Throw A Memorable Celebration For Memorial Day

Friday, May 24th, 2013

All of us at Talklocal want your coming weekend to be a celebration with family and friends, to help remember all those who have fought and are still fighting over seas. We’ve got a list of decorating ideas, recipes, and tips to help you throw a memorable celebration for Memorial Day.

Flowers of Red, White, and Blue

One of the oldest traditions for Memorial Day is leaving flowers. Contact your local florist to find wonderful arrangements to leave for someone you’d like to remember. Make your own memorial with a loved one’s favorite flower, pictures, and wreaths to keep them present at home. If you’re not quite ready to bust out the Fourth of July decorations, buy smaller arrangements of red tulips, white daisies, and blue lilies to give a patriotic flare for the backyard barbecue.

Cool Foods

Memorial Day is the first holiday to reign in the new warm spring weather. While you’ll probably be heating up over the hot grill cooking burgers and dogs, cool down with some delicious cold foods. Try some of these delicious and refreshing recipes.

Antipasto Salad

Ingredients

Red Wine Vinaigrette:

1 bunch fresh basil, stemmed and leaves chopped (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Antipasto Salad:

1 pound fusilli pasta

1/2 cup hard salami, cut into strips (about 3 ounces)

1/2 cup smoked turkey, cut into strips (about 3 ounces)

1/4 cup provolone cheese, cut into strips

1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese

2 tablespoons green olives, halved and pitted

2 tablespoons roasted red peppers, cut into strips

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Vinaigrette: In a blender, add the basil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Serve.

Red White and Blue Fruit Salad

Directions

Mix 2 cups each of sliced strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Sprinkle lightly with sugar. Add whipped cream on top when serving. Easy to halve, double, or triple depending on how many you’re cooking for.

Mayo-Free Potato Salad

Directions

Cook 3 pounds sliced red potatoes in salted simmering water for about 8 minutes. Drain, then toss with 1/4 cup each chicken broth and white wine; let sit 5 minutes. Whisk 1/3 cup white wine vinegar, 3 tablespoons dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds and a pinch of sugar in a bowl; whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil, and salt and pepper. Toss with the potatoes, then chill 2 hours. Top with chives.

Let TalkLocal Help You Plan the Perfect Party!

Hosting a large party? Look for a party planner or caterer to help decorate and serve finger foods throughout the event to supplement home cooked dishes.

Want to fix up? If a few backyard projects slipped your mind hire a handyman to mow the lawn, trim the hedges or give the deck a fresh staining before your guests arrive. Talklocal can find the right professionals to help you throw a memorable celebration for Memorial Day.

Tags: holiday, memorial day
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Average Time To Complete A Divorce

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

It is tough — or nearly impossible — to calculate an average time to complete a divorce. This is mainly because there is no average divorce — everyone’s situation is different. Some divorce amicably so the process is met with little resistance, while other divorces are rife with conflict and legal motions.

Here is what to expect, along with an average time to complete a divorce, within certain scenarios.

Amicable Divorce

These divorces clip along at a brisk pace. Both spouses are generally agreeable with each other, and various aspects of the divorce (i.e. child custody, alimony, child support) are not contested. Therefore, spouses will not have to take the time to enter court and fight out their legal battles.

In these types of divorces, you can expect to only experience about one to six months of waiting time before the divorce is finalized and completed. This is calculated from the time that the divorce petition is filed in court and served on the opposite spouse. Needless to say, this is the quickest way to part ways with a former partner.

Contentious Divorces

Have you ever taken the time to read headlines of the tabloids and realize that some celebrities have been in the process of divorce for years? That’s because those divorces have been slowed up by constant legal jockeying over property division, child and spousal support, and child custody. Divorces can literally crawl on for years. While it is always important to make sure that you are getting a fair result in a divorce, you must pick your battles. The longer a divorce drags on, the more you will be paying in legal and court fees.

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is when you sit down with your soon-to-be ex-spouse and a third party legal professional and hash out an agreement. Many are turning to this form of divorce because it is very quick (sometimes a matter of hours) and really cuts down on legal fees.

Seek Legal Counsel

Divorce is a complex process and a time where you do not want to make any major errors. Enlisting the help of family lawyers is paramount. They can better explain the average time to complete a divorce along with discussing legal strategy for your individual case. You can find a quality divorce lawyer quickly through TalkLocal. Simply explain what type of professional you’re looking for and we’ll locate them for you!

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Where Can I Recycle Glass?

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

There are so many things that can be recycled. Although paper and plastic first come to mind, even furniture, metal, and batteries can be recycled, too. Out of everything, glass is the most recyclable material, as it is able to be recycled continuously, over and over again. You might find yourself wondering: Where can I recycle glass? I want to do my part to help the Earth, but I just don’t know how.

Where Can I Recycle Glass?

If you are asking this question, you first want to inquire with your city or county’s garbage removal professionals. Your local area may have a specific location or certain professionals to recycle your glass for you. If that is the case, giving them a quick call can get you the answers you need easily.

You also might check with local vendors. If there is an area business that produces a lot of glass, they might have a drop-off or even pick-up service for glass recycling available to you.

Most recycling drop off centers do have a special bin for containers, including glass. Some even have a special bin for glass alone. If you have a local center where you can drop off paper goods, plastic, etc., you should double check for glass.

When you recycle glass, there are a few very important things to keep in mind.

Never recycle broken glass: Unfortunately, broken glass can’t be recycled. Not only is it dangerous for you to handle broken glass, but it’s especially dangerous for those who empty recycling receptacles. They expect glass bottles to remain unbroken. If they reach in to a bin with broken glass, they can encounter serious injuries.

Clean your glass before recycling it: If it’s a bottle that once held a liquid or powder, make sure it is cleaned out and dried. Leftover products can be dangerous to workers and also attract bugs and messes.

Take off the lids: Oftentimes, the lids of your glass bottles need to be recycled separately, or even tossed out. Either way, you need to make sure you remove them from the bottles for the recycling process.

Get More Information On Local Glass Recycling

Garbage removal and recycling can be kind of confusing, but it’s pretty important. If you need more help with doing your part to keep our earth clean and happy, TalkLocal can connect you with the professionals in your area who can answer your questions.

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Massage Technique Tips

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

A massage can be a useful way to alleviate stress and tension, as well help heal injuries, and heighten your immune system. With the help of a trusted friend or spouse, you can have a massage at home! There are a number of different types of massages that you can give or receive. This article will help you with a variety of different massage technique tips.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a Chinese massage technique similar to acupuncture, but without the needles. Applying pressure to specific pressure points can get rid of blocks in your meridian system, which helps the immune system and makes you just feel better in general.

Balinese Massage Therapy

The Balinese massage is a traditional, ancient technique from Bali, an island in Indonesia. To perform the technique you must strongly knead and roll the skin over every muscle in the person’s body. Using scented oils to lubricate the massages skin is also an important part of the Balinese massage technique.

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is useful when you have particular aches and pains that need to be addressed. However, it can be intense and sometimes painful. It should not be used for infections, after surgery or chemotherapy, when you are pregnant, or if you have heart disease or osteoporosis. However, if you have strong or continuous pain somewhere in your body, or a specific trauma or injury, it can be very helpful. It is performed by applying very firm pressure and friction to muscles in the area of pain, using hands, knuckles, fingertips, elbows, and forearms. A deep tissue massage can help blood to circulate properly and heal tissue that is inflamed.

Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is the most common type of massage, and what you may think of as a “regular” massage.” In order to perform a Swedish massage, you must apply pressure to the deepest bones and muscles on the person’s body. Both kneading motions and circular motions are used to do this. Additionally, soft tapping of finger tips and the side of your hand, as well as pressure from the thumbs can be used in order to create an enjoyable and effective Swedish massage.

Get A Professional Massage

If you do not have someone you feel comfortable with performing these techniques on you, you can contact a professional massage therapist to give you a massage. With the help of TalkLocal, you can be on the phone in minutes with up to three, high-quality massage therapists, who offer the massage techniques you’re looking for.

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How To Install RAM On An iMac

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

The quickest and most cost-effective way to increase the speed on your iMac is by replacing the RAM. Follow these easy steps to learn how to install RAM on an iMac.

1) Find Out Which Type Of iMac You Have

Check the Apple website to find out what model you own, what kind of RAM it takes, and how much memory it can hold. Typically, the iMac comes with 4GB of RAM in two-2GB memory modules, which takes up two of four memory slots on the iMac. Owners will usually increase memory by keeping the original 4GB and adding two more 4GB memory modules for a total of 12GB of memory. You can buy RAM on websites like Macsales.com, Newegg.com, and Amazon.com.

2) Access the Memory Bay

After unplugging your iMac, lay the monitor on a soft surface with the screen facing down. With a Phillips screwdriver, unscrew the three screws that hold the plate covering the compartment containing the iMac’s RAM. This is located at the bottom of the iMac monitor.

3) Remove Any Unwanted Memory Modules and Add New RAM

If you have any unwanted memory, you can remove the module by tugging firmly on the plastic ribbon. Once you have room for your new memory, you can slide the modules into the open slots. Simply slide the module into the compartment until you hear a click. Make sure you install the RAM with the labels facing up.

4) Reattach the memory access plate

Using the three Phillips screws, reattach the memory access plate. Once you plug in your computer and turn on the power, you should access the “About this Mac” section under the Apple logo in the top, left corner of your screen. It should show that your new memory has been installed. Now you can enjoy your faster computer!

Additional Help

If you would prefer to have a professional computer repair technician install your new RAM for you, Seva Call can help you find one. Just tell us what you need, where you are, and when you’re available, and we’ll connect you with up to three, high-quality technicians in your area who can help you out. It’s fast, easy, and free!

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Caloric Intake To Workout Ratio

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

Are you taking the first few steps to a healthier, slimmer you? Yes? Then you may be considering how to determine your caloric intake to workout ratio. This is arguably the most important aspect of your weight loss efforts.

In a nutshell, this ratio is simply how many calories you need to consume and burn each day in order to lose weight in a healthy manner. There are too many factors that go into determining an individual’s caloric intake to workout ratio to be able to give a simple, clear answer. A professional personal trainer can work on your individual plan, but here are some of the factors that will be considered.

Weight

Surprisingly, the more you weigh, the more calories you burn. A 200-pound person walking the same distance at the same speed as a 120-pound person burns more calories. This is because the body must work harder to move 200 pounds than it does to move 120 pounds.

Activity Level

Are you a couch potato, or does your job leave you physically exhausted at the end of the day? The level of activity you perform on a daily basis (aside from your workouts) will determine how many calories you burn daily without working out.

Ultimately, your body burns calories doing menial tasks such as breathing, sitting, and even eating. A professional can determine how many calories your body needs to simply function throughout the day (your BMR or Basal Metabolic Rate).

A 5-foot, 4-inch female that weighs 145 pounds has an approximate BMR of 1,500 calories. This means that, functioning daily without exercise, this person will burn 1,500 calories. Once you know your BMR, you can adjust your caloric intake accordingly to lose weight. (Use My Calorie Counter to find your BMR)

Need Some Added Motivation?

Your best option to lose weight and determine your caloric intake to workout ratio is through the help of a qualified personal trainer or dietician. TalkLocal can find a personal trainer in your area for free. We will only find qualified individuals, and you will be speaking to them within minutes. You don’t have to go at it alone.

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Sizes Of Portable Storage Units

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

If you want to hold onto your old items but don’t want them cluttering your home, you can choose to store them in a portable storage unit. Many people choose portable storage units because they can be delivered to your home, packed at your own pace, and then taken to a storage facility or kept in your garage or yard.

Many people who are preparing for a move also use portable storage units to pack their belongings and transfer them to their new location. There are several different sizes of portable storage units available, so no matter how much stuff you have, you can be sure to find something big enough to hold it all!

Small

The small-size units usually measure around five by 10 feet. They are large enough to hold most small furniture items and work well with boxes of small items. Small units can also hold beds and dressers, and are large enough to hold all of the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a master bedroom.

Medium

Medium is one of the most popular sizes of portable storage units because it can hold a variety of things and is an affordable option. Medium storage units measure 10 by 15 feet and can hold cars, large appliances, and large furniture such as pool tables. They are typically large enough to hold the contents of two rooms or even those in a mobile home.

Large

The large-sized units measure approximately 10 by 25 feet and are the popular choice of movers who want to pack as many items into one unit as possible. These units can hold several large pieces of furniture as well as many moving boxes. They can also hold large vehicles, boats, and other items that need to be stored or delivered during a move.

Find Portable Storage Units Locally

There are many different sizes of portable storage units available to help you store or move your items. Each one is available at a different price, so it is important to choose which one will store all of your items while fitting within in your budget. If you are looking for a local service that offers these portable storage units, find them right away by using TalkLocal.

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Buying A Foreclosed Home

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

When you are looking to buy a home, you know you’re generally going to sink in a lot of money into the investment. Many people spend most of their lives paying off their home mortgage. Buying a foreclosed home is a good way to try to lessen the financial burden of purchasing a home. The pros and cons of buying a foreclosed home are about even; it’s up to you to decide if that’s the route you want to take.

Pros Of Buying A Foreclosed Home:

– It’s significantly cheaper. On average, homeowners save about 15 to 20 percent when they buy a foreclosed home instead of a new home. This is because the home is owned by a lender who isn’t using the home, prompting them to lower their prices so they can sell it quickly.

– Foreclosed homes often sell through auctions, which can make the whole process a lot faster. This really helps you avoid the stressful process of slowly securing your new home.

– Buying a foreclosed home often leads to an immediate move-in. In other cases, the previous owner may need to move out of the home completely. With foreclosed homes, the previous owner is usually long gone.

Cons Of Buying A Foreclosed Home:

– Because no one has been living in the home, it has probably not been very well maintained. You need to consider this before you let your money trade hands. Make sure you know what you are getting when you buy a foreclosed home; you’ll probably have to make some repairs such as painting walls or repairing fences.

– Although it’s a huge bargain initially, saving money with a foreclosed home may affect the home value later. Your home’s value is based heavily on previous data, meaning that future buyers may estimate your home’s perceived value based on the price you paid, despite the foreclosure discount.

– Oftentimes, foreclosed homes are surrounded by other foreclosed homes, which may be a sign of a less-than-ideal neighborhood. Make sure that you’re comfortable living where the home is located.

Getting Professional Help

Depending on what’s important to you, buying a foreclosed home might just be the perfect option. If you need to speak with an expert about the process, TalkLocal can connect you with real estate professionals in your area.

Tags: buying house, foreclosed home, real estate
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Install An Automatic Gate Opener

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Gates are often used for added privacy and security to a home. However, they can become pretty inconvenient if you have to manually open and shut them all the time. If this is the case, it might be time to install an automatic gate opener. This is an electronic arm or mechanism connected to an access control that allows a gate to close automatically or with a remote.

This seems like a project only a professional could handle, but surprisingly, a lot of automatic gate openers on the market are easy enough to install yourself. Here are some steps that could help you install an automatic gate opener at your home or office.

Picking Out The Right Gate Opener

Automatic gate openers are far from one-size-fits-all. You have to be careful to install an automatic gate opener that can handle your specific gate. To do so, you must ask yourself a number of questions. How big is your gate? How much does it weigh? Does it swing inward or outward? When you shop around, chances are, a store attendant will be able to help you make the right buy.

Review Installation Instructions

These systems come with in-depth instructions specific to the product. You might be eager to install an automatic gate opener, but you need to thoroughly review all of the instructions before tackling the project. Some even come with a DVD that will provide helpful visual instruction.

General steps for the installation process include:

– Fasten the bracket assembly to one of the poles.

– Using the bracket assembly, mount the gate opening arm.

– A stop plate goes on the other end, allowing for the arm to stay in position when the gate is closed.

– A control box is mounted nearby with the proper power source. This is the brains of the automatic gate opener.

– Power cables must run from the control box to the arm.

– Adjust all of the settings on the control box to ensure that the opener functions as needed.

Call In For Back-Up

Again, this process will be a little different, depending on what kind of gate opener you purchase. While this seems like a very random home improvement project, there are professionals in your local area that can help. You can find them through TalkLocal. We will connect you with only people that can help, so you don’t have to wade through a sea of unqualified professionals.

Tags: automatic gate opener, gate
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Moving With Bedbugs

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

Bed bugs are more common than ever — especially for those who rent. Over 99 percent of exterminators report seeing bedbug infestations within the last year. Chances are, someone in your current complex (if you share housing) has them. Maybe you have already been bitten by them.

If you have them now, bedbugs will try their best to come with you on your furniture, in your books, electronics, clothes, and of course, your bed. Moving with bedbugs may seem impossible, but with a little knowledge and some diligent effort, it really is possible to leave them behind.

What You’ll Need:

– A powerful vacuum cleaner with a detachable hose (bagless is best)

– Isopropyl alcohol

– Cotton balls (do not cheap out on the synthetics, get cotton)

– Spray bottle

– Air tight bags

– Zip liners

– Diatomaceous Earth

Using Dryness

Moving with bedbugs is really about arriving without them. This means concentrating on giving bedbugs what they hate. They hate dryness, and will flee any area sprayed with strong rubbing alcohol. This is not a permanent solution though, even if you do it daily. Vacuuming, then spraying around, and under your bed and furniture will still keep bedbugs from spreading and may make your home uncomfortable enough that the bedbugs may decide to go elsewhere.

Heat

Bedbugs also hate heat. Wash every piece of clothing, bedding, towel, draperies, cushion covers — everything made of cloth that you own. Leave them in a hot dryer for a bit longer than usual. When they come out, immediately seal these clothes in a zip-top or space-type bag. Vacuuming the air out will save room. Once these items are sealed, do not open the bags until you arrive at the new place. If you have a laundromat nearby with a giant dryer, use this for large items like sleeping bags or comforters. Ideally, you should take these items directly to your new place after cleaning.

Check Unlikely Places

Bedbugs are crafty and annoying, and will hide in places you least suspect — such as your camera, modem, DVD player, or video game console. Take these items apart as much as you’re able and vacuum out the inside. Next, clean every part with alcohol. Seal these in bags once they’re clean, and/or remove them from the infested area.

Don’t Throw Your Stuff Away!

If you are moving with bedbugs and debating whether or not to throw out your mattress, we urge you not to. They’re expensive, and in most cases, trashing the mattress is not necessary. Entire mattresses and pillows can all be zipped up in impenetrable liners. Sprinkle in a bit of Diatomaceous Earth, as well. Diatomaceous Earth will kill any bedbugs that remain, as well as the eggs. Once you move, do not remove the liner for at least a year. Ideally though, you can leave them on forever. If you want to leave it to the experts to kill these pests, TalkLocal can help you find one. Our service is fast and free!

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