urban air temperatures as much as 12 percent. On a hot day, that can make a tremendous difference.

Thermal-activated roof tiles are an amazing advance in both heating and cooling and are a key in how to stay cool in the summer heat. These tiles measure the heat outside, and turn dark (to absorb heat) or reflective depending on the weather. This makes roofs incredibly efficient, leading to drastic savings year round. They are especially valuable in areas with unpredictable weather patterns, while eliminating the need to redo your roof paint for each new season.

Making alterations to improve the efficiency of your home’s roof serves many purposes. Aside from how to stay cool in the summer heat, reflective roofs save on electric bills and help the environment by using less energy. Many insurance providers give discounts for energy-saving modifications like energy-saving roofing.

When you consider the benefits, there’s really no reason not to invest a little time and effort on staying cool and saving money.

How To Take Advantage Of These Roofing Options

You won’t be able to replace or modify your roof by yourself. Luckily, TalkLocal can get you on the phone with a number of professionals who service your local area. We only connect you with relevant companies and professionals so you don’t have to wade through a sea of unqualified help.

Posted in Roofers | No Comments »

Do Cab Fares Vary Throughout The Day?

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

If you are new to a big city, or simply visiting, the idea of taxis might be foreign to you. Surrounded by people who rely on cabs for transportation can be a little intimidating. You probably have many questions. How do I flag down a cab? How much do I tip? Do cab fares vary throughout the day? Do I share a cab with a stranger?

The very basics of what you will need to know is how much a cab charges. Since different cabs charge in different ways, it is important to know what to expect.

How Cab Fares Are Calculated

Generally speaking, most cabs will charge you a small entry fee into the cab. They will then charge you a certain amount of money per mile or kilometer or a certain amount of money for each minute you are using the cab. This is why cab trips can be pricey, even when you are not traveling a far distance. You also have to figure a tip of about 10 to 20 percent into your budget.

The rates that a cab driver charges can vary from city to city. Some of the biggest cities in the United States (i.e. New York, Boston, etc.) carry a significantly higher rate.

Do Cab Fares Vary Throughout The Day?

While the rates the cab driver is charging you likely will not go up or down depending on the time of day, there are certain times where your fare will increase just based on traffic conditions.

If you jump in a cab at rush hour and need to travel five blocks in one direction, you might still pay a high fare because of traffic. As you sit in traffic, the meter continues to count the minutes, tacking on more and more expense. If you were to take this same trip during a time where traffic was not bad, you’d pay a lot less.

Find A Taxi Service In Your Area

You don’t have to live in a big city to have access to a taxi service. Visit TalkLocal, and we’ll connect you with a taxi service in your area. Our service is fast, free, and very convenient.

Posted in Taxicabs | No Comments »

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